by Hazel Hunter
The older woman looked as if she intended to refuse. At that moment the colonel’s steward came to the table with a bowl of sliced berries. He met Lucetta’s gaze and gave her a slight bow before retreating.
Why, they like each other, Meredith thought, recalling that the steward had served her cousin tea and cakes.
Lucetta inclined her head toward Harshad before she regarded Thorne. “Perhaps we might first discuss this in more practical detail before I answer. If we are to do this work, how often would you wish us to come to the house, and where would it be done? Surely not in that tiny hidden room.”
As they spoke about the arrangements Meredith could barely contain her excitement. Spending a night at Dredthorne had been a blessing, not a curse. For once her bad luck had resulted in granting her dearest wish. She would be returning to Dredthorne to explore the mystery of the hidden library, where doubtless she would uncover new wonders.
“Very well,” Lucetta said at last. “If we are not otherwise engaged, Meredith, then we may come any time during the day that we wish. I suggest we work from mid-morning until four. The colonel will provide luncheon, and obtain a rig for my use so I may collect you and take you home.”
They didn’t trust her to drive herself, she realized, her high spirits deflating a little. Having Lucetta at the reins would provide reassurance for her mother, however, who might otherwise forbid Meredith’s return. “That sounds sensible.”
They finished the meal in a companionable silence, at which point the stable master arrived with the hired carriage. Thorne walked out with them to the drive, where he helped Lucetta up before taking Meredith’s hand in his.
The bright sun made his eyes glitter like snow on a clear lake, but the smile he gave her seemed warmly genuine. “Until we meet again, Miss Starling, tread carefully in those slippers.”
“I will, Colonel Thorne. Thank you for everything.” Her heart skipped a beat as he bowed over her hand, and for a moment she thought he might kiss her knuckles. But no, he only straightened and helped her into the carriage.
As the driver started away, Meredith turned to look back. For once the house didn’t captivate her attention; for Thorne himself effortlessly held her gaze. He seemed as confident and aloof as before, but the strangest sense of having abandoned him came over her.
Soon I will return. This is where I belong.
The notion seemed terribly presumptuous, but Meredith could not remember the last time she had felt as safe as she did at Dredthorne Hall. Every day in her life had begun with her trapped between hope and despair. Would she go unscathed, or be struck down again by her bad luck? Sometimes it had taken all of her nerve simply to leave her bedchamber.
When she had tripped and fallen down the stairs last month, Meredith remembered her last thought before blacking out was wishing her neck would break, and that would be the last of all her terrible misfortunes. Now that she had come inside this amazing house, she realized how foolish her dark thoughts had been.
There is so much more to know in this world.
With this endeavor Meredith would also have more time to spend with her cousin, whom she suspected needed a confidante. Lucetta might present herself as rigid and stern, but beneath that façade lay a kind, generous soul. Something had happened to her, some heavy burden that she carried alone. Meredith felt sure she could be of help to her cousin, and possibly free her of the shadows from the past that still haunted her.
The same was true of Thorne, isolating himself from others because he had been too long away from England. He had endured much while serving king and country, Meredith guessed, and wished to put it all behind him. She could help him adjust to his new situation in life and, with Percival’s help, introduce him to their neighbors and friends. While she might be doomed to ending a spinster, Meredith hoped someday soon to see him married.
In fact, she would do everything in her power to help him find a good and loving wife.
Although Meredith seemed unaware that she was forming an attachment to Alistair Thorne, Lucetta decided to keep silent on the matter. She had no right to interfere, nor did she wish to shatter her young cousin’s dreams.
She knew that Meredith had yet to understand that the heart played almost no role in securing an appropriate match. While he might indulge her cousin’s adoration for his decrepit house, Thorne would soon have to find a wife suited to his situation in life. His wealth and good looks would draw the attention of every unattached heiress in the shire. Although regarded as reputable, the Starlings had only modest connections. Their limited income came from their estate, which had been long ago entailed. Likely Meredith’s pretty face and sweet disposition would be her only dowry.
Romantic disappointment loomed ahead for her young cousin; hastening its arrival would be cruel.
Lucetta felt rather cross with herself for agreeing to serve as a chaperone, as Thorne had obviously maneuvered her into that. Still, it would give her something to do. She couldn’t bear to be cooped up with Jeffrey’s timorous wife every day. Her brother would also be relieved to have her gone; she’d distracted him from his duties long enough. As for Harshad Naveya, whom she liked very much, she suspected they would become good friends as they looked after Thorne and Meredith.
Once they arrived at Starling House, Lucetta felt startled by how visibly the manor showed its age. Meredith’s parents had created a mirage of respectability by lime-washing the exterior, but cracks show plainly through the opaque coating. Gaps in the roofing from missing shingles showed the black of mildew, hinting at the likelihood of leaks within. Of the six chimneys she could see, only one produced smoke.
The small surrounding property also displayed signs of ongoing neglect. The trees badly needed pruning, and the gardens on either side of the manor had not yet been prepared for winter. Two urns of withered rose canes flanking the front entry to the manor added a distinct epitaphic air.
With the Starlings’ estate in such decline, Lucetta knew they had no money to tempt a suitor for Meredith.
A maid servant came to help them down from the carriage, and bobbed before she said, “Miss, I beg you come to the morning room at once. Milord is with milady there, and Mr. Percival and his mother have come.” Her voice fell to a hushed whisper. “They’re all ever so upset, Miss.”
“Thank you, Annie.” Meredith sighed before she said to Lucetta, “The whole family has assembled, but at least they have not sent for the militia.” She glanced at the manor before she added, “Mama will likely be very vexed with me. She becomes a bit loud in such circumstances.”
“You have been gone an entire day without her knowing what happened,” she reminded her as they went inside. “She is entitled to considerable vexation.”
Even forewarned, Lucetta felt startled by Lady Starling’s reaction to seeing her daughter enter the room.
“Meredith, you are alive.” The distraught woman uttered the words like a wail, and then fell back on her divan, gasping and fluttering her hands over her face and bosom. “I thought you dead or drowned or trampled by horses. Yesterday, when you did not return, I told your father you had come to harm. Last night I could not sleep and feared I should die of a broken heart.”
Abruptly Lady Starling fainted, and chaos ensued.
The maid servant ran for smelling salts. Lord Starling leaned over his wife, alternately trying to revive her and glaring at his daughter. Meredith hurried to kneel down beside the divan, only to be swatted away by her father. A tall man in military uniform, presumably Meredith’s cousin, came closer, peered, and then retreated. He put his arm around an elderly woman who kept calling Lady Starling “Sister” as she implored her not to die.
Meredith stepped back, her expression that of someone seeing a tiresome scene being repeated.
“I am sorry, Cousin.” She gave Lucetta an embarrassed look. “Mama hasn’t swooned since I became locked in the pantry for the night when I was twelve. Perhaps we should leave them to calm down.”
“Stay ther
e and permit me to manage this.” Lucetta cleared her throat so loudly everyone in the room stared at her, even Lady Starling. “My lord, my lady, as you see your daughter is quite alive. I am happy to report that, aside from a slight injury to her arm, she is also well. Perhaps you will allow me to explain what has happened to keep her from home.”
Meredith’s mother peered at her. “I know you. Only I cannot think now, so your name escapes me.” She dropped back against the divan. “Oh, Husband, I am so addled.”
“As you’ve every right to be, my dear,” Lord Starling told her in a soothing tone before scowling at Lucetta. “Who is this woman, Meredith?”
“Forgive me,” Meredith said, and made hasty introductions before she said to Percival, “Miss Branwen is the vicar’s sister, recently returned from London. The Branwens are also our cousins.”
“I did not realize you were family, ma’am.” Percival clicked his heels together, standing very straight before he bowed.
“We are but very distantly related, Lieutenant.” Lucetta eyed the glittering number of medals adorning the younger man's jacket, which indicated that he had distinguished himself often during his service. “You are on leave from your regiment?”
“No, ma’am. After my father died I resigned my commission to come home and look after my dear mother.” Percival smiled at the elderly woman. “We came as soon as we heard Cousin Meredith had gone missing. Mama and I count ourselves fortunate to live so close to Starling House, for it allows us to visit the family whenever they are willing to tolerate our company.”
“Oh, never say that, Percival,” Lady Starling, now evidently recovered, scolded him. “If not for you, Meredith would surely be dead and buried now.”
Lucetta heard Percival’s mother sniff rather loudly.
“You are too generous, as always, Aunt.” Percival beamed with delight. “So, how do you find it here, Miss Branwen? Do you mean to make our village your permanent home, or are you longing for the excitement of London again?”
“I have not yet decided.” Lucetta disliked the way the Starlings fawned over their nephew while showing no actual concern for their daughter. “Perhaps we may speak on the matter after I have related what occurred on the road to Renwick yesterday.”
Offering an abbreviated version of Meredith’s rig accident, and describing the storm’s violence, Lucetta assured the couple that there had been no choice for them but to impose on Alistair Thorne’s hospitality. At this point Lady Starling sat up, her expression newly aghast, while her husband muttered under his breath and Lavinia covered her mouth with trembling fingers. Only Percival seemed relieved to hear that Meredith had been provided with care and shelter by their new neighbor.
“Be assured, my lady, that Colonel Thorne acted the perfect gentleman while we stayed at the hall,” Lucetta said at last. “I also remained at Meredith’s side the entire time.”
“You spent the night in that wretched place,” Lavinia whispered, her tone strangled. “Surely the two of you have been cursed.”
Percival patted her shoulder. “Never fear, Mama. The colonel cannot marry them both. That would be against the law.”
Lucetta wondered if while shining his medals the lieutenant had inhaled too many vapors from the polish.
“I should never let my child near that wicked man,” his mother mumbled.
“Do you think to blame me for this, Sister?” Lady Starling demanded. “I have told my daughter time and again to stay away from that dreadful place. All the talk of it and that curse is most unseemly. Thorne is nothing to us.”
Meredith’s shoulders slumped. “Mama, the colonel was very kind to me. I would call him our friend.”
“Would you now?” Her mother’s contempt faded as she glanced at her husband, and something wordless passed between them. She then smiled at her daughter. “That is good of you, my dear. We must show the appropriate gratitude toward Thorne. Perhaps that will demonstrate to the village how to behave in a civilized manner.”
“I daresay it shall do much to dispel these ridiculous rumors,” Lord Starling said, nodding.
Lucetta felt confused by the abrupt approval. After the uproar she had felt certain the Starlings would not want Meredith to go near Dredthorne again. She had been trying to think of how to broach the subject to assure their consent to their scheme, or was she more concerned with escaping her own unhappy situation at the parsonage?
She thought of the signs of neglect she had seen outside the manor, and then realized what was happening. The Starlings knew Thorne had inherited a sizable fortune. They had a daughter they could not endower whom he had rescued. Advantageous marriages had been arranged on far less obligations. Doubtless they now saw him as an answer to their prayers.
In any case, it seemed the right moment for Lucetta to mention their plan, as long as she presented it in an acceptable manner.
“Since Meredith and I share a love of books, Lady Starling, I thought she might help me with cataloging one of Colonel Thorne’s libraries,” Lucetta said. “If you can spare her, may I call for her tomorrow morning? I will do all the driving.”
“Yes, of course. When you see him again, do give the colonel our deepest thanks for helping our girl in her distress.” Meredith’s mother made a weak gesture. “All of you, please go now. I must rest now that she is home.”
Percival and his mother walked out with Lucetta, and he handed her up into the carriage before sketching another elegant bow. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Branwen.”
“Good afternoon, Lieutenant. Mrs. Starling.” She watched him escort his mother to an older rig a short distance away. Their horse appeared to be more suited to plowing than driving, and started off at a crawling pace. It seemed none of the family had deep pockets.
Meredith told the driver to wait before she leaned in to say, “You saved me, Cousin.”
Lucetta could see the happiness gleaming in her eyes, and felt mollified to know she had been responsible. “Be ready to leave at eleven, my dear.”
Chapter 6
Within a week Meredith’s parents had mostly forgiven her for the rig accident that had stranded her at Dredthorne Hall, at least by their avoidance of the subject and her. Lord Starling said very little to her during the one meal they shared, and remained in his study with the door closed for the rest of the day. While at home Meredith made sure to stay out of her mother’s path, although Lady Starling made that easy by keeping to her bed chamber. Aware that their mistress’s distress made her sensitive to any noise, the servants tiptoed through their duties, sometimes casting resentful looks at Meredith.
What Meredith lived for were the happy hours she spent with Lucetta at Dredthorne Hall. From the first day Colonel Thorne had made them welcome and comfortable, setting up the large reception room at the back of the house. The wide oval room, with white walls now faded to a slightly yellowed cream color, had been sumptuously decorated with heavily gilded carvings and molding. Although tarnished and speckled by age, the prisms of the twin grand chandeliers still reflected sunlight in rainbow-banded patches all around them.
“It is like working inside a tiara,” Lucetta claimed when Meredith pointed out the charming effect. “But at least we will not be required to waltz. I am a dreadful dancer.”
Thorne provided them with desks, tables, chairs, ledgers and writing supplies for their use. Footmen brought carts loaded with books from the hidden library. Two fireplaces kept them warm, and the large windows provided excellent natural light. They had agreed to start with the printed books, which they would catalog while the colonel looked through the hand-written journals in private. Meredith understood he would first wish to read them himself, but hoped he would allow her and Lucetta to examine at least some of them. The old books she enjoyed, but the chance to read what Emerson Thorne had written would thrill her to no end.
Mr. Naveya kept them supplied with tea, cakes and sandwiches in the morning, and served luncheon in the dining room before they left for the day. At
times the colonel would leave his labors upstairs to join them for the meal, during which Meredith and Lucetta would report on their progress.
“Dividing the books by language first will help reunite missing volumes, Alistair,” Meredith told him after she described their organizational method. She still felt a little shy using his given name, but Thorne had insisted the three of them forsake formality while alone. “We found several of the French and German books were shelved in a confusing jumble.”
“One of the cases may have fallen over in the past, causing the displacement,” Lucetta put in. “Most of the books found out of order show slight damage to the covers and spines.” She nodded toward the Pandora panel. “I would like to have another look at the shelving now, and see the number of books yet to be removed. We may need more tables in our work room to compile the different collections.”
“Take Harshad with you,” Thorne said, his voice rasping slightly as he finished his tea. “I would not like to find you buried beneath another collapse, Lucetta.”
The older woman went into the library with the steward, leaving the two of them alone.
“Have you made much progress with the repairs to the upstairs flooring, sir?” Meredith asked as the footmen began to clear the table. “We have heard the sounds of the men you hired working.”
“At present they must clear out the rotted wood, which is more extensive than I reckoned. It will be some weeks before the replacement floors can be installed.” He rose to his feet, and then hesitated. “While your cousin is occupied, would you care to see one of the staircase towers? Lucetta mentioned your interest in them.”
She only just managed not to hop up and down with delight. “Yes, please.”
To access the tower Thorne had to lead her through the kitchen, where his cook and two other men were busy already preparing food for the evening meals. They did not stop working but simply nodded as Meredith and Thorne passed. She smiled at them as she breathed in the piquant scent of curry and spices.