by Karen Lynne
Isabella turned almost bumping into her mother. A small smile graced her lips.
“Isabella, how was your ride with Mr. Stone this morning?”
“Fine, mother.”
“You haven’t been trying to put him off, have you?”
“Of course not, mother,” Isabella replied in a low voice.
“Good,” her mother turned, “I want you to be very nice to Mr. Stone this evening. For he is the guest of honor and we want to make a good impression, don’t we?”
“Yes, mother.”
“Hurry upstairs now, Mildred is waiting and we have a lot to do to get you ready for the party.”
Isabella knew it was no use arguing with her mother, so she turned and retreated to her room where Mildred was waiting. Her room was quiet when Isabella entered, and Mildred was busy with a gown her mother had chosen. The maid smiled, reaching in her pocket, Mildred handed her a packet of letters. “Mrs. Notley's housekeeper gave me these for you while I was at the market today.”
Isabella eagerly reached for the packet sitting down on her bed. She began to read Eliza’s letter first. Isabella held her breath scanning through the message finally relaxing. All was well, and Eliza hoped Isabella was enjoying her time with Abby. She didn’t know Isabella had returned to Bristol.
Isabella picked up Abby’s letter and read it next. Abby had enjoyed her weekend at Sir Andrew’s. Isabella gasped. Benjamin had asked for Abby’s hand in marriage.
“Its good news, miss?”
“I don’t know, Mildred.”
Isabella held her breath as she kept reading. Isabella relaxed back against the bedpost relieved as she finished reading Abby’s letter. Benjamin had been turned down, but they remained friends. Abby promised her brother’s heart was still intact, but Abby had hopes that Sir Andrew would declare himself.
She knew it. Isabella could see Sir Andrew’s interest in her friend. She only wished she had been there to enjoy their happiness. She leaned against her pillow; Mildred watched, a question in her eyes.
“Yes, Mildred it is the best of news. You remember my friend Lady Abigale? She hopes for a declaration of marriage soon from Sir Andrew of Bath.”
“I am glad for your friend.” Mildred smiled.
Isabella folded her letters and tucked them into her pocket to be deposited in a safe place later.
Mildred spent extra time fixing Isabella’s hair at the instruction of her mother, which added to her anxiety. She was not used to the attention, making the situation worse. Isabella was determined not to show her worry, she could get through this evening, and then she would make sure never to be alone with Mr. Stone. Although avoiding him would be complicated with her mother pushing the match. Isabella would not be forced. Abby had taught her that. Isabella held her head high as she made her way down to the party. Her brother waited at the bottom of the stairs causing her stomach to jump. When had he returned? Would he support his mother as he always did, leaving her alone? She found knots building in her gut at the thought.
Benjamin turned, catching sight of her, a bright smile lit his face as she drew near. A trickle of relief enveloped her; his smile was a good sign, right? She was done second-guessing her family as she willed herself to be strong, what would Abby do? Her friend's letters tucked away in her room, gave her strength.
“I have been tasked with escorting you into the party.” Benjamin smiled, tucking her hand in his arm, giving her a wink.
She relaxed, “You were right, our mother is resolved to match me with Mr. Stone. I have been riding with him in the park all week, people are beginning to notice.”
“If it will help, I will shadow you all evening.”
Isabella looked him in the face to see if he was on her side or his mother’s.
“Did mother ask you to?”
“Of course she did, but don’t distress yourself, Isabella, she always tasks me with watching you.”
Isabella stiffened trying to extract her hand from his arm, but her brother held tight.
“I deserve that look, but I am on your side Isabella, I hope you will believe me. Abby taught me that.”
Isabella softened at the mention of her friend.
“Did you really ask for Abby’s hand?”
He gave her a sly smile. “Yes, I did.” He laughed. “Turned me down too.”
“I’m sorry, Benjamin.”
“Do not worry, apparently my heart was not attached, just bruised my ego a bit. But Abby agreed to be my friend.” He stopped and turned to Isabella, looking both ways as if to make sure they were alone.
“Isabella, believe me when I say I am on your side. I’m sorry for ignoring you all these years. I know it hasn’t been easy living with mother.” he said quietly.
Isabella wanted to believe him, but feared it was a trap set by her mother. He must have seen her hesitation for he squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her. “I see you do not believe me, and I do not blame you, but you shall see. I shall henceforth be your champion just as William was Abby’s.”
Isabella stifled a giggle at Benjamin’s declaration. William was Abby’s brother, and they had met him a few years ago when he came to Bristol to court Eliza, Mrs. Notley’s niece. She wanted to believe his words but decided to remain hopeful yet cautious, this was too important. Her mother had been ruling their lives too long for her to think Benjamin could shake off her shackles so quickly.
Benjamin was true to his word, he stayed near her throughout the night. Dinner was announced, and her brother led her into the dining room where she was seated next to Mr. Stone at her mother's end of the long table. She was proud that she had remained so calm but having Mr. Stone so near unnerved her for just a moment as Benjamin retreated to sit beside her father at the head of the table. Isabella felt trapped, her mother on her right and Mr. Stone on her left, a bead of perspiration escaped just under his graying hairline. Tapping of crystal restored her to the present. Servants filled each guest's glass while Isabella stared at the bubbly liquid in front of her. Her father cleared his throat as he stood, raising his drink.
“My wife and I are pleased to announce the engagement of our daughter Miss Isabella to Mr. Stone. Please join us in a toast to celebrate this good news.”
The dining room hummed as all eyes turned to her. Isabella felt the color drain from her face as pricks of light danced before her eyes, the voices became distant. A sharp pinch brought her back as her mother stared at her. “Don’t you dare embarrass me by fainting. Smile, you're to be a bride this time next week.” Her mother hissed into her ear while smiling at her guests. Isabella rubbed her sore arm.
No one seemed to notice her empty hand as the glasses were raised in salute of their honor. The guests settled back to the celebration meal. Her eyes roamed the faces as the meal was devoured. Her brother gave her a tentative smile before turning his attention back to his father. Did her brother know about this? Was he complicit in her parents' plan?
Mrs. Notley gave Isabella a slight nod and a reassuring smile. A little warmth seeped into her cold, cold heart. Mrs. Notley was the most loving person she knew. That is how she first met Eliza, Mrs. Notley’s niece. Eliza had come to town for a Season in Bath sponsored by her aunt. Then William, Abby’s brother had followed Eliza to Bristol, showing Isabella such kindness. That’s when she realized what a true brother could be.
Isabella pushed the food around on her plate, hunger had left. She contemplated her disappearance. A week, how was she ever to escape her mother’s watchful eye?
Chapter Four
Isabella's mother had been scheming this whole time, and she had been left in the dark until it was too late. She had played out in her mind how to get away, with the wedding two days away Isabella was running out of options. Maybe she could refuse to say yes at the altar, feign sickness, anything. No, she refused to humiliate Mr. Stone like that. He had been kind and was sure Isabella was agreeable to this marriage, and by all counts he had treated her as kindly as a daughter. Her heart began to
beat erratically at the thought of sharing a bed with him. No, she couldn’t do it. Isabella wasn’t as naive as her mother thought. She had heard the whispered talk of the married ladies. She wasn’t sure what went on in the marriage bed but sharing a bed with your husband was expected, and something intimate ensued.
Benjamin had disappeared in the last few days, where was he? Could she trust him to help? No, she didn’t dare risk it. He had settled into complying with his mother’s wishes once again.
Isabella had run out of time; she needed to talk with Mrs. Notley. Picking up her bonnet, she tiptoed down the back stairs trying to avoid her mother. The path was clear as she made her way through the kitchen. The cook was busy with her mother in the parlor, probably going over the wedding menu.
It had rained earlier sweeping away the heat, and the cool morning air filled her lungs calming her trembling hands, she moved quickly in the direction of the Notley home. Mrs. Notley was eating breakfast when the butler announced her.
“Isabella, it’s good to see you.” Mrs. Notley rose and moved her into the room, sliding her arm around Isabella’s waist.
“Now, dear, I can see you are distressed. Come sit, have some refreshments. Have you eaten?”
Mrs. Notley’s kindness was Isabella’s undoing as her lower lip trembled. She shook her head, trying to keep the tears back, but it was no use the stressful week had taken its toll and Isabella finally crumbled under this woman's kind hand, and the tears flowed.
Mrs. Notley handed her a handkerchief and let her cry. After what seemed forever, the tears dried and a small hiccup escaped while Isabella folded the small square of fabric and laid it on the table. “I do apologize for my behavior, Mrs. Notley, but it has been a trying week, and I didn’t know where else to turn.” Isabella noticed the footman had departed leaving them alone.
Mrs. Notley patted her hand. “Do not worry yourself, my dear, sometimes we need a good cry. Now, tell me why you are here.”
Isabella looked around the room.
“Do not worry, my niece is still sleeping. We had a late evening. My help is very discreet, you may speak your mind with no worries.” Mrs. Notley’s kind eyes gave her reassurance. “It will go no further.”
Isabella relaxed. “My mother has arranged my marriage to Mr. Stone in two days. It happened so quick I have had no time to think. Abby gave me some money and an address where I can go, but I have been unable to make any arrangements under my mother’s watchful eye.”
Mrs. Notley clicked her tongue, shaking her head. “Your mother, I do not understand the woman.”
Mrs. Notley only had sons and enjoyed the chance to bring her nieces out in society. Her brother was a vicar and Eliza and Joanne’s father. Isabella had often wished Mrs. Notley had been her mother.
“You know of Fyne Court? Lady Susan’s property?”
“I remember Eliza talking about it.” Mrs. Notley smiled.
“That is where I shall go. Abby assures me, Lady Susan will help. I only need transportation. Can you help me? I wouldn’t want it to cause trouble with my mother, but I can think of no other way.”
“Do not worry about your mother. She would never risk her standing in society of which I can ruin. Now, what can I do?”
Isabella hadn’t realized she was holding her breath until Mrs. Notley agreed to help. She willed herself to calm. “I will try to leave tomorrow night after the house is asleep. If you could have a ticket booked on the midnight posting coach. I will only bring a small bag. I can pay you then.”
Mrs. Notley nodded her head. “Do not worry about the money, we will make everything right. You just need to get here safely tomorrow night.”
Isabella smiled. “If something happens and I can’t come, thank you for trying.” She knew it was a risk, and that she may not be successful, but she would do everything in her power to give her mother no reason to suspect. It was better this way. She hoped Mr. Stone would be understanding. It was better than leaving him at the altar.
Isabella ate a small amount before leaving Mrs. Notley. It had been a long week, and her appetite had diminished since the announcement of her marriage. She knew she would need strength, and the food tasted good now that she had a plan.
The house was quiet as she slipped in the back door. The cook was working on a meal and gave Isabella a small nod as Isabella moved up the back stairs. She hadn’t been seen as she quietly opened her bedchamber door.
“There you are, where have you been?” Her mother demanded as she rose from a chair tossing Isabella’s treasured bag of money on the dresser, Abby’s note in her hand.
Mildred stood by the bed; her head hung low as she looked to the ground.
“You may go now, Mildred; I want a word with my daughter.”
Mildred gave Isabella a sympathetic look while retreating out the door. Her mother stood with fury emblazoned in her gaze. Isabella was determined to remain strong, she only had to get through this day, and she would be gone in the night.
Her mother shook the note at her. “What is the meaning of this?”
Isabella remained silent.
“How could you? Do you know how much we have spent on your wardrobe?”
“I did not agree to marry Mr. Stone,” Isabella replied.
“You ungrateful girl, Mr. Stone is positioned to be of great worth to our family. The marriage contract is signed, you will do your part, and as soon as a male child is born, we will receive a great business contract from your husband that will secure our future.”
A child, Isabella, felt cold. Her parents were selling her to Mr. Stone, she would not have believed it of him.
“And if I refuse?”
Isabella regretted the remark as soon as it left her lips. Her mother advanced and stopped, facing her, slowly ripping the note into pieces before sliding it into a pocket. She turned and scooped up Isabella’s money. “Your brother has agreed to watch you until this is done. If he has to drag you screaming to the church, you will be there, so I suggest you cooperate. You wouldn’t want to make a scene in front of your new husband, would you?”
Her mother left, turning the lock in the door. Her footsteps faded down the hall before Isabella dared check the doorknob. It was locked, as she turned the handle, despair seeped into her soul. Isabella went to the window, lifting the latch and leaned out. It was a long way to the ground, but she just might be able to make it if she could find something to secure her. She would try later after the house retired for the night. Isabella moved to her wardrobe throwing open the doors.
Empty!
She ran to her dresser, pulling all the drawers open.
Empty!
Her mother had been thorough, not a piece of clothing, towel, or handkerchief remained. Isabella sank to the floor. How did her mother find her stash? Could Mildred have told her? She fought to keep the despair in check. If she didn’t get to Mrs. Notley’s tonight, all would be lost. Was her brother really going to force his mother's wishes on her?
Isabella found the strength to pull herself from the floor and sank against her bedpost. She was tired, tired of holding onto the armor of hope she had when with her friends.
Isabella had hoped for a happy life with a husband who loved her, and who would take her far, far away from Bristol, from her mother, where she could have a life of her own. Hope slipped away as her mother's words rang in her ears.
“You ungrateful girl.”
Chapter Five
It had taken Colton and his man Digby the better part of two days to go through the house room by room assessing the needs. He managed to post advertisements in the local paper and hoped to have a housekeeper that could hire the female staff and a butler to handle the manservants. It would take an army to get his house into shape.
He walked into Bowood House on the third day armed with his notes. The earl’s house was bright, vases of flowers were scattered along the tables as Colton passed following the butler to the back of the house.
The family gathered on the back terr
ace overlooking the green where two small boys played, chasing a ball with sticks while an auburn-haired beauty laughed at their antics.
“Lord Egerton, my lord.” the butler announced before excusing himself.
“Egerton,” James advanced patting Colton on the back, “I see you dug yourself out of that hole of a house finally.”
“Just barely,” Colton admitted.
“Come, I’d like you to meet the countess.” James escorted him to the table.
“Susan, may I introduce my dear friend Lord Egerton. My wife Lady Susan Countess of Malmesbury.” James smiled as the countess stood moving toward her husband, James slipped his arm around her waist.
“I am glad to meet you, Lord Egerton.” Her warm eyes welcomed him.
The boy's laughter caught their attention. “Charles, William, come here and meet our guest,” James called to the boys. The young boys scrambled from the grass, running towards their father.
“Lord Egerton, I’d like to introduce my oldest son Master Charles James Belfour.”
The older boy stepped forward and bowed before Colton. The younger boy followed bowing to Colton behind his brother. “I am Master William.” Master Charles gave his brother a nudge unbalancing the younger boy. “You are supposed to wait for father to introduce you.” Master William pushed him back, and soon the two were wrestling on the ground.
“What is going on here?” a booming voice interrupting the boy's tussle.
“Uncle Charles!” The boys squealed running to greet Charles Rutley clinging to the Captain's legs.
Charles scooped the boys up, twirling them around as he dropped them on the lawn continuing to wrestle without a care to his attire.
“Uncle Charles?” Colton raised his brow toward James.