The Test of Gold

by Renee Yancy

  Madeleine giggled. “What are you up to, darling girl? And what are you doing way over here?”

  “I felt stifled. Too hot. That’s all.”

  Maddie cocked her head and scrutinized her. “Your eyes are shining. And you’ve the most beautiful pink blush in your cheeks. If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you’d been dipping into the rouge pot.” She stopped then and gasped. “Why, Lindy, you look—you look like you’ve fallen in love! Evangeline Lindenmayer!”

  “What?” Lindy jumped to her feet as well as she could with ten pounds worth of silk and petticoats on. “That’s ridiculous, Maddie.”

  “Is it?”

  Lindy tried to catch her breath.

  It was true.

  I’ve fallen in love with Jack Winthrop.

  Chapter 26

  Lindy woke early the morning and rang for Claudine.

  Her maid bustled in and raised a slim eyebrow. “Up already, chérie?”

  “I couldn’t sleep.” After coming home from the ball, undressing, and falling into bed, she had lain awake the rest of the night, thinking about her waltz with Mr. Winthrop.

  Would he be in the library this morning as usual? Or was he still abed? Only one way to find out. She chose a simple pin-tucked white blouse and black wool skirt and then sat at her dressing table so Claudine could do her hair. “Just put it up in a simple chignon, Claudine. No fussing this morning.”

  “Oui, oui, mademoiselle!”

  Two maids busy dusting the marble staircase, and its carved stone wainscot greeted her. “Good morning, miss.”

  Lindy turned toward the library. No sign of her father. He was probably already out at the stables.

  She opened the library door. A fire crackled in the red granite fireplace. In the colder weather, he liked to sit and toast his toes. Sure enough, a pair of feet emerged behind the side of a leather wingchair, stretched toward the fire. The feet straightened, and Mr. Winthrop stood up.

  “Good morning, Miss Lindenmayer.” He smiled at her, and her belly did the flip-flop thing again. “I didn’t think I would see you this morning.”

  Now what should she say? It must be painfully obvious that she had arisen early and come to the library specifically to see him.

  “I—I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Too many waltzes and mazurkas?”

  She laughed. “The last polka did me in.”

  “Would you like to sit down?” He gestured to the chair across from him. Then he slapped the side of his head. “Look at me, asking you to sit down in your own home.”

  She sank into the chair, not looking at him, and arranged her skirts. Now what? She stole a glance at him, and hastily looked away when their eyes met.

  He cleared his throat. “Will you tell me something about your recent travels?”

  That’s a safe subject. “We spent the month of October in England. For the London season. Mama had it all arranged. I met oodles of aristocrats, earls, and counts. And the Prince of Wales.”

  “My word. Did you enjoy yourself?”

  “Not really.” I’d much rather be here in the library with you. She gasped as the thought flashed through her head.

  “What is it?”

  “Oh, nothing.” She choked on the words. “Really. I’m fine.”

  “You looked as if you had a pain.”

  She blushed. Why ever had she come to the library this morning?

  Because you wanted to see him.

  “Oh!” She jumped up.

  Mr. Winthrop rose to his feet too. “Miss Lindenmayer! Are you alright? What is it?”

  What indeed? Her throat closed, and tears stung her eyes.

  “I had three proposals of marriage,” she blurted out.

  “Three?” Mr. Winthrop’s eyes boggled. “Did—did you accept any of them?”

  “It’s not up to me, don’t you see? Mother will choose my husband.” She took a step and turned back, pacing. “Oh, I hate it so.”

  He swallowed. “I’m sure your mother has your best interests at heart.”

  “Tosh. She only wants what she wants. But I can never say that to her, though I think it all the time.”

  A long silence ensued. She pressed her lips together to stop their trembling. He must think her a terribly spoiled and ungrateful child. “There. I’ve shocked you, haven’t I? By my impudent outburst and unfilial thoughts.”

  A pang went through her when he didn’t answer. She collapsed into the chair, and a lump rose in her throat. “And that isn’t even the worst of it.” She clenched her fists.

  He looked up then, his brown eyes serious. “You haven’t shocked me. Far from it. But continue. What is the worst of it?”

  Tears brimmed, and she shook her head, dashing them away. “Why, it’s never knowing. Never knowing if it’s just the money they want.”

  “The money?” Mr. Winthrop seemed dazed, a blank look on his face.

  “Yes, the money. I’m an heiress, Mr. Winthrop. A considerable heiress. Five million to be exact.”

  His eyebrows went up. “I never realized... I never thought... about that.”

  “I can assure you that it is all these men think about. Oh, of course, they are impeccably polite. Their manners are perfect. But even when we’re dancing, I can see the question in their eyes, ‘how much is she worth?’”

  A line appeared between his brows.

  “So, how am I to know?”

  He shook his head. “I’m sorry—how are you to know what?”

  Her throat thickened. Was she a fool to think he could understand?

  “Miss Lindenmayer?”

  She slumped into her chair, all the stuffing gone out of her. “How am I ever to know if—if he truly loves me? For me? For me, and not the money?”

  “There is one way you can know.” His brown eyes were on her now. Intent. He reached out, touched her hand, and then quickly withdrew his fingers.

  “Miss Lindenmayer, I never thought to speak of this.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “I’ve so enjoyed conversing with you in the library this past year. I realized I was looking forward to seeing you. And slowly, that feeling of appreciation I have for your sweet personality and quest for learning has quietly transformed itself into something else.”

  He reached out and took her hand. This time he didn’t let go, and her pulse jumped. “Quite simply, Miss Lindenmayer, I’ve fallen in love with you.”

  Warmth stole over her. Was it the fire, or—

  Mr. Winthrop dropped to one knee and took both her hands, and she gasped at the contact of skin on skin. “Marry me, Miss Lindenmayer. Marry me, and you will never have to fear it’s your money I want. I don’t care about the money. I want only you.” He bent his head over her hands and kissed them.

  She should retreat. Scream or something, and run from the library. Instead, the tears she’d been holding inside streamed down her face. “Yes,” she said. “Oh yes!”

  Chapter 27

  Lindy found herself humming the next morning as Claudine did her hair. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, noting her pink cheeks and the shine in her eyes. It was true. She was in love! Her heart gave a little thump of joy only to collide with another thought. How am I going to tell Mama? She groaned.

  “What is it, chérie? Aren’t you feeling well?”

  Claudine paused, hairpin in hand, and scrutinized Lindy’s face in the mirror.

  “I’m fine.” Oh, dear Lord, give me strength. How can I tell her? Perhaps she should speak to her father first. Perhaps together they might be able to persuade Mama?

  A soft knock sounded at the door, and Molly peeked in. “Your mother wants to see you in her salon, miss.”

  “Thank you, Molly.”

  After Claudine finished her hair, Lindy left the bedroom and slowly walked along the hallway, letting the smile fade, and arranging her features into a dutiful mask. As soon as she could, she must try to find her father and speak with him.

  Her mother was arranging flowers, and didn’t lo
ok up when Lindy entered the salon. “Evangeline, I’ve been meaning to speak with you since we returned from London. What did you think of the Duke of Hampshire?” She leaned over to pet Lily, enthroned on a cushion at her feet. Then she placed another spray of purple heliotrope in the crystal vase and stood to survey the arrangement.

  Lindy chose her words carefully. “He is a charming man. I was interested to hear his views on the Labor Party.”

  Her mother raised her eyebrow. “You didn’t actually discuss that, did you?”

  “We did. Why?”

  “It’s not a seemly subject for a young lady.”

  “Why ever not, Mama?”

  “He might think you’re arrogant, showing off your knowledge.”

  “He mentioned it first, for heaven’s sake.”

  “Oh.” Mama finished her flower arrangement. “I have good news this morning. He’s coming to America for a visit. I’m going to give a ball in his honor.”

  A tiny smile played about her mother’s mouth. Lindy’s heart slowed. Oh no. Something was up. “What are you so secretive about, Mama?”

  Her mother smiled. “What do you think?”

  Lindy swallowed hard. She should have seen this coming. All the hints her mother had dropped on the ship. “Please speak plainly.”

  Her mother’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve spoken to the duke about a match with you. He’s coming at Christmas to speak with your father and ask for your hand in marriage.”

  Lindy gasped. Her heart thundered in her chest. She couldn’t take a deep breath, as if she had been punched in the stomach.

  Mama rushed to her and took her hands. “It’s what we’ve always dreamed of, Evangeline. Finally, it’s coming true!”

  The room swirled around Lindy, and nausea shot through her middle. She wrenched her hands out of her mother’s grasp and turned away, the hot bile surging into her throat.

  “What is it, Evangeline?”

  “I... I...” She swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

  Mama stopped and stared at her, eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong?”

  “I can’t marry him.”

  “What?” Mama’s mouth fell open, and her eyes bulged. “What are you saying?”

  “I can’t marry him, Mama!”

  “Are you mad? This is what we’ve planned for. Why do you think we went to London for the season? It’s a title, Evangeline. A title for our family! You’ll be a Duchess!”

  Lindy’s fell into a chair and buried her face in her hands, shaking. How could she make her mother understand?

  “Evangeline! Look at me this minute and tell me what’s come over you.”

  Lindy swallowed hard. This was it. “I’m sorry, Mama.”

  Mama frowned. “What do you have to be sorry for?”

  Lindy wiped the tears off her cheeks. “I should have told you sooner.”

  Mama grew still and pulled a chair close to Lindy. “You will tell me what this nonsense is you’re blathering. Now.”

  Lindy took a deep breath. “I’m already engaged, Mama.”

  “What?” shrieked her mother. “Engaged! How could you be engaged without my permission, Miss?” The Pomeranian sprang off the cushion, yipping hysterically. Mama jumped up and jerked the bell pull for the butler. “Percy!” she shouted. “Come here this instant.”

  The butler scurried into the salon, his eyes widening at the sight of Mama’s red face and bulging eyes. Her mother’s hand went to her throat. “For God’s sake, fetch Mr. Lindenmayer immediately! Tell him it’s an emergency!”

  Percy hurried out of the salon, giving the deranged dog a wide berth.

  Vera plumped herself onto a sofa across the room. “I don’t know what mischief you’ve gotten yourself into, Evangeline. But when your father gets here, we’ll get to the bottom of this coil. Shut up, Lily!” She glared at the dog, who retreated whimpering to its cushion and laid its paws over its nose. Mama crossed her arms over her heaving bosom and glared at Lindy.

  Papa hustled in a moment later, carrying a curry brush and smelling of horse liniment. He went straight to his wife. “What is it, my dear? What’s wrong?”

  Mama stood up and pointed at Lindy. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong. Your daughter has told me she’s already engaged.”

  Papa blinked. “Uh... engaged?” He turned and regarded Lindy. “How could that be? Has the duke already proposed?”

  Mama shook her head. “No.” She advanced on Lindy, who shrank into the chair. “Who are you engaged to, you foolish girl? Speak up. Now.”

  Lindy straightened in the chair and lifted her chin. “Jack.”

  Her mother frowned. “Jack? Jack Rockefeller? But you hardly know him.”

  “No, not Jack Rockefeller. Jack Winthrop.”

  Her parents stared at her. She could almost see the name tumbling through her mother’s mind. Her father nodded. “Oh. Jack Winthrop.” He looked at his wife. “Pastor Winthrop’s nephew.”

  Mama stamped her foot. “What?” she screamed.

  Papa retreated a step and rubbed his chin nervously. “The boy who uses the library.”

  Vera fixed the full force of her furious gaze on her husband. “What library?”

  “Why, our... library. Oh dear.” Her father sank onto an overstuffed chair and wrung his hands.

  Mama turned red as a radish. “Otto...” she said through clenched teeth. “You go right this minute and write that boy he is not to set foot in this house ever again.”

  Otto remained in his chair. His face sagged. “How can I do that? He’s studying for the ministry and needs the books in the library.”

  “Now.” Mama slapped the table. Then her face lit up. “Send a maid to see if he’s here now.”

  He shrugged and got out of the chair, avoiding Lindy, and left the room, his shoulders slumped.

  Mama looked at Lindy. “Go to your room. You will write immediately to that boy and tell him you cannot marry him.”

  Lindy got to her feet. Her knees shook. “I won’t, Mama. I love him.”

  Her mother snorted. “Love? Please.”

  “It’s true. I love him.”

  “How can you love him? How many times have you seen him?”

  “I’ve known him for the better part of a year, Mama. He’s become my dearest friend.” Maybe she could explain what Jack meant to her. Make her mother understand. “He’s different. He listens to me. We discuss things. Books. Ideas.”

  Her mother stared at her. “A year?”

  Lindy nodded. “We were friends at first. And then, it became something deeper.”

  Mama’s eyes narrowed. “How far has this gone?” Her mother took a step closer. “What have you done with him?”

  Lindy shook her head. “Nothing, Mama—oh!” Her mother gripped her forearm hard and jerked Lindy toward her. “I repeat—how far has this gone? Has he had you? Answer me!”

  Lindy winced at the pain in her wrist. “What? No! It’s nothing like that. Mama, you’re hurting me.”

  Her mother released her. “It’s all right then. You gave me a turn, girl.” She sank into her chair. “Write to him and tell him it’s over. We will proceed with our plan for the duke.”

  Lindy clenched her hands to stop their trembling. “No, Mama. It’s your plan. It’s always been your plan, not mine.” She drew a deep breath and faced her mother. “I won’t marry the duke.”

  Lindy moved to put a chair between her and her mother. “I love Jack. We’re going to be married. I’m sorry about your plans for the duke. I know you’ve always wanted a title for the family.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Mama’s lip curled. “Go to your room. Get out of my sight!”

  Lindy fled the salon and ran up the curving marble staircase to her bedroom. When the door closed behind her, she sank in a heap to the floor.

  A moment later, she heard a footstep in the hall. A key turned in the lock outside.

  Chapter 28

  Jack closed the commentary on the apostle Paul and opened his Greek grammar.
Although the professor had promised a difficult exam next week, Jack had barely been able to focus on the text for the joy that bubbled through him every time he thought of Miss Lindenmayer accepting his suit yesterday. His head whirled every time he relived the moment when she had cried, “Yes! Oh yes!” It seemed like a dream, but this precious young woman would be his to love for the rest of his life. And she loved him.

  He must speak with Mr. Lindenmayer soon. Perhaps he should write and ask for an appointment. That might be best. He stood and packed his books, intending to go directly home and write the note immediately.

  A soft knock sounded at the door, and a maid entered. She bobbed her head. “The missus would like to see you in her salon, sir.”

  Jack blinked. Mrs. Lindenmayer wanted to see him? Mystified, he closed his book and followed the maid out of the library, down the carved stone steps, and across a vast marble hall filled with ornate mirrors and statuary on pedestals.

  “In here, sir.” The maid pulled one of the bronze and glass doors open and ushered him in.

  A ball of snarling orange fur lunged at him, and he jerked as a small dog sank its teeth into his pant leg.

  “Get down, Lily.”

  The dog sat on its haunches and pulled harder, tearing the tweed cloth.

  “Lily!”

  The dog reluctantly turned him loose and retreated to the sofa where a plump woman in blue silk and dark hair piled high on her head stared at him like a banshee.

  Otto Lindenmayer advanced toward him. “Mr. Winthrop.” He held out his hand. “Good morning. This is my wife, Vera Lindenmayer.”

  “Very nice to meet you, ma’am.” He bowed politely, trying not to stare. This was Miss Lindenmayer’s mother with the iron will. He could see nothing of Miss Lindenmayer in the woman’s curling lip and the imperious tilt of her head.

  Vera didn’t acknowledge the introduction. “Get to it, Otto.”

  Otto flushed red and took a step back. “Yes. Right.” He cleared his throat. “I’m afraid my offer of the use of our library must come to an end. It... er... has come to our attention that you’ve made the acquaintance of our daughter, Evangeline, and—”

  A ripple went through Jack. Had Miss Lindenmayer told her parents of their engagement?