“Lady Whitmore?”
“Oh, Mr. McCarthy. Really, you didn't need to join me so quickly.”
“Ya seem a little concerned, my lady. I dinna want you to deal with this anymore. That is what I am here for.” His smile was meant to soothe, but Ginny took it quite a different way.
“Mr. McCarthy.” Ginny stood up and walked around the desk. Settling her bottom on the edge, she crossed her arms and leveled her gaze at his. When she had his attention, she continued. “I believe you'll find me to be a very... hands on type of landowner. The last steward left without any notice, the same time my husband was called away on business. I find myself quite in the dark about how to run an estate and refuse to be caught unaware again. Which means, I will be most attentive and probably quite annoying to you for the first few months. If this seems unreasonable to you, I need to know now. I would hate to have you move in just to leave because you couldn't handle the relationship.”
Sean McCarthy had never had a woman speak to him so frankly, or with such authority. Certainly there were women who commanded their and everyone else's lives, but none that he had to chance to meet. Even his wife relinquished all major decisions to him. The latest being their move south for this new position.
“Aye, my lady. I would welcome yar input as well as the opportunity to school ya in the details of stewardship.”
Ginny eyed him suspiciously. Not knowing him, she couldn't be sure if she was being played. In the end, she would have to find out over the next few weeks. “Thank you, Mr. McCarthy. I appreciate that. Now, I was able to find a number of ledgers, but none from the past year. I assure you I've looked everywhere.”
“When did you find out that no one had been paid?” Colin asked immediately after McCarthy finished his story.
“It was within the week. Several merchants came to me to ask when they could expect their payments. I had them provide me with duplicate bills. Cross-checked those with your staff. Unfortunately, there were several who padded their bills thinking no one would be the wiser.”
“And those merchants?”
“Were dealt with appropriately. The bills were adjusted and their services are no longer employed by this house.”
“Very good. When did you find out about the money being missing.”
“Your wife and I journeyed to London to speak to your bankers and your man of business. That was when we discovered the missing funds. Or rather, that the funds had no' been deposited as they should have been.”
“And what is your relationship with Lady Whitmore?” Colin was trying to catch him off guard. It was obvious that there were feelings between them. His wife called him Sean, and, Colin had little doubt, he called her Bethany when they were alone. What he wanted to know was whether he should start searching for a new steward, since he would not allow his wife to fuck this one.
“I beg yar pardon, my lord?” Colin had to admit that the steward did appear confused, but anyone could pull off a performance when facing their lover's husband.
“Are you and my wife engaged in an affair?”
The question was asked so casually, that at first, Sean wasn't quite sure he'd heard it correctly. When it finally registered in his brain, he stood up and came to the desk, putting both hands down on the smooth wood and stared at his new employer in the face. Sean McCarthy was no stranger to hard, back breaking work. His years working his way up to steward had made him big and hard. There was one thing he would not proscribe and that was anyone questioning his honor.
Not wanting to go too far, but wanting his point made, he said, “My lord, I am a married man. I have no' ever, nor would I ever, behave inappropriately with yar wife. I have too much respect for my wife to do that. Yar wife and I have worked closely together for a year now. She has my greatest respect. I am no' sure why ya would think such a thing, but I am sure it was no' from something Lady Whitmore said to ya.”
“No, it was not. I sensed a closeness between you and needed to know if it was anything I should worry about. I apologize for impugning your honor, sir.” Colin needed to rein in his feelings. They would lose him a good steward and drive a larger wedge between him and his wife.
Relaxing somewhat, McCarthy suggested, “Perhaps tomorrow we should take a ride around the estate. I can show ya the improvements that have been made recently.”
Standing up, holding out his hand to the man, Colin replied, “Thank you, Mr. McCarthy. I would appreciate that. Shall we say ten o'clock?”
Taking his hand and shaking it hard enough to let his master know that he had it in his power to pulverize him if necessary, he simply nodded. With that, McCarthy turned on his heel and left the room. As he left the house to return to his own, he still reeled over Lord Whitmore's question. As incredulous as he felt, he could easily see why the man had jumped to such a conclusion. Not knowing him personally, seeing the easy rapport he had developed with Lady Whitmore, Sean concluded that he probably would have jumped to the same conclusion. In the end, he hoped his statement had left his new master in no doubt.
Chapter 19
“My lady, shall I ready you for dinner?” Tabby walked into Ginny's chamber with obviously no clue that Whitmore had returned. She walked directly to the wardrobe and began to pull out the dress she intended her to wear that evening.
“I take it you were not in residence this afternoon?” Ginny said in a monotone, robotic voice.
“No, my lady. Remember that I had requested to have luncheon with Lyle?” Tabby sounded worried that she might be in trouble. Although since they had come to this house, Bethany had never had a cross word for her. Truth be told, they had become friends. True friends, revealing much to one another about their pasts, their feelings and their lives. On many occasions, the two would fall asleep talking together. To Tabby, it felt like having her sister back.
Ginny turned to the little maid, tears streaking down her cheeks, eyes red and puffy. “He's back,” was all she said.
“Who's back... oh!” Suddenly Tabby understood. “Lord Whitmore has returned?”
Bowing her head, wiping at her eyes with her hands, Ginny replied, “Yes.”
In a flash, Tabby was at her side, arm around her waist, moving her to her chaise lounge. Once seated, she kept her arm around her and gingerly placed Ginny's head on her shoulder. “I have seen you accomplish great things this past year, my lady. I know you can handle this as well.”
Laughing, Ginny replied, “I would gladly do it all over again rather than deal with him.”
“Really? I thought you might like a chance to torture him for a change.” Ginny was thankful for having Tabby. She might be her employee, but she had become the closest friend she had in 1803. Tabby could never replace Lisa, her 21st century friend, but she came pretty damn close.
“You're right. I just need to get control of myself.”
“I wish you were not having guests for dinner.”
“Guests? Damn, I forgot that Dr. and Mrs. Cummings were coming.” Bending her back, she put her head between her knees. “Crap! I like them too much to make a true spectacle of myself tonight.”
Tabby asked, “Do they know he abandoned you?”
“No. Only a very few people know about that. Dear God, why am I acting like this? Why can't I feel nothing like he did?”
“Because you are a good person, my lady.”
Looking up at her maid, she smiled to try to look reassuring. Ginny had spent the entire year hating him, justifying her behavior with Miles based on his behavior. In truth, she felt awful. Ginny had wanted to take her wedding vows seriously, if only to live out this plot line and move on. She knew that wasn't the whole truth. During the short period of time before the kiss, Ginny had grown to really like Colin. She had even thought that she could live a lifetime with him, falling in love and having his children. For the millionth time, she thought that maybe this was how it was supposed to be. They could work it out and move on. But she knew, because of her ability to hold a grudge, it would not be that easy
. This may be make believe, but it was all too real to Ginny and she was not likely to just forget his going off to another country and screwing around with some whore.
“We had better get me ready, then. It will be quite a surprise to the Cummings' that Colin is home.”
“Indeed,” Tabby said with her mischievous smile.
Entering the yellow salon, Ginny was thankfully alone. The Cummings' would arrive shortly, but she wanted a few minutes to compose herself. Never one to hide her feelings, Ginny had to grow a thick skin and an implacable composure over the last year. Even Bethany's experience could not prepare her for the unbelievable cattiness of the ton. Ginny couldn't even remember high school being that bad, and these people were supposed to be adults.
Walking to the window and staring out at the fields beyond, Ginny took some deep breaths and practiced her new mantra: Who gives a shit! She used this when faced with the biting comments of women who were supposed to be mature, but usually spent their time trying to bring everyone down in the hopes of raising themselves up. There were a few occasions where Ginny had gotten the last word and made sure the women felt the power of her words.
Pearce entered a few moments later and announced the Cummings. Turning in time to see them enter, Ginny plastered a smile on her face and said, “Thank you for coming, Charles, Sarah.”
Sarah Cummings walked over and placed a kiss on her cheek. “Is is true? We heard that Lord Whitmore has returned.”
“Yes, he appeared quite unexpectedly this afternoon.”
Dr. Cummings walked forward and bowed to her. “You should have sent word to us. We could have postponed our dinner so you and Lord Whitmore could have some time alone.”
“Charles, that is not necessary. Lord Whitmore and I will have plenty of time alone.”
“What is this about being alone?” The familiar voice came from the doorway. Colin stood in his formal attire, looking impossibly gorgeous. Ginny had forgotten how well he looked in his black coat and pants. All he needed was a top hat and cane and he would be the picture of debonair.
“Dear God, Lord Whitmore. It has been far too long,” Dr. Cummings said walking over and shaking the proffered hand.
“Indeed, Dr. Cummings. And Miss Jones, wasn't it?” Colin noticed the former governess standing next to his lovely wife.
“Actually, my lord, Miss Jones is now Mrs. Cummings.” Dr. Cummings practically beamed with pride.
“I am sorry, I had not heard. Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you all the felicity imaginable.”
“Thank you, Lord Whitmore,” Sarah said shyly. Keeping her gaze at the carpet, she added, “Your wife is responsible for bringing us together.”
Colin turned his stare to Ginny and smiled. “Is that correct? Playing the matchmaker, were you my dear? And quite successfully at that.”
“Hardly a matchmaker. It was obvious they would suit. I merely invited both to dinner and let nature take its course.” Feeling herself blush, Ginny stated, “Please have a seat. Would anyone care for some wine before dinner?”
“I will not let you be so modest, Lady Whitmore. If it were not for her interference, I would still be a lonely, old country doctor.”
“Well, my dear, if you were less obtuse, you may have seen what was right in front of your face.” Sarah smiled at her husband, enjoying his discomfort.
“Indeed, my love. You see, Lord Whitmore, although we are greatly suited, it took a slap to my head to make me realize.”
“You do mean that figuratively, do you not, Doctor?”
“No, I mean it quite literally. Shall I tell him the story, ladies?”
“Yes, dear, I would love to hear your version of it,” Sarah accepted a glass of wine from Ginny and sipped it tentatively.
Accepting his glass, taking a big sip, Dr. Cummings began his story from the beginning. Knowing that he was prone to hyperbole, he consciously kept a check on his wording, not to sound too grandiose. Since he was not present for the plans between the scheming Lady Whitmore and Miss Jones, he could only relay what he'd heard after the fact.
“Lady Whitmore. Now that your husband was taken away by business, I shall leave to my sister's home. I would not want to be a burden on you.”
“Ridiculous, Sarah. And please continue to call me Bethany. The title means nothing to me. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish. Perhaps I should hire you as a companion. That way you can stay and not feel guilty about it.”
“I could not charge you for something I enjoy doing.”
“Blah, blah, blah. Don't be silly. Although it kind of makes me look pathetic that I have to pay for a friend.” Ginny laughed. In actuality, a lady's companion was simply an employee that some old maid paid to be her whipping boy. There were some truly pathetic people whom she was supposed to associate with due to her rank.
“I am serious, Bethany. Seeing you married has made me long for it myself. Since it is not likely to happen, I wish not to be reminded. I will leave by the end of the week.” Turning from Ginny, Sarah left the room quickly and quietly. Ginny wanted to chase after her, convince her that all marriages weren't what they appeared to be, but she had decided to be silent about her situation. It would not do for rumors to get out and cause a scandal.
Ginny went to the study and pulled out a piece of paper. Writing in 1803 left a little something to be desired. First you needed a sharp quill, ink and paper that didn't even hold a candle to the crap they use in looseleaf notebooks. There are no lines, so if you're like Ginny, the writing goes up and down in odd curves across the page. If you use too much ink, it bleeds and if you use too little, it you risk punching holes in your paper.
She made her note simple. Ginny invited Dr. Cummings to her home for dinner that evening. Having already decided they would suit, Ginny rushed to get the two together. Perhaps dinner and an evening of chitchat would be enough. If not, Ginny was prepared to be more bold. She would just have to wait and see if they got along.
Arriving on time, Dr. Cummings found Lady Whitmore in the drawing room, entertaining a beautiful, young lady. His smile was genuine as he bowed before Ginny, taking her hand and kissing it briefly.
“Thank you so much for the invitation, Lady Whitmore. It is a pleasure to visit Wellesley Hall when no one is unwell.”
“Thank you, Doctor, for coming on such short notice. As you know, Lord Whitmore was forced to leave unexpectedly on business, so it is a great comfort to have such good friends around.” Ginny took great pride in sounding so ridiculous. “May I introduce Miss Jones. She is a good friend of mine, but unfortunately will be leaving my company soon.”
Turning to the mysterious woman, Dr. Cummings noticed that she was not as young as she appeared from across the room. Still she was stunning, with her wavy locks and her big, brown eyes. She exuded a confidence and grace that added to her appeal. Taking her hand and brushing a kiss across her fingers, he said, “It is a great pleasure to meet you, Miss Jones.”
Sarah sensed what Ginny was up to, but would never cause a scene. “The pleasure is mine, Doctor.”
Ginny saw how the doctor looked at Sarah and could only smile. “Would anyone care for some wine?”
Miss Jones was first to respond. “No, thank you, Lady Whitmore.” She sat down on the settee and tried to look placid. Inside, she was anything but. Though it was impossible, she couldn't help but
notice how handsome the doctor was and how his face seemed almost alight by his good humor.
“Thank you, Lady Whitmore.” Dr. Cummings sat on the chair adjacent to Miss Jones. Ginny fetched the glass and handed it to her guest, then took a seat next to Sarah on the couch.
When no one spoke, Ginny realized she would have to do most of the talking. “Dr. Cummings, how is the general health of the village?” Wow, good work, Ginny. Fascinating conversation, she thought while inwardly groaning.
“Well, to be sure. Mrs. Lambert gave birth to her fifth child and Mr. Mason suffers horribly from his gout, but other than that, it has be
en surprisingly quiet.”
“Good, good. May I ask what Mrs. Lambert had?”
“A girl. Her third girl to be precise. Easy delivery with everyone fine.”
“Sarah, didn't you tell me that your sister recently had a baby?”
Sarah looked at her as if she were crazy. “Yes, Lady Whitmore, she did.”
“And what did she have?” Ginny was trying valiantly to get Sarah to join the conversation, no matter how inane or convoluted it got.
“A girl. They named her Portia, after my sister's favorite Shakespearean character.”
“The Merchant of Venice. A great story to be sure. Very clever.” Dr. Cummings smiled at Sarah, hoping that she would also join the conversation.
“My sister enjoys the comedies. I am more partial to the tragedies myself.” Sarah was unpracticed at flirting, so she could only be honest. Finding that it seemed to work for Lady Whitmore, she was nonplussed.
“Really, Miss Jones. And which is your favorite?”
“King Lear. I believe I most identify with Cordelia.”
“Not prone to flattery, are you then, Miss Jones?”
“Not false flattery. If I believe someone is truly due, I would not hesitate to express it.”
Ginny could feel the electricity in the air. Nature was a wonderful thing when it was working properly. It was still strange to Ginny that people met and married after only a short acquaintance, but she could tell that in romance novel world, this was a good match.
As the two continued to stare, Pearce announced dinner was ready. Ginny stood quickly and began toward the door, hoping that Dr. Cummings would offer his arm to Sarah. And, she wasn't disappointed.
The discussion during dinner led them down many paths, with Sarah keeping up her end of exchange. They discussed politics, women's rights, medicine and even the plight of children. There were few things that Sarah and Dr. Cummings disagreed on, but even in disunion, they seemed to hear out each other's arguments and even concede some points. All in all, it made Ginny miss her husband, despite his behavior.
A Lesson in Forgiveness Page 17