“I have no reason to fear wagging tongues,” said Letitia with dignity. “However,” she continued, her color heightening, “I yet have some concerns about your visit.”
“What concerns are these, ma’am?” asked Dr. Wolfe, seeming quite bewildered.
“It seems my cousin led you to believe that I seek a husband,” said Letitia, keeping a firm image of Isobel in her mind. “This is not the case. I have no notion of when I may wish to remarry, but it will not be soon.”
“Your sentiments are very proper, Lady Morgan, and they do you credit,” said the bishop heartily. “However, I would have thought you past the stage of being missish. Your children are young, your situation precarious. Bainstall simply indicated that you were a sensible woman who would realize my value.”
“I am sure your value is great,” said Letitia, suppressing a giggle that threatened to escape her, for although she was alarmed she had not lost her sense of the ridiculous. “But I am afraid my cousin has misrepresented my situation. I have no intention of marrying again soon.”
Bishop Wolfe gazed at her for a moment in some perplexity and then, to Letitia’s surprise, a smile broke out on his round face.
“But of course,” he said jovially. “I must apologize. You are still young enough that you wish to be wooed in proper fashion. Bainstall and I should have realized that you are not ready to let go of your romantic longings. Say no more, Lady Morgan. I will take your warning to heart. You shall have a proper courtship.”
It was now Letitia’s turn to look perplexed. “I do not wish to be courted,” she began, her voice rising a bit. “I am very sorry, but--”
“Now, my dear, you must not go on,” interrupted the bishop. “All ladies wish to be courted, and I assure you that I will do so very properly. I appreciate your scruples, but you must not discourage me too thoroughly, or perhaps I might not come back!” He laughed merrily to indicate to his listener that this statement was a mere jest, and she was not to be concerned. “I think we understand one another very well,” he continued.
Letitia lapsed into silence, quite certain that the bishop did not understand her at all. Her unwelcome visitor stayed some fifteen minutes more, regaling her with very dull stories of his days at Oxford with her cousin, to which he obviously felt it was unnecessary for her to respond. Presently he rose to his feet.
“I will be on my way,” he said. “But I will see you again very soon, my lady. It was most pleasant making your acquaintance.” With something approaching a wink he bowed over her hand, and gave it a squeeze. Letitia pulled it away as soon as soon as she could and bid him a frosty farewell. The bishop seemed unfazed; with a smile and a nod he was gone, but his promises to return remained.
Chapter 20
Letitia did her best to forget that Dr. Wolfe had promised to call again, but she found the prospect so alarming that she unburdened herself to Isobel when she called on Letty a few days after the bishop’s second visit.
“Only fancy,” Letty said, “he means to call again and to court me, for when I objected to his obvious designs he took that to mean I wished to be wooed, not that I did not care to receive his visits.”
“You must be firmer with him,” said Isobel.
“I tried, Isobel, but he is that sort of person who believes so strongly in his own desirability that he cannot fathom that one’s opinion may differ. No matter what I say he persists in his aim. My cousin has apparently led him to believe that I am, if not eager to wed, at least resigned to the need, and he seems to feel that I am the perfect woman to be his next wife. It is extremely vexing.”
“He sounds dreadful. You must simply be as discouraging as possible, and when he finally asks you to marry him, you must refuse,” replied Isobel. “Or perhaps you should encourage him; it will be over all the sooner, then.”
Letitia giggled. “Can you see me married to such a man? You will have to meet him, Isobel. He is very portly and proud; I think you would be excessively entertained. If he were not courting me, I should find him funny, I am sure. However, as he is bothering me, I fear it simply serves to make me nervous.”
“You see,” said Isobel teasingly, “you should have allowed me to introduce you to Lord Eynsford. If he were calling on you, I think even your bishop would be discouraged. Eynsford can be very cutting when he chooses.”
“You do not consider one suitor to be enough, but wish to burden me with another?” asked Letitia with a smile. “You think too highly of my stamina, Isobel. I don’t think I can deal with another gentleman, particularly one who is very high in the instep.”
“Lord Eynsford is perhaps very grand, but that is only in public,” said Isobel. “As a friend he is amusing and kind. Francis is very fond of him, and I am now as well. Do you know that he remembers dancing with you some seven years ago?”
Letitia was diverted from her thoughts of the bishop. “Does he? How strange. I have no recollection of dancing with the Marquess of Eynsford.”
“That would have been his father at the time,” observed Isobel. “He was merely Lord Phillip Masham, a younger son of no great significance. He says that you were already engaged to Alfred so he did not pursue your acquaintance. I sometimes fancy he had a slight tendre for you then; I wish you would consent to meet him, Letitia. Even if you have no interest in him as a suitor, I think you would like him as a friend.”
Letitia sighed. “Perhaps when I am out of mourning, Isobel. It is not that I do not trust you; I am sure he is a delightful man. I just am not prepared to meet people. I find this bishop quite enough of a strain! I think I prefer simpler men.”
“Simpler men?” asked Isobel. “Whatever do you mean?”
Letitia colored. She found to her surprise that a definite image had formed in her mind as she spoke the words: that of Mr. Markham. His ease of manner, the comfort she found in his company, his calm way of seeming in control, all appealed to her, in addition to his other, more physical, assets. Naturally he was nothing more to her than a friend, but she thought his manners were better and intelligence keener than the majority of gentlemen she encountered.
“Nothing at all, Isobel. I merely feel that gentlemen who are not so caught up in the ways of Society may be preferable to those who are.”
Isobel gave her a shrewd look. “You are positively blushing, Letitia. Have you met a ‘simpler man?’”
Letitia hesitated. “Of course not,” she said. “I was speaking in a general sense.”
“Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes, Letty,” persisted Isobel. “I have known you too many years to believe such nonsense. Who have you met?”
Letitia bit her lip. “I have made the acquaintance of a solicitor, who has become something of a friend,” she said. “There is nothing to it but that.”
“A solicitor! Letty, wherever did you encounter such a person?”
“In Kensington Gardens,” said Letty. “He aided me when Emily stumbled and hurt herself. I see him there occasionally, and we talk a little. He is a pleasant gentleman and sometimes gives me sensible advice.” She felt bad about concealing from Isobel the true extent of her relationship with Mr. Markham, but somehow could not bring herself to reveal it. Phillip was her own, pleasurable, secret.
Isobel looked doubtful. “Letty, are you sure that is all there is to this matter? I do not mean to pass judgment on your friends, but a solicitor...well, it is hardly suitable.”
Letitia’s lips tightened. “As a woman who spends a good deal of her time in the company of rough workers digging up old buildings, I hardly think you should deny me my solicitor,” she said, rather tartly.
Isobel laughed. “Speak exactly so to your bishop, my dear! He will soon leave you alone.” She watched as Letitia’s face softened. “I do not mean to offend you, and I am sure your innate sense of propriety would make it impossible for you behave improperly. It is simply that ladies of ton do not often have friendships with solicitors. ‘Tis most unusual.”
“He does not call on me,” said Letit
ia defensively. “We only see each other upon occasion in the park, when we both happen to be there. I have invited him to tea once or twice. It is not as though I contemplate marriage, Isobel.”
“Of course not!” said Isobel. “That would be unusual indeed. I suppose there is nothing wrong with having a solicitor as a friend; as you very rightly pointed out, my own activities are hardly normal. Well, Letty, I believe I must be leaving you. My mother-in-law insisted that I pay calls with her today, and I must not be late. Will you come to dinner sometime soon? Francis says he misses you.”
“Of course,” said Letitia. “As long as you engage not to have several suitors on hand as well.”
“You are ridiculous,” said Isobel as she drew on her gloves. “Why would I have several suitors present? I would invite only Eynsford! Do not look so disapproving, I’m only teasing. You will be the only guest, and we shall dine in monastic splendor!”
Letitia and Isobel were moving towards the door, when it opened, and Dr. Wolfe was ushered in by the maid.
“Lady Morgan!” he said jovially. “I knew you would not mind if I called again soon, and so here I am. As we spoke of our children meeting, I have brought along my daughters, Margaret and Druscilla.”
Two small figures stood on either side of the bishop. They were dressed in identical outfits, their straight brown hair braided into identical plaits. They had, unfortunately, the look of their father, with prominent noses and round figures. If one had not been somewhat taller than the other, Letitia doubted if she could have told them apart.
“Dr. Wolfe!” said Letitia. “I did not expect you today.”
“I did not apprise you of my intention to visit,” admitted the bishop, “but I knew that you would have no objections, as we got along so famously when last I saw you.”
Letitia became aware of Isobel, and seized on her friend’s presence as a means of distracting the bishop. “Lady Exencour may I present Dr. Wolfe, the Bishop of Mainwaring?”
The bishop bowed. “Your servant, Lady Exencour. Am I correct in thinking I address a member of the house of Strancaster?”
“My husband is the current Duke’s son,” said Isobel stiffly. Letitia noted with appreciation that her manners had suddenly become very grand.
“Lady Morgan is fortunate to have such a noble friend,” said the bishop. “I am gratified to meet you. I look forward to furthering our acquaintance now that Lady Morgan and I are on such excellent terms.”
Isobel’s eyebrows rose slightly. “I was unaware that you and Lady Morgan were so close,” she said coldly.
The bishop rubbed his hands. “We have met only once, but I flatter myself that we have a good understanding of one another,” he said. “I am a close friend of her cousin, Lord Bainstall, and that must count for something. Family is always the best influence, is it not, Lady Exencour?”
“Indeed,” said Isobel dampeningly. “But Lady Morgan knows that she can rely on her friends, as well.” She turned towards Letitia and took her hand. “I am very sorry I must go, but do remember what we spoke of. I will see you very soon.”
With a haughty nod to the bishop Isobel moved towards the door, and Letitia walked with her. “A veritable toad-eater, Letty!” Isobel said under breath. “I find the idea of your friendly solicitor more charming by the minute! And Eynsford looks to be a very paragon! I am sorry to abandon you, but my mother-in-law calls; courage, my dear.”
Letty turned to face her visitors. The bishop seemed very well pleased, while the children gazed at her stolidly, betraying no emotions at all.
“A charming lady to be sure,” said the bishop. “So very dignified. Your cousin has warned me about her, however! He told me he felt she has an undue influence over your actions, Lady Morgan. I assured him that it was but the lack of a strong man in your life. I am sure she means only the best by giving her advice, but of course, as a woman, her judgment must be suspect. I am sure you agree.”
“I do not agree,” said Letitia, her temper nearly overset by his comments and her spirits bolstered by Isobel’s words. “I find Lady Exencour’s advice to be very sound.”
Dr. Wolfe beamed at her. “I admire a lady with spirit,” he said jovially. “Even when she is wrong.”
This statement effectively silenced Letitia, who could think of no suitable retort. The bishop smiled at her once again.
“And where are your delightful children?” he asked. “I am eager to meet them, as are Margaret and Druscilla. Are you not, my girls?”
Margaret and Druscilla did not present the appearance of children eager to do anything at all, but their father took their silence for agreement.
“You see how impatient they are,” he announced.
“We were just about to go to the Gardens,” said Letitia. “I am sure they are dressed to go out-of-doors.”
“Then we shall join you!” announced Dr. Wolfe. “Margaret and Druscilla enjoy strolling in the park.”
Chapter 21
The bishop’s words inspired a desire in Letitia to grind her teeth, or still better, order him to leave immediately, but good manners prevailed. She had perforce to summon James and Emily and make them known to Dr. Wolfe and his solemn daughters. Once the bishop had complimented James on his chubbiness and Emily on her golden curls and observed that they were not dressed warmly enough for the day’s weather, the group departed Lady Morgan’s house and went to the park.
“There is nothing so healthful as a walk,” said the bishop. “I trust that this exercise is not too much for a delicate lady such as yourself, Lady Morgan. If you have need, you are welcome to lean upon my arm.”
“I am perfectly healthy, sir,” said Letitia. “I walk with the children every day.”
“Admirable,” said the bishop. “My late wife was a lovely woman, but her health was not good. Sturdy women can be a great blessing.”
This comment left Letitia wishing she had displayed greater fragility, but she reflected that, just as the bishop seemed determined to marry her, he also seemed determined to approve of anything she might say. If she were even now leaning on his arm he would doubtless harangue her on the very proper femininity of such behavior.
In the park James tried to exhibit good manners by inviting Margaret and Druscilla to play with him, but they only looked at him solemnly and then huddled together.
“They are shy young ladies,” observed the bishop. “But they will soon learn to like your boy. I am sure they will get along famously.”
Letitia surveyed the children doubtfully, but did not venture an answer. Her own children looked like tops spinning around the inert Margaret and Druscilla.
“Now we can have a comfortable chat,” proclaimed Dr. Wolfe, seating himself next to Letitia on the bench. “I must tell you, Lady Morgan, how much I enjoy your conversation.” He launched into a long and exceedingly dull story involving his archdeacon and the local gentry, which required Letitia to utter not a word.
She allowed the bishop’s words to flow over her as she surveyed the gardens. It was a lovely day, one she would have enjoyed but for the cloud of Dr. Wolfe’s company. Soon, however, her mood lightened, for she saw Mr. Markham approaching them.
Letitia noticed that he hesitated a moment when he perceived her companion, but he continued to advance, and to her delight the bishop was compelled to stop talking upon his approach.
“Mr. Markham!” she exclaimed, extending her hand. “How good to see you again.”
“Lady Morgan,” he murmured, clasping her hand. He gave the bishop a glance, reassuring himself that this gentleman was unknown to him, and then smiled on Letitia. “How delightful to encounter you.”
The bishop stood and drew himself to his full height, but the soberly clad Mr. Markham still was taller. Dr. Wolfe gave him a haughty glance, for, despite the interloper’s air of ease, his clothes proclaimed him a member of the middle class.
“Dr. Wolfe, may I introduce Mr. Markham? Dr. Wolfe is the Bishop of Mainwaring,” said Letitia. “He is an acquainta
nce of my cousin, Lord Bainstall.”
A humorous gleam came to Mr. Markham’s eyes, and he offered his hand to the bishop. Dr. Wolfe responded with an indignant glare and touched his hand briefly.
“Good morning,” he said coldly.
“How pleasant to meet you,” observed the Marquess. “It is kind of you to visit Lady Morgan. I am sure she appreciates your concern for her.” He looked down into Letitia’s face and found a smile there.
A heavy frown appeared on the bishop’s face, as he watched them share a smile, and he broke in with a glare at Mr. Markham, “I am concerned for all of God’s creatures,” he announced, “but Lady Morgan, of course, is particularly special to me, as my dear friend has asked me to take an interest in her welfare.”
Mr. Markham looked at him thoughtfully. “How noble of you, to be sure,” he said. His eyes met Letitia’s again, and he saw in her look both laughter and annoyance. He felt sure that the emotions were aimed at the bishop, and not at him. It vexed him that she should be distressed by this pompous oaf. “She must feel quite lucky to have such a distinguished gentleman visit her.”
Dr. Wolfe’s chest expanded slightly and a pleased look came over his face. “Well, I do not care to boast, but I believe I am known to take the good of others to heart. A widow in need of support must naturally interest me.” He rubbed his hands together and deigned to unbend slightly to the stranger. “Tell me, Mr. Markham, what line of work you are in?”
“I am a solicitor,” he responded gently.
“A solicitor!” said the bishop jovially. “Very good, a sound profession. How come you to be acquainted with Lady Morgan? Have you performed professional services for her?”
“Lady Morgan and I are simply friends,” said Mr. Markham. “We encountered one another here in the Gardens and found that we had interests in common.”
“Mr. Markham has been very kind to the children,” added Letitia. “James enjoys his company.”
An Indecent Charade: Letitia's After Dark Regency Romance Page 12