by Vikki Vaught
“That would be splendid. I look forward to meeting her.” The meal having ended, Anissa stood. “Since you are taking Harry and Melanie to the barn, I shall go back to my room and unpack. Please return Harry to me when they finish looking at the kitten. I am sure you will be leaving soon to go into town.”
Anissa noticed Alex looking slightly embarrassed for some reason, then he stammered, “Ah, I...I won’t, umm, be going back to town tonight after all. I’ve decided my business can wait until tomorrow. I need to get these youngsters to the barn. I’ll return Harry to you when we’re through.”
Once Anissa arrived in her room, she sat down on the window seat and watched as Alex took the children to the barn. She wondered why he had looked embarrassed when she mentioned that business meeting he had said he had in town. Perhaps it had not been about business after all.
Had Alex planned to go to a house of ill repute?
He had certainly looked guilty. Of course, he had been without a woman for at least five weeks. After all, she had not given him any encouragement. To her amazement, the thought of him with another woman bothered her. How foolish of her, since they could never mean anything to each other. But, oh, she found him so attractive and so virile. Whenever she remembered being in his arms, moisture pooled between her thighs and sent delicious tingles to her private place.
Oh, Lord, I cannot have these feelings for Alex.
She would have to make sure she did not act on them. Perhaps it would be a good thing if Alex found a woman. If she thought of him with a woman of easy virtue, it would make it easier to resist him when they traveled to Meadow Grove.
* * * *
The children chattered the whole way to the barn. Alex was glad to see they were getting along so well. He’d been so embarrassed when Anissa mentioned his plans to go to town. Of course, it surprised him when he felt embarrassment. After all, they had no understanding between them. He had every right to seek out a woman, especially when he felt all this sexual tension.
Anissa would never enter into a casual affair, and that was all that interested him. He refused to open his heart to any woman, especially after what Pamela had done. Eventually, he would have to marry since he wanted a son, but this time he would pick out a homely woman. Someone other men would not find attractive, so he would not have to worry about her being unfaithful.
Realizing he had reached the barn, Alex settled the children, leaving them to admire the kittens while he took care of Blazer. As he groomed the horse, he listened to Melanie.
“Harry, this is Punkin’. I’m sure my daddy would let you have one of the other kittens for a pet.” Picking up a gray one, she told him, “This is a boy kitty. Do you want him?”
“Oh, ever so much, although I do not know if my mother will let me keep him,” Harry replied. “Besides, I could not take him with me when we return to England.”
Looking puzzled, Melanie asked, “Why do you have to go back to England? I want you to stay here and be my friend. We could be best friends. I’ve never had a best friend before. Don’t you want to stay here?”
“My mother explained it all to me,” Harry answered importantly. “I’m a marquess, and I have to follow in my father’s footsteps. That means going back to England. We can be best friends until I have to go back, though. Would that be all right?”
Melanie looked disappointed, but then she shrugged. “I guess it’s all right. Perhaps it will be a while before you go to England. My daddy told me he’s not leaving for a long time, and he’d have to take you back.”
“All right. Let’s shake on it. Friends it will be until I go back to England,” he declared, and stuck out his hand. Melanie took it and giggled.
Alex smiled as he listened to the youngsters. He was surprised at what Harry had said about following in his father’s footsteps. For such a young lad, he seemed to have some understanding of what his destiny would be. He vowed to do everything in his power to make it come true. He was a fine young man and would be a fine marquess someday when he grew up.
Lord knew, the English needed more honorable men, rather than so many of the wastrels he had met among the aristocracy. Most of them only cared for their own pleasures. While there, he had observed the so-called ladies jumping from bed to bed, while their husbands kept their mistresses. It had reminded him so much of the way Pamela had been. When he did finally marry again, he would make sure his wife had strong moral fiber and of course…was very plain and biddable.
Gathering up the children, Alex took them back up to the house and dropped Harry off at Anissa’s room. Then he went down to his study to write a letter to Barrington. Picking up his quill, he wrote:
Barrington,
I hope this finds you well. I made it back to Baltimore in five weeks, the shortest time I have ever made the voyage in. I have no knowledge of anyone ever making the voyage in that short a time. Bridges and I expect to make a good profit from the sale of the goods from all our ships. He is excited over the prospect of our partnership and of having offices in London. I hope you are able to locate premises before he arrives in England in a few months.
I have a favor to ask. From what I understand, you are godfather to young Harry, the Marquess of Overton. I am sure you are not aware of this, but his great-uncle, Lord Howard, had devised a plot to kill his mother, and then him. Lady Overton overheard him and fled in the night. I took her aboard my ship without knowing her story. During the voyage, she told me what Lord Howard had planned. When I mentioned writing to you to see if you would be able to help them, she told me you are Harry’s godfather.
I am confident you will be able to protect Harry from his murderous uncle. In the meantime, I am hiding them, since I believe the man will try to follow them here and harm them. He showed up on the pier as we were leaving and could have easily found out where my ship was heading.
Please write back and let me know if you will be able to assist them. I will await your reply, and if it is in the affirmative, I will return Lady Overton and her son to your care next spring.
Your servant,
Alex Hawks
After he finished the letter, he sealed it with wax. When Bennett showed up, he sent the letter back with him, asking him to make sure it went out on the next ship leaving for England. With that accomplished, Alex went to find his mother to tell her all the details of how and why he had brought Anissa home with him.
* * * *
Once Harry returned, Anissa located Georgia. “I hate to be a bother, but I don’t want my son to fall behind in his studies. I wondered if there is a room downstairs where I could tutor him? I would do it in my room, but it gets so warm above stairs in the heat of the day.”
“Certainly, I will show you the library,” Georgia replied. “In fact, if you like, I can dig up the old primers my boys used when they were children.”
With a grateful smile, she said, “That is wonderful, since I did not bring any of Harry’s school things with me. We left in a bit of a hurry and could not carry very much with us. I do not want you to go to any trouble. I have already imposed on you enough. We will only be here for a few days.”
“It’s really no bother,” she explained, “I’ll ask Wilma to get them from the attic. Follow me, and I’ll show you the library. If you like to read, please feel free to borrow any books you like. I love a good novel, so I have quite a selection. Let me show you where they are.”
Georgia followed her down the hallway, which ran down the center of the house. They turned into a room directly beyond the stairway. It surprised her when she saw the library. While not a large room, it had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining all the walls. In front of the fireplace, two wing back chairs faced it with a small table in between. A table with several chairs around it stood in the center of the room. It would be perfect for tutoring Harry. Large, mullioned windows separated the bookshelves on the two outside walls, so a good amount of sunlight came into the room.
“Thank you, Georgia, this will be perfect. It is a love
ly library. It is obvious someone enjoys reading; you have quite a collection of books.”
A sad smile flashed across her face. “My husband loved to read, and he always brought home books from his travels. He could speak several languages, so there are books in French, Spanish, and German. He also read Latin and Greek. I know it may seem odd to you that a sea captain was so well educated, but his father was the younger son of a baronet and went to Oxford before he came over to America. He taught all his sons Latin and Greek. Alex is also quite brilliant and a graduate of Harvard University. He had recently started his law practice when my husband died. My son felt he needed to take over for him.”
Anissa heard the pain and disappointment in the woman’s voice when she mentioned her husband and that Alex had not been able to pursue his desire to be a lawyer. Something was missing here. However, she did not want to ask impertinent questions.
“Captain Hawks’ intelligence has impressed me, although I did not realize he had attended such a prestigious university. It must have been difficult for him when he could not pursue the law.”
“Very disappointing,” she sighed, “My younger son was supposed to take over the ship, but then John left a year before my husband died. At first, I thought he had gone off on one of his adventures, since he was only eighteen. I assumed that once the wanderlust got out of his system, he would return. However, we never heard from him again.”
Sadness engulfed Anissa as she watched tears form in the woman’s eyes, obviously bewildered over her son’s disappearance. Now, she had an even stronger understanding of how hard it must be for Alex to refrain from telling his mother why John ran off.
“Captain Hawks mentioned he had a brother and told me he left six years ago to go west to find his fortune. I’m sure it is difficult not knowing where he is.”
Taking a handkerchief from her pocket, she dabbed at her eyes. “I worry about him all the time. I fear something must have happened to him. He was such a dear little boy, always full of mischief and laughter. When he entered a room, it felt as if the sun entered with him.” Before Anissa could respond, Georgia straightened and blurted, “Oh, enough of this sad talk. I need to ask Wilma to retrieve those books for you. Supper is at six o’clock. I’ll see you in the dining room.” Then, in a rush, she left the library.
Anissa sighed as Georgia left the room. Obviously, she still felt intense grief over the loss of her son and then her husband the following year. She wished she could have said something to cheer her up, but she had been at a loss of words, not wanting to make it harder on her. Poor Alex, he’d had so much placed on his shoulders at a time in his life when he was already going through the pains of what his wife had done, before and after she had Melanie. No wonder he hid behind a mask to conceal his pain and disappointment.
Her admiration for him grew tenfold. Thank goodness, she would leave for Alexandria on Friday. Her feelings were growing stronger for Alex every day, and she greatly feared she might fall in love with him and that would never do.
* * * *
Shortly before six, Anissa and Harry went down to the parlor to join everyone. When she entered, a very pretty young girl sat on the sofa by Georgia. She had long, dark blonde hair and dazzling green eyes that sparkled when she smiled, a smile that lit up her heart-shaped face. Harry dropped her hand and ran over to his new friend, joining her on the floor, where she sat playing with her kitten.
Alex approached. “Mrs. Carlson, this is my sister, Kathleen.”
Kathleen stood and offered her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Carlson.”
“It is lovely to make your acquaintance as well,” she replied. “Please, call me Anissa.”
“All right, but only if you’ll do the same. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you when you first arrived.”
Before Anissa could reply, Wilma entered the room and yelled, “Mina sent me t’ tell y’all that supper’s on th’ table, an’ y’all need t’ hurry into th’ dinin’ room befoe it gets cold.”
Anissa had to cover her mouth to keep herself from giggling. If one of her servants had ever raised their voice, she would have dismissed them immediately. The lack of formality would take some getting used to. In many ways, she found it refreshing.
Everyone followed the servant into the dining room. Alex sat at the head of the table, and once everyone took their seats, he said the blessing. He passed a platter of fried pork chops, and Anissa offered one to Harry and then placed one on her plate. They again had creamed potatoes, but this time there were green beans swimming in butter instead of peas. Georgia passed around the plate of biscuits and soon everyone ate with relish. Conversation flowed freely around the table with much teasing, and the banter between Alex and his sister was delightful. She could feel the great love this family had for one another.
Since the house had grown warm from the late afternoon sun, Georgia suggested they go sit on the veranda after dinner; that way they could enjoy the breeze coming in off the ocean. Georgia and Kathleen brought their needlework out with them. Since she did not have any, Anissa watched the ocean lap against the shore and breathed deeply of the salt tang in the air. The shore reminded her of the beach close to Overton Park and a wave of nostalgia swept over her.
The children sat on the edge of the veranda with their little legs dangling over the side, chattering away. It pleased her to see her son getting on so well with the little girl.
Alex sat down beside her on the swing. “Ma told me she showed you the library this afternoon. She told me you wanted a place where you could tutor Harry. Will it work for you?”
“Oh, yes, it is perfect. She was also kind enough to give me some of your old school books, since I could not bring any for Harry. While on the ship, I had him practice his letters and penmanship. With the books, I will be able to work on his math skills and his reading. My son loved your book on Indians. I read it to him this afternoon.”
Gently pushing off the porch with his foot, he set the swing in motion. “I spoke to Ma and she’s going to take you into town tomorrow. You can do some shopping then. I don’t mean to pry, but do you need any funds?”
Anissa looked over at him and smiled. “I have some money. However, it is in English bank notes. Will I be able to use them?”
“Let’s do this—give them to me, and I will give you the equivalent in American money. You will find goods are much less expensive here than in England.” Before she had a chance to protest, he said, “I don’t want you worrying over money. If I need to lend you some, you will be able to pay me back when you return to England next spring.”
Here was another example of his kindness. It relieved her mind that she would not have to worry about finances, but she would not borrow any funds unless it became necessary. She did not want to take advantage of Alex.
“I appreciate that. However, I’m sure if I am careful, I shall make it through until I can return to England. As you stated, two hundred pounds should be more than enough for clothing. After all, you are taking care of our basic needs, so I shall not have to worry about a roof over our heads. I hope you realize how much I appreciate all your help.”
“I’m happy to do it. I’m sure that if the tables were turned you would help me. Now, would you like to see my stable? I’ll show you the mare I have in mind for you.”
A pain shot through her heart when she thought of her beloved Piper. She hoped the groom in Plymouth had returned her to Overton Park as she had asked him to do. At least Alex had offered her the use of one of his mares while she stayed in America. “Oh, thank you, you are very kind to offer. Will Harry be all right or should I bring him with me?”
As if he could read her mind, he said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t bring your mount. I can tell you miss her. As far as Harry goes, my mother will keep an eye on him. Come on, let’s go to the barn.”
When they entered the stable, Alex showed her the mare he had in mind for her. “This is Buttercup. She’s full of spirit, so I’m sure you’ll get along fi
ne.”
Anissa went into the stall and rested her head against Buttercup’s neck. “What a pretty lady. I’m sure we are going to become good friends.” The horse neighed and pawed the ground as she stroked her mane. “Thank you for giving me Buttercup to use. I miss Piper terribly, but I do understand why you could not bring her along. I have had my mare for over seven years. My husband bought her for me shortly after we wed.”
“It sounds like your husband spoiled you. He must have loved you very much. I’m sorry you lost him. I’m glad that at least your memories of him are joyful. How did your husband die?”
Thinking of Kendall’s death sent sharp, jagged pain charging through her. She still found it so difficult to speak of him, even after nine months, although part of her wanted to share. “It happened suddenly. He took a fall from the hayloft in our stables. He did not seem to be hurt, only a bump on his head. That evening he complained of a headache and went to bed early. When I awoke the next morning…he…he had passed away in the night. The doctor told me his skull must have fractured in the fall, and it killed him.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. The horror of that fateful morning would remain with her the rest of her life. Alex put his arms around her and patted her shoulder. “I’m sorry I made you cry. What an unfortunate accident. I’m sure you were devastated. I know Harry must be a great comfort to you. He must resemble your husband, since his coloring is different from yours.”
“There’s a painting of my husband at Overton Park when he was around my son’s age, and you cannot tell them apart.” By this time, she could no longer stop the tears from falling and buried her face against his chest.
