Ivey got dressed quickly. She was still trying to be fashionable and uphold the tradition of the “Mauve Decade”. Yes, it was true that comfort wasn’t really the primary concern of many fashionable women of the day, but Ivey tried to make a compromise between beautiful and comfortable, at least as much as the fabric and circumstances allowed. She combed her beautiful blond hair into a sleek bun, and tied it up with a purple ribbon to compliment the dress. She was satisfied with the reflection staring back at her from inside the mirror. Ivey was used to people telling her that she was extremely beautiful, though she was determined not to get through life on mere looks alone. She knew the effect her blue eyes had on the opposite sex, and she also knew that the smattering of freckles across her face, and her naturally innocent smile would get her anything she wanted.
But there was more to Ivey Alwood than met the eye. Few people knew of her exquisite sewing skills, and even less of her riding capabilities that could match those of a man on any given day of the year. She read profusely and was well versed in many philosophic terms of the day, able to cite important writers and elaborate on social topics if necessary. All this, she got from her mother, who was of the belief that a woman could be both beautiful and intelligent.
“How else do you think I managed to keep your father interested in me all this time?” her mother would laugh, as the two sat in their parlor discussing philosophy.
When Ivey went downstairs that morning, the family was already gathered around the breakfast table, which was piled high with delicacies and smelled heavenly.
“I see Lily has outdone herself with the pancakes this morning,” Ivey smiled at their servant Lily, a beloved member of their household for the past several years. Ivey pulled her chair out and sat down at the table eagerly, like a child waiting for a treat. She glanced around and noticed her father was immersed in the newspapers, just as she expected him to be, while her mother sipped her tea from a delicate little cup that Ivey knew had belonged to Ivey’s grandmother.
Ivey also inherited from her mother the idea that even delicate and precious things kept in isolation served no purpose. Ivey knew several families who were afraid to put their cherished family heirlooms to good use, locking them away to gather dust in a cupboard; visible but useless. This was exactly why Ivey loved seeing her mother drink her morning tea out of this particular cup. She liked to join her, though her preferred beverage was coffee, with just a bit of milk and sugar.
“Lily, could I have a cup of coffee, please,” she smiled at Lily.
“I’ll go get it, Miss,” Lily replied and quickly disappeared into the kitchen.
“Any news on silver, father?” Ivey inquired hopefully, though something told her that nothing had changed. The question had become part of their morning ritual, and Ivey didn’t feel like breaking this tradition.
Her father paused before replying. “Nothin’ yet, pumpkin. We’re still in a pickle.”
Her father always tried to tone down the severity of the whole situation though he wasn’t a child anymore. Ivey was and she could perhaps help somehow, or at least participate in the serious conversations that took place in this house. It seemed, however, that her parents still wanted to shelter her from the unpleasant things that sometimes happened in life.
“But, there is somethin’ we,” he glanced at his wife, “wanted to talk to you about.”
“Oh?” Ivey replied, with a mouthful of Lily’s delicious blueberry pancakes. She quickly chewed and swallowed, wiping her lips carefully with a napkin. “Is everything alright?” she asked and tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her left ear, something she did regularly when caught off guard. Her mother looked at her intently as her father continued..
“You know that these past couple of months have been real hard on us.” finally put the newspaper down, and Ivey knew that something very serious was coming her way. “God knows we tried to keep you out of it, and make you feel like nothin’ changed, but it has. Change is inevitable,” he paused and cleared his throat. “I don’t want to frighten you, but we may eventually have to sell the land and the house.”
Ivey was shocked and could feel her heart racing in her chest. Sell the land and the house!?
“But, where’ll we go?” Ivey’s voice was shaking and she was on the verge of tears.
“There, there dear. We’ll get through it somehow.” He placed his heavy hand over Ivey’s in a fruitless attempt to comfort her. “But, we don’t want you to have to go through such hardships. You need to be taken care of. Once we know you’re safe, we can begin to sort out this mess we’re in.” Her mother nodded in silent agreement.
“So, what are you saying father?” Ivey puzzled. Her entire body was stiff, bracing for the impact of her father’s coming words.
“Now, I need you to look at this with an open mind, somethin’ your ma and I have always been teaching you to do,” he cleared his throat again. “The only way for you to be safe from this mess is to move to another household,” he stated matter-of-factly. “And the only way for you to do that is… to marry someone.”
“Marry who?” Ivey jumped from her chair as if stung by a bee.
Her father reached inside his coat pocket, took out a crumpled up letter, and held it out to her.
“What’s this?” Ivey eyed the letter in his hand, not wanting to accept it.
“Ivey, dear… take the letter and read it,” her mother plead.
Without a word, Ivey approached her father and took the letter. With shaking fingers, she extracted the faded paper and glanced at the lines. There wasn’t much to it, only a few words about a man named Gabe Riddell, his ranch deep in the West, his requirements and wishes, and a desire to hear from her, should she wish to reply.
“Who is…” Ivey had to check the letter again, “Gabe Riddell?”
“He is someone interested in marrying you, dear,” her mother replied.
Just, Lily entered the dining room with Ivey’s coffee, not realizing what a serious discussion she was interrupting.
“I beg your pardon, Miss, the coffee woulda been done sooner but…” Ivey stopped her before she finish her sentence.
“Take it back, Lily. I don’t want any coffee,” Ivey gestured for Lily to leave. Her throat had gone bone dry, and the last thing on her mind right now was coffee. Lily obediently left the room.
“Father,” Ivey looked at him sternly in the eyes. “What are you saying? That you want to marry me off to a stranger? Someone I’ve never met? ” she could feel her nostrils flaring, and on top of it all, that dull pain in her temples from this morning was returning.
“Now, honey…” her father rose from his chair and took her gently by the shoulders with both hands. “I know this seems a little extreme, but trust me when I say this is the only way for us to make sure you’re well taken care of.” His voice implored her to see reason and her mother looked on desperately.
“But, I’m not a little girl, father!” she protested, feeling the urge to stomp her feet. “I am capable of handling reality. I know that we’ve been doing poorly, but I can handle it…” now, she was the one who was pleading.
“But, can’t you see, darlin’, I don’t want you to handle it?” he wrapped her trembling body in his powerful embrace. Ivey finally released her pent up tears and sobbed against her father’s chest, his thick vest absorbing her tears. smelled of tobacco, something she always found soothing. It always made her feel that no matter what, daddy would always make things okay. Now, she wasn’t so sure anymore.
CHAPTER 2
That afternoon, Ivey was sitting in the parlor by herself. Her parents were out on a social call and, not being in the mood to join them, Ivey had decided to stay home. Thankfully her parents hadn’t insisted. They were actually hoping that if left alone for a while, Ivey would come to her senses and realize that marrying was the only logical thing to do under the circumstances.
The house was quiet and even her headache allowed her a few moments of peace, as she sat comfo
rtably on the sofa with her feet up. She eyed the letter was on the table in front of her suspiciously. She half expected it to jump into her hands and make her do things she wasn’t sure she wanted to do. Her mind buzzed as she closed her eyes and tried to make sense of it all but it was no use.
What should I do with you? She looked at the letter, still on the table. I don’t trust you. I don’t know you.
The letter was silent, its voice a thousand miles away.
In one fell swoop, she lifted herself off of the sofa and grabbed the letter. Might as well get it over with, she thought to herself.
She read the letter more carefully this time thought it still revealed little about this man, Gabe Riddell. There was little detail, good or bad, about him in the letter. Without much thought, Ivey headed towards the l bureau that held her writing paraphernalia. She took out a yellow piece of paper and her ink pot. Dipping the pen gently in the ink, Ivey paused, trying to formulate her thoughts. A small droplet of ink stained the paper but she didn’t mind. She would start from there and perhaps, it would lead her somewhere good.
Her reply letter was brief. She explained her situation, though she suspected that he was well aware of everything that was going on. She revealed a little about herself, but not too much. At this point, she hadn’t really made up her mind whether or not she wanted him to like her. She hoped that wasn’t felt in the letter.
Opting against embellishing it with any ribbons, silk threads or other baubles, she sealed it as it was, simple and from the heart, and sent Lily into town to mail it.
“Well, at least that’s over,” she said out loud. The rest of the afternoon, Ivey spent lounging in the parlor with her favorite book. She managed to get lost in her favorite heroine’s adventures and erase the memory of the letter from her mind.. Ivey dozed off on the sofa, and was woken up a few hours later by the arrival of her parents.
Mr. Alwood seemed particularly pleased about something, though he wasn’t willing to divulge what that something was. Ivey attributed it to a possible change in the state of silver. She had no idea that her parents had met Lily while in town, who told them the reason for her visit to the post office. This piece of news seemed to settle affairs in their household, at least for the time being.
Days passed without much excitement, , until Gabe’s reply letter arrived, this time addressed to Ivey . Ivey tried to act nonchalant, but truth be told, her heart jumped a little when she saw her name on the envelope. Things had been a bit dull lately, and so she welcomed any kind of entertainment, and this exchange of letters came to be just that. Ivey6 wasn’t the least bit convinced that Gabe Riddell was potential marriage material, but like any good girl, she obeyed her father’s wishes and decided to give him a chance. What was there to lose?
Ivey went to her room to read the letter, which revealed so much more this time. Gabe’s words told of his every day habits, annoyances, wishes, hopes, and even dreams for the future and what it might hold for him and his family. His words were warm and welcoming. He was obviously very happy that she decided to write back and to give this strange affair a go.
When she finished reading his letter, Ivey lifted her gaze and caught her reflection in the small mirror hanging on her vanity table. She was surprised to find a smile on her face. Why am I smiling? She thought to herself. What could this mean?
She put the letter down and set out to write an immediate response. She reciprocated with an equally detailed account of her daily life, her hobbies, skills, abilities, and dreams. She wanted him to know her. And now she was sure that she wanted him to like her too.
CHAPTER 3
After several weeks of exchanging letters, something deep in Ivey’s soul told her that Gabe was definitely someone she could envision spending her life with. And because he was initially her father’s choice, it all made sense. Ivey enjoyed talking to Gabe this way, revealing herself to him like she’d never done with anyone else before. She felt he knew her better than her best friends did. Well, almost better. Gabe did not know about Ivey’s secret and her parents agreed that she should keep quiet about it, until the right time came to reveal it, if she chose. Ivey only hoped that when she tells Gabe, he would be understanding and would still want her.
When the letter arrived inviting her to come to his home, so that they could finally become one in the eyes of the Lord Almighty, Ivey felt like she was in a wonderful dream. What started off as a reluctant reply to a surprise letter, had ended up making her the happiest woman in the world. She went downstairs to reveal the news to her parents.
“Mother, father,” she started ceremoniously; her mother looked up from her embroidery and her father from his newspaper. “I have the most wonderful news,” she said, her eyes glowing. She felt like she was walking on air, barely touching the ground, and needed to stop to regain her balance.
“What is it, darlin’?” her father’s gaze met hers.
“I have here a letter from Gabe,” she paused for effect. “He is asking me to be his wife.”
Her mother dropped her embroidery kit and jumped from her chair.
“Why, Ivey!” she rushed to hug her. “That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you!”
Ivey returned the hug, her eyes fixated on her father. He seemed serious.
“Are you alright, father?” she was released from her mother’s grip and approached her father cautiously.
“Yes, yes…” he seemed lost in thought. “Is this what you want?” His voice was weak, as if he was at a loss for words. “I don’t want you to do something against your wishes. We never wanted that…”
“Oh, no, no!” Ivey rushed to hug him. “I am so grateful for all you have done for me, because if it wasn’t for your idea, I would never have met Gabe. And he is a wonderful man, father, truly. I’m sure he’ll take very good care of me, and I of him.” Ivey beamed as she spoke, and her father was put at ease.
“Well, if that’s the case, then we have a celebration to plan!” He lifted her in his arms, and spun her around like a little girl.
He knew that whatever happened now, at least his beloved daughter would be safe from harm. The Good Lord helped him take care of Ivey and now he prayed that he could get out of this financial crisis.
That night, Ivey prayed like never before. She knelt on the hard wooden floor of her room, and pressed the palms of her hands close. Her eyes were closed, her mind empty. She needed all the strength the Lord Almighty wished to give her, because once she reached her new home, she would have to reveal the secret she had kept hidden for so long; a secret so devastating it threatened to destroy all the prospects of her future happiness. Her chest rose as she took deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. Whatever happened, she had faith in God, that He would decide what would happen and that it would be for the best.
The following days were spent getting Ivey ready for her trip, as Gabe was informed with a telegram that she would arrive in two weeks’ time. Her parents and the rest of the guests would join them on the day of the wedding celebration.
“We have news from your brother,” Ivey was welcomed one morning into the dining room with these words.
“How is Wayland doing? Is he coming home soon?” Ivey’s heart fluttered at the mention of her beloved brother. Ever since the war had started, he’d been away, fighting with the rest of the boys. Now that the conflict was drawing to an end, it was believed that he would be returning home any day.
“He should be home close to the time of your wedding,” her father replied joyfully.
“The whole family will be together again!” her mother exclaimed with equal enthusiasm.
Ivey felt like it had been ages since the whole family was together, and was looking forward to seeing her dearly loved brother, especially for such a marvelous occasion.
The day of Ivey’s departure arrived very quickly. She stood in front of the carriage that was to take her to her new home and said goodbye to her parents and the life she’d know up until now. She was both nervous and exci
ted for her new adventure.
“Do you have everything you need?” her mother asked, holding back her tears. “We can come sooner if you need us. Just send us a telegram.” caressed her daughter’s cheek gently, smoothed the ruffles of her dress. Ivey knew that her mother was trying hard to stifle her emotions.
“Yes, mother. I know. Thank you.” Ivey told her mother. Looking at everyone that had gathered to send her off, family home, the big oak tree that still held the swing from her childhood, Ivey realized how much she’d really miss her home. Up until now, she hadn’t truly grasped how much. It finally sunk in that she wouldn’t be living here anymore, that she would be making new memories, new acquaintances, creating a new home for her new family.
“We love you, darlin’, always remember that,” her father’s usually deep was shaking. It tore her heart to pieces, knowing how hard it was for him to let her go, but it was what they all believed was best.
Not being able to speak, she hugged him, and buried her face in his shoulders. He still smelled of tobacco, and she inhaled deeply, hoping that the smell would stay with her, keeping him with her they met again.
Regency Romance: Fallen Duchess (A Historical Victorian Murder Mystery Love Regency Romance) Page 56