by Sahara Kelly
“We weren’t able to understand that for a while.” Letitia turned away. “I’m not sure we were as nice to him as we should have been. We never really knew any kind of affection, Rosaline. Other than what we shared with each other.”
“Papa was alive at that time don’t forget, sister.” Hecate frowned. “His presence soured the air and I think we all felt that still, even though Edmund had relieved us of much of the burden.” She turned to Rosaline. “The Ridlingtons weren’t a demonstrative or loving family. That’s the fact of it. We had to scrounge for a mite of acceptance from our father. I believe he would have run a mile rather than touch any of us. A hug was out of the question.”
Rosaline shook her head as she gazed at the bleak scene outside. “A sad situation, Hecate. And yet you all have the kinder emotions. Especially for each other.”
“Desperation, perhaps? Luck?” Letitia answered. “I don’t know. Maybe some instinct told us to be to each other as we wished our father would be. I would have liked to be close to him, but I had my brothers and sisters. I suppose I didn’t really know what I was missing until Edmund returned. And started treating us like the family we were.”
Rosaline dragged herself from the window and joined the other two in chairs near the fire. It was warmer—brighter thanks to the flames—and she tugged a blanket over her lap, more for comfort than anything else. “He’s a good man with a good heart. He knows what it must have been like for you all, and I think he’s doing everything he can to correct that situation. Letting Richard and Kitty go to London, for example. It took a lot of planning and thought and the letters he wrote to their Aunt Venetia must have been difficult ones, since we didn’t have sufficient funds to cover all their expenses.”
“Oh dear,” said Letitia. “Yes, that would have been hard for a Ridlington.”
There was a tap on the door and James’s head appeared. “Can a mere male enter or is this a club for ladies only?”
“Stop talking fustian, James.” Letitia waved him over. “We were praising our brother, if you must know.”
“We’re hoping it will bring him home safely,” added Hecate, cutting through to the nub of the matter.
James rested his hip on Edmund’s desk. “Edmund will bring himself and his crew and his passenger home safely, ladies. Of that I have no doubt, as I’ve said before.”
“James is quite correct.”
Another voice made them all jump and Simon walked in, brushing the last of the rain from his hair. “Damn storm. My cloak is dripping all over the foyer. Sorry about that, Rosaline.” He took her hand and dropped a quick kiss on it.
Blinking, Rosaline stared at him. “How gallant, Simon. Your dripping cloak is entirely forgiven.”
“If only all ladies would forgive a gentleman’s sins so gracefully.” James grinned at Letitia. “Let me see. Oh…forgetting a birthday would be forgiven by a bouquet of roses.”
“And forgetting a dance at a ball…that would take at least a ride in the Park.” Hecate joined the game.
Rosaline leaned back, warmed not only by the blanket but by the smiles on the faces of her sisters in law.
“He’s good, isn’t he?” Simon was perched on the arm of her chair as they watched the other three. “They needed the distraction and he knew exactly how.”
“He is indeed, Simon. He’s a man one can rely on to do the right thing, even when one is not quite sure what the right thing is.”
“Exactly.” He glanced down at her. “He knew you couldn’t be distracted. You’re too tense and too close. Thoughts of Edmund will always be foremost with you, until he returns. And that’s as it should be.”
She sighed. “I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve these days, aren’t I?”
“I wouldn’t quite put it that way. But it seems we’re all finding our way through a host of new emotions, most of them buried for far too long thanks to our father’s brutal personality. You came here with your own share of burdens, I’m sure.” He looked away and stared into the fire. “Now we are learning how to be a real family. To care about each other in a different way. You’re teaching us, Edmund is teaching us. And together…” he looked back at her and smiled. “Together you’re the best example of how affection—dare I say love—should be.”
How she held the tears back, she didn’t quite know. “Are you sure you weren’t listening at the door? We were just talking about that very same subject. And thank you for your kind words, my dear. They move me.”
Thankfully, Chidwell chose that moment to knock and enter. “If you’d care for some lunch, my Lady, we have a cold collation prepared in the small salon.”
Rosaline stood. “How perfect, Chidwell. I doubt any of us could eat a proper meal, but that sounds just the thing.”
“And I should mention that Cook sent several trays of sandwiches and half a dozen pots of tea down to the er…members of our Military.”
“Excellent. That was very thoughtful.”
“I anticipated your wishes, Ma’am.” He looked a little uncomfortable. “I made sure that the items were conveyed by male members of our staff. I’m sure they are brave soldiers, but…”
Simon clapped the butler on the shoulder. “Splendid notion, Chidwell. You did exactly the right thing.”
“Thank you, Vicar. I wouldn’t wish to appear to be overstepping my authority, of course.”
“We have every confidence in you, Chidwell.” Rosaline smiled at him. “I would not have it otherwise.”
“And I regret to say that I do have an appetite,” added James as he walked up to them. Holding out his arm to Rosaline, he winked at her. “Shall we, my Lady?”
Chapter Seventeen
As Edmund had predicted, the incoming tide gave the Rose of Ridlington a firm shove along the coastline to the point of the bay, where it propelled them into a growing wind. The crew unfurled the two main sails as they headed northwest toward home—and an unpleasantly dark bank of clouds.
“Looks like a bit of a blow a’fore we get there, Cap’n.”
Edmund agreed. “Yes, I think you’re right. Fast mover though. With luck we’ll only catch the tail of it, but let’s secure the deck just in case.” He glanced around. “Take the wheel, Ted. I’m going below to speak with our passengers and make sure they’re well.”
Ted grinned back, revealing one or two missing teeth. “If the little ‘un needs steadyin’, you let me know. I’ll be ‘appy to give ‘er a strong arm if it gets rough…”
Edmund grinned back. “Behave yourself, Ted. Your wife would be boxing your ears if she heard that.”
“Aye, that she would.”
Heading down the few steps and bending low, Edmund entered the little cabin that provided the only shelter on the Rose.
Although not spacious, there were two small portholes in the stern that permitted some light to brighten the surroundings. He could stand upright—barely—and there were seats along one side of the hull. The other could be used for cargo and the hooks in the spars above were for hammocks. It was cleverly thought out, well-tended, and one of the reasons Edmund had decided to keep it.
He could see taking Rosaline away for a few days and sailing along the coast, stopping anywhere they wanted and spending nights together in a hammock, laughing and finding creative ways to love each other as the ocean rocked them with a gentle hand.
His thoughts were jolted back to the present as a shot of spume smacked against the sturdy wood. He heard the gasp, and found himself being surveyed by two pale faces.
“Ladies, my apologies. I should have come down earlier to ensure that whatever comfort we can offer is available to you.”
The younger one spoke. “Do not mind us, Captain. We are not sailors, but we know you have us in good care.”
“I hope so.” He eased one hip down onto a box of ropes. “There are blankets which I see you have found. We have a small cache of foodstuffs—bread, some fruit, and some jugs of water—should you require them.”
“Food won’t be neces
sary, I believe,” she answered. “I would like to make one request, if possible?”
“Of course.” He waited.
“My…my friend is very tired. Would it be possible to have her rest somewhere?” She looked upward. “I am going to guess those are for hammocks? She would be more comfortable in one, I know. Especially if we get what I think your crewman called a bit of a blow…?”
“You heard it all then?” he inquired, opening a small cabinet and pulling out a hammock. “Even our encounter with the French?”
“We did.” There was a hint of laughter in her words.
“I am sorry I didn’t have time to fully explain our plan…”
“You did well,” said the older lady, her voice weak and tired. “Very clever. Such fools those French.” She ended on a cough.
“Allow me to make you as comfortable as possible, Ma’am,” he said respectfully. “I’m sure it’s been a trying time for you both.” He slung the ropes with ease and blessed the forethought that had made him throw in a few extra blankets before they sailed.
“I believe you might find this more to your liking.” He arranged three thick blankets on the bottom and held two more in reserve. “If you will permit me?”
He bent toward her and slipped his arms around her shoulders and beneath her knees, picking her up with no difficulty. She weighed no more than a feather, which surprised him. But then again, the cloak was probably half as big again as she was.
He heard the little sigh she made as he settled her into the hammock. “Oh much better.”
She was short enough that it engulfed her, cradling her and rocking with the motion of the boat. Her hood fell away, revealing a tousled mop of grey hair and a face that seemed vaguely familiar.
“Thank you, young man. My old bones are going to be able to rest better here, I think.”
“I’m sure being on English soil again will be the best medicine of all, Ma’am.” He tucked her in. “I’m hoping we won’t have too much trouble reaching our shores, but there may be some rough going as we get nearer to the coastline and the storm which seems to have been battering them overnight.”
“We’ll be fine now.” The younger woman spoke. “And thank you for your kindness.”
Edmund bowed. “I’ll be on deck. If you need anything at all, just poke your head up the stairs and shout.” He grinned. “I developed good hearing during my years with the Fleet.”
There was a muted gurgle of laughter from the hammock. “If you served with Horatio, I’ll wager my last guinea you did.”
Edmund blinked in surprise, but heard a call from above. “Try to rest, ladies. We’ll be home soon.”
He scurried back up the steps to find a steady rain beating down and the crew looking damp and resigned.
“Seas aren’t too bad…” He walked over to them and surveyed the white caps. It was certainly enough to keep the boat rocking, but it looked as though the fury of the storm had passed on and the rain was the only reminder.
“If’n they stay this way, we’ll do all right, I reckon.” Nods of agreement greeted Ted’s statement.
“I’m going to hope for a steady wind. I think it’s time we all got back to our lives.” He settled himself behind the wheel—a position he’d taken so many times in his life he couldn’t remember half of them. But it was delightfully familiar, one where his mind and his body fell into the comfort of knowing he was in control of his vessel.
He had missed it, he admitted. And now that they knew the Rose was a solid and sturdy lady of the seas, perhaps he might indulge in this little pleasure more often.
“You got any ideas who we’re carryin’ Cap’n?” A couple of heads turned his way at the question.
He shook his head. “No, I don’t. But there’s something about the older lady that is damned familiar…” And she knew Lord Nelson well enough to use his first name…
It gnawed at the back of his mind for the rest of the journey.
*~~*~~*
Even though it was getting late, there was no question of retiring. Not for Rosaline, anyway. She tried to persuade the others, but Letitia just looked at her, James raised a scornful eyebrow and Hecate shook her head.
They had put candles in many of the windows, so that the travelers might find their way back to Ridlington without incident. Even though they were all locals, it was still a nerve wracking evening.
“Don’t even talk about bed, Rosaline,” she said. “Edmund will be back before midnight. I am certain of it. So we’re all going to wait for him.”
Simon agreed. “I don’t think any of us would sleep anyway, so what’s the point of going off to be alone and worry even more than we’re doing now?”
“I do hate it when you’re so horribly right,” sighed Letitia. “One of your many annoying qualities.”
“So good to know how deep your sisterly affections run, my dear.” Simon grinned at her. “And you may as well cease praising my virtues immediately. It doesn’t work at all.”
“Never did,” she grumbled. “You really need a wife, Simon. Then she will bear the brunt of all your smug rightness and the rest of us can catch our breath.”
Rosaline managed a chuckle. “Children, stop squabbling.”
“It’s quite normal, Rosaline,” remarked Hecate. “They’ve been doing it as long as I can recall. I believe it’s their way of showing how much affection they actually have for one another, because of course they couldn’t actually say such a thing.”
James leaned back in the sofa and crossed his legs, resting one ankle on the other knee as he gazed at Letitia. “You know, if I’d had a sister I think I probably would have been very kind to her.”
Looking wary, Letitia took the bait. “And why so, pray tell?”
“Well, think of all the things she could have helped me with. My laundry, keeping my boots shining, fetching me tea and biscuits…”
He nimbly ducked the cushion Letitia threw at him. “She would have washed your laundry in sheep dip, polished your boots with…with…”
“Manure?” politely suggested Hecate.
“Yes, that…” Letitia took a breath, and there would have been salt in your tea and biscuits, instead of sugar.”
James looked at Simon. “She was always thus, you say?”
“Always.” Simon gave a dramatic sigh.
“Listen…” Hecate suddenly stood. “They’re coming…”
“Who…?”
“What?”
“I don’t hear anything…”
“Sssh…” Rosaline was standing although she couldn’t remember doing so. She held up her hand for silence and within a moment or two the sound of boots crunching on the gravel became unmistakeable.
“Oh God…” She flew, her feet barely touching the carpet as she tore from the room, into the foyer and skidded to a halt at the front door, the others behind her.
Chidwell hadn’t even made it to the top step, but he was nearly there.
Rosaline threw open the door—and let out a little cry of relief to see her husband on the doorstep.
Her first inclination was to leap into his embrace, but then she realized he was carrying something…someone. And behind him glittered half a dozen Hussars. At his side was a cloaked figure—a woman most definitely.
“Welcome home, husband. You have been missed.” And wasn’t that an understatement. “You have brought guests…please…come in. Come in.”
She nearly tripped over the others who were right behind her, and for a few moments chaos reigned as Edmund carried his burden into Ridlington Chase, accompanied by a quiet woman in a big cloak and six burly soldiers.
“The parlor, Edmund. There’s a good fire going and it’s warm. If you please?” Rosaline gestured to the others with one hand. “Chidwell, if it’s not too late, I think tea would be in order.”
“Of course, my Lady. And I’ll have one of the maids prepare a guest room or two?”
The woman in the big cloak let her hood fall back. “One room will suffice, t
hank you. I will watch over…her tonight.”
Rosaline noted the pause, but merely nodded. “Thank you, Chidwell.”
He bowed himself off as Lieutenant Mansfield stepped forward. “Lord and Lady Ridlington,” the heels clicked and the perfect salute appeared. “I am to guard these ladies from this moment on and ensure their safety above all else.”
The stunned silence reflected the surprise on just about everybody’s face. Rosaline found her wits first. “Um, of course, Lieutenant. But I must say that the notion of Hussars outside our bedrooms is a bit unnerving.”
He nodded. “If you will permit it, I shall station my men at the exits to the house and around the perimeter for safety. And I would be most honored if you would permit me to greet the guests. It is a relief to know that Lord Ridlington has brought them safely home.”
“Indeed.” What else could she say?
She was almost the last to enter the parlor, with Simon behind her. He had managed to avoid being trampled and she’d noticed him having a brief conversation with Chidwell.
He touched her shoulder. “I suggested a little food with the tea, Rosaline. I hope you don’t mind. But it wouldn’t surprise me if our guests haven’t eaten for some time. They need sleep but that will come easier with something in their bellies.”
“You’re so right, Simon.” She paused, then grinned. “Letitia would be so angry if she heard me say that.”
He grinned too. “I do love my sister. She’s an original.”
Side by side they entered the parlor to find Edmund straightening as he set an old lady down in the chair nearest the fire. The younger lady stood at her side, and let her cloak slide away, draping it over one arm and then taking the other woman’s as well.
She turned—and Rosaline was astounded to hear a gasp from Simon.
“My God.”
Everyone turned to look at him. “What is it?” Edmund frowned.
