The Visitor

by Lori Wick

  “Pathetic,” she teased her, eyes rolling.

  “Well, Mrs North did have a sale, so that makes it all right.”

  That this would be Cassandra’s logic only made Lizzy want to laugh again. She tucked into her teacup and worked to squelch the urge. She had thought they might browse all day but changed her mind. As soon as they finished, they headed for Newcomb Park.

  Newcomb Park

  “Edward!” Morland said with surprise before clasping his friend in a great hug. “When did you arrive?”

  “Just an hour ago.” Edward hugged Morland in return. “Only to learn that my family has fled the nest.”

  “Is no one home?”

  “No. And I desperately need someone to tell me why Henry would go to London.”

  “All right, but you’d better sit down. It’s rather complicated.”

  Morland explained the situation to Edward, whose heart was very affected for his younger sister. That Cassandra had finally found love was wonderful to him, but not like this.

  “I suspect that Lizzy got her out of the house for a diversion.”

  Edward nodded in agreement. “Jasper said they went to Collingbourne.”

  “But tell me, why are you home?”

  “You’d no more left Africa when I realized I missed the family. I was close on your heels, but I made several stops en route. So tell me, when do you and Lizzy wed?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t asked the lady yet.”

  Edward’s face was comical. “Don’t tell me she’s not interested!”

  “Oh, she’s interested, but we’re enjoying this time.”

  Edward grinned in his engaging way. “You’re one in a million, Morland. I hope Lizzy knows that.”

  “Well, you can tell her if you think she doubts.”

  A noise at the door brought both men to their feet.

  “Hide!” Morland commanded, even as Edward was taking flight, concealing himself behind a long drapery.

  “Hello, Morland,” Cassandra greeted just seconds later, still removing her silk bonnet. “Have you waited long?”

  “No. Where’s Lizzy?”

  “Just behind me.”

  “Did you shop?” Morland asked, hoping he didn’t sound as full of laughter as he felt.

  “A little. Lizzy,” Cassandra had called, turning to the door. “Morland is here.”

  “Oh, this is a nice surprise.”

  “I’m glad you think so, but I have another.”

  “This sounds interesting.”

  “Should I leave?” Cassandra asked.

  “Not at all. I think you’ll both enjoy it.”

  The women looked at each other. That Morland was enjoying himself was very evident.

  “Come right over here and sit down,” Morland directed. “That’s it. Good, good. Eyes closed.”

  “Morland, what in the world…”

  “Eyes closed, Lizzy. Very good. Okay,” he said, elongating the word, “you can open them.”

  A moment later Morland watched with pleasure as Edward reunited with his sisters. There was no halting the laughter that followed; Edward was always so fun. They hugged him, cried a little, and hugged him again.

  “How could we be in town when you arrived? How could we have missed your coach?”

  “I don’t know, but I was dreadfully put out. I pouted until Morland arrived. Good thing you’ve had sense enough to keep him around, Lizzy.”

  “You haven’t changed a bit,” she accused him. “Although you are tan. Was it dreadfully hot?”

  “Yes. I did so enjoy the coolness of England’s clime as we drew near.”

  “Henry’s away,” Cassandra informed him.

  “Morland explained.”

  Cassandra nodded, her smile becoming a bit more tentative.

  “So, what plans do we have for the evening?” Edward asked. “Do tell me that we’re going to have a leisurely meal and play cards in quiet repose—Cassandra the Great as my partner, hmm?”

  Both of his sisters laughed. He was always such a charming card. Lizzy was happy to tell him that they would do that very thing, and even happier to invite Morland to join them.

  “At the end of the day,” Cassandra said from the corner of Lizzy’s bed, “diversions or not, I still ache to see Alexander Tate.”

  “I’m sure you do.” Lizzy’s voice was filled with compassion. “It wasn’t my plan to distract you to forgetfulness, Cassie, but to make the day go by more swiftly.”

  “And I’m thankful for your efforts, Lizzy. I had a lovely time. Edward’s arrival was the icing on top.”

  Lizzy didn’t comment, even though she agreed. Her mind was still on Tate.

  “What is it that troubles you the most, Cassie? Are you angry with Tate?”

  “No, not at all. I’ve never seen Henry like he was. I almost pity Tate having to face him. He was fierce, Lizzy. But above all else, I don’t want Tate hurt again. He’s not been horseback riding or even ridden in a carriage much since the accident. I think how difficult it would be to lose his vision again after such a short time. I want him to be safe.”

  “And that’s why you’re not angry with him,” Lizzy concluded.

  “Yes. I will admit that I am hurt by the things he said, but even that is tempered by my compassion.”

  “And what of your own heart? Have you care for that?”

  Cassandra smiled a little and shook her head in wonder.

  “What a funny creature I am, Lizzy. First I run to Bath out of fear for my heart, and then I forgive a man when he’s offered no apology out of regard for his heart.”

  “What do you pray for him?” Lizzy wished to know.

  “I pray for the things Henry wrote in his letter—mostly that Tate would remember that God is still in control and he can trust Him.”

  “And for yourself?”

  “The very same prayer.”

  Cassandra leaned now and kissed Lizzy goodnight. She slipped out the door and to her own bedroom, ready for sleep.

  Pembroke

  “I was not aware that you were still in Collingbourne, Mrs Thorpe. Your note was a great surprise,” Cassandra told her after the older woman had given her a hug.

  “Did you think I’d gone to London?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tate was not at his best,” Harriet stated simply. “I felt it wise to let him go alone.”

  Cassandra nodded, realizing that this lady would have no idea how her last conversation with Tate had gone.

  “Shall we go to the veranda? It’s such a nice day out.”

  “That would be fine.”

  Cassandra felt herself relaxing. She had arrived at Pembroke, dread filling her, until she understood that Harriet Thorpe was only continuing the friendship they had begun. She didn’t even ask if Tate had stopped to see her. In turn, Cassandra did not mention it.

  “My brother Edward has arrived home.”

  “He was in Africa?”

  “Yes. It’s wonderful to see him.”

  “Has he told you all about it?”

  “Bits and pieces. He’s something of a character, so we have to do a little puzzling together. It sounds as though he had a marvelous time.”

  “Does Morland know he’s home?”

  “Yes. He was actually at the house ahead of Lizzy and me.”

  “And have Lizzy and Morland made any plans?”

  “No,” Cassandra told her, knowing she would be discreet.

  “I would ask the same question of you and Tate, but I think I’ll know that even before either of you tell me.”

  Cassandra only smiled and took a sip of water. That her heart felt like a strong hand was wrapped around it squeezing tightly did not show on her face. Cassandra was relieved to have Harriet change the subject.

  They visited for a time, and Cassandra even ended up staying for lunch. She was attentive to all of Harriet’s comments on Tate, and Harriet took her lack of words on the man as shyness. When she left, her heart breathed another sigh of
relief. She hadn’t broken down or been questioned by her hostess.

  Harriet saw her off, thinking that shy girls were her favorites. She didn’t even ask me about him, Harriet thought, truly impressed. Cassandra: a sweet wife who is at times a little shy. She is just what Tate needs.

  London

  Henry had not been to London in some time, but many of the sights and sounds were familiar. It was quite warm, and therefore not a popular time to be in the city, but the streets were still busy. Henry spent a good deal of time looking out the window at neighborhoods previously unknown to him. The instructions they had been given to Tate’s home, however, seemed to be leading them in the right direction.

  As he’d been asking himself for many miles, Henry wondered again if he’d been too harsh on the man. He had only heard Cassandra’s side of the story—not that he didn’t trust her—but not until after he’d sent the letter did he put himself in Tate’s shoes.

  It was Henry’s hope that he would never grow so agitated and overreact, but in truth the Steele family had never been dealt such a financial blow, and he could only surmise as to his response.

  The coach lurched and moved on its way. Henry felt as though he’d been traveling for weeks. But at least they’d made it to town. The wait to see how Tate was doing would soon be over.

  Preston Manor

  Tate laid his head back against his desk chair and prayed for wisdom. With every inquiry he learned of more deception in Pierrepont’s dealings. It was starting to look as though he been planning things for a long time. The business manager could not have known that his employer was going to experience a fall and be confined to the country, but he had certainly wasted no time taking advantage when it happened.

  And always in the back of his mind—no matter what he was facing at the moment—was Cassandra. Tate took a few minutes of luxury to fully think of her and pray for her, but Hastings interrupted him when he knocked softly on the door and entered. Tate sat up, his face showing the concern and fatigue that filled him.

  “What is it, Hastings?” Even his voice sounded tired.

  “Mr Steele is here, sir.”

  “Bring him right in. Thank you.”

  Tate was on his feet when Henry entered but had no energy to move around the desk. Henry, on the other hand, came right to him and shook his hand.

  “How are things, Tate?” the older of the two asked.

  “In my heart, things are all right—much better—but the situation is not good. Pierrepont has commandeered many of my holdings, selling them and secreting the money away. But I don’t wish to discuss that, Henry, until you read my letter.” Tate reached for an envelope that lay on his desk. “I was getting ready to send this to you when I received your missive.” This said, Tate handed him the letter. “Please read it now.”

  A fine leather chair sat opposite Tate’s desk. Henry made himself comfortable and began to read.

  My foolishness in leaving Collingbourne in such a state pains me deeply. Not for myself, but for Cassandra and my Aunt Harriet. I calmed down enough to realize what I’d done by the time I reached London, but you were so right; my actions have been reprehensible.

  Please do not cut me off from your family, and most especially Cassandra. Please give the enclosed letter to her. I would even prefer that you read it before doing so. I love your sister. I lost sight of that for a few hours, but it’s true. If you and Cassandra are willing to give me another chance, I will not disappoint you again. My financial losses are great, but what are they compared to the loss of your friendship and Cassandra’s love?

  I await your word on this matter. I await it prayerfully, in hope that you can forgive me.

  Most sincerely,

  A. Tate

  The moment Henry finished his letter, he opened his sister’s. He started to read, but stopped and folded it again.

  “Thank you for your letter, Tate. I am very willing to continue our friendship, but I feel that your words to Cassie are private. Why don’t you give me the gist of the letter rather than my reading it.”

  “Thank you,” Tate said, actually feeling emotionally spent. “I say some of the very things I speak of in your letter, and then I tell her I love her and ask her if she can forgive me. If she can, I ask that we continue our time of courtship and make plans for the future.

  “Just so you know,” Tate went on in case Henry was tempted to speak, “my income has been affected by all of this, but I can still support your sister and see to her every need.”

  “I didn’t doubt that, Tate, but you must know by now that Cassie doesn’t yearn for jewels and a life of luxury. If she’s surrounded by believing family members who love her, she is most content.”

  Tate nodded, more tired than he’d ever been in his life but also experiencing great relief.

  “She is a treasure, Henry. I have known that for some time.”

  “That she is. So!” All at once, Henry got down to business. “I probably don’t have as many connections in London as you do, but is there anything I can do to help?”

  Tate took the next hour to outline some of what had gone on. He’d been blinded the previous November but had not moved to Collingbourne until January. In the months he was there convalescing, property had been sold, and the money was unaccounted for. Capital stock in several companies had also been sold. Pierrepont had tampered with account books and business ledgers.

  It wasn’t hopeless. Tate still had income. But the shock of it all still had Tate reeling a bit. Henry heard him out and then introduced his plan.

  “I need to send word to Newcomb Park that I have arrived in London and will be here for a time. I have an old friend whom I haven’t seen in years. I think he might be able to help.”

  “Thank you, Henry. I hope you will stay here. I have plenty of room, and I think we can make you very comfortable.”

  “I accept. I’ll write that letter and then pay a visit to Edmond Ellenborough.”

  “You know Ellenborough?” Tate referred to a detective in London, one whose reputation for finding people was well known.

  “Yes,” Henry smiled. “If he can’t track down Pierrepont, I don’t know who can.”

  Some of Tate’s fatigue drained away. A plan of any kind was a step in the right direction. It might turn out that Ellenborough would not be able to help him at all, but at least he could say they had tried.

  Tate supplied stationery, a pen, and ink. The moment Henry finished his letter for home, the men were on their way.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Newcomb Park

  Both Steele sisters were on hand when Henry’s letter arrived. As they stood in the foyer reading it, Edward joined them.

  “From Henry?” he guessed.

  Lizzy passed it to him, and both women watched as he read.

  Dear Lizzy and Cassie,

  I will be in London for a time. I am staying at Preston Manor with Tate. His findings were grim, but we are attempting to locate his business manager and put a halt to his deceptions. If you find you have need of me, contact me here.

  Cassie, enclosed is a letter for you from Tate. He has my permission to contact you. I shall see you all soon.

  With warmest regards,

  Henry

  “Did you read the letter, Cassie?” Edward asked.

  “It wasn’t in the envelope. I don’t know what happened to it.”

  “Let me see it.”

  Hoping his sisters had missed something, Edward looked but found nothing. He looked into Cassandra’s eyes, wishing with all his heart that he could somehow cause this letter to materialize.

  “It does say Tate has permission to contact you,” Lizzy pointed out. “Is that not a good sign, Cassie?”

  “I think it might be.”

  “But you’re not sure?”

  “Well, it’s a bit complicated. I was just asking myself what I should do if a letter arrived from Tate before I knew if Henry had spoken to him, because he’d told Tate not to contact me without permi
ssion. I want to hear from him, of course, but not against Henry’s wishes.

  “We know that Henry has spoken with him, but maybe Tate only gained permission to write and tell me he won’t be back.”

  “If he felt that way, why would Henry stay and help him?”

  Cassandra’s face was thoughtful.

  “That’s a good question. It would seem that Henry’s staying to help him is a good sign.”

  “We will just assume that it is, Cassie,” Edward declared. “In the meantime, write Henry at Tate’s address and tell him there was no letter.”

  Cassandra looked uncertain about this, and Edward made it an order.

  “Do it now.”

  “Why?” she argued with him.

  “Because it will give you something to do besides wonder and speculate.”

  Cassandra nodded slowly, thinking it couldn’t hurt—or could it?

  “Does that make me seem a bit anxious?”

  “Cassie, you are anxious,” Edward pointed out.

  “But I shouldn’t be.”

  This stopped her older brother in his tracks. That Henry was not the only one to change in his absence was swiftly coming to light for him. He had never been in the habit of babying Cassandra the way Charlotte and Lizzy had, but he had coddled her nonetheless.

  “I’m sorry, Edward.” Cassandra was contrite. “You’re trying to help, and I’m making it tough on you.”

  “No need to apologize, Cassie. You’re certainly correct about not being anxious, but I don’t think it’s wrong to distract yourself either.”

  Cassandra suddenly saw the point he’d been attempting to make and excused herself. Both Lizzy and Edward watched her head to the stairway.

  “Do you truly think it’s a good sign, Edward?” his older sister asked.

  “I haven’t seen Henry in many months, and yet I know my brother. He traveled, something he is not fond of, all the way to London to confront a man on Cassie’s behalf, and now he’s staying to help him out. I may not know this Henry very well, but I’m still taking all of that as not just a good sign but as a miracle.”