Tom: To Secure His Legacy (Other Pens, Mansfield Park Book 4)

by Leenie Brown

  “That.” She spared her friend a second glance. “That is what James needs to do. He rises but not so high. Nor does he lean so far forward. Silverthorne’s horses are fine animals, but they do not show as well as they could. If one – just one — of our horses could place near the front of the field — first or second, we could charge much more for the stallion’s services.”

  It was perhaps not the sort of thing with which her aunt Edith would say a proper lady should concern herself, but her father would not reprimand her. Whenever her aunt visited, she was forever scolding Addie’s father that Addie was given far too much freedom and would never make a good match if she continued as she was. Her father would always give his sister a look which said she was speaking out of turn and reply that he wagered she was wrong.

  “But your brother will not listen to you,” Susan Price reminded her, “for, to him, you know nothing of horses.”

  Addie groaned. “He has become such a ninny.”

  James had not always been a ninny. At one point, he had been a great friend and companion. It was his stupid friends who were the problem. They seemed to think it a great sport to make fun of her and her friends, and her brother was too complacent to not follow their lead. Why must going away to school change a fellow so much? He never used to think of her as incapable of thinking as well as he did.

  “I likely know as much as he does,” Addie grumbled. “It is not he who has been helping the grooms with the stables. That has been me, and do you know why? It is because he has been too busy doing whatever it is that his friends decide he should do.” How she wished he would be his own man instead of following others.

  “He has only this term, and then, he shall be done with school,” Susan reminded her. “Surely, being away from his friends for long stretches of time will help. Will it not?”

  Susan, who was as sweet as a fresh-baked apple pie, was always attempting to find the good in a situation. Unfortunately, Addie was not certain there was a great deal of good left in her older brother. If there was, it was well-hidden. The thought made her heart ache, for she missed the old James!

  “Do you not think so?” Susan repeated her question.

  Addie shrugged. She hoped it, but she was too uncertain to answer with a resounding yes.

  “Two of his friends are set to travel once they complete their schooling.” That was a good thing. “James was going to go with them until… well…” And his not going with his friends would be an even better thing except for the fact that it came at the expense of her father’s condition.

  Susan reached across from the grey mare on which she sat to grasp Addie’s hand. “It is a terrible thing to have a father or an uncle fall ill.”

  And never recover, Addie added to herself. Susan still expected her uncle to regain his health and strength, but again, Addie was too uncertain to agree with her friend. Of course, a severe injury like Sir Thomas had sustained was not the same as a stroke, but the result was often the same as the patient was either left in a weakened, nearly useless condition such as her father was, or, more mercifully, succumbed to death before he was confined to his chambers to waste away during his remaining months or years. It went without saying that she would never wish death upon her friend’s uncle, but, just as surely, she also could not hope for him to survive in such a state as her father did.

  “I almost wish James would be gone longer than this term. Mr. Shepherd heeds my advice because it is so similar to Father’s. I fear things will not go so well once James returns.” They never used to argue as much as they did now. Again, she blamed his friends.

  “Tom can help him,” Susan offered, “and if not Tom, then Edmund. Edmund is very good with numbers and exceptionally wise.”

  Addie chuckled. It was just like Susan to offer help. She was excessively charitable, much like her sister Fanny. Providence had most certainly smiled upon Addie to give her friends such as Susan Price and Fanny Bertram, for Addie was given to seeing dark clouds of trouble on the horizon rather than the sunshine Susan seemed to carry around with her.

  It had not always been so. Addie used to be nearly as cheerful as Susan, but then, James had gone to school (and become a ninny), her father had had two strokes in as many years, and with the last apoplectic seizure six months ago, the running of the estate had fallen largely on her for her father could no longer write or do much for himself. She could have sent for James to come home, but her father would hear nothing of keeping Jame from completing his education.

  “I am certain James would benefit greatly from their assistance,” Addie said. “But that is only if my brother will seek help from them.”

  That was likely her greatest fear in the whole ordeal. Her brother might take advice from others to help him settle into his new role as master of Silverthorne Court, but would he accept it from a knowledgeable source or would one of his friends move in and become co-master? She shuddered. If any of his friends were to do such a thing it would likely be Mr. Willet. That gentleman was as slippery as a snake and likely just as dangerous – at least, to a lady’s virtue, for the gentleman was the overly friendly sort of fellow who said what he must to charm whom he willed.

  She would likely find out in two week’s time when the term ended.

  “Have you had a good ride?” Edmund Bertram’s question interrupted Addie’s contemplation of her brother.

  “Indeed, we have. Have we not, Addie?” Susan responded brightly. “What brings you out on this fine morning? Is Fanny well?”

  Edmund chuckled. “Fanny was in perfect health when I left the parsonage. I was looking for Tom. He had wished to discuss some particulars about the work to be done on the damaged wing of the house, but he desired to ride out with Miss Eldridge first. Have you seen them?”

  Both Addie and Susan assured him that they had not and then agreed to join him on his ride for neither of them had had their fill of riding. Was it even possible for Addie to have her fill of riding?

  “Have you let your mare run?” Edmund asked Susan.

  “Not yet. We have been very sedately ladylike,” she replied in a teasing tone.

  “Indeed? I find that a trifle hard to believe since you are with Miss Atwood.” Edmund’s smile was warm and welcoming.

  “I assure you that it is true,” Addie said with a laugh.

  “Then, you would not be opposed to a race to that tree on the knoll?” Edmund looked between Susan and Addie for their response.

  It was not the first time that Addie had raced with Susan and her cousin. Both Susan and Edmund knew how to be all that was proper when in company, but they were not always so. There was a small longing for adventure – safe, well-regulated adventure – in both of them.

  “I would find a good gallop to be most delightful,” Addie assured him. Her longing for adventure was slightly greater and less well-regulated than that of her friends. She often dared to do things where they held back.

  “As would I,” Susan agreed. Of course, Susan’s gallop would be less aggressive than Addie’s. Susan was not so compelled to win races as Addie was.

  “Then, move ahead of me,” Edmund instructed as he always did.

  Ever the gentleman, he always insisted on allowing the ladies to have a one-length advantage, and Addie seriously doubted if he ever truly gave his horse his head when racing with them. To Addie’s way of thinking the advantage was unnecessary. However, Mr. Edmund Bertram was a sweet man, always looking to the needs of others whenever he saw them, or when his wife pointed them out. Therefore, she did not protest his directive even if it did make the race somewhat unfair.

  Having taken her place in front of Edmund and across from Susan, Addie leaned forward and whispered a word of encouragement to her mount, a beautiful chestnut Arabian named Damon, and then, when Edmund shouted, she and her gelding were off. She continued to lean forward, urging Damon to fly.

  “You always win,” Susan complained with a laugh as she came to a stop a distance beyond the specified tree and next to Addi
e.

  “Silverthorne’s horses are excellent,” Edmund reminded Susan.

  “That they are,” Addie agreed.

  “And Addie is the best rider I know – who is not male, that is,” Susan added.

  “You know very few other female riders,” Addie cautioned, although she knew herself to be a very adept horsewoman. She had not lost her seat since she was twelve. Once had been enough. Thankfully, she had not suffered any serious injury.

  “I would have to agree with Miss Price.”

  Addie turned to see the rider she had been watching earlier. When had he approached? She did not remember seeing him anywhere near where they were.

  “You ride very well,” the stranger said. Then, he leaned forward and added, “Likely better than my sister, but do not tell her I said so.” He winked, causing Addie to smile.

  Whoever he was, he seemed a friendly sort of fellow.

  “Miss Atwood,” Edmund said, “I do not believe you have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Eldridge.”

  “No, indeed, I have not.” She would have remembered meeting him.

  “Miss Atwood, this is Mr. Robert Eldridge, his sister, Miss Eldridge is betrothed to Tom. Mr. Eldridge –”

  Mr. Eldridge cleared his throat, and Edmund corrected himself. “My apologies, Robert, this is Miss Adela Atwood. Her father owns Silverthorne Court which borders Mansfield to the south.”

  The eyebrow over Mr. Eldridge’s left eye arched. “Silverthorne Court?” There was a marked note of respect in the surprised question.

  “I thought you would know it.” Edmund chuckled. “Mr. Eldridge is also in the business of producing fine equines.”

  How very interesting! A handsome gentleman who knew horses at least as well as she did. Was there anything better?

  “I was admiring his horse earlier. At least, I assume it was he who was riding here,” Addie said to Edmund before turning to Mr. Eldridge. “Your horse runs very well.”

  “Hugo is the best.” Mr. Eldridge gave his horse’s neck a pat.

  Addie’s lips tipped into a smirk. “That has yet to be proven.”

  Both Mr. Eldridge and Edmund laughed.

  “Addie is rather prejudiced,” Edmund said.

  “As am I.” Mr. Eldridge’s head tipped as he studied Damon. “There is one way we could determine the answer. We could have a short race.”

  “An unfair one!” Addie protested before she could think better of it.

  “What do you mean?” Susan asked. “Mr. Eldridge would not cheat, would you?”

  “No, I never do. I do not need to. As I said, Hugo is the best.”

  “Oh, goodness!”

  A pretty blonde, whom Addie assumed was Miss Eldridge since she was accompanied by Tom, had approached and had heard the last comment.

  “Who is my brother attempting to goad into racing?” She leveled a severe look at Mr. Eldridge.

  “I am goading no one. Miss Atwood wishes for me to prove that Hugo is the best. Therefore, I suggested a short race as a way of determining the veracity of my claim.”

  “And I am happy to race,” Addie said, “as long as the race is fair.”

  Mr. Eldridge scowled. “Why would it not be fair?”

  “I cannot stand in my stirrups as you can,” Addie answered. “Such a shift in position would give your horse an advantage that I am not afforded to give to my horse.”

  Tom Bertram chuckled. “She has you there.”

  Reluctantly, Mr. Eldridge conceded the point. “Then, I will not rise from my saddle. I am certain Hugo can still outrun –” He waved at her horse.

  “Damon,” she supplied.

  “I am certain Hugo can still outrun Damon.” He tipped his head and studied Addie’s horse once more. “Or mostly certain,” he added with a grin. He shook his head. “He is a fine-looking creature.”

  “He thanks you for the compliment. Now, where shall I prove you wrong?”

  Miss Eldridge laughed. “I think I shall like you.”

  “Oh, Faith,” Tom said, “I have been remiss in my duties. This is our neighbour, Miss Adela Atwood. Her father’s estate, Silverthorne Court, borders Mansfield to the south.”

  “Silverthorne?” she looked at her brother. “Is that the one you have mentioned several times as having excellent horse stock?”

  Her brother nodded. “The very one.”

  “Addie,” Tom interrupted, “this is my betrothed, Miss Faith Eldridge, though I suspect you have already deciphered that.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Eldridge,” Addie replied.

  “The pleasure is all mine, especially if you beat my brother.”

  To Addie, the relationship between brother and sister seemed to be somewhat argumentative but in a playful sort of fashion. Once again, Addie longed to have her brother back as he had been before attending school.

  “From here to the fence.” Mr. Eldridge pointed to their right.

  “How high is the fence?”

  “About three feet, I suppose. Why?” Mr. Eldridge answered.

  “And is the ground clear on the other side?”

  “You are going to jump it?”

  Addie shrugged. “Only if necessary. Is it clear?”

  “Yes,” Tom answered. “I have taken it many times. It is not a hard jump.” His expression grew serious. “But do be careful. Your father does not need you injured or worse.”

  Tom Bertram had sustained a nasty injury in a fall when attempting to take a jump, so his concern was not founded in senseless worry. Therefore, Addie listened to it more than she would have had such a sentiment come from anyone else in their current party.

  “I ask only as a precaution,” she assured him.

  “She’ll run full out to the end,” Tom said to Mr. Eldridge. “Do not push her too far.”

  “I wish for a fair race,” Addie protested. “I will not have him treating me as a delicate flower.”

  Tom inclined his head. “Very well, but I know Eldridge. He’ll not give an inch either. Indeed, he’ll be quite blind to anything around him.”

  “Which is as it should be.” Addie lifted her chin and smiled as if her heart was not beating faster than Damon’s feet when in a full gallop. Perhaps she had challenged the wrong fellow. She leaned forward and patted Damon’s neck. “Are you ready, boy?”

  Damon snorted. He was always ready to run.

  “I will call the start,” Tom pulled his handkerchief from his pocket. “When the flag drops.”

  Addie moved her horse into position next to Mr. Eldridge, who extended his hand to her. “The winner will owe the loser one favour to be decided whenever the winner decides to call it in.”

  “Any favour?” She held her hand mere inches from his, hesitating to agree to such a wager until all the terms had been declared.

  Mr. Eldridge nodded.

  “I can trust your honour that such a favour will not ruin my reputation?”

  Mr. Eldridge chuckled. “You may. May I trust the same of you?”

  Addie smirked. “Most likely. A gentleman’s reputation is far more difficult to ruin, after all.”

  When was the last time she had felt so light that she would tease anyone, especially a handsome gentleman, about such things?

  “Are the terms acceptable to you? They are to me.” Mr. Eldridge’s hand was still hanging in the air in front of her.

  With a smile and a flutter of anticipation, Addie placed her hand in his and gave it a firm shake.

  Then, leaning forward, she whispered “take to the skies” to Damon just as she always did before they set off for a good run.

  Continue reading Addie: To Wager on Her Future

  Acknowledgements

  There are many who have had a part in the creation of this story. Some have read and commented on it. Some have proofread for grammatical errors and plot holes. Others have not even read the story and a few, I know, will never read it. However, their encouragement and belief in my ability, as well as their patience when I became c
ranky or when supper was late or the groceries ran low, was invaluable.

  And so, I would like to say thank you to Zoe, Rose, Kristine, Ben, and Kyle. I feel blessed through your help, support, and understanding.

  I have not listed my dear husband in the above group because, to me, he deserves his own special thank you, for, without his somewhat pushy insistence that I start sharing my writing, none of my writing goals and dreams would have been met.

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  For those who might be interested in some of the topics touched upon in this book (such as coffee houses and the stock exchange), I have some of my research sources, along with some visual inspiration, pinned to a board on Pinterest. You can find that board at this link: bit.ly/Pinterest_Tom.

  Other Leenie B Books

  You can find all of Leenie’s books at this link

  bit.ly/LeenieBBooks

  where you can explore the collections below

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  Other Pens, Mansfield Park

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  Touches of Austen Collection

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  Dash of Darcy and Companions Collection

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  Marrying Elizabeth Series

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  Willow Hall Romances

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  The Choices Series

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  Darcy Family Holidays

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  Darcy and… An Austen-Inspired Collection

  About the Author

  Leenie Brown has always been a girl with an active imagination, which, while growing up, was both an asset, providing many hours of fun as she played out stories, and a liability, when her older sister and aunt would tell her frightening tales. At one time, they had her convinced Dracula lived in the trunk at the end of the bed she slept in when visiting her grandparents!