An Alone and Destitute Girl (#3, the Winds of Misery Victorian Romance) (A Family Saga Novel)

by Dorothy Green

  “That is to be expected,” Madame Douvaine said, playing along. He smiled at her as though to say that he understood that she knew what was really going on, but thanked her for not making a big deal of her spoiled behaviour.

  “Down the hall, all the way at the end,” he said continuing to lead us.

  “Good day, Mr. Mason Byers. Good to see you, Mr. Mason Byers,” people said as they passed them in the hall. They were all arrivals like they were. Mr. Byers nodded to them all.

  They passed several doors on either side but approached a set of double doors at the very end of the hall. Katrina was surprised, since all the doors we passed that had trunks going in with busy guests were single doors.

  “This is your apartment suite while you are here, Miss Proctors,” he said opening the double doors and stepping in.

  “Oh my this is beautiful, sir,” Adeline said.

  “Yes, it is breathtaking,” Katrina said, walking into the parlour. It was luxuriously decorated and floor to ceiling windows were at the end wall with views of the garden. A massive fireplace sat against another wall with ample places to sit as well as a large table.

  “Through that door is the blue bedroom and through this one is the green, but his parlour is all yours, so do please remember to lock the main doors.

  “All of this for us? Surely, we do not need all of this space,” Katrina said, looking around at the place that was larger than their rooms in Cottered.

  “No, I insist,” he smiled at her.

  “Now Mr. and Madame Douvaine, if you will follow me to your rooms, and then I must see to the rest of the arrivals. Your trunks should be coming any minute now. Here is the bell to ring for a bath or food or anything you need,” he said, pointing to a massive thick rope on the wall.

  “Thank you, sir, that is too kind,” she said.

  “Oh this will be so much fun. I love to acquaint you with so much that has happened since we last conversed,” Georgian said.

  “And I look forward to that conversation,” Katrina said.

  “I have a favour to ask of you, Miss Proctor. If you are not too exhausted, would you consider joining me for a stroll of the gardens in the late afternoon before dinner?” Mr. Mason Byers asked Katrina.

  “Yes, I believe I can manage that,” she said.

  “Thank you. It is two o’clock now. I am going to have tea and food sent here immediately. Would you meet me at five o’clock at the bottom of the stairs for our stroll?”

  “Oh yes,” she said.

  “Great. Good. We will be having a late supper at nine to accommodate all the late arrivals, Please make yourself at home. Anything you need at all... use the bell.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Mason Byers, that is kind,” she said.

  “Then we will leave you,” he turned and headed toward the open doors with Miranda, and Mr. and Madame Douvaine in tow, and as he did so the trunks were being brought in. He turned to her, “I am very glad you have come.”

  “Me too,” she said. Then he left them. Katrina went to her sister’s side and held her hands.

  “Can you believe all of this?”

  “I cannot. Indeed I should not recognize Mr. Mason Byers at all. So polite and agreeable.”

  “If you say so. Let’s get to work shall we? That trunk goes in this room in the blue!” Katrina said, taking command of the trunks. She followed her lead and opened the door to the green room, her bedroom. Katrina gasped as she walked in. Beautiful emerald green silk lined the walls surrounding a large canopy bed draped in white silk. There was a writing desk near the window and wardrobe and dressing screen on the other side of the wall near a table with a wash basin and pitcher. The room itself had high ceilings and a large fireplace. She looked out the window at the beautiful manicured gardens, not believing that she was in such a place.

  Looking in another direction, she saw Eleanor Dawson strolling with Lady William, and remembered how Eleanor Dawson had dismissed her and Lady William had as well at the ball. It reminded her that she truly did not belong and was merely taking a tour through this fantasy for now.

  “Tea, Katrina!” Adeline shouted at her.

  “Coming, sister,” she replied remembering that Mr. Byers had ordered tea for their rooms.

  “And look what I found,” Adeline said holding up a long white card.

  “What is it?”

  “It looks like the schedule of this week,” she said.

  “Arrival supper, arrival breakfast and lunch,” she read out loud. “I think you are right. This is tonight and tomorrow for those that have arrived or will arrive tomorrow. This is the wedding week schedule leading up to actual ceremony on Sunday. There are a lot of things to do,” she said looking over the vast list of garden parties, tea on the lawn, diversions, dinner, and nightly entertainment. It was all so exciting.

  A few hours later, Katrina had changed out of her travel clothes and rested a while on the lavish bed. But though her body was resting, her mind could not. She was restless and even though her eyes were closed, she did not sleep. At four, she began and washed her face and her body with a wash cloth and sorted through her dresses, and picked out a white and mint green patterned dress for her stroll with Mr. Byers.

  “I will do your hair,” her sister said, coming into her room.

  “Thank you.”

  Once she was ready, she made her way out of the rooms with her sister declaring she was going to call for a bath while she waited for everyone to get dressed for supper later.

  Katrina walked down the busy hall. The stares of strangers were on her and she simply smiled and looked down at her silk slippers. At the top of the stairs she looked down from the galley. Mr. Byers was pacing back and forth at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for their stroll.

  She descended the stairs toward him and it was then that he looked up at her and smiled.

  “Mr. Mason Byers,” she curtsied.

  “Miss Proctor,” he bowed. Then he put his arm out to her. She pushed her hand through his and he led her toward the French doors.

  “Do you find the rooms comfortable enough?” he asked walking her through the grand house.

  “Oh yes. They are perfect, thank you.”

  “Thank you for coming,” he said. “I cannot tell you how nervous she was that you might change your mind and not come at all.”

  “Really?” she said, as she remembered he said something similar of being in fear of her not attending the Christmas Ball.

  “Well yes. But I am glad that you have come.”

  “As am I.”

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  chapter

  2 8

  * * *

  Later, Katrina sat in the hot bath washing the traveling day off of her.

  Knock. Knock. “Do not take too long in that bath child! We must get you dressed and do your hair for the supper!” Madame Douvaine shouted through the bedroom door.

  “Yes, Madame Douvaine!” She shouted back. She just wanted to stay in the bath in front of the roaring fireplace for the rest of the night and not make an appearance for supper. She could say that she had a headache from the travel day and leave it at that, she thought as she stood up and wrapped cloth around her. She stepped out of the tub and dried off. It was then that She remembered something as she looked at her naked reflection.

  “What are you thinking? You do not care what these people think. You are here for fun and fun only. Now get dressed and go enjoy this grand house and grand supper and leave it at that, Katrina.” She nodded to her own reflection agreeing with her words.

  Forty-five minutes later, she was adorned in a white and blue dress. It was a simple dress with a pleated bodice but because the silk was such a deep blue, it was elegant and beautiful for supper. Such a fabric did not need to be outshined by a complex dress pattern and it fit her perfectly.

  Madame Douvaine and Adeline walked down the grand staircase arm in arm as Mr. Douvaine had already excused himself to the drawing room for brandy. Adeline wore a dark burgundy and black
dress that was elegant, but did not try too hard to be regal.

  “This is a beautiful home,” She whispered to her.

  “Yes indeed it is.”

  “When we leave here we can look back on this with fondness. For how many people of our acquaintance get to experience such a thing?”

  “Yes. You are right.”

  “Right this way ladies, to the drawing room to wait for supper to be called,” a footman said at the bottom of the stairs.

  “Thank you,” She said. They followed his lead down the hall and followed the other guests as they piled into a large room. There were about twenty people gathered already, and a man was speaking very loudly to them in an informal manner, as though telling a story.

  “...and of course I was delighted that Miss Mary Benton accepted my proposal, for I do not think there is any other that could ever hold a candle to her beauty.”

  Everyone let out sounds of admiration for his loving words and Katrina realized that this must be the groom.

  “Refreshment?” a servant held a tray of perfectly shaped glasses in front with sherry.

  “Thank you,” Madame Douvaine and she said and took a glass. Then they kept to the outer edges of the room, looking in.

  Standing in front of the fireplace was a group of gentlemen and she instantly saw Mr. Byers among them. He seemed deep in conversation and she wondered if he was speaking business, and more particularly about his merchant business. His eyes roamed the room and locked with hers. She smiled, but he did not. He nodded his head acknowledging her and then his eyes moved back to his conversation. She looked away from him.

  Then Georgian came up to Adeline and Katrina and held their ear for nearly half an hour in excitement. Katrina was very glad for it, for she had missed her dear friend greatly.

  “Supper is served,” a footman proclaimed in the doorway. The room filled with commotion as they all filed out of the room. Madame Douvaine and she set glasses of sherry down on a tray and arm in arm they walked out of the drawing room and followed the crowd down the hall.

  “Look at these fine paintings... ancestors possibly?” Madame Douvaine said making note of the grand paintings on the walls as they passed.

  “Yes, possibly. They all look very regal and fine,” Adeline said, making conversation with her on this light subject for she did not want to be without conversation when she felt like her face must be red with embarrassment in the way Mr. William Dawson was staring at her.

  Entering the dining room, Katrina tried not to gasp at the fine room. There were low hung chandeliers from the ceiling, grand fireplaces on both ends, and the longest table she had ever seen in her life. It was set with fine China and silverware as well as small crystal candelabra that sparkled in the dimly lit room, and cards on the table. On each card was a name. Madame Douvaine and she found their cards and were relieved to find that they were sitting side by side. They were practically in the middle of the table which was rightfully so, because at Mr. Byers sat at the head of the table on one end and on the other end was Mr. George William, the groom. Miss Mary Benton, the bride, sat at his side with her closest friends and beside Mr. Byers were his closest friends and relations, the Dawsons.

  They all sat down and the first course was served. She made conversation mostly with Madame Douvaine and a few light conversations with those immediately around them. They were kind enough and did not ask their station in society. She was glad for this, as she mostly wanted to just enjoy the supper in the company of Madame Douvaine’s conversation. But every so often she glanced down the table at Mr. Byers. He was not looking in her direction. In fact, he was very much in conversation with a beautiful woman at his side. She did not know who she was, but she made him smile quite often. It was then that she recognized a feeling deep inside of her that she had not felt in a long time. It was jealousy.

  She occupied herself with the fact that Adeline was sat next to Mr. William Dawson and he seemed to make her smile quiet delightfully.

  After the grand meal they were led into the parlour for after dinner drinks, entertainment in the form of ladies playing the pianoforte, and general mingling. Mr. Byers had not spoken to her as of yet, and she was starting to dismiss the idea that he might have had some interest in her that was more than a mere acquaintance.

  “Would any of you ladies care to join in a game of hearts? They are one short?” a lady about Madame Douvaine’s age that they had already become acquainted with during supper, asked them.

  “Oh, I love hearts,” Madame Douvaine said.

  “Then go and enjoy yourself, Madame Douvaine,” Katrina and Adeline said, pushing her toward this new friend, for she could tell she was apprehensive to leave their side. Madame Douvaine smiled at her and walked with this new friend to a card table. Katrina and Adeline were soon joined by Miranda who again had their full attention. The evening was quite easy and comfortable, just as he had hoped.

  * * *

  chapter

  2 9

  * * *

  “You look absolutely stunning Katrina, as do you, Adeline child,” Madame Douvaine said as they readied for the next day of wedding activities.

  “Thank you, Madame Douvaine.”

  “Now we shall all have fun today. I am to meet my new friend in the library to do some light reading, and perhaps play a game of hearts. So your Madame Douvaine will be preoccupied,” she said with a big smile.

  “You are good at making new friends. I am glad that you are having a good time as well. Such a grand event to look on fondly when you return to London.” Adeline smiled.

  Knock. Knock. Madame Douvaine opened the door.

  “I have a message for Miss Proctor,” he said.

  “I am she,” Katrina walked to the door.

  “Mr. Byers is waiting for you in his grand office. He is asked that I wait for you and escort you there. Whenever you are ready ma'am.”

  “Yes, thank you. Just one moment,” she said, moving back in the door. She grabbed her bonnet and gave a kiss on the cheek to Madame Douvaine and her sister. Then she walked out and followed the footman down the hall toward the staircase. Descending the stairs, they went not left or right but toward the back of the house. she had not been in this section yet. It was just as grand and beautiful.

  As they walked, she noticed the doors were open to a very large room. She realized that it must be the ballroom, and she was very nervous about the ball that was going to happen the next night.

  The footman knocked on the door. Then he announced her, “Miss Proctor has arrived.”

  The door opened and Mr. Byers was standing there with a big smile on his face. He looked just as dashing as ever. His hair was down and informal, short curls were unkempt and dishevelled but his clothing was elegant and stiff as ever.

  “Thank you. That will be all.” He said to the footman, who bowed and walked away.

  “Please come in. I hope you don't mind a very slight delay before our walk today. I was just finishing up these books. Will you come and sit a minute,” he said.

  “Yes, please do not let me rush you. There is still plenty of sunshine for us,” she said, walking into his office. He quickly moved behind his desk and grabbed a quill and started to scratch out numbers in a book.

  She couldn't help but to stare at him. A lone curl fell over his brow and he had an intense look on his face as he worked. She did not sit down however, she took the opportunity to walk around the office of Mr. Mason Byers. There were vast maps hung on the walls. She noticed that there were many maps, particularly of the East, with trading routes all along them. An entire wall of books went from the floor all the way to the very high ceiling, and a ladder provided access to those that were high up. The other wall was filled with massive windows that looked out over the back gardens. It let in lots of sunshine and a lot of nature.

  The heavy mahogany desk looked very expensive and very old. She had imagined that many had sat that there before him. It was sprawled with many books and ledgers. Clearly, he was a
busy man.

  “I am just about done. This is your fault you know,” He said but he did not look at her, he just continued to write.

  “My fault? What do you mean by that?” she moved over to his desk and sat down in front of him.

  “All of this work. Your knowledge and expertise and how you have helped her has made the Byers estate a substantial amount of money. That is through the new trade that I have been taking up through ships. In truth, I called you into my office for a reason before the walk,” he said finally looking up at her.

  “What is that? More business advice?”

  “Yes, always. I will always take that if you have to offer, but this is another matter entirely. I owe a debt to you Miss Proctor. Your knowledge has made my new business ventures prosperous, and this is only the beginning. I feel because of that I owe you a percentage this prosperity. I will know more in a few more weeks. But I wanted to let you know ahead of time because I do not want you to take offense to accepting money from me.” His brow was in a serious line. She could not believe what he was saying.

  “Money? For me? Really Mr. Mason Byers that is not necessary. What I shared with you was the basic knowledge. I do not think it is worth a percentage of your profits. Without the money you put into this business there would be no profits,” she said trying to make sense of the whole thing.

  “I knew that you would decline. But it would be a great insult if you did not accept. For you see I am very diligent toward any and all business, and you are a business partner even if just a small percentage. You may think that all have your knowledge, but that is not true. You have a special gift for it. You will receive the money in due time, and I will not take no for an answer.” He stood up and closed his ledger.

  He walked around to her side. She said nothing as he towered over her. He looked down at her for a long time; there again was that intense chemistry between them, even though no words were being spoken. Her heart began to beat very fast.