by Vikki Vaught
After the fitting, Kathryn and her mother went to the printer’s shop, picked out the invitations, and ordered them engraved. They took the envelopes with them so they could get them addressed. The duchess was inviting three hundred people to the wedding, which was far more than Kathryn wanted. She tried to get her mother to limit the guests, but she wouldn’t hear of it. Their next stop was the greenhouse on George Street. Her mother wanted lilies, even though they weren’t in season. The proprietor of the shop assured them that he would find them, along with the white roses her mother had also requested.
Bath Abbey was the perfect place for a wedding. It was an eighteenth century church with graceful fan vaulting and a huge east window that overlooked the courtyard. What was truly amazing was the fact that it was a memorial to, of all people, Beau Nash, who was one of the most flamboyant dandies to frequent Bath in the last century.
After several lengthy discussions, Kathryn and her mother finally agreed to hold the wedding breakfast at the assembly rooms after the ceremony.
The most arduous task was addressing the envelopes, which they immediately went to work on. The duchess had asked several of her friends to help, and by Friday, the invitations were on their way, three weeks before the wedding. Of course, the announcement had already appeared in the London Times and the Bath papers.
Kathryn had so many things to keep her busy that she didn’t have the time to dwell on the magnanimous decision she’d made in agreeing to marry Jonathan. She did keep a constant prayer running in her head that God would protect her from harm. As each day passed, her conviction grew stronger, coming to believe…it was all right…to put her trust in Jonathan.
Chapter 12
September 1823
Lord and Lady Shelton were extremely cooperative and came to her studio each morning promptly at nine o’clock. Their three children were very well behaved, and by Saturday the twenty-seventh, the sketches were done, and she was ready to start the painting. She was confident that she would have their portrait finished by the day before the wedding.
The date set for the wedding was the eleventh of October, which would give Kathryn and Jonathan three weeks to rest before they would need to leave for Devonshire. Henry, Melody, and the children would be arriving on the eighth, and Helen, Matthew, and their children were arriving on the ninth. Kathryn was anxious for all of them to meet Jonathan. She thought they would like him exceedingly well. She had received letters from both Melody and Helen, and they were thrilled she had decided to wed and wanted to know all about Jonathan.
Jonathan came to dinner every Sunday after church, and they, along with the duchess, attended the assembly rooms on Wednesday nights. While she knew Jonathan didn’t enjoy going to the assembly rooms, he went to please her. They managed to spend a bit of time together on Sunday afternoons and usually went for a drive. Of course, they didn’t get to see each other alone, as it was too cold to use an open carriage, so Sarah had to go along with them.
On the last Sunday that the banns were read, Kathryn and Jonathan decided to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and took a walk. Of course, Jonathan couldn’t go far because it was too difficult for him with his bad knee, so they walked across Royal Crescent and found a park bench. Sarah discreetly walked away to give them some privacy, while still staying within sight.
After Kathryn and Jonathan sat down, Kathryn asked, “Jonathan, how are the children doing? Are they handling the death of their parents better? I wish I could see them, but things have been so hectic, it just hasn’t been possible.”
Jonathan straightened out his leg to get more comfortable before answering her. “Jane cries herself to sleep every night and keeps asking me to go to heaven and get her mama. I’ve tried to explain, but she doesn’t understand. It tears my heart apart when she asks me to go get them.”
“Oh Jonathan, I’m sure that’s very difficult for you. How is Frankford?”
“Frankford has withdrawn from everyone. He doesn’t cry at all, which worries me. I hope that once we’re married, and you’re around him, he’ll start opening up again. He’s always been such a rambunctious young fellow. It’s hard to see him so quiet and withdrawn. He’s still doing well with his studies, but he isn’t showing interest in any of his other usual pursuits. It doesn’t help that the weather has been so dismal. At least today is nice and their governess was going to take them on a picnic.”
“How is Elaine? Has she continued to be helpful with the children? I’m so pleased she wanted to be one of my attendants.”
Jonathan placed his arm on the back of the bench and his hand brushed Kathryn’s shoulder, sending chills down her spine. It surprised her that his slightest touch could cause her to react so strongly. “Elaine’s doing as well as can be expected. She has to fight the tears whenever she sees Jane crying, but she’s been wonderful with the children. She’s very excited about our wedding, and she’s thrilled that you asked her to be part of the wedding party. How’s the portrait coming along? Are you going to have it finished before the wedding?”
“Lord and Lady Shelton come for their last sitting tomorrow. I’ll be through with it by Wednesday, and they can pick the portrait up Thursday morning. I think it’s my best work yet. Would you like to see it when we get back to my house?”
“I’m amazed that you’ve been able to get their portrait done so quickly. I’d love to see it, if you want to show it to me.” Then with a downcast look, Jonathan said, “I wish you’d been able to finish my brother’s family portrait.”
“Oh Jonathan, I’m sorry, I meant to tell you. I plan to finish their portrait. I have some wonderful sketches of them, so I’ll definitely be able to complete it. I thought that if you would be all right with it, we could go to Bristol, get the portrait, and bring it back here so I can get it done before I have to leave for Devonshire.”
“I’m so pleased you’ll be able to finish the portrait. That means the world to me. There won’t be enough time to travel to Westland Acres, but Stebbins is there, and I’ll have him bring the portrait to you.”
“Would you like to come with me when I go to my sister’s in November? I’m sure she would be happy to have all of us. Her children would love to play with Frankford and Jane. The Marquess and Marchioness of Ralston also have three boys, and I think they’re close to Frankford’s age, so the children should be happy there.”
“I would love to come with you. I was hoping you would ask me. It would be good for the children, if you’re sure we wouldn’t be imposing on your sister and her husband.” Then changing the subject, he continued, “Oh, by the way, I’ve already picked out a room you can use as your studio. It has a full wall of windows and gets the morning sun.”
“That sounds perfect, Jonathan. I’m sure it’s also difficult to go to Westland Acres, because of the memories. I wish there was something I could do to help you deal with your grief. I can remember how difficult it was for me when I lost Nelson. It just takes time to move past the grief.” Kathryn’s heart went out to Jonathan. She knew he was grieving deeply for Roderick and Allison.
Knowing that talking about Roderick and Allison was causing Jonathan such sadness, she turned the conversation away from them. “Helen and Matthew will be here on Thursday, and I’ll make sure they’re all right with you and the children coming with me. I’ll be very busy and spending each morning at the Ralston’s, so you’ll need to entertain yourself in the mornings. Matthew likes to hunt. Is that something that you can participate in?”
“I know that you’ll be busy in the mornings, but I’m sure I’ll find ways to entertain myself, and I love to hunt. I can’t walk long distances, but I can stand still with no problem. Since you do quite a bit of that when hunting, I’m sure I would enjoy it.”
“Well good, at least I shan’t worry about you then.” It relieved her mind that Jonathan seemed to understand that this trip wouldn’t be a holiday, so she was glad she’d suggested that he come.
Jonathan looked over at Kathryn
and grinned. “I also love to ride, and I remember you telling me that Helen and her husband ride the beach whenever the weather permits. Of course, that probably isn’t too often in November. In fact, it’s starting to get a little cool, so we had better go in. I’m glad we had this chance to talk. I’ve missed spending time alone with you.”
“I’ve missed it too. And you’re right; it is getting a bit cool.”
“Well, time to go in. I’m sure your maid is probably freezing standing over there.” When they returned to the house, Kathryn took Jonathan up to her studio and showed him the Sheltons’ portrait. As he gazed at it, he said, “Kathryn, this is remarkable. It looks finished now. What else do you need to do to it? You’ve caught Shelton perfectly. They’re going to be thrilled with this. Once more people see your work, you’ll have so many commissions you’ll be able to choose who you want to paint.”
“Oh, there’s just a few minor touches left, but you aren’t able to see them as I can. I’m glad you like it and that you think the Sheltons will like it. I find everyone fascinating—ugly, pretty, old, or young—so I doubt I’ll ever want to pick and choose my patrons.”
With a look of distaste on his handsome face, Jonathan said, “I can think of some people that you might not want to deal with. Some of the old dragons of society can be very difficult to appease.”
“Jonathan, have you forgotten who my mother is? She’s the epitome of what an old dragon is, and most of her friends are the same way, so I can’t imagine I would have any problems dealing with any of them.”
“That’s true, I wasn’t thinking about your mother. She’s actually been very polite and courteous to me, so I don’t look at her like that.”
“It’s because she likes you. You’re a marquess, and my mother is all about a person’s prestige.”
“Well, I’ll have to make sure that I stay on her good side.”
Kathryn looked up at Jonathan. “She has always treated Melody awful, and Melody is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.” Then remembering her family with fondness, she added, “Oh, I just know you’re going to get along with my family. None of them are high in the step at all.”
“I look forward to meeting all your family. I told you I met your brother, but I really didn’t get to know him. What’s he like?”
“Henry is probably the most down to earth person you could ever meet. Now, if he needs to be, he can be very arrogant and intimidating, but that rarely happens. He detested Helen’s husband at one time, but now they’re the best of friends and work together frequently in Parliament. I’m warning you, he’ll definitely try to get you to take a more active role in the House of Lords. He feels strongly that it’s one of the most important responsibilities of a peer of the realm. So be forewarned.”
“As I mentioned before, now that my bachelor days are behind me, I want to take a more active role.” Then looking down at his watch Jonathan said, “Oh my, look at the time. I’ve overstayed my welcome. What time do you expect your brother and his wife to arrive on Wednesday?”
As they walked downstairs, Kathryn answered, “I’m not sure when they’ll be here, but I expect that they’ll make it in time for tea. Why don’t you plan to come for tea that day?”
Jonathan took her hand and kissed it as he gazed affectionately into her eyes. “Anything for you, my dear. I’ll see you Wednesday at four o’clock.” As Jonathan kissed her hand, it sent chills throughout her body. These feelings were growing stronger each time they were together. She was becoming inordinately fond of Jonathan, and if her uncle hadn’t abused her, she felt she would have enjoyed intimacy with him.
Oh, why did her uncle have to rape her?
It was so unfair, but then no one said life was fair.
The next few days flew by. She was able to finish the Sheltons’ portrait on Tuesday, and they came and picked it up Wednesday morning. Lord and Lady Shelton were extremely pleased with it and promised to recommend her to all their friends. This thrilled Kathryn to no end. Once word spread, she’d have all the commissions she could ever want.
It was a good thing she’d finished the Sheltons’ portrait, since Henry and Melody were arriving that afternoon. Kathryn looked forward to seeing them. She hadn’t seen them since late May when she graduated from the Art Institute. Little William was almost a year old, and his birthday would be in ten days. She hoped they could have a birthday celebration for him while everyone was together.
That afternoon, Jonathan arrived shortly before four o’clock, but Henry and his family weren’t there yet. The duchess held off tea, which was extremely unusual. Once thirty minutes passed, she decided to go ahead and serve. Just as soon as the duchess began to pour, Kathryn heard Henry and Melody arriving.
She jumped up, grabbed Jonathan’s hand, and tried to pull him up. “Come on, they’re here! Let’s go out and meet them.” When they went into the entry hall, Kathryn dropped Jonathan’s hand and ran into her brother’s arms. “Come here, Jonathan, and meet my brother.” She was laughing and running from Henry, to Melody, to Mary, and then to the children, and then back to Jonathan. “Jonathan, this is my brother, the Duke of Sanderford. Oh, you said you met him, didn’t you? I forgot.”
Jonathan bowed. “Hello, Your Grace. We met in Brussels while we were waiting for Bonaparte to make his move.”
With a puzzled expression on his face, Henry replied, “I’m sorry, but I remember very little of my time in Brussels before the battle. It’s a pleasure to meet you again all the same, Lord Sutherland. Let me introduce you to my wife, Melody.” Henry turned to Melody and said, “Darling, this is Lord Sutherland, Kathryn’s fiancé.”
Bowing low over Melody’s hand, Jonathan kissed it. “Pleased to meet you, Your Grace. Kathryn has told me so much about you. She speaks very highly of you.”
Smiling pleasantly, Melody replied, “Please, call me Melody. After all, on Saturday, you become my brother. Kathryn wrote me about your brother and his wife. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how horrific it must have been to lose both of them at the same time. Thank goodness their sweet children have you to take care of them.”
“Thank you for your kind words. It has been very difficult, but I’ve had Kathryn’s support to help me through,” Jonathan replied. “If I’m to call you Melody, then please, call me Jonathan.”
“All right, Jonathan.” Melody turned and said, “Let me introduce you to the Marchioness of Wyndham, my brother-in-law Nelson’s widow.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Wyndham.” Again, Jonathan bowed and kissed Mary’s hand. “Kathryn tells me that you’re an extremely gifted pianist. I play also. I would love to hear you play sometime.”
Mary replied, “I would be happy to play for you, but only if you’ll return the favor and play for me. And please, call me Mary.”
Kathryn looked fondly over at her nieces and nephews. “Jonathan, these are all my wonderful nieces and nephews. This is Mary Elizabeth, Henry and Melody’s eldest.” The little girl looked up at him, smiled, and then executed a perfect curtsey. “This is Brandon and Magnus, then of course, the baby is William.” The two little boys bowed to him like perfect little gentlemen, and he returned their bow. “Here are Mary’s children, Roderick and Angela.”
When Jonathan heard Roderick’s name, Kathryn saw that he tensed up slightly, and she knew it had to be difficult to meet someone that shared his brother’s name.
Roderick bowed. “Pleased to make you acquaintance, my lord. This is my sister, Angela.” Then the little girl curtsied and Jonathan bowed to her.
Jonathan smiled at all the children. “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. Your aunt Kathryn has told me all about you. I have a niece and nephew, whom you’ll meet in a few days. Frankford and Jane are close to your age. I know they’ll be overjoyed to meet you.”
Kathryn, with her voice full of joy, said, “Everyone, follow me into the drawing room. Mother is in there waiting for all of you to arrive so she can have her tea.”
&nb
sp; Henry laughingly replied, “Then by all means, let’s go into the drawing room. We wouldn’t want to keep the duchess waiting for her tea.”
Tea was chaotic, but joyous. Happiness bubbled up inside Kathryn when she saw how well everyone seemed to take to Jonathan. He was quite relaxed around her family, so she knew she didn’t need to worry that such a crowd would disturb him.
Henry pulled Jonathan aside and said, “I’d like to find a place so we can sit down and talk. Why don’t you come with me, and we’ll find the library together.”
Soon, they found the library and went inside. Henry walked over to the cabinet, poured himself a brandy and started to pour a second one when Jonathan spoke up. “None for me, Your Grace. I only drink wine.”
“No problem. Let’s sit down and get to know each other better. I must say I’m amazed that Kathryn has agreed to marry you. How did you convince her? Oh, and please call me Sanderford or Henry, none of this ‘Your Grace,’ please.” Henry sat down and took a sip of his brandy.
Jonathan took a seat across from Henry, and then proceeded to explain. “We got to know each other quite well while she was doing my portrait. Then, of course, she was with me in Bristol when my brother and his wife perished in the storm. By that time, I was already in love with your sister, so I asked her to marry me. She didn’t say yes immediately, but then I was able to convince her to do it for the sake of the children.”
“I’m so sorry you lost your brother and his wife. That has to be tough. You just told me the most important detail—you love Kathryn. I’m still amazed that you were able to talk her into marrying you, but I’m very pleased you were successful. Kathryn has always said that she would never marry.”
Jonathan eased his leg out straight, trying to get more comfortable before he answered. “I don’t know all the details, nor do I know who, but I know she has been hurt by some man, and it must have been bad. I hope that as we grow more comfortable with each other, she’ll eventually tell me more. She did tell me the bastard is dead.”
