A Rebel at Pennington’s

by Rachel Brimble

  A modicum of hope simmered deep inside her as Esther considered the woman Elizabeth was today compared to the frustrated, caged, parentally-limited daughter she’d been a year before.

  ‘My father is now travelling the world, Esther. Enjoying his life with a woman to whom he has fully opened his heart. He’s proposed marriage. Could you have ever imagined such a thing a year ago? People change. Lives alter. Don’t let the past cause a terrible effect on your future.’

  Esther shook her head as her infernal self-doubt emerged once more. ‘That is much easier said than done. I’m trying to live my best life in every way I know.’

  ‘Are you?’

  Esther lifted her chin. If Elizabeth didn’t understand the reasons why she worked so hard, who else would? ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’m sorry, but you’re not. If your father is still affecting the way you live, the choices you make, he’s winning. Your stepmother, too. Until you believe you deserve the life you want, the love you want, you’re not fighting hard enough. Speak with your father. Tell him what he’s done to you and what he continues to do. Confronting my father, defending my rightful place here and with Joseph changed the way I perceive everything. I was prepared to sacrifice all I had for the way I wanted to live. Are you? Only then will you realise your true potential. In everything.’

  Esther’s heart picked up speed. It was a speech similar to those she’d given to rally her associates in the Society. To invoke others to join. Yet, wasn’t she ignoring her own spirit and desires?

  Self-hatred and fear knotted her stomach. The thought of seeing her father again, let alone speaking with him, terrified her. Made her feel like his controlled daughter instead of the independent, self-sufficient woman she constantly tried to convince herself she had become.

  ‘I can’t see him. I’m too angry, too weak. He’ll see that. Worse, so will my stepmother.’

  ‘Then, for the time being, spend more time with Mr Culford and really embrace how you feel when you are with him. Does he excite you? Inspire you? Make you wonder what your life could be like with him?’

  He does. So much.

  Memories of the way she’d acted when she’d been alone with Lawrence rose in Esther’s mind in a way that was as thrilling as it was shameful. She met Elizabeth’s knowing gaze and softly smiled. ‘Maybe.’

  Elizabeth grinned. ‘Excellent. Then call on him. Tonight.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘I mean it. You know as well as I that if women want something in this world, we have to go out and take it.’ Elizabeth pulled some papers towards her. ‘Now, back to work. You have a busy night ahead.’

  Esther stood and, with a final shake of her head in Elizabeth’s direction, strode across the plush cream carpet to the door, wondering what on earth had just happened. Whatever it was, her heart felt more hopeful than it had all week, her steps lighter.

  Should she really call on Lawrence? Was Elizabeth right and it was conceivable that every woman could have all they wanted? Whether yes or no, Esther breathed deep, didn’t she owe it to herself to at least explore the possibility?

  Twenty-Four

  Lawrence strode through the wood-panelled lobby of the Phoenix Hotel and tried his best to bask in his triumphs. Situated in Queen’s Square, each of the sixty rooms was decorated to the highest standard, using both classic and modern themes, giving guests a choice of ambience during their stay.

  The lobby bustled with activity as people smiled and laughed, read newspapers in the wing-backed chairs or drank coffee at the small tables in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows with a view to the tree-lined square beyond. Lawrence looked to his right towards the open double doors leading to the lounge, pleased to see guests milling back and forth as they chatted amicably with each other or his staff.

  His achievements were marked in every polished table, every inch of the deep blue carpet and every crystal droplet of the hotel’s many chandeliers. In terms of success, he’d surpassed many a man before him and had much to be proud of, but still he longed to live authentically, truthfully.

  He was fair and trusted amongst his staff, liked and admired by his peers and loved by his children. But who truly knew him? Who knew he struggled to control a burning resentment that simmered beneath the surface of his personality? Or the way hatred burned like an inferno deep in his heart, scalding any hope of him being truly happy?

  Before Esther, he’d handled his weaknesses. Dealt with his emotions when the darkness fell. But Esther’s determination to see through the goals that mattered to her made him want to push forth and become a man free of his past… a man free.

  He had to see her again… couldn’t not see her.

  The way she’d left his house had meant he’d managed little sleep for days. The soft, floral scent of her continued to wash over him at the most inopportune moments. The quiet, yet confident tone of her voice seeping into his mind, causing an odd tightness in his chest time and again. And her body… Arousal whispered through him and Lawrence quickly shut down his carnal thoughts.

  Esther had confessed her fierce independence came from her father’s banishment, but he had yet to tell her how his father’s cruelty meant he hid behind smiles and affability rather than face the anger and resentment writhing like poison inside of him. He had to step up. Had to confess his truth to her. To do anything less felt like an opportunity to heal would be lost. No one had ever made him feel that way. Wasn’t that omen enough that Esther was special?

  He walked through the lobby and outside onto the stone steps at the hotel’s entrance. The clatter of the passing carriages, shouts of paperboys and calls from the street vendors mixed in his ears and Lawrence breathed deep. There was no doubt the city was where he belonged. The smog, the noise and chaos acted like an engine to his soul. It was the reason he’d come to Bath for a fresh start.

  The city served as an antithesis to the elitism and privilege he’d known amongst the people who visited his home during his childhood. The moneyed came to Bath during the Season, but there were also reminders of life’s discrimination and inequality that he’d been kept from in the country. The rich mixed with the poor, the lucky with the unlucky, the literate with the illiterate.

  There was much to do, change and improve, but, because of his deepening attraction to Esther, the women’s suffrage bill had become the most pressing.

  She wanted so much from life, and most of it could be seen in her designs and ideals for a better future. He was progressive in his thinking, a non-traditionalist in many ways. They could make something good together. He was certain of it.

  The only aspect that bit savagely at his surety was Rose and Nathanial.

  His protection of them, his need for their happiness meant only a woman who came to love them as he did could ever truly be his wife. Esther was already so fond of his children. She made them laugh, dream and think as he’d never known them to before. Especially Rose. But Esther had walked away from him. Left, and not made any attempt to contact him again as far as he knew. If he pursued and won her heart, would she flee again someday?

  Either way, he had to speak with her again.

  Today. Now.

  Decision made, Lawrence strode down the hotel’s steps, intent on finding her at Pennington’s… only to draw to an abrupt halt.

  The carriage that pulled to a stop at the kerb belonged to his eldest sister, Cornelia. He glanced along the street, torn between seeing Esther and greeting the beloved sister he hadn’t seen in weeks. He and Cornelia occasionally telephoned, but to see her in the flesh was a rarity he couldn’t renounce.

  Burying his desire to see Esther for the time being, he planted on a smile.

  Cornelia emerged from the carriage. When her eyes met his, her pretty face lit with happiness. ‘Lawrence! Oh, my goodness, it’s so lovely to see you.’

  The epitome of elegance, his eldest sister rushed towards him on a soft cloud of perfume, her grey suit and wide-brimmed, dusky-pink hat unrumpled by what must have been a tiring j
ourney from her home in Oxfordshire.

  Lawrence gathered her in his arms, heedless to the people having to part around them. He closed his eyes and squeezed her tightly. ‘What are you doing here?’

  She pulled back, her blue eyes shining. ‘I needed to see you. Are you happy I’m here?’

  ‘Of course.’ Lawrence laughed and peered over her head towards the carriage. ‘Aren’t the children with you? David?’

  She turned. ‘Children, come out and say hello to your uncle Lawrence.’

  His nephews clambered from the carriage and came to Cornelia’s side, each having grown by a good half foot since Lawrence had last seen them. It was truly wonderful to have them visit and looking so well. ‘Look at you both. How are you?’

  ‘Well, thank you, Uncle Lawrence.’ Alfred, the eldest, grinned before tipping his head back to look at the covered walkway leading to the hotel’s entrance. ‘You have a super hotel, Uncle.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Lawrence turned to Francis who, at only six, did not yet have his brother’s confidence. ‘How are you, young man? Looking after your mama?’

  Francis nodded with a shy smile and slipped his hand into Cornelia’s.

  Embracing their visit, Lawrence stepped back and held out his hand towards the hotel. ‘Why don’t we go inside for some tea? We have a new chef from London. His cakes are like none you’ll ever have tasted.’

  The boys swept ahead of them and Lawrence offered Cornelia his arm as they slowly walked.

  ‘Those boys look more and more like David every day. Same hair. Same colour eyes. How is David, by the way?’

  ‘Oh, you know David. Everything is always absolutely fine with him.’

  Lawrence glanced at her. The irony dripping from her words was little short of acidic. ‘Is everything all right between you?’

  ‘Everything is grand. Can’t a sister see her brother without there being a problem or prior invitation?’

  Lawrence noted the high colour in her cheeks and the way she stared resolutely ahead. He gently gripped her elbow and drew her to a stop on the entrance steps. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Nothing. Don’t be silly. I’m here for a while, if you’ll have me. I’m hoping to stay in one of your fabulous rooms for a few nights.’

  Lawrence frowned. A few nights? ‘Without David?’

  ‘Yes, without David. He’s busy with work.’ She eased her arm from his grasp and stepped towards the doors being held open by one of his staff. Cornelia glanced over her shoulder. ‘You of all people should understand that.’

  Concerned, Lawrence followed her inside. He’d leave interrogating Cornelia further until later. Maybe she was just tired.

  She stood in the centre of the vast lobby, her gaze scanning the area all around her. A soft smile played at her lips that didn’t quite reach her eyes and Lawrence’s disquiet deepened.

  Something was definitely wrong, but he’d give her space. At least for the time being. He forced a smile. ‘I’ll ensure you and the boys are given the best room available. It’s good that you arrived today rather than in a few days’ time as I’m not sure where I could have put you. Every suite has been pre-booked and most rooms, too. For the Coronation, you see.’

  ‘Oh. Yes, of course.’ Her brow furrowed, and her gaze shadowed. ‘I was hoping to stay through the Coronation. Will that be all right?’

  He raised his eyebrows, his concern deepening. ‘But that’s over a week away.’

  She lifted her shoulders as though weeks away from her husband and home were of no consequence. ‘I know.’

  ‘Then you must stay with me at the house. You’ll be much more relaxed there.’ Lawrence stared into her worried eyes, her face paler than it had been a few moments before. ‘Cornelia, if something’s wrong, why don’t you te—’

  ‘Are you quite certain you have time to take tea with us?’ Her gaze darted about the lobby, her shoulders lowering when she spotted her children staring through the window ahead of them. ‘I appreciate you must be busy. If you have more pressing things to do, we can always dine together later.’

  Thoughts of Esther seeped into his mind and Lawrence quickly pushed them away, knowing full well whatever had brought Cornelia to the city, and was making her look so unusually anxious, had to take priority for now. ‘Nothing that can’t wait.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Absolutely.’

  Lawrence squeezed her hand and she called to Alfred and Francis. They walked into the dining room and Lawrence guided them to an empty table in the far corner. As soon as Cornelia was seated, the boys ran to the windows and stared into the street once more, their fascination with the city showing in their wide eyes and infectious smiles.

  The pale green walls shone beneath the crystal chandeliers and the pure white crockery glistened amid the low hum of conversation, interspersed with bouts of laughter. The Phoenix’s dining room offered ‘home away from home’ comfort with a touch of luxury. Immense pride filled him each time he had the opportunity to share its opulence with his sister and nephews.

  ‘This room is absolutely resplendent,’ Cornelia sighed as she unpinned her hat and laid it on the chair beside her, her dark brown hair gleaming. ‘It’s been too long since I last came here. I think I’ll let you entirely spoil me.’

  ‘And doing so will be my pleasure.’ He sat beside her and glanced around for a waiter. He caught Frederick’s gaze and gestured him to the table, before turning to Cornelia. ‘Shall I order full tea? Are you hungry?’

  ‘No, but the boys are constantly, so full tea will be perfect.’

  Lawrence studied her. She had lost weight in the weeks since he’d seen her, and her complexion had lost its usual lustre. He turned to Frederick as he came to stand at the table. ‘Full tea for two, please, Frederick, and smaller servings for my two nephews.’

  ‘Of course, sir. Which tea would you like served?’

  ‘Earl Grey.’ He glanced at Cornelia. ‘Unless, your taste has changed?’

  ‘Grey is perfect.’ She smiled at Frederick. ‘Thank you.’

  The young waiter nodded, his gaze lingering on Cornelia even as she dropped her gaze to her purse and fumbled inside. Pride bloomed in Lawrence’s chest. With their beautiful, long dark hair, bright blue eyes and exceptionally feminine figures, Cornelia and his younger sister, Harriet, were outstandingly attractive. Even if Cornelia was oblivious to her allure and Harriet positively basked in it and used it to her every advantage.

  He looked at Frederick. ‘That will be all for now. Thank you.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  As Frederick retreated, Lawrence leaned his arms on the table. ‘So, why don’t you share with me why you’re here? It’s no good telling me everything is fine. I know you better than that.’

  Her gaze lingered on his, indecision warring in her eyes before she turned to the boys. They still stood at the window engrossed in whatever sights had caught their undivided attention. She drew in a shaky breath and turned. ‘David’s planning to leave me, Lawrence. Go with his mistress and I have no intention of stopping him. His affair has gone on long enough despite him lying to me that it was over. It never was and never will be. So he’s left me with no choice but to move home to Mama…’ Her eyes glazed with tears.

  Words caught in Lawrence’s throat as a torrent of emotions assailed him. Anger at David, worry for Cornelia and the boys. ‘David’s leaving you?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘But I don’t understand. I thought you were happy together.’

  ‘No, and we haven’t been for a long time.’

  ‘Have you spoken to the children about this?’

  ‘No, and they know nothing of Sophie Hughes, either.’

  ‘That’s his lover’s name?’ Lawrence frowned. ‘She sounds familiar.’

  ‘She should. She lives just outside of Bath on an estate near Colerne. I’m quite sure she will have stayed at your hotel while visiting the city.’

  Lawrence’s mind reeled with Cornelia’s news and how the
name Sophie Hughes was familiar to him. Then it struck him. ‘Isn’t her father Baron Hughes of Middleton Park? I believe he’s stayed here several times with his family.’

  ‘The one and only. The not-so-honourable Sophie Hughes has been sleeping with my husband for a number of years and now David’s decided he wishes to marry her. She was quite happy to continue to be the lover of a married man and risk her reputation, but apparently the Baron has said enough is enough and David is to divorce me and marry her, or else they go their separate ways. Clearly, David, being the social leech he is, cannot wait to marry into a wealthy and landed family.’

  Lawrence curled his napkin in his fist. ‘The man is a cretin. Pure and simple.’

  ‘I agree. Which is why I’m here with you. I will visit Mama and assess the state of her health, but I refuse to return to Culford and all it entails permanently. Neither will I continue to live in Oxfordshire amid gossip and spite that could reach the children.’

  Lawrence stilled. ‘Mother is ill?’

  ‘Yes. Gravely so. Harriet telephoned a while ago but with everything happening with David…’ She shook her head. ‘We need to visit the Manor and see what we can do to help Mama and Harriet. You will come with me, won’t you?’

  Dread unfurled in Lawrence’s stomach. ‘I have no wish to see her. You know this.’ Pushing his ailing mother to the back of his mind for the time being, Lawrence focused on Cornelia’s welfare and uncertain future. ‘So, you plan to live in Bath?’

  ‘Yes.’ Her jaw tightened. ‘If David so desperately wishes for his freedom, then he can pay for it by buying a home for me and the children as well as providing us with a fair income.’

  ‘And if the fair income is not enough to see you are comfortable? Has Mother given you any of your inheritance over the years?’

  She smiled wryly. ‘Of course not. Why would she when David is so much wealthier than I will ever be? It’s of no matter. If David resists my demands, then I’ll work.’ She smiled, the excited anticipation in her eyes taking Lawrence by surprise. ‘Papa never let any of us exist without occupation, after all. He was terribly hard on you, but he kept Harriet and myself busy, too. There is little chance of me wilting from daily work.’