A Chaotic Courtship

by Bethany Swafford

  I couldn’t help but laugh in response to that absurd notion. “‘Black-hearted criminal’? You cannot be serious, Sarah. I have never heard anything so outlandish. You’ve been reading too many of those books you are always teasing me about.”

  “Diana, I am completely serious! Stop laughing!”

  “How can I take you seriously when everything you say is utter nonsense? Why would you possibly think Mr. Richfield, a true gentleman if I’ve ever met one, is a common criminal?”

  Sarah leaned forward, her eyes wide. “Don’t you remember what Aunt Forester said at dinner yesterday?” she asked, lowering her voice for some reason. She acted like she was about to disclose some deep secret to me, and I found myself leaning closer. “About the highwayman being around the Bath area?”

  Thinking back, I did, in fact, remember the conversation and our aunt’s comment. “Yes, of course, I remember. What about it?”

  “Mr. Richfield was there!”

  I failed to follow her line of reasoning. “I’m sure a great many people were in Bath at the same time, Sarah. Aunt and Uncle Forester, for example, were there for two months, I believe.”

  Shaking her head, Sarah groaned. “Don’t be obtuse, Diana! You have to see the connection here. Mr. Richfield was in Bath when a highwayman terrorized innocent people. And now, he’s here, where a highwayman has mysteriously appeared to threaten our peaceful home!”

  Taken aback, I frowned as I considered her logic. “No, you’re taking things far out of context, Sarah. Mother sent me a letter while I was in London and she wrote about the highwayman. And, for another thing, what reason would Mr. Richfield have to rob ladies of their jewels? There is none!”

  Crossing her arms, Sarah scowled at me. “Charlotte and I have discussed this in detail, Diana,” she told me. Perfect. Now the tale would be spread to everyone we knew. “She has no idea how the Richfield family came by their money, only her father and Mr. Richfield’s father were friends at school. Mr. Richfield is posing as a gentleman and supporting himself on ill-gotten gains!”

  Again with her over dramatics. “Sarah, this is silly. I don’t want to hear another word.”

  “You just don’t want to admit you admire a criminal!”

  “That is not the reason I object to this ridiculous theory!”

  “You just don’t want me to be right!”

  “You’re making things up that have no basis in fact!” We were both on our feet, and I had my hands on my hips. “You’re still mad Mr. Richfield is interested in me and not you!”

  “Hardly! He’s a criminal, and I will prove it to you!”

  My temper snapped. “Sarah, you will do no such thing! I will not allow you to blacken Mr. Richfield’s reputation for no reason!”

  “Of course there is a reason. Did you not just hear me? Why do you insist on being such a naïve fool?”

  “Diana Katherine Forester! Sarah Elizabeth Forester!”

  We both flinched at our mother’s appalled voice. Letting my arms drop to my sides, I whirled around to face her. Mother stood in the door, Aunt Forester only a few steps behind her. “Mother,” I said, unsure how to explain this latest argument. “Aunt Forester.”

  Mother held up a hand. “Not a word, Diana.” Her tone was stony as she stepped into the room. “I have heard quite enough from you both, and I ashamed of you. You are sisters, and I expect better behavior from my daughters.”

  I bowed my head as she spoke. “She started it,” Sarah said from behind me.

  “Sarah, it takes two to maintain a quarrel,” Mother said sharply. I dared to look up, relieved I was not the main bearer of Mother’s displeasure. “Your aunt and I were taking tea in the sitting room, and we could hear the pair of you shouting at each other across the house.”

  My head went back down. I hadn’t realized my voice had gotten so loud. “Now you will both go up to the schoolroom, and you will write out one hundred lines that will read, ‘I will not shout at my sister.’ You will not join the family for dinner, and you will not come downstairs until tomorrow morning. At which time, you will both speak to your father.”

  “But Mother—!”

  “If you act like children, you will be punished like children,” Mother said, interrupting Sarah’s protest. “Now, you heard what I said. Go to the schoolroom.”

  Her tone of voice made me flinch again. “Yes, Mother,” I said, penitently. I had brought this on myself. The thought of being punished as though I were twelve years old again made me flush in humiliation. “I’m sorry.”

  Sarah echoed my reply, sounding more sullen than repentant to my ears.

  Without another word, Mother stepped aside. Keeping my head down, I hurried out of the bedroom. “My apologies, Aunt Forester,” I said, glancing swiftly at my aunt. Will gawked at us in the doorway of his room, wearing clean clothes. I walked quickly towards the schoolroom, anxious to carry out the first part of my punishment.

  I did my best not to even look in Sarah’s direction as I selected my paper. “You know I’m right,” Sarah whispered, slamming a jar of ink down with much more force than necessary.

  As much as I wanted not to let her have the last word, I bit the side of my cheek to keep quiet. I dipped my quill in ink and began to write. Writing lines would be nothing compared to the talking to I was sure to get in the morning.

  “DIANA, WHAT DID I TELL you to do if your sister bothered you?”

  Standing in front of my father’s desk the next morning, I hung my head. “I was to come to you, and you would deal with Sarah.”

  “Why did you not do as I instructed?”

  I honestly had no clear idea except I had lost my temper in response to her outlandish tale. It was all I could give my father as an answer, and he sighed in response. “Sarah knows exactly how to make you angry, Diana, and I have told you this many times in the past. When will you learn to walk away from her before you shout at each other?”

  “I’m sorry, Father,” I said, my voice trembling. I sincerely disliked disappointing my parents. “She was saying such absurd things, and then said she would prove it to me she was right.”

  “Yes, your mother told me Sarah’s newest tale. But, whatever your sister said to you, there was no reason to have a shouting match.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Now, I believe your mother’s punishment yesterday was quite sufficient. I do hope you have learned your lesson this time, Diana, and will act more maturely the next time your sister attempts to anger you.”

  Surprised, I lifted my head. A hundred lines and dinner in my room was the only punishment? “You’re not punishing me further?”

  “I know you have been berating yourself all night; it’s your nature, Diana,” Father said with a gentle smile. I could not deny the fact. “And, seeing as you were forced to miss an occasion to get better acquainted with Mr. Richfield last night, I see no reason met out any further consequence.”

  I stared at him in horror. Mr. Richfield had come last night, and this was the first I heard of it? Why had Mother not told me he would be coming for dinner? And why had Will, who would typically have taken full advantage of such news to tease me out of my doldrums, not said anything about it? “He was here for dinner?”

  “He came afterward to spend the evening with us.”

  “What did you tell Mr. Richfield?” I asked cautiously. How had he reacted when I did not join the family? What reason had he been given the absence of both myself and Sarah? How would I endure it if he knew I had been given a child’s punishment for an immature argument?

  “I didn’t tell him of Sarah foolish belief, so you need not be concerned. I merely informed him you were unable to join us.” My father’s usual mischievous grin appeared. “He seemed disappointed if that makes you feel any better.”

  It did, but I was not about to say it out loud. “Thank you, Father.”

  “Now, I’m sure your mother has things for you to do. Send Sarah in, and try not to antagonize her.”

  Relieved
, I made my escape from my father's study. Sarah had been waiting in the hallway, still looking sullen. “Father wants to—”

  “I know. I’m not deaf.”

  She pushed past me. I flinched as the door shut behind her with unnecessary force. Breathing out, I shook my head and set off to find Mother.

  After some searching, I found Mother and Aunt Forester in the garden. Aunt Forester was reading a book, while Mother cut bluebells and daisies. I waited a moment before announcing my presence, taking a deep breath of the fresh, spring air. The entire scene was peaceful, calm, and soothing to one whose life had become such a tangle.

  “Do you need any help, Mother?” I finally asked, walking forward.

  “No, I’m just about finished here,” Mother said with a smile. She handed over a basket already filled with the bright blooms of the season. “But you may take this in and start arranging the flowers for me. I want the sitting room to smell of spring.”

  “I trust your father has finished with you?” Aunt Forester asked, glancing up at me briefly.

  My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Yes, he’s speaking to Sarah now. I apologize for losing my temper yesterday, Aunt.”

  “Did your father tell you your Mr. Richfield joined us last night after dinner?” My aunt turned a page of her book, making no acknowledgment of my apology. “As we did not have you or Sarah to entertain us, Mr. Richfield and Will played a rather lively game of piquet.”

  There was no mistaking the disappointment and censure in my aunt’s voice. “I am glad Mr. Richfield and Will get along.” What else was there for me to say in answer? “I wasn’t sure whether Will would be agreeable to have a new acquaintance.”

  It doesn’t matter whether or not your brother is amiable with Mr. Richfield, Diana,” Aunt Forester said rather sharply. I flinched at her tone.

  “Mary, Diana’s suffered enough,” Mother said, coming to my rescue. “I’m sure one evening away from her company will not cause Mr. Richfield to abandon all interest in her.”

  “Men can be fickle that way. Diana should appreciate the opportunity she has and not throw it away by acting like a foolish child!”

  My cheeks burned with embarrassment at the growing criticism. I struggled for some answer to give. Before I could think of a word, Mother caught my eye and nodded for me to leave. Relieved to make my escape, I fled past the hedges of the garden. Satisfied I was out of sight, I came to a halt.

  “You would condone your daughter’s actions? She will never be suitably married if you allow her to behave like a senseless ninny!”

  “Diana has never acted as a ‘senseless ninny,’ Mary,” Mother said, her tone one I’d heard many times when she would scold me or any of my siblings. “She chooses not to behave in the empty-headed way that has become so fashionable for young ladies today. There can be no fault with that. If anything, she has far too much sense for her own good, and I will not hear her browbeaten for it.”

  I caught my breath at my mother’s firm defense of me and my behavior. “But you must agree she will lose Mr. Richfield if she is not careful! Urge her to encourage his attention at once!”

  “Pray, allow me to raise and advise my daughters as I see fit. I know them as you cannot. Passing a few months in Diana’s company cannot have given you the kind of insight I have as her mother.”

  Never had I heard her speak so to another person! “There is no need for you to be so angry, Gwendolyn,” Aunt Forester said, sounding even more surprised than I felt. “I did not mean to cause offense.”

  “If you speak so slightingly of one of my children, you should expect me to be offended, Mary. Now, let us not speak of this again. Will you join me inside or do you intend on remaining out in the sun?”

  Out of habit, I ducked my head as I hurried to the door. I had no desire to be caught eavesdropping. They say eavesdroppers never hear anything good about themselves, and that was indeed the case with my aunt’s words. However, I couldn’t have been happier hearing my mother defend me.

  At the same time, my heart ached that it had been necessary for her to do so in the first place. I never wished to be a burden on my parents, and for them to have to justify my actions—it made my stomach twist.

  I left Mother’s basket of flowers in the sitting room for her and went into the drawing room. No one else was there, which was a pleasant surprise. If there was one activity my sister and I shared, it was how we both went to our musical instruments in times of crisis.

  Taking a seat at the pianoforte, I breathed out as I placed my fingers on the smooth keys. I didn’t have any specific melody in mind as my fingers began to move. As I listened to the familiar notes of one of John Bach’s arias fill the room, I closed my eyes.

  My mind drifted as it usually did when I was in a mood such as this. I yearned for the times when the only things that concerned me were besting Sarah at some game. Back then, I had been so anxious to grow up and be just like Mother. And now?

  In all honesty, I wasn’t sure what I wanted.

  Mr. Knighton’s declaration of love had shaken my once stable world. To know I had been blind to the signs of my friend’s growing affection made me question whether I could trust my own senses. Since then, I’d felt little peace. Was Mr. Richfield the man for me? How could I be sure?

  I gave a start when a hand came down on my shoulder. Opening my eyes, I lifted my head and found Mother smiling at me. A swift glance at the clock showed I had been playing for nearly half an hour. That’s when I realized my fingers were becoming sore. Ruefully, I let my hands fall into my lap.

  “Is there something you want to talk about?” Mother asked in the intuitive way she had.

  “Am I ready for marriage?” The words left my lips before I even knew I was about to speak them.

  Looking severe, Mother pulled her hand back and took a seat on Sarah’s stool at the harp. “That’s a rather strange question. Why do you ask it?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, I would hope I would raise my daughters to be ready for the lives they would lead. You are an accomplished young lady, Diana. And I don’t mean in the way many classify accomplished with your musical prowess or any of the other social niceties that are called for. I think you know everything you need to manage a household of your own.”

  I breathed out. “I’m sure of that.” After all, I had spent hours at Mother’s side learning what a lady of the house was required to do each day. “It’s just that I’m not sure what I should expect in a husband.”

  Mother’s forehead creased in a frown. “Do you mean in his personality? His station in life?”

  “How do I know if he is sincere in his affection? How can I be sure we rub along well enough to spend the rest of our lives together?”

  “My dear, have you seen anything to doubt Mr. Richfield’s intentions?” Mother reached over and clasped my hands. I shook my head. After all, he’d come all the way from london to continue our acquaintance. “Every marriage has it’s rough patches. I have never seen a perfect union, not even my own. Love and affection will make those times easier. You are the only one who can be certain of your own emotions and whether Mr. Richfield will make you a good husband.”

  Of course she was right. “Thank you.”

  “For what? Speaking the truth?”

  Smiling, I shook my head. “For being the most wonderful mother, a girl could ask for, and being generous with your advice when I most have need of it.”

  With a frown, Mother leaned forward and put her hand on my forehead. “Are you feeling well, Diana? You’re acting strangely.”

  “I’m sorry. Everything has been such a tangled mess these past few days, and I feel like it is all my fault.”

  “It is absolutely your fault.” Mother laughed as I blinked in surprise. “Surely, you didn’t expect it to be easy to find a husband.”

  “Well, no. I wasn’t planning on having to overcome claims that my beau is a highwayman, especially not from my own sister.”

  “Y
our sister.” Mother shook her head with a slight sigh. “No, the thought never came to my mind either. But, you should forget about it. Your father and I will deal with your sister and her foolish ideas.”

  A sudden thought came to me. “Do you think I should tell Mr. Richfield what she thinks?”

  “Of course not!” Mother said in open horror. “Diana, we don’t need him to think he would be marrying into a family on its way to Bethlam Hospital!”

  “Well then, we’ll just have to keep him away from the rest of the family until the wedding is over.” I struggled to keep a straight face. But when I caught Mother’s eye and saw she was having the same trouble, I couldn’t help bursting into laughter, and she did the same.

  As I laughed, it occurred to me what I had just said. ‘Until the wedding is over.’

  I’d decided. I wanted to marry Mr. Richfield.

  Chapter Eight

  Mother gave me a strange look as my laugh came to an abrupt halt. But before she could say a word, Sarah’s voice reached our ears. “Mother! Mother! You won’t believe it!”

  My younger sister came rushing into the drawing room. In her hand was a sheet of paper. She threw herself onto the settee near our mother. “The Knightons’ are having a house party!” Sarah said, all enthusiasm. Her eyes were bright with excitement. “Mrs. Knighton has requested we join the ladies in some of the activities! And then there is to be a ball!”

  “And when is this house party to take place?” Mother asked, taking the invitation from Sarah’s hand. She raised an eyebrow as she scanned the paper. “This was not addressed to you, Sarah.”

  “Oh, Will opened it, and I took it from him,” Sarah explained carelessly. She grabbed Mother’s hand. “The house party is in a week, Mother. Please say I may go! Charlotte will be there, and it will be so much fun!”

  “How do you know Miss Sandwood will be there?” I asked with suspicion. If our invitation had just arrived, there was no possible way Sarah could be aware of whether the Sandwoods had also been included or not.This was the first Mother had heard of it if the surprise on her face was anything to go by, which was odd.