"I don't think he hates you," Jenny said softly.
"Well, I thoroughly detest him! And I have a good mind to go downstairs and accept Carlisle's proposal."
Jenny watched her friend closely. "I thought you had already made up your mind to do just that. Didn't we agree Carlisle is worth ten Rochdales?"
Alexandra nodded as she rose from the dressing table. "Yes, we did. Rochdale can go hang! I will accept Carlisle." She gave Jenny a quick hug. "Now hurry and eat your breakfast. Robert is better, but he still needs someone to sit with him." She straightened her shoulders and went downstairs to confront her frustrated suitor.
****
When Alex entered the Blue Saloon, she found Carlisle pacing back and forth between the tall mullioned windows that overlooked the ornamental gardens.
Sir Howard stopped abruptly when he perceived his beloved at the door. "Miss Turlington!" he said in accents of extreme agitation. "I cannot abide the thought of my intended living under the same roof as that reprobate! That you should be subjected to such insolence is beyond anything. I shall not rest until Rochdale leaves. I will not know a moment's peace until you are safe from his evil influence!"
Alex felt her bristles rise and barely refrained from telling him to take a damper. "I am not your intended, Carlisle. Not yet. As for Rochdale, he was merely provoking you--deliberately, I might add." She sank into one of the satin-covered chairs near the windows. "Shall we discuss this more calmly?" She watched as Carlisle took a seat opposite. "You must know Rochdale has been everything that's kind in regards to my brother. He took Robert in when Garrett Fleming brought him to London. He conveyed him to Willowmede by easy stages, and he's been up all night nursing Robert through a high fever."
"Miss Turlington," Carlisle protested, "you cannot expect me to sit idly by and allow a man of Rochdale's reputation to play with your emotions, to influence you, to take advantage of your innocence? It's more than a man can bear!"
Carlisle's proclamations were almost more than she could bear. "You will have to trust I'm beyond the age to be influenced," Alex said, with what patience she could muster. "Believe me, I know what Rochdale is. I'm under no misconceptions about his reputation or his way of life. I despise the man wholeheartedly. But he is my brother's best friend. And while he is a guest in this house, I expect him to be treated with courtesy and respect."
Carlisle knelt beside her chair, taking her hands in his own. "Miss Turlington--Alexandra--when I saw Rochdale kiss your wrists, I was stricken with a blinding jealousy. If we were formally betrothed, even Rochdale would respect your new status. He wouldn't dare go beyond the line of proper behavior."
Alex laughed bitterly. "If Rochdale wanted me, a betrothal wouldn't stop him. This is all nonsense; Rochdale doesn't want me. He was merely trying to irritate you and he succeeded. Don't think anymore about it. I've put it out of my head, I promise you." She gently removed her hands from the squire's desperate grasp. She wondered why she couldn't feel the same thrilling sensations she felt when Rochdale held her hands. Carlisle was a much worthier man.
Not to be deterred, Sir Howard took hold of her hands again. "When we were in Bath, you promised to give me an answer to my proposal. I must know soon or go mad," he pleaded.
Something deep inside forbade Alex from committing herself as she had intended, yet she knew she must reply somehow. "I need more time before I can give you an answer," she said softly. "I have a lot on my mind just now. Robert was severely wounded. He's still feverish. He's lost an arm, Carlisle. Do you know what that means to a man like my brother? He's going to have to relearn many things he's always taken for granted." She gave his hands a quick squeeze, then withdrew her own. "If you truly feel for me as you say, please allow me more time. I assure you, Rochdale is no threat."
Sir Howard searched her face with worried eyes. "I'll take your word about Rochdale, my dear. Forgive me, I should not have pressed you for an answer today of all days. Tell me what I can do to help. Let me share some of your troubles, Miss Turlington."
"Thank you," she said. "I knew I could depend on your good sense. You've already relieved me of one problem, by bringing those lemons. The doctor said to give Robert plenty of clear liquids, and lemonade will be just the thing!"
Carlisle prepared to take his leave. "I'm happy to have been of service, my dear. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to send word to Bramble Court."
CHAPTER SIX
Jenny Sedgewicke sat in Robert's room, busily plying her needle to her embroidery. This was the fourth afternoon she had watched over Alex's brother. He was much better. His fever was gone, though he still slept most of the time.
As Jenny glanced toward the bed, a tenderness flooded her heart so sweet she thought she might die from it. She had loved Robert Turlington from the first moment she had met him, many years ago. She had visited Alexandra's home often when she and Alex were in school together. She was three years younger than Alex, yet the age difference had never seemed to matter. At Miss Fairweather's Select Seminary in Bath, Alex had taken Jenny under her wing and they became fast friends.
Jenny had been invited to spend holidays at Willowmede on more than one occasion. Robert was charming and handsome and her heart was young and susceptible. Even though he treated her like a sister, she fell in love with her friend's older brother.
No one suspected her secret. No one knew the agonies she'd endured when Alex had no word from Robert all spring. No one was aware of the tears she'd shed when he became betrothed to the beautiful Lady Felicia Marlow.
Jenny laid her tambour frame aside and studied the man she loved. At thirty-five, he was more attractive than ever. Even lying in the bed, he was big and powerful looking. His hair was wavy and dark, almost black. She had long wanted to smooth back the errant curl that always fell across his forehead.
Robert had thick black lashes which most females would have given their souls to own; his eyes were the same emerald green as his sister's.
Suddenly, Jenny found herself staring into those eyes, now regarding her with interest. She felt herself blush. Robert must think her terribly bold to be gazing at him so intently.
"Jenny?" he said, his voice raspy with sleep.
"Yes, it's me," she replied. "I see you're feeling better this afternoon. Your eyes are clear and your color is back to normal."
Robert smiled weakly. "Still the practical Miss Sedgewicke, I see."
"Yes," she said. "Some of us need to be practical or nothing would get done in this world. Now, it's time for your medicine."
Robert grimaced. "I don't want more medicine, my dear. What I do want is some food--real food. Not the pap I've been served these past few days." He rubbed his chin with his good hand. "I think I could also do with a shave."
Jenny smiled. "Excellent. When a man wants a shave, that's a sure sign he's feeling more the thing." She jumped up and pulled the bell, then helped Robert to a sitting position.
He fell back against the pillows. "I'm weak as a kitten."
Jenny adjusted the coverlet. "That's to be expected. You probably haven't had a decent meal since you were wounded. As soon as you eat some of Mrs. Abernathy's good English fare, you'll be up and about."
Robert turned his head toward the wall. "How can you bear to look at me? Don't you find it repugnant to be around a one-armed man?"
Jenny stared at him in surprise. "I certainly do not. You're the same man I've always known. I hope we're still friends, even though you've been away so long."
Robert managed another smile. "We are friends, Jenny. I remember your visits to Willowmede. You and Alex used to tag along wherever I went. We've known one another a long time, haven't we?"
"Yes, we have," she said, her heart turning over in the afterglow of his smile. "As for your arm, please try not to fall into despondency because you've lost it. I know you find it difficult to accept the loss, but we are all extremely thankful you're still alive. Alex would be devastated without you. Remember, you are surrounded by p
eople who love you and want to help you through this."
Robert's lips tightened into a hard line. "I'm not certain how one person will take all of this." He seemed to hesitate. "I'm referring to my fiancée, Lady Felicia Marlow. She's very young and doesn't deserve to go through life with half a man."
Jenny lowered her eyes and said softly, "If she truly loves you, it won't matter."
"Of course it matters," he said irritably. "She's beautiful and perfect in every way. She will certainly be repulsed by a man who isn't whole."
"Lady Hamilton wasn't repulsed," Jenny said.
Robert frowned. "I don't know any Lady Hamilton."
Gathering up her embroidery, she carefully explained. "Admiral Nelson's Lady Hamilton. She certainly wasn't repulsed by his disabilities. In fact, didn't she fall into a dead faint when they met in Naples, after he was wounded? I believe she was very happy when her beloved Admiral caught her and held her close."
Robert grinned. "You'll put me to the blush, if you continue in this vein. Gently bred young ladies should not be speaking of the likes of Emma Hamilton."
"I was trying to make a point," she said, defending her position.
"And the point being?" he asked.
Jenny lifted her chin. "The point is Lady Hamilton welcomed Nelson with all her heart despite his loss of an arm. Plus he was blind in one eye. Admiral Nelson did not let his injuries keep him down. He went on to do great things," she ended in triumph.
"I wasn't aware you were such an admirer of Nelson's," Robert said.
Jenny sighed. "You're still not getting the point. I'm trying to tell you that your loss of an arm shouldn't matter to Lady Felicia."
Robert looked at her with impatience. "Lady Felicia cannot be compared to Emma Hamilton. Felicia is young and extremely sensitive. I intend to call off the engagement."
"Does Lady Felicia know about your accident?" Jenny asked, tucking her needle and scissors into a silk holder.
"No. I couldn't bring myself to write to either her or Alex," he replied shortly.
"Then we must send her a note right away. She must be sick with worry!"
Alex arrived then, coming into the room and kissing Robert on the cheek. "Who must be sick with worry?" she asked, as she felt his forehead.
"Lady Felicia," he replied. "She doesn't know about my arm. Or lack of."
Alex sat on the bed. "Does she know you were wounded?"
Robert stared at the wall again. "No, I didn't write to anyone after the battle."
"Good gracious, Robert! We must let her know you're alive," Alex said. "I'll post a note immediately. Why don't we invite Felicia and her father to Willowmede? You're better now, and by the time they arrive, you'll be up and about."
Robert looked thoughtfully at his sister. "Yes, that might be best," he said slowly. "We won't tell them I've lost an arm, merely that I was wounded. When Felicia arrives, we can break it to her gently. I'll be able to see how she accepts the news. If she has any reservations, I'll release her from the engagement."
Alex hugged him. "You'll do what you think is best. Don't worry, Robert. I'm sure Lady Felicia loves you and will accept you as you are."
Robert smiled grimly. "I hope you're right."
"Of course, I'm right. But of first importance is to get you strong again. Are you hungry, love?"
"I'm starving, to tell the truth," he said.
"And he wants to be shaved!" Jenny said. "Isn't that wonderful? I believe he'll be right as rain before we know it."
Alex smiled. "I'll summon your valet and he can tend to you. Cook is waiting to prepare anything you like. Perhaps we can make up the sofa in the drawing room, and you can sit with us this evening. Staying in bed so long would make anyone suffer the doldrums."
"Maybe I will come downstairs for a while," Robert said. "Just make sure Aunt Haygood doesn't ply me with more tea. That yarrow she gave me this morning left much to be desired. Although, she did say it would help stimulate my appetite."
Alex's eyes twinkled. "I can't make any promises, brother dear, but I'll do my best."
****
Damien guided two footmen as they carefully helped their master to the drawing room. A bed had been made on the sofa, and the invalid was settled snugly. Damien watched Alexandra as she tenderly adjusted the pillows and coverlet around her brother.
He knew she was still angry; she had treated him coldly ever since the episode with Carlisle in the hall. She certainly wasn't treating Sir Howard Carlisle coldly. For the past several days, the man had been constantly underfoot, and Alexandra had welcomed his presence with every evidence of warmth and pleasure.
Standing near the windows, Damien followed her movements as she aimlessly wandered about the room, picking up knickknacks and setting them down again. Miss Sedgewicke settled herself near Robert and began reading aloud Southey's latest poem, The Curse of Kehama. Miss Haygood sat across from her nephew, sorting embroidery threads, and Alexandra finally seated herself at Robert's feet. Listening with half an ear, he wondered if Alex would go to the observatory tonight. Would she allow him to go with her?
The tea tray came in at ten and Aunt Haygood served. She handed the first cup to Robert. "Your favorite, my dear--good strong Hyson. I believe the tea I brewed for you this afternoon put the sparkle back in your eyes. There's nothing more refreshing than balm leaves blended with lavender flowers."
Robert accepted his cup with a tired smile. "It certainly was a distinctive blend, Aunt. One way or another, I'll soon be on my feet due to your bracing teas." He caught Jenny's eye, and Damien detected a look of understanding pass between them.
Alexandra stirred her tea, waiting for it to cool. "You'll be happy to know I sent that letter to Lord Thane this afternoon. It shouldn't take long to hear from him. Hopefully, he'll bring Felicia to Willowmede soon." She turned to include Rochdale in the conversation. "I wrote to the earl and his daughter inviting them for a visit, after Robert confessed he hadn't informed them of his injury. I described the excellent fishing the earl could enjoy here while his daughter renewed her acquaintance with you, Robert. I expect that will bring them posthaste, since the earl is an avid angler."
Aunt Haygood sipped her tea. "I should think Lady Felicia would arrive posthaste no matter what, once she heard our dear Robert was wounded and come home."
Alex nodded. "Of course. I only added the bit about the fishing to ensure their arrival in good time. You know what an indifferent traveler Lord Thane is."
Aunt Haygood sniffed as she set her cup down. "Indolent is a better word. Ever since his wife died, he's been positively lethargic. I'll brew him one of my special teas while he's here. Put some life into him."
Damien finished his tea and placed his cup on the table. "Thane's phlegmatic tendencies are well-known by the ton. I'm told the only thing that rouses him is if there's good fishing to be had."
Jenny took up the book again. "I'm sure the earl will bring his daughter as soon as they know Robert's home," she said quietly.
Alex gave her cup to Aunt Haygood and kissed her cheek. "If you will excuse me, I'm going to the observatory. I've neglected my work for over a sennight and really must get back to it."
Damien opened the door to allow her to pass. "I'd like to help, if you wouldn't mind the company, Miss Turlington." Would she refuse? He waited and watched as color rose to her cheeks.
"Certainly, Rochdale," she replied, then lowered her voice to a murmur. "As long as you behave yourself, I have no objections."
Damien bowed to her in mock salute as he closed the door on Aunt Haygood's admonishments about the proprieties, which quickly turned to complaints about her lumbago.
The observatory was dark as they entered. Alex lit the lamp. The solitary flame pushed the shadows away as it cast its meager light around the room. Damien went over to the telescope. Alex sat at the work table and took up her latest journal.
She glanced at Damien, who was adjusting the telescope. "It looks like you've been busy, Rochdale. These last
entries are not by my hand."
He smiled and Alex noticed his teeth were white in his dark face. "I hope you don't mind. I took the liberty of helping with your research. You see, I've been fascinated by your hypothesis and couldn't wait to observe the George's orbit for myself." Rochdale's eyes flickered with amusement as he seated himself across from her. "Not many diversions to be had at Willowmede late at night, my dear."
Ignoring this sally, Alex bit her lip. "I was worried I'd missed something of importance. Which I see I did, if I'm interpreting this third entry correctly?"
Rochdale leaned over the table to explain, tracing the sketch with his finger. "By following this trajectory, you can see the George is again being dragged from its standard orbit. It's so gradual a shift it would be overlooked if you weren't searching for it intentionally." He sat back in the chair and studied her face. "Your hypothesis is extraordinary, my dear."
Alex shook her head. "My father's hypothesis, Rochdale. Never forget, it is my father's hypothesis."
"It may be your father's hypothesis," he replied, "but I believe you have enough evidence from five years of investigation to propose a theorem of your own. I think you should consider writing a thesis and presenting it to the Royal Society."
Alex stared at him in astonishment. "But I haven't proven anything. I haven't found out what is pulling the George out of its customary orbit. All I have is evidence showing the planet follows an erratic course."
Rochdale pointed to the stack of journals. "You know you have more than enough material for a thesis. Write a dissertation incorporating your research and observations. Then you can propose your father's hypothesis: There must be another planet or comet pulling the Georgium Sidus from its standard orbit."
Midnight My Love Page 6