“They cannot help but like him,” Glenna assured her with a hug. “I am so happy for you."
Kilbane could see that there was no explanation forthcoming from the two young ladies, so he turned with a puzzled frown to Pontley, who provided a succinct statement. “Captain Andrews is a particular friend of Miss Thomas."
“Is he? I see!” Just as he was headed over to Phoebe, the vicar and his wife entered the room with Captain Andrews, who immediately went to her side.
“Quite an audience we have for our occasion,” he murmured with a glance about the full room. “Your father and mother are agreeable, though your mother's spirits are a bit low to think of you going so far away."
“She'll become accustomed to the idea, and she is happy for me.” Phoebe cast a despairing look around the room. “How can we talk in this gathering?"
“Miss Forbes seems to think the garden worth a visit. Perhaps you would show it to me,” he suggested solemnly.
When Phoebe and the captain had escaped, Glenna spoke with Mrs. Thomas while the vicar found himself with Pontley and Kilbane, who appeared to him to be at ease with one another in spite of the previous evening's occurrences. Nonetheless he avoided any mention of Miss Stafford, instead circumspectly questioning Pontley on his acquaintance with Captain Andrews. “He tells me his home is not far from Manner Hall."
“Yes, I called on him there on my first visit to Manner and met his brother, who lives close by with his family. A charming house with a view to the water, as you would expect, not too large but comfortable. The brother and his wife have a fine family of spirited children who adore their uncle."
“Captain Andrews mentioned that you have known one another for a number of years."
“Since we first went to sea, but our ways parted some years ago. We've managed to meet now and again, and we correspond.” Pontley glanced up as Glenna joined their group.
She was surprised by the warmth of his smile and for a moment forgot what she had intended to say, but the vicar blinked at her curiously and she was recalled. “There is a cold collation in the dining parlor, and Mrs. Thomas thought perhaps we would not wait for Phoebe and Captain Andrews, since they may be a while."
Kilbane, never one to miss a meal, on this occasion showed no alacrity and ate very little while they sat at table and made desultory conversation. The newly engaged pair joined them when they were nearly finished, but showed no disappointment in missing such a mundane and unnecessary occurrence.
The glow which emanated from Phoebe and the air of satisfaction about Captain Andrews permeated the small assemblage when they returned to the drawing room, where Phoebe explained that the captain would return in a week with a special license. “There would have to be a much longer delay if we waited for the banns to be read, for James must return to Bristol in a few weeks and this way I may sail with him.” She turned to her parents a bit hesitantly. “I know that is rather hurried, but it seems a pity for James to have to make an extra trip here. Will you marry us the day after the play, Papa?"
The glance that passed between the vicar and his wife was melancholy but understanding. “Certainly, my love,” he finally replied. “There is no need to present the play if you think it will interfere with your preparations."
“Pooh! And miss the opportunity to show James my acting abilities? Never.” Phoebe swung around to face Glenna. “You and Kilbane and Miss Stafford will not mind if I do not help with the scenery and props, will you?"
Her friend laughed. “You'd only be in the way. Tomorrow and Christmas we won't be rehearsing in any case, and the day after I shall see to the backdrop. Jennifer has already gathered together most of the props for the three of us and Kilbane can do it for his two roles. There will still be plenty of time to get you organized."
The Irishman had not been paying as much attention to the discussion as the others present, and sat seated with an absent frown on his face. When applied to for assent to their plans, he did not notice and Pontley intervened. “I will be happy to assist in whatever way I may. Where is the play to be presented?"
“In the school, so there will be sufficient seating,” Phoebe said. “Boxing Day we will go there and see what is needed."
“We have sent announcements of our project to everyone imaginable and put posters in the village shops. There should be a good audience.” Glenna smiled at Phoebe teasingly. “Of course, we will be sure to draw more people to see you and Captain Andrews the evening before your wedding."
Captain Andrews, who had been content to sit silent through these discussions, now commented laconically, “A regular raree show. I have a mind to offer my services as a singer of sea chanties, with Pontley's assistance."
“The musical entertainment is to be provided by Miss Forbes,” Pontley retorted.
“Then we are assured of its excellence,” Captain Andrews returned gallantly with a bow to Glenna. “I see you have brought your harp from Manner Hall."
The thought occurred to Glenna that she could not very well drag the harp off to her cousin's and, although she said nothing, Pontley immediately answered her as though she had remarked aloud on the problem. “If you do not wish to take your harp to Miss Stokes's, you might leave it at Lockwood. I'm sure no one would touch it there, and we have more space to store it than the vicar.
Glenna experienced a touch of alarm at his reading of her mind, but accepted his offer calmly enough. It would be very dangerous if he could so easily decipher her thoughts, for many of them she felt must at all costs be kept from him. She had only herself to blame that he had found himself another bride; if she had been conciliating when he came to her as the new viscount, it was unlikely that he would have cast a second glance at Miss Stafford, so honorable were his intentions. Probably she should be happy for him to have found someone to whom he could truly attach his affections, but she was not feeling particularly altruistic that day. Besides, there were so many qualities about Miss Stafford with which Glenna could not be altogether comfortable. She drew herself up sharply. Pontley had disclosed that he was aware of his fiancée's defects, if they were such, and obviously accepted them. Certainly she should do no less.
Captain Andrews and Pontley were taking their leave before Glenna was aware that they had risen, and she flushed at Pontley's amused eyes on her. She was not even aware until after they left that the party at the vicarage had been invited to dine at Lockwood that evening, since Captain Andrews had to leave in the morning. In spite of Mrs. Thomas's protests that the notice to his cook was too short, Pontley had overcome her objections with the calm assurance that his cook would be delighted to put more than two courses on the table for a change.
Thinking that Phoebe might desire a few moments to herself, Glenna did not follow when her friend announced that she was going to her room. Phoebe indignantly came back to grab Glenna's hand and tug her from the room, murmuring in answer to her protests, “Don't be a goose! What should I want more than to talk with you and hear you say over and over how lucky I am? Come now, tell me."
“I should not call it luck, Phoebe. How could he help but come and offer for you? I have been expecting him daily."
“Have you now? You never said so to me."
“I did not wish to see you puffed up in your own conceit, my love,” Glenna retorted with a grin. “But I shall tell you that I am remarkably happy for you, and that Captain Andrews is fortunate to have won your hand."
They had reached the room they shared and Phoebe sat down at the dressing table. She toyed with the brush and comb, fingered the boxes and ruffles. “I want nothing more than to marry James, Glenna, but I am afraid I will be so lonely when he is away. There is no one I know there. What will I do?"
“You will make friends as you always do, love, and it is to be hoped that you will find your sister-in-law a good companion. And then there will be things to do around the house, and I should think you will read about shipping and such so that you will understand what Captain Andrews is talking about. Sometimes h
e will take you with him, too, which you will enjoy enormously. When there are children I dare say you will be busy enough,” she concluded dryly.
“Glenna, what will I do if he is away when I am brought to bed?” Phoebe asked, suddenly panic-stricken.
“My dear girl, you don't suppose you will be without servants, do you? And no doubt your sister-in-law will be with you constantly at such a time.” Phoebe did not appear completely satisfied with this argument and Glenna took her hand and squeezed it. “Very likely your mother will come to stay with you, and if not, you may always send for me, whether Captain Andrews is at home or not."
“Yes, of course. You are too patient with me, Glenna. It is just ... the jitters, you know. Everything was decided so suddenly. Next week I will be torn from my parents, to live with a man I have known only a few months and seen but a few times."
Glenna studied her closely. “If you wish for more time to get to know him, I am sure he will accommodate you."
“No, no. If I could I would marry him today! But I don't know if he really knows me well enough. You see, I have never been cross around him or impatient. How will he react when he finds I am not always so even-tempered?” she asked despairingly.
“I see what it is! You think he will stop loving you when he finds what a truly despicable person you are,” Glenna managed to say over a gurgle of laughter.
Phoebe flashed her a fierce glare. “Oh, you can make light of it if you wish, but it is very true that I am not the paragon of virtue he thinks me. It would be most difficult to behave so—so piously all the time. James must expect it of a vicar's daughter."
“He expects nothing of the sort, Phoebe, for he is hardly addlepated.” When Phoebe made to protest further, Glenna held up a hand to fend off her retort. “I do understand what you mean, my dear, but it must ever be the case. Two people who are attracted will always be on their best behavior. Surely it is the same with Captain Andrews. You will learn to accommodate one another, though I can see that the first year of marriage must be something of a revelation. You would be amazed to hear Pontley...” She thought better of what she had begun to say and fell silent.
Her curiosity aroused, Phoebe plagued her to hear what Pontley had disclosed. “Surely you did not tell him of Jennifer's behavior today."
“He seemed to know that she had lost her temper, though she certainly would not have told him, now would she? When he began to rattle off a list of possible ways in which she might have misbehaved, I was stunned. Why, he was perfectly casual in suggesting that she might have destroyed our props or ripped up the manuscript. So you see, my dear, that a man in love is capable of accepting even the most erratic behavior, and you could not compare with Jennifer even if you put your mind to it."
“But her flirtation with Kilbane!” Phoebe protested, astonished at this revelation.
“Did not seem to bother him in the least,” Glenna finished for her. She remembered the strangely flippant tone of his speech and felt confused once again. “Anyway, I trust you will find that Captain Andrews wishes to have you just as you are."
Phoebe sighed and smiled. “Actually, you know, I look forward to finding out what he is like when he's out of sorts. Do you suppose he will walk out of the house in a huff or not speak to me? For all I know he may wake every morning like a bear, growling and truculent. Or he may be full of spirits and ... Well, I am anxious to find out,” she murmured, her face coloring.
“Indeed, I don't blame you.” Glenna went to the wardrobe and began to sort through Phoebe's gowns. “You should look your best this evening. What do you say to the silver and blue silk? I think it is even more becoming to you than the apricot satin because it is cut so simply, but the apricot is delightful with your fair hair."
* * * *
Jennifer had recovered her spirits by the time the party from the vicarage reached Lockwood, and Kilbane watched wonderingly as she acted as though nothing had ever happened to disrupt the rehearsal that morning. Since the vicar was one of the party he treated the girl carefully so that he might not be accused of undue attention to her. Jennifer responded to this treatment by being especially affectionate to Pontley, turning for his agreement when she spoke, and proprietorially discussing her plans for Lockwood.
This was accepted in better grace by the viscount himself than by his aunt, who appeared in high dudgeon. Pontley had seated the dowager at the foot of the table with the vicar to her left, and Phoebe's father had hard work of it keeping her in conversation.
It fell to Glenna's lot to entertain Kilbane, whose distraction was very evident to her. “When do you return to Cambridge, Kilbane?"
He stared at her uncomprehendingly for a moment and then declared, “I should leave a day or two after the play. It really doesn't matter much, you know. If I did not return at all the world would lose no scholar."
“Very few men are there to become scholars, I should think, but surely you pick up some useful knowledge."
“Nothing that will help me on the Irish estate, Glenna. I have learned, however, to play a good game of whist and a first-rate hand at piquet, to say nothing of the most dashing way to tie a cravat. I should not mind in the least terminating my university career."
“Are you considering doing that?” she asked, concerned.
Kilbane picked idly at his fish and gave a dreary shrug. “No, I don't suppose so. I had not thought much about it, but I will be coming down soon in any case."
Glenna felt a definite annoyance with Jennifer Stafford at that moment. To see Kilbane, light-hearted, carefree Kilbane, in such a state of dejection made her wish to shake the beautiful, heartless chit who was just then feeding Pontley a bite of her roasted cheese, her eyes leveled challengingly on Kilbane rather than her fiancé. And Kilbane did not miss the gesture in spite of his conversation with Glenna; his eyes were miserable, though he attempted to keep a polite smile on his lips.
The buzz of conversation around the table, ever sporadic at this dinner party laden with undertones, ceased unexpectedly and Glenna found herself asking into the silence, “Will you return to Ireland when you come down?” She had no other reason to ask him than that she wished to distract his attention from Jennifer and cheer him if she could.
Every eye seemed suddenly to be on her and Kilbane. Even Phoebe, who was generally too intent on Captain Andrews to note the talk around the table, chanced to glance across at Glenna. Jennifer's eyes blazed, and in an effort to claim the attention of those present she piped saucily, “Well, of course he shall, Glenna. How else would his potatoes get planted?"
Kilbane ignored her and answered Glenna as though the girl had not spoken. “Yes, I plan to live on the estate, for I have been an absentee landlord too long. My father always objected to the landowners deserting their properties to fritter their time in England in wasteful and frivolous pursuits, and I have come to understand his reasoning.”
There was a wealth of insinuation in the remark, provoked by Jennifer's sarcasm, and he turned to regard her coldly. To his astonishment no more than Pontley's or Glenna's, tears sprang to her eyes and she hastily pushed back her chair and fled from the room.
When Kilbane made a move beside her, Glenna restrained him with a firm grip on his coat. “Please let her go. It will do her no harm to suffer for the pain she causes with her outbursts of temper,” she whispered sharply to him. Although he sat rigidly through the rest of the meal and answered Glenna with absent politeness as she continued to ply him with mundane observations on the weather and the progress of the play, he made no further move to follow Jennifer.
Ostensibly unmoved, Pontley continued to chat with Mrs. Thomas and seemed unaware of the empty chair on his left. Toward the end of the meal he proposed a toast to the newly engaged couple, though his remark that he wished them a long life of health and happiness gave rise to speculations in each of his auditors that Pontley himself would be hard pressed to share the same fate with his future bride. The dowager, still pink with indignation at her niece for ma
king such a scene, eventually rose to lead the ladies from the room.
In the Crimson Saloon they found Jennifer, her chin raised defiantly, but the signs of tears still upon her face. The dowager pointedly ignored her, and though her exasperation was still high, Glenna could not leave Pontley's fiancée to her own shame. She approached the girl and asked softly, “Would you come with me to refresh myself?"
Jennifer nodded like a solemn child undertaking an adult duty and led her companion from the room to a retiring room beyond the stairs where a basin of water awaited with cloths and towels. Although the water was cool, Glenna dipped a cloth in it. “Let me rid you of your tear stains,” she said gently, and Jennifer obediently allowed her to remove the traces of distress from her face and tuck the wisps of golden hair into place. “There, you look much better. Did Lord Pontley mention that we will not be rehearsing for the next two days?"
“Yes. Is—is it all right for me to continue in the play?"
“We are counting on you, Jennifer. There is a good deal to be done before the performance and Phoebe will have other concerns much of the time. Have you gathered together most of the props?"
“All of them, I think. I have found the most adorable bonnet for me and a truly remarkable wig for you to wear. You would not believe the collection of costumes in the attic here!” Jennifer enthusiastically detailed her find as they returned to the saloon, meeting the gentlemen at the door. Her stolen glimpse of Kilbane showed him watching her warily but with concern, and Glenna gave her an encouraging smile. So Jennifer, her own eyes penitent, met his, and said, “Forgive me if I was rude, Lord Kilbane."
The Irishman smiled at her and took her hand. “I am perhaps too sensitive about my homeland, Jennifer. Let us forget the matter.” He led her into the room as though no contretemps had occurred during the meal, and the vicar watched, half-relieved, half-anxious. He could not be comfortable with the tender warmth of Kilbane's smile at the girl, though he was pleased that there should be no more hostility between the two of them.
The Nomad Harp Page 17
