The Lass & The Baron_A Cinderella Story_Regency Fairytale Romance

by Charity McColl

  “Close the door, Clara,” said the Parson. “You may go on home now as well.”

  Thomas turned to the men in front of him. “The children are orphans. When the mines began to close many families moved on to find jobs elsewhere. Before the closings, the church had been in a position to care for the orphaned children whose parents had been killed while working in the ground. Their mothers were left destitute and could not care for them. Many of the women just left them in the care of the church and town. They also moved on to find work.”

  The Parson shook his head. “It is hard to fathom a mother leaving her child but they had little choice at the time.”

  “I saw the hut and the children who appeared emaciated. It does not appear to me the church or the town is caring for them at all.” Miles’s eyes penetrated the small man.

  “Alas,” he said. “The church is in need of much. My members are in poverty, my Lord. They can no longer contribute as before. I cannot give to the orphans as before. We are in great need, all of us.”

  “What about the young woman we saw with them? Who is she?”

  Vicar Swift perked up. A broad smile creased his face. “You speak of Isabelle Sanders. She is the dearest young woman in Brookwood. She is generous and kind and has taken a liking to the orphaned children. Against her aunt’s wishes she brings joy to their lives.” He coughed slightly. “I do not mean that Louisa Sanders is hard-hearted. She does not understand why her niece wishes to help them. She considers them thieves, as do others in the town. But all love Isabelle. She is generous and kindhearted to everyone, not just the children in the hut.”

  “I know there are people who still thrive here,” insisted Lord Spencer. “There are several prosperous looking shops along the streets. Why are these not supporting the cause of the waifs?”

  “They do not acknowledge the problem,” said Thomas. “They see the orphans as below them. Isabelle has never told her aunt exactly how much time she gives the children. She brings them food as often as possible from her own home.”

  “Do you mean she has abundant food kept in the cave where she lives?” asked Anthony. “I cannot believe she has set up her household in a place like that.”

  Parson Swift stared at him. “She does not live in a cave, Sir. She lives with her aunt and uncle. They are Louisa and Edward Sanders. Edward is the brother of the late Lord Sanders who once held your position.” He looked at Miles. “Isabelle is an expert horsewoman. Her father often rode with her on the Palace grounds and surrounding area.”

  When Lord Spencer heard this news he was speechless. Her acts of bringing the orphans to greet and salute the Troops daily served a purpose for her as well. He searched his mind to recall her father. He had not personally known him but knew of his bravery during the war in France. His reputation was flawless.

  “I wish a favor of you, Vicar,” he said. “I want to visit the cottage in person but fear I will frighten Miss Sanders and the children. Will you accompany us there?”

  “Of course,” said Thomas. “I am at your service. I will bring two loaves of freshly baked bread along. Clara baked them just this morning.”

  “I believe they have plenty of food right now. Keep that for yourself and for Clara.” Miles explained his gesture to the puzzled man.

  “That was most generous of you, my Lord. I know you are sincere in wishing to do all you can. We can go there now.”

  Once on the horses, Miles suggested they avoid riding through town and instead they took the back roads through the woods. As they rode along, Thomas thought about the remark Anthony made regarding Isabelle’s living conditions. He had seen her coming from a cave. She must have hidden some berries or other goodies for the children there and was simply retrieving them. He had no explanation for Anthony’s take on it all but decided not to pursue the subject.

  When they got to the clearing and viewed the broken down dwelling, Miles instructed the Parson to go in front of him. When Madeline and Isabelle saw the entourage approaching Isabelle clutched the old woman’s bony arm.

  “They have found us for sure, Madeline. They are making Parson Swift lead them straight to us.” Her breath came quickly.

  “Look, Isabelle, Thomas is smiling. I think everything is all right. After all, Lord Spencer must have ordered this food for the children.”

  The two women slowly walked onto the slanted back porch and waited. Parson Swift greeted them and then introduced Lord Spencer and his Aide Officer Anthony Greene. Miles could not take his eyes off Isabelle Sanders. Seeing her so close to him, caused him to see finite details of a flawless complexion. Deep blue eyes looked directly at him for the first time. When she curtsied, he took note of her slender body.

  All three men dismounted. Madeline knew the polite thing to do was to invite them inside. There were no respectable chairs for a Lord and his companions to sit on so she dismissed the idea. While turning options over in her mind, Isabelle was the first to find words.

  “The children are most grateful for your generosity this morning,” she said. “They have food to eat for some days to come yet and are grateful to you.”

  Miles acknowledged her thanks. There was an awkward moment until the Vicar spoke.

  “Lord Spencer has expressed a desire to do more.” His eyes surveyed the run-down hut. Large eyes watched from the windows. “Perhaps the children wish to meet him face to face now.”

  Madeline jerked to attention and hurried inside to get the fearful children who were reluctant to meet the man they perceived to be mean and heartless. She reminded them he was the one who supplied the food in their bellies. “It is right you thank him properly.” She looked at the eldest girl. “Elizabeth, you will speak for the others. Bow to Lord Spencer and tell him how much you wish to thank him for his generosity.”

  Elizabeth’s knees knocked together and she felt moisture on the palms of her hands. She finally followed Madeline out with the others hovering close together behind her. When she stood in front of the tall man she was immobile. Madeline nudged her and she gave a quick curtsy.

  “My Lord Spencer, we wish to thank you for the large baskets of food.”

  She quickly stepped back after delivering her words. Head bowed, she lifted her eyes to see him smiling. She then ran to him and hugged him before Madeline or Isabelle could prevent her. Miles felt the frail arms around his waist. There was much more to be done here.

  All the children clapped and smiled at the scene. None dared to go as far as Elizabeth had. Once the excitement of the moment passed, Miles spoke to Isabelle.

  “I would like a word in private with you, Miss Sanders,” he said. His voice left no room for refusal. Isabelle followed him a short distance out of earshot of the others.

  “I understand your father once held the position I now hold. Do you still ride horses as before?”

  Isabelle shook her head. “I do not since coming to live with my aunt and uncle. Edward is a shopkeeper and they live in town. There is no place for horses.”

  “I invite you to the Palace Stables to ride whenever you wish. I will instruct the Stable Marshall.”

  “I cannot do that, my Lord. There is no time to ride horses. The orphans need me as well as many in the Village. My role is to serve others now, not to indulge my whims.”

  “I do not agree. I will personally ride with you and it will be good for you. Do not refuse such an offer. If you once loved horses then that desire remains.”

  After persuasion, Isabelle agreed to join him the following Thursday afternoon. It was now Monday which gave her time to come up with an excuse not to relive sad memories of horses and the Palace Stables.

  Miles had many more plans of persuasion but would take one at a time. He turned back to the hut and the bedraggled spectacle before him. He told Madeline things would improve for her and the orphans starting the next day. He would have builders build a larger home that would comfortably house every child. He would set up a fund with the church for provisions and education opportunities for t
hem all. He looked at their clothing. Tatters from once hems blew in the soft wind and patches on top of patches were far from matching any original fabric. He would arrange for decent clothing as well. Then he would approach George Prince Regent in creating decent jobs for those in town. He had no idea just what and knew he had to come up with ideas of his own in that regard before presenting to George. He thought of the increasing indulgence and opulence the Regent surrounded his self in and mentally compared it to the people he ruled.

  George had no idea at all about how his population beneath him lived. Miles couldn’t fault him completely for that. Lord Spencer did not have a clue either until a beautiful young woman caught his eye. He had to admit that he gave to the orphans in part to win her over.

  It was long into the rest of the day before the children settled down. Madeline displayed more animation than Isabelle had ever seen. She was happy for everyone’s long overdue rewards but deep down she dreaded the attention she received from Lord Spencer. Above all, she must keep a level head and continue to focus on the orphans. She thought about his remarks in regard to education. Very few girls were educated and those who were received theirs from a Governess in homes of the wealthy or some of the middle class girls had Private Tutors. Orphaned girls would never be allowed inside the school building where the boys learned.

  Something told her Lord Spencer had not fully thought that part out.

  The Battle Half Won

  Now that Lord Spencer knew her whereabouts Isabelle felt returning home was feasible. She had been absent for a few days and nights. Her aunt and uncle inquired of neighbors and others as to where she was but with no luck. Edward voiced serious concerns the night before when he told Louisa that perhaps Lord Spencer had located her and whisked her away.

  Louisa thrilled at the thought that they could somehow be connected closer with the Palace if that was indeed the case. She missed the importance she enjoyed while Isabelle’s father was alive and held high position at Court.

  They sat down to eat their evening meal when they heard a neighbor exclaim.

  “Everyone has been looking for you, Isabelle. Where have you been?”

  “I have been doing charity work,” she said.

  Smiling, she entered her home. The aroma of laden stew reached her nostrils and the pile of rolls tempted her. Louisa stood and hugged her. Her uncle’s expression told Isabelle he was glad to see her safe as well. Then Louisa’s face changed to her familiar stern look.

  “You had us very worried, Isabelle. Where have you been? We were sure Lord Spencer found you and carried you off.”

  Isabelle had decided to tell them everything. She dipped stew from the steaming pot and sat down with them. She began her story with how she daily took the orphans to salute the troops as they marched through town to Court. She ended with her encounter with Lord Spencer. She left out his invitation to ride with him.

  Edward put his napkin down. “I did not believe he meant harm to you. He is a generous man after all in his actions toward those poor orphans.” He lifted his hand to stop his wife’s pending remarks. “They are not thieves. They are simply poor. We should have been doing more to help the Parson, and you know that as well, Louisa.”

  She bowed her head as pink flooded her face. Her regret was not that she had not shown tolerance to the waifs but that she had not at least pretended to help them. If she had, she would be the one receiving favors from the Court through Lord Spencer.

  It did not take long for word to rush through the town in regard to the outcome of events. Louisa started the tales with her most gossipy neighbors first and then let the news ripple throughout Brookwood. Every day after that, the crowds increased along the road when Lord Spencer passed through with his Troops. The children were back in their places. Isabelle accompanied them as before but stood farther back behind them. Her eyes never met Lord Spencer’s though he blatantly sought hers.

  Once at the Palace, he spoke to Anthony. “I believe I have won only half the battle, Anthony. As of now Isabelle will not look at me. She has not come to the Stables to ride either. I have much persuading still to do.”

  Anthony agreed. When he heard the story of Isabelle’s background he formed opinions of his own. “Perhaps it is too painful for her to ride again. It seems she was very close to Lord Sanders.”

  “I did not think of it that way.” He rubbed his chin and glanced toward the Palace. “I will think more on this. I must get to Court before George misses me.”

  Anthony followed him and joined the other soldiers who stood at attention at the end of the elongated room. His eyes rested on the Regent who appeared to gain weight on a daily basis. Everyone knew George showed less interest in his duties than at first. His father still lived in a separated wing of the castle. George II was said to show signs of insanity in more pronounced ways daily. He believed he still reigned and had no realistic idea that his elder son was given rule. His own private court catered to him as if he was still in charge. This way, everyone stayed happy.

  By the time the tiresome Court session ended, Miles was ready to act. His mind made room for only Isabelle Sanders. That afternoon, he rode into Brookwood and asked where she lived. This time, people willingly pointed out the upper class home of Isabelle Sanders.

  “She is not home this afternoon, my Lord,” said a man. “She is in the woods at the orphanage.”

  Miles swerved around and turned his horse to a pathway behind the main row of shops. Edward Sanders watched from the back window of his store. He was in the storeroom taking inventory when the young boy who helped pointed out Lord Spencer. Edward knew he was looking for his niece. He had noticed her reluctance in accepting her recent notoriety which she shunned openly. Edward knew the wounds still dug deeply within her at the sudden death of her father.

  When Miles reached the hut the children ran to him as if old friends. This time they did not ambush him but obeyed Isabelle’s instructions of how one must approach someone of his status.

  “I am here to see Miss Isabelle Sanders,” he told them. One raced inside and pulled Isabelle outside.

  Lord Spencer then said the most unexpected thing. “I am here to invite the children to my Estate this Saturday afternoon. I will send carriages to pick them up at one sharp.” He looked at Isabelle. “You are to come with them.”

  When someone in a high position spoke, it was accepted there would be no disagreement.

  “We thank you, my Lord. We will be ready,” she said.

  Miles had the feeling she wanted to turn back to whatever she was doing before his arrival. Her upbringing and his authority prevented her dismissing him. He finally gave up and bid them farewell before he returned to his home. There was much preparation to be done. It was imperative Isabelle Sanders approve his efforts.

  Isabelle turned his words over in her mind. She realized the opportunity the orphans would have and decided it would be a very good education for them all. She would instruct them how to conduct themselves while in the presence of royalty. Lord Spencer kept his promise in regard to clothing. He had sent bundles for the waifs the day before. Isabelle spent the afternoon separating the rich fabrics into sizes so that each child had three different outfits.

  When Miles met with his mother and sisters, they were enthused about the visit to his estate from the orphaned children in the village. They felt the diversion would be an entertaining one for all of them. Lady Lindsay Spencer immediately took charge of the details directing her staff and Miles’ employees to prepare for more than the waifs. She invited close friends. Her daughters, Caroline and Sophia were told to choose a few of their own close acquaintances.

  Unknown to Miles, everyone looked forward to an afternoon of amusement. He had no idea his mother and sisters had any motive other than opening their arms to poor abandoned children. He felt sure they would accept Isabelle with grace and grew excited with anticipation.

  Isabelle spent hours instructing the children in manners. Madeline helped scrub them until a
few of them looked as if in the sun too long. Rosy cheeks on smiling faces told Isabelle they were excited beyond words. She took a deep breath and hoped for a positive outcome to the experience. She heard the carriages on the hard dirt pathway.

  * * *

  When they entered the massive gates to Lord Spencer’s Estate, even Isabelle was taken aback. Never had she seen such a beautiful wrought iron entrance. The cobbled drive to the mansion was flanked with large oaks and manicured lawns on either side. They were greeted by Miles. Anthony and two others assisted the visitors from the carriages and welcomed them. Each child curtsied again and again until Isabelle told them in a soft voice it was enough. Lord Spencer led them inside to the drawing room where many fine ladies and gentlemen met them. Some of the women whispered behind large fans against pallid faces. Miles left the children with his men and presented Isabelle to Lady Lindsay and her daughters.

  Isabelle did not miss the scathing looks from Caroline and Sophia. She had been in circles such as this in the past and was well aware judgments were swiftly passed on newcomers. Once introductions were completed all went into the opulent dining room. The children were seated in a large nearby alcove and Isabelle took her place across from Lord Spencer. After small talk ensued, Caroline asked Isabelle a question.

  “What lineage is yours?”

  Miles looked up in shock at such an abrasive question.

  “I am descended from a man who once held the position as Lord Spencer does now.” Isabelle had colored slightly but Miles was proud of her good manners and the way she handled his sister.

  Lady Spencer became inwardly distressed as she kept close watch on her son. She had decided on the perfect woman for him to marry and often made a point of bringing them together on one pretense or another. Miles was obviously affected by this lowly girl who cared for waifs who were nothing but burdens on the empire. More than once, she asked inappropriate questions of the beauty that captivated her son’s attention. Her friends found this trend of conversation amusing.