by Wendy Bayne
Smiling, he took my face between his hands and kissed me on the forehead. “Yes, brat, I promise.” I looked up at the sky as chill breeze passed over us. It had started to cloud over and looked like we might get rained on before we reached the Abbey. Samuel tapped my shoulder. “I think we had better get ourselves home before we get caught in a downpour.”
We didn’t quite make it…arriving at the stables soaked to the skin, Samuel and I rushed in through the servant’s entrance and up the back stairs to our rooms to change. When I reached my room, Meg was already there with several trunks and cases open. Strewn about the room were a great many boxes full of clothes that I didn’t recognise. I whirled around glancing at all the muslins, wools and silks. I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Meg, what’s all this?”
“They’ve only just arrived, Miss Clarissa, aren’t they wonderful! Miss Hughes said I was to take them out of their wrappings and pack them up with the rest of your things.” She was smoothing out a dress of the palest shade of peach I had ever seen, smiling down on it like she was looking at the crown jewels. “Oh, Miss, it will be a right pleasure to see you dressed so well.”
She put the gown into a trunk then turned around to look at me. “Oh, my goodness, you’re drenched!” She ran out of the room and was back in a minute with several large towels. She helped me to undress and as I dried myself off she fetched my dressing gown. I was chilled but whether that was from my wet clothes or the changes happening to my life I couldn’t say. She hustled me over to the fire and pushed a chair closer. “Now, you sit down here and let’s see if we can untangle the mess you’ve made of your hair.” It didn’t take long since she had done a simple plait that morning pinning it to the crown of my head. Other than being a bit windswept from the ride it combed out easily enough this time. While she brushed out my hair she continued, “Did I tell you that I’ve been learning how to dress a young lady’s hair from Beth? You’ll have to be acting more like a lady in London and not like the wild child that you’ve been here. You’re grown up now and before you know it you’ll be going to balls and dinner parties.”
I frowned at her and stayed mute, so she pursed her lips giving me a sympathetic look before saying, “Well, maybe not right away, Lissa.” I was surprised that she had used my pet name, she hadn’t called me Lissa since she was a tweeny. Then she blushed realizing her slip, “I’m sorry, Miss, that just slipped out; I shouldn’t have been so familiar.”
I smiled and patted her hand. “Meg, it’s alright if you call me Lissa in private. I’ve heard Beth call Irene by her given name when they’re alone, so we should be able to do the same.” I turned to look around the room. Even though I was bewildered by all that was happening, I couldn’t help but smile, I had new clothes and so many of them!
My eye caught a hint of something dark emerald green laying on my bed and Meg noted what I was looking at and she pulled it out to show me, “It’s a wondrous riding habit, miss, with a full skirt and a tight-sleeved jacket with one of those men’s style hats for riding.” I walked over and ran my hand over the soft wool of the skirt, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Meg clapped her hands. “You’ll be dressing like a real lady when you’re riding, and for most of everything else from the looks of this lot.” She chuckled then turned aside to continue the packing.
I sighed as I ran my hand over the habit again. “I suppose you’re right, Meg. I have grown up and must put aside childish things. But I’m only sixteen, surely I must still have a few days left in which to be less than lady-like.”
Meg came to stand beside me. “Of course, you do.” She was folding a beautiful sea green silk confection, running her hand lightly over it and after laying it in the trunk, she added, “Beth says this is all the style in London and Paris for young ladies of your age. She told me that Miss Hughes ordered these gowns special and there’ll be more when we get to London.”
My sister was the only mother I had ever known, in all honesty, I had loved her as mother. But this extravagance was unlike her. I wondered what had prompted it, I had barely ever had half a dozen gowns to my name and that had always been more than enough. I was curious about what life would be like for me in London under Mr Turner’s roof.
Once I was warm, Meg helped me to change into some dry clothes. She wanted me to wear one of the new gowns, but I felt like they belonged to my future and had nothing to do with my life here, so I insisted on my pale-yellow muslin. Meg tied my hair back using a deep green ribbon and two tortoiseshell combs. I thanked her as I stooped to put on my slippers. Then I left my room and made my way to the drawing room for my evening report.
Waiting at the bottom of the stairs was Samuel, looking very dashing in his evening kit. He was looking up as if he had been waiting for me. “Come now brat and hurry up, I’m famished! In deference to our early departure in the morning, Mrs Croft has agreed to serve us supper now.”
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, he took my hand, bowing over it, then placing my hand on his arm he propelled me towards the dining room. I looked over my shoulder towards the drawing room for old habits die hard, I expected the General to come through those doors yelling for me to make my report. Samuel stopped and looked back as well. “Lissa, you have given your last report. You are joining Irene, Aunt Mary and me for dinner. The General is spending the evening at Lord Gromley’s, so we don’t expect him home tonight.”
Aunt Mary had always been beautiful and formidable and the thought of meeting her again left me cold, after all, she was the General’s sister. I tried to walk behind Samuel, but he was having none of it, pulling me to his side.
Aunt Mary sat at the head of the table opposite the General’s usual seat while Irene sat one chair down on her right. Samuel was to sit to her left and I was to sit immediately to her right. She wore gold rimmed spectacles that sat at the end of her nose and she glanced at me over the top of them as I came through the door. I saw that her eyes were the usual Hughes blue, but they sparkled with laughter. I smiled shyly and gave my best curtsy before Samuel saw me to my chair. Aunt Mary was the Dowager Countess of Alford. She was independent of mind as well as being very wealthy. She had been speaking to Irene when I entered, informing her that her son Dyson would be delighted to have her stay at the Abbey indefinitely. Dyson had come of age and was in possession of his inheritance now and while Aunt Mary was desperate to get him married off he was anxious to enjoy his independence. Once I was seated she looked at me intently then smiled. “Well, child, you turned into a pretty little thing I must say! But then good genes always tell. Irene, you’ve done a commendable job raising Clarissa.” She tilted her head from side to the side as if taking my measure. “We really don’t know each other very well, do we? You were just a child when I was here last.” I nodded in agreement. “Well, I dare say we can remedy that. We will correspond with each in the future, sharing our experiences and opinions on life.”
I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. Irene and Samuel both were diligently trying to look occupied and not make eye contact. Aunt Mary ignored them as she continued, “You will be surprised, Clarissa, that I can be objective about this family and the world at large. Plus, I would like to know what you get up to away from here. You’re a young lady now and it’s time to put childish things away.” Then she nodded at the footmen to start serving the soup. I glanced surreptitiously at Irene. She was smiling while Samuel was trying hard to choke back his laughter.
All I could do was gawk at my family. Aunt Mary was the epitome of a Dowager with her grey hair piled on top of her head like a coronet. Her pale green gown was trimmed with beautiful cream piping and lace and she wore her trademark rose pearls. I had finished my inventory of her person just as I realised that Aunt Mary was speaking to me. “Well, Clarissa, what do you think about the changes in your life? Are you looking forward to being the young lady of the house and Miss?”
Irene gasped, tensing, as Samuel coughed. Aunt Mary turned her head to glare at him as he jump
ed in immediately to say, “Ah. Auntie, there are a few things that are still ah…”
The Dowager looked from Irene to Samuel, back to me then back to Samuel. She burst out laughing until tears were rolling down her cheeks. “I’m so glad I came! I rather wish I was coming to London with you, just to see what happens.” She wiped her eyes with her napkin and composed herself. “I take it that my brother has no idea what’s going on either?” She looked at Samuel and Irene again, arching an eyebrow waiting for an answer which was not forthcoming. “Humph, it would appear he doesn’t know, or a certain person would not be going with you.” She studied Irene who was nervously trying to choke down her soup. Then at Samuel who was already on his second glass of wine with his soup untouched. She looked at them both several times, the longer she looked the more displeased she appeared. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I had a sinking feeling that it all involved me.
The moment passed, and supper continued. The conversation included neighbourhood gossip and housekeeping issues. I didn’t pay much attention, all I remembered was the discussion regarding a gown Irene was having made from pale blue silk velvet with silver floral embroidery. I was not at the stage in my life where I cared if a dress was patterned silk or embroidered muslin, I simply knew what I liked and didn’t like. My mind wandered over what must go into planning a wedding and I wondered if this gown would be Irene’s wedding dress.
I had only ever been to one wedding in my memory and that had been a rushed affair for Mr Biggle’s eldest daughter and Dr Blaney’s eldest son. I had asked at the time why the rush and Irene had blushed at my question. Samuel only said that ‘Rose and William had put their honeymoon first’. I wasn’t sure what he’d meant at the time until seven months later when Rose gave birth to a fine son.
Aunt Mary turned to me, “Well, child, this should be an adventure for you. I hope that will you conduct yourself with good sense. You’re fortunate that Irene and Mr Turner are finally willing to take this chance.” Irene blanched and coughed. Aunt Mary smiled at her before continuing. “Just remember that you can write to me at any time and if you need me, I will come to you.” For some reason, unknown to my rational mind, tears started to roll down my cheeks. I had cried more in the last day than I had in the last six years.
Irene was horrified when I started to sob, turning to our brother, “Samuel what did you say to her today, what happened? Lissa, are you alright, my sweet?”
Samuel fish-mouthed for a bit then threw down his napkin and pushing his chair back, he came around and knelt by my chair. Looking over my bowed head at Irene, he growled, “Me! What did I say to her! Nothing! I said nothing just as you and Colin ordered.”
I looked up and saw a puzzled expression cross Aunt Mary’s face. Then it changed as if realization had dawned on her and she looked furious. “Irene!” she bellowed. “Do you mean to tell me that this child knows NOTHING! That you’ve been talking about her and around her like she’s a piece of furniture! Good heavens, no wonder she’s crying.”
She rang the bell and Mr Burns answered “Burns, would you have Miss Clarissa’s maid ready her bed chamber. Oh, and see that some brandy and water is sent up immediately with.” then she looked around the table, Irene was wringing her hands and Samuel was rubbing his face as if he were at a loss for what to do. “Three, no, you’d better make that four glasses.”
Irene abruptly stood up knocking over her chair, she was obviously flustered and said in a shocked voice, “Aunt Mary, surely you can’t mean to,” she paused as if unsure what to say next and decided on, “you can’t mean to give Lissa brandy!”
She ignored Irene and came around the table to take my hand. Assisting me to stand she wiped my tears away with her napkin. Then she turned to Irene with a cross expression on her face, “Of course, I do! She’s had a terrible couple of days with you two bungling everything! The poor child looks more confused than you were sixteen years ago.” She put her arm around me, glaring at Irene, “Tell me, Irene, where is Mrs Burns residing these days?” Irene just stood there with a blank expression on her face.
But before anyone could ring Burns entered the dining room, “Ah, Burns, just the person I need, and do you think Mrs Burns would welcome the opportunity to be the Abbey’s housekeeper?” Burns’ only response was to arch both brows as my aunt continued, “You see, I have no desire to stay here with my brother, we really don’t care for each other’s company. But Agatha was so efficient running Lord Alford’s country home, before you snatched her out from under my own nose and married her.”
Burns blushed but gathered himself and responded, “Yes, I believe Mrs Burns would welcome the opportunity to manage the Abbey, Lady Alford. And ma’am, everything has been dispatched to Miss Clarissa’s room just as you requested.”
Aunt Mary smiled at him. “Good man, Burns! Please tell Agatha we will need her to start right away. I will be going to London tomorrow with my nieces and nephew, after all, but don’t worry, I’ll leave a note for the General to explain. I suggest though that you have the whisky close at hand for him.”
“Very good, Lady Alford, I will inform Mrs Banks immediately.”
Our aunt waved her hand in dismissal as she turned back to us and Burns backed out of the room. “My brother will probably be relieved to be shot of me at any rate.” She looked down at me and smiled as I unsuccessfully tried to stem my crying, “You poor thing, you’re so confused, aren’t you?” I nodded. “Come now everyone, we will discuss this in Clarissa’s room and settle things before another day passes.” With my hand firmly in hers, we ascended the staircase to the first floor then up the stairs to my room on the second floor.
Chapter 3
Family
Samuel took up a position by the hearth leaning on the mantel while I crawled onto my bed and the other ladies took the only two chairs available, then they all turned to face me.
Aunt Mary was the first to speak, “Irene, my dear, I know it’s your story to tell but would you allow me start? I have a feeling you’d muddle it.” Then looking up at Samuel, “Samuel, please get a chair and sit or I’ll have a crick in my neck before we’re finished.”
Irene looked terrified, “But, Aunt, what about Colin?”
My aunt waited until Samuel returned with a chair and once he was seated she responded, “What about Mr Turner? Well, I believe that he’s had his way for far too long and for no good reason other than his pride. This conversation is long overdue, the most important person in all of this is Clarissa.”
Aunt Mary stared at Irene who looked horrified and Samuel avoided eye contact by inspecting his hands, so I spoke up. “I wish someone would tell me what is going on. For the last two days, I’ve felt like I’ve been standing on the edge of a precipice not knowing if I’m going to be pushed or I should jump.”
Irene tried one more time beseeching our aunt, “Aunt Mary, please don’t!”
Samuel shook his head. “Irene, let her, you were going to tell Lissa when you reached London anyway. But I think this may be better, it will give her more time to adjust. Go ahead, Aunt Mary.” He smiled at me and I felt a little better.
My aunt cleared her throat and proceeded, “Clarissa, I scarcely know where to begin.” She paused and clasped her hands, pursing her lips, then blurted out, “First, you should know that your parents are not dead.”
I stared at her with my mouth open then quickly glanced at my brother and sister who both were looking apologetic. I didn’t know what to think or say, so I sat there dumbstruck as she continued. “Lissa, ugh, who gave you that awful name? It sounds like a snake hissing when you say it.” She glared at Samuel as he chuckled. “Just as I suspected! Samuel, I shudder for the children you will father one day.” His mouth fell open in shock as my aunt pointed her finger at him. “Don’t be fresh with me, young man. You will marry one day, and I imagine it will be even sooner than you expect. I just pray your wife has more sense than you do.” She raised her hand to him to stay any argument. “Don’t bother
to protest, nephew, I know more about your life than you do.”
Aunt Mary turned back to me with a self-satisfied smirk. “Clarissa, as you already know my brother is not your real father. But what you don’t know is that your mother was not his wife Charlotte.” I gasped and felt tears welling up as she continued. “Charlotte did die, though it wasn’t in childbirth. Rather it was from a morbid fever and a condition of the lungs that made it difficult for her to breathe. She was with me and Irene in Cornwall when she passed way.” She paused as if to gather her thoughts. “You see, I have a home there that belonged to my mother’s family for generations. We had both hoped that the sea air would help her condition, but it didn’t. Yet her health was not the primary reason for her being there. Rather it was to hide your mother’s condition.”
She paused as her eyes drifted towards the window collecting herself. “Charlotte was nothing like the woman that she’s been made out to be. She was a kind and gentle soul, but she had a miserable life as my brother’s wife. Once she became ill she knew that she was not long for this world, so she didn’t care what people thought of her after she was gone. That included the opinion of her indifferent husband. My brother treated his horses better than he did her or his children.” My aunt was suddenly overcome with emotion, removing her spectacles and pulling a handkerchief out of her pocket she dabbed at her eyes, Charlotte had obviously meant a great deal to her. She swallowed several times looking at Samuel then coughed. “I think we could all use a bit of that brandy now, Samuel.”
His head jerked up, he’d been staring down at his boot tips all this time. “What? Brandy, oh, is that to include Lissa?”
“Yes, of course, it includes Clarissa.” She emphasized my name and looked down her nose at him. He shrugged, got up and went over to the table that held the decanter. Then she added, “I think just a splash of brandy in some water will be sufficient for her.” He prepared the drinks and passed them around. On returning to his seat he swirled it around in the glass, sniffed it then took a sip. I imitated his actions curling up my nose at the smell, it was dreadful, and Aunt Mary was watching me and smiled. “It’s an acquired taste, my dear, and it’s not something that ladies are usually offered, unless we’ve been under considerable stress or have suffered the vapours.”