Catherine passed the rest of the evening enjoying Lady Sophia’s quiet company. She even got a reunion with Mrs. Balfour, who had moved in for the duration of Lady Sophia’s circumstances. Catherine stood immediately. “Mrs. Balfour.” She didn’t realize how nervous she was until she stared into the wizened face of a woman she had looked at with an almost motherly perception.
“My Lady,” Mrs. Balfour greeted. “My daughter told me she has been keeping company with you. I thank you for making her lonely existence a little more bearable.” Catherine couldn’t read the inscrutable expression on her face, so she did the only thing she could think of. She spoke from her heart.
“Lady Sophia has been most gracious in forgiving me of my transgressions. She truly is an honorable woman where I often fall short. I am blessed to call her a friend, once again.” Mrs. Balfour was perhaps more of a bleeding heart than her daughter, because her lip trembled and in another instant, Catherine found herself pulled into an embrace by the older woman.
“Oh! Friends quarrel, my Lady. But promise me you two that you won’t let it come between you again?”
“It won’t, Mother,” Lady Sophia said softly. Catherine nodded and blinked back her own tears.
“I shall miss the both of you whilst I am away at Clearwater,” Catherine told them. The three women sat sniffling and drinking tea for a moment before they broke out into nervous gibberish about what the wedding might be like. Lady Sophia and Mrs. Balfour had grand suggestions, but Catherine nodded and smiled politely to each suggestion, knowing that none of them made any difference now.
When it was time to leave, Lady Sophia saw her off with a hug. Catherine sat in the carriage now, wondering if she would be sequestered within the next couple of weeks, of if she would be able to see Sophia again after the baby was born. She peered out of the window of the carriage, and as the roads flew by, noting the road that separated the White Chapel District and the rest of London’s society. She desperately wished she could stop in one last time and see Claire and Madame Kingston, needing a dose of courage and strength for everything to come.
Lord Chancellor Haddington’s face was buried deep within a paper and the lantern above them swayed dangerously, but Catherine felt a brief squeeze of Thomas’ fingers against her own. Lord Chancellor Haddington was none the wiser, and he had taken to not speaking with Catherine or acknowledging when she entered a room. Catherine could not blame him, she supposed.
Catherine let herself dose off on the bumpy ride out of the ton and into the country. She knew the original plan was to return for the remainder of the Season, after their visit and the solidification of the betrothal. But she still felt somehow like she was leaving for good.
When they arrived at Clearwater Manor, it was well into the morning. They opted to traverse overnight, so that an entire day wouldn’t be wasted. Thomas had informed her father that Baron Desmond was most fit in mid morning and early afternoon, before his health began to deteriorate and he retired to his apartments.
Catherine felt the ache of the journey through her limbs when Lord Desmond helped her from the carriage, and she permitted herself to stare deep into his eyes when she stepped down. Her father continued to busy himself with his appearance, and she felt like he might not even notice once they made their big announcement over dinner that night.
Catherine permitted herself to be led away by Sarah, who was guided by another servant to her guest apartments. There, she was drawn a bath and she let herself while away the hours in nervous anticipation as the evening meal approached. She hadn’t even been given the courtesy of meeting the Baron Desmond upon their arrival. He had sent a messenger to inform them he was predisposed. Catherine lay in the tub wondering what that might mean when Sarah came in and hurried her from the tub.
“What is it, Sarah?” she asked as she rose from the water.
“Hurry, my Lady. You have a visitor.”
“What, here? In my apartments?” she asked, and began tugging clothing on. It was another moment before she was pulling her chemise over her head when boots sounded across the floor. Her head popped out of the material and she was staring at Lord Desmond.
Sarah gasped. “My Lord, you can’t! It’s not proper! If-” Before Sarah could continue her admonishments, Catherine flew across the room in naught but her undergarments, and jumped into Thomas’ arms. He kissed her soundly and she felt there was nothing in the world that she could not overcome.
Sarah sat on the edge of the bed and fan herself. When Catherine was done kissing Thomas, she turned to her. “Well, can you keep one more secret, dear Sarah?”
After Sarah left smiling so hard she looked as if her face would split, she ensured that Catherine and Lord Desmond would be given some long overdue privacy they required. She only returned a couple of hours later to start the process of preparing Lady Catherine for dinner all over again. Only, this time, she hummed to herself and Catherine found the tune catchy, so she hummed along with her.
Chapter 9
Dinner was an illustrious affair. There was partridge, pheasant, and all manner of smoked meats. But Catherine couldn’t eat any of it. She felt like her stomach was leaded, and the only thing she could stand was the stewed tomatoes.
“What did you say your name was again, Lady?”
It took Catherine a moment to realize that Baron Desmond was speaking to her. She cleared her throat. “I am Lady Catherine Haddington.” Her father looked up, mildly interested, but kept his distance. He was letting her bond with her betrothed without his aid. It was just like him. A flare of anger rose up hot and prickly under her skin again as she glared at her father.
“Ah, that’s right. A bit advanced, aren’t you? To be getting married now? But, I suppose that’s what happens when you rile up the tongues of the ton.” Claire quirked an eyebrow and saluted him with a drink in her gloved hand. He was one to be talking about age. He couldn’t move about the manor without the aid of a cane or his personal companion. Catherine felt sure that if she wasn’t already married, she would be feeding him within a year. His hands shook when he lifted his fork to his lips, and he drooled on his chin a little. As she sat staring at him, she felt nothing but pity for the man. He had a sharp tongue to be certain, but at his core he was just a lonely old man with no one to keep him company save the people who were under his employ.
“Well, father...” Lord Desmond began. He stood, and Catherine knew the time had come.
“Eh, boy? Speak up. I can’t hear you.” Baron Desmond turned his attention briefly to his son, who cleared his throat and continued in a louder voice.
“Father, I wish to address the ruminations of the ton.”
“Yes? What’s your daughter done this time, Lord Chancellor? Will I be receiving an irate missive from her Grace, the Duchess of Cambridge?”
Lord Chancellor Haddington choked on his drink and spluttered, wiping his chin with his napkin. Catherine had felt like that when she was first introduced to the Baron, like she was nothing but a spluttering simpleton. But then she recalled the few hours she spent in her private apartments with Thomas. That saw her through the introductions as the Baron appraised her as if she were nothing more than livestock. She had notched her chin higher and looked down on him with a cool aloofness as he commented on her face and figure, and then she had permitted Lord Desmond to escort her to her chair.
“I daresay Lady Haddington has been the epitome of chastity these past few months. She keeps to herself in the house. I suspect her wild days have been tamed out of her, knowing she is betrothed to a man of such notable-”
“Oh pish posh, Lord Chancellor. We both know a woman such as your daughter will ever be satisfied in marrying an old coot like me. Now, what was it you were saying, boy?” Baron Desmond looked at his son and the look fell far short of interest. It surprised Catherine, because he was the only male heir the Baron had.
“I was saying father, you’d best prepare yourself for that missive from her Grace, as well as the wagging tongues of
the ton.”
“Aye? And why is that?” The Baron took a bite of his pheasant, and Catherine hoped the cook had removed all of the bones, because swallowing what Thomas was about to divulge to them, was surely going to make him choke.
“Because I am pleased to announce the marriage of Lady Catherine Haddington and myself as of last week. Congratulations Father, you have a new daughter-in-law.”
Catherine knew the reaction was going to be less than well received. Her father threw his napkin onto his plate and she heard his jaw crack as he clenched his teeth. His face was an unhealthy shade of purple. But the Baron just sat, staring at them for so long that Catherine worried they shocked him into a fit of his heart.
Then he burst into a frightful fit of laughter. It took a solid half hour and many glasses of water before he was calm enough to attempt speech. All the while, her own father’s face went from purple, to white, to a delicious shade of confusion as he watched the Baron.
“Aye, well, you’ve finally done it. You’ve stood up to your old Father, haven’t you?” Thomas didn’t look vexed. He just gave his father a nod and raised his glass.
“To your new daughter-in-law,” he said quietly, but the dare he held in his gaze for his father remained steady.
“Yes, I suppose there would be no question about the legality of the nuptials, then?”
“No, my Lord,” Thomas answered assuredly. The Baron finally looked at Catherine.
“And has he consummated the marriage?” He gave her body a once over. Catherine, accustomed to his brash and crude ways after just the one dinner, smiled sweetly.
“Twice, my Lord.”
Her father, who was taking a healthy sip of water, choked again.
The Baron chuckled and took a bite of custard. “I suppose we’ve been bested by our own game, Lord Chancellor.”
“I have no knowledge of the union, my Lord,” he answered sheepishly.
“No. I don’t suppose you do, what with all of the responsibilities of Parliament. That, and you haven’t considered the ways of women since your own dearly beloved Lady Haddington passed from this world. May she rest in peace.” Everyone crossed themselves and stared at one another.
“I suppose not. I never considered my daughter would be so brash as to do something like this, I-”
“Lord Chancellor, when are you going to learn that it is often not the men of old who decide the destiny of their children, but rather the children who shape the fate of their fathers before them? I am too old to fight this. I suppose we could argue and have the marriage annulled, but to what end? Have you any suitable matches for Lady Haddington other than myself?”
“No. I suppose not.” Catherine waited with bated breath.
“Now that I see them standing there, young, able to produce heirs to the fortunes and foundations we have laid out before them, the more I come to realize, the rantings of an old man such as myself are futile against the strength of a union that I am sure theirs can grow to be.”
“So, what now, Baron Desmond? What shall we tell Society?”
“Well, I suppose that remains to be seen, depending upon the intentions of Lord Thomas and Lady Catherine.”
Both men looked at Catherine and Thomas. Thomas had moved to her side whilst they discussed the pair as if they weren’t even there, but Catherine took strength in the feel of him at her side. She felt like not all would be hopeless if they presented a unified front. But what punishment awaited them remained to be seen.
“Well, Father, we intend to present our union to the ton after the Easter holidays. Then, if our welcome at the townhouse in London is rescinded as well as here at Clearwater Manor, then I suppose we will make our way on our own somehow.”
“And how do you endeavor to do that, when I still control the purse in this place?” his father asked. Thomas stiffened, but Catherine patted his hand in support.
“We are capable of working. I can tutor or apply as a Governess. We-” Catherine began.
“You had this planned all along whether Thomas married you or not, didn’t you?” Baron Desmond leaned toward her, and Catherine stared directly into eyes that matched his sons. They appeared to be on fire under the light.
“Yes, my Lord. I did.” She heard her Father curse. The Baron chuckled when she raised her chin in defiance.
“Yes, I suppose you did. Your hands have calluses. I noticed them when I took your hand upon our introductions. You’ve saved a purse of your own, haven’t you?” Catherine nodded, not daring to divulge where she had worked to save. She prayed the Baron didn’t ask.
“Very well. I see the two of you are resolved, so Lord Chancellor Haddington and I have a few things to discuss in terms of the arrangement and what is to be done about it. You may both wait in the parlor. Someone will fetch you when we are ready to speak with you.”
Thomas looked like he was going to argue, but Catherine tugged on his sleeve when the butler held his hand out to escort them to the next room. Once they were shut in, Thomas tilted her chin up and kissed her softly.
“I’m scared, Thomas,” Catherine admitted. “I don’t know what to make of their reactions.”
He shook his head. “Neither do I. The Baron’s reaction is completely out of character. I expected him to be in a fit of rage.”
Catherine stepped into his arms and they waited. Thomas stroked her back and she closed her eyes, fearing the Baron would find a way to rip them apart and she would never know the feel of him again.
After what seemed like the remainder of the night, the butler returned to escort them back to the dining room. Thomas gave her a swift kiss and a promise. “No matter what he does, I will find you, Catherine.” She nodded, and they walked hand in hand back into the dining room.
She looked between her father and the Baron. Both men held faces of passivity. “I should have known, Lady Catherine. You are so much like your mother-” Lord Chancellor Haddington began.
“Save the sentiments, man,” Baron Desmond cut in. We’ve details to discuss.” He cleared his throat and asked her, “do you know why I agreed to the original arrangement, my Lady?”
She shook her head and her voice quavered when she answered. “No, my Lord.”
“I agreed to it because my own daughter's, Thomas’ sisters, are grown and married. The only one left to me, is your dear sweet Lord Desmond. And he is only here by first protest when I dragged him away as a boy, and then by duty, as I have instilled the traditions and values of Clearwater Manor. There is an estate to run here and I ensured he would be the one to carry on running it. But this left a problem, you see. This left me companionless when Thomas was off erranding on behalf of the Desmond name and title. I agreed to the marriage, because in doing so, it would ensure a companion.” Catherine looked at the man with the spectacles.
“Ah, yes. When Thomas left for the Season, I procured the hired help of Mr. Martin Leonard to remain by my side. Mr. Leonard agreed to the conditions of the companionship with the understanding that, at the start of the next Season, the Baron Desmond would arrange to send him to the University in London. So you see, once again, I would be companionless. This creates a problem. I have no inclination to befriend any other companion, save a permanent one until the day I might pass. And it is a day soon to come, according to the medical doctors. But the point is, Lady Catherine, that was to be your purpose.” Catherine felt a pang of guilt at his words. She knew too well the feeling of bitterness when one that she cared about, or expected to care about, was snatched away from her. “I am prepared to make the announcement that the union of Lord Thomas and Lady Catherine is a most welcome union under this roof if the two of you shall agree to the condition of that announcement.”
“Father, what would that be?” Thomas’ voice was wary, and justly so.
“That the two of you will start your union here and remain until the day of my passing. Then, of course, the title, lands, and standing that are associated with Clearwater will be yours, as they rightfully should.”
“Truly? That is the one stipulation you have?” Even Thomas sounded breathless, like he was sure it was too good to be true.
“Truly. The jest is on you, my son. You know full well the trials of living under the same roof as a decrepit grumpy old man. It’s more likely than not I will beat the odds of the medical doctor’s prognosis, but here’s hoping this old body isn’t that stubborn.”
It seemed odd to Catherine to be conversing with a man who had accepted the limitations of his body and resigned himself to his fate, despite his cognizant abilities still being fully functional. But if this was what he truly wanted, and they would have their blessing, she could spend years roaming Clearwater Manor and never truly learn all of its secrets.
“Father?” she asked carefully.
“He speaks the truth.You will have my blessing if you agree to this condition. We will make the announcement. You will, of course, be given a holidays to visit the ton during the Season, and because I wish to see you. In the summer, I will visit Clearwater. Also, I expect grandchildren. Your mother would have adored them.”
Catherine stayed still, although she was ecstatic to the point of speechlessness. That her father could finally consider the memory of her mother was more than she could have ever hoped for throughout all of this. She turned to Thomas, who was looking as equally as astonished, and they both breathed, “yes, we accept the conditions.” Thomas was about to lean down and kiss her when the Baron cleared his throat again.
A Rogue's Courtship: Clean Regency Romance Collection Page 8