by Kira Stewart
“A brandy, doctor? Now, do come sit by the fire, and tell us how the patient is.”
Dr. Roberts had been the Brancepths’ physician, and had personally delivered all of the girls. Stepping toward the fire, he reached for Rebecca’s hand. He was an old friend, as well as her physician.
Dr. Roberts then took his brandy and sat by the fire. His face was serious.
“I won’t lie to you, Rebecca. I’m afraid it is quite a bad break. I have done all I can to reset the bone. Your sister is sleeping now. I don’t know how long she was outside, but she has caught quite a chill. I do not want to frighten you, my dear, but what with the break and the chill, your sister is in quite a serious condition. We will need to watch over her carefully tonight. I will stay here until morning to see how she progresses. The girl was asking for her mother earlier. Perhaps it would be advisable that she be fetched?”
Rebecca could feel her lip tremble.
“May I see my sister?”
“She is sleeping at the moment, my dear. Rest is the best medicine in these cases, and I have given her a small draught to help her. If you do not disturb her, you may sit by her bedside for a while.”
“And I will fetch Lady Brancepth at once.”
Setting down his brandy, Edward stood to depart.
“I will ask your mother for some of your things, to make your stay here more comfortable.”
Dr. Roberts patted Rebecca fatherly on the shoulder.
“You know, my dear, Sir Edward D’Arcy is a fine young man. If it hadn’t been for him and his friend, it might have been too late. Now come, let us go and sit with her a while.”
•••
For four nights, Rebecca and her mother watched over poor Lucy. The girl developed a fever and it was touch and go for a while. With her mother not in good health, Rebecca took on most of the night duties, staying awake and watching her sister for signs of improvement. Poor Lucy drifted in and out of conciseness, and Rebecca wanted her to see a friendly face if she awoke.
Edward kept in the background, wanting to help, but feeling utterly useless. He made sure that the girl and her mother had everything they could possibly want, and tried to make them as comfortable as possible.
By the fifth night, the fever had fully taken hold, and as the distant church bells chimed two in the morning, Rebecca held her sister’s hand. Dr. Roberts had hoped that the fever would have broken before now, but poor Lucy was muttering intelligible words, as sweat poured from her brow.
Tired and emotional, Rebecca fell to her knees at the side of her sister’s bed, in prayer.
“Dear Lord. Please, spare my sister. I would give anything to make her well again. Please, don’t let her die, Lord. After father, I do not think we could bear the grief.”
Sobbing, she kissed her sister’s hand.
“Oh, Lucy, my love, live, oh, live. Live for me.”
18.
Rebecca awoke suddenly. She must have fallen asleep, whilst she had been sobbing next to the bed, for her head was still laid upon the bed, her sister’s hand still clasped in her own.
The early morning light fell onto her sister’s face. She was breathing easily, as the fever had passed.
Quickly, she called for her mother—Lucy was going to be all right.
When the girl eventually opened her eyes, she thought she was at first dreaming, having no remembrance of the accident. As soon as Dr. Roberts had declared that she was indeed out of danger, chicken broth was called for. The girl would still need plenty of rest and looking after, before she recovered, and it would be many months, before she could walk properly again. Now that the danger was over, Lady Brancepth readied herself to move back into the cottage—the other girls needed their mother, too. Rebecca would stay and take care of her sister.
Edward D’Arcy hovered around the doorway, unsure of how he could help. He was pleased the girl was recovering, and asked Dr. Roberts when the girl could return back home to her family.
The doctor shook his head. He was not certain, but thought the girl should not be moved for another few weeks. Now, poor Edward had another difficulty. His father and sister would be returning home in two weeks, and the young man had not yet informed his father of what had taken place.
He had already agreed that Grace could stay as chaperone and company for her sisters, thinking that they would be long gone, before his father retuned. If the girls were still here, Sir Percy would not be pleased. However, he would deal with that, if and when it happened.
During the daytime, Rebecca and Grace would sit with their sister, reading to her and looking through the latest fashion magazines from France. The other sisters visited, so it was almost like old times. In the evening, they left their sister to rest, and joined the young men for dinner. The evenings were cozy, and the four became close over the next few days. Theirs was an easy companionship, and Rebecca and Grace would take turns playing the pianoforte and singing. The girls chatted until the small hours. Rebecca was starting to fall in love with Edward, and Grace with Harry, yet somehow, their good fortune seemed too good to be true.
During the fourth night of Grace staying with her sisters at the Hall, Sir Percy and his daughter arrived home unexpectedly. The four were just starting dinner, when Sir Percy strode into the Dining Hall. With his eyes almost popping at the sight of the two Brancepth girls at his table, the man summoned his son to his study, as soon as the meal was finished.
Rebecca felt the old fear creep across her heart, and no longer felt hungry. The gaiety from the group had gone, and they ate the remainder of the meal in silence. Not waiting for his pudding, Edward excused himself and went to see his father. The old scowl had returned to his face. Not able to bear the silence, Rebecca also excused herself from the table, on the pretense of looking in on her sister, Lucy, up in her room. She would leave Grace to speak with Harry alone.
She intended to go straight to her sister’s room, but as she had to pass Sir Percy’s study, she couldn’t help but stop and listen at the door. Voices were already being raised, and she winced as she listened.
“For God’s sake, what were you thinking, man? I turn my back and the Brancepth’s are back here? You must tell them to leave at once.”
“But father. We cannot ask Lucy to move. The doctor says she must not be moved for a few more weeks, until she is stronger. Her sisters have been looking after her. Surely, they can stay until then.”
There was a loud crack, as Sir Percy brought his fists down heavily upon his desk.
“No, sir, they cannot. You know how I feel about that family, and I will not have them under my roof. It is bad enough that they are in the Dowager cottage. I suppose the girl Lucy will have to stay, but I want the sisters to leave tomorrow.”
“But they must visit their sister, father. Surely, we cannot deny them that?”
Sir Percy harrumphed.
“As long as I do not have to see them, and they are not sleeping under my roof.”
Rebecca hoped to creep up the stairs without being noticed, but as she reached the small landing, the study door opened, and Edward appeared. He noticed the girl at once.
His face was pale and she felt sorry for the boy.
“I am sorry that I overheard that, Edward. Of course, Grace and I will leave tomorrow.”
The young man bowed his head.
“I am so sorry, I …”
Descending the stairs, Rebecca approached the young man.
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Edward. You saved my sister’s life. You could not have been kinder. But why does your father hate us so?”
The young man shrugged his shoulders.
“It is this old family feud. Father has always talked about the Brancepth’s as if they were the enemy. The hate seems to have been passed down from generation to generation, but there is nothing rational for it. I wish it could be different. At least you will still be able to visit your sister, whilst she is here.”
The two stood looking at each other, his gaze steadfast upon hers
. It all seemed so hopeless, and yet, the two had formed a bond that would be difficult to break.
The young man looked sad.
“I wish … I wish it wasn’t so, Rebecca. I am so very sorry. I wish your sister a speedy recovery. Goodnight.”
As the young man walked away, she thought her heart would break. Was he only saying goodnight, or did he mean goodbye?
19.
The girls returned to the cottage the very next morning, and despite Sir Percy’s feelings, Rebecca was determined to visit her sister every day.
Putting on a brave face, the girls set off every afternoon, for the next two weeks. A deep sadness had been drawn across both of their hearts, for even Harry Masterton had returned home. When they arrived at the Hall, they were greeted only by the servants, and the girls did not see the D’Arcys during that time.
After three weeks, the doctor finally agreed that Lucy could return home. There was great celebration back in the cottage, yet Rebecca would especially miss their visits. At least there had been some hope of seeing Edward. Now, there would be none at all.
With the return of Lucy, also came the news that Edward D’Arcy was being sent away to stay with some relatives in Scotland. There would be no chance of them meeting at all now.
•••
Two months had passed since Grace and Rebecca has seen the two young men, when an invitation arrived for the family to attend the local Spring Ball. Both girls had been secretly hoping that something would happen, and had prayed each night that they would see their young men again, but it seemed so hopeless.
Now, the Ball was approaching, and it was very likely that both young men would be invited. Whether or not they would be in attendance, would be another matter.
The days leading up to the Ball were filled with excitement in the cottage. Only Rebecca and Grace had doubts, but even they wanted to look their best, just in case. Besides, it was now spring and they could wear their lighter dresses.
Smoothing down her skirts, Rebecca gazed at herself in the mirror.
People had told her that she was beautiful, but she had never really seen it. Her eyes always looked too small, and her mouth too large. But tonight, for once, she was pleased with her reflection in the mirror. Her gown was of a light blue silk, with a darker blue sash. There was a little lace around the sleeves, and she wore her matching blue silk slippers. In her dark luxurious hair, she wore a braid of fresh flowers. As she added the final touch to her outfit, a diamond and opal brooch her father had given to her on the occasion of her sixteenth birthday, Grace entered the room.
“Oh, Rebecca, you look beautiful.”
Hugging each other, the two admired their reflections in the long mirror.
Grace looked equally beautiful. She had chosen a pink gown that looked very becoming with her fair hair. She had chosen a band of small white feathers and seed pearls to wear in her hair, and her soft ringlets framed her face.
“Oh, Rebecca, do you think we shall see Edward or Harry tonight?”
“Oh, Grace. I don’t know if that would be a good or bad thing. I am excited at seeing them again, but oh, my heart is racing at the thought. It seems so long since we last saw them. Oh, it’s so silly! I don’t even know how Edward feels about me.”
“Edward adores you, sister. Just look at you. How could he not do so? And I hope that Harry feels the same way about me.”
Just then, Lady Brancepth shouted up to the girls that it was time to leave.
“Girls, the carriage is waiting.”
The Ball was in full swing by the time they arrived. The dancing had already started, and they stepped into the Ballroom to be greeted by their hosts. Grace and Rebecca glanced around the room, looking for two particular faces in the crowd.
Anybody who was anybody was in attendance, and they nodded to their acquaintances, but there was only one face Rebecca wanted to see. Whilst there mother chatted with Lady Lennox, the two elder girls linked arms to walk around the room.
The orchestra was playing a Scottish Reel, and the girls stopped to watch the dancers. It was then, that Rebecca saw him. Edward D’Arcy was dancing with a dark haired girl.
“Grace, come quickly and stand in the alcove, so we can watch without being seen.”
Suddenly, she felt shy, and although she had thought of nothing except seeing him again, she didn’t want him to see her, not just yet.
“Who is the girl he is with? She is pretty.”
Grace did not know.
“There are many pretty girls here, Rebecca. Edward must dance with some of them. It means nothing. We could dance with dozens of handsome young men tonight.”
“But I only want to dance with one.”
As they watched, Rebecca recognized a familiar voice talking above the strains of the orchestra. It was Sir Percy D’Arcy talking.
“Don’t you think they make a beautiful couple, my son, Edward, and Sophia Barrasford? We will be expecting to announce their engagement very soon.”
Grace pulled her sister away, before they could hear anymore. They had already heard too much.
“Did you hear what he said, Grace? Edward is to be married?”
The poor girl was shaking, scarcely believing what she had just heard.
“Oh, Rebecca dearest, I don’t know what to say. Perhaps we misheard Sir Percy?”
The girl shook her head slowly, as if in a trance.
“I wish that it were true, Grace, but it is not so. I could hear every word clearly. Now look, there is Harry Masterton. He is looking at you. You must go over and speak with him. Go and dance with him.”
“But my dear sister, I cannot leave you alone, not now. I couldn’t even consider it.”
“Please, Grace. There is no point in both of us being unhappy. Look, he is smiling at you. You must take your chance of happiness, whilst you can.”
The look on her sister’s face said it all, and Grace stepped away. Rebecca needed to be alone, though deep inside, she longed to dance with her young man.
Rebecca stepped back into the shadows. If she could have disappeared there and then, she would have done so. Never had she felt so miserable. Even when Thomas Buckingham has deserted her, she had not felt like this. She thought that Edward D’Arcy has been different. Perhaps it was her. There must be something about her that made the young men leave. She had been wrong to admire herself in the mirror. She was not beautiful. No man would love her.
“Rebecca!”
The sound of his voice made her shiver. It was unexpected.
“Thomas. What a surprise!”
The young man looked slightly embarrassed, but gave a low bow.
“It has been a long time. I hoped to see you here.”
His manner had completely changed. The last time they had met, it was obvious that he did not want to speak with her. Now, he was the one seeking her out.
“You are alone this evening, Thomas?”
“I have come with my parents.”
“And what of Theresa D’Arcy?”
The young man shrugged.
“What of her?”
Rebecca smiled. Edward had been astute. Sir Percy had ensured that the friendship between the girl and boy could not flourish. The man certainly seemed to have a lot of power in that direction. And now, Thomas was crawling back to her. It would be amusing, if she wasn’t feeling so wretched.
“Would you care for the next dance?”
About to give the young man a piece of her mind, Rebecca hesitated. Why not? She could either stand and brood in the shadows, or try to enjoy herself. She no longer cared for Thomas, but it would be fun to go along with him, and it would serve him right.
Taking his hand, they headed for the dance floor, where couples were taking their places for a country dance.
It was a lively jig, and despite her partner, it felt good to let some of her anger go in the energetic dance. She noticed that Harry was dancing with Grace, and she felt glad for her sister. Maybe love was in the air for one of them at
least. The young men spun her around, as they stripped the willow. The music was loud and gay, and it was good to get lost in the moment. Her hands moved from partner to partner, as the dance progressed, when suddenly, he was there in front of her, holding her hands and turning about her.
“Rebecca!”
He looked more surprised than she. The look on Edward D’Arcy’s face spoke more than words ever could.
The girl’s eyes widened, as she tried to remain calm, her heart stammering in her bosom.
She could not speak, but only nodded in acknowledgement, before he was gone, and she had been passed on to the next partner.
Perhaps it had not been such a good idea to dance, and she wished it to end.
Finally, the orchestra stopped playing and the dance was finished. She wanted to creep back into the shadows, but Thomas insisted on escorting her to join Grace and Harry.
Grace looked quizzically at her sister, but said nothing.
“Perhaps the gentlemen could fetch us some refreshments, sister. All of that dancing has given me a thirst.”
It was a ruse for the girls to be left alone, and the two men were dispatched for glasses of lemonade.
As soon as they had gone, Grace turned to her sister.
“Thomas Buckingham? Oh, Rebecca, I wonder that you can even speak with the man, let alone dance?”
“Don’t worry, sister. I have no feelings for the man. I believe he is trying to creep back into my affections, after being spurned by Theresa D’Arcy, or at least her father. At first, I was going to have nothing to do with him, but then I thought I might make Edward jealous, so I accepted his invitation to dance. Oh, Grace, it back fired on me in the end, for I had to dance with Edward, and I could hardly bare it.”
“Oh, sister, that is terrible, but there is worse to come, I am afraid. Edward D’Arcy is approaching!”
Before the girl had time to move away, the young man had already reached them.
“Rebecca, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
With a hesitant smile, the young man gave a low bow, unsure of his welcome.
“Master D’Arcy, how unexpected.”
