I also find it a little bit amazing that we've managed to develop a friendship of sorts through our letters. Who would have thought three years ago it could be so? Obviously, in our case distance has made the heart grow fonder.
Now, on to "old quilt" business. I am pleased to announce a change of address. I have recently formed a partnership with two fine ladies of excellent reputation and talent and have returned to Fort Worth. Do you remember Trace McBride and his three mischievous girls? Trace's brother Tye moved to town and both men have married. Trace's wife, Jenny, has made quite a name for herself designing wedding gowns. Tye's wife Claire is a baker of extraordinary talent whose wedding cakes are in great demand by brides in Texas. The three of us compliment one another's specialties quite nicely.
I am excited about this venture, which we are calling Lucky in Love Weddings. Coming home to Fort Worth proved to be a pleasure, and I do so adore the McBride family. Someday I'll tell you the stories surrounding the romance between Trace and Jenny and Tye and Claire. They're quite humorous tales involving a Bad Luck Wedding Dress and a Bad Luck Wedding Cake. I find it somewhat ironic that despite the success of our ceremony and the "bad luck" label their weddings endured, their marriages have turned out exceptionally happy while ours... well... enough said.
I must draw this letter to a close as I have an appointment pending. I promise to write again within the week and tell you what Wilhemina Peters has been saying in her "Talk About Town" column for the Daily Democrat. As a fellow newspaperman, you no doubt share a professional interest. That will give you enough "old quilt" news to keep you warm for a month!
Before I close, I'd like to ask a question. In one of your articles in the Herald last summer you mentioned the beautiful silks available for sale in a remote Asian bazaar. Since my friend Jenny (the dressmaker) is forever on the lookout for quality silks, we wondered if fabric similar to what you described is available in any markets accessible to foreign trade. Do you have any information about this?
Take care, Nick. You remain, as always, in my prayers.
Sarah
Winter 1882
Tashilhunpo, Tibet
Dear Madam Sarah,
Within the trunk that accompanies this letter you will find bolts of silk, China satin, a collection of precious curiosities, and three Tartar carpets. Please accept them as tokens of my esteem for the Babu Nicholas Ross, whose timely supply of smallpox vaccine saved many lives among my people.
Losan Palden, Senchen Lama
Chief Minister to Panchen Lama
Spring 1883
Hunterbourne Manor
Dear Sarah,
It is with no great regret that I write to inform you of the death of my father, the Third Marquess of Weston. I have returned to England and presently reside at Hunterbourne, where I have assumed responsibility for my three sisters. Any correspondence that requires my signature may safely be dispatched at this time.
Weston
Spring 1883
Fort Worth, Texas
Dear Nick,
I would offer my condolences, but I believe I know you well enough to predict you do not want them.
So, you are Weston now and no longer Innsbruck? I swear I do not understand this entire title protocol. All I know is that you have changed names more often than any other man of my acquaintance. I, however, have no wish at this time to change mine.
Sarah
Summer 1884
London
Dear Sarah,
I write to you adrift from the treacherous waters of the ton. Please accept my apology if my latest letter offended. However, I fear this one may be no better. During the year since my return to England, my acclimation to what is referred to as "Polite Society" has been less than polite, and, I fear, reflected in my correspondence.
I am in the process of seeing my oldest sister, Charlotte, launched into Society. The marriage mart is an ugly business and somewhat reminiscent of the slave markets of Calcutta I see no end to it in sight, either, because waiting in the wings for their turn at a Season are my sisters Melanie and Aurora.
Please continue to pray for me, Sarah. I do believe I'd prefer a nice, violent Afghan war to this ordeal.
Weston
Summer 1885
Fort Worth, Texas
Dear Mother,
That man is up to his tricks again. I pity his sisters. I've lost track of the number of offers he's refused for his sister Charlotte's hand. How could the same man who scaled the Himalayas fail so miserably at brokering a marriage for his sibling?
In his latest letter, he asks for my advice. I intend to give it. I suspect he won't like what I have to say.
Your loving daughter, Sarah
Fall 1885
Hunterbourne Manor
Dear Sarah,
I have given your letters of the past few months a substantial amount of thought, and I have decided to relax some—not all—of my standards concerning the men who court my sisters. I am persuaded not only by your arguments, but also because Charlotte is threatening fratricide should I scare off another beau, and Melanie tells me that if I ruin her debut the way I spoiled Charlotte's she'll find a way to make my time in the Khan's rat pit resemble a holiday.
Weston
January 1886
Hunterbourne Manor
Dear Sarah,
I trust this finds you well and that the McBride Monsters have not caused an inordinate amount of havoc in the city since your last letter.
The wedding gown arrived safely. Charlotte declared the McBride design far superior to a Worth gown. She looks like a princess wearing it. My compliments and sincere gratitude to your partner.
Weston
Spring 1886
Fort Worth, Texas
Dear Nick,
Regarding your letter of March 11th Have you completely lost your mind?
I can only imagine Charlotte's humiliation. She has my most heartfelt sympathies for various reasons. Having you for a brother numbers first among them.
Nick, I understand why you had her fiancé investigated. Obviously it needed to be done. However, I cannot fathom how a man of your experience managed to hire such an incompetent detective. Any man worth his salt would have discovered something as significant as the groom's predilection for dressing in women's clothing long before the wedding day itself. Then, for you to stand up at the church and publicly withdraw your consent for the marriage in front of half of London. Poor Charlotte. I wouldn't speak to you either.
Really, Nick. Couldn't you have found a more subtle way to accomplish your goal? Hasn't subtlety been your stock in trade for years now? What were you thinking?
Sarah
Spring 1886
Rowanclere Castle, Scotland
Dear Sarah,
What was I thinking, you ask? At the time, I was still reeling from a startling piece of news. Shortly before the investigator arrived with his report on the morning of Charlotte's aborted wedding, I received word that Flora and Gillian Ross—the sisters of my heart if not my blood—are alive. They were not with their parents at the time of the carriage accident. They, along with another younger sister of whose birth I was unaware, are living a day's journey from the Highland village where we grew up.
My father, the villain, either knowingly lied or simply didn't care that my foster sisters were left mostly to fend for themselves.
My mind was still reeling with this news when I learned that Charlotte's groom liked wearing garters. I traveled immediately to Scotland, where I am enjoying a joyous visit with Gillian, Flora, and young Robyn. One good thing, both Gillian and Flora are already married, so I'm only responsible for marrying off four sisters.
Four sisters. Four fiancés. Lord, help me.
Yes, I handled the situation with Charlotte poorly. I hired an inept detective, which resulted in my breaking the cardinal rule of Society: Thou shalt not make a scandal.
A thought occurs to me, Sarah. A quality wedding consultant would have stepped in a
nd diffused the situation. It seems like I hired badly all the way around.
Next time I must do better.
Weston
Summer 1886
Glencoltran Castle, Scotland
Dear Lord Pratt,
I was glad to learn you enjoyed a safe return to London from your holiday in the Scottish Highlands. In answer to the questions you posed in your letter, I, too, was pleased to make your acquaintance during your visit, and you are certainly welcome to call at Weston House upon our return to London from our stay here at my brother's Highland retreat. In fact, my brother tells me he intends to respond affirmatively to your request to pay me suit. You should know I am quite pleased with his decision.
Alas, I cannot tell you when to expect us. Not only is my brother renewing his relationship with my new sisters, Flora, Gillian, and Robyn, but he appears to have formed an attachment with another visitor from England, Lady Steele.
My lord, I have a great favor to ask of you. Under ordinary circumstances, I would never think to make such an indiscreet request, but I am so very worried, and I've no one else to ask. Besides, as you mentioned in your letter, I also feel as if you and I have known each other forever.
The boon I seek from you is whatever information you are able to provide about Lady Steele. She seems to have quite an interest in my brother; but my sisters and I are less than enthusiastic about their relationship.
Your friend, Lady Charlotte Ross
Summer 1886
Condon
Dear Lady Charlotte,
I was thrilled to receive your most recent letters. I count the days until your return.
In regard to your inquiry concerning Lady S, I will be happy to offer the information I have been able to gather at my club during the past week.
Lady S. is the widow of the seventh Viscount S. She has three children, all boys now away at school, the oldest of whom was eight years of age when he inherited the title upon his father's death. The lady's name is without scandal, although she is said to be actively husband-hunting.
The state of her finances is not widely known. Acquaintances say she gets along better with men than with women, and she is admired for her beauty and wit. However, I suspect you and your sisters' reaction to Lady S. is on the mark since I also learned that upon occasion she has been referred to as the Ice Queen. One gentleman told me she can freeze a person with only a look.
That is a summary of the information I have uncovered to this point in my investigation. I admit to having enjoyed the effort thus far.
Please convey my greetings to your sisters I remain your servant.
Pratt
Summer 1886
Glencoltran Castle, Scotland
Dear Mr. Franklin,
I will be returning to London within the week, and I require your legal advice. I would be pleased if you would call upon me at Weston House to discuss a most delicate matter. In preparation, you might research the legal particulars surrounding marriages made abroad.
Weston
Summer 1886
Hunterbourne Manor
Dear Sarah,
I take up my pen to formally request you visit England at your earliest convenience. Charlotte has formed yet another attachment, and the subject of a wedding is being bandied about. I require your professional help.
Enclosed please find information involving travel options and accommodations. Arrangements will, of course, be at my expense.
You will like England in summertime, Sarah. I recall what Texas is like in August.
Weston
Summer 1886
Fort Worth, Texas
Dear Nick,
While I appreciate the superior accommodations you arranged, I must respectfully decline your invitation to visit. I have weddings booked throughout the summer and into the fall I cannot possibly get away.
I am enclosing a list of questions you should ask the wedding designers you interview on Charlotte's behalf. They should help you make your hiring decision.
I hope this will not interfere with our exchanges of letters. I value the friendship we have developed over the years.
Sarah
Summer 1886
Hunterbourne Manor
Dear Sarah,
You'll be pleased to learn that the questions you sent proved useful during my interviews of prospective wedding planners. I have hired a talented consultant, and she should be arriving in Fort Worth shortly to fill in for you while you are away.
Also, Mrs. Rollingsworth will arrive with a special bolt of fabric, a gift for the McBride ladies as a token of my thanks for allowing you this leave of absence from your business. Lest you find yourself envious, you should know I have stored over a dozen bolts of similarly fine fabrics from the Orient. You may have your pick of them when you visit
I look forward to seeing you again.
Weston
Summer 1886
Fort Worth
Dear Nick,
Mrs. Rollingsworth arrived in Fort Worth safely. However, her services are not required. I told you I must refuse your invitation to visit.
Under the circumstances, Jenny and Claire McBride must regretfully refuse your most lovely gift. Their personal notes accompany this letter.
However, we are interested in purchasing this bolt of fabric and any others you would be willing to furnish. The cloth is quite fine, Nick. We are willing to pay a fair price.
Sarah
Summer 1886
Hunterbourne Manor
Dear Sarah,
You misunderstood. That was not an invitation, rather a directive. I am your husband and I require your presence. Wedding plans continue here, plus we have other matters to discuss. You will come to England. Consider the fabric part of your professional fee.
Weston
Fall 1886
Fort Worth, Texas
No.
Sarah
Fall 1886
Hunterbourne Manor
Sarah,
This letter is to introduce you to Mr. Rand Jenkins. He will escort you to Scotland, where we will meet at Rowanclere Castle the second week of December. Failure to accompany him will have dire consequences for you and your precious business.
I am quite serious, Sarah. It is in your best interests to cooperate.
Nick
It's bad luck to have an odd number of wedding guests.
Chapter 5
January 1888
Glencoltran Castle
Scottish Highlands
Nicholas, Lord Weston, eyed the drawing room door and grimaced. He'd rather walk the Khyber Pass barefoot in January than join in the evening's coming festivities. His sister Charlotte's prospective mother-in-law was slated to sing. His sister Charlotte's prospective mother-in-law sounded like a yak in season when she attempted an aria.
Nick thought longingly of the privacy of his study and began to turn away.
"Gweeshtens," came his Scots sister Gillian's amused voice. "Is that the stench of retreat I'm smelling, Nicholas?"
Nick folded his arms and glowered. "Oh hush. What is it about the females in my family anyway? Always sneaking about. You and Aurora are particularly talented."
"Dinna worry." Gillian patted his arm. "She'll not be sneaking out of Glencoltran without your ken."
"Only because we have four feet of new snow on the ground. Aurora is a determined girl. Fancies herself in love and she's little more than a child." Then, as rarely occurred any longer, the Scots of his youth rolled off his tongue. "He's nothing but a back-jaw, ill-deedit limmer out to ruin her, Gilly. I'll not have it. I'll keep her here in the Highlands till she's auld and gray afore I'll stand for her sneaking out to run off with the likes of Willie Hart."
Gillian shook her head and clucked her tongue. "I missed ye sorely, Nicholas, but I do believe some parts of my life were easier without my overprotective older brother around."
As his scowl deepened, she laughed and hooked her arm through his. "Enough worry over Aurora tonight. S
he'll nae be going anywhere anytime soon. Tonight your presence is required in the drawing room, where you need to be charming to Charlotte's future guid-mither."
"I know," Nick replied, feeling as well as sounding like a petulant young boy. "But I warn you, Gillian. That woman cannot sing. It's torture to put ourselves through this. I would do everyone a favor if I rushed into that room and yelled 'fire.' "
His Scots sister put her hands on her hips, leaned forward, and studied him keenly. "You heard the rude comments Lady Pratt made about Charlotte."
He nodded. "I don't like them. I believe Charlotte is destined for unhappiness if she marries into that family."
"She loves him."
"She's eighteen. She's too young to know what love is. Believe me, I know about that."
Gillian rapped his shin with her shoe. "You said you liked him, Nicholas. You gave them your blessing."
"That was before I met his mother. She is a dragon in disguise. Charlotte's not strong enough to withstand her."
"I hope you're wrong, but Charlotte is a sweet, gentle girl. Melanie and Aurora say she is much like your mother."
The Bad Luck Wedding Night, Bad Luck Wedding series #5 (Bad Luck Abroad trilogy) Page 5