Clarissa and Nicholas shared the happy news of their betrothal as planned. Abigail immediately rang for the maid to bring pen and paper and quickly wrote up an announcement for the newspaper’s society page to run the following morning. When she finished, she sent for one of the grooms to deliver the announcement post haste. Finished and assured the notice would be delivered, she sighed deeply, and smiled before she said, “I knew Nicholas would be the perfect husband for you dear. I only needed to get the two of you together so you would realize what was right in front of you all this time and, of course, for Nicholas to come around too.”
An atmosphere of chaos and excitement filled Granger Hall as the staff rushed around once again shining and polishing the best crystal and china in anticipation of the wedding.
The week following their engagement, Laura and her husband returned from their honeymoon and were front and center to help with the wedding arrangements.
“Laura dear,” Clarissa greeted her friend, “What perfect timing for your return. I want to hear all about your trip.”
“My darling Clarissa, I’ll fill you in as we shop for your trousseau. Come, the shops will be opening any moment now. We haven’t a minute to lose.” The two of them scurried down the grand staircase as if they were schoolgirls again rushing out the front door to the waiting carriage.
“Clarissa, we can stop in at my modesties’ shop and have you fitted for a wedding gown. Which material and color choices have you considered?”
Clarissa laughed at her dear friend’s question, “I had thought to wear my emerald green silk gown. I haven’t worn it yet this season and I’m rather partial to it. What do you think?” Clarissa had missed her friend and was so happy to have her near again.
“It’s a perfect choice. Yes. I remember when we chose the material at Lochwood before the season began. It will show off your eyes and hair to their best advantage most important on a bride’s wedding day.”
While the girls shopped, Abigail set about working with the housekeeper to rearrange the bedrooms for Clarissa and Nicholas. They would now share a large bedroom suite like that of his father and mother’s. The suite contained his and hers bedrooms which included his and her dressing rooms that were separated by an adjoining sitting room. The door between the suites remained locked until after the wedding.
A letter arrived for Abigail from Robert, Clarissa’s uncle in Boston, the day before the ceremony. While his family would not be attending the wedding, for which she thanked Heaven, the note also contained a marvelous wedding present. The railroad project had reached completion. This news meant they could cross one more debt from their list. Clarissa would share in the profits, much to her uncle’s dismay. Even better, the note contained no mention of the court having awarded him Lochwood as an inheritance.
~~~
To make the family circle more complete, Nicholas’ father Richard, arrived on the Schooner Philadelphia from France. Richard had garnered a diplomatic passage, which put him at the top of the passenger list and afforded him a slightly larger berth. He was beside himself with worry, as he had no word from Nicholas or Giles, his man of business. Could it be that his children had all perished in their homeland?
He had no idea his son was getting married and the timing was perfect. A footman found Nicholas in the study pouring over accounts from their Virginia estate. “Sir, your father has just arrived from France.” He swung the doors wide to admit the senior Mr. Granger.
“Father, what a wonderful surprise to see you, is mother with you? How was your crossing, isn’t it rather dangerous at this time of year?” Nicholas could hardly get the words out fast enough as he crossed the room to greet his father.
“Slow down son catch your breath. We’ve plenty of time for answers.” They seated themselves in the large chairs flanking the fireplace to glean its warmth and Nicholas rang for a coffee tray.
“I’m here because I’ve had no word from you or Giles regarding Liam. I feared the worst and caught the first ship I could book passage on.”
“I did send a post after meeting with Liam, but you know how long it takes to receive mail overseas. He found me and gave me the property ledgers he was working on with Giles. It’s quite a story. I’ll give you the details later.”
“Thank heaven you are alright. Your mother did not accompany me on this voyage due to the dangers of crossing at this time of year. The Atlantic storms can be fierce, as you well know. On top of that, your sister is due to give birth again very soon. You will be an uncle again.”
“Does that make four or five grandchildren for you now, father? I seem to have lost count.”
“This one makes four. It is up to you and Liam now to produce an heir. What do you hear of him and his situation?”
The coffee service arrived, and Nicholas began filling in the details of Liam’s escape to St. Louis.
Richard was aghast to hear Giles, their man of business, and Alex Kirkpatrick were in jail awaiting trial for embezzlement and other high crimes. “I trusted Giles with our family fortune and holdings all these years. You say it was Liam who discovered the discrepancies in the ledgers?”
“Yes, we didn’t have much time for details when we met, but I have since been able to read Liam’s notes and determine the approximate amount that was taken, and the method used.”
“It is most disheartening to hear we were taken advantage of in such a manner.”
“How long will you stay here, father? I have wonderful news to share with you. Your arrival is very timely as I am to marry in two days’ time.” His happiness was apparent as he beamed from ear to ear.
“That is wonderful news, anyone I know? What is her family name?” Richard could not have been more surprised when he heard the name, Clarissa Tanner. “I must meet her and Abigail at their earliest convenience.”
Nicholas’ laugh was hearty, “To be sure father. I believe Clarissa is shopping for her trousseau this afternoon, but we will all be together for dinner. You must be weary from your voyage. Let’s get you settled and refreshed. There will be time enough for introductions when we gather in the library before we dine.”
~~~
Richard and Abigail met in the library the following day for tea.
“What a wonderful surprise you gave us yesterday, Richard. You must have important business here to do a crossing at this time of year,” Abigail said.
“Yes indeed, I had to see the president on a diplomatic matter. There is much unrest in Paris at this time. I feared the worst had happened to my sons since I’ve had no word from them or my man of business. To be here for my son’s wedding is an unexpected pleasure.”
“I dare say, the wedding came as a surprise to all of us and they just announced their engagement last week.”
Richard and Abigail discussed the future of their children and spoke of how it was bittersweet for both of them. Richard reminisced with Abigail about Margaret and a life that could have been, agreeing that fate had not dealt him that hand and so he must be content with his plight.
They both believed that Nicholas and Clarissa made a very handsome couple. They also discussed the living arrangements of the newlyweds. All parties were concurred that while they would live at Lochwood, they would split the remainder of their time between Granger Hall and the Granger’s Virginia property, Briar Hill as Nicholas would need to visit to oversee it’s running from time to time.
~~~
The wedding was not as grand as Clarissa’s debut ball had been, but Granger Hall was filled with flowers of the season and fresh pine boughs were strung along the stair railings and around each fireplace mantel. They were accented with oranges studded with cloves and other spices, which added to the festive atmosphere.
Although a bit unusual, Nicholas’s father, Richard, escorted Clarissa down the long stairway to the front parlor and gave her hand to Nicholas. He had taken Clarissa to his heart and already thought of her as his daughter. Friends gathered around them for the brief ceremony, which was foll
owed by a wedding breakfast. Champagne and crumpets, preserves and egg dishes graced the table along with joints of ham and various game birds. Numerous toasts were made to the couple for a long happy life together graced with many children.
By the end of the day, Clarissa was exhausted, but not so much that she couldn’t enjoy her wedding night in the arms of her husband.
After the wedding, Clarissa and Nicholas stayed in New York for the remainder of the season. Every hostess clamored to have the newlyweds in attendance at their function. They were the toast of the town.
Clarissa was becoming aware of her elevated status as a married woman and realized that, she could indeed be herself. Her fears of being Nicholas’s property, his chattel, to do with as he deemed fit were unfounded, as he promised. Their lovemaking grew deeper and more frequent, reaching new heights and Clarissa, the student, was learning from a master. She found new ways to pleasure Nicholas, which in return set her senses on fire. She longed to have him give her his full measure, to fill her completely with himself.
At the end of the season, Abigail, Clarissa, and Nicholas returned to Lochwood to start the next chapter of their lives together. Nicholas used the carriage house for his painting and continued to fill orders from galleries and private patrons in the city all the while working on the Granger family estate books. Come spring, he would make a trip to their Virginia estate.
Abigail kept her room in the West wing at Lochwood and continued to manage the household duties just as before since Clarissa had no desire to spend her days counting the linens and making menus. With their money worries behind them, Abigail now had time to devote to her quilt making and enjoyed inviting her quilting friends to Lochwood. The first quilt they would undertake was for Clarissa and Nicholas, a Double Wedding Ring pattern. Abigail had been fitted with a pair of spectacles and was amazed at how clearly, she could see to read and do fine needlework.
Nicholas and Clarissa moved into the East wing of the manor. Their private rooms adjoined as they had at Granger Hall.
Clarissa was ecstatic at how things had turned out. She was back at her childhood home working with the horses she loved and married to a man who understood who she was and let her be herself. She and Baines worked together to rebuild the Thoroughbred bloodlines which had been a Lochwood tradition from its earliest days. She also now had time to ride Figgy whenever she wanted across the fields but with less speed than before. After all, she was carrying the future of Lochwood within her.
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Here is an excerpt from Liam, the 2nd book in the Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley. Enjoy the read.
Opportunity. Betrayal. Love.
New York, 1830
After tragedy strikes his family, Liam Granger, once simply considered the spare heir, is given a choice—marry a proper society chit, or travel to America and oversee the family's holdings. Seeking adventure and opportunity, he chooses to return to the land of his birth. Shortly after arriving, he discovers a devious scheme and is forced to flee Boston for New York. Injured and seeking asylum, Liam meets Erin, the only woman who has ever stirred both his intellect and his passions.
A bloodied, bruised, and hunted man was the last thing hardworking innkeeper Erin Baldwin expected to find in her courtyard. Although circumstances urged her to send Liam packing, the way her beloved dog Jack took to him convinced her to give him sanctuary. She discovers a kindred soul and is soon fighting a powerful attraction to this impossibly handsome man. As she grows closer, she wonders, what are his true intentions?
The discovery of a secret document brings Liam and Erin closer and enables them to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Will they be partners until they reap their rewards, or is their partnership meant to last a lifetime?
Prologue
1822 Mount Pleasant, NY
T he river has secrets.
From time to time, she has been known to share.
The cold water of the Hudson River lapped at Samuel’s feet as he dug for clams. Piles of driftwood and debris along the shoreline, left by recent storms, made the bubbles of his prey difficult to see. In among the rubble, he spotted an oiled canvas bag. Upon retrieving the heavy bag, he released the bindings and withdrew the contents. To his utter shock, Samuel gazed upon the family Bible of Captain Kidd and one-half of a treasure map.
Samuel tucked away the unexpected cache and returned home. Over the next several months, he listened to the local gossip about the Captain, his whereabouts, and a secret map. In time, the talk faded, and Samuel went about his life. The map and bible remained in his thoughts, and on his deathbed, he shared the secret with his family.
The map remained a family secret, passed down through the generations. Although many in the family tried, no one could decipher the code and symbols left by the famous pirate, and they never found the other half of the map.
Erin’s small hand held her grandfather’s work-hardened one as they walked along the Hudson River shoreline. They leaned into a brisk wind as they scoured the sand, searching for clams.
After a time, Erin shouted, “Do you see any bubbles from the clams yet? My eyes are tearing up.”
“Your eyes are much younger than mine. If you’re not seeing the signs, then there aren’t any. Let’s search among the rocks and wood. Perhaps the river will give us something today.”
Although they searched, there was nothing worth retrieving. If only the water had given up another gold doubloon, this day would be special. Empty handed, they left the shoreline and headed for home. The path leading from the river to the village was lined with trees, their branches whispering in the wind. It was much quieter here than on the shore.
“Erin, my dear, I was about your age when my grandfather found something special on the shoreline. It’s been in our family over one hundred years. With your father’s passing, it’s time for me to pass the family secret to you, being his oldest child.”
Erin wrapped her cloak more tightly about her slender body, hurrying along to keep up with his long strides. “Tell me, Granda Walter.”
“Let’s get home first.”
Soon enough, they reached the Boar’s Head Inn, the popular tavern that had been in their family for several generations. Erin’s mother greeted them as they entered through the back kitchen door. “Find any clams today?”
“Not a one,” answered Erin. “We’re going to the attic.”
Her mother smiled and resumed her housework.
Granda Walter pulled out an old wooden chest from the back corner and worked the lock. Once opened, he removed a few items and then took out a waterproof canvas bag. Erin was surprised as a wooden box slipped from the bag and landed in her hands. The book was heavier than she expected. Her eyes grew wide when she lifted the latch and saw a Bible.
“What is it, Granda?”
“Open it.”
She opened the cover. On the bookplate, a name was neatly penned. Captain William Kidd. Awestruck, she turned the pages until she came to a loose one.
“We think this paper is part of a treasure map, but no one has been able to figure out the letters and symbols. Captain Kidd lived and sailed out of New York for many years so some of his treasure may be in this area.”
“Your task my child is to keep the secret safe and locate the treasure.”
Oh, I will, Granda. I will keep it safe for our family. No matter what.
Chapter One
1832 – Paris, France
I n the late spring of 1832, the Granger family received word James, the eldest son, had gone down on a ship from Boston bound for Paris, France. He had been managing the family’s American holdings and was returning for a rare visit to attend the christening of his sister’s youngest son, to whom he would be Godfather. Instead of rejoicing in celebration, the Granger family now planned a funeral.
Robert Granger, head of the family, was the ambassador to France from America. The ambassador’s residence, maintained by the appointed statesman and not the government, served both as place of business and living quarters. Official offices occupied the first floor of the stylish manor house, with the upper floors serving as the family’s residence. The second floor was used for entertaining guests, state dinners, and afternoon soirees.
The announcement of James’ death threw the entire household in to mourning. A steady stream of visitors flooded the upstairs family receiving rooms. Dignitaries sent notes of condolence. Spring flowers filled the halls. Black crepe marked the doors, and servants wore a black armband on their uniforms. Family and staff alike found the news hard to believe. Their beloved James had perished.
Liam, as a second son, found himself more exposed than ever. He went through those first days after James’ death haunted by their shared past. His now dead brother had been the fair-haired boy, the favorite son, the apple of his father’s eye. Liam, the spare heir, had a different life. His father, the authoritarian, loomed large and routinely compared his and James’ achievements. He also pitted Liam against James in subtle games Liam most often lost. His father’s negligent treatment brought feelings of worthlessness and fears of punishment. The constant belittling, he endured served to drive a wedge in their relationship.
Clarissa: Historical Romance (Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley Book 1) Page 18