by Jerri Hines
She couldn’t take any more of the conceited oaf. She lashed back.
“I may be young, but I know that love is essential for me in a marriage. If you think I would ever marry someone like him…” she pointed her finger at Lyttleton in a frantic manner. She stuttered over the frustration driven words, “Do you know…do you know that he treated me…in the most horrid fashion! He…he insulted my intelligence…and my father!”
“Cathryn!” Her grandmother stood. “We don’t talk in that manner.”
“Forgive me, but…”
“Miss Blankenship,” Lyttleton rose and spoke directly to Cathryn, “it is I who will apologize once more. I was under the mistaken impression that I was to be handed over a country simpleton. Obviously, that isn’t the case. I can quite understand your reluctance with the way the situation was handled. As I stated last night, I would like to make amends. Would you care to join me for a carriage ride this afternoon?”
With all eyes upon her, she had no other alternative.
* * * *
The mid-afternoon light bathed the park with golden rays. It broke through the leaves of the trees, streaming flickers of dancing light onto the floor of the open carriage. Cathryn found herself staring down at the sparkles, a diversion from her companion.
Grandmamma looked impressed with Lyttleton’s grand chaise with liveried postilions of only the utmost eminence. Cathryn had to admit that it was luxurious. Riding around, Cathryn felt many curious eyes upon her.
She had dressed to please her grandmother. She wore a flattering rose-colored day dress, richly trimmed in a delicate lace. The bodice was close-fitting and the skirt flowed. Her slippers matched her hat which she adjusted…for the fifteenth time.
She had hoped to prove to Lyttleton she was a lady; at least, it was the effort she made. Though, her poise faltered when she encountered Reggie descending down the staircase to meet Lyttleton.
“Ah, so the courting begins,” he teased.
“I believe I have only to persuade Lord Lyttleton that this attachment isn’t meant to be. We are completely opposite. I’m certain he will see.”
A laugh escaped Reggie. “My dear Cathryn, money finds no opposites.”
“You are wrong. He has his own money; he has no need for mine.”
“You are serious?” Reggie asked. His grinned broadened. “You are so refreshing and fun, Cathryn. I’m so glad you came to visit.”
Her cousin irritated her so, as if it was already settled she was going to marry Lyttleton! Well, she would show Reggie. She wished only that her legs wouldn’t quiver so while she sat by the man.
Any other time, she would have enjoyed the carriage ride. The park looked splendid in the brilliant sunlight with all the sophisticated dressed people walking and riding along the paths. Flowers lined the walkway and their fragrance swelled around Cathryn, but she found no pleasure.
Numerous times she glanced up to find Lyttleton looking at her in the most perplexing manner. His eyes seemed so cold…then he would smile. It sent a shiver down her spine.
She had never been so thrilled to return to her grandparents. Anxious only to go back to the confines of her room, she lost her desire to talk with Lyttleton about their situation.
Lyttleton stepped down and offered his hand to her. She accepted and smiled politely. She began to walk toward the entrance steps, but he guided her to the garden gate.
“My dear, why don’t we take a walk around the gardens,” Lyttleton insisted. He strolled to the gate, stood aside and gestured for her to join him. “We can talk and get to know each other better.”
Cathryn glanced up to the house entrance, then back at Lyttleton. She had no desire to accept, but he took her arm to ensure her compliance.
She stepped down the stone steps into the garden. The grounds stretched around the house’s veranda and were extensive for a house in London. She recognized several flowers that her mother had placed in her garden at Elm Bluff: roses, bleeding hearts, and peonies.
She took off one of her gloves and touched the petals of a yellow rose. It reminded her of her mother. As she was leaning down to smell its aroma, a hand gripped her arm tightly and abruptly jerked her backwards.
Frightened, she stumbled and winced in pain. “Please, Lord Lyttleton, release me. You are hurting me.”
He squeezed her arm until she cried out. He dragged her down the path, taking a step forward then back.
His eyes weighed intently upon hers. “Is this the spot? Yes, I believe it is.” He glanced around. “Maybe a few feet over.”
“What are you talking about?” Cathryn twisted side to side, trying to withdraw from him, but to no avail. He pulled her closer. Alarmed, she hit him in his chest. He laughed and tightened his hold. She winced in pain.
“Don’t you like it here? Like this.” Without warning, he came down hard upon her lips. There was no tenderness, only a will to process…to dominate. Her lips hurt. He held her tight, refusing to let go for what seemed an eternity. He broke from her lips.
A cry escaped her. She thought for a moment he was going to slap her. He took her by her shoulders.
“Listen very carefully, my beautiful Cathryn, I don’t mind you playing this game you have set your mind upon. As a matter of fact, I have found I’m enjoying myself. But know this, there is a limit. You want to be courted. I’ll be an ardent lover, but I will not share what is mine and you, Cathryn, are mine.”
Cathryn’s mind raced. He had seen her with Jake! She protested in a voice no louder than a whisper, “Let me go. You make no sense. I’m not yours nor will I ever be.”
He laughed. “You think not. Watch and see.” His hand went to her face. Her hand freed, she slapped his cheek. In a quick motion, he grasped her arms forcibly, pulling her up to him. “Go ahead. If you want to play rough, it won’t be me that will be the one that gets hurt, my dear cousin. Get angry. But this I promise you, if you ever allow that ill-bred Jake Pennington to touch you again, you will deeply regret it. That is not a threat, but a promise.”
In the next breath, he released her. Instincts told her to run, but her legs trembled beneath her. A sudden terror seized her. No one had ever used force upon her before. Her eyes flamed with an anger building inside of her, but he gave her no ground, daring her to make a move. For a long moment, she stared at him. Then with the greatest reluctance, she accepted his arm and followed his lead into the house.
Oh, Father, what have you done sending me to this mad-house? But moreover, what was she going to do to get herself out of it?
* * * *
Cathryn stood on the veranda. The music played on, but she was in no mood to dance. Not that she lacked partners, but Jake wasn’t here. Nor had he attended any of the balls that she had over the last three weeks. She had heard nothing from him. How could she get him back if she didn’t see him? Her head hurt; her body ached. She hated England! How she missed home!
Unconsciously she rubbed her arms. Her gowns for the last few weeks had to be altered to cover her arms from the bruising left from Lyttleton. Her grandmother had never asked how she received the bruises, only made sure no one else noticed them.
The bruising faded slowly, but her anger built against Lord Lyttleton. How dare he touch her in that manner! If her father knew! Sumner! They would know well how to deal with a man such as Lyttleton, but neither were here.
If only she could see Jake. But how was she going to when Lyttleton had become no better than an insolent fly that wouldn’t leave her alone? She needed to see Jake desperately. He would take care of her. Wouldn’t he?
“Beautiful night,” a voice disturbed her.
She turned to find a rather handsome young gentleman peering at her in an odd manner. It took a moment for her to place him. She had met him at her coming out ball, but for the life of her she couldn’t remember his name.
“I haven’t been able to talk with you since I first met you. Not that we talked a great deal that night.”
“You are Jake’s fri
end. Are you not?”
“Ah, you have wounded me, Miss Blankenship. You have forgotten my name.” He mockingly clutched his heart. He gave her a slight bow. “Lord Philip, the Marquis of Tinsley, my lady.”
“I apologize greatly, my lord. I promise never to forget such again.” She bobbed a slight curtsey. “I have seen you around, but you are upon the arm of a lady at all times.”
“My fiancé, Miss Anne Bowden. I will have to make sure I introduce you to her,” he said. With a small smile, he offered his arm and led her over to the railing. “I have wanted an opportunity to talk with you, but there hasn’t been an occasion.”
“While my guard has broken from my side, you mean,” Cathryn said bluntly. She looked into his eyes searching for some sign that Jake had sent him to her. “If it’s anything other than the weather, we may have only moments before an interruption.”
“No, nothing in particular. Although, I admit a certain fascination. You are different from most of the girls here. It is a compliment, I assure you,” he added quickly. “It must be different for you, also.”
For some reason the thought of her home and all she had to contend with overcame her. She found herself fighting back tears, for disappointment flooded her. For one moment, she assumed Jake had sent her word, but he had not. Realization of her plight sank deep within her and the thought left her cold.
“Are you feeling well, Miss Blankenship?” Philip asked.
“I am fine,” she lied. She glanced back over her shoulder. His fiancé stood in the doorway looking around the veranda. “It seems Miss Bowden is searching for you.”
“Come with me. I’ll introduce you. You probably haven’t met many…”
“I’m fine. Thank you. I only need a little time to myself. It was nice to see you again,” she said. She wanted to add if he saw Jake to tell him… No, if Jake wasn’t concerned with her, she would not impose upon him.
A sudden wave of pity swallowed her. She had only heard once from her father and nothing from Sumner. She had written both numerous letters. Tacy had reprimanded her for her impatience. Tacy stated many times that communication was slow, cautioning her to remember the time it took to travel across the ocean.
At least she had handled the issue with Mary Montrose. She had firmly established little Mary within the household. The child had regained some of her health, still frail in appearance, but a lovely child none the less.
The girl admitted she was only thirteen, but assured Cathryn she would turn fourteen soon. Mary attached herself to Cathryn and in turn, Cathryn treated the girl as if she were her younger sister. Tacy had taken to her as well. Cathryn wanted only to give the poor girl some semblance of peace.
It had done little to alleviate Cathryn’s homesickness. Oh, she was terribly homesick. Suddenly, she heard Lyttleton’s voice. He was looking for her. She couldn’t take it. She darted down the stairs.
Fearing Lyttleton would discover her, she scurried down the path to the bench farthest from the music and gaiety. Knowing it was time for dinner, she hid until she heard no more noise. Then the tears came, uncontrollable, inconsolable tears.
“For someone who contends they are fine, you don’t have the look as you are.”
Cathryn’s head snapped upward. It was Jake’s friend.
He had followed her.
“Go away. I am fine. I have told you. Go back. It is time for dinner. I’m sure your fiancé is looking for you again. I’m not your concern.”
“She can well take care of herself,” Philip said. He reached for her arm. She withdrew it quickly…too quickly. “I am only concerned. I mean no harm. Is there something I can do?”
“Can you take me back to Charles Town?” she asked, without considering her words. Choking on her emotions, she tried to retract her thought. “I’m sorry. You don’t want to hear…” It did no good. Her emotions burst forth into uncontrollable tears.
He stared at her for a moment. Then he sat down beside her and offered her his handkerchief. “You are so miserable here?”
“Should I not be otherwise?” she said and sniffled. “I’m sorry. Please go back. I can well look after myself.”
“I confess in that I don’t know. I would hope not, though. Someone like you should be well looked after,” he answered in a soft voice. “It is understandable for you to be homesick.”
“It is more than homesickness. I’ve been told to marry someone I detest. No one will listen to me. They assume I will relent. Moreover, the one I want leaves me. For my own good…so…so I can be totally wretched. Yes, it is understandable. But as soon as Father writes, I’m going home. He will have none of this. He will take care of that pitiful excuse of a human being. Telling me what he will do…”
She halted her words; she had said too much to a stranger. She rose, looking around the garden. “I need to go back to my grandparents. I don’t believe I can stay. I’m so sorry. You must think I am such a dreadful person. It is why I can’t stay. If you could just point me toward their house? I’m afraid I didn’t pay much mind…”
“You are planning on walking?”
“Please don’t jest with me. I have walked further in my life.”
“In an evening gown? Here I thought Jake fell in love with just a beautiful face.”
“Please don’t mention his name! He has left me!”
Tears burst forth once more much like a dam that had broken. Unable to compose herself, Philip stood beside her and offered her his shoulder.
Only the sound of her name halted the flow. Panic surged through her. Lord Lyttleton was searching for her. Her trembling hands clutched to Philip’s waistcoat. Lord Lyttleton was going to be so angry with her if he found her here. How she wished she was a man and could call him out!
Suddenly, she felt strong arms go around her and pull her into the bushes. A hand clamped over her mouth while Lyttleton walked by searching for her. The whole of her body shook. She thought the sound of her heart beating would surely call attention to her location, but a moment later, Philip pulled her out of their cramped position.
“I’m sorry, my lady. I didn’t know what else to do,” he said. “Obviously you are afraid of that man.”
“I’m afraid of nothing,” she protested, but her eyes, her body betrayed her. For no matter how she protested, she had a dreadful fear of Lord Lyttleton.
“Come, I will take you home…in my carriage,” he said. “I will have Anne and my mother come with us.”
He took her hand and led her back to the side of the home, leaving her with a servant, fending she was ill. Cathryn had no doubt she looked the part.
“I will return presently.”
She only hoped he would hurry.
* * * *
Cathryn waited for a good length of time. The thought occurred to her to return to her original plan, or maybe she could ask for her grandfather’s carriage. She could have it returned, but as quickly as she had decided, Philip emerged from around the corner with her cloak in hand. A fleeting thought of how he had retrieved it briefly crossed her mind, but she didn’t care.
He greeted her with a warm smile. Wrapping her cloak around her, he said, “Come, I have arranged everything. Quite proud of myself, even if I have to say so.”
Even in the midst of her misery she was taken aback by his charm. She returned his smile. His sharp blue eyes and charismatic smile had a carefree manner. He seemed to be quite enjoying himself.
Jake had a more intense make up. Jake, who upon every movement, every breath he breathed, was driven by his sense of duty. For a brief moment, she questioned how the two had become the bestest of friends, as Philip had so elegantly put it upon their first meeting.
An elegant black carriage with a gold-plated coat of arms awaited her. A footman opened the door and Philip gave her his hand. Easing within, she discovered there was already another occupant.
Sitting quietly was a woman, a quite attractive mature woman. She was dressed most fashionable. Her hair was piled high with a larg
e headdress which had a peacock’s feather attached. The lavender silk gown with wide hoops spread across most of the seat. Pearls were embroidered into the stomacher with a lovely pearl choker around her neck. She smiled and her eyes gleamed. Immediately Cathryn recognized the woman was Philip’s mother.
“Miss Blankenship, how nice to finally meet you. Of course, I didn’t expect to meet you in a carriage, but my son informs me it is of the utmost importance to pull me away from this dreadfully boring affair.” She spoke with an air of sincerity. “Come sit beside me.”
Immediately at ease, Cathryn said, “Thank you. I deeply appreciate the ride. I told your son I could have walked.”
“Oh, my goodness, child. Why would you ever want to do so?” The lady reached over and wiped Cathryn’s eyes with a small lace handkerchief she had in her hand. “You should have all at your feet. I can well imagine, though, your grandmother. Though, mind you, a lovely lady, but she has her causes. I don’t believe she ever got over your mother marrying your father. She didn’t intend for him to continue his service to his Majesty across the world.”
“Mother,” Philip said softly, “Miss Blankenship doesn’t want to hear all the gossip, at least not at the moment. You didn’t even give me time to make a formal introduction. Miss Cathryn Blankenship, my mother, Her Grace, the Duchess of Eversleigh, Lady Sabrina.”
Comprehension flooded Cathryn’s face. “Duchess? Oh, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have taken you from the ball.” Her eyes glanced up to Philip.
“You are quite disarming, Miss Blankenship. Do you not think, Mother? She hadn’t a clue. Did you know, Mother, she didn’t even remember my name? Our Jake is one lucky fellow,” he said. “To have found one that is not intimidated by titles and such. To be able to follow one’s heart only.”
Cathryn was horrified by her lack of proper etiquette. Oh, whatever would Grandmamma think! Her eyes grew large once more and water began to well.
“My dear, pay Philip no mind. He’s always been exceedingly jealous of Jake. One wouldn’t think being heir to a Dukedom.” His mother slightly tapped her son’s cheek. He gave her an affectionate grin.