“You are quite right, my lord,” the butler replied, giving little indication that he thought Nathaniel a complete buffoon, which he likely did. “Master Radcliffe is quite fond of the grounds. Even more so the gardens. He has mentioned his desire to add several new varieties of plants in the near future.”
Nathaniel nodded as he ascended the two steps that led to the portico. “Yes, he has mentioned as much before,” he replied.
Mr. Radcliffe had not been unpleasant with Nathaniel, not outright, but the man had treated him with an indifference that made Nathaniel uncomfortable. Yet, perhaps a positive comment about the gardens would be a way to earn the man’s favor before Nathaniel asked for permission to court his daughter.
“This way, my lord,” the butler said with a bow, extending his hand toward the inside of the house. “Miss Radcliffe is waiting for you in the drawing room.”
With a nod, Nathaniel entered the foyer, where he waited for the butler to close the door and take his hat and overcoat. The walls of the foyer were crammed with paintings. Mr. Radcliffe had an obsession with wealth and took every chance to boast of what he had acquired thus far in his life.
Although Eastwood Estate was decorated with fine furniture and adorned with expensive ornaments, it was smaller than other homes Nathaniel had visited. The size of the house held little interest to Nathaniel, however, for it was not the size of the home but rather the young lady who lived within it for whom he cared.
What a shame her father did not see her as the treasure she is, he thought as he followed the butler the short distance to the drawing room.
“Lord Lambert,” the butler announced with a bow as he stepped through the doorway.
Nathaniel could not help but smile when his eyes fell on Harmony. She wore a white dress trimmed in blue, and although it looked lovely on her, it was the combination of her red hair and green eyes that captivated him. Never had he seen any woman as beautiful as she.
Beside Harmony sat her lady’s maid, Lydia, who acted as chaperon on most occasions, which always baffled Nathaniel. Perhaps the Radcliffes were unaware that having one’s lady’s maid act in such a capacity was uncommon, if not unheard of. Not that Nathaniel would make mention of this impropriety, for it was preferable to having Mrs. Radcliffe in attendance.
“My lord,” Harmony said with a curtsy followed by a grin as wide as that of Nathaniel.
The butler cleared his throat. “Should I bring a tea tray, Miss?”
“Yes, please,” Harmony replied. Once the butler was gone and the door closed, she hurried to Nathaniel. “I am so pleased to see you.”
“As am I,” Nathaniel replied with a chuckle. He glanced at Lydia, who looked down at the floor when their eyes met. “And you, Miss Lydia. I hope you are well.”
The woman reddened and nodded. She always seemed perplexed when he acknowledged her, but he found that treating those in one’s employ with respect and showing them courtesy earned their trust. Not that he acted thus simply to gain their confidence, for, in his opinion, all people regardless of their station deserved to be treated with respect
Nathaniel returned his attention to Harmony. “I have thought of you often this past week.”
Her cheeks reddened quite nicely, enhancing her already beautiful features. “I thought of you, as well,” she said.
Nathaniel drew in a deep breath when she placed a gloved hand in his for a brief moment. It felt as if it belonged there forever, and he decided this was the best moment to seek her opinion on courtship.
“I wanted to ask…” He paused. This was proving to be much more difficult than he had thought it would be, and he had thought it would be arduous. He swallowed hard. “That is…it is only an inquiry as to your opinion and not so much a question that demands an immediate response.” When Harmony tilted her head questioningly, he nearly groaned in frustration. His tongue seemed cleaved to the roof of his mouth! “What I mean to say is that we have known one another for some time now.”
Harmony nodded. “Two years,” she replied. Then she giggled. “Though Mother and Father believe it has only been one.”
When she winked at him, Nathaniel could not help but laugh. They had met while attending a play at the Theatre-Royal in Covent Garden. From there, they found ways to encounter one another, always in the company of others, of course. After her eighteenth birthday, however, he began to call on her in a more formal manner.
“Two years,” he repeated as if in a dream. He shook his head. There was no time for reminiscing! “I must ask your father, of course, but what is your opinion of me requesting to court you?”
Without hesitation, Harmony nodded, her words simple yet perfect to his ears. “Oh, yes!” she replied. “I would like nothing more.”
The room became quiet, the only sound the pounding of Nathaniel’s heart. Or he suspected it could be heard throughout the room, for it certainly sounded loud in his ears.
“There is another matter, however,” she said with sudden seriousness, pulling on her lower lip, a lovely habit he always found endearing. “One we must discuss right away.”
“Yes, I have a point I would like to discuss, as well,” he said. Could they be speaking of the same issue? Yet, when his eyes fell upon Lydia once more, he realized that a confession of love could not be made while in the presence of another, not even a lady’s maid. Not even Lydia. It was too intimate, too sacred, and therefore should be saved for a more appropriate time.
“My father wants…”
She gasped and took a sudden step back, and Nathaniel heard the nearing footsteps in the hallway. As Harmony hurried to the sofa, Nathaniel scurried to one of the chairs opposite, sitting just as the door opened and Halbert entered the room.
No one spoke as the butler served the tea, and once he closed the door behind him, Harmony let out a sigh. “Do you realize the risks I take for you?” she asked with feigned admonishment. “We were nearly caught standing so close to one another that Mother would have been mortified! My name would be ruined if that were to happen, you know.” This made them both laugh.
“I must admit,” Nathaniel said, “it is not your reputation that has me concerned. It is my own.” He ignored the gasp she gave. “A woman who takes such risks will only lead me into trouble and tarnish my name. I fear I shall walk in shame for the remainder of my life.”
Harmony pursed her lips. “I am offended,” she said with a firm nod. “But not enough to ask you to leave. Pray my ire does not build to the point that I must send you away.”
Nathaniel chuckled before taking a sip of his tea. The light banter and the shared smiles — and a list of other things that were too long to note — these were what made what they shared so enticing. As his eyes once more fell on the lovely amber-haired woman, he realized he loved her more than anything he had ever loved before. She knew more about him than anyone, at least that which was in his heart.
The truth was he had kept back some information about himself. He never revealed to anyone how wealthy he was, for he did not want deferential treatment. He was merely a man, after all, even if he was titled.
No one knew he had inherited the vast wealth belonging to the Parker family, known as one of the wealthiest in all of England, for he had seen what such knowledge did for those who did reveal their financial situation. Rather than seeing one for the man he was, others did what they could to worm their way into his life — and into his coffers. Nor could he have a woman feign interest in him only so she could marry into wealth. No, he was not like most men of title, for he wanted to marry for love, not for convenience.
It was not that Nathaniel did not trust Harmony, for he trusted her more than anyone outside his family, but he had become so accustomed to leaving out such information that it came naturally to him. Eventually he would have to reveal his strong financial standing, but it could only add to their relationship rather than detract from it.
There was no denying it; he was in love with Miss Harmony Radcliffe, and he suspected she wa
s in love with him. And although he could not speak of love at the moment, he would now confess the holdings of his estate.
Yet, as he went to make his revelation, Harmony spoke first.
“I must speak to you about Father,” she said. “And of Lord Miller.”
“Lord Miller?” Nathaniel knew the man, and although he got on well with most, he did not trust the Earl of Parrington. When a man believed himself so powerful that he treated others with disdain and harshness, Nathaniel found him loathsome. And the fact the man had his eye set on Harmony only enhanced his abhorrence for the man. “What about Lord Miller?”
Chapter Four
Harmony studied the man across from her over the rim of her teacup. Did Nathaniel know that with each beat of her heart, her love for him grew? Or that she imagined more than once what life would be like if they were married? It was her love she wished to discuss, but with Lydia present, she could not.
Granted, she should not be concerned if her lady’s maid overheard her words, for she shared everything with the woman who was more a friend than a servant, yet what Lydia wished to speak of was much too intimate for anyone to hear. Besides Nathaniel, that is.
That was how the conversation had turned to her worry about the man who would be coming to dinner that evening.
“What about Lord Miller?” Nathaniel asked.
Harmony placed her cup in its saucer on the table. She despised the fact that his handsome smile had dropped, but she had to explain while she was able.
It was no surprise her father’s partner in business had an interest in her - her parents had pressured her to allow the man to call on her several times, which discouraged her, for his gaze would oftentimes linger longer than should have been proper.
When she had informed Nathaniel of this before, he had been quite unhappy. He did not like Lord Miller to begin with, and her news had only enforced that dislike.
“He will be our guest at dinner this evening,” Harmony replied to Nathaniel’s query. “Apparently, Father thought it a great idea that in his absence we have a guest.” When Nathaniel pursed his lips, she considered not continuing. Yet, she was never one to keep anything from the man of whom she was so fond. “There is more. Mother and I spoke today about you. I explained to her my desire for you to court me, and now that you have asked, I have never been happier. Yet, it is Father about whom I worry, for I am afraid he will reject you.”
Nathaniel lowered his head. “Is it because of my wealth?” he asked. “Or rather the lack thereof?”
She sighed. “Indeed. I am sorry that is all he considers, but it is the truth. However, Mother has promised to speak to him and explain that it is you I wish to court me. And for whom I…care very much.” Her heart fluttered. She had nearly used the word love!
“The weather is quite nice,” Nathaniel said, standing. “Shall we take a stroll?”
Harmony nodded, for this was an agreed-upon secret code when they wished to discuss something in private. “I would like that,” she said. She placed a thin shawl over her shoulders and donned a bonnet before accepting his proffered arm.
They made their way down the hallway, Lydia, who was always quite good at keeping them in her sight but allowing them privacy, trailing behind them at a discreet distance.
Once they headed down the stone path in the garden, Harmony lowered her voice and leaned toward Nathaniel. “What is it you wish to discuss? Is it Father?” She rather hoped it was not.
“It is,” he replied, much to her chagrin. “Or should I say that it relates to me not having the wealth he desires?”
Her heart clenched and she came to a stop. “I care nothing for what you have or do not have. Life is about so much more, and wealth cannot purchase everything.”
His smile was warm as he gazed down at her. “That is why I care for you,” Nathaniel said. “And therefore, I must make a confession. I have a secret I have kept from you, but I believe now would be the perfect time to reveal it to you.”
Harmony widened her eyes. “You have kept a secret from me?” She had thought they had spoken honestly about all things. Why would he have kept back anything from her?
“There are those who are consumed by wealth,” he said. “So many would feign interest in a gentleman solely based on what he possesses.”
Harmony nodded, for such things indeed did happen, and often from what she understood.
He sighed. “Because there are those who have an eye for what they can gain, I felt the need to concoct a story about being a baron of low wealth.”
Now her eyes widened further. “You are not a baron?”
He laughed. “I am, but my holdings are not meager. My family is, or rather I am, one of the richest men in the country. My home of Scarlett Hall is the largest estate in Wiltshire, and I am also the heir to the Parker family estate.”
It was doubtful Harmony could have opened her eyes any wider than they were now. “The Parker family? The Parker family of Stratford?”
Nathaniel nodded. “Indeed. I am sorry I made no mention of this to you earlier, but I decided long ago I would not reveal my holdings to anyone until I was certain of his or her motives. When we first met, I was concerned about deceit.” He started. “I do not mean you precisely, but I had already set in place this plan, for I wanted to build relationships on more than my wealth. I must admit, it did not take long before I realized I had nothing to fear from you.”
Harmony found his revelation endearing. “I completely understand. You wanted those around you to care for you and not for your wealth.”
“Precisely,” he replied with a wide grin. “I am so glad you understand. I knew I could trust you, and I cannot propose courtship without revealing everything to you. What sort of future can we have if it is based on lies?”
Harmony felt lightheaded, but not from his confession about his wealth. “You speak of our future,” she said, her breath coming in short gasps. “May I ask what you think concerning it?”
“I thought of you and me and the wonderful years ahead for us, for when we court, it will be only to prepare us and those around us for what is to come.”
Cheeks heating, she asked, “Do you speak of marriage? Is that the future you see for us?”
She could not have been happier. Would her life be as mentioned in the butterfly song and pull her toward the sky?
“If you accept, then yes.”
Although Harmony had been instructed from a very young age in the ways of proper conduct for a lady, any rational thought left her mind. Her heart beat with love as she threw her arms around Nathaniel.
His arms encircled her waist and he pulled her tight. “Let us not tell anyone until the courting matter is settled,” he whispered in her ear. “Once your father agrees, we shall all take a journey to Scarlett Hall so you can see for yourself how wonderful our home is.”
“Our home,” Harmony repeated as the embrace broke. “What a wonderful thing to say.”
“I am sorry for lying to you,” he said. “Do you truly understand why I did?”
Harmony nodded. This was why she loved this man. His heart was pure, his motives noble, and she could not find a single fault with him. “I can appreciate why you would keep such information from those you do not know well. I am glad you find me as one worthy of your secret, but I am also honored that one day I will become your wife.”
“I must ask that you not tell anyone, not even your parents,” Nathaniel said. “Not only would I like to be the one to tell them, but I do not want anyone else to learn any of this until I take my rightful place at Scarlett Hall. It may make things quite uncomfortable for me at Eaton.”
“I promise to say nothing,” Harmony said with a smile. “I will always keep any secret you ask of me.”
Although her day had begun in worry, that was now behind her. Now her dream of being married to Nathaniel would come true. Her father, being the man he was, would be pleased to learn the truth, and once he returned, she would be glad to give him the good news.<
br />
***
“And that was when he spoke of our future together,” Harmony said with an elated sigh. “Our future. Does it not sound wonderful? Our future as husband and wife.”
“Baron and baroness,” Lydia corrected, making them both giggle. “I’m so happy for you, Miss. Have you spoken to your mother about it yet?”
Harmony shook her head. “I have not. We still must entertain Lord Miller tonight.” She crinkled her nose in disgust. “Once he is gone, however, I will explain everything to her.” She sighed. “Why does Father insist on having that man in our home? He is so loathsome.”
Lydia placed the brush she had been using on the vanity table and rested her hands on Harmony’s shoulders. “Your father does what he thinks is best for you,” she said. “Though none of that matters now that Lord Lambert has won your heart.”
“He has,” Harmony said, looking at their reflection in the mirror. Then a new thought came to mind, one she had considered before but never expressed. “My new home will be far from here, and I will require a lady’s maid.”
Lydia busied herself with returning the remaining hair implements to their places. “I’m sure you’ll find someone worthy of a baroness. In fact, I heard Mrs. Renfar is in search of employment.”
Harmony turned to stare at Lydia in disbelief. “Mrs. Renfar? The woman is nearly seventy! Her eyesight is so poor, she does not recognize her own reflection most of the time. Do you honestly believe I would…” She caught sight of the other woman’s grin and shook her head. “Oh, you!” she said, giving her friend a light slap on the arm.
“If you’re asking me to join you in your new home, then my answer’s yes,” Lydia replied. “You are asking, aren’t you?”
“I am,” Harmony said and then pulled Lydia in for a hug. “And I am glad you accept.”
Lydia had been her lady’s maid for the past three years, and in that time, the two had become close friends. Although Lydia was only a few years older than Harmony, the woman was wise, kind, and always willing to listen. Harmony could not have asked for a better friend.
Harmony of the Soul Page 2