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

by Jean Jacobsen

  He jerked his head up at the first whiff of the foul odor and opened his eyes enough to recognize Abigail and Baines. “Baines, Abigail? Oh, thank God I’ve arrived. You’ve no idea how I hurried to get here.” His voice was raspy and weak as he struggled to catch his breath. “You must leave before they come. Hurry now, pack a few things and we’ll start right away. You must get Clarissa away from here. Baines, we’ll need a carriage.”

  “Easy now, Nicholas,” Abigail soothed as she put a hand on Nicholas’s chest to hold him in place “Dr. Grey has been sent for and should be along shortly. He’ll no doubt think he should take up residency here with all the goings on.”

  Baines urged Nicholas to take a sip of whiskey, which he did this time. It seemed to take effect immediately and he finished it off with one last swallow.

  Abigail was curious about Nicholas’s insistence they should leave Lochwood right away. “Nicholas, what makes you think we need to leave here right away?”

  Between the smelling salts and the whiskey, Nicholas’s mind was beginning to clear. “I fear I have placed all of you in grave danger. Please, I beg you, go pack now.”

  Abigail was silent for a moment. “Mr. Granger, you don’t look as if you can go anywhere right now except to bed. Who did this to you?”

  “I never saw their faces. I was attacked and beaten by a couple of thugs who insisted I give them a large sum of money. They said it was to pay my brother’s debts.”

  Abigail sat in a chair near the sofa now. “I see. Where were you when this attack took place?”

  “I traveled to New Haven. After Clarissa’s dance lesson, I returned to find a message at the Carriage House, I assumed it was from Giles our family business manager, we’ve met in New Haven before but always thought we were careful not to be followed.”

  “You feel this has something to do with your brothers’ disappearance?” asked Abigail.

  Nicholas had relaxed a bit now as the whiskey made its way through his system and a very empty stomach. He rested his head on the arm of the sofa. When he closed his eyes, the room began to spin again so he opened them but stayed reclined. “I can only assume since they wanted money, they were strong arms for the money lenders in Boston. They were the ones who had the message delivered to the Carriage House, not Giles. We are all in grave danger, Abigail. If they couldn’t get money out of me, they may come here looking to extract money from you….”

  “Stay calm,” Abigail interrupted. “We’re not going anywhere until Dr. Grey has examined you.

  A knock sounded on the front doors and they all started in unison. Baines grabbed a poker from the fireplace and accompanied Millie to the front door. They closed the parlor doors as they entered the hallway. “I’ll stand behind the door ready to fight,” said Baines. “You just open the door a wee crack until you see who it is.” Millie nodded her head in agreement.

  The dim light of his lantern showed on Dr. Grey, medical bad in hand, as he raised his arm to knock again. “Oh, Dr. Grey, come right this way. Mrs. MacDonald is in the parlor waiting for you.”

  Baines stepped out from behind the door after the doctor & Millie walked toward the parlor, then followed them in and closed the door. Dr. Grey hurried to the sofa where Nicholas lay with his head resting on the arm of the sofa.

  “My dear fellow, you look as if you’ve had a good threshing. Let’s take a look here. Millie, will you hold the lantern closer to Mr. Granger, please?”

  Dr. Grey did all the usual tests for concussion and declared that was the least of Nicholas’s problems. He had several cracked ribs and used long strips of cloth to bind them tightly. Then applied a few stitches to the back of Nicholas’s head and above an eyebrow. He would need to wait to see if the injuries to his arms and legs grew less tender with time as Dr. Grey feared some bones might be fractured. Travel was definitely out of the picture for now. He even ordered Nicholas to remain in bed for several days to give his body the opportunity to heal without causing further damage.

  “Mrs. MacDonald, do you have ample room for Mr. Granger to use one of the bedrooms here in the main house? I do not want him alone in the Carriage House.”

  “Of course, Dr. Gray, I’ll have Millie make ready one of the room.”

  “See that the Blue Room is in order for Mr. Granger.”

  “Right away, Ma’am,” and hurried from the parlor to the second floor rooms.

  Dr. Grey continued with instructions for Nicholas’s care before bidding them all a goodbye.

  Baines and Abigail moved to the fireplace and spoke in quiet tones so as not to disturb Nicholas. “Should I be taking up a place near the front entrance in case those men come around?” asked Baines.

  “Do you think they would be so bold as to come to our front door? It sounds like they might try to enter through the kitchen garden door or perhaps the doors leading onto the porch near the East Gardens,” Abigail said. She was leaning heavily on her cane now and more bent over than usual.

  Baines directed her to a chair, and he took to one opposite her. “You may have a point there. I’ll have the stable lads stand guard at all the doors until we can come up with a better plan.”

  Millie entered the parlor saying Nicholas’s room was ready. She and Baines each put an arm around Nicholas’s waist as he rested his arms on their shoulders to make the slow climb to the second floor. Baines helped Nicholas undress and put him in a nightshirt then administered the Laudanum Dr. Grey had insisted he take to ease his pain. Sleep came quickly to him.

  Baines said his good nights to Abigail and assured her he would post a guard at all entrances to the main house as well as have someone on watch at the stables. He knew he had a long night ahead of him but would not rest until he felt Lochwood was as secure as he could make it on such short notice.

  Abigail was exhausted but her mind raced with all the possibilities that lay ahead.

  Perhaps Nicholas was correct in that they should leave Lochwood. Where would they be safe? What of plans for Clarissa’s presentation ball? She was feeling the pressure to finalize those plans. Society would demand proper announcements be sent out, yet another complication.

  One week later Nicholas had recovered enough to withstand the trip to New York City. It was agreed that Granger Hall would be a safer place than Lochwood and they would eventually need to be in the city for Clarissa’s debut. The household was busy packing trunks, checking lists and preparing for their departure.

  Chapter Nineteen

  N ew York was abuzz with activity and excitement for the coming season.

  Families declared their daughter’s debuts and the usual round of invitations were arriving at Granger Hall. Abigail’s heart raced and her pulse quickened as they approached the city.

  The thought that her daughter would not be here to see Clarissa presented to society saddened her. This made Abigail’s job even more critical and the fact that a successful marriage for Clarissa was of the upmost importance. She hadn’t lived all these years to see some scoundrel like Alex Kilpatrick take away her beloved Lochwood Estates.

  She hoped Clarissa would find love with her match, but that was not always a given. Abigail thought she detected a growing fondness between Clarissa and Nicholas but would have to wait and see if someone else would catch Clarissa’s eye.

  Chapter Twenty

  M uddy streets and the stench of city life found their way into the carriage. Clarissa was amazed at the noise level as well, no quiet country place here in this hustle and bustle. Rows of grand houses stood like soldiers along the avenues.

  Granger Hall, a three-story mansion made of Schenectady bluestone stood large and imposing surrounded by gardens, all of which filled an entire city block. The carriage came to a halt on the cobblestone driveway. Servants rushed from the front door to greet their master and his guests and convey their belongings inside. Introductions were made all around and the ladies were shown to their rooms to freshen up before joining Nicholas for a light supper.

  Clarissa had been
told the Granger’s had money, but she could not have imagined this house in her wildest dreams. It would indeed be a grand setting for her debut into society.

  She recalled Laura saying it was just as easy to love a man with money as not. Money had never mattered to Clarissa until she had been forced into reconciling their estate books. Just the thought of losing Lochwood to Alex Kilpatrick made her ill and she knew he would stop at nothing to make that a reality. She was thinking of this marriage business in a whole new light. Perhaps she had been naïve where this was concerned, but no longer. What she wouldn’t give to be finished with all of this society business right now. Nicholas was handsome, she certainly had strong feelings for him, and it appeared he felt the same for her, and his family had money. She had a whole new interest in him.

  ~~~

  Abigail was up early touring the mansion with the head housekeeper to get an idea of the layout. In her own way, she was as detail oriented as Clarissa. With the tour completed, the head housekeeper showed Abigail the smaller of the two dining rooms where breakfast was laid out on a buffet table. She was glad to sit with a cup of hot tea properly prepared as the many stairs in the house had practically worn her out and her day had only begun.

  “Good morning Nicholas,” greeted Abigail from the dining table. “I trust you slept well.”

  “Good morning to you as well,” Nicholas sat across from Abigail, placing his napkin on his lap and taking a sip of coffee. “Yes, yes of course, it’s always good to return home.” He leaned forward in his chair. “I’d like to put in motion our plans for a small dinner party to introduce a few of my art pieces. Have you had time to give this any thought?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have,” Abigail smiled warmly. “If I may suggest, a week from this Saturday should give our guests ample time to reply to our invitation and open their wallets.” A twinkle in her eyes reflected light from the windows and the morning sun.

  “How many guests are you proposing we invite?”

  “I should think about twenty, which will make an intimate group. I suggest, we gather in the large parlor before dinner. That will give the best display advantage to your paintings I’ll tour the rest of the main floor rooms after breakfast and decide on a dining area.”

  “Very well,” he nodded. “Who do you have in mind to invite?”

  “We may have more than one gathering depending upon the response received from this one, but for now I suggest the Hanson Gallery owners, Bill and Margie Hanson, long time family friends and well established in New York’s high society circle, then the usual assortment of social climbers from some of New York’s finest families. An invitation to Granger Hall will be much sought after if I am any judge of this year’s social scene.” She smiled.

  “I agree with your suggestions and I want you to include a few of my close friends. I’ll provide their names for invitations. Do you need help with the preparations?”

  “I have everything under control except your paintings. Make sure you have a variety available for display.” Abigail paused then continued, “Do you have any portraits in your collection?”

  Nicholas shook his head. “Not at this time. Perhaps I could do a couple of line drawings or charcoal sketches of you or Miss Tanner before the event.”

  Abigail laughed. “I’m sure a sketch of Clarissa or one of her friends would be much more appealing than one of this old lady.”

  Nicholas’ smile was warm, “I think you would make a wonderful subject.”

  Eyes twinkling, she replied, “You are too kind. I will give it some thought.”

  They continued to discuss the details of the gathering until Abigail asked, “How is your father? We have only corresponded a few times so you can imagine my surprise when you suggested we use Granger Hall for the season.”

  “He is over worked, as usual. The various duties associated with his ambassadorship have him working far too many hours. He seems to glory in it, however, so, who am I to say how long he works each day. With all the unrest in France this past June, he and mother have been unable to do extensive travel throughout Europe, however, I feel he has a good grasp of the policies of those countries.

  Abigail smiled weakly, only having been polite with her question. She knew how much in love her daughter and his father had been with each other. The marriage arrangement had not been hers to make. That was in the past now and she had to let it go. Coming back around to the present, she said, “Have you eaten this morning? If not, would you care to join me?”

  “I have not, and yes, thanks.” Nicholas smiled at his new hostess.

  Clarissa stopped in her tracks, hovering on the threshold of the dining room, when she saw Nicholas and her grandmother conversing. She hesitated long enough that Gran caught a glimpse of her.

  “Clarissa dear, good morning, do join us, we’ve just started eating.”

  “Thanks Gran, I’ve only time for a quick cup of tea, perhaps another time.”

  “Oh, come now,” chimed in Nicholas. “Surely you can spare a few minutes before you run off to see the sights of the city. I’d like to hear about your plans for the day.”

  She felt heat rise on her cheeks as she crossed to the sideboard to prepare her cup of tea. The sight of Nicholas at the breakfast table had come as such a surprise. She expected to have another day or so to get her feelings in check. She must speak with Laura today about Nicholas as they went about the city.

  Clarissa deposited her teacup on the table and handed Gran her list of guests to invite for the dinner party.

  “Thank you my dear. I’m sure Nicholas will be ever so grateful for your assistance.”

  Clarissa could feel the attraction to Nicholas pulling at her although she was across the table from him. She blushed again remembering his touch and gently shook her head to bring herself back to the present.

  “Laura has agreed to show me around the city today before we attend tea with her mother and friends.”

  “How delightful, Miss Tanner. You are welcome to use our carriage, I don’t suggest you walk around the city, but then Miss Laura should know the neighborhoods to avoid.”

  Chin slightly elevated, Clarissa looked him straight in the eyes, “I trust Laura completely, Mr. Granger and would appreciate it if you would do the same.”

  “I will in due time, Miss Tanner, after all, I am not as well acquainted with her as are you. However, I do trust your grandmother’s judgment completely.”

  He paused and looked at her with smoky eyes, like the evening he had first kissed her. “I should like to take you for a buggy ride in the nearby park one day soon. Please let me know when your earliest available time might be.”

  “To be sure, Mr. Granger, I will consult my social calendar and let you know.” Clarissa’s heart was pounding and there was that warm pooling feeling at her core again. Clarissa quickly stood and said her goodbyes to Gran and Nicholas.

  Nicholas had all but inhaled his breakfast. “I’ll take that as a clue to start my daily tasks as well, my compliments on breakfast. I do hope our respective cooks will share the kitchen nicely.” He quickly stood, placing his napkin beside his empty plate. “I bid you good day, Abigail.”

  Nicholas’ energy had been renewed after his meeting with Abigail. The dinner party would introduce his artwork to some of New York’s finest families. Now, if he could only secure a gallery showing, that would go a long way to accomplishing his goal of becoming a well-recognized artist.

  Abigail met with the cooks regarding the menu for Nicholas’s party and suggested nothing ostentatious. She wanted to be sure to save the best for Clarissa’s presentation ball. While meeting with the cooks, she detected an undercurrent of disagreement between them and realized she would have to keep a close eye on the situation.

  Abigail announced, I have decided there will be only five courses.

  The Granger Hall cook said, “I strongly suggest the first course be a fine French onion soup. Mrs. Granger brought the recipe from Paris on one of her trips back to
the States.”

  Abigail and her cook agreed, and the other cook continued.

  “Next, a Granada will cleanse the pallet followed by a course of game birds and a smoked ham accompanied by root vegetables. Mrs. Granger always insisted on having a fruit and cheese course served with a dessert wine.”

  The Lochwood cook then stated, “Rounding out the meal, I propose we serve my famous rum cake which had been soaking in rum since the previous holiday season, and to top it off, a warm rum sauce.”

  Here is where the two cooks started to disagree. As it turned out, Granger Hall’s cook was known throughout the city for her eclairs, which she had learned to make on one of Mrs. Granger’s infrequent visits from Paris. To avoid disharmony in the kitchen, which would be disastrous to the event, Abigail decided that both desserts would be served.

  When Abigail toured the house with the head housekeeper early this morning, she felt the smaller of the formal dining rooms would do nicely for the party. The room’s decor of cherry wood panels to the wainscoting and fleur-de-lis patterned wallpaper extending to the high ceiling where it met an elaborately carved molding was formal yet comfortable. An oval mirror hung over the fireplace matching its width. On the wall opposite the main doorway, a tapestry, large by any standards, hung from the high ceiling depicting two family coats of arms intertwined. A beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair and a soft blue gown rode a white prancing horse to meet her husband on their wedding day. This was the perfect intimate setting for twenty or so guests with ample room for the serving staff to move around the table to attend to the guests.

  I had best keep an eye on the two cooks. There is potential for disaster brewing.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  G ranger Hall was abuzz with preparations for the evening gathering. As promised, Abigail had proffered RSVP’s from all invited, likewise, not one person lifted an eyebrow at her shortened mourning period. Granger Hall was, after all, a very prestigious gathering place and to decline an invitation would be unthinkable.