Lady Elizabeth noted the time on the mantelpiece clock and pronounced it was time for Captain Wood to return home. She added, “Miss Wood and Mary. There is still time for you to have a ride. We will set dinner back until you return.”
When Cecelia and Mary reached the stables, they were surprised to find Captain Wood and Sir Charles were already there.
Cecelia inquired, “I thought you had returned to Penyclawdd?”
“I will, shortly, but first I needed to ask Sir Charles about a horse for Miss Arnold. That is, unless you want Mrs. Landor to return Awyr?”
Cecelia shivered at the thought, Awyr was her special horse, and Mrs. Landor was doing an excellent job of looking after her. Somehow the idea of Miss Arnold riding Awyr filled her with dismay. She replied, “No, I think Miss Arnold needs her own mount.”
One of the grooms brought the two horses that Mary and Cecelia were using over. Captain Wood helped Mary to mount and then offered to help Cecelia up. While perfectly capable of mounting her horse herself, she accepted his aid. He took her hand while steadying her. Their eyes met and locked on each other. It felt as though a slight shock ran through her, and once mounted they were both reluctant to let go of the other's hand. Then he did and returned to discussing horses with Sir Charles while Cecelia and Mary rode out.
6. Race on Holy Mountain.
“Mary Georgiana Somerset,” Lady Elizabeth rarely spelled out her daughter's names to her. It was something she only did when her daughter was being recalcitrant or naughty, “you will do as I say.” She and her daughter were in Mary's room before dinner. Ostensibly Lady Elizabeth was discussing how the day's riding lessons went. In fact, she was discussing how best to teach Miss Wood a bare modicum of the feminine skills and manners that life in Penyclawdd had not.
“Mo-o-ther, why? I like Miss Wood, but there is no reason she should try on my dresses.”
“I am going to tell you this once and I expect you to listen, then cheerfully obey me. Do you understand?”
“Yes, mo-o-other.”
“Nicely please.”
She smiled, “Yes mother.”
“You wouldn't be here if Sir Giles Wood, then just the Honorable Giles Wood, hadn't helped your father and me elope. Not if he hadn't hired the carriage, kept the horses quiet and driven off when your father escorted me to it, nor if he hadn't stood firm when my father demanded to know our direction. In fact, it was his fanciful story that sent my father in the wrong direction. It meant that Sir Charles and I could get most of the way to Scotland before my father even started out after us from London.”
“So what?”
“I could never directly repay Sir Giles for his kindness. An offer of money would have been an insult, and he had all the social position he ever wanted. His wife's parents were pleased with his proposal and he didn't need to elope. After her death, neither your father nor I could coax him back into society. The only way left that I can ever repay him for his kindness is to help his daughter to find her station in life, and that I will do. You will help me. Do you comprehend me?”
“Yes.” She paused to roll her eyes, “Mother.”
“Besides you like Miss Wood, don't you?”
“I do.”
“And you don't want her to be dependent on that dreadful Arnold woman, do you?”
“Lord, no. I don't know how Cecelia can stand her.”
“It shows no little goodness of character in your friend. Miss Wood will need some fashionable gowns. Obviously she can't wear yours, she's too tall if nothing else. If we can take one of your old ones and get Miss Wood's measurements on it, then Miss Antoinette can make her a few gowns that are suitable for a young woman on her first trip to Bath.”
“All right, if you put it that way, I suppose she could try one.”
“I want to find the one that comes closest to fitting her. That way there will be the fewest adjustments. If Miss Wood gets to be known in Bath with her current clothes, then there will be no helping her.”
“Yes, mother. If you insist.”
“I do. I wouldn't ask you if it weren't needed.”
“Anything else you want me to do, while you're asking favors?”
“One more thing, Mary. Tonight at dinner I will place Miss Wood between you and me. We will gently guide her to use the proper utensils.”
“Won't that be too near the head of the table for her precedence? It's above her rank for her to sit there.”
“There are times when it is best to ignore precedence, and a quiet family dinner is one of them.”
Relaxed because she was more familiar with her companions, Cecelia paid more attention to the order of courses. With only a few hints from either Mary or Lady Elizabeth she managed to avoid any committing any serious faux pas. Being dressed in a complete, albeit old-fashioned and out of style, dress that didn't stink of horses helped her fit into her company and boosted her confidence. In addition, Mary's progress with equitation was something that Mary and she could converse about with the rest of the family.
Cecelia pointed out at one stage in the conversation, “We talked about riding to Holy Mountain this afternoon, but other things interfered with it. How about tomorrow morning?”
“Holy Mountain?”
“That's the English name for it. The locals call it Ysgyryd Fawr or the shattered mountain. It's supposed to be a special place.”
The idea of riding to it was enthusiastically received. It was resolved that a party including grooms and at least one little brother and sister would ride the five miles to the top of the mountain, and then return.
That evening, as they prepared for bed, Sir Charles commented to Lady Elizabeth. “My love, I think your protégé is progressing nicely. Don't you?”
“Her manners certainly have improved. She's not quite ready for Bath society, but at least she's not an embarrassment.”
“And I've been impressed with how much Mary's seat has improved. What do you think of the expedition they've planned?”
“You know me, I never interfere with my children's pleasures.” Sir Charles thought this was something of an understatement, but accepted her approval.
“Then I won't find a distraction to divert them. I do have a concern about Miss Wood.”
“She and that Captain Wood?”
“Precisely. They seem attracted to each other. I mean, they do what they can to avoid it, but there is something between them. Did you notice?”
“I did. Why do you think I stopped the dancing practice this afternoon?”
“Do you think that Arnold woman notices?”
“She'd be blind not to. I'm rather pleased that Miss Wood is visiting us. It will keep her out of trouble.”
“I hope it works, and that Captain Wood soon forgets Miss Wood.”
“And she him. I do so hope she meets some other eligible man in Bath.”
The next morning, both Mary and Cecelia were up early, brushing and working with their horses. The head groom watched their efforts with a disapproving expression on his face. His disapproval was more due to his feelings about social rank than anything they were doing incorrectly. Cecelia noted this and told him, “Miss Somerset needs to understand her horse in order to be comfortable on her. This is really the only way for the two of them to build trust in each other. I'm showing her how it is done.”
“If you say so Miss, but I'd rather the family stick to its place in life and we servants stick to ours likewise.”
“Do you think I'm a servant?”
“You're certainly acting like one.”
Cecelia straightened up and stared him in the eyes. She was a tall woman, and he, an ex-jockey, was on the short side. It made her intimidating when she told him, “I will have you know that I am Sir Giles Wood's daughter, and one of the best riders in Monmouth County. Until recently I ran Penyclawdd farm. You'll not forget that, will you?”
“No, Miss.”
“Good. When we're done here, Miss Charlotte and Master Charles will need their mounts
too. We're headed to the top of Holy Mountain this morning.”
“Yes, Miss. I presume you'll need an escort?”
“As you see fit, but I'd expect at least one groom to accompany us.”
Breakfast was more rushed than usual, and as a result the party was assembled by mid-morning. They were soon riding on the first five mile leg of the trip to the mountain. Two grooms accompanied them. One carried a packed basketwork pannier with essential foodstuffs for a mid-day al fresco meal at the peak on his horse.
Cecelia and Georgie led the party up the steep hill to the long rock known locally as the 'devil's table'. Miss Charlotte and Master Charles needed a break, so Cecelia suggested that they stop here. Mary was disappointed, “I'd like a chance for a gallop if we could. All we've done this morning is walk at a sedate pace with my little brother and sister.”
Master Charles tossed a clod of dirt at her.
Cecelia felt similarly about the pace on their ride, but was too polite to say so. Instead, she said, “There are the ruins of an old chapel at the other end of the mountain. Race you there.”
“You're on!”
“Mr. Somerset, would you count for us to start?”
“Ready, steady, go!” The two woman pushed their mounts to run and soon reached the other end of the mountain. Georgie asked, “Did you let me win?”
“No. Not really.”
“You mean yes, don't you?”
“It's a long walk back to Hill house in Raglan if my horse goes lame. So I didn't push her all-out.”
“Oh.”
“Anyway, would you please hold my reins? There is something I need to do here.”
“What? You're visible for miles around if it's what I think you mean.”
“Not that. You'll see.” Mary took the reins while Cecelia dismounted. Cecelia pulled a couple small cloth bags from her pocket which caused Mary to remark, “Aren't those two of mother's silk potpourri bags?”
“I don't know. I found them in a drawer, and they had a bunch of musty old dried leaves in them. They smelt funny. Is that potpourri?”
“Yes. What are you going to do?”
“The soil from the top Holy Mountain is special, magical. A pinch in the garden helps your plants grow, and it's always good luck to have some in the house.”
“Really?”
“That's what the local farmers believe. It's probably a superstition, but it's a nice one.” She scooped a portion of the soil into the first bag and sealed it. She looked up at Mary and continued, “Not all of their superstitions are so nice. Some are simply cruel, like cutting of a cat's tail to cure sore eyes or blindness.”
“Yuck, how awful.”
“I know. We rational modern people must do what we can to stop such things.”
“But you're still filling up bags of Holy Mountain soil.”
“It's a local custom. Not as if it will harm anyone, and it will make a nice gift.”
“I'm not sure my mother won't harm you when she sees what you've done to her potpourri bags.”
“I doubt it. Anyway I can always buy or make her replacements.”
As she was filling the second, both she and Miss Somerset heard riders working their way towards them up the steep hillside. As she looked up from sealing the second bag, she saw Captain Wood and Miss Arnold. She stood up and waved. Then she called, “Miss Arnold, and G- Captain Wood, did you know we would be here?”
The Captain walked his horse over, “No Miss Wood, we did not. Why ever are you dismounted?”
“I was filling these bags with soil from the Holy Mountain.” She handed one to him and blushed, “It's something of a housewarming present for Miss Arnold and you. It's good luck if you keep a bag of the soil in your house, or, well.”
“Well what?”
“Bedroom. On your wedding night.”
He laughed, and pocketed the bag, “Thank you, I will. Is the other one for you?”
“No,” she turned to her friend, “Miss Somerset, this is for you.”
“Thank you, but no, Miss Wood. I don't hold with superstitions. Keep it for yourself.” Mentally she added, “You will need all the luck you can get.”
“I'll keep it then. Maybe it will help me catch a good husband in Bath.”
Jane coughed in the background, and Cecelia continued, “Oh, I'm sorry. Miss Mary Somerset, this is Miss Jane Arnold.”
“Delighted to meet you again. You didn't ride here all by yourselves from Raglan, did you?”
“No, one each of Miss Somerset's sisters and brothers are having a restorative nuncheon by the devil's table with the grooms.”
“I'm famished,” Jane added, “do you think there's enough to share?”
Mary thought for a moment, balancing the social niceties of the situation, and replied, “Most likely. Miss Arnold would you care to see?”
“George?”
“I will wait while Miss Wood remounts and then join you. Enjoy your snack.” After the two women trotted off he turned his attention to Cecelia. “Are you enjoying your stay with the Somersets?”
“Very much so. I do miss Penyclawdd terribly, but I've been learning how behave at a proper dinner. I've even been measured for dresses so that their Mantua maker can fit me out when we arrive.”
“Hmmn.”
“Well I have to make a dashing appearance, and attract male attention. I can't stay here forever, once you and Jane ma,” she paused for air, “marry.”
“I suppose not, though for me you'll always be welcome. Life at Penyclawdd still seems a bit flat in your absence.”
“I've only been gone a couple of days. You'll soon get over it.” George found he wasn't sure he wanted to get over it.
“Do you need help to mount?”
“Me? No!”
“When you're ready I'll race you to the others.”
“You're on.”
Mary and Jane had just dismounted and handed their reins to the groom for safekeeping when they heard the thundering noise of two horses galloping towards them. Captain Wood and Miss Wood where racing seriously. The two where closely matched and only stopped when they passed the edge of the rock. Master Charles shouted in joy, “Yoicks! Now that's how I want to ride. Can we do that on the way home?”
George asked the love of his life, “Who won?”
“I didn't see.”
Master Charles spoke up, “Miss Wood, by a nose.”
7. Life in Penyclawdd.
A week after the horse fair, Mr. Landor rode down to Penyclawdd early in the morning and interrupted breakfast. He didn't interrupt a flowing conversation. Jane and George were sitting in silence quietly eating their morning meal at each other. Jane and the cook had come to an agreement, so the food was edible.
“George, old chap, I was wondering if you'd like to try pigeon shooting with me tomorrow?”
“Are you sure about that? I didn't do very well with the grouse shooting.”
“Completely different thing. I should have thought of this myself. Grouse shooting is one loud volley after another. This is just an occasional shot, if that.”
“If you say so. What do you think Jane?”
“I'd say go do it. I can give tomorrow's lesson a miss.”
“Speaking of riding lessons, any news from Cecelia?”
Jane snapped back, “No. Not after I packed her things for her. I suppose she is enjoying herself.”
“It sounds like you're not.”
“I find living in the country a little tedious.”
“Hasn't learning to ride helped? Get you out and about.”
“I guess.”
George interrupted, “We did meet Miss Wood and her party on Holy Mountain. I thought you enjoyed the picnic Jane?”
“You're right, thank you for reminding me. I did. I'm sorry for my snappish remarks. It's just that living here is so flat. There aren't any diversions like there are in London. No concerts or balls.”
“If you could ride to Holy Mountain, it sounds to me like you're already
quite the equestrienne, Miss Arnold. Tell you what, why don't you surprise Mrs. Landor tomorrow? If you feel up to the ride, that is.”
“I, I don't know.”
George added, “You've got a start on a good seat, Jane. It's only a few miles up the lane. I'd think you'll be fine.”
“I suppose I could. It's not as if I'd be jumping hedges or anything.”
“See what you feel like in the morning.”
“Miss Arnold, I know that Julia will be overjoyed to have your company. She finds Llanthony a little isolated. Doesn't complain mind you, but I can tell.”
“Landor, what were our plans?”
“The best pigeon shooting is further up the Cwm from Llanthony. Could you ride up in the morning, and then we'll leave together?”
“I'll be there early in the morning.”
“Excellent. Now I must be going, one of those blasted farmers has been cutting down trees in one of my coed's again.”
“Sorry to hear it. See you tomorrow, early.”
George awoke early. He ate something that resembled breakfast, had his horse saddled and stole off to Llanthony. His plan was to arrive not too long after dawn. Heulwen, of course noticed his departure and trotted after him. Since she wouldn't return to Penyclawdd, she would have to be tied up at Llanthony to keep her out of trouble.
Jane awoke to a quiet house. After a more settled breakfast than the love of her life, she donned her riding habit and walked over to the stables. The groom had sad news for her. “Ma'am. I'm sorry but your horse has a loose shoe. She'll lose it if you ride her.”
“So she goes bare-hoofed. What's wrong with that?”
“She'll go lame. I've sent for the farrier, but it will be a good few hours before she's ready to ride. If she's ready at all today. He could find something else wrong with the hoof.”
Jane was not a woman to be put off so easily. “Surely there is another horse I could ride?”
“Not the cart or carriage horses, Ma'am. They don't take to being ridden.”
What About Cecelia? Page 7