by Sy Walker
“Did Lord Jameson…”
“Passed on,” Mrs. Murray said before Cynthia could finish her question. “A few months ago. It didn’t take long before the vultures descended.”
Cynthia was just about to ask what she meant when they heard Mr. Murray’s voice raised in welcome, announcing William’s arrival. “The young Master is here,” Mrs. Murray said hurriedly. “I should put a pot on.”
She set down the brush in her hand, abandoning Cynthia’s hair to loose waves that cascaded down her shoulders and left the room all of a dither. Cynthia stared at herself in the mirror, wondering what on earth she was expected to do now. When no answer came to her, she brushed down her skirts and walked back to the main room where everyone was congregated.
William turned to her immediately and his expression changed somewhat, as though he were seeing her in a whole new light. He smiled appreciatively. “Green suits you,” was all he said.
Cynthia tried to control the blush on her cheeks as she nodded at the compliment.
“Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Murray for doing me this favor,” William said dipping his head down. “It was greatly appreciated.”
“Of course my lord,” Mr. Murray said. “It was our pleasure.”
“Thank you,” Cynthia said stepping forward, refusing to allow William to say her thanks for her. “This was so kind of you. I know that not many others would have been so nice to me… the way I… looked.”
Mrs. Murray smiled. “Well we knew that if Lord William was vouching for you, it was for a good reason.”
“All the same,” Cynthia said. “I appreciate it.”
“What’s your name child?” Mrs. Murray asked. “I don’t yet know it.”
“Ah… my name is Cynthia. Cynthia Stafford.”
“Stafford?” William repeated. “Of the Stafford’s of Pilkington Darby?”
“I… umm… no,” Cynthia stumbled over her words. “I have no relation to them.”
William’s eyebrows knotted together. “Well… we best be on our way then,” he said, as she waved farewell to the Murrays and walked Cynthia outside and into his waiting carriage.
Cynthia peered out the window as the carriage moved along at an even pace. The surrounding land was breathtaking. She couldn’t imagine that the whole thing belonged to just one family. William seemed to notice her preoccupation.
“It has been an overwhelming job taking over the family estate from my father,” William said.
“It’s quite the responsibility,” Cynthia nodded.
“Ms. Stafford?”
“You can call me Cynthia.”
He smiled. “It is a little informal.”
“I figure since you’ve already seen me in trousers… we’ve already passed informal.”
He looked at her as though he couldn’t quite figure her out. “You seem to have recalled your name,” he said pointedly.
“I… always knew my name,” Cynthia admitted. “I just… don’t know how I came to be here.”
“And you still don’t?”
“Not really,” Cynthia replied honestly, looking down at her bare hands.
“I see,” William nodded. “What about where you live? Do you remember your address?”
Cynthia remembered her address clear as day, but she didn’t think it would help her at all in this case. “No,” she said. “I don’t.”
William looked at her with an odd expression on his face. Cynthia realized that he was extremely calm in the face of all that had happened. Cynthia had to admit that if the tables had been turned she might have suspected him of having some ulterior motive.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“To the manor,” William said. “You can stay in one of the upstairs rooms until we can find your family.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Cynthia said with gratitude. “But if you don’t mind my asking… why didn’t we go straight to the manor?”
William looked slightly uncomfortable. “I… well my mother runs the manor with an eagle eye. And she’s not so… open minded…”
“She would have objected to my appearance,” Cynthia finished for him.
William smiled. “If you’re to be staying with us for any length of time… I think it’s best to avoid any unnecessary awkwardness.”
“I agree,” Cynthia nodded, thankful that she was wearing appropriate clothing as the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the staircase that led to the great wide doors. William held out his hand to Cynthia and helped her down.
It was the second time that day Cynthia had entered through those doors, but this time around, it was an altogether different experience. The mansion’s interior was drastically different as well. There were chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings, carpets that covered every inch of the floors and furniture that appeared antique to Cynthia but looked modern in context. She tried to pretend as though it was the first time she had been inside the house.
“This is lovely,” Cynthia said politely.
“It’s all mother’s doing,” William nodded, just as an older woman in a teal grey dress turned the corner and walked towards them. Her hair was streaked with grey and tied back in a stately knot, her features were patriarchal and severe but there was a certain attractiveness that clung to her dark eyes and her pursed lips.
“William darling,” she greeted, but her eyes roved over Cynthia. “You’ve brought a guest.”
“Lady Cynthia Stafford, this is my mother, Lady Moira Jameson,” William introduced. “Lady Cynthia is the sister of a friend of mine.”
“Oh?” Lady Jameson gave her a tight smile that had Cynthia instantly nervous. “Which friend is that?”
“Gordon Stafford,” William replied readily enough.
“I don’t recall hearing his name ever,” Lady Jameson said shrewdly.
“He’s a relatively new friend,” William said smoothly. “I’m sure you’ll meet him soon.”
“I should hope so, especially given that his sister is here,” Lady Jameson turned to Cynthia. “Am I right in guessing you are to be staying with us?”
“You are,” William replied before Cynthia could speak. “We have plenty of guestrooms.”
“And how long can we expect the pleasure of your company Ms. Stafford?” Lady Jameson asked, noticeably dropping the ‘Lady’ from Cynthia’s title.
“That has not been decided yet mother,” William said stepping in again.
“Does Ms. Stafford speak for herself or are you her designated mouthpiece?” Lady Jameson asked pleasantly.
“I’m sorry my Lady,” Cynthia spoke up before William could. “I’m just a little tired. I’ve travelled far.”
“I see,” Lady Jameson nodded. “Well I can hardly say no to the sister of my son’s faceless friend. I’ll have Mary show you to your room.”
“I’m going up myself,” William said quickly. “I’ll show her the way.”
Lady Jameson’s face changed immediately at the thought of her son escorting a young woman up to her bedchambers, but William seemed to take it in his stride. “Why don’t you send Mary up as well? I’m sure Lady Cynthia could use the help of a ladies maid.”
“Very well,” Lady Jameson nodded but she did not seem greatly appeased.
William led the way and Cynthia followed close behind. She didn’t dare glance behind because she knew that Lady Jameson would be watching her. Instead, she tried not to trip over her skirts as she followed William at a respectable distance.
“You’re mother doesn’t like me,” Cynthia said immediately once they had cleared the mansion’s grand entrance.
“She’s a traditional woman,” William replied. “She doesn’t believe a young lady has any right to totter about the country unchaperoned.”
“Well… that was a lovely first impression to have made then,” Cynthia said in frustration as they turned into another corridor.
“She’s just a little protective,” William said with a wave as though it was of no consequence, but Cynthia
could see immediately that Lady Jameson would be hard to fool.
“Don’t you think she’s going to wonder why I’m here?” Cynthia asked.
“I’ll fabricate a story for you,” William said.
Cynthia stopped walking, forcing William to come to a halt as well.
“What is it?” he asked with concern.
“Why are you helping me so much?”
A strange expression passed across William’s face, but he seemed to consider his words carefully before he finally spoke. “I just have this feeling that I’m supposed to help you.”
“That’s very vague.”
“My apologies,” William said without offering any further explanation.
“You’re not going to elaborate?”
“Maybe I will one day,” William said with a secretive smile. “But not today.”
Cynthia let it drop and they walked in silence until they came to a stop outside one of the large, brass plated doors. “This room is always kept ready for guests,” William said as he pushed the door open and let Cynthia pass through. “And it has a lovely view of the gardens.”
Cynthia walked inside. The room looked like something out of a Jane Austen play. The room was covered in powder blue wallpaper that held a whimsical motif. There was a fireplace in one corner, a large bed in the other and airy windows that let in heaps of light. Cynthia took a moment to admire the room and its view before she turned back to William.
“I’m guessing your mother is both sharp and observant?”
William smiled. “You guessed right.”
“Well then I think she will notice that I came to stay without any clothes or possessions at all.”
“Leave that to me,” William said confidently.
“I don’t understand why you’re helping me that much… in your shoes… I would be suspicious,” Cynthia said honestly.
“And I might have been too,” William nodded. “But in a way… I was warned of your coming.”
“What?”
“Never mind,” William said shaking his head. “That’s a story for another day. I’ll leave you now.”
“Where are you going?” Cynthia asked, panicking suddenly at being left alone in this strange new world.
“I have to go see to some of the tenants,” William said.
“Oh,” Cynthia said in disappointment, not wanting to impose.
William seemed to sense her reluctance to stay in the mansion by herself. “You could accompany me if you prefer?” he suggested.
“Really?” Cynthia asked. “I would like that.”
William’s beautiful blue eyes twinkled in amusement. He looked nothing like the sad man in the portraits that Cynthia had seen. “Alright then,” he nodded.
Chapter Four
“The land is spectacular,” Cynthia said as they walked through lush green meadows dotted with great, strong trees and flora and fauna in all manner of varieties.
Everything seemed newer and fresher. It was like the land was singing; everything in it was vibrant and alive. Even the air seemed cleaner and of this alone, Cynthia could understand why. The world she had come from was a world of pollution and tainted atmosphere. This was a world where industrialization had yet to make its mark. She was starting to realize the high cost of modernity.
“It is,” William nodded. “It’s been in the family for generations.”
“Has it been hard?” Cynthia asked cautiously. “Taking over from your father?”
“Very,” William nodded. “But I have little choice. I am the only son and the responsibility falls to me.”
“Pardon me,” Cynthia said politely. “But you don’t sound that enthusiastic.”
William sighed. “I suppose I’m not.”
“Can I ask why?”
William sighed deeply. “There is a lot of pressure riding on my shoulders. We have so many tenants and my decision will affect them all.”
“I’m sorry,” Cynthia said shaking her head. “What decision?”
“Oh, of course,” William said shaking his head. “You’re not from these parts. Everyone is so aware of it that I forgot you don’t know.”
“Don’t know what?” Cynthia pressed.
“Have you heard of Musgrave and Company?” William asked.
“I… no, I can’t say I have,” Cynthia shook her head.
“They build railways,” William explained. “And they wish to purchase this land.”
“Oh,” Cynthia said as realization dawned. “That will mean that your tenants…”
“Will have to vacate,” William nodded.
“How many tenants do you have?” Cynthia asked.
“Twenty four families,” William replied. “That’s around about a hundred people.”
“Wow,” Cynthia breathed. “Where will they go?”
“I… I honestly don’t know,” William sighed. “Mother keeps insisted that’s not our concern. She says that they will understand that we must do what is best for our family.”
“She’s in favor of selling then?” Cynthia clarified.
“Yes,” William nodded. “Ironic I know, but as conservative as my mother might seem… in some areas she’s a progressive woman.”
“Is that it?” Cynthia asked. “Is this about progress then?”
“For me… or for my mother?”
“Well… for both I suppose.”
“For my mother… I think she envisions a different kind of life. Country life has always bored her and now she sees the perfect opportunity to leave it behind. Sell our lands here, sell our home and move to the city to live among society.”
“And you?” Cynthia asked.
“I… I suppose I envisioned a different life for myself as well,” William replied. “I never asked for this responsibility.”
“No one ever does,” Cynthia said. “But sometimes… you can make a real difference… you just have to want to.”
William nodded as his eyes turned thoughtful. “What is your opinion?” he asked suddenly as though the question had just popped into his head.
“I… it’s not my place,” Cynthia said bowing her head.
“No please,” William said. “It’s rare for me to talk to someone… who is as open as you are.”
Cynthia gave herself a mental shake as she realized that girls in this era might not be as inquisitorial as she had just been, or as interested in business matters as she seemed to be.
“I’m sorry if I was too forward…”
“No,” William interrupted her quickly. “Not at all. Like I said, it was refreshing. And to be honest, I am surrounded by people who have their own agendas. It would be nice to hear the opinion of someone who is objective.”
Cynthia smiled. “Well… what I think is this. These lands are brilliant… I mean look around… it’s so beautiful. I just can’t imagine having some company tear it up to build a railway track. And don’t get me wrong. I believe in progress, but I also believe that there are some things that need to be preserved. Especially if there are people already living on it.”
William smiled. “I see.”
“I only spent a short time with Mr. and Mrs. Murray,” Cynthia said. “But they seem like good, honest, decent people.”
“They are,” William nodded. “I’ve known them since I was a little boy.”
“Everyone will have their own opinions,” Cynthia said gently. “But I suppose the bottom line is… will your conscience rest easy with the decision you end up making? If so, then that’s the one you should make.”
“It sounds simple when you say it like that,” William observed.
Cynthia laughed. “Everything’s simple when you’re not involved in it. I understand that and I know how hard this must be for you. But at the end of the day… you are the man in charge. And lives depend on your decision. That is not something you should take lightly.”
William smiled again. “Strange,” he said as he looked at her.
“What is?” Cynthia asked in confusion.<
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“I… I’ll tell you one day,” he said as he walked on ahead of her.
“You’re very secretive,” Cynthia said as she sped up to catch up to him.
William laughed. “This coming from a mysterious young lady such as you.”
Cynthia colored and fell silent as they approached a little block of houses. There were two young boys playing outside and as they saw Cynthia and William approach, they ran inside. Moments later they reappeared again, accompanied by an older man with a fantastic beard and pearl blue eyes.
“Good day Master William,” he said in a booming voice. “That is… Lord William.”
“No Greggs,” William shook his head. “You can still call me Master William, as far as I’m concerned that is still who I am. I’ve brought along Lady Cynthia Stafford Greggs.”
“Welcome my lady,” Greggs said tilting his downward in welcome. “I hope you excuse the state of the yard… the children have been mucking about in it again.”
Cynthia turned her gaze to the two boys hiding behind their father. One was sandy haired and blue eyed and the other was blonde haired and brown eyed. “What are your names then?” Cynthia asked as she bent down so that she was at eye level with them.
“I’m Malcolm,” the older one said. “And I’m seven.”
“Seven?” Cynthia said in admiration. “That’s quite an accomplishment. And what about you little man?”
“I’ve six,” he piped up. “And I’m not going to be little for long.”
Cynthia laughed. “You’re right, I’m so sorry. Soon you shall be bigger than me.”
They visited three more houses before dusk settled in and William steered Cynthia in the direction of their carriage. “Such wonderful people,” Cynthia mused. “And they treat you like family.”
“I know,” William nodded. “It’s probably more than I deserve.”
“Don’t say that,” Cynthia shook her head at him. “You treat them well.”
“But I am considering this deal with Musgrave and Company,” William admitted.
Cynthia faced William as he sat opposite her in the carriage. “I see,” Cynthia nodded. “Seriously considering it?”
“Well… yes.”
“Because of your mother?” Cynthia asked.