They turned at the sound of the door opening, and her mother entered the room, her pale pink gown worthy of the Royal Court.
Her eyes quickly assessed Harmony. “Do you not believe the earl deserves to see you in your new gown?” she asked with clear disapproval. “Surely you are not wearing that old rag.”
Harmony glanced down at the beautiful emerald-green gown, her favorite by far because it was also Nathaniel’s favorite. “This gown was acceptable for Lord Lambert. It should be fine for Lord Miller.”
Her mother came to stand before her and turned her head first one way and then another. “I suppose so,” she said, although she did not sound as if she agreed as much as she portrayed. She pushed back one of the long curls that hung over Harmony’s shoulder. “These new styles are unbecoming of my daughter. I would prefer it if you kept to the more traditional coiffures from now on unless you wish to find new employment elsewhere.”
Clearly directed at Lydia, the lady’s maid bent her head. “Yes, Madam.”
How Harmony wished she could tell her mother how much none of that mattered to her! She had accepted Nathaniel’s offer of courtship — and his subsequent offer of marriage, for that matter. Yet, the fact her mother was upset already stayed her tongue. Plus, once she revealed Nathaniel’s intentions after dinner, none of this would matter.
“Now, Lord Miller will be arriving at any moment,” her mother said. “We should not be late.”
Harmony nodded. “Yes, Mother.” She shot Lydia a smile and followed her mother out the bedroom door, thoughts of Lord Miller leaving helping her to endure the fact he was coming at all.
Chapter Five
Although her mother had promised to speak to Harmony’s father concerning Nathaniel, her actions thus far indicated she likely had little inclination to do so. She made it abundantly clear she approved of Lord Miller over Nathaniel, and Harmony’s opinion held no merit whatsoever.
“My lord,” her mother said as she sat at the head of the table, “I find the fact that a man of your young age being so successful is a rarity.”
Harmony pursed her lips. Her mother’s fawning over this man was incredible! Lord Miller was more than old enough to have accumulated his wealth in his own right let alone the fact he had inherited most of what he purportedly possessed.
Yet, her mother would not relent. “May I ask how you have done so well?”
Harmony nearly choked on her bite of wild game. The man’s pomposity was large enough without the need to inflate it more!
Lord Miller placed his utensils on his plate. “Now, please, Marjorie,” he said to her mother, “I insist you address me as Henry. You, as well, Harmony. After all, we are all friends now, are we not?”
Wishing to sick up what little she had been able to eat, Harmony glanced at her mother, who gave her a sharp glare. “I suppose we are,” Harmony lied. The truth was she felt closer to the stable hand than to this man!
“As to your question, Marjorie,” he continued. “A gentleman must pursue that which he desires with the utmost passion. He may never stop in whatever endeavors he has begun. While others in my position have taken shall we say a lazy approach, my determination fuels drive, which in turn increases the likelihood that I am successful in my conquests.”
That is the worst drivel I have ever heard! Harmony thought. If he meant to impress her, he had sorely failed. “Lord Lambert pursues life as you do,” she said with a small smile. “That is why he remained in Cambridge and furthered his education, so he is able to increase his holdings.”
“Harmony!” her mother scolded in a harsh whisper. “That was rude and unbecoming of a young lady. Now, apologize to Henry.”
Lord Miller — she refused to think of him in any familiar manner — raised a hand as if he expected Harmony would indeed express her regret for her words. “No, there is no need to apologize. What Harmony says is correct. Lord Lambert is indeed furthering his education to aid him in his business ventures.”
Harmony was surprised that the earl was willing to concede such a point so easily. Perhaps she had misjudged him.
“Although, I fear the boy will find a life of trading wool or raising sheep not only boring but also unprofitable.”
Any softening of her judgment of this man disappeared, and Harmony’s jaw clenched. How she wished to blurt out what she knew about Nathaniel’s estate! That what Nathaniel had far outweighed anything Lord Miller could even imagine! But to do so would break the promise she made to Nathaniel. Plus, she refused to allow him to goad her into an argument.
Her mother, however, found Lord Miller’s comment entertaining. “Wool trading,” she said with a laugh. “You are quite clever, Henry.”
Harmony took a tiny bite, but her heart was not in it. She thought of Nathaniel and his promise to call the following week when her father returned. Once the two men spoke, there would be peace, for Lord Miller would no longer be invited to dinner with the expectation that she be the main course.
“Harmony!”
Harmony started and looked up from her plate. “Yes?”
“Henry asked you a question.”
Lord Miller chuckled. “I was just mentioning that the Windhelms are hosting a luncheon on Monday afternoon. You are friends with his wife, Anna, are you not?”
Giving him a polite smile, Harmony replied, “I have known Anna for at least ten years, yes.” She and Anna Windhelm had spoken from time to time, but she would never consider the woman a friend. An acquaintance perhaps, but friends? Unlikely. It was not that Lady Windhelm was not an amiable woman, for she was, but she and Harmony had little in common and shared even fewer friends.
“She speaks highly of you,” Lord Miller said. “Though, she is not unique in her opinion since everyone speaks highly of the Radcliffe family.”
Clutching her fork, Harmony wished this insufferable meal would come to an end so she could return to her room.
“As it is,” the earl continued, “I have been invited to bring a guest. Given that it is so soon, I suppose I will be forced to attend alone. What a shame, for several key members of the aristocracy will be in attendance.” He stabbed a piece of meat as if what he was saying was of little consequence, but Harmony did not miss the subtle glance he shot at her mother.
Harmony’s mother, apparently not noticing Lord Miller’s trap, said, “There is no reason to go alone. Harmony would be glad to accompany you. If you would like her to do so, of course.”
Harmony’s heart thudded. She did not want to go anywhere with this man, even more so since she had accepted Nathaniel’s offer of courting. “Mother, I do not believe…”
Her mother reached over and placed a hand on Harmony’s arm. “Please, do not embarrass me again.”
Harmony recognized that tone immediately and clicked her mouth shut. When her mother spoke in that low, firm voice, Harmony knew full well that any argument would be moot. Plus, how her eyes bore into Harmony’s sent a warning she could not ignore. It said quite clearly that she had no choice in the matter.
When she looked at Lord Miller, his grin nearly congealed her blood. “If you have indeed extended an invitation, then I look forward to attending with you. I imagine it will be a most enjoyable day.”
“Indeed,” Lord Miller replied, his smile broad. “I promise you will not regret joining me.”
The conversation turned to other matters, but Harmony listened with only half an ear, nodding from time to time to give the impression she was paying attention and smiling whenever the earl laughed.
Finally, dinner came to a blessed end.
“I believe drinks in the drawing room may be in order,” her mother said.
Harmony considered throwing herself through one of the windows. Would this evening never end?
“Alas, I must politely decline,” Lord Miller said as he walked with Harmony and her mother to the door of the dining room. “I have an early meeting tomorrow. A man must secure his fortune in order to secure his life. I am sorry I must eat and run
, but I do thank you for a lovely dinner.” He took Harmony’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I will be here at noon on Monday.” He kissed her knuckles and then turned to her mother. “I will see myself out.”
Once he was gone, for the first time since the man’s arrival, Harmony was able to breathe again.
“I have no doubt that the earl’s interest in you grows,” her mother said, clasping her hands greedily at her breast. “I imagine you will be receiving an offer of courtship from him soon.”
As her mother returned to the table and poured herself another glass of wine, Harmony took a deep breath. “Mother, I have something I would like to discuss with you.”
“If it concerns Lord Lambert, I have no interest in hearing it. We have discussed that topic already, and I grow weary of it. We must wait for your father to return to see how to proceed in that arena.”
Harmony’s heart ached. Would her mother not listen? “You do not understand. Just today…”
Her mother clicked her tongue in clear vexation. “Ever since you met that boy, you have changed. You openly defy me by singing to the servants when I have asked you repeatedly not to, and the coin you gave the gardener last week…do not think I did not hear about that.”
“He has three children and cannot afford to buy shoes for one of them,” Harmony said. “Is it wrong to want to help others?”
Her mother took a sip of her wine and returned the glass to the table without responding.
“Why is it you loathe Lord Lambert so much?”
“I do not loathe him,” her mother replied. “He is a gentleman. But he does not compare to Lord Miller.”
Harmony nodded. “You compare their holdings,” she said. “Well, I tell you that it matters not to me, for I care for Lord Lambert.”
Turning a sharp glare on Harmony, her mother rose from the chair. “You listen to me, young lady. Your father has worked hard to provide us a wonderful life.” She sighed and took Harmony’s hands in hers. “It has been his dream, and mine, that you marry into title and wealth. For you to have finer things for which we could only wish. Therefore, you will attend this outing with Lord Miller on Monday, and I will hear no more about it. Do you understand me? Your defiance and rebellion will end this very instant.”
Harmony nodded, though her heart ached. She wanted to tell her mother the truth about Nathaniel’s wealth, but she had made a promise to him. With a whisper of “Good night, Mother” she considered going directly to her bedroom but thought better of it. Instead, she made her way to Lydia’s room. Right now, she needed advice, and there was no one better to speak with than the woman upon whom Harmony had come to rely.
***
The bedroom allocated to Lydia was small, but unlike many of the small rooms in the attic, it did have a window that allowed her to look out over the stables. A candle flickered in a simple holder, creating a dim glow in the room as Harmony expressed her frustration.
“Why is it when I try to speak to my parents they never listen?” she asked, feeling like a grumbling child but unable to help herself. “Nathaniel has offered to court me, and they do not know. If they were to learn of it, I would be admonished for not informing them of it sooner, but if I do, they will deny his request, I am sure of it. I can never please them.” She let out a heavy sigh and shook her head. “I am sorry for keeping you up so late with my incessant whining. It is just that I needed someone to whom I could confide.”
Lydia smiled. “That’s why I’m here. I may be your lady’s maid, but I’m also a confidante, so please, never feel like you can’t talk to me whenever you need a ready ear.”
“I am glad,” Harmony said. “I feel as if I should be celebrating tonight rather than feeling dejected, but I cannot help myself. I will be forced to attend this wretched gathering with Lord Miller, yet I feel as if I am betraying Nathaniel by doing so.” She threw her arms up in exasperation. “Is there no way I can get out of attending this party?”
“Can you feign illness?” Lydia asked.
Harmony shook her head. “I have used that excuse twice already and Mother grows suspicious.”
“Maybe I can hire a highwayman to kidnap you,” Lydia offered with a grin. “That way you can claim distress.” This had both women giggling, which gave Harmony a bit of relief. She could always count on Lydia to lift her spirits.
Yet, the mood did not last long. “Once Nathaniel and I are married, this will all be so much simpler.”
It grew quiet for a moment and then Lydia jumped up from where she sat on the bed. “I’ve the most wonderful idea,” she said. “Tomorrow, I’ll go to Lord Lambert’s home and ask him to meet you in St. Peter's Park.”
“I think that is a lovely idea, but are you not to go to your aunt’s for the afternoon?”
Lydia waved a dismissive hand. “I told her I might spend the afternoon with her, but I don’t truly want to. The woman complains endlessly about nothing. No, I’d rather help a friend.”
As Lydia explained her plan, Harmony’s spirits rose. By the time they finished, Lydia had given Harmony hope that her problems would be solved.
“Thank you,” she said, hugging the maid tightly. “I do not know what I would do without you.”
“There’s never a need to thank a friend,” Lydia replied. “Now, you should get some sleep before the sun rises. You don’t want your face to become wrinkly and cause Lord Lambert to run away in horror.”
Harmony laughed at the twinkle in her friend’s eye and then left the room. Tomorrow, she would explain to Nathaniel everything concerning Lord Miller - and she would be able to spend more time with him, as well.
As she slept, the thin sheet pulled up to her chin, she dreamed of marriage to Nathaniel and the happiness they would share.
Chapter Six
Nathaniel took a sip of his coffee in the drawing room of his Cambridge townhouse. It was a comfortable home, modern and stylish, and one of many he owned throughout the country. He had inherited properties from both his father and mother’s side of the family — too many to count, really — and although he was thankful for what he now owned, he refused to allow it to dictate his mannerisms.
The competition among men of the ton was brutal, a cutthroat industry that left friendships broken and families trampled all in order to gain one more parcel of land or another investment. Nathaniel had more than enough to provide for him and his family and would not allow his status to control him. Instead, he would use his status for good. Every property and business required people to maintain it. From shopkeepers to servants, all needed an income, and Nathaniel was proud that he paid a very fair wage.
He stood and walked to the window to look out over the busy street. All those people off to their many destinations, seemingly so sure where they were going. And now that he had spoken to Harmony, he felt he could join them.
“My lord? You asked to speak with me?”
Nathaniel turned as Mary, one of his maids, stood in the doorway. The woman was twenty, only two years his elder, and was quite lovely, although not as lovely as Harmony. “I did,” he replied. “I wanted to speak to you concerning…”
Before he was able to complete his thought, the woman let out a choked sob and covered her mouth. “I’m sorry ‘bout the vase, my lord,” she said, tears now streaming down her cheeks. “I’ll work extra to pay for it, I promise. But I imagine it’s very expensive, so I ask that you be patient with me. It may take me several years…”
Nathaniel smiled at the woman. “There is no need to compensate me for what was clearly an accident. I imagine you did not break the vase on purpose. Unless I am mistaken?”
Mary gasped. “Oh, no, my lord!” she said, clear incredulity on her face. “I’d never do somethin’ like that! Then you’re not angry with me?”
“Of course, I am not,” he said with a chuckle. “The reason I wished to speak with you was to discuss my upcoming return to Wiltshire. I spoke with Lord Bentley, and he has offered to take you on as a maid in his home. If you w
ould like to join his staff, that is. Once I am gone, there will be little need for a full staff here, and I know your mother is here in Cambridge. But I would hate to see you without a position.”
“I thank you, my lord,” Mary replied. “I’ll miss my duties here, but I’m sure Lord Bentley will be a good employer.”
Reaching into his coat pocket, Nathaniel produced a key. “I will need someone to clean here once a week. Would you be willing to take on the responsibility? I have already discussed it with Lord Bentley, and he said he would allow you the time to do what needs to be done here. Light dusting mostly, but also whatever else needs to be seen to.”
Mary’s eyes nearly covered her face as he placed the key in her hand. “You’d trust me with a key, my lord?” she asked. “I’m only a lowly maid and not worthy of being trusted with somethin’ so important as a key to your home.”
Nathaniel frowned. “You should not say things like that. I know many men of title who I would not trust, but I do trust you. One’s character is what is important, and your character has shown me that you are indeed trustworthy.”
“I don’t know what to say, my lord,” the maid said, looking down at her hand as if it contained a diamond rather than a steel key. “Thank you, my lord.” She curtsied, and Nathaniel sent her off to complete her chores.
A moment later, the door opened again, this time to Prague. “My lord,” the butler said with a bow, “A Lydia Scanting to see you.”
Nathaniel scrunched his brow. Why would Harmony’s lady’s maid be there to see him? “Send her in.”
The butler dipped his head and then moved aside to allow Lydia to enter.
“Thank you, Prague,” Nathaniel said. When the butler was gone, he turned to Lydia. “What is it? Is something wrong? Has Harmony fallen ill?”
“No, my lord,” Lydia said. “But my mistress did send me with a message.”
Harmony of the Soul Page 3