by Vikki Vaught
He quietly closed the door behind him and made his way to the stables and rode away from all he held dear.
He made good time and returned to the garrison late that evening. No more news had become available while he was gone. When he walked into their cottage that night, it seemed so empty. He could not stay there without her. There were just too many memories, so he left Mansfield to pack and help Mrs. Holden close up the house. Then he returned to the garrison.
Tension ran high, and morale low. Everyone was anxious to get this over with. News came that Bonaparte had been declared an outlaw on the thirteenth of March, and he had arrived in Paris on the twentieth. The French peasants welcomed him, declared him Emperor again, and Louis the XVIII, the French king, fled.
He received his orders, and he would leave for the continent on the fourth of April. He obtained permission to go home for the weekend. He made the trip in eight hours, and Jupiter was lathered and breathing heavy by the time he arrived home.
He tossed his reins to Freddie. “Give him a good rub down and plenty of oats.” Turning, he hurried into the house. He rushed up the steps and threw open the door. “Simpson, where’s my wife?”
The butler bowed. “I believe she is at luncheon in the small dining room, my lord.”
He ran up the stairs and found her with his sisters. “I’m back, my love. I came for the weekend.” He hesitated. “I leave for the continent on Tuesday.”
Her sherry-colored eyes met his gaze. “I knew it was only a matter of time before you would have to go. Do you have any idea how long this will take?”
Keeping his voice cheerful for her sake, he replied, “There’s no way to know. Most of us think we’ll have Bonaparte back in captivity quickly. I believe this will be a short campaign and that we will be victorious. Please, I don’t want any of you worrying. England will prevail. Let us talk of something more pleasant. What do you have planned today?”
Melody bravely smiled. “Have you eaten yet? Please take a seat and join us. We were talking about visiting some of the tenant farmers later today. I’m so thankful they let you come, even if it is only for the weekend.”
He joined them, and soon they were talking and laughing over silly tales, which helped to take their minds off where he was going. After lunch, they took a walk to the maze, as it was such a nice day. As they walked through the gardens, he enjoyed just being with her one more time before he had to leave for the continent.
They spent every moment together, taking long rides, and even going on a picnic, since the weather was unseasonably warm. On Sunday, everyone attended service. He tried to make this time as normal as possible, pretending that this was not the last time they would see each other, for God knows how long. At least they had avoided his parents so they did not have to deal with any conflict.
Making love was so poignant and tender, he saw tears cloud his wife’s beautiful eyes. In fact, he had to fight back tears himself. As he held her close, he listened to her soft breathing, praying he would return to her when the conflict ended and Bonaparte’s reign of terror was at last finished for good.
After church, they took a walk through the gardens. “How have my parents been treating you?”
“They’ve actually been polite. Please don’t worry.” Reassuring him with a smile, she continued on. “Your sisters are keeping me busy, and I’m helping Helen get ready to go to town for her first season. She’s very excited about it all. I wish you had seen Nelson before he left for London.”
“I wish I could have as well,” he replied. “Are you sure you don’t want to go for the season? If you went, it would keep you busy and less prone to worry.”
“I would rather stay here. Since you’re not going to be there, it would not be enjoyable for me. I shall keep Kathryn company instead.”
“I really don’t want you to worry. I’ve been in the Army for a long time, and I shan’t let anything keep me from coming back to you.”
She smiled at him. “I’ll try not to worry. I know you will return to me. I just pray it will be soon. As you stated, England will prevail. I’m proud my husband will be part of our great victory.”
After their walk, they went to their rooms and made love until he had to leave for the garrison. They had agreed they would not have any tearful goodbyes. As he got ready to leave, she kissed him, then smiled. “I shall see you soon, my love. Now go get rid of that terrible Bonaparte so you can come back to me.”
“I’m sure this will be over quickly, and this time, we will be rid of him for good. Please write me. Your letters mean the world to me. When this is over, we will go up north and have a happy life. I promise.” He pulled her close and kissed her one last time, and then quietly left, knowing he was leaving his heart and soul behind.
* * * *
When Melody awoke later that morning, her first thought was of Henry and that he had gone. Thinking of him and what he would be doing pierced her soul. Her right temple throbbed and her eyes ached, probably from crying herself to sleep after he left.
Deciding to remain in her room, she opened her book, hoping to get lost in the story, but after reading the same page more than once, she closed it. Instead, she took a seat at her desk and tried to write Henry a cheerful letter. Giving up on that since she found it too difficult, she pulled out her journal and poured her heart out. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and the ink on the pages began to run. After several ruined pages, she returned to bed and sought the oblivion of sleep.
Later in the afternoon, Helen came by to check on her, but she told her she wanted to be alone. She promised she would be up and about the next day. Hugging Henry’s pillow, she allowed herself one day to wallow in self-pity.
The following morning, she arose, resolved to present a cheerful face. She went downstairs to the breakfast room, and Helen and Kathryn were already there. She filled her plate and joined them at the table. As they ate, Helen asked, “Are you feeling better today? I’m sorry you didn’t feel well yesterday. I understand how hard my brother’s departure must have been.”
“It is difficult, but no more doldrums for me,” she affirmed. “Do you have any plans today?”
Helen smiled. “I need to go into the village and pick up some things from the dressmaker. Do you want to come with me?”
“That sounds lovely,” she replied. “I’ll be happy to go.”
While they were in the village, they went to the bookshop and the confectionery, as well as the dressmaker’s. Overall, it was a pleasant morning, and the time went by swiftly. That afternoon, she went to Helen’s room so her sister-in-law could model the new gowns she would be taking with her to London. Again, the afternoon went by fast.
Melody appreciated what she was trying to do. Even though she had an enjoyable time in the village and admiring her sister-in-law’s attire, thoughts of Henry remained in the back of her mind. At four o’clock, they went down for tea. The duke and duchess were already in the drawing room when they arrived.
“I see you have chosen to join us, gel. You have been avoiding us, I do believe,” Her Grace stated.
Melody smiled, attempting to hide her pain. “I haven’t done that intentionally. I haven’t been feeling well. Are you looking forward to going to town next week?”
“I am,” Her Grace replied, “I enjoy the season every year. This one will be particularly busy, with Helen’s come-out and presentation at court. I do hope she will meet someone this season, so we can marry her off.”
“Mother, I told you I don’t want to get married yet,” Helen retorted, frustration clearly coloring her tone. “I want to enjoy my first season this year and not take anything too seriously. I shan’t even be eighteen until June, so I’m entirely too young to be thinking of marriage, for goodness sake.”
Melody place her arm around her sister-in-law’s shoulder. “You’re going to have so much fun. I know you’ll have dozens of beaus. You may meet someone special, as I did last year with your brother. I didn’t go to London expecting to meet some
one and be married seven months later. Sometimes, it just works out that way. I want you to be happy, so keep an open mind when you get there.”
The duchess actually gave her an approving look, the first she had ever bestowed on her. Obviously, Her Grace liked what she had said to Helen.
“I suppose you’re right.” A determined expression formed on Helen’s countenance, and her brilliant blue eyes—so like Henry’s—glowed with fervor. “I wish you would change your mind and come with us. We would have such an enjoyable time. It would also keep you from missing Henry as much. Please say you’ll come?”
Realizing Helen was probably right, at least it would help pass the time if she went. “Well, perhaps I will go for a few weeks, if your parents agree.”
The duchess raised a haughty brow. “You can come. As long as you help entertain Helen, so I can enjoy myself with my friends. At least until the season gets fully underway and my daughter makes her curtsey at court. Yes, I think it would be a good idea for you to come, so no more discussion.”
After tea, everyone went upstairs to rest before dinner. Melody thought over her decision to go to town. It would be better than staying here and dwelling on where Henry was and what he was doing. Once she arrived, she might change her mind and stay the entire season. Even if the duchess did not want it, she could stay with her aunt.
Before she and Helen went to their rooms, they went to the schoolroom and told Kathryn she was going to London after all.
“I’m glad you decided to go. I think it will be good for you. You need to write Henry and let him know you’re going.” Kathryn hugged her. “I wish I could go. Even if I’m too young to be out in society, I would love to visit the art museums. I’ve never been able to do that.”
Taking in Kathryn’s woebegone expression, she said, “Helen and I will see if we can convince the duchess to let you go to town while I’m there. I’ll tell her I’ll keep you entertained and chaperone you so she doesn’t have to do it.”
She hugged her tightly. “Oh, thank you, Melody. I hope she’ll say yes. Will you ask her tonight?”
“We’ll both do our best to persuade your mother. Well, I need to go to my room. I’m close to the end of the book I’m reading and want to finish it before dinner.”
She sat on the chaise in her room and soon became lost in her novel. Before she realized, it was time to join the family. She arrived as everyone was ready to go to the dining room. The duke gave her a hard, cold stare. Apparently, he was not pleased she was almost late again.
After dinner, she and Helen approached the duchess. Melody stiffened her spine. “Beg your pardon, Your Grace. Would you consider letting Kathryn come to town with us? Since she will be here alone, she may become lonely. In the past, she’s had Helen when you went. If you will allow her to come, I promise to watch over her.”
She watched the duchess closely, hoping she would agree. This was important to Kathryn. Then her grace gave her a quizzical look. “Hmm, you make a good argument. I agree she would probably get into mischief if left on her own. All right, she can come, but you will take full responsibility for her and keep her entertained.”
Shocked, yet happy for Kathryn, she said, “Oh, thank you, Your Grace, I promise to watch over her.” She could not believe she had actually convinced the duchess to go along with her suggestion.
Once His Grace joined them, Helen and Melody went to the pianoforte. While her sister-in-law played, Melody sang. She enjoyed singing, and her family always complimented her on her light soprano voice. It must have pleased Their Graces, because both of them actually smiled after she finished her first aria. At ten o’clock, everyone retired to their rooms.
The next morning, Melody and Helen went to visit Kathryn and told her her mother had agreed to allow her to go to town. She ran to her and Helen, then hugged them. Overjoyed she was able to go, she started chattering about all the wonderful things she would be able to do. It was the most she had ever heard her say at once.
Her success in persuading the duchess to allow her daughter to go amazed, yet please her immensely. Perhaps her mother-in-law was starting to accept her, because she had seemed nicer lately. That would please Henry. She would tell him in her next letter.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
April 1815
All the preparation for the move to town kept Melody so busy, she had very little time to dwell on Henry’s departure. When they arrived at Montgomery House, the sheer size of the residence boggled her mind. It had to be the largest home in Grosvenor Square.
The level of opulence was somewhat overwhelming, and she would surely get lost several times before she learned her way around. The library appealed to her most, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and large mullioned windows. She could imagine spending many delightful hours curled up with a good book on one of the deeply cushioned chairs in front of the fireplace.
The suite she would be using was lovely with soft shades of mauve and cream used to decorate the well-appointed room. The small French desk in the sitting room would be perfect for writing her daily letters to her husband.
Of course, what would have been Henry’s domain adjoined her chambers. His room was thoroughly masculine with another large bed with heavy, dark mahogany furniture. Then a wave of loneliness swept through her, and she desperately wished he were there with her.
Seeing his chamber reminded her of where he was going—into battle and danger—and a sharp stab of pain pierced her heart. Every time she remembered Henry would soon be facing the enemy, it set her heart fluttering. Her anxiety so fierce, she was barely able to concentrate. Even reading did not distract her as it normally did.
What will I do if something happens to Henry?
She would not want to go on living if he died. Shaking her head, she cleared these horrid thoughts from her mind. Dwelling on them would only make her melancholy, and Henry was counting on her to be strong.
Between settling in and spending time with Kathryn, the week went by quickly. She checked with Simpson every morning, praying for a letter. Albeit, since he only left a fortnight ago, it would probably be at least another week before she received any correspondence from him.
The duchess took them to the modiste, Madame Devy, to have new gowns made for the season. Melody was pleased to see the duchess had become far more pleasant since they had arrived in town. It had been her mother-in-law’s idea to have a new wardrobe made for her.
Her Grace told her she needed new clothes. After all, she was part of the family and needed to dress accordingly. Although, the duchess constantly made hurtful comments referring to her plump figure, and she made all the decisions regarding what she needed to wear to hide the extra weight. She even told Madame Devy to make sure her gowns hid what the duchess saw as a major flaw in her appearance.
It was quite embarrassing, but there was nothing she could do except maintain her dignity. Just when she thought she was making progress with her mother-in-law, she discovered she was wrong. The only reason the duchess ordered new clothes was because she did not want Melody to embarrass her.
Of course, Madame Devy’s creations did enhance her figure, making her appear much slimmer than her previous gowns. She wished her husband could see her in all her new finery.
While waiting to hear from Henry, she searched the duke’s newspapers every day, looking for any information on how the coalition planned to stop Bonaparte and return him to captivity permanently.
At last, she received her first letter from her husband. In the communication, he sounded extraordinarily busy, and he, along with his men, were impatient to get a chance at Boney. His regiment had landed on the continent and joined the seventh coalition. Wellington and Blucher set the location of their operations on the north-eastern border of France. With Napoleon and his army moving ever closer, bent on keeping the coalition from invading, their brilliant leader strategized with Blucher to at last defeat Bonaparte.
Henry appeared to be in an optimistic frame of mind, by the tone of his
letters. He sent his love and assured her he missed her more as each day kept them apart. Relieved to hear from him, she immediately wrote back. She let him know she was having a lovely time with Kathryn. They had gone to several art museums so she could see the work of some of the great masters.
That evening, they were attending the Duke of Ashurst’s ball. She had a beautiful new ball gown to wear. Once dressed, she gazed at her reflection in the Cheval mirror. The simple, yet elegant deep rose gown enhanced all her best attributes. Millie dressed her hair in a flattering new style that left wispy ringlets framing her face. Her heart ached that her husband could not be there to see her beautiful dress, to waltz with her and hold her in his arms.
She descended the stairs, and everyone was already in the entry hall. They turned her way, and she could tell they were impressed with how well she looked. Nelson met her as she stepped down from the stairs.
He bowed and raised her hand, then kissed her gloved fingers. “You look lovely. I’m going to have to watch out for you tonight. There will be quite a few men vying for your attention. I shall have my work cut out for me.”
She stared at him, astonished by his statement. Surely, he did not think she wanted other men flirting with her? “I would never give my attention to any other man. I only want Henry, you know that.”
He laughed as he gave her a quick hug. “I’m just teasing. Henry would be proud of you if he could see how elegant you look tonight.” He turned to the others. “Well, shall we depart?”
After they arrived at the ball, the footmen assisted the ladies out of the carriage, and they walked up the red carpet rolled out to protect their evening attire. At the top of the stairs, the majordomo announced their arrival. Melody was slightly taken aback by the heads that turned when the servant announced her. They moved through the receiving line, and she made her curtsey to the Duke and Duchess of Ashurst.
