Untitled

by Wendy Bayne

  Mother rubbed the tip of her nose. “I’m afraid that’s because Aunt Mary told her about arranged marriages and that for the most part a woman’s place is dictated by a man’s expectations, be they husband, father or brother.” Then she crossed her arms and glared at my father.

  I didn’t want them to argue so I interrupted to explain. “Papa, I want to be loved the way you love Mama. I don’t want an arranged marriage!”

  My father rested his head in his hand, partially covering his face. Then he took a deep breath while looking at my mother with a glimmer of humour. “Irene, I would never ask any of our children to marry without love. I should think you’d know that. They will marry where their hearts lead them.” She started to smile. “But I assure you that I will also watch out for their future as well as their happiness and I do my best to prevent a misalliance.”

  Mother glared at him almost growling, “Colin!”

  Father smirked. “Just a minute, my dear, let me rephrase that. You and I will look out for their futures as well as their happiness and do our best to prevent a misalliance. In the end, the decision will always be theirs.” She sighed, moving to his side to kiss him on the cheek.

  I wasn’t so easily convinced. “But isn’t it true that anything I bring to a marriage becomes the property of my husband? And if at any time we do not suit each other, I cannot leave him because he will own everything of mine including our children and I will have nothing!”

  Father motioned for me to sit with him and mother. “That’s true, Lissa, but only if provisions aren’t made to safeguard you in advance. Your Grandmother Alice had a very wise father who arranged for her inheritance to go only to her and then to her children; it could not at any time be touched by the General. My property will be your mother’s should anything happen to me and I assure you that your mother and I will see to it that all our children will have independent means. As far as any children that you might have… I would hope that you would not choose a husband that you’d want to leave. So, my dear girl, there is an incentive to choose wisely.”

  He looked pointedly at me. “And if you are thinking that your mother and I were impulsive in marrying, you would be wrong. I have known your mother since she was twelve. Our love grew out of our friendship, we shared many similar interests and that friendship finally became a deep and abiding love.”

  Mother was smiling as she took his hand to squeeze. “I think what your father is trying to tell you is that desire and love are not the same things. If there is real love, then people will sacrifice anything to be together, including time. Waiting for the right person will not diminish the love. Lust lasts only until the object of your desire has been obtained, it rarely survives the test of time. It’s an impatient and greedy emotion, Lissa.”

  I wasn’t exactly sure what they were trying to say. “It sounds terribly complicated to me. How will I ever know the difference?”

  Mother caressed my cheek. “Your heart will tell you, my darling.”

  Father chuckled. “Your mother is right…however, don’t forget…” then he leaned over and tapped my head, “to use this as well.”

  I rolled my eyes, sighing. “I promise I won’t forget what you’ve said and, remember, Uncle Samuel has threatened to take me to the continent until I came to my senses if he disapproved of my choice of a husband.” I leaned against my father who put his arm around me and hugged me close.

  Suddenly there was yelling come from the hallway, it sounded like my uncle and he was in a rage. The library door burst open, he stumbled in with only a night shirt on, his hair was wild, and his face was ashen with dark shadowed eyes. He was screaming nonsense, as spittle flew from his dry and cracked lips. He fell at my mother’s knees taking her hand to his cheek all the while calling her Emilie and begging her to love him. Dalton was hard on his heels and flew into the room, followed closely by Allan. They both pulled up short when they saw us then they looked down at my uncle with pity as he buried his head in my mother’s lap and cried.

  Mr Allan cleared his throat saying that Lady Alford had sent him to locate Mrs Turner, that she was waiting with their guest. It was unusual for him not to announce who the guest was. Then I remembered it was Thursday and Mademoiselle Michaud was to visit. Father looked down at Samuel with distress etched on his face. He was due to leave shortly to keep a luncheon appointment with Mr Clarke and Ramsey, yet I knew that he wouldn’t want to leave us with my uncle in such a state. Dr Jefferson was to dine with us, but he wouldn’t be here for another half hour.

  Suddenly from the doorway there came a shocked. “Mon Dieu, Samuel!” a petite dark-haired lady who I assumed was Mademoiselle Michaud was standing there with her hand to her mouth and her deep blue eyes wide open with tears rolling down her cheeks. She whispered in a hushed voice, “Oh, Samuel, no, no, my love.”

  Samuel looked up at my mother in confusion then turned his head to look at mademoiselle and quietly said, “Emilie?”

  She immediately went to him down on her knees and pulled him into her arms, rocking him back and forth, speaking to him softly in French. The men in the room were looking anywhere except at the two people on the floor. Mother was smiling, and I was dumbfounded. Aunt Mary came in quietly and whispered to my mother, “Dr Jefferson should be here soon, my dear, I suggest that all we leave them alone.” She turned to my uncle’s valet, “Dalton, if you would be so good as to wait outside the door in case they need anything.” Dalton nodded and headed for the door with Mr Allan behind him. My mother and I trailed behind Aunt Mary when she paused and said over her shoulder, “Colin, I took the liberty of calling for the carriage. If you don’t change now, you’ll be late for your appointment with the Clarkes.”

  We all walked out leaving Samuel and Emilie in a pile on the floor, both crying and caressing each other, but I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, it was in such disjointed French. Dalton closed the doors behind us and stood at attention to one side. Mother and Aunt Mary stood there looking at the closed doors as Father went up the stairs to change.

  Dalton had a smile on his face as he glanced at us. “They’ll be fine, ladies, don’t you worry. Mr Samuel would never hurt Miss Michaud, never in a million years.”

  Mother looked sad now. “I know you’re right, Dalton, but what good can come from this?”

  Aunt Mary firmly interjected, “Actually I think they will be fine, my dear. After you left to find Clarissa, Mademoiselle Michaud arrived and I took advantage of my age and rank to set the young woman straight about a few things regarding my nephew; as well as what she had done to him because of her misplaced nobility. I also informed her that they had our blessings to marry.”

  My mother hugged Aunt Mary. “So you told her that they have our support and if there are any problems, we’ll ride it out together as a family?”

  Aunt Mary looked insulted and said with disdain. “I believe that’s what I just said, my dear. Emilie has also agreed to let Dr Jefferson examine her. Though I assured her it was not a requirement for her to join our family, but I told her that she needs to know so it won’t haunt her and Samuel, and she wants to give him the opportunity to reject her if what she believes is true. The poor thing is very naive and really has no idea if she was violated when she was attacked. She fainted during the beating. She’s a remarkable young woman though and I think Emilie will suit Samuel very well.”

  Mother looked in awe at our aunt, “Is that why you sent me off on that wild goose chase to find Clarissa? You had me running all over the place; telling me you thought you saw her heading for the mews and if not then I should check the garden, the library and then her room!”

  Aunt Mary merely nodded. I noticed that Dalton was struggling not to laugh until our aunt gave him a sharp look, “Have I amused you, Dalton?”

  He composed his face and answered boldly, “Ma’am, begging your pardon but if you weren’t a countess and me a valet, I’d hug you for what you have done for those two.” He gestured over his shoulder with his thumb.
“I’ve been telling him and telling him to talk to her, that something was not right about what she thought had happened. I saw her when he brought her home in Brussels. I was the one that undressed her but there wasn’t any blood.” He blushed before he continued, “I mean, down there where’d you expect it to be if she had been.” He was blushing deeply by this point. “Well, you know what I mean.”

  Aunt Mary blurted out, “Good heavens, Dalton, you mean to tell me that you have seen Mademoiselle Michaud undressed?!”

  His eyes got really big, “Oh, no, ma’am, just down to her shift. Our mother died before Lettie had started to bleed and our father was no help, so I’ve seen a lot and know more than I’d like to.”

  We all chuckled at his discomfort as he pulled at his neck cloth then he relaxed and laughed too. We all stood there just looking at each other. Murphy walked into the hallway; observing our tabloid, he arched his brows, smiled and disappeared back through the green braise door. Before it had closed completely, I heard cook say, “Well, it’s about time!”

  Aunt Mary linked her arm with my mother, “Shall we retire to the drawing room until Dr Jefferson arrives? Then we can have luncheon.” Mother seemed reluctant to move as she looked at the study door. Our Aunt patted her arm. “I seriously doubt that mademoiselle will be joining us.”

  Mother still resisted leaving. “Should I have something brought to them?”

  Dalton shook his head. “I’ll look after them, ma’am. But from the sounds of it, it will be some time before either of them thinks about food.”

  Mother was flustered searching for something to say, “Dalton, Mr Hughes is hardly dressed to entertain a visitor!”

  He smiled and shook his head. “True, ma’am, but I don’t think its bothering either of them right now.”

  I started chewing my lower lip, this conversation was getting uncomfortably close to my memories of Rose and William. I tried to slip away but just as I was heading for the stairs I saw my father coming down dressed to go to his club. He was looking very smart in buff coloured breeches with a cream and silver striped waistcoat, white shirt and cravat, finished off with a dark green superfine coat. With his black boots and gloves he was the picture of a sophisticated and wealthy man. Once again, I realised that he was still young and handsome. Mother stared at him like no one else was alive which made my heart soar. I loved my parents and loved to see them like this. I waited for him at the bottom of the stairs and whispered, “Samuel is still in your study with mademoiselle!”

  Father was smiling at my mother as he walked with me back to the study. When he reached out for the door, Mother grabbed his arm back then whispered, “Colin, Don’t! Leave them be.”

  “And why should I, my love? Samuel never gave it a second thought about walking in on us.”

  She slapped his arm and rolled her eyes. “Really, Colin, we never had the problems to work out that these two have.”

  “Then may I suggest, darling, that you stop loitering in the hallway so that the staff can get on with their work.” He turned her around, so she could see two housemaids who had stopped just outside the braise door, afraid to move.

  With her hands clasped to her chest she said, “I’m so sorry, Betty, Grace please go ahead with your work. But leave Mr Turner’s study for now, Dalton will let you know when you can go in there.” The maids both bobbed and went into the morning room.

  Father leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Well, darling, I must be off. I hope everything works out as you’ve planned.”

  “I’ve planned nothing, Colin! This has been all been Aunt Mary’s doing. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had stirred Samuel up in some fashion to get him to come downstairs in the manner that he did.”

  Dalton suddenly became very interested in the toe of his boot while Aunt Mary started to rearrange the flowers on the hall table. Father chuckled then clearing his throat, “Lissa, I’ll expect a full report when I get back,” and he headed out the door.

  After he left we were still just standing in the hallway until I spoke up. “May I suggest Aunt Mary that you, mother and I adjourn to the withdrawing room and wait for Dr Jefferson? He should be here before too long.”

  We all took one last glance at the study door and crossed the hall to wait for Dr Jefferson. Aunt Mary took up some needlework. I still had my book with me and once I found my place, started to read again. Mother walked about the room picking up and absently studying various objects. She sat for a bit trying to concentrate on a portfolio of drawings but before too long she would rise again to pace in front of the windows looking out onto the gardens while wringing her hands. “What could they possibly be doing in there?”

  Aunt Mary didn’t look up from her work. “Don’t be obtuse, Irene. What would you and Colin be doing under the same circumstances?”

  Mother blushed and bit her lower lip; her only response was “oh”. Fortunately, no further response was required.

  There was a tentative knock on the door and Dr Jefferson entered. “Excuse me, ladies, for coming in unannounced, one of the maids let me in through the breakfast room.” He smoothed back his hair and the straightened his sleeves, not that they needed them. “It’s raining devilishly hard out there.”

  Mother looked puzzled. “What were you doing in the garden, Matthew?”

  “Oh, I was in the mews actually, just checking on young Billy Phipps. It seems that Baron stepped on his foot. I met Colin as he was getting into his carriage and he asked me if I would go around and check on him.”

  Mother looked alarmed. “Is Billy alright?”

  Dr Jefferson nodded. “Yes, he’s fine, Mrs Turner. His foot is bruised but nothing is broken. Fortunately for him you provide good sturdy boots to all your staff or it would have been a very different story. I’ve given him and Michael instructions on how to care for his foot. He is currently sitting with it in a cold bath to take down the swelling.”

  Mr Allan entered, acknowledging Dr Jefferson with a nod then turning to my mother, “Ma’am, luncheon is ready.”

  “Thank you, Allan, we’ll be right there. Would you see to it that places are set for Mademoiselle Michaud and Mr Hughes just in case they wish to join us? Oh, and please ask cook to prepare a posset for young Phipps? He’s been injured and needs to rest for a few days.”

  Mr Allan didn’t smile but his eyes twinkled when he responded, “The places are already set, ma’am, and cook has already sent a few extras out for the boy.”

  “Allan, you’re a treasure.” His facial expression never changed but his eyes continued to twinkle as he bowed leaving the room.

  Aunt Mary put aside her needlework to offer her hand to Dr Jefferson which he kissed and then my mother’s. He looked at me and smiled as I hid my hands behind my back. Aunt Mary stood up and walked to the door. “Well, I suggest that we go in. Cook hates to have a meal held back and I seriously doubt that Emilie or Samuel will be joining us. Besides I’m famished.” She grinned, taking Dr Jefferson’s offered arm as we all proceeded to the dining room.

  Chapter 10

  Emilie

  Dr Jefferson made a pleasant addition to our threesome. A gentleman by birth with independent means, he had graduated from Cambridge and went onto the University of Padua for further medical training. Now in private practice he was a rare combination of both an accomplished physician and surgeon here in London. He was extensively published for such a young man, focusing on sanitation in the practice of medicine. His ideas were progressive but met considerable resistance from other members of the medical community. He regaled us with how he was keeping detailed records of his patients and the benefits of their strict adherence to his hygienic protocols. He was sure that some diseases amongst the poor could be eradicated just with clean water, proper hygiene and wholesome food. He went on for some length on the subject; mother seemed genuinely interested while Aunt Mary’s eyes glazed over. I listened but not intently, instead I watched the rain lash the windows and dance on the windowsill.

  W
e had progressed to the fruit and cheese when the door opened, and Mademoiselle Michaud peeked in, smiling, “May I join you?”

  Dr Jefferson stood up to pull out a chair for her as Mother went to ring for meat and salad. “Oh, no, Mrs Turner, please don’t bother, your brother and I have already eaten but we would like to join you for tea and biscuits.”

  Lettie responded to the bell and Mother asked her to bring the tea and cakes now. Then she turned back to mademoiselle and asked cautiously, “Emilie, where is my brother?”

  She smiled shyly. “Mr Dalton has gone with him to his room so that he may dress more appropriately. He asked me to wait for him, but I felt that I must first apologize for my unseemly behaviour when I barged into your husband’s study uninvited.”

  Aunt Mary reached out to touch her hand. “Oh my dear, that was entirely my doing, I encouraged you, after all. No harm done.” She relaxed back into her chair assessing her through narrowed eyes. “I trust that some things have been worked out between you and Samuel?”

  Mademoiselle blushed. “Yes, I believe they have Lady Alford. However, I would prefer to wait for Samuel before saying anything more.”

  Aunt Mary grinned, showing that she was obviously pleased with the answer. “Well, in that case let me introduce you to our family physician Dr Matthew Jefferson.” Matthew bowed in her direction and Aunt Mary added quickly, “He’s here to help both you and Samuel.”

  Emilie blushed and could barely make eye contact with Dr Jefferson. Mother went pale covering her face with one hand and I could barely control my chuckle trying to make it sound like a cough.

  Dr Jefferson raised an eyebrow at our reactions as he sat down. Whereupon Samuel entered the room, shaved and dressed but he looked dreadful. It so shocked me that I felt my heart jump. He grimaced at my look as he took the seat next to Emilie, then smiled at me across the table. “Hello, brat. I understand that you’ve been forbidden to see me, I’m sorry if my current visage upsets you but I really haven’t been myself.” He took Emilie’s hand, kissing it while staring at her, “But I expect to be on the mend very soon.” Then he turned back to the table, gazing around at all of us, his brow furrowed as if he were in pain. “However, I will need to enlist everyone’s help if I may be so bold to ask.” He still looked very ill yet genuinely happy. His eyes glowed and his colour improved slightly whenever he looked at Emilie.