Summers' Embrace

by Lora Thomas

  Catrina nodded and began polishing the mirror again. “Unfortunately. I am a burden to him.”

  “But you are his sister.”

  “We were never close. He hates me. He blames me for our parents’ deaths.”

  “I am sorry to hear of their passing, but how could it have been your fault?”

  “They were attending a ball. I fell into a hidden well and hit my head. The servants could not wake me and sent for my parents.” Her voice trembled as tears misted her eyes. “On their way home, the carriage they were in slid into a ravine, killing them.”

  Thomas approached her and lightly touched her arm with sympathy. He removed a handkerchief from the breast pocket of his coat and handed it to her. She took the token and blotted her eyes.

  “It was not your fault.”

  Sadness caused her breathing to waver. “Yet, he blames me. He hates me for it. He came home from Eton and blamed me for ruining his chances of happiness. Of ruining his grand tour of Europe. Once his tirade ended, he ignored me. When I became too much of a burden, he shipped me off to school. When I finished one, he would send me to another. For six years, I was raised by strangers. And now that I am too old for schooling, he has decided to arrange a marriage for me to some horrid man he can manipulate all in order to be in control of my inheritance.”

  “He wants your money?” Thomas’s voice was hard. How could anyone be so callous towards their sister?

  Catrina nodded. “Yes. Twenty thousand pounds will go to my husband. A husband that Branson will control.” She snorted with disgust. “I will be miserable, and my brother will have what he desires.” She swallowed hard as her tears returned.

  Thomas wrapped her in his arms. She did not fight the embrace and clung to him. Thomas stroked her hair as Catrina sobbed into his chest.

  “How is the lighting?” a voice called from outside the cave.

  Catrina pulled away from Thomas. Thomas touched her cheek, wiping away her tears.

  “Thomas?!” Artie called.

  “Nothing yet!” Thomas snapped, keeping his gaze focused on Catrina. Her sorrow tore at his soul. He wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her. To tell her that everything would work out for the best. And for some reason, he found great delight in knowing that she thought her brother was as horrible as he did.

  Thomas spoke softly, “Catrina, if there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.”

  A bitter smile came to her. “Why? You despise me. I have been nothing but trouble for you.”

  “I do not despise you…just your brother. And you have only been a little troublesome,” he jested, caressing her cheek.

  His smile let Catrina know he was not serious. She placed her hand upon his. “Thank you. And if you must know, Branson feels the same about you.”

  Thomas dropped his hand. “I am not surprised.”

  “Why do the two of you dislike each other?”

  “He did not tell you?” Thomas asked as he turned from her and approached a mirror to readjust its location.

  “No.”

  “He wants my mother’s property. The one Richard Montgomery left to her upon his passing.”

  “Why?”

  “I wondered the same thing myself. So, I hired a man to investigate and discovered that Branson, and I guess you too now, are distant cousins to Richard. Branson believes he should have inherited the property and not my mother. Yet, I cannot help but think there is more.”

  “That is absurd! About him wanting your lands, I mean. What would Branson need with more land? He does not properly tend to the property my father left him. He hates to work the land. Unlike me, he does not even like to garden. You can tell because he allowed Mother’s garden to become infested with weeds. When I was home, there was not one weed to be found in Mother’s garden. Why, Mother and I made certain that the flowers were pruned and trimmed to perfection. We made certain that they were placed aesthetically to the eye. Perfect.” She flared her fingers outwards with frustration. “Branson is such an idiot!”

  Thomas chuckled at her babbling and logic. “I agree.”

  “Well, rest assured, Lord Huntsley, I have no desire for your mother’s property. I only desire to be free to make my own decisions, but since I am Branson’s ward until I turn twenty-one, that will never happen.”

  “How about now?!” Artie yelled.

  “No!” Thomas and Catrina yelled in unison.

  “I think his mirror theory is a waste of time.” Thomas approached Catrina.

  “It appears so.” Suddenly Catrina’s eyes widened as she noticed the wall behind Thomas. She pointed and declared, “Look at that!”

  Thomas turned around. The light from his torch was reflecting off one of the mirrors, revealing gold and white tiles. Thomas placed his torch in a holder and stepped closer, running his hand over the tiles.

  “It is a Roman mosaic,” Catrina said.

  “Pardon?”

  She motioned for him to approach. “Come here, and you will see.”

  Thomas approached Catrina and turned. His eyes widened.

  “Amazing,” he said as he observed the wall.

  The gold and white tiles were placed in such a way to form a battle scene between two warriors from mythology. One warrior was holding a trident, the other a shield. In between the two warriors was a box with a circular symbol on the lid.

  “Why did I not notice this before?” Thomas questioned.

  Catrina shook her head. “I did not notice it either.”

  “Artie will be thrilled,” Thomas said, marveling at the artwork.

  “If only he could get the sun to reflect upon his mirrors, it would illuminate more of the inside and keep the artwork from getting tarnished by the smoke from the torches.”

  “He will. Despite his irritating nature at times, Artie is persistent in his endeavors.”

  Artie stuck his head inside the cave. “No luck?”

  Thomas shook his head. “No. But come here. You must see this.”

  Artie approached. “What?”

  Thomas pointed at the wall.

  Artie’s eyes widened. “Amazing! Oh, I simply must find a way to make the mirrors work. But it will have to wait. Clouds are billowing in.”

  Catrina nodded. “That is fine, Mr. Heath. Elena and I must be going.”

  “Allow Hawke and I to escort you back,” Thomas said.

  Catrina smiled. “I would like that. Thank you.”

  The trio exited the cave. Thomas and Joshua escorted Catrina and Elena back to the hotel's path and then bid a farewell with hopes of continuing their endeavor again.

  “Will I see you at the ball, Miss Paxsley?” Hawke asked Elena.

  “Of course, Lord Hawke.”

  “Then, you must save me a dance.”

  Elena laughed flirtatiously.

  Thomas turned to Catrina. “And you, Miss Wilcox?”

  “I will be attending, as well. After all, it will be my first ball.” Enthusiasm was in her voice.

  “Then, I insist upon a dance.”

  “I will save you one, Lord Huntsley.”

  Thomas gave a pleased smile and bowed. “Good day, ladies.”

  The couples were not aware of the cold blue eyes upon them. Iris Parker.

  Chapter Nine

  The candlelight reflected from the crystal chandeliers, causing it to dance and sparkle over the ballroom like stars. People stood around the room, huddled together in conversation. Words blended to make a hypnotic sound. Occasionally the entrancing noise was disturbed by laughter. Women flipped open their fans, coyly batting their lashes at the eligible gentlemen present. In the back of the room, the orchestra played, adding to the ambiance of the room.

  “What do you think?” Elena asked Catrina as they stood at the steps leading down into the ballroom.

  “It is a sight to behold,” Catrina said in awe, taking in more of the room.

  “For a small soiree, it is.”

  Catrina looked at her companion. “S
mall? There are nearly fifty people here.”

  “And that is small compared to London.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. You will see. Mother said she received a post from Beatrice this afternoon. We have received an invitation to Lord and Lady Hamilton’s ball. It is the most sought-after invitation during the autumn season.”

  “Then how did your family procure such a prestigious invitation?”

  Elena twisted her head with arrogance. “Having a father whose bank holds the debts of Lord Hamilton makes it certain that he will be invited to all the balls.”

  “It’s a bribe.”

  Elena shrugged with indifference. “Call it what you will. But it works. How do you think Beatrice attended all those balls, soirees, and teas?”

  “I had never really given it much thought.”

  “You will. When we get to London, that is. You will begin to wonder what balls and teas we are to attend. What to wear. Who will be there. All of it.”

  “Speaking of what to wear, your gown is quite lovely, Elle—even though it is not the new one you wanted.”

  Elena beamed. The pink gown she wore suited her coloring.

  “Thank you. And yours is as well. I am glad we visited the seamstress yesterday. They did a fabulous job of altering Beatrice’s gown so quickly. I just wish they had time to make me a dress, then you could have worn this one.”

  “I have never attended a ball before, so I am delighted with what I have on.”

  Elena snarled her nose. “It is just so…so…last season.”

  “What’s wrong with it?” Catrina asked, looking down at the mint green dress. The bodice was square with bishop sleeves and most appropriate for a maiden. A sheer covering with embroidered flowers drifted over the clothing. The empire waist was cinched with a wide green ribbon and, despite Elena’s insistence to the contrary, was in the height of fashion.

  “It’s just not new.”

  Catrina smiled. “I do not mind. I have never owned a ballgown before.”

  Elena opened her mouth to reply but snapped it shut and grabbed Catrina’s arm, pulling her in close. “Look there. By the window. It is Lord Hawke and Lord Huntsley.”

  Catrina’s head whipped to the ballroom floor, and her eyes were instantly drawn to Huntsley. He looked dashing in his black formal wear. He appeared at ease as he conversed with the other patrons. He took a glass of wine from a passing tray and brought the cup to his lips. His eyes scanned the room and stopped on her. He kept his gaze locked with hers as he took a drink of his beverage. Catrina could feel heat flood her loins.

  “I think you have captured Lord Huntsley’s attention,” Elena said.

  Catrina swallowed nervously. “I think you are mistaken. Lord Huntsley and I are friends. He is no more interested in me than I am in him. We come from rival families. Two different worlds. Besides, he seems to have company,” Catrina added with jealousy when she saw a woman slip her hand through Thomas’s arm.

  The woman was beautiful with her black hair and shapely figure. Curves everywhere Catrina dreamed of having them. She was wearing a rose-colored ballgown in a style similar to Catrina’s. Huntsley tore his eyes from Catrina and began speaking to the beauty.

  “That is Lady Iris Parker. Her father is Breckon Parker, the Earl of Mortimer,” Elena supplied.

  “So, are they an item?” Was there disappointment in her tone?

  “He calls upon her from time to time. Beatrice believes he only does so to discourage other marriage-hungry females from searching him out.”

  “I thought he was shunned from society?”

  “To an extent, but he is titled. Young ladies well into their second or third season do not care about his family’s tainted reputation. All they are concerned with is finding a husband before they will be labeled as spinsters.”

  “And how long have Lord Huntsley and Lady Iris been a couple?” Jealousy was eating at Catrina.

  “Since last season. But they are entirely unsuitable. He is outgoing, and she pretends to be as exciting as an old shoe. However, Beatrice knows her. Bea said she is a spiteful, vengeful shrew, only after Lord Huntsley for his money.”

  “Then why does he call upon her?”

  Elena shrugged. “I do not know. If Beatrice was here, she could add more to the conversation since she is in the proper circles. However, look where I have been for the past three years, with you at Miss Eddy’s.”

  “And I am so glad you were. Miss Eddy’s would have been terribly dull without you. I am just surprised that your parents sent you to Miss Eddy’s at your age. Most have governesses. And those that are sent away to school are usually Mary’s age.”

  Elena shook her head. “Momma did not want to send me. Despite his denial, it was Poppa’s doing. He has the same opinion as Miss Eddy. He said it does one good to leave their family for a bit for training. He says it makes them into better people.”

  “Then, he obviously has never had to do so.”

  “He did go away to college. Cambridge, I think. But it was nothing like our schooling. And we have not had the training that Lady Iris has had.”

  Catrina took in the woman in question. Lady Iris Parker was beautiful. Thomas appeared to think the same as he gazed down upon the ebony-haired temptress. He smiled and laughed at something she said.

  “What type of training did she receive?” Catrina heard herself ask.

  “Only the finest. The most educated governess who was fluent in French and Latin. Lady Iris is an excellent pianist and plays the violin with ease. She is well versed in poetry and the rules of society. From what I heard, she is excellent at managing a household.”

  Catrina looked at her friend. “I thought you said you know very little about her?”

  Elena smiled smugly. “I do. Now just imagine what I would know if I knew more.”

  “That makes no sense.”

  “It is not supposed to. Now come, I want to socialize.”

  Elena looped her arm through Catrina’s and dragged her friend into the crush of people. Catrina laughed and conversed with a variety of individuals. She met a couple from Russia and another from Italy. She spoke with several influential widows from London, sons of shipping merchants and factory owners. Before the dancing began, her dance card was nearly full. She had left two open spots for Thomas.

  She looked around the room, and her heart sunk as she saw Thomas and Iris huddled together in conversation. Looking at her dance card, sadness filled her. Perhaps she should not have left him a place, especially since he appeared so enamored of the beautiful Lady Iris.

  The music began, and Edward Jackson, Catrina’s first dance partner approached. Edward’s father owned a shipyard in London, and they had arrived here on holiday two weeks prior. He was handsome with blond hair and brown eyes. He was the same age as Catrina, and they had much in common. They both had intolerable older brothers and enjoyed the same foods. They both liked poetry and botany. They both enjoyed the outdoors and carriage rides.

  Edward bowed politely before Catrina. “Miss Wilcox, I believe this dance is mine.”

  “Of course, Mr. Jackson.”

  Edward extended his arm outward. Catrina placed her hand upon his forearm and allowed him to escort her to the ballroom floor. The orchestra waited until all participants were in place and then began to play. Catrina placed her right palm against Edward’s. He put his free hand behind his back, and the pair started to move as the music played.

  “Have you been enjoying yourself since arriving in Eden, Miss Wilcox?” Edward asked.

  “I most certainly have, Mr. Jackson. I partook in sea bathing, and just yesterday, Elena and I explored the caves.”

  “You explored the caves?” Edward sounded surprised.

  “Indeed. Twice. The first time was with Mr. Thompson. He showed them to Elena and me. I was most impressed by them—”

  “Mr. Thompson?” Edward interrupted.

  “Yes. He works for Mr. Ingram at the hotel.”

  “He i
s the hired help?”

  “Yes,” Catrina replied, her brows coming together with anger. “He is a porter at the hotel.”

  “Things in Swindon must be somewhat different than in London,” Edward said with an air of arrogance.

  “What makes you say that, Mr. Jackson?”

  “One does not socialize with the help. It simply is not done.”

  “Just because it is not done does not mean it should not be done,” she snapped. Perhaps she had been hasty in her approval of Mr. Jackson.

  “I meant no offense, Miss Wilcox. I just meant to simply educate you on how things are conducted in London. Behavior is somewhat different in the city than in the country.”

  “Then perhaps Londoners should come visit us country folks,” she said, purposely adding a twang to her tone. “We’s are just simple folks and don’t know nothing about them proper fancy ways. You can come learn us simple country folk how not to be so stupid.”

  Catrina pulled her hand away from Edward’s.

  “Miss Wilcox,” Edward said, trying to capture her hand again.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Jackson. I find that I need a bit of air.” Catrina turned and left the ballroom, leaving Edward to stare after her in shock.

  Edward looked around the room and found that several people were staring at him. “She feels a bit flushed. Too much excitement for her delicate nature.” With that, he left the dance floor.

  Catrina held her temper in check. How dare that idiot insult her?! He acted like she was an uneducated ninny! He was offended that she associated with the help. If it weren’t for the help doing the mundane tasks that Edward deemed unworthy, it would be up to him to do them. And here she thought they had much in common! She should have known it was just a ruse to try to gain her favor.

  Exiting the room, Catrina stepped onto an outside balcony overlooking a garden. The moon was only half full, yet it gave enough light for her to notice the foliage on the trees dancing in the breeze. Couples could be seen meandering about the gardens in hopes of a few moments alone.

  Taking a deep breath, Catrina left her perch and descended the steps from the balcony to the garden. She wandered through the roses and other fragrant flowers until she located a stone bench beside a small fountain. Sitting down upon the seat, she gazed down into the dark water at the moon’s reflection. She dipped her finger into the pool and watched the ripples move. She thought back about the past few years and realized how simple things were when she was at Miss Eddy’s. No snide, rude men. No overbearing brothers. No handsome lying lords. Only her, Elena, and their adventures.