Kate turned the subject. “Did you wish to have a few minutes of privacy to compose your letter to your daughter, my lord, Austen?”
“You needn’t leave for me to do that. I feel as though I have no secrets from you at this point.” He grinned at her, fascinated by her shy smile.
“Well, I was planning to leave to get us some tea, but I won’t bother prolonging the task if you don’t mind my being here,” she informed him.
“What is the complete opposite of minding?” he asked rhetorically. She departed the room, leaving behind her tinkling laughter and the faintest scent of lemons in her wake.
He stared at one of the blank pieces of paper she had left for him, pondering what he could say to his daughter, especially knowing she might not be the only one who read it. He finally pulled the paper a little closer to himself and set to his task.
My dearest Anne,
I trust this letter finds you well. Please accept my humblest apologies for leaving without a word. I needed to get away for a space and then ran into difficulties. I have made some new friends and am being well cared for at the moment. I hope to return to you in London within a few days.
Take care,
Father
He reread his words. There was no information contained in the missive, but it would assure his daughter that he was alive and well, which was the only purpose it served. There was no way to explain, even if he wanted to, to his daughter the complete change he felt coming over him, especially not in a letter. If he sensed she could handle it when he was with her again, he would make the attempt, but certainly not from this distance. What he had written would have to do. He sanded the letter and waited for Kate’s return to request sealing wax.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Kate declared as she entered the room, followed by a servant.
Austen found Kate’s household to be run in a fascinating manner. It was obviously a thriving estate; she was clearly a woman of some means. But she did not over burden the house or property with servants. She had the housekeeper, who also seemed to serve as her companion and even the cook. There was one maid and a footman/errand boy, who was now currently carrying the heavy tray.
Without waiting for Austen’s reply, Kate directed the servant to set down the tray. “Thank you, Jeremy. Right here on this side table should do nicely.”
“Very good, Miss.” The servant bowed and left the room.
“Are you having trouble with your correspondence?” Her tone was kind but curious.
“Not at all, I am finished.”
“Finished? Already?” A look flit across her face that was a combination of consternation and irritation. “Men are the worst possible correspondents,” she declared with a laugh.
“No doubt you are right, but it shall serve the purpose of allaying any concerns my daughter might be having for my safety and telling her that I shall re-join her soon. I don’t really see a need to go into any further detail.”
All she did was laugh, which Austen couldn’t decide if it were highly irritating or amusing. So he chose to ignore it. “Could I trouble you for some sealing wax?”
“Of course, no trouble at all,” she responded instantly, hurrying over to her desk to get it.
Once he had his letter straightened out, he was swept with the uncomfortable feeling that he ought to express his appreciation for all that Kate was doing for him, but he couldn’t come up with the right words. How do you thank someone for turning your life around?
“Why are you doing this?” he asked, overwhelmed with his feelings all of a sudden.
“Doing what?” She seemed genuinely confused by his question.
“Being so generous and kind to a stranger,” he explained patiently. “You could have left me on the side of the road where you found me, or had a magistrate see to me, or even if you had thought you ought to see to my immediate needs, you could have sent me on my way the first morning. This, helping me learn how to get my life straightened out, is above and beyond the usual efforts of human kindness.”
Kate blushed rosily at his words, much to Austen’s fascination. It was a strange reaction. As though she had something to hide. Curious, he tilted his head, trying to see into her mind. Which was impossible with anyone, especially a beautiful woman. He grinned.
She busied herself pouring the tea and arranging everything precisely, avoiding eye contact.
“Do I make you nervous, Kate?” he asked, incredulous.
She nodded.
“Why?” He knew his bald question was a trifle rude given her obvious discomfort, but he could not fathom why the girl would be nervous in his presence.
Her blush deepened, but she finally looked at him, squarely in the eyes. “I haven’t been much in a gentleman’s company since my husband was killed, and you are a handsome man. It makes me nervous.”
Austen’s grin stretched across his face. “You think I’m handsome?” He found her words hard to believe but was warmed by the possibilities.
He began to worry for her health, as her face grew even darker. The poor girl looked beside herself with discomfort. But she gave him honesty. “Of course. You are handsome, my lord. And seeing you trying to better your situation is strangely attractive as well.”
He felt like he was gaping over her words. “That is a rather cruel thing to jest about Mrs. Appleton.”
Now she was gaping at him. “I would not jest about such a thing,” she insisted. “And do not use that tone with me. Just because you are an attractive man does not give you leave to speak to me as though I were a simpleton.”
“Thinking me attractive makes you a simpleton,” he muttered as he shuffled his feet.
They looked at one another, both highly uncomfortable. Austen finally broke the awkward silence. “Well, I think you’re beautiful, so I should be grateful that you think me attractive.”
Her colour had finally been returning to a more natural hue, but his words brought the blush back to her cheeks. She could not bring her gaze to his face, instead focusing on his shoulder as she backed toward the door. “I think I hear Mrs. Peabody calling for me. I should go.”
Austen couldn’t hear anyone else’s voice, but he did not prevent her departure. He had a lot he needed to think about, and some time alone would be most beneficial.
He stayed in the library until he was called for supper. Austen made every effort to be personable and non-confrontational during the meal. It was interesting to note that Mrs. Peabody kept shooting quizzical glances between him and Kate throughout the evening. He excused himself early as it had been a long day.
Chapter Ten
Back in London
The morning after the Roxborough ball, Anne lay abed later than usual. It had been a late night and she’d had a bit of difficulty falling asleep as well. There were so many things to think about! She was still anxious about her father. And while she was beginning to enjoy her Season, thanks to the viscount and his friends’ interference, she had some decisions to make about her future. It would be lovely if she had a parent with whom to discuss it all.
“Good morning, my lady,” Sally sang out cheerily as she threw open the curtains. “I was surprised that you had not yet rung for me. Are you feeling poorly this morning?”
“Not in the sense of being ill, no, thank you for asking, Sally.”
“In what sense then?” The kindly maid was observant enough to notice Anne’s half-hearted answer.
“I had trouble getting to sleep last night, so I slept later than usual and am feeling a little worn around the edges this morning. Nothing to be too worried about.”
“Oh, dear, milady, should I shut the drapes and let you go back to sleep?” Sally was contrite.
“No, no, Sally, it is high time for me to be up and about. There could be callers in a couple of hours, and I need to be fed and dressed properly if anyone does stop by.”
Sally handed Anne her cup of chocolate and asked with a coy tone, “Is there anyone in particular you are hoping calls
by?”
Anne’s sigh was both disconsolate and frustrated. “Does it sound foolish to say I cannot answer that question?”
Sally frowned at her mistress. “Not foolish, no, but you certainly sound like you need to talk the matter through. I don’t know any of the ton’s gentlemen, as it has been ages since her ladyship entertained before you came, but if you’re just needing a listening ear, I’d be happy to help.”
“Thank you, Sally.” Anne sipped her chocolate and pondered her problem. “For one thing, I am becoming quite anxious about my father. While he has been less than reliable over the years, especially since my mother passed away, I know he cares about me and would not go off for long without telling me. Despite my aunt telling me that her husband suggested my father should leave, I really don’t think he would have just gone off without at least saying goodbye.” She paused again while the maid offered sympathetic noises but had no comment to offer.
Anne continued. “The Viscount of Bracondale has been most kind. He has set someone to searching for my father and has proven to be a real friend, much to my surprise. But he assures me he has no interest in gaining a wife at this point in life and, of course, I have no interest in him as a husband,” she insisted. “I am not one of those silly girls who thinks she can reform a rake into an ideal husband.” Anne ignored the flutter in her chest over this thought.
“No, I can see why you would say so, milady.”
“Last night I met a lovely gentleman, a baron from a village only a couple of hours away from my home. He seemed quite pleasant and even wanted to introduce me to his mother.”
“That sounds encouraging, milady.”
Anne smiled at the maid. “It does sound encouraging, doesn’t it? I should be far more excited about it than I am.” She sighed again. “Part of me just wants to go home to Rowanwood and forget all about this idea of making an advantageous match. That is a large part of the reason why I wish my father was here, Sally. I wish I could discuss with him if this really is our only option. I do not want to let him down. But it feels like a terrible responsibility. How can I make a choice that will affect the rest of my life?” She could hear that her voice was becoming a little shrill by the end of her speech and tried to offset the effect by offering another smile to her listening maid.
“Well, now, milady, that is a lot to handle. But there’s nothing saying that you have to make your mind up today or even tomorrow, is there?”
“No, but there have already been some betrothals announced. It makes me feel like I will miss my chance if I do not make haste.”
The maid hmmed and looked pensive. “I can see that would be trying, but I think you’re making this harder for yourself than it needs to be. You still have several weeks before this Season is over. Maybe you’ll find this baron is perfect for you, or else you will find someone else who is even more so. Or your viscount will decide that he cannot live without you.” The maid chuckled when she saw Anne’s cheeks heat over her last words.
“That is not going to happen, Sally. But you are quite correct. I really ought not to make this more difficult for myself by thinking about the betrothals. I am already feeling pressured. Thinking about that just makes it worse.”
Sally was right, Anne thought, while she couldn’t help her figure out which gentleman would make a good husband, just talking out her worries helped them seem a little less overwhelming. She really wished there were a lady she could discuss these matters with, someone who would know who she was talking about.
No use crying over spilt milk, though, as her mother used to say. Thinking of her mother brought a sheen of tears to her eyes, but she willed them away. Another thing that could not be changed.
Anne threw back the covers, determined to get the day started and not allow her troubles to turn her into a melancholy mess.
“Never mind about my troubles, Sally, what I really need is a good meal. Do you know if the breakfast room is still spread or should we ring for a tray from the kitchen?”
“I don’t think your aunt has been down to eat yet either, so everything should still be spread in the breakfast room, milady. It might not be very warm by the time you get there, though.”
Anne wrinkled her nose. “Could you help me into a morning gown so that I could hurry down to eat? Then I will change into something more suitable for callers after I have been fed.”
“Very well, milady.”
She had the room to herself; even the footman who usually presided over the breakfast was elsewhere. Anne could not get quite comfortable in her aunt’s house even if it was becoming more familiar. She longed for home as she ate her breakfast in silence. She made short work of it and was soon heading back upstairs to ready herself for the day.
The maid was surprised to see her. “Did you eat, milady? That was very fast.”
“The room was empty and quiet, so I was not delayed by anything. Do not worry. I ate plenty.” Anne didn’t want the servant to be fussing over her, so she quickly changed the subject. “What should I wear today?”
Sally grinned. “You said you are expecting callers, is that right, milady?”
“Yes. I do expect that some will be by.” Anne found herself flustered by the situation and sighed.
“I think the green sprigged muslin with the capped sleeves would be just the thing, milady.” The maid didn’t seem to notice Anne’s discomfiture and followed through on her words, throwing wide open the wardrobe and extracting the mentioned gown.
“Oh, yes, that is a lovely choice.” Anne thought her reply was weak, but since the servant didn’t seem to notice, she didn’t bother trying to cover it up. With another small sigh, she stripped out of her morning gown and allowed the maid to button her into the new one. Sally didn’t seem to be in any hurry, taking her time with Anne’s hair. It actually was a relaxing experience, having her hair done, and Anne allowed her mind to drift as the maid brushed and pinned her locks into place. Absently, Anne reflected that she was relieved that even though her hair was a nondescript, mousy sort of brown, she was glad to see that it was shiny, healthy looking, and held the style the maid twisted it into without too much difficulty.
Sally was just sliding in the last pin when Anne was jolted out of her reverie by the sound of the knocker on the front door. She searched her reflection critically but saw that everything was in place.
“Thank you, Sally. It looks like we may have finished just in time.”
She stood from the dressing table and headed for the door just as there was a tap on her bedroom door. Sally hurried to answer it. A footman was waiting with the message that Anne had callers waiting. Exchanging a smile with the maid, Anne followed the footman out of the room.
There was a steady bustle of activity as callers came and went. Anne’s newfound popularity certainly enlivened the day. It was a shame that she didn’t enjoy gossip as much as her callers seemed to, but she still managed to enjoy the visitors.
The Viscount of Bracondale had arrived just moments before and was busy exchanging pleasantries with a couple of ladies on the other side of the room when the baron was shown into the room with his mother in tow. Anne saw Lord Dunbar’s eyebrows rise sardonically just as she turned to welcome her newest arrivals.
“Lady Halstead! How lovely to see you this morning,” Anne greeted as she dipped into a curtsy. Please, have a seat here on the settee. Are you acquainted with everyone else here?”
“Of course, my dear.” Her reply was proud but not unkind. The baroness sat where Anne had indicated and gazed around the room. Her eyes lit up when Anne’s aunt bustled into the room.
“Lady Halstead,” Lady Sophie greeted. “What a charming surprise to find you here.”
“I had no idea you were sponsoring a niece for the Season, my dear,” Lady Halstead explained. “When my son mentioned a desire to call by, I was delighted by the thought of catching up with my dear old friend.”
Anne was pleasantly surprised to see how happy her aunt seemed to be about the call
ers. She sat down and launched into a cosy visit with her old friend, leaving Anne to entertain the baron.
“I was hoping you could get to know my mother a little bit,” the baron explained as he looked around the room. “I didn’t realize you would have so many visitors this morning, nor that she would be so taken with your aunt.” He seemed chagrined, so Anne hastened to reassure him.
“That is fine, my lord, do not trouble yourself that I am put out by it. I am happy to see Lady Sophie’s delight in seeing her old friend. It is often strange to think of our elders as once being young girls making their own debut, is it not? It is a good reminder seeing the two of them together like that.”
“You are quite correct, my lady, and so gracious to take it in your stride.”
Anne blushed and demurred. “It would be ridiculously churlish to do otherwise, would it not, my lord?”
The baron looked unconvinced, so Anne went on to add, “I think you might be in need of new friends if any one of your acquaintances were to begrudge your mother spending time with an old friend.”
She decided it was time to turn the subject. With a soft giggle, she asked, her tone teasing, “Has your mother set her sights on any potential new stepfathers for you yet?”
His pained but amused expression rewarded her efforts. She was happy to see that he had a sense of humour. “She said she is still observing, determining who is available, before she makes her intentions known to any particular gentleman.”
Anne managed not to giggle again but found that she was highly curious. “How long was she married to her previous husband?”
“Almost six years. My father died just over seven years ago. The day her mourning for my father ended, she came to me and said she couldn’t stand being a widow and she was going to find herself another husband. I must say, it was rather a shock at first. We tend to consider our parents to be fixtures, and it is difficult to see them as separate entities who wish to marry someone other than your other parent. Even though he was dead, at first it felt disloyal. But her second husband was a decent man who made her happy for six years. I do not begrudge her that happiness. So, I will do what I can to help her find another husband if that is what she wishes.”
The Viscount Deception: A Sweet Regency Romance Adventure (Mayfair Mayhem Book 3) Page 12
