“Thank you for sharing,” he replied. He studied her for a moment. “Would you like to return to the house?”
Unable to form words, Isabel simply nodded, and Laurence began to pack up the untouched meal. As he worked, she returned her gaze to the cottages once more. There had been a time when she would have wondered what it would have been like to be like those who lived in such humble settings. Now, however, she knew how great the pain was to be in a place that never felt like home, and therefore, she would never risk her heart again.
Chapter Six
After a night of careful consideration, Laurence returned to Scarlett Hall, a ready response to the request Lady Eleanor had made of him on his tongue. The decision was not all that difficult, to be honest, for he had enjoyed his time with Isabel at the picnic. She was a kind soul who was an easy conversationalist; although he could not ignore the obvious beauty she bore.
“Lady Lambert is upstairs, but I will inform her you are here,” the butler said. “Would you like to wait in the drawing room?”
“Yes, please,” Laurence replied, and he followed the man down the hall.
“Might I get you a drink, Your Grace?” Forbes asked.
Laurence shook his head. “No, thank you.”
The butler bowed and left the room, leaving Laurence alone. Laurence browsed the titles of several books on a shelf as he waited, then the sound of light laughter came to his ear. He walked over to the window, which looked over the gardens, and saw the three sisters standing in a tight circle beneath the shade of a large oak. Each wore a smile, but of the three, Isabel wore the largest, and he could not help but hope that smile was for him.
“Your Grace.”
He turned to find Lady Lambert enter the room. “Lady Lambert,” he said with a bow.
She offered him a curtsy and joined him at the window. “It seems just yesterday they were but small children,” she said and then turned to him. “Even you were so young when we first knew you and your family. Now you have all grown into adults.”
“Nathanial is still young,” Laurence replied, speaking of the youngest of the Lambert family, and also the heir.
“Indeed,” she said with a smile. “And when he returns for the summer from boarding school, his sisters will spoil him with attention, as they always have.” She moved from the window. “Would you care to take a seat?” she asked.
“Thank you,” he said.
When they were seated—Laurence in a high-back chair before the empty fireplace and Lady Lambert across from him on the sofa—Lady Lambert took no time to get to the point of their meeting.
“Isabel had a wonderful afternoon with you,” she said. “It was a kind gesture on your behalf. Did you enjoy the outing, as well?”
“I did. She spoke the truth when she said I do not leave my house often enough.” He paused. Would speaking his concerns for the young widow be appropriate? Yet, if he was to follow through on their agreement, he had to speak his mind. “I learned that Isabel does not leave Scarlett Hall all that often, either.”
The door opened, and Forbes entered with a silver tray. Laurence and the baroness remained silent as the man served the tea, and then with a bow of his head, the butler left the room, closing the door behind him once again.
“There are certain things you, should understand about Isabel,” Lady Lambert said. “When Arthur died, she was distraught, which would be expected of any woman in that situation. She returned to Scarlett Hall immediately after, for Arthur’s brother inherited everything, and Isabel and Arthur had yet to have children. The man, Albinus by name—he is the second eldest—was not unkind, but he has his own family, you see. I thought that, if Isabel was in her old home and amongst family, she would have an easier time during her mourning period. Then, as the days passed, she did not want to leave the house. Invitations were ignored or refused without excuse, and I feared she would remain in Scarlett Hall forever.” She glanced over toward the window, and Laurence could see the lines of worry around her eyes. “My Isabel is strong, but I fear the burden, the hurt, she carries is great.”
“I see a sadness about her,” Laurence replied. “And what you say is understandable, for grief can be a difficult condition to overcome. I have given your proposal the greatest of consideration, and I have come to a decision. I must be honest with you; it was not an easy one to come by.”
“I understand,” Lady Lambert said with a sigh. “Such matters are never easy.”
“No, they are not,” Laurence said. “The woman is unhappy, and you are struggling to keep your home. The truth of the matter is, I do not wish to witness either of these situations. As you mentioned, Isabel has fortitude within her, and speaking with her during our outing forced me to see a side of her I did not realize existed. Therefore, I believe we are compatible.”
In all honesty, most men would have jumped at the chance to wed the woman simply for her beauty and grace, but Laurence saw something in her, a strength of character and an integrity lacking in many women of the ton these days, and he believed those attributes would benefit him as much as they did her. He did not verbalize what he was thinking, however, for even he could see the selfishness in the thoughts.
“I believe the same,” the baroness replied. “I saw a sort of camaraderie between the two of you when you returned from your outing yesterday. Thank you for accompanying my daughters and seeing them safely returned home.”
“Of course,” Laurence replied. “It was getting late and I did not feel comfortable with them traveling alone. And as to our agreement, if Isabel agrees, I believe we can build a marriage on the foundation of that compatibility.”
The woman’s shaking hands was the only outward sign of how distraught she was over her current situation, and Laurence could not help but feel pity for her. To be forced to arrange a marriage for her widowed daughter had to be difficult, to say the least.
“If Isabel does this of her own free will,” Laurence continued, “I will marry her. In exchange, I will pay off the debt owed, and if you would allow, I would like to review your business accounts. That way you do not fall into debt once again.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Lady Lambert said. “That would be most welcome.”
Although Laurence did not think ill of the woman, for she more than likely had little to do with any business matters left by her husband, but he admired her for what she had attempted to do on her own. However, women had little training in such things, and he could not fault her for where she found herself today.
“So?” he asked. “Do we have an agreement?”
Her reply came as a whisper. “Yes, we do.”
“Very well. I will return in five nights’ time to speak with Isabel, so I can hear her answer from her own lips.” He stood. “I do not believe it wise to have a grand wedding, so I shall order a special license and contact the vicar in order to hasten the ceremony. If you do not mind, of course.”
“Not at all.” The baroness rose from her seat. “Then the wedding will take place soon?”
Laurence nodded. “Indeed. I believe a fortnight will be appropriate, three weeks at the latest. She has had her year of mourning, and I have no need for pomp and spectacle. I will also begin the paperwork to clear your debts.”
The woman looked down at the floor, clear shame on her features, and Laurence’s heart went out to her. “You seem to carry a burden that is heavy,” he said in a kind tone. “I do not know if it matters, but I admire your strength and your willingness to correct any error you may have made. There is no shame in righting such wrongs.”
“Thank you,” she replied, although her cheeks reddened all the more. “I will speak to Isabel this evening.”
Laurence offered the baroness a smile. “And I will be on my way. There is much to do.”
As he walked out to the waiting carriage, he paused and turned to look back at Scarlett Hall. He could not help but feel sorry for Lady Lambert. How difficult it had to be for her to admit she had been unable to cont
inue her husband’s business arrangements with the same ability as he. However, he was glad that he would be able to help. He would save their home and, in the process, find happiness for himself with Isabel.
***
Although Isabel laughed with her sisters, an uneasiness remained inside her with the arrival of Laurence. She had no explanation for what it was that bothered her exactly, but she could not help but wonder what matters of business the man found so important that he had returned to Scarlett Hall once again.
“There is no cause to lie,” Juliet teased. “Have you fallen in love with the man? Did he seduce you with words as you drank wine together in order to get you to kiss him?”
Isabel glared at her sister. “Your obsession with people kissing is becoming quite redundant. Surely there are other things that are worthy of comment?”
Juliet sighed as she clasped her hands behind her back. “It was only a question,” she said with a pout. “And it is with merit. For the man I speak of is gazing at you this very moment from the drawing room window.”
Isabel turned, ready to chastise her sister for lying, but her words failed when she saw that, indeed, Laurence was peering out the window.
“You see,” Juliet said, the typical haughtiness in her tone, “I do have justification in my suspicions.”
Isabel forced a smile and then turned back to her sisters. “Allow me to explain a few things that I believe would benefit you both.” She ignored Juliet’s raised brow but was pleased Hannah nodded. “Men and women becoming friends is not unheard of. Friends enjoy speaking to one another, and even participating in activities such as riding together.
Hannah nodded in agreement, but Juliet, the ever stubborn one, refused to let the matter go. “Picnic lunches?” Juliet asked. “Do friends also participate in those, as well?”
“Yes, they do,” she replied, although she doubted few friends enjoyed such an activity on their own. However, she was not going to admit as much to Juliet, not if she could help it.
“And conversation?” Juliet said, the haughtiness replaced by thoughtfulness. “Is it appropriate for a woman to speak to a man as one would a friend?”
Isabel nodded. Thank goodness the girl was finally seeing reason. “Yes. It is quite appropriate.”
“Good,” Juliet replied with a finality that made the hairs at the nape of Isabel’s neck rise. “Then I shall have the stable boy prepare me a picnic lunch so we can enjoy a nice conversation together.”
Anger flashed through Isabel. “You are twisting my words!” she said. Juliet’s laugh made her anger deepen. “One cannot simply do such activities without a chaperon unless they are married.” She turned to Hannah. “Is that not correct?”
Hannah nodded, but Juliet gave an unladylike snort. “She is a wallflower. What does she know of men? I am certain I know more than she, and therefore her opinion is invalid.”
Isabel had had enough. “You will apologize to your sister at once! She is not a wallflower, and her opinion is just as important as yours.”
Juliet sighed. “My apologies,” she said, although Isabel did not believe her sincerity. “Please, dear sister, tell us your opinion of men.”
Hannah looked up, her cheeks crimson. “Men, that is gentlemen, act in the ways of their fathers. If the father is boorish and uncouth, so will be the son. The same goes for the fathers who act with dignity and elegance. One may have to search carefully, but she might find a few of the latter amongst the multitude of the former.”
Isabel was surprised at her sister’s response, for the woman had always believed men brutish—all men. Perhaps she had changed her mind. Isabel certainly hoped so.
“Then there are women such as yourself,” Hannah continued, a tiny smile playing at the corner of her lips.
“And what does that mean?” Juliet demanded.
“You know the kind,” Hannah replied, her words filled with malevolence. “Those who seek pleasure from kisses.” Her voice rose as she continued. “Your name will be ruined by the time the season begins, and the only men who will approach you are those who desire a woman who lacks moral value. And that is what you are!”
“Why you…!” Juliet shouted.
As they threw insults at one another, Isabel could only stare at her sisters in shock. How could these two girls be her sisters? They certainly were not dignified enough to be considered ladies! “Quiet!” Isabel snapped, but her words went unnoticed. She looked back and forth between the two and found that all she wished to do was run away. However, this was her home, a place meant for refuge from the hurt that resided outside. Somehow, that hurt had found its way in. “Both of you!” she shouted to be heard above the two girls. “That is quite enough!” This gained their attention, and they fell silent. “You two fight like enemies, and I for one am tired of it.”
“I am sorry,” they said in unison.
However, Isabel’s rage was so great, she did not stop. “I returned to Scarlett Hall for peace, and instead I find more troubles than I can bear.” She turned to Juliet. “Kiss the stable boy if you so desire, but remember that you must live with the consequences of such behavior. I do not care.” This brought about wide-eyed surprise from the younger of her sisters.
Then she turned to Hannah. “And you. You are smarter than to fall for her words, and yet you do every time. If you choose to have a conversation with Juliet, then you must accept the person she is. Spouting hateful words will not make her suddenly change into someone she is not.”
“I was only teasing about the duke,” Juliet said in a quiet voice. “I did not mean to upset you.”
“I agree,” Hannah added. “We will do our best to not hurt you anymore. We love you too much.” Juliet nodded in emphatic agreement.
Tears filled Isabel’s eyes. “I love you both very much. We mustn’t fight. We must support one another always.”
Soon, tears were rolling down their cheeks, and Isabel pulled her sisters in for a tight embrace. “We are sisters, and if we do not look after one another, no one else will. I want only the very best for you, but in return, I must have your help.”
Juliet pulled away and dabbed at her eyes with a kerchief. “What can I do?”
Isabel took a hand of each of her sisters. “Come on now, join hands.” Hannah and Juliet did as Isabel bade, and the three stood in a circle, each holding a hand of another.
The breeze picked up around them, tousling their hair, but no one released her hold to move the wisps from her face.
“I do not know what business mother speaks of concerning the duke, and whatever it is, it does not matter. She is our mother, and we will support whatever decision she makes. I know you miss her doing things with us as she once did.” This brought about a new bout of tears, for they had spoken of the nostalgia of the days before the passing of their father. “But we will do our best to make her days easier. That means no sneaking out to the stables to cause trouble.” She shot a glare at Juliet. “And you must honor her request if a gentleman sends a card.” This glare was for Hannah. “However, and probably the most important of all, we must look after one another. That will be the best way we can help Mother. If she is not worried about us, then we have lessened her burden significantly.”
“And Nathanial?” Juliet asked.
“Yes, we will also help more with him.” She smiled. “Although, we must not spoil him as we have in the past.” This brought on a bout of laughter that was refreshing after the tears. “Today, I ask you to swear that all we have said of supporting one another is true. Do I have your word?”
“You have my word,” Juliet replied eagerly. “I may argue with Hannah on many occasions, but I will always be there for her.”
Hannah gave a small smile. “Yes, you have my word. Although I may not understand Juliet at times, I do love her and will support her always.”
“Then I shall do the same for the two of you,” Isabel said.
The three remained holding hands, and each spoke from her heart. Isabel listened
carefully, responding to their questions concerning gentlemen, marriage, their mother, and their lives ahead.
Later, when they returned to the house, Isabel felt confident that life in Scarlett Hall would only improve for them all.
Now all she had to concern her was what her mother was planning with Laurence.
Chapter Seven
Dinner that evening had been one of the most pleasant Isabel had enjoyed with her family in some time. She had found peace in her sisters, who were—for now—getting along. A heaviness seemed to have lifted from the home, but their mother remained quiet as she had for the past few months. Something was worrying the woman, but asking brought about little to no response; therefore, Isabel had given up asking long ago. When her mother was ready to share, she would and not a moment earlier.
Once dinner was completed, the family went to the drawing room, as they were wont to do. Each had her favorite activity—Hannah, of course, reading in the corner, her legs drawn beneath the blue skirts of her dress as Isabel and Juliet played a game of whist at the table that sat at the back of the room. Their mother stood at the window and gazed outside, the ribbons of her ivory dress shimmering in the candlelight. She had said very little during dinner and even less after, and Isabel was surprised when the woman requested to speak to her alone.
Juliet and Hannah exchanged quick glances, but neither argued as they retired for the evening. Isabel knew both girls would be asking for a detailed explanation in a private audience once she retired for the night.
“When your father died,” her mother said from where she continued to stare out the window. It was doubtful she could see much, as the sun had set not an hour earlier, but Isabel did not ask. “I had made a promise to keep Scarlett Hall in order until the day Nathaniel came of age.” She shook her head, the light reflecting off the silver pins she wore in her hair. “In many ways, I succeeded, and in many I failed.”
“You have done well, Mother,” Isabel said. She stood and walked over to stand beside her mother. “We are all healthy and happy, and you had no control over the death of Arthur.”
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