Aunt Deborah did not greet them with a smile. She simply said, in a bored and slightly sardonic tone, “Hello, ladies. So good of you to come.” Her tone suggested that she did not mean any of it. Evie smiled at her warmly, not sure if she should reach for a hug. Lucy took over, making no attempts at physical contact, simply saying, “Hello, Aunt Deborah. We are very pleased to be here. Thank you for welcoming us into your home. And what a lovely home it is.”
Aunt Deborah replied, “Thank you. There are some changes being made, however, you may see more of the grounds if you desire?”
“We would love to.”
So their aunt began to show them around, exhibiting great pride in her home. She had much to be proud of. It was stately and well-furnished. Evie thought for a moment that had her father been able to maintain himself that they may have lived similarly. Their aunt’s marriage to the Earl Jasper Talbot had granted her a position slightly above that of the Seymour family name. She had been born to be a Countess, which explained her disdained for her brother’s tragic fall to mere commoner. She removed herself from his shame by acting as if they were of no relation.
While Evie felt no warmth for her aunt, she understood the importance of associating with her good name. It was perhaps their best chance of having their hand won by a noble gentleman. Lucy remained well aware of this and made sure to be especially complimentary to their aunt, hopeful that even if she could not gain her genuine affection she could at very least gain the woman’s tolerance. It seemed to be effective. As they were shown about the house, they encountered a young man that was introduced to them as their cousin Solomon. He was a dark-haired, tallish, slightly athletic fellow. Evie thought that he favored her father. He seemed pleasant enough and slightly interested in the presence of his cousins.
They were met also by their second cousin Matthew. Matthew seemed to more of the temperament of his mother, although he presumably held the features of his father. His face had already taken on the quality of elder nobility; aristocratic nose pointed slightly other, the hint of a disapproving scowl set at his brow, dark eyes narrowed in suspicion of wrong doing, and mouth set in a line as if it were indecent to smile. Beyond a slight bow of the head, he hardly missed a step in acknowledging them.
As they made it to the salon, they found seated there a young lady of about their age. She looked like the sunny, pleasant tempered version of her mother. She was dressed in a modest, yet well-tailored dress, perfect for greeting guests. Hers was the first smile they had met in the whole place. As they entered the room, she stood with a bounce and her mother turned in her direction saying, “This is my daughter, Lady Isabella.”
She broke in, “Oh Mother, really, they are family. Bella will do.”
Aunt Deborah sneered in disapproval, but Evie perked up. She was delighted to find so agreeable a presence in the home. She immediately greeted her cousin with a smile, saying, “How do you do? I am Evie, this is my sister Lucy. So lovely to make your acquaintance.”
Isabella took her hand, pulling her towards her to take a seat on the well-cushioned sofa where she sat. Aunt Deborah said curtly, “I will see that tea and biscuits are served. Please excuse me.” She turned to walk out of the door. Isabella looked between them and said, “Finally! I do believe that you shall be cousins that I actually find pleasant. Our other family can be so stuffy and proper. No one seems to value having any fun.”
Lucy took a seat in a chair facing them and said, “Oh, how dreadful. Of course, we do not have much experience in those matters.”
“So I have heard. I know how the others are with your family, but I do not understand the fuss. Titles are so dull and pompous. I would have liked to know you all along. Too bad my mother is such a prideful bore.”
Evie and Lucy exchanged looks, careful neither to agree nor disagree. Although Isabella seemed to be a nice girl, they knew better than to join in on her remarks about her mother. Not only were they not so familiar with their aunt, but they could be lured into a trap set to prove their lack of proper upbringing. They simply listened to their cousin attentively, remaining placidly neutral.
Isabella went on, “Anyway, please tell me more about yourselves.”
Lucy answered, “Well we grew up some miles from here in one of the family’s lesser properties. We received a normal education and now we are entering into womanhood and society along our means.”
“Have you all begun courting?”
“Somewhat. Our sister Hannah is being courted as we speak, which is why she could not attend. Evie and I are not yet intended.”
“My mother has all but sold me to the highest bidder. Soon I shall be married to some Viscount of my mother’s choosing. I have half a mind to run away.”
Evie could not quite get her cousin in hand. While her demeanor seemed so light, it also appeared that she was suffering. Her mother’s overbearing presence had apparently left her in a state of muted rebellion. Evie felt some sympathy for the young woman’s plight. So many were handed lives by their parents that they would rather not take. Even though Evie was in such an undetermined state, she realized that she was fortunate to have choices.
By this time, their aunt had returned with the maid to serve them tea and biscuits. Isabella chattered on animatedly about the many receptions she attended. When she would speak too liberally, her mother would audibly clear her throat. Each time Isabella went on as if she had heard nothing. Once she had slowed for a sip of tea, Aunt Deborah broke in, “We shall also be having another guest join us for dinner. You all may walk about the grounds before returning to clean up for dinner.”
Isabella rose from her seat, taking the hand of each of her cousins and leading them out onto the terrace. There she shared some of the higher gossip, stopping to inquire about any they may know. Lucy and Evie were both careful not to speak negatively about anyone, unsure of whom she might know. The more they spoke with Isabella the less bitterness they perceived in favor of good humor. She could laugh raucously and be as playful as a girl far younger in age. Evie found it all so much more enjoyable than she had anticipated before arrival.
When they time came they each went inside to wash up for dinner. Isabella went off to change, practically dragging them along to keep her company. After she was properly powdered and scented, they entered the dining room area. Their aunt was already inside ordering about the staff. As they moved to be seated they were joined by Solomon and Matthew, who were flanked by a third gentleman. He appeared to be a bit older than they and strikingly handsome. His smile bore traces of mischief, like a young boy charming his way out of trouble. He stood a head taller than either of the others, dressed impeccably in a dark blue suit. His green eyes glimmered with good humor and not one of his golden tresses was out of place.
Evie looked to her sister, who appeared as if she had been struck upon the head. She stared at the gentleman in starry-eyed wonder. Evie nudged her imperceptibly to bring her back to her senses. As they set down to the table, Aunt Deborah announced, “Ladies, this is the Honourable Oliver Hoskins. Earl Hoskins, this is Miss Lucy and Miss Evie.”
Earl Oliver grinned and said, “How do you do?”
Lucy for once seemed stunned into silence. Evie offered, “How do you do?” The first course began to be served and Aunt Deborah explained, “My husband will not be joining us this evening as he is taking care of greatly important matters elsewhere.” Following the explanation some conversation began amongst the men, with Aunt Deborah interjecting at certain points. Isabella sat by in brooding silence, obviously not pleased by the course of conversation. Evie suddenly became pre-occupied with her manners, sure to maintain proper decorum. Lucy had not seemed to recover from her earlier lapse into awed silence.
Eventually the Earl turned to her and said, “Miss Lucy, is it? Of what family origin might you be?”
Lucy found her voice and said, “Seymour. Our surname is Seymour.”
“Ah. I am familiar with some of that name. Would you be of relation to Sir Peter
Seymour?”
Before Lucy could answer, Aunt Deborah put in, “You are certainly familiar with some of their relation, although not very close.” Evie felt a sting at the words. While haphazardly acknowledging that they were of some reputable relation, their aunt had also effectively removed herself from them while also suggesting that they were lowly. Evie kept her expression impassive, although she took some offense. She also tensed at what she thought might be her sister’s sharp tongue. Instead Lucy replied, “I do not believe you are familiar with our more intimate relation. I do, however, believe I may be familiar with yours. Are you not the nephew of the Honorable Nathaniel Hoskins?”
“Yes, I am. You are familiar with my uncle?”
“More so with your cousin Lady Rose.”
“Ah yes.”
Their aunt seemed quite struck by Lucy’s knowledge, although not exactly impressed. She said, “Well, I see you do have some manner of upbringing.” Once again Evie took offense. She felt her sister tense beside her, but Lucy held her tongue. As Lucy kept her eyes on Oliver, Evie wondered if it were possible that he was the gentleman that Lucy had been seeking proximity to. It seemed too coincidental that they would have come to call at dinner on the same night as he. Unless Lucy had known more than she let on.
All the same dinner went along with their aunt finding more occasions to take not so subtle digs at their common status. While Evie had never been particularly prideful, she did not appreciate the suggestion that she was a lowly commoner, unworthy of such a high table. It became worse when her cousins joined in with their own jabs. The Earl seemed to remain quite oblivious, for which Evie was grateful. She gritted her teeth and tried to make it through dinner without incident.
Once dinner was concluded the party was served dessert and Evie began to countdown in her mind how much longer she would have to endure. She was not sure of how much more she could take. It was clear that any hopes of pleasant relation with her aunt were feeble. Her aunt seemed intent on reminding them of their place. Their cousin Matthew even alluded to their father’s fallen grace. It was then that Evie began to seek the proper time for exit. She found reprieve when Oliver said, “Gentlemen, we really should make haste. The reception at Pemberton Park is set to begin.” He turned to Lucy and Evie saying, “Will you ladies be attending?”
Aunt Deborah scoffed, saying, “I am sure they must be returning home.”
Lucy replied, “She is quite right. Perhaps some other time.”
Oliver remarked, “I certainly hope so.”
The party began to break up, much to Evie’s relief. She could not quit the place fast enough. As the men went off to their own affair, Oliver offered a friendly goodbye. Evie thought that she may have noticed him holding onto Lucy’s hand a second longer than need be. Soon she and Lucy had retrieved their bonnet and were set to meet their coach. Their aunt offered, “Ladies, it was a pleasure to receive you. I hope you will call again.”
Lucy replied, “Thank you for your reception. It is greatly appreciated.”
Evie nodded her agreement, though insincere. Once their aunt was gone Isabella said, “Please excuse my family. I can assure you they are ghastly to everyone. I will be sending a letter along soon with hopes that you all will join me at an upcoming affair. I should also like to come to table with you all. It was very lovely to see you all.”
Evie could tell there was sincerity in Isabella’s words and she greatly appreciated them. She certainly hoped that if nothing else that she would gain some relation with Isabella, who aside from exhibiting clear exasperation for her mother and brothers, seemed to be quite kind. They quitted her at the door with promises to see her again soon.
As they rode off in the coach, Evie turned to her sister and asked, “Was that the man who you hoped to meet by regaining this family connection?”
“No, but I do believe that he is an even finer gentleman than the one I had in mind.”
“He seemed to be, yet, but he is also an Earl. And with his relationship to the Honorable Hoskins, he must certainly be of high stature.”
“But did you see how he spoke to me?”
“Sure. There are plenty charming gentlemen who will flatter you with pleasant discourse only to later cast their more serious intentions on another.”
Evie thought darkly about Duke Charles. Lucy seemed to sense it and moved to change the subject. She said, “Well, you seem to have been right about Aunt Deborah. She is as stuffy and unpleasant as ever. I don’t see us being invited to their next affair.”
“It is probably for the best. Neither she nor Solomon and Matthew seem to be the kind with whom you might wish to spend time. They do not even have the grace to mask their condescension in politeness. They even showed disapproval toward Isabella.”
“Yes. But I think that we accomplished our goals. We gained a connection with Isabella, who will no doubt have access to many of the finer receptions about the countryside, perhaps even as far as the border. Anyway, she has access to Earl Oliver. That alone is a victory.”
“You may be right. Something must change and quickly. There is a chance that I may not be able to remain at Wellington manor much longer.”
“Why? Has The Duke made a pass at you?”
“No. Why would you ask that?”
“Word has been going around about him. Seems that he can hardly meet a woman, without some form of design upon her.”
“As of yet he has remained only gentlemanly with me.”
“Then why might you be leaving?”
“His younger brother is to wed soon and Grace may be going to live with them. At which point my services will no longer be required.”
“Well then it seems that we must intensify our efforts. We must redouble our appearances in society. It is the only way we shall gain ground on securing an impending proposal. I will set up about filling our social calendar and formalizing our presentation. We will have to puff ourselves up as best as we can. Downplay our misfortune.”
Evie heard her sister and knew her to be right. She had no hope of an engagement unless she made contact with the proper eligible suitors. With the summer beginning, she knew that Grace would have a full calendar of her own. She could hopefully take advantage of the time to advance her own efforts. Time felt so unforgiving going by mercilessly quick. She felt that if her hand were not secure by the end of the season that she would be doomed.
The coach pulled up to the steps of Wellington Manor and Evie looked to it gloomily. The evening had been quite unpleasant. She felt some solace in having found her way back to her temporary home. She figured that aside from the remaining staff that she would find the house still and empty. She might socialize and play at cards with Miss Dean or Miss Pratt, but it would be more likely that she shut herself up in her room to read until her eyes hung heavy.
She looked over at Lucy and saw that she was deep in thought. Lucy looked more determined than ever. That was something that Evie had always admired about her sister; her determination. There were few things that withstood the benefit of her focus without being accomplished. She hoped for the sake of both of them that her plans would bear fruit. She bid her sister a farewell with a kiss upon the cheek and left the coach to carry on towards her family home.
As Evie made to walk up the stairs, she was startled by a sound to the left on the pathway. At first she suspected that some animal were scuttling by, but the sound had come from something larger than some scampering creature. She was able to make out a sizable silhouette. Her breath caught in her chest as it began to move near her. She was unsure whether she would make it to the door in time.
She had heard about some tramps and drunkards who turned up on the estates of men of repute with criminal intent. She hoped that if it were some scoundrel that they would carry on with their business and leave her quite alone. Yet they seemed to be moving fairly slowly for someone with malicious intent. All the same she picked up her skirts and began to move up the stairs. In her frenzy she missed a step and tumbled t
o her hands and knees. As she went to pick herself up she felt hands on her and let out a terrified scream that she hoped would call someone to her…
Chapter 11
Thaddeus had been on the grounds, just preparing to take a stroll when the coach had pulled up. He barely registered it at first, caught up in the thoughts of a most frustrating evening. He had returned home early, thinking that he might take up some reading in his study. The night had stood in a pleasing air, so he decided to walk about for a bit.
When he saw Evie moving towards the steps, he had decided to turn back to greet her. The next thing he knew she was moving quickly up the steps, as if she had seen a ghost. Then he saw her stumble, so he moved quickly to catch her fall. As his hands grasped her arm, she let out a scream. Thaddeus froze, unsettled by the sound. Once the scream had died in her throat he said, “It is me.”
The Roguish Ways of a Hopeless Duke Page 8