by Gay, Gloria
"I have loved it since childhood," said Merrick approvingly. “It was always comforting to come here as a child, for it seemed to be always waiting for me. See how these branches on the sides seem like arms?”
"You’re right,” said Celia. “I would feel comforted by this old tree if I sat on its lap!” They laughed and went on.
* * *
They walked on for a long time and chatted easily. Celia told him a little about her family and he told her about his.
"I was called from serving my country when my father first fell ill with a stroke and although I would have wanted to return it was not possible. There is a lot of unrest caused in part by the hordes of soldiers that have been left without an income.
“But Father’s health deteriorated ever since then rather than improve so I could not leave him since he becomes very upset even when I must leave him to fulfill my duties in Parliament.
“A second stroke followed the first and that one took away Father’s ability to walk. At first, the physicians seemed not to hold any hope for him because just as he seemed to improve he was stricken with gout. But during the year that followed and with the doctors’ care, he has improved, although all these health problems have changed his nature, which had always been cheerful before. There doesn't seem to be any hope of him ever walking again.”
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Celia.
"My parents had children late in life, Miss Meade, when they had lost hope of begetting any heirs," he added. "A gap of four years separates me from my four sisters who were born in rapid succession. Mother fell ill shortly after my sister Ellen’s coming out and never fully recovered. "She died a few years ago. Our widowed Aunt Lavinia, Father’s only sister, directs our household."
"I'm sorry your mother did not live to enjoy her children," said Celia sadly," glad that her mother enjoyed glowing health. "It would have been nice for you if you had had a brother."
"I made up for it with lots of cousins," he said with that smile he had that made Celia's pulse quicken and the realization of this sent warning signals to her brain. This handsome young man had been marked by Caroline as hers. It would not do to become attracted to him when there was no hope in that direction. Her mother and Bella's elation and happiness in their new life would be jeopardized by any thoughtless action of hers. Fred, too, had been removed from bad influences from the appalling neighborhood where they lived.
They walked on in companionable silence for a while, with Ready sprinting along ahead of them.
"I must be getting back," she said when she realized she had been walking with him for quite a while. She would so have loved to continue her walk, which was the most enjoyable thing that had happened to her in her life other than the first time she sold a drawing.
"There are many other things to see in this old wood," said Merrick, turning around with her, "such as the gamekeeper's lodge and the stream that runs through the west, Miss Meade."
When she said nothing he added,
“And the beautiful wildflower meadow is at its best, Miss Meade. If you should allow me, I would love to show it to you.”
"Yes, I would like that," said Celia, and could not keep herself from adding, “At some other time?” Why had she acceded, right after deciding that Caroline had marked Lord Merrick as her own and that if Celia interfered in Caroline’s plans her family’s stay at Rook’s End would be in jeopardy?
Yet she seemed not to be able to help herself. A deep glance from his eyes made her accede to his wishes almost faster than when he uttered them.
“I have a meeting with my agent tomorrow that will take most of the day but perhaps the day after tomorrow, Miss Meade?”
“Yes,” Celia said impulsively. “I would like that.”
“At the same time I met you at the crescent? It was a little before ten o’clock.”
“Yes, my lord, at the same time,” Celia said, trying to steady the tremor in her voice.
They walked on in silence.
At the edge of the crescent she turned to him, "There is no need to accompany me all the way back, my lord.” It would not do to have anyone see them coming out of the woods together.
"Yes," Merrick agreed, seeming to read her thoughts. “Then we shall meet at the crescent. I—I’m very glad you and your family moved here from London, Miss Meade. You can’t imagine how glad!”
“I am too,” said Celia, and added, “Thank you for a most enjoyable walk, my lord. I could not have hoped for a better introduction to a place that is one of beauty and retreat."
"You are welcome in our wood at any time, Miss Meade," said Lord Merrick quickly. "There are several walking sticks at the Hall that no one uses. If you want I can bring one for you next time."
"Yes, that would be fine,” said Celia, “and thank you."
"I’ll see you again the day after tomorrow, Miss Meade.” He seemed reluctant to part, as was Celia.
“I hope you will soon meet my family Miss Meade,” Lord Merrick said, reaching for her hand, which she held up to him in the same moment when he had reached for it. “I’m anxious for you to know my father, my four sisters and my Aunt Lavinia.”
“I look forward to meeting them, my lord.” Celia felt a tremor in her voice and hoped he had not detected it as he kissed the top of her gloved hand, sending a skittering tingle all along her arm.
They finally parted and Celia walked back to the house lost in thoughts of Lord Merrick. The first time she had seen him she had been drawn to him, but this second time? She had felt the force of his attraction as a huge gale that engulfed her as if she were a breeze that succumbed. She could hardly wait for the day after tomorrow when she would see him again, as she suppressed thoughts of why she shouldn’t see him to the back of her mind.
Then as she crossed the gravel driveway she saw a carriage arriving and went to greet her Uncle Worth, returning from Liverpool.
"Oh, dear Uncle," said Celia kissing him impulsively. "Thank you so much. I have already become fond of that little wood. I anticipate countless happy hours there."
"Good, good," said her uncle pleased, as he pressed his niece's hand warmly. "Caroline and Sylvia don't care for walks in woods, they dislike getting bracken on their shoes and leaves on their hair and clothes. They have never gone into it that I know of, and Tom would rather be someplace else than at home.
"I suppose you have been hours talking with them already, eh?"
"The truth is," said Celia tentatively, "that both Cousin Caroline and Cousin Sylvia are out, Uncle, and are not expected until this evening. But the servants have made us welcome and comfortable, and I am sure Mama is quite rested from the journey."
"Caroline and Sylvia were not here to receive you yesterday?" asked Worth, the color rising in his face. "And Tom,” he asked "is that jackanapes out too?"
"I have not heard from him either."
"All three will hear from me, my dear, you have my promise."
"Uncle, dear," said Celia softly as they walked back to the house together, "Both Mama and I feel it would not be wise to have our cousins reprimanded. It may set a bad tone to our stay here with you. Perhaps it could be said in a way that they would not feel resentment toward us. I assure you, Uncle, we are not at all upset. We can understand that they have their lives to lead and cannot be very happy at having them upset by an invasion of relatives."
"You are certainly more sensitive than all three of them put together, my dear. Well, perhaps you’re right. But I cannot let this go unnoticed. However, although I shall try not to make too much of it, I must let my children know, especially Caroline, that I did not approve of their treatment of you when you arrived.
With a heavy heart, Celia parted from him and went to inform her family of his arrival.
* * *
That evening, Celia and her family had an uncomfortable family reunion with Uncle Worth and his children. Caroline's dour face at the dinner table did not change however much Mrs. Meade tried to press her into conversation.
Uncle Worth appeared flustered. Celia could see that his reprimands toward Caroline had done little to promote her good will toward the Meades but a lot toward increasing her hostility. Sylvia and Tom, however uncomfortably, followed her lead if not with her manner at least by providing short answers to the Meades’ efforts at conversation.
Celia wrung a little hope from the fact that Tom and Sylvia would not have been as unfriendly as they were had Caroline not been in the room, for whenever either one made an effort at friendliness toward the Meades, they got a repressive look from Caroline.
It was also obvious that Uncle Worth had his hands full with Caroline. His reprimand seemed to have made her even more determined to make the Meades feel unwelcome, and he hadn't the strength of character to curb her behavior. Uncle Worth might be an ace in the world of shipping and investment, but he seemed out of his element when dealing with his daughter, who was haughty and cutting.
Celia was certain that a bumpy ride was in store for them. Her mother and Bella appeared flustered by Caroline’s behavior and Fred cast glances full of meaning toward Celia.
Celia had always had the ability to block from her mind those who disliked her and Fred was very much like her. But Mrs. Meade and Bella were greatly affected by the attitude of other people toward them. Even now, Mrs. Meade's face was unnaturally red as her hands trembled nervously and Bella had the look of child who does not know what she did to displease the elders.
* * *
"I’m going to visit the Wintons today, Mama," said Celia to her mother the following day. The Wintons were relatives of Celia's best friend Henrietta back home and happily for Celia they lived in the area.
She was certain Caroline was not about to share her friends with the Meades. They would have to wait for Uncle Worth to introduce them to the Delaneys’ neighbors in the surrounding countryside.
The following day, Uncle Worth informed Margaretta and Celia that a dinner which would include their friends from the area would serve to introduce the Meades. Celia could see that he was flustered with Caroline’s behavior and this was his way to make up for it.
The old Earl of Shelton, his son, Viscount Robert Merrick and the earl’s four daughters were the first to be sent cards, followed by Solace Delaney’s relatives, the Longards. Also invited were Uncle Worth’s neighbor’s on the opposite side, Finley Bannister, his wife Sophia, their two sons, Scott and William and their pale, tiny daughter, Lorraine, who was Celia’s age but looked younger.
Lorraine had fire red hair that only accentuated more the white little oval of her face. Bannister had settled his family some years ago in a large square house known as Bannister Lodge on the opposite side from the earl’s estate and near the town of Shelton and there was constant going back and forth between the houses.
Although Finlay Bannister had married late in life, being more than twenty years older than his wife, he was still an energetic man and excellent horseman and hunter. He had two tall sons: Scott who was in his late twenties and Will, still at prep school and home on holiday.
Finley Bannister’s wife, Sophie had a vivacious personality. She was a plump, kindly woman who adored her two tall sons and bookish fragile daughter.
The Bannister sons were often in Tom’s company Tom was also on holiday from Eaton.
It was by this pleasant lady that Margaretta sat the day of the gathering and she could not have chosen a better usher to ease her into the area’s society. Sophie was fond of company and seemed to be bursting with pent-up energy.
The guests had gathered in the spacious drawing room and after being introduced Celia did not join any of the groups but stayed back a little, and observed the gathering.
Caroline was displaying an anxiety rare in her usually cool demeanor as she glanced repeatedly at the door. The only ones not in the assembly yet were the Earl of Shelton and his family, so Celia assumed it was for them she was looking out.
Celia was curious to see what Lord Shelton’s family looked like for she had not been introduced to them when she had attended her Aunt Solace’s funeral.
The Longards—Caroline’s aunt Louella and her daughter Beatrix, were as rude as Caroline and now crowded around her. Celia could tell this was not to Caroline’s taste, for she appeared to want to be unfettered and moved away from them repeatedly. She was dressed in creamy white with a soft embroidered shawl on her shoulders and certainly looked handsome.
Just then the Earl of Shelton, seated in his Bath chair, was wheeled into the large drawing room by his footman. Alongside them were Lord Merrick, his sisters and Lord Shelton’s nurse. And as they entered the drawing-room the girls were surrounded by the fawning Longards and by Caroline and Sylvia. For a moment Celia did not notice them but looked beyond them at their brother, Lord Merrick. There was warmth in his eyes as he held her gaze for a moment as Caroline called him away in a proprietary manner. Yet after he greeted her he moved away, towards Celia.
“That’s just Miss Meade and her family,” said Caroline, tugging at Lord Merrick’s arm, and with her action dismissing Celia and her family as unimportant. But Lord Merrick, after greeting Worth Delaney, Tom and Sylvia, who were standing together, moved toward Celia, who was standing by her mother, who was seated.
“I’m very glad you and your family are to make your home among, us, Miss Meade” Lord Merrick said to Celia. “I hope you will be happy here.”
Celia tried not to acknowledge the twinkle in his eyes that sent a secret message to her of having already met her in the wood for she knew that Caroline was watching her alike a hawk, standing rigidly nearby.
Celia introduced Merrick to her family and Lord Merrick introduced his family to the Meades, welcoming them to the area. His father nodded toward the Meades and he then motioned to the footman to move his Bath chair along. Lord Shelton seemed restless and tired and Celia wondered why he had made the effort to come at all, when it was obvious he would have been more comfortable at home. His face glistened with perspiration and he seemed as uncomfortable as anyone in his situation could be. Celia was certain that when she met Lord Merrick in the wood again, Lord Merrick would tell her his father had insisted on attending the reception and then had changed his mind about it.
After settling his father, the footman and Lord Shelton’s nurse in a comfortable area, Lord Merrick moved on with his sisters to greet the rest of the guests.
Celia was wearing her new celadon green silk gown, and the color enhanced the honey shades of her hair, which she wore piled high on her head with a few strands curled down from her temples and nape. The hue of the gown made her eyes sparkle and for the second time that evening Lord Merrick gazed into her eyes. Had Celia been able to read his thoughts, she would have been breathlessly pleased to find that at sight of her, Lord Merrick’s breath had caught at his throat and he was anxiously looking forward to his next meeting with her.
As Lord Merrick and his sisters moved around, Caroline was constantly at his side. And Celia noticed that each time he moved away from her to talk to someone else Caroline would recall him with a word or by joining him at whatever part of the room he had wandered.
Except for Lady Ellen Shelton, who was exceptionally attractive, Lord Merrick’s sisters were girls of unremarkable looks and too shy in their manner. Lady Julia was Caroline’s friend and Caroline was at her side when not seeking her brother’s company. The other two, Lady Mary and Lady Sally preferred each other’s company and sat speaking to each other quietly, sometimes glancing shyly around.
Lady Ellen seemed drawn to Celia and came by to ask if she could sit by her. Celia acceded readily and made room for her on the sofa.
“Are you settled in Rook’s End now?” Ellen asked in her sweet voice and Celia saw that of the four it was she who looked more like her brother, for she had her brother’s eyes, though a more feminine version of them and the shape of her face was similar to his.
“Your uncle, Mr. Delaney told me you are a talented artist,” she said, “I do hope you wi
ll let me see your work.”
“Yes, certainly, any time you would like, Lady Ellen” said Celia eagerly. She was anxious to make new friends and she liked Lady Ellen even more as they talked for a while and Celia found out that Lady Ellen had wide interests and that art, of which she knew a lot, was a favorite with her.
“Is your brother a lot older than you?” Celia asked her.
“Yes, eight years,” said Lady Ellen, her eyes seeking out her brother in the crowd, and on noticing that Caroline was at his side, she sighed, with an almost imperceptible shake of the head. She confided that she had had several seasons in London and had not found anyone to her liking.
“To my aunt’s regret, I will not marry just to have my own establishment,” she said. “I am quite comfortable at home.”
Just then another girl sat at Lady Ellen’s other side and pressed her attention on her.
Celia looked around. Her eyes lingered on her mother and she noticed a rather hungry, eager look in her eyes and Celia felt embarrassed for her.
Margaretta was pressing Bella to join a circle of young people a few paces away gathered by the window. Lord Merrick and Caroline were at the center of it. Celia saw that her mother had her eye on Lord Merrick for her daughter Bella. Bella declined, shyly shaking her head at her mother, a gesture that made Margaretta even louder in her insistence.
Celia stood up quickly and went to rescue her sister. The Longards had become aware of this and were already smirking in disdain and whispering among themselves. No doubt they would talk over the incident with Caroline at the first opportunity.
Celia took her sister back with her and introduced her to Lady Ellen and the other girl. Soon their little circle expanded to include Lorraine Bannister and Jack Longard, a personable young man who had not his family’s ill manners.
Celia found from his conversations that Jack had spent the larger part of his life in London and in schools away from his family and under the care of an uncle.
It was obvious he was attracted to Bella, for all his words were directed at her. He had the Longard thin pale hair but his nature tended to be easier and livelier. He and Bella took to each other from the beginning.