The Redemption of Lady Georgiana

by Lisa M. Prysock

  Chapter 17. God Is Plenteous In Mercy

  “Bradley, I’ll return when I can. Lady Georgiana has gone missing. I’m going after her. I may have to search every nook and cranny of this hamlet to find her.”

  “Yes, my Lord. Where did she last go?” The butler inquired.

  “She’s been attending a sickly infant child to aid one of the Earl’s tenants, the Gregory family I believe,” Lady Margaret answered as she paced the length of the foyer, using her cane to lean on.

  “Would this be the same family she and Lady Selina delivered some of Mrs. Foster’s vegetable soup and bread to yesterday?” Bradley opened the front doors.

  This time, the Earl answered as he checked for his fob and seal and raked a hand through his hair, something he did sometimes when he was tired or distressed. He was trying to decide whether or not to include a pistol on his person in case he ran into trouble of some sort. He hoped there was no foul play going on or he would take the strictest of measures to put an end to it. “Aye. Some of our tenants have taken a real liking to her. It’s probably nothing, but it will be dark in about an hour. She isn’t usually this late, is she?” Lord Edwards, in a light weight, long dark cloak, breeches, white shirt and Hessian boots, walked across the threshold and down the front steps toward the horse and mounted it. He gave a nod of thanks to the stable hand and Simon, who had readied and brought his fastest stallion to the front doors.

  “No, my Lord, she isn’t usually this late.”

  “I hope it doesn’t come to a search party, but stick close to the house. If I’m not back in about an hour and a half, send out a search party.”

  “Understood, my Lord. Godspeed!” Bradley nodded as he and several of the other footmen watched the Master take off.

  He’d searched the areas where his tenants lived, looking in on the Gregory family. One of the older children had answered and said she had gone for the doctor. He doubled back toward the village as fast as his horse would carry him until he had eventually caught up with the hay wagon taking up most of the road.

  When he’d found her, he hadn’t laughed so hard in ages. The very sight of her on top of that hay wagon had made him laugh. He waited to talk directly to her until he had thanked the farmers that had offered her the ride into the village to fetch the doctor and had recovered her from the wagon. As the farmers drove away, he turned to her and said with a grin on his face: “Are you in the habit of hitching rides in hay wagons for transportation?”

  She shrugged, taking the humor of the predicament in stride. “Simon had put me in the curricle but I haven’t ridden in one of those before… until today. It’s not my fault entirely…the horse was spooked and ran us out into the middle of the creek!”

  “No, I suppose it’s not entirely your fault. I’ll have to send someone back to fetch the horse and curricle. So how did you get into the hay wagon? If you hadn’t been wearing that blue dress I might not have even noticed you sitting up there on the top of that load of hay.”

  “Well, the horse just stood there stock still in the water. The curricle was stuck in the mud of the creek bottom... and still is, I’m afraid. So I ran to the edge of the road where the horse had veered off after being spooked and waited … and waited… and waited for someone to come along. It was finally the hay wagon the good Lord sent. I flagged them down and the two farmers you saw riding on the front seat graciously said I could ride atop the hay into the village.”

  “And Mr. Gregory could not have gone to fetch the doctor?”

  “He wasn’t home… I just knew what needed to be done.” She rode side saddle on the front of the horse with the Earl. It was too far for either of them to walk. His arms wrapped around her to hold the reins. The bottom one-third of her gown was still wet from standing in the creek trying to get the horse to move. She felt as though she had straw in her hair, dress, bonnet and shawl. “Well, at least we eventually ran into the doctor on the way into the village. By now, he should be at the Gregory household tending the baby. I’ve done all I could do for the family to make them comfortable. Poor little fellow is much worse today. A croupy cough and a dangerously high fever…we need to pray.”

  “I see. We also need to pray for you…” he said jokingly, adding, “though I think I am beginning to enjoy rescuing you.”

  “I’m fine,” she insisted, trying to hide a smile at his remark. “But that horse of yours doesn’t know how to drive!”

  Again, he laughed, crow’s feet showing in the corners of his eyes, making him all the more handsome.

  “Thank you for coming to my rescue again, my Lord,” she said sheepishly. However did she manage to get into these predicaments?

  He grinned, and his eyes were smiling.

  “I’ve got news for Molly finally,” he said.

  “You do?”

  “A packet of letters has arrived, just today. A bullet grazed Walter’s arm and he was in a military hospital somewhere near the front for a while. But he is all right and on the mend.”

  August, 1811

  Wellbrook Hall, the Library, a Wednesday Evening

  Not weary enough to sleep, Georgiana wandered out of her bedroom suite and tiptoed down the hall, candle in hand, hoping to find a book to read in the library. She clutched a shawl over her evening gown because the evening was chilly for August.

  The family had enjoyed a memorable evening of praise and worshipful music around the sitting room, having listened to all three of the children play their violins to all seven verses of John Newton’s hymn, “Amazing Grace:”

  1.Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

  That saved a wretch like me!

  I once was lost, but now am found;

  Was blind, but now I see.

  2.’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

  And grace my fears relieved;

  How precious did that grace appear

  The hour I first believed.

  3.Through many dangers, toils and snares,

  I have already come;

  ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

  And grace will lead me home.

  4.The Lord has promised good to me,

  His Word my hope secures;

  He will my Shield and Portion be,

  As long as life endures.

  5.Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

  And mortal life shall cease,

  I shall possess, within the veil,

  A life of joy and peace.

  6.The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

  The sun forbear to shine;

  But God, who called me here below,

  Will be forever mine.

  7.When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

  Bright shining as the sun,

  We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

  Than when we’d first begun.

  To hear all three of them play at the same time had thrilled her heart! Lady Margaret had wiped teary eyes before giving each of them a kiss good-night. Edwards had given a thunderous applause along with Bradley, Simon, Molly, Laura, Jenny and Briggs.

  When she had perused the shelves in the library, she finally selected “The Journal of John Wesley,” published in 1789. This Anglican preacher had touched so many lives for the glory of God! She was interested in reading as much of his life story as possible to learn from the man who had done so much to endear Christ to the nations. When she neared the hearth to sit by the firelight and read, she was surprised indeed to find Nathaniel there, asleep in his comfortable arm chair. She sat down on the thick rug by the fireplace near his feet, leaving him undisturbed and attempted to read the book until her eyes grew tired and the steady breathing coming from the man in the chair beside her had lulled and comforted her. Finally she closed the book and studied his strong, handsome face. At some point, she drifted into a deep sleep at his feet, the book still in her hand.

  When he finally roused from sleep, he was
surprised indeed to discover her there at his feet. She looked so blissful, her tender face sleeping peacefully… he dare not disturb her. He blinked, rubbed his eyes and blinked again. No, he was not dreaming. She really was there at his feet, just like the story of Ruth. He remained there, watching her sleep for a long time, until the sun was about to rise.

  When she gradually awoke, the first thing she saw were the boots beside where her head rested. She sat up slowly and met the gaze of the one who had been watching her sleep for some time.

  “Good morning,” he said softly, moving a misplaced strand of hair from her face.

  “My Lord,” she said, afraid to interrupt the quiet, peaceful moment between them with words. Sunshine was beginning to peak in around them through the drapes.

  He reached for her hand and held it in his own. “Come with me into our future.”

  She tried to listen to what his heart was saying; it was the whisper of love reflected in his eyes. He continued, “Come with me on a picnic today. I have a plan. Just us.”

  “I am intrigued,” she replied, smiling, returning all of her devotion and heart into his eyes with her own.

  “Good,” he said standing up, pulling her to her feet as he did. “Go get some rest while I make things ready.”

  “Yes, my Lord,” she said, breathless. Her heart was beating so rapidly she was sure they could both hear it.

  Her curiosity was piqued but all she could do was curtsey and accept his invitation. He let her return to her room first and when she had made her way back down the hall and he heard her door close, he left the library to find Bradley and Briggs. He had much to do; starting with a list of menu items for a picnic which he wanted Mrs. Foster to prepare.

  When she awoke a few hours later, she sat up in bed and pulled her knees to her chest. She was smiling as she remembered the Earl’s words. Her heart was soaring with hope, excitement and joy at the prospect of the day before her.

  She threw the covers back and practically danced out of bed to the wardrobe, flinging the doors wide open. She quickly ran her fingers past the gowns hanging before, coming to rest on a pale, rose- colored, silk, empire waisted gown with white lace trim. She yanked it from the wardrobe and humming cheerfully; she spread the gown out on a chair and danced about the room a little longer, caught in the clutches of a daydream of love.

  Rose- colored ribbons intertwined in her hair by Molly, fawn satin slippers and a pair of pearl drop earrings completed her look. She chose a straw poke bonnet trimmed in pale pink ribbon with sprigs of white, bell-shaped flowers, pale pink slippers and white gloves.

  Molly’s mood had improved greatly since she’d been able to read the letters from Walter that had finally been forwarded. She stood back to admire Georgiana’s hair with Lady Margaret, who was eager to see her daughter-in-law put her best foot forward. Hope and joy glowed in Georgiana’s eyes. Dear Lord, let today be a blessing unto me… unto us.

  Georgiana was trembling as Nathaniel helped her into the open carriage. He looked comfortable, cool, and handsome wearing a white captain’s shirt and cravat, buckskin breeches and black riding boots. A driver took them to a location on the estate only a short distance away with a stunning view of Wellbrook Hall from the top of a hill. Lord Edwards helped her step down from the carriage and kept her hand in his as he led her to a table for two, set up directly under a shady maple tree. The table had a white linen tablecloth, candles, and a footman in livery to serve them. Nathan pulled out a cushioned chair for her.

  Her hand flew to cover her mouth in surprise, but her eyes were dancing with joy. The Earl had thought of everything: a vase of red and white roses, plates of thin sliced roast beef, asparagus, a salad, warm rolls, blackberry jam, corn relish, pickled eggs and boiled potatoes with butter. He signaled three musicians in kilts standing some distance away to play a few ballads of love on the bagpipes.

  Hearing the bagpipes ring through the air was like shouting to the world from the top of a mountain his declaration of love to her. When they finished, two musicians on violin played soft ballads, creating an intimate atmosphere for what he was about to do next.

  Taking her gloved hands in his, he went down on one knee. He held up an emerald ring. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Will you marry me, Lady Georgiana? I want to spend the rest of my life rescuing you, if you will have me…”

  She was sure he could hear her heart beating. Two tears of happiness slid down one of her cheeks. Truly, God had not forgotten her. The Lord God in heaven above is good! How good the Lord is to me…

  “Why are you crying?” He asked softly, wiping away her tears with a fingertip.

  “Because, I am so… happy!” Her lighthearted laughter filled the atmosphere with joy. “And I do tend to need an extraordinary amount of rescuing.”

  “Does that mean yes?” He was laughing with her.

  “Yes! Yes, my Lord, I will marry you! Mais Oui! ” she replied, more happiness tears streaming down her cheeks.

  The next evening, Lady Georgiana and Edwards strolled together in the conservatory, which opened into the garden, allowing them to flow easily between the two areas. The family had taken their news joyfully. All things finally seemed right in their world.

  “Georgiana,” he said, “do you recall a visit from the Duchess of Arlington while in London?”

  “Oh bother! Why yes I do! I completely forgot … I didn’t actually speak to her directly and we were about to depart for Yorkshire. Her feathers were ruffled considerably when she left without the interview she demanded of me.”

  “In the society column of The Mirror Daily Gazette, it has been printed that the Duchess of Arlington recently called upon Lady Georgiana Colton to offer congratulations upon her marriage to the Earl of Bridesgate. We haven’t even posted the banns yet.”

  “How odd!” Georgiana remarked. “It reads as though we are already married.”

  “I thought so as well,” he remarked.

  “Who is she anyhow?” she asked, her arms clasped about one of his.

  “Lady Juliana’s grandmother…”

  “It makes sense if she is trying to force Juliana into marrying someone else, I suppose… and at the same time, give us some sort of barb that might get a reaction from us, if we weren’t far too intelligent to get tangled up in the society column gossip.”

  “So you think she is sending a clear message to someone else that her granddaughter is eligible?” He clarified.

  “Yes, it certainly seems that way.” She looked at Lord Edwards, “You were never formally engaged to Lady Juliana. It was simply assumed by some who did not take the time to know your heart.”

  “No, I was not. We really were not suited to each other, and I told Juliana that-- in spite of her father’s hopes, when we were at the seaside.”

  “Ah, then, well now I have you!” She teased, playfully jabbing him.

  Epilogue

  The banns were posted and a date set for a late August wedding, at ten o’clock in the morning. They would host a small but elegant wedding breakfast for a few close family and friends, including Lady Caroline, Lady Kathryn, Lady Emily Belmore, Miss Lydia Prescott, and Miss Amelia Jameson, a childhood friend from her Swiss boarding school, now living in England. Beth’s family was also sent invitations, specifically naming each of her nephews and niece. The Barringtons, including Juliana were also sent invitations. Sir Arthur Herbert escorted Lady Caroline to the wedding and the breakfast. Lord Maxwell was also in attendance. Guests began arriving for the wedding a week early and every day at Wellbrook Hall was a joyful celebration.

  Bridesgate villagers and tenants were also invited to the wedding, but the wedding breakfast remained a private affair. The little church in the village of Bridesgate was bursting with attendance both in the building and on the lawn on the morning of the wedding. Wellbrook Hall servants had a small party after the breakfast to celebrate and were invited to the wedding. The villag
e and tenants of the Earldom spent the day celebrating. It was a great day in the village of Bridesgate.

  It had been decided that the coming out ball for Lady Selina would take place a week later in the evening and would include a list of people from among Father’s friends, in addition to those who had come to Wellbrook Hall for the Earl’s wedding who simply remained as guests for an extra week of celebration. It was truly a lavish affair. Bishop Hastings was invited and he prepared a display which encouraged guests at the event to donate to St. Mary’s Orphanage & Workhouse. A quote from John Wesley was chosen to be read by Edmund at the ball:

  “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” When Edmund finished the quote, guests at the ball burst into thundering cheers and applause.

  Cole asked Lady Selina just before her coming out to become formally engaged to be married. Father said they could announce their engagement but had to wait one full year to be married. He also permitted Cole to give Selina a ring. He and his father had managed to locate Lord Oliver by contacting his family. The family had applied pressure in the right place: financial pressure. An emergency wedding license for Oliver to wed Juliana was obtained and a small ceremony followed in London with immediate family on both sides present. She and her Baron were too busy setting up housekeeping in a small three bedroom townhome in a fairly pleasant neighborhood of London-- and therefore, unable to attend the late August wedding of Lord Edwards and Lady Georgiana Colton, who became Countess of Bridesgate Park on that day.

  They happy couple eventually hired a governess and the children decided to call Lady Margaret, Grandmère. Georgiana opted to continue to teach the children French and Bible lessons while the governess taught them their other subjects. In 1813, the Countess gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Isaac Duncan Edwards, Baron of Bridesgate. In 1814, a daughter was born, Lady Isabelle Margaret Edwards.

  All of the sculptures, vases and paintings the bandits had taken from Papa Duncan and his sons were recovered. Justice was served.

  Grandmère, Lady Margaret Colton and Georgiana, the Countess of Bridesgate, never forgot the redemption the Lord Jesus Christ showed them in their situation and never took for granted the new life they had been granted. In 1815, Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. The war was finally over -- a great victory for England and for the people of France-- and many countries throughout the world. Georgie and Nathan were finally able to take a European honeymoon on the continent, starting in Switzerland, then Austria, France and finally, Italy. Their honeymoon lasted two months. Lady Margaret took good care of all of the children and the household in Lord Edward’s absence, but she particularly enjoyed Isabelle and Isaac, who brought her great joy each day.