by Kit Morgan
“Sometimes I envy you.”
“What?” she said and poured them each another cup.
“Yes, you’ve managed to elude marriage for this long and know where you’re going.”
She put the pot on the tea tray. “Nanette, don’t you want to get married?”
“Yes, but, my parents will choose my husband for me.” She put her sewing in her lap. “I don’t have much say in the matter.”
Sarah gave her a quizzical look. “But … I don’t understand. I thought they wanted you to marry for love.”
“That’s what they tell people. But they want me to marry for position.” She picked up her sewing and jabbed the needle into the fabric. “The truth is, I don’t want to get married yet. I want to wait, like you.”
Sarah’s cheeks grew hot. “Nanette, I’m unmarried through no choice of my own. Not really. Yes, I’ve rejected suitors, but I didn’t care for them. My parents didn’t protest my decisions because they agreed with me. But other than that … I’ve not had many suitors of late. None, in fact. Mother says it’s because I’m too …” she made a circular motion with her hand. “Unconventional. Not to mention picky.”
“And now?”
She handed Nanette her cup. “They want me to marry Oswald Petite.”
“You mean it’s true?”
“Yes, my mother is quit adamant.”
“And here I thought they were just inviting him to tea. I think they’re going to be sadly disappointed. Oswald has an eye for Elizabeth Chambers.”
“Elizabeth? But she’s barely seventeen.”
“And very rich. I’m sure Oswald won’t mind waiting until she comes of age.”
“True,” Sarah said and took a sip of tea. “Money. I hate it. Sometimes I wish I could marry a man that didn’t hold stock in wealth and position.”
“And be poor the rest of your life?” Nanette shuddered. “I might not want to get married right away, but when I do, I still want my standard of living. I also want to marry a man of my choosing, not my parents.”
Sarah took another sip and stared at the tea tray. “Me too.”
Nanette smiled. “What happened to marrying a simple man?”
“No, I mean marry a man of my choosing. If my mother has her way, I’ll be Mrs. Oswald Petite by summer’s end.”
“Then you’d better let Elizabeth have him.”
“Poor Elizabeth,” Sarah said with a giggle. “But, if Oswald has his cap set for her and is patient, they might fall in love. It could happen.”
Nanette laughed. “Yes, I suppose it could.” She set her cup and saucer on the table. “What about the doctor?”
Sarah felt a tiny prick of something in her belly. “What about him?”
“Are you going to see him again?”
“Why would I? He escorted me home but made no mention of seeing me again. Except of course in passing.”
“I remember he mentioned his cousin was Ned Fielding.”
Sarah gave her a one-shouldered shrug. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Nanette leaned toward her, a silly grin on her face. “Don’t you see? Your doctor is handsome, rich, and likes all those things you do.”
“Things?” Sarah arched an eyebrow. “Things,” she repeated.
“You know, your herbs and teas. Healing the sick?”
As much as she hated to admit it, Nanette was making sense. Usually she babbled on about men as if they were a new dress. But today she’d learned how Nanette really felt. Wait a minute … “Ned Fielding’s cousin? I’ve not seen him at any of the social events this season, have you?”
“No, but perhaps he’s been so busy with his doctoring, he hasn’t had time.”
Sarah sat back in her chair as her mind whirred with possibilities. “Imagine, a rich man wanting to take up doctoring? How wonderfully commendable.”
“Isn’t it? I’d say he was perfect for you.”
Sarah smiled. “You know, you might be right.” She sat up. “Invite him to tea.”
“What? Me?”
“Well I can’t very well do it. Invite Ned too. Doesn’t he have a sister?”
“Yes, but she’s fourteen if she’s a day.” Nanette set down her teacup. “You’re not doing this to deter Oswald, are you?”
Sarah gave her a lop-sided smile. “I hadn’t thought of that, but now that you mention it.”
“Maybe we should invite Oswald and Elizabeth Chambers. If you really want him to set his cap elsewhere, then …”
“Right again. When should we have this?”
Nanette shrugged. “Thursday? My house of course.”
“Of course.” Sarah smiled. “Thank you, my friend.”
Nanette smiled back. “How else are you going to get to know the doctor?”
Sarah grinned. “Indeed. But what if I discover I don’t care for the man?”
“Then you’ve lost nothing. And at least you’ll know.” She reached for a scone. “Who knows, maybe you’ll find he bores you, but I find him exciting.”
Sarah’s belly kinked with what, jealousy? Why would that be? “One never knows. Maybe Oswald will set his cap for you instead of Elizabeth.”
The two looked at each other, burst out laughing, then returned to their tea.
Four days later …
Sarah turned to a lovely chair covered with cabbage roses. She studied the pattern briefly before taking a seat, then did her best not to stare at the entrance to the drawing room.
The Olson home was much larger than her parents’. There were more bedrooms, more drawing rooms, a billiard room, office, library (two of those, oh bliss!) and a lovely solarium. In short, they were very rich. If Oswald had half a mind, he’d set his sights on Nanette.
Speaking of Oswald …
He sat staring disapprovingly into his teacup. Was there an insect in it? Sarah leaned forward, tempted to ask. Perhaps he could start a new collection?
“Miss Elizabeth Chambers,” Jonathan, the butler announced.
Oswald made a squeaking sound as his cup and saucer shook and teetered in his hands. After a moment – not to mention a good amount of sloshing – he set things right. He put both on a nearby table, dabbed up the mess with a napkin and stood. “Miss Chambers. How lovely to see you.”
Sarah smiled. She always did like Elizabeth. She was a petite woman with raven locks and big green eyes. She looked stunning in her green day dress and cast a quick glance at Oswald. His chest rose and fell as if he’d sprinted around the house. My, but the man was nervous.
Nanette noticed it too. She winked at Sarah and lowered her eyes. Sarah didn’t blame her. She didn’t want her amusement to show either. She fixed her own eyes on Elizabeth as she entered the room.
“Thank you for inviting me,” she told Nanette before turning to Sarah. “Miss Clemmons, it’s so nice to see you.” She looked at Oswald, who had gone an interesting shade of pink. “Mr. Petite, I believe?”
“Yes,” he said and took several steps forward. This far into the season the two would have been already introduced. From the way Oswald was acting, one would think he just set eyes on her and fallen head over heels in love.
Good heavens, had he? The thought delighted Sarah and she settled more comfortably into her chair. If all went well, Elizabeth would take a liking to Oswald. Then her worries would be over. Except for the fact that Oswald might bore poor Elizabeth to tears. This was why she and Nanette agreed if Oswald and Elizabeth didn’t suit, they wouldn’t encourage them. Sarah had her own reasons to not be saddled with the man. Good ones too, in her opinion. But Elizabeth Chambers might not have the same taste in men as she did and think Oswald a fine fellow. Despite his tendency to exaggerate.
“Please,” Nanette said. “Come sit by me. It’s been so long since we’ve had a chance to visit.”
Elizabeth headed for her, passing Oswald with a shy smile. She sat on the loveseat next to Nanette and smiled at him again. “Where are your parents?” She asked without taking her eyes off him.<
br />
Nanette smiled too. “In Mother’s private drawing room. She knows I like to entertain without them hovering. Besides, it’s not like we need a chaperone.”
“Indeed not,” Oswald chimed in. “I’m perfectly capable of looking after the lot of you.”
Elizabeth giggled. The sound was so delightful, Sarah giggled too, followed by Nanette. Soon the women tittered with laughter. Oswald on the other hand, was confused. “Does anyone want to let me in on the joke?”
“Oh, my dear, Mr. Petite,” Sarah said. “There’s no joke. We simply find your position on the matter,” she’d best choose her words carefully, “delightful.”
Nanette smiled. “When was the last time you had tea with three lovely ladies, Mr. Petite?”
His brows shot up. “I can’t remember. And I believe you have more guests coming?”
“Indeed I do,” Nanette said with a smile. “Mr. Fielding and his cousin, Mr. Waller.”
“Waller?” Oswald said. “I don’t believe I know the man.”
“Mr. Waller is staying with his cousins for a time,” Sarah volunteered.
“I wasn’t aware the Fieldings had a relative visiting. I’ve not seen this Waller at any of the balls this season. Did he just arrive?”
“No,” Sarah said. “I believe he’s been in Philadelphia for a few weeks. Perhaps longer.”
“Where does he hail from?” Oswald asked. “New York? Boston?”
Nanette bit her lower lip as if deciding what to tell him. Sarah prayed she didn’t give him too much information. She didn’t want Oswald to think of Mr. Waller as competition. Then again, it might be nice to have two men vying for her attention. Especially if one was a handsome up-and-coming doctor, defying the conventions of his station. She smiled at the thought.
“Let us make inquiries when they arrive,” Nanette suggested. “We could turn it into a game and get to know Mr. Waller that way.”
“Game?” Oswald said with a huff. “Aren’t we a little old for parlor games, Miss Olson?”
“Nonsense, Mr. Petite,” Nanette said. “You’re never too old for games. Right, Sarah?”
Oswald looked at her the same way he’d looked into his teacup earlier. “Well, I think it depends on the game.” She made it a point to look at Oswald, “And on who’s playing.”
Oswald’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “I don’t like them,” he stated. “I think they’re childish.”
“The opinion of a gentleman on such matters is always interesting,” Elizabeth said and removed her bonnet. In a flash Jonathan took it from her and disappeared into the foyer. She returned her attention to the others. “I think most women like parlor games. I adore them myself.”
Oswald, in the midst of taking a sip of tea, almost choked. “You … cough, cough, … do?”
“Yes, I think they’re a wonderful way to pass the time, and, as Miss Olson suggested, a good way to get to know one another. What shall we play?”
Sarah exchanged a quick look with Nanette who gave her a tiny hint of a smile. “Well now, there’s Charades, or Forfeits or Graces.”
“Aren’t we missing two players?” Oswald pointed out with a tiny smirk.
“Mr. Ned Fielding and Mr. Abijah Waller,” Jonathan announced.
Right on time, Sarah thought to herself. Thank Heaven.
Ned Fielding sauntered into the room like he owned it. “Good afternoon ladies, Mr. Petite. May I introduce my cousin, Mr. Abijah Waller? He’s staying with us for a time.”
Mr. Waller, who was at least five inches shorter than his towering cousin, nodded at each in turn. “Ladies, Mr. Petite.”
Sarah noted that Oswald didn’t get up and offer his hand in greeting. How rude.
Nanette stood. “Gentlemen, please, make yourself comfortable. Tea?”
“Of course,” Ned said. “It is why we’re here.”
Mr. Waller took the chair next to Sarah’s. She smiled and quickly looked away. He was handsome, and she could feel his eyes on her. Did he like what he saw? She looked his way, a shy smile on her face before she caught herself. “I trust you have been well?”
“Of course,” he said. “I’ve had a most interesting week since we saw each other.”
“What?” Oswald said and straightened in his seat. “Have you two already been introduced?”
“Not in the conventional way, I’m afraid,” Mr. Waller said. “We met during an emergency at the orphanage.”
Oswald glanced between them. “What emergency?” He looked at Sarah. “Why wasn’t I told about this?”
“Come now, Mr. Petite,” Sarah said. “Don’t you remember during your visit last week how the maid rushed in needing my help? You yourself encouraged me to give it.”
Oswald’s eyes darted to and fro. “Oh, yes, now I recall.”
“And I thank you for it,” she tacked on for good measure, even if he had forgotten the incident.
She noticed Mr. Waller studying them, as if putting two and two together. “You two know each other well?”
“We are acquainted,” Sarah said before Oswald could open his mouth. Unfortunately, when he did …
“And getting better acquainted, aren’t we, my dear?”
Sarah fought against a frown. Why was he no longer twinkling over Elizabeth Chambers? One would think he was jealous. Oh, but that couldn’t be, could it? She glanced at Nanette, who in turn was watching Ned slather a scone with clotted cream. “Let’s play a game,” Sarah announced to change the subject.
“Do we have to?” Oswald muttered.
“That’s a lovely idea, Miss Clemmons,” Elizabeth said. She must not have heard him. Her face was bright, eyes lit with anticipation. The woman really did like games.
“Very well, what shall he play?” Nanette asked. “Something I mentioned before like Charades or Graces, or we could play, Tell Me About Yours?”
Oswald rolled his eyes, not hiding his contempt at her suggestions. Sarah sighed. How did I ever think I would enjoy him vying for my attention along with Mr. Waller? Sarah thought.
“I’m not familiar with your last suggestion,” Mr. Waller said. “But I do know the others.”
Ned smiled. “How about Charades first? Shall I start?”
“Oh, please do,” Oswald drawled and then yawned.
“Perhaps Mr. Petite would like some other form of entertainment?” Mr. Waller suggested. “Ned tells me there’s a billiard room in the house. Is that right, Miss Olson?”
“Yes, there is.” She turned to Oswald. “Mr. Petite, would you like to play billiards with my father? I’m sure he’d love a game.”
“No,” he said and fixed his eyes on Sarah. “I’ll endure a few rounds.”
“How sporting of you,” Mr. Waller said.
Sarah’s nerves sparked. She hoped Oswald wasn’t going to be rude the rest of their time together. He was fine earlier, staring at Elizabeth like she was some Greek goddess. But now, he didn’t look happy at all. What could have gotten into him?
She let her eyes drift to Mr. Waller. He’d stopped watching Oswald and was now examining the drawing room. One would think he’d never seen one before the way his eyes were skipping from one corner to the next. Good heavens! What was the matter with these gentlemen? The only one acting normal was Ned. But that didn’t count for anything. She didn’t know Ned Fielding well. For all she knew he’d jump out of his chair and start prancing like a pony.
She closed her eyes a moment. What was wrong with her come to that? What did she care what anyone did?
She opened her eyes and looked at Mr. Waller again. Their eyes met, and she suddenly realized why she cared.
Chapter 5
During the first round of Charades, Oswald behaved. Sarah began to relax and wonder if Nanette thought Oswald’s behavior odd as well. She thought to pull her aside and ask but didn’t want to make her worry. Besides, the woman heard everything that came out of the man’s mouth. Maybe her friend had a higher tolerance when it came to Oswald.
“That was a l
ovely game,” Elizabeth said when they finished. “Don’t you think so, Mr. Petite?”
Sarah tried not to smile as Oswald’s face went red. Was he embarrassed, or simply caught off guard?
“I admit I’ve not played in some time,” he said coolly.
“And?” Elizabeth prompted.
He swallowed hard. “It was,” his brows rose as his mouth twisted up to one side. “Amusing?”
“I thought so, too,” she said with a smile. “Shall we play again?”
“Why don’t we play ‘Tell Me About Yours’? It’s new.” Nanette said.
“How do you play?” Elizabeth asked.
“I pick someone, Sarah for example,” she said. “Then I go around the room and tell each of you a secret word. That word could be a person, place, or thing. Then Sarah will say to each of us, tell me about yours.”
“That sounds like a silly game,” Oswald commented and crossed his arms before him.
“Sounds fine to me,” Mr. Waller said with a smile. “Now let me see. You tell us a word, say the word ‘mother.’ Then Miss Clemmons says to each player, tell me about yours.”
“Oh! And then we each say something about our mother and Sarah has to guess what we’re talking about!” Elizabeth clapped her hands. “This will be a wonderful game. Won’t it, Mr. Petite?”
At this point Oswald didn’t bother to hide what he thought. He rolled his eyes and groaned.
Elizabeth’s face fell. Sarah was beginning to feel sorry for her. She obviously liked Oswald, but the big oaf didn’t see it. What was more important to him, Elizabeth Chambers are playing parlor games? Or in this case, getting out of playing.
“Shall we begin?” Nanette asked.
Sarah glanced at their guests. “Who’s going to guess the answer?”
“As you were the example,” Oswald said. “You can.”
“I don’t mind,” she said. Oswald rolled his eyes again and looked away. His reaction made her want to get up, cross the room and smack him.
Mr. Waller, on the other hand, had a look of pure anticipation on his face. He obviously enjoyed games. “This will be fun.”