Annabelle: A Regency Romance (The Four Sisters' Series Book 2)

by Audrey Harrison

  Annabelle became serious. “I sincerely hope you change your mind, Frances; I know how it feels to be looking at a single life ahead, and it isn’t very appealing.”

  “A single life? But I thought you were going to persuade Lord Stannage to return to his family?” Frances asked, puzzled.

  Annabelle laid her head on the cushioned head rest and sighed. “He will only return to his family if I give him reason to despise me. That way he will turn his back on me and stop being gallant.”

  “Oh! I didn’t realise!” Frances said stricken. “What are you going to do?”

  “I have no idea,” Annabelle admitted. “I cannot return home, of that I am sure. I suppose I am going to have to do what I should have done right at the beginning and try and do what Frederick was going to do, start afresh somewhere else.”

  “What will you do for money?” Frances asked, horrified at the part she was now playing in this turn of events.

  “Luckily Frederick put my dowry into an account that was solely for my use,” Annabelle explained. “He said money had never been an issue, and he had enough of his own, so I was to use it or invest it as I wished. He would give me advice if I asked for it, obviously. Yet another example of his kindness has meant that I can be independent.”

  “But you will be alone,” Frances said.

  “Yes, that will be a little strange,” Annabelle admitted. It would be for the best if only in the short-term. She would give herself enough time to recover from the past months. She wanted to return to the person she had been and not remain the terrified shell that she had been recently.

  “I could stay with you for a while, if you’d like,” Frances said, her cheeks blushing.

  “You don’t need to, but thank you for the offer,” Annabelle said, her heart swelling with gratitude that she had such a friend.

  “Think about it,” Frances said firmly. “After you have spoken to Lord Stannage, you may wish for a little company until you are fully settled. I would be happy to stay with you.”

  “I will consider it; you are truly lovely Frances,” Annabelle smiled at her friend.

  *

  Two very long days it took to reach Stannage House. They had continued to travel even after sunset, using the full moon to their advantage. Annabelle was determined to reach her husband in the shortest possible time.

  It was, therefore, curious staff who came to greet the late arrivals as the carriage pulled to a stop outside the door of Stannage House. Footmen opened the door, and the ladies stepped down; Annabelle shook out her skirts and immediately walked up the few steps to the door. Her way was blocked by the butler, who greeted the arrivals with a look of disdain, having received no information about expected guests.

  Annabelle paused in front of him, tired and keen to see Frederick. “Please show me to Lord Stannage,” she ordered, starting to remove her gloves, even though she was not in the house.

  “Lord Stannage is unavailable. Who shall I tell him called at this late hour?” came the supercilious reply.

  “You can tell him Lady Stannage is home; now if you will step aside and give me entrance to my own home, we would both be happier, I’m sure,” Annabelle said sharply.

  The colour drained from the butler’s face as he hurriedly stepped out of the way. Annabelle moved forward as he spluttered, “My Lady, if I had known….”

  Annabelle paused; she was tired, and she had been unfair. She looked at the butler. “I’m sorry. It has been a long journey: I need to see my husband; I am worried about him. Can you forgive my poor behaviour?”

  “There is no need to apologise, my Lady,” the butler replied with a slight bow of his head, although he was comforted that his mistress had done so. “My Lord is in his chamber being attended to by Mr Simms, but there is no need to worry, he is recovering from his chills. Wilson! Take her Ladyship to Lord Stannage’s bedchamber this instant. My Lady, I will have everything organised for your stay when you have seen my Lord.”

  “Thank you. If you could also arrange rooms for Miss Latimer and Mr Adams, I would be grateful,” Annabelle said, already moving away from the butler.

  She left the activity behind and climbed the stairs. This would have been their principle home, she mused as she walked. Luckily she was too focused on seeing Frederick to allow the feelings of regret to develop.

  The master suite was at the front of the house, the footman leading her to the first door when they turned away from the landing area. An archway separated the area at the top of the stairs from the rest of the hallway. Once the footman knocked, Annabelle indicated he should leave her.

  Simms, the valet, received quite a shock when he opened the door to see his mistress waiting to gain entrance. Annabelle looked beyond the valet to see Frederick’s form lying still on the bed. His bruises were fading, but they were still too prominent a reminder and made a shudder travel down Annabelle’s back.

  “How is he?” Annabelle whispered, not wishing to disturb his sleep.

  “A lot better, my Lady,” Simms responded. “He is sitting up and eating during the day; the doctor has prescribed laudanum purely to make sure he is fully rested and his body has time to recover. I feel exhaustion was the cause of the set-back.”

  “We all knew he was starting the journey too soon,” Annabelle said. There was no use in pretending the valet did not know what was going on; he, more than anyone else, would be clear with what was afoot.

  “Yes, my Lady, but he must have realised he had made a mistake, because he accepted the doctor’s instruction to rest,” Simms offered.

  “Good,” Annabelle responded. “Would you be good enough to set me a bed up in his dressing room; I will stay with him tonight.”

  Simms could not mask his surprise, “But my Lady, I have been stopping with him.”

  “You have some rest; I want to care for him now,” Annabelle said. “I shall change and have a bite to eat before returning then you can be relieved of your duties.”

  Annabelle left the room and was directed to her own chamber a few doors away from Frederick’s. Her maid was already unpacking, and she quickly dressed and made her way to the drawing room. The need for refreshments had already been anticipated by the staff, and food was laid out in the adjoining dining room. Annabelle waited until she was joined by Stuart and Frances, and the trio moved into the dining room.

  When Annabelle’s plate was empty, she pushed back her chair. “Excuse me; I am going to be taking care of Frederick tonight. I won’t be sure how he really is until he awakens, but I’m afraid I’m temporarily abandoning you.”

  “Would you like me to take a turn at watching him?” Frances offered immediately.

  “No thank you; I need to do it,” Annabelle replied. She reached the door before turning back to them. “Would you be kind enough not to let anyone know we are in residence as yet? I know we are only four miles away from both your homes, but just for now I would like our presence here to go unreported, even to Sudworth Hall.”

  Both Frances and Stuart gave their promises, but Frances wondered at the request. She knew how close the Johnson girls were; it seemed strange that Annabelle would not seek the support of her elder sister when she lived only six miles away.

  Stuart broke the silence that had descended upon Annabelle’s departure from the room. “Frances, can we clear the air? It looks like we are to be in each other’s company quite a bit over the coming days, and I dislike the tension that has arisen between us.”

  “As do I, but after what was said…”

  “Words said in the heat of the moment, when a fool’s pride has been dented…. surely a bad tempered response cannot be held against a man for the rest of his days?” Stuart said, his eyebrow raised and a slight smile playing around his lips.

  Frances looked at Stuart fully for the first time in days. “You know I am too weak to refuse such a request, don’t you? Isn’t that a little unfair, taking advantage like that?” Her words were said with a tone of mock-indignation.

 
; Stuart’s smile developed fully, lightening his dark eyes. “I’d hoped that you were, and what else can I do but use your kindness to my full advantage?”

  Frances laughed quietly. “Beast,” she said, but she felt lighter at the knowledge that he wanted to be easy with her. She had felt decidedly out of sorts since their set to.

  Chapter 12

  Frederick opened his eyes slowly; laudanum always knocked him completely out, even the tiniest of doses, hence he hated the stuff. He had only accepted it this time, because he was fully aware that he would never sleep fully after what had happened and the memory of the look on Annabelle’s face when he told her of his plans. Drugging himself seemed preferable to the dreams, at least in the short-term.

  He blinked a few times, to allow the room to come into focus. Simms was asleep on the chair near his side. Frederick’s eyes returned to the chair; Simms was not there, but he would have recognised that form anywhere. He blinked a few more times before speaking.

  “Am I so drugged that I am hallucinating?” he asked quietly.

  The slumped form sat up at his words and blinked at him in return. “No, not hallucinating; I have followed you,” Annabelle said, her stomach fluttering when she looked into Frederick’s eyes.

  “Why?” Frederick asked, keeping his voice low. He was not sure if there were any other members of staff around, and he did not want them to overhear their words.

  Annabelle sighed; she had never felt feelings that had developed for Frederick: she did not know how to suppress them; she did not know how she was ever going to live without him, but she was going to have to learn. “I missed you,” she said, unable to say anything else at that moment.

  Frederick closed his eyes. “Annabelle, don’t do this; I’m in enough pain. Please don’t add to it.”

  Annabelle took a breath; his words convinced her that what she had come to do was the correct course of action. “I’m sorry. I didn’t just come because I wanted to see you. I need to discuss something with you, but can we speak when you are a little stronger? I haven’t been honest with you from the start and, before you go further on this journey of exile of yours, I need to be honest with you.”

  Frederick frowned. “I don’t understand; why not tell me now?”

  “I don’t want to give you any more set-backs. Please indulge me in this; I mean to delay the conversation only for a day or two; I can see you are more recovered than I expected,” Annabelle replied. Selfishly, she thought it would also mean she would have his company for a few more days.

  Frederick would never have been able to refuse such a small request, especially as continuing his journey was the last thing he felt like embarking upon at the moment. When it came down to it, the thought of leaving Annabelle and his family behind was proving more difficult than he had imagined, but he would not let Annabelle know; she would only try and persuade him to return home. He was still convinced that leaving was the right thing to do.

  “As you wish,” Frederick said. He closed his eyes; the next few days would be sweet torture.

  *

  Annabelle spent the first day with Frederick hardly leaving his room. They did not speak much, both unable to say what they wanted to but taking some comfort in having the other close by.

  During breakfast on the second morning, Stuart received a letter forwarded on from Hedley House. He excused himself from the room; the letter was from his mother, and he was keen to read the contents.

  Annabelle turned to Frances when Stuart left the room. “Are things a little easier between the two of you?”

  “Yes, we cleared the air a little yesterday,” Frances admitted. “I don’t suppose we will ever be on as easy terms as we used to be, but being pleasant to each other will make life so much better. I dislike conflict.”

  “I did feel a little guilty yesterday at leaving you both to your own devices when you have been so good to me,” Annabelle said.

  “We are here to support you in whatever form it takes. If you don’t need us, that’s fine; there is a splendid library here: I can lose myself in any number of books.”

  “I don’t deserve you, but thank you,” Annabelle said with feeling. She had the suspicion that she would need her friend’s support a great deal over the coming days.

  *

  Stuart settled himself in the same library Frances enjoyed and opened the letter. He had no idea what to expect and felt a little nervous about the contents.

  My dear boy, the letter opened,

  I have no idea what sort of mess the two of you have managed to get yourself into, but I am warning you: if you don’t sort it out and bring Frances home as your betrothed, I am certainly going to disown you both!

  The smile that spread over Stuart’s face, would have been a pleasure to behold if either of the ladies who were most important to him had seen it. He continued to read with a sigh of relief.

  What nonsense the chit has been uttering, I can only imagine! All I can put it down to is that she spent too much time in the company of the likes of Joan and Robert and believes the poison they spouted to everyone who was unfortunate enough to come into contact with them. I told her time and again to rid herself of Joan, but she never listened until Joan herself caused Frances to act. I was never more proud of Frances than on that day; she stood her ground and did the right thing even though there were five people facing her. I had avoided doing what she did through cowardice, so I was doubly impressed if that was possible.

  How she has come to the conclusion that I was looking for someone who was a higher class to put forward for your wife I have no idea. I can only presume that over the years she has not listened to a word I have said and, when the time is right, I shall be informing her exactly what I think of that type of behaviour.

  She knows that I think most people we have the unfortunate pleasure of living near are either nincompoops or full of their own self-importance; I have no time for them. If I were trying to find you a wife from those idiots, I would insist you enter a monastery first. Why on earth does she think I have kept her so close to me over the years while you have been away? I am your mother; I saw your affection for her and approved wholeheartedly. She is the only girl I would welcome into our home and proudly introduce as my daughter. I know how good she is, and she has stood up to me over the years; not often, but enough to know that if I ever needed taking to task, she would do it.

  I do not want you to show Frances this letter yet. I don’t want to influence her in any way. If she is going to marry you, I want it to be because you mean the world to her and not because she feels obliged to do so.

  I can offer no advice on how to change Frances’s mind, but do it you must; there are grandchildren to consider!

  I shall await your response and hope it is speedy and holds the news I want to hear.

  Yours always

  Mother.

  Stuart read and reread the letter; the pleasure it brought him ensured the smile stayed firmly on his face. He was disturbed from his thoughts by the entrance of Frances, who faltered a little.

  “Am I intruding? I can take my book elsewhere,” she offered, picking the book up from the side table. She had noticed the smile on Stuart’s face and experienced fluttering in her stomach as well as feelings of curiosity.

  “You are not intruding; it is a letter from my mother,” Stuart responded.

  “Oh, is she well?”

  “Yes, very well thank you,” Stuart replied and was going to leave Frances to her book, when an idea struck him. He did not think it through, just acted on the thought. “It seems you were correct; she has picked out someone for me who she wishes I will marry. I told her in my last letter I was hoping to settle down,” Stuart said, his tone the right amount of happiness and excitement.

  Frances tried her hardest to paste a smile on her face, but the lump in her stomach, where it seemed that all the butterflies had plunged to their deaths, made any facial movement difficult. “I always thought she would have had someone in mind for you
.”

  “I hope you don’t mind me sharing this with you?” Stuart asked, his tone not giving anything away. “But you were very clear in your refusal. I would normally be silent, but I’m quite excited at the thought.”

  “NNNot-not at all,” Frances stuttered, trying to make her voice sound light. “As you say, my words were very clear, and I would always wish you well; you are a dear friend.”

  “Thank you; you are most kind,” Stuart said. “If you would excuse me, I would like to write a response to Mother; she has really brightened my day.”

  “Of course,” Frances murmured, but her words were said to an empty room as Stuart had already left her alone.

  The book was absent-mindedly placed back on the side table when Frances sank onto the seat nearest to her. Mrs Adams had recommended someone, and he was happy with her suggestion. It was only to be expected that he would seek out another; he had been clear in his desire to settle down. She had not imagined he would find a suitable lady to replace her so fast, but she should have known Mrs Adams would want him settled quickly. Of course, she wanted her son to return home. He would be married soon and no longer seeking her out for walks or amusement. Frances felt ill at the thought of seeing him married to someone, anyone, else. Oh, how could she have been such a fool!

  Yes, she felt he was of a different class and much more experienced than she was; of course, he would tire of her, but she had refused his proposal. Now he was to marry someone else, and they would be happy, and Mrs Adams would be happy, and she would have the grandchildren Frances knew she longed for, and they would all be happy!

  Frances did not think she would ever be able to smile again.

  *

  Stuart walked into Stannage House whistling to himself; he had enjoyed a brisk walk around the grounds and felt refreshed and hopeful. He had seen Frances’s reaction to his news, and he felt more hope than he had since he had received her refusal. Perhaps his mother would get her wish after all.

  Frances left the drawing room, hanging back when she heard Stuart’s whistle; she did not think she could face him in such a cheerful mood when she was feeling so bereft, but as usual luck was against her as he spotted her as soon as he had been relieved of his hat and gloves.