Gemstones

by Janet Lane-Walters

  "A pianoforte?' Elizabeth asked. "There is a shop next door where there is one for sale. 'Tis of rosewood with a mellow sound."

  "You shall have the instrument," Nicola said. "What do you think Margaret would like?"

  "A horse. She has grown tired of the old pony."

  Nicola laughed. "She will have to wait until the Earl returns. I know little about horses."

  The Dowager stopped outside a shop where bonnets were displayed. "Oh la, how beautiful."

  Nicola laughed. "You shall have one for every day and when we return to Denmere, you can choose fabric to match your hats."

  "Then bonnets all around before we return to the inn," the Dowager said. "Tomorrow is market day. We must ask Jem to see about hiring a cart to transport our purchases. I'm sure we'll make many more."

  "Then we can bring my pianoforte with us," Elizabeth said.

  Nicola shook her head. "I know you are anxious to play, but let's wait until tomorrow."

  By Saturday night, Nicola felt exhausted. She didn't have the stamina for shopping possessed by her grandmother and Elizabeth.

  She picked at her dinner and listened to her sister and grandmother making plans. Tomorrow, they would be home and she could see what remained to be done. She would also set Sarad to keeping the estate accounts in the new ledger books she'd purchased.

  * * * *

  They reached Denmere late Sunday afternoon. Margaret raced down the steps and hugged her sisters. "Wait until you see what we have done."

  Nicola hoped the child meant improvements and not mischief. "And just what is that?"

  "You will see." Margaret stared at the cart. "Did you buy the entire town?"

  "Elizabeth and your grandmother would have, but I was there to hold the purse. We brought presents for you."

  "Thank you." Margaret grabbed her grandmother's hand and pulled her to the front door.

  "Oh la, I do not believe my eyes." The Dowager stepped into the Great Hall and looked around. "How could so much be done is so little time."

  Margaret laughed. "Nica left orders and Prabha to enforce them. Papa always said Nica would make a splendid general."

  "I can believe she would have. When he returns, Drew will be pleased."

  Will he, Nicola wondered. When she'd asked for funds, he'd denied her request. She was glad he was bringing his friends with him. He wouldn't dare express displeasure then. Let him be upset. We've done what was needed.

  * * * *

  Elizabeth grabbed Nicola's hand. "Tomorrow, the seamstress from town is coming along with her assistant to begin our dresses for the wedding."

  "But I thought you were making mine."

  "The muslin pattern. There is too much for me to do about the house. I must make sure the draperies are hung in the proper rooms and that the chairs and sofas are covered with the proper fabric." She laughed. "I hope when I marry, I'll have a castle that needs to be redecorated."

  Nicola followed her sister upstairs. She pulled a length of heavy blue green silk embroidered with silver and gold lotus blossoms. Tears filled Nicola's eyes. She remembered the day her mother had selected the cloth and ordered the embroidery done. "Are you sure the dress will be done in time?"

  Elizabeth nodded. "If I must keep the seamstress and her assistant awake the entire night before your wedding, you will wear this gown." She spread sheer white silk with the same lotus design over the aqua silk. "'Twill be the most splendid gown."

  "Haven't you read in those fashion magazines you purchased that white for brides is the coming fashion?"

  "Why should we be slaves to fashion? Mama bought the silk for our wedding gowns before she died. Papa had the necklaces made to match the gowns. You will have something from each of them to share your wedding day. Don't you want them to be there?"

  What she didn't want was the marriage and neither did the Earl. Otherwise, he'd be here so they wouldn't be strangers on their wedding day. She frowned. In India, many brides never saw their grooms before they wed.

  While Elizabeth draped and pinned the muslin, Nicola stood in front of the window and stared at the lake beyond the grove of barren trees. How different the land would be come spring. Lawns and trees green with new life, yet the colors would be unlike the vivid hues of India. The flowers would be pale and muted. She heaved a deep sigh.

  "Be still," Elizabeth said. "I must adjust the neckline. I'm glad gowns are more simple than those with ruffs or panniers."

  "I envy your talent," Nicola said. "I lack so many of the sixty-four attributes of a wife. I do not sew, sing, dance or play a musical instrument."

  Elizabeth made a face. "'Tis folly to think one person can be all things. You write and draw. You know about minerals, gems and jewelry. You can cipher and you know several languages."

  "Hardly skills designed to please a man."

  Elizabeth reached for another length of cloth. "You have the skills the Earl needs. Besides, he is handsome and strong. I would like to find a man like him."

  "What happened to your dream of a man who would keep you in silks and jewels?"

  Elizabeth grinned. "I have just added to my picture of the perfect man."

  "He is cold, stern and most times angry."

  "And right about Margaret and me. I am flirtatious and vain and she's undisciplined, but we are less of these things since we've settled here." She began to unpin the cloth and to mark each piece with pins.

  The door flew open. Margaret burst into the room. "Nica, Lizabeth, you must come and see what the Earl has sent from London. A second carriage and three of the most beautiful horses I've ever seen."

  "Come on." Elizabeth tugged on Nicola's hand.

  Nicola laughed. "I can't go anywhere in my shift. Help me with my dress." She pulled a Coquelicot round dress over her head and turned so her sister could fasten the back. Her hair hung in a single braid down her back.

  Mr. Greene stood in the Great Hall. His new livery made him look quite smart, but he wore a scowl. "Miss Gordon, there are two women sent from London by the Earl. My lady is napping so you must deal with them. I put them in the India parlor."

  His voice hinted disapproval. Surely the Earl hadn't brought improper women as guests. Nicola looked at her watch. Her grandmother never napped at this time. Who were these women and why did Mr. Greene disapprove of them. "Very well." She dropped her cloak on a sofa and followed Greene down the hall. He opened the door of the India parlor.

  "Quite outlandish." The voice was nasal and shrill.

  "Heathens. I don't know if this house is a proper one for us." The second voice was near identical to the first.

  Nicola stepped into the room. Greene followed. "Miss Gordon will see you now."

  The women turned from the jade Buddha they examined. Not only were their voices identical but so were their faces. Nicola swallowed a laugh. If either of these women held the Earl's interest, he was blind. Black hair winged with iron gray was pulled into severe knots. Ebony eyes showed disapproval. They stood with backs so straight they seemed braced with rods.

  "Who are you?" Nicola asked. "What business have you at Denmere?"

  "Agatha Smythe governess."

  "Agnes Smythe, lady's maid for the Earl's betrothed."

  Nicola took a deep breath. How dare the Earl make these decisions without consulting her? He didn't know or understand her sisters' needs. More than discipline and manners, they needed security and love.

  "Unfortunately we had no idea you were arriving. Rooms haven't been prepared."

  "The schoolroom will be fine for me," said Agatha. "I'm sure there are rooms for myself and my charges in the nursery."

  "The schoolroom isn't ready for students."

  "Then I'll make do until it is set right." Agatha adjusted her black skirts. "By tomorrow morning, at the very latest. My sister will sleep in your dressing room as is proper for a lady's maid. She must be available for your needs."

  "There is no dressing room. I share space with my sisters."

  Agatha loo
ked at the watch pinned to her flat chest. "See that the children present themselves to me in thirty minutes and find a room we can use. This is full of idols and heathen objects. And let the children know I won't tolerate a late arrival."

  "I fear my sisters are occupied and can't be disturbed." Nicola wished she could show these women the door and return them to London before her sisters appeared.

  Agnes walked around Nicola. "Your choice of that shade of orange red is unsuitable for a young lady. Whites and pastels are the mode. Your dress is sadly out of fashion. If the Earl wishes you to impress the ton, I have much work to do. My last lady needed me near as much as you."

  "Then why did you leave her?"

  "Her new husband took a dislike to me. They were quite a scandal. Slept in the same bed at night and stood in each others' pockets. Disgraceful behavior. They said they were in love."

  Nicola frowned. How could love be considered disgraceful? In that instant, she knew why the Earl had hired the pair. Their ideas matched.

  "I'll have Mr. Greene show you to rooms in the servants' quarters. Take the rest of the day to settle in. Tomorrow, we will meet and discuss your duties."

  "The Earl will not be pleased." Agnes pursed her lips.

  "He gave me charge of the children," Agatha said.

  "Since he isn't here, I'll make the decisions." Nicola strode to the door. Greene stood just outside. "Show these women to rooms belowstairs."

  He nodded in approval. "Best speak to my lady about the pair soon."

  "I will." Nicola leaned against the wall. Her grandmother would be ineffectual in dealing with the pair. The moment the Earl returned, she intended to tell him what she thought of his choices.

  * * * *

  Drew followed Tristan and Michael into the library of Tristan's townhouse. Niall sat in one of the chairs near the fireplace. He turned his head. "Gentlemen, I take it the deed is done."

  "We have a Regent." Drew sat in the chair next to Niall.

  "Let's hope he shows some sense and doesn't overturn the government by putting his cronies in and removing his father's advisors." Tristan paused in the doorway to speak to one of the footmen.

  Michael reached for the decanter of port. "Prinny may be frivolous but he's no revolutionary. Besides, if one listens to the physicians, the King could recover any day. Our sovereign would be most displeased if his son caused a stir."

  Tristan handed a glass to Niall and one to Drew. "Food is on the way." He lifted his glass. "To the Regent."

  They all drank. Michael refilled his glass. "When do we leave for Denmere?"

  "Soon," Drew said.

  * * * *

  Drew rode into the yard of the village inn a dozen lengths ahead of his friends. Though he'd given Aldora carte blanche for the wedding and the house, he wasn't sure she had followed through. She tended to dither when called on to make major decisions.

  He dismounted and waited for the others. "A guinea from each of you."

  Niall slowly dismounted. "Would you beggar a cripple?" He reached for his cane.

  The burly, bald innkeeper strode into the yard. "My lord, welcome back. Be it supper ye be wantin'?"

  "And rooms for tonight. The Dowager doesn't expect us yet."

  "Be proud to serve ye and if ye have a mind for doublin', there be a pair of rooms. We be near full tonight. Many come for the wedding."

  Drew groaned. What had Aldora done? She'd been kept from society for so many years he hadn't thought she would turn a country wedding into an event. "Doubling will be fine. Is there a private parlor available?"

  "No problem there," Newly said. "Congratulations, my lord. Your bride be lovely. Seen her when she came to hire folks from the village to work at the manor. Place be bustling."

  Relief loosened the knot in Drew's chest. Aldora had taken his orders to heart and had used Nicola as her deputy. For a moment, he contemplated the bills he would face. Then he shrugged. All part of putting the estate in order. He motioned to his friends. "We have a pair of rooms and a private parlor." He turned to Newly. "We'll be down to order dinner soon."

  The rooms were joined by a connecting door. Both rooms held a pair of beds. "Care to toss for spots?" he asked.

  Niall tossed his saddlebags on one of the beds in the inner room. "Why bother? If I find a game, I may be up all night."

  A buxom maid carried two pitchers of steaming water into the room. Tristan winked and tucked a coin between her breasts. "Might I see you later, love?" he asked.

  "I be free once the crowd thins." She put the pitchers beside the basins and left.

  Drew raised an eyebrow. "Last night wasn't enough?"

  Tristan sprawled on the single chair in the room. "After tonight, I must be on my best behavior. Not good ton to seduce your host's servants."

  "Quite true," Michael said. He strode to the door. "See you downstairs. I'm off to check our host's cellar."

  A short time later, the four friends met in the common room. The door opened. "Well if it ain't the Parson and his Bishops," Viscount Devonley drawled.

  "What brings you to Oxfordshire?" Drew asked. "Thought you favored London."

  "The pater had a bee. Wants to see me leg-shackled at summer's end. I say it's too soon. Only twenty-three but there's no other heir and since my brother --" His voice drifted off.

  "Happens to the best," Michael said. "Who are you looking over?"

  "Baron Rasher's chit. Bit young. Bound to be an incomparable when she makes her bows. Her father's dragging his feet. Thinks she might take higher."

  Drew put his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Beware his protestations. He often means the opposite."

  "We're about to have supper and a hand or two," Niall said. "Care to join us?"

  "Don't mind if I do. Had to escape another boring family dinner." He looked at Drew. "How do you stand country life?"

  "I find more than enough to keep me busy."

  Devonley grinned. "Met Miss Gordon. Came to dinner at Rasher's. Charming. Blushes prettily and her laughter makes one feel special. Wouldn't mind her myself."

  Drew's hands clenched. The expression on Devonley's face made his stomach tighten. Nicola Gordon was his. He held back a groan. Jealousy? Why? He had no love for her.

  What was the Dowager thinking to let Miss Gordon loose in society? The chit had barely left the schoolroom and her foreign manners would make her look foolish, though he'd never seen her act in a gauche manner.

  The five men retired to the private parlor where they dined on chicken, beef and fish. Just before midnight, Drew rose. Niall had made it plain he intended to strip Devonley's pockets and Michael was on his third bottle. Drew had no desire to watch his friends indulge in their vices and he'd stopped trying to reform them.

  Upstairs, he stretched on the bed intending to nap and then head for Denmere.

  * * * *

  Nicola slipped from her bed and added wood to the fire. Though Agnes Smythe preferred Nicola to remain in bed until the arrival of tea and hot water, Nicola intended to go to the rear courtyard to begin her day with yoga and meditation. For too long, she'd neglected her spiritual development. Yogi Yakshi would be sorely disappointed in his pupil.

  She pulled on the dhoti and tucked the end between her legs and through the waistband. Then she pulled a long sleeved shirt that covered her legs to the knees and tied her slippers.

  Though the rear courtyard was sheltered from the wind, the air held a trace of frost. She shivered but knew the exercises would soon vanquish the cold. As the first light of dawn stained the sky, she inhaled a breath of the fresh air. She stood on the recently cleared lawn and faced east.

  When would the Earl and his friends come? Rooms in the west wing on the second floor and been freshly painted and furnished. Though she ached to make changes in the Earl's suite of rooms, especially the one that would be hers, she wanted to ask his pleasure.

  She dropped to the grass and into a Lotus position. After performing a series of cleansing breaths, she rose. As th
e sun edged over the horizon, she began the twelve steps of the Sun Salutation. "The Sun is the soul of both moving and unmoving things." Her thoughts focused on these words from the Rig Veda. She forgot the Earl, the house and the wedding as her body moved through the first of the twelve ansanas.

  Chapter 7

  "Demme chair." A loud thud followed by the muttered words woke Drew. He opened his eyes a slit and saw Michael flop on the second bed in the room. When the sound of snores filled the chamber, Drew slipped out of bed. He opened his watchcase. If he left now, he would reach Denmere before sunrise.

  By the time he reached the manor, pre-dawn lightened the darkness and allowed him to move about the stable without lighting a lantern. He brushed, fed and watered the gelding. Then he strode to the house and let himself into the Great Hall. Just inside the door, he stopped. The scent of citrus oil and spices had replaced the usual musty odor.

  Banked fires on the twin hearths brought a touch of warmth to the large room. He lit a candle in the coals and strode about. The black and white marble floor gleamed. Pictures he'd never seen hung on freshly painted walls above the polished wainscotting. Fronting one of the fireplaces was an arrangement of chairs and a sofa. Other chairs covered with the same fabric stood against the walls.

  He frowned. Several of the chairs and at least two of the tables had been stored in the attics. He left the room and crossed to the great parlor. Not only had the room been cleaned but new carpets covered the floors and new draperies hung at the windows.

  How had Aldora managed the changes? He expected to see clear rooms, but also sparse and shabby furnishings. He turned to leave the room and dash upstairs to tell her how much the changes pleased him. In mid-stride, he halted. She would still be abed. His stomach rumbled but there would be naught to eat in the kitchen. Unless he was in residence, the servants kept the Dowager's hours.

  He strode into his study. Just inside the doorway, he stopped. Who had dared to invade and turn his private place into a study in neatness? The battered desk had a new and smooth top. The papers he'd left scattered lay in neat piles. A pair of ledgers sat in the center. Where were the bills for the draperies, carpets, repaired furniture and the servants needed to make the changes? He opened one of the ledgers and saw items listed in neat script followed by numbers on straight, ruled lines.