Gabriel arched a brow. “You mean to say he was actually...”
“Aye, naked from the waist down. He managed to confiscate a tablecloth a neighbor had drying on a clothes line, but it was for a small table and didn’t cover much. So his backside was as bare as a newborn babe, and all else he was about commenced to flap in the breeze.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “And what explanation did he give to your mother?”
Lucinda joined in on his mirth. “He told my mum he was robbed. Since his wallet was attached to his belt by a chain, and in his drunken state he was unable to release the hook, the robber had him remove his pants.” She laughed harder. “Sometimes, the day before laundry day, he’d run out of clean underwear.”
“And so it happened that day was just such a day?”
“Aye, that it was. So when he removed his trousers, he was left naked from the waist down.”
“Did your mother believe him?”
Lucinda arched a brow. “Well, now you figure that one out...seeing he was drunker than a skunk during the holidays and coming home without pants certainly didn’t set her in a good mood.”
He chuckled again. “No, I would imagine not.”
Lucinda patted the sofa cushion again. “Come to think of it, Papa slept here that night as well.”
It was then he heard the distinct sound of a carriage approaching. He went to the window and noted Captain Simon Cavendish’s vehicle coming to a halt in front of the mansion.
Lady Lucinda joined him. “Quite an elegant chaise Lord Wade has provided for his son-in-law’s travels.”
“I agree,” he said, admiring the attractive vehicle. “It looks very comfortable. Far different than the way most Americans travel.”
“And how is that?” Lucinda probed.
“A saddled horse usually suffices for a cowboy or scout. And a modest, plank-wood wagon similar to what Oliver drives is preferred by the women.”
“Well, most of England’s upper crust is rather particular about their mode of travel. Sometimes, how they choose their carriage becomes an art form.”
He frowned. “In what way?”
“Well, for example, open carriages are used for shorter jaunts, as they’re not as stuffy as their enclosed counterparts. Another quaint transport is the low phaeton, pulled only by a pair of ponies,” she explained. “Now, a more serious vehicle is a four-wheeled phaeton, which is pulled by four horses. And then there are those that are pulled by eight horses. But those are unusual to find and only owned by the very wealthy.”
He arched a brow. “Impractical for only needing a ride into town.”
“Aye, but those of great financial means care more about their image. However, even the very wealthy face the drawbacks for their elaborate choices.”
“And what would that be?” he said.
“Gigs and two-wheeled curricles are only built to be pulled by a pair of horses instead of a single beast. This leaves the owner faced with the difficult task and immense expense of finding an equally well-matched pair of horses ranking in quality.”
“And what vehicle has the best speed?” he inquired further.
“The curricle could easily pass a carriage. However, it can only seat two at a time and is open to dust, wind, and rain. The barouche, on the other hand, can accommodate a party of six. And with its top up, affords some protection against the elements.”
At that point Regis entered the room. “Begging your pardon, my lady, but a Captain Simon Cavendish is here to see Mr. Eagle.”
“Show him in, Regis.” She made her way to the door. “It’s been a good conversation we’ve had, Gabriel. But now I will leave you to your business.”
“I wish for you to stay as it concerns you and Collins Stead as well,” he said.
She frowned. “Is there a problem, Gabriel?”
“I do not believe there has to be.” He gave her a reassuring smile.
“Very well, then. I will hear you two chaps out,” she agreed, taking a seat once again upon the sofa.
Simon entered the room. With a broad smile, he greeted them both and then glanced from the Collins brother’s portrait hanging above the mantel to Gabriel. “By Jove, the resemblance is uncanny.”
“Aye, almost eerie,” Lucinda agreed. “The day Gabriel first walked through my door, I almost believed it was my dear Uncle Silas home again. If not for the fact my uncle was much shorter, he and Gabriel could be twins.” She sighed. “As the last living Collins, I feared Collins Stead would fall into the hands of strangers after my death.” Lucinda smiled at Gabriel. “But now, with discovering Gabriel and his sisters are of the Collins’ bloodline, I can go in peace when the grim one decides to take me.”
Gabriel motioned for Simon to take a seat. “That is why I have asked the captain here today. I would like him to help me maintain Collins Stead when it is time for me to take it over.”
Her brows arched. “Oh?”
“Aye, my lady,” Simon replied. “But first let me explain a bit of back story.”
Lucinda folded her frail hands in her lap. “I’m listening.”
“As you know my dear wife Fiona is the daughter of Lord Morgan Wade.”
“Aye, I am aware of that,” she said.
Simon continued. “Then you must also know after the two of us wed, we took up residence at Wade’s Landing.”
Lucinda nodded. “I am aware of that as well.” She smiled. “I’ve been to the mansion a time or two. It is a lovely place, so grand.”
Simon took an audible breath. “Aye, well, even though Fiona and I dwell in a wing of the estate all of our own, the place is not grand enough.”
Lucinda frowned. “How can that be, Captain Cavendish?”
Gabriel chuckled sardonically. “How can that not be, when you add my Aunt Kaylena to the group?”
Lucinda’s lips curled into a grin. “Ah, I have forgotten. Kaylena Bentley is Lord Wade’s wife and lives at Wade’s Landing as well.”
“And I do not believe an entire island would be big enough for anyone to live on with her along,” Gabriel remarked.
Simon tried to be polite. “She’s a nice enough person most of the time, and I don’t think she actually means to cause hard feelings but...”
“Bah. I’ve known Kaylena all of her life. She is the younger sister of my dear friend, Amelia Bentley.” She glanced over at Gabriel and added, “Your grandmother.”
He nodded.
“And she’s a stubborn, rigid, and frigid woman if ever I met one,” Lucinda concluded.
“You tell me nothing new,” Gabriel chimed in. “Do not forget my sister and I lived with her for a time when we first arrived in England. At that time, Kaylena heavily drank fire water and threatened to discipline my sister with the same shameful sort of beatings she had received from her father.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I would have none of it. That is why I brought Sunny here to stay with you.”
“I believe my father-in-law has changed Kaylena’s outlook and attitude somewhat with his love and devotion,” Simon reflected. “But she still has the tendency to take control and has voiced her opinions on child-rearing to my wife beyond all appropriateness.”
“And I take it your wife is growing upset over the whole situation,” Lucinda assumed.
“Aye, that is the way of it,” Simon agreed. He ran fingers through his hair. “And I am quite at a loss as to know what to do. I haven’t saved enough to buy Fiona a home she would feel comfortable in, and yet we dare not stay much longer living at Wade’s Landing and still remain civil. Fiona has bitten her tongue more than I can count as not to cause trouble for her father, but it is wearing on her nerves. Soon, my wife will become so distraught she will say something she will forever regret or take to her bed with some sort of breakdown.”
Lucinda frowned. “I sympathize with your predicament, but I fail to see how I can come up with a solution.”
“If you permit me, I think I might have an answer,” Gabriel chimed in.
Lucinda inclined her head politely. “Enlighten me.”
“On my many visits to Collins Stead, I have taken time to walk the grounds, getting myself familiar with the many acres that make up the property and checking each dwelling. I have particularly taken an interest in the smaller manor house that sits opposite the gardens, at the south end.”
Lucinda nodded. “That was the first Collins Stead, built in the early 1700s when my great, great grandfather purchased the property. He and his wife had fourteen children, three sets of twins, and outgrew the house’s six bedrooms within a decade. That was why this mansion was built. Unfortunately only three of those children lived to adulthood.”
“I have toured the house, and although it needs some work, I believe it can be made livable again in no time and for little cost. With six bedrooms, a fairly good-sized dining room, parlor, kitchen, and the third floor accommodations ready to turn into staff quarters, I think it would fit Simon and Fiona’s needs perfectly.”
“Our household staff is small, consisting of Fiona’s handmaiden, a nanny, a cook, a maid, and my gentleman’s gentleman, who is also the butler,” Simon added.
Lucinda arched a brow. “And how would Kaylena feel if the staff left with you?”
“She’s hired a whole new crew, wanting these few loyal folks gone. But Fiona has known them since she was a child and feels them to be more like family,” the captain explained. “And I would be more than willing to pay for any renovations needed.”
Lucinda waved a hand casually in the air. “That is the least of my worries. I am not concerned with the cost.”
“Then what does concern you?” Gabriel said.
Lady Collins took an audible breath. “Do you recall when you first arrived at Collins Stead, asking me what would become of Riley after my death if you were to inherit the property?”
Gabriel nodded. “You said Riley would be more than compensated for.”
“Aye, and the smaller manor home is her compensation. As well as the three acres surrounding the dwelling and a yearly stipend that will keep Riley independent of any man...of any person, for the rest of her life.” Lucinda paused. “I have set up a fund with my barrister, a man I’ve known for years and trust, for the money to be invested...giving Riley dividends throughout her life to sustain a comfortable lifestyle. Upon my barrister’s death, as he is getting on in years as well, his son will preside over the clause so Riley will always have council in her favor. If she should marry one day, there is a stipulation in my will stating she will be the only person able to control the funds. In this way my girl will never be homeless again.”
“I want nothing taken away from Riley,” Gabriel reassured her. “In fact, as long as I am alive I will also see to it she is properly cared for, as is my duty to Collins Stead. The two will always go hand in hand. But she is not planning on moving into the smaller home while you are still alive.”
Lucinda chuckled. “Haven’t you noticed, my dear man, I am not getting any younger? Only the good Lord knows how much time I have left.” She frowned. “If I allow Captain Cavendish and his family to take over the smaller house, and in a few months I should pass away, where is Riley to live?”
“Where you have planned for her all along,” Gabriel said. “Only now the house will be in an immediately live-in condition.”
Lucinda’s frown deepened. “Then where would the captain and his family live?”
“Here, in the main mansion.”
Lucinda’s lips thinned. “And where then, would you live?”
He took a deep breath. “I have been thinking strongly about returning to America. I believe I am needed there by my people.”
“And what of your people here?” Lucinda asked.
“I only agreed to come to England long enough to safely escort my sisters. Now, both are married and have their husbands to care for them. As soon as Sunny and Raven give birth to the babes they carry, which is within a month’s time, and I know all is well with them, I am leaving England.”
“I am not quite sure of this plan, Gabriel.”
“I am only making Simon caretaker of the estate in my absence,” Gabriel confirmed. “He is to keep in contact with me, as well as Sunny and Raven, about the affairs here. And he will only abide by our advice and requests.”
“Aye, my lady,” Simon added. “It is only the Eagle family’s wishes that I would adhere to in the running and care of Collins Stead. And my respect and loyalty hold true toward Miss Flanders as well.”
“And we would still be the sole owners. I know you wanted the property to stay in the Collins bloodline,” Gabriel assured her.
“What happens when Mr. Cavendish decides to purchase property of his own?” She glanced over at Simon. “I am assuming this is something you are eventually planning to do.”
“Aye, my lady, it is,” Simon agreed.
Lucinda brought her gaze back to Gabriel. “Obviously Sunny has her hands full with Bentwood Manor in Brighton, and Raven is settled in Ireland. With Captain Cavendish moving into his own estate one day, how is Collins Stead to be cared for?”
“When that time arrives, I will return to England,” Gabriel said. “I just need a few years to get my people on their feet. I wish to buy land of my own in America so I can build homes for the tribe. I must keep them safe from further eviction and invasion. Then I will take back my duties here until one of Sunny’s children is old enough to continue in my place.”
Lucinda arched a brow. “The poor girl hasn’t given birth to one babe yet. And besides, that child will be in line for Bentwood Manor.”
He smiled. “Sunny’s mother-in-law believes she will give birth to twins.”
Simon laughed. “And my mother is rarely wrong about such things.”
“If that is the case or not, I am sure Rafe and Sunny are planning on having more children in the future,” Gabriel added. “Between Sunny, Raven, and hopefully my own offspring, there will be enough heirs in the coming years to take over Collins Stead.”
“Aye, you make a valid point,” Lucinda agreed. She took an audible breath and relaxed further back into her seat. “And your wife Fiona won’t mind leaving her father? I know she takes comfort in his nearby presence when you are off at sea.”
“I am only captain of my father-in-law’s cargo ship twice during the year, and I travel only to Ireland and back. Besides, Glenshire Sussex is only three quarters of an hour from London. If Fiona wishes, she can make the trip easily enough by carriage, as well as Lord Wade. And she will have you and Riley about the property if she is in dire need of anything.”
Lucinda nodded. “True, we will be here for sure and would be more than happy to lend her a hand in any way needed.” She smiled. “And it might be nice having a babe around.”
“You won’t regret your decision, my lady,” Simon added.
“Very well, Captain, if you, your family, and staff wish to inhabit the smaller manor house, you have my permission to do so.”
Simon stood and took one of Lucinda’s hands in his. “I promise to help you run Collins Stead in Gabriel’s absence so you will not be burdened by as many dealings as you have been.”
She smiled up into Simon’s eyes. “And for that I am grateful as I am growing too tired for so many responsibilities, Captain.”
“Please, call me Simon,” he requested.
“If you will call me Lucinda.”
Simon inclined his head politely. “I shall be honored.”
“I would say, in the long run, this decision is for the best. With you already moved in, I will have the chance to school you well in what needs to be done, for when the time comes I am no longer around.”
“And we all pray that is not for a very long time,” Gabriel said.
“I agree,” Simon added.
Lucinda chuckled lightly. “Aye, well, it’s all up to the good Lord. But the transition will be easier on Riley if she’s used to you and your family beforehand, and then has your help and support when the time come
s for her to take over the smaller home.”
Simon nodded. “And I will do whatever I can, Fiona as well, to make sure Riley receives all you have set aside for her.”
“As will I and the heirs to come,” Gabriel said.
“Then I will summon my barrister in the morning so the appropriate papers can be drawn up and signed,” Lucinda said. Then, casting a glance at Gabriel, her eyes moistened. “I shall miss you, my dear, more then you know.”
He smiled. “I am not gone yet and have months of plans to complete until I am.”
Lucinda nodded and opened her mouth to respond when a ruckus in the foyer halted her words.
Gabriel stood and made his way to the door. Upon opening it, he spotted Jane in a confrontation with Regis. “What goes on here?”
“Sorry and all to bother ye, sir, but Regis ’ere tells me Miss Riley isn’t at ’ome...’asn’t been all afternoon. It seems she was supposed to ’ave been with me. But that’s news to my ears.” Jane cast a glance at her feet, her face turning crimson as she spoke her next words. “Ye see, Miss Riley gave Charles and myself time off today. So we could be together a bit and all.”
Gabriel frowned, making his way further into the foyer. “I was under the same impression. Riley received a note this morning confirming an appointment in London. I remember asking her if she planned on going alone, and she distinctly said you would be accompanying her as Lucinda does not allow her to go out unescorted.”
“And that’s the truth of it,” Lucinda said.
He turned around to find the elderly woman standing in the doorframe.
Lucinda’s lips thinned. “What’s this about Riley receiving a note?”
“Addie brought it to her during the morning meal,” Gabriel said.
“And do you have any idea what this note said?” Lucinda prodded.
He shook his head. “But she seemed troubled while reading it.”
Lucinda glanced at Jane. “See if Riley left the note in her chamber.”
“Aye, my lady,” Jane said, taking her leave.
“She did not. I saw her stuff it into the pocket of her skirt,” he said. “But perhaps Addie will know something more.”
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