Healing Hearts (Roselund Heights Book 1)

by Miranda D Nelson

  A foggy seascape began to form on the canvas, the fog matching the dreariness she’d felt surrounding her. Thoughts of the sadness she’d kept enclosed in her heart since losing her mother, and the restricting ache she’d felt in the last few weeks seeped into her mind. A female figure emerged far ahead, disappearing into the fog. As Joanna painted the woman, something released inside her and it was a moment before she realized she was crying.

  She set down her brush to wipe her tears and Mr. Aldridge handed her his handkerchief. She looked over at him as she took it and found that he watched her with a hopeful expression.

  “Well?” he asked after a moment.

  “That was…” she paused, searching for a word of the proper magnitude. “Amazing.”

  He smiled at last.

  Joanna looked back at the ocean, finally noticing that the sun had moved considerably since they had begun. At least an hour had certainly passed and Joanna was amazed at how quickly the time had gone. She looked at her painting as a whole.

  “But it is not finished yet.”

  She picked up her brush and began the last element. Her strokes at first were unsure, her control fettering her emotions. She paused, took a deep breath and looked out at the ocean again, letting herself absorb the peace there. Before she knew it, she was painting again, delving into the emotion of the piece. Several minutes later she leaned back, examining the work again.

  It was her dream. The misty shore, the figure fading from view. The last element she had added was herself, collapsed into the sand, reaching for the figure. Always just beyond her reach, her desire to be with that person unyielding. She was pleased that the urgency she’d felt in the dream seemed to be visible in the painting.

  She became aware of Mr. Aldridge watching her, and she felt as if she should be embarrassed. The painting left her feeling open and vulnerable, yet she felt none of the awkwardness she expected. She turned to him. His expression was a mixture of many emotions. Sadness, happiness, pride and — adoration?

  He met her gaze. “That is beautiful.”

  “Thank you. I’ve dreamed this before and I believe that is my mother,” she said, pointing to the fading figure.

  He leaned toward her. “Any change in your feelings?”

  She pondered his question while his eyes searched for the answer in hers.

  “I still miss my mother, and the ache remains.” She turned back to the painting, a sigh escaping her lips. “But it does not hurt as badly as before.”

  “I am glad to hear it.”

  Joanna turned to him again and his eyes locked on hers, intense and beautiful. In an instant, she was lost in their depths, deeper and bluer than the sea. After a moment, he looked beyond her and straightened.

  “Is it growing late. I should take you home.”

  Joanna shook her head, returning to land. “Yes, I suppose so.”

  In truth, it was the last thing she wanted. She had not felt as much peace as she had today in many years and she was loathe to leave that security behind. Nonetheless, she stood, helping Mr. Aldridge gather the supplies.

  They rode back to Crescent Street in companionable silence. When they arrived, he stepped out first to assist her. She stepped onto the gravel road, but he did not release her hand. He turned her toward him, seeming slightly uncomfortable.

  “May I ask you something?” he inquired.

  Joanna’s heart raced at the uncertainty in his gaze. “You may.”

  “I wondered if you—” he paused, considering. “Mr. Standford offered to host a gallery for me. It will open next week with a special event. I would be very honored if you would attend.”

  Her heart returned to it’s normal pace. Is that all?

  She smiled at him. “I would be delighted.”

  “Good. Thank you.” He started to release her hand, but she held it firm.

  “Mr. Aldridge, I cannot thank you enough for today.” She looked into his eyes again. “You cannot know what it means to me.”

  His grip tightened on her hand for a moment and his deep voice rolled over her, sending a shiver down her body. “It was my pleasure, Miss Leighton.”

  Reluctantly, Joanna took her hand from his and offered a curtsy, which he returned with a bow. She made her way to her door, feeling lighter than she had in years.

  Perhaps a future with Mr. Aldridge would not be so terrible after all.

  Joanna could not have hoped for more comfort than she received from painting on the beach that day. The lightness she’d felt that evening carried into the next morning, prompting her to walk to the park instead of the cliffs, as was her habit. The morning sunshine was still cool and Joanna relished the warmth of her spencer coat. She pulled the sleeves lower over her gloves, then tucked an errant curl behind her ear.

  “You could not look more perfect if you tried, Miss Leighton,” Hugh Colborne said, standing a few feet in front of her.

  She gave him a half smile and an exaggerated curtsy. “Why, thank you, sir.”

  “Actually, there is one thing.”

  He closed the distance between them and moved the tie of her bonnet from behind her shoulder. “There.”

  He took a step back and motioned toward her. “An image of beauty if ever there was one.”

  As accustomed as she was to his mannerisms, his charms only made her smile. “You are in a good humor today.”

  “Indeed, I am. The day is fine, my health is good, and I am fortunate enough to find myself in your presence this morning. Why should I not be in good spirits?”

  Joanna smiled in full. “You have every right to be.”

  He eyed her from under the low brim of his hat. “You seem to be in better spirits as well.”

  Joanna nodded. “Indeed I am.”

  His face became more serious, though pleased. “I am glad to hear it, I was beginning to be worried for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  He grinned at her. “And as that is the case, what say you we take our good spirits for a turn around the park together?”

  “I would like that very much.”

  He switched his cane to his left hand, extended his right arm to her, and began to whistle as they walked down the promenade.

  They had only walked a short distance when a carriage stopped nearby. Joanna watched as a woman of middling age exited, looking from face to face of those in the park, anxiety clearly written across her features. When she saw Joanna watching her, she approached them.

  “Excuse me,” she said, her small voice matching her petite proportions. “I am terribly sorry, but do you happen to know Colin Aldridge?”

  Joanna was startled by the request, though she withheld the feeling. She waited for Mr. Colborne to answer, but he did not. When he cleared his throat quietly, she realized he expected her to answer. As they had not been introduced to this woman, it was more appropriate for Joanna to respond.

  “Yes, I do.”

  The woman’s eyes lit and she took another step forward. “Do you happen to know where he lives?”

  “I do.”

  She held her hands together in a near pleading fashion. “Would you tell me where?”

  Joanna hesitated, wondering if Mr. Aldridge would appreciate the appearance of an unannounced traveler. The woman was well dressed and elegant enough to convince Joanna she was respectable.

  As if sensing her hesitation, the woman said, “I am a relative of his and I was told he was in Roselund Heights, but I do not know his address. I wished to visit him during my stay.”

  Joanna nodded at last. “I see. I would be happy to show you to his home. It is not far from here.”

  The woman’s entire face lit up now and a tear formed in her eye.

  “Oh, thank you, miss. You are wonderful!” She motioned to the carriage. “My carriage is just there if you would like to ride with me?”

  “That is very kind, thank you.” Joanna stepped forward a single step. “My name is Joanna Leighton.”

  “Oh! I’m so very sorry. My
name is Penelope Aldridge. It is very good to meet you.”

  Joanna wondered what relative of Mr. Aldridge’s this must be.

  “It is good to meet you. This is my friend, Mr. Hugh Colborne.”

  Mr. Colborne bowed respectfully. “It is a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

  “A pleasure,” she said before leading them toward the carriage.

  Mr. Colborne gave the driver the address before helping each of the ladies in and in a matter of moments, they had arrived.

  Once they all stepped out, Joanna motioned toward the door of Mr. Aldridge’s home.

  “It is this home here.” She took a step back. “Enjoy your visit.”

  “If I may?” the woman asked. “Are you two particularly well acquainted with Mr. Aldridge?”

  Mr. Colborne answered. “I do not know him particularly well, no. But I believe Miss Leighton does.”

  The woman looked at her with the same nervous pleading in her eyes. “This may sound an odd request, but I have not seen him in some time. Do you think you might go in with me?”

  Joanna’s suspicions were on the rise. After pondering the predicament for a moment, she nodded. “If you wish.”

  If nothing else, Joanna could better determine the woman’s cause for coming. Joanna scolded herself. This was not her visitor, and truly this whole affair was none of her business. Not to mention how highly irregular it was for a woman to call on a man. She should decline and return to her stroll with Mr. Colborne, but she had already given her word.

  “I will leave you to your visit, then. A pleasure to meet you,” Mr. Colborne said to the stranger. “Good day, Miss Leighton.”

  His eyes met hers and she saw there the same curiosity she felt.

  “Good day.” She curtsied and he bowed before retreating down the street.

  Without a word, Penelope Aldridge turned and knocked on the door. A moment later, the housekeeper opened the door.

  “Miss Leighton!”

  Joanna smiled. “Good morning, Mable. I have brought a guest for Mr. Aldridge. Is he home?”

  “Yes, of course. Let me show you to the drawing room.”

  Joanna led the way with the other woman following close behind her, eyes darting about. Mable showed them to a pleasant drawing room before leaving to announce their presence to Mr. Aldridge. Joanna watched as the older woman walked around the room, taking in every detail, obviously keen to discover as much as possible.

  Joanna’s concern grew. Who is this woman?

  It was only a moment before the door opened again and Mr. Aldridge entered. He smiled at her, but his expressive eyes could not hide his curiosity at her coming.

  “Good morning, Miss Leighton. What may I do for —”

  A stifled sob cut off his words. He turned toward the sound and his countenance shifted, shock the overwhelming emotion discernible. “Mother?”

  Joanna followed his gaze to the woman, surprise registering on her own expression. I ought to have known.

  Mrs. Aldridge hurried to her son, throwing her arms around him. “Oh, Colin! I found you, I found you!”

  Mr. Aldridge patted his mother’s back awkwardly for a moment. “Yes, you have. But, why are you here?” he asked quietly.

  Mrs. Aldridge pulled away enough to look up into his face.

  “I had to find you. To ensure you were well.” She sniffed. “You left without a word to us, never told us where you were going or when you would return. What else was I to do?”

  Mr. Aldridge pulled his mother’s arms from around him and stepped back a pace. “You could have left me be.”

  A look of horror filled Mrs. Aldridge’s face. “Left you be? Why would you say such a thing? You are my son. You are ill. I have to take care of you.”

  Anger crept into his expression as she spoke. “I do not need your help. I am perfectly capable of tending to myself.”

  She looked around the room. “You have done well, it seems.” She looked at him again and her eyes began to tear. “But I had to find you. I have not been at peace since you went away.”

  His voice softened. “Mother, I had to go. I know you meant well, but I could not tolerate your persistent care any longer.”

  “I only wanted to help. I had to help you, Colin.”

  Joanna had listened with interest, if not some discomfort too, to their conversation. But the words began to resemble too much of her own life. Mariah nearly ran off too, when Joanna’s control became too much to tolerate. If she did pursue a life with Mr. Aldridge, would he abandon her as well?

  The thought left Joanna feeling cold.

  “There is no help to be given and what little help I may need, my servants can manage.”

  Mrs. Aldridge shook her head. “No, you need someone capable.”

  “They are perfectly—”

  “Someone who knows you.”

  “I do not—”

  “It is a mother’s duty to care for her children. Do not deny me that privilege.” Mrs. Aldridge cried out.

  “You are not listening to me!”

  “You do not know how horrid it is, sitting by and watching your child suffer.”

  “Do not try to force me to feel guilty about this, Mother. It will do no good.”

  “But it was worse after you left,” she said, acting as though she had not heard him. “Not knowing where you were or how you were faring. Not knowing if you needed me, but were too humiliated to ask.” She rushed forward and took his hands. “You must never be embarrassed to ask for my help, Colin. Never!”

  Mr. Aldridge pulled his hands free of his mothers and turned from her with an exasperated sigh. His eyes met with Joanna’s as he turned, and he seemed to remember for the first time that she was there. His expression held a blend of guilt, surprise, and frustration.

  Mrs. Aldridge seemed to recall Joanna’s presence as well. “Colin, you have been ignoring our guest. How very rude of you.”

  His jaw clenched. “My guest.”

  He faced Joanna, keeping his voice quiet and his gaze low. “Miss Leighton, forgive us. I am sorry for our behavior.”

  Joanna swallowed, the revelations churning in her mind. “I ought to go.”

  Mrs. Aldridge stretched her hand toward Joanna. “No, please stay. I would very much like to know more about what my son has been doing since he has gone away.”

  Mr. Aldridge whirled, surprising both Joanna and Mrs. Aldridge. “That is none of your affair, Mother, and I will not have you badgering her for details.”

  “Colin, I—”

  Joanna felt her face flush, but spoke nonetheless, raising her hand slightly. “No. He is right. This is none of my affair.” She looked up at Mr. Aldridge, but took care to avoid his eyes. “I am sorry for intruding. I’ll see myself out.”

  She lowered into a hasty curtsy. “Good day, sir.” She nodded as she passed Mrs. Aldridge. “ma’am.”

  Before the door even began to close, Joanna heard Mrs. Aldridge begin another tirade on her son. She hurried from his house and out onto the street where her feet led her once again, without thought, toward the ocean. There was only a very light breeze that day, and Joanna clung to what little breath of it she could. Her heart would not steady and neither would her thoughts. They tumbled one over the other- Mrs. Aldridge’s accusations, Mr. Aldridge’s angry replies, Joanna’s new concerns.

  She had to find a way to sort it all out. She turned to the north and made her way to Edith’s home.

  The butler escorted her to the drawing room to wait while Edith was called. Hugh Colborne sat in the corner, the newspaper blocking his view of the room.

  “So, who was she?” he asked.

  Joanna stopped on her way to the sofa. “How did you know it was me?”

  Mr. Colborne lowered the paper enough to cast her an incredulous look. “You have been coming here for nigh on ten years. How could I not know it was you.” He lifted the paper again. “Besides, it only made sense for you to come here after an encounter with Aldridge. Who else would you rel
y on to divulge your feelings to, if not Edith?”

  Joanna tensed. What has Edith told him?

  She attempted to remain even. “I do not know what you are speaking of.”

  The paper came down again. “For goodness sake, Joanna. Do not be ridiculous. I may not be as privileged as Edith when it comes to matters of your heart, but it is obvious you favor the man.”

  He looked over his paper again. “He is a good man. A bit strange and unsociable.” He shrugged. “You could do far worse, however.”

  Joanna pressed her lips together, unsure of what to say. She elected on silence and sat on the sofa.

  “Your lack of response does not aid your claim to ignorance.”

  She did not even need to look at him to know he was grinning at her.

  She raised her chin and said, “Why attempt to deny what you find obvious? I know you too, Mr. Colborne. There will be no changing your mind.”

  He laughed. “Yes, Joanna I’m afraid I am just as stubborn as you are.”

  Joanna’s thoughts began to wander. How many others consider me to be in love with Mr. Aldridge?

  “Are you ever going to tell me who she was, or must I die not knowing?” Mr. Colborne asked, still studying his paper.

  “Who?” Joanna asked, forgetting already what he was speaking of.

  “The woman who met us at the park. Who was she?”

  “Mr. Aldridge’s mother.”

  Mr. Colborne nodded. “I wondered if that were the case.”

  Edith opened the door then. “Good morning, Joanna. I did not expect to see you this morning.”

  “I hoped to speak with you about something.”

  Mr. Colborne chuckled. “Obvious,” he muttered.

  Edith cast him a look. “Hugh, I hope you have been kind to my friend?”

  He looked up at her. “Of course not, Edith. Where would be the fun in that?”

  Even as Edith shook her head, she smiled. “Well, if you would please leave us now, we have things to discuss.”

  Joanna nodded. “Yes, I am afraid you are not as privileged as Edith when it comes to these matters.”