A Lesson in Friendship

by Jennifer Connors

  “Tis a beautiful morning, is it not?” he asked, trying to get his reluctant bride to open up to him.

  “Sure,” was her reply. Ginny may not have wanted to be petty, but that didn't mean she couldn't act like it. Part of her mourned the loss of their friendship, knowing that this man had saved her from an awful situation. But, part of her didn't like him anymore, knowing that he would defend the actions of his friend after Lord Townshend behaved so abominably.

  “You must understand, Sarah, that Lord Townshend's situation is not as it might seem.” Oliver had considered taking it slowly, but that thought certainly didn't last.

  “Must I?” she asked, her statement laced heavily with sarcasm.

  “Are you so certain of your own righteousness that you will not even consider that there is another point of view.”

  At this, Ginny turned toward her companion and pondered him for a moment. “Is that what I am? Righteous? Or maybe I'm just better able to clearly see the difference between right and wrong.”

  “So Lord Townshend is wrong because he cannot marry Lady Penelope.”

  “No, Oliver. He's wrong because he knew he couldn't marry her and used her instead. Do you think it's a flattering offer to become someone's mistress?” Every word, Ginny struggled to keep from screaming at him. It was difficult considering every word he said was ridiculous.

  “What if it is the best she'll ever receive?”

  “So, because you don't find her attractive, no man on the face of this earth could ever find her attractive? Geez, I thought I was arrogant.” Ginny turned away and stared at the scenery. Anything was better than looking at the man beside her any longer.

  “That is not what I meant, Sarah. I am certain that Lady Penelope has her charms, but as far as the ton is concerned, she is not very worthy.”

  “Townshend wanted to bed her, so I guess she's good for something then, huh?”

  Oliver opened his mouth, but nothing came out. There was a part of him that was ashamed by what he'd said, no matter how true it was. Penelope Hammersmith was just as capable of finding love as anyone else, regardless of her parentage or station.

  Ginny looked at him and sensed that she'd made some point. She decided to try to drive it home. “What if she were your sister, Oliver? Or daughter? How would you feel if some 'gentleman' used her in the same way? Would that be wrong?”

  When he opened his mouth to argue, she added, “Imagine you're Penelope's parents, not from the illustrious family that you currently have the pleasure to be a part of.”

  His mouth shut and his head dropped. Of course, she was right. If any man had treated his sister the same way, it would have been pistols at dawn. Penelope was not a ton beauty, but she was still a person and deserved to be treated like the lady she was.

  “I see your point, Sarah. And, despite what you might think, I never condoned Townshend's behavior. It was what we spoke of last night after I left your room.”

  Raising an eyebrow, thinking he might just be placating her, she asked, “And what did you say to him?”

  “That is between him and I, Sarah. Needless to say, I was not too happy with how he handled the situation.”

  “Were you angry because of how he behaved, or how it impacted you and me?”

  Her perception was uncanny. Oliver stared into Sarah's eyes knowing that she might as well have been in the room. Most of his railing against his friend had more to do with the fact that it cost him a night of passion with the woman he loved than with any hurt feelings with Penelope. Heaving a large sigh, he nodded.

  “You could be right,” he responded. “But I can see your point. Penelope deserved better. And if it is of any consequence, Townshend feels terrible about his actions. If I had my guess, I would say he would marry her if given the chance.”

  “Well, that ship has sailed, don't you think? Since he can't possibly displease mommy, we shall never know.”

  A look of anger crossed his face. “There are some things that you are unaware of, Sarah. You do not know the whole of the story.”

  The sarcasm was back. “Oh, please Oliver, enlighten me then.”

  His lips pursed into a straight line. “I cannot reveal a confidence like that, Sarah. Is it possible for you to just take me at my word?”

  “No,” was all she said, as she rose and began walking toward the horses. Turning suddenly, she looked back at him, hand on hips. “Does it matter if I did believe you, Oliver? Is it so important that I like the man?”

  Coming to her side, he hissed, “Of course it is, Sarah. As my wife, I expect you to be a hostess to my friends. I cannot have you using that tone with them.”

  Arching an eyebrow and half smiling, Ginny asked, “I will have to be deaf and stupid then, Oliver? Serve refreshments with a stupid smile on my face and keep my opinions to myself?”

  Swallowing hard, he answered, “Yes.”

  Ginny laughed and started to walk away. She approached her horse and realized that she would need his help to regain her saddle. Without a word, she turned and looked at him with expectation. When he made no move, she asked sweetly, “Can you help me up, Oliver?”

  “Why did you laugh?” he asked, as he felt his heart constrict with a painful jerk.

  “You don't like me because I'm like that, Oliver. So why, if I were to become your wife, would you all of sudden want such a simpleton in your house?”

  “I... uh...” he stammered, searching his brain for a logical answer. The truth was, he had no answer. He didn't want a wife who lived for society parties and hostessing events. He liked Sarah for having opinions and speaking her mind. Townshend had said something similar to him the night before about wanting a woman with a brain and a willingness to use it for something other than remembering titles and people of consequence.

  Instead, Oliver shook his head and asked, “Please do not go yet. Can we not talk about this more?”

  Ginny looked away. She knew she was being too hard on him. After all, this was what the world was at the time. The class system was strictly in place and one did not aspire to anything outside one's sphere. It simply wasn't done.

  Taking pity on him, she said, “We don't have to go yet. We can walk around the lake if you want.”

  A vulnerable smile crossed his face before he covered it with a look of smug confidence. “I would be pleased to escort you, my lady.”

  Ginny took his arm and the two walked slowly around the reedy shores of the small lake. After only a few yards, he stopped and turned to her. Without a word, his hands cupped her face and he kissed her, sweetly. When he pulled away, Ginny looked up to his eyes and saw yearning. She swallowed hard, knowing that they would soon come together.

  Oliver still caressed her cheek when he said, “When we return, we are going to have to have a discussion with your mother. Are you going to reject my suit?”

  Would she? Ginny spent the next ten seconds trying to formulate a plan. Her mother would insist on a speedy engagement, especially considering she caught Oliver leaving her room late the night before. The circumstances were getting too complicated for her. If she married him and slept with him, maybe she could move on to a simpler story where she could have more fun.

  “I would not reject you, Oliver. But know this... I won't be able to forgive your friend so easily. I won't begrudge you the right to have him as a friend, but I certainly don't have to like him as well.”

  He searched her face for a moment before smiling. “I can live with that, Sarah dear.”

  Before she could turn and walk back to the horses, Oliver kissed her once again. When he deepened the kiss, using his arms to envelope her body into his own, Ginny knew she would not only allow him into her bed, she would be glad to have him. It must have taken a lot for him to admit he was wrong and she appreciated his effort.

  Pulling away, Oliver was flushed and out of breath. “I think it best if I take you home, Sarah. With as much as I want you right now, this would not be the best place to consummate our relationship.” />
  So Oliver led Sarah back to the horses and helped her climb onto the saddle. The two returned to the house, to await their private chat with Lady Weston and plan for their eventual marriage.

  Chapter 24

  Charlotte awoke the next morning much later than she was used to. Wilhelm had departed before dawn, but not before he took her one more time. Curled up with the bed clothes snuggly around her, Charlotte was reminded of how it felt to be touched again after so long. Her imagination could not have prepared her for the sensations he'd stirred. Their coupling was so unlike what she'd experienced with her husband, Charlotte wondered if her husband even knew what he was doing.

  The sudden thought shocked her and made her feel disloyal. Before his death, Mr. Stevens had been adamant that she remarry someday. He told her that she need not be lonely just because his body was too weak to weather his illness. Right to the end, he'd been selfless and now she couldn't even repay the favor.

  Guilt washed over her like a tidal wave. Here she was, unmarried and still giving into passionate cravings from a man who didn't even live in England. Soon he would be gone and she would alone again, left to wonder if she would ever find happiness.

  But she did find happiness the night before, in Wilhelm's arms. He obviously had many skills as a lover, having slept with many a patroness to his music. Now Charlotte was angry, knowing that she was just another notch in his bedpost, along with dozens of other women. Of course he was skilled, he'd had enough practice.

  Her shifting emotions were too much for even her. Charlotte was the steady one, never succumbing to anger or despair. She was the rock that her mother and sister depended on. When something needed done, she was the one to volunteer to do it. It struck her as ironic that as her sister became more mature and intelligent, she seemed to be slipping slowly into a phase of childish tantrums.

  Getting herself out of bed, Charlotte cleaned her self up and got dressed. A good breakfast was all she needed to set herself to rights. Perhaps a long walk about the garden, with lots of fresh air, would help as well. She would find her sister and convince her to take a ride to the village for some shopping. There had to be something that would take her mind from this situation she'd put herself into. At least, she hoped there was.

  ********

  Penelope had considered staying in bed the rest of the day, but knew her mother would ask too many questions if she did. Feigning sick wouldn't work either, since both her parents would call in the nearest physician and then Penelope would have to lie to three people instead of just two. The thought of seeing Martin made her stomach lurch so violently that maybe saying she was sick wouldn't be a lie after all.

  Summoning her maid, Penelope sat in front of her vanity mirror and slowly began to brush out her hair. In the morning sunlight, it sparkled with highlights. Why had she never noticed that before? She'd always considered her hair a dull brown, hardly worth anyone's notice.

  Leaning closer to the mirror, she saw that her eyes were not the same dull brown as her hair. In reality, they had golden flecks throughout that made them shine as well. It was probably too difficult to see that beneath her spectacles. Perhaps she could forgo her glasses at times, when she wanted people to see her eyes better. Granted, she would not be able to see them as well, but that was a small price to pay when one was searching for a home and security.

  When her maid entered, Penelope dressed quickly and went in search of Sarah. After their discussion the night before, Penelope knew she had to develop some self-confidence. Even with the pain still fresh from Martin's indecent proposal, she would not cow down to anyone ever again. If she wanted happiness, as Sarah had stated, she would have to find it herself. No more being the wallflower at balls. She would have to engage others in conversation and not hide behind her parents.

  Entering the breakfast room, the only other person in attendance was Sarah's sister, Charlotte. Filling her plate from the chafing dishes, Penelope sat beside Charlotte and requested some tea from the footman.

  When he disappeared to fulfill her request, Penelope said, “Good morning, Mrs. Stevens. Have you seen Sarah this morning?”

  As if noticing her for the first time, Charlotte looked up from her plate and gave her a weak smile. “Good morning to you, Lady Penelope. No, I have not seen my sister yet this morning. I have begun to wonder if she is still abed.”

  Penelope knew that she'd ruined her friend's chances of staying up late with Lord Conway. A pang of guilt struck her and she turned to look at her plate. It was bad enough that she had a miserable love life, but that didn't mean she should ruin it for everyone else.

  “Are you well, Lady Penelope?” Charlotte asked tenderly.

  Looking at the woman, Penelope was able to give her a smile. “Yes, I am. I had hoped to talk to your sister. She assisted me last eve and I wanted to thank her.” Rallying her spirit again, she sat a little straighter and said, “But, I shall see her later, I am sure. I wonder what Lady Hopewell has planned for us today.”

  The footman returned with Penelope's tea and left the girls alone once again. Charlotte began the conversation anew.

  “Lady Hopewell was just here a few minutes before you arrived. I believe she mentioned something about a trip to the village for some shopping. I daresay I look forward to the distraction and had hoped to engage my sister to join us.”

  “Oh, well then...”

  “I would be most pleased if you joined us as well, Lady Penelope. I would not dare to keep Sarah all to myself. Especially with you two being such good friends.”

  Charlotte's smile made Penelope smile in return. She didn't say how Sarah was her only friend, and therefore, more precious to her. Penelope did know that Sarah would help her now, in her newly found confidence.

  “I would love to join you on a shopping excursion. I should like to get away from the house for a time.”

  “Lady Hopewell also mentioned that Lord Townshend took his leave this morning, claiming a prior engagement that could not be avoided.”

  Penelope's smile turned shaky and fragile. As much as the thought of seeing him again after their disastrous evening made her shake with fear, she hated the thought that her actions made him so uncomfortable that he was forced to leave early. Hearing the hypocrisy of her words in her head, Penelope realized that it would take some time to get over what she'd felt for the man.

  “Pity, that,” she replied, digging into the food on her plate to avoid having to say more. Thankfully, Charlotte took the hint and left it be. When they'd both finished their meals, Charlotte asked Penelope to take a turn about the gardens with her. Perhaps they would run into Sarah on their travels, as they couldn't seem to avoid their own errant thoughts about men who didn't deserve the time of day.

  Chapter 25

  Oliver and Sarah entered the house together, figuring that they could present a united front to her mother. Not that Lady Weston would be angry, just that she would be wanting to expedite the marriage with all due speed. They found Lady Weston sitting in the sun room alone.

  “Ah, there you are, Sarah. And Lord Conway, tis good to see you as well.” Her voice was frosty, but not believably so. It was as though she needed to feign anger to accomplish her goal.

  “Lady Weston, tis a pleasure to see you as well. You can be in no wonder over what brings me to you this morning.”

  Raising an eyebrow to him, she asked, “Whatever do you mean, Lord Conway?”

  Ginny rolled her eyes in response. This was what the woman had wanted from the beginning and now she was playing coy. “Mother, we all know that you saw Oliver leaving my room last night. Surely you can't think that we don't know what that means.”

  Gripping her hands together in her lap, Lady Weston looked over their shoulders at the open door behind them. Understanding her consternation immediately, Oliver turned and closed the double doors to provide them with more privacy. Ginny sat on the settee across from her mother, with Oliver joining her soon afterwards.

  “You are very blunt
, Sarah, but yes, I did spy Lord Conway leaving your room last eve.” Her emphasis on Oliver's title was supposed to remind her daughter of her manners, but all she received from Ginny was a martyred sigh.

  “I must say that I am a little disappointed in you, my lord. I thought you more a gentleman than that.”

  Oliver scrunched his eyes in disbelief. Did this woman expect him to beg for her daughter's hand? If there was one thing Oliver knew about, it was matchmaking mothers and their sick tactics to get their daughters noticed.

  “I assure you, my lady, that nothing... ungentlemanly occurred between your daughter and I. We were simply discussing...” Oliver turned and looked at Sarah for help.