by Kira Stewart
Sir Henry nodded. He had been brooding at the thought of Annabelle leaving him, and he was suddenly struck with an idea.
“You must come and practice on my piano, Miss. Roebuck. It is sitting idle and it is such a grand thing. It pains me that it may never be played again. I will have it tuned for you. Perhaps your dear mother will spare you to come and play? Annabelle can come and make use of the library and you the pianoforte. Now, what do you both say?”
Charlotte smiled. An invitation had just fallen into her lap. Her mama would be pleased.
8.
Over the next few days, the winter sun shone down on Wallington Manor. Dr. Harris recommended gentle exercise and fresh air for the girl, and it was just the excuse that Sir Henry needed to show Annie around the grounds.
Wrapped up in one of his old jackets and wearing a thick woolen shawl, Annabelle walked slowly beside Sir Henry, as Perkins pushed him in his chair.
Many of the magnificent trees were bare, but looked beautiful against the bright blue skyline. The evergreens added a touch of color and the land around formed a patchwork of earthy hues. A magnificent walled fountain stood directly in front of the house and they walked down the graveled walkway toward it.
Once they reached the grey stonework, Perkins left the two alone, making the excuse that he needed to speak to Tom, the gardener, who was busy replanting the flowerbeds in time for spring.
“I’m afraid the weather is too cold for the water to be switched on, but when working, the fountain is quite a magnificent sight. I bought this for my wife, a surprise for her birthday.”
For a moment, Sir Henry looked sad.
“Do you miss your wife, Sir Henry?”
Did he miss his wife? He pondered the question for a moment.
It had been more than ten years since Catherine Faversham had died giving birth to their only son. Both mother and baby had died. Catherine had been only twenty-nine years old. Not a day had gone by without him feeling her loss keenly, but the heartache had been too great, and he had pushed his sorrow away, hiding it deep inside and it had hardened his heart. He had become reckless, caring little for his own life. The riding accident that had left him crippled had been self-inflicted. He had been riding that day like a madman—a madman with a death wish. If the fall had killed him, one might have called it suicide.
Since the accident, he had not cared that he could no longer walk. His heart was already shriveled and he cared little for himself. Yet now, this young girl had stirred something within him, and had given him the hope of salvation.
“I have been very lonely these last ten years, Annie. They have been very dark years for me indeed. But now …”
He stopped short and his gaze returned to her face. She saw the softness in his eyes, as if she could see all of the loneliness and yearning within his soul. Suddenly, she was afraid of his next words, and shrank back a little from him.
He saw her eyes widen and the small look of fear on her face, although she tried to disguise it from him.
For a moment, he saw himself though her eyes. What was he thinking of? He wasn’t even a man—he was a half man, a helpless cripple like a baby. He was an old man compared to her, the beautiful and innocent girl standing before him.
The air cooled around them and she saw his face harden.
“Perkins, Perkins. Come man, it is getting cold. We need to get back to the house.”
•••
Her last few days at Wallington Manor were spent alone. Sir Henry made excuses for not attending mealtimes and she ate alone when Mrs. Shaw would bring her meal on a tray to eat in her room.
Sir Henry had been called away suddenly to London on business, and he regretted that he would not be there to say goodbye. He had, however, left her a small gift, a neatly wrapped parcel that Mrs. Shaw brought with her breakfast things on her final morning.
It was the small book of Shakespeare’s sonnets.
Annabelle’s hand trembled, as she opened the small book. The silk bookmark had been placed at sonnet 18. Her heart ached. She had made Sir Henry very unhappy—kind and thoughtful Sir Henry. But she could not pretend to love the man, and it would have been wrong to give the poor man false hopes, especially after all he had been through.
Leaving him a letter, thanking him for all of his kindness, she returned back home with a heavy heart.
9.
Life returned back to how it had always been at the Gables, well, almost. Whilst Annabelle was treated with the same indifference by her aunt and cousins, and still worked hard as the unpaid help, she thought her aunt less harsh. There was still no affection, however, some of the vindictive cruelty had left her aunt.
In the first instance, Vivian Roebuck was very cautious. She could not let anything happen to Annabelle, not after what had happened, and the involvement with Sir Henry. Also, she was distracted. All of her energy and time was now spent thinking about how she could secure Sir Henry as a husband for Charlotte.
The invitation for Charlotte to play the pianoforte was immediately seized upon. Sir Henry had not stipulated times or dates, so within a few days of Annabelle arriving back home, Vivian Roebuck took it upon herself to send Charlotte in the carriage alone to Wallington Manor. Sir Henry would hardly turn the girl away. Not wanting Annabelle to get in the way of her cousin, her aunt advised that she had already taken up enough of Sir Henry’s time, and Charlotte could bring back any books for the girl to read.
Annabelle did not protest. She would feel awkward seeing him again. She had somehow offended the poor man, and she did not want to open up old wounds.
However, the well-made plans of Vivian Roebuck did not fall as expected. For the next month, Charlotte Roebuck was sent in her finest clothes to play the pianoforte at Wallington Manor, yet on her return, it was the same story. Sir Henry Faversham had not been at home. The girl had been welcomed by Mrs. Shaw and even served tea and cakes after her lessons, which were brief and chiefly spent with the girl sulking. But the man himself, she did not see.
“I do not understand the man, Charlotte. He gives you an invitation to his house, his intentions were obvious, but then he is not present. What is the man playing at?”
“Perhaps we saw too much in the invitation, Mama. Perhaps he did only mean that I play the piano after all?”
Mrs. Roebuck would not entertain such a ridiculous suggestion.
By now, Charlotte was getting a little tired of her visits. She loathed playing the pianoforte, and the idea of becoming Lady Faversham was starting to lose its appeal.
“Nonsense, Charlotte. A man like that does not invite a young lady into his house, without there being an ulterior motive. I wonder if I should write to him.”
But before she had time to put pen to paper, Sir Henry Faversham had already written his own letter and it arrived the next day, delivered by Perkins.
It was an invitation for them all to attend dinner the following evening.
Vivian Roebuck was as excited as a school girl.
“You see, Charlotte. I knew it was just a matter of time. Perhaps Sir Henry has been at home all of this time and watching you from afar. I knew his intentions all along. He had just been toying with us, the naughty man. You will be mistress of Wallington Manor within the year, I do declare.”
The truth, was that Sir Henry missed young Annabelle. He had tried to forget her, but now that his heart had been opened, there could be no closing it. He had worried about the girl, too. Mrs. Shaw had told him about her cousin’s visits and he had wondered why Annie did not come, too. He did not trust Mrs. Roebuck, and wanted to see the girl again for himself.
Vivian Roebuck had other ideas. She did not tell Annabelle about the invitation, only that she and her daughters would be dining out that evening. The girl would stay behind and catch up on her sewing. Several new dresses for Charlotte had already been started, and Mrs. Roebuck wanted her eldest daughter ready for any event or occasion, should it arise.
10.
When the carr
iage pulled up at his door, and Sir Henry saw that Annabelle was not in it, the man could not help but show his disappointment. Since writing the letter, he had thought of little else. The house had been filled with flowers and a special meal had been prepared. Elsie Shaw had been happy. It was just like the old days when the mistress was alive.
But now his heart sank, as he welcomed his guests gruffly. He was in little mood for the company before him.
“Annabelle is not with you? I hope she is well?”
Mrs. Roebuck made light of the matter.
“Dear Annabelle. She is still a little tired after her ordeal, you know, Sir Henry, and it is such a cold evening. We thought it better she stayed at home in bed. I hope that it hasn’t inconvenienced you at all?”
It had inconvenienced him very much.
All through the meal, he was deep in thought. Mrs. Roebuck talked so very much that Sir Henry’s silence was barely noticed. He worried about the girl, and his desire to see her again was overwhelming. After the soup had been served, he excused himself and called for Perkins. He would send the carriage to the Gables for Perkins to check up on the girl, bringing her back if she was willing. He would deal with Mrs. Roebuck, if the need arose.
All the way through the main course, he listened for the sound of the carriage wheels on the drive, whilst Vivian Roebuck eulogized on the virtues of her eldest daughter.
As soon as the crunch on the gravel was heard, he waited expectantly. Perkins arrived and Sir Henry excused himself once again.
The girl was still sat in the carriage.
“She was sat sewing by candlelight when I knocked on the door, Sir. A new dress for her cousin, Charlotte, by all accounts.”
The man’s relief of knowing Annabelle was nearby, was soon replaced by anger. The girl wasn’t in bed at all, but had been forced to work for her aunt and cousins. It was just as he suspected.
“Fetch the girl, Perkins.”
He trembled slightly at the thought of seeing her again. He hadn’t known until now what purpose the evening would serve, but now it came to him with an intense clarity. He knew, without doubt, what he must do, what must be done.
Annabelle was apprehensive. She was dressed in her oldest clothing and hadn’t had the time to attend to her hair. Perkins had told her that she must come quickly, that Sir Henry needed her, but wouldn’t say why. She had deeply regretted leaving Sir Henry on ill terms, and if he now needed her help, then she would not question it. Her aunt and cousins would be out until late and she had left a note, not knowing they were already dining at Wallington Manor.
Perkins had been astute. Although his master had not said a word, he knew the reason for his recent mood. He had seen the change the girl had brought his master, and he dare not think what would happen if Sir Henry did not see the girl again. He had lied, saying that Sir Henry needed to see her urgently, and she had come. That was all that mattered.
When she entered the hall looking pale and tired, his heart raced. It was his only chance.
“Sir Henry. What is wrong? I came as soon as Perkins asked. What can I do?”
Running to his chair, she took his outstretched hands, all previous concerns lost in the moment.
“Dearest Annabelle. I fear your aunt is using you harshly. Perkins tells me that you were working, sewing a dress for your cousin tonight.”
The girl nodded. She could not lie.
“I wondered why you had not arrived with your aunt this evening.”
The girl looked puzzled.
“My aunt is here? But why?”
Suddenly, everything clicked into place. Vivian Roebuck’s intentions were clear. It made his resolve even stronger.
“Oh Annabelle, your aunt and cousins are dining with me tonight. They told me that you were tired and resting, and could not attend. I was concerned for your welfare and that is why I sent Perkins for you. Now, listen to me. I know I am much older than you, and only half a man. But will you be my wife? I can never be a real husband to you, but I can offer you safety and shelter for the rest of your days. All I can offer is friendship and companionship. Will you have me?”
The girl was taken aback for a moment. The thought that her aunt was here had been revelation enough, but now a marriage proposal? She was silent for a moment.
“You cannot go back and live with your aunt, Annie. That is no life for you. Your aunt will not give you a chance, and you will be stuck looking after her for the rest of her life. You are unlikely to inherit anything. And what then? If you marry me, you will never have to worry about money for the rest of your life.”
Annabelle thought about her aunt and cousins deceiving her so. She had not been shown any affection by them throughout her short life, and Sir Henry was right, what would her life be? However, she did not love him and she did not want to deceive him.
As if reading the girl’s thoughts, he spoke again.
“I do not expect you to love me, Annabelle, but your friendship and companionship is all I crave, all I am capable of. What do you say?”
He had shown her so much kindness, so much more than anyone else alive. Her hands tightened around his.
“Yes, Sir Henry. I will marry you.”
11.
When Perkins wheeled his master back into the dining room, he called for more wine.
“I have an announcement to make,” he declared to the party seated around the table.
Vivian Roebuck smiled knowingly at her eldest daughter.
“As you are aware, I have been a widower for many years, and I find that Wallington Manor is too empty and lonely a place for one man and a handful of servants to rattle around in. Having young people around the place again has made me realise just how alone I am. I am not a young man, Mrs. Roebuck, and a cripple at that, but I think I still have enough to offer a young lady. Friendship, security and companionship are equally as important as love these days, do you not agree?”
The woman was all smiles. It was just as she had hoped.
“I agree most whole heartedly Sir Henry. Charlotte here would make a most wonderful companion.”
Sir Henry smiled.
“Of that I have no doubt, Mrs. Roebuck. So I hope that you will all congratulate me on my future marriage. Please, raise your glasses.”
At that moment, Perkins opened the door and Annabelle stepped into view.
“May I introduce my future wife, Miss Annabelle Bradshaw.”
The look on the faces of Charlotte and Vivian Roebuck was worth a million words. Charlotte looked at her cousin amazed, her mouth open in wonder.
The initial reaction of Vivian Roebuck was one of surprise, then shock, and then anger.
She turned on the poor girl immediately.
“Annabelle, what is the meaning of this?”
Sir Henry intervened.
“I’m sure you are very happy for your niece, Mrs. Roebuck?”
Her eyes bulged and she swallowed her words. She would have to be careful in what she said.
“I’m sure the girl is very flattered, Sir. I must apologize for my outburst, I am so surprised by this turn of events. Of course, Annabelle is not yet twenty-one.”
That she was not of the age of consent, Sir Henry was well aware, and knew that the woman was threatening him, although she could barely stop the marriage.
“I am sure under the circumstances you will approve of the arrangements. I know the girl is a help to you at home, but I would have thought that with three girls of your own, their welfare would be enough for you, and it must be a comfort to know that your late husband’s niece will be safe and secure and well provisioned for the rest of her life? I would hate to think that anything like the incident in the snow could happen again, if you take my meaning?”
Vivian Roebuck knew all right. Now it was Sir Henry’s turn to make a veiled threat. It left her in no doubt that he knew the girl had been ill treated.
“Of course, Sir Henry, Annabelle is a very lucky girl. But there is much to arrange and organize. W
hen were you thinking of the wedding taking place? May is always a good month for a wedding, I think.”
Smiling begrudgingly at her niece, Vivian knew she had to make the best of the situation. After all, she would be related to wealth and a title, and the match could only be advantageous to her own girls.
“The wedding will take place within the week, Madam, as soon as I have arranged for a license. I should have no difficulty in the task. I should like Annabelle to stay here until then. And do not worry. I am in no physical state to compromise your niece, and her reputation will remain intact. Now, here comes Mrs. Shaw with the pudding. It is baked apples, one of my favorites. Let us enjoy.”
Vivian Roebuck was at a loss for words, which was a very rare occurrence. The baked apples were left untouched by the woman and her daughters, and they watched in a stunned silence, as Mrs. Shaw made space at the table next to Sir Henry for young Annabelle. She had been informed by Perkins of all that had transpired, and was very pleased for both her master and the young girl.
“What about Annabelle’s things, her clothes and her possessions?”
Poor Mrs. Roebuck could think of no other reason to stall the proceedings.
“I will send Perkins for them later in the week. And do not worry, Madam, Annabelle will have all the new clothes she needs. I will take her to London after the weddings and she will have the finest gowns and ornaments money can buy. Now, it is getting late. I think it is perhaps time for Perkins to take you back home. You can send some clothes of Annabelle’s back with him, and they will tide her over for the week.”
However, Mrs. Roebuck had not finished.
“But what about a wedding gown, and a wedding breakfast? Surely you would not deny the girl a proper wedding?”
