by Rose Pearson
Katie, who was enjoying the conversation a good deal more than Jane, leaned into Sarah, her eyes twinkling, “Sarah, did you see the young men, perhaps you shall find a match among them? I have heard from my brother that they are all good men, with characters and references becoming to officers.”
“Do not tease our cousin. She has no interest in the officers,” Jane answered, with a wave of her hand
“Does she not?” Katie grinned, referring to Sarah as if she was not there, “Why is that? Does she have another gentleman who has a place in her affections? Is there someone who has caught her eye, perhaps?”
“Do not tease her so,” Jane murmured, observing Sarah’s embarrassment. “You need not whisper about Mr. Langford.” Possibly without intending to do so, Jane supplied the answer to Katie’s teasing questions.
“Now that you have said so, I do recall being seated in the sleigh across from Sarah and a certain gentleman. I do not recall that either engaged much in singing or talking with anyone else. They showed not the slightest interest in anything else but their own discussion,” Katie stated, nudging Sarah’s arm.
The heat rose to her cheeks as Sarah, who did not realize that she had been under scrutiny by her cousin, became aware of it at once. Wishing for an escape, she knew she would find none, shooting a begging glance towards Jane who immediately came to her rescue.
“Katie, do not tease her. If she has found an amiable companion for the season, who are we to make fun? I spoke without regard to how it would be received. Let us leave our dear cousin to her choice of companions.”
Sarah and Jane exchanged a glance, a look that spoke volumes between them. Jane understood that Sarah had been unfortunate in regard to Mr. Grainger, but she did not say so. She also seemed to understand that Sarah was no longer concerned with Mr. Grainger or any of the newly arrived officers. Sarah was grateful that Jane was willing to curb the endless teasing she would surely endure. Katie enjoyed her good-natured teasing.
“I am sure Mr. Langford means to be kind. I am a cousin of Henry’s, after all. Mr. Langford has been polite to us all,” Sarah responded.
“Polite? Was it polite that he was enraptured by your beauty and hardly enjoyed the views of the country?” Katie replied, clearly unwilling to accept such a response.
“I have noticed that he seems to be at your side. I think even Mother commented on it last night,” Katie stated.
“Well, of course, he is, he is seated beside me at dinner,” Sarah explained, wondering why she felt a need to deflect the playful teasing that her cousins were enjoying at her expense.
Ordinarily, such teasing would not have bothered her, but she felt a sudden need to explain that they were mistaken, that it was not as it seemed. Why was she bothered, was it because she hoped that what they were saying was true?
Jane asserted herself over her sister. “Katie, you must desist! Sarah is not the only one who is without a suitor.” She lifted one eyebrow but Katie ignored her, a small smile tipping her lips.
“There is little else to entertain me, Jane! It is too early in the day for parlor games. No one wished to play a game of whist, and we have told all the gossip there is to tell. Wait, I have an idea.” Katie smiled as she rose from her chair. “Did not Henry state that there was a new pianoforte? Why do we not play it together? A duet? I am anxious to have a partner!”
Seeing Sarah’s red face, Jane took pity on her cousin and shook her head. “I think we will stay here. I have my embroidery, and Sarah has her book,” Jane gestured to the open volume in Sarah’s lap. Katie did not waste another second as she left Jane and Sarah in the drawing room with the other ladies, much to Sarah’s relief.
“Now that Katie is off to play the pianoforte, we may talk. I love her dearly, but sometimes she can be a gossip. We may talk as we always do,” Jane said to Sarah.
“Talk? Whatever are we to talk about?”
“I did not intend to draw unnecessary attention to you and Mr. Langford, but you know what I meant by my comment to Katie. I did not think. For that I am sorry but now that we are discussing it, I did not want to embarrass you in front of her or Katie. Is it true that you and our Mr. Langford are getting along well? Or shall I be direct in my query, have you developed a regard for him which is far superior to any other gentlemen here at Hatherley?”
The way Jane said our Mr. Langford gave Sarah a moment of pause, was she signaling that she considered this gentleman to be a man of interest to her? Sarah hesitated to ask but she knew that she could speak plainly to Jane, unlike Katie who had a regrettable habit of blurting out what she thought or heard without a moment’s hesitation.
“Jane, if you tell me that you prefer him to any other man here at Hatherley, I shall respect your wishes on the matter. I am your companion and therefore subordinate to you. I hope I have not made the mistake of presuming that Mr. Langford was unattached?”
Jane’s face betrayed a look of confusion as she said, “I do not prefer him. I do not care if he attached to anyone as I have no interest in the gentleman as anything other than a dear friend of Henry. I think you have misunderstood me. I am not asking for myself, or that of anyone I know although I should warn you that he has received many an attentive look and several queries as to his background from the other ladies of the party. I am merely asking if you have struck an acquaintance with him that may be more than it seems?”
“I had nearly forgotten how direct you can be at times,” Sarah replied, as she tried to think of how she wished to respond. How could she be certain of any answer regarding Mr. Langford when she was apprehensive to confess her own feelings for him, which were increasing at an alarming rate?
”What do you feel for him, Sarah?”
Looking down at her novel, she tried to decide what she wished to disclose to Jane. What did she wish to say, how did she feel about Mr. Langford?
“Sarah, you can look at me, I am not a vicious animal poised for an attack. I am your cousin and your friend. If you tell me that you care for him, I will not be surprised. His actions as described by Henry in his letters are amusing, but there is no harm in his merriment or any reason to think that Mr. Langford is not worthy of our respect.”
Sighing, Sarah tried to answer, “I think, no wait, I know that I think very highly of him. He has been uncommonly kind to me, even though I do not possess a dowry or any connection which may further his interests.”
“And?”
“And I have enjoyed his company. It is perfectly understandable why Henry has chosen him as a friend. He is gregarious, his nature and manner set me at ease, as I am sure they must do for all in his presence.”
Jane’s gaze became more direct, narrowing her eyes in a way that Sarah knew meant her cousin was going to find out what she wanted to know as Jane slowly said, “Sarah, you are not answering my question. What is the nature of your regard for him? Is it romantic? Anyone can see that there exists an amity between you and him which has arisen with an unexpected swiftness.”
“I do not yet know how to answer your question. I do not mean to be frustrating to you, as I am to myself.”
“You are undoubtedly being cautious. I have enjoyed reading about Mr. Langford in Henry’s correspondence. I have no question that Henry would not have befriended a man who was not deserving of being in his company. If he doubted Mr. Langford, he would never have brought him here to Hatherley to associate with good society. I do wonder that we know so little about the gentleman? Yes, Sarah, you are wise to remain undecided concerning him. I do not wish to alter your interest in a friendship with the gentleman, but we know so little of his background aside from his residence in London and his obvious interest in fashion and cards.”
“Am I being cautious?” asked Sarah, “I suppose I am.”
Jane did not immediately reply but smiled as she returned to her embroidery and Sarah to her Scottish adventure novel. The novel could not hold her attention as she thought about Mr. Langford. How dear he was to her, far more than an acquainta
nce. Were her feelings entirely unfounded, she wondered as she tried to read but could not for thinking of him. Was she being cautious, or did she fear that saying her feelings aloud would result in another party at Hatherley which ended in her embarrassment? Was it embarrassment alone that she feared? She recalled that what she thought was regard for Mr. Grainger was not in the same degree or with the same all-consuming thoughts as what she was feeling for Mr. Langford. Mr. Grainger, while being a nice and amiable gentleman, was utterly forgettable except for her shame for assuming he had any interest any seeking her hand in marriage. Mr. Langford was a different matter and one she was desperate to understand.
It was as if she was transported into the role of a heroine of a novel, and Mr. Langford into the role of the handsome hero who steals the heroine’s heart. Had he stolen her heart, and how could he have managed such a feat during the course of a few hours? It was impossible that she should be feeling what she was, daring to imagine that she was becoming besotted by a man of whom she knew so little. If he was not so amiable, so cheerful and so incredibly striking a figure of a man would she be susceptible to his charms? In her opinion, he belonged in the drawing rooms in London and not here in the country among the rural gentry. Was it his manner of speaking, of dressing that put her in danger of losing her heart to him?
Her questions consumed her as she found it impossible to read or concentrate on the written word on the pages of her book. Looking up from the novel, she found Jane studying her. Sarah knew that she may not have answered Jane’s questions regarding Mr. Langford, but her cousin knew the truth. Sarah was in great danger of rashly choosing Mr. Langford as the object of her affections, a realization that struck her with apprehension as she believed herself incapable of making such a terrible error in judgment. Looking away from Jane, she wondered privately, would it be so terrible to admit that she was thinking of Mr. Langford? Was there any harm if she confessed that she regarded him with more than polite interest, that she felt her heart leap inside her chest when their eyes met? Wishing for some evidence that she was not being foolish to form an attachment so swiftly, she looked at the pages of her book, knowing full well that she would not find the answers or any advice on its pages.
Chapter Ten
The music room was quiet, the room lit by the soft golden light of candles as Sarah stood not far from Mr. Langford. Dinner had been as expected, long and without any distracting conversation as she had been placed beside a new arrival to the party. Her new dinner companion was an officer who was barely older than Katie. His shyness was obvious as she attempted to engage him in a discussion. The new officer was kind, but he was not a suitable replacement for Mr. Langford. She doubted any man could supplant him in her opinion.
After the men rejoined the ladies, the drawing room proved to be far too crowded for Sarah’s taste. The boisterous sounds of laughter and joking among the guests echoed along the halls, as they engaged in a game of charades. After a rousing game, which resulted in one of the officers winning the right to choose the manner of entertainment for the rest of the evening, Mr. Langford approached Sarah.
She had observed his entrance into the room before the start of the game of charades. Wondering why he did not stand beside her, she concealed her disappointment, heartened that now he was coming to speak to her. He bowed to her, and her companions as she was standing in the company of her cousins and a friend of Katie’s, a Miss Nellie Deats. Nellie Deats was the daughter of a baronet and an unapologetic gossip who enjoyed nothing more than to reveal a scandal as easily as she presented her calling card. Sarah wondered what Miss Deats would say about Mr. Langford, or if she knew anything of interest regarding his mysterious, unknown history but she did not dare ask her. She suspected that would set Miss Deats’ tongue to wagging about why Sarah should ask such a question.
To Sarah’s relief, two young men, both dressed in regimentals arrived on the heels of Mr. Langford, stealing Miss Deats’ attention away as Mr. Langford whispered a daring proposition to Sarah.
“Shall we retire to the music room?” he asked.
“There is no one in the music room,” Sarah answered.
“Nor do I expect them to be. How could anyone wish to display musical accomplishments when parlor games prove to be a tempting diversion?”
Sarah giggled, “How audacious, to suggest we should take our leave of the others while they flirt and laugh. But sir, is it not shocking to be alone?”
“Let us not be concerned with convention. Shall we?” He offered his arm to her as he stood.
She accepted his invitation, which was how she found herself alone with Mr. Langford in the music room that evening. Standing at the piano, Sarah’s fingers touched the keys lightly as Mr. Langford leaned against the instrument. There was a silence between them that was not uncomfortable. A tension existed within the quiet, not of doom but of the energy of a gentle rainstorm coming across the field towards them. Since her talk with Jane that afternoon, Sarah knew she had much to discuss with Mr. Langford. With her attention focused on the black and white keys, she played them softly as she waited for the perfect moment to break the silence.
“How strange that we may be in this room without anyone in our company. At any other time, we could not be alone,” he said.
“Perhaps, it is because of the presence of the other guests in the great hall. Undoubtedly, they are to be found in the drawing room and in the library if they are seeking solitude,” she replied.
“Is that the difference between now and this morning? The doors of this room are open. We can hear the conversations not far away. We are not alone even though we appear to be?”
“This morning was different in every way,” she answered as she abandoned her interest in the keys or the piano, “The door was closed. We were alone without any possible intrusion. If we were discovered, it would have appeared unseemly. Here, we may be joined by the other guests in a moment.”
“I doubt that we will see anyone else. The officers have established themselves in the drawing room and seem to delight the company with their jovial antics and cheer. I admit I was not expecting to find the Baron so generous in his hospitality as to invite officers to his party.”
“It was a kind and unexpected gesture which I owe in part to the charity those in possession of wealth must feel this time of year. Although I confess his agreeing to the entertainment of the local officers is not all that has surprised me during my visit,” she said as she hesitated to look at Mr. Langford.
He did not immediately answer, the silence between was punctuated by the sound of footsteps going past the open door. Sarah turned towards the sound as Mr. Langford replied, “Your father was a lieutenant, rather like the young men here at Hatherley.”
“Yes, my father was an officer before he died. I suppose it is because of him that I consider the gesture of his lordship to have more significance than it does. It has endeared him to me, more than it should have when I consider that his son wears the regimentals and these officers are his acquaintance, yet I am still grateful to the Baron. Any man of title and rank who is generous to the men who have made their livelihoods in the army earns my gratitude.”
“It was a noble deed to welcome them to his home, to allow them to associate among company as elevated as his grace and others of high rank. I find a generous spirit in noble men at times that leads me to believe that sometimes the titles and the responsibility fall to the best of men.”
Sarah considered asking Mr. Langford how he came to such an approving attitude towards the titled nobility. She had not been told that he possessed a title or was acquainted with anyone who did. With his cavalier approach to the manners of the dining room or much else, she would have assumed that he would have held views the opposite of the ones he presented. She ached to ask him how he came to his favorable judgment of those ranked far above him, but she was not to have the opportunity to learn the answer to that question or any others she wished to ask. Footsteps grew louder, as did laughter and
gentle lilting conversation. A group of officers and young women, Katie and Jane included, had separated themselves from the other guests in the drawing room with the intention of settling into the music room.
“Miss Hawthorn, you must play for us! You sing so beautifully,” requested a young man who was staring at the young lady with unabashed adoration.
“How do you know how well I sing?” she said in reply.
“I have heard it from those you are acquainted with. They all insist that you have the voice of a songbird.”
The young lady flushed but demurred, “My voice may sound like a songbird, but I have no intention of playing or singing, not when we have Miss Brookes. She is an angel. Miss Brookes, play for us. Sing us a song, something cheerful!”
“I could not play in front of so many people,” Katie objected but not very strenuously.
With much cajoling, Katie gave a few feeble protests before acquiescing. Sitting down at the piano, she barely noticed that Sarah and Mr. Langford were already assembled at the instrument, forced to rise and move away at once. Mr. Langford took his leave of her, evidently wanting to ensure that her reputation was quite protected.
“What shall I play?” Katie asked as she was met with a host of answers. The suggestions were of popular songs. Every tune Katie could play without the assistance of reading sheet music. Katie was not only a beauty but her talent for music was nearly as well regarded as her pleasing appearance. Sarah was happy to see her cousin so praised but she wished the party had not arrived in the music room. The arrival of the other guests curtailed her plans to speak to Mr. Langford in private.
