The Colonel's Spinster: A Regency Romance (Tragic Characters in Classic Literature)

by Audrey Harrison

  Walking into her chamber, she was reminded that she hadn’t bathed in days and was extremely travel weary. Her maid, Bessie, was there to greet her; everything had been put away, and a bath was being drawn. Theirs was one of the more modern houses with a separate room for bathing and ablutions.

  “Oh, it is a relief to be home, Bessie,” Prudence said as she was helped to undress. “The houses of my family might be grand but my goodness they are cold places! And as for using the pot under the bed, or the tin bath, I can tell you, they can keep their fancy houses! Give me a newly built one any day!”

  Prudence soaked in the warm bath, the fire roaring in the grate and let her herself relax for the first time in days. She would struggle to forget a pair of laughing green eyes, but sighing, she resigned herself to the fact that she had little choice.

  After bathing and dressing, she entered the drawing room before sitting down to supper. Mr. Bamber greeted his daughter by handing her a glass of wine. “Was it really bad?”

  Smiling Prudence took a sip of the rich, red liquid. “Perhaps we should have been honest about our situation. I have to take some responsibility that they were able to jump to their own conclusions because we were not truthful from the start.”

  “I wanted them to see you as the lovely person you are, not as an amount of money. I wished for your viscount to fall in love with you before he found out you were an heiress.”

  Prudence laughed. “There were no viscounts, Papa, and they would not have been interested in me if there had been. I get the distinct impression that they want their wives to be meek and mild. Except for the likes of Aunt Catherine. I am not sure she has ever been timid. She certainly tried to rule her household in exactly the way she considered best.”

  “Sounds like a dragon. Thank goodness I did not marry her!”

  “I don’t think there would have ever been any danger of that,” Prudence smiled.

  “I wanted you to know your other family, as your mother would have wished. It was my greatest sadness that she died without reconciling with them. It was hard for her to be away from her social circle, but I shall be forever grateful that she was prepared to leave them for me,” Mr. Bamber said, his eyes a little misty.

  “How did you know she was the one for you?” Prudence asked. She loved to hear about her parents’ romance, but she had other motives now.

  “It is strange to say, but I think from almost the first time I met her, I knew there would be no other for me,” Mr. Bamber admitted. “She said she felt the pull just as much as I did.”

  “Did you ever doubt your choice? You must have had a difficult time of it at the start.”

  “It wasn’t easy, but we had each other, and that was all that was important. We could face the difficulties and censure because we were together.”

  Prudence sighed. Her father was right, of course. A pair would always be stronger together. It is what should have happened between Colonel Fitzwilliam and herself, if there had been true feeling and understanding. Unfortunately for her bruised heart, any deep affection had been one-sided, and she was the one still suffering.

  “Let’s have a party,” Mr. Bamber said, changing the subject.

  “Why?”

  “Because you have returned home. Why should I need an excuse? Plan a dinner and arrange some dancing.”

  “As you wish, Papa,” Prudence said.

  *

  The evening of the party arrived three weeks after Prudence’s unexpected return home. She still awoke with a feeling of disquiet, and no matter what she did, she could not shake it off.

  The house was fully prepared to receive its twenty guests for the evening. Mill owners very often socialised. Their working hours might be long, but they did not neglect opportunities for enjoying themselves either.

  The long dining table had been set with additional leaves to extend it to its full length. The pristine white tablecloth could hardly be seen because of the range of cutlery, dishes, and glassware, glistening in the candlelight. The centre would be filled with every kind of delight from soups to venison, beef, mullet with cardinal sauce, turkey, lamb cutlets, marrow pate, and meringues a la crème, to name just a few of the twenty-five dishes to be served. Mr. Bamber enjoyed entertaining and always ensured his guests left his table feeling the need to dance some of the excesses away.

  Prudence dressed with care, choosing a lemon-colored dress with the most delicate lace edging. The dress was embroidered with rich yellow and white flowers along the hem and the edges of the small puff sleeves. She wore pearls, feeling the delicate necklace was appropriate for the evening.

  Busy with greeting guests and circulating in the drawing room where everyone gathered before being taken into the dining room, she could not help but wish that Fitzwilliam could be there. How he had become so important in such a short amount of time, she had wondered when still at Rosings. Now she wondered how she could possibly still be repining over his loss.

  Withdrawing with the ladies after everyone had enjoyed a sumptuous meal, Prudence was approached by another daughter of a mill owner, a Miss Selina Beauchamp.

  “Miss Bamber, we missed you at last month’s assembly,” Selina said with a smile.

  “I’m sure you were very well entertained,” Prudence said politely. She had never really liked Selina, always sensing an unfriendly undercurrent from the young woman. “But I shall be at the next.”

  “Glad to hear it. We thought you might have had your head turned by one of your fine relatives and decided to stay with them.”

  “We are both Manchester girls. I would as likely leave as you would.”

  “I would leave without a glance backwards,” Selina said with a slight note of derision as she looked around the room with an expression of disdain. “I certainly do not see my future amongst the grime of Manchester.”

  “That is the same place that has given us our fortunes and lifestyle,” Prudence pointed out.

  “The same way the aristocracy made their money in the sugar plantations, but you do not see many of them living there.”

  Prudence had to acknowledge her comment. “Are you hoping to marry someone from outside our circle?”

  “Aren’t we all?”

  “To be fair, I had not given it any serious consideration,” Prudence said. She fiddled with her skirt, not wishing to reveal any of her feelings on what, or who, had changed her mind about the married state.

  “I shan’t be staying in this area. The first opportunity I get, I shall be gone.”

  “I was recently told that, by our age, the aristocracy would consider us on the shelf, confirmed spinsters,” Prudence pointed out.

  “One can buy anything with money. Especially a husband. I am to travel in the Spring, and I will never return.” Selina stood and started to walk away. “I’d advise you to do the same, Miss Bamber. You are a little older than I, and it is beginning to show.”

  Prudence could have laughed at Selina, but at that moment, a touch of her elbow notified her that the butler wished to speak to her discreetly.

  “Miss Bamber, there is a gentleman wishing to speak to you. I suggested he call back in the morning, but he has asked could he sleep in the servant’s quarters. I would normally send him away under no doubt of my opinion of his impertinence, but he says he is from Rosings Park.”

  “From Rosings?” Prudence asked, her colour rising. “And what is his name?”

  “Mr. Huxley.”

  Chapter 13

  Prudence immediately approached a Mrs. Warburton, one of the older ladies of her acquaintance and a trusted friend. “Would I ask too much if I asked you to organise the dancing once the gentlemen join the ladies? I have an unexpected visitor from my aunt’s home, and I need to speak with him,” she quietly explained.

  “Of course, my dear. You do what you need to do, and I shall take control here. Will your father be joining you?”

  “Not at this stage,” Prudence said. “I shall send for him if I need to.”

  �
�I hope everything is well, but don’t worry about us. We shall entertain ourselves.”

  “Thank you,” Prudence said, before unobtrusively leaving the room. She followed her butler into the small morning room where Mr. Huxley stood by a sofa, looking uncomfortable. He gripped his hat tightly in his hands, and he looked travel weary and tired.

  Prudence nodded dismissal to the butler, who closed the door behind him when he left the room. Only then did Prudence break the silence.

  “Mr. Huxley! Are my aunt and cousin well?”

  “They are Miss Bamber. Perfectly well when I left them. Well mostly,” Mr. Huxley gabbled.

  “Please. Be seated. You look fit to drop. Let me get you a glass of brandy, and you can tell me what is happening. You are clearly out of sorts.” Prudence was business-like, approaching a side cabinet and opening it to reveal glasses and three decanters of dark liquid. Filling a glass, she approached Mr. Huxley and handed him the drink.

  “Thank you, Miss Bamber. It’s been a heck of a few days,” the weary man said, taking a large gulp.

  “Tell me everything,” Prudence instructed, sitting opposite him.

  “I have been dismissed from Rosings without a reference. Without anything apart from the clothes I stand up in actually.”

  “What? No! What happened?”

  “I was foolish, Miss. I’ll own my stupidity in the situation. I replaced you in taking Miss Anne out every morning through the parkland. We both enjoyed it, and one day ― I ― well, I was a little foolish. I let my feelings get the better of me,” Mr. Huxley admitted with a flush.

  “Oh, dear,” Prudence said. Her hands had become a little sweaty as she anticipated what was to come.

  “Yes. Exactly,” Mr. Huxley said with a grimace. “It was reported to Lady Catherine that I had been seen kissing Miss Anne’s hand.”

  “With Anne’s permission?”

  “She didn’t expect it but said she was glad I had done it,” he said with a wistful smile. “We didn’t know that we had been seen. Not until we returned to the house.”

  “Lady Catherine was not happy, I presume?”

  “No. She sent me off after screaming at me that I’d abused her trust and her daughter. I did not set-out to fall in love with Miss Anne, I assure you.”

  “None of us can dictate for whom our feelings develop,” Prudence admitted.

  “I tried to hide them, but recently, I had thought that perhaps Miss Anne wasn’t quite as indifferent as she should have been. Me being a servant.”

  Prudence smiled. He was a genuinely nice man, and Anne could do a lot worse than him. She was convinced he would treasure her cousin as she should be treasured. “Did you explain this to Lady Catherine?”

  “I didn’t get the chance, Miss. She had me thrown off the property. All my worldly goods are still there. I came with only the clothes I stood up in and the few pennies I had on my person.”

  “Dear God! How could she be so cruel?” Prudence exclaimed.

  “She was angry. I understand that. She wanted more than I could ever offer for Miss Anne.”

  “But she made you destitute. I’m glad you came here. What made you decide to do so?”

  “Miss Anne was crying and pleading with Lady Catherine, but she would not listen to her. In the end Miss Anne ran to me as I was being escorted by the footmen and told me to come to you. I have no family you see. There was no one else I could seek out,” Mr. Huxley finished.

  “Poor Anne. Poor you,” Prudence said. “You are here now and can stay for as long as you need to. We shall think about the issue with regards to your reference tomorrow. I am sorry that I have to return to my guests, but I shall inform my father of your arrival.”

  “I wouldn’t wish to get you in trouble, Miss.”

  “Not at all. We are not the type of people to turn someone away in their hour of need. You are my guest, and father will welcome you. Truly.”

  Ringing the bell, Prudence waited until the butler entered. “Mr. Huxley will be staying with us. He is travel weary and hungry, I’d imagine. Please arrange for a meal to be served to him in here while one of the guest chambers is prepared for him.”

  “Yes, Miss Bamber.”

  “Mr. Huxley, I am sure you would wish your clothing to be freshened up after your journey. Walsh, please arrange for some clothing. Mr. Huxley’s luggage has become separated from him, and until it arrives, he will need some alternatives.”

  “Of course.” The butler left the room to carry out his duties.

  “Thank you. He must think it a strange affair, my arrival at such an hour,” Mr. Huxley said, a flush on his cheeks.

  “The servants here will not judge you,” Prudence assured him. “Please do not distress yourself. You are safe and welcome.”

  “You cannot realise how much I value those words.” Mr. Huxley looked exhausted and emotional.

  Prudence decided that she had been away long enough and stood up. Mr. Huxley also stood. “Wait here,” she said. “There will be food arriving soon. Take your time and rest. I don’t expect to see you until very late in the morning. I hope our party will not disturb you too much.”

  Mr. Huxley bowed, his expression was serious and yet grateful.

  Prudence left the room as a footman entered with a large tray laden with food. She smiled and thanked the servant before returning to her guests.

  *

  A late breakfast was served in the dining room the following morning. Prudence and her father were already seated when Mr. Huxley entered the large room. Not a trace of the previous night’s activity remained to be seen. The room had returned to being a quiet, relaxing space.

  “Ah, this must be young Huxley,” Mr. Bamber said, standing and holding out his hand in greeting. “Good to see you, my boy. I take it you slept well?”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir, and thank you for your hospitality,” Mr. Huxley said quickly.

  “We always like receiving visitors, don’t we, my sweet?” he asked Prudence, not waiting for a reply. “Now sit yourself down and tuck in. You will need a good breakfast in you if you are to spend the day with me.”

  Mr. Huxley took a seat at the dining table, smaller now the temporary leaves had been removed. He looked uncomfortable being in the dining room with the family, but Prudence offered him food so that his plate was soon overflowing with eggs, bread, steak and ham.

  “I am to spend the day with you, sir?” he asked.

  “Yes. Prudence says you have been cast off without a reference?”

  “Yes, sir.” Mr. Huxley’s cheeks burned. He might be above thirty years in age, but to be dismissed in such a way had reduced him to feeling like a naughty schoolboy.

  “We can get over that easy enough. Prudence here has told me a little about the size of the house you worked for. It must have taken a lot of hard work.”

  “I was busy. Lady Catherine likes things to be just so.”

  “Aye. It would be called fussy around here, but each to their own,” Mr. Bamber said. “We need to sort out what’s to be done with you now. I am happy to give you a reference, but I want to know how you work, first of all. If you have no objections, you will be working with me in the mill for a little while.”

  “Really?” Mr. Huxley asked. His fork had clattered to his plate, and he looked mortified at his gauche behaviour.

  “I will pay you. Don’t you worry. But you will be worked hard, so prepare yourself,” Mr. Bamber warned good-naturedly.

  “You do not need to pay me, sir. You are very kind. My needs are very small, but I ― er ― it’s a little embarrassing, but if I could ask for just enough to secure some board somewhere,” Mr. Huxley stammered.

  “Why on earth would you need to board elsewhere when there are bedchambers a-plenty here?” Mr. Bamber asked.

  “I do not wish to impose.”

  “Nonsense. You are here as our guest. Don’t let me hear anymore silliness.”

  “No sir. Thank you, sir.”

  “And I will pay you for a
hard day’s work. Do not think you won’t earn every penny, for I am likely as much a termagant as that aunt of our Prudence’s is.”

  “You will soon realise that my father speaks his mind, just as much as Lady Catherine does, but with a little less maliciousness,” Prudence said with a shake of her head at her father.

  Mr. Huxley smiled at the pair. “In fear of sounding like a bumbling fool, thank you once again. I am extremely obliged.”

  “Oh, you will work hard. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security. I didn’t get to own two mills by being a man who likes to take things easy.”

  “Now do not go frightening him, Papa!” Prudence laughed. “I will write to Anne today and tell her you have arrived safe and sound and are here to stay.”

  “Thank you, Miss. I do not want Miss Anne worrying. She can become ill so suddenly.”

  “She is stronger than she looks. Now, I must send my letter before I go out on morning calls. It is strange. I feel as if my time at Rosings is a distant memory.”

  “It wasn’t the same after you left, Miss,” Mr. Huxley said. “You took all the cheerfulness away with you. Mr. Darcy left for his home the morning after you departed, and Colonel Fitzwilliam soon returned to London. Miss Anne was in the doldrums, which was part of the reason I asked her to continue the morning rides out. I thought it would lift her spirits.”

  “I am glad you did. She needs to continue to build her strength. I only hope with both of us gone, she finds a way to ride out.”

  “I’m not sure Lady Catherine will ever let her leave her side again, Miss.”

  “No. Nor I,” Prudence admitted sadly.

  *

  When the three gathered for their evening meal, it was as if the Bambers had a different guest staying with them. Mr. Huxley no longer seemed afraid of saying the wrong things but was full of what he had seen during the day.

  “I never thought the mills were so big!” he exclaimed to Prudence. “They are bigger than any other building I’ve ever seen.”