“He needs order to recover. I try to give him that order.”
“Miss Arnold?”
“Yes?”
“Can I help you? You know I'm good at training animals and.”
Jane smiled and almost laughed, “Are you implying that my beloved is an animal?”
Cecelia blushed with embarrassment, “No, not that.”
“It's alright, men are animals and they all need taming.” There was a scratching at the door and she continued, “Speaking of animals. George, you can come in.”
The door opened and Heulwen sprung forth and landed on Cecelia's bed. Captain Wood followed, “She's been whining about being away from you all evening and morning. I just took her for a walk and came to see how you are doing.”
“Achy, and my head hurts.”
“I'm glad you're awake. I'm sorry about last night. With the thunder I was beside myself.”
“It wasn't your fault.”
“I don't know about that. It was just so real, so sudden.”
Meadows quietly appeared beside Captain Wood. “Sir, Mr. Landor has arrived. He would appreciate a word. I have left him in the front parlor awaiting your pleasure.”
There was a scuffling noise outside the door and Mr. Landor could be heard.
“No you haven't! What's ceremony among friends? That blasted horse, Ionie, showed up at my stables this morning. Is Miss Wood well?” He peaked around the door jamb and waved at her. “I see she's alive, at least. What happened last night?”
“Miss Wood went to find me, when I had run out into the rain. I thought I was in Spain again, at the siege of Badajoz.”
“She did? Intrepid lass. Good for her.”
“I could have killed her with that poker.”
Jane's authoritarian streak came into its own. She hustled the two men out of the door. “Miss Wood needs some time to recover and get presentable. Please go downstairs. If she's well enough, she'll join you after she is dressed properly.”
Heulwin barked in support until Jane glared at her. “Would you take that dog with you? While Miss Wood clearly enjoys her company, she will be a nuisance.”
It took Cecelia longer that she thought to get out of the bed and dressed, at least passably, in her muslins. She insisted on going downstairs to join in the conversation. By the time she and Jane painfully made their way down to the parlor, the Captain was finishing his story. “My regiment, we made the last charge at Badajoz. Somehow I survived. Most of the rest of my men are buried there. All that blood and we didn't take the city. What a waste.”
Mr. Landor sat close to the captain. He was almost touching him and listened to his story with a sad and severe look on his face. “Have you ever told anyone about this before?”
“I couldn't, I couldn't tell anyone about it.”
“Well it's good that you do. It will help you heal. Sometime I'll tell you my stories, but they can wait until you're better.” Heulwen's barking alerted him to something. He looked up and saw that the two women had joined them. Suddenly cheerful again, he announced, “We're selling that blasted horse. If Ionie would throw you, Miss Wood, what chance would poor Julia ever have of a comfortable ride?”
“She was sorely provoked, between the thunder and Captain Wood.”
“No, my mind, actually Julia's and my minds are made up and we are of one mind on this decision. Ionie may be a thoroughbred mare, but she's neither reliable nor comfortable.”
“You'd best have me along when you go to the market. Too many horse coper's there and I know most of the tricks.”
“We'll wait until you're well enough. I was just suggesting to George that we all go and make a day of it.”
Cecelia gave Jane a glance. She was clearly feeling awkward about horses. “Miss Arnold, I owe you for your kind care. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye on things. That's my fault as much as yours. If you'd like, I'll help you select an excellent mount, and instruct you on riding.”
Mr. Landor added, “Miss Arnold, that's an offer you shouldn't refuse. Miss Wood is one of the best horsewomen I've ever met. You won't regret it.”
Jane thought for a few moments, then looked at George. He was looking much better than he had when she first met him. Life away from the city might have its advantages as well as its disadvantages. If she were to live in the country with him she would need to learn to ride well, and even to walk in farmyard mud. She replied, “Cecelia, I'd be very pleased if you helped me select a horse. But first I'll need to get some shoes that will stand up to the mud in the farmyard.”
Cecelia smiled, she much preferred to be on good terms with people than at dagger's end. She added, “There's a good shoemaker in Abergavenny. He may not be the most fashionable, but his boots are comfortable and last.”
Jane replied, “I'll have to try him. Can I do that before we go to the horse market?”
Mr. Landor interjected, “The main markets in Brecon are in May and November, so there is plenty of time.”
Jane responded “I'd much rather not wait that long. It gets too cold in November for a pleasant ride.”
Her worries met with some good natured laughter. George explained that those were only the big county meets. Mr. Landor added, “Every Friday they have some sort of market, and there are some others worth the candle. Cecelia, when do you think you'll be able to help us?”
“Jane, what did the apothecary say?”
“He didn't.”
“I doubt I'll be ready this Friday. My head hurts. You'll have plenty of time to get your riding clothes.”
“I know,” Mr. Landor added, “Julia can take you to Abergavenny tomorrow. She's been wanting an excuse to go shopping for some time.”
“An excuse?”
“I'm not the best company for a female when she goes shopping as I have no patience for looking at muslins or trifling things like that. I'd best get back, she'll be wondering what trouble I've gotten myself into, and George?”
“Yes.”
“Don't drink so much. It won't help you get better.”
“How do you know?”
“I tried it. Just delays the reckoning.”
3. Cecelia's Recovery.
True to Mr. Landor's promise, Mrs. Landor showed up at Penyclawdd house early the next morning in her gig. She rode with a groom in tow to look after the horses while they looked after themselves in town. She waited inside, and chatted with Jane until Cecelia slowly descended from her bedroom. Cecelia took up a position of state on a sofa in the front parlor. Heulwen lay at her side and accepted her due share of attention. Julia asked, “Cecelia, how are you today? Mr. Landor said you were alive, but frail yesterday.”
“Better, but my head still aches, and I feel dreadfully tired.”
Jane asked, “Will you be fine alone?”
“Captain Wood will read to me while you're gone, and Heulwen will keep me company. I won't be alone.”
George reassured them that he would be pleased to look after his cousin. Since there were a couple of maids, anything feminine would be dealt with in perfect propriety. Besides, his valet Meadows was a stalwart fellow and should any emergency arise be up to the challenge of it. Cecelia, herself, had the last word of a convincing argument, “Jane, please go with Mrs. Landor to Abergavenny. You've hardly stirred from the house since you arrived, and must be terribly bored.”
“If you're sure that you'll be fine.”
“Of course I will. Go enjoy yourself in the big city.”
It was late in the afternoon when the gig pulled up outside of Penyclawdd house. Jane and Julia were chattering happily away when the noise of Heulwen barking to announce their arrival disturbed them. George called “Heulwen, Shh!” and the dog quieted. Captain Wood came to the door and met both his fiancée and Mrs. Landor. “Please be quiet, Miss Wood is asleep in the parlor.”
“All day?”
“No, I read most of 'Count Julian' to her. She started snoring sometime about three fourths of the way through.”
“Mr. Landor will not be
amused that his book sent Miss Wood to sleep.”
“I doubt he'll mind that it helped a good friend get through a fretful stage of her recovery.”
Jane added, “Nice recovery, my dear. I see you're finally learning to be tactful. How is Cecelia?”
“As I said, sound asleep. She was a bit twittery and restless all morning, didn't want to drink that potion the apothecary left. Then when I read to her she lay still and eventually went to sleep. If you're quiet, I can offer you some tea in the dining room, and you can tell me how you found Abergavenny.”
Julia replied that she was not sure she should stay, but Jane insisted that she take some refreshment before proceeding up Cwm Bwlch to Llanthony. “It's at least we can do since you were so helpful to me.”
The noisy arrival of Mr. Landor on horseback put their attempts at silence to flight. He cried, “Captain Wood, the weather bodes well for a shooting party tomorrow. Are you interested?”
Julia added, “Why Mr. Landor what a good idea. Perhaps Miss Arnold would care to visit Llanthony and keep me company while you shoot.”
Jane hesitated, “Someone should remain with Miss Wood. At least until she's clearly on the mend.” A scrambled, barking noise, coupled with a clear command of “Heulwen quiet!” presaged the invalid's arrival. Cecelia stood in the doorway and leaned on the jamb for support. Still pale and a bit shaky, she asked what they were discussing.
“Captain Wood, if you feel up to it, shooting with Mr. Landor and the local huntsmen is an excellent idea.”
Jane reiterated her concern, “But my dear, will you be well without us?”
“My head feels much better, and I won't be alone. Meadows and my maid will be here. I might need to send for you to keep them from cosseting me too much. Did I hear someone mention tea, or was I dreaming?”
The next morning, after Miss Arnold and Captain Wood set out together in the gig for Llanthony, Cecelia found Meadows and asked him for answers to some pressing questions she had.
“Mr. Meadows,” she began, “I'd so much like to know more about Captain Wood.” She paused, then hastily added, “And Miss Arnold, of course.”
“It's simply Meadows, Miss Wood.” He paused, then carefully chose his words, “I valeted for the Captain before he left for Spain. Then I valeted for his father in between, and so naturally when the Captain returned I resumed his employment.”
“Meadows, that's not what I was asking about.”
“Miss? I must be discreet about my employer's interests. Otherwise, I'd be a very untrustworthy valet.”
“Oh, I suppose you know what you're about. It's just I'd like to know my cousin, and, I suppose Miss Arnold better.”
“An admirable objective Miss Wood. I'll endeavor to comply with your interrogations.”
“Is that a yes?”
“With reservations.”
“Where did they meet and how long have they been engaged?”
“The captain returned from Spain in March. They met at an 'at home' in London and were engaged almost at once.”
“He seems a bit shy around women, at least he was around me at first. I'm surprised he was such a fast worker.”
“Miss Arnold isn't shy, Miss.”
“She is rather forthright in her opinions, isn't she?”
Meadows nodded, but replied, “That's not for me to say, Miss Wood. Do you have any other questions?”
“It sounds like she scooped him up before he even found his bearings.”
Meadows simply looked like a stuffed frog.
“I sorry. I guess that question is a bit over the line.”
“I would appreciate it, Miss if you don't pursue that line of questioning any further.” Cecelia noticed that he didn't say 'no'. Clearly Meadows had his misgivings about his master's helpmate-in-waiting.
“He mentioned that he has other estates, and might sell Penyclawdd. Would he?”
“His father is still living, but the family estate in Berkshire is heavily mortgaged, and not as well managed as this one. I doubt he will see much from it.”
“Thank you, I've managed this estate ever since my father first fell ill.”
“You have? I'm sorry to say that I don't know the Captain's plans for it.”
“Oh.” Cecelia's worries about Penyclawdd, the place she loved more than any other were writ plainly on her face. “I suppose there are other places I could learn to love.”
“Have you traveled anywhere else?”
“Not really. We traveled to Bath for a few days when my uncle took orders, but I was a little girl then. I've been to Gloucester of course.”
“Then, miss, I suggest you see some more of the world.”
“I'm going with the Captain and Miss Arnold to Bath.”
“That's a start, miss. Bath, however elegant, is hardly the chief city of England.”
A commotion at the front entrance to the house broke into their discussion. Meadows and Cecelia went to see what was happening. Captain Wood found the shooting too much for his nerves and was escorted back to Penyclawdd by one of the beaters. Cecelia immediately took charge. “Mr. Meadows, would you take the Captain to the front parlor, while I deal with this young gentleman.”
“Miss,” Meadows bowed in salute and helped George to a seat in the parlor. In the meantime Cecelia rewarded the beater with a couple of shillings. This would make up for the time and payment he lost escorting Captain Wood home. The beater pocketed the money then said, “Miss Wood, that Captain he was shaking from the noise. He wasn't acting very brave at all.”
Restraining her impulse to clump the little blighter on the head, Cecelia replied, “Alwyn, Captain Wood bravely fought the French in Spain for our good King George.”
“What did they fight with? Sticks? He shook like he was afraid of the noise of guns.”
Cecelia's hand twitched to clump the boy again, yet somehow she restrained herself to reply in a lady-like manner. “They used guns and cannon. The French destroyed Captain's division at Badajoz, and he was badly wounded.”
“Doesn't show. Where's his limp? Does he have a scar? My brother had a big scar from his wound. It looks corky on him.”
“His wound is inside him, and doesn't show. Now get back to the other beaters before I clump you.”
Alwyn knew Miss Wood's threat was rhetorical, although he wouldn't have used such a word to describe it. He grinned at her and then ran back towards Hatterrall hill and the grouse shooting. There were still tips to be had for helping the shooters.
Meadows was standing next to the Captain when she returned to the parlor. George was sitting on one end of the sofa, quietly sobbing to himself. “Miss Wood, if you would stay with the Captain, I will return with a glass of brandy as a restorative.”
“No. Go find my maid to chaperon us, then send for Miss Arnold. I'll comfort him in the meantime.”
“Miss, the brandy usually works wonders.”
“Do you remember what Mr. Landor said about drink? He may be a hopelessly romantic poet, but his practical advice is usually sound. I'd like to see how the Captain does with a little kindness and patience first.”
“Yes, miss.”
Cecelia, with no little trepidation, sat next to George on the sofa. She asked him, “What is it Captain Wood?” He gave only a stifled sob in response. So she tried again, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
His reply took her by surprise. His words were conventional enough, “Nothing you can do. Just sit with me.” However, his actions weren't. He turned, hugged her for reassurance and sobbed for few minutes on her shoulder. She was a tall girl with big shoulders that gave him plenty of support. It was just as well as that she was also a sensible female who was not given to vapors. Her maid, Martha, entered the room. Seeing her mistress receiving a close embrace from the Captain left her shocked and speechless. Embarrassment fought with pleasure for the dominant place in Miss Wood's expression. After a few minutes the Captain stopped, seemed to regain control of himself, and said, “Thank you, Miss Wo
od. I'm better now.”
Cecelia wasn't sure that she was feeling better. She felt a little breathless. Being held this close by a man, a handsome one at that, left her feeling more than a little odd. Once she recovered her breath and then her composure, she told him, “You should rest for the afternoon, why don't we read one of my books together?”
“As long as it's not one of Mr. Landor's.”
“He does tend to the obtuse, doesn't he?” She looked at her maid and addressed her. The maid was sitting in a chair across the room and viewing them with a mixture of sympathy and shock on her face. “Martha, would you get the two books I just received from the circulating library?”
“Miss, will you be safe? Here alone with Captain Wood?”
“I'm sure he will behave like a gentleman while you are gone.”
“That's what I'm worried about, Miss.”
“Please get them. I'm sure Captain Wood can restrain his baser urges for a few minutes.” She thought, but didn't add, “I'm not as sure that I can control mine.” Fortunately for her domestic tranquility, she was not put to the temptation. Meadows, ever vigilant for his master's safety, came into the room. He held out the books and said, “Miss Wood, here are the two volumes you were referring to. Might I suggest the novel, 'by a Lady' as more calming than the volume of Lord Byron's poetry.”
Jane arrived back from Llanthony as quickly as she could. It was only about two hours after a messenger was sent to her. Captain Wood's mellifluous deep voice was reading, “Marianne's performance was highly applauded. Sir John was loud in his admiration at the end of every song.iii” She entered and found him and his cousin seated close together on the sofa and reading aloud from a book that they held between them. They were sitting against each other as they leaned over the book to follow the story. Just as Cecelia was about to start with,” and as loud” she voiced her disapproval.
“George! Cecelia! What are you doing?”
George jumped up and replied, “Nothing, I mean, just reading with each other.”
“I can see that.”
“It's only a novel.”
“I disapprove of novels.”
What About Cecelia? Page 3