by Leenie Brown
No, when Aunt Edith was displeased, she struggled, much as she was doing right now, to keep her features and her tongue in good regulation.
These were not the only flaws her aunt possessed, however. There was one more fault which could be laid at Aunt Edith’s feet, and, in the world in which Addie lived, it was perhaps the greatest fault of all. To Aunt Edith, stables were the domain of grooms and coachmen. It was acceptable for a gentleman to oversee the work of his servants – Addie’s grandfather always had, which necessitated, in Aunt Edith’s way of thinking, that such an activity was acceptable – but a gentleman must not take it upon himself to muck out a stall or rub down his mount for those activities were, in Aunt Edith’s opinion, beneath him. Addie had heard her father argue about that very thing with his sister on more than one occasion. It was perhaps why Aunt Edith was not invited to visit very often, for each visit would, almost certainly, include some sort of remonstration to her brother about how things ought to be done.
Had her father been in his right mind when he sent for Aunt Edith? How could he subject her to the care of such a woman? Did he not know that she would be kept as far away from horses as possible while under her aunt’s tutelage? No. That was unacceptable. She could not go to stay with her aunt. Not even for a season.
Why just imagine the sort of gentleman Aunt Edith would deem acceptable? He would likely not be the sort who would allow his wife to race her horse along the open field, the was for certain.
“That is not possible.” Aunt Edith had finally found her voice. “There was no word of such a thing sent to me by my brother. I do not know what your game is young man, but it will not involve my niece.” She turned to Addie. “I think it best if we were to leave tomorrow before you are taken with any other indecorous notions.”
“Marrying a gentleman is not indecorous,” Addie protested.
“It is if he is a gentleman who sees nothing wrong with how you are dressed and claims to be betrothed to you when your father has only just passed.” She shook her head. “Why he is likely eager to claim your fortune.”
“You have a fortune?” Mr. Eldridge settled back in his chair and tossed one leg over the other.
It was an action that did not go without a widening of her aunt’s eyes. Aunt Edith was clearly affronted by such casual behaviour that did not give her words the weight she believed they deserved.
“I do,” Addie replied. “I am sure you and James can discuss that when you go over the marriage papers.”
“Marriage papers? There will be no marriage papers!”
“I have a fortune as well,” Mr. Eldridge replied, completely ignoring Aunt Edith, “though to be perfectly honest, it is not as much as my sister thinks it should be.”
It was as if Mr. Eldridge was purposefully taunting her aunt.
“Your sister?”
Aunt Edith was most certainly out of sorts for she tended to parrot things when shocked and displeased.
“Yes. She has a very good understanding of Stonegate’s accounts, you see.”
“I do not see. It is not proper.” She turned to James. “You will not allow this man to marry our charge.”
Addie leaned forward. “What do you mean by our charge?” Those words sounded ominous, as if somehow Aunt Edith had been granted permission to make choices about Addie’s life.
“Your brother and I have been appointed to care for you, child, and it is a duty I do not and will not take lightly.” Aunt Edith straightened a glove. “I, of course, did not realize that I would be taking you on as my ward so soon, but I have been preparing. You will make an excellent match and never want for a thing.”
“I have made a match,” Addie protested. A very good match. With a gentleman who stirred her heart and passions and reminded her a great deal of her father. There could be no better match for her.
“I know nothing of Mr. Eldridge and am not inclined to accept him.”
“I know about Mr. Eldridge and have already approved his petition,” James inserted. “I am certain that you could not find a more fitting match for Addie. Why, Mr. Eldridge commands a good estate and a stable which boasts some of the best horses in the land.”
“And Miss Atwood has accepted,” Mr. Eldridge added. “To break an engagement is not a trifling matter.”
He really was very good at taking up a scheme and playing it out. Addie had to admire him for such a skill.
“I see no papers. No one knows you are betrothed.”
“I will make certain they know.” Addie folded her arms and glowered at her aunt. “Who will marry me then, when I have treated Mr. Eldridge so shabbily? He is not an unknown in town.” Or, at least, she assumed he was not unknown if Tom knew him.
“No, no, indeed, I am not. If a man knows anything about horses, they know my estate and my name.”
Thankfully, she had been correct in her assumption.
“And, should I marry a gentleman who wishes to do business with Mr. Eldridge – say to purchase a horse for his curricle – I dare say he would not be able to acquire that horse from Mr. Eldridge.”
“Nor from anyone who wishes to retain ties to my stables,” Mr. Eldridge added, much to Addie’s delight. “He would find himself quite horseless or in possession of some broken-down beast.” He shook his head. “That would certainly not do for one such as Miss Atwood.”
He was fighting for her and with her. She would sigh and admire him for such if it were not for her aunt still looking down her nose at everyone in the room.
Aunt Edith’s nostrils flared, but she said nothing to Mr. Eldridge. Instead, she turned to James and seemed to change the subject entirely. “I assume there will be a reading of the will, will there not be?”
“Yes, of course,” James answered, “but it will have to wait until after I have returned from Newmarket. Silverthorne’s horses must make an appearance and hopefully be successful. The estate depends upon it.”
“And when is that?”
“Two weeks and three days from today,” James replied. “I and Addie are going to Newmarket for a week ahead of the races and then, will return a few days after.”
“I am afraid I cannot allow Adela to travel with you.”
“She is my sister!”
“And my niece, whom I should like to see well-matched, and I assume you are travelling with this –” she waved her hand in Robert’s direction, “gentleman.”
“Yes,” James replied. “And we will be staying at his estate. I need Addie to come with me. She knows the horses better than I since I have been at school.”
“A lady is not needed for horses.”
“I am going,” Addie stated. “With or without permission from either of you, I am going. Father and I used to go to the races every year. I will honor his memory even if you will not.”
“Such willfulness!” her aunt cried. “I will not have it. You and I will remain here at Silverthorne until your father’s will has been read and all the details regarding your future are laid before one and all.”
Was her aunt not listening? Addie was not going to stay here while Damon, Mr. Eldridge, and James traveled to Suffolk.
“I think you should change your clothes,” Aunt Edith said to Addie when the tea service was brought in. “A lady does not have tea while in breeches.” Her aunt rose and claimed the teapot as if it was hers. “Go on, or there will not be a cup of hot tea remaining.”
“She will drink it as she is.”
James’s firm tone surprised Addie. Her brother rarely sounded angry and never authoritative.
“Father’s death has been trying for us both,” he continued. “Addie has not eaten properly, and I will not have you withholding even a cup of tea from her.” He stood. “Take your seat, Aunt Edith. I believe, I am master of this estate, and you are not its mistress. And,” he continued, “until I have heard it from the solicitor’s lips at the reading of the will, you are not Addie’s guardian. I will see to her care.”
Addie could not remember a time when
she had felt so proud of her brother.
“It is in the will. Your father said it was.”
“I will not argue that,” James continued as he took their aunt by the elbow and steered her to a chair. “I just will not accept it until I have heard the will.”
“I have a letter.”
“Which I would be interested to read, but Addie is not your charge until the will is read, for it must be stated in the will to be binding.” He had begun pouring the tea. “Milk?” he asked Addie.
“Please.”
The milk was added, and Addie was given the first cup. Their aunt had to wait until last, which did nothing to make her any less-pleased.
~*~*~
“We will be ready to leave in the morning,” James said to Robert when the three of them stood on the drive waiting for Robert’s horse to be brought up from the stables. He glanced back at the house. “Are you both certain you wish to marry? I must say I was taken by surprise at the announcement.”
“I could think of no other way to avoid Aunt Edith. You know how she is.”
“Does that mean Eldridge is only a means of escape?”
Addie could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. “No.”
“My question remains. Are you both certain you wish to marry?”
Was that uncertainty in Mr. Eldridge’s eyes? How was she to answer? It was not as if she wished to force Mr. Eldridge into marriage. However, they did seem to be well-matched. They had fallen into an easy friendship, and then, well, there had been that kiss which spoke of more than mere friendship. He had seemed eager enough to pursue her earlier.
“I… I am not opposed to the idea. If I were, I would not have suggested it.”
“But you did not suggest it,” James said.
“Yes, I did.”
“She did,” Mr. Eldridge agreed. “And with it she gave me a most speaking look, begging for assistance. As you know from our conversation earlier, I had hoped to court your sister. Therefore, I am not opposed to marrying her.”
Not opposed was not the same as being delighted by the possibility. Of course, had she not also used those same words?
“I readily admit that I had not given marriage to Mr. Eldridge –”
“Robert,” Mr. Eldridge corrected with a smile.
“I had not given marriage to Robert too much thought until today.” Her cheeks were growing quite warm. “However, I find the idea to be…” She blew out a breath. Admitting she liked a gentleman to that gentleman while in the presence of her brother was not exactly comfortable. “very agreeable.”
James took her hand. “I am glad to hear it.”
“As am I.” Mr. Eldridge – er — Robert was smiling broadly. Perhaps he had said not opposed with his words, but his expression certainly said delighted.
“You need to be certain, absolutely, completely certain,” James pressed. “I will ask you both again tomorrow, but for now I am satisfied. However, if you still look upon this arrangement as favourable on the morrow, you should know that I intend to see you wed before we return to Silverthorne. Our aunt has no idea what you need to be happy, Addie. While I might not have been the best brother in the past, I will be hanged if I see you tied to any chap she puts forward when a perfectly acceptable one seems happy to have you.” He lifted his sister’s and extended it to Mr. Eldridge. “I am trusting you with her.”
“I feel the weight of such an honour.”
Addie smiled to be called an honour. How could she not? It made her feel treasured.
“And now I am going into the house so that you might converse in private.”
“Thank you,” Addie called to her brother. He was most certainly no longer being a ninny. She smiled. He might have gambled away her horse, but, having heard how he had spoken to their aunt and now knowing his plans to see to her happiness, she knew he was no longer the same foolish person who had wagered where he could not win. If parting with Damon meant reclaiming her brother and gaining Mr. Eldridge, it nearly seemed a worthy sacrifice. Nearly.
He turned, looked at her, and said, “I owe you far more than this” before continuing to the house.
“Do you truly wish to marry me?” Robert asked.
Addie nodded. “I like you very much.”
“Enough to put up with my foolishness for a lifetime?”
“Yes.” She doubted he was all that foolish. Perhaps he had once been, but he did not seem to be now.
“Then, I shall go home to Mansfield and proclaim the happy news to my sister and Bertram.” He paused. “Do you wish for Miss Price to know?”
“Oh, yes, she must know.” It was sweet of him to remember her friend.
“I will see that she is informed.”
His horse stood before them.
“Until tomorrow,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips.
She stood on the drive until he was out of sight. Then, with a sigh, she turned back to the house and prepared herself to be accosted by her aunt. Tomorrow could not come soon enough.
Chapter 12
Just over a day later, Robert helped a road-weary Miss Atwood from her carriage when it arrived at Stonegate. He had not been very long at his estate before the Atwoods arrived, but he had arrived first, as he had pushed on from the last stop ahead of them so that he could warn his staff of the increased number of guests.
True, it was only one more guest than he had included in the express he had sent after arriving back at Mansfield yesterday, but it was one very particular and rather unpleasant guest, who had invited herself along on the journey so that she could watch over her charge.
“I have informed my butler and housekeeper that you are to be their new mistress but that your aunt is not in favour of the match,” Robert said as he tucked Addie’s hand into the crook of his arm. “They have assured me that Mrs. Bellingham will be given the best service available.”
“But not outside of reason,” James said. “Aunt Edith may be ignored if she is being unreasonable. Indeed, she can be sent packing if necessary, and I will personally oversee the loading of her carriage.”
Robert chuckled. He had heard a little bit about how both James and his sister had retired early last evening to avoid their aunt.
“Were you required to read that letter today?” he asked James.
James’s exasperated exhale seemed to be answer enough, but it was not to be.
“I have it in my possession, but I have refused to read it until I choose to read it. I shall not be badgered into it.”
“That is understandable.” Robert expected he would hear more about it later if James ever decided to read the missive. He motioned to the house before them.
“So, what do you think?”
“It is lovely,” Addie replied.
James said something as well, but Robert really did not care what her brother thought of the house. It was Addie’s opinion which mattered.
“Do you think you will be happy living here?”
This would soon be her home, and she would be his wife. Standing here next to her and looking at his childhood home as he was now – through her eyes and not his own, made him see it from a completely new perspective. The fate of this estate would determine the happiness of her life – and his.
Why was breathing becoming such a chore? Who had placed those plates of iron on his shoulders? He blew out a breath. This must be what Faith had been attempting to get him to understand about the responsibility which accompanied being the master of an estate, the husband of a wife, and the father of children. It was a heavy weight indeed, and not one which could or should be cast aside with ease.
“Yes, I think I will be happy here,” Miss Atwood answered. “However, I have only seen the exterior and only the front of the exterior at that, but my first impression is very good.”
The weight on his shoulders lifted.
“Might we see the inside?” James asked.
“Oh, of course.” He should have offered to take them inside already, but he had to admit tha
t his mind was somewhat addled at the moment. “Do you wish to see to your aunt first?”
Mrs. Bellingham’s carriage had just drawn up to where James’s had been and the steps would soon be put in place for Aunt Edith’s alighting.
“She has servants,” James muttered. “And I have no desire to hear her thoughts on what I should or should not be doing. Lead on Eldridge. Lead on.”
And so, Robert did.
“Do you suppose that later, perhaps, we could see the stables?” Addie asked as they made their way down the walkway from the drive to the house.
“Tomorrow,” James replied before Robert could say a word. “Tonight is for rest and recovery.”
“I am well,” Addie protested.
“And I would have you stay that way,” James retorted. “Besides, if you become ill, you will be left to the care of our aunt while Eldridge and I are out riding.”
“Faith is here,” Robert inserted. His sister would not hear of Miss Atwood being the sole female at Stonegate. “But I also would not wish for you to become unwell.”
Addie’s sigh was such a disappointed sound that Robert immediately decided, should some opportunity present itself later, he would sneak her out to the stables — with a properly warm wrap and all that, of course. He wanted to grant her wish to see that Damon was well, but he would not do it without some precautions to keep her well.
“Damon, Pythias, and Hugo are well-tended to,” he assured her and was rewarded with a smile and a small thank you. “We will have tea after you have gotten settled in your rooms, and then, I will give you a tour of the house.” He escorted her through the arched entry and into the house proper where Faith joined them.
“I will see Miss Atwood to her room,” Faith said to her brother.
And so, just as he had gotten her into his home, he was required to give Miss Atwood up, but thankfully, it was only for about half an hour. Then, she joined him for tea in the small yellow drawing room just down the hall from the guest quarters and before you reached the family room. To his delight, she took a seat between him and his sister.
