by Kate Rolin
“Hmm…I had forgotten she had a son away.” And I know everybody. Well, if Olivia approved of him as a tutor, he must be fine. There was another matter she wanted to discuss anyway. “Where is Cyrus? I haven’t seen him in ages! Well not to visit properly, anyway.”
She saw what looked like pain flicker across Olivia’s face.
“He left a week ago for his estate, or Winfield, I’m not really sure which. But he was needed there.”
“He left? You mean he’s been gone for a week and left you here? Alone?” Elizabeth felt incredulous.
“Not alone…he keeps this house fully staffed and left Charles and Cook here as well. I assume…once Josef and I are settled with you he will return later.” Olivia quieted and looked down at her hands.
Meaning was dawning in Elizabeth now and she frowned. She was not happy about this. This was not at all going according to plan. Why, she had half-expected on being greeted with an engagement announcement when she arrived, not to hear that they were going their separate ways.
Elizabeth felt unsure of what to do next. This was new territory for her. She’d always had success with her matchmaking attempts over the years. If she knew one thing, it was people, and she knew Cyrus and Olivia now belonged with each other.
She simply couldn’t respond as she was silently wracking her brain for answers when Josef came bursting through the door.
“Mutter! Look! I made…oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company.” Josef lowered the elaborate paper bird he’d made along with his head in embarrassment, but Olivia stood and waved him over.
“Josef, come here. I have someone I’d like you to meet. This is Lady Mil—, excuse me, Brighton, your great-aunt Elizabeth. Aunt Elizabeth, this is my son Josef.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Still looking a little sheepish, he toed the floor with his shoe.
Smiling, Elizabeth waved for him to come closer. “Come here, child. Oh, he looks so much like your father, Olivia!” Elizabeth drew him into a hug.
“He looks even more like his own father. I know you never met Karl, but you get an idea of what he looked like by seeing Josef.”
“And Josef, how old are you?”
“Eight years old.” His voice rang with confidence now.
“Well,” reaching into her reticule, Elizabeth drew out a small bag. “I have it on good authority that eight-year-old little boys like licorice sticks, or was that misinformation?” Her twinkling eyes and dimpled smile won Josef over in an instant.
“Those are my favorite! Can I have on now Mutter?”
“I don’t see what one will hurt, but what do you say to Aunt Elizabeth?”
“Oh, thank you! I am not going to dread living with you now!”
Elizabeth laughed, “My, what an honest boy! And Josef, you are most welcome!”
“He is that. I suppose I should be grateful he doesn’t tell fibs, though sometimes I wonder if it would be less brutal.” Olivia laughed and watched Josef run to the door.
“Whoa! You nearly ran me over, my boy! How did you mother like the…Oh, forgive me for the intrusion! I didn’t realize you had company….” Derrick had walked in and bowed deeply in apology.
“Oh, that’s quite alright! Derrick, let me introduce you to my aunt, Lady Randall Brighton. She’s just returned from her honeymoon on the continent. Aunt Elizabeth, this is Lord Derrick Stratton, Josef’s tutor I was telling you about.”
Derrick walked over and bowed over Elizabeth's hand before standing to give her a dazzling smile. He had to be one of the most handsome men Elizabeth had ever seen, yet the unsettled feeling she was having upon realizing Cyrus had gone only increased with his smile. Maybe it was the familiar way in which Olivia had addressed him using his given name, or the fact that Elizabeth knew everyone in London, but did not recognize this bronzed man standing before her. Why didn’t she remember Clara having a…
“I am most pleased to meet you, Lady Brighton. Perhaps you know my mother, Lady Wainwright. Ah, I see you are surprised. Yes, I’ve been gone these past nine years and have only just returned to London a few days ago.”
“I’m afraid you are correct. I’m sorry I don’t remember you.”
“I was but a youth when I departed, I doubt many do. I’ve been seeing to a business venture. It’s actually been quite refreshing to be reintroduced into society with a clean slate, as you might say.”
“Yes, I can imagine you are right.” Why didn’t she remember him? Knowing Clara, it was a wonder she hadn’t droned on and on about her son and this business venture, unless she didn’t want it known… “Your mother has never mentioned you to me that I can recall.”
“Yes, I’m not surprised. She’s had so much on her with the death of father years ago, and I’m afraid even if she wanted, she couldn’t have discussed my affairs as even I am not at liberty to discuss business I conducted in Africa. She also spends much time visiting my brother George, the Marquess.”
“I see…” Elizabeth eyed him sharply, no dimples showed on her usually pleasant face. She had the disturbing feeling he was hiding more than he let on. And as for his poor mother, she had dealt with her late husband’s death very well if her pursuit of Cyrus and second string of lovers were any indication.
Olivia smiled and clapped her hands together, oblivious to her aunt’s mood. “Well! Why don’t we all catch up over supper?”
“We?” Elizabeth looked to Derrick. She knew she was being rude, but she couldn’t help it.
“Yes, I’m afraid I’ve been quite lonely the past few days, so I’ve asked Derrick to join us each night now. He’s quite the entertainer with his stories.”
Derrick flashed a smile, extending an arm for each lady.
Elizabeth took it, but did not like the situation at all. No, she did not like this one bit.
~
After the early supper, Derrick returned home to allow the women time to catch up and also to get out from under the disapproving eye he sensed every time Lady Brighton had looked at him.
Josef and Olivia had already been packed, anticipating Elizabeth’s arrival later that day, so an hour or so after supper, Lord Brighton’s carriage arrived to take them all to Elizabeth’s townhouse.
Trunks and packages were piled on and they said their goodbyes and thanks to the household staff. Olivia thought she saw a sheen in Charles’s eyes as Josef gave him a hug.
She couldn’t help but give the butler a hug herself. “Goodbye Charles. Thank you for everything.”
“Goodbye my lady. Please, don’t stay away too long. You are always welcome here, Little Miss.” In truth, Charles would miss them both terribly, for he had some knowledge that things were no longer right between His Grace and this lovely woman. He feared the whole house and master would only return to the despair that had engulfed them these past four years.
Olivia couldn’t speak now for fear of crying and simply nodded before turning away. She refused herself one last look of the place that had become like a home to her and moved forward to join her aunt and son in the carriage.
They rode along in easy conversation, Elizabeth telling of their honeymoon and all the places they saw—much to Josef’s amazement—when he suddenly turned to Olivia. “Mutter, you left your pianoforte!”
“Josef, it’s fine. We have no way to move it now and besides, His Grace said we could send for it later, once we are more permanently settled.”
“Oh, was that yours? I noticed it earlier and did not remember Cyrus having one before. You brought it all the way from Austria?”
“No, no, Aunt Eliz—”
“It was a gift from the Duke! He gave it to her for Christmas!” Josef cut in.
Elizabeth watched as a blush crept in Olivia’s face. Ah, here was a good indication that at one point they were on good terms. Perhaps not all was lost…
“I see, well then, as long as it remains at Cyrus’s house, you might as well return as you wish to play it. He will likely be gone for some time, he usually is when he leav
es town. No need to let it sit idle.” She rushed on before Olivia could protest, “I fear I don’t have a place for it, not after Rand’s things are moved in. He didn’t have a house in town you know, only his estate up north. I know Cyrus would not mind in the least, especially if he will not be there anyway. I’ll write to Charles tonight informing him you’ll be returning regularly.”
“That’s really not necessary Aunt Elizabeth.”
“Nonsense, it’s no trouble on anyone’s part. You may come and go as you wish.” And just maybe she could convince Cyrus to return to find Olivia there—and soon.
“Very well.” Olivia acquiesced, but on the other hand she decided it would be quite some time before she’d feel like returning, with His Grace away or not.
Upon their arrival at Elizabeth’s home, they were greeted at the door by her butler with Lord Brighton not far behind and introductions were made.
“Olivia, Josef, this is my husband Lord Brighton—Randall, or Rand as I call him.”
He bowed over Olivia’s hand and looked up at her. “My, you are the spitting image of my lovely bride, other than the beautiful shade of red in your hair.”
“She takes after her mother in that regard.” Elizabeth smiled at her niece fondly.
“Why, she looks like your younger sister, my dear.” Rand gave his new wife a wink.
“Rand, you’re positively charming! Although, I don’t know how Olivia feels being referred to as her aunt’s sister.”
“Well, he did say younger,” Olivia grinned. She liked this new uncle of hers.
“Maybe he meant that for me.” Elizabeth’s dimpled smile was in full force at the jest.
“Now, now ladies. It’s not to me to cause any discourse amongst relations. I’ll leave it to you to decide who I was referring to.” A twinkle was in his eye. Turning to the boy, he squatted down to be eye level. “And you must be Josef. It is an honor and a privilege.” He made a great sweeping bow even though sitting on his haunches.
Josef giggled and attempted the same. “An honor and a priv-i-lege!”
Lord Brighton stood and ruffled Josef’s hair. Olivia felt a sense of peace now that she was among family at last. For however long their stay here ended up being, she knew she would enjoy their time together.
~
Later that evening, Josef having been sent to bed with a hot chocolate, Olivia sat at the vanity brushing out her hair as Sarah, the maid assigned to her, finished unpacking and putting away her things. At a soft knock at the door, Olivia answered to come in, assuming it was Josef out of bed.
Elizabeth entered instead, and after dismissing the maid, went to pace behind Olivia without saying a word. Olivia watched her aunt’s reflection in the mirror for some time, back and forth, waiting for her to begin. As the pacing continued, she finally sat her brush down and turned to look at her aunt.
It was still another moment more before Elizabeth spoke. “The child seems to be adapting well for having had his life turned upside down.”
“Yes, he is more resilient than even I could have given him credit for. I believe spending the year longer in Austria was best for him, and then he had time to adjust to London by staying with Cy—His Grace. He quite befriended Charles and Cook you know. Having Derrick as a tutor has helped as well. And your regular letters to him over the years have made him feel as if he’s known you all his life. You don’t know how much all you’ve done and continue to do for us has meant to me.” Tears sprang to her eyes then, and Elizabeth rushed over to embrace her in a hug.
“I’ve missed you every day since you and your parents left, Olivia. I only wish they were here as well. Your father was my only brother, and other than our sister who died in infancy, it was always the two of us. He always did everything he could to look after me, especially after my beloved Phillip died all those years ago.”
“I can barely remember Uncle Phillip now, but I do remember liking him. And I find now that I like Lord Brighton very much!”
“So do I, dear!” A twinkle in her eye and dimples appeared. “It may have seemed rushed, but once we met we knew it was to be. At our age, there’s no point in wasting time.”
Elizabeth quieted then and moved to sit on the bed, indicating for Olivia to join her. “I know you miss Karl terribly.”
“Oh, so much! After mourning him for the past year, I believe I’ve been so focused on getting here and my duty toward Josef that it has helped to keep my mind busy. But I do have times that I feel so…so lonely. And now that I have Josef’s tutor accounted for, I find those moments are coming more regularly…”
“And also because Cyrus is gone.” Elizabeth stated it matter of factly.
Olivia startled at the mention of him and feeling caught off guard she merely nodded.
“Olivia, what happened between you two? You know you can’t hide matters of the heart from me.” She smiled and covered Olivia’s hand with her own.
Olivia laughed, though tears threatened at the same time. “I…I don’t know exactly. I began to suspect your reasoning for delaying your return to us, and for a while it seemed to be working. Something seemed to be forming between us, I could see it in his eyes. You know, I think I’ve always loved him, even as a girl.”
“I know. Well, don’t look so surprised. It is me you’re talking to. Why, I remember you couldn’t be in the same room with him without turning bright pink and losing your tongue!”
Olivia couldn’t help but blush now. “Well, I don’t exactly know what happened, but one day he’s kissing me and all but tells me he loves me, and the next he’s cold and saying he’s 'too old for me’, ‘it wouldn’t be fair’—honestly, I don’t care to remember it all. And then he left. Just like that. And…I don’t think he’s coming back…”
She started to cry then and Elizabeth pulled her to her shoulder. She let her cry as long as she needed, stroking her hair the entire time. Neither spoke again, and when Olivia eventually drifted off to sleep, Elizabeth tucked her in and quietly left.
She entered her own room to find Rand waiting up for her. She removed her dressing gown and joined him in bed. He rolled over and propped his head up on one arm. “Did you find out if your little scheme was successful?”
“It appears it was working, for a while anyway, but something has got in the way. I just have to find out what.”
“Well, I for one am not sorry for the extension to our honeymoon. I quite liked having you all to myself.” He had pulled Elizabeth close to him and his low voice rumbled in her ear.
She giggled and turned to face him. “He’s kissed her. I know that much. More than once, I’d wager. If only I knew what really happened, I might could fix this.”
“Now, love, it’s one thing to encourage, and another matter entirely to meddle.”
“It’s not meddling if I know they should be together. How do you think I got you, my dear?” She batted her lashes.
“Well, whatever it was, I’m glad you did it.” He lowered his mouth to hers and she responded eagerly…
…but not before thinking she would write to Cyrus soon to straighten this whole thing out.
~
January 1791
A few days later, Olivia sat at breakfast joined by Elizabeth and Josef. Lord Brighton had left earlier to attend a meeting that required his presence. Olivia took a bite of her toast and jam and scanned the front page of the newspaper while Elizabeth and Josef chatted in the background about some new book he’d read. A headline caught Olivia’s eye then, causing her to gasp…and then choke on her bite.
“Olivia, dear, are you ok?” Elizabeth had rushed over to pat her back as Olivia coughed, and handed her a glass of water.
Olivia took a few sips. “Yes.” Cough. “Thank you. I was only surprised at this news! Look!” She held out the paper so her aunt could see.
Elizabeth looked to where Olivia pointed and saw—a poem? What could have Olivia so worked up over a poem? She glanced at her niece to see that the look of amazement remained on her face
. Perhaps she’d better read this poem.
Welcome, great master! to our favour’d isle,
Already partial to thy name and style;
Long may thy fountain of invention run
In streams as rapid as it first begun;
While skill for each fantastic whim provides,
And certain science ev’ry current guides!
Oh, may thy days, from human suff’rings free,
Be blest with glory and felicity!
With full fruition, to a distant hour,
Of all thy magic and creative pow’r!
Blest in thyself, with rectitude of mind,
And blessing, with thy talents, all mankind![1]
Elizabeth still didn’t understand and looked again to Olivia. She appeared to be about to burst.
“Joseph Haydn has arrived in London! I’d heard rumors before we left Austria that he may come after Prince Nikolaus’s death, and here he is! Oh, I do hope to attend a concert if he has one!”
This was the most excitement Elizabeth had seen in Olivia since she’d arrived.
“Maybe the Duke will come back so he can go with you!” And that was one of the first references Josef had made to Cyrus since arriving at Elizabeth’s.
“What’s this?” Now Elizabeth’s interest was piqued.
“His Grace promised that if Haydn ever came to London, he would take Mutter to hear him.”
“Yes, well, that was before he had other obligations. And besides, we don’t even know if or when a concert will be held.” Olivia returned to her paper, not wanting to discuss the unlikely return of the Duke of Alston.
“Well dear, if there does happen to be one, Rand and I would be happy to accompany you if Cyrus has not returned.” And perhaps, Elizabeth plotted, she could convince him to attend regardless.
“Thank you, Aunt Elizabeth, that would be lovely. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to attend a concert of his.” Olivia looked up again and smiled.
“And maybe Derrick could go!”
Olivia looked at Josef in surprise. She hadn’t even considered Derrick as a possible companion for things like that. She knew Josef seemed to like him well enough and enjoyed their studies. Perhaps she should keep him in mind...for future events.
