by Vikki Vaught
“Oh, good. I do so love this room, and it’s where we spend much of our time,” Cassandra explained. “Now, let us go to the nursery so you can meet my boys. Please follow me.” Cassandra turned to Helen. “I apologize for leaving you out of our conversation.”
“Please, do not worry.” Helen assured her. “I’m fine. I’m just pleased you want my sister to paint your portrait. I promise you shan’t regret it.”
As they climbed the stairs to the nursery, Cassandra said, “You told me mornings are best for you. Will nine be agreeable? I do find my sons are better behaved after they’ve eaten breakfast.”
As they entered the nursery, she replied. “Yes, nine will work perfectly.” She enjoyed meeting Cassandra’s sons. They had pale blond hair and big blue eyes and resembled their mother to an astonishing degree. She would enjoy painting their lively faces. Once they returned to the entry hall, Helen and Kathryn departed, with the understanding that Kathryn would return the following morning at nine.
The next few days flew by. Kathryn spent each morning with Cassandra and her sons. She’d made several sketches of the boys, catching several adorable expressions on their cute little faces. She also had a few good sketches of Cassandra. Her afternoons were busy, between spending time with Helen and a couple of hours with the children. Frankford and Jane were having a marvelous time.
Christina and Catherine were such exuberant little girls and always came up with different games to play. Elaine spent her mornings at her studies and joined the children in the afternoon, reading to them. Jonathan worried too much. Kathryn found her very helpful with Frankford and Jane, and they adored her.
After Mass on Sunday, their hosts had an unexpected guest arrive. Matthew’s brother, Gregory, came for a visit. The young man was a lieutenant in His Majesty’s Navy, and his ship was in Plymouth for repairs, so he had two weeks’ leave.
Helen warned Kathryn that Gregory was a bit wild and that she would want to keep Elaine away from him. “I don’t believe he would do anything, but to be on the safe side, I would make sure she is chaperoned at all times. He’s a very handsome young man, and only one and twenty. Elaine will no doubt find him attractive.”
She frowned. “Oh, dear, and my husband has already caught her trying to flirt with one of his friends. I’m sure you’re right. I shall be extra diligent and keep her away from him as much as possible.”
That afternoon, Matthew introduced Gregory. Helen had certainly been right about him being a handsome young man with his dark blond hair and blue eyes. Elaine colored prettily as they were introduced. Jonathan’s brows drew together, and she could imagine what went through his mind.
Once everyone took their seats, Jonathan asked, “How long have you been in the navy? I spent time in the army for a short time in 1815.”
Gregory grinned broadly. “I entered service in the winter of 1821 and love it. I’ve always enjoyed the sea, and I learned to sail when I was still a young lad. I’ve traveled to several foreign places, which I’ve enjoyed. I particularly like France. Did you fight at Waterloo? I assume that’s how you ended up a cripple.”
“Yes, I fought in that campaign and was injured during the final battle,” he replied. “Took a ball to the knee.”
Gregory grimaced. “Must be painful. I’m surprised you didn’t lose your leg.”
Matthew intervened. “That’s enough questions. There are ladies present, and they do not need to hear this.” He looked at Jonathan. “Please excuse my brother and his impertinent questions.”
“Think nothing of it. Since we’ve finished our tea, we shall leave you to catch up.” He turned to Kathryn. “Shall we take Elaine with us and visit the children? I haven’t seen them today.”
After they left the room, Kathryn could tell Jonathan was not happy. He never enjoyed discussing the war, and certainly not his injury. Gregory was definitely impertinent.
There was a completely different atmosphere at dinner that evening. Obviously, Elaine loved the attention Gregory paid her. He was charming, and she understood why she was smitten.
Jonathan brooded throughout dinner, and she was glad when the meal ended. The gentlemen did not spend very long over their libations. When they entered the room, Helen asked him, “I enjoyed listening to you play the other night. Would you consider entertaining us tonight?”
“Certainly, and my lovely wife can sing. You would not mind, would you, my dear?”
“No, not at all.” They moved to the pianoforte and performed until the footman brought in the tea.
Matthew turned to his brother. “We’re going quail hunting tomorrow. Would you care to join us? The weather should be nice enough.”
After Gregory took a sip of his tea, he replied, “I would relish it. I haven’t gone hunting since I left three years ago.”
At ten, everyone retired to their rooms. Jonathan joined Kathryn, but since they were both tired, they kissed and went to sleep. Around midnight, she had her nightmare. She dreamed her uncle had come back and that he was chasing her down a long hall. She kept running, faster and faster, but he was gaining on her, as he reached for her, she awoke gasping.
She looked around, dazed, and realized she was not in bed. She was in the library. She’d wandered in her sleep; she had not done that in years.
Adrenalin swept through her, leaving her trembling. Thank goodness no one had stumbled across her. As a child, her parents had punished her for sleepwalking, so she’d always believed she’d misbehaved when it happened. She returned to her room and quietly slipped into bed. Thankfully, Jonathan did not stir. She worried about what had just happened. She did not want to fall asleep, fearing it could happen again, and she fought it for as long as possible, but eventually she nodded off.
When Kathryn awoke the following morning, Jonathan had left. She tried to figure out why the sleepwalking had returned. She was so happy and content in her new life. She could not imagine why it would start again.
She glanced at the brass clock and realized she would be late for her appointment with the Ralstons if she did not hurry. To make up time, she skipped breakfast. She barely made it before the appointed hour.
Kathryn enjoyed meeting Lord Ralston, and while she worked on her sketches of him, he told her amusing stories concerning his early years. She achieved several good sketches. “Thank you. If it’s convenient, I want to continue tomorrow at the same time. Then, on Wednesday, I shall do a sketch in the morning room with all of you. I should start painting next Monday. Is that agreeable?”
“Certainly,” he replied. “Let us find my wife and make sure she is in agreement.”
They found Cassandra in the drawing room, and once Kathryn explained everything, the marchioness quickly agreed. “I’m impressed you can start painting next week. I shall ensure that the servants leave everything alone. We shall forgo using the morning room until you are finished. How long will it take to complete the portrait?”
“I should finish by the end of the following week if all goes well. I shall need all of you to sit every day. Is that possible?”
Cassandra glanced at her husband and he nodded. “As you wish. I cannot wait to see the finished portrait.”
“I pray you will be pleased. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. I shall take my leave. Lord Ralston, I will see you in the morning.”
* * * *
Today was her sixteenth birthday, and Elaine grumbled under her breath. As of yet, no one had wished her a happy day. Turning sixteen was a momentous occasion, or so she’d thought. Surely they had not forgotten her special day.
After she finished visiting the children, she put on her sturdy half-boots and went for a walk. Since it was such a nice day for November, she took the path to the beach. She walked along the shore, and by the time she finished her walk, her dismal mood had lifted.
Elaine loved the ocean, and a sense of peace came over her whenever she spent time along the shore. She remembered the fun times she’d had last summer with Roderick and Allison.
Why is life so unfair?
Allison had carried a child, so there were three lives lost that terrible day. She missed them desperately. As she walked along the water’s edge, a few tears slipped down her cheeks.
While she was happy her brother had wed Kathryn, he was so absorbed with her he did not have much time for Elaine. That’s probably why he’d forgotten her birthday. Of course, Kathryn was busy painting, so perhaps that explained why she’d forgotten.
Her cheeks had grown cold from the tears, so she swiped them away with her woolen scarf, turned around, and made her way up the steep path leading to the house. Her heart was aching for Roderick and Allison; they would never have forgotten her birthday.
When Elaine entered the drawing room that evening, everyone was there. Gregory stood by the fireplace and looked so handsome. Glancing her way, he flashed a charming smile. An odd feeling stirred in the pit of her stomach whenever he looked at her. He approached her and bowed. “May I say you certainly look lovely this evening. I enjoyed my time with your brother today when we went hunting. What did you do today?”
Before Gregory could continue, her brother interrupted. “Happy birthday, Princess. Just think, you’re now sixteen.”
Everyone else stood and added their well-wishes. “Happy sixteenth birthday,” They cried. As they all clapped their hands. Kathryn gave her a hug, and so did Helen.
Oh, I’m so glad they remembered after all.
Her heart swelled with joy. Of course, she wished their timing had been better. She had enjoyed Gregory’s attention. She surreptitiously glanced at him under her lashes, and he watched her, his green eyes glowing with intensity. Gooseflesh raced up her arms. Could he be interested in her? Goodman entered the room and announced dinner, breaking into her musings. Jonathan offered her his arm, and they moved into the dining room.
It was so sweet of Helen to plan a special meal for her. After everyone finished the main course, Goodman rolled in a cart holding the prettiest cake she’d ever seen. Pink sugar roses with delicate green leaves adorned the cake. He placed the tiered confection before her and handed her a silver knife so she could cut the first piece. Everyone sang, wishing her many more. As she sliced into the cake, the aroma of lemons assailed her. Lemon with lemon curd filling was a favorite of hers.
Yes, this is an excellent birthday after all.
After dinner, Jonathan and Kathryn handed her a present, wrapped in pink silk with an intricately tied bow around it. When she opened it up, a gorgeous strand of matched pearls tumbled into her hands. “Oh, thank you. These are simply beautiful. I’ve wanted pearls for ages.” She gave them a hug.
Helen handed her another present, and it contained a matching set of earbobs. Elaine sniffed. “I thought you had forgotten my birthday. Thank you so much for this wonderful party, Aunt Helen.”
“I’m pleased we could do this for you,” Helen replied. “You’ve been so helpful with the children. We wanted to show you how much we appreciate it.”
After she finished opening her presents, they went to the music room, and Jonathan played for everyone. At ten, they went upstairs to bed.
As Elaine made her way to her bedchamber, she heard a noise and looked around. Gregory stood in a recessed doorway. He placed his finger to his lips, letting her know to be quiet and motioned for her to follow him. She glanced down the hall. Thank goodness everyone had already entered their rooms, so she followed Gregory.
He closed the door behind them. “Happy birthday. I would have gotten you a present if I’d known it was your birthday.” Through heavy-lidded eyes, he grinned. “I could give you birthday kiss, if you want?”
Butterflies danced in her belly as she acquiesced. Then he gently touched his mouth to hers. He did not touch her anywhere else, just her lips. She trembled from the excitement of receiving her first kiss ever. All too soon, he pulled away. “You have the softest lips. I’ve wanted to kiss you from the first moment I met you. I wish you were older. I find you very pretty.”
“I have never been kissed before. This has made my birthday very special, thank you. I should go to my room. Umm…I take a walk on the beach every afternoon around three. Perhaps…I shall see you one of those afternoons. Goodnight.” Elaine opened the door, looked both ways, and with a wave of her hand, she slipped from the room.
* * * *
After finishing her sketches on Friday, Kathryn spread them out before her. She was very pleased with the results. Monday, she would start on the portrait. She loved painting children, and Cassandra’s boys were adorable. If all went as she expected, the portrait should turn out well.
She took the day off on Saturday because Helen wanted to go to the village to do some shopping. Since she felt Elaine deserved a treat for being so helpful with the children, she asked her if she wanted to come with them.
The small seaside village intrigued her. As she watched the activity on the dock, she turned to her sister. “May we go closer to the docks sometime? I would like to do some sketches of the workers.”
Helen’s brows drew together. “That’s not a good idea. Those men live very rough lives, and they can be quite crude at times. On one of my first visits to this village, I strolled along the boardwalk, and they made some very rude comments. Matthew told me to stay away, so I have.”
“Oh, I never thought of that. I suppose I can draw it from memory then. Look, there’s a bookshop. May we go inside?” Kathryn asked. “I want to see if they have a new Minerva Press novel.”
“Of course. I would enjoy a new novel myself. I shall see if they have any books for my children as well.” The bookshop did indeed have what they wanted, and after they made their purchases, they moved on to the millinery shop where Kathryn found a lovely chip straw bonnet with lavender ribbons. Elaine purchased a bonnet with bright yellow ribbons that tied on the side. By the time they returned to the carriage, their arms were laden with their many purchases.
Since it was a pleasant day, Kathryn went to the nursery and took Frankford and Jane for a walk along the shore. Even though the wind made it a little cold, the sun shone brightly enough that the children were able to run and play in the sand. She enjoyed watching them. It was good to see Frankford so happy. He’d been so withdrawn since losing his parents.
Bringing the children with them had been a good idea. Jane had stopped asking them to go to heaven and get her mama. Both children were beginning to move past their grief. And she thanked God for his tender care.
CHAPTER 26
When Elaine returned to the house after her visit to town, she went to the stables. Lord Collingswood had several beautiful horses, and she wanted to ride one of them. While she was at the stables, she encountered Gregory. “Were you planning to go for a ride? My brother has a few gentle mares, and I’m sure he would not mind if you took one out. I would be happy to accompany you this afternoon.”
“Oh, thank you. I would love that, but I would want a more spirited horse. I’ve ridden since I was six, and I’m an accomplished horsewoman.” Elaine smiled at Gregory in what she hoped was a flirtatious way. “May we ride along the shore? I’ve always found the sea fascinating. My brother Roderick used to take me out on his yacht before he died, and I found it ever so exhilarating.”
“I’m sure you miss them a great deal. I understand you were there when it happened. Please accept my condolences.” Gregory cleared his throat. “Now, we can definitely go riding on the beach. I will have the horses saddled for us. Then we will take that ride. Will fifteen minutes give you enough time to change?”
Elaine experienced that odd sensation in the pit of her belly again. “I shall return in ten.”
A rush of anticipation coursed through her veins. She’d wanted to talk to Gregory ever since he’d kissed her the night of her birthday. She found his dark blonde hair with gold streaks running through it devastatingly attractive. His piercing blue eyes seemed to see into her soul.
When she arrived at her bedchambe
r, she quickly pulled out her new riding habit. It was a good thing it buttoned up the front, because she did not want to wait for her maid to help her. And anyway, she did not want anyone knowing she was going riding with Gregory.
Neither Jonathan nor Kathryn would approve. They treated her as though she was still in leading strings—especially her brother. She loved Kathryn, but since her brother had married her, he ignored Elaine most of the time. This was her chance to have some fun.
By the time she returned to the stables, Gregory was waiting with the horses, and he helped her mount. When he lifted her by her waist, that flutter in the pit of her belly happened again. It was an odd sensation, but very exciting. She was disappointed when he let her go once she was in the saddle.
Soon they were along the shore. “Since this is your first time, we will start out at a walk until you get used to the sand. Once you’re comfortable, we can give them a good run.” As they meandered along, he said, “My sister went to a school in Bath. Do you attend?”
She sighed. “My brother doesn’t think I need finishing school. I hope his wife will help me talk him into letting me go. Mrs. Manning’s School for Young Ladies is one of the best finishing schools in England.”
He cocked a brow. “That’s the school my sister Margaret attended, and she seemed to love it. Of course, she only went there two years. She married one of my best friends when she was sixteen. At the time, I was angry at Peter for compromising her, but they’ve been married for three years and seem happy. Let’s pick up the pace since you’ve had a chance to get used to the sand. Tell you what—I’ll race you to that post down there.”
Elaine laughed. “Get ready to eat some sand.” And off she went.