by Cheryl Holt
“Who was that trollop?” she irately asked.
“I have no idea,” Catherine said.
“She must be loose with her favors.”
“You can’t be certain of that.”
“She’s being very forward with Kit. Might he be…be…cheating on me?”
She gazed at Catherine as if she was astonished.
“I’m sure that’s not it,” Catherine hurriedly said.
“I’ve never been more insulted in my life.” Suddenly, Priscilla called, “Kit! Kit!”
Luckily, there was so much noise and he was a sufficient distance away that he didn’t hear her. Catherine stepped to block her view, but she simply pushed by Catherine so she could observe him as he vanished around a corner.
“How dare he do this to me!” Priscilla seethed, and she moved as if she’d march over and confront him.
Catherine clasped her wrist and yanked her back. “Calm down, Priscilla. We’ll return to our own carriage and discuss it in private. You can’t make a scene.”
“I’m going over there!” Priscilla insisted.
“No, no. You shouldn’t.”
“He’s consorting with a strumpet, and I intend to put a stop to it immediately. Don’t try to interfere. Your role is as my companion, and this is none of your affair.”
Priscilla jerked away and dashed to the other side of the street.
“Oh, my Lord,” Libby muttered.
“Come,” Catherine said to her. “Let’s fetch her away before this gets ugly.”
“Don’t be absurd. I won’t involve myself in this debacle.”
“I can’t deal with her alone.”
“Whatever is happening with Mr. Stanton and his doxy—or with Mr. Swift and his—I don’t wish to know.”
Libby was so pale it was possible she might faint, but at the moment she was on her own. She thought she was smarter than everyone else, and she could grapple with her own problems.
Priscilla darted around the corner, and Catherine braced for an explosion. When it didn’t occur, she sighed and raced after her. To her great relief, people and vehicles rushed by, but Christopher and Mr. Swift and their gorgeous friends were nowhere in sight.
“Where do you suppose they went?” Priscilla tapped her foot with rage.
“I can’t guess.”
“I will stand here until I drop if that’s what it takes, but I will speak to Kit about this.”
“We’re not staying, Priscilla.”
“You can’t force me away.”
“I’ll depart without you then. I’ll bring your aunt back to talk some sense into you. What might she say when she learns you’ve tarried so you can start a fight with Mr. Stanton?”
For all of Priscilla’s posturing, her aunt could intimidate her when her conduct was particularly egregious. Apparently, this was a time when threat of Gertrude would work.
“Fine,” Priscilla fumed, “I’ll leave with you, but Kit is joining us for supper so we have to decide how to handle this.”
“I can’t begin to suggest an appropriate response. Your aunt can furnish the wise counsel you require.”
“I don’t need counsel, Catherine. I know exactly what must transpire.”
“What is that?”
“Kit must admit how wrong he’s been in betraying me. I will expect nothing less than profuse apologies and promises of undying devotion. If he thinks he can philander behind my back, I won’t marry him, and he won’t get my money.”
She stomped off, and Catherine stared down the street, wondering if the pretty woman with Christopher would make him happy. From the little Catherine had witnessed, he’d certainly seemed delighted.
Feeling sick at heart, and her mood plunging to an even lower level, she spun away and trudged after Priscilla.
* * * *
“What is it, Catherine? And please be brief. I have guests coming for supper so I’m busy.”
“I don’t believe you should have guests this evening.”
Gertrude glared at her and sarcastically retorted, “I appreciate you sharing you opinion, but they’ve already been invited, and I’m not about to cancel. Will that be all?”
“No. Have you spoken to Priscilla?”
“Her maid just apprised me that she’s changing her clothes and will be down shortly. Since you’re determined to unburden yourself, I assume there’s been a hideous incident we must address.”
“Yes.”
They were in what should have been Herbert’s library, but he never used it. He was always at his warehouse so years earlier Gertrude had commandeered it for her office. He’d once complained about it, but she’d shooed him out. She let him order her about on most issues, but not on all of them.
The library was hers. She was seated at the large desk, and Miss Barrington was in the chair across.
Gertrude leaned away and frowned. “Well? Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“While we were shopping, we happened—quite by accident—to see Mr. Stanton flirting with a very beautiful young lady.”
“So?”
“Priscilla was…upset.”
“Why would she be? Kit is entitled to have friends.”
“The woman might have been much more than a friend.”
“A mistress perhaps?” Gertrude bluntly inquired.
Miss Barrington shrugged. “Maybe. Probably.”
“Did Priscilla approach him? Was there a quarrel?”
“No, he didn’t notice us watching him. She chased after him, but he disappeared before she could catch him.”
“Thank goodness.”
“I tried to dissuade her from creating a public scene, but she wouldn’t listen.”
“Of course she wouldn’t.”
“She intends to confront him, and she plans to ask Mr. Bolton to join in the chastisement.”
“On what topic?”
“She feels—if Mr. Stanton can’t swear to be faithful—she won’t marry him.”
Gertrude sighed with exasperation. “What a mess.”
“I hate to spread gossip—”
Gertrude interrupted. “But you will anyway?”
“I just thought you should know the rumors about Mr. Stanton. He has a penchant for seduction.”
“He’s a handsome, virile man. I wouldn’t imagine he’d behave any other way.”
“Evidently, it’s his habit to engage in dalliances. Miss Markham could tell you more about it.”
Gertrude snorted. “No doubt she could, but I’m not prone to heed Libby. She’s not exactly a saint herself, and until she improves her own moral convictions she shouldn’t be pointing a finger at others.”
“This isn’t random tattling. You should be aware of the situation. It will cause constant problems for you and Mr. Bolton.”
“Kit is a landed gentleman who spent fourteen years as a decorated soldier in the King’s army. It’s not up to us to intervene in his private affairs. Rich men entertain themselves in secret, especially when they’re wed to a bride as spoiled and unpleasant as Priscilla.”
“I understand.”
“So long as he’s discreet, it’s not any of our business.”
“It’s definitely none of mine,” Miss Barrington claimed which was hilarious since she’d brought up the subject.
Gertrude still had Bertha watching her like a hawk. There had been no indication of misconduct between her and Kit, but Gertrude couldn’t help but wonder if some of Miss Barrington’s pique had to do with her own fury at stumbling on Kit with a paramour. If she was wrongly involved with him, it would serve her right to observe him as he danced attendance on another woman.
As to Gertrude, she had no illusions about Kit. After Herbert had tossed her over for her younger, prettier sister, Gertrude viewed men as being capable of any duplicity.
“Was there anything else?” she asked.
“Actually, there is one other matter.”
When
Miss Barrington couldn’t seem to begin, Gertrude said, “Get on with it, would you? Priscilla will be here any minute so I don’t have time to dither.”
“I’m tendering my resignation,” Miss Barrington abruptly announced.
Gertrude blanched with surprise. It was the last remark she’d expected. “You’re quitting?”
“Yes. I don’t need to inform you of how hard this job can be. You have been very kind, but my patience is exhausted. Today was the limit of what I can endure.”
“Why is that?”
“The entire episode was extremely humiliating. She was prepared to accost Mr. Stanton on the sidewalk. I was mortified and alarmed, and I truly believe I don’t have the skills to chaperone her. I haven’t the strength of will or the maturity to advise her in difficult circumstances.”
“It’s difficult for everyone. She doesn’t like to receive competent guidance, and in my opinion you’re handling her very well.”
“I’m honored to hear you say so, but I simply can’t continue.”
“Have you discussed this with Mrs. Ford?”
“No, but I will shortly, and I’d like this to become effective at once. Here’s a letter stating my intent.”
Gertrude hadn’t noticed Miss Barrington was carrying a piece of paper. She’d tucked it in the folds of her skirt, but she pulled it out and slid it across the desk.
Gertrude read the words she’d penned, and she considered the document, considered Miss Barrington, considered Priscilla. They were swiftly moving toward the wedding, and each week would grow more stressful, particularly with Priscilla finally gleaning a hint of Kit’s genuine character. Gertrude wasn’t about to let Miss Barrington leave them in the lurch.
“No,” she said, and she pushed the letter back. “You’re being ridiculous, and I won’t have it.”
“What do you mean?” Miss Barrington asked.
“You’re not resigning. I don’t accept it.”
“It’s not up to you, Miss Bolton. I’m not an indentured servant.”
“You may not be indentured, but you are bound until the end of September.”
“Mrs. Ford will be able to replace me with someone who is eminently qualified in ways that I am not. I will explain the special abilities that are necessary so she has a better idea of who you need.”
“I don’t want anyone else. We’ve gotten used to you, and you’re staying.”
“Please, Miss Bolton.”
“I won’t argue about it.”
“I’ve already packed my bag.”
“Well, you’ll just have to unpack it. You’re a very nice person, Miss Barrington, and I hate to be cruel, but if you think you can trot off with no warning I will confer with Mrs. Ford. I guarantee she’ll never offer you to another employer. Is that what you desire?”
Miss Barrington seemed startled that Gertrude would be so spiteful, and she asked, “Why would you do that to me?”
“We have a contract! If you’re so unreliable that you’ll flit off at the first bit of trouble, then Mrs. Ford should be apprised of that fact. If I can’t depend on your loyalty, why should Mrs. Ford send you out to other unsuspecting families?”
They engaged in a staring match Miss Barrington could never win, and ultimately she sighed. “All right. I see your point.”
“Return to your duties, and we’ll forget this conversation ever happened.”
“Thank you for allowing me to speak my mind.”
“I’m happy to oblige you, Miss Barrington, but you have to recognize there are limits as to what I’ll tolerate.”
“Yes, I realize that.”
“And buck up!” Gertrude made a swinging motion with her fist. “September will be here before you know it. The time will pass so rapidly you won’t even recall today’s incident.”
“I’m sure you’re correct.”
Miss Barrington flashed a wan smile, then she stood and staggered out. She appeared to have lost her last friend, as if she had the weight of the world on her slender shoulders. Gertrude might have felt sorry for her except there was so little about which she had to complain. She had a salary, a roof over her head, and a bed to sleep in. She had food to eat, water to wash, and coal for her stove when the evenings were chilly. It was much more than most females had in London.
The small price she had to pay for all those boons was that she had to occasionally deal with Priscilla when she was being a pest. It was ludicrous for her to presume that her position was overly trying.
As she exited the room, Priscilla was entering. They brushed by each other, and Priscilla glanced at her.
“You look awful, Catherine. What’s wrong now? You can’t be sick again. I refuse to hear more about your physical condition. You must devise a method to invigorate yourself.”
“I’m fine.”
“Did you tell Aunt Gertrude about Kit?”
“Yes, she’s eager to discuss it with you.”
Miss Barrington kept on, and Priscilla flounced over and sat in the chair Miss Barrington had vacated.
“Catherine told you?” she asked without preamble.
“Yes.”
“This is how I’ve decided we’ll proceed. I’ll have Father talk to him, then I shall talk to him. Kit has to understand that there are strings attached to our money.”
“What strings?”
“For starters, he has to behave himself. He can’t be flirting with strumpets. I won’t put up with it.”
“You won’t.”
“No, and I’m certain Father won’t either.”
“Kit is an adult who will always choose his own path. What if your father scolds him, but he doesn’t modify his conduct?”
“Then the betrothal will be over!” She practically crowed the remark. “I won’t marry a libertine. If he imagines he can philander on me, he won’t get my fortune.”
Gertrude took a deep breath and slowly released it.
The task of mothering Priscilla had been one she’d deliberately assumed when she’d moved into Herbert’s home after he was widowed. Priscilla had been a baby, and Gertrude had believed it would be easy to provide parenting. But she had few maternal tendencies, and Priscilla wasn’t exactly a girl who could be coddled or cherished.
Gertrude had only ever managed to curb her more tedious impulses, and Herbert had never been any help. Typically, he made any problem worse.
“I’ll say this just once, Priscilla, so listen carefully.”
A petulant expression clouded Priscilla’s face. “It’s obvious you’re about to offer a comment that’s perfectly ridiculous, but don’t try to dissuade me in this. You can’t. You didn’t see him promenading down the street with that Jezebel on his arm.”
“Kit is about to be your husband, and he will act precisely as he pleases. It’s not your business to interfere in his private affairs.”
Priscilla sputtered with affront. “He can consort with doxies, but I’m to have no opinion about it? Is that what you’re telling me?”
“You can have any opinion you like, but you’ll have to learn to keep it to yourself.”
“As if I would,” Priscilla spat. “There are wives in the world who will turn a blind eye when their husbands are dallying, but I will not be one of them. If you or Kit expect I’ll roll over and permit him to abuse me, you’re mad.”
“It’s aggravating that you can’t grasp a woman’s plight in all of this.”
“We have my money, Aunt Gertrude. You constantly forget that. We have the money, and if he’s difficult over this issue we don’t have to give it to him.”
“The marital documents are signed, Priscilla. The arrangements are set in stone. If you cried off, there’s no court in the land that would allow you to renege over such a silly trifle.”
“A mistress is a trifle? A public amour that dishonors me is a trifle? Is that what you’re claiming?”
“Yes. He would sue us for breach of contract, and he’d be award
ed all of your dowry as damages. You’d be left poor and without a husband to boot. Who would have you then? Your fortune is a boon and a cross to bear for both of you.”
“It’s no cross for me to bear. If he won’t heed me in this, I will not proceed!”
“You will not speak to him about this, and I’m sure your father will refuse to as well.”
“Not speak to him? You’re being incredibly annoying—as usual.”
“No, I’m not. You’re determined to cause a huge quarrel, and I forbid you to engage in one.”
“Forbid me! He’s shamed me to death. How dare you insist we accept such ill-treatment!”
Gertrude sighed with resignation, feeling especially sorry for Kit and how his life would go. “You’re young, Priscilla, and it’s often occurred to me that you’re not ready to be a bride.”
“I’m twenty,” she caustically retorted. “Most girls have three or four babies by the time they’re my age. Don’t pretend I’m too dimwitted to comprehend what a wife should have to endure and what she shouldn’t.”
Gertrude prayed for calm. “When you’re a bit older and you’ve been wed for awhile, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how married couples carry on with so little discord.”
Priscilla snorted with disgust. “It’s hilarious to have you lecture me on matrimony, Aunt Gertrude. You’re a spinster, and you’ll always be a spinster. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the very last person who should offer advice on the topic.” She stood and stormed out, tossing over her shoulder, “Let me know the minute Father arrives.”
“Yes, I promise to keep you informed,” Gertrude sarcastically stated.
“I’ll tell him about Kit, and he’ll set this to rights immediately. Kit had better watch out because when Father is through with him he’ll grovel like a whipped dog.”
She departed, and Gertrude actually went to the sideboard and poured herself a brandy. Her hands trembling slightly, she gulped it down.
Miss Barrington had urged her to cancel their supper party, and Gertrude was suddenly wondering if it might not be a good idea. Or perhaps she could have a footman track down Kit and ask him to spend the night elsewhere in order to stave off any explosion.
Priscilla might assume Herbert would side with her over Kit, but he never would. Herbert was fully aware of how men behaved and that it was a woman’s role to tolerate repulsive conduct. The whole sordid situation had her thinking she was lucky to have avoided the nuptial trap.