Dominic seemed to be in shock. Emilia had never been so forceful with her speech in regard to the man. But she harboured a deep belief that Lord Huntley Pendergast was vile to the extreme.
“How long have you known this Simon James?” Dominic finally asked.
“One year.”
“One year’s time, and you have not told me about any of this? You’re sneaking away to meet with him?”
“No, Father. There has never been a time that we have met in private,” Emilia said. Yet another lie. She and Simon had been quite alone with one another in the tearoom of Montgomery House. But for whatever reason, there was nothing that felt scandalous or wrong about it. She had poured her heart out to Simon in that room and was met with compassion when she did so.
“This is all too much to bear,” Dominic said with a wave of his hand.
“Father, just say that you’ll meet Simon tomorrow when he comes?”
“Who is his family? From whence does he come?” Dominic asked, and Emilia was embarrassed to learn that she didn’t have an answer to any of these questions. Had Simon once been a Londoner? Did he have siblings? Were his parents still alive? There was so much to learn about him, and he about her, if they were going to keep up the ruse.
“All of this shall be answered in good time,” Emilia said, trying to evade the questions. “But I promise you, Father, once you meet Simon, your opinion of him shall be changed. He’s an honourable man of exceptional talent.” And she wished to convey that he was the handsomest man she had ever beheld, but to convey such a thing would be to put their plan to an end before it had even began.
Emilia could see that her father was considering her words, and she was grateful for that. And she had spoken the truth when she said that upon meeting Simon, her father’s opinion and assumptions would change. Something about Simon’s presence had that effect on people. Emilia sensed it deeply.
“I need a fresh cup of tea,” Dominic said, his mood choleric. Emilia quickly left the room to inform Clyde of her father’s need, and as she did so, she prayed continuously. When she returned to her father’s room, the words that she wished to hear were: ‘all right, I shall speak with this Simon James.’ Upon returning and taking her seat again, Emilia could see that her father was still in a state of deep contemplation. Emilia waited in the silence, and not until his tea was served did Dominic begin to speak.
“You know how much I love and care for you, daughter,” Dominic began.
“And I love and care for you,” Emilia replied, anticipation filling her.
“Therefore, I need to make sure, as your protector, that you’re truly ready to decline the affections of Lord Pendergast. It is my duty as your father to remind you that Lord Huntley Pendergast has the power to add prestige to the Spencer name. Not only that—he can provide you with wealth that will offer comfort and security for the rest of your days. What’s more, his wealth will ensure the security of your children, allowing them to thrive for the rest of their lives. If you choose to dissuade Lord Pendergast, all of this will be lost, and you’ll have to fend for yourself. Not only that, but Rose will not enjoy the same reputation that she might have. You damage her prospects for marriage with your actions.”
Emilia’s heart sank. Everything that her father was saying was the truth, yet it pained her to think that there was so much pressure on her shoulders as the eldest Spencer daughter. Her family relied upon her in a way that she never expected.
After the passing of her mother, Emilia felt like the matriarch of the family, and thus it was her duty to always behave in a way that best suited the Spencer name. Yet still, even with this pressure, Emilia could not imagine throwing away her life for the sake of duty.
Marrying Lord Pendergast would lead to the death of her soul, and this was something that she reasoned would suit her family least. Yes, marrying the tyrant would bring wealth, but could the Spencer family endure a very new Emilia, an Emilia that no longer experienced joy? She didn’t think so.
“I appreciate your saying all of this, Father,” Emilia finally replied. “And the points that you make are sound. My behaviour carries serious repercussions for us all, and I’m not in denial of that. But even with all of this said, I cannot ignore the pull of my heart. Simon James is the man that I love and will always love. I know that you care for my happiness, and the only way that I can be happy is if you listen to Simon’s pleads and allow me the space to follow my heart.”
After Emilia spoke she awaited her father’s reply and was met with deathly silence yet again. She considered the fact that perhaps she shouldn’t have chosen painting at all, but rather, the life of a theatrical. The performance that she had just given was her best ever. That being said, Emilia was not entirely acting. Her conviction was real and even the pulling of her heart was real.
“Child, I have listened to all that you have said, just as you have carefully listened to me. I have come to the conclusion,” Dominic said, looking up towards the heavens as though he were receiving some council from there, “that I shall hear what this Simon James has to say.”
“Oh, Father!” Emilia exclaimed, jumping to her feet and throwing her arms around him.
“I’m not saying that I will grant permission!” Dominic protested. “What I merely mean is that I will give him audience and diligently listen to what he has to say. Then, I will make my heavy decision.”
“Yes, Father. That is all that I ask. Merely hear him out and then decide. You will feel no pressure from me,” Emilia said, pulling away from the embrace. “I know that he has no wealth,” she went on, “but you’ll see instantly that he is a man of admirable character and bearing. What’s more, his vocation is honourable, especially being apprentice to Britain’s greatest painter.”
“He truly is Britain’s greatest painter,” Dominic said, turning wistful. “I shall never forget a showing of his work at the National Gallery. I took you when you were a little girl. I marvelled at the way that he painted light. The manner in which he brought the scene so effortlessly to life. If your Simon James can paint half as expertly as Sir Gregory Kingsley, then I’m sure that he will have a sound future.”
“He can paint as expertly, Father,” Emilia said. “In fact, one day he might even be better.”
“Now, now, don’t turn to exaggeration,” Dominic said. “I do not believe that that would even be possible.”
“Anything is possible,” Emilia said with a smile. She was truly beginning to believe that. If the plan really did work, then indeed, everything was possible.
“If anything were truly possible,” Dominic added, “then I’d be able to get out of this blasted chair,” he said with a huff.
“One day, you will,” Emilia assured him.
“Only after the invention of mechanical legs! Then I would be able to walk.”
Sadness struck Emilia just then. If she was going to give up on Lord Pendergast’s wealth, then it meant inferior care for her father. That was the only aspect of the argument that gave her pause. Emilia was confident that Rose would do just fine in life, but it was her father that she was most concerned with. What with the family’s diminishing income, Emilia was afraid that Dominic would come to the point where he could no longer afford his own care. Then what would happen?
Both daughters would be married off at that point, and Dominic would be quite alone. Although Emilia missed her mother, she constantly regretted that Dominic did not take another wife. In his declining years, she wanted to have someone constantly by his side.
“All shall be well,” Emilia finally said, placing a hand upon her father’s shoulder.
“Yes, my girl,” Dominic replied, placing his hand atop hers. They stood there in silence for some time as the rain finally began to fall. Emilia had seen the incoming storm before she left Montgomery House, and now the clouds were finally beginning to weep. She dearly hoped that they were weeping for joy.
***
As Simon approached the door to 35 Pershing Street, his heart
began to race in his chest. He would do everything in his power to convince the father that his suit was sound. Simon had taken great pains to ensure that his appearance was just-so, even though that was something that he wasn’t accustomed to. Part of the thrill of the life of an artist’s apprentice was not having to care for such things. Simon could let his blond curls fly willy-nilly without any rebuke. But that afternoon, Simon wished to come across as a gentleman in the best sense of the word.
The carriage ride to London had been swift, and Kingsley’s approval was clear. Simon did not mince words when he told the famous artist of what he was doing. He appreciated the compassion that Kingsley exuded. No doubt, the artist was just as taken by Emilia’s presence as Simon had been. Although Kingsley thought the plan risky, he was still willing to do his part.
And so, standing before the front door to the Spencer house, Simon knew that chances were good that he might succeed. Still, Simon did not enjoy the sensation of lying. In fact, he deplored lying in all forms, but his dedication to the plan overrode all. He wondered if he might encounter Emilia. He wished desperately to see her again, and her beautiful face was all that he thought of throughout the night. He also thought of Lady Susana, but those thoughts were less kind.
Finally, Simon reached his hand up to knock upon the door, and within no time, a rather serious-looking chap opened it.
“Good afternoon, my name is Simon James.”
“We’ve been expecting you,” the man said joylessly, opening the door so that Simon might come in. Without discussion, Simon was led down a hall and towards a room in the back of the house. All the while, he looked from side to side, seeing if he could locate Emilia, but she was not found. Being led into the room, Simon could instantly glean that it was the father’s study. Shock overtook him as he saw the ageing fellow sitting in a rolling chair. Emilia had mentioned his ill health, but Simon was not expecting to what degree the man would be infirm.
“Come in,” the man said, and Simon’s shock turned to embarrassment as he realized that he didn’t know the man’s name.
“I thank you,” Simon replied, entering the dark room and seating himself on the opposite side of the father’s desk.
“I am Dominic Spencer,” the father said, and Simon was suddenly relieved that the man presented his name.
“It’s an unspeakable pleasure,” Simon replied. “I am Simon James.”
“I know,” Dominic replied flatly. “Would you like some tea?”
“That would be wonderful, I thank you,” Simon replied and watched as the footman left the room to procure the tea.
“That is Clyde,” Dominic said.
“I am very happy to meet him, as well.”
“Enough with the pleasantries. Tell me why you want to court my daughter.”
Simon felt his throat go bone dry. He had never had to encounter a father before when it came to his amorous intents. The prospect of it was far more frightening than he assumed it would be. “I’m in love with her.”
“That is not good enough,” Dominic said with a shake of the head.
“Please, allow me to continue.”
“Very well,” the father added, leaning back in his chair.
“Emilia is not only the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld, but she also has the most beautiful heart, mind, and soul that I have ever beheld.” Simon paused for a moment to see if Dominic wished to speak, but the father remained silent. “Because of her purity, and the joy that she makes me feel in my breast, I not only wish to court her but also to make her my fiancé at once.”
“What?” Dominic replied in shock, leaning forwards and placing his hands upon the desk.
“It is the truth,” Simon went on. “I want our future to be certain. It would pain me to no end if I was courting her, all the while knowing that my ultimate goal was far graver. If you allow me to be Emilia’s fiancé, I can assure you that her utmost safety and well-being will be tended to at all times. I am not a wealthy man; this I know. But I do foresee a future of financial security for myself, Emilia, and our children. There is no way for me to prove this to you.”
“You can prove it to me,” Dominic said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“How’s that?”
“Show me one of your paintings,” Dominic said, lifting his brow. Simon smiled to himself, for he came prepared for this moment. The painting was not large and was therefore easy to carry to London. It was Simon’s best, and a landscape fashioned after his master’s work. Someday, Simon would show off his portraiture, but for the time being, the landscape would have to do. Reaching down to the leather case that was at his side, Simon opened it and pulled the small painting out, placing it upon the desk. Dominic leaned in and squinted his eyes, just as the tea was being served.
The painting was stared at for some time, as though Dominic were inspecting every last detail. Anticipation filled Simon’s breast as he did not know what Dominic’s response would be. Finally, the father leaned back and sighed to himself.
“Does it please you?” Simon asked.
“Young man,” Dominic replied, then reached up to wipe a tear from his eye, “it’s one of the most beautiful paintings that I have ever seen.”
“Then, it is yours,” Simon said with great conviction. “Keep it as a token of my devotion to your daughter and my guarantee of our future happiness.”
“Very well,” Dominic said, emotion in his voice. Simon reached his hand across the desk to shake Dominic’s, and the two men looked into one another’s eyes as they did so.
Chapter 5
“Why don’t you tell me anything, Emmie!” Rose protested, following Emilia as she walked around her room preparing.
“I do tell you things,” Emilia assured her, fastening some earrings to her ears.
“No you don’t. Father says that you’re in love and have been for some time now. You must not like me in the lightest if you haven’t told me about him,” Rose said, collapsing onto the bed in a huff.
“Of course, I like you. Sometimes I even love you,” Emilia replied with a smile. “But I felt the need to keep it a secret.”
“Hmf.”
“It was for my safety, Rose,” Emilia assured her. “If Father were to find out, I was afraid that he’d bring it all to an end. I needed to pretend like I was still interested in Lord Pendergast.”
“You did a terrible job pretending,” Rose said humorously.
“Oh, I know that I didn’t conceal my true feelings all that well, but I did the best that I could.”
“You look beautiful,” Rose said, eyeing her sister with admiration.
“Is it all right?” Emilia asked, turning to the mirror to inspect her green gown.
“Perfect in every way,” Rose said, tilting her head to one side. “Do I get to have all of your gowns once you’re married?”
“Why on earth would you receive my gowns? It’s not like I’m dying anytime soon.”
“I always imagined that when one got married, they got an entirely new wardrobe and jewels.”
“I’m afraid that would only be the case if I married Lord Huntley Pendergast,” Emilia said, her face cringing.
“Will I meet the Spencer fellow?”
“Simon,” Emilia said, correcting her.
“Will I meet the Simon fellow?”
“This very night at the ball.”
“Do you jest?” Rose asked.
“I do not,” Emilia replied with a warm smile.
The Crawford ball had been on the Spencer girls’ calendar for quite some time, but Emilia would never have guessed that she’d be meeting her fiancé there. Even if the engagement was false, Emilia still felt that kind of excitement that a girl gets when she knows she shall be dressed to the nines and with her beaux by her side.
The Wild Passion of an Eccentric Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 5
