The Curse at Rose Hill

by Camille Oster

  "Change as in emancipation?" Emmeline asked.

  Wilkins' eyes darted around the room again. "There is a strong political faction, and I would say they are getting stronger. They are preparing a bill, it is said, but most dismiss it as being fruitless, dreams created by some disillusioned temperance campaigners. It would be quite the upset if they ever achieved something, but there are too many people with too much at stake for such a change."

  Thoughts bounced around Emmeline's head. Bills and politics were not things she understood. It had not been seen as appropriate topics for a girls' school, but she did know that a bill was a proposal of a law. And what she was hearing was that there was a group that was proposing a bill for emancipation. Although by the way Mr. Wilkins spoke, he didn't seem to believe anything would come of it.

  The man who was the governor called Mr. Wilkins away by a wave if his hand, and he immediately excused himself. Emmeline retreated to one of the benches and sat down, but she didn't get to rest long as they were called into the dining room by a bell.

  Gently, the assembled group moved toward the dining room, where name cards showed designated places. Emmeline's was toward the middle, far away from both the Governor and his wife, a zone where not particularly favored guests sat. Mr. Wilkins sat a few seats over on the other side of the table. Next to Emmeline sat an elderly woman who chatted endlessly, speaking of her cats, her caged bird and her garden. Emmeline understood why the woman had been singled out for the unfavored zone.

  Throughout supper, which was served with the finest silver which positively gleamed in the candle light, elaborately carved with swirls and even flowers. Her mind kept returning to Mr. Wilkins comments as they wandered away from the squeak in Mrs. Tomlin's gate. If this bill were to pass, slavery would officially be abolished, and laws passed by Whitehall were done so over the entire British Empire. It would be a threat that hung like a specter over this group. Their slaves could be taken away from them by a group of people thousands of miles away.

  A woman's tinkling laugh was heard down the table and Emmeline saw that her amusement was at something Lord Cresswell had said. For being a known degenerate, he was welcome in this group, it seemed, and the woman with her slightly too low bust line was enjoying his company immensely.

  His dark eyes shifted and met hers for a moment and he lifted his glass of claret to salute her. Emmeline didn't acknowledge him back. Mrs. Thornton would be irate if she did. Not that Emmeline wanted to give any kind of special acknowledgment to him. Before she could decide how to respond, if at all, the woman leaned forward and their eye contact was broken.

  Emmeline looked away, aware she was blushing. She looked around the room to see if anyone had noticed the acknowledgment. Why did he have to be so cavalier about things like her reputation? She lived and died by her good name and he had done her enough damage as it was. That was perhaps a little unfair. He had not been responsible for the storm, or the fact that she had been caught out in it, unable to return home.

  It was only Mrs. Thornton's good graces that had kept the whole island from knowing. They didn't know that she had spent the night at his house, did they? Looking around, she surveyed the table, but none of the women were paying her any particular attention. One of the younger men was looking her way, but she ignored him and his roaming eyes.

  It seemed Mr. Chiswick, whom she had met on her first outing into this society, had not been invited that night, which was a shame, but then she needed to show care that she didn't appear too friendly with him either. These rules were a shame because it was the gentlemen who tended to converse with her. None of the women had embraced her enough to have conversation with her, and that, unfortunately, included her employer.

  Mrs. Tomlin spoke throughout the supper, almost as if she had a quota of words she needed to get out. She didn't ask any questions; she simply talked about herself and her life. By the end of supper, Emmeline knew more about this woman than she did about Mrs. Thornton, maybe even anyone else she had ever met.

  "The gentlemen will be very happy to have such a pretty girl like you come to the island," Mrs. Tomlin continued, for the first time talking about something other than her immediate concerns. "Gentlemen always like the company of a pretty girl. They like beautiful things to look at. You should watch out. They will say anything they can to keep the attention of a pretty girl."

  It took Emmeline a moment to realize that Mrs. Tomlin was speaking of her, but the woman's thoughts moved onto her late husband, who had apparently professed repeatedly how pretty Mrs. Tomlin had been, then stolen her away to the Caribbean.

  Chapter 16

  They sat in the large barouche by the port, watching as the ship in the distance came closer. It was a much larger ship than the one she had sailed on, the black of its hull shiny below the large, white sails. The ship had sailed directly from Portsmouth, carrying what Mrs. Thornton thought was the most precious cargo in the whole world.

  The woman's excitement was proven difficult to contain that morning, rising even before Emmeline. They had arrived early, Mrs. Thornton not wanting to risk being later for Percy's arrival. As soon as the ship had been spotted in the distance, a dispatch had been sent to the house and they had immediately left for the port.

  "Be more careful with the umbrella," Mrs. Thornton said and Emmeline noticed she had let it slip down on her shoulder. "Your skin does not agree with the harsh sun here."

  "I am wearing a bonnet," Emmeline pointed out.

  "Just do what you're told, girl," Mrs. Thornton said harshly, not appreciating being challenged. Emmeline immediately raised the umbrella again. She hadn't noticed it slip. It was as if Mrs. Thornton feared the very sun as well, along with everything else.

  The large ship slowly slid nearer and there was a hive of activity as they came close, the mariners all preparing for their arrival, lowering sails and stowing things away. Emmeline wasn't quite sure what they were doing, but there was a great deal of yelling as there had been when she had arrived.

  The passengers were let off first and Emmeline could spot Percy walking across the gangplank. He looked very similar to his portrait, a little older and more mature perhaps. Still, the artist had achieved a good likeness. Mrs. Thornton rose beside her, urging Emmeline out of the carriage so they could meet him.

  With long strides, Percy came toward them. He was tall and slender, exactly like Emmeline had expected. Mrs. Thornton rushed toward him and embraced him. "My boy, you made it in one piece. I was so happy when I got your letter telling me you were coming, but it came not long before you did."

  "I should have written earlier, but it slipped my mind. Joseph," he said. Joseph replied with a nod of his head, genuinely smiling. Joseph was happy to see their new arrival. "And who is this?"

  "The girl I told you about, the companion."

  Percy reached for her hand and bowed sharply. Emmeline curtseyed, feeling a little awkward doing so. It was strange seeing Percy in flesh and blood, having only seen him in the portrait.

  Mrs. Thornton fussed and chatted as Percy helped her up into the carriage. Her delight was obvious. With a firm hand, he helped Emmeline as well, then bounded up into the carriage and closed the small door. "Off you go, Joseph," he called. It seemed Percy had automatically taken over directing Joseph now and Emmeline wondered what else he would take over.

  Hopefully he was more willing to deal with practical matters than his mother. Mrs. Thornton talked about other people, though. The entire way home, she spoke of what had happened on the island amongst their society. Nothing was mentioned of the practical matters of the plantation, but there was time enough. Mrs. Thornton had different priorities, it seemed.

  Percy's eyes lingered on Emmeline every once in a while and Emmeline tried to ignore the scrutiny. Obviously, he was curious about the new resident in what was in actuality his house. Nothing was asked of her and she remained silent the entire journey back.

  "I am so excited to have you back, my love," Mrs. Thornton said as
they arrived home. "As you can see, very little has changed around here."

  "Some things have changed," Percy said as he helped Emmeline out of the carriage.

  Emmeline noticed that Mrs. Thornton's mouth grew tight with disapproval. Perhaps she had noticed Percy's lingering looks, too. A blush crept up Emmeline's face, even as she could do nothing about his behavior.

  With an expectant look, Mrs. Thornton waited to take Percy's arm as they walked up the stairs. Emmeline lingered behind. As she entered the house, Mrs. Thornton was waiting for her while Percy had walked ahead. "Now, you will act with decorum," she said in a grave voice.

  "Of course," Emmeline said, feeling offended that she would suggest otherwise. When had she not acted with decorum? That wasn't going to change now.

  "If you do not, you will be on the very next ship sailing away from here."

  Emmeline bit the initial retort that ached to escape her lips. "I have given you no reason to assume I would do anything but."

  "Don't think I haven't noticed you speaking to one man after another whenever we leave the house, smiling and flirting."

  "I do not smile and flirt. If you must know, the only topics of conversation have been the economic and political issues that affect this island."

  Mrs. Thornton snorted and walked away, her skirts swaying across the floor as she marched in search of Percy.

  Feeling unjustly accused, Emmeline retreated outside. Her services as a companion would be especially unwanted now, she suspected.

  *

  The dining room was brighter that night. More candles had been lit and Mrs. Thornton was in a wonderful mood with her son returned. They'd even met in the parlor before supper.

  Percy was smartly dressed in a dark blue velvet waistcoat and pale breeches. "It is curious to be back. You wouldn't believe how cold the rooms are at Oxford. One morning, I think there was actually a thin crust of ice on the water bowl."

  "It must be so lovely for you to be back," Mrs. Thornton said, smiling. It was as if she were a completely different woman, her eyes lit up with affection for her son.

  "It feels as though I can relax for the first time. The cold is inescapable. And where do you hail from, Miss Durrant?" he asked.

  "Boston."

  "Well, from what I understand it gets quite cold there, too."

  "Yes, it does." There was ice on their water quite often in winter, but for him, having grown up here, it would be much more shocking.

  The light of the fire danced across his eyes as he sat at the head of the table. Technically, this was his plantation now and it was right that he sat at the head of the table. Before long, Mrs. Thornton might have to give up her seat for the new mistress of the house. It mightn't be long before Percy took a wife.

  "It is good to be back," he said brightly.

  "How long were you at Oxford?" Emmeline asked.

  "Just short of three years. It was interesting; I'll give it that. London, too, of course, but there's no place like home. Met some others from the far reaches of the empire—quite a few with extensive holdings in India and Africa. I was particularly chummy with Henry, whose family live in Ceylon. Us foreigners tended to gravitate together." His tone grew more serious. "The typical homebred gentlemen don't quite understand what it's like to grow up in the far reaches of the empire.

  "Henry is going to take a commission in the navy," he continued more brightly. "Taking a few months before he starts. Sounds terribly exciting. Doesn't have the commitments that some of us do." He smiled at his mother, who smiled back.

  "Percy had wondered about taking a commission before… things changed," Mrs. Thornton explained.

  "Mother means before Harold's death," Percy said, seeing no need for euphemisms. "Things change, suddenly and unexpectedly. It is how things are. We must change with the times. There was a great deal of talk about emancipation of the slaves in London. It was discussed in detail at Oxford—ludicrous, dribbling nonsense most of it, discussed by people who don't understand how things are. Others even bandied around the idea of independence if anything ever came of it."

  "We cannot be independent," Mrs. Thornton said. "We're a tiny little island. Without the protection from the Royal Navy, we would be overrun in a week."

  Mrs. Thornton's statement surprised Emmeline, who had never heard her speak of anything so political before.

  "We can have our own navy. This is our way of life at threat. We must defend it. It's the same all over the world. We cannot abide by this idiotic notion that threatens all of us. If we all push for independence as a result, Parliament will have to back down."

  Mrs. Thornton smiled. "I am sure you have given it a great deal of thought." Looking down, she fussed with her food, no longer interested in politics.

  "Does it look like an abolition bill will be presented, then?" Emmeline asked.

  "Of course, there are factions who'll try, but the crown has too much to lose. There are countless hurdles for it to clear and in the end, they will see how much they will lose if they continue with something so foolhardy."

  A sharp noise drew Emmeline's attention. Mrs. Thornton had dropped her spoon into her soup bowl. "All it's doing is causing trouble," Mrs. Thornton stated. "Why do people always cause trouble? I feel there are wolves at the door at all sides."

  It seemed her worry and fear refused to be held at bay longer. "Don't worry, mother, all will be fine."

  Mrs. Thornton's smile looked more like a grimace. "We must hold a party, of course," she said. "To celebrate your return. We will invite the whole island."

  Chapter 17

  An army of people had come to help Joseph set up for the party. The entire house was thoroughly cleaned and furniture moved out of the way to create a large area for mingling. Mrs. Thornton was directing them with a certainty that Emmeline hadn't seen before.

  Emmeline tried to stay out of the way. The idea of a party seemed contrary to the situation as she understood it, but it wasn't her right to say how they should run their plantation. She was just the companion, and a poor one at that.

  Standing in her fancier muslin dress, Emmeline waited behind Mrs. Thornton and Percy, who were receiving guests arriving through a long string of carriage lights stretching down the blackness of the road outside. Some of the faces were starting to be familiar. Mr. Chiswick was there with his mother, although Mr. Wilkins was not important enough in this society to garner an invitation to this party.

  The murmur of voices soon filled the house, while music played gently in the main salon. Emmeline stayed to the sidelines, trying not to attract attention. Mrs. Thornton's comment about the male attention she attracted still stung, but it wasn't as though she was invited into any conversations otherwise.

  Mrs. Thornton was alive being the center of attention. A party suited her very well, especially as Percy was here to see her right. Was that the role that Mr. Chiswick performed as well, chaperone to his mother? The thought made Emmeline smile. Although, at the moment, he was speaking to one of the younger, unmarried women, her tinkling laugh being heard through the din of the crowd. Mr. Chiswick was a flirt, Emmeline decided, seeking out all the young women on the island.

  Lord Cresswell's appearance at the door to the salon seemed to change the atmosphere markedly. Emmeline seemed to know he was there before actually seeing him, looking up from her seat along the edge to see him, dressed in dark with his hair curling around his collar. His eyes traveled the room and found hers. There was no expression in them until he frowned. Why would he frown?

  It was a change from the cordial, if not overly direct dealings they'd had before. He seemed to not acknowledge her any further and walked into the room. There had always been something very cold about him, and Emmeline felt the chill right now. Goosebumps rose up her arms and she refused to observe him further.

  Deciding to stretch her legs, she rose and walked out to the central hall. A couple of men spoke along one of the walls, paying her no attention.

  "Skulking around the halls?
" Percy asked, appearing at her side. He wore a dark jacket that made him look slim and tall. "Not one for parties?"

  "Perhaps not," she said. "I don't really know anyone."

  He chuckled. "I know everyone here, always have. Nothing appears to have changed since I left. Well, except for the notable absences." He looked forlorn for a moment.

  "I am sorry for your loss," Emmeline said. "I understand you lost both your brother and father while you were away."

  "It was a terrible shock, of course. And being so far away, there was little I could do." His eyes shifted over to the portraits of his siblings. "Only goes to prove how quickly things can happen. Here one moment, then gone the next."

  Emmeline wanted to ask him about his mother's belief that it had been caused by outside influences, but knew it was inappropriate to say something like that.

  "You have no family, my mother says."

  "That is right," Emmeline replied with a smile.

  "Hence having to scrounge for a position in the houses of faraway estates."

  Scrounge wasn't perhaps the word she liked to apply to herself and her situation. "Truthfully, I saw it as a big adventure. Sail across the sea to a Caribbean island. Some people have it worse."

  "You're an optimist. Glad to see you're not embittered by your situation."

  "No, why should I be?" Well, there was the threat of destitution, but she could always teach. It wasn't always a comfortable life, but there were worse lots to be had. "As far as I've seen, I've had great fortune."

  Percy laughed. She could see by the glaze in his eyes that he'd had quite a bit to drink. He placed his hand on her arm, and she felt uncomfortable. Was he testing her out for how welcoming she would be to his advances? Gently she pulled her arm away.

  "I understand your family originates from that house in the picture over there, Clevedon Hall? Did you go see it?"