Winter Wishes: A Regency Christmas Anthology
Page 46
Morning was the perfect time to see Mother. She’d been impossible to catch alone since the Stockwick siblings had arrived yesterday afternoon.
He glanced at the connecting door as he crossed the room just to be sure they were really alone. He kissed her cheek and sat beside her at the window overlooking the white gardens around the manor house. “It is going to be a beautiful day,” he promised.
“I’m glad,” she murmured. “The children could do with some fresh air.”
“Not Evan,” Otis warned. “His nurse said his nose was running like a brook all night.”
Mother nodded. “Just us girls then.”
Mother was already dressed for the outing, donning her warmest wool coat to keep away the chill. “Mother, what are Hector and Margaret Stockwick doing here,” he demanded.
“Well, we couldn’t very well invite Meg to stay without inviting Hector, too. I just couldn’t bear to think of her alone in that huge house for one more Christmas.”
“They do have servants.”
Mother rubbed her hands together and blew on them. “You must guess how hard this year will be for her. Family must stick together.”
“Yes, I’m aware of their growing estrangement, but the timing is troubling. Anyone can see just looking at her that she’d rather be anywhere else.”
Mother sighed. “She’s been in mourning since her mother died, and perhaps before that, too. Justine was ill for so long. It’s too long for a girl her age to be sequestered away from society with just servants for company.”
“She has a brother,” Otis reminded her.
“But he’s never there. You know he’s not.”
Otis sighed and glanced outside. “It’s not my fault he prefers London. I have tried…”
“Her letters have torn at my heart and my conscience for too long.” Mother settled her hand over his. “I don’t blame you. I know you’ve done all you could to make him leave London and take care of his responsibilities at home, but it seems he will not do it.”
“He’s a stubborn bastard,” Otis admitted. “The estate must be falling to wrack and ruin without a firm hand at the reins.”
“Meg does what she can to keep the estate profitable.”
“At least that is something.” If only things were different. The Stockwicks’ estate in Dorset had once thrived under the late Lord Stockwick, or it had before the mother had died.
“Be that as it may, I’m convinced Meg just needs a little reassurance that it is all right to set her mourning aside and think of the future. In a way, she will always be in mourning for the parents she loves and misses. But she has to face a life without them eventually. You’ll hardly notice her. I promise.”
That wasn’t likely. The changes in Margaret Stockwick had knocked the wind out of his sails momentarily. She had not spoken very much at all yesterday, but she had once been bold and outspoken. Traits that had set her apart from other girls he’d known. As a child, she’d been intrepid, always following them around when he’d visited the Stockwicks’ estate by the sea.
Otis raked a hand through his hair again. Margaret was miserable. He’d seen that very clearly. She was not as she once was, and that was a tragedy. “She has no idea how her brother intends to spend the next years, does she?”
“None at all, I’m afraid. We had a little chat when she was settling into her room last night. It’s come as something of a shock that Hector is bringing her out of mourning early. I really thought he would tell her about moving to London before now, too.”
Otis had seen Margaret’s shock with his own eyes too at the mention of London. The poor girl—woman, he corrected himself—was practically reeling at the idea of entering the marriage mart. It had to be done, of course, it was the right thing to do, but obviously done the wrong way in Margaret’s case. “I’ll have a word with him.”
“Not every gentleman worries about the happiness of women as you do,” she said, in praise of him. “Would that your friend were the same. Meg has been so sad for such a long time. Losing both her parents in such a way has been very painful for her. You know how close she was to them. Hector’s decision to force her into society like this is not the way.”
Otis caught his mother’s eye. “So you and Hector are conspiring against Margaret now. How long has this been going on?”
“It wasn’t like that. I asked your father if she could come, expecting a refusal, and he had no objection for a change. I thought a short time away from home would do her the world of good, but I did not know then that Hector intended to sell the estate. What can be done to stop him if he does not like the place? Nothing, unfortunately.”
“The estate has great potential. Selling now would be a mistake I intend to talk Hector out of,” Otis decided. “It could be a very good situation if Hector would just apply himself.”
Mother sighed. “Hector has no interest in managing a country estate, and you know it. He’s happier gadding about in London with you and your friends.”
“Well, those days are behind me. My life is here now with you and the children.”
“I’m glad to see you here but you know you don’t have to stay for us.” Mother looked up at him and smiled quickly. “I’d like your promise that you will make Meg feel at home here during her stay.”
Otis regarded his mother warily. “And how do you expect me to do that?”
“You could talk to her about the delights of London. She’s lived a sheltered life by the sea, and everything will seem very strange and overwhelming at first.”
“She is my best friend’s sister. Men who pay too much attention to their best friend’s sisters create discord and suspicion.”
Mother regarded him with amusement. “Do you fear she will fall in love with you?”
“Don’t be absurd. I would never allow that to happen.”
“Love is always beyond our control, my son” she warned him, and then burst into a grin. “What would you do if she did set her sights on marrying you instead of preparing for a London season? Once upon a time, her mother and I thought something might happen between you.”
“Something?” he asked, although he knew what Mother was about to say. She hoped for grandchildren as much as Father did. But she wanted him to wed happily, and with more love than she’d ever known in her marriage. And Mother was exceedingly fond of Margaret. It was not surprising she wished for a match between them.
Her brow arched. “Do you not think Meg is pretty?”
“That is a foolish question. Of course Margaret is a very pretty girl.”
Mother smiled in delight at his answer. “Bright, too.”
Not so clever as to realize her brother was keen to marry her off. “It is an unfortunate failing of yours to always wish for the impossible,” he warned his mother.
“I wish for happiness, my son. For all of us. Especially Meg.”
“Mother, you are a hopeless romantic but you are bound to be disappointed in me,” he warned. Otis glanced at his mother quickly and forced a smile. “I have something to tell you?”
“You’ve made another foolish wager with your father.”
Otis gaped. “How did you hear?”
“Your father gloated about it when he came to see me last night. I assume you know what you’re doing?”
“I do have something of a plan, but only three months to marry someone good.” Otis grasped his mother’s hand quickly. “I’m sorry I did not consult with you first. I hope Father did not upset you.”
“He tried,” she said softly and wouldn’t meet his eyes.
His parents’ marriage had forever been volatile. “Mother, did he mention that the wager could have consequences for all of us? For you and the children too?”
“Yes, that part particularly pleased him.” She sat back with a sigh. “He gloated that he’d backed you into a corner. He thinks to have his way.”
“I am going to marry, Mother, but not the woman he’s chosen for me.” Otis’ stomach clenched with worry though. �
��And I promised to look after you and the children. I will find a suitable bride and I will win your freedom in the end too.”
She shook her head. “All I want is for you to be happy.”
“Winning the wager will make me very happy.”
Mother glanced toward the connecting door. “Once upon a time, I would have stayed with him out of affection.”
Otis rubbed a hand over his face. “What can I do to make you smile?”
“Marry for love in your own time and move away,” she replied. “What is done is done and the past cannot be changed. I have to live with the consequences of my decision to marry such a vindictive creature. Promise you will never become like him.”
“I won’t.” Otis heard voices coming from his father’s room. It must be nearing elevenses. “I have to go.”
“Yes, your friends will be wondering where you are.” Mother tilted her cheek up and Otis quickly pressed a kiss to her cool skin.
“Hector doesn’t rise before noon.”
She smiled quickly. “Meg rises early, and she should be your friend, too. She will need you in the coming months. Help her where I cannot.”
Otis sighed. He couldn’t refuse his mother this one boon. He would be in London looking for a wife at the same time Meg was there too. “I’ll do my best.”
“You’ll find her in the library at this hour, I expect.” She stood and brushed her gown straight. “Now I had better go to the children before they come looking for me and earn a punishment from him.”
Otis thought that an excellent idea. Father did not like to see his children anywhere but in the gardens or the nursery floor above. He bid his mother goodbye and turned in the direction of the library.
Chapter 5
The Vyne estate in Derbyshire was a bleak place in the middle of winter.
Meg huddled at one end of a large window seat in the vast library, under a thick wool blanket to keep the cold at bay. She stared out at the nonexistent view with a heavy heart. There was nothing to see but fog and snow-covered ground outside her window. At times it seemed like there were no clear skies on the horizon. She was surrounded by the weather and by a family that she didn’t belong to.
Hector had abandoned her company almost as soon as they had arrived. He had disappeared with Lord Clement last night after dinner without saying when he’d return or when she might talk to him about London. She’d heard he’d ridden out early that day, despite the terrible weather.
She gritted her teeth. Her future had been decided for her. She would move to London, marry, and that was that. It hurt that Hector had run away from the conversation he’d promised her.
She pulled the blankets higher and settled deeper into the pillows behind her back. She had chosen a spot that afforded her a good view of the front drive and the stables. She might know the moment Hector returned. Until he did, there was nothing for her to do but wait.
The door creaked open slowly, and Meg froze as a presence entered the room slowly.
“Am I disturbing you?” Lord Clement asked softly.
Meg twisted around, grievously disappointed to see her brother was not standing there, too. “No. I was just about to leave.”
Lord Clement quickly held up his hands. “No. No. Don’t move from that lovely warm spot. I didn’t intend to drive you from the room. I actually wanted to talk to you.”
Meg regarded him warily. “What do you want from me?”
“Nothing,” he said with a quick smile. He hovered by the door, but searched the room with his eyes. He put his hands behind his back and kept a distance. “I wanted to see if there was anything you might need.”
“There is nothing I need,” she promised, hoping he would go about his business soon and depart. “I have my book and your mother will send for me soon, I’m sure.”
He looked around again. “Where is your maid?”
“I’ve never had one.”
He shook his head and muttered something under his breath. “I’ll have our Gladys assigned to you for your stay. She was with my other sister when she had her season. You’ll find her invaluable.”
“I don’t need anything from you,” she insisted, and then scowled at him. “Shouldn’t you be with my brother?”
“He’s up?” Lord Clement drew closer. “I assumed he would still be abed at this hour.”
“He went out. I assumed he was with you.”
“Not with me. I have responsibilities here that cannot be shirked even for visitors.” He sighed. “But I am free now.”
Meg was quite tired of lies, half-truths, and omissions. Lord Clement was a rogue, cut from the same cloth as her brother. “There’s no need to pretend interest in me when you must long to be elsewhere. Hector has made it clear gentlemen have better things to do than sit about the countryside sipping tea.”
“I’m not sure why your brother would include me in that statement, but I spend a great deal of time in the country sipping tea and enjoy it too. Actually, I only spend about six weeks in London each year, seeing the solicitor who manages my affairs and attending a few parties I cannot get out of. The rest of the year, I’m here. But I was forced to spend months away from the estate once. Hated every moment of it.”
Meg studied Lord Clement, and then wet her lips. His statement seemed honest enough, but that would mean her brother had been lying to her. “Hector led me to believe he was with you in London for most of last year.”
Lord Clement appeared surprised by that. “I was with him for only a few weeks and Hector can attest to my impatience to return home I’m sure.”
She stared at him in astonishment. “Do you really prefer the country?”
“Indeed I do,” he said and then winced. “Hector does not, however. Your brother has not accepted an invitation to visit The Vynes in an age. I am astonished that he came this year for the holiday.”
“I see,” Meg’s eyes pricked with tears. If Hector hadn’t been with Lord Clement in London then what had he been doing with his life? Obviously whatever it was, he didn’t want her to know about it. Meg was stunned.
Meg looked away and brought her fingers to her lips. “Hector’s comments have led me to believe you a bad influence on him. I blamed you for taking my brother away when I needed him most.”
Lord Clement crossed the room to stand a few feet away. “If he’d spoken the truth, I must have seemed a heartless beast to you. I am sorry you were misinformed.”
Meg frowned at the comment. “It is Hector who should apologize. Wherever he may be?”
“I can have him found and brought back if you like. We have enough servants to wrestle him out of any tavern.” Lord Clement leaned her way to whisper. “It wouldn’t be the first time, honestly.”
“That will not be necessary,” she said sadly. Her brother should want to be with her, and Hector would only resent her even more than he must already were he dragged back to The Vynes.
Lord Clement moved again, stopping at her side. She looked up into his eyes, so blue and kind as they held her gaze, and her heart fluttered for no good reason. He smiled slowly. “Are you sure there is nothing I can do for you? Another blanket or pillow, or a discussion of the best shops to patronize in London. Mother suggested I might help you prepare for your season.”
“I assure you, I do not want to think about London right now but thank you for your kindness.”
“Well, then. Another time perhaps. Have you been outside today?” Meg shook her head and Lord Clement’s eyes lit up. “Mother is planning an outing with my sisters soon.”
Meg dropped her gaze. “It is snowing,” she noted. “And cold.”
Lord Clement suddenly sat down beside her. “I adore this time of year here. When you are out amongst the snow as it falls, it is as if you are the only person in the world.”
“That sounds lonely.”
“Believe me, it’s not when your sisters have been squabbling all morning.” He pressed two fingers to his brow. “The noise can be quite overpowering.”
She and Hector were as quiet as church mice, usually. And if they had a disagreement, she realized, as they did now, Hector tended to make himself scarce.
“You could join us for a short walk out,” Lord Clement pressed. “I remember you were quite energetic when we were younger. And with such views as to be had in Dorset, I’d be surprised if you had grown tired of wandering the cliffs.” He caught her eye, his expression hopeful.
She did not think he would recall anything of her nature after all this time. It had been years since he’d visited her home. She sighed. “Out to where?”
“Anywhere will do. Everything seems different when the world is covered in snow,” he promised. “Even the pig pens can seem magical.”
Meg laughed at that. “Except for the smell.”
But a walk outside with others sounded like a pleasant way to pass the time given the way Lord Clement described it. Perhaps if she wasn’t alone out there, she would not feel more lonely than she already was. But if she went out, she feared she could miss Hector’s return. There were things they needed to talk about. “Perhaps tomorrow.”
“Excellent. I will let my mother and sisters know that you might join us for the morning walk.”
Meg nodded slowly.
“Is that a good book?” Lord Clement asked suddenly, gesturing to her lap. The blanket must have lowered upon his arrival to reveal the book she had placed there.
She glanced at it, and sighed. “It is quite terrible.”
Lord Clement’s face crinkled with confusion. “If it’s dreadful, why are you holding it still? Do you want another?”
She revealed the book to him and spread her hands over the leather binding. “This was the last book my father and I were reading together. We made a pact to never not finish a book, even if it was terrible.”
A look of understanding crossed his face. “I see, and you’ve been reading it all this time?”
“I try to. I just can’t seem to finish,” she confessed.