by Abby Ayles
Heshing not only seemed to be a man with no self-control when it came to the cards, but so full of pride as to insult the only person who had come to his aid. He instead deserved what was coming his way in Gilchrist’s mind.
“Well then, old chap,” he said, putting heavy sarcasm on the last word, “nothing left for me to do then, but to see you to the door so that Mr. White can get back to his business.”
Gilchrist motioned for Heshing to follow him. Mr. White breathed an air of relief. For Mr. White, there would have been no respectable way to kick an earl out of his building without causing offense.
“You are very welcome to return and will be reinstated upon payment, sir,” Mr. White said to lessen the blow.
“Don’t count on it,” Heshing said before turning to walk out with Gilchrist at his side.
As soon as Gilchrist saw Heshing out, he released the air in his lungs. He was sure horrible, little rakes such as Heshing didn’t deserve to be an earl. He thought back to all the men under his charge the last few years. Any one of them deserved Heshing's life over a spoiled brat who threw away money like it mattered not.
Already, Gilchrist could feel his temper rising. Since his time in the Regulars, it was a constant battle to keep his emotions in check. He smoothed out his jacket front as he calmed himself before turning to the footman still waiting on him.
"I will see Mr. Henderson now,” Gilchrist said as calmly as he could muster.
“Very good, my lord. Right this way please, sir.”
Gilchrist sat with his solicitor and went over the vast plantations he owned in Virginia. Some of it was a great shock to Gilchrist. It was much more than he had even known about. Not only did his father have the tobacco fields, that he knew well about, but also a sawmill and several hundred acres of land devoted to developing pitch from the pine tree resin.
“Now, your father never set foot on the land, only bought it and managed it through myself and correspondence. I, however, try to make the trip to Virginia at least every other year to make sure I am accurate in the description of its state,” Mr. Henderson said after explaining the whole of the investment.
He was a portly man who was well up in age. Gilchrist was a little surprised that he was able to make the journey at all.
“And the last time you visited the site?” Gilchrist asked out of curiosity.
“Just before your father died. I was sorry to hear of his passing upon my return.”
Gilchrist nodded in understanding. That meant it would be time to visit the plantation in person again. He wondered if he should do it himself. It would be an adventure to do so. Perhaps, too, he would be more welcome in the wild, new Americas than he was here at home.
“I had waited to make my next journey, to see if that was what you wished. Perhaps you would like to see the land for yourself?”
Mr. Henderson had read the train of Lord Gilchrist’s thoughts and Colton smiled, knowing he would enjoy working with such a man over the course of the years.
“Perhaps it might be a good way to procure a wife as well, if you don’t mind me being so bold as to say,” Mr. Henderson continued.
Gilchrist laughed out loud at the thought. He had known from the first moment he peered at his image in a looking glass that no lady would ever have him now.
“You think a respectable lady would have this,” he waved to his face.
“Perhaps women are picky choosers here, but I promise you, in America, women swoon at the mere mention of a title.”
“I’m sure my mother would be happy at the idea. I fear she resents me for not only taking my father out of this world, but also preventing a grandchild to carry on our family’s estates.”
It was the first time that Gilchrist had ever aired his irritations with another. He was just as surprised to speak of such a personal matter with a man he had just met as Mr. Henderson was to hear it.
The gentleman merely brushed the thick mustache that decorated his face with a linen cloth and looked on Gilchrist much like his own father would have.
“I knew your father well and he did deeply worry when you left. We spoke of you and your sister often. He loved both his children dearly. That said, I can promise you that his death was not your fault. It’s what happens when old age creeps into ancient bones such as these,” he said as he slapped his round belly.
“I appreciate your words,” Gilchrist said, not fully agreeing with them. “I will also consider making the trip myself, as I would not want to put your ancient bones on such an arduous journey.”
“I am not going to lie; I would be greatly relieved if that were the case. I seem to enjoy the trip less and less every time I go.”
Gilchrist shook Mr. Henderson’s hand heartily before they parted ways. As he had begun his trip today, he had decided not to meet the man at White’s anymore. After speaking with both the proprietor and Mr. Henderson and finding some camaraderie with them both, he decided to keep the monthly appointments in place.
Admittedly, it was a dread for him from the moment he stepped out of the gentlemen’s club and back onto the street to his waiting carriage, but he figured it was a small sacrifice to see even just a few moments out of the confines of his home.
Chapter 13
Lady Abigail sat in Lady Louisa’s drawing room, her meager work in her lap. Though she had promised herself to devote more time to the cause over the last week, it hadn’t been the case. The distractions brought by Lord Heshing had veered her off course and now she was very sorry for it.
Each lady had worked hard to make several pinafores. In Lady Abigail’s hands were a measly three. She was ridden with guilt that she was not holding up her end of the commitment these ladies had made and children would suffer for it.
“I am happy to announce,” Lady Louisa said, as they all took to their luncheon before the trip, “that Lord Gilchrist has been convinced to join us.”
“How wonderful to hear,” the duchess said with light beaming in her eyes.
“He should be joining us presently,” Lady Louisa said.
Just at that moment, the door opened and Lord Gilchrist entered. Lady Abigail couldn’t keep her heart from sinking even further down than before at the announcement. She was surprised, however, to see a light of excitement glowing behind his blue eyes. It was a curious sight for Lady Abigail to see.
“I have arrived, ladies,” he said with some of his old charm back. “And I promised the duke at our last occasion to speak that, should any ruffians try to harm you, I will scare them off.”
The ladies all gave little laughs. All except for Lady Abigail, who was shocked to hear him joke about his scars. Before, he had been so harsh to anyone who merely mentioned them and now here he was joking. It was a curious matter.
He took his spot with his left side facing the fire as he had in the past. He may have tried to make light of his circumstance, but inside he was all turmoil.
Sure, things had gone well at White’s earlier, with the exception of any member of the peerage he had come upon. But here, he was going to a house of innocent children. It would either turn out well or even worse than he could possibly imagine.
“Are you to speak with the young boys and tell them all your dashing adventures?” Lady Fortuna asked of the earl.
“Well, I will speak to them. I should much rather tell them to find a better vocation, but I highly doubt that is possible.”
“Then you thought poorly of your time in the Regulars?” Lady Fortuna asked, clearly interested in his words.
“No, not at all,” the earl replied.
“Well, forgive me, but that seems rather duplicitous,” Lady Fortuna added with a little giggle.
He gave a broad smile that seemed to capture Lady Abigail’s attention. He could be so charming when he chose to. Having only a view of his right side, with his smart green morning coat and grey pants, made him look very handsome at that moment.
“I suppose it is. My goal is to tell them about some of the grand things o
f life in a military unit, but also some of the realities that others will often leave out.”
“Such as what?” the duchess also asked, keenly interested.
“Well, to start,” he said, trying to find the comfort of speaking again as it was not something he had done very regularly, “basic skills they should learn ahead of time. In fact, I wondered if perhaps one of you ladies would accompany me and help with some basic sewing lessons.”
Lady Abigail suddenly pricked her finger on the last apron she was finishing. She gave a sharp yelp before putting the offending finger to her lips.
“Oh, Abigail, would you like to join Lord Gilchrist,” Lady Fortuna said, mistaking her yelp for some sort of excited volunteering.
The whole party looked at her expectantly. Even Lord Gilchrist had his brows raised in surprise that she might want to take on the task.
“I just pricked my finger,” Lady Abigail said by way of explanation.
“But it does seem like a wonderful idea. You must go with Lord Gilchrist,” the duchess encouraged.
Apparently, she was still hoping to make a friendship between the two of them.
“But I am surely the worst of us all,” Lady Abigail said, panic-stricken indeed over her ability.
“I am confident it will be quiet, simple work,” Lady Fortuna said, turning to the earl for confirmation.
“Yes,” he bumbled a little. “Just buttons and the simple hem is all. Perhaps darning of socks and mittens.”
Lady Abigail could see the thoughts turning in his head. He was wondering if her excuse was genuine or due to him.
She considered refusing again, for truly both reasons were valid. She didn’t want to spend any more time with Lord Gilchrist than she needed to and she was very lacking in skills. She could, however, do simple hems, buttons and darning. It would be difficult to say otherwise.
She looked to her sister-in-law who gave a pleading look with her eyes. The duchess was sure that if Lady Abigail spent some time with the man who was like a brother to her, Lady Abigail would see his goodness too.
Lady Abigail felt guilt hit her stomach. She had experienced life when there was a rift in the family. It had been much of her life, in fact. Her father and oldest brother seemed so at odds with her, the duke and their mother.
Even though the Earl of Gilchrist wasn’t her family, he was, in a way, a part of it. She would do this to please Isabella. If it took all the strength she could muster, she would be friendly with the Earl of Gilchrist just to prevent yet another rift in her family.
“If you all think I will be up to the task, I will accept,” she said, turning back to her work.
Gilchrist was visibly shocked to hear Lady Abigail’s reply. He was prepared for some rude comment or slander thrown in his direction. Never in a million years, when he woke after a fitful night of rest this morning, did he think he would be spending the afternoon in the company of Lady Abigail Grant.
The carriage ride to Foundling Hospital was a quiet one. It gave Gilchrist plenty of time to steal glances at Lady Abigail across from him. She seemed racked with nerves. He too was filled with anxiety as he saw all the people passing on the street.
He had kept his whole side towards the inside of the carriage out of respect for the ladies. Now he was receiving shocked glances from anyone who happened to look curiously into their window.
“Colton, would you be a dear and pull the shade,” his sister said from beside him. “the sun is irritating my vision.”
It was actually quite a muggy day out. Gilchrist knew his sister’s words were only for his benefit and he had to say he was glad for it. With a grateful smile in her direction, he pulled the curtains over the open window, shielding his face from the onlookers.
Entering the hospital, all the women except Lady Abigail peeled to the left of the school to see that the pinafores were distributed amongst the girls. Lady Abigail and Lord Gilchrist, however, would be going to the right, with the headmaster who greeted them upon entering, to see the anxiously awaiting boys.
As was habit, without thinking, Lord Gilchrist extended his arm out to the lady. She hesitated for a moment.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said, seeing her hesitation. “You don’t have to take it if you don't want to.”
“It’s not that,” she said, realizing how he took the offense. “I was just contemplating running back to the carriage. I have no skills that are good enough to teach others.”
Lord Gilchrist looked down at her with a new eye. It was a response he never would have expected to receive from her.
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I wish to run and hide in the carriage as well,” Lord Gilchrist said. “But, perhaps together we can keep each other’s bravery up.”
Lady Abigail smiled at the earl. It was probably the first pleasant thing he had ever said to her.
“I’m actually hoping,” Gilchrist said, after Lady Abigail took his arm and they started down the hall together, “the boys will be so mesmerized by your dress that they won't even notice me.”
Lady Abigail looked up at him in shock. She was again wearing the pink dress that he had called a silly topic of conversation at their last meeting. Instead of sincerity, however, he looked down at her with a lopsided teasing smile.
“I’ve gotten many compliments on this dress,” she retorted, pretending offense. “In fact, whole conversations have been spoken on it.”
“I’m not surprised,” Gilchrist countered, “with such a fabulous garment, and made so quickly, I dare say I could speak hours on it,” he continued, teasing as if he was a clucking lady.
“You are quite beastly today, aren’t you?” Lady Abigail said without stopping to think over her words. As soon as they slipped out, she stuttered, embarrassed. “I mean. Sorry…”
“Don’t be,” he said, not at all perturbed by her words. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze in the crook of his arm to assure her no offense was taken.
The next hour and a half were spent with the boys looking up at the Earl of Gilchrist like he was the most exciting, incredible, heroic man on the face of the earth. He told them of the realities of military life and the gruesome details, which, though shocking to Lady Abigail, were only the more enticing to the boys.
Finally, at the end, to the surprise of the headmaster, Lord Gilchrist urged each boy to learn necessary skills that were oftentimes deemed the duty of a woman.
“I have brought this very fine lady with me, Lady Abigail Grant, to show you gents the basic skills you will need to keep your uniform in perfect condition. Today, she will be showing you how to sew a button,” he looked over at her.
Lady Abigail’s eyes went wide with fear. She hadn’t anything prepared for such a task. She was a fool not to think to bring scraps of fabric and buttons.
“Headmaster, if you would be so kind as to procure the necessary items for each boy?”
“We don’t have that sort of thing. All of that would be kept at the girls’ school,” the headmaster said, sticking his nose in the air. He was quite above women's work.
“Thankfully, it is only a short walk away. If you would be so kind,” the earl said in response.
The headmaster's mouth opened in shock for just a second. He was the one who was supposed to be giving orders, not receiving them. Amidst snickering from the crowd, he turned and left the room to find the necessary items.
Once the items were brought forth, Lady Abigail did her best to show the boys what to do. It was a simple enough task, but she had never taught before. She couldn’t help but think that the duchess would have been better suited for the responsibility. Not only had she experience teaching, she was a far superior seamstress.
In the end, most of the boys had successfully added a button to a scrap of fabric. Some took to it quickly and others scoffed at the idea like the headmaster had, but did it anyway.
The whole time Lady Abigail worked, Lord Gilchrist watched her from the comfort of a chair provided for him.
She a
lways seemed so spirited and sure of herself; it was a shock and curiosity to see her so timid now as she spoke with the boys. As the lesson continued, however, she relaxed a bit, and some of her old fire and spunk appeared now and again.
Once the lesson was over, he thanked her and turned back to take control of the boys. They would have happily followed him into battle. Lord Gilchrist had to admit he had missed this honor that he once had with his own men.
“Next week, the lady and I will return. We will show you how to darn mittens. The military will issue you one pair. Unless you have someone at home who can make you another, this one will not last long without receiving holes. It is important you learn basic darning skills to make yours last the longest,” he instructed them.
One small boy raised his hand.
“Yes, Jon,” Lord Gilchrist said, already having learned many of the boys' names.
“Sir, we don’t have any mittens.”
“No mittens?” he said, turning to the headmaster.
“I am afraid funds were not sufficient to get the boys winter mittens.”
“Then we shall have some ready for you next week,” Lord Gilchrist said, motioning between himself and Lady Abigail.
She went pale in the face. Making mittens for twenty-odd boys seemed an impossible task for just one lady over a week’s time. It was even more so when that lady was her.
They said their goodbyes to the boys and made their way back down the hall. Gilchrist immediately picked up on Lady Abigail’s crestfallen face.
“Whatever is the matter?” he asked once out of the room and alone in the hall.
“I fear you have promised them too much from me. I could never make mittens for all of them in so short a time.”
“Oh,” he said, a little surprised. He gave a nervous laugh and rubbed his chin with his cane hand. “I actually hadn’t meant that you would make them.”