“Colonel,” she said, “Mr. Bell was just telling me a story about his horse.”
“Yes,” he replied, “I overheard him. Very entertaining. But I wonder if you would care to take a turn on the drive with me, Miss Walters?” His expression was very solemn, and she wondered if something had upset him.
“Of course. Please excuse me, Mr. Bell.”
“Certainly, my dear,” he said. “Just don’t keep her away too long, sir.”
“I’m afraid that I can’t promise you that, Bell,” the colonel replied. “Miss Walters?” She followed him through the drawing room doors and stepped outside.
A filmy white cloud enveloped the moon. The gentleman paused to remove a cigar from his pocket and lit it. The spicy aroma of tobacco wafted toward her as he puffed.
“Shall we?” he said. They strolled toward the front of the house. “Miss Walters, I make it a point not to interfere in other people’s business. It’s too easy to make enemies by offending someone with good intentions, and I would not like to lose your friendship. Your company means too much to me.”
He paused, and Harriet said, “Of course, colonel. I feel the same way about you.”
“Well, I’m about to break my own rule, my dear. I saw something through the library window this morning that deeply disturbed me.”
“Let me guess, sir. You saw Mr. Bell kissing me?”
The gentleman nodded. “Yes. I didn’t mean to spy on you, Miss Walters, but I was sitting on the lawn reading the papers when I happened to glance up at the window.”
Harriet patted his arm. “It’s all right, colonel. Mr. Bell was proposing marriage to me.”
“Ah. I see.”
“So you needn’t worry about me. All is well.” She took his arm and they continued past the house.
“You accepted him?”
Harriet ducked her head. “I have been thinking on it very carefully, and I have decided to accept Mr. Bell.” There. She had made a decision and voiced it aloud to Colonel York. Now she would not go back on it.
The gentleman slowed to a stop. “Miss Walters, I’m sorry to hear that.”
She turned to face him, but it was hard to see his features in the dusky night. “Why? Is it because you do not like him? I have noticed a certain reticence whenever you are in his company.”
“It’s true that I do not like the man. He is somewhat of a buffoon and reckless, in my opinion. I’m sorry if my words offend you, but I will speak bluntly when it affects your future happiness.”
“I’m sorry that you do not care for him, sir, but you are entitled to your opinion.”
“You are offended, my dear. Please, let me finish. If it were only distaste for his manners, I would not presume to interfere where my opinion would be unwelcome. But it is more than that, I fear.”
Harriet’s heart began to beat more rapidly. “What else is there?” she asked.
“As you know, I breed race horses. I attend most of the races on the southern circuit, and I know quite a few people in the racing world. I have encountered Mr. Bell on more than one occasion, and I am well acquainted with his reputation. Mr. Bell owes a very large gambling debt to a gentleman who races horses. The debt is of long standing, and the gentleman has held off calling the law on Bell only because he is a friend of Bell’s father.”
Harriet felt as if she were standing on the edge of a very tall precipice. “I know that he gambles and has a reputation for losing large sums, but gossip often exaggerates the truth.”
“The story is true, Miss Walters. I heard if from the gentleman to whom the money is owed himself. I am sorry, but it is best to know everything before you commit yourself to Bell.”
“Is it such a large sum, colonel?” she whispered.
“It will ruin him. I don’t see how it can be paid without selling part of the family estate, which I’ve heard his father refuses to do. My friend is in quite a conundrum about it. I fear that Bell’s only course is to marry a wealthy woman. When I heard that Mabel left you shares in her husband’s bank, I was afraid that Bell might try to take advantage of you.”
“I see,” Harriet said.
“I’m very sorry, Miss Walters.”
“Well, there had to be a reason for Mr. Bell’s proposal. To be perfectly honest, I wondered when Augustus offered himself to me.”
Colonel York seized Harriet’s hand. “Don’t talk such nonsense. Bell is a scoundrel, and he doesn’t deserve you.”
Harriet took a deep breath. “I don’t have any illusions about myself, colonel. I’m quite aware that my person alone is not likely to attract a husband. I also do not belittle myself. I would make a good wife, although I certainly could not be called ‘beguiling.’”
“I don’t know what to say to you, Miss Walters. If it weren’t that I am old enough to be your father, I would make an offer for you myself.”
Harriet leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Colonel. You are a dear man and a good friend. And I thank you for the information about Mr. Bell’s financial situation, but I ask you not to repeat the story to anyone else, for my sake. I may still accept him.”
The gentleman sputtered, “Good heavens – no! You mustn’t do such a thing, Miss Walters.”
“Come now, Colonel, calm yourself. You’re right. Mr. Bell is a scoundrel, but he also has some attractive qualities. He realized that I have the means to save him, so he asked me to marry him and make a fresh start away from London. Perhaps we could build something fine together. I would certainly try. But I intend to confront him with your revelation, and see if we can come to an honest agreement between us. Marriages are often built upon financial considerations, although I believe there to be some real affection between us.”
“Miss Walters, please promise me that you will wait before you speak to him. Sleep on it, at the very least. In the morning you might decide to send him away with a box on the ears, as he truly deserves.”
Harriet laughed. “Yes, I will agree to that. Augustus is not expecting a decision until tomorrow anyway, and it is growing too late for a confrontation tonight. Thank you for your advice.” She smiled, but the colonel shook his head.
“I certainly hope that you know what you are doing, my dear,” was his final remark. Harriet smiled to herself as they went inside. That was the second time today that someone had said that to her, and at last she felt as if she did.
Chapter Thirty-Three
When Harriet and the colonel returned to the drawing room, they found Diane and Steven playing cards alone.
“Has everyone else gone to bed?” Harriet asked.
“Fitzwilliam is in the library, Augustus has gone up, and Abigail and Mr. Gwinn are wandering about somewhere,” Diane said. “Steven and I are not ready to turn in just yet. Would you care to join us?”
“No thank you, Diane. Colonel York and I were just saying how tired we are. I think I’ll make an early evening of it.”
Colonel York hid a false yawn behind his hand. “Let me escort you upstairs, Miss Walters. I am quite ready for bed myself.” They bid Diane and Steven good night and went upstairs. The colonel paused on his threshold to glance across the hallway at her.
“Privately, Miss Walters, I hope that you will wake tomorrow with a change of heart. Sleep well, my dear.”
Harriet smiled. “I am very proud to have such a stalwart friend. Thank you, and don’t worry about me. Good night, Colonel.” She waved, and closed the bedroom door behind her.
One of the maids had left a candle burning on a small table just inside the door. Harriet lit a candelabrum and turned to face the room. She started, and almost lost her grip. Augustus lay half-naked upon her bed, his only garment a pair of pantaloons. The rest of his clothing was tossed on a chair beside the bed.
“I was wondering how much longer the colonel was going to keep you,” he said, holding out his arms to her.
Harriet hurried forward. “Augustus, what are you doing here?” she hissed.
“Waiting for you to make me
a very happy man.” He grinned and patted the bed beside him. “Come here, my love.”
“I certainly will not,” she said, backing away. “Augustus, get off my bed.”
He sprang up and advanced toward her. “It occurred to me that there was one more inducement I could give you for accepting my marriage proposal.”
“Stop, Augustus,” Harriet said, backing away from him until she bumped into the wall. Augustus took the candelabrum from her and deposited it on the table. He placed his hands upon her shoulders and ran them lightly down her arms. Harriet stared at the impressive musculature of his shoulders and chest revealed right before her eyes.
He pressed against her, pinning her to the wall. Kissing her on the throat, he whispered, “I know how much you’ve enjoyed my kisses, Harriet. There is so much more pleasure that I can give you. Let me show you, my darling.” He leant down to kiss her mouth, and she kneed him sharply in the groin. Bell folded in half, his hands grasping his knees, his mouth gasping for breath. Harriet darted away from him.
“You’re right, Augustus, that just gave me a great deal of pleasure,” she said. He couldn’t speak, so she took a step closer.
“Did you think seducing me or getting me with child would bind me to you? That is very devious of you.”
He struggled for air. “No, Harriet. Not like that. I love you.”
Harriet bent to look into his eyes. “Maybe you have feelings for me, Augustus – you certainly need my inheritance – but there is a difference between freedom and irresponsibility. I’m glad that you came here tonight. You have helped me to decide. You are not an honourable man, and I will not have you.”
There was pounding on her door. “Miss Walters, what is going on?” Colonel York shouted. Harriet hurried to open it.
“Colonel, I’m very happy to see you. Come in, please,” she said.
He pushed past her into the room, his eyes fixed upon Bell’s heaving form. “The blackguard,” he muttered.
“Would you do me a great favour and remove Mr. Bell and his things from my room, please?”
“I would be delighted to,” he replied, advancing upon Bell. “Please wait in the corridor, my dear,” he said over his shoulder.
“I shall. Goodbye, Mr. Bell,” Harriet said, shutting the door behind her. Out in the hallway, she heard voices, and a thud. Three minutes later, both men emerged, Bell fully dressed now. The colonel had him by the arm and was marching him down the hallway. Harriet watched as they disappeared around the bend toward Bell’s room. Moments later, the colonel reappeared.
“Has he hurt you, Miss Walters?” he asked with concern.
“I’m quite all right, Colonel, and very much in your debt,” she said, taking his hand.
“Not at all,” he said, beginning to calm down. “The flat-out gall of the wretch is hard to credit.” After a pause, he added, “Actually, things turned out well in the end. I wish that you could have been spared that disgusting scene, but I’m glad that you learned the villain’s true colours before it was too late.”
“I’m curious. I heard you talking to him inside my room. What did you say, Colonel?”
“I suggested that he leave the house first thing in the morning so as not to inflict his presence upon us a minute longer. It’s a shame that I couldn’t insist he leave tonight, but it would be inconsiderate to wake up a groomsman.”
“I see,” Harriet said thoughtfully. “Actually, Colonel, I feel quite ready to go home myself. I’ve been away too long, and there is nothing to hold me here any longer.”
“I understand, my dear, but how will you get home? You came to London in Diane’s carriage, and you never know how she might react. Diane might still side with that slug.” He paused before adding, “If you will allow me, Miss Walters, I would be happy to escort you home. This whole incident has left a bad taste in my mouth, and I have no desire to remain here, either.”
Harriet smiled. “Colonel York, you are the best man I’ve ever known. I shouldn’t impose upon you like this, but the situation is rather dire. I’ll just pack my things tonight so that I am ready to leave first thing in the morning.” Harriet hesitated, the smile fading from her face. “But perhaps I should go downstairs and explain the situation to Diane before she goes to bed? That would be the right thing to do. She’s been my hostess for months, and I can’t just leave without an explanation.”
“Would you like me to come with you, my dear?”
“No thank you, kind sir. I will face Diane alone. No doubt you have your own packing to do.”
The colonel patted her shoulder. “Stiff upper lip and off to battle then, Miss Walters. I shall see you in the morning. You’re doing the right thing, you know.”
“I know, Colonel. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Harriet went downstairs to the drawing room in search of Diane. She found her still with Steven at cards. Her encounter with Augustus and its aftermath seemed to have taken an eternity, but it had really only lasted several minutes.
Diane looked up. “I thought that you had gone to bed, Harriet. Is there something you require?”
“No thank you,” Harriet said, walking up to the table. “I came back because I have something to tell you. I will be leaving first thing in the morning. Colonel York is taking me home.”
Diane leaned back to stare at her. “This is all very sudden, Harriet. Has something happened?”
Harriet took a deep breath. “It’s a private matter, but there has been an unfortunate incident between myself and Mr. Bell, and I wish to depart as quickly as possible.”
Diane shook her head. “That fool. I told him not to be so hasty.”
“Mother, what’s going on?” Steven asked.
Harriet was shocked. “Did you know that Augustus was going to try to seduce me tonight, Diane?” she demanded. Steven choked and stared from Harriet to his mother.
Diane gazed calmly back at Harriet. “No, not exactly. He told me that he had proposed marriage, and was concerned that you might not accept him. He did mention something about trying to convince you by any means available. Are you sure that you’re doing the right thing, Harriet? Augustus is rather reckless, but you can overlook that, can’t you?”
“Overlook it? The cur just forced himself on me. Would you advise me to accept such a man?”
“Don’t be too hard on Augustus, Harriet. He’s in a desperate situation. He would marry you and quite possibly make you a very happy woman. Don’t be such a prude, dear.”
Harriet stared down at the cold, calculating expression in Diane’s beautiful eyes. “Tell me, Diane, when you were recommending Augustus to me, did you know about his ruinous gambling debt?”
Diane shrugged. “Of course. What else would have induced me to think of you as a suitable prospect? With the bank shares Mother left you, it seemed like a reasonable solution.”
“Mother, you didn’t,” Steven said, rising to his feet.
Diane looked at him. “Why not, Steven? I could stomach Mother giving Harriet the house in Rexton – there is scarcely any property attached to it – but to give her half of the bank shares was outrageous.” Diane rose to her feet and leaned across the table toward her son. “That was Papa’s bank, the business he poured his life into. She should never have left the shares outside of the family. It was wrong, which was why Mother didn’t tell me about it before it was too late.” Diane pointed at Harriet, her face white except for an angry red spot in each cheek. “Those shares are your legacy, Steven, and that woman should not have taken them from you.”
Harriet stared at her, her colour high and her eyes flashing. Wordlessly, she turned and left the room.
“Harriet, wait! I’m so sorry,” Steven called.
Diane shrieked, “Don’t you dare go after her, Steven!”
Edward threw open the door to the library just as Harriet stormed past. “What’s wrong, Miss Walters? Why is Diane shouting?” he asked, but she swept past him and ran up the staircase. When she reached her room, Harriet slammed th
e door and locked it.
Together, she and the colonel descended the stairs at first light, their luggage already loaded into his carriage. None of the family was present downstairs to say goodbye. Symonds waited for them in the foyer with a basket.
“Good morning, Colonel York, Miss Walters. I was instructed to have a breakfast prepared for you to take upon your journey.” He bowed and presented the basket to the colonel.
“Thank you Symonds, that was kind. Please convey my thanks to Mrs. Fitzwilliam,” he said.
“Mrs. Fitzwilliam didn’t leave the instructions, sir. My wishes for a pleasant journey.” The butler opened the front door, and Colonel York and Harriet brushed past him.
“I wonder who arranged breakfast for us?” the colonel asked as they descended the stairs to the driveway.
“I did,” Steven said, stepping forward from beside the horses. “I am so sorry, Harriet. Mother has used you abominably. I know that Grandmother held you in high esteem and would never have stood for your mistreatment. I hope that you will still consider me your friend, at least.”
Harriet took his proffered hand. “Of course we are still friends. I’m very glad to have known you, Steven, and if ever you wish to visit your grandmother’s home in Rexton, you will be welcome.”
“Thank you,” he said, shaking her hand. He shook hands with the colonel, too, who placed the basket in the carriage.
“I wonder if you would do me a small service, Steven,” Harriet said. “I’ve written a note to Abigail. Would you see that she gets it? I’ve not had the opportunity to say goodbye to her, and I would hate to leave her without a word.”
“Of course,” Steven said, taking the note and slipping it into his pocket.
“Please tell her that I look forward to a letter once she returns home. I would like to hear from you, too, although I will understand if it is impossible for you to write.”
“Of course I will write, Harriet, although I am not the best correspondent. Mother cannot track my letters from Oxford.”
The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster Page 22