If Abigail kept up her current pace, she would be exhausted before the guests arrived this evening. “I’ll need you to assist me with handling both the flower delivery as well as arranging them into bouquets,” she said to her upstairs maid. They had often performed this task together at Lochwood. The head housekeeper set up a workbench for them in the conservatory.
A shadow of sadness rested on Abigail’s face as she arranged the flowers. Memories of her daughter, Margaret, and her love of the greenhouses and nurseries at Lochwood seemed to open the wound of her death a fresh.
“Will that be a sufficient amount of flowers for you, ma’am,” asked the maid.
Thankful for the distraction, Abigail looked up from the tabletop. “Yes dear, thank you. I will require your assistance in placing the flowers throughout the downstairs area. How do they look?”
“Beautiful, ma’am, I’m reminded of Mrs. Tanner’s love for flowers. Lochwood was always filled with arrangements no matter the season.” Her voice trailed off when she observed the sad look on Abigail’s face. “Oh, beg pardon, ma’am. I didn’t mean to upset you, especially today. Why, this is a celebration. We should all be happy and rejoice.” She smiled warmly at Abigail as she took up the vases filled with flowers and walked from the conservatory down the corridor to the main entryway.
“You are so right, my dear. This evening the house will be filled with the warmth of candlelight and voices of dear friends.” Abigail leaned a little heavier on her cane as she directed the placement of the flowers.
The Granger Hall staff certainly was not used to such a hands-on lady of the house. However, when they saw the lovely arrangements, which Abigail had fashioned, they could tell she had a love of flowers.
After a brief rest before the gathering, Abigail took up her place as hostess in the grand entryway. For this evening’s gathering, she was dressed in a light gray gown with lavender undertones, considered by society acceptable for one just out of mourning. Nicholas, in his best suit, joined her and together they anxiously awaited the appearance of Clarissa to join them in the receiving line.
The Hanson’s were among the first to arrive in the early evening. Mother Nature provided a glorious show of sunset colors with Granger Hall as the backdrop.
Nicholas offered the Hanson’s each a cup of punch and showed them to the paintings on display. At first sight of the paintings, the Hanson’s appeared not to be excited. Having just met them, Nicholas was unsure how to read their expressions. He remembered his father’s favorite saying, Sometimes, the less said, the better. Nicholas left them to view the paintings without further commentary and continued to greet new arrivals.
Clarissa quietly took her place next to her grandmother, who gave her the ‘where have you been, grandmother look’. Clarissa smiled and warmly greeted each guest, pleasantly surprised at the number of Jockey Club and racehorse owners in attendance.
True to his word, Nicholas had included a few sketches of the Lochwood Thoroughbreds that were noticed by the Jockey Club president and several others in his group. Nicholas gave them the same courtesy he afforded the Hanson’s, standing near to answer any questions they might have.
Time seemed to pass quickly and the call to dinner soon came. Abigail had artfully arranged place cards on the dining table to Nicholas’s best advantage. She seated him near the middle on her right, with Clarissa and herself at each end of the table, and the Hanson’s directly to her right but still near Nicholas.
On Nicholas’ right was Olivia Davenport, a stunning young woman who had made her society debut two years earlier. It was rumored she had turned down several proposals of marriage and was developing the reputation of an “ice queen.”
Dinner chatter consisted of questions directed to Nicholas by various guests. “Where have you studied and recount your favorite places in France.”
Olivia, having spent time in Paris herself, shared a few of her memories with Nicholas who was glad to find a kindred spirit among the guests.
Clarissa surreptitiously watched their guests interact with Nicholas during the dinner all the while keeping a running conversation with Laura and a friend seated on either side of her. She tried not to glare at Olivia in an obvious manner but seemed to be shooting daggers her way.
“I don’t know how you can stand it,” whispered Laura to Clarissa.
Clarissa smiled barely moving her mouth as she replied, “Stand what?”
“Nicholas, he’s so handsome.”
“Really, I hadn’t noticed.” Her eyes glanced from one guest to another nodding as she acknowledged each one. She intently observed the interaction between Nicholas and Olivia. While they were too far down the table for Clarissa to hear their conversation, she watched his facial expressions and body language.
With a flourish of her neck scarf, Laura chimed in just loud enough for her gentleman friend and Clarissa to hear. “Clarissa dear, it will do you no good to deny your feelings for Nicholas. They are written all over your face.” She smiled warmly at the lady to her right whose eyes grew wide as the scarf touched her arm.
Alarm on her face, Clarissa tried to compose herself, “Whatever do you mean, Laura?” Once again, Clarissa smiled in such a way that Laura knew it meant I don’t want you to know what I’m thinking. Clarissa took a sip of wine then continued, “Laura, you are letting your imagination run away with you. I feel nothing for Mr. Granger. Just look at Olivia oozing congeniality all over him, I could care less.”
“You might convince someone else with those words, but I am your closest and dearest friend,” stated Laura. “It’s natural for you to be in denial, this would, after all, be your first love.”
Laura’s friend lifted his glass in a small gesture to Clarissa and Laura before taking a sip, “Ah, yes, I remember well my first love. I believe it’s something one never forgets. Right, Laura darling?”
A quiet giggle escaped Laura before she could retrieve her napkin and press it to her lips, “Clarissa, do you remember Jamie Higginbottom from the Valley Church? He kissed me behind the rectory one cold Sunday morning when I was about ten years old. Someone opened the back door and we ran away laughing all the while. I’m not sure what might have happened if we hadn’t been interrupted, probably nothing, we were so young, but I gave him my heart. His family moved away that spring, never to be heard from again.” Laura gave a wistful sigh.
Clarissa continued to watch Nicholas and Olivia interact with the other guests. Was this jealousy she felt? No, not possible. Why would she be jealous of Olivia when she had just denied her feelings for Nicholas to her dear friend?
Abigail appeared pleased with the warm welcome Nicholas had received. By evenings end, the Hanson’s agreed to take all the paintings Nicholas had displayed and were deep in negotiations to sponsor a showing of his work at their gallery to start the following week.
Clarissa had mingled with the guests thanking them for attending when she observed Olivia on Nicholas’ arm approaching the front entry. He was helping her on with her wrap and Olivia smiled a most warm and gracious smile at him.
Clarissa was unable to move, paralyzed with the fact that Olivia was departing with Nicholas. Clarissa’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. She clutched her sides and bent over as if in extreme pain. Laura, standing nearby, rushed to Clarissa’s side and gently put an arm around her shoulder. “Laura, help me to my rooms, will you?”
“Of course, I’ll help you. This came on so suddenly, can you walk?” Clarissa clutched Laura’s arm as they ascended the massive staircase. “Yes, I can walk, but I feel like I’ve just been kicked in the stomach.”
Arriving at Clarissa’s rooms, Laura hurried to open the heavy door. “Here we are. Shall I fetch you a glass of water? You look so pale. Did something from dinner not settle well with you?” asked Laura.
Clarissa plopped down on her bed, fighting hard not to cry and replied haltingly, “Olivia…she’s so manipulative, oh, so cunning. Did you see the way she hung on Nicholas’ every word? Did
you see the way he looked at her, and she at him when he helped her on with her wrap?” Clarissa was now gulping for air as she spoke.
“I see,” replied Laura as she gently massaged Clarissa’s shoulder, “so, you’ve had a change of heart since dinner where Nicholas is concerned?”
“No, of course not. I only meant he is not aware of Olivia’s reputation. I wouldn’t want to see him get tangled in her web.”
Laura smiled warmly at her friend who was slowly regaining her composure. “I think the lady doth protest too much,” she said as she rose to leave, a wry look on her face. “Let’s meet tomorrow morning for a ride in the park. You know how that always brightens your spirits.”
“Thank you, Laura. Yes, that sounds like what I need.” Rising on one elbow now and moving her feet to the floor, “shall we meet here?” Fully standing now, Clarissa gave Laura a long embrace.
“I’ll be here with bells on. Sleep well dear friend.”
Clarissa did not rejoin her Grandmother who finished bidding the guests good night. She sent a questioning look Laura’s way as she approached the front entryway. “Where is Clarissa?”
“She’s settled in for the night. Thank you for a lovely evening, you have not lost your touch as a much sought-after hostess,” exclaimed Laura. She gently kissed Abigail on both cheeks and took the offered arm of her male companion.
“You are too kind. Please give my regards to your mother.”
“Of course, I know she’ll look forward to attending your afternoon soirees when you start them up again.”
She patted Laura’s hand, “the two of you will be at the top of my guest list, to be sure. Good night, my dear.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
C larissa paid little attention to her surroundings as she made her way to the stables the following morning. Her mind was still on the dinner party of last evening and she recalled how Olivia had gazed up at Nicholas when he helped her on with her wrap. Then she tilted her head and batted her eyes at him!
I must discuss this with Laura on our way to the park.
When Clarissa arrived at the stables, the groom had a horse ready for her. She gently placed her hand on the mare’s forehead and ran it down her face to her mouth where she offered a few bites of carrot. Once Laura arrived, they were ready to mount their horses.
Nicholas had insisted a groom accompany Clarissa and Laura whenever they went out riding. Clarissa didn’t see the point, but then she wasn’t accustomed to city ways.
Clarissa was so used to riding astride that she nearly lost her balance when the groom tried to help her onto the sidesaddle. Laura laughed at her friend’s antics and they were off to the park at a dead run. The groom trailed behind them at a discreet distance until Laura slowed down and reminded Clarissa they were in the city, not at Lochwood.
The morning air was cool, and Clarissa’s cheeks turned pink. Her long auburn hair had escaped her riding hat and was flying back away from her face. The rhythm and cadence to horses hoof beats acted like a soothing balm to Clarissa’s mind. She was alternately thinking where Nicholas slept last night and then concentrating on the twists and turns of the path.
Did Olivia succeed in catching Nicholas in her devious web?
Clarissa, so distracted by her own thoughts that she didn’t notice the sunrise hanging over the city skyline. When she finally shook the memories of last night from her mind, she began to enjoy what an incredible feeling it was to have the wind in her face and feel the powerful muscles of a magnificent animal beneath her.
Once inside the park, Clarissa and Laura dismounted easily and embraced with a quick hug.
“Well Sunshine, you look more rested than I expected,” said Laura.
“Really, I didn’t sleep all that well.” They started walking, reins in hand across the open area. “So, what do you think Olivia was up to with Nicholas last night?” Clarissa asked with a worried look on her face.
“I shouldn’t think it would matter to you if, as you say, you have no feelings for him. By the way, he is very handsome and if you are not interested in him, I don’t blame Olivia for making advances.” She glanced sideways at Clarissa expecting her eyes to flare with heat.
“Well I…I’m,” stammered Clarissa, “not sure how I feel about him. I just don’t want to see him hurt by Olivia, that’s all.” She scuffed the toes of her kid boots as they walked.
“Do you think of yourself as his protector then? That’s what it sounds like to me.” She raised a hand to stifle a light giggle.
“Let’s be serious here for a moment. I guess I do feel a bit protective towards him. These feelings are new and rather disturbing to me. I’m so used to being in control. It’s frightening, that’s all.” Clarissa’s arms were crossed in front of her as though she was hugging herself.
“Ah, yes, control. Why didn’t I think of that? Of course, you’re feeling a bit undone, why can’t you for one minute try to enjoy the wonderful feelings and sensations you have when you’re with him?” Reaching out she touched Clarissa’s shoulder and gave it a soft massage. “It’s alright to feel this way. You don’t need to declare your undying love for him right now you know.”
“I shouldn’t think that butterflies and flip flops in my stomach when I’m in his presence, constitute undying love. I do look forward to seeing him now. Her hands were in the pockets of her riding habit for a bit of warmth against the morning chill. Her fine kid gloves offered only a small comfort.
“I was impressed by the number of Jockey Club members who showed up and the racehorse owners as well. I overheard a couple of them asking Nicholas what the cost would be for a portrait of a horse. Apparently, a portrait helps when a potential breeder is looking for a stud with fine bloodlines.”
“Yes, I remember my father wanting a portrait of Casanova,” she said thoughtfully. “That would be a great idea. I must say I was impressed with his landscapes and so were the Hanson’s from the gallery. I was intrigued by the way he seemed to capture how the light played on the landscapes. I rather like the paintings myself,” added Clarissa as an afterthought.
“Clarissa, you sound like you are more accepting of your feelings for Nicholas, especially after seeing him with Olivia. Would you say that is a fair assessment?”
They turned around now and were heading back to the bridle path. “Laura, I…am supposed to be here this season to find a rich husband. The activities have barely started, and I don’t think I should declare my undying love to Nicholas before I see who else might be available.”
Laura thought for a moment as they paused, “My dear friend, you cannot control when you do or don’t have feelings for someone. I believe you should accept the fact there is a mutual attraction between the two of you and see where it leads, accepting that fact will help you as you meet other men.”
They hugged once more before mounting their horses, the groom rushing up to assist the ladies onto their horses. Riding fast across the park, they appeared to be in a race against each other, laughing aloud as the lead intermittently changed. This was scandalous behavior for the city. Luckily, no one was about this early fall morning to observe their antics.
Clarissa was left with a temporary sense of calmness as she pondered what she would do without her good friend and confidant. She didn’t want to think about Laura not being by her side this season.
She still had to resolve her feelings for Nicholas. Now that they were in the city, perhaps he had acquaintances with ladies that he would resume. She did not like to think about that idea, and it put her in a sour mood. The looming deadline imposed by Alex Kilpatrick would soon need to be met. It was imperative she make a match without delay.
Chapter Twenty-Three
U pon Clarissa’s return to Granger Hall, the downstairs maid informed her that Nicholas requested she join him in the library. She took her time changing from her riding habit into a suitable day dress and even had her maid tend to her hair as it was in disarray after the morning’s ride. Once she felt presentable, Clar
issa casually entered the library, pausing on the threshold to take in the scene. Nicholas stood near the fireplace apparently holding a conversation with himself as no one else was about. Clarissa cleared her throat to get his attention, “Beg your pardon Sir, you wanted to see me?”
“Ah, yes Miss Tanner. I wanted to remind you that I will be escorting you to all of your functions while you are here for the season. I understand you and Laura went riding this morning, is that correct?”
“Yes, of course, that is our custom at Lochwood. I saw no reason to change just because we are now in the city.”
“You may not be aware of the dangers that are present Miss Tanner. We are not afforded the security of Lochwood and the country. I must insist that you notify me of your every plan while you are here.”
At first, Clarissa was ready to argue the point. She thought better of it and demurely acquiesced to his request. “I see, Mr. Granger. You are quite right. I gave no thought to my safety.” She lifted her lids to meet his warm brown eyes. All thoughts of asking him about Olivia and last evening quickly left her mind as she heard his next request.
“I feel it is important for us to have one more dance review today in the ballroom. Shall we say after luncheon, unless you have plans with Laura this afternoon?”
“No plans until this evening, after luncheon will suit.”
Nicholas was about to dismiss her when he put his index finger to his lips and tapped them lightly, “Miss Tanner, are you aware that the Hanson’s offered me a show at their gallery next week?”
Clarissa realized she had been so caught up in her reaction to seeing Nicholas with Olivia that she had missed the most important part of the gathering. “That is wonderful news.” A wide grin graced her face. “I’ll be sure to add it to my social calendar. Everything certainly seems to be going your way, Mr. Granger.”
Clarissa: Historical Romance (Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley Book 1) Page 13
