“Oh my,” she murmured.
“Oh my indeed,” said Lord Glencairn in a low voice. “Our wishes may very soon come true, Miss Walcott. But we must not let them know that we see them.”
“Indeed not. We must look ahead, and pretend that we do not know they are there.” She averted her gaze, and then raised her voice. “And then my cousin, Selina Badgely, told me that under no circumstances would she ever marry, as she meant to be a support to her mother in her old age. Which I told her was a foolish choice, for she could always aid my aunt while still having a husband and a home, but then, she was always headstrong, was dear Selina.”
“How fascinating, Miss Walcott,” replied Lord Glencairn.
They moved along as quickly as they dared, and when they passed a bend in the road that shielded the dell from their view, Harriet broke into a gurgle of laughter.
“Do you think they knew we were there? They seemed much occupied with each other.”
Lord Glencairn watched her amusement with pleasure. “I have no idea if we disturbed their communion,” he answered. “But I do think that, if we did, they believe we did not see them. I have high hopes for an interesting announcement tomorrow!”
“A wedding would be so lovely,” said Harriet. “Only fancy, perhaps they will have it here in Scotland, where they have fallen in love.”
“Glencairn Castle has not hosted a wedding in many years. I would be more than happy to offer it to Lord Francis and Miss Paley.”
“Oh, that would be delightful. The gardens are so beautiful just now, and I could think of no more beautiful and serene a place to honeymoon,” enthused Harriet.
Their steps had led them to the door of Dargenwater Cottage, and Harriet reluctantly removed her hand from Lord Glencairn’s arm.
“Thank you for escorting me home,” she said. “It made a lovely stroll even more pleasurable.”
“On the contrary, Miss Walcott, the pleasure was mine,” said the earl. “My conversations with you invariably brighten my day.”
Harriet flushed slightly. “What a pretty compliment, my lord.”
“You deserve many more of them, Miss Walcott.” Glencairn hesitated. “Indeed, I may be able to offer you a few more if you would take a turn in the garden with me.”
“That would be delightful, though you must be aware that the gardens of Dargenwater Cottage pale in comparison to the wonders of those at Glencairn,” she said.
“Any garden at all would be enjoyable in your presence, Miss Walcott,” said his lordship gallantly.
“What a pretty sentiment,” smiled Harriet. “I would be pleased to share them with you. And perhaps you could give me some advice on our roses! They do not flourish as yours do.”
“I will do my best,” said the earl.
The pair turned their steps toward the tiny garden behind the cottage, and conversation flowed easily between them for some minutes as they discussed the relative merits of different types of roses. But after some time they were interrupted by the approach of a manservant, a concerned look on his face.
“Miss Walcott, please come at once,” he said. “Miss Paley is injured.”
Harriet turned to him, alarmed. “Injured? In what way?” she demanded.
“Lord Francis said it was her ankle,” said the servant. “Perhaps it is sprained—I could not tell.”
“Oh, gracious. And Lord Francis is here as well,” she said.
“He carried her through the door in his arms,” offered the servant.
“My goodness,” said Harriet, hoping, despite her alarm, that the couple would yet have good news for her. If Lord Francis was carrying Isobel, it must mean that she had no objection to being close to him. Indeed, Harriet had witnessed her lack of objection to Lord Francis only a short time before. “I will come right away. Bring cold water and bandages to the sitting room.”
With that she hurried away, Lord Glencairn following in her wake, and moments later bustled into sitting room, to find Isobel resting on the settee, her cheeks flushed, while Lord Francis stood by the fireplace, a cool expression on his face. Harriet glanced from one to the other and did not like what she saw. They did not appear to be a couple on the verge of announcing their nuptials.
“Oh my dear, how shocking that you should have sprained your ankle,” she said, wringing her hands. “Is it very painful? I recall that when my brother Alexander was only seven he twisted his ankle very badly, and my father would have it that he exaggerated the pain, and then only fancy, we found out that it was broken. Poor little fellow, how he did shriek to be sure when they set it.”
“He certainly has all my sympathy,” Lord Francis attempted to interject with a smile.
Harriet gave Isobel a sharp glance, and noted the hint of annoyance in her eyes. Something had transpired since that embrace in the woods, and while Harriet was sure she would never be told what it was, she likewise felt sure that a letter Isobel had recently received from Lady Morgan was somehow involved.
“I knew that it would be thus when you left,” she scolded. “After I saw what a taking that letter from dear Letitia had you in, I said to myself that no good would come of it when the servants informed me that you had gone off on your own. You are too impetuous by half, Isobel. I have no doubt that you were reading her letter and brooding over Alfred's vices as you walked, and that is why you tripped and injured the ankle.”
Harriet drew breath and looked about her, but for once, neither Isobel nor Francis leaped into the conversational breach to stem the tide of her words. She steeled herself and continued.
“Had you only more wit than hair, Isobel, you would do as I and confine your exercise to healthful turns in the gardens with the arm of a gallant gentleman such as Lord Glencairn to ensure that you do not trip over a stone,” Harriet continued, waving at the earl, who had entered the room with her.
At the mention of Letitia's name, and the comments with which Harriet followed it, Lord Francis had stiffened, and though he now lounged seemingly casually near the mantel, he directed a hard stare at Isobel. She blushed under his scrutiny and turned away. Harriet observed all this, and directed a glance of anguish at Lord Glencairn.
“Have you and Lord Glencairn been walking in the gardens of Dargenwater Cottage then?” Isobel asked in an attempt to cover her confusion. “I wonder that either of you can support their dullness after the charms of Glencairn's grounds.”
In the sea of words with which Harriet assured her of the pleasantness with which she and his lordship had whiled away their time, Isobel was able to regain her composure, and it was with tolerable ease that she bid farewell to Lord Francis and the Earl when they took their leave a few moments later. Harriet accompanied them into the hall.
“I must thank you, Lord Francis, for tending to Miss Paley,” she said. “She was very fortunate that you were there to assist her.”
“It will always be my pleasure to assist Miss Paley,” said Lord Francis, though his voice was a bit distant.
Harriet gave him a sympathetic look. “You have been more than kind to her, Lord Francis, and need have no doubts as to your behavior,” she said. Lord Francis gave her a weary smile.
Lord Glencairn took her hand and bowed over it politely. “Will I see you tomorrow?” he asked. “Or will you be tending to Miss Paley?”
“I promised Sophy I would be there in the late morning, and I see no reason my plans should change” said Harriet. “We have our watercolors to finish, and if Isobel cannot visit her excavations, she will doubtless be content with reading a book on Roman antiquities.”
“Then I will look forward to seeing you.” Lord Glencairn patted her hand gently, and he and Lord Francis departed, setting out along the path to Glencairn Castle.
Harriet wished for a moment that she might know what they were discussing, then returned to the sitting room, to find Isobel on the settee, her face a picture of misery. Water and bandages had been brought, and Harriet carefully removed Isobel’s half boot and washed and began to banda
ge her ankle.
“I don’t believe it to be anything more serious than a sprain, my dear, though we should of course send for Dr. McIntyre. In no time at all you will be up and about, and able to take care of your excavations and the folly again,” she said soothingly.
Isobel looked away. “I think that my involvement with the folly is at an end,” she said softly.
“How so?” asked Harriet. “It would not do to abandon Lord Glencairn now, while he has need of you.”
“Lord Francis—Lord Francis and I—well, it will not do,” said Isobel.
Harriet sat back and gave her a stern look. “I have done my best not to become involved in your affairs, Isobel dear. But whatever has passed between you and Lord Francis, I cannot believe that either of you has done something so reprehensible that you cannot be civil to one another. It is the hallmark of good breeding, to be respectful to others even if you disagree with them, and I expect nothing less of you.”
Isobel looked faintly annoyed, and then reached out and gave Harriet a hug. “You are right, Cousin. I am perhaps not happy with Lord Francis, but he has done nothing to make me think he is not a gentleman. Indeed, he was helpful to me this afternoon when he did not need to be, and I should not forget that.”
Harriet nodded briskly. “I only hope you have not made a very great mistake, child.”
Isobel gazed off into the distance. “I hope so too, Harriet,” she said.
Harriet had to be content with that utterance, for Isobel said no more of her feelings about Lord Francis. Within a few hours Isobel was hobbling about the cottage, and Dr. McIntyre visited, declaring that, while her ankle was likely to bother her for some days, it would heal well and swiftly. The evening was spent companionably, but little conversation was exchanged, as Isobel seemed to be wrapped in her own thoughts. Eventually Harriet retired to her room, sorely disappointed.
Chapter 13
The following morning Harriet came downstairs to find Isobel in the dining room, having breakfast. She seated herself and at looked Isobel, whose eyes looks suspiciously red and heavy.
“How are you this morning, my dear?” she asked. “Does your ankle feel any better?”
“It is sore, of course,” said Isobel. “But I think I should be able to go to my excavations. If you do not mind walking to Glencairn Castle, I will take the carriage.”
“Not at all, dear,” said Harriet. “It is such a lovely walk that I will quite enjoy it.”
Isobel hesitated. “If you should encounter Lord Francis—”
“Yes, dear, what would you have me say to him?”
Isobel shook her head. “Never mind. I have nothing to say to Lord Francis.”
Harriet looked disappointed, but refrained from pressing the point. They ate in silence for some moments, and then the noise of an arrival was heard in the hallway. Isobel glanced up, a look that might be hope on her face.
The manservant came in and looked at them apologetically. “It is Lord Glencairn, come to pay his respects,” he said.
“Oh!” exclaimed Harriet. “How surprising! Do show him into the drawing room, and we will be along shortly.”
She took a last sip of her tea and stood, smoothing the delicate muslin of her skirt. Isobel likewise rose, and Harriet gave her a reproving look.
“You’ve scarcely touched your breakfast, Isobel,” she said.
“I—I am not hungry this morning,” said Isobel. “I wonder why it is that Lord Glencairn has come to visit.”
“I suppose we shall soon find out,” said Harriet cheerfully. “I cannot be disappointed that we have such a gentlemanly caller, however. Will you come, or do you choose to stay here?”
“I will come with you,” said Isobel. “Perhaps he brings news of L—of the folly.”
“Very likely,” said Harriet.
The two women repaired to the drawing room, where they found Lord Glencairn awaiting them. Harriet bustled over to him, and he took her hand in his gentle grip.
“How kind of you to call on us,” she said. “I meant to be at Glencairn in a very short time, so I must presume this visit is of some importance. I hope Sophy is not unwell.”
“Not at all, Miss Walcott. She is in the pink of health, and very much looks forward to her painting lesson this afternoon. No, I come to bring the two of you news of Lord Francis.”
“Lord Francis?” echoed Harriet.
“Indeed,” said his lordship. “It seems that Lord Francis’ mother desires that he spend some time at Strancaster before the fall, and so he will leave Scotland tomorrow. He wished me to inform you, Miss Paley, that he will make sure that all is arranged for the completion of the folly and that you need have no concerns for it. He asked me to give you both his very good wishes and his thanks.”
“Oh, what a pity!” exclaimed Harriet, clasping her hands together. “I have so enjoyed his presence here this summer. It has been most enlivening. Shall you not miss him as well, Isobel?”
“What?” exclaimed Isobel, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. “Oh yes, indeed I will miss Lord Francis. His conversation is always excellent.”
“Fie, Isobel, he is the handsomest man for many miles around, and you only speak of his conversation,” teased Harriet. “I know I will very much regret his absence.” She glanced at Isobel, who was silent.
“Miss Walcott, if you mean to leave for Glencairn Castle soon, I would be glad to escort you,” said his lordship, when it seemed that Isobel had nothing more to say.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said. “Only let me fetch my bonnet and pelisse. It appears to be quite brisk out today.”
“It is indeed,” said the earl. “All the more reason that a walk will be good for us; it will keep us warm.”
“How very true,” said Harriet. “Isobel dear, are you sure you have no need of me?”
“Of course not,” said Isobel, coming out of her trance and giving her cousin a kiss on the cheek. “Do have a lovely day.”
“And you too, my dear. I hope you find many Roman coins!”
With that, Harriet exited with Lord Glencairn and, after spending some moments arranging her bonnet, the two left Dargenwater Cottage in perfect amity. They strolled down the gravel drive, and Harriet glanced back at the cottage, to see Isobel watching from the sitting room window.
“Do you have any notion of what has transpired between Lord Francis and Miss Paley?” she asked.
Lord Glencairn shook his head. “I hoped you would have word for me. I dallied as long as I could, but I fear I came here a bit early, thinking you might have some news.”
“Lord Francis, no doubt, is too much a gentleman to speak of a lady with another, no matter how honorable he is,” said Harriet. “Which is all very well, but I do wish he had confided in you! I am terribly vexed!”
Lord Glencairn laughed. “As am I, Miss Walcott. But he is the soul of discretion. He talked of mere commonplaces on our walk to the castle, and over dinner mentioned that his mother wished to see him at Strancaster. He is clearly anxious to be gone, and only lingers today to insure that the folly will be completed. Did Miss Paley say nothing to you?”
“No, she did not, though I did my best to draw her out. I have no doubt of the strength of Isobel’s emotions where Lord Francis is concerned, but I also have no doubt of her firm desire to never marry. She is quite torn, but considering her heavy eyes and somewhat listless attitude this morning, I do think she may regret whatever transpired between Lord Francis and her yesterday.”
“I would imagine he made her an offer and was rejected,” ventured Lord Glencairn.
“As would I. She had been so relaxed and happy in his company lately, that I had quite thought she must accept him this time,” said Harriet. “But she received a letter yesterday from a dear friend who has been treated very poorly by her husband, and it no doubt made her think again of the iniquities of marriage. The arrival of that letter could not have been more unfortunate, though Lady Morgan would hardly have meant to cause such a calamity. Indeed,
I think she wishes Isobel to marry Lord Francis quite as much as I do.”
“A pity, indeed.” Lord Glencairn shook his head. “It appears our conspiracy has come to naught, Miss Walcott.”
“We have tried our best, and if the two of them are such idiots as to not know their own hearts, I suppose we must allow we have been defeated. Even so persistent a gentleman as Lord Francis cannot be expected to continue his pursuit in the face of such firm resistance,” Harriet sighed. “I hope you will still allow me to visit Glencairn Castle after he leaves. I do enjoy my time with Sophy and Douglas.”
“Miss Walcott, you will always be welcome at Glencairn,” said the earl. “You must never doubt that.”
Harriet glanced up at him and smiled. “I thank you, my lord. That is very kind of you.”
“It is not mere kindness, Miss Walcott. Your presence enlivens not only the days of my children, but mine as well.”
Harriet looked away, touched by his words. They had reached the grounds of Glencairn Castle, and they walked up the steps to the castle together. As they entered the hallway, Sophy came running up, and embraced Harriet.
“How glad I am to see you, Miss Walcott!” she exclaimed. “Our painting days are my favorites.”
“I enjoy them very much as well, my dear,” Harriet responded. “The breeze will be a challenge today, but I think we shall still be able to finish your painting. Be sure to wear a pelisse or a spencer against the chill.”
With one last smile Lord Glencairn excused himself, and Sophia led Harriet into the breakfast room and supplied her with a cup of tea.
Harriet enjoyed a leisurely cup of tea, as Sophia and Douglas disappeared to prepare to go outdoors. When the entire group had gathered, Harriet directed a footman to set up the easels on the lawn behind the castle. As the children followed the servant out the door, chattering away, Harriet heard a footstep behind her and turned to see Lord Francis enter the hall.
They both halted for a moment, startled, and then Harriet smiled warmly. “Do go along, children, and see that that the easels are set up properly. I will join you in a moment,” she said to Douglas and Sophy, who were waiting for her impatiently.
The Yuletide Countess: Harriet's Traditional Regency Romance Page 7