Clarissa: Historical Romance (Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley Book 1)
Page 19
Nicholas, the third born, had gone through life assuming he would always be a second spare heir and as such would never be called upon to fulfill any major family obligations.
Their sister Ann, being the only girl, was protected and loved by them all. She had been properly presented to society, married to a man of wealth whom she professed to love, and had successfully birthed several children.
Liam and Nicholas had formed a lasting bond during their childhood. Like Liam, Nicholas longed to be out from under his father’s constant criticisms. Although he had shed no tears for the loss of his eldest brother, Liam would do anything for Nicholas, who lived a quiet life at an artist’s colony outside of Paris. With all the commotion in the house, Liam bet he would find his brother seeking refuge in the gazebo located in a seldom-used part of the gardens. He approached Nicholas, who stood facing the pond, elbows on the railing and face buried in his hands.
“I thought I’d find you here,” Liam remarked.
“How’d you know I’d be here?”
“Easy.” Liam stood near his brother, facing the pond. “This has been our haven when life gets to us.”
“Is it any wonder? With the news of our brother’s ship being lost at sea, I’m curious who father will insist make the journey to manage our family business holdings in America.” Nicholas turned and faced him. “As the spare heir, you must have had some notion one day you might be called upon to become more involved in the family businesses.”
Liam scoffed, “Never. Not in a million years had it ever entered my mind James would not be around to perform those obligations.”
The appearance of a manservant interrupted their conversation.
“Sirs,” he gestured for them to exit the gazebo, “your father requires your presence in his office immediately.”
The brothers exchanged questioning glances then proceeded to the house.
Liam stiffened as he entered the room. The senior Mr. Granger sat at his oversized desk, making no move to rise, shake their hands, or greet them with anything resembling warmth. Without preamble, he dictated his will.
“I’ve called you here to give you my decision regarding the management of our properties. Liam, you have a choice, either remain in Paris and marry into a family of substantial wealth or go to America. I have little hope you will be able to manage our affairs as brilliantly as James so capably did. Should you choose to stay here and marry, I’ll make the best of the situation and arrange my schedule to travel there myself.”
Stunned by this announcement, Liam stared straight ahead, afraid to even gaze toward his brother. Liam’s idea of family duties centered on attending state dinners and afternoon soirees all agreeable enough events. There were always lovely young ladies accompanying their mothers, making the duty of attending a pleasure and way to gain favor with his mother. However, there was little substance to their conversations, as if the girls were acting by rote, replicating lessons learned at finishing school, with no original thoughts of their own. Liam shuddered. Marriage to one of these young ladies could only lead to a hellish experience.
Father continued, “Nicholas, you have shown a certain amount of talent with your painting. Although not a career I would have chosen for you, you exhibit some potential. You shall remain here to continue your studies.”
Nicholas stiffened, apparently surprised at this acknowledgement. Praise from their father was rare. “Thank you, Sir.”
“Liam, what is your answer?”
Liam swallowed before giving his reply. “America, Sir.”
“You surprise me, Liam. Very well. You will leave for Boston in two days’ time. Upon arrival, you will report to Giles, our man of business. Now, go and see your mother. I believe she is holding a soiree today.”
Liam led the way upstairs and entered the salon first.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” Mother greeted Liam who kissed her on each cheek in the French custom.
“Come now, Mother, can’t we surprise you once in a while?” Nicholas quipped as he too kissed her.
Their mother rang for more teacups and sandwiches. “I am always nervous when the two of you appear together unannounced. Seeing you together reminds me of when you were young boys. What one didn’t think of, the other one did, and those thoughts usually involved mischief. I can only imagine what you’ve come up with now. Let’s have it, what are you about?”
“We have just come from father’s offices,” said Liam. “He has decreed I will leave for Boston in two days’ time to manage our American interests.”
Liam seated himself on his mother’s left side. Nicholas sat on the right.
“It will now be up to Nicholas to attend your afternoon soirees and state dinner parties,” Liam continued. “If fate had not intervened, I fear you would have married me off to one of the fair maidens who attend your gatherings and have but a little fluff for brains.” Liam grimaced “I can’t imagine a worse fate.”
They all enjoyed a good laugh at his declaration, the first since they had received word of James’ demise.
Nicholas said, “My visits will be limited, Mother, as my art studies continue. You know I’ll do my best to attend you when possible.”
“This calls for a family dinner,” Mother declared. “I shall summon your sister and her brood to come tomorrow evening. I’m so proud of both of you. Liam, I know you’ll do your best, and with Giles’ help, keep our family legacy intact.”
They sat a moment in silence and drank tea, and then afternoon guests started arriving, ending their family visit. The usual assortment of mothers accompanied by their daughters filled the sitting room. Hats and gowns of the latest haute de couturier swirled around in a cacophony of colors and textures. Excited little titters from young girls representing the finest families in Paris charged the atmosphere as they deployed fans and coyly peered over them at the two handsome men seated by their hostess. Introductions were made all around. Liam smiled, and attended to the young ladies, knowing this would likely be the last of his mother’s parties he would attend.
Also by Jean Jacobsen
Other books in
The Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley series:
Liam – Book 2 – available now from Amazon
Laura – Book 3 – available now from Amazon
About the Author
Jean Jacobsen is an award-winning storyteller of Sweet, American Historical Romance. Featuring strong female characters who believe they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to, she pens stories that transcend the heart. Because of Jean's deep passion for history, she includes real events from the time period, making her stories come to life as they transport you to a by-gone era. Jean is a lover of dark chocolate, bold coffee, fragrant flowers, and yummy food. She enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with family.
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