As she served breakfast, Mrs. Sparrow could no help but notice the pained expression her employer wore. Lord Clifton’s conversation and smile when compared to his eyes seemed to be forced. Pouring cups of tea, she went about her serving in silence. Lord Clifton, she thought sadly, looked like he had after returning from the war, before he had met Katie. Reaching her hand into her apron pocket, Mrs. Sparrow closed her fingers around a folded slip of paper. I’ll give it to him when he is alone she decided, then returned to the kitchen.
“I still don’t see why you fired Katie,” Charles remarked poking a lump of scrambled eggs with his fork. “I mean, no offense to Mrs. Sparrow, but Katie’s cooking was…” he shook his head unable to find the right words to do her culinary skills justice.
“Yes, well I for one am glad Robert got rid of that devious cook,” Lady Shelby sniffed, “Not only will the hired help not need to be reminded of their place anymore, but we shall enjoy English foods once again.”
Robert stared at Jocelyn appalled, and Charles, flabbergasted, held his fork frozen in midair as Emma stared at Lady Shelby her mouth slightly open.
“What do you mean reminded of their place?” Robert inquired evenly, a glimmer of annoyance flashing across his eyes.
“Robert darling,” Lady Shelby smiled, “you cannot pretend you didn’t notice the way Katie was mooning over you,” she remarked with a tut. “It would have been unkind of me to let her carry on so. Now can we please stop squabbling over some servant and discuss more important matters?” She suggested with a bat of her lashes.
“Please, Jocelyn, by all means enlighten us with these more pressing concerns,” Robert remarked curtly as the thought of Katie running off with Michael Shannon on account of something Jocelyn had said flickered across his mind.
“Why us darling,” Jocelyn uttered matter-of-factly, her cerulean eyes gazing intently at Robert.
“Us?” Robert sputtered bewildered, “Lady Shelby, I am sorry I have given you the wrong inclination…I,” yes he had momentarily considered courting her, for Charles’s sake, which had been wrong. But that had been when he believed Katie to be indifferent, before they had broken the silence of their hearts with a kiss, which even now recalling instilled within him his shattered hope. Robert felt like such an imbecile! He was finally seeing clearly.
“Jocelyn,” he spoke regaining his manners, “If I have injured you through my actions, I am truly sorry. I beg your pardon and forgiveness for any falsities I have inflicted.”
“Oh Robert,” Lady Shelby sniffed, “I know I acted rashly by telling your cook I was your fiancé, and then kissing you. It’s just that…”
“My fiancé!” Robert exclaimed rising to his feet.
Well, Emma thought, this was not exactly how she imagined Jocelyn telling Robert of their supposed marriage plans, but at least she was telling him, and the truth was finally out.
“Please, darling don’t be angry with me,” Jocelyn pouted puffing out her lower lip and forcing a tear to roll down her cheek, “Can’t you see we belong together? We’re both from the same society. We have money, ambition, class…”
Robert stared at Lady Shelby with a look of pity. Before the war he thought, he had been just like her, concerned with associating with the right crowd, maintaining his reputation, and forgoing love for money. Everything ultimately had been tied to status. How superficial and shallow he had been, and how ridiculous it was to never have lived for his own person.
“I’m not upset by your actions Jocelyn,” Robert spoke, his voice sincere.
Charles, who had been silently observing the fray, drew on his cigarette. Robert, he now knew with satisfaction, had reentered the world of the living.
“I think,” Charles finally spoke, “Lady Shelby, Miss Williamson, and I shall catch the evening ferry. Don’t get me wrong,” he added seeing the raised eyebrow of his friend, “You have been a splendid host, but one does not want to overstay one’s welcome.” Robert had revealed the details about Kerney Hall’s owner and his encounter with Mr. McAllen, and they had decided not to alarm the ladies but plan to depart at the end of the week. Moving ahead of schedule, however, was fine with Charles and from the glance he received from Robert, acceptable to him as well.
Jocelyn gazed sadly at Robert, “We could have been marvelous darling, you and I, we could have been simply marvelous.”
Robert nodded. In another time he and Jocelyn might have been a good match, but now they were not suited for one another. Jocelyn would find someone else, and Charles was a loyal friend who had tried to help him after the war had inflicted its damage upon him. He could forgive Captain Wesley for trying to interfere with his love life. After his guests quitted the table to oversee their packing and Lady Shelby had given him a final look of regret, a soft clearing of the throat announced Mr. Dearing’s presence.
“A telegram for you my Lord,” Dearing spoke extending a silver tray.
“Thank you Dearing.” Robert spoke taking the folded slip of paper, “Would you please telegraph the evening ferry and reserve tickets for all of my guests as well as for you, Mrs. Sparrow and myself?”
“Sir?” Mr. Dearing replied perplexed. “You desire for us all to leave as well?”
“Yes, Dearing. Something has come to my attention. That is all you need to know at present.” Robert stated.
Mr. Dearing nodded and left the room. Unfolding the telegram, Robert scanned the message then crumpled the slip of paper. Ian McAllen it seemed was already making verbal threats, and it was only a matter of time, Robert knew, before they escalated. Draining the remainder of his orange juice, he turned to leave the veranda only to find Mrs. Sparrow blocking his way.
“I did not want to give you this in front of your company.” Mrs. Sparrow spoke pulling a note from her apron pocket. “It’s from Katie.” She finished placing the slip of paper in Lord Clifton’s hand. “I found it in the kitchen this morning.”
Robert stared at the folded piece of parchment, his heart pounding within his chest. Scrawled in a loopy hand, he gazed at the lettering of his name then slowly unfolded the note.
Dear Lord Clifton,
I am sorry that have offended you to the extent that you found it necessary to terminate my employment. I was wrong to have let my feelings get the better of me that night in the barn, and I can only beg yours and Lady Shelby’s forgiveness. In your upcoming marriage, I wish you both nothing but joy, blessings, and happiness. I know that you truly love her, and I hope that she loves you just as much.
On another note, I am deeply sorry for judging you as harshly as I did without knowing both sides of the story. I only ask your forgiveness, even though I know that I am not deserving of it. It pains me that I have injured you by so willingly accepting a false account of your character. Your words not only humbled me, but made me ashamed of my own judgmental character.
Since I am no longer your cook, I feel I can divulge a secret I have been withholding and thank you for permitting me to stay at Kerney Hall. When I told you that after my mother’s death I basically lost my father too, I also lost my home- Kerney Hall. The bank was in the process of foreclosing, and I did the only thing I could think of which was reach out to our family friend Mr. Riley in the hopes that he could help us find a way to not be evicted. When you requested the services of a cook, I could not believe my luck. Informing you of my life, however, is not the purpose of this letter.
You are in danger! Last night I received a telegram from Mr. Shannon, informing me he had something urgent he needed to discuss. When I arrived at the stables for our meeting, I was not met by Mr. Shannon by rather by Mr. Ian McAllen. I am not sure you know the latter, but I must tell you he has threatened your life!
Mr. McAllen is a member of the I.R.A., and he and several other men from Carlingford are responsible for starting the fires on the English merchant ships which killed the sailors. He, and unfortunately my father, are furious that an Englishman is re
nting Kerney Hall; and they I am afraid are beyond reason and consumed with the destruction of property and lives. I implore you to please return to England with your fiancé and guests where I know you all will be safe.
Yours Sincerely,
Katie
Robert stood frozen staring at the letter in his hands allowing the words to sink in… his life was in danger…McAllen and Katie’s father blew up the English merchant ships…she had let her feelings get away from her...was it too much to hope for that she might still have those feelings? He shook his head in disbelief. If McAllen was as dangerous as Katie said, then his life was not the only one in danger! If Ian found out Katie had left this letter…Robert folded the note and slipped it into his pocket. He would send Mrs. Sparrow and Dearing back to England with the others, but he was not leaving without Katie.
Chapter 31
When Katie reached the bakery, she still could not believe she had actually left a note. Robert evidently despised her so much to truly sack her, that she was confident he would throw her note in the fire rather than read it. But at least she had tried to warn him, she thought sadly. Pushing open the door, the bell announcing her entrance, Katie found Mrs. Finnegan busy rolling out cookies, and grabbing the extra apron that had become hers, she walked behind the counter.
As Mrs. Finnegan watched Katie work, she knew there was something weighing on her mind, but decided not to press her. When she is ready to talk, Mrs. Finnegan reasoned, she will, till then it was best to just let her wander in her own thoughts. Throughout the morning and afternoon, the two women worked in silence. Katie sliced through the dough with cookie cutters, and placing them on a tray sprinkled them with a thin layer of sugar. As she kneed a batch of bread dough, however, she realized she could not take it any longer!
“Mrs. Finnegan,” she blurted, “Why did I have to be such an imbecile?” her emerald eyes turned towards the baker.
“Lass what nonsense are ya speak’in about?” Mrs. Finnegan inquired placing down her rolling pin and whipping her hands on her apron.
“I kissed him!” Katie exclaimed shaking her head.
“Who? Michael?” Mrs. Finnegan smiled.
“No,” Katie stammered, “Although Michael has some things to answer too.” She added harshly. “I kissed Lord Clifton!”
Mrs. Finnegan placed her hand over her heart, “Me word,” she breathed, “Well lass, did he kiss ya back?”
“See, I told ya I was stu…what?” Katie stopped caught off guard by Mrs. Finnegan’s words.
Mrs. Finnegan smiled, “I asked ya, did he kiss ya back?”
Katie nodded. “But that’s not the point. The point is…”
“Well then,” Mrs. Finnegan smiled, “Why are ya still here?”
“Because,” Katie stammered her lip quivering, “I was foolish, and he does not love me.”
“And what put that idea in your head?” Mrs. Finnegan asked raising her eyebrows.
“The fact that Lady Shelby told me he was her fiancé and that Robert fired me.” Katie uttered.
“Aye,” Mrs. Finnegan spoke as if already knowing the answer, “and did this Lady Shelby have an engagement ring?”
“Well…no,” Katie breathed realizing this for the first time.
“It makes sense now,” Mrs. Finnegan chuckled, “I thought he was just being eccentric.”
“What are you talking about?” inquired Katie now the one bemused.
“Well, just the other day this Englishman came into the bakery,” Mrs. Finnegan remarked, “Then I learned he was the gentleman stay’in at your house, and before I went back into the kitchen, I saw him look at Michael, his face kind of pained. I don’t know the whole of their conversation, but before he left I heard him remark, ‘I hope ya two are happy,’ and then he departed.”
Katie stared at Mrs. Finnegan bewildered.
“Don’t ya see lass? He wasn’t talk’in about me and Michael be’in happy, he was imply’in ya and Michael!”
Understanding flickered across Katie’s mind. Robert had seen Michael drive her home, knew she had gone to dinner with him, and when she had judged him so harshly... he must have just assumed she had no feelings for him and had been consumed entirely by Michael’s flattery and charm. Tearing off her apron, she hugged Mrs. Finnegan and raced out the door.
“Katie!” She heard a man call as she blinked in the sunlight.
She turned in the direction of the voice and saw Michael Shannon leaning against the side of his automobile.
“Would you like to go out for lunch? I can then give you a lift back to Kerney Hall.” He smiled.
Katie felt her blood pounding within her. How had she allowed herself to be so naive? “I don’t want anything from ya Mr. Shannon.” She spoke icily.
Momentary confusion flashed across Michael’s face before he spoke, “So you’ve been talking to Robert then. I knew he’d try and turn you against me. That’s what he tries to do to me every time we cross paths.”
“Enough with the lies!” Katie exclaimed now standing beside him. “Are ya or are ya not still married to Anna Pruitt, or should I say Anna Shannon? And ya had the audacity to try and court me!”
“Katie, it’s over between Anna and me, honest.” Michael soothed putting his hands on her shoulders.
“Honest?” Katie declared brushing his hands from her, “Just a moment ago, ya were say’in Robert was make’in up lies about ya, and now ya are admit’in that it is over between Anna and yourself when ya previously denied the whole affair!” Katie shook her head, putting a hand to her forehead, her cheeks almost as red as her hair.
“It’s over between us,” Michael’s voice softened, “We don’t have any feelings for each other. I would divorce her, but then I’d lose my nice position and salary. Guess that is one thing I should thank Robert for anyway,” he added, sarcasm filing his voice.
“Now, how about we forget this misunderstanding and have lunch?” Michael remarked silkily as if nothing scandalous had just been divulged.
“Misunderstand’in!” Katie exclaimed. “You’re despicable! And your proposition appalling! Not only are ya a married man with a child who has been traipsing around try’in to court me, but you’ve slandered Lord Clifton’s good character with your horrible lies!” Watching Michael shrug his shoulders nonchalantly was the final straw for Katie.
He never saw it coming. Reeling and blinking from Katie’s slap across his face, Michael watched her with a sense of momentary longing walking away before he decided to go into the pub and see who else he could try and seduce with his charms.
It was nearing four o’clock as Robert escorted his guests to their car. Their luggage had been packed and they were now ready to depart.
“You’re sure you don’t want to come back with us?” Charles asked unable to hide the concern in his voice.
“Yes, I’m sure,” Robert spoke smiling, “I’ll be back in England soon,” he added.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Charles smiled shaking Robert’s hand.
“Thanks for helping me come to my senses.”
“It was my privilege,” Charles grinned, “Let me know when you’re back on our great island.”
Robert nodded then opened the passenger door for the ladies.
“If you change your mind about us…” Lady Shelby smiled.
“You’ll be the first person to know,” Robert replied trying to remain a gentleman as he helped her into her seat.
“You’re sure Lord Clifton that you do not wish us to stay?” Mrs. Sparrow inquired.
“Absolutely,” Robert remarked, “I do not want to endanger either yours or Dearing’s lives.” Seeing the fear in Mrs. Sparrow’s eyes Robert added, “I will be back at Evanshire before you know it.” Then he helped Mrs. Sparrow climb into the back with Mr. Dearing.
“Well, we best be off if we’re going to catch the ferry.” Charles remarked. Glancing at Rober
t he added, “Take care of yourself Robert,” then pulling on his driving gloves he turned on the engine and drove away from Kerney Hall.
Robert stood watching their departure until the automobile and its cloud of dust disappeared in the distance, then tearing his gaze from the horizon he made his way towards the barn.
Chapter 32
It was almost dusk when Katie caught sight of Kerney Hall in the distance. Please let Mrs. Finnegan be right she prayed picking up her pace, but as she drew near, Katie felt her heart sink. Starring before her, dark and vacant, the manor’s windows glinted in the fading sunlight. At least, she thought ignoring the ache within her chest, Robert had read her note, he would be safe and that was all that mattered. Upon reaching the front door, she found it to be locked, and not wanting to go back through the hidden corridor to get inside, she sat down on the porch. Leaning her chin upon her hand, she watched the setting sun, a sardonic allusion of her life.
◆◆◆
After the departure of his friends, Robert had wasted no time. Saddling his horse, he had sped off towards Finnegan’s Bakery, the first place he thought Katie would have gone. Upon reaching the establishment, however, he was informed that she had already left. Somehow, they had not passed one another on the road. Mrs. Finnegan had smiled and told him that Katie’s heart was no longer blinded. He had hastily thanked the baker for her information. Then galloping back towards Kerney Hall, whirlwind entranced, every thought vanished from his mind except a single hope.
It was this crazed horseman appearing on the horizon that Katie glimpsed riding towards her, the fading sunlight blazing behind both rider and steed transforming them into a fiery silhouette. Standing up she grasped the wall for support, it would be too much to hope for... too impossible to be true! As the rider neared, Katie drew her breath, for it was no celestial being who hastened as a glowing specter, but a mortal speeding forth with eternal passion. Jumping from his horse, Robert rushed forward gathering a shocked and tearful Katie into his arms.
Pretentious Hearts Page 19
