“Mamma, I didn’t know he was coming this early. I didn’t have time to change.”
“What’s all this whispering about?” Louisa asked as she passed by in the hallway.
“Your sister in insensitive to the fact that her young man has come to call and she looks like she just got up from scrubbing the kitchen floor,” Mother pouted.
“She looks just fine to me,” Louisa said, as she flipped through the pages of the book she was examining.
“She does not. Look at her bodice, not even a whiff of lace. And her cap is askew. She might as well be a beggar out on Tiddlewhit Square.”
“Oh, Mamma…” Susan complained. “You know you exaggerate.”
“Let her be,” Louisa said, “Jasper Grant is such a bore anyway. I don’t know what all the fuss is about.”
“Oh, Louisa, you’re such a scandal. How can you say such a thing about your sister Susan’s beau? And a Knight of the realm and all that. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Louisa just shrugged and patted on her way down the hall in her slippers.”
“Mamma, shall I go in or not? Sir Jasper’s waiting.”
Mother became flustered and backed away. “Disgrace yourself then. Go on. Drive him away. Your last chance at marriage bliss and happiness. You’re not twenty anymore. And I couldn’t bear another episode like the one with Simon Chamberlain.”
“Oh, Mamma…”
Susan turned and entered the drawing room.
“Sir Jasper, you’re early,” she said.
“I couldn’t keep myself away from your radiant, beaming smile,” he said as he turned from the window where he was gazing at the sheep pond and came toward her.
Sir Jasper Grant was a fastidious young man who spent a great deal of time shunting between his tailor and his haberdashery. He was aware of every eye that was trained on him wherever he went. He studied his profile each morning in a trio of mirrors he’d had especially set up for his personal viewing satisfaction. He was lithe and comely and knew it. He had a small curl on the left of his forehead that he was constantly adjusting, and carried a small silver hand mirror about the size of an apricot on a silver chain around his neck. This he would hold out to gaze at, for the satisfaction of admiring himself or to find and correct any flaw that might need immediate attention.
“How are your parents and dear sister, Beatrice?” Susan asked as she directed him to a chair opposite where she would sit.
“All in the very best of health, and I trust all of you are heathy as well?”
“We are, thank you.”
They sat for a moment without speaking, as Sir Jasper studied his mirror.
“My mother sends her very best regards, and thanks you for the tidy woolen mittens you knitted for her birthday. She much appreciated the thought.”
“I’m so glad. Shall I order some tea? You must be parched after your journey from Folkestone.”
“Yes, tea would be lovely.”
Susan rang the service bell on the table beside her and Julie appeared.
“Yes, Miss?”
“Tea, please.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Susan turned back to Sir Jasper. “Did you ride or bring your gig?”
“It was such a lovely afternoon I rode over on Dapple. Such a fine animal.”
There was a knock on the door and Mother inserted herself into the room.
“Sir Jasper, what a pleasure to see you. Julie says you’re to have tea. May I join you?”
Sir Jasper looked annoyed for a moment, but put on a brave smile and answered, “Of course, Mrs. Wilton. It would be a pleasure and an honor.” He stood to welcome her.
Mother scooted over and drew up a chair. “Susan tells me you’ve been having fine weather along the coast this summer. I know the channel storms of winter can be fierce so it must be nice to have a fine spell.”
“Indeed it is. And I noticed the cabbages in your vegetable garden are particularly plump this season,” Sir Jasper responded.
“Yes. They are. They are.”
And the three fell into silence until Julie came in with the tea tray and began serving.
Sir Jasper kept glancing over at Susan, but she had busied herself with serving the tea and was not catching his glances.
“Miss Susan, shall we take a walk after tea? There’s something I would like to discuss with you.”
“Certainly, Sir Jasper, it would be lovely to take a stroll. Perhaps we could walk down by the river.”
Silence overtook the trio once again as they sipped their tea.
Mother finally spoke. “Sir Jasper, how is your fine father and his business? Last we spoke you said he might be expanding his wholesale operation.”
“Ah… yes. Indeed he will. The good news is there will soon be a railway connection running between Folkestone and London. That will greatly increase our ability to keep the fish fresh. And I believe the line will be constructed somewhere in the vicinity of Preston, if I’m not mistaken. So you will soon be able to pop up to London whenever you like.”
“How interesting,” Mother said flatly.
Susan gave her a look indicating she wanted to be alone with Sir Jasper.
“Oh, my… how late it’s become. I really have much to attend to before supper. If the two of you will excuse me…”
Sir Jasper rose halfway up from his chair. “Good day to you, then, Mrs. Wilton.
“Good day, Sir Jasper.” Then she left.
Susan had had quite enough of this boring tea and she stood, saying, “Shall we take our walk now, Sir Jasper?”
“I should be delighted,” he offered.
As it was summer no wrap was needed, and Susan led the way from the house along the road to the river walk.
The Kent countryside was mostly agricultural, with gently rolling hills and flat grazing fields with many sheep farms like her father’s. The path along the river provided a pleasant stroll, with overhanging trees giving shade and a pleasant aspect.
“Have you been working on any new songs?” Susan asked.
“I have. I’m working on an Ode to Her Royal Highness, Princess Charlotte on her Birthday, Sir Jasper said as he took a quick glance into his hand mirror and adjusted his curl. “Ever since His Majesty, King George bestowed my knighthood upon me for writing Hail, His Conquering Majesty for his coronation, I have endeavored to please his Majesty with a new musical work each year. It’s exhausting, but one must bow to the royal will.”
“Of course,” Susan said, having heard the story of his knighthood far too many times.
They walked on in silence a few minutes before Sir Jasper asked, “Have you given any thought to our last conversation?”
Susan knew exactly what he was referring to but chose to feign ignorance. “And which conversation would that be, Sir Jasper?”
He looked askance at her. “Susan, certainly you must remember my urgent request for an answer to my proposal of marriage. I’ve patiently waited these many months and each time I ask, you evade an answer. I am patient, but not eternally so.”
Susan looked over at him. She could see his genuine pain at her evasion, and she felt a twinge of guilt.
“I’m sorry, Sir Jasper, I must admit to my continued uncertainty about my answer and I am sorry.”
She stopped the walk and turned to address him directly. She had known her answer for some time now, but her parent’s strong insistence that she marry had made her prolong giving an honest answer to the poor, suffering man.
She reached out and offered him her hand, which he took. But she didn’t speak immediately.
“You’re refusing me, aren’t you?” Sir Jasper said quietly.
“Yes, Jasper, I am. I’m most sorry, but I can’t marry you.”
He was annoyed. “Susan, you are five and twenty years old. Do you really believe there are that many other worthy suitors out there who’d lavish you with the time and attention I have?”
She was not going to be intimidated by this man. “Tha
t is as it may be. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t love you, and I don’t wish to enter into a loveless marriage. Please forgive me, but I must be honest with you.”
Sir Jasper turned away and stared at the river. “I greatly resent the time I’ve wasted as I’ve waited for your answer. Why couldn’t you inform me of this decision earlier?”
“For that, I take full responsibility, and I’m truly sorry. You may put that down to my feminine timidity—and my parent’s forceful insistence that I marry you.”
“So you disregard your parent’s wishes?” he asked as he turned back to face her.
“As you say, I’m indeed five and twenty, and I’m no longer a child, and I know my own mind. You are correct to admonish me for my cowardice, but believe me when I say I’ve spared you from a marriage you would eventually come to regret.”
“Very well. I accept your decision. Then I propose we return to you home and I shall then forever take my leave of you and your family.”
“Sir Jasper, can’t we remain friends?”
“I think not.” And he turned and walked away without escorting her back to her house.
* * *
The village of Ash was but a short walk through her family’s fields, and she often did the family marketing when she was not teaching and would stop by to visit with her friend, Katherine, as they loved to chat and gossip.
Katherine lived with her family in a house just off the main square where her father had a cobbler’s shop on the ground floor. After doing her shopping at the market, Susan knocked on the family’s door.
“There you are,” Katherine said, “I thought you’d forgotten about me.”
“Never, ever.”
“Come in,” Katherine offered. “I’ve just baked the most deliciously evil, pudding cake. Would you like to try a slice?”
“Of course.”
Katherine led the way down the hallway beside the cobbler’s shop to the back of the house where the family lived. The kitchen was at the very back of the house and led out to a fairly generous garden where the family spent a lot of time during the summer months.
Susan studied her friend as she made the tea. Katherine had lustrous, rich, red hair, which she piled atop her head. She was a big girl but had an infectious laugh that immediately endeared her to everyone she met. And her green eyes sparkled, invited, and enlivened her full face.
“Would you like some tea with your cake?” Katherine asked.
“I would, thank you.”
Having prepared the refreshments, Katherine led the way to the back of the garden where there was a table and several comfortable chairs under a broad oak. She set down the tea tray and served them.
“Any news?” Susan asked as she stirred her tea.
“There is,” Katherine responded. “I can see Roger is working his way up to popping the question.”
“And you’ll accept?”
“A big girl like me doesn’t get very many eligible suitors. Are you seriously thinking I would not?”
“I thought you probably would, but it’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it?”
“And he’s a terrible brute for making me wait so long.”
“But there were money issues, weren’t there?” Susan asked. “He wanted to be certain he could support you, yes?”
“I’ve got a modest living to offer.”
“But Katherine, you must remember a gentleman’s pride—particularly with a fine man like Roger. He wants to feel he’s supporting you.”
“True.”
Katherine leaned back in her chair and gazed up at the sun speckling through the leaves of the tree.
“Any idea when you might have the wedding?” Susan asked.
“Oh, no. We’ve not gotten to that point yet. But your darling sister’s wedding is coming up quickly now, no?”
“September. Nice time for a wedding.”
Katherine tread carefully, but had to ask. “And how do you feel about it?”
“Delighted, why wouldn’t I be?”
“Well… there was that episode with Simon a few years back. And that reminds me, any further thoughts on Sir Jasper?”
Susan bowed her head. “Oh, Katherine, I just had to finally say no.”
Katherine leaned forward in her chair. “You didn’t. And how’d he take it?”
“He was a perfect beast. He stormed off without even saying good-bye. And good riddance, I say.”
“Were your parents furious?”
“I think my father took it in stride, but Mamma nearly capsized with disappointment.”
Katherine laughed. “Well, at least you’ve got Louisa’s event coming up. Maybe you’ll meet just the right gentleman for you at her wedding.”
“I wouldn’t count on that. For now, I’m quite content with teaching my kids.”
“But Susan…” Katherine looked at her with just the faintest hint of pity.
“Now, don’t be horrid, Katherine, there is absolutely nothing wrong with spinsterhood,” Susan said with a wry smile.
“Never, never. You are too gifted and charming to go long without a suitable gentleman calling.”
Susan sighed. “The tea was delightful and the pudding cake a marvel, however, I must be going.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help with Louisa’s wedding, please let me know.”
“I’ve nothing to wear. Perhaps you might help me with that.”
“Ah… Let’s walk to Howell and Barton’s. They have a new shipment of French fabrics in. Let’s select the perfect materials, and we’ll construct you the perfect dress for the wedding.”
Katherine picked up the tea tray and they headed back toward the house.
“Brother Daniel has written to say he’ll have shore leave in the next month or so. I’ll be so happy to see him. It’s been over two years.”
“And that is navy life for you.”
“Did I say he’s been made a captain?”
“Really? No, I don’t believe you told me that. Your parents must be very proud.”
* * *
Louisa’s wedding was just a week away. The activity in the Wilton household could only be described as frantic. The Duke of Lennox had RSVP’d that he’d attend the wedding with his Aunt Clarissa, which they’d not expected, after the debacle with Simon. And the fact that he was attending put added pressure on the family to be sure the wedding planning was just perfect.
Mamma appeared to be in a tizzy, but everyone knew she was reveling in the chaos of the wedding.
Susan was helping however she could, but she was still haunted by the fact that Louisa’s wedding was going to be held in the same church where Susan had been jilted those few years ago. And she couldn’t help but worry that Simon might show up as well—even though he’d not been invited. But Susan brushed away her few lingering concerns and focused her entire energy on helping make the wedding as happy as possible for her sister.
One afternoon there was a knock at her bedroom door.
“Yes?” Susan called out.
“It’s me.”
“Come in, Louisa,” Susan said, as she sat on the edge of her bed.
Louisa came inside. “May we chat for a moment?”
“Of course.” Susan patted the bed. “Come, sit with me.”
Louisa paced the room for a moment before she sat.
“Susan, I’ve spoken to Mamma, about… you know…”
“The wedding night?”
Louisa looked down shyly. “Yes.”
“And she’s not answering your questions to your satisfaction.”
“Exactly. What can you advise me?”
“Well, as you know, I’ve not yet been married, so I’m, perhaps, not the best person to ask.”
“But you’re older and wiser, and a teacher. Surely you know more than mother’s willing to tell me.”
Susan sighed. “What’s she told you so far?”
“She assembled a carrot and a melon and attempted to do a demonstration
, but she became so flustered she ended up throwing her hands up in the air, tossing the carrot into a soup, and running out of the kitchen with the melon in her hands, going who knows where.”
Susan nodded and laughed. “Yes, I had the same botched demonstration. And when I asked Papa, he tuned beet red, and kept blowing his nose until he too had to leave the room.”
Diaries of a Heartbroken Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Collection Page 2