by Vikki Vaught
“Well, I’m happy for you as well. I’m glad you enjoy children, because, as I said, mine are definitely a handful. Now, when can you start our portrait?”
“I’m ready to start right away. I’ll need to do preliminary sketches of each of you, which should take about a week, depending on how many times a week we can meet,” Kathryn explained. “I like to observe the children at play while I sketch them. This keeps them from having to sit too long. I’ll want to do sketches of you and your husband separately, and then I’ll need to do a sketch of all of you in the setting we choose for the portrait.”
“We’re more than willing to accommodate as many sittings as you need. My sons and I can be available every day, but my husband won’t be available until next week. He had to go to one of our other estates and won’t return until late Sunday.”
“That will work out fine. I’ll do the sketches of you and your sons this week, and I’ll sketch your husband next week. I should be able to start painting by the following week. Did you have a room in your house that you would like for the background?”
Cassandra looked thoughtful, obviously thinking about Kathryn’s question. “Hum, I do like our morning room. Would that work?”
“I’d like to see the room, and meet your children today, if possible.” Then remembering that she hadn’t told her what time was best, she added, “Oh, and I like to do my sketching in the morning, if possible.”
Cassandra stood up. “If you’ll follow me I’ll take you to the morning room, and then take you to meet my children.”
When Kathryn saw the morning room, she could understand why Cassandra wanted to use it. The room was delightful, full of sunshine from the large bay window, and decorated in a tranquil shade of blue with beige accents. “Cassandra, this is a lovely room. It will work perfectly for the portrait.”
“Oh, good. I do really love this room, and it’s where we spend quite a bit of our time,” Cassandra explained. “Now, let’s go to the nursery so you can meet my boys. Just follow me.” Cassandra turned to Helen and said, “I’m sure this is boring for you. I apologize for leaving you out of our conversation.”
“Please, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I’m just pleased that you want Kathryn to do your portrait. I promise that you’ll not regret it.”
As they walked upstairs to the nursery, Cassandra said, “I know that you said mornings are best for you. Would nine o’clock be all right? I do find that my sons are better behaved right after they’ve had their breakfast.”
As they entered the nursery, Kathryn replied, “Yes, nine o’clock will work perfectly.” Cassandra’s sons were adorable. They had pale blonde hair and big blue eyes, and they resembled their mother quite a bit. Kathryn knew she would enjoy painting them. They spent about thirty minutes visiting before heading back downstairs. Once they were back in the entry hall, Helen and Kathryn left, with the understanding that Kathryn would return the following morning at nine o’clock.
The next few days flew by. Kathryn spent every morning with Cassandra and her sons. The children were very well behaved, and she was able to do several sketches of the boys, and she also had quite a few good sketches of Cassandra. Her afternoons were busy, what with spending time with Helen, and then a couple of hours with the children. Frankford and Jane were having a marvelous time.
Christina and Catherine were such exuberant little girls and always came up with different games to play. Elaine spent her mornings at her studies and joined the children in the afternoon, reading to them and playing with the girls as they played with their dolls. Kathryn thought that Jonathan worried too much about Elaine. Kathryn found her to be very helpful with Frankford and Jane, and they just adored her.
That Sunday, after Mass, Helen and Matthew had an unexpected guest arrive. Matthew’s brother, Gregory, came for a visit. Gregory was a lieutenant in the royal navy, and his ship was in Plymouth being repaired, so he had two weeks leave.
Helen warned Kathryn that Gregory was a bit wild and that she would want to keep Elaine away from him. “I don’t think he would do anything to her, but just to be on the safe side, I would make sure Elaine is chaperoned at all times. Gregory is a very handsome young man, and he’s only one and twenty, so Elaine is bound to find him attractive.”
Kathryn looked worried. “Oh dear, and Jonathan has already caught her trying to flirt with one of his friends. I’m sure you’re right. I’ll be extra careful and keep her away from him as much as possible.”
That afternoon at tea, Matthew introduced Gregory to Kathryn, Elaine, and Jonathan. Helen had certainly been right about him being a handsome young man, with his dark blonde hair and blue eyes. She could tell that Elaine thought he was handsome by the way her cheeks flushed as they were introduced. Jonathan looked worried, and she could just imagine what was going through his mind.
Once everyone sat down to drink their tea, Jonathan asked, “How long have you been in the navy? I was in the army for a short time back in 1815.”
Gregory grinned broadly. “I joined in the winter of 1821, and I love it. I’ve always loved the sea, and Matthew taught me to sail when I was quite young. I’ve traveled to quite a few foreign places, which I’ve enjoyed tremendously. I particularly enjoy France. Did you fight in the Battle of Waterloo? Is that how you ended up lame?”
With a reserved tone in his voice, Jonathan answered, “Yes, I did fight in that campaign, and I was injured during the final battle. I took a bullet in my knee.”
Gregory grimaced. “Ouch, that sounds painful. I’m surprised you didn’t lose your leg.”
Matthew interrupted. “I think that’s enough questions. You need to realize that there are ladies present, and they don’t need to hear all this.” He looked over at Jonathan and said, “Please, excuse my brother and his impertinent questions.”
“Think nothing of it. Well, I do believe we’ll go upstairs, since we’ve finished my tea.” Jonathan turned to Kathryn. “Why don’t we take Elaine with us and visit the children? I haven’t seen them today.”
When they left the room, Kathryn could tell that Jonathan wasn’t happy. She knew he didn’t enjoy talking about the war, and certainly not about his injury. Gregory was definitely impertinent.
When they arrived at the schoolroom, Frankford was entertaining Helen’s boys by reading to them, and Jane was playing with Christina and Catherine. Elaine went over to the girls and started talking to them. Kathryn and Jonathan spent thirty minutes with the children, then left and went to their rooms.
There was a completely different atmosphere at dinner that night. It was obvious that Elaine loved the attention Gregory was paying her. Gregory was charming to her, and Kathryn could see that Elaine was smitten with him. Jonathan had a brooding look about him all throughout dinner, and she was glad when it ended. The gentlemen didn’t spend very long over their port and cigars. When they entered the room, Helen asked, “Jonathan, I enjoyed it when you played the other night. Would you play for us again tonight?”
“I would be happy to, and Kathryn can sing. You wouldn’t mind, would you, my dear?”
“No, not at all.”
They entertained everyone until the footman brought in the tea, which Helen served. Matthew turned to Gregory and asked, “Jonathan and I are going quail hunting tomorrow. Would you like to go with us? The weather should be nice enough. We would like for you to join us.”
After Gregory took a sip of his tea, he replied, “I’d be happy to join you. I haven’t been hunting since I joined the navy almost three years ago. I look forward to it.”
At ten o’clock, everyone retired to their rooms. Jonathan joined Kathryn in the bed, but since they were both tired, they kissed and went to sleep. Around midnight, Kathryn had her nightmare. She dreamt that her uncle had come back and that he was chasing her down a long hall. She kept running faster and faster, but he was gaining on her, and just as he reached for her, she woke up with a gasp. She looked around, dazed, and realized she wasn’t in bed. She was in the libr
ary. She’d been sleepwalking, which she hadn’t done in years.
Kathryn was relieved that no one had stumbled across her. As a child, her parents had punished her for sleepwalking, so she had always felt as if she were doing something wrong whenever she did it. She went upstairs to her room and quietly slipped back into bed. Thankfully, Jonathan didn’t wake up. She lay there for quite some time, worried about what had just happened. She was afraid to sleep, and she fought it for as long as she could, but eventually she nodded off.
The next morning, when Kathryn woke up, Jonathan had already left to go hunting. She lay in bed trying to figure out why the sleepwalking was back. She felt so happy and content in her new life with Jonathan. She couldn’t imagine why it would start again. Kathryn glanced over at the clock and realized she would be late for her appointment with the Ralston’s if she didn’t hurry. To make up time, she skipped breakfast and left right away. She barely made it, and since it was the first time she would be meeting Lord Ralston, she was relieved that she arrived on time.
Kathryn enjoyed meeting Lord Ralston, and while she worked on her sketches of him, he told her amusing stories about his early years. Kathryn was able to get several good sketches. “Thank you, Lord Ralston. If it’s convenient for you, I’d like to continue tomorrow at the same time. Then, on Wednesday, I’ll want to do a sketch in the morning room with all of you. I should be able to start painting next Monday. Is that agreeable with you?”
“It sounds as if that would work, but let’s find my wife and make sure that it works for her and the children.”
They found Cassandra in the drawing room, and once Kathryn explained everything, Cassandra said, “Oh Kathryn, that’s wonderful. I’m impressed that you’ll be ready to start painting next week. I’ll make sure that the servants know to leave everything alone. We’ll forgo using the morning room until you don’t need it anymore. How long will it take to complete the portrait, once you start painting?”
“I should have it done by the end of next week, if all goes well. I’ll need all of you to sit for me every day next week. Will that work for you?”
Cassandra looked at her husband and he nodded. “That will be fine. I can’t wait to see the portrait. I’m sure it will be wonderful.”
“I hope that you’ll be pleased. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do your portrait. I’ll take my leave now. Lord Ralston, I’ll see you tomorrow at nine o’clock.” Cassandra escorted her to the door, hugged her, and then Kathryn left.
Chapter 22
Mid-November 1823
Today was Elaine’s sixteenth birthday, and she was feeling very downcast. As of yet, no one had wished her a happy birthday. Turning sixteen years of age seemed like an important thing to her. Surely they hadn’t simply forgotten. After she finished playing with the children, she put on her walking shoes and went for a walk. Since it was such a nice day for November, she took the path down to the beach. She walked all along the shore, and by the time she was through with her walk, she was feeling a little bit better. Elaine loved the ocean, and a sense of peace came over her whenever she spent time on the beach. She remembered all the fun times she had had this past summer with Roderick and Allison.
Oh, why did they have to die?
Why was life so unfair?
Poor Allison had been with child, so there were three lives lost that terrible day. She missed them terribly. As she walked along the shore and thought more of Roderick and Allison, tears began to roll down her cheeks.
Elaine was happy that Jonathan had married Kathryn, but he was so absorbed with her, that he didn’t have much time for her. That’s probably why he had forgotten her birthday. Of course, Kathryn was busy painting so that was probably why she’d forgotten.
Her cheeks were quite cold from the tears, so she wiped them away with her woolen scarf, turned around, and made her way back up the steep path, which led back to the house. Her heart was aching for Roderick and Allison, and because no one had remembered it was her birthday.
That evening, when Elaine entered the drawing room, everyone was already there. Gregory was standing by the fireplace, and he looked incredibly handsome. Looking over at her, he gave her a charming smile. Elaine felt an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach whenever he looked at her. He walked over to her and said, “Hello, you certainly look lovely this evening. I had a good time with your brother today when we went hunting. What did you do today?”
Before he could continue, Kathryn and Jonathan came over and interrupted. “Happy birthday, Princess! Just think, you’re now sixteen.”
Everyone else stood up and cried out, “Happy sixteenth birthday!” As they all clapped their hands, Elaine felt a little silly that she’d thought everyone had forgotten her birthday. Kathryn gave her a hug, and so did Helen.
Oh, I’m so glad they remembered after all!
Elaine’s heart swelled with joy. Of course, she wished their timing had been better. She’d been enjoying Gregory’s attention. She surreptitiously glanced over at him, and he was watching her with an intense look in his eyes. It thrilled her that he seemed to be interested in her. Goodman entered the room and announced dinner, so Jonathan offered her his arm, and everyone went into the dining room.
Dinner was superb. Helen was so sweet to have planned this for her. After everyone finished the main course, Goodman rolled in a cart that held the prettiest birthday cake she’d ever had. There were pink sugar roses with delicate green leaves adorning the cake. He placed the cake in front of her and handed her a silver knife so she could cut the first piece. Everyone sang to her, wishing her many more. The cake was delicious! Lemon with lemon curd filling had always been a favorite of hers.
Yes, this was turning out to be an excellent birthday!
After dinner, Jonathan and Kathryn gave her a beautifully wrapped present. When she opened it up, a gorgeous strand of matched pearls came tumbling out into her hands. “Oh, thank you! These are just beautiful. I’ve wanted pearls for ages.” She gave both of them a hug.
Helen handed her another present, and it was a set of earbobs to match the pearls. Elaine was so overcome she started crying. “I thought you had forgotten it was my birthday. Thank you so much for this wonderful party, Aunt Helen.”
“I’m just glad we could do this for you. You’ve been so helpful with all the children. We wanted to show you that we appreciated it,” Helen said.
Elaine thought this was the best birthday she had ever had. After she finished opening up her presents, they went to the music room, and Jonathan played for everyone. At ten o’clock everyone went upstairs to bed.
As Elaine went down the hall, she heard a noise and looked around. Gregory was there in a recessed doorway. He put his finger to his lips, letting her know to be quiet and motioned for her to follow him. Elaine looked down the hall. Everyone had already entered their rooms, so she followed Gregory into a room.
Gregory closed the door. “Happy birthday. I would have gotten you a present, but I didn’t know it was your birthday. You know what I would like to give you? A birthday kiss, if you’ll let me.”
Elaine looked at him and nodded her head. Then he gently touched his lips to hers. He didn’t touch her anywhere but her lips, and it felt incredible. She was trembling from the excitement of receiving her first kiss. When he ended the kiss, he said, “You have the softest lips I’ve ever felt. I’ve wanted to kiss you from the first moment I saw you. I wish you were older. I find you very pretty.”
“I’ve never been kissed before. Your kiss has made my birthday very special, thank you. I should go to my room now. Ah…I’ve been taking walks on the beach every afternoon around three o’clock. Maybe…I’ll see you one of those afternoons. Good night.” Elaine opened the door, looked both ways, and then, with a wave of her hand, she went to her room.
After finishing all her sketches on Friday, Kathryn spread them out before her. She was very pleased with the results. Monday she would be able to get a good start on the portrait since the chi
ldren were so well behaved. Kathryn loved painting children, and Cassandra’s boys were adorable. She felt sure the portrait was going to turn out well.
Kathryn decided to take the day off on Saturday because Helen wanted her to come with her to the village to do some shopping. Since Kathryn felt Elaine deserved a treat for being so helpful with the children, she decided to ask Elaine if she wanted to come with them.
Finding Elaine in the music room, Kathryn asked, “Would you like to go to the village this morning? Helen told me there were some delightful shops for us to explore.”
Elaine gave Kathryn a hug. “Oh Kathryn, I would love to come!”
Bigbury-on-Sea was a delightful seaside village. As Kathryn watched all the activity on the dock, she decided that she wanted to paint the scene, so she turned to Helen and asked, “Can we go down to the docks sometime? I’d like to bring my sketch pad and do some sketches of all the workers.”
Helen looked at her. “I don’t think that would be a good idea, Kathryn. Those men live very rough lives, and they can be quite crude at times. On one of my first visits here, I strolled along the boardwalk, and they made some very rude comments. Matthew told me to stay away, so I have.”
“Oh, I never thought about that. I guess I’ll have to do it from memory then. Look, there’s a bookshop. Can we go in?” Kathryn asked. “I want to see if they have a new Minerva Press novel.”
“Of course, I would enjoy a new novel myself. I’ll see if they have any books for my children as well.” The bookshop did indeed have what they were looking for, and after they made their purchases, they moved on to the millinery shop where Kathryn found a lovely chip straw bonnet with lavender ribbons. Elaine picked out a bonnet with bright yellow ribbons that tied on the side. By the time they got back to the carriage, their arms were laden with their many purchases.
