“Now give me a good tight hug,” I said to Celia, holding out my arms. We embraced for a long time. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Martin give Florence a tender kiss on her cheek. Her eyes watered as she struggled with her farewells. After the emotional farewell, they climbed into the car, and our driver took them to the station. By tomorrow evening they would be home.
As I closed the door, Florence wiped her tears with her handkerchief. My heart swelled with affection. For the first time, I saw her as a woman who I understood rather than Benedict’s domineering mother. No doubt we would rely upon one another in the years ahead and become increasingly close.
“You should visit them as soon as they are settled,” I encouraged her, putting my arm around her shoulder. “It would be good for you.”
“I don’t know if that is wise,” she responded, shaking her head. “Then I will only have to say goodbye again.”
Curious as to the depth of her fondness toward Martin, I overstepped the boundaries between us out of sheer curiosity.
“Do you love him?”
“What?” She took a step back and scoffed at my question.
“Do you love Martin? It’s a simple question, Florence, and I shall not feel any less of you if you possess such affection.”
Florence’s annoyance faded as she brought her hands together and held them. A slight blush filled her cheeks. “He asked me to marry him, but I turned down the proposal.”
Her unexpected announcement made my mouth gape open in surprise. “Why?”
“Why?” She balked as if I should know the answer.
“Is it because of his class?”
“No, of course not.” She dismissed me, waving her hand as if I should go away. “How can I leave? My grandchildren need me. You need me.”
“I would never, Florence, suggest you should sacrifice your happiness for my welfare. Benedict, as you know, has left me and you well provided for under the trust. My only responsibility here is to raise a son he would be proud to carry on and a beautiful daughter.”
“Those responsibilities can be overwhelming for a mother on her own, and I shall not abandon you for my selfish pursuits.” She walked toward the parlor. “The discussion has ended. I’m going for a strong cup of tea.”
Florence dismissed me as she often did when the discussion had ended as far as she was concerned, and I did not pursue it. As kind as it had been for her to agree to help me in my new situation, her choice saddened me. Would I have done the same had Stefan asked me to marry him? The thought was ludicrous since my duties were to Stratton Park and Benedict’s legacy.
As the months passed, nevertheless, letters arrived from Doctor Reyer to Florence on a weekly basis. Their goodbyes had not been permanent as Florence eagerly answered his correspondence as soon as it came. Martin had established his practice again, but he mentioned nothing about Stefan and his pursuits. If Martin had written anything, Florence would not share it with me. Naturally, my curious nature wished to know. When I thought of him meeting and loving another woman, my heart could not bear it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
A Piece of the Puzzle
The flowers I had placed on my husband’s grave a week ago had wilted from the heat of the summer. England had begun to heal from the war and so had I from the shock of Benedict’s needless death. Percy and I often took flowers to his grave, and I told him only of his father’s bravery. I would never convey the truth of Benedict’s death to my children as I determined to keep his heroism in their hearts and minds.
After replacing the flowers and stepping back to look at the grave marker, Percy remained quiet, holding my hand. I wanted to confess my unfaithfulness to his departed spirit and ask for forgiveness. Inwardly I had spoken the words but found them difficult to articulate vocally.
“We should get back to grandmother.” I gave him a slight tug of my hand to direct him to the house. He made no protest because he knew his afternoon snack would be waiting. Florence had fussed over Percy as if Benedict had returned as a child. As we approached the house, I saw an unknown vehicle. Not able to place its owner, I entered the foyer curious as to who had called upon us without notice.
“Go upstairs Percy and let Nanny Jane know you’re back.” My hand gave him an encouraging pat on the head.
“Yes, Mama.”
He gave no cause to disobey and headed up the stairs. I heard voices in the parlor but could not discern whom they belonged to until I came closer to the doorway. As soon as the recognizable voice of Doctor Reyer met my hearing, I rounded the corner happy to see him. What I didn’t expect was that Celia and Stefan would be with him. Shocked, I halted in my step.
“There she is,” Doctor Reyer cheerfully announced. Stefan stood to his feet while Celia jumped up and came toward me with arms wide. She had grown into a beautiful young lady, but her familiar dimples remained in her cheeks as well as her wild curly hair.
“Grace!”
Immediately she grabbed me in an embrace that nearly knocked me off my feet. Happy to see her, I closed my eyes and gave her an affectionate hug in return. When she let go of me, I smiled at her.
“What are you doing here?”
“We came for a visit,” she answered.
“Well, this is a surprise.” I glanced at Florence who grinned mischievously. “Did you know they were coming?”
“Yes, I admit that I did, but they wanted to surprise you.”
“Really.” My brow lifted over my right eye as I found the courage to look at Stefan. The conflict and years had matured him. He flashed his beautiful smile and approached.
“It is good to see you, Lady Grace.”
“And you,” I replied, trying not to gush like a schoolgirl.
“Are you visiting for very long?” I sat in an empty chair when everyone returned to their seats, feeling like a fool in their presence.
“My son will be here for some time, but I shall be returning to Luxembourg with Celia in a fortnight.”
His surprising answer caught me off guard, and I turned and looked at Stefan. “What do you mean you are staying?” My heart beat like a drum in my ears over the surprising announcement.
“I have been accepted at the University of Cambridge Medical School,” he announced with an air of pride in his voice.
After realizing my mouth gaped open in astonishment, I sputtered like a fool. “Congrat— Congratulations. What excellent news.”
“He wants to be like father,” Celia announced with a sly grin.
“And what do you think of your brother being a surgeon?” I asked her out of curiosity.
“Oh, I think he will be tolerable, but I’m not sure if I’ve forgiven him for leaving Belgium.” Celia flashed Stefan a disgruntled stare.
“Well, I’m sure he will return after his finishes his studies,” I countered in a calm tone.
“I have made Celia no promises,” Stefan replied.
My eyes shifted in his direction at the hopeful comment. Florence, who had remained quiet watching the interaction, suddenly interjected into the conversation.
“I’ve told Stefan that he is more than welcome to visit Stratton Park. Our home is open to him on the weekends and whenever he has the opportunity for a break between studies.”
Shocked at her announcement, I could barely speak. A lump formed in my throat at the contemplation of Stefan visiting our household on a regular basis. The idea of being in constant proximity to him flushed my face. Suddenly I couldn’t breathe. Embarrassed about my reaction, I rose to my feet.
“Please... please excuse me,” I stammered. My eyes avoided everyone as I abruptly left the room, gasping for air. After walking into the foyer, I stood for a minute attempting to catch my breath as my anxiety choked the life out of me. I heard footsteps approach from behind and spun around to see Florence.
“I’ve upset you,” she confessed. Her hand grabbed mine. “I should have told you beforehand they were coming.”
“I’m shocked, frankly, and dislik
e like the idea of the lieutenant... I mean Stefan, staying here at Stratton Park. It makes me feel uncomfortable at the prospect of a single male being under our roof. What will our acquaintances think?” Florence squeezed my hand and tilted her head, appearing amused at my excuse. In a sympathetic tone, she answered.
“You should know, Grace, you have honored Benedict since his death and proven to me your heart did hold affection for him as your husband. Nevertheless, I’m a practical woman. You are young, the children need a father, and you deserve the chance to love and be loved.”
“Are you insinuating that I’m in love with Stefan?”
“Well, I’m not blind, my dear. You have held him in high regard since the moment he arrived to recuperate in our home.”
Unable to look at Florence in the eyes, I lowered my head in guilt.
“If the young man is determined to study at Cambridge, he is welcome at Stratton Park as far as I’m concerned. If something grows between the two of you, then so be it. If not, it was never meant to be.”
“You sound more like a matchmaker than a mother-in-law,” I quipped. “You lecture me yet you refuse Doctor Reyer’s advances.”
Florence chuckled. “He’s beginning to wear down my resolve. Truthfully, if I knew you were happy and well cared for, I would move to Belgium and be his wife. Celia needs a mothering influence at this precarious age of entering womanhood.”
Instantly I felt guilty her happiness relied upon my ability to rekindle a relationship with Stefan. It made me wonder how much she knew about my former affections. Nevertheless, she stood here before me without condemnation but with encouragement.
“Am I interrupting anything?”
I jolted when I heard Stefan’s voice. He stood a few feet away with a pleasing grin on his face and a twinkle in his gorgeous blue eyes.
“Not at all,” Florence replied. “Why don’t the two of you have a nice chat?”
As swiftly as she had arrived to join me in the foyer, Florence disappeared into the parlor. Stefan took two careful steps in my direction and then stopped. The reaction to his nearness sent a warm glow through my body. How could one man elicit such a response while doing absolutely nothing except standing there?
“I see we have stunned you with the news.” He grinned sheepishly.
“Quite,” I replied, trying to control my emotions. “I’m not sure what to think of it all.”
“Think whatever you will, Grace. I am coming to Cambridge to study. That is my prime purpose,” he replied.
“Well, I think it’s wonderful you wish to follow in your father’s footsteps.”
“Before the war, I considered such a career path.”
“You didn’t mention it before.” By all accounts, I had to admit I knew little about Stefan.
“Our time together had quickly passed and under the circumstances...” His grin faded. “Please accept my condolences over the death of your husband.”
The subject of Benedict had entered our midst, resurrecting my guilt from the past. Stefan’s tone convinced me of his sincerity. “Thank you. It was entirely unexpected, you know.”
“Father conveyed to me he had returned from an overdue leave but had suffered emotional distress from duty.”
“He came back for the birth of our daughter,” I clarified, confused over Stefan’s misconception of events.
“Birth of your daughter?” His eyes widened in surprise, and I knew exactly where his mind had taken him.
“Yes, after you both left, I discovered I was with child.” He looked at me with a questioning gaze. “Her name is Amelia, and she looks very much like Benedict’s family.” Stefan’s countenance relaxed as he exhaled a puff of air from between his lips.
“I see.” He bowed his head. “Then I owe you congratulations as well.”
Surprised Doctor Reyer had kept his promise of not telling Stefan, I did not feel compelled to say anything further.
“I have missed you,” I confessed in a lowered voice. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about what transpired...” I hesitated then spoke. “Nor do I regret it.”
Our eyes met again, and he reciprocated his pleasure with a grin. “It was quite the improper dalliance under the circumstances, but I have never pushed the memory away either.”
As we stood there staring at each other with unspoken thoughts, I became uncomfortable leaving the others alone.
“We should get back. It was foolish of me excusing myself so awkwardly.”
“I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to talk in the future,” Stefan replied.
“Oh, I’m confident that we will,” I agreed, lifting a teasing grin.
Perhaps I did have a future with the young and handsome Belgian surgeon-to-be. He had stolen my heart as a lieutenant, and I hoped he would reclaim it to bring healing of another sort.
As we walked into the parlor and everyone’s eyes turned to us with noticeable approval, I believed the last piece of the puzzle had arrived to replace the one left empty by Benedict’s death. Whatever final scene it would eventually create, I could only hope it would be one of peace and remain untouched by another war.
The End
Thank you for reading Lady Grace. To learn more about the research behind this story, visit my Ladies of Disgrace Blog for interesting articles and background information.
About the Author
With Russian blood on my father’s side and English on my mother’s, I blame my ancestors for the lethal combination of my DNA that influences my stories. Tragedy and drama might be found between the pages, but I eventually give readers a happy ending.
I live in the beautiful but rainy Pacific Northwest. My hobby (more of an obsession) is researching my English ancestry and expanding my family tree. To keep the memory of my ancestors alive, I often use their names in my novels.
My usual genre is historical fiction with romantic elements and historical romance set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. My books include:
The Price of Innocence (Permanently Free) – Book One of the Legacy Series
The Price of Deception – Book Two of the Legacy Series
The Price of Love – Book Three of the Legacy Series
The Price of Passion – Book Four of the Legacy Series
The Legacy Series Box Set (Books 1–4)
The Phantom of Valletta (Featured in the Sunday Times, Malta in 2010)
Dark Persuasion (2012 Finalist in the USA Best Book Awards for Romance)
A Portrait of Perfection (A Dark Gothic Tale of Love and Betrayal)
A Christmas Oath (2015 Christmas Novelette)
A Christmas Mission (2016 Christmas Novelette)
Lady Isabella (2017)
Lady Grace (2017)
Lady Charlotte (2018)
Romance with a Kiss of Suspense, under the pen name of Nora Covington. Works to date include:
Thorncroft Manor
Whitefield Hall
Blythe Court – Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Review
Romance with a Kiss of Suspense Box Set
Conflicting Hearts, by J. D. Burrows, Five-Star Reader’s Favorite Review. Contemporary romance/women’s fiction.
You can find me on:
Official Website
Vicki Hopkins, Author Blog
Subscribe to my mailing list for release updates: SUBSCRIBE HERE
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LADY CHARLOTTE
by
Vicki Hopkins
ISBN# 978-1-7320971-0-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018902871
Copyright © 2018 Vicki Hopkins
Published by Holland Legacy Publishing
All Rights Reserved.
This publication or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.
License Notes
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed or scanned for distribution to others for commercial or noncommercial purposes. Please purchase authorized electronic editions from your retailer. Your support of the author’s copyright is appreciated.
Work of Fiction
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter One – Born Scandalous
Chapter Two – A Plan Unfolds
Chapter Three – Requisites for Good Society
Chapter Four – An Ounce of Empathy
Chapter Five –The Gentlemen’s Club
Chapter Six –From Opera to Burlesque
Chapter Seven – A Lesson in Wallflowers
Chapter Eight – A Spin Around the Wheel
Chapter Nine – Picnic and Ants
Chapter Ten – Soap, Soup, and Salvation
Chapter Eleven – Row Your Boat
Chapter Twelve – Aiming at the Target
Chapter Thirteen – Broughton Hall
Chapter Fourteen – A Turning Point
Chapter Fifteen – Surrender in the Moonlight
Chapter Sixteen – Game Well Played
Chapter Seventeen – To Err is Human
Chapter Eighteen – The Taste of Humble Pie
Chapter Nineteen – A Heart of Flesh
About the Author
Dedication
To every soup kitchen around the world—may your bowls always be full.
Ladies of Disgrace Box Set Page 28