“When I first arrived at Strawberry House, there were only two servants who showed my sister any kindness or respect: her elderly nurse Anna and a maid named Mary. Anna died a few years ago. Mary took her place as Lisbeth’s nurse and companion. I replaced the rest of the servants with people I thought would be more sympathetic to my sister. There is an agency in London that notifies me of any hard to place workers.”
“Lily told me you once said your father lost most of your inheritance gambling. You’re not a fortune-hunter, are you, Lord Albany?”
“My father lost a lot of money but not all of his fortune. A young lady chose not to marry me. I simply let her make up any excuse she wanted.”
“Living with your sister is important to you. I imagine it would take an open-minded woman to accept the arrangement.”
“You have the situation exactly,” the viscount replied.
“It seems I no longer have any reason to dislike you. You are determined to be a kind and decent man.”
A low laugh escaped him. “I’m sure we can come up with some transgression of mine to irritate you, Lady Upton. After all, we have at least an hour before we reach Kilmeade Hall.”
He would not mention the house party again. Despite the possibility Lily was asleep, Emma evidently didn’t want to discuss personal matters in front of Lily. They spoke of generalities for the rest of the journey to the hall. He didn’t want to disturb their quiet understanding.
When the carriage stopped in the forecourt of the hall, a footman approached to assist the ladies as Lord Albany again jumped from the carriage. Emma nudged Lily awake.
“Did you have a good rest, my dear?”
Lily stretched. “Oh yes, lovely.”
The footman helped Emma from the carriage and Albany assisted Lily. He retained her arm as they walked to the house.
“Will you stay for dinner, Lord Albany?” Lily asked the viscount once they stood in the entry hall.
“I think I will return to Strawberry House once the horses are changed. My sister had an eventful day.”
“That is a very sensible idea,” Lily replied. “Thank you for your escort, Lord Albany. My coachman will see to your horses.”
Lily directed the footman to see to Lord Albany’s needs and ensure he departed for home with a packed meal.
“You look done in, Lily,” she said to her daughter-in-law, worry evident in her tone. “We must get you upstairs. I hope to see you and your sister again very soon, Lord Albany.”
* * * * *
He had nearly convinced himself to protect his heart. Spending today with Emma had convinced him to take a chance. When he saw the way Lisbeth accepted her, he’d felt a lightness in his heart. The kind, sweet girl he’d known had grown into a kind woman, for all she tried to hide her softer side.
The rain had returned. A light mist was visible out of the window of the carriage. He loved rain. It left the landscape clean and new. He imagined he could smell the rain, a soft musky hint of water and soil.
“No matter how old you get, John, you’re still a romantic.”
He was startled to realize he’d said the words aloud.
Hungry, he opened the burlap sack beside him. A bottle of ale was accompanied by an apple and a roast beef sandwich wrapped in a cloth. Another folded piece of cloth revealed a few lemon biscuits.
It had been a good day. It could only be made better if he returned home and Lisbeth was in good spirits, no worse for a visit from strangers. His mind returned to the pleasant conversation he’d had with Emma in the carriage. Yes, it had been a very good day.
Chapter Seven
Emma didn’t have time to think about Lord Albany until she’d had a good night’s sleep. The evening before, Lily’s parents Cynthia and Herbert joined them for dinner. She and Cynthia fussed over Lily until the girl jokingly pleaded for them to stop.
“You’re frightening me with your kindness,” Lily said to her after her parents had departed for home.
“Charles would never forgive me if anything happened to you or the babe.” She propped more pillows behind Lily where she lay on her bed. “Would you like me to read to you?”
Lily laughed. “I am not an invalid. Surely you remember that?”
She replied in the affirmative. Lily asked about both of her pregnancies. She had loved being with child. Had never been sick despite her young age. The births had been without incident. She prayed Lily would have an easy time.
Living in the dower house had not been the shock she expected. Although the household was smaller, she still had a house to take care of. She’d redecorated most of the rooms in the light blue and green hues she preferred.
A knock came at her bedchamber door. “Come!”
Her lone housemaid entered with a breakfast tray. When the tray was settled across Emma’s lap she dismissed the girl. She was nearly finished with her toast and chocolate when her lady’s maid appeared to help her mistress dress for the day.
“I asked after young Lady Upton this morning, my lady. Her maid tells me she had a good night and looks well rested this morning.”
“Very good, Amanda. I think I should like the older green gown this morning as I will be out in the garden until nuncheon.”
The maid nodded. “There is a stack of letters on your desk in the parlor.”
Emma had requested her mail not be forwarded to town. She expected naught but congratulatory letters on her son’s recent marriage.
“I will look at my correspondence this afternoon.”
The roses in the side garden were flourishing. She weeded a bit in the ornamental garden at the back of the dower house. One of the gardeners from the main house checked in and she assured him she was pleased with his work in the gardens while she was in town.
Back in the house, she requested a tray in the parlor. Her packet of mail was just as unremarkable as she’d expected.
For the first time in a long time she felt bored. Normally she returned from London with a desire for peace and her usual routine. Perhaps she should check on Lily.
“Perhaps not,” she muttered. Lily would see that Emma was out of sorts.
She caught herself wondering if John… err Lord Albany had returned to town. How was Lisbeth? She would send a note to Strawberry House thanking Lord Albany again for his escort and to inquire after his sister. The very idea of sending the letter helped her feel more settled.
* * * * *
He read the letter from Emma several times. He realized he’d never had a piece of mail from her. It was a good letter. A confident letter. Her handwriting was lovely.
Lisbeth had talked of Emma for two straight days. She begged him to invite the dowager for a visit.
“I will invite her for next Saturday,” he said to Lisbeth when she brought the subject up yet again. He penned a reply to Emma’s letter.
Emma arrived Saturday after the midday meal. Like an excited child, Lisbeth rushed from the house to greet her. He stood on the front steps of the house. He rarely stood on ceremony in the country. If Emma were to visit often she would have to get used to their relaxed ways.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Upton. My brother has assembled another easel in my studio. You must paint with me.”
If Emma was taken aback by Lisbeth’s enthusiastic greeting she hid it well.
“I would love to paint with you, Miss Winge, if your brother doesn’t mind our ignoring him for a while.”
Lisbeth turned her attention to her brother. She smiled engagingly, her eyes wide. In that moment, the awkward woman looked beautiful.
“Tea will be set out in three hours, Lisbeth.” He smiled, a stark contrast to his stern tone of voice. “I know you would stay closeted away until supper if you could. Do enjoy yourself, ladies. I have business with my steward.”
He turned away and headed toward the stable block. Although he would have preferred to spend time with Emma, the chance to have his sister intentionally interact with someone new was a rare one. Lisbeth di
dn’t like to meet new people let alone spend time with them.
The hours passed slowly. He joined the ladies for tea in the drawing room.
“Your cook does you credit, Lord Albany. These cakes are some of the best I have ever tasted.”
“I will pass along your compliments,” he replied. “We are indeed blessed to have such a fine cook.”
The conversation turned to what subjects the ladies had painted.
“Lady Upton is painting the loveliest roses,” Lisbeth said. “She helped me mix some colors and I am finally making some headway on the tower.”
“I do recall you are fond of roses.” Emma looked surprised and pleased at his comment.
“Yes, they are my favorite flower.”
The rest of the meal consisted of the same light conversation. He did not wish to upset either lady.
“Perhaps we can walk in the gardens after tea?” He wanted to carve out some time with Emma.
Lisbeth did not answer. She looked to Emma.
“I think it would be nice to get some exercise after sitting for so long,” Emma replied. “There will still be time to paint again before I return to Kilmeade Hall.”
The gardens at Strawberry House were unexceptionable. Lisbeth had no interest in gardening and he knew little about it himself. He kept an old man on who looked after the flowers. Cook wouldn’t let anyone near her kitchen garden.
“Your hellebores are still blooming,” Emma said as they walked.
“Are they?” He laughed. “I have no idea what flowers are which.”
“I think the yellow colored ones just here are very pretty.” Lisbeth pointed to some blooms.
“Those are daffodils. Quite unique to find them in this formal setting. Someone should really trim the hedges.” Emma cocked her head. “I imagine your gardener has some physical restrictions?”
He nodded. “He does his best.”
“You should hire him an assistant or two. Maybe you can find someone else with limited capabilities who needs employment.” She smiled at him before returning to her perusal of the garden.
Emma prattled on about flowers as he listened with half an ear. She had been teasing him. If she had suddenly grown another head, she couldn’t have surprised him more.
Chapter Eight
Emma dozed off and on during the carriage ride to the dower house. She occupied the carriage by herself. Was it expected she would take on a companion? The idea held no interest for her.
She’d painted a few more hours with Lisbeth before departing for Kilmeade Hall. She enjoyed her time at Lord Albany’s home. Lady Lisbeth had asked her to return next Saturday.
The week was filled with gardening, reading and spending time with Lily. She eagerly anticipated her return to Strawberry House.
Her following visit was very like the last. She painted with Lisbeth, had tea with Lord Albany and walked more of the grounds.
Charles arrived from London before her next trip to Lord Albany’s home.
“Lily tells me you visit Strawberry House every Saturday,” her son said over breakfast. Lily had taken a tray in her room.
“Yes,” she replied off-handedly. “I enjoy painting with Miss Winge.”
Lily would inquire after the health of Albany and Lisbeth. The young woman chafed at having to restrict her activities, so Emma relayed small details of her visits to entertain Lily. She never shared anything too personal, or told the girl how much she liked Strawberry House.
The next month went on much the same, with her visiting Lisbeth once a week. The doctor examined Lily. The young woman was healthy. Emma was pleased to see Lord Albany hire another gardener. She did her best to only give advice about the garden sparingly.
She was painting with Lisbeth when a footman from Kilmeade Hall arrived with an urgent missive. Lord Albany accompanied the footman to the studio. He and Lisbeth watched her as she read the note.
“Lily is in labor,” she said calmly. She didn’t want to show alarm in front of Lisbeth. The woman was very sensitive to any sign of apprehension in others. “I must return to Kilmeade Hall.”
“Must you go?” Lisbeth asked. She sighed very loudly. “I want you to stay.”
Lily was not due for nearly two months. As she hoped, Albany grasped the seriousness of the situation.
“Do you want me to accompany you to Kilmeade Hall?” the viscount asked.
“Why do you have to go too?” Lisbeth asked, her voice sounding shrill.
“Your brother will stay here with you,” she replied. “I am sorry I have to go, Miss Winge. I promise to come again very soon.”
Lord Albany nodded his agreement. He stood beside his sister and put a hand on her shoulder. “You will see Lady Upton again before you know it.”
Lisbeth shook off Albany’s hand and turned to the painting she’d been working on. She began to mutter to herself. The woman sounded distressed.
“What can I do?” she asked the viscount.
“You must see to Lily. I can take care of Lisbeth. She will soon calm down.”
The carriage ride to the hall was swift, thanks to good weather and dry roads. Although the footman who greeted her upon alighting from her coach had no news to share, his countenance was grim. She hurried up the main staircase of the house, afraid for Lily and the babe.
* * * * *
He was pleasantly surprised how quickly his sister returned to her normal good-natured self. Not only did Lisbeth not like deviations from her schedule, she had grown quite attached to Lady Upton.
“Why did she leave me?” Lisbeth asked plaintively as she brushed huge swaths of gray paint across her painting of the tower.
He wouldn’t admonish her for ruining her current project. He’d seen her do much the same several times to other works. She would simply start the project again when she was in a happier frame of mind.
“I’m sure Lady Upton told you about Lily and the babe.”
“She told me about all of her family.” Lisbeth put down her brush on the table beside her. “She cares about her family like you care about me.”
“Yes. I am glad you understand.”
She turned to him and smiled. “Lady Upton can bring the babe here. I haven’t held a baby in a very long time.”
He wanted nothing more than to tell his sister such a thing was possible. Right now, he must remain calm although he knew Lily might be in distress. If something happened to Lily or the baby… The possibility didn’t bear thinking about.
* * * * *
Lily and Charles’ son came into the world in the early hours of the morning. Despite his small size, the boy had a powerful set of lungs. Lily had endured a long, painful labor. Once the babe was cleaned and Lily made presentable, Charles would be allowed in the room.
Charles greeted her in the corridor outside Lily’s bedchamber.
“Mother! Does the doctor speak true? Are Lily and the babe out of danger?”
“The babe is small but healthy. Lily needs rest. She will recover.” Her hand touched his cheek. “You have a fine son.”
He nodded, his eyes wet. Her hand dropped.
“Go say hello to your son. I could do with a cup of tea.”
Emma was worn out. She was thrilled to have a grandson. Lily’s mother Cynthia had already gone downstairs to speak to her husband Herbert. The doctor would return that evening. It was time her son had a private moment with his family.
Several cups of tea and one bath later, she stood on the balcony of the gallery at Kilmeade Hall. The first rays of sunrise, ribbons of orange and rose, heralded the coming of day. The cool breeze brought with it the scent of newly cut grass.
That is where Lord Albany found her.
“How is Lily?” The viscount asked. “Herbert told me she had a boy.”
“Yes. A son. The doctor says all Lily needs is a good long rest.”
“You look as if you could do with some rest as well. You should sit down. Let me call for some tea.”
She studied the grounds o
f Kilmeade Hall for a moment. She had planned many of the plots in the various gardens. Right now, she felt curiously detached from the house. It was hers no longer. It belonged to Charles and Lily.
“I am quite all right, Lord Albany. If truth be told, I am splendid.” A shaky laugh escaped from her lips as she turned to face him.
“What is it, Emma?”
Did he realize he’d used her Christian name? The sound of her name on his lips resulted in a tear at the corner of one of her eyes.
“Lily told me they will name the babe Herbert John Charles. Herbert for her father and John… Well, for you.”
She might be so tired she imagined it. but she thought she saw liquid pool in Albany’s eyes. “I am honored beyond words.”
“Both of my sons have great respect for you.” She tried to smile to no avail. Emotion overcame her. She couldn’t meet his eyes and stared at a spot somewhere near his left shoulder.
She’d thought she would be content with her sons happily married, with grandchildren. She found there was one other thing she wanted, needed. Albany had been a dear friend to her family. She wanted more from him. She didn’t know how to ask for it.
“You once asked me why Charles and Geoffrey are special to me. It is because of you.”
She still couldn’t look at him. Big, warm tears spilled from her eyes.
“In helping them find their happiness I hoped to bring you some as well. I care about you, Emma.”
He cared about her. It wasn’t enough. She wanted to be loved. She wanted him near every day of her life. She’d finally become the person she was meant to be. Was it too late?
“I care about you as well. Too bad you’re not a fortune-hunter. I have a rather large annual income. I had hoped to lure you into marriage.” Her accompanying laugh sounded more agitated than light-hearted.
Through the glassiness of her eyes she saw him raise his arm. She felt something soft against her cheek. He had a handkerchief in his hand and wiped her tears away.
She blinked to clear her vision. The expression on his face gave her hope. It wasn’t the way he looked at her when she was a young girl. There was more. Instead of merely affection, she saw desire and joy. The emotion in his eyes mirrored the feelings inside of her.
A Bride for Lord Albany Page 5