The Lady's Fate (The Reluctant Grooms Volume II)

by Anne Gallagher

  Ellis closed his eyes and remembered well the reason he did not stop – the sight of Violet climbing up the bank from the stream, her soaking dress enveloping her every curve. Full and lush, her figure stunned him. The kiss he mistakenly landed on her lips nearly sent him into apoplexy. Sweet. Fresh. Innocent. Only human, his blood filled with the remembrance of a long dead fire. Gazing at her loveliness, feeling the press of her lips on his, he wanted to ignite the ashes and let them burn to an inferno.

  He had not compared her to Anne, and he did not feel he disrespected Anne’s memory in any way as he stared at Violet. No, this was something different. Translucent. Fragile. If he weren’t careful, he’d lose her. And he knew he could not lose Violet. Not over something as foolish as lust. Especially as he had Jane to consider.

  Violet’s laughing wet face mesmerized him as she held out the boat to Jane. He wanted to go to her, wrap his coat around her as he had on the first day they met. He longed to towel her hair and comb it for her in the afternoon sunlight. She would lay with her head in his lap and he would read poetry to her. Jane would sleep by their side.

  The daydream caught him unaware, and Manning, as well, when the butler brought in his tray. He had to get hold of his mind. Fantasizing about his nanny, no matter how innocent, would get him into more trouble than he wanted.

  “The Duke is on his way, my lord. Flint ran him down at White’s. Your brother is accompanying His Grace.”

  “Thank you, Manning. That will be all.” Haverlane uncovered his dish. Vegetable stew. He wanted cherry pie.

  *****

  Violet tried to be bright for Jane, but for the next few weeks remained as despondent as the little girl was. Haverlane’s departure cast a pall around the manor that no biscuit seemed to cure. Violet received letters from her family, but they did not cheer her, only depressed her more. What had she given up by staying with Jane?

  My Dearest Vee – 19 October

  I am living a fairy tale to be sure. I do so wish you could be here with me as I traipse through the parties, dinners, and balls. It is quite how I pictured Heaven. I have met so many engaging people, their manner so polite, and amenable.

  I have had the pleasure of meeting your Haverlane several times. He seems so severe, I dare say how you put up with him is a small measure of accomplishment, I suppose. However, he does present a very pretty picture when he is smiling.

  Tell me dearest, can you give no account when you shall be returning? I so long for your company. I have met several new acquaintances and I should be obliged to introduce you to one most affable gentleman in particular.

  He is of good family, and has very pretty manners. He favors me with the Allemande, which, as you know is my favorite dance. I swoon to think that perhaps next summer I may be married.

  Waiting to see you again has become torture. I have been keeping a diary for you for all you have missed. In addition, notes for your come-out next spring. There is so much to learn.

  Dearest, take good care. I hope this letter finds you in health. I miss you.

  Your loving sister –

  Lilly

  Dear Sister – 19 October

  I wish you to come away from there. Lilly is turning into the veriest shrew now she has so many new gowns to flaunt. You must come back. You are the only person in the whole family who will make her stop. Not even Mama seems to care. She says it is Lilly’s due.

  How long must you remain? May I visit? I so long to be away from Lilly. It is not that I do not love her, I must confess, I do not like her so very much. Please dear sister, write and say I may visit.

  Your own sister who loves you –

  Camelia

  Dearest Violet – 19 October

  I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. Haverlane has given me your letter and explained his Cousin Phyllidia not arriving. I dare say I thought you would be eager to return to Town so that you may be presented with Lilly. I appreciate not turning your back on your responsibilities. However, do not forget the responsibilities to your own family.

  As you know, it is impossible for me to leave London with Lilly scampering about Town. Camelia has made her request to visit you and I have consented. I shall send her down to you in a sennight.

  Please, take very good care. I do not know when next we shall meet.

  Your loving Mother –

  Violet dared not write to her family just yet. She knew not what to say to them. However, now, after reading her letters, she did want to speak with Haverlane.

  My Dear Marquess – 23 October

  My sister has written and I must declare I am worried. Her letter overflowed with the description of an affable young man. However, she did not tell me his name. I know it is Lilly’s fondest wish to give my mother comfort knowing she will be well looked after.

  However, I believe my sister would settle for someone less than she deserves and I do not know if she is aware enough of the ways of the modern world to make a decent match. My sister is bewitching and I can understand how a man should come to fall in love with her, but she is a gently bred woman, and I worry for her well-being.

  I fear what would become of us if scandal linked to my mother’s house.

  I do not wish to trouble you, and I flatter myself to think that you would help me. Nonetheless, it is my avowed hope that you will look upon my sister in a familial light, and should she or my mother need guidance, you would provide it for them. I am not asking you to play matchmaker, only that when you are about Town, if you could keep an eye out for her and any unwanted attentions. I will be forever in your debt.

  Yr. Obd. Svt.

  Lady Violet

  To Violet, it seemed as if the world stopped spinning before she heard from Haverlane. She and Jane kept busy by gathering apples from the orchard and making pies. Tiresome and tedious, it helped to whittle away the empty hours. Finally, his letter arrived.

  My Dearest Lady Violet – 30 October

  Forgive me for not responding sooner. I was in Trilling for the nuptials of my brother William and have only just returned to Town.

  I will report I have seen your mother and Lilly. They are in excellent health. The talk was of your sister making her first at Almack’s for the Little Season – an impressive debut. Your mother informs me your sister Camelia is on her way to Fairhaven. I am glad you will have company.

  Permit me to quell your fear over your sister’s choice of beau. I believe the gentleman she spoke of is young Viscount Welbey. He is the son of the Earl of Greyson, and has his own pretty estate to recommend him. I shall say it appears to be a favorable match.

  The Prince has kept me busy since my return and I have shared with him your views and ideas. He is well pleased his mother had a hand in raising such a fine young woman who can appreciate her people. Are you acquainted with His Highness? I confess I do not know the nature of your arrangement with the Queen, only that your family lives among the household. Pray, if you would be so kind as to enlighten me.

  Please give Jane her father’s deepest affections. I dare say I do not think I will be able to return before Christmas. Her Royal Highness, Princess Amelia, has grown progressively worse in her illness and there seems to be nothing for it, save wait for the inevitable. His Royal Majesty is slowly succumbing to his madness and the Prince is beside himself with grief. There is much to be done if George is to become Regent, and I must attend to the matters at hand.

  Thank you for your help with my departure. It is hard for us both. I wish I did not have to leave Jane. My heart breaks when I remember her tears. My only solace is that she is with you. I pray this missive finds you and Jane in excellent health. Please give my daughter a kiss from me.

  I remain, Your

  Haverlane

  Violet was happy for her sister. It seemed Lilly was well looked after and Violet needn’t worry. She was also glad Haverlane could get back to Parliament. The day in his library assured her, he was as good an orator as her mother mentioned. As for the Prince, he
would always need someone to hold his hand. Poor George. He would never get the respect he deserved and it was unfair. He had wonderful ideas to make the country stronger, better, cohesive. Why could none of the Lords see that? The mockery they made of him was indecorous. She prayed Haverlane could somehow make things a little easier for him.

  Violet found time the next day to answer Haverlane’s question.

  My Dear Marquess – 31 October

  Thank you for taking the time to assuage my fears about my sister. I am glad you approve her choice. I am sure this will alleviate my mother’s apprehension.

  As to your question pertaining my involvement in the Majesty’s house –

  My father began his career under the tutelage of Sir Joseph Banks and Mr. William Aiton when our good King saw to the reorganization of the Palace Gardens. He became an especial acquaintance to Queen Charlotte, whom as you know, loves all things floral.

  His Majesty made my father Master of the Gardens in 1790. He met and married my mother the following year.

  In working under Sir Banks and the elder, Mr. Aiton, my father believed that finding new species was the only way to make the Gardens grow, as it were. With the Majesty’s blessing, he and Mr. William Townsend Aiton, the younger, went on trips to secure unusual flowers for Kew Gardens and the Palace conservatory. Unfortunately, on his last trip in 1799, he did not return. There was a shipwreck and although there were survivors, they could not account for my father. The wreck itself happened off the coast of Gibraltar and Queen Charlotte did send a search party, but alas, they did not find him. William Townsend Aiton has become Master of the Gardens in my father’s absence.

  Over the years of their marriage, my mother and father both held a special place in the Queen’s heart, and when she realized we were now fatherless, she usurped us into her household. My mother received the title, Keeper of the Flowers. For that small stipend and our house, she now keeps the flowers in the Palace conservatory as well as table flowers for the Queen herself. My mother is also an herbalist and does the Queen great good when she is ill.

  As to Prince George – he has always been a special friend to me. One day, while playing in the gardens with my sisters when we were children, I stuck myself with a mighty thorn. I was afraid of the blood, you see, and my sisters would dare not disturb my mother for the wound. We were not to be playing we were to be studying.

  George found me in my blooded, crying state and was ever so patient. He dried my tears, and removed the thorn. Throughout the years, Dear Prince George has taken it upon himself to keep me in mind and has written me thoughtful letters on occasion. I do feel for him and the difficulties he now faces.

  As you know, the Prince is a brilliant, learned, artistic man, who has the most innovative ideas to support our country. It is unfortunate Parliament will not allow him the freedom to evolve into the Monarch I know he could be. I feel sorry for George, but I can see how his dissipation and lack of control came about. He is not allowed to use his mind. King George educated his children with the best scholars and tutors so they would never have to suffer the indignity of looking foolish or inept.

  However, everything George tries to do is turned away. No one listens to him. They think him a drunken, randy sot, who would have trouble making decisions. I ask you, my lord, if you were not allowed to implement your ideas, would you not rebel?

  I am sure you have seen how capable he is. I do so wish Parliament would lend an ear to his desires, which in some ways could be interpreted as demands. However, as George was raised as a Prince to become King, of course, his desires are demands. One cannot fault him for his upbringing. Forgive my dissertation where George is concerned. I feel he is greatly misunderstood.

  Thank you again, for your kindness to my sister and my mother. I am glad they are under your notice.

  Jane is doing very well with her limited studies. She enjoys our painting lessons most especially. She wears the colors more often than the canvas.

  Yr. Obd. Svt.

  Lady Violet

  Several days later, Jane and Violet returned from a trip to the vicarage and Violet noticed a letter on the front hall table. Curious, she found her sister Lilly’s handwriting. She imagined Lilly far too busy to write with all her promenading about Town.

  When she laid Jane down for her nap, Violet read her sister’s letter.

  My Dear Vee– 2 November

  I cannot tell you how much I enjoy being out in company. I have met the veriest of agreeable ladies and gentlemen. There are so many entertainments it is hard to keep track of them all. My dear, dear, Violet, you must come home and partake in the diversion. Let old Haverlane find himself a new nanny and let you come away to us.

  Although, I think that day will not be far advanced. I have seen Haverlane keeping company with the widowed Lady Baxter. He dances at least one dance with her and she remains by his side when he is out. It seems the gossipmongers have decided they will make a good match as she is young, beautiful and now has old Baxter’s fortune.

  But I do not wish to bore you with the life of your employer. Only that you should know your time at Fairhaven may be close to an end.

  Mama says Camelia has gone to Fairhaven because I will not stop talking about my new dresses. I do not know where Mama received the funds, but they are the most beautiful creations I have ever worn. The softest silk and velvet to be sure. I wish you would come home and share in this good fortune.

  I so wish you to meet Welbey among all things. Mama has heard he is a most gentlemanlike gentleman and says I may encourage him subtly if it is my wish. I do not know what that means, but I so want you to meet him and tell me your view. I cannot wait for you to come back. It will be an age. But I do so want your opinion. If you shan’t like him then I shan’t marry him. If he should ask, however, if he would ask, I will say yes. I know you will love him dearly and be proud to call him brother.

  Mama made mention we may come to you at Christmastide. Surely, you wish to be at home with your own family. Cannot Haverlane take care of his own child until Twelfth Night? Dearest, suppose Welbey wishes me to go with him to his parents for the holidays? I will not see you, and you will not meet him. Please convince Haverlane he must let you go. I long to see you.

  Please write and tell me how you are.

  Your most loving sister –

  Lilly

  Violet put down the letter and buried her face in her hands. Haverlane and Lady Baxter? Who was she? Lilly said she was beautiful, but was she kind? Did she have children? Did she want children? Panic gripped her. What if Lady Baxter didn’t like Jane? That was ridiculous, who could not like Jane? She was a delightful child with very happy manners.

  How long would it be before Haverlane and this, Lady Baxter married? What would happen to her? Why, she would go home, of course, although, to own the truth, Violet hoped never to leave Jane and Fairhaven. The simple life she lived with Jane left her satisfied and happy. She did not think she could bear to part with them. Dare she admit, parting from Haverlane as well would be a cruel fate.

  Chapter Eight

  24 December 1810

  Fairhaven

  Christmas had always been Violet’s favorite time of year at the Palace. Queen Charlotte had brought the German tradition of Yuletide decorations with her when she married King George and scattered dozens of tiny pine trees throughout the common rooms, and hung them with bells, ribbons, and little sugar candies. She and her sisters had always helped to decorate them. Golden ribbons hung from the curtains, and pine boughs on the mantles released the smell of the forest throughout the palace. With Princess Amelia’s death, realization at the loss of such a beloved tradition made Violet weep. But perhaps she could make one of her own, right here. She would consult with Grennan and they would find a way to make it so.

  She waited daily for Haverlane. Surely, he would not disappoint Jane at Christmas. But there had been no word from Town, either in his coming to Fairhaven, or their removing to Town for the holidays. Snow ha
d fallen and bad weather had shaken the windows, however, the roads had been clear for some time. Was it Prince George or Lady Baxter who kept him away?

  *****

  Ellis stormed up the hall, not bothering to leave his coat and gloves with Manning. Damn Prinny! The scowl on his face made the footman he passed take a step back as Ellis thundered by. Slamming the door behind him, he threw his gloves and greatcoat on the chaise, and made his way to the liquor table. He poured himself a brandy, turned, and strode to the fireplace.

  A knock sounded at the door. Manning stepped into the room.

  “What shall I tell Mr. Corbett, my lord?”

  Ellis looked at his butler. If it had not been for George taking so long in trying to make his drunken point, he would have been well on his way to Fairhaven by now. Stepping out from Carlton House, the snow had been light and Ellis hadn’t thought anything of it. By the time he had gone three blocks however, it seemed he had traveled to a northern clime. The snow had progressed to an alarming state and he was not the sort of man who needlessly endangered his cattle. No matter how much he wanted to spend Christmas with his daughter.

  He would have to comfort himself with the knowledge Jane would be spending Christmas with Lady Violet, Mrs. Jeffers, and Grennan. He would see her after the storm. Ellis heaved a sigh.

  “Tell Corbett to keep the horses in the barn. We shall not be traveling tonight.”

  *****

  Violet heard the sound again and threw off the covers. Fumbling for the matchbox on the nightstand, she lit the candle and hastily put on her robe. Not bothering with the ties, or her slippers, she took the candle, and stepped out to the darkened hallway. Lighting the candle on the hall table, she listened.

  Jane’s laugh echoed from the first floor. Violet ran down the stairs, her night robe floating behind her. Her feet were cold as she ran across the parquet in the hall.