by Vikki Vaught
Shelton pointed toward the chair beside him. “It has. Take a seat, Sutherland, and join us. Since my wife and I wed, we have been too busy to make it to London for the season, what with having a child almost every year. I suppose you’re still a confirmed bachelor, are you not?”
“Of course. I haven’t changed my views on wedded bliss, and I never will. Since Roderick married years ago, I have no reason to be leg-shackled. He’s already taken care of the succession by having a son.”
Deciding to join them, Jonathan took the vacant seat, and soon he was relaxing with a glass of brandy by his side and a great hand of cards. He partnered with Shelton, and they were winning the set easily. He was having a streak of good luck and was feeling mellow from all the brandy. He was becoming inebriated, but he could not seem to stop. They continued to play, and he downed one glass after another while smoking several cigars.
More than a few glasses of brandy later, he saw his brother approaching and sat up straighter. Roderick stopped in front of him. “I’ve taken the liberty of ordering the carriage. My wife and I are ready to leave.”
“Hallo, Brother. I’m not ready to leave yet.” His speech sounded slurred even to his ears. Perhaps, he’d imbibed more than he should have. “I’m on a winning streak, and I’m playing with my good friend Shelton. Why don’t you join us? Have a glass of brandy.”
“I think you’ve had enough tonight. It’s time to leave.” Roderick turned to Shelton. “It’s good to see you. It’s been a long time. Can you help me with my brother?”
“No problem. He’s just had a bit too much tonight.” Shelton stood. “Come on, old friend. It’s time for you to go home. I’ll help you up, all right?”
Jonathan glared. “I don’t need anybody’s help. I can leave on my own.” He pulled himself up out of his chair but fell backward, landing on his arse. Laughing, he tried to get up. Shelton and Roderick managed to pull him to his feet, encouraged him to lean on them and hustled him out to the carriage. A footman helped them get him inside. His head fell back against the cushions, and he promptly passed out.
When Jonathan awoke the next morning, he had the worst aching head he could remember having in years. Nausea rolled over him. He could not even remember coming to bed the night before.
The last thing he remembered was playing cards with Shelton. That was very troubling. He’d never been so inebriated that he forgot how he made it to bed. When he tried to sit, he barely had time to reach for the chamber pot before he cast up his accounts. Hatton came into the room, assisted him, and gave him some water to rinse out his mouth.
He rubbed his hand over his face. “What happened last night? I can’t remember coming home nor coming to bed. Did I do something stupid last night?”
“Evidently, you drank too much and passed out. When Roderick brought you home, two of the footmen carried you to your bed. You will need to speak to your brother to find out what happened.” Hatton paused. “It’s not my place to say anything, but I’m concerned. You’ve been drinking a lot more lately, and not just brandy. If you would just take laudanum for the pain, it may help you cut back on the drink.”
“Perhaps you’re right. I suppose it would not hurt to try the laudanum. Hatton, please know I value your opinion. You’ve been with me a long time, and I know you have my best interests foremost in mind. Help me get dressed so I can find my brother.”
Once Jonathan was ready, he went downstairs and found Roderick in his study. His brother’s stormy expression let him know he would not like whatever he had to tell him.
Anxiety twisted in his gut. “The last thing I remember was sitting down to play cards with Shelton. Tell me what happened.”
Roderick took the seat across from him. “I found you in the card room, and you were extremely drunk. You made quite a scene and fell out of your chair. You were in such an inebriated state, Shelton and I had to help you to the carriage, and once we got you inside, you passed out cold. You’ve been drinking a great deal lately. You need to cut back. I realize you drink to deaden the pain, but surely there’s a better way. What can I do to help?”
“Hatton has suggested I take laudanum, and I’ve agreed. I’m sorry I was such an arse last night. I normally hold my liquor better. Please apologize to Allison for me.” Jonathan hung his head as shame washed over him. He prayed he did not run into Shelton again any time soon.
“No apology is necessary. Allison knows how much pain you’re in. We both helped nurse you when you returned from Waterloo, remember? Just try to lay off the liquor for a while, all right? Now, are you up for our morning ride?”
He wanted to crawl under a rock, but instead he straightened and met his brother’s gaze. “Thank you. I promise I’ll at least cut back. I realize it’s getting out of hand.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’m afraid I need to pass on this morning’s ride, but I shall be fine tomorrow. I’ll see you this afternoon for tea, since I’ve missed luncheon.”
Roderick stood and turned to leave the room. “Shall I have Goodman bring you a tray? You need to eat something. You’ve lost quite a bit of weight lately.”
“You’re right, I have.” Jonathan slumped in his chair. “I promise I’ll try to eat something.”
The pity in Roderick’s eyes cut him like a knife. “Well, I shall leave you now. I will see you this afternoon.”
When the tray arrived, he tried to eat, but his stomach was still so nauseated he was unable to consume much. He sat there all afternoon, fighting the desire to drink. His hands shook, but he was determined to stay away from strong spirits, at least for a few days.
Thank God Roderick is so understanding.
He owed Allison an apology, and he would deliver it at tea.
* * * *
Kathryn awoke the morning after seeing the Marquess of Sutherland at the assembly rooms, thinking of him. She was glad they had talked, and since he had no more interest in marriage than she, she could relax and not worry. For some reason the marquess made her nervous. She was not sure why, but he did. Kathryn had an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach every time she’d met his gaze. His eyes were such a penetrating blue, and he had such a beautiful, sensual mouth.
When have I ever noticed a man’s eyes, let alone his mouth?
Goodness.
Lord Sutherland appeared to be a somber man, and she doubted he smiled often. He seemed so sad. He’d clearly sustained an injury at some point in the past, because he relied heavily on his cane. She would guess his age to be a few years older than Henry, who was three and thirty. He had an interesting face with his strong jaw, high cheekbones, aquiline nose, and high forehead. While he certainly was not what she would call handsome, he was, nonetheless, quite attractive. She would enjoy the challenge of capturing his face on canvas.
It was unusual for her to woolgather. It must be because she was anxious to start his portrait. Kathryn crawled out of bed and rang for her maid. Soon, she was ready to meet her day.
When she arrived at the breakfast room, she was surprised to see her mother. Normally, the duchess preferred to break her fast in her rooms. Her eyes narrowed. Her mother must be up to something.
While the duchess buttered her toast, she said, “I hope you had a restful night. I thought we could have a nice little chat this morning. Go ahead and get your breakfast, then sit beside me. Did you enjoy the assembly rooms last night?”
“I had a very pleasant evening.” Although wary of what the duchess had to say, Kathryn did as she requested. She went to the sideboard, filled her plate with her usual breakfast of coddled eggs, bacon, and toast with fresh creamery butter, then sat across from her mother. “It’s unusual for you to join me for breakfast. Is there something in particular you want to discuss?”
The duchess cast a sly glance her way. “I understand you are painting the Marquess of Sutherland’s portrait, and he is paying you a commission. I am most displeased. That’s so… bourgeois.”
So, that’s what has her in such a dither. “Hopefully, my
art will be valuable someday, so he will benefit from it.”
Does that sound too presumptuous?
No, I need to be paid for my work.
The duchess took a sip of her tea, then sat the cup on the table. “He’s quite an attractive gentleman, is he not? He would be a very good match for you. Time with him will help you catch his eye. It would be marvelous if you brought him up to scratch. He is an even better match for you than your sister Helen made by marrying Lord Collingswood.”
Kathryn carefully laid her fork on her plate to gain her composure. “Mother. I have told you repeatedly. I’m not interested in marriage. I have not changed my mind. I will not allow anything or anyone to interfere with my art. Lord Sutherland is a confirmed bachelor, anyway.”
“How do you know that?” she demanded. “He will need an heir, after all.”
“He told me he already has one. Since his brother Roderick already has a son, there’s no need for him to wed. I told him I was not interested in a husband, and we have agreed to become friends. So please, do not start playing matchmaker. Remember, you promised you would not do that if I agreed to this visit, and I expect you to honor your promise.”
“Oh, all right,” she huffed. “I shall leave you alone as I promised, but I can still hope you will change your mind. Surely, you do not want to be dependent on your brother your entire life?”
She took a deep, cleansing breath, trying to get her temper under control. “Henry and I have discussed my independence. He has agreed to allow me to set up my own household once I turn five and twenty in three years. I shall hire a female companion, so I shan’t be living alone. Henry supports my plans. I will eventually open a studio in London, where my patrons can come to me.”
Her mother started to interrupt, but Kathryn held up her hand to stop her. “I know you’re not happy with my decision to be a portraitist, but you need to accept it, because I’m determined to succeed. I’m thrilled I have two commissions, and once word gets out, I shall receive more.” She stood. “I need to work on your portrait. I want to have it completed by Saturday, so I will be free to concentrate on Lord Sutherland’s portrait. I shall see you at luncheon.”
She marched upstairs, put on her smock, and mixed the paint colors she needed to finish her mother’s painting. Soon she was lost in her creativity and forgot her irritating conversation with her mother.
As she added the finishing touches to the duchess’s portrait, she remembered her upcoming meeting with the marquess. She looked forward to Saturday. This would be her first commission, and she wanted to be mentally prepared for the sitting. Kathryn estimated it would take three weeks to do his portrait. She hoped he would be willing to sit for her at least twice a week.
She stepped away and studied the painting. She was not satisfied with her mother’s hair, so she went to work on getting it right. The duchess’s hair was red-gold like her brother and her sister, however her mother now had a few strands of white mixed in. She needed to get it right. At last, she was satisfied with her result.
That afternoon Kathryn received a letter from her dear sister. Helen had married the Earl of Collingswood three years before, and their estate ran along the Devonshire coast. She would be staying with them in November when she went to do the portrait of the Marchioness of Ralston’s children.
Her sister mentioned she wanted to have another child. Helen and Matthew already had two-year-old twins, Winston and Nelson, along with Christina and Catherine, Matthew’s twin daughters from his first marriage. They were all delightful children, and she loved them a great deal.
After she wrote a return letter to Helen, she took it downstairs to Abernathy, so it would go out with tomorrow’s post. Since it was such a lovely day, she called for Sarah and walked to Queen Square. The gardens were so lovely, she pulled out her sketchpad to capture the beauty of the summer blooms. While her first love was portraits, at times, she enjoyed painting landscapes. Soon, she became lost in her art.
A noise disturbed her concentration, and she looked up to see the marquess’s brother and his wife standing in front of her. Lady Roderick smiled. “Excuse me, Lady Kathryn, I hope I’m not interrupting you, but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed seeing you last night.”
“I enjoyed it as well.” She moved left, leaving room for Lady Roderick. “Please join me.”
The woman sat and clasped her hands in her lap. “My husband and I have something to ask you. I realize you’re doing my brother-in-law’s portrait, but once you have completed his, would you consider painting our children? We greatly admired the paintings you showed us of your brother’s and sister’s children. We would love to have you come to our home.”
Another commission. “I would love to do it. It should take me three weeks to do Lord Sutherland’s, which means I could do your children’s portrait the first part of August. Would that be convenient for you?”
Lady Roderick beamed. “That would be wonderful. We may even decide we want you to do our entire family. Would that be a problem?”
Kathryn closed her sketchbook. “Whatever you decide is fine with me. I just want you to be happy with your decision. You live in Bristol, do you not? I’ve never traveled there, so I would enjoy visiting the area.”
Lord Roderick interjected, “We have a yacht, and we would be happy to take you out, if it’s something that interests you?”
Not only a commission, but an adventure as well. “I’ve never been on the sea before, but my sister has. She loves it, so I’m sure I will too. Once I’m through painting Lord Sutherland’s portrait, I’ll write you and give you a firm date, so you will know when to expect me.”
“Thank you so much.” Lady Roderick stood, and Kathryn did as well. “We will let you get back to your drawing. We look forward to you coming in August.” Lady Roderick and her husband turned around and walked away.
She watched them as they continued their walk. She was so pleased they wanted her to do their portrait. This would mean she now had three commissions lined up. How wonderful. At this rate, she was on her way to having a steady flow of patrons. Noticing the time, she called to Sarah, and they made their way to the duchess’s home.
My life is certainly changing.
Perhaps visiting my mother is a better decision than I ever imagined.
CHAPTER 5
July 1823
Jonathan enjoyed the next couple of days with his brother. Every morning they went for a ride around the estate. Roderick was able to see several of the tenant farmers who remembered him as a child. They were able to talk of old times and enjoy being together again. They had always been the best of friends, not only brothers.
He held true to his promise and did not drink anything accept wine with his dinner. The temptation to take a drink was strong all day long, but he would resist the lure of the oblivion liquor brought him, at least until Roderick and Allison left on Saturday.
While they were riding his lands on Friday, Roderick pulled on his reins and turned to him. “I have exciting news. You’re aware that Allison and I have wanted more children for several years now. She’s at last with child, and the babe should be born in mid-January.”
Jonathan grinned. “Outstanding. I hope this child is a boy. Frankford needs a brother.”
Roderick laughed. “You’re just looking out for your own interests. You want a spare. We’re both extremely pleased. I still wish you would change your mind and take a wife.” Jonathan opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Roderick quickly added, “I know…I know. I shan’t bring it up again.”
After they finished their ride, they took the children to the lake. Jonathan had never spent much time with children before but discovered they were engaging. Frankford swam like a fish. Each time he jumped off the limb of the tree, he let out a big yell as he plummeted to the water’s surface. Even little Jane was an excellent swimmer. It did his heart good to see his brother’s happiness. They were both such good parents, and he had no concerns. They would make sure Frankford w
as ready for his future responsibilities.
After returning to the house, Jonathan went to his bedchamber, and Hatton wrapped cold compresses around his knee. Instead of a snifter of brandy, he swallowed a dose of laudanum. It did help. Now that a few days had passed without any liquor, his hands were no longer shaking as badly. He’d even managed to eat a huge breakfast that morning.
He wished his brother and his family did not need to leave the next day, but alas, responsibilities demanded they return to their estate. Elaine had enjoyed spending time with Frankford and Jane, and he had as well. Perhaps he should send her with them when they left. She could do with a break from her studies. He would mention it at tea.
When Jonathan entered the drawing room, he joined Allison on the sofa. “Elaine’s enjoyed her time with the children. How would you feel if she went with you? I could retrieve her next month. She gets so bored here with only my company, and she could enjoy a little holiday from her studies.”
“I would love to have her. She’s so helpful with the children. I’m sure Roderick would be fine with it as well.” Roderick strolled into the drawing room. “Oh, here he is. You can ask him.”
Once his brother took a seat by his wife, Jonathan said, “I suggested Elaine go with you tomorrow. Then I shall come for her next month.”
“I would be delighted to have her,” he replied. “We can take her on our yacht. She would love that. I wish you would come with her. I’m determined to get you out on it.”
“I’m having my portrait done by Lady Kathryn, remember? And I have work here. I’ve spent so much time in London the past few years I have neglected my duties to my estate. I promise to go out on your yacht when I come for Elaine.”
Allison passed Roderick a plate piled high with sandwiches. “Ah, yes, the delightful Lady Kathryn. I would not want to take you away from that. I know how much you’re looking forward to having her do your portrait. Of course, I understand. If I were a single bachelor, I know I would want her to paint me.”
