Her daughter rushed into the room and ran to Noelle, who wiped away a tear.
“Mother, I heard loud voices. Are you all right? What happened?”
“It’s an old happenstance, Allyn. Someone from my past entered my present,” she fibbed, “I thought him dead, so it shocked me. Now I’m better.” She sat on the settee, “Come to me, my dear. Tell mother about your feelings for Mr Sutton. It is possible that he has honourable intentions for you.”
Her beautiful blonde, blue-eyed darling so resembled her father, Robert. She wanted the best for her children since she knew, first-hand, the betrayal of love.
Chapter Two
Abingdon stormed from the building with Sutton behind him.
“Wait, Uncle. Let’s hail a hackney to White’s Club, where we can converse on what happened. I still cannot fathom this involvement.” He caught up and set his arm to his uncle’s, hailed a cab, and they entered. “Driver, proceed to 37 St. James Street, White’s,” Sutton directed, in a firm voice.
“My apologies to you. I subjected you to the sorry mess of my life.” Abingdon suddenly roared with laughter. “Everything they say about revenge is true. Best served cold. Now I can forget about that woman for the next twenty years.”
“Uncle, are you sure of the facts? To a spectator, it appears that both of you suffered deceit. Have you considered such a circumstance?”
“Folderol, why would my father perpetrate such falsehood on me?” He stamped his cane to the floor. The hackney drew to a slower pace. “Move on,” Abingdon shouted to the driver. “I knew her as Noelle Girard. Where the Fenwick name came from, I don’t know, and of a certain, my past no longer counts as far as she’s concerned. It would have been easier if she had stabbed me through my heart. That wicked woman, without a conscience, went on with her life and ruined mine. I never want to set eyes on her again.” He paused for a moment. “Don’t look at me with pity. I got over the disappointment long ago.”
He rested his hand on his cane. Abingdon knew that he uttered a canard. He would never get over the eventful meeting with her this day.
“Uncle, we find ourselves in difficult circumstances.”
“Indeed we do.”
He removed his watch fob and pressed the latch. It flipped open to reveal the time, but the painted picture of a beautiful young woman with blue eyes and copper tinged hair also stared back. He noted his nephew’s surprise at the image.
“You’ve carried her picture with you all these years?”
Stunned, Sutton questioned that he’d been about to ask to court Miss Allyn Fenwick.
“Noelle still is a beauty, but she is someone I used to love. Note the past tense.” He exhaled and let his voice drop to a low snarl. The carriage stopped in front of the bow-windowed prestigious club, and they stepped down. Inside, the porter received their outer wear and ushered them to a table in a corner, where a footman took their order for drinks. “In India,” Abingdon spoke, “Englishmen received favourable treatment as if they owned the world. The royals of the Commonwealth needed us to keep all of the administrative practices in order. The class distinction of the lower castes presented more problems than you can imagine.”
Sutton’s face brightened with interest. “The newspapers report a great deal about possible uprisings now. Perhaps the fates decided that you should return home.”
Abingdon tilted his head toward his nephew.
“It appears I left one battlefield and entered another. No one gave me a choice. My father died when I was young. Now my mother is ill, and it’s time I met with my Leicestershire attorney, Dalby and Sons, and the bank with regard to my estate — to be yours one day.” He patted Sutton’s knee. “I’ve grown weary. Life is not as I planned. If you are involved with any woman, make sure your choice is wise. For me, trust is the biggest issue. Some women pretend to be virtuous and sweet-tempered until you’re engaged, only for you to then find out she’s a manipulative shrew.” Their drinks finished, Abingdon hailed the attendant for a refill. “I’m anxious to get back to Abingdon Hall. It holds great memories for me. London brooks no fascination. My years in the Foreign Service have made me a wealthier man and I’d like us to put our heads together to see how we can make your inheritance a more profitable venture. Abingdon Park, all three hundred and sixty acres, in this day and age, has unsurpassed value. Maintenance, however, is another matter.”
“Now that you’re home, we will consult and discuss future plans. In your absence, I didn’t wish to expend funds unwisely. The economic climate for large estates is not as it was before. The thought occurred to me, but I preferred to be cautious with our funds.” Sutton spoke with ease to his uncle, “I would broach a subject to you if you’ll listen. I’ve found a woman who has piqued my interest. She’s beautiful and has a sweet nature. I’ve met her at many of the tea receptions and Balls with our friends. Her mother can be a dragon where her daughters are concerned, but since my intentions are honourable, I would like to ask permission to court her.”
Abingdon frowned.
“Why not speak to the father?”
“He’s dead. Now that the lady has concluded her education, she is home to stay. Different from other women, her talents include a knack for the cultivation of flowers and herbs. She loves to read classical books and speaks two languages besides English.”
“What two languages?”
“Italian and French,” Sutton answered. “She believes they are lyrical and romantic.”
“You are indeed in trouble, nephew.”
They grinned.
“So this choice of yours is a lady of substance, acceptable to society?”
More curious than ever, he wanted to make sure that his nephew would heed advice with regard to his betrayal by Lady Noelle all those years ago.
“I might as well tell you now, Uncle, this lady has the bluest of eyes and would put a summer morning sky to shame. Her fringed lashes and spun-gold hair beguile me, but her countenance is most amiable. I’ve observed her at these receptions. She does not flaunt her beauty or intelligence, but chooses to step back and let the gentlemen converse with her friends in her group.”
“Is she built to rear children?” he asked and then realised that the question was too abrupt, but necessary for the continuation of the dynasty, and so he explained to his nephew.
Sutton placed a closed fist to his mouth.
“Yes, I believe so, but I have no specific knowledge. Her tiny waist gives way to the curviest hips in all of London. Suffice to say I have not explored further. No more, Uncle, it is indeed a subject not to mention again, if you please. I will note your point.”
Abingdon clapped his nephew on the back.
“I cannot wait to meet this paragon of virtue and compassion. Careful I don’t steal her away from you.”
“I would ask that you allow me to invite her to Abingdon Hall for the Christmas season. Trust my judgment here. I’ve prepared invitations for her and her mother. I’d like to surprise you.”
“Yes, my boy. I’ve forgotten how joyous surprises are. To see the house crammed full of guests is a welcome homecoming reception for me. I also want to dance the waltz. You’ll make arrangements for musicians for me?”
Abingdon curled a smile to his mouth, and his facial appearance relaxed.
“Rest assured, we have a staff that will follow your wishes. I’ll tell Pembrooke—”
“Pembrooke is still employed as our Butler? What great news.”
“He still runs the house with an iron hand. He’ll be happy to serve you once again.” Sutton’s smile broadened. “Your ducal suite awaits your presence.”
“You did not think to occupy them, Sutton?”
“No, Uncle. Never. I knew someday you’d return.”
“You’re a fine lad.” Abingdon looked out the window, but his eyes brimmed and he flicked his lids a few times. “I missed a lot and want to make up for the loss in the shortest of time. I need to feel Abingdon earth in my hands again.” He cupped his fi
ngers to his palm, closed his eyes as if he were there now. “When I was young, I’d wander the Pleasure Fields of the Park. That’s how they got their name.” With tongue in cheek, he said, “It wasn’t until I heard some of the old tales that I realised they were aptly named. The Pleasure Fields of the Park present many opportunities for expression of amour. The paths led everywhere where gazebos lined the hills for romantic endeavours.” He grinned at the lad he cared for. “I yearn to view the herds of red and fallow deer. Does the wildlife still teem with other species native to the English Midlands?”
Sutton nodded.
“There is no place like England, and you don’t realise it until you’ve been away a long time.” Abingdon scanned the room. “I even missed this club. In India, most English establishments did not allow the Indian natives access, no matter their position. Unless, of course, you were a potentate. They were received in the highest of circles, but never in the all-male society brethren.”
“Uncle, tell me about Calcutta and your glorious victories during the Gurkha War of 1814.”
“War is hell no matter where. The many battles fought between the Gurkha Kingdom of Nepal and the British East India Company required strategic tactics as well as superior knowledge. All hell broke loose because of border disputes and the expansionism of both the belligerent parties.” He closed his eyes for a moment and visualised the bloody skirmishes. “To my good fortune, it ended with the acceptance of the treaty in 1816. The Indian soldiers were fierce fighters. We British recognised the potential of the Gurkha soldiers and employed defectors. Unbeatable, they soon swelled to five thousand men and became the backbone of the British Indian forces.”
“Were you wounded in battle?” Sutton took another swallow of the whiskey.
Abingdon engaged his nephew’s eyes and by habit, scanned the room, noting the men who entered and sat nearby.
“On a hot night, restless and a bit weary, I left quarters and took a walk to check the sentries. While I was in a conversation with one of them, a Gurkha who wasn’t one of ours assaulted us. The sentry suffered a fatal wound and bled to death. The native stabbed me in the shoulder with a curved khukri, similar to a machete. I managed to draw my weapon and shot him between the eyes — no questions asked.”
“How’s the wound now? All healed?”
“Shoulder wounds have their special kind of pain after a month or two. It’s more than an ache - not enough to incapacitate you, but it lets its presence be known on cold, damp days.” Two footmen walked by with dishes of beef, liver and onions, and stew. The aromatic smell teased the senses. He inhaled with gusto. “I’m famished. Shall we order something to eat?” Abingdon curled a smile. “Otherwise the drink goes to my head. I do confess I’ve drunk enough alcohol in my military life to fill a small pond.”
A waiter took their order of grouse, potted shrimps, gull eggs, and smoked trout. “This should keep us a while.” Abingdon laughed. “It’s good to be home. After supper, shall we play a game of billiards? You might win, since I haven’t played in a while.”
“What shall we wager, Uncle?”
Abingdon removed from his pocket, a sterling silver cigarette case.
“This once belonged to your father. My brother and your mother died so young. It’s a miracle you survived the carriage accident. So this treasure stays in the family. I should have given it to you well before this.”
Sutton told hold of the keepsake and ran his fingers up and down both sides.
“Either way, it shall be cherished by me. Thank you, Uncle.”
Chapter Three
London Townhouse of Noelle, Lady Fenwick
Noelle patted for Allyn to sit alongside her on the settee.
“I do believe Mr Sutton will request permission to visit you. Is he someone you would care to know better?” She spoke in a whisper, “I find it hard to believe you could be this grown up,” then grasped both the girl’s hands.
“Mother, I’m not sure I’m ready for any man to court me. I view all around me, and some of my friends’ romantic fantasies are absurd. I don’t want to place myself on a marriage block when I want to accomplish other things. You promised we’d all travel to America and stay with our brother when finances permitted. The idea of being a family all in one place pleases me. I miss my brother, Trevor.”
“True, it’s our goal. However, if you find someone you fancy, it might be that the gentleman would agree to come with us, rather than lose you. You’re wise to approach this with caution, but it should not deter you.” She withdrew her hand and tucked a strand of hair behind Allyn’s ear. “Besides, if you don’t smell all the roses, how will you know which is the more fragrant?”
Allyn giggled.
“The comparison is not the same. I can live without roses but do long for adventure. The idea of an ocean voyage catapults me into my dream world. My brother has plans for us. You know he is protective of Roberta and me. Being shackled in marriage to a man is not a priority of mine. Not yet. I want to be like you — an independent woman. You not only own The Soiree, but you are an acclaimed research writer. The treatise you’ve just finished on the Royal Navy’s battles will garner much praise.” She drew her knees up to her chest. “I want someone special - but what if I make the wrong choice? How do I know? What endeared you to Father?”
How could Noelle explain that she’d needed a father for the son Abingdon had seeded in her belly? The man who had disappeared and left her to fend for herself. She would never recant the love she’d felt for him then, though twenty years later, the love story remembrance held no glory.
“Your father’s courage resided deep within.” Robert’s face appeared before her, the dear wonderful man. Yes, valour came in many forms, for he’d treated another man’s son as his own. Noelle would watch them by a stream in the country, in playful conversation over the type of bait best for trout, as they prepared to cast. Robert would stand behind the boy and help him throw the line mid-stream. Peals of laughter filled the air.
When his two girls were born, Robert never showed any partiality, other than that girls were taught different subjects than boys. She couldn’t remember any harsh words muttered by the man. Indeed, the affection and love, never disingenuous for all three children, made her proud. She who had not deserved such goodness thanked heaven for her good fortune.
“What kind of courage, Mother?”
“He never boasted of his good deeds, day in and day out. Nor did he require the approval of others because he knew his flaws, as well as the decency in his heart.”
“Papa died young. It must have been difficult for you to raise the three of us alone. You have more bravery than all of us. Oh, Mama, I’m afraid of the future.”
“Do you realise, my darling daughter, that you always call me Mama when you’re afraid or upset?” She drew her daughter near. “Fear can be a good thing. It teaches us not to rush into unknown waters without a life ring.” Noelle cradled her daughter’s head under her chin, and inhaled the fragrance of Allyn’s hair, only to wonder how on earth her daughter had inherited all of her father’s fine qualities. She’d tried hard not to let the internal windstorm jade her outlook for her children. Noelle had lived in fear of the discovery of her shame, and hoped that her son, Trevor Duke Fenwick, would never know. The middle name she’d bestowed held no legal premise, and on his ranch in America, he dropped his surname. All knew him as Trevor Duke, which suited her fine.
Noelle admitted in quiet moments, that young romantic notions had made her reckless. Showered by the handsome Abingdon’s attention, she’d drawn the envy of all their young friends. On top of the world, dancing on a tall roof appealed, if such a feat were possible.
Then he left.
The ceiling crashed.
The roof fell in.
The spell broke.
The truth faded.
A chance reunion with a childhood friend, Robert Fenwick, now Sir Robert, after being made Baronet for his service to his country, had saved her reputation. In
a desperate moment, she had explained her situation. Noelle hadn’t been able to bear to look into those kind eyes, where she sensed pity. No, she hadn’t wanted pity. She hated pity. At that moment, pity had personified her.
Back in the present, she said, “You didn’t answer me. Mr Sutton has requested an audience with me. Do you or do you not want him to visit you?” Her words sounded empty. “Since you appear unsure, shall I say that he may visit but is not to assume any courtship, until both of you are more at ease with each other? Will it suit you?”
A bright smile crossed her face. “Oh, yes, Mother. I do think him handsome, and he has marvelous eyes.”
“Eyes cannot put food on the table or guarantee happiness. You’ll soon find out. Now run off with you. Change into a day gown. He’ll be here within the half hour. Return to the garden room, and I’ll send him to you.” Allyn hesitated. “Daughter, there are to be no improprieties, no matter how small. You do understand?”
“Yes, Mother. I do.” Allyn winked.
“It cannot hurt for you to be seen with such a fine man, while you seek what your heart desires. Go, I have things to do.” She arose, hesitating for a moment, “Wear blue to match those cornflower eyes. Hurry.”
She couldn’t help but feel a loss already, as Allyn rushed up the steps to their private rooms above the salon floor.
<<<
A small room housed a desk with a lock and key, for her to secure money and other valuables when necessary. Noelle moved to the desk which held all of the ledger books and currency. Her busy fingers flew across the voucher receipts for the evening, tallying up her accounts. Her focus on her goal, to promote her business enterprise and pay off the London Townhouse, never wavered.
She vowed to stay the course towards absolute solvency, in debt to none. Her husband had died in an unfortunate accident, and left her with excessive debts, three young children, and a mortgaged country manor. Their townhouse on a fashionable street had also effectively belonged to the bankers, who had loaned Robert the funds for its purchase. Over the ensuing years, she’d managed to pay off a sizable sum to reduce the strain of debt. The small country manor no longer belonged to the bankers. Soon, neither would the townhouse, and they’d all sail to America to reside with her son, Trevor Duke Fenwick.
The Duke's Christmas Promise (Regency Christmas Romance) Page 2
