Glitter

by Abbi Glines

  I walked to the front entrance and Charles helped me with my jacket before I stepped outside. I wanted to see the carriage as it came from the side of the house and hopefully catch one last wave from Emma. I knew Alice would keep her safe at all costs, but I was never comfortable when she wasn’t close enough for me to protect.

  Just as their carriage came around the house and onto the street, a small hand darted out the window and waved vigorously. Smiling, I waved back at her. She was on a grand adventure and she didn’t get to leave the house often enough. When we had left Chatwick for the London season, she had been sad to go. She loved the countryside as much as I did. It would be a nice break to get some fresh air.

  “Are you ready, my lord?” the footman asked and I realized I hadn’t noticed his arrival.

  I gave him a nod and then turned back to Charles who was waiting on my instruction at the door. “We shall return no later than Tuesday eve,” I informed him. Of course, if this trip was a mistake, we would be back sooner, but my hopes were that I would find all I needed in Miriam Bathurst and her family.

  “Safe travels, my lord,” he replied then stepped back into the house and closed the door. After this trip, all of London would know I was considering Miriam Bathurst as the next Countess of Ashington. No other lady had I invited along with her family to Chatwick Hall. The statement was very clear for the Wellingtons as well.

  Another gentleman could ask for Lydia’s hand in the process and I could have made a grave mistake. For her demeanor was that of a countess and one that would be readily accepted in all social circles. Whereas Miriam Bathurst was but a baron’s daughter and she had lived her entire life in the country. I was choosing Miriam for her strength of will and ability to handle the spirited Emma. If I chose wrong, it would affect the rest of Emma’s life.

  If I were to be completely honest with myself, there were other reasons I was choosing Miriam Bathurst. Her wit, intelligence, determination, love for her family, and unparalleled beauty all had something to do with it as well. I was attracted to Miss Bathurst. Taking a wife to my bed hadn’t sounded at all appealing before, but when I put Miriam in that role, I was very anxious to do so indeed. One did not need the entertainments of a mistress when they had a wife such as Miss Bathurst. Yet, I could not let my desire for her sway my choice. I had to choose who was best for Emma.

  Feeling as if the weight of the world was indeed on my shoulders, I climbed into the carriage. I did not believe I would ever sexually desire Lydia the way I did Miriam. A marriage to her would be one of convenience and nothing more. Whereas with Miriam, it would be exciting and challenging in the very best way.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Miriam Bathurst

  There were not adequate words to describe the splendor of Chatwick Hall. Upon arrival, I had been so struck by its grand beauty, I hadn’t heard a word that Aunt Harriet had spoken. Whitney, however, reached over and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly. I took my eyes off the lands and home, but for a moment, so that I could look at her face.

  She was wide-eyed as she took in the view before us. If nothing were to come of this and Lord Ashington found that we weren’t suited after all, this weekend would be worth every moment spent. Whitney was getting to live her dreams. She blinked twice, as if coming out of a daze then looked at me. “Have you ever seen anything so grand?” she asked in a hushed whisper.

  “No,” I admitted. For I truly hadn’t.

  “If the outside looks like this, I can’t wait to see the inside,” Aunt Harriet added.

  We both nodded in agreement.

  “I bet it is as splendid as the Palace,” Whitney said.

  Aunt Harriet laughed then. “Buckingham? Oh dear, it’s majestic, but I do not think the inside will be fit for royalty.”

  I wasn’t so sure. The closer we drew to the entrance, the more breathtaking it became. I was thankful we hadn’t all ridden in a carriage together. Although the carriages that Lord Ashington had brought to gather our luggage and to pick us up were larger than any I had ridden, having the men in one and us in the other had been much more comfortable. Especially now that we were ogling his home.

  There were things about Lord Ashington I still wasn’t sure of and just because he had a home as grand as this one didn’t mean I was ready to become his wife. Not that he had asked, of course. I just wasn’t that shallow. A lifetime of misery would not be worth a home such as this one. Remembering the Ashington I had met before he had invited Aunt Harriet and me to the opera was important. One did not change overnight. I must figure out the true nature of Lord Ashington.

  The carriage pulled to a stop, and Aunt Harriet looked at me. “You must rescue Lord Ashington from Alfred. He’s been the inquisition for the entire journey, of this I have no doubt. Lord Ashington needs a reminder of why he invited us and a break from your uncle.” Although she was smiling as she said it, I could tell she was very serious. I hadn’t thought much about what they were talking about in the carriage ahead of us. If Uncle Alfred had truly been hammering him with questions, that would be embarrassing indeed.

  Whitney giggled at that and I gave her a rueful grin. Just what I wanted to do after a long day’s ride: entertain the Lord of the manor. Whitney gazed out her window again in awe and sighed. To see her so happy, I would do anything. Besides, Lord Ashington wasn’t difficult to be around most of the time.

  The carriage door opened and Aunt Harriet took the hand of the footman and stepped down. “I’ve never seen such a grand home in my life, Lord Ashington,” she exclaimed with delight.

  Whitney giggled then covered her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief at Aunt Harriet’s loud announcement. She was still surprised by Aunt Harriet’s ways, but soon, she’d grow accustom to them. I shrugged and nodded my head for her to take the footman’s hand.

  All amusement was gone when she was outside and standing before the home. This was why I had come to London. I hadn’t dared hoped for something quite like this but I had wanted to give Whitney the life she dreamed of.

  As I stepped down from the carriage, my eyes met Lord Ashington’s and I smiled. It was genuine. He had given me a gift, just by making my sister and aunt so happy. Even if nothing more came from our time together, I would forever be grateful for this invitation. His life was one that we knew little about. Aunt Harriet and Uncle Alfred danced along the hem of this lifestyle. They were wealthy in the eyes of the ton, but this kind of wealth went far beyond what one could make. It was history. It was part of who Lord Ashington was.

  “I trust your carriage was adequate,” he said, closing the space between us and offering me his arm.

  “Yes, it was more than adequate. We were ever so comfortable. Thank you,” I replied.

  “Very good. Would you like to be shown to your room so you may rest?” he asked as we made our way toward the entrance.

  I thought of Uncle Alfred and Lord Ashington being stuck with him for several more hours. He was sure to have many questions about the grounds. “If it’s not too much trouble, I thought perhaps you might show me around. A walk outside after so much sitting would be lovely.”

  A smile lifted the corners of his mouth and I wasn’t sure if it was in relief that he was free of Uncle Alfred or that he liked the idea of a walk. Whatever the case, it was the right thing to say. “Of course,” he replied.

  I wanted to ask if Whitney could come too, but I didn’t. After such a long time in the carriage, she would need to stretch out her leg and rest for a while. It always cramped up and bothered her after travel.

  When we stepped inside Chatwick Hall, I decided Aunt Harriet was wrong. Surely even Buckingham Palace wasn’t as majestic as this. I stopped and took in the stately entrance, marble floors, priceless works of art, and domed ceiling.

  “Welcome to Chatwick Hall,” Lord Ashington said as we all stood in wonder. Even Uncle Alfred seemed at a loss for words.

  What it must have been like to grow up here. How often did one get lost? I noticed then several
maids were waiting quietly beside the staircase. There were three younger girls and one older woman who appeared to be the one in charge. I smiled at them and then wondered if they got lost in this home.

  “After a long day of travel, I am sure you could all use a rest and time to freshen up. Agnes,” he waved toward the older lady who stepped forward, “will make sure everyone finds their room and your things are put away. If you should need anything, just ask.”

  Aunt Harriet thanked Lord Ashington again and went toward Agnes, clearly ready to find a room and get some rest. Whitney followed her and I noticed her limp was slightly worse from the stress of travel. She would never ask for help or mention her discomfort. My leaving her so soon after our arrival would be difficult. She may need some help.

  “What can I do to help?” Lord Ashington asked in a low voice beside me.

  Startled, I hadn’t realized he was so close, and I turned to see him watching Whitney as she walked slowly behind Aunt Harriet. His consideration was thoughtful. I wasn’t sure others would pay much mind to my sister’s condition.

  “If she could be shown her room so that she may rest and elevate her leg. It helps after travel.”

  He nodded and motioned for someone I didn’t see, then suddenly a man appeared at his side. He was older than Lord Ashington. His hair was silver and although it was clear he worked here, he still seemed rather refined. I heard him give the man the directions I had just requested for Whitney and the man was gone.

  “Neil will make sure it is all taken care of. Agnes will know of Whitney’s needs and she will be in the best care.”

  “Thank you,” I said, wishing I could convey how I felt in words. It was more than simple thanks. It was relief. Whitney had always been my biggest concern. “She is so excited about being here. This is something I could have never given her. The travel is never easy on her, but she wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit a place such as Chatwick Hall. I am truly grateful, Lord Ashington,” I said the words with the emotion I felt, hoping it was enough. Although words rarely were.

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Are you? Truly grateful?”

  I was confused and taken off balance for a moment as I nodded slowly then said, “Yes, of course. How could I not be?”

  “Then for this weekend, could you try addressing me as simply Ashington?”

  I stood there staring up at him, unsure I was hearing him correctly. That was so informal and familiar. How was I to do such a thing? We didn’t know each other well enough for me to address him by his given name.

  “It’s simple. Just Ashington. Lord Ashington was my father, and although I have adjusted to the name the past few years, I am still struggling. Hugh is my given name, but it was also the name my father called me. I do not have fond memories attached to it.”

  When he put it like that it made it very hard to argue.

  “Very well but if I am to address you as… Ashington, then you must call me Miriam,” I replied, wanting to level the field.

  He grinned then. Almost wickedly. “I had intended to.”

  Maybe I should have been taken aback by his forwardness, but I wasn’t. I laughed. Perhaps that wasn’t proper, but then I was not always the proper English miss. It was something he must know before it was too late.

  “Your lady’s maid is here to see you to your room. I will await your company in the parlor. Please take your time, Miriam,” he replied, still grinning as if he had a secret.

  “Thank you, Ashington,” I replied, before turning to walk toward the young brunette who was smiling shyly at me. I heard Lord Ashington chuckle behind me and my smile grew even brighter.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Earl of Ashington

  While I was prepared to wait for quite a while, Miriam surprised me by returning in under an hour. Glancing up from the book in my hand, I was struck by her sheer beauty. Were ladies not meant to spend hours preparing to look as lovely as she so effortlessly appeared?

  Closing the book in my hand, I placed it on the table beside me then stood up. “If you had needed to take more time, I would have understood,” I said, hoping she hadn’t rushed to return to me. Although, then again, the idea was appealing if done so for the correct reasons.

  “Whitney is resting now and I need nothing more than to stretch my legs and explore,” she replied with a soft smile on her lips.

  “Then I am a very fortunate man.” My words caused a slight blush to appear on her cheeks.

  She said nothing more as we made our way out of the room and down the long hallway toward the entrance. Having her alone excited me. There was no one around for either of us to perform for their benefit and I would truly get to see Miriam Bathurst, or at least some of the real person beneath the protective layers she so firmly kept in place.

  The late afternoon sun shone brightly in June and I inhaled deeply of the fresh air as we walked down the stairs toward the grounds.

  “There is truly nothing like being home is there?” she asked me then, breaking the comfortable silence we had fallen into.

  I thought of this place and the memories it held. Emma was changing those with her existence, but there was a lifetime of pain and loneliness within these walls. I wasn’t sure when it would feel like home. That revelation wasn’t one I wanted to have with Miss Bathurst so soon, however. Instead, I replied, “Indeed. Do you miss your home terribly?

  She was silent for a moment then she turned her head to glance up at me before speaking. “Whitney is my home,” she said. “I miss the country, but here we are soaking it in. I haven’t anything to miss now.”

  Her words were simple yet spoke more than an in-depth conversation. Miriam had a mother who was alive, yet she said nothing of missing her. I understood all too well the lack of love or even mere affection between a child and their parent. I too suffered from that my entire life.

  Whitney was very important to her and she seemed bent on protecting her younger sister at all cost. I admired her dedication. The degree of love it took for one to care as deeply as she obviously did for her sister said much about her character. More so than I could find out in time spent with her. Although, I hoped to have much of that too in the future.

  “Your sister is lucky to have you,” I said.

  “Oh, it is I who am lucky. Whitney brought love and joy into my life. I could not imagine a life without her in it. I dare not even try.”

  Again. So many things spoken in so few words.

  “Ashington! You’re here!” Emma exclaimed with glee as I walked inside the cottage.

  I held open my arms just in time for her small body to slam against me. “I told you I wouldn’t be long,” I reminded her as I returned her embrace.

  “It’s perfect, isn’t it?” she asked me as she let me go and stood back to hold her arms out wide.

  I looked around the cottage that I hadn’t been in myself since I was a boy. “I do believe it is,” I agreed.

  Emma spun in a circle. “I feel as if I am living in a storybook.”

  “Storybook or not, you will finish your written assignment before you go back outside tomorrow,” Alice replied as she entered the main living area. “Good Evening, Lord Ashington.”

  “Hello, Alice,” I replied, standing back up. “I see things are the same. Nothing new.”

  Alice sighed. “Just the same.”

  I turned my attention back to Emma. “Tomorrow, I will be expected to entertain my guests. However, if you do all your assignments then we may go on a walk together before sunset. How does that sound?” I asked, hoping to inspire Emma.

  Emma thought for only a moment then nodded her head vigorously. “Yes! I shall do all that horrible writing if we can go for a walk.”

  I looked back at Alice who appeared grateful for some assistance. “Very well then it is settled. You do all the work Alice gives you and I will take you on an adventure walk.”

  “To see the horses? I have missed them, you know.” Emma sounded mournful.

  I thought about
the chances of someone seeing us and if it was just before sunset, we should be safe enough. “Of course. I am sure Buttercup has missed you as well. Be sure to bring her carrots. She will expect that from her very best friend.”

  Emma beamed brightly. “Oh, I shall! “

  Alice stepped forward then. “I promised you could remain awake until Lord Ashington stopped by to visit. Now it is late and you must get ready for bed. Tomorrow is a full day.”

  Emma’s smile fell and she looked ready to sulk.

  “Sleep is required for princesses and those who live in storybook cottages,” I told her.

  She paused then finally nodded reluctantly. “I suppose it is. Goodnight, Ashington.”

  “Goodnight, Emma,” I replied.

  I waited until Alice took Emma’s hand and they disappeared into the back bedroom before seeing myself out. The evening sky was clear and the stars were on full display. I missed this when in London. Walking under the starlight, I headed back toward Chatwick Hall. Wellington had been an easy guest. Two cups of port and he was ready to turn in for the night. I’d been free to go check on Emma.

  I hadn’t stopped by the parlor to see if the ladies were still awake. I knew Emma’s bedtime was near and I didn’t want her to be kept up on my account. She was expecting me today and there was no power on Earth that could have gotten her in that bed until she saw me. Smiling, I turned the corner and came out of the wooded path that led to the cottage and into the clearing.

  Chatwick Hall stood majestic and lit up in the night. I saw what others did when they looked upon this place and I understood its impressive grandness. However, it held memories for me that couldn’t be changed. To me, this place had always been more imposing than it had been grand.

  Crossing the backside of the garden, I glanced up at the window that I believed to be Miriam’s. The room was aglow with light. Either she was awake or she was yet to enter her room for the evening. Perhaps she was still visiting with her aunt and sister. Thoughts of finding her in the parlor caused my pace to pick up as I made my way to the house. However, just as I made it to the gardens, I saw movement.