Untitled

by Wendy Bayne

  Samuel looked astounded, but he turned with a smile to Emilie. “Would you mind very much darling if we forgo the church wedding?”

  Emilie took his hand, smiling, and looked up into his eyes. “Just so long as I am married to you I don’t care where it takes place. But your father’s death must be upsetting for you.”

  Samuel sighed. “He was my father though not an especially good one and I will mourn his passing. But what is most important to me is that I have you at my side as my lawful wife. I don’t think that my mother would fault us for marrying in such a fashion. Though she is no longer with us, she has always been my guide for what is right and wrong.”

  Mother started to protest. “But the invitations?” Aunt Mary gave her a stern look and Mother took a deep breath, “Oh yes, I see, once people become aware of Father’s death, they will automatically assume that the wedding has been cancelled or at the very least it will be family only. I’ll have Allen take care of notifying everyone.”

  Aunt Mary touched her hand and smiled. “We’ll get through this, my dear, it will be a quiet affair held in our home. Emilie’s dress is ready, we’ll have flowers from the garden, cook has the cake ready, it just needs assembling. Thank heavens we won’t have to deal with all those dreary guests.”

  Samuel coughed, and all eyes focused on him. He looked grim. “What about the funeral? We’ll be expected to do it in grand style, won’t we?”

  Aunt Mary pinched her lips together. “No, Samuel, I think not under the circumstances. It would be best if it was just a small family affair as well. People will understand and approve.” She paused and looked out the window as a single tear rolled down her cheek. “I still find it hard to believe that he’s gone. He was my brother and though I would never say we were close, I did love him.” She sighed, straightened her skirts and continued after clearing her throat, “When Jonathan died, Richard came to the funeral. They had never gotten along, and lord knows we hadn’t seen eye to eye for years but afterwards he took me aside and gave me the best piece of advice that I’ve ever received. So, I will pass it along to both of you. Don’t mourn too long for a man that you didn’t especially care for.”

  Everyone fell back into silence. I knew that I wouldn’t mourn the General. But I would observe the essentials for the sake of my mother, uncle and Aunt Mary. We reached home, and Murphy jumped from his horse, escorting us to the door.

  It wasn’t long before the house was in an uproar trying to pull together a wedding and a funeral. Fortunately, the staff thought nothing of the extra work and they rose to the occasion.

  Thankfully the Clarkes were away visiting Ramsey at Oxford and the Summers would never think of being so intrusive as to enquire on their own as to what was going on; they would rely on their servants to do that. Therefore, no explanations would be required from us as to what was happening. Sir Thomas agreed to keep the facts of the General’s death quiet for now. But that would be no more than a day or two at best. He also approved Mr Johnson’s appointment as an agent of the crown with great delight.

  The staff did an amazing job of decorating the house and pulling together a wedding feast. I had no idea how they achieved all that they did without working around the clock. Emilie was stunning in a dress of the palest pink overlaid with silver lace and a veil to match. Samuel was immaculate and so handsome in his black evening kit with snow white shirt and hose and a waistcoat with thin silver stripes on a cream background.

  Since it was to be only family Emilie had asked that all the staff be invited to attend the ceremony and to partake of the feast which they had worked so hard to make perfect. It had to have been the most unusual wedding in London that season. The Beau Monde would have been shocked to know that the cook and the boot boy sat at the table with the vicar, the master of the house and the bride and groom. It was really a marvellous party. The entry hall became a dance floor and the pianoforte was moved to the doorway of the music room to provide the accompaniment.

  Mr Spencer attended as did Dr Jefferson who from the looks of it I assumed would be engaged to Louisa before the end of the year. It even looked like Aunt Mary and Mr Spencer had come to some type of agreement. Everyone enjoyed themselves even though no liquor was served, which impressed the vicar and depressed many others. But the music and the food made amends.

  Mr Johnson was able to dance with Lettie and was the perfect gentleman. I watched them closely, but Lettie had eyes only for Murphy who watched her intently as she glided around the room. Though she smiled at Mr Johnson, she barely said two words to the poor man. After the dance, he automatically returned her to Murphy’s side and from the look Murphy gave him, he must have known that his cause was lost. Then he came over to me and bowed. “May I have this dance, Miss Turner?”

  I quickly glanced at Lettie, but she was talking quietly with Murphy who managed to give me wink when he caught my eye, then I looked to Mother who nodded her approval. “I would be delighted, Mr Johnson, but what about your previous partner?”

  “Ah, Miss Turner, it is never to wise to pursue a woman that is not interested in you. It only leads to heartache and I believe that she has already given her heart to the inestimable Mr Murphy.”

  “I’m sorry, Mr Johnson.”

  He smiled down at me. “Don’t be, Miss Turner, some things are worth waiting for, especially love. And I can be a very patient man.” He smiled at me then pulled me close and swept me into a waltz. It was the best night of my life.

  The original plan had been for Emilie and Samuel to go to Somerset, but it was decided that with the General’s death and the threat of a murderer still on the loose that we should all stay in London. Two days later the Times finally carried the story of the General’s murder. Fortunately, Sir Thomas saw to it that the story of his death had been printed the same day as our request for the funeral to be a family affair. The timing of both could not have been better. Society would now understand and appreciate our discretion and once again the Beau Monde looked upon us favourably for our sensibilities.

  It rained lightly but steadily on the day we buried my grandfather, Sir Thomas attended along with Lord Gromley, Mr Johnson, Dr Jefferson and Mr Spencer. I was surprised when Sir Thomas was pointed out to me, I had expected to see a wizen old man, but he wasn’t even as old as my grandfather. At the graveside, he stood as erect and solemn as a soldier but once we arrived home I found that he was a man who smiled and laughed a great deal. He even quizzed me on my studies. Sir Thomas and Mr Johnson spent a great deal of time talking quietly in the corner of the room where there was no feasible way that I could eavesdrop on them.

  Once the vicar left the general conversation turned to the dilemma of who shot my uncle and killed the General. Richards had never returned, and the French were still looking for Mr Browne who had not been seen since well before the General’s murder, yet the French were positive that he had not returned to the France.

  Later I noticed that Sir Thomas was speaking to my father and mother by the door as he was about to leave when he said loud enough for everyone to hear, “I’m sorry, Turner, but you’ll have to go back, it can’t wait. I know that it’s not what you want, but this is important. Might I suggest that you escort Lord Gromley home at the same time. I know he hasn’t been well and it will give you a cover story for leaving London so suddenly. And if my sources are correct, you’ll find them both in Northumberland. I know it’s a long way to go but I need you to find the answers and soon. And Colin, take care of our problem this time any way that you can.”

  As he walked out the door, Mother reached for Father’s hand and squeezed, he smiled weakly as he took her arm, turning to face our guests and the family. “We are required in Northumberland.”

  All conversation stopped, and faces became pale as he continued, “Sir Thomas has just informed me that the two people most likely responsible for the attack on Samuel and the murder of the General have been seen near the Abbey. The French are most desirous of laying their hands on Mr Browne and Richa
rds is apparently with him.”

  Aunt Mary sighed deeply. “Colin, I won’t be going with you. I refuse to make that trek again.” Father opened his mouth, but she held her hand up to stop him from saying anything, so he paused and waited for her to explain herself. “I’m staying here in London under the protection of my husband.” She looked up at Mr Spencer and moved towards him while he put his arm around her. “I have to introduce him to Dyson, the dreary boy is in town and I want to get his dramatics over with as soon as possible.” I looked around the room, everyone was bug-eyed with their mouths open, including myself. “Oh, stop it all of you, yes we’re married. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you, but Arthur and I wanted to keep it a secret. We didn’t want a fuss made at our age.”

  Mother sat down and was barely able to utter, “How—I mean, how long and when?”

  Aunt Mary laughed. “A few weeks.” She reached up and kissed Mr Spencer’s cheek.

  Father, Samuel and Emilie rushed to congratulate them both and welcome him to the family. I joined them by hugging Aunt Mary and welcoming Mr Spencer with “Welcome to the family, Uncle Arthur!” He smiled at me and kissed my cheek.

  Mother was still in shock, but she rose to walk towards them, then suddenly turned ghostly white and fainted. Dr Jefferson and Father were at her side simultaneously. Dr Jefferson spoke first, “I was afraid that something like this would happen. There has been far too much excitement and stress for her the last few days.” Father sat back, looking baffled. Dr Jefferson looked like he wanted to swallow his tongue. “Oh my god, she hasn’t told you, has she?” He picked her up then as my father stood up and placed her in his arms. “Take her to her room, Colin, have her maid undress her and put her to bed. I will get my bag and be with you directly.”

  Father did as he was told without question. As he left the room Emilie, Louisa and Aunt Mary were all smiling. Samuel turned on them, looking totally perplexed, “Will someone please tell me what is going on?”

  Emilie came to his side and whispered in his ear, he reared back like she had slapped him. “A BABY? Now! But how I mean, when—oh” Everyone but me and Mr Johnson started to laugh. Mr Johnson came to stand by me, “Well, poppet, you’ll be a sister in due course. How do you feel about that?”

  I looked up at him thinking for a second while holding his eye. “Well, I have only recently found out that I have a mother and a father, and I think I adjusted to that well enough. I’ll have more time to think about being a sister, so as of right now I believe I’m fine.” I smiled because I was actually pleased by the news. I wasn’t worried anymore about my place in the family.

  He smiled at me and squeezed my hand. “That child is going to be very lucky to have you as a sister.”

  I smiled and asked him, “Would you care to play a game of chess. No one is going to be of much use for anything until the doctor comes down, so we might as well amuse ourselves.” I let go of his hand and walked towards the table where the chess set was arranged. I looked over my shoulder at him, his head was cocked to one side and had a faraway look in his eye as he watched me. “Mr Johnson?” His eyes came back into focus. “Are you alright?”

  “Oh yes, yes indeed, Miss Turner. I’m quite alright.” He gave me a crooked smile, joining me at the table and he immediately claimed black just as he always did, even knowing that it put him at an immediate disadvantage no matter who he played.

  “Why do you do that?”

  He cocked an eyebrow at me as I continued, “Do what?”

  I nodded at the board. “That…why do you always pick black?”

  “Do I?” He leaned back but kept his eyes on the board. “It must be a habit. My father taught me how to play chess and he told me that I might as well learn how to play the black pieces first.” I didn’t understand what he meant, I waited for him to explain. He looked at me finally, “It was an object lesson. No matter how much he loved me and my mother, in the eyes of the law and society I would always be his bastard, so I would always be at a disadvantage. Therefore, I had to learn to turn any disadvantage to my favour.”

  He looked sad and remote, but I was at a loss for what to say and blathered out, “It must have worked because I’ve never seen you lose to anyone and Dr Jefferson and my father are exceptionally good.” I was mortified at how stupid I could be.

  He smiled but there was still pain in his eyes. “Apparently, I did learn my lesson, poppet, as far as chess goes but I still have a tough time applying it to the rest of my life. But I’m working on it.”

  I watched him covertly throughout our game, but my skill was nowhere near being competitive with him. Yet he was exceptionally patient and ended up teaching me more about the game than playing. All the time we sat there he had a faraway look in his eye like he was looking back at the past or into the future.

  Dr Jefferson returned but my father did not. “Mr and Mrs Turner have requested that I inform all of you that they are expecting an addition to the family in about five months.” He raised his hand as people started to asked questions. He fidgeted and looked very uncomfortable running a finger around his cravat. “I can safely say that mother and child are doing well and that the father is a nervous wreck.” Everyone gave a chuckle before he continued, “However, Mrs Turner has been under too much stress of late and she needs to rest. Under the circumstances, I have advised that she should remain here in London where I can look in on her rather than follow all of you off to the wilds of Northumberland.”

  Suddenly my heart stopped, that meant I would have to stay here as well. I looked at my only confederate, Mr Johnson, and I could tell that he understood where my thoughts had led me. But he didn’t say a word as he turned his eyes back to the chessboard.

  Mr Johnson and I had just finished our chess game when Father came into the room. He was grinning from ear to ear and accepted congratulations all around. Then he came to me, “Lissa, I’d like to speak to you privately if I may.”

  It wasn’t really a question, but I could tell he wouldn’t allow me to say no even if I wanted to. I followed him to his study and sat down on my hands to keep me from clenching them into fists. Father sat down behind his desk. My shoulders slumped forward, I knew he was about to tell me I had to stay here and watch over my mother. “Lissa, I’m sorry but I can’t take you with me to Northumberland. Samuel, Michael and Jacob will be coming with me, but we need to travel light and fast. Lord Gromley is going to slow us down enough as it is.” I inhaled deeply and bit my tongue as he continued, “I’m going to ask Mr Johnson to stay here to watch over you ladies so he’s going to need your help and watchful eyes. Mr Spencer will stay here as well, but he has his own duties with Bow Street. It may seem an odd arrangement, but I want someone I trust here with you and your mother other than just the staff; I am not entirely convinced that London is safe yet.”

  My eyes went wide, and I asked, “You really think that we’ll be in danger here?”

  Father clasped his hands in front of him and sighed, “Intelligence is only as good as the man or men gathering it. And I’m not convinced that this latest intelligence is reliable. But it’s Samuel’s and my duty to go where we’re sent.”

  Before I realised why, I blurted, “Father, do you trust Mr Johnson?”

  He met my eyes and without hesitation said, “Yes, Lissa, strangely enough I do. Is there something that you know that I don’t?”

  “No, not really, except he does like to be a bit reckless regarding himself. I don’t want to see him get hurt watching over us.”

  Father chuckled. “I suppose you’re referring to the way he plays chess?” I nodded. “That doesn’t mean he’s like that in his day to day life.”

  I bit my lower lip and whispered, “I’m not sure that he would agree with you.”

  Father rose from his chair, came around the desk and sat in the chair beside me. I could tell from the look on his face that he thought I was being melodramatic. “Then I will expect you to keep him from doing anything foolish.” I sighed deeply, as if a gro
wn man was going to listen to an almost seventeen-year-old girl. But if I had to make him listen then I’d find a way.

  “Poor Uncle Samuel, he should be on his wedding trip.”

  Father nodded. “Duty calls but we won’t be gone more than a fortnight.”

  I nodded, and he hugged me closely. “Watch over your mother.”

  Chapter 16

  Call to Arms

  It had been two days since my father and uncle had left for Northumberland. Mother was confined to bed and it had rained every day. Mr Johnson and Mr Spencer divided their time equally between us and the outside world. Neither one of them could stay cooped up for long and convention dictated that Mr Johnson could not stay overnight in our home without a male relative present. So, he spent most of the day reading or playing chess with Murphy, Emilie or me, he could also be found in the music room where he tinkered with the violin. He usually left just before or just after the evening meal. I had no idea when he returned but Aunt Mary and Uncle Arthur had agreed to remain with us so that Mr Johnson would not have find other accommodation.

  To keep our minds off what was happening in Northumberland we were quickly wrapped up in Aunt Mary’s plans to make baby clothes. Beth and Meg were asked to join us and while they thoroughly enjoyed it…I didn’t. I was good at sewing but the amount of time being devoted to it was excessive in my opinion and I found it difficult to keep my mind on the task. On the third day, I managed to escape to the library after having sighed enough for my mother to release me to find amusement elsewhere. I selected a book and tucked into the window seat that looked down towards the old garden gate. I sat there reading for some time, it had been an overcast day and the light was beginning to fade earlier than usual. I was about to close my book when I looked up, noticing a movement near the old the gate. It was standing open! Then I saw my father’s valet Richards step through, followed by several other rough looking men. I wasted no time in leaving my book behind and racing to the drawing room. Mr Spencer had not arrived yet, but Mr Johnson was sitting in front of the chess board. I walked quickly to his side, “Mr Johnson, I just saw Richards with several other men in the garden, they came through the garden gate from the Clarkes.”