The Harvest Ball

by Lily Bernard

  “I am trying to get him cleaned up and out of his clothes. Not an easy task without his cooperation. I will send one of the maids to summon you when he is presentable.”

  “Thank you, Barton, I will be in my sitting room whenever you wish to send word.”

  “Yes, my Lady.”

  Mrs. Elkins was waiting downstairs for the doctor to give her instructions. When he saw her, he handed her a small bottle of laudanum. “If Mr. Fitzwilliam awakens enough to complain about a headache, mix a few drops into a cup of tea and that should help relieve the pain and allow him to sleep.”

  “Is there anything else I can do?”

  “He needs to rest. He has had a severe trauma to his head, and he needs to heal. He may wake up as soon as tomorrow or it could be longer. He should be afforded quiet and care and our prayers. I have seen many a man after they had fallen off a horse. When they land on their heads, each case has been different; some wake up after a few hours and some, I am sorry to say, never wake up.”

  “Oh, no, he must get better! I have known him since he was just a boy visiting his Aunt Catherine with Lord and Lady Matlock. Should we send word to his parents?”

  “Let us wait a few days and see how his recovery progresses. There is always time to share bad news.”

  “Did you speak to Lady Howard yet?”

  “Yes, I told her exactly what I told you.” The doctor paused and thought about what he was about to say. He had known Mrs. Elkins for more than twenty years and was comfortable telling her, “I believe she is quite in love with him.”

  “I believe you are correct and from what I have seen, the feeling is mutual. I will pray that he will heal quickly. I believe if he does, we will be hearing about a wedding in the near future.”

  “I concur, she is more concerned about him than a family friend would be. I will return in the morning to examine Mr. Fitzwilliam but please send word if I am needed before then.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Benson, I will see you to your carriage.”

  Emily spent a sleepless night worrying about Richard and very early the following morning, she quietly entered his bed chamber. Barton had slept in a chair near the bed and when she entered the room, Barton awoke. “Has there been any change?”

  “No, my Lady, he has not moved since yesterday.”

  “Barton, please break your fast and rest, I will stay with him now. I will call for you if he stirs.”

  “Thank you, madam, I will return in an hour.” Barton bowed to her before leaving the room. He knew an unmarried woman should not be alone with a man in his bed chamber; he also knew that the nobility behaved anyway they wanted. It is not my duty to remind her of the lack of propriety. There is little chance of anything improper happening while my master is unconscious.

  Lady Emily took the chair which Barton had vacated and moved it closer to the bed. When she sat down, she took Richard’s hand and pressed it to her heart. “Please, Richard, you must wake up.” Tears began to fall from her eyes and fell on their joined hands. “I cannot lose you, my love. I know I love you. I love you with all of my heart. I am sorry it took your riding accident for me to realize what you mean to me. Wake up, my dearest man so I can tell you how I feel and how much I desire to be your wife. I long to tell you how much I long to comfort our own child in my arms. Please, dear God, please bring him back to me.”

  Richard began to groan and brought Emily’s hand to his lips without opening his eyes. He tried to move his body, but he quickly placed his hand on his head where most of the pain was. When he opened his eyes, a tearful Emily was sitting at his bedside. Richard said in a groggy voice, “was I dreaming, or did I just hear you confess your love for me and accept my proposal?”

  “Yes,” Emily laughed through her tears, “you foolish man, you heard me. I love you and I will happily marry you, but if you ever again try to do anything stupid to win my favor, I will never speak to you.”

  He brought her hand to his lips again and spoke slowly. “It seems to me that falling on my head, while I assure you was completely unintentional, has served me very well. We will be happy, Emily, that I promise you.” He looked into his beloved’s eyes and smiled. “Let us marry as quickly as possible. Now that you have agreed, I am anxious to make you my wife.” When he attempted to sit up, he quickly laid back on his pillow. “My head feels like my horse stepped on it, several times. How long until I am well enough to carry you off to Gretna Green?”

  “The doctor left some laudanum with Mrs. Elkins. A little of it in a cup of tea should help your pain. Are you hurt anywhere else? Mr. Benson examined you but did not believe that you had broken any bones, only your head injury and some bumps and bruises.”

  “I am happy to hear that, as you well know, I have a very thick scull and would not accept ‘no’ for an answer from you.”

  “I am happy you persisted, although I am as anxious to wed as you are, I think we should focus on your recovery for now. My parents will not be happy about me marrying you, you being a second son and all.” Richard smiled at his beloved fiancée’s teasing words. “The last thing we need to do is elope; that would make our marriage twice as hard for them to accept. After you have been restored to health, why do we not travel north together to Suffolk and tell my parents our good news. From there we can continue on to Matlock and inform your family. When we get to Pemberley for the Harvest Ball, we can tell Peter and the Darcys. My brother is one family member I believe will welcome our news.”

  “I can try to forgive your parents for forcing you to marry Howard; I do hope to begin our married life on good terms with your family. We are old enough and financially independent enough to make our own decisions and our own happiness. Now, will you please summon Barton, I need some help getting cleaned up and changing my clothes. I will see you shortly, my love.”

  “I like hearing you call me that.” She leaned over and briefly kissed him on the lips. “We are betrothed, after all,” she said coquettishly and left the room.

  Happiness is mine at last! Now I need to get rid of this feeling that a cow is sitting on my head, so I can kiss my fiancée properly! Richard’s valet soon entered the room and helped him with his ablutions.

  After waking up, Richard made slow but steady progress in his recovery. Day by day, his headache diminished, and he spent more and more time out of bed. Finally, the day arrived when Mr. Benson declared him fully healed. After his final examination, the doctor asked Barton to bring Lady Howard into Richard’s chambers. When she arrived, Richard was dressed and sitting in a chair. She stood beside him and Mr. Benson said, “may I offer my heartiest congratulations on your betrothal; I am delighted for you both. I am also happy to tell you that your fiancé is fully recovered. However, I do not advise him to jump over any hedges in the future.”

  “Thank you so much for your excellent care,” she said as she smiled at her fiancé. “I will make sure that he does not try anything that might be dangerous.”

  “I am delighted that I am better but I wonder if Mr. Benson has any special potions in his medical bag. Something that will make your parents accept our betrothal without me incurring another head injury!” Everyone laughed at his joke but they were both anxious about the Carters’ reaction to their news.

  “Lady Howard, I have known the Fitzwilliam family for many, many years. I got to know them all during their frequent visits to Rosings to see Lady Catherine and her daughter. They are a very fine family and I cannot imagine any reason for Lord and Lady Matlock to object to you joining their family.”

  “I thank you for your reassurances. It is not the Fitzwilliams we worry about, but my family. You have never met my mother but if you had, you would understand our anxiety. However, we are adults and we will not be dissuaded from marrying by anyone or anything.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on it before smiling at the determined words of the woman he loved.

  “Well, I have done all I can do. Mr. Fitzwilliam, I would like to remind you to desist from jumping over anything higher
than a blade of grass. I wish you both every happiness.”

  “Thank you for your care, Mr. Benson. Barton, please escort the doctor to his carriage.” Richard waited until they were alone before he pulled Emily onto his lap and passionately kissed her.

  When their kiss ended, Emily rested her head on his shoulder, and he heard her whisper, “I never knew a kiss could feel like that.”

  “My darling Emily, you have never been kissed by a man you love and who loves you in return. You have no idea what passion lies ahead of us. On our wedding night, it will be as if it were your first time, because it will be your first time with the man you love.”

  “I could not agree with you more and the sooner we wed the better. I am anxious to begin our life together.”

  “Rosings brings in about five thousand a year. I have a small inheritance from my grandmother and some other investments that Darcy advised me on when I sold my commission. I have no idea what your finances are, nor do I care. We will certainly be able to live well on my income.”

  “I have a great deal of money of my own. The truth is that my husband died before he could spend too much of it. Much of my marriage settlement and a portion of my dowry are under my control. So, it appears that you are betrothed to an independently wealthy woman,” Emily teased.

  “Just as long as you are my wife, I care not if you have a farthing on our wedding day.” He briefly kissed her and smiled. “When shall we leave for Suffolk? Is two days’ time enough for you to prepare? I will speak to my steward today about the upcoming harvest and our plans to be away for a time.”

  “I will send an express to my parents letting them know our arrival date and I will start packing now!”

  Richard did not release his fiancée from his embrace. “I will make all the arrangements for our travel. I plan to reserve two separate rooms for us. Your maid and Barton will also travel with us and we will observe all the dictates of society. I will not have anyone questioning the propriety of our trip or malign our relationship.”

  “Thank you, I was hoping you would say that. I believe we should tell everyone that we met by chance in Kent. I assume we can depend on your staff’s discretion. No reason for anyone to know that I have stayed with you in your home for several weeks.”

  “Madam, once again, you have come up with a perfect plan.”

  “Now, let me up! I really must start my packing!”

  “Not so fast, my lady. I believe your newly recovered fiancé needs another kiss.”

  “I am delighted to give you anything you need, my dearest man,” she said as she tenderly caressed his face.

  That night, long after he had bid Emily good night, Richard was pacing in his chambers when he got an idea. He knew the rest of the house was asleep as he quietly made his way to Emily’s bed chamber. He put his ear to her door and heard his fiancée singing quietly. He gently knocked and the door was quickly opened. “Richard, what are you doing here? Are you unwell?”

  “I just felt the need to see you one more time before I go to bed. I hope I have not disturbed you but I heard you singing and knew you must be awake.”

  She placed her hand on his arm, “I always sing when I am happy, and tonight I am particularly joyous.”

  “In that case, do you think your poor lonely fiancé could have a good night kiss?”

  “I think that may be arranged,” she said as she walked even closer and kissed the man she had come to love so much. He did not stay long and as he walked back to his chambers, he found he was also singing!

  Chapter 21

  The next morning, Emily sent an express to her parents announcing her return to Ipswich. She told them there was no need for them to send the Carter carriage back to Kent; she would be traveling with her friend. They stopped for the night at an inn along the way and planned to arrive at the Carter’s estate in the early afternoon. Emily took Richard’s arm as they entered the house and she led them to the drawing room. When her parents looked up and saw their daughter arm in arm with Richard, her father found his voice first. “What is the meaning of this? Take your hand off that man!” Richard heard the venom in his voice and was happy he was taking Emily away from these small minded social-climbers.

  “No father, I shall not remove my hand from the arm of the man I love and will soon marry. Yes, mother, I can see by your expression that you are in shock. Richard and I love each other and will be very happy together. I am old enough and financially secure enough to make my own decisions. I will not allow you to trap me into another farce of a marriage. For the first time in a long while, I am truly happy. I will only marry again for love and as soon as possible, Richard Fitzwilliam will be my husband.”

  “Emily, how can you throw away the opportunity to be the wife of a peer, a man of wealth and a title?”

  “Mother, I am not throwing anything away. I am a good daughter and obediently followed your demands and married Lord Howard. Now, I am going to follow my heart. Richard owns a large estate in Kent and his father is a peer.” Emily paused and took a few steps toward her parents. “We would like to stay here for a few days before traveling to Derbyshire where we will share our good news with Lord and Lady Matlock.”

  “I am sure Lady Matlock, will be in touch with you as soon as she knows of our betrothal. We are willing to have the wedding in London, if that is what you prefer. I hope you will give us your blessing for we will marry as soon as possible.”

  Tension enveloped the room as Richard and Emily nervously awaited her parents’ reaction to their news. After several long minutes, her father stood and walked toward them. “I suppose we have no other choice but to congratulate you both and wish you every joy in your marriage.”

  “Thank you, Papa, we appreciate your kind words.” Mr. Carter shook Richard’s hand and they all turned toward Mrs. Carter awaiting her approval. She was staring straight ahead and would not look at Emily and Richard. They all waited a few moments before Emily asked her father, “may I instruct the housekeeper to prepare a guest suite for Richard?”

  Her mother jumped to her feet. “No, you will not! I will take care of it. I am the mistress of this house!”

  “Mrs. Carter, I hope we can get to know each other over the next few days. I realize you are surprised by our news, but I assure you, we will be married, with or without your blessing.”

  “We will see about that!” She stormed out of the room and began shouting for the housekeeper.

  “I was hoping Mama would see how happy I am. I love Richard and we will marry as quickly as possible, but I was hoping to have the blessing of both my parents.”

  “Give your mother some time, Emily, you know she had other plans for you. She only wants you to maintain your standing in the ton. As you said, you certainly do not need our permission to marry.”

  “I wish both my parents could share in my joy, but Richard and I are prepared to move forward without it. Mama should consider the fact that by this time next year, I may be with child, your first grandchild. I would like our children to enjoy the affections of all four grandparents. I will retire to my room now and meet you for dinner. Richard, I will send someone to escort you to your room.” Emily kissed her father’s cheek and then turned and quickly kissed Richard before leaving the drawing room.

  There were several more awkward minutes when Mr. Carter and Richard were alone in the drawing room. Mr. Carter asked how they met, and Richard told him of meeting her for the first time in Derbyshire. He told him about their walks together after the Townsend’s Ball and meeting Emily in Kent while she was visiting Lady Mary Greenley. “We would have been here sooner, but I fell off my horse and landed on my head. I was unconscious for a time and took some time to heal.” Richard told him more about his accident and how Emily came to realize her true feelings for him.

  “I suppose you look well enough now.”

  “I was hoping to meet your son John before we travel to Matlock.”

  “John is away with some friends. I do not know when he will retur
n to Suffolk.” Mr. Carter said brusquely. He noticed a footman in the doorway, “here is Rhodes to show you to your room. I will see you for dinner.” Mr. Carter did not look at him as he walked past Richard as he left the drawing room.

  The remainder of their days in Suffolk were much the same. Mr. Carter was guarded in his interactions with Richard and Mrs. Carter did not speak or look at Richard or her daughter. Emily and Richard walked in the gardens and took a few excursions into Ipswich. On the morning of their departure for Derbyshire, Mr. Carter stood near the front door with the happy couple; he shook Richard’s hand and kissed Emily’s cheek. When they began to leave the house, everyone turned when they heard Mrs. Carter shouting, “wait, wait for me!” When she reached them, she was breathing quickly and crying. “Emily, please forgive me. I love you and only want you to be happy. If Mr. Fitzwilliam is the man you love and believe you will be happy with, you have my blessing. Can you ever forgive my behavior?”

  She embraced her weeping mother, “Mama, of course I forgive you; I am so happy, and I love Richard. Let us start over from the time we arrived here. Mother, allow me to present my fiancé, Richard Fitzwilliam. Richard, I am happy to introduce my mother.”

  Richard took Mrs. Carter’s hand and bowed over it. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Carter.” He turned to Emily, “perhaps we can delay our departure until tomorrow. I am certain you and your mother have many things to discuss in regard to planning our wedding. I will send an express to my parents telling them of my new arrival date.” Richard turned to Emily’s parents. “They have no idea that I will be accompanied by Lady Howard.”

  “Thank you, my dear. I would love to have some time with my mother; we must discuss wedding dates, dresses, flowers, ribbons and lace. And many other topics of which I am sure you and Papa have no interest.”