The Yuletide Countess: Harriet's Traditional Regency Romance

by Alicia Quigley

  “He is very pleasant; so thoughtful and considerate. Indeed, we seemed to be in harmony from the first moment we met, though perhaps that has more to do with our concerns for Lord Francis and Miss Paley than any true connection. Still, I can hope that it may blossom into something more.” She paused a moment. “And he is very handsome. You had mentioned that he was hale for his age, but I had no idea that he was so presentable.”

  Catherine gave her an amused glance. “Yes, I believe that if he wished, he might have any woman he wanted.”

  Harriet looked at her, stricken. “Oh, my dear, did you wish—I mean, I would not if you—after all, you have been here for many years—”

  Catherine hastened to interrupt this torrent of disjointed statements. “Do not worry, Harriet. I have served in his household far too long for me to think of him in that way. After all, if he found me to be a candidate for a second spouse, I would have known it long ago. I have no connections in Society, and, while a competent governess, I am not fond of entertaining and would have no idea how to bring out a young lady. I would be very happy, though, if his new wife were to be a friend of mine. It would give me much peace of mind.”

  Harriet took her hand and pressed it warmly. “Indeed, and if I were so lucky as to contract such an advantageous marriage, it would be a great relief to me to have a friend in my new home. Please know, Catherine, that no matter what my future holds, I will always help you in any way I can.”

  Catherine smiled. “I thank you for that, Harriet, and please know that I will do all in my power to assist you as well.”

  The two women gazed at each other for a moment in perfect amity. Then Catherine nodded toward the doors to the terrace.

  “I believe our friends have returned,” she said. “Something momentous must have occurred; Lord Francis looks well-pleased with himself, while Miss Paley appears to be more conflicted.”

  Harriet followed her gaze, and indeed Lord Francis was beaming, while Isobel face’s was decorated with the expression that Harriet had long associated with her cousin’s mixed emotions when it came to her suitor. Lord Glencairn caught her eye, and raised his eyebrows, a look of satisfaction on his face.

  “Oh my,” she said. “Catherine, if you will excuse me, I believe I must find out what has happened!”

  “Certainly,” replied Catherine. “I am most curious myself!”

  “I will let you know as soon as I may!” said Harriet. With a last smile, she hurried toward the group.

  “My dear, there you are,” she said, lacing her arm through Isobel’s. “I have been looking for you these five minutes I am sure. Only fancy, I have just met Mrs. FitzCollum, and found out that she is a cousin of mine, though the relationship is not close. I believe that her mother and my uncle’s wife were connected -- that would be the Downforths of Yorkshire, you will recall, and now I find her here. So surprising, for I was sure that Maria had been closer to her family than to have let the connection go. But here we are acquainted again, and I vow it is charming. Is it not delightful, Lord Glencairn?” she asked brightly.

  “Delightful indeed, dear Miss Walcott. Hrrrmmph. Most charming. And another delightful thing has occurred this evening,” he said with a grin. “Miss Paley has agreed to assist me in the design and construction of a folly on the shore of my ornamental lake. Is it not the very thing?”

  “An ornamental lake?” Harriet inquired. “I believe that I have not yet seen it, perhaps I can beg your arm to the bottom of the garden so that I may view it, for I am not, you know a strong walker. I find that none of the Walcott females are, but a folly! You are indeed ambitious Lord Glencairn, but then I am sure that you could not have found another person more capable of assisting you in realizing your ambitions than Isobel, why her attainments in the field of...”

  As Harriet talked Lord Francis returned with the glass of lemonade Isobel had requested, and Isobel, fearful of Harriet revealing too much, made haste to take a sip and fall into a choking fit. But when this had been prolonged as long as her thespian capabilities would permit, Harriet for once refusing to be diverted continued.

  “...Isobel's attainments in the field of Roman antiquities, so very distinguished and scholarly, you know, although of course she dislikes very much to have it spoken of, still we are among friends here, and I am sure that dear Lord Francis and Lord Glencairn will not reveal these matters, for after all, it is perfectly acceptable for a young lady to be involved with landscaping, such a feminine use for your studies, much more the thing than for you to be grubbing about in that dirty hole in the ground and supervising the workers, who I am sure are not in the least respectable.” Required at long last to draw breath, Harriet appeared to be on the verge of embarking upon yet another peroration, when Lord Francis, with ill-disguised mirth in his eyes, held up a languid hand.

  “I am sure that Miss Paley’s qualifications to design Glencairn’s folly are all that you describe, Miss Walcott, and a great deal more,” he said. “But perhaps Glencairn and I should quiz her on this matter at another time, and return to the dance. For after all, there is always time to talk, but dancing requires musicians, and we are positively neglecting them at this moment.”

  He bowed gracefully to Isobel and offered his arm, which she took thankfully, glad to abandon the dangers of conversation to join the set that was just forming.

  Lord Glencairn looked after them with a satisfied expression on his face, and then turned to Harriet. “Brava, Miss Walcott. Well done indeed.”

  “Thank you,” said Harriet. “Though you have done far better. How ever did you get Isobel to agree to assist Lord Francis in designing a folly for you? I cannot imagine how she could have been convinced.”

  “I made the merest mention of my late wife’s desire to build a folly by the lake, and Lord Francis took the bit in his teeth and ran with it,” said the earl. “A clever lad he is, and needed no prompting from me. We carried the day through sheer obstinacy; poor Miss Paley was not permitted to say us nay.”

  “How very strategic of you. I am sure that a classical folly will be a great amusement for Isobel, despite her protests. And it will require that they spend a great deal of time together.”

  “It will indeed,” said Lord Glencairn. “I will make sure of that, and you must make sure that Lord Francis stays often for tea at Dargenwater Cottage. In the meantime, would you care to join this dance with me?”

  “Oh! I rarely dance,” said Harriet, a bit faintly. “But, in light of our success this evening, perhaps I should treat myself.”

  “An excellent idea,” said the earl. “And afterwards, if you wish, I will escort you to see the gardens and the proposed site of the folly.”

  “That sounds lovely,” said Harriet. She took his lordship’s proffered arm, and they joined the dance. Harriet found the energetic reel so invigorating that she danced several more dances with the gentlemen present, and noticed that everyone present seemed to be doing the same. She even saw Catherine Dalburn joining a country dance with the curate from a neighboring estate. Late in the evening she found herself once again Lord Glencairn's partner when the final set was formed. It was a more sedate country dance, and some conversation was possible.

  “I have not been able to escort you to the site of the proposed folly Miss Walcott,” the earl said.

  “Indeed not, and I was truly looking forward to seeing it,” Harriet replied.

  “Perhaps I could take you there another time,” he suggested. “Would the day after next do, Miss Walcott? At 3:00 shall we say?”

  ”That would be most welcome.” Harriet responded with a glowing smile. The movements of the dance separated them once again, but as the music ended, Lord Glencairn took her hand in his and smiled.

  “I eagerly await your visit two days hence, Miss Walcott,” he said. “As well as visiting the site of the folly, I will be pleased if you will allow me to show you the castle’s gardens.”

  “I am very much looking forward to it,” said Harriet.

  Har
riet and Isobel joined the little crowd of ladies and gentlemen waiting at the door for their carriages, each with much to consider. Isobel's feelings were mixed, as she could not deny the pleasure she found in Lord Francis's company, but there was no doubt that the construction of what she already thought of as the wretched folly would take a great deal of time away from her excavation. Harriet on the other hand, felt unalloyed pleasure in making the acquaintance of Lord Glencairn and finding him charming, along with opportunity to conspire with him to throw Isobel and Francis together.

  Chapter 9

  Two days later Harriet and Isobel sat at breakfast in Dargenwater Cottage’s dining room. Isobel, distracted by thoughts of the folly, and annoyed with herself for allowing it to lure her away from her excavations, buttered a piece of toast absently and gazed out the window at the sunshine that flooded the yard. It would be a perfect day to plan the site of the folly, but if it then rained tomorrow, it might be impossible for some days to unearth the newly discovered wall at her dig.

  “Isobel, dear,” ventured Harriet.

  Isobel started and almost dropped her toast. “Yes, Harriet, what is it?”

  “I was wondering whether you thought my dark green twill walking dress or the fawn silk with the plum ribbons more becoming to me?”

  Isobel looked up, surprised. “Why, they both look lovely on you, Harriet. You are always very fashionably dressed.”

  “Yes, you are kind enough to treat me to so many extravagances at the modiste that I am very fashionable indeed,” said Harriet. “But which do you think becomes me more?”

  Isobel blinked at her. “More becoming? Why would you—I mean, of course you look very handsome in both of them. Perhaps the dark green is slightly more complimentary to your coloring.”

  “Think you so?” asked Harriet. “You do not find the ribbons on the fawn silk dress more becoming to my complexion?”

  Isobel considered the question. “No, I believe the green is best, though both are very suitable.”

  “Thank you,” said Harriet.

  Isobel nodded absently, and took a bite of her toast. Harriet fiddled with the handle of her teacup.

  “Isobel, dear,” said Harriet.

  Isobel looked up again. “Yes, Harriet?”

  “Do you have any need of the carriage this afternoon?”

  “The carriage?” repeated Isobel.

  Harriet flushed slightly. “I—I have been invited to Glencairn Castle this afternoon, and, while it is not a long distance, you know I don’t care to walk alone, and I would be loath to distract the servants from their duties.”

  “Oh, are you visiting Catherine and the children?” asked Isobel. “How wonderful! I’m sure you’ll have a delightful time. It is a lovely day; perhaps you can visit the gardens. By all means, take the carriage. I have no need of it. I can walk or ride anywhere I might wish to go, and it is entirely possible that Lord Francis will be bringing me some drawings of the land on which the folly will be located.”

  “Oh, will he? I’m sure you’re both very eager to begin your planning.”

  “Lord Francis seems to be, at any rate,” said Isobel.

  “And why should he not? After all, it will be a very interesting pursuit. Even though I know it will distract you from your work, you must admit to some little interest in such an entertaining and charming project! And you will be able to use your skills for something that is new and not five hundred years old!”

  “One thousand five hundred,” said Isobel.

  “Truly?” asked Harriet. “Well, that is very old indeed, to be sure. This folly will be lovely and you can employ all that knowledge you’ve accumulated on something useful!”

  Isobel laughed. “I think that a folly, by definition, may not be useful, but I will do my best to help make it beautiful.”

  “Then, since you do not mind, I will take the carriage. I am to be at Glencairn at three-o-clock,” said Harriet.

  “Certainly,” said Isobel, returning to her toast. “Give Catherine my greetings.”

  Chapter 10

  After taking what she admitted to herself, was an inordinate amount of time about dressing, Harriet sallied forth, dressed in the fawn silk walking dress, having decided to enhance the row of plum ribbons that decorated the long closure from the neck to the hemline, with a riband of the same shade over the chip hat that she wore. The carriage duly pulled up in front of Glencairn Castle, and Harriet allowed a footman to assist her to alight, and then stood for a moment, hesitating. To her great relief, she saw that Lord Glencairn had appeared in the massive opening of the door to the castle, and was coming down the steps toward her.

  “Miss Walcott, how delightful that you remembered our appointment,” he said, taking her hand in his and pressing it briefly.

  “How could I forget?” asked Harriet. “I’ve heard too much from Isobel about the delights of the grounds at Glencairn to not remember!”

  “I’m delighted that Miss Paley finds them attractive, for it seems she will be spending a good deal of time there,” said Lord Glencairn, tucking Harriet’s hand through his arm and leading her into the castle. “She and Lord Francis were here earlier to view the site, but I believe they have gone back to Dargenwater Cottage to consult some of Miss Paley’s books.”

  “Have they indeed?” asked Harriet, briefly glad that Isobel was not about. She had never disabused her cousin of the notion that she meant to visit with Catherine. “Did they seem to be enjoying themselves?”

  “Lord Francis was enjoying himself immensely,” observed Lord Glencairn. “Miss Paley appeared to be more reserved, but he did coax a smile from her from time to time. She is a lovely young woman, and very intelligent, but, if you will forgive me, she appears to be just a touch obstinate.”

  Harriet laughed. “Perhaps, just a touch! She is very dear and very kind hearted, and I owe her a great deal, but when she takes a notion in her head, it is nearly impossible to disabuse her of it. Lord Francis would appear to have his work cut out for him.”

  “He seems to be enjoying it,” said Lord Glencairn. “The man is a soldier, after all, and will know when he has been defeated. But I am betting on him to win. Would you care for a cup of tea before we visit the gardens?”

  “Thank you, no. Perhaps afterward, but for now I’m agog to see the site of the folly,” said Harriet.

  “Very well.” Lord Glencairn led her through the Great Hall as Harriet looked around, murmuring appreciatively, and out a door on the far side, which opened onto an expansive terrace. Harriet drew in her breath as she took in the view of neatly trimmed hedges surrounded by beds of summer flowers, their colors vibrant in the sun, extending away to a stone wall and a pathway leading to a long lawn.

  “Is that a lake I see in the distance?” asked Harriet.

  “It is indeed, an ornamental lake created in my grandfather’s time. The folly will sit on its banks. Would you care to walk with me?”

  “Certainly,” said Harriet, taking his proffered arm.

  The pair walked down the steps to the graveled path that wound amongst the flowerbeds, and Harriet gave a little sigh of delight.

  “You are indeed fortunate, Lord Glencairn, to have such a lovely home. The castle is extraordinary, and while the gardens looked beautiful in the evening two days ago, they are even more spectacular now in full daylight,” she said.

  “They take an army of gardeners to keep up,” the earl observed. “But it employs men from the village, and it always does my heart good to see that the work my dear departed wife put into them has not disappeared.”

  “Do tell me about her,” said Harriet. “If you wish to, of course. I do not want to cause you pain.”

  “Not at all. Lady Glencairn was some years younger than I am; she would have been four-and-thirty this year, I believe. She was the daughter of Sir Ralph Dyson, and I met her at a house party in her parent’s home. Our courtship was short, as we seemed well-suited, and we made our home here at Glencairn. She loved these gardens a great
deal, but after Douglas’s birth she was never well again. A fever carried her away the winter after he was born.”

  “How very sad,” said Harriet. “You must miss her a terribly.”

  “I did,” said the earl. “But it has been many years, and the pain has faded. Now she is a very pleasant memory. One must go on, you know.”

  “Oh yes, one must,” agreed Harriet. “I know when my dear father died, my mother was never the same; the grief was too much for her. I do so admire you for understanding you must continue to love and care for your children. Why, Lady Sefton said to me only a month or so ago that children are such a blessing to their parents, and help to ease their hearts in difficult times.”

  “Sophia and Douglas are wonderful children,” agreed the earl. “Sophia is becoming a young lady, of course, and I must turn my thoughts to her eventual marriage.”

  “What a pity she has no mother to guide her. Though I’m sure that you will provide her with all she needs when she makes her curtsey to Society,” said Harriet. “Have you a female relative who could serve as your hostess and her guide?”

  Lord Glencairn looked uncomfortable. “There is my sister, of course, but she dislikes leaving Scotland and has not kept up with her friends in London. But I have no doubt that there are other women to be found who are suitable for the task.”

  “No doubt,” said Harriet. “Such a pity when a girl does not have a mother’s guiding hand at such an important time of her life. Lady Cowper once told me how very important her mother was to her in navigating those treacherous waters when she first came out. Oh, what a charming rosebush; I have never been able to make roses grow properly. You must allow the gardener at Dargenwater Cottage to speak to your gardeners.”

  Lord Glencairn glanced at the flowers. “Certainly, if you wish. You appear to know many of the shining lights of polite society, Miss Walcott.”