Colin did not share her enthusiasm. “You must excuse us, Mrs. Babcock, for I do not wish to keep the ladies out in the cold any longer than necessary.”
“But you have not yet met my daughters! I believe they are off with their friends. They are quite popular girls and are mobbed wherever they go. But I am sure they are not talking to anyone as important as you.”
“Yet, I would hate to interrupt them just the same. Perhaps another time?”
“Do you have plans for tonight? Our cook has promised to make a veritable feast. And she is really quite talented, despite being British. But you would know that already, wouldn’t you? She was, after all, your cook.” At that point, Mrs. Babcock seemed to remember the somewhat awkward situation they were in. However, that did not stop her mouth for long. “Would you and your sister care to join us tonight?”
Colin could barely contain his temper at the snub of Letty. “Which sister would that be, madam?”
Mrs. Babcock seemed to realize she’d gone a bit too far, for she hastily added, “Lady Rosemary, of course. I assumed Leticia would be in the nursery. Is that not the custom in England?”
Unfortunately, it was, so Colin had to give the woman the benefit of the doubt, as distasteful as it was. “Our family is a bit unconventional. Lady Leticia accompanies us everywhere.”
“That is unconventional. Well, you and your two sisters must come to dinner tonight.” Though she looked like she’d just ingested a hothouse lemon.
Colin was wracking his brain for an excuse not to go and from Rose’s cool look, he imagined she did not want to attend, either. But poor Letty was excited, so he had little choice but to accept.
“Excellent!” said Mrs. Babcock. “We shall look forward to it.”
Colin most assuredly would not.
*
Maude looked around her sitting room and still could not believe her good fortune. Two rooms, just for her. She hoped this wasn’t all a dream, for, other than missing her family, she had everything she could hope to have. She had an excellent position, even if she wasn’t exactly being paid for it. Her quarters were luxurious and the earl himself had brought her a small table and two chairs that very day. She could even ask Ava to join her for tea, if she liked.
Or she could invite Victor.
Maude had never had a sweetheart before. There’d been no time for one when she was working at the inn in her village. Some of the lads at Lord Clayton’s estate had certainly made their interest known. But Maude had never met so many rude men in her life. The things they’d said to her had made her blush to her hairline. She couldn’t imagine being married to any of them, so she certainly stayed clear.
But then there was Victor. He carried himself like a military man, which she knew he was from the night they’d stayed up talking. She’d felt safe with him from the very first. She wouldn’t have trusted any man at Clayton’s the way she did Victor. But she knew he would never hurt her or any woman. And the way he’d kept watch outside Ava’s room that first night had convinced Maude that he was a very good man. He was also quite handsome. Yes, his scars were significant on the right side of his face. But there was certainly nothing wrong with the left side. And the more you got to know him, the less you noticed the scars.
She’d been embarrassed when she’d awakened on the farmer’s cart to find she’d fallen asleep in his arms. Yet, she’d realized there was no place she’d rather be, so she’d shamelessly remained, pretending to sleep. And now, she and Victor were thrown together quite often for he was always helping her in the kitchen when he was not needed elsewhere
There was a knock on her open door. She turned to find the subject of her thoughts.
“Victor,” she said, smoothing her gown. “Come in. You’re my first guest. Unless….am I needed in the kitchen?”
“No,” said Stemple as he entered, smiling. The scars made his grin crooked. Maude found it endearing. “The earl was in earnest. You are not to do any work today.”
Maude had been astounded to find Lady Rosemary and Ava putting together a cold collation from the previous night’s dinner when they returned from church. Even Lady Leticia had helped. They had been adamant that she wasn’t to do any work on her day off, now and in the future.
“Would you like to sit down?” She pointed to one of the chairs the earl had brought her.
“Only if you will, as well. I brought a bottle of wine, a gift for the two of us from Lady Rosemary.”
“That was very kind of her.”
“I believe the earl’s sisters are every bit as kind as he is.”
Maude scowled. “Did you hear what some of those villagers were whispering about Lady Leticia? And on Christmas, of all days. I wanted to give them a piece of my mind, but I didn’t want to call even more attention to their vile gossip.”
“I wanted to do more than berate them, you can be sure of that.” Stemple placed two wine glasses on the table. “How did you spend last Christmas?”
“We had half a day off for services, then we had to prepare the Christmas dinner. Some of Lord Clayton’s friends were there, so the kitchen staff was up past midnight. It was a decent Boxing Day the next morn. But I would much rather be here without wages than back there for any amount of coin.”
“As would I. Last year, I was sleeping in a disreputable tavern near the docks in exchange for keeping the peace. Christmas tends to bring out both the best and worst in people.” He poured them both a glass of wine. “My life has improved tremendously since that night.”
“So has mine,” said Maude, as she shyly met his eyes. “What shall we drink to?”
Stemple considered the question for a moment. “To a Happy Christmas and new beginnings.”
Maude smiled at him, as they touched glasses. “Happy Christmas, Victor.”
“Happy Christmas, Maude.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Colin hadn’t really wanted to go to the Babcock’s for Christmas dinner, especially since their invitation had excluded Ava. But it would have been rude of him to refuse the invitation and churlish of him to deny Rose and Letty a Christmas feast.
For her part, Ava had said she would happily entertain herself in the dower house library. He liked thinking of her there, curled up in a chair reading whatever it was she read. Probably some type of gothic novel. Or, perhaps a history tome from which she’d prepare Letty’s lessons. It was impossible to tell with Ava, which was yet another thing he liked about her. She kept him guessing.
But here he was now, escorting his sisters to the manor they’d called home for most of their lives. He’d hated almost every minute he’d spent growing up there. But it was still odd to have others in residence.
Marvins was his usual arrogant self. Colin wondered how the butler felt working for Americans, for he could not imagine it being at all to his liking. Regardless of how well-mannered the Babcocks were, Colin felt sure that Marvins would still view them as provincial colonials better left on the other side of the Atlantic.
After a brief nod to Marvins, Colin and his sisters walked behind the man as he escorted them to the sitting room, where they were announced. Stemple had already done reconnaissance, so Colin was at least somewhat prepared for the visit.
Mr. Babcock was that uniquely American species, a self-made man, whose fortune was thought to exceed a million dollars – a sum almost impossible to imagine. He was from Boston and had made his fortune in shipping. But he’d come from humble beginnings and even in egalitarian America, Boston had its own version of the ton. Apparently, the families of that city had found the Babcock lineage wanting, so the family had come to England in hopes of snagging a title or two for their daughters.
Nora was the eldest of the three, though hardly into her dotage at three and twenty. She was also the reputed beauty of the family and Colin saw right away that her charms had not been overstated. She was quite beautiful, though a bit too perfect for his taste. He preferred his ladies to have twinkling eyes and a barely suppressed smile, not to
mention being perpetually on the verge of making some impertinent remark. But this Nora was acceptable if you liked perfect looks.
There was another daughter, Myra – the church winker – who was the youngest at nineteen. While not as beautiful as her sister, she was certainly well-favored, even if the neckline of her gown was a bit too low.
The middle child, Richard, was good looking enough, but was currently staring at Rose in a way no gentleman should. Colin rather thought he’d have to start the evening by punching the bastard in the nose.
His goal was interrupted by the advance of Mrs. Babcock, who scurried across the floor toward him while also in a deep curtsey.
“Thank you so much for accepting our invitation, my lord. You honor us just by attending,” she said as she extended her hand to him, even as she continued to curtsey lower and lower.
He had no choice but to pull her back up. “The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. Thank you for inviting us, Mrs. Babcock.”
“Ridgeway,” said Babcock, as he used one hand to shake Colin’s and the other to throw back a drink. Colin idly wondered if it was his brandy. “Glad you could make it. This accursed English weather isn’t what we’re used to.”
“Is it much different from Boston?”
“Ah ho! You’ve been looking into my background, have you? I like a man who does his investigating. You always want to stay one step ahead of the competition.”
Colin smiled, though he dearly wished himself home and in the presence of Ava. “Are we in a competition, sir?”
Mrs. Babcock tittered as if this had been a grand jest.
“Everything in life is a competition, Ridgeway,” said Mr. Babcock. “The sooner you learn that, the sooner you’ll be out of dun territory.”
Colin could feel Rose bristle – he had not exactly been charmed by the comment, either – but just as his sister was about to say something, the Babcocks’ eldest daughter stepped forward.
“You have the most beautiful curl to your hair, Lady Leticia,” said Nora. “I must know your secret. Do you use an iron on it or is it natural?”
Letty grinned. “I just wake up this way. Rose brushes my hair, of course. But it’s always curly, isn’t it, Rose?”
“It is, my love,” said Rose as she gently tugged one of her sister’s curls. She touched fingers with Nora, who’d proven herself to have much better manners than her parents.
“Nora Babcock,” said the girl with a smile.
“How do you do,” said Rose.
And that was how an awkward evening began. They were soon called into dinner, but instead of entering the British way, with Colin – the highest ranking gentleman – escorting Mrs. Babcock, Mr. Babcock simply pushed Colin toward the head of the table to sit beside him.
Colin could sense Mrs. Babcock’s irritation that he would not have the chance to sit next to her eldest daughter. But the woman contented herself with playing matchmaker between Richard and Rose, while Nora conversed with Letty.
Mr. Babcock spoke to Colin about his shipping ventures. Colin was usually interested in business matters, especially since he needed to find a way to provide for his family. But Mr. Babcock’s talk of business tended to be more about people he’d bested and enemies he’d vanquished, rather than talk of how to run a proper enterprise.
Colin kept an eye on his sisters. Letty chatted happily with Nora, who appeared attentive and even charmed by the girl. Rose was being pestered by Richard, who took every opportunity to let their hands touch. He was being much too forward and Colin wanted to intervene, but Rose did not appear flustered. Colin began to fear she was interested in the brazen young man until Rose “accidentally” spilled her wine on him, looking none too contrite as she did so. Colin had to bite back a laugh. That would, hopefully, cool the annoying young man’s ardor.
“Yes, Ridgeway,” said Mr. Babcock, chortling, “I found that anecdote particularly amusing, as well. Who knew it would take that little effort to bankrupt someone? Now, if you liked that one, you’re sure to love the story of how I…”
As Babcock continued talking, Colin’s mind wandered to far more entertaining thoughts, such as just what Ava was doing at that moment. Then he thought of what he would like her to be doing, namely reading a book from his own private library. Specifically an illustrated book about different sexual positions.
He would enter the library, surprising her. She would blush delightfully, then he would investigate just how far her blush extended. He would be very thorough, kissing a trail down her neck to her chest. He would like to rip her gown from her, except he couldn’t afford to buy her a new one. His lack of funds really was most vexing. He would kiss her from head to toe, then back up again, lingering midway.
He was grateful the table hid his resultant reaction. He reminded himself that Christmas dinner was hardly the place to be fantasizing about Ava. He reluctantly shook off his thoughts, then tried to at least appear interested in what Babcock was saying.
An hour later, Colin was ready to stab the man with any of the sterling utensils embossed with the Earl of Ridgeway’s seal. His seal. Babcock had barely drawn breath in his long diatribe, but at least Colin hadn’t had to contribute much to the conversation, other than the occasional “most extraordinary.” He glanced down the table to see how his sisters were faring.
Letty was happily engaged in conversation with Nora, while tucking into the trifle they’d been served for dessert. Colin reckoned it had been quite some time since she’d eaten anything so decadent. He wondered what miracles Maude could accomplish with their own meager larder.
Further down the table, Rose was still maintaining her distance from Richard, who didn’t appear to be as chastened by his earlier soaking as he should be. Mrs. Babcock seemed to be doing most of the talking, though occasionally Myra would add a word or two.
Colin found it interesting that Mrs. Babcock had seated her younger daughter as far away from him as possible. He was also grateful to her for doing so.
Dinner finally drew to a close and Mrs. Babcock suggested that the men take their port in the sitting room so as not to be separated from the ladies. Mr. Babcock did not seem fond of the idea. He’d hinted that he had a few stories unfit for ladies’ ears. Colin doubted he would care to hear them, either. So when Mrs. Babcock made her suggestion, Colin was quick to take her up on it.
In the sitting room, Nora was setting up a backgammon game to play with Letty. Richard was still importuning Rose and Mr. Babcock was lighting a cigar the size of a cucumber.
“Lord Ridgeway,” said Mrs. Babcock. “Please have a seat on the settee. I do hope you will not join Mr. Babcock in smoking one of his vile cigars. I always make him go out to the terrace when he does so.”
“While I smoke the occasional cigar, I believe I will forgo the pleasure tonight, madam.”
“As well you should,” said Mrs. Babcock. “It can be most vexing for a wife when her husband smells of cigar smoke.”
“I daresay it depends on the husband,” said Myra, who’d suddenly appeared next to Colin on the settee. “There are some husbands who would be worth any sacrifice.”
Colin decided to drive the conversation in a less marriage-minded direction, post-haste. “How do you like the country, Miss Myra?”
“I detest it. There are no shops to speak of. We missed the last assembly and I am told there won’t be another for three months. And if one cannot dance, what is there to do?”
“This house has a well-stocked library.”
“And you are welcome at any time to come and borrow a book from it,” said Mrs. Babcock. “Although, technically, you do own them, so you wouldn’t really be borrowing. I daresay it matters naught since none of us are much for reading.”
“I find it an excessively dull activity myself,” said Myra, who’d somehow inched closer to him. He hadn’t noticed her move and would be impressed by her stealth if he didn’t feel quite so much like a fox to her hound.
Colin smiled at his hostess. “I believe
I should check on Lady Leticia. She is a bit of a sharp at backgammon. I would hate to think she is abusing poor Miss Babcock.”
Mrs. Babcock lit up at the very notion, apparently believing it was Colin’s way of being in Nora’s company. Apparently Myra had the same thought because her sudden scowl was frightening in its intensity. Between the girl’s stealth and her intimidating glare, Colin could not help but think she would make an impressive soldier.
Colin made his way to his youngest sister. “Letty, please tell me you’re not cheating at backgammon. It would not be a polite thing to do to Miss Babcock.”
Letty shook her head. “Of course not. Though Miss Babcock is quite good and it might be my only chance of beating her.”
“Your sister is a very skilled player,” said Miss Babcock. “I was pleased to learn at dinner that she enjoys the game. I am the only one in my family who plays.”
“I’ll play any time you’d like,” said Letty.
“Thank you,” said Miss Babcock. “I do not know when I have had a more pleasing offer. But right now I am worried about your sister. I fear my brother has been monopolizing her. Would you please be a dear and check on her?”
Colin could have groaned at how neatly Miss Babcock had separated him from his sister. For Letty was so eager to please there was no doubt she would follow Miss Babcock’s directive. Of course, poor Rose did look like she could use the rescue. But then Miss Babcock did something completely unexpected.
“I must apologize on my brother’s behalf. He seems to be quite taken with your sister, but he is also a rather willful young man caught up in his own importance. I am afraid my parents have not done as much to temper his inflated sense of self worth as perhaps they should. I believe he feels most women should fall in love with him immediately. Since Lady Rosemary possesses sense, I cannot believe she would do any such thing.”
Colin looked over to see that Rose had indeed seized upon Letty’s appearance much as a starving man might latch onto a pigeon pie. “That was quite clever of you, Miss Babcock. But I must ask, are you always so plainspoken?”
Always Come Home (Emerson 1) Page 15