Clarissa: Historical Romance (Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley Book 1)

by Jean Jacobsen

  Clarissa

  Book One

  Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley

  Jean Jacobsen

  Ladybug Publishing

  Highlands Ranch, Colorado

  Copyright © 2020 by Jean Jacobsen.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the email address below.

  Jean Jacobsen

  www.jeanjacobsenauthor.com

  This is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, names and characters are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, is completely coincidental. The first edition, The Reluctant Debutante, is being replaced with this second edition, Clarissa. The basic storyline is intact, but a significant amount of the story has been updated and changed.

  Book Layout: ©2013 BookDesignTemplates.com

  Cover Art: ©2019 Harmony Creative Design / Lori Corsentino

  Image: VJ Dunraven. Sue Martin, Nejron Photo

  Clarissa/Jean Jacobsen. – 2nd ed.

  The Reluctant Debutante/Jean Jacobsen – 1st ed.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Dedication

  This one is for you, my readers. With a grateful heart

  I send love and good wishes that all of your

  endings will be happy ones.

  Acknowledgements

  The second addition of this book has been long in coming. It is still the book of my heart and I continue to learn and grow with each additional novel I pen.

  I believe I am an accidental author as my longtime friend and critique partner, Michele Page, was the first person to suggest I write my own book after helping her with a chapter she was stuck on. Never before that moment did, I ever think of being a published author, unlike many of my author friends who have been writing stories since an early age. Now, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else I enjoy as much as sharing my story ideas with you. Well, except spending time with my grandchildren who are growing up at light speed it seems.

  I wouldn’t have finished without the encouragement of my friends in the writing communities where I continue to learn my new craft. Yes, there is a learning curve.

  As always, I wish you happy reading. here.

  Chapter One

  Lower Hudson River Valley –1832

  S ounds of a raging storm echoed throughout the manor house while lightning bolts snaked across undressed corridor windows. An acrid odor hung in the air. The storm and pounding on the bedroom door brought Clarissa out of restless sleep, then a familiar voice, “Miss, Miss Clarissa, wake up, something dreadful has happened.”

  Throwing back the bed covers, Clarissa jumped to the cold floor, sending a shock through her body as she stumbled towards the urgent voice. The door started to open just as she reached it.

  The upstairs maid looked stricken as she met Clarissa’s eyes and struggled between gulps of air to deliver the alarming news. “Your parents…a tragic accident….” She was having trouble catching her breath and she choked out the words.

  “What do you mean a tragic accident? They are to return home tomorrow morning. Surely you are mistaken.”

  “No Miss, I’m quite sure. The constable is downstairs and wishes to speak with you and your grandmother who is being escorted up from the Carriage House as we speak.” Disbelief clouded Clarissa’s mind, her feet seemed mired in place, unable to move forward until the maid placed a dressing gown around Clarissa’s shoulders and urged her into the corridor.

  “Come, we must hurry,” the maid said as they entered the hallway.

  “You said the accident. What kind of accident? Do you mean a carriage wheel broke or one of the horses took lame?”

  “The constable will give you the details, Miss. He only said there had been a terrible accident and to fetch you straight away.”

  Together they quickly made their way through the East Wing to the grand staircase. Clarissa’s mind was abuzz with possibilities. Surely, her parents would arrive tomorrow morning safe and sound. The four of them would take breakfast together as usual and then Father would escort her to the stables where he was training Thoroughbred horses to be champion racers. She lived to watch and learn from this master horseman.

  Clarissa was to have accompanied her parents on the buying trip to Virginia to purchase several Thoroughbred mares, but she had come down with a sore throat and fever the day before they were to leave. Grandmother Abigail was not much for traveling long distances at her age and was happy to stay behind to care for her only grandchild.

  Tears clouded Clarissa’s vision as they descended the grand staircase. Her positive thoughts turned to dread as her analytical mind moved to process the situation. With each step she took, she could feel her heart sinking lower and lower.

  By the time they reached the main floor and the East salon, light from the fireplace was beginning to fill the room. Clarissa and her grandmother met with halting steps and embraced, seeking warmth and reassurance from each other.

  “Gran, what happened? Do you know…. Where’s Father?” Clarissa asked searching for answers in her grandmother’s eyes.

  Abigail patted Clarissa gently on the shoulder and murmured, “There, there my dear let’s hear what the constable has to say before we jump to any conclusions.” They made their way further into the room.

  The constable was standing near the fireplace with hands stretched out towards the fire. He turned to greet them as they approached.

  “Mrs. MacDonald, Miss Tanner, perhaps you should sit down before I give you my report.” An air of foreboding hung in the room. Sitting together on the love seat nearest the fire with their hands entwined their questioning faces anticipated his words. “Constable, what brings you out in this terrible weather?” asked Abigail.

  Unfortunately, I have bad news. I’m sorry to say that the carriage Mr. and Mrs. Tanner were traveling in has been found in the river just
down from the Ossining Bridge. It was lodged between a large boulder and a log with three bodies trapped inside. I have identified them as the Tanners and their man of business. The driver was the only one to escape the wreckage. I’ll have a full report from him tomorrow and will pass along any additional details at that time.”

  A heart-wrenching sob left Clarissa as she collapsed in Abigail’s lap. What would she do without her parents? What were the last things she said to them? Clarissa’s tears soaked through her grandmother’s nightgown until they had no choice but to run down her cheek and onto her shaking hands.

  “Whatever… will we… do now, Gran?” Clarissa asked between heart-wrenching sobs, she felt her world spiral out of control as she spoke. How would she live without her father’s love and guidance?

  “Together we’ll figure things out, my dear. We are MacDonald women, strong to be sure. There will be much to work through in the coming months.” A break in Gran’s voice betrayed her calm manner as she wiped away tears. Clarissa knew that her grandmother’s heart was breaking with the loss of her only daughter.

  “My deepest condolences ladies, I’m at your disposal day or night,” said the constable as he departed the salon.

  They sat together in silence gathering strength from each other. An orphan and a grandmother lost in a sea of despair.

  Chapter Two

  T he days following the accident were like a blur to Clarissa and Abigail, each feeling numb and disconnected from their surroundings, merely going through their daily routines in a haze. Around them, Lochwood Manor was a beehive of activity as friends and family arrived with flowers and words of condolence for the impending funeral service. Starting in the grand foyer, nearly every available tabletop was laden with bouquets or baskets of flowers.

  The downstairs maid arrived at the salon door with yet another visitor. “The Reverend is here to see you, Mrs. MacDonald.”

  “Thank you, please show him in.” She patted Clarissa’s hand and took a deep breath. Had she sent for him? She couldn’t quite remember.

  The Reverend was a tall figure of a man who seemed to fill the salon with his presence. He greeted them warmly and extended a hand to Abigail. “Mrs. MacDonald, Miss Tanner, I am sorry for your loss. Please know that I am here to assist you in any manner possible during this time of grief and beyond.” Clarissa’s eyes were red and swollen. A damp handkerchief lay in her lap. She merely nodded in reply.

  Abigail directed him to a chair near where they were seated. “Reverend, so good of you to stop by.” She sat up a little straighter and smoothed the fabric of her black dress.

  “It is the least I can do Ma’am. Please know that the community and I stand ready to assist you in every way possible.” He folded himself into the offered chair. Every visitor to this house in mourning felt the pall that hung in the air.

  Abigail’s slightly raised chin gave the appearance of someone self-assured and in control of the situation but that was far from what she was feeling inside. “To be sure Reverend, Mr. Tanner’s family will be arriving shortly from Boston and then we’ll proceed with the services. Will you preside over them for us?” As she spoke with the Reverend, her subconscious dreaded the thought that Robert Tanner would be staying under her roof, such a despicable man.

  “Your every wish will be taken care of Mrs. MacDonald,” the Reverend reassured her. “Should you require a quiet audience with me, you’ve only to send a messenger.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind, Sir.” Abigail closed her eyes in silent reflection for a moment. When she opened them again the Reverend was standing to leave.

  “Good day to you then, Mrs. MacDonald, Miss Tanner. You’ll let me know when the family arrives.”

  “Indeed, Sir.” Abigail rang for the maid to show the reverend out and sank back into a more relaxed pose.

  In the East Salon, Clarissa and her grandmother sat close to the low burning fire, each in their own world but near for comfort. The cold damp air outside seemed to creep into the room stealing away whatever bit of warmth they shared. Quiet sobs could be heard escaping Clarissa’s lips from time to time and her supply of handkerchiefs was running low.

  The maid announced another visitor. “Miss Clarissa, Miss Laura is here to see you.”

  “Show her in please,” answered Clarissa, then admonished the maid with, “you know she is welcome here anytime and should come right in.”

  “Yes, Miss. I’ll show her in.”

  As they waited for the maid to bring in Laura, Clarissa seemed to perk up a bit at the thought of a visit from her friend. There were so many well-meaning visitors, but only true friends were really welcome.

  The maid hovered in the doorway as if looking for a chance to glean any part of a conversation she might overhear. She had been admonished for this by Clarissa’s mother, Margaret, almost to the point of dismissal from her post.

  Clarissa rose for the first time in hours. Laura rushed to her side and they embraced for several minutes. “I’m so sorry for your loss, my friend. What can I do for you?”

  “I don’t know where to start. I feel so lost, so numb. Father is gone.” The sobs started again, and tears tracked down her cheeks. “I’ve been thinking…of all the things… we will not be doing together… in the future with the horses. Laura…I still have so much to learn.” With her head on Laura’s shoulder, she wept uncontrollably. Minutes later, Clarissa lifted her red swollen eyes and Laura, giving her another hug said, “I’m here for you my friend. We’ll get through this together.”

  Laura gave Abigail a warm hug, and the three of them settled into a quiet silence. The girls had been longtime friends sharing in each other’s triumphs and tragedies. This was by far the worst of them all. The fact that Laura lived nearby would prove helpful in these trying times.

  The procession of well-meaning visitors seemed endless. Abigail called for a tea tray when the Valley Church Ladies Aid Society arrived with a black wreath and crepe material to drape the manor’s entrance and doors. This was the perfect time for Clarissa and Laura to walk around the pond in the nearby gardens so Abigail could have a few moments with her acquaintances.

  The bright bits of sun peeking through the clouds appeared to hurt Clarissa’s eyes as it had been a while since she had been outside. This prompted her to shade them with her hand as she had forgotten to wear a hat. She hadn’t even ridden her horse Figgy, which was a rare occurrence.

  Clarissa’s limp, due to a riding accident, seemed more pronounced today as they made their way around the pond in the east gardens. “Thank you for coming over so quickly, Laura. I don’t know what I’d do without the support of you and Gran. I’m so worried about what will become of Lochwood and us. How will we manage without father’s guidance and love?”

  “I’m here for you, that is what friends are for you know. Will your uncle and his family travel from Boston to the funeral? Perhaps he can help sort things out.”

  “We sent word right after we learned of the accident and they replied it would take several days to get here. I dread the thought of Uncle Robert being under our roof for any length of time. I haven’t any idea how he could be so different from Father. He seems to ooze contempt where Lochwood is concerned.”

  “For your sake, I hope he’s only here for the reading of the will and the services.”

  “That makes two of us. Oh, I pray that it will be so easy.”

  They made their way back through the salon doors as the maid was cleaning up after tea.

  “There you are.” said Abigail “Did you have a nice walk?” The girls agreed it was good to get some fresh air.

  “I am going to retire to my rooms for some much-needed rest. Perhaps this would be a good time for you to do the same, Clarissa.”

  “You are so right Gran. I’m exhausted but I don’t think I can sleep a wink. Rest will be most welcome.”

  Laura walked both of them to the foot of the stairway and gave each a little hug good-bye. “Send a messenger around if you need anything bef
ore I return tomorrow. Try to clear your mind of your family's impending arrival and get some rest.”

  “Unfortunately, it is not in Robert’s nature to be pleasant where we are concerned. He is a pompous, self-centered tyrant and a poor excuse for a human being,” said Abigail. With that, she gave a little huff as she ascended the stairway.

  Turning to Laura, Clarissa whispered, “It will be most unpleasant while the family is here. My worst nightmare is that my father named Uncle Robert to be my guardian in his will.”

  “My dear friend, no amount of worry can change that now. Try to get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Chapter Three

  C larissa’s Uncle Robert and his family arrived in the late afternoon three days later. As they entered the East Salon, Robert acknowledged Abigail and Clarissa with a feeble handshake. Abigail could barely force herself to touch his hand. She detested a limp handshake from a man, especially this one who was so different from his brother.

  “We came as soon as we reasonably could after receiving your message. I have urgent business matters that are pending so we shall not stay any longer than is absolutely necessary,” said Robert.

  “I do thank you for coming so quickly, Robert,” said Abigail. “Our plans have been on hold waiting for your arrival. I’ll send word around to the Reverend that we can proceed with the funeral. I assume you have no objections to a quiet service tomorrow at the Valley Church. No need to delay now that you are here.”

  “Yes, of course, Abigail. I am anxious for the reading of the will, but I will need to see my brother’s books as well. I also need to review where our joint projects stand that I am heavily invested in, but I suppose that can wait until tomorrow. I’m weary from my travels.” His sinister voice reverberated off the salon walls.

  Abigail was disgusted by Robert’s statement. She shouldn’t have been surprised that to Robert, the funeral was a mere formality and that his only reason for being here was the reading of the will. She was surprised to hear he was a partner in Horace’s financial projects.