by Linda Daly
Obviously taken back by the American’s boldness, Elspeth looked at Anne, her eyes as wide as saucers, waiting for an appropriate reaction. Instead Anne reached across the table and gently patted her friend’s hands, saying reassuringly, “It’s alright, Elspeth. We’ve become dear friends and are beyond polite conversation. As a matter of fact, Elise has told me the most amusing tale regarding Lavinia, which I’m sure would be alright if I shared with you, dear friend.”
Nodding at Anne reassuringly, Elise watched in amusement while the masterful aristocrat drew Elspeth back into the fold, reassuring the painfully dull woman that all was well between them. As the three of them sat around the table, Elise soon discovered that not all was what it appeared to be on the surface of the elite of society in England. The only difference between those in England and in America that Elise could tell was that they acted as if they were above reproach.
Within moments, Anne and Elspeth disclosed that the accident that had taken Edwin and his personal secretary, Elaine’s life, was also the reason for Francois’s condition. Shortly after the accident, Annabelle had traveled to Rupert’s chateau in France where the injured Francois was convalescing under the care of Anne and Edward. As it turned out, Annabelle needed time away from Ashwillow, following the death of her own father, the Squire Randolph Bailey-Smythe who had been shunned following the incident of the ball and had never recovered.
Once Anne and Edward Spencer returned to their own home—Pixie Halt, back in England—they received word that Gwendolyn Phelps, the matriarch of their clan, had also passed away following the wedding of her niece in America. Elise’s head was whirling.
“Am I to understand then that the Squire—Annabelle and Lavinia’s father—passed away almost at the same time as Felicity’s Uncle Edwin and both of your aunts?”
“Yes, Elise. They say bad news comes in three’s and by-George it certainly did back in sixty-two …” Anne said sadly.
Hastily Elspeth added, “Four I suppose, if you include Francois’s sister, Elaine Freeport to the equation.”
Confused even further Elise asked, “Elaine Freeport was Edwin’s personal secretary? Am I to assume then that Francois saw his sister perish too?”
“We all did,” Anne whispered, obviously still shaken by the incident, so Elspeth filled in the events for Elise. On the carriage trip to Rupert’s chateau, the first rig with its passengers including Rupert, Francois, Edwin, and Elaine, broke an axle and rolled over several times, killing Edwin instantly while Elaine, suffering severe injuries, died shortly after.
“So Rupert was in the carriage too, yet suffered no injuries?” Elise asked.
“Yes and don’t you think that man hasn’t suffered every day since. Following the accident, I tried to reassure him it wasn’t his fault, yet he insisted that if he had been sitting across from his father rather than beside him, perhaps Elaine or his father would not have perished. And frankly, I believe he even blamed himself for Aunt Gwendolyn’s death, too. You see, he and his father had known Gwendolyn’s intentions for the trip to America, despite never telling Felicity or Edward and myself.” Anne added hastily.
“Well that explains the accident. Yet I’m still confused as to why Francois seems so bitter over Annabelle’s and Rupert’s wedding. It was obvious to me earlier that he is pining over Annabelle.”
Again, Elspeth’s eyes widened as she looked at Anne before commenting herself. “My, but you are extremely perceptive, Elise. You must have been quite a cunning spy,” Anne said admiringly.
Bubbling over with curiosity, Elspeth asked, “Spy? You Elise? Why I would have never guessed … You must tell me everything … Does Joshua know?”
“Yes. I was a spy for the Confederates at the beginning of the war. And yes, Joshua knows. Actually he found me out … but before I fill you in on all the details, you must finish telling me of Francois, Annabelle, and Rupert.”
Eagerly, Elspeth began speaking while Elise listened intently, fascinated by how Annabelle had nursed Francois back to health while Rupert sat and watched from afar the woman that he loved have her heart broken. Francois, the son of a wealthy businessman, had been disinherited by his family when he pursued his art, rather than a nobler profession. Anne quickly explained that artists were not considered gentlemen in England. Even after Francois’s accident, no longer capable of pursuing his craft, Francois’s father still would have nothing to do with his only son. With no family left, and his ability to paint gone, Francois was a broken man.
“From what I hear, Annabelle was wonderful through his depression and even following when he took up the drink,” Elspeth said, adding to Anne’s explanation.
Agreeing with her friend, Anne said, “As only Annabelle could. Never have I seen a gentler spirit.”
“From what I’ve observed in the short time we’ve been here, I must say her tenderness shows in everything she does. But when did she and Rupert know … I mean, when did they decide to wed?”
Eagerly Anne filled in the gaps, explaining in a low tone so not to be overheard. “Rupert had been assigned the responsibility of overseer of Annabelle’s inheritance from the Squire, and if rumors were true, Lavinia had received virtually nothing.”
It was Elise’s eyes that widened this time, and Elspeth said in earnest, “It’s true. Go on Anne, you have such a way of explaining things.”
“Well, let’s see …” Anne paused to gather her thoughts before continuing. “Over time, Annabelle had learned to confide in Rupert, more than for financial matters, viewing him as a dear friend and confidant, never suspecting that he loved her desperately. As Francois’s drinking worsened, he insisted on living on his own and moved to his sister’s villa. From what I heard from Edward, Annabelle—consumed in worry after not seeing Francois for days—demanded that Rupert take her to Francois. That’s where she found the scoundrel with several undesirable women, all in quite a state, following a night of …” Leaning across the table in a dramatic fashion, Anne continued. “Well let’s just say, Annabelle was quite unnerved by what she witnessed. Now mind you, I’ve only heard bits and pieces of this part of the story, but I can tell you when she returned to Ashwillow shortly thereafter with Rupert by her side, Annabelle was devastated. Especially since Francois had apparently spoken words of love to the vulnerable and naïve woman, according to Edward. And of course, the poor dear believed every word he had said to her. I’m not saying Francois wasn’t sincere, but Annabelle—after having to endure the shame and ridicule her father and sister had brought down on her family name and dishonor— simply could not take another disappointment.”
“No one could,” Elspeth added in her defense. “For weeks, we all worried about the poor dear, but slowly over time Rupert seemed to bring her out of her shell. In truth, Annabelle seemed to bring life into Rupert as well. Don’t you agree Anne?”
“Oh absolutely! Rupert is a changed man. You see Elise, prior to that time, Rupert was … well …” Anne hesitated, as if searching for the right words to say.
“Dull as dishwater!” Elspeth proclaimed. “Don’t you recall how he spoke back then, rolling his r’s in a most annoying and unflattering manner.”
“Really Elspeth, you needn’t be so unkind.” Turning her attention to Elise, Anne continued. “In truth, Rupert’s whole persona has changed drastically in the past few years, even his speech, as Elspeth so boisterously has mentioned. Although I’ve never discussed it openly with either Rupert or Annabelle, I recall distinctively how following the tragic incident of Felicity’s ball that Rupert showed remarkable calmness. He took complete charge of rectifying the injustice brought against Reverend Myles, when the rest of us were all in shock. And never once did his speech seem different than that of anyone else, so I’ve assumed over the years that Rupert used this façade to keep people at a distance.”
Nodding her head, Elise asked, “What a lovely story. Yet Francois doesn’t appear to be under the influence now?”
“Oh he still does enjoy his wine, but
what Frenchmen doesn’t?” Anne snickered. “Shortly after Annabelle had left France and returned to England, Francois seemed to come to his senses and a few months later he returned to England. Obviously, hoping to win Annabelle’s heart and perhaps even her hand. For a while there I truly believed he might succeed, him being such a suave and smooth talker …”
“I never thought he stood a chance,” interrupted Elspeth. “After all, hadn’t Annabelle been forced to endure a father who enjoyed his drink? Why would she choose a life with a man certain to only cause her more pain when there was Rupert showing her how life could be? No. I honestly believe Annabelle never gave Francois another thought. Why if I had to choose between two men, I can tell you …”
“Yes dear we all know …” Anne said motioning toward Annabelle and Rupert who were edging their way closer them. Quickly she changed the subject and asked Elise, “Not that we want to see you and Joshua leave us Elise, but when did you say your ship sets sails?”
“Why I believe Joshua said something about traveling to London in a few days to see the sights, then we would return here the first week of July for a few days before returning to New York.”
Annabelle, hearing Elise’s response, glanced up at her husband lovingly and softly said, “What a coincidence darling.” Then directing her attention back to Elise, she asked, “Before it gets too late, perhaps you and Joshua might have a few moments to discuss that very subject. Your traveling arrangements, that is.”
Intrigued by her comment, Elise glanced at Anne. “Well if you’ll excuse us, Anne and Elspeth, while I’ll go find that wayward husband of mine,” Elise said jokingly, standing up. “If I know him, he’s probably bending Edward’s ear off about the war.”
After joining Joshua and being led to a private study away from the other guests, the four of them made themselves comfortable while sipping more champagne. Within a few minutes, it was decided that Rupert and Annabelle would be joining Joshua and Elise to London to show them the sights and returning with them to New York. Judging by the look on Rupert’s face when he mentioned how he missed his cousin, Elise surmised that he was equally worried about her. As much as she welcomed the Robbins’ company, Elise couldn’t help but wonder what Lavinia was going to say when they returned with Rupert and her sister Annabelle.
~ Fourteen ~
Exposed
New York, July 1865 “Oh you can’t be serious?” exclaimed Miranda, hearing the news that Elise and Joshua were returning early along with Rupert and Lavinia’s sister, Annabelle.
“Just what am I going to do with another Lavinia snooping about the Honeycutt’s? Gilbert is sure to be discovered now!” Overwrought from the stress of concealing Gilbert from Tad the past several days, compounded by keeping up the pretense of still being interested in the man she now loathed caused Miranda to weep hysterically.
“I just can’t keep up this pretense any longer. Why can’t Gilbert just tell Albert what really happened. Surely he would help us.”
“Oh sweetheart, you’re mistaken about Annabelle, she is nothing like her sister. And you know perfectly well that blood is thicker than water. No matter how sympathetic Alfred might be to the injustices Gilbert has sustained by Tad and his unscrupulous friend, he would never betray his own grandson.”
Reaching for her friend, Felicity hugged Miranda while looking across the room at James for answers.
“Are you certain, James? As much as I welcome seeing my cousin Rupert and Annabelle again, having them under the same roof where Miranda is hiding Gilbert is rather unsettling to say the least.”
“We all agreed that hiding Gilbert until the party was the best for all concerned, especially now that he is wanted for the murder of that poor friend of his.”
Between her sobs, Miranda said defiantly, “And we all know who actually killed that poor man and yet we do nothing to see that his murderer is incarcerated. Instead, we keep an innocent man locked up after he was nearly killed while those guilty remain free!”
“We have no proof Daniel actually killed that man, except the word of an Irishman who has admittedly swindled a man of means out of money while playing cards.”
Angered by James last comment, Miranda wiped her tears and glared at him. “You know as well as I do that Gilbert is innocent! So why are you suggesting otherwise?”
Seeing how angered Miranda had become, Felicity softly said, “Miranda dear, I think what James was trying to say is that if we were to bring in the authorities, no one would believe his story. Especially against two prominent members of society.”
“Precisely,” James agreed. “Haven’t I from the first day we found Gilbert done everything in my power to keep him safe?”
Nodding, Miranda answered, “Yes. And I do appreciate it. Honest I do, it’s just I’m frightened that he will be discovered before we have a chance to free him.”
Felicity, still comforting Miranda, softly said, “Why borrow trouble needlessly? God has kept him safe while half of New York is scouring the city looking for him. I see no reason to think our plan won’t work. All we need to do is keep our heads, and pray that God will help us.”
Sighing heavily, wanting to believe it was that simple, Miranda agreed. “When are the four newlyweds expected?”
“The latter part of next week, and then the party is only four days after that. So less than two weeks from now, you and Gilbert will be safely on your way to San Francisco,” James said reassuringly.
Seeing her friend relax, Felicity asked, “Dear, does Gilbert know your intentions of going with him yet?”
“No. I’ve decided not to tell him until we are safely aboard the train.”
“I see,” Felicity said frowning. “Are you certain this is wise? What if he makes a fuss about it and draws attention to you both? You know how volatile he can get.”
Tired of justifying Gilbert’s actions to Felicity and James, she shook her head, knowing that neither of them liked him. “He was frightened and hurt back when he was here, but now that he has grown to trust me, that’s all changed.”
“I hope for your sake that’s true. As you know, Miranda, I can’t for the life of me understand what you see in this man…” James raised his hand, seeing her temper flare again. “But then again, look whom I chose to marry, so I’m a fine one to talk.”
Seeing a smile cross her friend’s lips, Felicity said, “Well dear, as much as I enjoy your company, it is getting late. Perhaps we should finish this conversation tomorrow. You’re still coming by in the morning so that we can look for a dress for the party, aren’t you?”
“Why yes. As a matter of fact, I thought I might look for some suits for Gilbert as well. That is, if you wouldn’t mind.”
Seeing how impatient James was getting, Felicity smiled and said, “Of course not. Benjamin could use a few new suits as well, so we can look for the both of them.”
After walking Miranda to the door, Felicity turned back to her husband’s office to have a chat with James before he had to take his leave, knowing he was expected at the Honeycutt’s by seven. Fearful James might take offense to what she wanted to discuss with him, she took a deep breath and said a silent prayer. Dear Lord, please help me to find the words to express my concern of him spending so much time with me, especially since he has done so much to help both Benjamin and me. Finishing her prayer, she walked through the office door and, mindful that they were now alone, kept the door open.
“How kind of you to stay for a few extra minutes, James. I would never have asked if it wasn’t due to something I needed to go over with you.”
A look of concern crossed his brow as he asked, “What is it Felicity? Aren’t the two new women I’ve hired for you working out?”
“Oh no, they are wonderful. Why I can’t believe how much free time I have now. It’s heaven sent. Thank you again.”
Sensing she was having a difficult time bringing up what it was that troubled her, and knowing how she was a stickler for protocol, he surmised she wanted to discuss t
he time the two of them spent together. Rather than put her through the embarrassment, James said, “Felicity, before you begin, I was wondering if I might address something with you?”
“Of course,” she responded.
“As fond as I have become of both you and Benjamin, I fear that spending so much time here at the orphanage is unwise. Especially with Gilbert’s future hanging in the balance. As you know, Lavinia is already suspicious of our friendship, and rather than do something that might further provoke her, I was thinking that perhaps from now until the party I should avoid being seen here.”
Relief spread across Felicity’s face. “Oh James, you have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that. That’s precisely what I wanted to discuss with you this evening, but didn’t know how to approach the subject. Especially since you have done so much for all of us.”
Raising his hand, not comfortable having her sing his praise, he said, “Well then, that’s settled since we are both in agreement. If you are in need of anything, feel free to tell Miranda and I will see to it that you are well taken care of.”
Grateful for his thoughtfulness, she stepped forward and gently kissed him on the cheek.
“You really are such a dear man. How will I ever repay you for all your kindness?”
Smiling at her, he said, “You just did, my dear. Well if there’s nothing more, I will be on my way. I know the way out.” Turning, he headed toward the door, and said, “Don’t worry about a thing, Felicity. Everything is going precisely as I had planned.”
Nodding her response, she watched as he made his way through the front door of the rectory, surprised he had left in such a hurry. Then hearing the children and realizing they must have finished their evening meal, she scurried off to assist them to bed.
