Penny’s Yuletide Wish: A Branches of Love Novella

by Britton, Sally

  Most would not discuss such a blessed event before company, but it only made sense that Robert would be aware of the increase of his employer’s household, and Penny had been told only a few hours previous that Daisy expected her first child in March. Perhaps that explained a great deal of the warm glow in Daisy’s eyes. One often heard that women in the family way tended to have an extra touch of gentleness about them, something magic and secretive.

  Robert took her from her suppositions when he turned to face her from his chair, leaning slightly in her direction. “And why are you uniquely situated for this conversation, Miss Clark?” He gave her a teasing smile, though she detected the barest hint of curiosity in his dark eyes.

  Oh. She had not intended to tell Robert directly of her future plans. And especially not like this. “I suppose because I intend to try my luck at obtaining a position at a girls’ school.” She offered him a tight smile, the sort that begged him not to ask too many questions here. Though she had already explained the situation to Daisy, she would rather speak to Robert in private of her decision to work.

  The way his smile faltered, his brows drawing together, immediately caused her shoulders to stiffen. What would he think of her, turning to employment? Nothing too terrible, she hoped, given that he had also entered into a world wherein he depended upon work for his income.

  Neither of them had been raised to seek out such positions, but plans have a way of changing at times. She couldn’t decipher the look on Robert’s face.

  “That would give you a unique perspective,” Mr. Devon said, and when she turned her attention to him, she noted with curiosity that he looked to Robert, not to her.

  “Yes. I have a great many hopes, of course, for the sort of position I wish to obtain. I am fortunate that I have time to consider my opportunities, too. I need not take the first position offered or the first school I apply to if it does not suit me. Yet I am determined to find a place before summer. My aunt and uncle have supported me since my parents passed on, but I cannot rely upon them forever.”

  At last Mr. Devon took his gaze away from his employee in order to settle a kind smile upon her. “I greatly respect your desire to make your way in the world. You have obviously discussed the matter with my wife, but what can you tell me about your opinion of a school for the middle and working classes? Daisy is adamant that a larger school for such young ladies would be a success.”

  “It would be more modest than what is offered for the daughters of gentlemen and nobility,” Daisy quickly added.

  Penny had given the matter some thought. “I do believe many parents would sacrifice for their girls, if they could. Sons can be apprenticed, or go to local schools run by the church, but daughters of that particular background have more limited options. They are expected to do all their helping and learning at home. I know there are other schools such as what you are suggesting, Mrs. Devon. I have seen many advertisements for them in my search for a position.”

  Robert made a noise, a sort of surprised mumble, but when he did not attempt to actually speak, Penny continued. “If I could obtain a position at such a school, knowing I was to help teach girls with less privileged backgrounds and upbringing than myself, I should like it. I do not require much in terms of salary, thanks to the small inheritance left to me, but others might not be willing to teach if they are not compensated as well as they would be at a larger school. You would still wish for accomplished teachers, after all, and not only those who were unable to take up a place at a more demanding and prestigious institution.”

  “Well said.” Mr. Devon regarded her frankly, studying her without a smile or amusement. “This is precisely what my concern is. Though I care for all my wife’s endeavors, we ourselves cannot fund every school she wishes to begin. We are already in support of two institutions in London—”

  “Ragged schools,” Daisy added helpfully.

  “—and the school Daisy runs here, as well as several scholarships for the children of Annesbury who wish to go on to more formal universities.”

  “There are two young men training to become doctors in Edinburgh,” Robert said, joining the conversation for the first time since Penny’s answer seemed to have thrown him. “One of them has agreed to come back to Annesbury after he completes his training, the other intends to apprentice himself to Mr. Devon’s brother-in-law, in Bath. They are doing quite well.”

  Daisy took her husband’s hand and turned to look into his eyes, her own expression fervent. “And still, I wish I could do more.”

  To Penny’s surprise, Mr. Devon lifted his wife’s hand to his lips and placed a kiss upon her knuckles. Such an affectionate display was not something she had commonly seen in married couples of her acquaintance.

  “One of the many things I love about you is your desire to bring education to everyone who wishes for it,” Mr. Devon said, smiling as his wife’s cheeks pinkened. “We will keep working, my dear, to do all we can.”

  The conversation drifted away to other topics, but Penny found it more difficult to contribute than before. The warmth between the married couple, the obvious regard they held for each other, had put her into a thoughtful frame of mind difficult to escape. What would it be like to be doted upon in such a way? To be loved and supported so wholly, just for being one’s self? She continued to wander down this path, her attention only occasionally catching hold of the conversation at hand.

  “Mrs. Devon, are you certain we cannot persuade you to reveal the characters you will have at your masque?” Robert asked at one point in the evening. “How is one to plan a costume without sufficient notice?”

  The woman raised one eyebrow most imperiously. “I have no intention of telling anyone, not even you, Mr. Ellsworth, of what I plan. You will receive your assignment two days prior and not a moment before. That ought to keep everyone’s identity a mystery.”

  “We know you will only appeal to your housekeeper for help with your costume,” Mr. Devon said, a smug tilt to his chin. “But I have seen my wife’s list, and even made a few suggestions. I think you will be satisfied.”

  “It sounds as though you have reason to fear, Robert.” Penny could not resist joining the teasing, forgetting herself a moment and using his Christian name as though they were not in company. “When your employer and his wife conspire against you for your role at a masque.”

  At that, Mr. Devon put on the most alarming grin. “Oh, we have your costume decided upon as well, Miss Clark.”

  Daisy settled in more, snuggling against her husband. “Decided only this evening, in fact.”

  “That is hardly comforting.” Penny laughed around the words. “And I cannot prevail upon you for even a hint?”

  Robert tapped the arm of his chair. “Here now, if I am to be kept ignorant, so too should you. We will have to trust that Daisy is a kind soul who will not humiliate us at her party.” He put on an expression of pleading, his eyes wide and his smile playfully pained.

  Daisy laughed. “I promise nothing, except that I will do my best to avoid any embarrassment for either of you.” She brushed aside the topic and asked, “How are your brothers doing at present, Mr. Ellsworth? Especially Peter with his studies.”

  Penny stole a glance at Robert, while he spoke with some animation about his younger brother’s schooling. She longed to know which woman had captured his romantic attention, for she would happily berate the lady for not understanding what a treasure she had in Robert Ellsworth. Whoever that woman was, did she not know how Robert would adore her? Would make her laugh and smile, would speak to her as an equal?

  If Penny could not have her heart’s desire, Robert ought to have his. Perhaps, if she could discover the mystery woman’s identity, Penny could help Robert’s cause.

  Her heart ached at it, but her mind latched onto that plan. Long after everyone bid each other goodnight, and she retired to her guest room, she remained awake, wondering how she might help her dearest friend.

  Chapter 11

  After a qui
et breakfast, Robert made his petition for the honor of escorting Penny and her maid back to the Brody home. “The Brodys reside on the other side of Annesbury, and I have business matters in town. I can see Miss Clark safely there and handle the estate affairs on my return.” He sat across the table from Penny, with Devon at the head. Mrs. Devon had sent word that she did not feel well and would take her breakfast in her room.

  Devon agreed without hesitation. “I would appreciate that kindness, if you do not mind, Miss Clark?”

  “Of course not.” Penny lowered her fork, a sparkle appearing in her eye. “Mr. Ellsworth will be an excellent escort. If you both will excuse me, I will make certain I am ready to depart.”

  Robert watched her leave, and his chest grew tighter when she turned to smile over her shoulder just before closing the door. Every moment spent in her company made his heart and soul ache. Why he kept seeking out that sort of pain was a mystery to him. He brought his attention back to his coffee. As he sipped from his cup, however, he spotted Devon grinning at him over the rim.

  “You, dear fellow, need to tell that woman how you feel about her.”

  Whether he gasped or choked, Robert was not sure, but the result was the same. Hot coffee went through his throat in the wrong direction and for an agonizing moment he could not breathe. He covered his mouth with a handkerchief and coughed, his eyes watering. Only this time it was not pretend.

  Devon only crossed his arms over his chest, appearing completely unconcerned that Robert had nearly expired at the breakfast table. “You are not fooling anyone. Daisy and I are in agreement, based upon our observations yesterday, that you are in love with Miss Clark.”

  Robert shook his head, overcoming the coughing fit at last. “You are mistaken. Miss Clark, she is not— I could not have such feelings for her.”

  “As a man who nearly lost his opportunity with the love of his life, I call your bluff, sir, and insist that you do something about your affections before Miss Clark leaves you behind to go teach at a girls’ school.” Devon tossed his own linen to the table as he stood. “If you will excuse me, I wish to see to my wife.” He gave Robert a firm pat on the shoulder as he walked by. “Good luck, Ellsworth.”

  He folded his arms and dropped his face into them, though he kept in the groan that, if emitted, would have summed up his feelings on the matter. What had Devon seen? As long as Penny had not glimpsed his thoughts, had no guess at his feelings, they might still be friends.

  He rose from his place at the table and went to gather his coat, hat, and gloves. Awaiting Penny in the entryway would be the best way for him to spend his time. He could worry over whether or not she had caught him out later.

  Penny did not keep him waiting long. The maid who had accompanied her on her visit followed behind, expression pleasant but noninvasive.

  “This is Anna, a maid from the Brody household who received far more trouble than she bargained for when she set out with me yesterday.”

  “Weren’t any trouble, miss,” the smiling Anna said with a lilt in her voice. “M’sister is a kitchen maid here, and we had a good enough time tradin’ news.” The young woman appeared rather as though she had enjoyed a holiday rather than a night of uncertainty.

  Penny adjusted the scarf around her neck, the bold red of the fabric complimenting the pink in her cheeks. “Are you ready to leave, Robert?”

  “I am. The coach is waiting for us, too.”

  Mr. Devon’s voice called to them from the top of the stairs. They turned to see him coming down at a quick pace, but countenance he wore reassured Robert nothing was amiss. “I am come with my wife’s regrets that she cannot bid you farewell this morning. We enjoyed your company, Miss Clark. And Robert, you need not hurry back to your duties. I am certain there are things you should see to at your own home. Please, take your time.”

  At that, Robert and Penny bid him farewell, and Robert led the way outside to the carriage. The gravel drive of the Devon home had not been overcome with water or mud, but there was a fair chance the rest of the roads did not weather the storms as easily.

  After he handed Penny and the maid into the back of the coach, Robert took the seat with his back to the driver and swung the door shut. The cold had returned, making the warm bricks beneath their feet an added blessing. The women had pulled a thick blanket over their laps, too.

  They had barely started on their way when Penny started to speak, almost in a rush, as though trying to cover the silence with words. “Daisy is every bit as kind and personable as ever, I am pleased to say. I always thought her kind when we played together, though it did not happen nearly so often as you keeping me company. Strange, is it not, that I would spend more time with a boy of my age than a girl? She did always live on the other side of the village, though, so that does explain some of the lack.”

  Robert tilted his hat back a touch, allowing him a better view of her. Penny sat with her hands in her lap, resting upon the blanket, her fingers twisting about each other. Was she nervous about something?

  “I always liked her, too. Devon married well. They are a match for one another, both kind and generous souls.” He studied his friend closely, watching the way her eyes darted from the floor of the carriage to the glass windows, never settling long anywhere.

  She bit her bottom lip, then eyed the silent maid who stared out her own window in polite boredom. Finally, she met Robert’s stare directly. “It is good they have found one another. Not everyone is so blessed to meet their match, and in such circumstances where they might have time to know for a certainty that they belong together. I know I have not done so, though I did try at one time.”

  “I admit, I found it surprising that you had not yet wed.” Though it might not be the sort of conversation most gentlemen would have with a female acquaintance, Robert knew Penny well enough that he knew she would not think he slighted her. “I always thought, once you had your come out, that you would be a success in that arena.”

  Her light laugh, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners, told him he had not erred in guessing her ease with the subject. “I appreciate the compliment, Robert. Though you and I both know that it is more than a pretty face most gentleman look for. I have no title, no connections of value, and a very small dowry. Unless a gentleman nurtured a strong affection for me, I have no hope of securing a husband.”

  There was no bitterness in her tone, not sharpness in her words. She did not even appear the least sorry for her situation. She had come to peace with the idea of remaining unmarried, most obviously.

  “That is why you look for a position as a teacher?” he asked, trying to picture her in a role he had always thought for much older and less pleasant women. The carriage rumbled along at a slow, steady pace. In the distance, he heard thunder. The thought of still more rain nearly made him cross.

  Penny’s eyes went to the window again, and he thought he caught her tense up. “The idea of teaching is more appealing than living upon the kindness of my relatives, as I have done since my parents’ death.”

  “Has it been difficult, to live with the Marhams?” Something of his surprise must have leaked into his tone, for she immediately returned her gaze to him.

  “Not at all. Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Matthew are kind, and most generous with all their time and attention. But my brothers have left to seek their living, and I wish to do the same. Though I would be employed as a teacher, there would be a measure of independence I have yet to enjoy.”

  “Ah, I see.” Perhaps his unique situation lent him a better insight into her decision than most. His father’s prolonged illness, as well as poor investment and management decisions before Samuel had realized the seriousness of their father’s condition, had left their family in difficult financial straits. His position with the Devons had helped more than anyone knew. “I hope you find a position that is all you desire.” Would being the wife of a steward be less worthy of her than a teaching position? It might not afford the same level of independence she wished.
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  She gave him a more tentative smile than usual. “Thank you, Robert.” Then her hands went back to twisting about each other. “I am hopeful that you have found joy in your position, too. A steward carries a great deal of responsibility. Hearing what little I did of your discussion with Mr. Devon proves what I suspected when I learned of your work. Your organized and practical mind is perfectly suited for all you must do in the course of your employment.”

  Though the compliment felt sincere, Robert shrugged it away. “I find a certain satisfaction in what I do.” She must not see that his employment was beneath him and her both. He tried not to sigh, instead adjusting his hat back to where it had been before, lower upon his brow. “What are your plans for the New Year? Have the Brodys’ special entertainment planned for your visit?”

  Chapter 12

  The ladies of the Gilbert family met every fortnight, and as Mrs. Brody had once been Miss Martha Gilbert, she invited her guests to join her for the traditional visit at her family’s home. The matriarch of the family everyone called Mrs. Gilbert, her daughter-in-law became Christine, and Martha dropped her husband’s surname as well.

  After the introductions were made, the ladies settled in a parlor with a large window overlooking the gardens and the roof of the stables in the distance.

  “I do hope we are not intruding,” Aunt Elizabeth said, taking up her sewing. “It is most kind of you to allow us to be part of your family gathering for the day.”

  Christine poured tea near the window and answered for her family. “It is always a pleasure to host friends, and Martha has told us so much about you, Mrs. Marham.”

  “Do please call me Elizabeth,” she said brightly. It was quickly agreed upon that the women would know each other by their Christian names, at least for the course of the sewing gathering.

  While it certainly pleased Penny to be included, she had her own plans. Yet, she attended to the surrounding conversation, listening to Aunt Elizabeth, Martha Brody, and Christine Gilbert discuss the merits of certain needles, their current sewing projects, and the possibility of piecing together a new quilt. Finally, Mrs. Christine Gilbert spoke on a subject that would do for Penny to enact her plan.