by Karen Lynne
Susan laughed, inviting Colton to join them on the terrace. “Captain Rutley is Master Charles’ godfather. He has evolved into the children calling him uncle Charles. The boys love him.”
The nanny led the boys into the house while Charles joined them, sitting.
“What have you to report?” Charles asked while catching his breath.
Colton pulled the notes from his waistcoat pocket and laid them on the table.
“It is worse than I feared. It shall take months of hard work to get the home in order. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. I have placed an advertisement in the paper for a housekeeper and butler. My nieces will be here in a few days.” Colton tapped his fingers on the table while James perused the long list Digby had assembled.
James pushed the papers towards Charles. Lady Susan leaned forward.
“I will have a crew of workers sent over this afternoon. You will need your rooms readied and rooms for the girls. James tells me you don’t know their ages.”
“That is true, my lady. I have not heard from my sister in years. I fear they may be of age for a coming out, and I am beside myself as what to do.” Colton sat; his shoulders slumped.
Lady Susan clapped her hands. “That would be delightful to have more young ladies in the neighborhood. What fun we could have. Do not worry, we shall be here to help.” She rose, and the three gentlemen stood.
“If you will excuse me, I shall get the staff ready and sent to your home.”
James, Colton, and Charles sat when Lady Susan retreated inside.
“You think your nieces are young ladies then?” James asked.
“Possibly, either way, I am at a loss. They are underage, or surely they would not need me as their ward.” Colton sat back relieved that Lady Susan had taken charge of the cleaning.
“You’ll have to wait until they arrive. It seems you won’t know whether to hire a nanny or a governess until then.” Charles remarked.
Colton looked at his two friends across the table. He was thankful for their support while his stomach recoiled at the task before him. What was Colton to do with two girls? He, a single gentleman, forced to take on this new responsibility.
“I think you need to find a wife,” said James.
“A wife!” Colton stared at James in disbelief. He didn’t want a wife. Colton was still young. He had things to do yet before he sealed his fate to a…wife.
Charles lifted his hands. “I am single, but James is happy with his Lady, and he knew her very little before they wed.”
“I knew that I loved her.” James laughed. “But you do not have to decide yet. Lady Susan will be here to consult when needed.”
Charles picked up a glass. “To Lady Susan, may she save the day.”
James and Colton followed in a toast to Susan.
Isabella must have fallen asleep. She heard the door unlatching, and a shadow slowly walked in carrying something. A footman followed with a small taper. The light revealed Mildred and a small tray which she sat on the dresser.
“I’ve brought you some food, miss.”
“Mildred, what is happening? Mother has taken… my clothes.”
Mildred stiffened as Isabella drew near, turning her head ever so slightly toward the footman behind her. In an instant, Isabella knew he had been sent to guard their words so Mildred could not give Isabella any news.
“Your clothes are packed, and your brother is making sure they arrive at your new home.” Mildred’s eyes brighten as she tried to reassure her. “Do not worry miss, you need to eat, so you have strength for your trip tomorrow.” Mildred moved to the bed and straighten the bedding pulling back the covers.
The footman lit a small candle and left it by her dinner tray before retreating to the door where he waited.
“I shall be back in the morning to help you dress for your wedding.” Mildred curtsied giving her a smile, she left Isabella alone again, the small candle her only light pooling around the tray of food. At least her mother wasn’t going to starve her into submission. The food tasted bland as her appetite receded, yet Isabella forced herself to eat, knowing she needed all her strength to get out of this mess. Isabella had eaten all she could before trying the doorknob again, locked, it jiggled under her hand.
“Miss?” a footman in the hall responded, “if you need anything, I'm to get the mistress.”
“I’m fine.” Isabella dropped her hand in frustration and moved toward the window unlatching the casing, she swung it open. A bright half-moon shone across the yard. She could hear voices below as two figures leaned against a tree. Hearing the latch, they moved forward lifting their lanterns. Isabella closed the window. She couldn’t believe her mother had set guards on her. Isabella managed to loosen her gown and let it fall to the floor, kicking it to the side, she unlaced her stays and tossed them on top of her dress before climbing into bed wearing only her chemise.
Isabella faintly heard the door open. Her brain slowly came out from the fog of sleep as she remembered what this day would bring. She had thought through the situation last night trying to find a bright spot in her dilemma. Was it possible Mr. Stone could find some affection for her other than producing a child or rather give Isabella some freedom after the required male child is born?
She swung her legs over the bed, and Mildred helped her into a dressing gown. The room was already busy as the scullery maid and footman brought in her wedding clothes. Isabella remained silent as she was directed down the hall to the bathing room. The warm bath felt good after last night. Isabella tensed as her mother’s commanding voice could be heard from the hall, realizing she would soon be free of her mother’s control Isabella relaxed under Mildred’s ministrations. It took several hours to dress while her mother continued to harass Mildred as she managed every stage of Isabella’s toilette.
“Your brother will be ready downstairs where he will take you to the church.” Her mother gave Isabella one last look, satisfied she left Isabella with Mildred.
Isabella looked at Mildred through the mirror. “I am not getting out of this, am I?”
“All will be well,” Mildred whispered. “Be brave and do as your mother asks.”
Isabella expected nothing less. After all, Mildred had to continue here in her mother’s household. She would do nothing to compromise Mildred's position.
A knock sounded. “They're ready for you downstairs miss Isabella.” The footman spoke through the door.
Isabella’s stomach tightened regardless of her resolve to be brave and see this through. It has to be better than living here with her mother. Isabella examined her reflection, bright blue eyes stared back, a little sadness reflected in their depths. When had she lost her zeal for life? Isabella shook her head. She knew the answer. Isabella hated being home, she missed her friends. They were all married or soon to be married.
Isabella stepped into the hallway; the footman quickly stepped aside to let her pass. It appeared her mother would continue to set someone to watch her all the way to the church. Did she think Isabella was going to flee at this point? She stopped on the landing listening to her mother below.
“Mother, I will get Isabella to the church. We have discussed this already. You need to leave with father. There is no room in the carriage, and you don’t want Isabella to look crushed for Mr. Stone.” Isabella could hear the frustration in Benjamin’s voice.
“Of course not.” Her mother snapped.
“Take a deep breath, you can do this,” Mildred whispered from behind.
Isabella exhaled and moved down the stairs, as Mildred shadowed her. Benjamin pulled a watch fob from his waistcoat.
“Here, she is.” Her mother announced through the firm line of her mouth.
Benjamin looked up smiling as he replaced his watch.
“We need to leave if we are to stay on schedule.” Benjamin nodded to their mother.
“We shall see you both at the chapel.” He took a firm hold of Isabella’s arm and guided her to a closed carriage waiting by the d
oor.
How could her brother smile at her while steering her to a life she didn’t want? He opened the door, and Isabella stepped inside the coach, avoiding eye contact. Mildred stepped in behind her and sat on the cushioned seat by Isabella’s side. Benjamin entered and sat opposite tapping the side of the carriage. The horses moved forward.
Isabella’s heart clenched as her home disappeared. She was glad to be leaving her life behind but wished she was on another path to a future she could decide.
“Did you get everything?” Benjamin asked, looking at Mildred.
“Yes, sir, just as you instructed.”
“Did my mother suspect?” Benjamin moved the curtain and looked out the window.
“I don’t think so, I was very careful.”
Her brother tapped the side of the carriage, and the driver pulled to a stop. Benjamin left the coach and talked with the driver.
What were the two of them talking about? Her head slowly came out of the fog that had taken over when her plight had become unbearable. Isabella just realized her maid was accompanying her to the church. How unusual, why would her mother let her come? Something wasn’t quite right.
“Mildred, why are you here?”
Mildred took Isabella’s hand and held it tight. “You do not think I would leave you? I am coming with you to your new home.”
“You’re coming with me?” Isabella felt her eyes begin to tear. She might be able to bear this if Mildred was with her.
Benjamin returned to the carriage, and they began to move again. Isabella wiped her eye with the back of her hand, not caring about her gloves. She needed to stay strong. Isabella turned to the window, determined to keep her emotions in control. Confused she watched as they moved farther from the chapel rolling through streets, she knew would lead them farther away.
“Benjamin, where are we going? This is taking us away from the church.”
“Do not worry sister, you will not be wed today. I am taking you to catch the morning posting coach where you will go to Fyne Court.”
“But mother?” Isabella was having a hard time getting her mind to work after her mother’s treatment during the last few days.
“Mother showed me the money and note she found under your mattress. I knew it was from Abby as soon as I read it. She is always talking about her friend lady Susan and what she is doing at Fyne Court.” Benjamin pulled a small pouch from his pocket and laid it on her lap. The money Abby had given her felt heavy on her dress. She opened the drawstrings and coins glistened inside. The coach pulled over to the side of the road, and Benjamin opened the door.
“Come, we don’t have much time.”
Isabella sprang back to life when she understood she would be free and followed her brother while she and Mildred left the carriage. The driver backed the carriage’s right rear wheel until it lodged into the ditch and quickly unharnessed the team. A hackney pulled up, and Benjamin urged his sister inside, closing the door he looked to Mildred.
“You know what to do.”
Mildred nodded, “Yes, sir, I have everything in place, I’ll do as you have instructed.”
“Excellent.” Benjamin reached for Isabella’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “Take care of yourself Isabella, and when you see Abby, tell her thank you.”
“What for?”
“She will know, do not worry, maybe I’ll make a trip to see you when things settle here.”
“I would like that.” Isabella squeezed her brother's hand. She watched until they turned up the road and she could no longer see him.
Chapter Six
Isabella didn’t relax until the next day when she realized no one was coming after them, at least not yet. The mail coach made excellent time often stopping to change horses. Space was tight, but Isabella was so relieved she didn’t complain, at least they were on the inside. Mildred had explained to Isabella her brother’s plan and how he had kept up the appearance of obeying their mother to throw off suspicion. Isabella had doubted Benjamin and felt a small amount of guilt but still harbored caution. She had grown up trusting very few in her life for her family had not been united. Now she would be on her own.
“Mildred, I am not sure where we will land on this journey. I hope you will not regret leaving Bristol.”
“I shall not regret leaving, I would have regretted leaving you in the hands of your mother. I mean no disrespect miss Isabella but I could not abide the way you were treated, and I will make my way very well. I promise you I will not leave until you are safe and settled in a house of your own.”
Isabella’s heart warmed at the faithfulness of this considerate woman. She only wished her mother had been as caring. Isabella did not expect a house of her own but kept that to herself.
“Do you have any family Mildred?”
“No miss, not since my mother passed and my brothers went off to sea. I have not heard from them in many years.”
“Oh, I am sorry. Do you miss your brothers?”
“No, they have been gone ten years now. I wouldn’t be surprised if they jumped ship in America.” Mildred laughed. “Do not worry yourself, miss, I can take care of myself.”
Isabella knew she could, for Mildred had handled the house and staff like a seasoned housekeeper even when her mother upset the household. Mildred was there behind the scene smoothing things over. Her mother would soon find out how much Mildred had really contributed now that she was gone. Isabella couldn’t help smiling at the thought. What would her mother do now that she had no one to boss around?
The mail coach pulled to a stop in front of the next to the last station in the journey to Fyne Court.
“We will be leaving in thirty minutes.” The driver announced.
Isabella welcomed stretching her sore muscles as she stepped from the coach. The innkeeper showed them to a room where she and Mildred could clean up with fresh water. After the dust was washed from her face, Isabella bought some cold meat pies from the innkeeper's wife and tucked them into her bag.
A small child complained as her mother lifted her into the coach.
“I don’t want to ride anymore.” She whimpered.
Isabella stepped in behind them, followed by Mildred. It was tight in the coach, and the day had grown hot. She could sympathize with the child. It had been a tiring journey with the swaying coach riding over bumpy roads as quickly as conditions would allow. Isabella didn’t know where they had come from, but they would share the next leg of the journey together as two small, well-dressed girls sat across from them. The lady she thought to be their mother sat next to the window. She appeared middle-aged and dressed in gray, her hair pulled back in a severe bun at the nape of her neck, looked haggard. Her hat drooped over the side of her head.
Two pairs of eyes watched Isabella as the coach pulled onto the road again. The woman whispered. “Annalynn, Lisabet, it is not polite to stare.”
Isabella smiled as the girls continued to watch her. “Good afternoon, my name is Miss. Isabella Dalton.”
“I am Lisabet Howard, the older girl volunteered. This is my sister, Annalynn.” Her soft red curls draped from a pretty bonnet.
“Nice to meet you miss Lisabet, miss Annalynn.” Isabella couldn’t help admiring the child’s clear polished voice, she couldn’t be more than five or six.
“We are going to live with our uncle,” Annalynn spoke up. “We had to leave buttons at home.” Her lip quivered.
“Buttons?” Isabella looked to their chaperone who gave her a tired smile.
“He’s our monkey. We had to leave him because our uncle would not like him.” Lisabet explained.
“Now girls, you know Button could not come, for the trip was too far, and he would not have survived.” The older lady reminded them.
She turned to Isabella. “My name is Miss Jenkins. We have traveled from India these past two months. The monkey had to be left.” Miss Jenkins turned to the girls.
“Mommy died.” Annalynn’s big eyes looked at Isabella.
Her heart
melted. “I am sorry.”
“But you will have your uncle,” Miss Jenkins turned to Isabella, “I haven’t seen my family in five years, so I am glad to be back in England, even under such sad circumstances.” She whispered.
The rest of the journey was filled with the sweet girls' chatter. Miss Jenkins dosed as Isabella learned more about the children’s history. Annalynn was four and her sister Lisabet was six. Their speech was clear, and the subjects they related were well above their years. Clearly, the girls were well educated even at their young age. Isabella shared her meat pies, and before long the coach was pulling to a stop.
Colton had worked tirelessly for the past two days wishing he had more time. A message had arrived indicating the girls would be at the coaching inn at three in the afternoon. A housekeeper still hadn’t been found, but a butler was in place and interviewing for the male staff. The rooms were almost ready, but the rest of the house was still in need of cleaning. Lady Susan had sent over food. He dined each evening at Bowood House for which he was grateful.
The mail coach was early by the time Colton arrived in his open carriage, it was pulling away, and piles of luggage sat on the boardwalk. A well-dressed lady talked to the ostler then turned and entered the inn.
A wagon pulled up, and trunks were loaded, leaving a few on the boardwalk. Colton handed the reins to a young man and started for the inn, when the young lady reappeared through the door, two young girls by her side. Colton removed his hat. “Miss Jenkins?” He inquired, observing the two young children by her side. His pulse increased. They were mere babies. His chest tightened. He hoped he was wrong, and that this was not Miss Jenkins.
“Lord Egerton?” Her clear voice rang in his ears.
“Yes,” Colton replied a knot forming in his chest.
“Oh, thank heavens. Miss Jenkins had to catch the coach, and I promised to stay with the girls until you arrived.” Her bright eyes smiled up at him, mesmerized until through the fog in his brain. It registered what she had said.