On the day the earl’s carriage was scheduled to arrive, Wes and Robert were helping Mark move his things from their suite to his old room in the basement. It was there that they first encountered the Earl of Ridgeway and Mr. Victor Stemple, who worked as the earl’s assistant steward. Robert immediately felt an affinity for Mr. Stemple, who had scars down the right side of his face. He could only imagine how the boys upstairs must have stared at him, no doubt sniggering as they walked past. But he had a feeling Mr. Stemple was strong enough not to pay them any mind.
He also knew most peers wouldn’t employ a servant with such imperfections. It said something about the earl that not only had he hired the man, but they appeared to be friends, as well.
It was a hopeful sign for Wes’s trip.
“My lord, I regret not being ready when you arrived,” said Wes. “We were helping Jones move here and I must have lost track of time.”
Lord Ridgeway seemed to think nothing of it, whereas Robert’s father punished him if he was late for anything. After learning Robert and Mark would be staying at school during the break, the earl did something extraordinary. He invited them to accompany Wes to Ridgeway Manor. Even when Mark tried to refuse because he did not have the clothing for such a trip, the earl persisted until Mark agreed.
Robert was struck by how deftly Lord Ridgeway had shown respect for Mark’s pride, while also finding a way to get him to accept the offer. He was a nobleman in the truest sense. And it was with real joy that he packed his trunk and prepared for the trip to Wiltshire.
* * *
After visiting a pub on the way out of town for a much-appreciated meal, the carriage went as far as it could for the day before stopping at an inn. Robert’s leg ached from the ride, but it was a small price to pay for the chance to get away from school with his two best friends. He had enjoyed the conversation with Lord Ridgeway and Mr. Stemple. The men had spoken of news from London, as well as books they both had read. While Mr. Stemple and his wife and children lived in the steward’s house on the estate, apparently they were treated as family and made liberal use of the Emerson library.
Their group retired for the night, with Lord Ridgeway and Mr. Stemple in one room and the three boys in another. As they did every night, Wes and Mark helped Robert remove his boots.
“I still do not understand why your father will not allow you have to have boots which fit properly,” said Wes as he worked on one boot and Mark the other.
It was rather embarrassing to need their assistance, but removing the boots by himself was an arduous process. The boys had insisted upon helping after seeing him struggle on their first night in the suite.
“My father believes it looks undignified to have boots of two different sizes. I tried to tell him the size of the boots did not matter since they couldn’t hide my limp.”
“How did he respond to that?” asked Wes.
“With a caning,” said Robert with a shrug.
“Your father is a right bastard,” said Mark.
There was a knock on the door, then Lord Ridgeway and Mr. Stemple entered, just as first Wes, then Mark pulled Robert’s boots off. He grimaced against the pain as the leather rubbed the blisters on his good foot. Since his lame foot was smaller than the other, his father had felt the need to make his good foot suffer in a boot which was too small.
“Good God, what happened to your foot?” asked Lord Ridgeway.
The blisters were particularly bad today, so the sock was covered in blood.
“The boot is a bit snug, sir.”
“It looks to be much too small. You should commission Hoby for a new pair.”
“I have tried, sir. But my father believes these will do.”
Lord Ridgeway said nothing, but did not look happy. Mr. Stemple slipped out of the room for a moment, then returned with paper and a pencil.
“Let me trace your feet, my lord,” said Mr. Stemple as he gently placed a sheet of paper under the bloodied foot, then did the same for the other. “I will see if the local cobbler has boots which could work for you. I am afraid they will not be what you are used to, but undoubtedly more comfortable than what you have been wearing.”
An hour later, he was back with two pairs of black, lace-up boots, much more suited for a laborer than a nobleman. Robert could only imagine the apoplexy his father would suffer if he saw them. But once they were on his feet, Robert almost wept from the comfort.
“Lord Lorton,” said Mr. Stemple. “I have met several men who faced a similar challenge. They purchased two pairs of lace-up boots of different sizes. I realize this is not the type of footwear worn by the aristocracy, but I imagine you will not suffer nearly as much as you have been.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stemple,” said Robert, blinking back tears. “I am most grateful.”
He was more grateful than he could explain. These two men he had met only a few hours earlier had shown him more kindness than his family had most of his life.
“How do they fit?” asked Lord Ridgeway.
“The heels are slightly higher. But between the laces and the stiff leather, I believe they will support me better than the old ones.”
He stood slowly and wobbled just a bit. Both Mark and Wes steadied him.
“They do not hurt,” said Robert. He could not remember the last time he had worn boots which did not cause him pain. “They do not hurt!” He could not contain his joy. “Mr. Stemple, truly you have given me a magnificent gift.”
“I am glad to be of service, my lord.”
Robert noticed everyone was grinning. Apparently, the others could control their exuberance no more than he could. It was, quite simply, one of the best days of his life.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The next day the journey passed pleasantly and they reached the Ridgeway estate in the early afternoon. Whenever Robert travelled with his family, he was usually relegated to a carriage where his only company was the trunks. But on this trip, while the carriage was fairly crowded with five people, the conversation had been lively. Lord Ridgeway even reminisced about his days at Eton.
“It was horrid,” he said. “If I had not had my brothers and the Kellingtons around, I am not sure how I would have survived it. The other boys were either cruel or dull.”
“Not much has changed,” said Wes.
“I am glad the three of you are friends,” said Lord Ridgeway. “It will make the remainder of your school years much more bearable.”
It had made Robert’s life much more bearable.
As the carriage made its final approach up the drive, people began assembling in the courtyard. When Robert’s parents arrived at their estate, an army of servants rushed to greet them. They formed three perfectly straight lines and each person averted his eyes as their master and mistress passed.
But this looked like…chaos. While there were a few servants – and footmen waited to unload the carriage – most appeared to be family members trying to corral what must be a dozen children who were laughing and running around. What he did not see was the number of nurses and governesses one might expect with a family this size. Lord Ridgeway had spoken fondly of his children and nieces and nephews, but it appeared he was even more closely involved with their care than Robert would have expected, given the dearth of servants.
Lord Ridgeway got out of the carriage first and two young children ran straight toward him. Before they knew it, Lord Ridgeway had scooped both of them up, as an attractive lady joined them.
Lord Ridgeway kissed her without hesitation, even as he answered questions from the two children. Robert had never seen his parents display any physical affection toward each other. Indeed, his parents barely spoke beyond the pleasantries of day-to-day life.
Wes got out next but then turned back to help Robert disembark. Robert hoped his physical limitations wouldn’t frighten the children and he braced himself for the embarrassment the adults would likely show. In his experience, adults generally looked away once his infirmity was made apparent. His parents
weren’t the only ones to believe he should not be seen in polite company.
As Robert stepped down in his unfamiliar boots, he wobbled a bit, though Wes’s support was steady and strong. Mark followed, unconsciously tugging at his faded jacket. Robert hoped these people would be nice to his friend, whose experience with the aristocracy had mostly been unpleasant.
The Earl of Ridgeway kissed his daughter before turning to the family. “Please welcome our guests, Lord Wesley Addington, Robert Carmichael, Lord Lorton and Mr. Mark Jones.”
With that announcement, a great wave of children rushed forward to meet their guests, competing to be heard. One of the smaller children ran up to the horses and Mark stepped in quickly to prevent him from reaching the animals. The child’s father was close behind and the man thanked Mark for looking out for the boy. Robert wasn’t certain, but he thought someone referred to him as the Duke of Bancroft. That would make him Lord Ridgeway’s brother-in-law, married to his sister Rosemary.
A young girl with red hair and sapphire blue eyes was approaching them on Lord Ridgeway’s arm. She looked so much like Wes there could be no doubt that they were truly related. She was a bit shy, but there was both a kindness and intelligence in her eyes which reassured Robert that Wes’s gamble to meet her had been wise. There was a warmth about this family which could not be denied. The earl made the introductions.
Young Audrey approached Robert. “What’s wrong with your leg?”
He had expected the question, of course, and was pleased neither she nor the other children were too afraid to speak to him.
“Audrey,” said Lady Ridgeway as she joined them. “It is not polite to ask questions such as that.”
“It is quite all right,” said Robert. “You mustn’t be afraid of me, Audrey.”
“I’m not afraid,” said Audrey, who, nonetheless, leaned into her mother’s skirts.
“That is clever of you,” continued Robert. “There are those who see someone walk with a limp or speak in an odd way and reckon they must be bad people. But I simply have difficulty walking. You are in no danger. You cannot get this from me, like if I had the ague.”
That seemed to satisfy the children on that account. They quickly moved on to asking so many questions that it was difficult to keep up.
Lady Ridgeway smiled at the children. “Why don’t we let our three guests rest a while? I am certain they must be tired from the trip.”
Robert was very tired, but in an odd sort of way he felt he had finally come home.
* * *
As Letty watched the three boys walk into the house, she was filled with profound joy. She had been more nervous than she’d cared to admit before her brother’s arrival. She had not even told Anna and Violet just how unsettled she was, though she wouldn’t be surprised if they had guessed. After all, the two of them were her closest confidantes. But meeting her brother had seemed natural and easy, despite the odd nature of their relationship.
The arrival of his two friends had certainly been a surprise, though she knew Colin must have had a good reason to invite them. Both had been quite polite. Mr. Jones seemed a bit unsure of himself, perhaps because his clothes were a bit shabby. She had wanted to reassure him that such things were unimportant, though she reckoned he would be embarrassed if she called attention to it.
But it was the other boy, Lord Lorton, with his fair hair and blue eyes, which had drawn most of her attention. Her heart had gone out to him when she had seen him unsteady on his feet. But he had answered the children’s questions cheerfully and, really, she could find no fault with the man’s looks. Whatever instinct Colin had had for bringing the two boys along had been absolutely right.
Sharing the same bedchamber as they always did, Letty, Anna and Violet stayed up well past midnight discussing what they knew of the three boys gleaned from their conversations at tea and dinner.
It was agreed all three had very good manners and were exceptionally patient with the children, who had asked dozens of questions. Letty knew she should have interceded on the boys’ behalf, but she had been just as curious as the children.
“I like my new brother quite well,” said Letty. “But I must admit I am drawn to Lord Lorton’s bravery. Which is nothing against Mr. Jones or Wes, of course.”
Violet nodded. “Lord Lorton and Mr. Jones have faced adversity of different kinds and they are both stronger for it. I find them both admirable. But, Letty, I do think your brother is quite handsome.”
Anna smiled at them. “They are all quite nice and I am glad Letty and her brother are getting along so well, but I believe Mr. Jones is particularly well-featured.”
“This is most convenient,” said Violet with a laugh. “There is a different boy for each of us and if Wes and I marry, Letty and I will become sisters. It is quite brilliant of us to have chosen so well.”
The three girls laughed, but Letty could not help but think how splendid it would be if one day the three girls could marry the three boys. She knew it was only a dream, but it was a rather good one at that.
CHAPTER TWENTY
It was a beautiful spring day when Colin suggested a ride across the estate the next morning. Letty was pleased with the suggestion because it was the perfect opportunity to talk to her brother while also having an activity to keep them occupied. The children were distraught to learn they would be in the nursery while the others were out. It didn’t matter that they had any number of toys and games to occupy themselves in the play room. No toy was as interesting as their three new friends.
After changing into riding habits, Letty, Anna and Violet joined the others at the stables, where they learned Wes would be the only one riding.
“Unfortunately, I do not ride,” said Lord Lorton, or Robert, as he insisted they call him. “And it is not for lack of trying. But please do not let me stop your excursion. I shall be perfectly content waiting here until the rest of you return.”
“I also do not ride,” said Mark. “At least not beyond the most perfunctory skills I learned in London. But, Robert and I shall await your return.”
Colin considered the matter for a moment, before calling for Hobbes, his head groom. “Find horses for all our guests, if you will.”
“I appreciate that, my lord,” said Robert, “but my father pronounced me useless on a horse. Not only am I unable to mount by myself, but the uneven strength in my legs tends to irritate the animals. I have been thrown more than once.”
“Then I do not believe you had a proper horse.”
“I am certain you had the wrong horse, milord,” said Hobbes, as he nodded to Robert. “We have a mare, Sadie, with a real sweet temperament. She’s gettin’ on in years, so we don’t ride her much, but she’s been itchin’ to go out with the others.”
“An excellent choice,” said Colin.
“As for Mr. Jones,” said Hobbes, “I reckon Bailey the roan gelding would be a good choice. He’s a steady one and not one to frighten easily by the stray rabbit. Riding in the city is different from country riding. But I wager both Mr. Jones and Lord Lorton will pick it up soon enough.”
“I learned on Bailey,” said Letty. “He understands when someone is inexperienced. And I know you will catch on quickly. Wes was telling me you are the cleverest boy in school. Once you learn the basics, I am certain it will not be that bad.”
“I wish I shared your optimism, my lady,” said Mark.
“I think we can dispense with the titles,” said Colin. “And I am confident this ride will go well.”
* * *
Robert appreciated the faith of those around him. The Emersons had an irresistible optimism which even he might fall prey to, though he knew from experience that his limitations were significant and his embarrassment plentiful.
But he could not very well refuse when the family had opened its home to him. So, he waited apprehensively until the grooms brought out the horses. Robert looked at the placid mare, who suddenly seemed impossibly tall. She was even eyeing him in a manner which m
ade him think she would turn into a raging beast the moment he mounted her. Not that he had the first idea how to do that.
“It is all right to be scared,” said Letty quietly beside him. “I did not learn to ride until a few years ago. But I believe you’ll like it.”
“I do not wish to make a fool of myself in the process,” said Robert, knowing this would not go any better than his previous attempts.
The girl studied him and Robert had the feeling she saw more than he wished her to. He had spent much of his life trying to hide his weaknesses and how much it hurt when they were exposed. But this girl seemed to understand him. “You have faced more challenges than most,” she said. “And just as I have failed many times, I am sure you have not always known success. But no one here will think less of you if you do not succeed on the first attempt. We would only feel bad if you did not try because you were concerned about what we might think. You should not worry about us. We are not such a fearsome lot.”
Robert looked at Wes’s earnest young sister, then decided he would get on the blasted horse, even if it was only to be immediately thrown off. He did not want her to think her faith in him was misplaced. He would try, fail, then lick his wounds while the others rode away.
For what it was worth, Mark, too, looked highly dubious of the entire enterprise.
After some discussion on how best to mount, three grooms and Lord Ridgeway came to his aid. One groom held Sadie securely at her head, while one was on her left side to help Robert maneuver his foot into the stirrup, and another groom was on the right to help if his leg gave out. Lord Ridgeway himself cupped his hands to give him a boost up.
Even if Robert spent only thirty seconds on the mare, he had to try. “Well, Sadie – if you do not mind me calling you by your Christian name – I suppose it is time to attempt this.”
Never and Always (Emerson Book 6) Page 11