by Joyce Alec
He gently raised her hands to his lips. She was so frail and he knew she had been through something terrible. He didn’t care. He would accept any past indiscretions and welcome her into his home and his heart.
He pleaded, “I want to provide you with the happiest life within my power. I want to shower you with love so that there is never a day that you question your worth.”
For the first time Matthew got his wish. He saw Lady Elizabeth lose control. The tears fell as her eyes shimmered like emeralds. Her composed demeanor dissipated as she lashed out with anger. “I am damaged and the source of gossip. I was married. Your cousin’s actions, along with his twisted tale of our marriage, have taken away every chance of happiness I had hoped for. Although it has been kept a secret, your cousin will continue to spread his web of lies and I cannot defend myself from the gossip. I will not bring that shame upon you or your family.”
Lizzie was trembling with such force that Matthew was sure she would shatter. “My dear, Elizabeth, tell me what happened. I will defend you. Together, we can find the happiness that we both crave.”
Lizzie stood. “Matthew, I saw the look in your mother’s eyes when I tried to defend myself. Your mother didn’t know I was the woman who married your cousin, but her complete disgust was quite apparent,” cried Lizzie.
Up until that moment, she had only shared her experience with her parents and God. She couldn’t stop talking. “At a ball, Lord Livingston invited me on a walk. I knew that I shouldn’t, but we managed to sneak away without anybody noticing.” Lizzie choked, “Henry forced me into the stables. I begged and begged and he didn’t stop. He threatened my reputation and the reputation of my family unless I agreed to marry him.”
“Oh, Elizabeth,” cooed Matthew as helped her back to the chair as her legs were not supporting her. “That is too much for anyone to bear. You did nothing wrong.”
“It took me a long time to realize that,” said Lizzie, started to gain back her composure. “When I married him, I insisted that it be a small, private ceremony. I wouldn’t even let my parents announce the wedding. It was too devastating. My mother sensed something was wrong and I told her the whole story before Lord Livingston and I left for our honeymoon. When my father was informed of Henry’s actions, he wanted to kill him, but refrained.” Lizzie continued, “Because of my wishes, my father had the marriage records destroyed, but did not pursue legal action against Lord Livingston. I didn’t want to risk people hearing about this. I was embarrassed and broken.”
Matthew spoke, “Well, then it’s as if the marriage never happened. Why did you feel love was so out of reach?”
Lizzie looked up with love in her eyes. “I knew that I would never be able to keep such a horrible secret from my husband. I just couldn’t live with the guilt, so I decided that love was never a realistic option.”
Matthew stayed silent as he allowed Lizzie all the space she needed to tell her story. “Healing was a process, and to be honest, I am not sure I feel completely healed. My faith in God and my parents’ support are what keep me going.” As a final thought, she added, “I did not take a penny from that horrible man. Also, he has accused me of being a social climber, even though my father is a duke. His biggest concern was my large dowry, because it would help with his failing estate.”
Matthew felt it was time to speak. “Do you think so little of me? That because you have been married, that will impact my feelings for you?! I love you. I don’t care what gossip comes about because of this. We will stand up to all accusations together. And as for Henry, we will make him pay.”
Once again, Lizzie began to cry. How could this perfectly wonderful man be saying all the right things?
“Darling Elizabeth, if you could only see yourself from my eyes. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Your strength, courage, and faith are to be admired, not to be looked down upon. Please, do not go to America. Marry me and start a beautiful, new life.”
Lizzie began to protest, “I don’t – I want to – but—”
“Just say, yes, Elizabeth.”
Those green eyes looked up at him and he saw the tiny flare of hope in them.
“I hold grudges,” warned Elizabeth with a smile.
“I will tease you so much that you will be forced to let go of your anger.”
“I don’t like attending balls,” said Elizabeth.
“Excellent. I despise them.” Matthew laughed.
“I dislike tomatoes.”
“Even better. More for me.”
Matthew pulled her up and kissed her till she was gasping for breath. “When can we get married?”
Lizzie smiled in acceptance, and for the first time, saw a new, bright future ahead.
THE END
Part III
An Unexpected Hero
By Caroline Johnson
1
London, 1842
"It's so exciting, Lady Jane. Imagine it, all the balls, the gowns, and the jewelry. You will surely be the envy of all, especially with your new wardrobe," Alice Sinclair was brushing her ladyship's hair.
Lady Jane Guildford was preparing for her second Season in London and the family had decamped to Grosvenor Square to ensure Lady Jane would be invited to the most elite parties.
"I'm not sure about that, Alice, but it is nice to get a wardrobe change. You've been taking the dresses and finding a use for them, haven't you? I wouldn't want to see them wasted."
Once a year, Alice would go through her lady's wardrobe to find the dresses with hems that were past saving and distribute them to seamstresses to reuse the material to make fine cushions and other bits. Other ladies’ maids saw receiving their lady's clothes as a perk of their job, but Alice was a practical girl who had no need for glamorous materials. She wore a uniform for her work and had two dresses in her suitcase. She needed nothing else.
Alice had worked for Lady Jane for two years. Lady Jane envied Alice, whose porcelain and delicate features conveyed an air of a lady, rather than a lady's maid. Lady Jane felt very plain in comparison to her maid, but Alice was extremely loyal, and Lady Jane could feel superior in her position as her mistress.
"Yes, m'lady. I have some dresses to dispose of while we're in London."
Suddenly their conversation was disturbed by a man shouting for everyone's attention. It was Barker, the butler, and his Lordship, Lord Guildford.
"Papa, whatever is the matter?" Lady Jane had rushed out of her bedroom, and standing at the top of the stairwell, shouted to her father.
"Everyone is to gather in the hall. Now. Barker, get to it." His Lordship shouted when no one appeared to move.
Barker checked that the staff was all present before he made his announcement. The family retired to the study.
"His Lordship and I have discovered a theft. The Bankwell Jewels have gone missing. Lady Jane was to wear them tomorrow evening, and now they are nowhere to be found. Does anyone wish to tell me anything?"
A hush had fallen over the whispers when Barker told them of the theft. Alice looked around. Who would do such a thing? It had to be one of the new hires they had taken on.
"No one has anything to say. Very well. I am beginning a search. You are to remain here."
With Barker's leaving, the staff began to point fingers at the new staff members who were vehemently denying any involvement. The Guildfords were a fine family to work for and treated their staff well. Connie Lakes, lady's maid to Lady Jane's younger sister, spoke up.
"Was it you, Alice? Are you looking for a little extra money and think you can blame the new staff?"
All eyes fell upon Alice, and she blushed. It was a condition that plagued her since childhood, given her pale complexion and reddish tinge to her hair. She could never lie. Her constitution could not cope with deceit. She only wished she were quick-witted in her retorts, but she wasn't.
"Why would you say such a thing, Connie? The good Lord knows I am no thief. That is a dreadful thing to point a finger at someone."
/> Alice looked at Connie wondering why she was smirking. Connie had taken an instant dislike to Alice upon her arrival, and while Alice had tried to mend the relationship on numerous occasions, Connie never failed to make her uncomfortable or pass comments while they were in the company of others.
She knew that Connie had reason to be annoyed with her. Connie's new chap, Archie, had tried to coerce a kiss from Alice a few weeks earlier before they arrived in London. Alice felt embarrassment, assuming Connie had set him up to do it, but when Connie had come upon them, it was clear that Connie was not part of the plan. Despite Alice pushing him away, Connie had been extra vindictive towards her.
But while she prayed for the strength to forgive Connie and Archie for their behavior, Alice was having difficulty turning the other cheek. She had avoided Connie as best she could, but now they were to be more confined in a town house, Alice had no choice but to see Connie every day.
"He's coming back," someone whispered, and sure enough, Barker was returning and went to the library. They couldn't hear what was being said, but after what seemed a very long time, Barker came out to address them.
"You are dismissed. Every one apart from you, Alice." Barker's eyes fell on Alice, and she frowned with concern. Why had he singled her out? Connie guffawed and bumped Alice deliberately as she walked by.
"You had it coming, Miss High and Mighty," Connie sneered, but took care to ensure no one else had overheard.
"What did you say, Connie?" Alice, in her innocence, looked at Connie and wondered what on earth was happening.
"Alice, don't keep your Lordship waiting!" Barker snapped at her.
"Certainly, Mr. Barker."
Alice walked into the library, and the Guildfords looked at her. Lady Jane was in tears, being comforted by her sister, and her ladyship looked pale. His Lordship was sitting at his desk.
"Alice, do you know why I wish to see you?"
He had never spoken to her in such a severe tone before.
"No, my lord. Have I done something wrong?"
"You were looking after the jewels for Lady Jane, were you not?"
"Yes, Your Lordship. I put them away when we arrived. Into the safe, as Mr. Barker had directed."
Alice's legs were wobbling under her as she had to remember the day of their arrival. There was so much upheaval and Lady Jane had called for her and she was rushing about.
"What would you say if I told you that Mr. Barker had found earrings in your suitcase?"
"No, my lord. That is quite impossible. I never separated the jewelry."
"Are you saying Barker fabricated the story?" His Lordship's eyes pierced through her.
"No, my lord. But I did not put the earrings in my case. I assure you of that."
She was trying to be strong, but it was very difficult when the focus was upon her, and she felt her face redden.
"And what if I told you a witness had come forward and said you had been acting out of character recently. You left the house without reason yesterday."
Alice looked at Lady Jane who stared back at her, but then looked away. She had gone on an errand for Lady Jane, but her parents wouldn't like to hear how their daughter was extending an invitation to the son of an earl that she fancied. Alice prayed that Lady Jane would reveal the truth, but Lady Jane didn't say a word.
"I was on an errand, your Lordship," she said calmly, hoping that Lady Jane would back up this part of the story.
"An errand, you say. Well, Lady Jane, did you send Alice on an errand?"
"No, Papa, I did not. In fact, I was looking for Alice, and she could not be found."
"Lady Jane?" Alice called out.
"Shush, Alice. Are you trying to tell me that Barker and Lady Jane are somehow in cahoots? You have put me in a very difficult situation. I've a good mind to call for the police and have you arrested, but Lady Guildford is fond of you. I do not wish any scandal either. The gutter press would love such a story."
Alice could only bow her head as she tried to hide her tears. She wondered what fate was before her. Then she remembered, Connie had distracted her that very morning. In fact, Connie had been unusually pleasant, and Alice, not wanting to cause offense, had let Connie see the jewels. It was Connie who had promised to lock them away.
"Your Lordship, I do not wish to speak ill of others, but it was Connie who had the jewels last." Alice said, praying the Lord would forgive for implicating others.
"Yes, Connie told Barker you might say something like that, but in fact, it was quite the opposite. Please do not try to implicate others. Connie has an alibi, which is what you seem to be lacking."
Lord Guildford seemed quite pleased with himself.
Now Alice understood. When Alice arrived in the house with the position of lady’s maid, without working her way up through the ranks, Connie was jealous of her.
Lady Guildford, as patroness of the orphanage, had taken a liking to Alice who was polite and genteel, despite her background. This was the payback for standing out as someone special, and no doubt Archie's liking of her, which drove Connie to come up with such a cunning plan.
"You will leave our employ at once, Alice. There will be no reference, as this incident has caused her Ladyship much distress. She gave you a chance of a better life, and this is how you repay us. Only for the kindness of her Ladyship's heart are you being spared jail. Barker, make sure she only takes what she is owed and pay her up today. I wish you would return the jewels, but I'm sure it is too late by now."
Alice's life was over.
"But where will I go, my lord? I have no one and no place to sleep. You can't turn me out onto the street. Please, Lady Jane."
But her pleas fell on deaf ears. While Alice had lived in London, it was in the orphanage, and she hadn't been allowed out alone, so she didn't know the city very well. Moving to the Guildford’s family estate had been her only home, outside of the orphanage.
She hadn't much to pack and soon was on her way out the door. Mrs. Dempsey, the cook, gave her hug and pressed a piece of paper into her hand.
"Alice, go to Betty, who used to work in the household. She'll take care of you. I know she will."
"But I didn't do it, Mrs. Dempsey. Why is this happening?"
Alice was in a daze as she was escorted onto the street. An hour earlier, she was thinking about new hairstyles for Lady Jane, and now she was in a strange city without anyone to care what would happen to her. Where was she going to find work? She was trained for nothing except being a lady's maid, but that career was over for her.
She had to take a cab to Betty Cooper's home. There was no way she could walk the streets at this time of night. She didn't know Betty very well, as she had left shortly after Alice's arrival. She had married and was living in London. Now she was the only contact Alice had.
Much to her surprise, Betty was welcoming. Mrs. Dempsey had kept Betty abreast of all the gossip in the household.
"That Connie. She's a sly one. Tried something like that on me a few times. She doesn't leave a trail, but some day she'll take on the wrong person and then she'll get her comeuppance. We don't have much, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like, Alice. Mrs. Dempsey spoke highly of you."
With the little space Betty had, Alice thanked the Lord for the charity she was receiving. Betty was helping her from the kindness of her heart. As Betty and her very quiet husband, Jim, settled into bed in a curtained off section of their one-roomed home, Alice lay by the fire. She began to cry.
Her faith had always been strong. She prayed, but couldn't help question the Lord on why He sent her this trial. She had always been a good girl, helpful and obedient. Yet it seemed to her that the bad ones seemed to flourish.
"Dear Lord, I trust you have a plan for me. It is not for me to understand everything. I pray for the strength to trust in Your wise ways, for now, I cannot see any reason for my predicament."
It saddened her to feel abandoned, but that was how she felt. How could the Lord allow Lady Jane's cons
cience to lie, how could Connie come up with such a plan when Alice had never done wrong towards her? It was so confusing. What work was she going to get now?
Despite herself, Alice fell asleep, to be woken in the early morning by Betty who needed to get the fire started to make her husband's breakfast.
Alice's new life was about to begin.
2
Edmund, the Marquess of Cholmosley, was getting ready to visit his great uncle, the Duke of Donningford. As heir to the dukedom, his position came with many temptations. His previous life as Earl Loftus had afforded him a quieter life, but with his elder brother's death, Edmund was thrust into the limelight.
He was dreading the encounter with the duke as the carriage made its way to Mayfair. It was never a good sign to be summoned by the duke; Edmund knew that, and he also knew the duke's patience was wearing thin when it came to him. Even as a child, Edmund's more sickly nature seemed at odds with the duke's hardiness, whereas his brother was more robust and acted in a way the childless duke felt children should behave.
His heart thumped in his chest as his carriage stopped outside the house and immediately the front door was opened by Jarvis, the butler.
"My lord, His Grace wishes you to join him in the study. He has been waiting for you," Jarvis said as he took the marquess's coat and hat.
"How is his mood today, Jarvis?"
"Variable at best, my lord. It is not wise to delay him any further," Jarvis led the way to the duke's study.
"I have a good mind to find another heir. It just isn't right. I’m thankful that your poor mother isn't alive to see this. She was my favorite niece, and that is why, I suppose, I give you the benefit of the doubt, but these foolish ways have to stop."
"Yes, Your Grace. I apologize," Edmund said as the duke continued to berate him.
