Master of His Fate
Page 15
“I think she’s after you. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”
James laughed. “How is that?”
“Longingly. I think she might be a bit predatory, James. You must not get trapped into a relationship with her. She’s very important in this town, a rich widow. You wouldn’t want any gossip about you.”
“She’s not after me. I see her during the week sometimes, to help with her paperwork. She’s perfectly nice and not predatory.”
William sighed. “I feel like your big brother at times. I suppose that’s why I worry about you. Anyway, she is ten years older than you, so why would you be interested?”
“Only too true,” James replied, trying not to laugh. The one thing he had never confided in William was that he liked older women. He never had much to say to the younger ones who swooned over him.
At this moment, Marina Venables came into the room to join her son and her great-nephew. As a young woman she had been strikingly beautiful and even now, at fifty-six, she was still good-looking and stylishly dressed in a purple gown and several strings of long pearls. She had been born with a great talent for painting and calligraphy, and was now a well-established and popular artist whose paintings sold very well.
“James, William, good evening,” she said as she floated across the floor, a loving smile on her face.
She reminded James of a younger version of his grandmother, and certainly she showed the same kind of affection for him. She was also fair of coloring as he was, unlike all the other members of the Venables family, who were dark-haired with dark brown eyes.
“Your father will be down in a moment,” she said to William, and went and sat in a chair near the fireplace. She continued, “It’s a small supper tonight. The four of us, Thelma and Vincent Cannon, Phyllidia Jones, and Georgiana Ward. I thought it would be nice to invite the two ladies to keep you two company. But I suppose you’ll go out after supper, won’t you?”
“I’m afraid so, Mama,” William said, and smiled at her. “However, we’ll keep your lady friends well entertained whilst we are here.”
“Good evening, everyone,” Clarence boomed from the doorway, sweeping into the room. He was a well-built man, with a shock of black hair, a jolly face, and twinkling dark brown eyes. He was the same age as Marina and was renowned for his cheerful disposition, his ability to get things done swiftly, and his generosity, especially to those in poor circumstances, down on their luck.
“I’m glad we’re alone for a moment or two,” he said to Marina. Then, glancing first at William and then at James, he continued, “I have something very special to say to all of you, although it really concerns you, James.”
They were all taken aback and stared at Clarence.
Clarence said, “James, I am well pleased with you. I have observed you for the last six months and you haven’t made a wrong move nor taken an incorrect step. You are highly intelligent, have great common sense, and your knowledge of wine has been invaluable to us. I want to offer you a permanent position here at Venables … I want you to make Hull your home. In other words, I want you to be a bigger part of the family, and certainly a member of my company. I would make it worth your while.”
James was not startled by this offer. In fact, he had seen it coming for a while now. He could not take it, generous though it was. Yet he knew he could not insult this wonderfully kind man who had welcomed him into his home and his shipping company with open arms. He exclaimed, “My goodness, Uncle Clarence, what a surprise! And what a marvelous offer on your part. I know you’ll understand when I say I do have to think about it and discuss it with my parents and grandparents. I need to consult them.”
“Of course you do,” Clarence said. “Think it over, talk to them. Take your time. Mull it over. No hurry.”
“I hope you’re going to accept it,” William said, grinning at him. “I for one couldn’t be happier that Papa has made this offer.”
“I second that,” Aunt Marina said, smiling at him, and standing up as Godfrey, the butler, announced, “Mrs. Ward and Mrs. Jones have arrived, madam.”
James was relieved the women had entered the drawing room, since it brought the conversation about Clarence’s offer to an end. He had no desire to hurt his great-uncle’s feelings but he had his plan, a plan born in his childhood. He was determined to see it through to the end. There was no doubt in James’s mind that he would succeed. He would be a merchant prince with a store like Fortnum’s and arcades. He was full of self-confidence about his future. He must find a way to gracefully decline. Now he must entertain Mrs. Ward, who was gliding across the room toward him.
There was no question that she was a most beautiful woman, with a mass of jet-black hair, blue eyes, and an exquisite face, finely drawn with high cheekbones, arched black brows, and a wide forehead. She had a full, rather voluptuous mouth that he thought begged to be kissed. And yet he had always resisted making any move toward her, attracted though he was.
She was verboten as far as he was concerned. William was correct there. And he certainly didn’t want any scandal attached to his name. However, deep down he knew she was infatuated with him, although she had never done anything untoward in his presence, even when they were alone.
“Good evening, James,” she said as she came to a standstill in front of him. She was wearing a delphinium blue silk gown with a square-cut neckline which showed the rise of her milky breasts. A sapphire necklace, the color of her eyes, dropped down into the cleft, and his chest tightened slightly as he stared at her.
He shook her outstretched hand and then let it go at once. “It’s nice to see you, Mrs. Ward. I hope my work was all right. Did your brother-in-law go over the books?”
“He did, indeed, James, and everything was to his liking. However, I need you to work on another set of books.” She leaned closer and went on, “I want you to attempt to evaluate the company and the worth of my shares. It’s rather urgent. Is there any chance you could spare an hour or two tomorrow?”
“Oh, I’m not sure, Mrs. Ward. That sounds like a fairly big task. I don’t think I could get that done in an hour. How urgent is it?”
“I want to sell my shares,” she said in an even lower voice. “As soon as possible.”
He nodded, seeing the sudden worry in her eyes. “All right. I could come over to see you tomorrow afternoon, around four o’clock, and start on them. But it does sound like a big task, as I said. I wouldn’t be able to finish them in an hour, or even two.”
She nodded. “Getting a start would relieve my mind. I will explain everything when we meet tomorrow, explain the problem. Thank you so much. I shall expect you at four.”
She paused and turned as William came up behind her to join them. After they greeted each other, William said, “I must compliment you, Mrs. Ward. You look beautiful. You should always wear blue. And sapphires.”
James couldn’t help smiling, noticing how William’s eyes were glued to Georgiana Ward’s neckline. But what man wouldn’t look at her like that? She was stunning, and now that he thought about it, she oozed sexuality tonight.
Marina brought Phyllidia over and the conversation turned to the latest play at the Theatre Royal in Hull. And a few seconds later Godfrey announced the arrival of the Cannons. Now the supper could commence.
Twenty-three
The sun had dropped behind the horizon and the pale blue sky had faded into gray. Soon the mist would rise across the Romney Marsh, obscuring the trees. It was that time of early evening, which most called twilight, when the Marsh took on an eerie feeling. Sebastian called it dusk, and it was the most magical moment of all, he so often said.
Soon, when the sky finally darkened, the lights on the French coast would be seen twinkling far off, almost matching the bright stars littering the sky.
Alexis turned to Sebastian, sitting next to her on the bench on the rise at Goldenhurst Farm, and took hold of his hand. For a moment he did not respond and then she felt his squeeze. He put his other hand over h
ers, clasped her fingers tightly.
Softly, she said, “I’m sorry, darling.”
“For what?”
“Hurting your feelings … I think.”
He put his arm around her, brought her closer, and said against her hair, “You didn’t hurt my feelings or make me angry, or even give me a sense of disappointment. I just felt sad, sorry for myself, perhaps, but just for a short moment.”
“I do want to get engaged to you. I do want to marry you. You know that’s the truth. I just think if we did all that now, as you said you wanted to earlier today, we would overshadow Claudia’s marriage to Cornelius. You are a very famous man, a banker of great repute. I’m not entirely unknown, since I’m the woman who prefers to work rather than marry a man. So we would get written about, don’t you think? The newspapers would have a field day.”
His laughter echoed on the cool April air. He bent his head and kissed her cheek. “If only they knew how you loved this man, oh my goodness, wouldn’t they all blush?”
Alexis laughed with him and said, “Please tell me you understand.”
“I suppose I do. Actually, I’m inclined to agree, if the truth be known. We mustn’t steal their thunder.”
“Since we’re having a secret love affair, perhaps we could have a secret engagement.”
“What a grand idea! And we might even have a secret marriage … that’s what Edward the Fourth did. He married Elizabeth Woodville in secret because she wouldn’t sleep with him until she had a wedding ring on her finger. On the other hand, you’ve already slept with me.”
“Many times, and it’s always wonderful.”
“I can only second that a thousand times, my love. Let’s go inside. It’s growing cold, and anyway, I have something I wish to give you.”
“What is it?”
“You’ll see. Come on.” Rising, he pulled her to her feet and they hurried down to the terrace and through the French doors into the great room. He led her across the floor, adding, “It’s in the library.”
Once they were inside her favorite room, the one he had built himself, covering the walls with pine, she understood that something special had already been planned. The fire was blazing in the hearth and there was a bottle of champagne in a silver bucket on a side table.
Clutching his arm, Alexis raised an auburn brow and asked, “Are we about to celebrate something?”
That small amused smile slid across his mouth and was instantly gone. “I’m always celebrating when I’m with you. As I’ve told you before, I can’t get over my luck that you wandered into my lonely life when you did.”
“Thanks to Claudia,” she replied and stood on tiptoe, kissed him on the mouth. He grabbed on to her immediately and kissed her properly, then let her go. He strode over to his desk. “Go and sit near the fire. I’ll pop the cork and we’ll toast each other.”
She nodded and did as he said. He swiftly opened the desk drawer, took something out, and put it in his jacket pocket.
After opening the bottle and filling the two flutes with champagne, Sebastian walked over to the fireside and said, “Give me your hand and close your eyes.”
She followed his instructions. She felt him slip a ring onto her finger and opened her eyes at once. “Oh, Sebastian, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed, staring down at the large square-cut emerald ring on her engagement finger.
His cool gray eyes were riveted on hers. “Do you like it?”
“I love it and I love you. And thank you for it and for surprising me.”
He merely nodded. “It’s the exact color of your eyes. I made sure about that, you know. Not all emeralds are exactly the same color. They differ a lot, and that one is flawless, by the way.”
Alexis held out her left hand and stared at the ring. She then stood up, put her arms around him, and pressed herself close. “You’ve been leading me on all day, you wretch, now haven’t you? Knowing full well you were going to give me this ring at this very moment.”
“Of course. Let’s toast each other, my darling girl, and you are mine now. Well, almost. Only when we’re married will I actually feel you will never leave me, that you are truly mine.”
“You know very well I am truly yours now.” When she took the flute from him, she lifted it and touched his glass. “To my first love, my only love.”
“To my greatest love,” he answered, clinking his flute to hers, happiness flooding his face.
“Let’s sit down and enjoy this moment,” Sebastian suggested. “I told Mrs. Bellamy to make spring lamb, since it’s spring. We’ll celebrate this very special moment with a lovely supper. I do love you so very much, Alexis.”
“As I do you.”
There was a long moment of silence between them as they gazed at each other, their eyes saying so much. It was Alexis who finally blinked, looked into the flames roaring up the chimney, her throat tight with a rush of emotion.
Sebastian took a sip of champagne and said, “I want to ask you something, although I’m not sure I should … Well, you don’t have to answer, not if you don’t want to…”
She frowned and shook her head. “If you think I won’t want to answer you, why are you asking me?”
“You’re such a clever girl, aren’t you? I suppose because I can’t help myself. That’s my only explanation.”
“So ask me.”
“Do you think Claudia and Cornelius are sleeping together?”
“I’m not sure,” she said immediately, speaking the truth. “Nothing has ever been said, but if you want my opinion, I believe they are.”
“Why do you believe that?”
“Because most people who are in love, as they are, do have intercourse, despite what you might think about the morals of our times. After all, contraception makes it perfectly safe. Ever since the discovery of rubber and somebody thought up condoms, it’s all worked extremely well.”
He burst out laughing and shook his head. “Is there anything you don’t know?”
“Yes, a lot. I’ve often wondered why condoms are called French letters.”
“I can’t answer that. I’ve absolutely no idea.”
After a moment, Alexis leaned over to him and asked, sotto voce, “Does it upset you that they’re probably in bed together when they’re here?”
“I suppose not. After all, they’re getting married in June, and I’m sure he’s wise enough to take precautions.”
“Well, Goldenhurst is the only place they can share a bed. They can’t very well do that when they’re in London. Unless they go to a hotel, and Claudia would never do that.”
“You’re correct, she wouldn’t…” He did not finish his sentence, and simply leaned back in the chair, gazed into the fire, his face reflective.
After a few minutes, Alexis ventured, “I know how you feel, at least I think I do. She’s your daughter, just a young girl really, only twenty-one, and fathers can feel strange about a daughter’s sex life … I’m sure mine does.”
Sitting up alertly, Sebastian asked, “Does he know about us? About me?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know, to be honest. I haven’t told him, but he might have guessed, although he does believe Claudia is my best friend, which she is. And he’s met her, of course. That was her idea, by the way. She’s rather clever. Anyway, it will please him when he does know about you. He’s a great admirer of yours.”
He merely smiled, and after a long swallow of the champagne, he said, “There’s something I want to tell you, and now that we have sealed our troth, as they used to say, I can. I want you to have my child. My children, perhaps I should say. You will, won’t you?”
“I want your child more than anything, Sebastian. I want part of you growing inside me. I’m not that dedicated to work that I can’t be a mother … the mother of your child, your children. As many as you want.”
Amused, he chuckled. “One will be enough, or maybe two. Let’s see. Oh, I now have a great idea, shall we start trying now? Get ahead of the game, so to speak?”
“Contraception, until we’re married,” she answered firmly.
“When will we get married, Alexis? Give me a date, please.”
“Let’s have a September wedding, Sebastian. And a honeymoon in Paris, as you suggested last week.”
“Thank you, darling. Your words make me very happy indeed.”
* * *
Sebastian was an early riser, and even on Sunday he was downstairs at the crack of dawn, shaved, dressed, and sitting at his desk in his library.
After writing three letters and addressing the envelopes, he took out his leather-bound diary where he made private notations about matters important to him.
Quickly turning the pages, he came to the date of this day. Sunday, April 15, 1888. A small smile played around his mouth as he wrote in his distinctive handwriting:
Yesterday I became engaged to be married with Miss Alexis Malvern, who lovingly agreed to become my wife. We shall marry this coming September. I gave her an emerald engagement ring which she promised never to take off and she agreed to bear my children. This is one of the happiest days of my life, knowing I have a future to look forward to with my greatest love.
Returning the diary to the drawer, he then sorted through the pile of papers he had brought home from the bank. He was sifting through them when a shadow fell across the doorway. He glanced up to see Alexis standing there.
“Why are you up so early?” he asked, pushing back the chair, going over to her.
“I missed you.”
He smiled. “I see you’re ready for our morning walk. Let’s go.”
He went out into the corridor with her, took a warm jacket out of the cupboard and slipped it on. After kissing her on the cheek, he took hold of her hand and led her outside.
Sebastian’s love of the Kentish countryside, especially his own land, drew him outdoors incessantly. He loved to walk along admiring the huge, luxuriant trees, the flowering bushes, the gardens which Magdalena had designed with such creativity. The views always gave him a thrill. When he was up on high ground he could admire the landscape spread out before him, a panorama of beauty that could only be found in England.