Untitled

by Wendy Bayne

  My mother started, “Samuel, it’s so—”

  Aunt Mary interrupted her while giving her a side glance then she fixed her eyes on Samuel. “Excuse me, Irene, but I have something I’d like to say.” Samuel looked like he wanted to melt away, instead he sat up to look right at her. In a stern voice, she said, “Samuel Hughes, you have let this family down in the worst conceivable way.” Everyone at the table gasped with shock. Poor Samuel looked like he had been slapped though he didn’t cringe or get angry, he just sat there looking at my aunt, not moving a muscle as she continued, “You may feel that you have an excuse since you seem to have inherited your grandfather’s addictive behaviour…after all, he was a known drunkard. But I must tell you that I consider it a weakness of character. Even your father is subject to the evils of its addiction, though he had the good sense to hide it better than you. I had hoped that you were made of sterner stuff, so it saddens me to see that I was wrong.” Then suddenly her expression softened as she reached out to touch his hand. “But I am more saddened and disappointed in myself. I didn’t see that you were suffering, and you obviously didn’t feel that you could come to me with your troubles.” She did indeed look solemn and concerned. “Samuel, we all need other people to help us make it through this life. There is no shame in asking for help. Nevertheless, you’ve asked for our help now so perhaps there is still hope.” She smiled as he leaned over taking her hand and squeezing it.

  Then she sat up straight batting him away. “And you look dreadful! So, the sooner we can start with the good doctor’s regime the better.” Samuel chuckled before she continued, “Dr Jefferson has kindly offered to treat you and he is going to instruct all of us in how to aid you. I think that Mademoiselle Michaud should be included since it’s my understanding that you two have worked out at least some of your problems. I believe that you will be seeing a great deal of each other in the future.” She clasped her hands in her lap and looked at them with downcast eyes. “As a first step in welcoming Emilie to the family I want you to know that you will have our full support. And Samuel, I must also beg your forgiveness for not recognizing the depth of your pain. You should never have had to carry this burden alone for so long. I will, we will all endeavour to never fail you again.”

  Samuel’s eyes glistened, and he choked on his words before saying, “It was a hell of my own making, Auntie. If it weren’t for the brat here exposing me, I would have eventually killed myself.” He looked incredibly sad. Mademoiselle reached out touching his face with her finger tips, he smiled at her as he took her hand and kissed the palm. Then he looked up at Dr Jefferson “Well, Matthew what incredible tortures do you have in store for me? Bleeding, leeches, ice baths?” He tried to laugh but he looked terrified.

  Dr Jefferson had been watching him closely, he had his hands clasped lightly in his lap while leaning comfortably back in his chair. “Nothing so extreme, Samuel. In fact, it may sound very simple, but I assure you it won’t be easy. I prescribe fresh air, healthy food, and exercise.”

  Samuel ginned. “That is beyond easy; done, done and done!”

  Dr Jefferson shook his head “Not so fast, my friend, first you must give up all spirits and I mean all! You cannot even take small beer.”

  Samuel’s face fell, and his mouth hung open. “Good lord, man, what am I to drink then! My work requires me to socialize with people of many classes. If I’m not able to accept a drink it, will make people suspicious. I won’t be able to perform my duties.”

  Dr Jefferson had his head tilted sideways taking in everything. “That shouldn’t be a problem, just let it be known that you have a chronic illness and are under a doctor’s care so that spirits are forbidden. You may drink lemonade, fruit punch, milk, even boiled water.” He sighed leaning forward, “Samuel, this is most important. You cannot be left alone at social events for some time. You must always have someone with you that understands your needs in such situations. The call of drink will be strong, it will be a lengthy battle, perhaps even lifelong. But it’s a battle that I believe you can win with help.”

  Samuel was shaking his head. “No, no, no, you have no idea what that would mean. It would impede my ability to—people would know that I was, that I’m unable to control myself. It would expose my weakness.”

  Dr Jefferson laughed. “You mean it would impede your ability to play the bachelor and dandy? Don’t you think it’s time to give that up and move on, my friend? I’ve already talked to Colin about this and he agrees, Samuel. It’s the natural progression of things for both of you that your public personas change from bachelors to that of an engaged and married man. It will also explain how both of you have resisted the marriage trap for so long that both of you had already committed your affections.”

  Samuel opened and closed his mouth. Then mademoiselle spoke. “Samuel, you know that I already work for Colin, so we will be able to work together now. You must admit that there are many places that a bachelor cannot go that a married couple can. Besides did you think that as your wife—I would tolerate you acting like a carefree bachelor when we are married?” She arched her brow and pursed her lips. “I will not hide our marriage nor play the role of your mistress.”

  Samuel looked shocked. “Emilie, I would never! Wait… You’ll have me! You’ll marry me?”

  She laughed, and it sounded like tinkling bells. “Was that not what I said to you in the study?”

  Aunt Mary was smiling at my mother. “Irene, it looks like we’ll be planning a wedding after all.”

  Mother’s face fell as she looked at Samuel. “What about Father! Samuel, can he put a stop to this, do you need his approval?”

  Samuel chuckled. “Not since I was five and twenty. Besides he’s cut me off at any rate. He can’t interfere even though he may try.” Mother relaxed.

  Samuel lifted Emilie’s hand, kissing it again. “Irene, Aunt Mary, I want Emilie to have a beautiful wedding, anything she wants.” Emilie looked terrified. He smiled saying, “But it doesn’t have to be large, just beautiful and in a church.”

  Mother was chewing on her lower lip again. “Which church, Samuel?”

  He looked at Aunt Mary who was chuckling. “You already knew, didn’t you?”

  “Oh posh, get on with it.” She waved her hand at him.

  “Emilie’s family for generations have posed as Catholics to survive the Huguenot persecution in France. Even though it appeared to those outside of the family that Emilie was raised as a Catholic, it was tempered by her parents’ protestant influence; she is more than willing to be married in the Church of England.” He smiled, and it brought back the colour to his face and the light in his eyes. “This calls for a toast!” Everyone’s eyes were on him as he went to the door to find Dalton standing there. “Dalton, would you ask Mr Allan for a bottle of champagne.” There was a collective gasp, but he looked over his shoulder and smiled. “And a pitcher of lemonade.” He walked back to Emilie to bend and kiss her on the lips before taking his seat again.

  Mother reached out for Emilie’s hand. “I’m so very happy for both of you. But, Emilie, are you sure you want to take him on? I grew up with him and there was never a more difficult child. Believe me he has not improved with age.”

  Samuel’s face at first fell when she had started to speak, then he broke into a huge smile. “My dearest sister, may I remind you that I am four years your senior.”

  “I’m aware of that, brother dear, but being the eldest did not make you any wiser or more mature.”

  The conversation then descended into retelling stories from their childhood, their versions often differed considerably but were tremendously funny. Samuel, Emilie and I drank lemonade while the others drank champagne as toasts were made by everyone.

  At one point, Dr Jefferson spoke briefly to mademoiselle aside from everyone else. Then he cleared his throat. “I hate to interrupt all of you, but I do have other patients to see. Before I go I need to exam your bandages, Samuel, and talk to your family about the plan to help you recoup
your health. Mademoiselle Michaud has also indicated that she would like to consult with me before I leave. Therefore, to expedite things I would like to discuss Samuel’s treatment first.” Mother asked him to wait while she rang for Dalton and Mr Allan.

  When they arrived, Mr Allan stepped out for just a moment to direct one of the maids to see to Dr Jefferson’s requests for hot water, soap and towels for both Mr Hughes’ room and in a guest room for mademoiselle.

  For the next half hour, Dr Jefferson reviewed the restrictions he was placing on my uncle as well as a guide for his diet and exercise. He wanted all the staff and family to be aware of them so that my uncle wouldn’t be able to fool any of us. Mr Allan and Dalton agreed they would speak to the other staff and that Mr Allan was to immediately lock up all the spirits in the house when we finished.

  Dr Jefferson turned to me. “Miss Turner, I have a special assignment for you. I’m told that you will know who may have sympathy for your uncle and indulge him. I am putting you in charge of sussing out those miscreants then telling your father or mother, so their duties can be adjusted to keep them away from your uncle.” I was happy to have a role except that I didn’t much like the idea of being a snitch. But I promised that I would keep a close eye on him and anyone who was likely to give into his pleas for spirits.

  Mother suddenly burst into tears, everyone was surprised except for me. Samuel looked ashamed and the others were just befuddled so I explained, “Mama tends to cry whenever she’s happy or sad, this time I think she’s happy.” I looked at her closely and nodded. “See, she’s smiling so she is definitely happy.”

  Father walked in just them greeting Dr Jefferson while eyeing Samuel and Emilie. He saw the tears still in my mother’s eyes and that Dalton and Mr Allan were sitting at the table with us. Then he saw the bottle of champagne and glared at Samuel’s glass. I picked it up and handed it to him. “It’s only lemonade, Papa.” He took the glass and drank off the remainder, choking as he swallowed. When he caught his breath, he smiled at my uncle exclaiming, “Well done, old chap!”

  Aunt Mary moved to offer him champagne, but he declined with a shake of his head then looked at me, “So, Lissa, what’s been happening? If I recall I left you in charge?”

  I was surprised that he asked me instead of Mama, so I proceeded to tell him, “The short of it is that mademoiselle and Uncle Samuel are contemplating marriage and Dr Jefferson and all of us are going to help Uncle Samuel conquer his addiction to strong drink.”

  Father sat down beside Mother and with a wry grin said, “All this has happened in just the few hours since I left, how that is even possible?”

  Samuel took Emilie’s hand. “It’s all about communication, Colin. I seem to have trouble expressing myself adequately around the only woman that I have ever loved. As for the doctor’s plan, I know that I’m going to need everyone’s help, I’m not strong enough to do this alone nor would I like to try.” He took a deep breath then sighed. “I would also like to apologize now for being so difficult; even though I will probably continue to be difficult if not impossible for some time.” He looked at me and winked. “So, brat, I will rely on you to tell me when I am. You’re the only one I can count to tell me the truth, so you have my permission to put me in my place.”

  I looked at him with pride. “Agreed, Uncle.”

  He laughed. “Lissa, I think I might have just insulted everyone in the room.”

  I giggled. “It wasn’t intentional. Besides everyone will try to be nice to you because you’ll be struggling, so they might not tell you that you’re being unbearable.” I looked about the room then back at him. “But that isn’t going to help you if you try to play on their feelings. You should be treated just as I am, if I do something wrong you and Mama would never let me get away with it, so I won’t let you get away with anything either, Uncle Samuel.” I smiled at my mother as she looked at me with pride.

  Samuel came around to my chair then went down on his knees and hugged me, his whole body was shaking. “Lissa, I am counting on you to help me. I can only pray that I am worthy of your assistance and love.” He kissed me on both cheeks then got up unsteadily as he leaned on my chair. “Well, Matthew, let’s get the examinations over with, so you can be on your way to see to your other patients.” He assisted Emilie out of her chair and they both left to go upstairs. I noticed as he tucked Emilie’s arm around his that his hand was trembling, and he seemed to be none too steady on his feet and leaning rather heavily on Emilie. Aunt Mary and Mother followed them with Dr Jefferson, Dalton and Mr Allan behind.

  Father looked at me. “Well, Lissa, perhaps you’d like to join me in the study and you can tell me everything that’s happened while I was out in detail.”

  After we talked, I spent a quiet hour in his study reading as he worked at his desk. When he finally put down his pen, he stretched, got up and went to the window. I could see that it was still raining when he opened the curtains but not as hard as before. He stood there with his back to me, leaning his hands on the sill, apparently deep in thought. It startled me when he finally said, “Typical London weather, rain and more rain.”

  I looked at his back as I answered, “I thought that was typical for England, Papa, not just London.”

  He sighed. “You’re right, my sweet. But there are times when I miss the continent. I remember the lovely sun and heat of Spain.” He rubbed his eyes. “But I also remember how blasted uncomfortable it was during those days as well.” Turning away from the window, he walked to the credenza. “Lissa, where’s my whisky?”

  “Sorry, Papa, Mr Allan must have already locked everything up. You’ll have to ring for it from now on.” I scrunched up my face waiting for him to get angry.

  He just shrugged, “I suppose it can’t be helped. I’ll adjust eventually.” He smiled as he rang the bell. Murphy answered the summons and went to fetch my father a whisky. “Lissa, I’ve been thinking about what Ramsey said about Baron and Jewel, we should consult with your uncle about what should be done.”

  My head popped up. “Are you considering sending them both to Somerset?”

  He scratched his head, playing with a book on his desk. Murphy returned with his whisky on a tray, After taking a sip, he thanked Murphy as he withdrew.

  He moved back to the window. “I talked at great length with the Clarkes today, both seem eager to re-establish themselves as horse breeders, but Mr Clarke would like to have a look at Baron and Jewel himself. I’ve put him off though until I could talk to Samuel about it. I’m just not sure if this is the right time or that the Clarkes are the right people.”

  He took another sip of whisky then stared into his glass and continued, “Setting up a stud may present us with an answer to a dilemma I have regarding our work. I’ve wanted to establish a legitimate and permanent presence somewhere near the coast closer to Cornwall. However, I’m undecided as to how much I should involve the Clarkes or who else would be able or willing to handle the responsibility?”

  He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, this must sound confusing to you. I tend to think aloud sometimes. Yet this could be a perfect solution for Samuel and Emilie for a time. I must remain in London and available to Sir Thomas and Samuel right now is the only one that I would trust down there.” He put his glass down turning his back to the window. “I need to think on it more, then talk to Samuel and Sir Thomas.” He sighed and walked back to his desk fiddling with a book that was lying open. He picked up his glass, tossed back the whisky in one gulp and grimaced. “I think I’ll go and see what the blazes is going on upstairs. Surely we should have heard something by now.” He started for the door just as Mother walked in, looking very worried.

  Her brow was furrowed, and she was wringing her hands. Father sat down hard in the chair behind his desk as Mother came and sat beside me. He reached over his desk. “Irene, are you alright? Is there a problem?”

  She nodded. “Yes and no. About Emilie, it’s just as we suspected, she was not violated and as far as Ma
tthew can tell there is no reason why she can’t have children.”

  Father started to smile. “Well, that’s good news. Samuel must be very happy!”

  Mother cleared her throat, but her eyes gleamed with unshed tears. “Samuel doesn’t know yet. While Matthew was examining Emilie, he had a seizure.” Father groaned and put his head in his hands as she continued, “He’s awake now but very weak and disoriented.” Then she burst into tears and between sobs said, “Emilie and Matthew are with him right now.”

  Father rose and headed for the door, but Mother reached out, touching his hand. “No, Colin! Matthew said he needs rest and quiet right now.”

  Tears were running down my cheeks. I wiped them away with my hand and asked, “Why, I mean what’s wrong with him?”

  Mother took my hand she had managed to control her sobbing though the tears were still streaming down her face. “Dr Jefferson believes it’s a symptom of his body clearing out the toxins that are making him so ill. But he’s still weak from the gunshot wound and coupled with the stress and excitement of all that has happened lately he feels it was just too much for him to handle.”

  Father ran his hands down his face. “Is he going to live?”

  Mother frowned. “Matthew said it’s just a temporary setback and that it probably won’t happen again as he gets stronger.”

  She wiped the tears from her eyes and smoothed her skirts with her head bowed. “I’ve asked Emilie to come and live with us but she’s adamant that you need her to stay where she is at least until they marry.”