Pride and Retribution

by Lyndsey Norton

  Born in this parish May 12th 1730

  Died in this parish September 2nd 1812

  Requiescat in Pace

  Lucy laid the wreath she had made from winter holly and other evergreens on the grave. She intoned a small prayer and stood back to remember the day they buried him.

  She had stood at the graveside with her brothers. Women were not generally allowed to attend funerals, but Robert Hastings, the 9th Earl of Bassett, would not deny his sister the chance to see her Uncle to his eternal rest. Lucy was astonished at the depth of the hole in the ground. It looked as if the smooth pine box would be lowered into Hades itself. The weather was dry, at least, although a very overcast day. The steel grey clouds blanketed the sky and cast a dark pall over the land. It was as if even the sky was mourning his passing. The local vicar intoned the words as his soul was consigned into God’s hands and Lucy watched the pine box gently lowered into the deep excavation as his remains were consigned to the earth. Each of them had taken a handful of soil and dropped it onto the casket with a bang like a rifle shot, making Lucy and Timothy jump. Aunt Edith had not even shed a tear for him and her mother had yet to stop crying at inopportune moments, but Lucy managed to maintain her stoic appearance even though her heart was filled with sorrow. She had only cried quietly as they moved away, leaving the sexton and the grave digger to fill in the hole and erect the headstone.

  Lucy sighed and looked over at the memorial that Rupert had erected for his brother. It was a Celtic cross done in stone and inscribed with:

  In Memorium

  The Right Honourable Rufus Archibald Hastings

  Born in this Parish 7th Day of October 1745

  Perished serving his King in India 12th Day of April 1810

  Requiescat in Pace

  Lucy walked over and placed another wreath at the foot of the cross, before she stood back, sighed again and dipped her head in prayer.

  It was a cold morning, but the sun was shining brilliantly overhead and the birds were chirping in the trees. Lucy was dressed for riding, as she’d arrived on her mare and Robert had no difficulty seeing her standing at their father’s memorial. For a change her hair was loose, rather than harshly restrained in a stiff braid and it flashed a burnished bronze as it was lifted by the breeze to float around her in the sun. Robert stepped down from his stallion and walked slowly across the graveyard to stand beside Lucy.

  He contemplated the cross, before looking at the church and remembering his mission here.

  ‘Robert!’ Lucy spoke as if startled. ‘I didn’t hear you approach.’

  ‘No, I could see you were saying a prayer, so I didn’t want to disturb you.’ Robert replied with a small smile.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Lucy asked. ‘I thought you were up to your armpits in estate matters.’

  ‘I am.’ Robert sighed. ‘I have to see the Reverend about something.’

  ‘Don’t tell me! Uncle never increased his stipend?’

  ‘That’s right. He is still being paid half what a vicar in such a wealthy living should be earning. So I have to go and inform him of his good fortune.’

  She smiled gently and kissed his cheek. ‘You are a good man, Robert Hastings and you will make some fortunate woman an excellent husband, when you are ready!’

  ‘I suppose I have to think about that now.’ Robert said morosely. ‘I’ll need an heir and a spare.’

  ‘Perhaps we should throw a House Party for Christmas, or maybe the New Year.’ Lucy said with her tongue firmly in her cheek. ‘Perhaps mother could invite a load of my fellow debutantes for you to peruse.’

  ‘We probably could, as we’ll be in half mourning by then.’ He looked down at Lucy and smiled at the black cravat tied elegantly around her throat. ‘You would have to wear a gown though. You would shock the whole of the ton if they saw you dressed like that!’

  ‘You know I can behave like a lady when I want to.’ She said proudly, ‘I can even ride side saddle when I have to.’

  ‘Mother said something strange to me yesterday.’ Robert said softly, venturing a subject he would normally avoid.

  ‘Yes?’ Lucy asked enquiringly, lifting her face to look up into his.

  ‘She mentioned your interest in the Earl of Buxton?’ He asked with raised eyebrows.

  ‘Yes. He apologised to me at Leamington Priors.’ Lucy said non-committally and returned her eyes to the memorial. ‘I was formally introduced by his cousin Sir Roger Colbourne.’ She frowned suddenly. ‘That reminds me, beware of the Colbourne’s, the mother would stop at nothing to get an Earl for her eldest daughter.’ She looked at him again ‘Even a parson’s mousetrap.’

  ‘I shall be cautious, but I was rather taken with Buxton’s sister, Lady Caroline de Lacey. She was at the same debut ball as you. She looked very nice indeed.’ He smiled suddenly ‘If we are going to have a New Year House party maybe I should invite the Duke and Duchess of Dovedale and their offspring?’ He ventured again.

  ‘That’s fine, but I suppose the guest list will be drawn up by mother.’ Lucy said and rolled her eyes, ‘which means the top ten of the ton will be invited.’

  ‘And as that includes both Buxton and Dovedale, I don’t think either of us have anything to worry about.’ Robert said with a quirky smile.

  ‘Only the Duke of Markham.’ Lucy said coldly. ‘He will be a decided threat to any single women you invite.’

  ‘Still, I have an appointment that can’t be put off, so I must go.’ Robert said softly as he kissed Lucy’s temple.

  ‘Then I shall see you later.’ Lucy said and smiled as Robert strode away to the church.

  Lucy climbed back on her horse and galloped over the meadows until she reached the hill and could look down on Bassett Hall. To her left she could see the Dower House, where Robert would banish her Aunt Edith when he married and to the right she could see the stately Bassett Hall, complete with 12 Century Monastery that had been turned into a stud and housed some forty horses.

  Straight ahead was the village of Dunston Bassett with the quaint 11 Century church of St. Paul the Apostle and church yard where her relatives were laid to rest. She could see Robert just leaving through the lynch gate and she watched as he swung up into the saddle and kicked his stallion into a canter as he proceeded back to the Hall.

  She looked towards the huge Oak tree that they had all climbed and played in as children and saw her brothers Benjamin and Timothy just dismounting. She urged her mare into motion and cantered down the hill to join them.

  *****

  Robert arrived back at his Hall and smiled at the thought that it was now his. His Uncle’s will had left a large stipend for Aunt Edith and a substantial dowry for Lucy, but everything else had been willed to him. He was surprised at the wealth his Earldom had.

  Not being a selfish man by nature, Robert was quite happy to share his estates with his siblings and mother. There was no point in trying to force them to live elsewhere, when they had all spent their lives at Bassett Hall. He knew Lucy would leave when she married, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t visit and all of them spent time in London. Richard was the only independent one of his siblings, having chambers in The Inner Temple, as befits his position as a barrister of the Kings Bench. Robert had visited his brother’s abode and been fairly impressed with the comfort it afforded him. He had a feeling Richard would marry soon and had tackled him about his marital status before he left after the funeral. Whilst Richard didn’t deny he had a love interest, he didn’t confirm it either. Robert knew they would find out about it when Richard announced a betrothal.

  As he strode past the formal drawing room, he spied his mother sewing in a chair by the massive window. ‘Mother?’ He said softly as he stepped over the threshold.

  ‘Robert, darling. Where have you been?’ she asked as she eyed his riding apparel. ‘Shall I order some tea?’

  ‘I’ll do it.’ Robert said as he pulled the bell pull by the fireplace. ‘I’ve just been to the church to correct one of Uncle
Rupert’s oversights.’

  ‘Have you increased the living at last?’ Evelyn asked as she lay her sewing aside. She was sat in a fairly upright fireside chair and had relaxed against the back rest. For the first time in months she actually felt no pain. It was such bliss that she was afraid to move.

  ‘I have.’ Robert replied as the door opened and Egerton stepped in the room. ‘Tea please, Egerton.’

  ‘Very good, My Lord.’ Egerton responded and Robert frowned as the butler left the room, gently closing the door.

  ‘I’m sure I shall never get used to hearing myself addressed as “my lord”.’ Robert said as he stared at the door, remaining by the fireplace.

  ‘Of course you will.’ Evelyn said with a laugh. ‘In a few months’ time you will not even notice it and very soon you won’t even remark when the gentlemen call you Bassett!’

  ‘I suppose you are right.’ He sighed and looked at his mother. She seemed less pale than usual. ‘I was just talking with Lucy. She was at the church yard laying wreaths on the memorials and she suggested that we hold a New Year House party. What do you think?’

  Evelyn raised an eyebrow quizzically. ‘Why would we hold a House Party?’ she asked solemnly.

  ‘Well, I was talking about needing an heir and Lucy suggested we organise a house party so that you could invite the debs.’ He watched his mother’s eyes twinkle in merriment.

  ‘Is there a particular debutante you would like me to invite?’ she asked, her tongue firmly in her cheek and her fingers crossed.

  ‘There is.’ Robert said with a squirm and Evelyn let out a slow sigh and smiled contentedly.

  ‘And about time too!’ she muttered. ‘Does this debutante have a name and a family?’

  Robert squirmed and turned his back to her as Egerton opened the door for a maid to bring in a tea tray. He remained quiet as he listened to his mother pour the tea and only turned around when she called him to come and sit. He took the offered cup of tea and looked at his mother.

  Evelyn sat back and was relieved that the pain didn’t start again. She sipped her tea and stared at the living replica of her husband and waited for him to admit he had an interest in someone. She tried to speculate just who that someone might be and had worked her way through Lucy’s friends before Robert spoke again.

  ‘It’s Dovedale’s daughter.’ He blurted, as if it was burning his mouth to keep the words in.

  ‘Lady Caroline de Lacey?’ Evelyn asked in surprise and brought the young lady to mind. Shining blonde hair, the greenest eyes she’d ever seen and the sweetest smile. A diamond of the first water. ‘I can’t disagree with your choice, she has a solid reputation and there has never been a hint of scandal with the rest of the family, only the Earl has suffered for his profligate lifestyle. I believe the Duke has bestowed a substantial dowry on her which I understand consists of at least one estate.’ Robert shifted uncomfortably as his mother examined Lady Caroline’s worthiness. ‘Hmm. I must say I did notice her at Lucy’s presentation. She was quite arresting and if I’m not mistaken, she has quite the vivacious personality that you will need in a wife!’

  ‘How do you know that?’ He asked in awe.

  ‘I have spent my life watching people.’ She murmured and sipped her tea again. ‘It was something your father taught me to do. Assess somebody’s character quickly. It’s easy to tell the difference between facile charm and a genuine affection. I looked at her eyes and saw the humour dancing in them, especially when Prinny tried to touch one of Lucy’s breasts.’ She laughed at Robert’s indignant expression. ‘I know you didn’t notice, but Buxton did and I was surprised to see rage boil in his eyes. I had no idea they had been introduced.’

  ‘Apparently Sir Roger introduced them at Leamington Priors.’ Robert said softly, slowly recovering from his own embarrassment at telling his mother he might even be interested in a girl.

  ‘But Lucy’s presentation was before then.’ Evelyn said and raised a quizzical eyebrow. Robert sighed deeply.

  ‘The Fotheringay’s ball. He insulted Lucy and she slapped his face.’ He admitted. ‘I don’t think there was an introduction in there as well. I understand he apologised for his behaviour at Leamington.’

  ‘They did look a very striking couple as they danced.’ Evelyn said speculatively. ‘I would suggest we invite him too.’

  ‘Just make sure you don’t invite the Colbourne’s. Lucy says that Lady Elizabeth would stop at nothing to see her daughter wed to me, and if it’s alright with you, I would rather marry Lady Caroline.’

  ‘I think Caroline de Lacey will make you a fine Countess.’ Evelyn said proudly.

  *****

  The rest of November and December passed in a flurry of activities. Wilfred was surprised to receive a summons from his father the week before Christmas and trudged through the snow on foot to Grosvenor Square, instead of dragging his horses out in the frigid weather.

  Higgins opened the door and smiled benevolently. ‘Good day, My Lord. The Duke is in his study and your mother and sisters are in the drawing room.’

  ‘Well, I’d better see father first as he summoned me.’ Wilfred said cordially as he swept his snow splattered cloak off and removed his thick fur mittens, his kid gloves, the scarf around his neck and the beaver on his head. He shrugged his substantial shoulders out of the frock coat he was wearing and sighed in relief as he straightened his cravat and flexed his neck before straightening his jacket. ‘What a relief, but I needed that much on to keep warm.’

  ‘Did you walk, My Lord?’ Higgins asked in horror.

  ‘I did. There’s nothing like a walk in the fresh air to wake you up after a particularly debauched night!’

  ‘And just who were you debauching last night?’ Eleanor asked from the door to the drawing room.

  ‘Actually it was a decanter of “Blood and Thunder”.’ He said and smiled at her with such devastating charm that she giggled.

  ‘What is “Blood and Thunder”?’ she asked inquisitively, as she stepped forward and took his arm.

  ‘It’s a divine and deadly beverage made up of equal parts of Port and Brandy with a pinch of gunpowder.’ Wilfred told her, ‘and it’s excellent at getting a man intoxicated in record time!’ He stroked a finger down her cheek. ‘Just the kind of thing every young wife should know about her husband.’

  ‘So if I see my husband drinking this vile brew, I should avoid him?’ She asked innocently.

  ‘I doubt you would ever see him drinking it. Most of us would guzzle it down in our study or maybe the library. Connors finds me flat out in front of the study fireplace many a morning!’ He said with pride as they stepped into the drawing room. He spent ten minutes greeting his mother and sisters and then went to find the Duke.

  ‘Good morning, Your Grace.’ Wilfred said formally as he stepped into his father’s study.

  ‘Good morning, Son. I’m glad you came.’ The Duke said standing up and waving Wilfred over to the fireplace.

  Wilfred helped himself to a glass of port to try and combat his hangover from too much to drink. He sat where the Earl of Glyndebourne had sat the last time he was in this room. Wilfred looked up at his father, where he was warming his backside over the fire, expectantly.

  ‘I would like to talk to you.’ Roderick began slowly and immediately held his hand up. ‘No. I don’t mean dictate, but talk. Will? you and I never talk, not even to discuss what’s happening in parliament or with the war. It’s unsettling to know that you have no respect for me.’

  ‘It’s not that I don’t respect you, father, but…’ he left it hanging there and Roderick sighed.

  ‘But I revealed something you would rather I had kept to myself.’ Roderick smiled wanly. ‘Some things can’t be kept in the dark or they fester.’ He held up his hand again as Wilfred took a breath to answer. ‘I know I should not try to arrange a marriage for you. I was only trying to be helpful and I perhaps chose the wrong way to do it.’ Roderick admitted painfully.

  ‘It’s not so much t
hat it was wrong as unnecessary. You had no idea that I’ve met a girl that I want to marry.’

  ‘Do you love her?’ Roderick asked softly, dreading his son would say no. ‘Because if you don’t, then don’t ask for her hand.’ He finished and frowned at the carpet in front of his feet. ‘I made that mistake.’

  Wilfred looked up in shock as he never thought his father would say something like that. ‘Did you feel nothing for her?’ he asked softly.

  ‘Not initially. My father, the previous Duke arranged it while your mother was still in swaddling. He had decided, along with her father, that ours would be an advantageous marriage. Evangeline came with a huge dowry, which included the unentailed estates which will come to you on my death. Evangeline and I decided which estates to include in the girls dowries and the rest will go to you.’ He sighed again ‘But, Evangeline and I didn’t even meet until she was five and there was an element of disgust about the whole thing as I looked at this child I was supposed to marry. Afterwards, we became more friends than anything else. Don’t mistake me; I care for her a great deal, but that all-consuming, earth shattering love that the poets are always going on about? I actually shared that with somebody else, until she died in child birth before Evangeline and I were married.’

  ‘Did the child survive? Wilfred asked softly, his belly quivering with shock at his father’s revelations.

  ‘No. He was born dead.’ Roderick’s voice went hollow. ‘Strangled by the umbilical around his throat and his mother followed him a day later after she bled to death. The physician I called told me she would die, because the manner of his birth had caused a haemorrhage and he couldn’t stop it.’ His father sobbed suddenly. ‘There was so much blood.’ He whispered ‘and she cried and begged me to stop the pain she was in. Eventually she went quiet and then she died.’ The horror and heartbreak were evident in his tone of voice.

  Wilfred stood suddenly and manoeuvred his father into the other chair, went to the sideboard and poured him a brandy and then literally put it in his hand. ‘Drink, father. You need it.’ He resumed his seat and sipped his port. ‘Was this woman your mistress?’ he asked warily.