Beatrice was quiet for a moment, but she was quick to pick up on the true meaning of Isoline’s words.
“Do you have someone in mind, Isoline?” she asked.
Isoline paused, but then decided to be honest. She wanted the Edwards to be her friends, and keeping secrets or misleading them would not be the way to do that.
“I…I do have a gentleman caller,” she said. “Mr. Auberon Dracoia. One of my aunt’s tenants.”
The vicar and his wife both froze and stared at her. Then they glanced at each other uneasily.
“Your aunt…” the vicar asked cautiously. “She approves of this man calling on you?”
“Oh, yes,” Isoline said quickly. “She is quite fond of him.”
The Edwards seemed to breathe a little easier at that knowledge.
“Well, who am I to second-guess your guardian,” the vicar said as he finished off his drink.
“You wouldn’t approve if you were in her place?” Isoline asked, but the vicar didn’t respond. “Please, tell me if there is anything about him I should know. He seems like a wonderful man to me, but I don’t know anything about his reputation in the community.”
The vicar nodded. “It isn’t that he has a bad reputation,” he said. “But that he has almost a nonexistent one. He’s practically a hermit.”
“He is a solitary person,” Isoline conceded. “He is very happy on his little plot of land, free to pursue his art.”
“He is handsome, wealthy, talented,” Beatrice said. “You have to wonder why a man like that—one who could have his pick of ladies or live anywhere or do anything—would hide himself from the world.”
Isoline’s mind tripped over Beatrice referring to Auberon as wealthy. She thought he had nothing to his name but a small cottage he didn’t even own. Did Beatrice know something about Auberon’s situation she didn’t? Or was she only assuming he was rich because of his carefree existence? She wanted to know more, but was afraid of looking ignorant if she asked. She decided she would have to ask Auberon about it directly when she saw him again.
Isoline smiled politely. “I thank you for your concern,” she said. “But he is only calling. It is nothing serious yet. I have no idea what the future will hold. I only told you because I want us to be true friends. But, please, do not tell anyone else.”
“Of course, of course,” the vicar said. “I would be a poor vicar if I could not keep the confidence of each one of my parishioners.”
“Well, I am afraid I must excuse myself,” Beatrice said as she stood. “I must put the children down for a rest.”
“I should excuse myself anyway,” Isoline said. “I have taken far too much of your day. But I have greatly enjoyed the company. I do hope you can come and visit me at Thornrush. We have plenty of land the children could run around on and some lovely ponies they could ride.”
“Mama!” the boy cried. “Can we ride ponies?”
“Pony! Pony!” the girls chanted.
“Oh dear,” Beatrice said as she watched her children quickly spiral out of control. “I believe I will now get no rest until I take you up on the offer.”
“I’m so sorry,” Isoline said, but she couldn’t help but laugh as Beatrice and the housekeeper worked together to round up the children for their nap.
“Have a safe journey home,” Beatrice said as she finally managed to wrangle her son out of the room.
The vicar laughed and followed Isoline out the door. Bess, who had taken her luncheon in the kitchen, was waiting for her with her wrap.
Isoline shook the vicar’s offered hand as she descended the steps of their modest home. “I did so enjoy today. Thank you for the lovely meal and conversation.”
“We must do it again,” the vicar said, but Isoline could tell he wanted to say something more, so she lingered. “But…forgive me for speaking out of turn, Isoline. But I do hope you will take my—our—concerns about Mr. Dracoia to heart. Granted, I don’t know the man well, and I know his family and yours go back many years. Do be cautious, though. I would hate for something to happen to you.”
What exactly did he think Auberon was capable of, Isoline wondered. If he was truly worried that Auberon was a rake, he could speak more plainly without causing offense. No, Isoline had a feeling he had some other concern, something he was afraid to give voice to.
“I greatly appreciate your counsel,” Isoline said. “I will be careful and make sure every aspect of our courtship is above reproach.”
The vicar smiled, but his lips were pressed tightly together. Isoline could see he was fighting the urge to say more. Finally, he nodded and shook her hand vigorously. “That is all I could ask,” he settled on saying and then motioned toward her carriage.
As she and Bess rode home, Isoline watched as storm clouds gathered in the distance. Just what was the vicar trying to warn her about?
“Did you have a nice trip to town?” Bellamira asked as Isoline joined her in the parlor when she returned.
When Isoline saw her aunt, she nearly gasped. She looked very tired and worn. Her hair was thinner, more flat and grey. It seemed as though it was taking all her energy to sit up straight in her chair.
“Oh…yes,” Isoline said, trying to mask her shock as she went to warm her hands by the fire. The storm had rolled in and Isoline’s skin felt damp. “It was lovely. Thank you for asking. People were much more friendly this time. I think some of the ladies may even call for tea later in the week, if you don’t mind.”
“Hmm, in seventy years no one but the vicar has deigned to call on me,” she said with a scoff.
Isoline nodded sympathetically. “If you would rather they didn’t call, I will understand,” she said. “I know you value your privacy. I could call on them instead.”
“No, no,” Bellamira said. “They can come. Let them gawk and stare and get it out of their system. It is those who come back for a second visit who might be interested in more than just ogling the old widow.”
“You are so kind to humor me, auntie,” Isoline said. “I do hope I can make friends here. Become part of the community.”
“Your wide-eyed optimism will never cease to humor me,” Bellamira said. She made a move as though to get up, but it seemed as though she didn’t quite have a strength. She quickly recovered by turning toward the fireplace, as though that was what she had meant to do in the first place.
Isoline hesitated to inquire after her aunt’s health. She didn’t want to remind Bellamira about the rumors of her being a treasure hunter. But what if something was truly wrong? What if something were to happen to Bellamira? Would anyone really believe her if she said she knew nothing about her aunt’s health?
“Dear auntie,” Isoline finally said. “Are you feeling quite all right? You have seemed a bit tired lately.”
“What?” Bellamira asked, surprised. “I’m sure I’ve never felt better.”
Isoline nodded. “Of course,” she said. But she was far from satisfied. Perhaps she should try talking to Bellamira’s maid. She would know if there had been any changes in Bellamira’s health lately.
“Speaking of callers,” Bellamira said suddenly. “My solicitor will be coming by soon. He’s traveling up from York.”
“Your solicitor?” Isoline asked. “Why will he be visiting us?”
“Just a bit of business to attend to,” Bellamira said casually, as though discussing the weather. “I haven’t updated my will in ages.”
Isoline felt her heart bang like a sledgehammer in her chest at the mention of Bellamira’s will. Of course, she didn’t say she was naming Isoline as heir, but why else would she mention it? Isoline was too stunned to speak, so she just nodded instead.
Bellamira pushed herself to her feet and walked toward the door. “I just didn’t want you to be too surprised when he came by.”
“Of course, aunt,” Isoline said. “I look forward to meeting him.”
“I believe I shall retire for the rest of the day,” Bellamira said. “This rain is seeping into
my bones.”
“Of course,” Isoline said. “Good day.”
Bellamira nodded toward her and then left the room. As soon as she was gone, Isoline nearly felt her knees give out and she collapsed onto a nearby sofa. Of course, she hadn’t said it plainly, but Bellamira’s meaning was clear.
She was going to make Isoline her heir.
Chapter Fifteen
Isoline laid in her bed and waited for him to come. Strangely, he had not appeared since the night of passion they shared together. It wasn’t that she necessarily wanted him to appear—he always made her life so complicated when he did—she was just surprised at his long absence. The last time he had been gone this long was after she told him about her engagement to Cyril and he was angry with her. But this time, she had not told him about Auberon. In fact, they had left on good terms. Very good terms, she recalled with a slight trembling low in her stomach at the thought. She wouldn’t mind a repeat of that night. One that aroused her senses to such a height she thought she would explode. She imagined that someday she would get to enjoy such passion with Auberon. But so far, they’d had to limit their intimate exchanges to stolen kisses and delicate touches. She couldn’t risk bringing reproach on herself or on her aunt’s house.
Especially when she was so close to being named as Bellamira’s heir. At least, she assumed she would be. Bellamira had said no more on the matter, and Isoline was too afraid to ask about it. She couldn’t risk angering the old woman now, not when she was so close to having everything: a man she loved, an inheritance, and being accepted by her family. She knew her father would be thrilled if he learned that Isoline had succeeded in becoming an heiress. She imagined that Auberon was probably right. That her father would be so happy he wouldn’t care what she did with the rest of her life. Become an old maid or marry a nobody, it wouldn’t mean anything to him. Becoming an heiress would make Isoline completely free to make her own choices in life.
And Isoline would choose Auberon.
She was so giddy with excitement at the prospect, she didn’t even hear the knock at the front door.
“Mr. Lloyd Harper,” Talbot announced, surprising Isoline so that she nearly fell out of her reading chair. She jumped to her feet unceremoniously and walked over to greet the man.
“I am Isoline Beresford,” she said. “Lady Payne’s niece.”
“Miss Beresford,” the man said, smiling and shaking her hand excitedly. “I have heard so much about you. I am Mr. Harper, your aunt’s solicitor.”
“Oh!” Isoline gasped. “My aunt told me we were expecting you, but she didn’t tell me the day.”
“I didn’t know exactly myself,” he said. “I have several clients out of York, so I try to arrange visits with as many people out of town as possible when I can.”
“That makes sense,” Isoline said as James walked in with a tea tray. “Can I offer you some tea?”
“I’d be delighted,” he said, accepting a cup. “Now that autumn is in full swing, it can get quite nippy out there.”
“Quite,” Isoline agreed. “I’m from the south, so these cool mornings rather snuck up on me.”
“I’m sure they did,” he said, sipping at his tea. “But I gather you plan to settle in the area, so I am sure you will get used to them.”
Isoline wasn’t sure how to respond to that. What did he mean by settle? Did he mean stay in the area of her own accord? Marry Auberon? Inherit the estate and thus have to live here? She didn’t know, and she was unsure of how to ask.
She tried to open her mouth to ask further, but nothing came out. But it didn’t matter because just then Talbot returned.
“Her ladyship offers her apologies, but she wondered if she could see you in her sitting room, Mr. Harper,” he said.
“Of course,” Mr. Harper replied, returning his cup to the tray. “If you will excuse me, Miss Beresford.”
She nodded, and he left the room quickly. No one would leave Lady Payne waiting. Isoline couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that Bellamira didn’t send for her as well. After all, if they were discussing her future, shouldn’t she be involved? She sighed and sat back on the sofa and waited, her chin in her hand.
As the clock over the mantle ticked, Isoline paced. Every so often, she peeked out of the room and up the stairs to see if Mr. Harper was returning, but she neither heard nor saw anything for what seemed like hours, but it could very well have been only a few minutes.
Just when she was about to go mad with waiting, she heard a door upstairs open. She closed the door to the parlor and snuck back to the sofa with her book. She didn’t want Mr. Harper to think that she had been anxiously waiting for him. But he never returned to the parlor. She heard voices in the hall, but they weren’t getting any closer. Wasn’t he going to speak to her? Tell her if the will had been changed in her favor? Shouldn’t she be told about what to expect in the future? When she heard the front door open, she could be patient no longer and threw open the parlor door.
“Mr. Harper?” she called. He looked back at her, his foot halfway out the door, his hat on his head, and his face blanched as if he had just been caught cheating on his wife.
“M-M-Miss Isoline,” he finally stammered. “Do forgive me, but I simply have a mountain of work to do and must return to my office immediately.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. “I was only going to offer you something warm to drink before you head out.”
“I only wish I had the time,” he said as he doffed his hat. “Perhaps another time.”
“Of course,” she barely got out before he flew out of the house like a specter was on his tail. “How very odd,” she muttered to Talbot as he closed the door.
He shrugged. “Lawyers usually are.”
She lingered in the hall for a moment, wondering if her aunt might send for her, informing her of her sudden change in circumstances, but nothing happened. She finally returned to her book in the parlor, but she simply could not concentrate enough to read and left the book marked on the same page she had found it when she retired that evening.
“Oh, Auberon!” she shrieked when he unveiled the painting to her several days later in the parlor. “It’s beautiful! Truly!” She could not resist hugging him, she was so overjoyed with how exquisite the painting was. “I cannot believe you painted so much of this from memory.”
“It is hard for me to forget your face,” he said, and she blushed. He reached over and touched her cheek. “You are so beautiful when you are embarrassed.”
She playfully slapped his hand away. “You are making it worse!” And they laughed. “I wonder where in the house we will hang it.”
“Right across from the front door, I think,” Auberon said. “That way people will always be greeted by your lovely face.”
“That seems rather presumptuous,” Isoline said. “I don’t want to force people to look at me.”
“I’m sure they will see it as a gift,” Auberon replied.
Isoline shook her head. He was incorrigible. She leaned over to get a closer look at what looked like scribbles on the bottom right corner of the painting.
“You signed it?” she asked. “Did you think I would forget who painted it?”
He laughed. “All artists must sign their work,” he explained. “Otherwise, in a hundred years, who will know who created the art with so much love.”
Isoline’s heart swelled. Truly, she could feel his love in every stroke of the brush he had used to immortalize her on canvas.
“I’m here, I’m here,” Bellamira said as she entered the room. “James said you were insisting I come down. Well, here I am. What is so important?”
“Auberon has brought a gift,” Isoline said, and she moved out of the way so her aunt could see the painting.
Bellamira did not smile when she saw the painting. In fact, her face didn’t change at all.
“Don’t…don’t you like it?” Isoline asked. “He’s been working on it for weeks.”
“So, the painter has
painted a painting, has he?” Bellamira asked as though annoyed. “Shall we throw him a parade?”
“N-no,” Isoline stammered, confused as to why her aunt was upset. “I…I just thought you would like it. I think it is beautiful.”
“It is truly one of my best pieces, Lady Payne,” Auberon said with an air of humility, not boastfulness. “I had your tastes in mind as I worked on it.”
“Is that so?” Bellamira asked in nearly a whisper, but she did not look at him. She stepped closer to the painting to get a better look. She stared at it for some minutes, finally reaching her hand up and barely touching what looked like the soft ruffles of the dress Isoline was wearing in it.
“What do you think?” Isoline tried again. “Where shall we hang it?”
“Get out,” Bellamira said so quietly, Isoline thought she must not have heard her aunt correctly.
“Auntie?” Isoline asked. “What was that?”
“I said get out,” she said again, this time with more force, and Isoline’s heart dropped like a stone. Why would her aunt be kicking her out? What had she done?
“Aunt?” Isoline asked, near to tears. “What’s wrong? What have I done?”
“Not you,” Bellamira snapped, turning and pointing a finger at Auberon. “You! Get out!” she ordered. “I don’t want to see you here again.”
“Lady Payne,” Auberon said with a calmness Isoline could barely understand, she was so near to tears. “Why are you angry? Is this not what you wanted?”
“What do you know?” Bellamira yelled, as much as a woman as frail as she now seemed could yell. “Thoughtless, selfish boor! Get out! I never want you in this house again!”
Auberon frowned, but finally he gave a curt bow and walked out without even a goodbye to either of them.
“Why did you do that?” Isoline asked, tears streaming down her face. “What…what did he do?”
“Never you mind,” Bellamira snapped. “Talbot! Talbot, take this dreadful thing away,” she said, indicating the painting of Isoline. “Take it up to…up to the princess room and lock the door. I don’t ever want to see it again.”
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