A Relative Matter

by Karen Cogan

  He watched her face as the moon slipped from the clouds and lit her delicate features. Her eyes were twin jewels, glittering with curiosity. Her lips parted slightly in anticipation.

  “It can be no surprise to you that I enjoy your company very much, so much, in fact, that I wish to make it a permanent part of my life. My admiration and affection has deepened to the point that I cannot imagine life without you. So, I am led to confess that I love you and wish to make you my wife. Will you marry me, my lovely Miss Tyler?”

  The intensity in his dark eyes sent a shiver down her spine, igniting her senses like a fire sweeping through dry brush. She could not imagine a future without him, for he had captured her heart as surely as she had captured his.

  She licked her lips, priming herself for the biggest decision of her life. Casting off her natural inclination for caution, she said, “I return both your affection and admiration. I will marry you, Lord Westerfield.”

  He clasped her hands to his chest. “You have made me the happiest man alive. Perhaps, when the unfortunate business of Mr. Tyler’s son is behind us, we might set a date. With that as inducement, I shall work tirelessly to solve his identity.”

  “And I shall be grateful for your help.”

  “There is nothing I would not do for you.”

  He pulled her to him and kissed her long and tenderly. Anne melted against him, enjoying the warmth of his lips and the steady beating of his heart. Her cares melted away. She was no longer on her own now that she had Westerfield to help her. It seemed no evil could possibly touch her within the solid protection of his arms.

  When they reached her home, they parted reluctantly.

  “I am so glad Jeremy is with your father tonight. I shall come for him in the morning.”

  “When you arrive, my men and I will arm ourselves and see you safely back.”

  “I would be grateful.”

  “I would not have it otherwise.”

  He leaned down for a last kiss before he departed. “I will keep a close eye on your brother. He will not come to harm.”

  “I do not fear for him when he is with you.”

  He smiled down at her as he ran a finger across her lips. “All will be well, you will see.”

  He departed and Anne returned to the house, still feeling the touch of his finger upon her lips. All night she dreamed of him. When she awoke, she wondered if she had only dreamed he had proposed. A sense of disappointment filled her until she came fully awake and remembered she had truly ridden home with Lord Westerfield.

  She smiled as she drew her feet from beneath the covers and rang for Betsy. She would dress and eat breakfast. After that, she would send for the carriage and go for Jeremy. She was filled with anticipation for the morning. Not only would she see her brother, but she would see Lord Westerfield again and prove to herself that last night had not been a dream.

  Betsy appeared promptly with breakfast. She helped Anne dress and smooth her hair into waves that parted in the middle and swept to her shoulder blades. Then, dressing in a yellow summer cotton with petite blue flowers, she donned her slippers and ate her breakfast.

  The young groom, Pete, drove her out to Westerfield Manor. Anne’s thoughts raced ahead. What would it be like to be mistress of the fine old estate? And to think, she had worried about being homeless if Mr. Tyler had not wished her to stay.

  She felt sure the elder Lord Westerfield would be pleased to welcome her to his household. And Jeremy could live with them. He had taken to the elderly Lord Westerfield just as he had his grandfather. She only hoped he had not been a bother during the evening.

  When she arrived, she was greeted immediately by both her brother and Lord Westerfield. They were in the front lawn beginning to train the puppy.

  “Lord Westerfield’s father let me keep Duke in my room all night. Was that not a perfectly nice thing to do?” Jeremy enthused.

  Westerfield greeted Anne with a smile. “They had a wonderful time. Father talked all morning about how much he enjoyed having the boy in the house. He will be ecstatic when I tell him of our conversation in the carriage.”

  Anne blushed. “I hope he shall be pleased.”

  “No doubt of it. He already thinks highly of you and pesters me constantly to have you to tea. Will you stay and have a cup?”

  Anne laughed. “How could I turn down such a kind invitation?”

  She turned to Jeremy. “Come along, dear. What shall we do with the dog?”

  “Lord Westerfield said that I may take him home now.”

  She raised a brow. “Yes? Well that is wonderful. But you may not keep him in the house. We shall find a place for him in the stable.”

  Jeremy sighed. “May I not keep him in my room as I did last night? He was very quiet. If I must stay always indoors, he might keep me company so I am not so lonely.”

  Thinking of him confined to the house touched Anne’s heart and she felt herself relenting. “We shall see. He shall have to be a very good dog and not mess about the house.”

  “I will keep a very good eye on him,” Jeremy promised.

  “Well come along for now. We shall decide about the puppy later.”

  “You may take him in the kitchen for a treat if you like. Tell Cook I said you might,” Westerfield suggested.

  Jeremy skipped ahead, the puppy at his heels, in route to the kitchen.

  Westerfield put his arm around Anne and led her into the house. “I missed you all night and could not wait for you to arrive.”

  She smiled up at him. “I missed you, too.”

  They found the elder lord dozing in the drawing room, a book and blanket in his lap. He came to life quickly enough when he discovered Anne had arrived. He beamed at her and said, “I suppose I am worn out from the young man’s youthful enthusiasm. It did me good, though. Made me feel younger, too.”

  “I am glad he was not too much bother.”

  “None at all. I was glad to have him. He may come back any time he likes.”

  He winked at Anne. “My son has very little time these days to play games and amuse me.”

  The younger lord settled Anne in a chair and rang for tea. “I have little time because I must spend it persuading this young lady that I am worthy of her attentions. I believe I have succeeded, for she has agreed to become my wife.”

  Anne would not have believed it possible for the elder lord to smile a broader, more delighted smile.

  “I am happy indeed,” he crowed. “I have hoped to live to see my son wed and perhaps a grandchild or two. And now that we have Anne, I am more than happy. I am elated. I could find no prettier and sweet-tempered daughter in all the world.”

  Anne felt overwhelmed by the praise. “I think your estimation does me more credit than due, but I am truly complimented to become your daughter. I believe we shall get on splendidly.”

  “We must have a party; just a small party, to celebrate. I want news of the engagement to get out to everyone in the county. And we must do it soon so that Anne does not have a chance to change her mind.”

  Lord Westerfield chuckled. “You possess little confidence in my ability to retain Anne’s affection, sir.”

  The older man shook his head and said in all seriousness, “You cannot take chances when much is at stake.”

  Anne patted his hand. “Do not worry, sir. I shall not change my mind.”

  She looked up at the young lord. Her eyes grew misty as she said, “I love your son and he loves me.”

  “Then I am truly happy for you both. I loved my wife dearly and have never completely recovered from the loss,” said the elder lord.

  Changing the subject, he asked Anne, “You will get me your guest list soon?”

  “I promise that I shall do it this very week.”

  The tea arrived and was placed on the table.

  Anne poured; enjoying the homey duty in what would soon become her own drawing room in her own house. They had a nice long chat as they lingered, enjoying one another’s comp
any.

  “I understand that you have no female relatives. Who will help you plan your trousseau?” asked the elder Lord Westerfield.

  “That is true. However, I have a trusted lady’s maid who shall help me. She is quite superior in many ways to a relative.”

  “Then you are all set,” declared the lord. “When is the wedding date?”

  Anne decided that Lord Westerfield had not told his father much about the miserable affair regarding her brother. So she answered simply, “Soon. Perhaps in the early fall. We have not yet set a date.”

  “That is a good plan. Yes, a wedding in the fall. There will still be roses for the church.”

  They finished their tea and Anne declared that it was time for her to collect Jeremy and go home. He was summoned and, with puppy in arms, properly thanked the elder lord for the visit and young Lord Westerfield for the gift of the puppy.

  Then, Lord Westerfield held Anne’s hand as they headed for the carriage. “May I see you tomorrow? I could come late in the afternoon. Father hates to dine alone, so I shall return before supper.”

  “That would be wonderful. Your father may soon have more company than he bargained for. He is not used to an active young boy at his table. And though I try to impress manners upon Jeremy, he forgets himself upon occasion.”

  He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “I assure you that he will enjoy it. As he said himself, it stirs him up to have young company. I predict that they will be the best of friends.”

  She smiled. “I am sure you are right.”

  He helped her into the carriage and slowly released her hand. It seemed harder to let her go each time they parted. He consoled himself with the thought that they would soon be man and wife and would no longer live apart. Then, they might see each other every day whenever they liked.

  Anne watched the puppy squirm as they rode along and thought of how much the little creature reminded her of Jeremy when he was young. He was always squirming to get down and be about his own business. She could not help but smile. Duke had the makings of an agreeable pet, and with Lord Westerfield to help raise him, they were sure to have a fine dog one day.

  They arrived home and Anne went straight away to ask after Mr. Tyler. She had not seen him all day yesterday and wondered how he was faring since the disturbing letter arrived. She hoped the strain had not been bad for his health.

  She was unable to find out since Polly told her that Mr. Tyler had gone to ride about the estate earlier in the morning and had not returned. Anne sighed as she hung her bonnet beside the door. Perhaps the fresh air would do him good. Yet, it was growing quite warm and she wished he would return. If he did not return soon, she feared he would become overheated and do himself harm.

  Before she could think on it any further, she heard Polly answer the door. She stepped into the library where Anne was choosing a book to say, “Mrs. Fletcher to see you, miss.”

  Anne felt her mouth drop in surprise. The last person she expected to call upon her was Mariah Fletcher. She instructed Polly to show her in and steeled herself to face whatever complaint Mariah might have against her.

  When Mariah entered, Anne noticed straight away that her friend had grown pale. She looked no happier than she had last evening at the ball. Still wondering about the purpose of the visit, she invited Mariah to sit.

  She sat stiffly in the straight-backed chair. Anne noticed that the tiny mint flowers on her dress nearly matched the leaves on the fabric of the chair. They sat, unspeaking and uncomfortable in one another’s presence. Anne rubbed her slippers in the rich swirl of the Persian rug and said, “Might I get you anything? A cup of tea, perhaps?”

  Mariah caught her lip between her teeth. “No thank you. I am not in need of anything. Not anything except a friend, at least.”

  To Anne’s surprise, Mariah drew out a lacey white kerchief and began to dab at the tears that coursed down her cheeks. Anne felt too stunned to do anything except stare. She had hoped for reconciliation and expected chastisement. She had not expected tears.

  Finally, she sat forward in her chair and touched Mariah’s arm. “Mariah, dear, whatever is the matter?”

  “You must think me quite the fool. You were right and I was wrong.”

  Anne frowned, truly unable to follow her train of reasoning.

  “Whatever do you mean? I have not thought anything of the kind.”

  “Well, you should have. I would deserve it.”

  Mariah wiped at the tears that stained her cheeks. Her red-rimmed eyes and sagging shoulders attested to the depth of her distress. She pulled a deep breath and said, “Surely you could never forgive me for the way I have cut you. It was not entirely my idea. Mr. Fletcher suggested it. I believe he was angry because you had refused him.”

  “I see.”

  “And last night when I saw you with Lord Westerfield I knew that there was something between you. I could tell by the way he looked at you. It is true, is it not?”

  Anne felt at a disadvantage admitting her engagement until she knew what Mariah was going to say. Instead of replying, she asked, “Have we caused your current distress?”

  Mariah shook her head. “La, you are in no way responsible for the fix I find myself in. If I were smart like you, I would not find myself in such a position at all.”

  As Mariah looked likely to burst into fresh tears, Anne hurried to say, “I do not understand. What position are you in?”

  “I am embarrassed to say, though I must confide in someone. I cannot tell Mama and Papa, not when they disapproved of the elopement. With them, I must go along and pretend that all is very well. But, like I said, I must tell someone. And you have always been my very best friend. I know I can trust you, though you must promise not to breathe a word that is said.”

  Anne nodded. “Only tell me what is troubling you so.”

  “It is Mr. Fletcher.”

  “Mr. Fletcher?”

  “Yes. It seems he never truly intended to buy a home. He is destitute from his debts. He was becoming desperate to marry, for he had no more money for the inn. He would marry or be thrown out on the street.”

  Anne’s breath caught in her throat, making her speechless. While she had not thought Mr. Fletcher a suitable match for herself, she had never imagined that he was no more than a finely wrapped package. How could she console Mariah for becoming prey to such a scoundrel?

  Yet, determined to try, she said, “Perhaps he admitted all of this because he loves you and wants to be honest with you.”

  Mariah shook her head, causing her shiny blond curls to bob. “He does not love me. He as good as said so. He laughed at me and said I am as witless and empty-headed as a pheasant and twice as easy to catch. Oh, Anne, what a foolish girl I have been, letting him appeal to my vanity and being annoyed by your warning. I should have listened to you.”

  “You could not have known.”

  “Yes, but what can I do? I cannot throw him out. Think of the embarrassment it would cause to me and my family. And I cannot go away with him. We have no money. And I would rather die than ask Papa to fund us any.”

  “No. It is no good to go away. I doubt he is suited for any work that would support you in an acceptable manner. You must remain here for now. Tell your Papa that Mr. Fletcher’s investments have gone badly and that he is down in his fortunes. Surely, he will let you stay on.”

  “For now, perhaps. But what about when Papa dies? My cousin, Thomas, will inherit and will surely want us to vacate. What will we do then?”

  Anne patted her hand. “Try not to worry. Perhaps by then, Mr. Fletcher will inherit property of his own. Has he not a father in London?”

  “I do not know. He will not tell me.”

  “You must ask about his prospects. Perhaps all as not as ill as you fear.”

  Mariah wiped her eyes. “Dear Anne. You always make me feel better just by talking to you. Will you forgive me for cutting you so? I will not do it again, no matter what Mr. Fletcher says.”

 
“Of course I forgive you. And I have a secret for you.”

  Anne’s eyes shone as she leaned forward and said, “Lord Westerfield and I are to be married.”

  Mariah clasped Anne’s hands. “I knew it. I am so happy for you. He has a fine estate and you will not have to worry about money.”

  Anne laughed. “La, I am not marrying him for his money.”

  Mariah sighed. “I know that. Yet, it is important, you know.”

  “I suppose you are right.”

  “Think of it. You will be the mistress of an estate. And to think that I had the nerve to strut like a peacock and look down upon you. Me, the wife of a penniless rogue.”

  Anne gave Mariah’s fingers a gentle squeeze. “Now that we are good friends again we shall not think of that anymore. We shall put it all behind us.”

  “Where shall the wedding be?”

  “In the village church, with a banquet to follow. But first there shall be a small party to announce the event. The elder Lord Westerfield insists upon it.”

  “Oh I do hope Mr. Fletcher will agree that we should go.”

  “You must, for it would not be half so much fun without you.”

  Mariah’s eyes sparkled. “This will make up for my silly impulse to run off and get married. I cannot wait. When shall it be?”

  Anne puckered her brow. “I do not know exactly.”

  She relayed the story of what had happened with Jeremy and Lord Tyler’s son.

  “Why that is dreadful,” Mariah said. “You must be mad with worry.”

  “We are keeping a close watch on Jeremy. It is hard for him not to be able to run freely about.”

  “Yes, but you dare not let him until the ugly business is settled. You say you have no recognition of the man?”

  “No. I have never seen him. But the note sent to Mr. Tyler was posted at the village.”

  “That is frightening, indeed. I wonder why no one has noticed a stranger about.”

  “Perhaps he is posing as a tenant or other worker. Mr. Tyler thought he might be our new groom, but he was not.”

  “This is frightful. If there is anything that I can do, you will let me know, will you not?”

  “Indeed. We sent him over to Lord Westerfield last night for safekeeping.”

  “I should be glad to watch over him too, if the need arises.”

  “I know you would.”

  After a few more moments of chat, Mariah said that she must leave. “I told Mr. Fletcher that I was going on a buggy ride. If I am away too long, he will question me. That is another thing that I do not like. He is always questioning me.”

  “Perhaps you may learn to overlook it.”

  Mariah pursed her lips. “I hope so.”

  She looked forlorn as she bid Anne good-bye and settled into the buggy. Anne watched her ride away and thought that such a marriage must be quite a trial. And to think that she had once been Mr. Fletcher’s object of prey. He had tried all the same lies on her and failed.

  She shivered. But what if she had succumbed to them?

  She was comforted by the fact that Lord Westerfield was not marrying her for her money. Of that, she was sure. With bountiful lands, tenants, and a grand old estate, he would never want for funds.

  She questioned her heart as to whether any of these things had determined her decision to marry him and decided they had not. Only love and love alone would ever have induced her to marriage. And she loved Lord Westerfield with all of her heart. Of that she was sure.

  She lunched with Jeremy who complained at having to leave the puppy tied outside the kitchen while he dined. “He gets lonely all by himself.”

  “He will be fine. He must get used to being alone sometimes. Cook will not like having a puppy underfoot if you leave him in the kitchen.”

  Jeremy grinned. “I took him out to the garden while you were talking to Mrs. Fletcher. He had such fun chasing a butterfly. You should have seen him. His floppy ears where bouncing and he tripped over his long puppy legs.”

  Anne frowned. “Did you forget that you are not supposed to leave the house? Have one of the servants take the puppy out for his walks in the garden.”

  “I stayed near the house and I did not see anyone at all. I am so tired of staying inside.”

  “Nonetheless, you must promise that you will not go out with the puppy. If you do not promise, I shall take Duke straight back to Lord Westerfield.”

  Jeremy sat straight up in his chair. “Do not do that. Oh, please, Anne. I will not go out with him again.”

  She smiled. “I believe you. But remember our bargain.”

  “I will.”

  After lunch they went to their chambers for an afternoon rest.

  Anne stared out her window to see dark clouds roiling and billowing. It would surely rain. And very soon. It would break the morning heat that had felt sticky and oppressive. She longed to roost with a cozy book while she drifted to sleep.

  Yet, she stood frowning and wondering what had become of Mr. Tyler. Surely he could see the upcoming storm. He would be caught in it if he did not return soon.

  She pushed her worries aside. He was a sensible man. Perhaps he had gone to the village and would sit out the storm safely in a pub. More than likely that was the case and she was silly to stand here watching the sky and fretting.

  She settled comfortably in her bed and opened her book. After a while, the words began to blur. She set the book beside her and drifted into a cozy nap.

  She was awakened some time later by fierce thunder that shook the windows and rattled the ground. She sat up and stared at the rivulets pouring down the window. She forced herself to budge from her cozy nest and plod to the window to see the brilliant streaks of lightning that filled the gray sky. From the look of the storm, it seemed they were in for a drenching.

  She wondered if Mr. Tyler had returned.

  She was just turning her doorknob to check on his whereabouts, when a knock sounded at the door. She opened the door to see Polly standing outside. The girl was as white as her starched bib and she was shaking like a leaf.

  “Please, miss, you had better come down.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN