What About Cecelia?

by Amelia Grace Treader

  Jane, Cecelia and George waited in awkward silence in the front parlor. Finally, impatient, Jane rose. She told Cecelia with a touch of bitter haughtiness, “I would appreciate it in the future if you did not slap my fiancée. George, come. It's not eleven yet and there is still time to mingle at the assembly.” With those words she made for the door. George gave Cecelia a look of uncertainty. He would much rather have remained with his cousin. Cecelia put him out of his misery by saying, “Go with Miss Arnold, Captain Wood. I'll make your apologies to Lady Elizabeth.”

  Lady Elizabeth joined her a few minutes later. Her face plainly bore the marks of anguish at her daughter's suffering. “Have they left? I suppose it's for the best if that Arnold woman isn't here, but I do wish Captain Wood had remained.”

  “I'm sorry that he had to go. Miss Arnold desired his escort, and they are affianced.”

  “Yes. Poor man.”

  “How is Mary?”

  “In a dreadful state. She and Major Henry had a secret understanding. Even I didn't know about it, which was a shame, since he was a more than suitable match for her. Both Sir Charles and I would have gladly approved their marriage. She's overthrown with grief.”

  “Can I be of help?”

  “No more than you've been. Oh Miss Wood, Cecelia if I may, I had so hoped to pay part of Sir Charles and my debt to your father with this trip in Bath. Now it seems I'm even further in debt to you.”

  “What debt?”

  “Didn't you know? Your father helped us elope. Even if you weren't such good company, I'd be bound to try to launch you into society.”

  “Don't worry about that. You've done more for me than I could imagine or expect. At least I didn't make any foolish missteps due to your help.”

  “I did hope to see you engaged to a suitable man with somewhere to go after that Arnold woman becomes Mrs. Wood.”

  Cecelia gulped at the thought. That dread time was inevitably coming closer. The Captain and Miss Arnold could not put off their wedding much longer, even if they wanted to. “You know Lady Elizabeth, I'll be wearing the willow myself.”

  “Captain Wood? I've noticed. It's a shame.”

  “I wish I hadn't met him. Life would be so much easier, and I could take advantage of your kind offer in good faith.”

  “As it is, tomorrow we're heading back to Raglan. Mary will need some time to recover, and I don't know where else to go.”

  “There's not much I can do for you or her. If I have the chance again, when, or perhaps if, I return to Penyclawdd, I'll gladly ride with her if she feels up to it. It could be a distraction from her grief.”

  “I hope she will. She enjoyed riding with you. Even if you're not welcome in Penyclawdd, you'll always find our door open.”

  “Please give Mary my deepest sympathy and let her know that she still has at least one friend who cares for her. If not more.”

  10. Captain Wood gets a Reprieve.

  The evening's ball at the assembly rooms found Cecelia, as was usual for her since her friend Mary left, seated by the wall with the chaperons and other unaccompanied women. Not that she minded, she had her book. Not only did she have her book, but it was a ripping good book and she was enjoying it immensely. She was at the exciting chapter where Iolanthe found the third closet with a hanging skeleton, and it almost made up for her lack of a partner. Mr. King walked over to her, and attracted her attention with a gentle cough. “Ahem.”

  Cecelia looked up in surprise, “Mr. King!”

  “Allow me to present this young gentleman. He is desirous of a dance with you and since you are otherwise unoccupied.”

  “I've just reached the chapter with the third skeleton.”

  “As I said, since you are otherwise unoccupied, let me introduce Mr. John Ames to you.”

  Mr. Ames stepped forward and bowed. “Miss Wood?”

  Cecelia acknowledged his bow by rising and curtsying. “Delighted to meet you Mr. Ames.” Mr. King left them to their devices. He had other couples to introduce in his role as master of ceremonies at the assembly.

  “The sets for the next dance will form in a few minutes, shall we converse?”

  “I suppose so. What brings you to Bath?”

  “Boredom, mostly. London seems so flat this time of year. That and I must present myself to my family now and again.”

  “Present yourself to your family. What do you mean by that?”

  “My mother is concerned with the rackety life I live in town and is convinced that it must sooner or later lead to an inevitable decline.”

  “You look well enough to me.”

  “That's what I tell her. Still, she insists on seeing me and reading me the riot act. If not that then it's a long sermon on the wickedness and vanity of modern life. Such a bore. Anyway the lines are forming, shall we?”

  With that he led Cecelia to the floor. The orchestra set up a fast quadrille which left them little time for further conversation.

  Miss Arnold and Captain Wood chose to sit this fast dance out. Jane told her devoted heartthrob, “Captain, I'm completely fagged with this dancing. Could you get me some punch?”

  “As you wish my dear.”

  By the time he returned from the crush, the set had changed and instead of Miss Arnold, he found Miss Wood.

  “Miss Wood, whatever are you doing sitting here? I went to get this punch for Miss Arnold, but she is gone.”

  Cecelia pointed to the floor where a country dance was underway. “Mr. Ames asked if Miss Arnold would dance, and she agreed.”

  “Oh.” Captain Wood was not sure what to think of this.

  “They make a lovely couple, don't you agree?”

  “Hmmph, certainly they dance well together, if that's what you mean Miss Wood.”

  “Yes, that's all. Nothing else.”

  Captain Wood unconsciously drained the cup of punch he had brought, then stared at Cecelia. She felt her heart twinge with anxiety for him. Then he smiled and asked her, “Cousin Cecelia, two can play at that game. Would you care to dance?”

  The fatal hour of eleven struck, as it usually did, all too soon for the dancers, and yet not soon enough for the chaperons and wall flowers. Captain Wood and Miss Arnold had a tense conversation as they walked home. Cecelia followed behind them and did her best not to listen. Not that she could avoid hearing parts of their discussion.

  “Jane, that Mr. Ames.”

  “What of him?”

  “Did he have to pay you such close attention?”

  “No, but what were you doing with that cousin of yours?”

  “Someone should dance with her. Imagine coming to Bath and not dancing at the assemblies.”

  “It looked like you and her were enjoying it.”

  “She is a good dancer.”

  “And I'm not. Is that what you mean?”

  “No, not at all. I'd much rather dance with you, but as you were so occupied with that Mr. Ames.”

  “Mr. Ames is a respectable London gentleman of good fortune. We are old acquaintances.”

  “Is he?”

  “Yes, what of if?”

  “Larger than my fortune?”

  “I think so. Many men have fortunes larger than yours, and he lives in London. London, George. Think of it. No sheep or dogs. Plenty of good company whenever you want. The best shops. London.” Miss Arnold almost clasped her hands in anticipation. “We need to go to London.”

  “We'll see. Maybe on our honeymoon.”

  “Yes, on our honeymoon.” Somehow Miss Arnold's voice lacked the enthusiastic tone she used to describe the wonders of the city. While Captain Wood missed the change in her tone, Cecelia didn't.

  The next day the weather was fine when the sun rose, and more amazingly, was still fine by late-morning when the members of polite society rose. Cecelia was bounding with energy as she made plain to Jane and George when they broke their fast. “I've seen so much in the last few weeks, balls, concerts and wandered around the city.”

  “I'm glad you're enjoy
ing yourself,” Jane replied, “Have you met any suitable young men yet?”

  “Not many. I liked Mr. Ames.” Jane frowned at her words. “Only he wanted to dance with you, Jane.”

  George said, “There's no accounting for tastes, is there?”

  “It's just we've spent so much time exploring the city, I wondered if we might get into the country? Go for a ride?”

  “You forget, Jane doesn't ride as comfortably as you do.”

  “Oh, true. I'm sorry that I forgot. You will once we return to Penyclawdd and I teach you. It's really not hard.”

  “Maybe not for you, my dear, but you've been riding as long as you can walk. Haven't you?”

  “Not quite, but close enough. I suppose what's easy for me might not be for you. Still, I'd like you to try.”

  “I know,” George interjected, “why don't we go for a walk? The path down river beside the Avon is supposed to be very pretty, and at this time of year the river will keep the heat away.”

  Cecelia jumped at the idea, “I would love that, Captain Wood. I've felt so caged here in the city and even a short walk in the countryside would be refreshing. Heulwen can follow us, she needs the exercise.”

  Jane was less certain, but gave her grudging approval. “I suppose, if the two of you are resolved on it, I could accompany you.”

  “That's capital, and we can stop on the way back for refreshment that is suitable for the fair sex.”

  Jane's lack of enthusiasm for the walk was notably abated when they ran into Mr. Ames. He was loitering in the street outside. “Why Mr. Ames! Whatever are you doing here?”

  “I'm not sure. I, I was hoping to,” he paused, unsure of how to tell Jane about his feelings in front of her fiancée. Jane, suddenly enthusiastic for a stroll, answered for him, “We were just going on a walk along the Avon. Would you care to join us?”

  “I'd be very pleased to.” He strode to Jane and took her arm under his, “If I may?” Jane blushed but acceded to his demand. George was momentarily staggered, and said “I say, what is this about?” Jane ignored his question, but Cecelia offered her arm and suggested, “I think they are old friends from London, and have a fair bit of catching up to do. Why don't you escort me? I'm a poor replacement for Jane, but a willing one.”

  “I wouldn't say you're a poor replacement, but I'll have to talk to my fiancée this evening. She is much too attentive to this Mr. Ames for my liking.”

  George soon found his chagrin fading due to the diversion of walking with his cousin. Soon even his resolution to talk to Jane about Mr. Ames faded into a distant memory. Somehow, even though their conversations bordered on the commonplace, talking with Cecelia was never boring. He found it very refreshing that she didn't need to put him in his place every so often.

  Jane and Mr. Ames stopped short at the entrance of the Weston cut, across from the brass works. Cecelia asked her, “Miss Arnold, what is wrong?”

  “My heel, I think I'm developing a blister. Do you mind if I turn back?”

  While Cecelia was obviously disappointed, both she and the two men were all conciliation. George said, “I suppose we should return.”

  Cecelia added, “Yes, shame it's such a pretty day, though.”

  Jane interjected, “Since Miss Wood obviously would like to walk farther, why don't you escort her my love? Mr. Ames would be willing to forgo the pleasures of the walk to see me home.”

  George hesitated while sorting out his emotions, and then replied, “If you are sure that you will be fine with that. It is a very clement day and we've just begun our walk.”

  Mr. Ames reassured him that he would take very good care of Miss Arnold. The two couples parted with George and Cecelia proceeding along the Avon while Jane and Mr. Ames returned to Bath. Heulwen danced along with George and Cecelia, thoroughly enjoying herself in the countryside.

  Once they reached the New Bridge, Cecelia suggested they cross to the other side. They could return to Bath on the far bank, rather than proceed to the dark and muddy 'Fir wood' that was ahead. She and George stopped halfway across the bridge and watched the river underneath. As they stood there together, George's hand slipped unbidden into hers. She gave it a squeeze after a few moments, and he looked deep into her eyes. Her breath stopped as he said, “Ah Cecelia, life is funny isn't it? If only.”

  She replied, “I think, Captain Wood, that we'd best move on.” leaving unspoken “Before we do something we'd both regret later.” They returned silently, still holding hands, to Bath. Jane was already back at their lodgings when they arrived. Mr. Ames had just left.

  The next day Cecelia and Jane were taking tea in the pump rooms, while Captain Wood, with Meadow's support and advice sought out a good tailor. A messenger brought a communication for Miss Arnold which Jane avidly read. Then she made her excuses and asked Cecelia to meet her at the circulating library in about an hour. She slipped away from the pump rooms to meet Mr. Ames in the Parade. He clasped her tightly and gasped out, “Tell me that it isn't too late.”

  She wriggled free from his grasp, “Mr. Ames, no, stop, I'm engaged!”

  “Engagements can be broken.”

  “I know, you broke ours once.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “I don't know. I certainly feel affection for Captain Wood, what is love?”

  “Jane I love you. Will you marry me?”

  “John! The last time you asked me, you had to beg off. That hurt me, deeply.”

  “Let me mend that pain, come away with me.”

  “Why do you think I'd even consider you now?”

  “You know, deep in your heart, that you still love me, that's why.”

  “Why should I believe you now? You dumped me last time. With George at least I'll be married and not left weeping almost at the altar.”

  “A year ago my father was alive. He didn't approve of you and threatened to disinherit me if I married you. They even talked of exiling me to the Cape colony. It can't happen now. There is nothing standing in our way.”

  “So, do the rest of your family 'approve' of me?”

  “It doesn't matter, I approve of you. I've tried to forget you, to find someone else. I can't. Will you please marry me?” He embraced her again and kissed her. This time she didn't struggle.

  When she caught her breath, Jane was in a state of dazed confusion, “I don't know. I can't decide.”

  “Then the answer isn't no.”

  “Not yet. I have to think. Please give me some time. I'll tell you this evening, at the concert.”

  “Stay in your rooms with a headache. I'll visit you there and if you decide the answer is no, I'll bring you to the concert and I won't ever bother you again.”

  “Otherwise?”

  “We'll leave a note and ride off in my carriage.”

  Mr. Ames escorted Miss Arnold to the townhouse. Cecelia, forgotten, waited at the circulating library for a happy but mystifying hour before returning home. Anxious to hear what detained her friend, she knocked on Miss Arnold's door. “Jane, why didn't you meet me at the library. Is everything fine?”

  Jane stuttered out, “I-I-I'm not well. I have a headache. That note was from Mr. Ames, he had sad news of a mutual friend to discuss. We met in the Parade, and I think the sun gave me a headache. He brought me home directly.”

  “I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do for you? Maybe bring you some aromatic vinegar?”

  “No, it's best if I just sit here in the dark and quiet. It should go away.”

  “Let me know if you need anything.”

  “Don't worry I will.”

  Later that evening, after dinner, Captain Wood knocked on Miss Arnold's door. “My dear, the concert, it's getting late. The divine Miss Catalani is giving one of her farewell concerts. You so much wanted to hear her before she returns to Europe.”

  Miss Arnold did not even feel up to opening the door, “Not tonight dear, I have this dreadful headache. I've had it all afternoon and it hasn't improved.”

  “I'm sorry,
is there anything I can do?”

  “Just go. Go and enjoy the concert with Miss Wood. I will join you there if my headache improves.”

  “How will you get there without an escort?”

  “Mr. Ames was planning to inquire after my health. He escorted me home from the Parade when I fell ill.”

  George was not sure what to make of this. Mr. Ames was being far too familiar with Jane for his tastes. On the other hand, the light of his life gave him an express command to take Miss Wood to the concert. The more he thought about that, the better an idea it seemed.

  He found Cecelia reading under the light of a guttering tallow candle. “Miss Wood, at least trim the wick on that candle.” Cecelia looked up and noticed that the 'thief in the candle' had been at work. “Here, let me do it. Why are you using such a miserable light? We have wax candles.”

  “The smell reminds me of home.”

  “How melancholy. Do you miss Penyclawdd?”

  “A little, but Bath has its diversions. Now tell my why you're here? It can't be just to trim my candle for me.”

  “No. Miss Arnold is feeling poorly and suggested I take you instead of her to the concert. It's Mozart's Arias, sung in their original Italian by Miss Angelica Catalani.” Cecelia's heart skipped a beat at the thought of attending the concert with him.

  “That would be a treat, but I don't speak any Italian.”

  “I'll translate for you if I may.”

  “I'm in my day dress, not suitable for the assembly. If you'd send for my maid, I could be ready in a very few minutes.”

  “Thank you. I so much wanted to hear Miss Catalani and it is so much pleasanter to listen in good company than alone.”

  While Cecelia and her maid did their best to get her quickly changed, George fretted in the front hall. He called up, “Come on, hurry up, we'll miss the first part if you're much longer.”