by Laura Locke
The squire took his time, nodding briefly as he pushed back his chair and clasped his hands over his chest, twirling his thumbs in contemplation. Finally, he said, “It is true, young Richard, that you have risen in my esteem through your consistent integrity and ambition. While these are fine qualities and certainly stand you in good stead, they must be paired with the birthright of the proper connections. I am sure I do not need to explain this to you. As a matter-of-fact, I must say I find it a bit presumptuous that you would be willing to limit my daughter’s possible alliances, and thereby a secure and appropriate life, by tying her to your side.”
The word stung heartily and Richard physically jerked backward at their potency. He only knew that he was in love with the beautiful Eliza and the fact that he might limit her happiness with his lack of possibilities, had never occurred to him. That said, he had just witnessed firsthand, that even the greatest connections could not save you if the social tide swallowed you in disgrace. By his reasoning, the disgrace was a weight that would forever carry you to the bottom while ambition could overcome the lack of appropriate credentials.
“Sir, everything you say is true. I would beg you to consider, however, that happiness is a critical component to ambition and the eventual success it brings with it. In my estimation and from the conversations I’ve had with your daughter, she did not seem opposed to my attentions. You are a wealthy man and have much to show for your wisdom and keen understanding of how the world works. In fact, I have learned much from you by observation. While my parents were not of noble birth, I was raised with an attention to a good Christian upbringing that is necessary for any man, and most particularly one who must depend upon public opinion for his business to succeed. I understand that my profession is considered a lowly one, but I would also like to point out that it can support a family quite comfortably, even through the downturns that occur in any economy. As you know, sir, the palace can make or break many a fortune. My profession is immune to that.”
Richard felt as though he were making a valid point, but felt it was unlikely that the squire could reframe his thinking in Richard’s favor. He was long convinced that it took the title and connections to ensure his daughter’s welfare, not to mention his own. There was nothing that Richard could offer the squire, but only his daughter.
The squire paused long moments before answering and Richard sensed that what was about to be said was his final word on the matter. “I appreciate all you have said and yes, there is validity in some aspect of your thinking. However, my daughter has not been raised to be the wife of a man who lives off the land or by the hoof of a horse. She was raised in a fine house and is accustomed to every luxury. I feel it is only my responsible duty to ensure that her lifestyle continues. I can understand that she may be attracted to a man of your stature, but I am afraid it is quite out of the question.” Richard’s face fell and the squire found it necessary to add, “In any case, my daughter will be departing soon. My sister, her aunt, has been ailing and lives alone. Eliza will travel to London to live with her aunt as a companion until such time as an eligible and appropriate candidate for marriage comes forward. Again, if it makes you feel less rejected, let me say that my daughter speaks well of you, and quite frequently. Indeed, she sings your praises whenever I am available to listen. The heart is a fickle thing, and it cannot provide shelter nor food on the table. It is an indulgence permitted the young but it is up to those who are older and wiser to limit the damage it can wreak. Therefore, young Richard, I must deny your request and urge you to keep this between us to save us both any unpleasantness. Now, I take my leave and I consider the subject closed.”
With an aching heart, Richard watched as the squire rose to his feet and stumbled from the pub. He felt as though he had just witnessed his future drunkenly abandoning him to solitude.
One week later, Richard sought out the company of Sarah for tea and was told in a sympathetic, but firm voice, Eliza had been dispatched for London and the life’s companion to her elderly aunt. “In my opinion,” Sarah put in for good measure, “it is like sealing her to a fate of loneliness. The aunt in question does not entertain and is not invited to social functions. Therefore, the chance encounter out and an appropriate suitor is highly unlikely. I am sorry you missed your chance, Richard, and perhaps I should not have encouraged you for it raised your hopes beyond a reasonable level. I do not believe the squire yet fully grasps the seriousness of his predicament, but I do hope that it sinks in before his daughter is lost to spinsterhood.”
Richard could not imagine Eliza as a spinster. Indeed, all sorts of evil thoughts penetrated his mind, including the macabre hope that the squire would be greeted with an early demise. Richard’s heart was crushed and he considered relocating to another village that would not remind him of the beautiful Eliza. However, spring was upon them and Richard knew his fortunes would grow far faster if he stayed the course. With some luck, he may outlast the squire’s condemnation.
Chapter 16
Spring presented itself as a series of intermittent rains and warm sunshine. These were a farmer’s dream and consequently, the tenants of the Squire Barrington took great advantage of the ideal weather and planted fields early. Overworked horses meant additional work for Richard and he welcomed it. It helped to pass the time and lessened his opportunity to mourn Eliza’s absence. Richard had also seen to the planting of his own first garden and anticipated the harvest as much as any tenant farmer in sight.
Anticipating a profitable season, the tenants banded together to organize an evening dance and picnic at one of their homes. Word had traveled of Richard’s rejection and this gave mothers everywhere the encouragement they needed to present their daughters to him. Richard accepted their invitation with gratitude; although he was suspicious of their kind intentions.
It was to be held on a Saturday evening, a night when the warm temperatures and dew upon the grass encouraged storytelling of fairies and things mythical in nature. One of the tenants played the fiddle and entertained the group of them with quick stepping music that encouraged the young ladies present to eye Richard longingly, hoping he would invite them to dance. He chose to overlook their invitations, recognizing that there were far too many ladies to be kept content and he would be better served not to make enemies when he depended upon their patronage. As the group danced, he spotted a woman who had been recently widowed, her husband fallen in the field as he overworked his weakened heart. He approached her and held out his hand and invitation and although she was in mourning, the others understood that this was not a dance of romance, but of respect. She accepted and Richard slowly guided her through the steps.
He went back to his cottage that evening feeling all the more lonely for the gaiety he had left behind. While the young ladies had been bountiful, none had caught his eye. He was relatively certain it was not a lack of their beauty, but that there was no room in his heart for anyone but Eliza. Perhaps he was to be so doomed for the rest of his life.
The sorrow upon his heart caused him to write to his parents. While he had dropped brief notes from time to time, this one was lengthy and excruciatingly honest regarding his prospects. He was immensely surprised when only two weeks later, he received a return missive.
In it, Ira wrote to say that his elderly aunt, whom the children had never met, had passed on to her reward. It seemed that Ira was her only living relative, and thus had inherited her will.
“There is no need for you to continue shoeing horses, my son. My aunt’s fortune was immense, far greater than I had suspected. Indeed, I would not be surprised to learn that you are now more wealthy than the squire whose daughter you pursue. My aunt possessed not only great amounts of cash, but was landed and held a title, I was surprised to learn. I will be soon making the journey to Leister, accompanied by a chest that will ensure your future. Be patient, my son, your life is about to change.”
Richard’s attitude changed overnight after reading his father’s letter. The squire could no
longer hold his lowly upbringing against him. While he was not an ostentatious man by nature, and he was certainly well grounded in the tenets of business. He was not going to allow the squire to escape so easily. One afternoon, not long after his father’s visit, Richard made it his business to present himself at teatime with Sarah.
“So, you see,” he was finishing after having related his good fortune, “it is my wish that the squire learn of this new development and reconsider my offer to wed his daughter.”
Sarah’s eyebrows rose, a new appreciation for the young man seated opposite her evident upon her face. “Indeed, you are a lucky man. It would seem that God is intervening at the most opportune moment. The squire is considering an elderly match for his daughter; a man whose old family title is no longer supported by wealth, making him a less suitable subject, although his title compensates for his lack of wealth. Therefore, the squire should consider that while you may not have a title yet, it will eventually become yours and in the meantime, you are in possession of enough wealth to see to was Eliza’s needs. You may also point out to the Squire that as a young man, it is far more likely that he should have heirs, were Eliza to marry you. The older a man becomes, the more concerned he is with that benefit.”
“But I have no opportunity to meet with the squire. He has become somewhat of a recluse, I’m told. He does not even visit the many tenants I oversee. He has sent his accountant to present me with an updated list of the rents due, but I’ve not seen him personally.”
Sarah shook her head sadly. “No, you are truthful in your observation. It is unlikely you will see him, for he has withdrawn after having sent Eliza to his sister. No, I can see that it will fall upon me to make sure the squire learns of your good fortune. Trust me, young Richard, I will see to it,” she resolved and on this opportunity, Richard took it upon himself to leave a small kiss on her cheek in gratitude.
Chapter 17
The morning was warm and humid, the long night of rain leaving its fingerprints on the dawn. Richard tended to rise before daylight on such mornings, so that he might accomplish his work before the midday sun made the barn uninhabitable. He had just completed the animals for the day when he spotted the squire’s carriage coming toward his gate. Surprised, he hastened to the water trough to wash the grime of his work away. Boy ran towards the gate, barking furiously but the squire’s driver snapped his whip sharply in the air, causing Boy to rethink his greeting and find shelter in the shade of a large oak tree.
Richard approached the carriage, expecting the Squire to emerge and supposing that he’d come to discuss the tenants. To his great surprise, the squire did, indeed, disembark but he promptly turned around and handed down Eliza, resplendent in a gown of soft pink that contrasted vividly with her raven black hair.
“Hello Richard!” Eliza waved, her smile bringing joy to his heart. “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked my father to bring me by. I have news to share and hoped you might forgive our presumptuous interruption.”
Richard stepped forward quickly and nodded to her, taking the squire’s hand in a quick shake. “Of course, Eliza. You are always welcome and if truth be told, this farm belongs to your father.”
The squire cleared his throat and shook his head. “Not any longer,” he said. “Tell me, young Richard, my daughter has packed a picnic and I wonder if you might have something we may sit upon beneath the shade of that tree. The heat is getting more and more difficult for me to contemplate.”
Richard nodded enthusiastically. Over the winter he had built himself some furniture and now could offer adequate seating. “Of course. If you will wait here, I will bring out the table and chairs I built over the winter. Please make yourself comfortable momentarily.” He rushed off and was soon seen dragging a table through the cottage doorway. While it was not an elegant piece, it was well-built, sturdy, and attractive to the eye. Furthermore, he brought out four chairs, one intended for the driver. The squire took Eliza’s hand and seated her on one of the chairs but when Richard looked to the driver, the man shook his head and looked straight ahead, assuming his proper place.
Richard and the squire sat as Eliza opened the large basket the driver had carried to the table.
“I’ve brought a flask of water, cooled in our ice house and some lemons and sugar to add. Perhaps you gentlemen would prefer the splash of brandy in yours?” Both men nodded and she obliged. The flask was followed by thick sandwiches wrapped in white linen and tiny teacakes intended for a woman’s delicate hand. A number of fruits were extracted and a thick block of cheese. Eliza lastly pulled out three settings of china and spread the meal on a cloth over Richard’s table. It was as fine a meal as Richard could recall, particularly made so by Eliza’s presence.
The three of them settled down to a general discussion of the weather and finally Eliza could hold herself back no longer. “My condolences on your recent loss, Richard. But I must confess, I must also congratulate you on the good fortune it left in its wake.”
“I appreciate your kind words, Eliza. What brings you back? A visit to your father?”
Eliza looked to her father who shook his head slowly and said, “My daughter has returned because her aunt, my sister, has breathed her last breath. It is, obviously, out of the question for Eliza to stay in her aunt’s house alone, so it became necessary for her to return here to me.”
Richard leaned forward. “Then I am equally sorry to hear of your loss, sir. Were you close with your sister?”
“Is anyone?”
Richard sat back, a small chuckle spilling from him. “You would have no way of knowing, sir, but I happen to have two sisters myself. As a matter-of-fact, they share birthdays with me.”
Eliza’s mouth opened. “Do you mean to say you are triplets?”
“Indeed, I am one of a set of triplets. My older sister is married and lives in the colonies with her husband, William. I have a second sister who still lives with my parents as she has not yet married. Perhaps one day you may meet her.”
Eliza looked to her father in a meaningful way and the squire cleared his throat. “Eliza, I see young Richard has built a swing into the tree there in the distance. Perhaps you would care to revisit your childhood for a few moments?”
Eliza grinned and quickly rose to her feet, looking over her shoulder as she walked toward the swing. Richard wanted to follow her, but understood that the squire had sent her way for a purpose.
“I wish to speak with you, Richard. I seem to recall that you offered for Eliza’s hand not so long ago. It is your offer still valid?”
Richard could hardly believe his own ears. “Sir, oh yes sir, it would be my dearest wish to make Eliza my wife. I understood your objections at the time, sir, but perhaps it has come to your attention that I am no longer simply an impoverished barrier. My own father’s aunt recently passed and he inherited not only her money, but a title. These will greatly improve my ability to care for your daughter.”
“Come, man, let us be frank. Are there only the two sisters between you and the title?”
Richard nodded.
“Very well, you understand, of course, that I never had any objection to you personally. I believe you are a fine young man and made of the stuff that takes a man far in his life. My only objection was that your lack of connection and wealth would reduce Eliza’s circumstance.”
“I understood that, sir. And as you pointed out so adeptly, I was being selfish in my request. Does this mean you have possibly reconsidered your opinion?”
The Squire nodded. “Indeed, I have. As a matter of fact, I mentioned your offer to Eliza and judging by her reaction, I think you will find she is quite amenable to your proposition. So, shall we consider the matter settled?”
Richard’s head craned about to see Eliza in the swing. Gone was the heartache in its place was the great pleasure that he was observing his future wife. “Yes, indeed, sir. I thank you for giving me this honor. Rest assured, I do not expect Eliza to live with me here in this tiny cottage. I
t suited my needs quite well, but obviously your daughter deserves more. My father has offered the use of his aunt’s house in London and I’m given to understand it is indeed a splendid address.”
“Very well, then the banns will be read and you should consider yourself a man to be wed. I will leave the details up to my daughter, women seem to love planning this sort of thing. However, I do ask that you formally request her hand as it will ensure her happiness.”
Richard nodded and added, “It would be my pleasure to do so, sir, as soon as I am able to acquire an appropriate engagement ring.”
“Very well. And I will extend an invitation to dine with us once you are prepared.”
Richard nodded and excused himself. He stood up and walked toward Eliza, but she did not wait for him to cross the distance. She slid from the swing and hurried toward him. He held out his arm and she wrapped herself into it, the excuse being naturally that the ground was rough and she could fall. The squire offered no complaint as Richard escorted the two of them back to the carriage and bid them farewell.
Richard immediately began the process all notifying the tenants that he would be absent for a couple of weeks. He recruited two of the older boys to see to Boy and his garden as he traveled back to visit his parents and sister, to give them the good news.
Chapter 18
It was the time for harvest and as Richard had predicted, the summer season had left behind a more than ample reward for the tenant farmers. They celebrated their harvest, not at their homes, but that of the squire. At Richard’s urging, Eliza considered the tenants to be part of his extended family and an invitation was issued countywide for all who wish to attend.
