by Lisa Prysock
“Hmmm, exceptional indeed,” Lady Frances agreed as she smoothed the skirt of her morning dress.
“There was another tremendously significant thing I noticed,” Miss Lyndon pulled her peach shawl closer around the shoulders of her brown day dress as she sat back down at the writing desk and picked up the quill pen. She bit her lower lip and decided reluctantly to share her observations. “I probably should not mention it as some people are sadly, tremendously ignorant of the significance of the Jewish nation in birthing the Messiah… but there was this beautiful wooden cross hanging above the mantel of the fireplace. Upon the mantle, an elegant menorah stood on the far end. I suspect perhaps that the shoemaker, Mr. Wilmore, and his family, are Messianic believers of the Christian faith-- and of Jewish origin, making them doubly blessed.”
“Mr. Wilmore is indeed Jewish,” Lady Amiée-Jo nodded. “You are correct Miss Lyndon. He and his family attend services at a church of the Christian faith.”
“I don’t see what any of this matters,” Lady Elizabeth commented in a snide tone, “so long as he can make beautiful shoes.”
“That’s only because you’re in a glum mood as you didn’t dance but once and with that old man... the mayor of Northampton, Mr. Samuel Hughes. You should make an effort to fill your brain with something besides the latest in fashion,” Lady Jane scolded. “Perhaps you shall attract a better dance partner next time.”
“Oh, it matters a great deal. The nation of Israel, the Jewish people, birthed the Savior of the entire world; this, the very reason we celebrate Christmas, Lady Elizabeth.” Winnie spoke gently. “Has Mr. Wilmore suffered any attacks of persecution for his origin or faith, Lady Anne-Marie?”
“Yes, he has, sadly,” Lady Anne-Marie answered. “’Twas some years ago, but I do remember hearing Papa read aloud from the papers about one such event. His windows were all smashed in with bricks.”
“We must stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters my father always says,” Winnie explained, returning her pen to the slot beside the inkwell. “They have suffered many things at the hands of ill-bred, hateful, ignorant, jealous people. In Genesis chapter twelve, verse three, God declares He will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. He said that in Abraham’s seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed. This promise and all of the others in God’s Holy Word are as much to us as unto Abraham because we are grafted into the faith as believers in Christ. It is a hem to which we can firmly cling, a promise we can count upon. Charles Wesley wrote a hymn about the Jewish people one day becoming apostles of the Messiah. Though Wesley is a Methodist, my father has a number of Methodist friends. He finds we have much in common with Methodist theology.”
“Miss Lyndon is greatly educated in this area since her father is a vicar,” Lady Amiée-Josephine smiled approvingly and raised her voice as she spoke, defending Miss Lyndon’s convictions, looking directly at Lady Elizabeth and then back at Miss Lyndon, “and a voracious reader, I am told. Now that you mention it, I do believe the shoemaker attends a Methodist church of the Wesleyan movement.”
Lady Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders and admitted, “I confess after hearing this explanation, it seems important to understand, Miss Lyndon. To my mother’s lament, my tutor reported to her daily that I generally fell asleep during most of my history classes and religious teaching. I’m not in the least bit concerned with the national origin of your shoemaker, but I am interested in acquiring at least three pair of new shoes from his expertise. I am of the understanding that there are plenty of shoemakers in Northampton, but let us have the very best, as you all say. I tend to excel in matters concerning drawing, fashions, shoes, hats, dresses and gowns, gloves, shopping, and dancing… when there are a suitable number of gentlemen present… or at least ones that I am interested in! I simply wasn’t in the mood to dance last night.”
“The truth is, she turned away Lord Edwards and had to sit out all of the rest of the dances, so don’t be so harsh with Elizabeth ladies,” Lady Mary explained.
“You turned Lord Edwards away?” Lady Amiée-Jo inquired, barely able to hide her laughter as others giggled about the precarious predicament.
“I forgive you for your foul mood this morn, Lady Elizabeth, and I commend you heartily,” Winnie remarked when the laughter had died down from all of the ladies. “You deserve a great credit on that account. I believe everyone saw him pester me for the first dance until Kingston rescued me. I was so shocked I could not remember how to turn a gentleman away when Lord Edwards dragged me to the floor.”
From that point on, Lady Elizabeth was considerably more amiable toward Winnie, even smiling a few times. The Morning Room burst into squeals, giggles, laughter, and a very silly discussion on the previous evening’s dance partners before finally turning in the direction of other events which might occur during the remainder of the week leading up to the Annual Hillbrook Christmas Ball.
Winnie turned her attention back to her letter writing, thankful the room had not erupted into more difficult discussions to navigate. She chided herself silently for having brought up the incident regarding her shoes and Maxwell. The very last thing she needed was a room full of wealthy young ladies flooding the shoemaker’s shop only to discover the brash remarks Kingston had made when he had introduced her. Then again, as she reconsidered the matter, after the way he had danced with her last night, she doubted the incident in the shoemaker’s shop mattered one little bit at this point.
“The Duke danced with you all night, Miss Lyndon,” Lady Myriah announced with a visible pout as if she had read Winnie’s thoughts at that very moment, “disappointing us all.”
Winnie’s hand froze on the word she was penning. She did not dare look up until she could think of a response.
“He certainly did!” Lady Julia agreed with a calculating stare and cold smile toward Miss Lyndon. “Lady Anne-Marie, you must tell your brother not to be so indulgent toward only one among us.”
Without looking up, Winnie could feel the heated stare of Lady Julia. She decided to keep writing and finished the sentence in her letter without a glance in their direction. So much for hoping for a pleasant discussion…
“I cannot help it if our Xander has taken a fancy to Miss Lyndon,” Lady Anne-Marie intervened looking from Lady Julia to Lady Myriah. “Besides, what do the two of you care? The Franklin brothers seemed very attentive to you both. Though they are not of the peerage, they are of inestimable wealth as owners of a very prosperous Northampton tannery.”
“Our brother has quite a mind of his own,” Lady Amiée-Jo added, “and the lovely Miss Lyndon comes to us highly recommended by our dearly departed mother.”
Winnie’s silent thoughts collided. Bravo Anne-Marie and Amiée- Josephine! Dear Lord, help me! I am merely prey to these spiteful remarks, but I do feel you are somehow protecting me in spite of the chill in this room. Grant me strength to endure, Father.
“Inestimable wealth you say?” Lady Myriah batted her eyelashes sending the room into fits of laughter and giggles. She jumped up on her feet, pulling Lady Constance to her feet. “Inestimably wealthy one, dance with me, dear Mr. Franklin!” They danced a merry turn about the room and plopped back into their seats when they had succeeded in making everyone laugh a great deal.
Sadly, the laughter was not to last for long. Lady Julia, determined to make her point persisted: “Rumors of his intent to marry Miss Lyndon are certain to spread like wildfire today!”
“They will rage through Northampton by noon!” Lady Constance declared as she fanned herself. Max looked up from his spot on the floor where his head rested and growled.
“Hush girls! Where are your manners? You’ve upset Maxwell. He rises to the defense of our dear new companion, Miss Lyndon. I don’t necessarily consider those raging fires of gossip a bad thing when it comes to whomever my brother shall choose. Obviously, he has set his affections on our dear Winnie,” Lady Anne-Marie defended. “Do tell us about your thoughts regarding the handsome
Mr. Biltmore who danced with you, Lady Jane.”
Winnie decided she should not respond at all to Lady Myriah, Lady Julia, or Lady Constance. She had succeeded however, in gaining the identity of those whom she suspected had poor reasons for wanting to attract the attention of Kingston. She pretended not to have heard them and put the finishing touches on the last letter. She then turned in her chair to join the conversation for a few minutes. She listened with mild interest to the exciting and bubbling reports about the handsome gentlemen and dancing from the night before.
“The boys will call upon us again this week, I hope!” Lady Margaret looked up dreamily from her poetry book. She hadn’t turned a page since opening the book.
“I’m certain they will have been invited to return for a luncheon later this week, in addition to calling upon us,” Lady Amiée-Jo assured her friend. “Brent Atkins is quite taken with you. I can tell by the way he looks at you.”
Lady Margaret beamed and turned her attention to the pages of the book in her hands. The other ladies smiled to hear assurance that gentleman callers would soon return.
Winnie found herself distracted by their earlier remarks. She needed fresh air and a walk to escape the chill in the room. She gathered her letters. Rising from the writing desk, she crossed the room and paused near Kingston’s sisters who had settled into their embroidery work for the morning. “I have some matters to attend to, but I wanted to complement you both for your lovely performances at the Christmas Dinner and a very well planned event. I found your presentations particularly enjoyable and well chosen.”
“Thank you, Winnie,” Lady Anne-Marie smiled encouragingly at Catherine as she accepted an envelope from Alton’s letter tray. “Thank you Alton. Pay no mind to the remarks you’ve heard this morning. Xander would be very cross with them if he heard them.”
“Yes, thank you, and I quite agree with Anne-Marie,” Lady Amiée-Jo echoed. “I hope you will return to see my collection of biology drawings later today.” Turning to her sister she asked, “Who writes to us?”
“’Tis a note from the Countess, Lady Fletcher,” Lady Anne-Marie replied, opening the note and quickly scanning it. “She writes that she regrets she and the Earl cannot make it to the Annual Christmas Ball. The Earl has taken ill and they cannot travel as they have in years past. She sends her love and prayers. She inquires about you Miss Lyndon and wants to know if you are settled in as our companion.”
“We must write to the Countess today,” Lady Amiée-Jo determined. “We will be in the Drawing Room after supper if you will join us then, Miss Lyndon. I am looking forward to showing you my collection.”
“I am sorry to hear the Countess cannot be with us for the holiday. She was a dear friend of my mother and my introduction to your mother, the Duchess. I will do my best to return soon, Lady Amiée-Jo. I am very eager to see your collection.” Winnie nodded and darted out of the room.
One young lady had been noticeably absent from the Morning Room discussion: Aggie. Winnie could not have remained at leisure for much longer; only long enough not to be considered rude as her feelings were beginning to border resemblance to the quick-tempered and ill-mannered. She must locate Kingston and inform him of the potential dangers and consequences of the behavior of the betrothed Lady Agnes. The Earl of Milton could arrive at any hour intending to claim his bride. Whether this happened peaceably with gentle wisdom and understanding or not remained to be seen. Lady Agnes was sure to be weathering another storm of sorts behind closed doors with her mother at that very moment.
Almack’s Assembly Rooms, public domain
Genesis 24:27, KJV
And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
Chapter 9
Petticoats, Pilgrims & Jewels
Come away with me and spend some time in prayer.
Is that you Lord?
About to descend, Catherine stood at the top of the staircase outside the Morning Room, hesitating between two choices. What about Kingston and the Earl of Milton, Lord? I feel the need to warn him.
I can take care of that for now. Come away with me.
She turned toward her room. She passed the Green Room on her right and the Morning Room again on her left. Next, she would pass the Gallery on her left and the Gold Room on her right, but as she approached, the door to the Gold Room flung wide open. A pile of linen flew out of the door from the Gold Room, landing dangerously close to Catherine’s feet. She stopped in time to prevent herself from stepping upon what she soon realized were a number of petticoats and chemises.
At first she had the mistaken thought one of the housekeepers might be in the act of preparing the garments for the laundry house just outside the Servant’s Hall. However, she next heard Aggie’s shouts accompany the next batch of flying garments and accessories: Several pair of shoes which landed with a thud, gloves, shawls, a hair brush, and a number of long stays. “Get out Mama! Just go!”
All objects flew out of the door and landed upon the floor of the hallway in front of where Catherine had frozen to avoid the rapid succession of objects, accompanied by several thuds as the shoes and hair brush came down hard.
“You may return to Bath without me, Mama! I do not care if I starve! I will find my own way in the world if you will not hear me!” Lady Agnes shouted.
“Now, Aggie! Stop that right now! The Duke will think you have lost your mind!” A softer voice came from inside the room. “I am certain we can come to some sort of agreement.”
“I do not care one little bit what he thinks!” Lady Agnes shouted.
Catherine covered her mouth. Suddenly the door slammed shut and all she could hear were muffled voices inside. She had best escape whilst she could. She carefully navigated the garments and shoes strewn about and hurried past the Violet Room to the last door on the right. She marveled that the ladies hadn’t poured out of the Morning Room to inquire. She choked down a twinge of homesickness as she closed the door to her room and fell back against the door to catch her breath. A scene like the one she had just encountered would have brought most of her entire household to the scene to investigate. There were formalities maintained at Hillbrook Hall that would require some adaptation on her part. Perhaps not making much ado over personal matters did have some merits. It was somewhat comical and she could not help but laugh. This released much of her tension. Poor Aggie! Poor Lady Burke! Do help them Lord.
When she regained her composure, Catherine found herself kneeling in prayer in the privacy of her room. First she prayed for Aggie’s situation. She had to find a firmer forgiveness in her heart for the unkind words and stares that had plagued her, yet again. She spent time fighting down the hurt and bitterness that threatened to loom up inside her, not just from Aggie, but some of the other ladies who had been cold and unkind. When she had yielded to a more complete forgiveness, she prayed for direction and peace. A wave of melancholia swept over her when she momentarily remembered her sister “Cammy,” dear Cameron Julia Lyndon. How she missed her, ached for her, longed for her. She still mourned somewhere deep inside for that sweet, angelic face of her innocent sister; a life that had been stolen from them far too soon.
She barely heard God’s whisper as tears streamed down her face. I want you to release your grief to me. Surrender this and allow me to heal you my child. Cammy is with me. You will see her again one day. Let me do a new work in your life.
He hasn’t yet asked me to marry him formally, Lord… not on bended knee, nor has he sought permission from my parents, nor presented an engagement ring… and how do I know you will not take him, too? How do I know this is the man you have chosen for me? Is this really happening? You haven’t prepared me for this. All of the preparation… the clothing, the hats, the shoes, the dances, the courtships, the training, the presentations at court, having the proper sort of friends and introductions, the Seasons in London�
� all of that has been granted to Caroline, Careen, and Corabelle. I have greatly been left out of this process. I am barely even mentally or emotionally prepared to consider a marriage, to anyone, let alone a Duke. I gave up on that desire long ago…
Trust me. I have prepared you for this far more than you realize. They have had some of their dreams met. Now I’m going to give you some of yours, my child… my dearly loved child.
For a long time, Catherine knelt quietly in the Lord’s presence, her ear bent toward His voice. When she finally rose, she was vaguely aware of having won a hard fought, long battle. She felt strengthened inside her soul and spirit in a place that only God could touch, but her physical body was worn and weary. The activity of the past few days had left her exhilarated, yet emotionally drained and exhausted. Rest was the remedy she now sought as she succumbed to a nap, remaining in the solitude of the soothing rose and peach colored bedroom. She did not bother to change as she climbed onto the coverlet and pulled an extra blanket up to her chin.
After her lengthy nap, Catherine changed for the five o’clock meal into her dove gray dress. Beatrice had arranged her hair nicely.
“More items are turning up missing every single day, ma’am,” Beatrice informed her. “I would keep my doors locked and hide my valuables, if I had anything of value, that is.”
“What this time?”
“A gold locket; a beautiful brush, comb, and mirror set; a set of pearl combs; several pair of day gloves; one hat with a veil; one bonnet; and a bottle of perfume… imported. Also, there were a pair of earrings and one bracelet that turned up missing, ma’am. Some of these items seem to have disappeared during the dance last night… according to the other maids.”
“I will keep my doors locked at all times. Thank you for keeping me well informed, Beatrice.”
