by Leenie Brown
Richard shook his head. “You do not need to share it. I am sure I can guess.” He folded his arms across his chest and studied Darcy. “You think I should follow my heart as you have followed yours. However, I must remind you that my circumstances at present are somewhat less than yours have ever been.” He held up a hand when Darcy opened his mouth. “No, I shall not hear of your assistance.”
Darcy closed his mouth and scowled causing Elizabeth giggle slightly. “A gentleman’s pride, wounded if given help and equally wounded if help is refused. You men are such strange creatures.”
“They are strange indeed,” said Lady Sophia, waving Daniels away before he could announce her. “I pray you will pardon my intrusion, Nephew, but I thought it best to leave my home for a while.” She rolled her eyes as if annoyed by the necessity of leaving her home. Her smile, however, gave them all to know just how delighted she was to have been inconvenienced to do so by the arrival of her newly married son, Lord Rycroft, and his wife Mary. She placed her hands over Georgiana’s ears. “We shall not speak of the compromise,” she warned. “Although, Rycroft has given me to believe that it was quite spectacular.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement.
“That it was,” said Darcy. “You know she will hear of it.” He looked from his aunt to his sister.
Georgiana giggled and pushed her aunt’s hands away from her ears. “Much to Mary’s chagrin, I have been given a convincing demonstration.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “Then why place your hands on her ears?” he questioned his aunt.
She shrugged. “An attempt to make you think I was doing my duty.”
Darcy shook his head and chuckled. “While I am certain you do not condone such public displays of affection,” he paused to give his sister a stern look, “I am equally as certain that you cannot help but be delighted with the results.” He gave his sister a stern look once again. “Not that the delight outweighs the wrongness of such actions.”
Georgiana rolled her eyes. “You have all done an admiral job of instilling the rules of propriety and good sense. You have nothing to fear from me. Besides,” she said with a playful smile, “it was not Mary who created the scene. I believe that was our cousin with some help from you.” She picked at a bit of something imaginary on her sleeve. “That is two compromises in which you have been involved, Brother.”
Darcy groaned. “I still do not want you to be forced into a marriage.” He took Elizabeth’s hand. “Unless, of course, it is for the best and will result in your happiness,” he held up a finger indicating he was not finished, “and has been sanctioned by me.”
Richard laughed. “Which, I dare say, will never happen as he is loathed to allow you to grow up, let alone consider courtship and marriage.”
“Very true,” said Lady Sophia. “However, whether he approves or not, your time will come when such things must be considered.” She tapped her finger on her lip as she looked at Richard. “Of course, we shall have to remedy Richard’s marital status first.”
Richard tried not to grimace at the comment, but he could not.
“Ah,” she said, “my brother.” She tilted her head to the side and nodded slowly. “He is not pleased with my son’s choice. I have heard it.”
“This morning,” added Georgiana.
Lady Sophia sighed. “He is wrong, of course.”
Darcy dropped his gaze and gave Richard’s foot a small tap with his own.
Lady Sophia did not miss it. “Something has happened?”
Richard sighed. “I have a fortnight to choose either a marriage to Anne or a significant, if not permanent, breach.”
“Anne! Good heavens!” Lady Sophia could not contain her surprise. “So you are staying here?” It was said not so much as a question but as a statement of the only logical thing to be done.
He shook his head. “I have signed an agreement to rent a room at the Bartlett Buildings.”
Her brows furrowed.
“I do not wish my father to be able to call on me, and I would like to see what my life might be like without…” he sighed, “him.”
“It is a respectable area,” she said although he was not sure if she truly thought that or was merely trying to support his decision. And then, much more quickly than he had imagined it would happen, her countenance changed from one of worry to one of restrained excitement. “Two weeks?”
He nodded. A small amount of dread fluttered in his stomach at what might have her excited. He was sure that it included some sort of matchmaking scheme, and although, he trusted her more than his father, he had no desire to be matched with anyone save Kitty.
“Perfect,” she said before turning to Georgiana. “Will you play for us?”
The change in conversation seemed to confuse Georgiana, but Richard knew that though the matter was no longer to be discussed, his aunt was not done thinking about it. Hoping to avoid any conversation that might include plans for his future, he rose and said, “As much as I would like to hear your talent, Georgiana, Elizabeth has promised me time in the workshop, and there is a small item I think my new landlord’s wife would appreciate.” He looked toward Darcy. “If you do not mind.”
Darcy rose and straightened his jacket. “I have a small matter that could use your expertise if you will allow me to accompany you?” After gaining a positive response from Richard, he turned to Elizabeth and allowed his eyes to flick from Richard to Lady Sophia and back. He hoped she understood that he wished for her to speak to his aunt about Richard’s situation. “I shall join you in the music room momentarily.”
Elizabeth smiled at him, one eyebrow raising and lowering quickly. “Some tea would be nice.”
“I shall inform Mrs. Vernon.” He gave her a small bow before he followed Richard from the room
“Have you met my sister, Kitty?” Elizabeth asked Lady Sophia.
Darcy glanced over his shoulder and gave Elizabeth a quick smile and a wink. Ah, she was quick. His smile grew as he decided that, later, he really must thank her for being so clever.
Chapter 3
Richard knocked on Mr. Wood’s study door, only pushing it open when he heard his knock acknowledged and after a quick look for Sally, who sat swishing her tail and watching him from the far end of the hall. He slipped inside and closed the door quickly. “I wanted to thank you for allowing me to read your paper.” Richard placed the folded newspaper on the desk.
“A necessary luxury,” said Mr. Wood, glancing up from his work. “A man likes to know what is happening in the world.” He compared the paper beside him to the one in front of him, then neatly wrote one more word and returned his pen to its holder. “What are you about this afternoon, Colonel? A walk in the park or a visit to the museum?”
Richard laughed. “I shall be walking but not in the park. I had hoped to find some information regarding work that I might be able to do should my tenure at your residence become permanent. I spent yesterday assessing what my expenses would be. They are not above my current funds, even with the room I am renting, but if I intend to advance my place ─ and I do ─ I must find additional sources of income.”
Mr. Wood rummaged through his drawer. “Ah, there they are.” He pulled out a stack of cards which he flipped through, occasionally stopping to pluck one out and put it to the side. Having exhausted his search of them, he picked up the small pile he had discarded and looked at them once again. “None is too far from here. It should give you a start.” He handed them to Richard. “Only one is a furniture maker, the others would do well to carry small boxes for various items in their shops. The jeweler, for instance, might be able to increase his clientele if he were to offer not only the jewels but also the boxes in which to keep them. And the dressmaker might like to have a box such as you gave to my wife for her pins and a larger one for her scissors.” He shrugged. “Perhaps if a patron saw the items, they might request where they could get something so nice.” He drummed his fingers on the desk. “It might be of value to you to give a small box to at least one
modiste and see what results you achieve.” He lifted his pen from its holder as Richard thanked him and rose to leave. “You have found a place to use as a workshop?”
Richard stopped with his hand on the door. “I have at least one possibility, but, for the present, Darcy has requested that I make use of his until I am better established.”
Mr. Wood nodded. “A wise idea. I wish you well, Colonel.”
Richard pulled the door open slowly and looked for Sally before slipping out and on his way to visit the places on the cards he held in his hand.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The Gardiners’ carriage stopped in front of number eleven Bartlett’s Building. “Mrs. Smith will be happy to receive your linens for the baby, Kitty.” She peeked out the window. “I see Mrs. Wood is on her way for a visit as well.” She accepted the hand of the coachman to assist her from the carriage. “She will be most impressed with your work. She is quite talented with a needle herself, you know.”
Kitty did not know. She had never met Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Wood or many of the other people Mrs. Gardener had visited today. She had not often visited their aunt. It was usually Elizabeth or Jane who were requested. But with her three oldest sisters all married, she was next in line, and so her mother and her aunt had decided it would do her good to experience the city and help care for the young Gardiner children. The baby linens that she was now clutching as she stood beside her aunt were ones she had made and kept in her locked trunk at the end of her bed. They were part of what she had hoped to take with her to her marriage or pass on to nieces and nephews. However, knowing that she did not have time to make anything new for this visit, she had taken them out, for she simply could not visit a new mother such as Mrs. Smith without some item to give her.
Kitty smiled and said all the polite things when her aunt introduced her to first Mrs. Wood and then Mrs. Smith, and then took a seat near where the baby lay in a small bassinette. She had always loved children and often sought to spend time with them when Lydia would allow it. She sighed as the tiny baby’s fist found his mouth.
“He is sweet,” she said to Mrs. Smith.
“Such a joy, he is,” said Mrs. Smith. “I cannot believe how gracious the good Lord has been in giving Mr. Smith and me such a good boy.” Her face beamed with pride as she stroked the baby’s head. “Looks a lot like his father, does he not, Mrs. Wood.”
“A fine image of Mr. Smith,” agreed Mrs. Wood. “And if he grows to be half the man the reverend is, we will all be blessed.” She was in the process of admiring the items that Kitty had brought. “I am sure I have never seen such fine work from one so young,” she muttered.
Kitty blushed. “Thank you. I enjoy sewing.”
“You have a talent,” said Mrs. Wood, laying the blanket to the side and running her finger over the tiny flower buds that decorated the corner. “Very pretty.”
Kitty thanked her once again and returned her attention to the baby.
“I saw you have a new tenant, Mrs. Wood,” commented Mrs. Smith.
“He is with us for at least two weeks, though my husband expects it might be longer.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “A bit of a falling out with his father, but I will not say more than that. You know I am not given to gossip.” She turned to Mrs. Gardiner. “That was he who was just leaving when you arrived. A fine young man he is, very fine. Made me a beautiful box for my needles and thread. Met him one day, and he had the gift for me the next.” She laughed. “He apologized that he had not had time to engrave the top ─ as if I expected it to be decorated!”
Kitty kept her eyes on the baby, daring not to look up as her expression might lead to questions. And she did not wish to answer any questions regarding why such information would cause her eyes to fill with tears and her cheeks to grow rosy. It was silly, really, she told herself. There were surely many young men who could make boxes and engrave them. This could not be Colonel Fitzwilliam. He had a home and when he was not at it, he was with Mr. Darcy. She shook her head just a bit at her foolishness in imagining him so near. Having gathered her thoughts into somewhat of an acceptable arrangement, she cooed at the baby, whose eyes had popped open and were looking at her. “You are a very fine young man,” she said as she gave his little toes a tap.
“That he is,” agreed his mama.
Kitty accepted the cup of tea Mrs. Smith held out to her and took a biscuit from the tray. Then, settling back into her chair, she tried to focus on the conversation around her and not her thoughts of him until it was time to leave.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Upon returning from his calls that day, Richard collected the few items of post that had been delivered to his new address by one of Darcy’s servants. It was as he had expected; his father had come that day to Darcy House in search of him.
I have not given him your location, but I have told him that he might reach you by letter through me. It was the best I could think of to placate him. He said your mother was worried, so I attempted to reassure her through him that you were well-cared-for and were not living in some hovel or begging on the streets.
He chuckled as he imagined the dramatics that his father had employed as he pretended to be concerned for his son. That was an unlikely thing.
When questioned about what you were doing, I hope I have not overstepped my bounds in telling him that you are researching your options should you refuse his offer and be cut off. This did cause him to become very solemn, and if I am not mistaken, a bit shaken.
“He must be truly concerned that I will refuse,” he said to the letter he held in his hand. “He is only shaken when he thinks his plans are to come to naught.”
My wife sends her best and says to tell you that our workshop has been feeling neglected, and if it would help entice you to come for a visit, she will see to it that a tin of biscuits await you. I must warn you, however, that you will be expected to show yourself to her, so that she can see you are indeed well.
Do come soon.
F.D.
Richard put the letter to the side and shuffled through the remaining post before checking his watch and readying himself for dinner.
“Ah, Colonel, was your day a success?” asked Mr. Wood as they settled in for their dinner of stew and bread. It was a meal that according to Mrs. Wood was a staple at number eight Bartlett’s Building ─ economical, hearty, and easily held for those who were not available to eat at the prescribed time.
“It was. I must thank you once again for your assistance.” Richard broke off a piece of his bread and spread a generous amount of butter on it. The meal might be basic, but it was delicious. The Wood’s cook was among the best from what he had tasted so far in his short stay. “The first jeweler was quite interested in my designs and has requested a sample of one. The furniture maker is not taking on new help at this time, but he has my information should he find he has need of assistance on any projects. I have decided to take your advice and have left visiting any modiste shops until I have a pin box to give them, so I will spend the whole of tomorrow, I imagine, in my cousin’s workshop.”
“Which modistes will you be visiting?” asked Mrs. Wood.
Richard made to reply but before he could, she had set her spoon down and clapped her hands in delight.
“Oh, you must start by visiting Mrs. Havelston. She is simply one of the best in town.” She blushed and smiled. “I am a friend, so I might be a small bit partial, however.”
Mr. Wood chortled at the comment, but his wife waved away any reply he might have felt compelled to make. “You know,” she leaned forward as if imparting a great secret, “one of her clients has recently become the new Lady Rycroft? It is true. Mrs. Gardiner was telling me just today ─ when I was visiting Mrs. Smith ─ about how her niece had recently married Lord Rycroft. It was quite the tale to be sure!” She took a sip from her wine glass. “Mr. Gardiner, who is also a dear friend,” she explained to Richard, “has always supplied Mrs. Havelston with the best quality materials, and her work is outstanding. Y
ou would be hard pressed to find better workmanship than what comes from her store. Do you have her card?”
Richard nodded. He had thought her name sounded familiar and so had considered visiting her first. Now, hearing Mrs. Havelston’s name linked with that of Mrs. Gardener, he remembered where he had heard it before. It was the name Kitty had mentioned when she told him that she had sold a design.
“And speaking of quality work.” She lay a hand on her husband’s arm. “You should see the things that Mrs. Smith received for the baby.”
“I am sure I would not appreciate them as you do, my dear,” her husband replied with a wink at Richard.
“Oh, to be sure you would not! But even you would be able to appreciate the care taken in their creation.”
Mr. Wood sighed. “And would you care to tell me from whom these lovely gifts were received?”
“Oh, I would,” she said with delight. “Mrs. Gardiner called, and she had one of her nieces with her. Such a lovely young woman and talented. She had made these things to lay by for when the need arose and hearing that she would be visiting Mrs. Smith ─ a stranger to her ─ she brought a gown, a cap, and a blanket.” Her hand rested on her heart. “Oh, the delicate flowers that she had embroidered on the corner of the blanket.” She sighed. “Lovely, just lovely.”
Mr. Wood smiled at his wife and then looked toward Richard, whose spoon has stopped half way to his mouth and was slowly lowering back to his bowl. “Is something amiss, Colonel?” he asked in concern as he took in the look of shock on the man’s face.
“Miss Katherine?” he whispered.
Mrs. Wood cocked her head to the side and studied him. “Her aunt called her Kitty. Do you know her?”
He nodded slowly.
Mr. Wood smiled and took his wife’s hand. “The one of whom your father would not approve?”
Again, Richard nodded his response. “My cousin is Lord Rycroft,” he said after a moment of silence. “And Miss Katherine’s sister is his wife.”