by Karen Kirst
Timothy ducked his head and shrugged. “You deserve it, Mother.” He wandered over to Hannah’s new display, his hands clasped behind his back.
Hannah was in an odd predicament, for she remembered all of Jane’s confidences. She wondered if, for example, she were to utter the name Jane, would Timothy show any interest? She had played the role of confidante before, but only for her sisters and none of their beaux had been customers.
“Well, I should be happy to start one for you, and then I will leave it to Abigail and Mercy to finish it.” Hannah made her voice a tiny bit louder. “You see, I am leaving for Grant Park tomorrow. I am working as a seamstress for Miss Jane Reed.”
Did Timothy’s shoulders rise as she spoke? It was difficult to tell. Mrs. Holdcroft did not look the least bit baffled. She merely smiled. “What a good position to have, Miss Siddons. I certainly hope you aren’t leaving Tansley forever, though. We would miss you so much.”
“Would you really?” She blurted the words before she could check them. Mrs. Holdcroft was merely being polite. Her presence in Tansley made no difference to anyone.
“We would. The entire village would. You know, the Siddons sisters brought so much life to the village. Before you were here, there wasn’t anyplace a woman could go to purchase anything fashionable. When you and your sisters opened this shop, it was as though the world had been brought to Tansley.” She reached out and patted Hannah’s arm. “Of course, with your elder sisters married, I am certain the burden of running the shop must get tiresome.”
Hannah nodded. She couldn’t trust her voice just then. It was just so nice to have someone sympathize with her and say such complimentary things about the shop and all they had accomplished. Why, they had accomplished a lot, for three unmarried girls with no fortune and no family connections. They had much to be proud of, and God had been good to them.
“I don’t know that I can be here forever,” Hannah finally managed. “Business is not very profitable now that I have a rival in the village.”
Mrs. Holdcroft shook her head, clucking her tongue. “Tut, tut. Never mind what she may be doing. My thought is this—you will get all your customers back once the novelty of her presence wears off.”
Hannah gave her a weary smile. That was an unlikely scenario, but pleasant to hear all the same. “Thank you, Mrs. Holdcroft. Now, shall we discuss your bonnet?”
Hannah worked with the older woman to plan a nice, simple spring confection—nothing too elaborate, but something that set off Mrs. Holdcroft’s refined features and graceful bearing to perfection. Timothy waited patiently by the display, saying nothing.
As they were finishing the order, Hannah glanced over at him. He was a handsome lad, with dark hair and eyes like his mother. He also possessed that same dignity of manner that characterized Mrs. Holdcroft. One could see at a glance that the Holdcrofts were no mere country farming family. They came from an aristocratic background, despite their current state of poverty.
“Timothy is so kind,” Mrs. Holdcroft confided in a whisper as they finished her bonnet order. “He sold a prized calf of his and insisted on buying something special for me. I wouldn’t hear of it at first, but he kept saying that it would give him great pleasure. I feel so fortunate to have such a good son.”
“You are fortunate indeed,” Hannah replied, her heart warming as she glanced over at Timothy. He was a good man and would be a good husband and father someday, surely. Would Jane be able to persuade her brother that she should marry where her heart led her?
If only she could. Timothy Holdcroft would take care of Jane Reed, no matter what befell them.
She finished Mrs. Holdcroft’s order and watched them leave, the mother leaning on her son for support as he opened the door for her. She made a few notes on the order for Abigail and Mercy so they would understand what should be done once she left in the morning.
Then she spent the rest of her time cleaning the shop. Perhaps if she gave it a thorough cleaning each time she came home, it wouldn’t look so forlorn. As she swept and scrubbed, her mind drifted down a trail of thought sparked by the Holdcrofts and the Reeds. What would it be like to be cared for by someone?
No one had ever bought her anything simply because she deserved it. Gifts in a poor household were rare indeed, and the few she had gotten over the years had been given to her by her sisters for the holidays. Jane would be blessed indeed to have a young man so thoughtful and so caring.
A sudden wave of jealousy swept over Hannah, leaving her so dizzy that she had to sit, abruptly, in a chair nearby.
She should be happy for Jane, but she wasn’t. If Jane didn’t marry Timothy, she would marry someone else, for her place in life was secure. She would live in a beautiful home and have someone to care for her. She would have children. She would never suffer from loneliness and she would never have to worry about making herself useful in order to earn a place in someone else’s house.
Neither would her sisters.
Hannah alone was the unattractive one, the plain one, the unwanted one.
No man would want her. John’s elaborate apologies after his mistaken proposal just rubbed salt in a wound that had existed for years. The thing of it was, John was actually turning out not to be such an odious swine as she had originally suspected. He was a good man, beneath all his pretenses at laziness and pleasure-seeking. If he thought her an unlikely candidate for marriage, then likely other men felt the same way.
For some reason, that thought caused her heart to lurch heavily in her chest. Who cared what John Reed thought of her marital prospects? It didn’t matter one whit.
Hannah balled her fists in her lap and squeezed her eyes shut.
She must focus. She must.
She would be scrambling after crumbs from another person’s table for the rest of her life if she didn’t earn her independence.
Why was this journey her path? What possible use could God have for an unloved, unwanted spinster? “I know You care for the smallest of the small, for the weak and for the poor,” she said aloud, spitting the words out as though they tasted foul. “Why do I feel so abandoned, then? So forgotten?”
She gave vent to hot, uncontrollable tears, the kind that seemed to tear through her very soul. She mustn’t take on this way, for Jane deserved happiness, as did her sisters. If only a few drops of joy could also come her way, what a difference it might make.
Grant Park must be the answer. God was calling her there for a reason. He wouldn’t abandon her.
She dried her eyes on the corner of her apron and walked across to the display she had created. It was time to pack her valise, and she must take the borrowed handkerchief case home to Jane.
*
Sid would be home today and life would return to its even pace. John took the stairs two at a time in his haste to get to the barn. All week he had thrown himself into work, because he wanted to have something to show for the time she was gone. He craved her approval, for her good opinion was not easily won.
Molly had opened her eyes this week. That was something new. He had set her in with the other pups as she gained strength, giving her time to play with her siblings. That had gone well. Madge accepted the puppy but also made no move to stop John when he took Molly away. It was as if the mother knew that he was taking care of the runt so she could focus her energies on the rest of the litter.
He nodded to Davis as he drew closer. He no longer felt the need to consult with the head groom on every detail of his visit. With each day this week he had become more of his own man, more of the master and less of the guest merely passing through.
He made his way into the barnyard, where the puppies were rolling around in the lush grass. Madge stood guard nearby, eyeing the puppies while sunning herself. A pleasant enough pastoral scene, and one in which he felt a sneaking sense of pride. This was his.
“So, what will you be?” He questioned the puppies as though they could really answer. “I wonder what I shall train you for. Would you prefer the
life of a shepherd or guard dog?”
Davis chuckled appreciatively as he wandered up from the paddock. “I suppose, right now, they would all prefer to live a life of luxury.”
John nodded. “It is an addictive lifestyle, I must say. However, as one who is developing a newfound appreciation for work, I must say the joy of doing nothing palls after a while.” He stared intently at the mother and pups. “What should we breed these dogs for, Davis? Any thoughts?”
“Well, Bah was as good a sheep-herder as you could imagine.” Davis rubbed a handkerchief over his brow. “Cleo was good at herding, too. Not as good as Bah, but very close. I haven’t had Madge out in the field yet, for she has been hanging about the barn, working with the horses. She’s a good lass to have around skittish animals. Always calms them right down.”
“I could see that. She has a tranquil nature, even around these wriggling pups.” So how were they to proceed? He had all the enthusiasm of someone delving into something new, but no idea how to turn this zeal into something permanent. “Is it impossible to tell now how best to train these pups?”
“I would consider a few things while they are still too young for training,” Davis replied. “First, I would think about what kind of dog is in demand in Derbyshire. What do we need most? What would be the most popular? After all, we want to create the kind of dogs that are sought after throughout the county.”
“True, true.” He could begin by writing to his landed friends, those who already managed their estates, and see what kind of dog they used most often in their daily work. Paul and Daniel would certainly know, and other friends might be able to put in a few words, too. “What else would you recommend?”
“We will have to see what each pup can do best, once they are older. Use their natural talents, so to speak.” Davis shrugged. “There was a book, I believe it is housed in your father’s library.” He paused, looking distinctly uncomfortable. “I should say ‘your library.’ I beg your pardon, sir. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. It’s just that I am still adjusting to the loss of your father.”
“No harm done,” John reassured the groom. After all, he was just now showing an interest in the doings of Grant Park. It would take a long time for everyone to get used to his newfound concentration.
“Thank you, sir.” Davis’s shoulders relaxed. “There should be a book in your library, devoted to the history of all the creatures at the Park since it was first built. Horses, dogs, cattle, sheep. If you find that book, it could do a great deal of good in helping us establish a breeding business.”
“I shall look for it later, I promise.” John straightened. One of the lower grooms was approaching, needing Davis’s help, no doubt.
“Mr. Davis, a carriage was spotted coming through the main gates. I believe Miss Siddons has returned. Shall I go and meet the horses?” The young man stood patiently, awaiting Davis’s instruction.
“I’ll go,” John interjected. “Have a horse ready, Davis?”
“In two seconds, sir,” Davis replied, tugging at his cap.
True to his word, within a matter of seconds, John was seated on one of the Park’s impressive stallions, riding out to the main gates of the Park. For some reason, this felt like the right thing to do. During Sid’s absence, he had gathered together all the materials she needed, plus some additional items she had not requested. Everything had been piled into her sitting room, making a striking display. Of course, she would not have room to work in her sitting room, so he had made sure that one of the studies downstairs would be put into service as a workroom. Would Sid like it? He certainly hoped so.
Over the course of her time in Tansley, he had realized how much the house depended on Sid and her good sense. He had a plan in mind for her, if only she would agree to it.
Would she agree to it? He was struck with self-doubt. Perhaps she had seen how much she missed in Tansley, and was eager to return. He spied the carriage through a break in the line of oak trees and hastened over.
He drew up alongside the carriage and motioned for Sid to open the window. She waved a gloved hand and did as he asked.
“Welcome home!” he boomed, and then realized how ridiculous he sounded. Embarrassment—a rare feeling for him—filled his soul. “I’ll see you in a few moments!”
He rode off, thoroughly disgusted with that fulsome display. Why the awkwardness and indecisiveness all of a sudden? She was just Sid, after all.
Perhaps a good ride through the Park was in order before he allowed himself to see Sid’s reaction to his arrangements. He needed something to clear his head. There was no need to take on so about a chit like Hannah Siddons.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Upon my word, this is astonishing,” Hannah blurted as she walked into her study. She dropped her valise in startled wonder. The sight of roll upon roll of fabric was well-nigh overwhelming. Baskets of notions overflowed in one corner. She caught glimpses of lace, of flowers and of carefully crafted birds that looked ready to take flight. All that she had requested must be here, along with a great deal that she hadn’t even considered.
“Surprise!” Jane called, laughing, as she rose from the settee. “You see, my brother took your request quite seriously. Everything you need to turn me into a diamond of the first water is here, right in this room.”
“I must confess, I am quite amazed.” Hannah smiled as Jane embraced her. “I could turn this room into another location for the Siddons Sisters Millinery Shop, so great is our inventory of supplies.”
Jane walked over to the corner of the sitting room and pulled the embroidered bellpull. “We won’t, of course, leave all of this in here,” she stated matter-of-factly. “John has had an entire room downstairs cleared out for storage. This was just set up to surprise you.”
“Well, it certainly worked.” Hannah removed her bonnet and cast it aside. “I cannot wait to start your wardrobe.” In fact, her fingers fairly itched to open all the boxes and baskets, to touch all the fabrics and to begin the hard work of cutting and laying out each garment.
The sitting room door opened, and a maid came in. She bobbed a curtsy at Jane. “You rang, Miss Jane?”
“Yes. Go and fetch the footmen, and have them start moving all of this to the room Mr. John set aside downstairs. Then please send Lucinda and Amelia up here as they need to meet Miss Hannah.”
The maid bobbed a respectful curtsy and left to do as she was asked.
Jane turned to Hannah. “Amelia and Lucinda are the maids that John has assigned to help you with my wardrobe. They are skilled seamstresses, though they lack your talent. After I’ve introduced you, you may order them about as you see fit.”
“I am not sure where to begin,” Hannah murmured, wandering over to a bolt of fine lavender silk. “There’s just so much to do, and so much to choose from. I shall have to make a list.”
“Well, I am certain that you will be working away busily in no time at all.” Jane paused for a moment, pursing her lips. “Did you enjoy your time in Tansley?”
“I did.” Hannah flicked a quick glance at her friend. Was Jane actually interested in her trip, or more concerned about whether or not she’d caught a glimpse of the Holdcrofts? “I saw many familiar faces, including your particular friend, Timothy Holdcroft.”
Jane paled a little. “Did you really? How was he? Did he say anything?”
“Not much, to be perfectly honest, though he seemed well.” There was surely no harm in telling Jane about his visit. She was agreeing to a London Season and had made no more demands to change her brother’s plans. Perhaps she had finally come around to his way of thinking, or had at least agreed to the inevitable. “He brought his mother in to buy a new bonnet. She said he was purchasing one as a special treat for her.” Somehow, the sting of not receiving any gifts over the years lessened as she was surrounded by more fabrics than she could ever hope to use. Even if this extravagant display of largesse wasn’t for her personal benefit, it was still quite comforting to be surrounded by luxury. �
�He seems a nice enough fellow. His mother is lovely. She said so many nice things about my shop. I sincerely appreciated her thoughtfulness.”
Jane’s dark eyes glowed. “I only met her a few times, but I agree. She is a most pleasant woman.”
“Yes.” Hannah could think of nothing more to say. There really wasn’t that much about the Holdcrofts’ visit that was worthy of note. Indeed, if she had not been aware of Jane’s affection for Timothy, she would not have remarked on it at all.
Jane turned and walked toward the window. “Was my handkerchief box a nice addition to your shop? I do hope you brought it back with you. I realized after I loaned it to you that my favorite handkerchief was still in it.”
“Oh, no. I didn’t see anything in there.” Hannah grabbed her valise and pulled out the box. “I had my handkerchiefs in here, but I removed them.” She handed the box to Jane. “Here. If I find yours mixed in with mine, I’ll be sure to tell you.”
“Oh, thank you.” Jane took the box. Were her hands trembling? Surely not. Hannah shook her head. There was nothing upsetting in their conversation, and she had returned the case, after all. Was Jane really that upset over a missing scrap of linen?
“Do you want me to help you search for it?” A troubling feeling gnawed at her insides. Perhaps there really had been something in there and she missed it? She didn’t want to lose anything of Jane’s, especially after her friend had been so kind to lend it.
“No, no.” Jane waved her hand with a dismissive gesture. “I must have left it somewhere else. I’ll find it, I am sure.”
The door to the sitting room opened again, and four footmen entered. Hefting bolts of fabric on their shoulders, they began the first of many trips downstairs to Hannah’s newly established sewing room. Amelia and Lucinda entered next, ready to do Hannah’s bidding. It was a whirlwind of activity after the quiet dullness of a week at the shop, and it energized her. She was so ready to do good work and to prove herself worthy of her new position at Grant Park.
