“Miss Proctor, I have something very important to say and I hope that you do not take great offense and cause a scene,” Eleanor Dawson said quietly to her. She pulled her eyes from Mr. Byers and looked at her.
“I am not one to cause a scene, Miss Dawson, I can assure you of that,” She said, already on her guard.
“Good. I must ask you that you do not engage in any sort of behaviour of your class and ruin this Christmas Ball. Our manners are more... refined than your kind. I hope that you and your sister and your employers are aware of that,” She said with a hard smile on her face.
“My family conduct ourselves as ladies and gentleman, just as you do, Miss Dawson,” She said with a tight tone in her voice.
“If you say so,” She said with an air of disgust. “You do dress the part but you will never act the part.”
“Oh, do you like this dress? I had it made from Chinese silk that Mr. Byers purchased for me,” She smugly said.
Her eyes grew wide at this information. Katrina was pleased by her reaction.
“I see. Yes, Mr. Byers does that. He buys things for women he takes a fancy too, just like the maid at our summer home in Paris, or the governess of our children. Mr. Byers has always given kindness and charity to those less fortunate than us. I think he feels a sense of guilt for his good fortune, but do not take it to mean anything more than an act of kindness, Miss Proctor.”
These last words stung her and she had to get out of her company.
“I understand,” She said looking away from her and locked eyes with Mr. Byers who was staring at her with a look of fright on his face. Perhaps he had sent Eleanor Dawson over to do his dirty work for him after realizing he made a mistake in being so friendly with Katrina. She narrowed her eyes at him and gave him as much hate as she could in one look.
“If that is all, Miss Dawson...?” She said without looking at her.
“That is all, Miss Proctor...” She said, and before she could finish, Katrina stepped away from her. She walked with great speed out of the drawing room and to the large glass doors that led to the terrace. The cold night air hit her face and lungs and she breathed deep.
How dare she say such things to her, that vile woman? Her chest heaved up and down as she breathed harder and harder in her anger.
“Miss Proctor, are you alright?”
The familiar voice of Mr. Byers brought goose bumps all over her body. But she did not dare turn around toward him.
“Miss Proctor?”
“Yes. I am fine,” She said still staring straight ahead out into the illuminated gardens below.
“You do not seem fine,” he said. He was now standing beside her and she could smell his manly scent. She turned toward him, shooting fire from her eyes.
“Did you send Eleanor Dawson to say those things?”
His face turned dark. “What things?” His jaw locked in a hard line.
“You know very well of what I speak,” She said knowing he must have made her do it.
“Miss Proctor, I assure you that I do not. I only know that I saw your face when Eleanor Dawson spoke with you and I did not like the turn. Tell me what she said and I will set it right,” he said, pushing himself closer to her so that she was forced to tilt her head back and look up at him.
“She said... She said...” but she could not bring herself to say it. It was insulting and saying that Eleanor Dawson thought of her as nothing but a courtesan and actress woman, would only further cement it in his head and her own.
“It is nothing...” She said.
“Like hell it is. You have a frown on your face and I would make sure whoever is responsible for that hears words for it. Shall I go to her and ask myself?” he said starting to turn.
She grabbed his arm and stopped him. “No, do not. I beg you. It is Christmas. Do not ruin it. I am sure that she did not mean her words in the way I took them.”
“I am sure that she did...” he said. “If you do not tell me then at least allow me to apologise for her and from her family. But do not take what she says to heart. She is a spoiled thing, by no fault of her own, but please ignore her words.”
She sighed. She wanted to confront him about all the other courtesan and actress women Eleanor Dawson had mentioned that Mr. Byers seemed to take a fancy too, but it seemed childish to do so. She did not want to speak of such things. But she did wonder why he had been so cold to her since earlier.
“Now, do you think we should re-join the guests or would you like me to stay out here with you all night?” he smiled a dashing smile.
“No, I do not think that would be appropriate,” She said.
“Then let us go inside,” he put his arm out to her and it surprised her. He was not hesitant to be seen with her after all. This Mr. Mason Byers was very perplexing and she could not figure him out.
“Oh, General Banks. Allow me to introduce to you the amazing Miss Katrina Proctor,” he said to the first man standing near the door with a brandy in his hand. She curtsied to the gentleman.
“Miss Proctor, it is a pleasure,” he bowed with a kind smile.
“Miss Proctor is the reason we will prosper in our investments toward trade. Her expertise in knowledge from the East kept me from making a bad decision that would have affected us all,” Mr. Byers said light-heartedly.
“In that case I am very glad to meet your acquaintance,” the man said.
“Mr. Mason Byers? If I may steal you away for a moment,” another gentleman came up with a serious tone to him.
“Yes, please excuse me, Miss Proctor,” Mr. Byers said and moved just two groups away to a group of men who were all business.
“Would you like a refreshment, Miss Proctor?” the General asked.
“Oh yes, thank you,” She said and he walked at her side joining her as they made way to the refreshments. He asked her more questions about fabric and the East and was genuinely interesting company. But as she looked over at Mr. Byers every now and then, he had a smile for her.
Then, as she moved to her employers once more, who took their fair share of dancing, she saw Adeline dancing with a smile on her face, indeed with good reason, for she danced with Dawson, again and again.
“Miss Proctor, there you are. I have searched for you,” Mr. Andrew Davis said.
“As have I!” Willameena Davis said at his side.
“Would you take supper with us, Miss Proctor?” Andrew asked.
“Oh yes, I think I am quite famished.”
“And you, Mr. Douvaine and Madame Douvaine, would you join us?” Willameena asked.
“We would be delighted indeed,” they replied.
“But where is your dear friend Adeline? Oh, is she dancing again with Robert?” Willameena said. All turned to see Adeline indeed dancing, but not with Robert. Indeed she danced with Dawson. As they all looked, it was quite uncomfortable as they noticed the look the two shared between them. It was as if two lovers had only eyes for each other.
“Oh, I see, she dances with Dawson, and don’t they look happy,” Willameena said.
“I would be happy to fetch my sister after this song, to join us. Shall we go eat?” Katrina said, trying to get the attention off her sister.
“Yes, indeed. My appetite is quite ravenous,” Andrew said, looking at Katrina as he held his arm out to him. As they walked arm and arm from the ballroom to the dining hall, Katrina locked eyes with Mr. Mason Byers, who did not look pleased at all.
By the end of the evening, Katrina had more than enough of theatrics to last her months. Indeed, more had happened in one night then in months while in Hertfordshire. She began to miss Cottered and her family, as well as the calm solitude the country afforded her.
* * *
chapter
2 6
* * *
The next day of Christmas morning, was just as the family had planned. They all had taken breakfast very late and had a slow start to the day. Indeed they were exhausted after the previous evening.
Katrina rather e
njoyed having the lavish breakfast with family on that fine Christmas morning as they all reminisced about the ball. But Katrina’s eyes were on Adeline. Indeed, Adeline had a sparkle to her eye that she had not seen since before Dawson left Hertfordshire. It both pleased her but also made her fear her poor sister’s heart being broken once more, but she would not caution her of such a thing, for it was Christmas. If Adeline wanted to lavish in the attentions of Mr. William Dawson over the attentions of Mr. Robert Davis then she would allow her sister that happiness.
But later, they all did dress to stroll to the nearby church for Christmas mass and then the nearby gardens. Everyone on the streets was in happy cheer and Katrina was quite content with Christmas in London.
They had tea when they returned, and later a nice dinner to celebrate the day. All in all, it was a perfect Christmas day and Katrina was to bed early, for she had become very exhausted with all that had happened between her, Mr. Mason Byers, and Mr. Davis.
So when six weeks passed complete and she had not heard from either of the gentlemen, Katrina was pleased. She needed a break from the awkwardness they tended to make her feel. But not hearing from Dawson made Adeline very uneasy indeed.
* * *
February 1863
“This just came for you, ma’am,” the servant brought a letter on a silver tray and held it before Katrina.
“Thank you.” Katrina looked to Adeline, and her employers.
“It is from Mr. Byers. It says, that he has left London, as has Mr. William Dawson and his friends.”
Adeline gasped. Katrina was starting to feel the anger and resentment inside her that Dawson once again was doing this to Adeline.
“Wait, there’s more. It is an invitation.”
“Invitation? But you said they left London,” Adeline said.
“It says, my sister Miranda and I would like to invite you, your sister Miss Adeline Proctor, and Mr. and Madame Douvaine to come stay with us at Brentwood Manor where we will be holding the wedding of my cousin Miss Mary Benton to Mr. George William. We would be honoured to have you all as guests and to perform one of your delightful plays for us. Pray write and tell me if you may receive this invitation as the wedding in two months’ time and I would make the arrangements. Signed Sincerely, Mr. Byers.”
Katrina looked up in amazement.
“There now! That is wonderful news!” Madame Douvaine said. “I know of that great estate and have seen in passing during my time in Derbyshire, but not seen inside the place. It would be such fun.”
“Go to Brentwood Manor! But we are to return home to Hertfordshire in a fortnight,” Adeline said.
“True, and I am sure that our father is missing us something dreadful,” Katrina laughed.
“Well it is your decision, my dear, as it is addressed to you. But I must say that Cottered will remain where it is, and that this occasion of being invited to such a great country estate may happen only once,” Mr. Douvaine lifted his brows. For it was no secret that he desired to go.
“Adeline?” Katrina asked.
Katrina knew that Adeline would want to see Dawson once more.
“I suppose I should write to mamma and papa and say our travels will be extended, and you should write to Mr. Byers and accept,” Adeline smiled.
“Oh! How lovely! This is a great honour!” Madame Douvaine rejoiced.
And so the family began travel arrangements to Derbyshire in order to attend this grand wedding. Katrina was very excited indeed to see Miss Miranda. But in truth she longed for the country. She missed her walks in the wilderness and seeing the entire sky, and not peeks of it through buildings.
“Do you think the Dawsons will be in attendance?” Adeline asked later that night, as the two friends sat together on her bed.
“Indeed I do. Mr. Mason Byers mentioned they all left together and it would seem they would be invited since they are so close. Does that make you nervous Adeline?”
“Indeed it does, but not in a way to rescind our reply to attend.”
Katrina laughed.
“Oh, do you think we should send a letter to Miss Willameena Davis letting her know that we will be leaving London?”
“Yes, I think that would be wise. I like her dearly and perhaps she would come have tea.”
“And Andrew and Robert?” Adeline’s brows rose.
Katrina sighed. “I do not know what to make of that at all. We shall send a note to the entire family informing them of our travels to the wedding, and the fact that we do not know if we will be coming back to London or heading to Cottered after. Then they may do what they will with that information.”
“Yes, that is agreeable. Will you write it Katrina?”
“Yes, I shall.”
But it was not needed, for the next day Katrina and Adeline received a note from the Davis family, informing them they had gone to Brighton and would be returning in sixteen days’ time, a time when the Proctors would already be gone. Still, Katrina wrote the letter so that it was waiting for them when they returned.
Then the time came to make their journey to Brentwood Manor.
* * *
April 1863
“There it is! Oh, is it not the handsomest prospect you have ever seen!” Madame Douvaine said as their journey came to an end. The carriage rolled toward a grand stately manor house on a vast park.
“That is Brentwood Manor?” Katrina was shocked. The house was five times as grand as Linwood Manor. Indeed, she had never seen a house so big.
“Indeed it is. Mr. Byers is a very rich man,” Madame Douvaine said.
Katrina looked to Adeline, who could only laugh at her sister’s astonishment.
“Can you see it clearly? Isn’t it grand?” Madame Douvaine said.
“Yes, indeed it is,” Katrina said, looking at the grand estate ahead. At the end of the long lane, lined with a park on both sides, was a massive white house. Columns lined the façade and the rest sprawled out behind it. It was then that she also noticed a lake in the distance, as well as formal gardens and less manicured trails through the trees.
“My, it is beautiful,” Adeline said.
A loud thundering sound echoed through the carriage. All in the carriage exchanged a look, wondering where it was coming from.
“There,” Mr. Douvaine said pointing to the left.
All followed his gaze and saw the most beautiful sight. A herd of double-pronged deer ran across an open field. They were beautiful and majestic and Katrina was astonished. It was so beautiful it nearly brought tears to her eyes.
“Beautiful...” she said, barely in a whisper as the sight was breathtaking.
“Yes it is, and it looks like most of the guests are arriving as we are,” Mr. Douvaine said as he noticed the long line of carriages in front on the circular drive. Each carriage stopped and an army of servants descended on each to unload them of trunks and passengers.
Suddenly the carriage door opened, “Name, sir?” a staunch servant asked Mr. Douvaine.
* * *
chapter
2 7
* * *
“Miss Katrina Proctor!” Willameena came down the steps toward them. She embraced Katrina whole heartedly.
“Miss, how long it has been. I am happy indeed to see you,” Katrina said.
“Miss Proctor!” Mr. Byers came with a speed to his step out of the massive front doors of the house that were propped open.
“Mr. Mason Byers,” she curtsied, as did her relations. He stopped and bowed. “Please allow me to introduce to you my sister, Miss Miranda Byers.
“I am happy to meet your acquaintance,” she said.
“I am so happy that you are here indeed,” he said.
“Thank you for having us,” Katrina said. “Please allow me to introduce you. You already know Adeline and these are my employers, Mr. and Madame Douvaine.”
“Delighted,” Miranda curtsied.
“This is our butler, Mr. Howard. Howard, these fine ladies are in the East suite. Miss Adeline
Proctor in the blue room and Miss Katrina Proctor in the green room... and Mr. and Madame Douvaine in the pink rooms,” Mr. Mason Byers said.
“Right away, sir,” Howard said, and began to command the others of where to take their trunks. “If you will follow me I can...”
“No need, Howard. I will show these guests personally to their quarters,” Mr. Byers interrupted.
“Of course sir, as you wish,” Howard said moving to the side.
“Ladies,” Mr. Byers said as he turned and put an arm out gesturing the direction of the open doors.
“Thank you, sir,” Katrina put her arm around Adeline’s and Miranda was quick to be at her side.
“I hope that the journey was not too long and exhausting from London. How was your meal at the Inn? Miranda asked in a flurry of questions.
“Oh yes it was a long journey, thank you ever so much for asking. You are too kind,” Adeline said, as they entered the grand foyer. The home was exquisite with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. Rich tapestries hung from the walls and the ceilings were ever so high.
“If you will follow me I will show you to your suite where you may rest a while and freshen up before supper,” Mr. Byers said, ascending the stairs as they followed him.
“Thank you,” Mr. Douvaine said, taking in the grandeur of the place. The tall lofty walls were hung with tapestries that looked to be at least one or two hundred years old. Armor was displayed on the walls as well as a family crest of the Brentwood Manor. It was a very impressive place and Katrina felt ever so small.
“Eleanor Dawson, look who has come,” Mr. Byers said as they got to the top of the stairs. Eleanor Dawson turned toward them and the smile fell from her face.
“Oh yes... the Proctors and Douvaines. How do you do?” she said with an air of disgust. Mr. Byers shifted in his stance as though to scowl at her.
“I remember they were coming. I must go see to my sister. Good day,” she nodded and moved past to descend the stairs.
“I must apologize for her. She is stressed with the wedding arrangements and all, as she is helping my dear cousin as they are close” he said covering for her, but Katrina knew she meant to put them in their places.
An Alone and Destitute Girl (#3, the Winds of Misery Victorian Romance) (A Family Saga Novel) Page 12
