The Lady's Fate (The Reluctant Grooms Volume II)

by Anne Gallagher

  “Yes, of course.” Violet gazed down at the blankets. “Mrs. Jeffers informs me that you have been by my side. How can I ever repay your kindness?”

  “You already have by taking care of my people. Andrew Perry told me of your unselfish acts throughout the village. Everyone has completely recovered. Had it not been for your compassion, some may not have been as lucky.”

  “It was the least I could do as they have bestowed such kindness and consideration to me and Jane.”

  “No, it was selfless to act as you have. Your thoughtfulness was repaid with the Wassail bowl.” He paused. “You are a rare creature, Violet.”

  “Please, my lord.” She brought her hand to her face. “You shall make me blush.”

  “Then I am glad for it is a lovely color on your cheeks.” He smiled, as she glowed scarlet.

  After a short, uncomfortable silence, Violet looked into his eyes. “My mother wishes me to return to Town,” she said.

  “Yes,” he said. “However, Doctor Blakestock recommends not until you have gained at least a stone. Perhaps not until March first.” He watched her face. “Are you displeased?”

  “No, not at all. If I should own the truth, I should like to remain at Fairhaven forever. I have never been happier than I am here with Jane. Nevertheless, Mother is unyielding to see me have a Season. Now that Lilly has seemed to make a good match, she is steadfast in her approach that I should have the same.”

  “And you do not wish it?” he asked softly.

  “I cannot help think any match I make will not be as successful as Lilly’s. She has always been the one Mother has counted on to take care of us. Having never been regarded as owning anything to recommend me by way of beauty, I studied tirelessly to become proficient in art, music, and reading. I had hoped a man could overlook my physical flaws and find comfort knowing he found a smart wife.” Violet looked down at the coverlet and threaded her fingers through the small eyelets of lace.

  Ellis wanted to throttle Lady Flowers. Instead, he said, “I heard you made my sister-in-law’s acquaintance when she visited.”

  Violet’s face brightened considerably. “Yes, she is lovely beyond measure, and was so very kind to me.”

  “She will be looking forward to seeing you in Town, I’m sure.”

  “It shall be my only joy.”

  “Surely not. I can think of one or two. Dancing at a ball perhaps. Mayhap a garden party.”

  Violet looked at him, unsure what to say.

  “As you well know, Prinny will take his seat in the coming days. I am afraid I must return to Town almost immediately. Mrs. Jeffers and Mary have both assured me they will care for Jane while you recover.” He stood. “Now, I have taken up far too much of your time. You must rest. I shall check in on you before I depart, naturally. Jane longs to see you, but I shall keep her occupied until tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, my lord, for all you have done.” Violet gave him a small smile.

  “’Tis nothing. Now rest.” He slipped from her room and closed the door behind him.

  *****

  “Dearest,” Lady Flowers began. “As you are well and recovering, I have decided to return to London in Haverlane’s carriage with Doctor Blakestock. He assures me you are in capable hands and you will not be fit to travel for some weeks yet. Also, I must return, as Her Majesty needs me for Prince George’s elevation to Regent. You must see what an awkward situation this is. Had I found you still gripped in the throes of your illness, I would not agree to it, but as you are well on your way to being hale and whole, I should be obliged to return. I hope you understand.”

  Violet looked at her mother and prayed the relief on her face didn’t show. “Of course, Mother. I am sorry to have worried you. Doctor Blakestock assures me I shall be able to return in one month’s time.”

  “Yes, he assures me as well provided you do not have a relapse. Pray, Violet, make sure that you do not.” Her mother bent and kissed her daughter on the top of her head. “I shall take my leave of you then.”

  “Good-bye, Mother. Please give my love to my sisters.”

  Lady Flowers stood in the doorway. “Of course. Now rest and get well and I shall see you before too long.” And she was gone.

  *****

  Ellis conferred with Manning before the butler departed with Doctor Blakestock and Countess Flowers.

  “Mrs. Jeffers shall be chatelaine here at Fairhaven and have the running of the house, but I would like an under-butler and three footmen, as well as however many maids you believe it will take. Also a cook and scullery maids. I am sure we have people in London we could spare. If not, hire from the village. Lady Violet will remain Jane’s primary caregiver. However, I wish to employ Mary full-time as well, to allow Lady Violet a rest whenever necessary. She must not be over-taxed. I will await your return before I depart.”

  “Very good, my lord. Is there anything else?”

  “Yes.” Ellis pulled a letter from his pocket. “Deliver this in person to my sister-in-law, Lady Caymore. Tell her it is imperative you await a reply, as you shall be leaving to return to me. I must know her answer at once.”

  “Very good, my lord.” Manning took the letter and deposited it in the inner pocket of his jacket.

  Ellis clapped his butler’s shoulder. “Thank you, Manning. I do not know what I would do without you.”

  “We shall never find out, my lord,” Manning said.

  Lady Flowers entered the front hall, dressed in coat and hat. She pursed her lips before she said, “I take my leave of you now, Haverlane. Thank you for all you have done for my daughter.” She nodded to him before exiting the front door, which Manning held open for her.

  Doctor Blakestock was already ensconced in the carriage and as soon as Manning helped Lady Flowers into it, he shut the door, climbed upon the box, and the carriage took off down the drive.

  Ellis watched it depart, closed the front door, and sighed with relief. He had set his plan in motion. The hardest part now was to bring it all to fruition.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The next day, Violet, finally allowed her bath, soaked in the warmth of the small tub. She washed and rinsed her hair with the help of Sarah, donned a fresh gown, and sat in the chair close to the fire while Sarah dried and brushed it. Securing it into a long braid, Violet felt ready to go downstairs. Mrs. Jeffers claimed she would open the windows of her room wide to release the remnants of the illness into the cold and Violet must not be present. With help from Sarah, Violet walked slowly to the library.

  Haverlane sat with Jane reading.

  “Imma!” The little girl ran to Violet and embraced her legs. Haverlane stood.

  Violet knelt and gathered the child into a fierce hug. “Oh Jane, it is so good to see you at last. You look well and I am glad.”

  “Imma sick. Imma well?” Jane asked.

  “Yes, dearest, I am very well indeed. All the more for seeing you.” She glanced at Haverlane. “My lord, forgive me. Mrs. Jeffers has banned me from my room. She wishes to open the windows and air the mattress. I did not mean to disturb you and Jane. I shall find another room to occupy.”

  “No, you shall sit right here where I may keep an eye on you,” he said and held out his hand.

  Violet took it and looked up. She could not read his face. He brought her to the settee.

  “You had us all very worried, Violet. You must promise never to do something so foolish ever again. If you wish to be a nurse, you shall not do it at Fairhaven.”

  Violet sank into the comfort of the small couch. He was still angry. Her head bowed, she said, “Yes, of course, my lord.”

  “Would you care for tea?” he asked. “Something to eat, perhaps? You must keep up your strength.” He placed a shawl over her lap.

  “Tea would be lovely, my lord, but Mrs. Jeffers is at work in my room, and Sarah has gone back upstairs to help.” Violet pushed to get off the velvet.

  “Pray remain seated,” he said. “If you would look after Jane, I shall return in a
trice.” He headed for the door.

  “No, my lord, I do not consent for you to wait on me,” Violet protested.

  “You have no choice.” He smiled. “You must watch Jane.” He departed the room.

  Jane brought her book to Violet and crawled onto her lap. “Imma read me.”

  They were both lying back against the pillows with their eyes closed when Haverlane returned. Jane, tucked under the blanket, sprawled across Violet’s chest. He set the tea tray down on the small table.

  Violet opened her eyes and saw the feast laid out before her. “My lord, it is very kind, but you did not have to go through so much trouble for me.”

  “’Twas no trouble.” He looked down at his daughter lying on Violet. “Shall I remove Jane to her room? Surely, that is not comfortable for you.”

  Violet pushed herself upward on the pillows. Jane slipped further down onto Violet’s lap. The child slept on. “Jane is comfortable. We have spent many hours thus.” Violet placed her hand along Jane’s back and whispered her fingers through the little girl’s hair.

  “Shall I pour?” Haverlane asked.

  Violet smiled. “That would be lovely, my lord.” She relished the idea Haverlane should be waiting on her. Another memory that would have to last a lifetime.

  “Sugar and cream?” he asked.

  “The same as you, my lord.”

  He fixed her cup and pushed the table closer to the edge of the velvet cushions.

  “Thank you,” she said. She watched him fix his own cup and take his favorite chair.

  Violet took a sip and found it, oddly, perfect. She couldn’t bear the silence and searched her mind for something to say.

  “I am sorry to have brought you out of London so close to George’s ascension.”

  “Think nothing of it. You and Jane shall always take precedence over His Highness.” Haverlane looked thoughtful. “I must confess I wish I did not have to go back at all. Parliament is clamoring for a fight over George’s proposal and I suffer to think of the outcome.”

  Violet smiled. “Pray, what has George in mind? Shall he want to become Monarch of France when we defeat Napoleon?”

  Haverlane chuckled. “Depend upon it, if he should have it murmured into his ear, he shall want it. No, I’m afraid Prinny wishes to have a bi-partisan government.”

  “And that is not possible?” Violet asked.

  “I do not believe so. George has made too many enemies of his father’s contemporaries and I think his behaviour will not afford him the compassion for the policies he so desires. Alas, I believe George regrets his past actions, but that will not change his ways and the people will not abide him.” Haverlane looked thoughtful.

  “There is nothing you can do?”

  “I’m afraid I have done as much as I am able. The rest shall be up to George.”

  Both turned to the doorway as Manning appeared. He stepped into the room and bowed. “Lady Violet, may I say it is with great delight I find you so much improved.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Manning. I thank you for the kindness you bestowed upon me during my illness. I hope you do not feel the ill effects of the fever,” Violet said.

  “No, my lady. I am very well, indeed, thank you.” He directed his next at Haverlane. “My lord, we are arrived and as soon as we are settled, should you care to direct your orders, we shall assemble in the kitchen to await you.”

  “Very good, Manning. Thank you. And of the other matter?” Haverlane placed his cup down and stood. He nodded to Violet. “Excuse me.”

  Haverlane and Manning stood in the hall and Violet could not hear what they discussed. Who was here and needed to settle before Haverlane ordered them about? She hoped it was not Haverlane’s mother again. Violet hated to think uncharitably toward the woman, but Lady Chesnick vexed her so.

  Violet heard the clunk of the front door knocker and a woman’s voice in the hall. She prayed it be Mrs. Perry and sipped her tea while she waited.

  “Oh, my dearest Violet, how do you fare?” Lady Penny asked from the doorway.

  Violet sat up quickly and Jane awoke. Trying to disentangle herself from the groggy child, Violet overset her teacup and spilled the remainder of the contents across the only dress she had bothered to take in to fit her smaller frame. Such was the irony in trying to look nice for Haverlane.

  “Imma,” Jane fussed. The little girl reached her arms around Violet’s neck.

  “Come now, Jane,” Haverlane said walking back into the room. “Let us go down to the kitchen to see if Jeffie has made biscuits, shall we? Let us leave Aunt Penny and Lady Violet to their own devices.” He scooped up his daughter, and nodded to his sister-in-law and Violet. “If you will excuse us, ladies.”

  Penny fluttered across the room in her pink satin dress looking like a fairy princess, and Violet felt a pang of envy. How she wished she didn’t look so dowdy in comparison to the beautiful duchess.

  Penny settled herself on the edge of the settee and clasped one of Violet’s hands. “Oh Violet, when Haverlane wrote and told me of your illness, I could not stay away. I see you are improved and I am pleased. How do you feel?” Penny asked.

  “I am well now, thank you. I am astonished you should come to Fairhaven, your ladyship. Surely, your husband will take it very ill you have left him once again so soon after your homecoming.”

  “William knows I cherish my friends and as it is also a favor to his brother, he could not refuse. Their cousin, Robert, is keeping William busy in Town with the Prince so I do not think he minds. I was quite determined you see, and therefore, William could not deny me.”

  “Haverlane requested you come and attend me?” Violet’s eyes grew round.

  “Not in as many words,” Penny said. “He requested a modiste, but as it would never do to have Haverlane purchase gowns for you, I assented to bring some of my older ones for I have far too many in my closet. I am handy with a needle, and with help from Mrs. Jeffers I am sure we will be able to secure you something new to wear.”

  Violet looked down at her faded calico. She had not bothered to look in the cheval glass in her room for some months. Her dresses were old and careworn, but writing to her mother to ask for money to purchase cloth for new would have taken away from Lilly’s come-out.

  What must she look like if Haverlane noticed her drabness and requested a modiste? Tears pricked her eyes. “I confess I had no notion how horrid I must appear,” Violet said.

  “Dearest Violet, forgive me. I did not mean to insult you. And you do not appear horrid. Haverlane thought that it might brighten your spirits to have some new gowns that is all. And I should say, for once, he is right. There is nothing to make a woman feel better about herself than lovely colors.” Penny stood. “Come, would you care to look at what I have brought to see if anything suits your fancy?”

  Violet pushed herself to a sitting position. “As you wish.”

  “We shall have our own little fitting party. And if you feel the least bit overcome, you must tell me at once. You must keep your rest. Do you promise?”

  Violet stood. “Yes, of course.” Pushing aside her mortification, she could not help feel a little excitement at the thought of a new gown and hoped there would be something in Lady Penny’s old trousseau she would be able to wear.

  Violet trembled as she went downstairs. What would Haverlane think? The light green satin gown she wore rustled as she descended. Sarah had arranged her hair and Violet felt like a queen. She stifled a giggle at the thought of Haverlane’s face when he saw her in this lovely creation. He would certainly be as surprised as she was when she saw herself in the looking glass. Or would he not?

  Violet entered the library and saw Haverlane by the fireplace. Penny jumped up from her chair.

  “Violet, you are breathtaking. Do you not think, Ellis?” She walked to Violet and clasped her hands. “Dearest, that color suits you admirably. How do you feel?”

  “I am well, thank you.” She glanced at Haverlane. His jaw clenched and she saw the late
ly dormant storm clouds return to his face.

  “Haverlane, is she not the most beautiful creature you have ever laid eyes on?” Penny asked.

  Haverlane cleared his throat. “I have never seen you look lovelier, my dear.”

  Violet gave a short curtsy. “Thank you, my lord.”

  Manning stepped into the doorway. “Dinner is served,” he said.

  As they entered the dining room, Violet gasped. Several footmen stood by the sideboard. The table had been set with the finest of the china Violet had only seen in the locked cupboards. The candelabras on the table gleamed from their polishing and the light bounced off the crystal goblets and silverware.

  Haverlane sat at the head of the table, Penny to his left, Violet to his right. “Would you care for wine, Violet, or should you like lemonade instead?”

  “Lemonade, thank you, my lord,” she whispered.

  Haverlane waved his hand at one of the footmen who left immediately. He turned to another. “You may begin.”

  Violet could not help the small moan of pleasure that escaped her lips upon tasting the soup.

  “Is something amiss, Violet?” Haverlane asked.

  “Mrs. Jeffers has outdone herself, my lord. This is the most delicious concoction she has ever created.”

  Haverlane smiled. “It is not Mrs. Jeffers soup. Your mother was kind enough to point out on her visit that I had been remiss in my duties as master of Fairhaven leaving you without the appropriate servants. Owning to your and Jane’s illness, I have procured a cook and several servants to attend you.”

  Violet flushed. She could just imagine what her mother had said. “You are very kind, my lord, but I am ashamed of my mother. She had no right to suggest we were not being cared for properly. Mrs. Jeffers and Grennan have been unequal in their consideration of Jane and me.”

  “Nevertheless, it is done and you shall not have to scrub pots or pluck chickens any longer. We have also been fortunate in securing Mary’s help until Cousin Phyllidia arrives for Jane. I do not wish for you to be overwhelmed before you return to Town.” His tone, unabashedly pompous, and sounded like the old Haverlane.