Master of His Fate

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

  “And you too, James.” Turning to the woman with her, she continued, “Deanna, I would like to introduce James Falconer, the great-nephew of Marina … he’s the young man who suggested Clarence could sort out my problem with those shares.”

  Deanna stretched out her hand and said hello. James shook it, smiled back, and answered how nice it was to meet her.

  Mrs. Ward asked, “Are you in London for your birthday?”

  “Yes, that’s right. My grandparents gave a family dinner for me last night.”

  “How long are you staying?”

  “Until the weekend. I’m so glad we got a chance to say hello.” With another wide smile and a small bow to both women, James returned to his uncle’s table.

  George said, “Welcome back. Let’s order lunch and then you can tell me all about Mrs. Ward.”

  James picked up the menu. He decided to have potted shrimp and grilled sole. His uncle ordered the same. The waiter filled their glasses with water and departed.

  “So, where is Mr. Ward?” George now asked, eyeing James, riddled with curiosity. He had noticed the adoring look on the woman’s lovely face.

  “Mr. Preston Ward is dead and we’re just friends, so don’t look at me like that.”

  “How am I looking?”

  “Like the cat that swallowed the cream, Uncle George. Mrs. Ward had problems with some shares she wanted to sell to her brother-in-law. I suggested she talk to Uncle Clarence. He managed to get her the best solicitor and accountant in Hull. And that’s all there is to it. I hardly know her.”

  “I believe you,” George answered, and he did. On the other hand, Mrs. Ward might have different ideas, from the way she had looked up at his nephew.

  The two of them talked about other things as they demolished the potted shrimp. It was whilst the waiter was deboning the grilled sole that George said, “Did you know that your great-grandfather Falconer, my grandfather, had a shop in Kent … a grocer’s shop. You’re just following in his footsteps, James. Retailing must be in your genes.”

  * * *

  At exactly four o’clock that afternoon, James climbed the steps to Mrs. Ward’s house in South Audley Street, lifted the brass knocker, and dropped it once.

  Almost immediately the door was opened by Sonya, who bobbed and opened the door wider. “I think Mrs. Ward is expecting me,” James said confidently.

  “She is, sir. She is waiting for you in the parlor. I’ll take you upstairs.”

  James couldn’t help smiling to himself. Mrs. Ward had known he would come and visit her after bumping into her at lunch in the Quadrille. How well she knew him.

  Sonya showed him into the room and disappeared down the stairs. As he walked across the floor, Georgiana stood up and hurried forward. She came immediately into his arms, holding on to him tightly. “What took you so long?” she asked. “I thought you would be here an hour ago.”

  “I had to go somewhere with my uncle first,” he explained. “I finished my business with him as soon as I could. Also, I wasn’t sure whether you were expecting me or not.”

  “I couldn’t say anything in front of my sister. Nor did I know what you wanted.”

  “The same as you, I think,” James answered. “To resume where we left off in Hull…” He bent his head, tilted her face, and kissed her passionately but swiftly. He took her arm and led her over to the sofa. “Let’s sit and talk for a few moments, and I’d love a cup of that tea.”

  As she lifted the teapot, Georgiana said in a low voice, “How do you think Albert found out about us? Or was it a good guess, because you came every Thursday to do my bookkeeping?”

  “Perhaps that alerted him to us. However, I believe he hired a private detective to follow me at all times. He’s certainly too lazy to have done it himself.”

  “But why? I don’t understand,” she said, frowning, truly baffled.

  “According to what I’ve been told by my aunt and William, Albert has always been wicked, a troublemaker, and envious and jealous of others. William was his victim when they were children. Anyway, his hatred for me stems from my uncle’s friendship and affection and the fact that Uncle Clarence offered me a big job with the shipping company.”

  “So he wanted to destroy you, so to speak?” A black brow lifted.

  “Exactly. However, he is so loathed, hated, and disregarded by everyone, except his wife I suppose, no one believed him.” James reached out and took hold of her hand. “They gave us the benefit of the doubt. And it had nothing to do with you, Georgiana. Just me.”

  “I understand. How long can you stay with me today?”

  “I’m afraid I do have to leave shortly. I am meeting my grandparents soon. There’s no way I can let them down. But I am free tomorrow afternoon, and all day on Thursday.”

  She smiled at him. “So I will be able to be with you for a little bit this week. We can make up for lost time, my dearest James.”

  Thirty-six

  Courtland Priory was a Georgian house, pure Palladian in style. It stood on a rise above velvet-smooth lawns which fell away to a large artificial pond, where its mirror image was perfectly reflected in the water.

  Sebastian had explained that this was a Georgian invention, a vanity really, but a skillful and clever way to display another view of the house … showing off, in a sense, he had added.

  Ever since Alexis had first visited the house, she had discovered many things which both amazed and intrigued her. She had grown to admire Sebastian more than she already did in the way he cared for and looked after his homes. They were perfect.

  She was well aware that it was he who had taken this grand stately house and made it comfortable to live in without destroying its overall grandeur and importance.

  “Papa got rid of some of the clutter,” Claudia had explained to her on her first visit, some months ago now.

  “Once Grandmama and Grandpapa had died, and it was his, out went the potted palms in brass pots, the unimportant bric-a-brac, and the endless cushions. Papa had the staff store a great deal of furniture in the attics. You know he likes a spacious feeling.”

  Alexis had completely understood, since she had Goldenhurst Farm in Kent as a reference, regarding his taste. She knew Sebastian wanted space, light, lovely paintings on the walls, plus total comfort with overstuffed chairs and sofas.

  Sebastian Trevalian’s family estate in Gloucestershire was vast, composed of arable land for farming, land for grazing, forests, smaller woods, and meadows. It was an agricultural estate.

  Not far from the Palladian house were the ruins of an ancient priory, where monks had lived and worked centuries ago and from which Courtland Priory took its name.

  A river ran through that part of the estate and the story was that the monks had fished in that river for their meals and had tended garden plots, growing vegetables for themselves.

  The Palladian-style house, built by one of Sebastian’s ancestors in the 1700s, stood in the center of the Great Park, which flowed down to the small village of Courtland. This was as old as the house itself, built for the people who had worked for the Trevalians in some capacity, then and now.

  The village was charming. Apart from the cottages, it had a church, a church hall, a school, and a post office. Every cottage had a front and back garden, and a cellar. The villagers kept the entire village pristine at all times. They were proud of Courtland Priory and their own little enclaves.

  It was seven o’clock in the morning when Alexis slipped out of the house and wandered along the path to the ruined priory. She wanted a little exercise and fresh air before the day began.

  The house was already full of bustle, hustle, and huge activity. Extra staff had already arrived and were preparing for this very special day. Claudia’s wedding day. Sebastian had many guests staying at Courtland, as well as Cornelius Glendenning’s parents and siblings.

  There was going to be a luncheon after the wedding ceremony, and then a small supper for the two families that evening. Quite a long day, Ale
xis now thought as she sat down on a large, flat stone and leaned against a partially ruined wall. Her thoughts were entirely focused on the wedding, hoping nothing would go wrong.

  It would actually take place at noon. That was when Claudia would walk down the aisle on Sebastian’s arm as he escorted her to the altar where Connie would be waiting with his brother Oswald, who was his best man. His other brothers were among the ushers.

  Alexis could only imagine the expression on Connie’s face when he would first catch sight of his bride in her exquisite white gown, long lace train, and diamond tiara. She was quite certain he would be stunned, perhaps even speechless.

  In September, it would be her turn to walk down that same aisle in the Trevalian family church, which she could see in the distance.

  It was rather beautiful, larger than she had expected. She had been impressed by the soaring ceiling and the interior, especially the many stained-glass windows which filled the church with brilliant light. Ancient family banners hung from the walls, dated back centuries, and were a potent reminder of the family history. Many Trevalians had been soldiers, doing their duty to king and country, patriots all, as well as bankers.

  Yesterday she and Claudia had watched from the back of the church as gardeners had carried in masses of blue and white flowers arranged in urns and vases. The gardeners had placed them all over the church, in windows, niches, and on the altar, which created an amazing effect. Interspersed amongst the urns were tall white candles, taper-like in style, and held in heavy silver candlesticks.

  When she had glanced at Claudia, she had immediately noticed the look of awe on her friend’s face. She herself had been filled with amazement at the finished effect. It was quite unique; the interior of the church had become an indoor garden. The mingled scents of roses and other flowers had floated on the air, obliterating the mustiness of the ancient church.

  Now, sitting on the stone slab, she glanced around, looked up at the clear blue sky, and took in the natural beauty of her surroundings. She realized, with a small shock, that Courtland Priory, this grand stately mansion, would soon be her home for the rest of her life.

  Today was Saturday, June 9. Sebastian and she would become husband and wife on Saturday, September 29. Not too far away …

  An unexpected rush of laughter filled her throat. She, who had proclaimed she would never marry, could hardly wait for the day when she would become Mrs. Sebastian Trevalian.

  Neither could her father, Henry Malvern, to whom she had confided her secret. Several months ago he had met Sebastian formally and had given them his blessing. Her father had been invited to attend Claudia’s wedding and was staying here at Courtland. She had noticed last night how well he had hit it off with Lord Reggie and Lady Jane. This had pleased her.

  Rising, walking back to the house, she couldn’t help thinking that it was quite a crowd staying over. No wonder Sebastian had hired so many outside staff from the village. They were really needed. With a little jolt she realized, once she was his wife, running Courtland would become her duty. But he would guide her.

  As soon as she was back in her bedroom, Alexis began the process of getting dressed for the wedding. Her gown was hanging in the cupboard, and she took it out, looked it over, and intently so. It had been newly pressed by Ellen, her maid here, and was ready for her to step into after she had done her hair and used some cosmetics on her face.

  Her silk gown was by Madame Valance. It was beautifully cut and tailored, with a straight skirt at the front, a flare at the back from the hips down that became a small train. A square neckline and long sleeves added to its overall elegance. It was the color that she loved the most, a soft lavender-lilac with just the faintest hint of pink. Pleased with it, she put the gown back in the closet and went into the bathroom.

  As she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her luxuriant auburn hair, it suddenly struck Alexis that today was a dress rehearsal for her … for her marriage with Sebastian in just a few months. This brought a smile of happiness to her face. Soon she would start a whole new life with him.

  * * *

  Alexis, her father, and Sebastian’s sister, Aunt Thea, were the last to enter the church before the bride. As they came in Aunt Thea exclaimed, “Oh my word! What a sight! The church looks marvelous, and it smells divine. Where’s the mustiness gone?”

  Walking down to the front row of pews on the right side, where the Trevalians always sat, Alexis explained, “It’s been obliterated by the fragrance from all of the roses and other flowers. They create quite a spectacle, don’t they?”

  Aunt Thea nodded. Henry Malvern said, “The light is extraordinary in here. From all of the stained-glass windows, of course. What a lovely aura they impart.”

  “Rainbow hues,” Alexis murmured as she followed her father and Aunt Thea into the first pew, sat down, and glanced around. Lord Reggie and Aunt Jane were right behind her in the second row. She noticed other friends of Sebastian’s, smiled and nodded.

  Several minutes later Miss Allerton, the church’s pianist, started to play. Everyone stood up as Sebastian and Claudia arrived at the top of the knave.

  Behind them were Lavinia and Marietta in pink silk bridesmaid’s dresses, each sister holding the bottom of Claudia’s train.

  Alexis reminded herself that this eight-foot-long train had to be detached from the hem of the gown, once the family photographs had been taken. A clever device had been invented by Madame Valance. Hooks and eyes held the train in place and later were unfastened so that the bride could enjoy her reception without getting her feet entangled in the lace train. It was removed, folded, and taken away.

  The moment Sebastian began to lead Claudia down the aisle, Alexis fixed her eyes on him and never left his face. As they drew closer her heart missed a beat. She felt a rush of intense love for this man. Tall, slender, elegant in every way, he looked very much the proud father. He also looked unusually handsome this morning in a dove-gray morning suit, worn with a white shirt, gray silk cravat, and a white silk waistcoat.

  And of course, he stood out since every other man present wore the traditional morning suit composed of a black frock coat with gray pinstriped trousers, white shirt, and gray waistcoat. All the men had a white rose on their lapels.

  There was total silence in the church except for the music, as father and daughter proceeded to the altar. Alexis turned slightly in order to look at Cornelius. She smiled inwardly. He was staring at his bride in amazement, obviously mesmerized by her stunning beauty, she had no doubt.

  The diamond tiara holding the long veil in place glittered brilliantly in the bright sunlight coming in through the windows. The diamonds on her ears sparkled. Alexis knew they were a wedding gift from Connie. The single strand of diamonds around her neck was from Sebastian. It had once belonged to Claudia’s mother.

  Once they reached the altar, Sebastian took Claudia’s hand and put it in Connie’s, then stepped back. Everyone sat down. Sebastian joined Alexis in the front pew. He glanced at her, reached for her hand, and held it tightly.

  Leaning closer to her, he whispered against her hair, “I can’t wait to be standing where Connie is right now.”

  Because the vicar had started speaking, she could not answer him, so she simply squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. A faint smile played around his mouth. He too sat back and listened as his daughter and her fiancé took their vows and within minutes became man and wife. His daughter was a married woman now and he was pleased with her choice for a husband. She was starting a whole new life and he wished her nothing but happiness.

  * * *

  The reception was in full swing when the bridal couple and their families finally arrived in the pale green dining room after being photographed in the blue drawing room.

  Because there were a hundred guests altogether, the furniture had been removed except for chairs placed against the walls. Waiters walked around with silver trays, offering canapés, champagne, water, and white wine.

  A quartet at
one end of the room was softly playing popular songs of the day intermingled with classical pieces. The chatter was high, old friends mingling, other people introducing themselves to those they didn’t know, being cordial and friendly on this special day.

  Although the long train had been taken off her wedding gown and her veil removed, Claudia still wore her tiara. She looked starry-eyed with happiness.

  Leading Connie by the hand, she brought him over to Alexis, who stood with Lord Reggie and Lady Jane near the French doors which opened onto the terrace. Sebastian was nearby, speaking with the famous trial lawyer, Laurence Tomlin, who was his cousin from his mother’s side of the family.

  Cornelius gravitated immediately to Alexis, and started speaking to her about their honeymoon. They were going to Paris and then on to Monte Carlo on the Riviera.

  “I’m afraid I haven’t been to Monte Carlo,” Alexis said. “But my father has taken me to Paris several times. I’ve given Claudia the names of some of the nicest bistros I know. You’ll enjoy them, and you should visit some of the museums, particularly the Louvre.”

  Connie began to speak about his love of art, especially the Impressionist school, and as she listened to him, Alexis warmed even more to this fine, upstanding young man. She had always liked him from the moment she had met him. He was first rate. Honorable, kind, rather charming in a quiet, understated way, and totally sane with his feet planted on the ground. Claudia called him the no-nonsense chap, and Alexis understood perfectly what her friend meant.

  Now she changed the subject. “Sebastian told me that you’ve really settled in well at the bank. I sincerely hope this move to work with your father-in-law is going to be successful.”

  “Oh, no problems at all, Alexis,” Cornelius said confidently. “Good position. Learning a lot. He’s a great boss. An outstanding mentor. I’m a lucky man.” He leaned into her. “To be truthful, I’m very glad to be a part of Trevalians.” He gave her a sly grin, whispered, “Happy and relieved to be away from my very competitive brothers.”