Sprig of Thyme

by Jenna Dawlish

“It seems we have much in common. My former love and his wife seem happy enough, and I simply have not met another gentleman who liked me as much as I liked him. Still, I am not unhappy to be an old maid. If Helen gets her rich husband as she keeps promising she will, I am sure she will need me as a governess or such.”

  There was a note of humour in her voice that made Adella smile.

  “Besides,” she said somewhat philosophically, “I have always believed that for everyone there is an ideal partner and that the man I spoke of a moment ago was not mine.”

  “Because he married someone else?”

  “Precisely,” she said with a firm nod of her head.

  Flora's words struck a chord with Adella and she admired her more with everything she said. True, she was six years older and the advantage of those extra years experience, but there was a deep earnestness and honesty about her that Adella liked.

  There was a throng of people at the theatre when they arrived and they fought their way through one of the three arched doors. Gentlemen and Ladies milled about the foyer all dressed smartly and eyeing each other up. Helen and Flora looked about excitedly, they stood for a few minutes and watched and admired the other theatre-goers.

  Their seats were as Helen described, the highest the theatre provided with only one other row behind them. Helen sat herself next to Leonard, with Flora on his other side and Adella on the end.

  Over the din of the other people in the audience, Helen's voice could be heard as she chatted in an excited high-pitched voice. Adella let her eyes drift off around the theatre. She had been in it before of course, but it had been a long time ago. The stage and the décor inside were exquisite; the domed ceiling with ornate plaster covered in gold leaf dressed the room with majestic pride. She let her eyes drift from the stage to the boxes. Her seat was so high that she could barely see the stage. But she leaned forward and could see the boxes nearest to the stage.

  She stopped breathing for a moment as her eyes rested on one of the boxes.

  Joel.

  She sat back quickly. He hadn't seen her. He was talking to a man next to him.

  She leaned forward again. Tentatively at first. It was definitely him. She would know his face anywhere. So, he was here was he? Well, that wouldn't affect her. He was perfectly entitled to be there, as was she. She wouldn't let it affect her. She gave him one last stare as though daring him to look up, then sat back.

  It was as though fate had both slapped and caressed her at the same time. He was here, that was bad. But she knew he was here. At least she was prepared. She would slight him if he dared to look at her, or tried to speak to her.

  Helen managed to stay in her seat for most of the performance. Although during both intervals she made her way to the nearest buffet and paraded about trying to catch the eye of any gentleman who would look at her.

  Adella walked warily to the buffet each time, but didn't see Joel. Helen got her wish several times when a group of people spoke to her; one of the women admired Helen's gown spoke too loudly causing Helen to take the opportunity to join their party.

  Flora looked mortified and several times apologised to Adella and Leonard. “I am so sorry for Helen's behaviour. I tried to stop her, but she is too strong for me to physically. It is all as I feared, she is a disgrace.”

  “I do not see how we can tempt her out of here.” Adella said shaking her head. “There are too many gentlemen who could admire her. Perhaps it would be easier to get the men out!” She added with a laugh.

  After the play was over, they made their way outside the theatre. Helen ran forwards suddenly when she saw someone in particular. Flora stood on her toes to try and view her sister, and saw her disappear down the road.

  “There she is! Oh, but she is with another three ladies and four gentlemen. She is talking to one of them who was in the buffet lounge in the second interval.”

  Flora looked for Leonard's help, but among the many people, Leonard was nowhere to be seen. After a few moments, they spotted him, talking to a friend.

  “What shall we do?” Flora frowned.

  “Do not worry, I will tell Leonard we have gone to retrieve Helen and we will meet him back here in fifteen minutes.”

  She did as she said and Flora, who didn't lose sight of her sister, swiftly followed Helen.

  Adella caught up with her just in time to see Helen disappear into a house with whoever she thrust herself upon. It was a terraced Georgian town house, like all the others in Bath.

  “Oh dear!” Flora said, “She really has gone too far now. This really is most embarrassing. I am so sorry Adella, I really do not know what to do with her!”

  “Do not fear. We will retrieve her and be on our way in no time. If there are two of us, we can drag her out!”

  By this time, the door to the house was about to close. Adella ran up the stone steps and prevented the door from closing by pushing against it hard, shouting, “Excuse me!”

  The door opened again, the servant looked bewildered, but a gentleman within bade them to enter.

  “Are you here for Mrs Tate's soirée too?” The gentleman asked.

  “No!”, Adella exclaimed a little too loudly. “Er, I mean, I am sorry to intrude. My friend Miss Helen Alther is a little excited at being in Bath and I am afraid we could not stop her from coming in. I will go and retrieve her and we will both be gone.”

  The gentleman looked a little amused at Adella's words.

  “Please, Miss -” he asked.

  “Maxwell.”

  “Well Miss Maxwell. . .” and he stared at her for a moment. His face wore surprise, then he suppressed it quickly. Then as if remembering himself, he continued, “I am sure we will all be very pleased if you and your friend -” he said addressing Flora.

  “Miss Alther,” Flora said.

  “Ah. Miss Helen is your sister then.”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am Frederick Garner, at your service, ready to guide you to your friend and sister.” He gave a small bow to each of them.

  Adella's heart almost stopped. Surely not. . .

  She swallowed hard.

  She knew that name. Suddenly she realised he knew her name at least. She had never met the man. He was described to her on many occasions five years ago by Joel. Frederick was his best friend.

  He was also the man Joel had been sitting next to in the theatre. She had not recognised him at first.

  He looked at Adella and, seeing the reaction he had expected on her face, he said, “Miss Maxwell, I fear now you know who I am, you may not wish to enter if you knew who else was in that room. I could retrieve your friend for you?”

  She took his meaning immediately, but spoke with fresh determination. “You may try if you like, but I am not afraid of seeing whoever is behind that door, even if it were Lucifer himself.”

  “Very well,” he said, one corner of his mouth curved into a smile. He led them through the threshold to where the other guests were. The two girls followed him through and held each other's arm for support.

  Adella scanned the lavish room for Joel. She found him quickly and one glance told her that he was surprised to see her. He was in the corner of the room talking to a lady. He was in evening dress, and now, after five years of pain her heart skipped a beat as her head acknowledged how handsome he was. Mr Garner stayed with her and saw the instant recognition on both said in a hushed tone, “I do not think Lucifer will trouble you tonight Miss Maxwell. But if he does, I shall be here to help you.”

  “I thank you, but I don't need your help.” She shot him an icy stare.

  “Very well,” He gave a short bow and went to join his friend.

  Flora in the meantime travelled the short distance across the room to where her sister was.

  “Helen, you must come immediately,” she said.

  Helen was busy chatting to at least five other guests and did not register their presence in the room. Everyone she was stood with, as well as her sister,
all ignored her as she pleaded. “Helen, please come with me at once. We do not know these people and you have no business intruding on their private party.” But it was no use, Helen simply carried on chatting and laughing.

  Flora grabbed her arm, Helen turned around and with a wave of her hand said, “Oh you are here are you? And Adella too. You can stay if you like, but I am having far too much fun to go. I am sure one of these lovely Gentlemen will see me home,” she smiled.

  A few of them agreed, rather too loudly.

  Adella went over to Flora and whispered to her, “You run and get Leonard. I will stay and make sure she does not make too much of a fool of herself.”

  Flora nodded and quickly left the room.

  Adella suddenly felt very alone. She looked around. The others in the room were not paying her any attention except for a few contemptuous looks. She slipped to the side of the room and looked to the far end. Joel was gone.

  Where was he? She felt safer if she knew where he was.

  Then without warning, she saw him and Mr Garner approaching.

  “I thought I told you not to speak to me,” she said to Joel.

  She turned away from them.

  “Come come Miss Maxwell,” she heard Mr Garner say behind her. 'You would not like to make a scene?” He paused then continued, “It seems you were at the theatre this evening too?”

  She turned around a little, and cursing herself for doing it, said “Yes. Though we were in the cheap seats, so you wouldn't have seen us.” She put strong emphasis on the word “cheap” and in defiance lifted her chin.

  Frederick turned to Joel and they exchanged glances.

  “Did you like the play?” Joel asked. “You are not a great admirer of Shakespeare I remember.” She noticed he was grasping one hand with the other and his face wore a serious look.

  She was momentarily stunned. Of all the things for him to say. She didn't expect that.

  “You remember correctly. I didn't used to like Shakespeare. However, when I was younger I was much more naïve and I had different tastes. Not so now. I thought the play was excellent.” She gave a curt smile, even though her cheeks were burning.

  “Time has been kind on you Miss Maxwell,” he replied. “I am also glad you have come to appreciate Shakespeare. If you recall, he was always a favourite of mine.”

  “I do not care to recall.”

  They descended into silence and Adella looked away again. She wanted nothing more than them both to leave. If only Leonard was here.

  “I long for some music,” Helen said loudly as though she wanted the whole attention of the room. She succeeded.

  Adella saw Joel whisper something to Mr Garner, who in turn looked at her, then said loudly to everyone, “Miss Maxwell. I have heard you play and sing like an angel. Will you not honour us this evening?”

  She blushed deeply again from pure annoyance. She knew that it was Joel's doing. “Have you?” she replied, “I fear you have been misinformed. For, I am sure whoever told you that must be the worst kind of liar.” She gave Joel a defiant look in retaliation.

  He said nothing, only for a fleeting moment met her gaze then looked away.

  “Oh yes please do play,” a well dressed lady said.

  Adella looked around the room from one person to the other. They all stared at her. She was trapped; like a rabbit cowering in front of a pack of wolves.

  “Come, come Miss Maxwell. I am sure you are being modest. You will not shame yourself or your family if you sing, for I play very badly,” the lady assured her. A few other people nodded in agreement. But her words intended to sooth, only sounded officious and snobby to Adella.

  Pride, fierce pride rose up in her. They all expected her to play badly, or at least barely tolerably well. If it was a performance they wanted, then that is what they would get. She had another motive: Joel wanted to hear her sing. She would, but he would not like what she chose to sing. It would be sweet revenge, all be it in a small way.

  She cast a look to Helen, who was stood silently, and watched the proceedings like everyone else. At least, if she played, Helen could not get up to mischief.

  So, Adella walked to the piano with all the dignity she could muster removed her hat and gloves and seated herself gracefully. She thought for a moment for something to play as she admired the piano. It was a fine instrument. It would be a shame not to use it. The rest of the room was quiet as they awaited her start. Joel, still stood in the corner with the others withdrew into the shadows to watch and listen.

  It was many months since she had last played, but each time she sat in front of a piano it was as if she had never been away. She knew the perfect thing to sing, and so began:

  'Come all ye fair and tender ladies.

  Be careful how you court young men.

  They're like a star on a summer's morning.

  They'll first appear and then they're gone.”

  The audience was spellbound; she truly did have a rare talent.

  'They'll tell you some loving story

  They'll declare to you their love is true

  Then they will go and court some other

  And that's the love they have for you'

  Adella now hoped that he was listening intently. The other day, he wanted her to speak to him, well now she would. But this time through song.

  'Do you remember our days of courting

  When your head lay upon my breast

  You could make me believe with falling of your arm

  That the sun rose in the West'

  As she sang the word 'West' she sought his face and stared at him, half in the shadows she could still make him out. He looked away. She played on,

  'If I had known before I courted

  that love was such a killing thing

  I'd a-locked my heart in a box of golden

  and fastened it up with a silver pin.”

  When she finished there was hushed silence for a moment, and then applause. One of the gentlemen who had been paying court to Helen then approached. Adella looked him up and down, and hoped he wasn't drunk.

  “Bravo, Miss. . .”

  “Maxwell.”

  “Well Miss Maxwell, will you not play something else? I would dearly love to hear your sweet little voice sing again. Why, you play better than any woman I have ever heard and I have heard a great many.”

  “Thank you sir, but I fear I must allow the other ladies to play now.”

  “No, no, please, what can I do to get you play again?” he said gently and placed his hand on her arm. She looked down at his hand.

  “Get Helen to leave now,” Adella whispered to herself.

  “What was that?” he asked.

  “Er, nothing.”

  She looked about her once more, and realised that it was as she hoped; Helen was not misbehaving while she sang, sat back down again, “Very well, I will play once more, then I must go. With Helen.” In fact she hoped that by the time she finished playing, Flora would have retrieved Leonard.

  She thought for a moment and then with a smile began to play,

  'Early one morning, just as the sun was rising

  I heard a maid sing in the valley below

  "Oh don't deceive me, Oh never leave me,

  How could you use, a poor maiden so?”

  Remember the vows that you made to me truly

  Remember how tenderly you nestled close to me

  Gay is the garland, fresh are the roses

  I've culled from the garden to bind over thee.

  How could you slight so a pretty girl who loves you

  A pretty girl who loves you so dearly and warm?

  Though love's folly is surely but a fancy,

  Still it should prove to me sweeter than your scorn.

  She looked up to see Joel walk slowly to the door with his back to her, and then leave. She made him go, and she was glad of it. She saw Mr Garner still watched her, apparently unaware that his friend had left. She continued,

  Soon you will m
eet with another pretty maiden

  Some pretty maiden, you'll court her for a while;

  Thus ever ranging, turning and changing

  Always seeking for a girl that is new.

  Once again, rapturous applause met her final notes, and she stood up as several other ladies and gentlemen came up to congratulate her and she struggled to master her confusion at such attention.

  But despite this, she still felt they were looking down on her.

  “I have never heard that sung so well in my life. Miss Maxwell, you are truly a rare talent,” Mr Garner said when the majority of the guests went back to their previous groups.

  “Thank you,” she said and tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, “But next time you would like to hear music I would prefer it if you would pick someone else and not be Mr Polwarth's messenger.”

  “But to keep such talent to yourself is not right! The whole world should be able to hear you sing.”

  “The whole world can get on very well without hearing me singing. It has before,” she said in a dry tone.

  “Well, I heard from another that you sang well. You do not mind me mentioning it?” Frederick said.

  “Why not? We both know who that 'other' is.”

  “Indeed,” he said with a small bow.

  “Therefore, I would prefer not to have to talk to you at all.”

  “Why ever not?”

  “Have you never heard the phrase, 'My enemy's friend is my enemy'?” Adella asked.

  “Enemy?” Mr Garner said raising his eyebrows. “Well I had no idea your feelings were that strong.”

  “Could you doubt they would be any less. Unless you, like the rest of the world believe me to be a liar.”

  He did not answer the question directly, only said, “My friend has made an enemy indeed. It only leaves me to say that I hope you will in time overcome your feelings and learn to live without bitterness. It will eat you up otherwise.”