But alas it had not been so. Could not have been. He would go on to kiss another and leave her in despair. She had to maintain herself and her position. Although she traveled about with Thaddeus and Lady Grace, she was certainly not on par with them. She was not of nobility, a mere commoner, who was enjoying the luxuries of being the stewardess of a young lady of high status. She was very fortunate to be in her position and would do well not to be so rash as to forget that no matter how many places she went with them, she was still a lowly member of their staff. If she wished to remain there she had better control herself.
Chapter 17
The time came for them to venture to Stickland Hall, the home of The Right Honourable and Lady Timothy Wynn. They journeyed to meet the family of Lord Cornelius’ intended. It would be a day’s journey. Thaddeus, Lady Grace, and Evie boarded the coach for the trip.
The three spoke very little, with Lady Grace spending a great deal of the time resting peacefully with her head on Evie’s shoulder. Thaddeus was lost in thought. Although they would be attending a dinner party, he would have serious matters to attend to. He and Lord Wynn would have much to discuss. In their correspondence so far, they had spoke primarily in generalities, with few specifications. That conversation would likely be taking place in Lord Wynn’s study.
The Duke was not entirely sure what to expect. It would be his first time handling such matters. He did not foresee it being much apart from the usual business dealings. They would need to discuss Lady Sarah’s wealth and anything else that she would be bringing into the marriage. Lord Wynn was entitled to know about the general state of Cornelius’ affairs. Their engagement would be solidified once all pertinent matters were tended to.
The coach smelled strongly of Evie’s scent, which caused Thaddeus some distraction. He watched her as she looked out at the passing countryside. He wished to converse with her, but felt improper in the presence of his younger sister. So he simply sat, reading the Times.
As the coach wound its way up the pathway to Stickland Hall, Thaddeus looked about the estate. It was quite well-appointed, though much more meager than that of Wellington manor. As an Earl, Lord Wynn did not have the land holdings of Thaddeus. Nonetheless the land was well kept. There was some cattle about and a small pond under a bridge. The home itself was stately. The columns on either side of the entry were elegant and understated. The path leading up to the main doors was lined with foliage and sculpture.
Lady Grace jostled awake as the horses were reigned in. Once the footman had opened the coach door, Thaddeus climbed out and stretched his legs. He then reached back for the hand of his sister, followed by that of Evie. The three, along with the footman, approached the front doors, which were already opening to admit them. They stepped up and walked inside, greeted by the Wynns’ stoic butler.
The foyer contained various artworks, both paintings and sculptures. They were led to the right of the grand staircase into the drawing room where Lord Cornelius and Lady Sarah sat with Lord and Lady Wynn. Lord Wynn rose to greet them. Cornelius said, “My Lord, this is my brother, His Grace Thaddeus Wellington. Your Grace, the Right Honorable Timothy Wynn.”
The gentlemen bowed to one another. Lord Wynn said, “How do you do?”
Thaddeus replied, “How do you do?”
Cornelius then stated, “This is my younger sister, Lady Grace Wellington, along with her companion, Lady Evie Seymour.”
Thaddeus noticed that Evie seemed both surprised and pleased to be greeted as Lady. She bowed her head to the earl, remaining in place behind Grace. Lord Wynn turned to his wife, saying, “This is my wife, Lady Wynn.” Lady Wynn rose from her seat and curtseyed to them all. Grace and Evie waved at Sarah, who returned an exuberant wave to them, before bowing to Thaddeus.
Lord Wynn offered, “Please sit. We were just going over the impending nuptials.”
Lady Wynn added, “Oh yes. There is much to be discussed.”
Thaddeus opted to remain standing, not feeling at ease to sit under the circumstances. The talks were already beginning and he did not want to be caught at a disadvantage. Although Lord Wynn had already granted his permission for marriage, the articles of proposal had not yet been signed. It would be upon Thaddeus to oversee the future of Lady Sarah and their future children upon Lord Cornelius’ death.
Thaddeus knew that as a father, Lord Wynn would do much to insure his daughter’s future. Not only that, but he would also seek to make connections beyond the formalities of marriage. Often while discussing the articles of proposal, other business alliances between the families would be raised. Lord Wynn had done business in the past with their father. Thaddeus had no objections to that continuing. He simply wished to get on with the matter as quickly as possible.
First, though, there was the matter of niceties. The group sat about the drawing room making conversation, both general and related to the upcoming marriage. Once the necessary agreements were in line it would be mere weeks before the intended were wed. After which would be the honeymoon before the newlyweds settled into their new home.
It all recalled to Thaddeus what it had been like to wed Abigail. He had ventured to Abigail’s father to ask for her hand in marriage. With his blessing he made his proposal to Abigail, who accepted. No sooner than he had informed his parents had they begun the process of engaging Abigail’s family to make things official. Once the articles of proposal were drawn up and signed, they moved on to the wedding plans.
The ceremony had been simple. Only the closest family and acquaintances were in attendance at the church. The Duke had to overcome last minute jitters. He had not questioned his decision to choose Abigail, it was the whole institution of marriage that he objected to. Yet in the end he had gone through with it and found himself more content than he would have imagined.
The honeymoon had proven itself quite enjoyable. He would never forget the first time he had made love to Abigail. He could tell she was frightened and ventured to set her at ease. She had remained in her gown, but still quite beautiful. He reveled in the fact that he was able to kiss her so openly and as much as he desired. He caressed the softness of her skin and relished the feeling of her skin against his. He had found ecstasy quite quickly and they lay entwined as they drifted peacefully into sleep.
There had been a series of nights like that, along with a very long journey by coach to stay in the family home not far from the sea. When they returned they did so to a modest country house, the temporary quarters until Thaddeus had secured a more permanent home. Before they had been able, his parents were gone and he became charged with Wellington Manor.
He wondered how similar his brother’s wedding and honeymoon would be. He looked at him as he stood up next to Sarah. The fingertips of his right hand sat just touching the fingertips of her left. He could see from the way he looked down at her and smile that his brother was fortunate enough to care deeply for his future bride. Many others, particularly at their rank, had no care for such sentimentalities. Their sole purpose in marriage was to find someone of equal or greater rank and merge their assets. Often when he looked upon man and wife he saw two strangers bond together by status and wealth. They enjoyed the shared luxury and performed their duties by bringing forth offspring. It was all very official.
Thaddeus could not help but feel heartened that his younger brother would not be quite so austere. It had long been a concern of his that his brother would take up with whomever his parents would like and be stuck in much the same marriage that they had had; want of any emotion or care. It was why he had insisted this his brother simply find ladies to spend his time with in leisure and amusement. Even though his brother had not fully taken his advice, at least he might find that leisure and amusement with his own wife.
The conversation carried on from the drawing room into the dining room where dinner was to be served. Lady Sarah’s younger sister, Peggy also joined them at dinner. Lord Wynn explained, “My son, Owen and his wife Lady Diana were not able to attend. They shall be
present for the nuptials, however.”
Lady Wynn said, “Speaking of the nuptials, we were wondering where they might take place. Do you have a parish of preference or might we choose our own?”
All heads turned to Thaddeus. He looked over at Lord Cornelius, who seemed to have the same question. He replied, “There is no preference. Should you like, you may choose the nearby chapel.”
Lady Wynn exclaimed, “Excellent! Being as they shall come to live closer to you, it seems only proper for their marriage to at very least begin nearby.”
Thaddeus made no reply. It made no difference to him where the wedding took place. There was some talk of flower arrangements before the talk moved on to the more general points of the current season. Apparently, Lord and Lady Wynn entertained quite frequently. Thaddeus could understand why. Lord Wynn was a very expansive man and also a man of great pride. He spoke of the luxuries he acquired as well as all of the important people with whom he was personally acquainted.
Thaddeus had always found men like him to be a bore. It was the type of men that he was forced to socialize with in the House of Lords. It seemed particularly ridiculous in such a setting where all men present were of considerable means, although some had more than others. As much as the Duke enjoyed accumulating money, he loathed talking of it at great length.
Lord Wynn tried to engage him in some of his more recent business dealings, but the Duke responded only vaguely. Lord Cornelius was much more eager to speak on the matters. Thaddeus knew that the eagerness had nothing to do with the subject matter. In spite of having already secured Lady Sarah’s hand, Lord Cornelius could not help, but to continue to try to impress Lord Wynn. Thaddeus had not been nearly so eager to impress Abigail’s father. Firstly, he was aware that he was of the status and wealth that any father in his right mind would accept him. Furthermore, although they would retain future relationship, it would not be the father he was marrying.
Thaddeus was glad when the ladies took over the conversation. Lady Wynn was want of personality. She was not entirely unpleasant, but she maintained the breeding of those of her class. Those ladies behaved in such a way as to insure no one ever forgot their status. It was the way of nobility. Thaddeus acknowledged that he too held himself as such in certain company. Yet, he held that in spite of appearances he did indeed have a greater interior life.
As the courses went on, Thaddeus found his eyes falling on their most recent favorite resting place: Evie. She sat there, perfect posture, saying very little and minding her manners. On a few occasions, Lady Grace deflected to her and she answered appropriately. For the evening, she dawned a modest frock of slightly common fashion, and yet she managed to remain radiant in it. When she laughed she opened her mouth just so and placed a hand on her chest, as many ladies were apt to do. Her gestures were calculated, never too liberal. Her eyes remain actively engaged on whomever was speaking. Thaddeus thought that in spite of her current status, he could detect the nobility of her bloodline in her nature.
Immediately following dinner the ladies went to coffee and dessert in the drawing room, while the men moved to library to discuss the terms of the articles of proposal. Lord Wynn walked in and took a seat behind his desk, no doubt hoping to appear imperialistic. Lord Cornelius took a seat off to the side, while Thaddeus remained standing. In circumstances of negotiation, Thaddeus preferred to remain standing, feeling that it gave him a point of power. They began immediately. Lord Wynn started, “Well gentlemen, it has come to the less pleasant business of Lord Cornelius’ Will. We must discuss the future security of my dear Sarah.”
Thaddeus countered, “Before we address that part, we must establish the allowances of Lady Sarah as they currently stand.”
“But of course. At present my daughter is entitled to 15,000 pounds annually. That is of course without any other such inheritances and subject to decrease with the future family holdings.”
Thaddeus nodded. He said, “Well, at the present status of Lord Cornelius’ allotment, Lady Sarah and their future children would be granted 40,000 pounds annually.”
“I understood that Lord Cornelius’ fortune was far more robust.”
“As you know, Lord Wynn, the current status of Cornelius’ wealth notwithstanding, the will must be adjusted for future depreciation.”
“But certainly his wealth should not be expected to depreciate so much. Dare I say it stands to increase greatly.”
“We must speak from where we are, not some future time that may or may not be. With the Wellington estate as it stands, this is quite a generous sum to be offered, particularly with regard to her current allowance.”
Lord Wynn nodded thoughtfully before saying, “All the same I believe my daughter, as the eldest daughter of an Earl, ought to garner a greater allowance for her future and that of her children.”
“I am willing to go up as much as 45,000, no higher.”
“I would find this agreeable with certain other assurances. I should think if my daughter is to produce more than one male heir that she should yield a higher allotment.”
“Alright, in the case that Lady Sarah produces multiple male heirs, she will be granted an increase.”
“Also, should Lord Cornelius make it to a fine old age, which we all hope, her allotment should also increase.”
“To that, Lord Wynn, I cannot agree. By such a time as my brother is to perish an elderly gentleman, Lady Sarah shall have only herself to care for. You must consider the allowances of the children, particularly in the circumstance of multiple male heirs.”
“Quite right, My Lord. Do forgive my impertinence. You must understand that I only wish to insure my daughter the greatest future.”
“Understood, but we must remain reasonable.”
“Absolutely. Now in regards to land holdings…”
“Ah yes. Well, my brother will be allotted the necessary acreage for primary residence, as well as properties within the city and another vacation home should he so desire. Should my brother meet his untimely demise, his widow would retain rights to those properties thereafter, until his eldest son reached proper age to inherit it, at which point he will have liberty to allocate some other residence to his mother, should he wish her to depart.”
“Excellent! That is more than fair. I must say, Duke, you are a man of honor. Many other men would come here and try to undermine my daughter’s value, yet you meet it with perfect ease and fairness. I do believe that we shall enjoy a most prosperous family relation. With alliances in other dealings, no less.”
“Well, Lord Wynn, we shall handle one matter at a time. We must cement these articles and then at some other occasion we can venture to discuss further dealings.”
“Too right you are. Too right. Lord Cornelius, your brother is a proper gentleman of the highest order. Now, Duke, if you please, I shall have my steward draw up the proper papers which we can officiate with our signatures and then drink to the successful future of your young brother and my darling daughter.”
Thaddeus agreed. He was glad to have gotten the business completed. He knew he could have perhaps negotiated better terms, but he had no desire to be tight with the purse strings. Fair was fair and he knew that Cornelius would like for his bride to be properly secure. Once the final papers had been signed, they had a nip, and then rejoined the ladies.
As they entered the drawing room, Lady Wynn said, “All squared away, then?”
Lord Wynn replied, “Oh yes! It is quite official. Lord Cornelius and our own dear Sarah shall soon be wed. The plans can move forward.”
“Splendid! Have we determined at what time the nuptials shall take place?”
Lord Wynn turned to the reunited couple and said, “I dare say as soon as possible.”
Lord Cornelius and Lady Sarah looked at one another, seemingly uncertain. It did not appear that they had discussed the date quite yet. Lord Cornelius said, “We should think that three weeks’ time shall be more than enough. There must be some allowances for travel.”
Lady Wynn said, “Oh yes! Owen and his wife must attend and several of our other close relations. As you know, most are traveling at this time, but we shall begin correspondence and in the matter of three weeks everyone should be more than able to attend."
With that settled they carried out the evening in good humor. Lord Wynn insisted that they take up rooms for the night and leave tomorrow morning. Thaddeus agreed, not yet prepared to take up the trip again. The day had been a success and in just a few weeks the families would rejoin to witness the union of Lord Cornelius Wellington and his soon to be bride Lady Sarah Wynn.
Chapter 18
Following the trip to Stickland Hall and subsequent return to Wellington Manor, Evie found herself once again preparing for a trip. Evie was called home for a celebration. Hannah had become engaged to be married. Evie was very happy for her sister. Hannah had been courting with Mr. Leonard Townshend for some time. He was a quiet man with status and wealth just above middle class. Yet as landed gentry, he would be able to provide Hannah with a comfortable life.
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