A Farm Girl's Despair (#5, the Winds of Misery Victorian Romance) (A Family Saga Novel)

by Dorothy Green

  “Nothing Mama we were just...”

  “No matter. There is no time for your answers. For you have a gentleman caller. Mr Adam Crossbury has called upon us. At this very moment he is downstairs in the parlour with your father. Now make haste girls, make haste. Gemma, get out of that dress, that is nothing but a housedress, put on your blue dress to match your eyes. Quickly, quickly,” Mrs Layles flurried over to Gemma and pushed her out the room.

  “Mr Crossbury? Mr Crossbury is here?” Gemma said as she looked at Hilda with wide eyes. Hilda smiled at her, very happy that Gemma was shocked with happiness.

  “That is what I said. Now, hurry girl, hurry. Hilda, get dressed and then go down and converse with your father and Mr Crossbury, I must make your sister as presentable as possible. Now, go child, go,” Mrs Layles said moving out the door, closing it behind her.

  Hilda sighed, but did as was bidden. She quickly got out of the white cotton dress she wore around the house and put on a satin orange down, that was more presentable for a company. She fixed her hair, and then moved downstairs.

  She opened the door to the parlour and the gentleman quickly stood up.

  “Miss Layles, what a delight,” Adam Crossbury bowed.

  “And you sir.” She curtsied. Then she joined the Gentleman by sitting on the setae by the table. “ my sister and mother will be down shortly, sir.”

  “Thank you. Now, did you have a good time at the ball last week?” He asked, making pleasant conversation.

  “Oh yes sir, I did very much so. And you sir did you have an agreeable Time?”

  “Yes, I did. Very much so, and I am very glad that my responsibilities have brought me to London and in time for that particular occasion,” He said.

  “And what responsibilities might those be, if you do not mind my asking?” She said.

  “Mr Crossbury is a newly-elected MP from Cornwall,” Mr Layles answered his daughter for him.

  “Is that so? That is very exciting indeed. Welcome to London sir and I am sure that Parliament is very fortunate to have a member such as yourself.” She said.

  “Indeed, I feel very privileged to be a member and to represent my people in Cornwall. But I do miss home of course, but I am glad that there are many pleasantries of London to keep me occupied. Calling upon old friends and new such as your very admirable family, sir.” He said to Mr Layles.

  “I am much obliged to you for such a compliment, sir.”

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  Just then, the door opened and Mrs Layles and Gemma entered. Hilda watched as the face of Adam Crossbury lit up like a candle. He was very happy and filled with joy as soon as he laid eyes upon her sister. She was very happy for her sister, but felt a tinge of jealousy and sadness at the way he looked at her. For she wished that someone might look at her in such a way, a man that she also found agreeable just the same.

  “Mrs Layles and Miss Layles, a pleasure,” Adam bowed.

  The women curtsied a greeting and all entered the parlour and sat down.

  “Mr Crossbury, I am so happy you have called. I did not know if you would keep your word to do so,” Gemma smiled.

  “I would have liked to come sooner, but my duties and the rain kept me,” he smiled.

  “Mr Crossbury, we were about to sit down for the noon meal, would you join us?” Mr Layles asked.

  “Oh yes, I would be honoured but not if I am intruding,” he answered.

  “Nonsense. We will have another place set. Hilda, inform Sarah Mr Crossbury will be joining us,” Mr Layles said.

  “Yes father,” Hilda said and walked out the door to inform the household. But after she shut the door, she leaned against the wall for a moment as she stood in the hallway. Mr Crossbury took her breath away in the way he looked at her sister. It was obvious he fancied her very much.

  A few moments later all sat around the formal dining room for the noon meal. Hilda noticed that Gemma had never smiled so much as she sat across from Mr Crossbury.

  Mr Layles had engaged the young man in conversation of all things parliament, which Hilda found very exciting indeed, for it was not often that they had a member in their home.

  “Glad I am that I visited my distant relations, Mr and Mrs James, for they were the ones that invited me to the ball and have taken me under their wing. Living in Cornwall I have not often come to London, especially not during the season. Now it is part of my obligation,” he said.

  “And how is Cornwall, sir? I have often wanted to see that part of the country with its tall high cliffs, over blue waters.” Gemma asked.

  “It is a stunning location indeed Miss Layles, you are right about that. But it is more than just beauty, it is also a place of peace and tranquillity. Though there is society there and gatherings, balls, and events but most live in country estates just as I do.” Mr Crossbury answered.

  “Your estate, sir?” Mr Layles asked, very intrigued.

  “Yes sir, you are a good friend Mr James can attest to my holdings. I have an estate of 100 acres that stretches across many good beaches which provide for good fishing and the bounty of the sea. In truth we never go hungry, or if a crop fails, the sea does not. My home is situated on these acres, that my family has owned for a hundred years. It is my pride.”

  “That sounds very grand indeed, sir. Good for you,” Mr Layles said with a smile at his wife. For both were thinking that he was a very agreeable match for their daughter, who he had obviously taken a fancy to. Mr Layles would approve of such a man who not only was a Member of Parliament, but also seem to have great wealth and an old family name to go along with it.

  “And do you have many other acquaintances in London, or merely the family of the James’?” Mrs Layles asked.

  “Indeed I do have a few friends, some of them very close that I have not seen for quite some time. Why, my good friend Ross I have not seen since we were at school together and Oxford.”

  Hilda lifted her eyes from her plate and looked at him. Of course there were many gentleman named Ross, but could it be?

  “Ross?” Mrs Layles said.

  “Forgive me ma'am, I am being informal. The MP of Cornwall, Ross Brookend. He and I were very close once when we were in school, but living in Cornwall I have not seen him very much over the years, though I have visited him at his estate in Cornwall. But I am very glad to be returned to London at a time where he is also in town, as a plan to make the most of our friendship again and spend time with that gentleman.”

  Hilda's green eyes grew wide. He was speaking of Ross, her Ross. What joy. Her heart began to flutter just at the mention of his name and of the connection. Excitement filled her body, but she could do nothing to show it. She restrained it and grabbed her glass of water to calm herself.

  “Oh, the MP of Cornwall, of course. We are acquainted with him, as Hilda here is his charge in our care and now our adopted daughter, though it has been a very long time since he has called upon us and I daresay I scolded him for it when we spoke with him at the ball.” Mrs Layles said.

  “That would be why I have not had the pleasure of meeting you and your lovely daughters until last night,” Mr Crossbury said.

  “And you must be very delighted to congratulate your friend on his recent engagement to Miss Woodley,” Mr Layles said.

  “Oh yes, quite delighted. Though a bit astonished if I might be so bold to say. For he has been friends with Mary Anne for very long, since we were children, and neither ever seemed to hold each other in a romantic regard. I do not think this is the doing of their parents either, but perhaps friendship is good enough for both of them. It is an agreeable match,” He said. “I have always known Ross to not be guided by the rules of society as the rest of the world might be. He is always been a man to do what he wants when he wants.”

  “The son of a Lord of Cornwall might be able to afford such luxuries, as doing as one might deem to do.” Mr Layles said.

  “Yes, quite right. Though news
of an engagement is always happy news, is it not?” Mr Crossbury said and looked directly at Gemma. Hilda knew that he was thinking of his own engagement, and it seemed that he had targeted Gemma as a prospect.

  Hilda felt joy for her sister, but also a bit of jealousy, for when would she be granted such happiness herself? But she was very delighted that the new relation with Mr Crossbury meant that she had a new connection to Ross.

  Once again they sat in the parlour after the noon meal. But it wasn't long before Mr Crossbury was bidding his farewells to the family with a question of whether he would be permitted to call upon the family once more, which was swiftly greeted with answers of yes.

  Once he left the premises, Gemma hugged Hilda with a tight hug.

  “Oh sister, I did not think that I could ever feel such happiness. I think he might fancy me as much as I fancy him?”

  “I think you are right sister. He is very agreeable, and it is obvious his intentions toward you,” Hilda smiled.

  “And we are glad of it, daughter. For he is an agreeable man, with wealth, an old family name, a grand estate, and a member of parliament. I do not think there could be a more suitable match for you, and one that would make us very proud to have as a son,” Mr Layles gave her a hug.

  “Yes, very agreeable indeed! Oh yes daughter, you do us proud!” Mrs Layles fussed and gave Gemma a hug.

  Hilda laughed at her mother and father’s giddiness but also felt some relief. For if Gemma did make such a match, then at least the pressure would be off of her to make a match such as Gemma, and she could one day marry for love. Now all that was left to do was find a man that captured her heart the way Ross had, so that she may forget about Ross entirely.

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  Ross Brookend had been in quite the distracted state ever since the ball. For he could not get the impressionable Miss Layles out of his mind. She had grown into a fine woman from the child he had rescued and that had seemed like a lifetime ago. He continued to think about the playful conversation they had on the veranda, several times a day. In fact it was becoming noticeable amongst his acquaintance that spent time with him.

  But Ross was not one to care what others thought of him, in fact he was often ready to take actions that made people respond with shock or astonishment. It was just the way of his demeanour, always seeing how far he could push things. In fact the false engagement with Miss Woodley was a perfect example of doing such a thing.

  “Ross? You have not answered my question.” Mary Ann said.

  “What? I'm sorry, what did you say?” He said.

  “That is the third time this week that you have been in some far-off place. Are you going to tell me what distracts you so? I have never seen you like this,” Mary Anne said.

  “It is nothing really. Now what was your question?”

  “Oh no friend, I know you quite well. I know when you are hiding something. Tell me what occupies your mind. Is this just you and I here, no one else.” She said looking around his parlour room where they sat for tea.

  “Truly, it is nothing. Now have you heard from Mr Jonathan Harper?”

  “Fine, keep your secrets. But do not try to hide that something is bothering you, for I know you all too well. But I will leave it at that, that I know something is amiss.”

  Ross smiled at his friend, knowing that she didn't know him well and could read him like a book. But it did not mean that he was required to dispose all information to her. In fact, it was better that he keep his thoughts to himself.

  “I have heard from Jonathan. Things are going to plan. He is very grateful to you that you have entered into this false engagement with me to give him more time. He will be in town in a few weeks, and I hope that we can meet here, in the privacy of your home.”

  “Yes of course, that can be arranged. And I could meet the man; I should approve of him, should I not?”

  “Yes, you shall, though if you do not approve do not think that I will not marry him anyway.”

  “Yes, I know you well enough to know that you will do as you please. That is why we are friends, because we both do as we please and always have. Without the judgment of others.

  “Good, I must be on my way then. Are you really not going to tell me what distracts you?” she tried once more.

  “I am not. I will see you soon.” he stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek which she returned. Then she walked out of the parlour.

  Ross thought once more about Hilda Layles, before deciding that he needed to get some work done, and moved to the library where he could look at his ledgers.

  But when evening came, he had other engagements to attend to.

  “Sir, Mr Adam Crossbury has arrived for dinner.” The servant informed him.

  “Good, I am coming straight away.” Ross said and followed the servant to the foyer where Adam was waiting.

  “Crossbury, so very good of you to come. I am glad that we saw each other at the ball. If anything else at least to make the arrangements to have a good gentlemen's dinner.” Ross said.

  “Dinner, cigars, brandy, and billiards as promised,” Adam said.

  “Of course, what else? It is a night for gentlemen,;the two of us shall have a proper gentleman's evening. Come this way, it has been far too long, friend.” Ross said, leading him into the corridor that led down to the dining room.

  A few moments later they sat together, just the two of them. This was just the way Ross liked his dinners, not a big occasion with twenty people at his table. He preferred intimate gatherings, even if it was only one person in attendance. They sat down to game hen, roasted root vegetables, and lavish desserts.

  “Now tell me of all your news, friend. How goes it in Parliament? Are you ready to run away back to Cornwall just yet?” Ross teased.

  “Parliament is just as stressful as to be expected. I do not see how anyone can get anything done when everyone is just shouting above each other, and no one truly listening. It is a madhouse indeed.”

  “As is to be expected. My father always wants me to go out for election, and I will have none of it. Inheriting the title of Lord of Cornwall will already come with too many responsibilities.”

  “I think you might be right, and wished I had heeded that advice.”

  “And so what of anyone waiting for you in Cornwall? Is there a woman that is quite angry that you have come all this way and abandoned her?” Ross said, taking a drink of the strong Brandy in front of him.

  “There have been women, in Cornwall, but not any to make a serious attachment to. But there is a woman that I met at the ball, she is unlike anyone I have ever met. I have taken quite the fancy to her. Indeed I have already called upon her and plan to do so again.”

  “Is that so? My friend has fallen for a London socialite debutante. Now tell me, who is this woman that has the potential to calm your soul and take the place of 100 women of Cornwall that you have taken to your bed?” Ross said.

  “Her name is Miss Layles. She is quite beautiful and we get along famously in conversation, such wit.”

  “Miss Layles?” Ross felt the smile fall from his face. For could it be Hilda. He did not like this. For there would be nothing that he could do because he was engaged, and therefore his friend had every right to seek the attentions of a woman such as Miss Layles because he was available. Still, jealousy started to seep deep into his bones.

  “Yes? Do you know her? She is a lovely creature indeed. I danced with her at the ball and spoke with her many times throughout the night, always coming back to her for a dance. Indeed, Gemma is unlike anyone I have ever met”

  “Gemma? Miss Gemma Layles?” Ross said, feeling relieved.

  “Yes, exactly. Do you know her?”

  “I do. I am very acquainted with that family, though a strong connection has grown weak and lost over time. However I have met Gemma and her adopted sister, Hilda Layles is my charge, though a neglected one.”

  “Yes, that is her yo
unger sister, also quite the beauty and very pleasant. They mentioned as such that Hilda was your charge though you have never mentioned her to me.”

  “Yes, she is.” Ross said growing quiet. For he felt such relief that his friend fancied the sister and not Hilda herself. He needed a moment to process feeling such relief for the aspect.

  “I hope to call upon Gemma again. I am here for several more months, before returning to Cornwall. I would like to get to know her better.”

  “Perhaps I can come with you the next time you call upon her? I would like to re-establish a connection with that family.”

  “Really? Well I don't see why not. Perhaps if anything at least you could provide some conversation to her younger sister, your charge. I am sure the family would be very happy to have you, for it could not be bad for the prospects of marriage for their daughters, unless I get there first.” Adam smiled.

  “Yes, that is very true. Shall we move to the billiards room?” Ross asked, now that they had finished with their meal. He stood up and grabbed his glass of brandy and the decanter of brandy off the table. Adam followed him with his own glass of brandy. They walked down the grand corridor decorated with tapestries. finally they reach the billiard room down the hall. Ross offered his friend a cigar, and together they smoked and drank and played billiards.

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  “Now while you are at the home of the Layles family, was there any mention that the younger sister Hilda would be engaged, or who her suitors might be?” Ross asked, realising that his question did not come off very casual.

  “I did not hear of such a thing, though I did not ask. Why, do you?”

  “No reason.”

  “That is not true and I can see it on your face. Do you fancy the younger sister Hilda, your charge?”

  Ross could not hide the smile that came across his face.