Clarissa: Historical Romance (Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley Book 1)

by Jean Jacobsen

  Dawn was breaking as Nicholas entered the inn by way of the back stairs to the second floor rooms. Not the most ideal of arrival times, but he would put that behind him now and rouse Giles, his contact.

  Nicholas quietly knocked on a bedroom door he presumed to be the correct one. “Giles, are you still abed?” There was no immediate reply. He knocked slightly louder. “Giles, awaken yourself. We’ve business to discuss.”

  A rather groggy voice replied, “Mr. Granger, is that you making all that racket?”

  “Yes, of course Giles. Are you expecting someone else?”

  The door creaked loudly as it opened a mere crack to verify Nicholas Granger was indeed the visitor. “Come in, come in, quickly now as its daylight. I expected you last evening.”

  “You seem a bit nervous. What goes on here, Giles?”

  As the man washed his face and dressed for the day, he filled Nicholas in on the latest news regarding his brother Liam. “The last time anyone saw him, he was spotted near my office in Boston and at his hotel.”

  “I should think he would be worried if he is trying to escape his creditors. Have they contacted you demanding payment?”

  “Not as yet. You?”

  “I recall father saying he didn’t have time for the daily running of our family holdings here but felt he had left them in very capable hands.”

  “May I express my sincere condolences to you for your loss of James? He was so like your father in his business manner. Liam never seemed to fill his brother’s shoes. Pardon my saying so.”

  “You’re very kind to mention James. He is deeply missed. Liam has always been more of the black sheep of the family, marching to the beat of his own drum, so to speak.”

  “How are you finding your accommodations at Lockwood Estate?”

  Giles moved to the small table at the far side of the room to sit with Nicholas.

  “To be sure, Mrs. MacDonald and Miss Tanner are very gracious. The Estate and surrounding countryside have inspired several new paintings.”

  Nicholas was interrupted by a knock on the door. Giles motioned for him to move out of sight.

  The innkeeper’s daughter appeared with a pot of coffee and tray of food. “Good morning sir. Father said you would be taking your meals in your room and not to disturb you otherwise. Just ring if you need anything.”

  “Thank you. That will be all for now. I’ll take the tray from here.”

  “As you wish sir.” Giles firmly closed the door.

  “Ah here we are Mr. Granger, hot coffee with hash and eggs. After your all-night ride, I dare say you are in need of some refreshment.”

  They ate as they talked with Giles bringing Nicholas up to date on the many family investments. Nicholas was astonished to hear how vast their holdings were.

  Giles brought forth a stack of ledgers, one for each holding and schooled Nicholas about them one at a time, making recommendations from notes made prior to their meeting. Now Nicholas understood why Giles had suggested a stay of several days. By nightfall, they were both exhausted and Nicholas felt as if his mind could not hold another description or number. He needed some fresh air and to stretch his legs.

  “Giles, you are relentless with all this information. I see why father holds you in such high esteem. I need a break, perhaps some fresh air and a walk will clear my mind for another session before we call it a day.”

  “We are making good progress, but I understand. You are used to being out of doors as you paint and are not accustomed to the confines of a small room. I caution you to use the back stairs and stay out of alleys. One cannot be too careful these days.”

  “I appreciate your understanding, Mr. Giles. I should not be long. Perhaps you could make an appearance in the tavern and observe anyone who might be asking about Liam.”

  “I will do that although I highly doubt his pursuers would come this way if they knew Liam was trying to reach South Carolina. That is precisely why I chose New Haven for our rendezvous, Mr. Granger.”

  Nicholas was unaccustomed to the cool salt air blowing in from the bay. Seagulls were squawking and the thud of boats bumping against the dock assaulted his senses. He stayed close to the shops along the main road, stopping to look at the various window displays. A millinery shop displayed several hats in the latest fashion and his thoughts immediately turned to Clarissa. What are you doing this evening young lady? Do you miss our dance lessons or are you so busy with your horses you haven’t given me a second thought? Oh, how I long to hold you again when we are dancing.

  He was brought out of his muse when he felt someone bump into him. The walkway was not crowded. Why had he been jostled about? A rather plump older man slowly doffed his hat and with slurred speech said, “beg pardon—hiccup—sir.” The man slowly walked on swaying from side to side as Nicholas realized the man had had too much to drink. Quickly checking his pockets, he was relieved to find his money purse had not been lifted by the passerby, a common occurrence on some streets in Paris. This encounter was enough for him to make a fast retreat to the inn.

  Nicholas’s evening session with Mr. Giles lasted far into the night at which time he could clearly see where the entries looked fresh as if someone else penned the numbers. This was not Liam’s handwriting. What sort of game was Giles playing with him? Now he was really worried about Liam and his whereabouts.

  “Upon investigation,” said Giles, “I learned of Liam’s gambling debts and loans from money lenders are known to hunt people down and even break the legs of debtors who don’t repay their loans. Thus, Liam’s escape from Boston.”

  Nicholas stood and paced the floor. All that was going on here was not as it appeared.

  Chapter Sixteen

  T oday, Abigail was working on the details for Clarissa’s presentation ball. It was to take place in the City, which made some of the planning more difficult. There were the musicians to hire, a menu to prepare and fittings for Clarissa’s ball gowns. So many little details were time consuming, but Clarissa was her only grandchild and she was overjoyed to finally be planning her event.

  There was a soft knock on the door followed by, “Begging your pardon Ma’am, Mr. Granger would like a word with you,” announced the maid.

  “By all means, show him in.”

  “Good morning, Abigail. How are you finding the weather today?”

  “Not to my liking, to be sure, Nicholas. I dare say it’s not conducive to painting outside.”

  “It’s not so bad, I’ve just returned from a meeting with our man of business regarding my brother’s whereabouts. The ride was long which afforded me much time to think. I’ve come to propose a partnership if you have a few moments to spare.”

  With an inquisitive look on her face, Abigail gestured for Nicholas to be seated across from her. “You have piqued my curiosity. Do please continue. Has your brother been found?”

  “Thank you for your concern, no Liam has not been located.” A dark mood clouded Nicholas’s face as he continued.

  “I’ve been given to understand that the recent auction, as successful as it was, did not proffer the funds you had expected, is that correct? Pardon my forwardness, but I couldn’t ignore Miss Tanner’s remarks the other night regarding her presentation ball expenses.”

  “You are quite right, Mr. Granger. However, we will manage somehow, even if it means borrowing money against the estate.” Her chin was slightly elevated as she delivered this last statement.

  “I meant no disrespect, Abigail. I may have a solution, which would satisfy both of our needs. My family home in New York City is only occupied by the staff at this time as my parents are in France, as you know.”

  With hesitation in her voice now, Abigail said, “Go on, I’m listening,”

  “I believe Granger Hall is large enough to accommodate a modest gathering of three hundred guests or so. It can be fully staffed, and they would delight in the opportunity to see it filled with smiling faces and lively music once again.”

  “Oh, my, Nicholas, y
our offer is generous indeed. I have no idea how I could repay you and your father.” She sat back in her chair with slumped shoulders and hands in her lap.

  “I have an idea, if you agree. My parents will not be returning from Paris this year and I am in need of a hostess for the season. I want to have an exhibit of my art in the city. I was thinking we could host a dinner party and invite some of societies finest to preview my works. With your skills and social connections, it seems like a perfect solution for both of us. Please, at least consider my offer. You would have the use of Granger Hall for the entire season. We’ll hold Clarissa’s ball there and you can perform hostess duties for me in exchange, starting with the dinner party.”

  “Why Nicholas, I hardly know what to say,” exclaimed Abigail.

  “A simple yes will do.”

  “How will your mother feel about my presence in your home?”

  “Mother may not even know, besides father suggested I use all of our family resources to their best advantage. I’ve consulted with our man of business and he assures me this will be a good use of our assets.”

  Abigail was stunned by this wonderful offer but needed time to think it over and speak to Clarissa about the possible arrangement. “I will give it some thought. Shall we meet for breakfast tomorrow morning? You may expect an answer at that time.”

  Nicholas rose and made a slight bow to Abigail. “I will eagerly await your decision. Until tomorrow then, I bid you good day.”

  Abigail’s mind was spinning from Nicholas’ suggestion. She had seen Granger hall only once when her daughter Margaret and Nicholas’ father Robert, had arranged for the two families to meet. She fondly remembered how much in love they had been. What a shame family politics got in the way and marriages were arranged with others. This saddened Abigail’s heart thinking about what might have been, and she was in a funk until dinner when she presented Nicholas’ idea to Clarissa.

  Nicholas had not joined the ladies for dinner thus allowing them time to ponder his proposal. Clarissa seemed surprised by this news as she stammered, “But he…well I...I had no idea Mr. Granger came from such a prestigious family. All along, I’ve assumed he was an artist of modest means. Now you say he is from a family with high social standing. Why have we not crossed paths with them before now?”

  “I suppose I should have shared his background with you, dear. I thought it of no consequence when he first arrived.” Abigail paused as if remembering a painful memory then continued. “Nicholas’ father and your mother were once in love, but their father’s made other matches for them, to Robert’s and your mother’s dismay. That is all in the past and I saw no need to dredge up those memories.”

  “I’m speechless, Gran and hurt that you saw no need to share with me.”

  “Now Clarissa, I do hope you will understand. The past is done and gone, no changing it now. Nicholas’ father and I have kept up a light correspondence over the years. When he mentioned his son would be coming to the states on family business and needed an out of the way, secluded place to live for a while, I suggested he stay here. The timing was merely a coincidence.”

  “Just this morning we were out for a ride and met in the north meadow. He mentioned a modest estate in Virginia, but nothing of the house in the city.”

  What do you say to Mr. Granger’s kind offer?” asked Abigail. She hoped they could just move past all of the memories and come back to the present.

  “It is very generous indeed and could not have come at a more appropriate time. It appears you are familiar with the house in question, will it be suitable for my presentation ball?”

  “I was there once many years ago and if memory serves me, it is a more than acceptable house. I must give an answer to Mr. Granger tomorrow morning at breakfast. Are we in agreement?”

  “It will take me some time to think of Mr. Granger in a whole new light, but I feel we must accept the offer and be grateful for this windfall. I can hardly wait to share the news with Laura. I fear I’ll not sleep a wink tonight.” Clarissa smiled warmly. “You never cease to amaze me, Gran.”

  “Thank you my dear, but let’s give credit where credit is due. I believe Mr. Granger is the one you need to thank. Will you do that during your next dance lesson?”

  “To be sure.” Clarissa rose to leave the dinner table, “Oh, by the way, I’ve asked Laura to join us for my gown fittings and fabric selections. I can’t do it without her knowledge and help. Sleep well, Gran.” She proceeded to kiss Abigail on her forehead before leaving the room.

  “Laura is always welcome, my dear. I’ll look forward to seeing her tomorrow. She seems to have great knowledge of the fashion world.” She patted Clarissa’s hand lovingly.

  ~~~

  Madame Monique and her assistant, from the millinery shop in Mount Pleasant were pleased with the invitation to provide Clarissa’s wardrobe for her debut into society. They carried with them to the estate a profusion of silks and satins that were unequaled in quality. So many choices of bright and pale colors, others dark and rich like emerald green and royal purple. The selection seemed endless.

  “I suggest pale colors are more appropriate for younger women and white was always a first choice for a debut,” said Madame Monique.

  “How ever will I select a few from so many offerings,” asked Clarissa?

  They all had a good laugh. Laura said, “Here are a few fashion plates with the latest styles from Paris. I hope you will consider using them for Clarissa.”

  “These are most welcome, Laura,” said Madam Monique gratefully.

  Not one to stand on ceremony, Clarissa chose an elegant royal purple, which would show off her auburn hair to its best advantage to wear at her debut ball.

  Close attention was paid to the selection of fabrics and colors for the various events Clarissa would be required to attend such as other balls, teas and the theater.

  Laura shared with them, “young ladies making their debuts in London are required to wear white throughout the season and the dress cannot be offensive to the Queen when they are presented at court.”

  Clarissa said, “I’m glad I only have Gran to please. Of course, she listened to Laura. There was so much to remember. Thank goodness Laura would be by her side through the season. What would her mother think if she were here now?

  The day was filled with laughter and gaiety, which was sorely needed in the old manor house. During afternoon tea Abigail remarked, “I wonder what society might think of us not observing the traditional one year of mourning?’ Seeming to brush the thought aside, “I have a granddaughter to present and present her I will.”

  “Oh, Gran is it so important or will it just give society something to talk about?”

  Abigail shared with the girls, “I have kept up correspondence with a few of my society friends and posed our situation to them. Their responses were a resounding ‘yes, present Clarissa’ and each pledged their help in offering social gatherings at which you will be introduced. All agreed that Granger Hall would be most appropriate as our home base.”

  Laura said, “You will learn soon enough that some people take a lot of stock in what others think. I believe you can find your own way where that is concerned. I dare say you will be the talk of the town anyway, an heiress in your own right with the lure of Lochwood to back you up.”

  Clarissa laughed, “My goodness Laura, you make me feel like someone out of a Grimm’s Fairy Tale.” Then she wondered if she would have a happy ever after. What if all of this expense for finery and an elaborate wardrobe didn’t result in a marriage proposal?

  Chapter Seventeen

  T ry as she might, Clarissa could not keep her mind focused on the dance lesson. Her attention span seemed to be so short this evening and she couldn’t help but wonder if he was going to kiss her again. Her stomach was fluttering about at his mere touch. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Granger. There seems to be no connection between my feet and brain this evening.” Clarissa’s sigh was deep as she dropped her arms from the partner position
.

  “Yes, you are quite right and just when I thought my toes had recovered from our previous lessons. What is occupying your mind tonight?”

  “You see, it’s the planning for my season debut that has me preoccupied.”

  With a casual air about him Nicholas gave a tiny shrug. “Our lesson time is very limited. I suggest you pull yourself together, Miss Tanner. Do you think you can do that?” His voice was husky as he reached out to assume the partner position.

  Clarissa gave a slight nod of her head in reply to his request. No words were needed as they moved around the floor in perfect time until the first twirl. She let go of his fingertips and continued twirling until she collided with a support column.

  “Oh, dear me,” she exclaimed. “What on earth?” Clarissa came to rest in a heap of petticoats on the floor, her skirts billowing out around her in disarray.

  “What the devil,” Nicholas said as he reached her side. “Are you hurt?”

  Clarissa was laughing so hard she was almost rolling on the floor. She couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed so hard about anything. Struggling to catch her breath and sit up she reached for Nicholas’ hand only to pull him to the floor beside her.

  “Whoa there. I’m falling. Watch out below!” Nicholas yelled. Now he was laughing as well. They had only to look at each other and the mirthful sounds erupted again. Clarissa snorted and they were both sent into hysterics. “Oh, my” she gasped. “The look on your face” and they started again. Tears were now rolling down their cheeks as they pointed to each other and then held their sides laughing all the harder.

  Several minutes passed as they worked to collect themselves. It was no use trying to stand. They sat side by side on the ballroom floor as the last rays of sunlight streamed in through the stained-glass windows.

  They had exhausted their laughing to sighs of “ohms” then “hums” until they fell silent for a moment. Aroused by their closeness, Clarissa realized she wanted him to kiss her. It would have been so easy for him to take her in his arms, but he didn’t.