The Complicated Earl

by Audrey Harrison

  As the afternoon progressed Mary tried to persuade Isabelle to join her in a walk to the Crescent. “It will do you good my dear.” Mary cajoled.

  “Thank you, but I would rather stay here this afternoon. I shall enjoy the solitude. Perhaps the headache has been caused because of all the extra activity James’s visit has brought,” Isabelle replied. Although feeling more like herself, she did not want to face an afternoon of polite nothings.

  James offered to escort Mary on the promenade and they left Isabelle once more to her thoughts, which had begun to take on a more positive turn. She had never been one to dwell on life’s cruelties and she forced herself to become quite philosophical about the incident. At least she had felt the rush of first love whereas she had doubted whether it was possible for her to ever feel it. Now she knew that she was capable of falling in love. Surely that must mean that when her heart could think of the Earl without missing a beat that there may be possibilities with others she might meet? Perhaps after all there was a man somewhere who could love her whom she would love in return.

  Isabelle was brought out of her reverie by a commotion in her hallway. She had heard the doorknocker sound, but she had given instructions that she was not receiving visitors, so had not expected to hear voices, let alone the raised voices that she could now discern. She was moving to the door to find out what possible reason there could be for such noise, when the door was flung open and she was faced with the Earl looking more angry than she had ever seen anyone look in her life.

  Isabelle felt alarm at the state of the Earl. She had blushed when she had realised who was standing before her, but she let the feelings of indignation at the unexpected intrusion influence her greeting. “What on earth do you think you are doing entering my home in such a way, when I am not receiving visitors?” She demanded standing before him.

  “Do you think by not receiving visitors you would avoid me? When did he leave? I am going to kill him when I find him!” Tom approached her as if to grab her, but Isabelle was in no doubt that there would not be a repeat of the gentle touch from the night before. Anger was oozing from his every pore.

  “Why should I want to avoid you? I was trying to avoid my headache returning, which is probably futile with you barging in like a madman! At least you can do me the honour of speaking to me in a civilised way and tell me what possible reason you could have for coming here.” Isabelle was cold and firm. Her words and the look in her eyes challenged Tom and her cold anger seemed to make him recollect himself a little.

  He moved away from her and stood leaning on the mantelpiece. A long moment passed before breathing deeply he turned back to her. “Tell me you had no part in it,” he said, his tone almost pleading.

  “My Lord this is impossible!” Isabelle said in exasperation. “No part in what? I am beginning to think I need to call a Doctor, you appear to be out of your senses.”

  “I don’t need a Doctor; I need a gunsmith in order to shoot your brother!” Tom snarled, flaring up once more.

  “James? What has James done that could possibly warrant such an outburst?” Isabelle was by now baffled and seriously wondering about the sanity of the man standing before her.

  Tom looked at her before answering and then his shoulders seemed to relax slightly. “I knew you couldn’t have known anything about it. Thank God. James and Sophie have eloped to Gretna Green. I don’t know what time they left, but they’ve gone. I don’t understand why. I spoke to James last night and told him I would speak to Sophie after the ball and we would visit this afternoon to make the necessary arrangements. Why would they then decide to elope when I have given my permission? It’s a foolish, idiotic idea, but not one that can’t be overcome I suppose.” He finished sounding calmer and sat down on a chair.

  As he had spoken he had not noticed the colour drain from Isabelle’s face. “When do you think they left?” she asked quietly wanting to be sure of her suspicions before she spoke. He was in no mood to be open to speculation.

  “I don’t know. After I had spoken with Sophie last night she told me she would not be attending church as she wanted to come and see how you were. She was concerned that you had left early because of illness. She told me she would be staying with you, but would be back around two. We could then walk out together, returning here. At half past two I received a letter from her, delivered specifically at that time as per her instructions apparently. All it said was she was sorry, she wanted to be with the man she loved on her terms and she hoped I would find it in my heart to forgive her. I guessed they had gone to Gretna Green. Sophie had always spoken about it being the most romantic place to marry.”

  Isabelle looked sickened. “My Lord, she is not with James.”

  Tom frowned, “What do you mean? Of course she is with him.”

  “Did she mention James by name in her letter?”

  “No, but everything in the letter pointed to it being James and she seemed happy last night when we spoke of her marriage.”

  “There is no easy way to say this, so I apologise for being so blunt but Sophie has not been here at all today. James rose as normal and has spent some time with me. He knows nothing of Sophie’s whereabouts; in fact he has accompanied my cousin to the Royal Crescent in order to go looking for her. He could not wait until the announcement was made and wanted to find out your plans for today, so has gone hoping to see you there. James has not seen Sophie since last night at the ball.”

  As Isabelle finished she did not have time to react to Tom who had slumped in his chair. As she had spoken they were interrupted by the arrival of James and Mary returning from their walk. James’s voice could be heard from the hallway, but Isabelle’s attention was brought back to Tom when she heard a moan escape from his lips.

  James and Mary entered the room. “Ah Standish, I believe you don’t like taking no for an answer. Benson told us you barged in against Isabelle’s wishes. What’s going on old chap? Where’s Sophie?”

  James was all good humour and Isabelle’s heart went out to her brother, she was about to destroy his happiness. “James, sit down.” She motioned gently for him to join her. It was obvious from the expression on Tom’s face that she needed to take control; he had just received confirmation of his worst nightmare.

  “Is everything well?” James asked looking between the pair. “You are not ill again are you Izzy? Sophie is well?” Their silence was increasing his alarm and Tom could not meet his gaze.

  “James sit down,” Mary instructed and sat next to him on the couch. “Isabelle?” She asked bracing herself for news she could sense was not going to be good.

  “James, we believe that Sophie has run away, has eloped to Gretna Green,” Isabelle said softly.

  James looked between the pair. “Is this some kind of sick joke? Standish if you are playing games I swear I will not be responsible for my actions.”

  “It is no joke; I thought she had gone with you, only she has fooled us all. There can only be one other that she has eloped with,” Tom said. “I need to try and catch them before it is too late.” He stood and made to move to the door. James had fallen against Mary’s shoulder and she had put her arm around him and was speaking quietly to him.

  “Wait!” Isabelle said stopping his departure. “What are you going to do if you catch her?”

  “I’ll bring her back!” Tom answered in disbelief at such a foolish question from the usually sensible Isabelle.

  Isabelle opened her mouth to speak but was prevented from responding by a further commotion in the hallway. “Oh what now?” She said in exasperation, but part of her hoped it might be Sophie returning.

  She went to the door as Benson the butler stood outside. “Madam, I beg your pardon, but there is a Mrs Arnold and Miss Arnold asking to see you on a matter of urgency.”

  “Show them in Benson, thank you,” Isabelle sighed. She was not sure if any of them could cope with Mrs Arnold, but she might have information that would help and her family were obviously involved with the whole
sorry episode.

  A subdued Mrs Arnold was brought into the room along with Miss Arnold who had obviously been crying relentlessly. Her eyes were red and she did everything possible to avoid looking at the people gathered. Mrs Arnold looked to the Earl and seemed to go a paler shade of white than she had when she had entered the room. “My Lord, I am sorry. Your household said you had come to Miss Crawford’s and it is of utmost importance we speak.” She was agitated and upset.

  “What can you possibly say that will help? Hasn’t your family done enough damage?” Tom demanded. He was in no mood to humour a woman such as Mrs Arnold.

  Isabelle intervened, “Mrs Arnold, please be seated and tell us what you know. We need to find out as much as possible quickly.”

  “I know my dear, I came as soon I as found out. I am so sorry, I did not know, truly I did not,” she said flashing a look of appeal at the Earl. “I found Charlotte reading this letter.” She handed a letter to Isabelle, but Isabelle passed it straight to the Earl.

  The room went silent as he read the letter, but he said nothing as he finished it. He looked at Isabelle and he passed her the paper. Isabelle had to physically stop herself from throwing her arms around him because of the look of despair in his eyes. Instead she took the letter and began to read.

  My Dear Charlotte,

  By the time you read this my dream will be underway, yes you will have guessed I am on my way to Gretna Green with Sidney. You know he is and has always been the love of my life.

  I’ve tried to be a dutiful sister and do what Tom wanted, but no matter how I tried I could not love James. Perhaps if I had not met Sidney things would have been different, but I did and no other man can compete with my feelings for him.

  Tom mentioned tonight that he was going to allow me to announce my engagement to James and I knew I could carry on no longer; I had to be with Sidney. We had discussed what would happen if Tom gave his approval and Sidney was true to his word springing into action after receiving a hurried note from me. He is determined to give me the wedding I have wanted my whole life. What could be more exciting than a dash to the border, being chased by an angry brother?

  We will have left at three in the morning. I had to lie to Tom, which did not come easily, but I needed to prevent him finding out what had happened too early. Hopefully twelve hours or more will have passed before he sets out to follow us. I know he will but we shall do everything to keep ahead and make it in time. Sidney and I have been planning this for such a long while that he has been able to save and we can travel quickly and in style. He has promised to keep me in the lifestyle I deserve.

  Anyway my dear Charlotte, my marriage will benefit us all. I shall have the man I love and Sidney will have the income he needs to be a true gentleman. We can provide for you and Cecily and make your mother comfortable in her old age. I am so happy that our union will bring a better life to those I love dearly. We are going to be true sisters Charlotte! You will be able to marry a man you deserve, not one you are forced to take.

  Please wish me well and forgive me for not telling you sooner. I promise to be a good sister and wife and will see you on my return.

  Yours in affection

  Sophie.

  Isabelle looked at Tom. It was as if someone had kicked him in the stomach. “She loves him and believes she is doing the right thing for the whole family. Her motives are not those of someone who has set out to intentionally cause pain.”

  “They planned to get such a start that I shall almost certainly not catch them. She has underestimated me if she thought that would prevent me from finding them! I shall hunt them down however long it takes!” Tom stood up, anger taking over his shock.

  Isabelle acted quickly, thinking as she went along. “Mrs Arnold, thank you for bringing this to the Earl’s attention. He appreciates it, we all do. It has provided us with vital information that can only help. I’m sure you need to return home now and have a little time with your girls. Everyone is upset and we need to decide what to do for the best.” She was ushering Mrs Arnold and Miss Arnold out as she was speaking. Mrs Arnold looked at first as if she was going to protest, but one look at the Earl made her change her mind and she allowed herself to be led out.

  “He won’t hurt my boy will he?” She asked Isabelle worriedly.

  “No, he is just shocked as the rest of us are,” Isabelle reassured her, but not feeling totally confident in her words.

  She returned to the room once Mrs Arnold had been handed into the care of Benson and addressed Tom. “Are you determined to go after her even though it will be almost impossible to catch them?”

  “Yes, they may be faced with unforeseen problems that would work to my advantage,” he replied rising from his chair. “I need to go now.”

  “Can you collect me on the way through? I just need to gather a few things together,” Isabelle said as Tom bowed to take his leave.

  Her words caused James, Mary and the Earl to say “What?” at the same time, which could not help but bring a smile to Isabelle’s lips.

  “If you find her, what are you going to do? Yes you will scold her all day and night I expect and try and force her to come back, but do you honestly think she will stay with you? She will run away at the first opportunity she gets and no matter how you try you cannot keep her by your side all the time. You need someone to come with you,” Isabelle explained patiently, but quickly.

  “Then I shall go,” James said.

  “James, you are the second person she would least want to be faced with after her brother. She has rejected you and to be faced with you while she stands with her chosen lover, what can that achieve? I am not going to stand by while my brother is forced into a situation that only ends with a duel being fought, no thank you. I am the obvious person to accompany you,” Isabelle said firmly.

  “Isabelle, you cannot travel alone with the Earl, it is not appropriate. Let me come as well,” Mary offered.

  “No, I need you to stay with James,” Isabelle said gently. She turned to Tom. “You know you need my assistance, so stop delaying matters and let us set off. We can make a story up to explain ourselves while we are on the road. Each moment we stand here, we lose even more time. Shall we take your carriage? How quickly can you be ready?”

  “I shall collect you in half an hour,” Tom nodded and left the room quickly.

  “Isabelle...” Mary started frowning at her cousin.

  “There is no need to say anything Mary. I know what you are thinking. Would you come and help me pack?” Mary nodded her agreement and the ladies left the room. Isabelle did not speak again until she was in her bed chamber. “Mary I need you to take care of James, we both know how devastated he will be. He has never shown any partiality towards anyone else before Sophie and her rejection is going to hurt him more than if he was a younger man in the first flushes of love. I am worried about how he will react once this news really sinks in; he is in shock at the moment. He said he had flouted convention last night by dancing with Sophie three times; he will suffer even more gossip when this leaks out. Please take care of him.”

  “I don’t think you are worrying unjustly,” Mary agreed as they both pulled clothes out of cupboards. This was not a task either wanted Isabelle’s maid involved with. The fewer people knew what was happening, the better. “Should I take him back to Hampshire?”

  “Yes, let it be known that there is a family crisis. We are telling no lies, there is one. I do not want James facing people that only last night he was showing in all but the formalities he was engaged to Sophie. He will not be able to cope with the censure that would be aimed at him and Sophie. How soon will you leave?”

  “We can leave this evening. That way it will look as if we have all gone together. Will you come to us in Hampshire on your return?” Mary asked as the packing was completed in record time.

  “Yes, that would be best. Whatever happens I don’t think the Earl will return to Bath. He had already mentioned about going back to Kent, so I don’t think
he will object to setting me down in Hampshire,” Isabelle said dressing as quickly as she could in her outdoor clothes.

  “Are you sure this is wise Isabelle? I did not want to be so frank but I have an idea of how you feel. I don’t want to see you being hurt even more,” Mary said gently.

  Isabelle stopped tying her bonnet and turned to her cousin. “There is no hiding from you is there?” She smiled. “Mary, he needs help and I have to go, whatever the consequences.”

  “Just be careful.” The cousins embraced and picked up the portmanteau. As they carried it downstairs Isabelle heard the carriage drawing up. She had wondered briefly if the Earl would set off without her, but had dismissed her worry. He was sensible enough to have realised the strength of her argument.

  She met the Earl in the hallway with Mary. “Ready?” he asked as he picked up her portmanteau.

  “Ready,” she nodded and walked through the door.

  Chapter 9

  As the carriage set off the Earl turned to Isabelle. “I hope you are a sturdy traveller. I have instructed Jackson to keep to the fastest speed and as I have yet to meet a better driver, I expect the pace will be relentless throughout.”

  “Don’t worry about me I shall cope with whatever we need to face,” Isabelle assured him. She had noticed as she climbed into the carriage that the coat of arms on the carriage doors had been covered. A wise precaution. Tom would not want to broadcast to each inn they entered that the Earl of Standish was racing up the country.

  They travelled in silence for a long time, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. Isabelle worried about James. He had never cared for anyone as much as he had Sophie and she had repaid his affection by making a fool out of him. She had every faith in Mary and could only hope that her cousin would know what to do to ease his pain. She thought about Sophie. She did not hate her for what she had done. Sophie had wanted to marry Mr Arnold long before she had met James. Isabelle did not quite know how she would persuade her not to run off again if they did catch them before they reached Gretna Green, but she was sure that there would be plenty of time to think of how to handle such a difficult situation.