“I want to apologize on behalf of my parents,” Harmony said as they came to a stop beside a bench. “Their words tonight…” Her words trailed off and she shook her head, shame overwhelming her.
“They do not concern me, nor do their motives for accepting our courtship, and therefore there is no reason to apologize.” He reached up and brushed back a strand of her hair. “I wanted to speak to you concerning Lord Miller.”
Harmony frowned. “He has not bothered you, has he?”
“No, but I did go to speak with him, and we had words.”
Harmony pulled at her lip. Would the man never leave her alone? “What did he say?”
“He seems to have it in his head that he will be the one to marry you,” Nathaniel said. Then he grinned. “Of course, he is a madman, and I know it will not happen, but I told him in no uncertain terms to keep away from you. If he ever touches you again, it will not bode well for him.” Although he smiled, there was a glint in his eye that sent a shiver down her spine.
“I want to thank you for speaking with him,” she said. “Yet, he no longer matters, for I am to marry you. Soon, we shall be away from this place. And far away from Lord Miller.” She giggled and glanced around them. “May I make a confession?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
“I dream of the day we are married, not only for the happiness we will share but also because I will finally be free of my parents. I know I should not speak about them in such a poor way, but I have spent my entire life trying to please them but to avail. I seem to displease them at every turn.”
“My father was quite strict with me,” he replied. “I understand now why, for he wanted me to be as strong as he was. The strain your parents place upon you is far different, so I do not think poorly of you for wanting to leave. I just hope you are not using me to be free of them.”
His eyes twinkled as he said this, and Harmony could not help but smile. No one had understood her the way Nathaniel did. Not once had he ever spoken a harsh word of judgment to her.
“However,” he continued, lowering his voice conspiratorially, “There will be another burden placed upon you once we are married. From me.”
She raised her brows. “Is that so?” she asked. “And what would you require of me?”
He took her gloved hand in his and brought it to his lips. “That you sing with the halls of our home as the desire fills you. That you live life with all your heart and soul and share every moment with me. That is what I ask of you.”
“I believe I can honor that request,” she replied with a smile. “And I am happy I will be able to share it with you.”
For a moment, they stood staring at one another, and Harmony wished he would kiss her. Then Lydia cleared her throat.
“I suspect we should go back inside,” Nathaniel whispered with a nod.
Harmony turned and was shocked to see her parents watching from the window.
“I imagine your father misses conversing with me,” he said with a laugh. When he winked, Harmony laughed, and together, they returned to the house that would not be her home for much longer.
Chapter Fifteen
Eleanor gazed out the window of the study as she had so many times before. For a moment, she imagined her children together, all young and playing outside in the garden.
Those memories were some of the few things in life that brought her peace these days, and she needed it now more than ever. Her heart had grown as weak as her body as her mind attempted to comprehend the news she had just received.
“If the outcome is certain,” she said without taking her eyes off the great oak tree, “I have but one more question.” She turned toward the physician. “How long do I have?”
Doctor Dodgerston heaved a heavy sigh as he placed another tool in his medical bag. “Such speculation is futile, for I cannot say with certainty.”
“Nothing is certain except death,” she said, surprised at the numbness of mind. Should she not have felt a sense of loss? Anger? Despondency? “You have specialized in this field, and it is why I requested your services. Please, how long do I have?”
The man paused in his packing and turned toward her. “I would say six months. No longer than a year.”
The tears were there, somewhere, but she could not weep, would not weep. Her dreams of watching her grandchildren grow to become adults would now be stolen from her, and she could not feel regret, not yet.
Although she wanted to release both the tears and the regret, she could not. She was a baroness, and baronesses did not succumb to such behavior, not in the company of others. Even a physician.
“I am sorry, my lady,” the doctor said. He removed a dark green bottle from his satchel and placed it on the table. “As the pain increases, you will need something to help you cope. This elixir contains opium, so a teaspoon should alleviate any discomfort you may have. It is quite potent, so take it only when the pain becomes unbearable. Understand, taking too much at one time can be fatal.”
He gave her a stern gaze and Eleanor nodded. She understood what the man was saying — there was a way to avoid the suffering if she chose to leave this life on her terms.
“Thank you for coming all the way to Rumsbury, doctor,” she said. “I will see you to the door.”
“There is no need for that,” he replied as he took up his bag. “I can see myself out.”
He left the room before she could argue, leaving Eleanor alone with her thoughts. She gazed out the window once more. Her cough had grown worse, and after Doctor Johansson examined her, he recommended the specialist from London. Doctor Dodgerston had been quite thorough, and although Eleanor did not care for the results, she was not surprised by them.
Worry seeped into her as she thought of the days and months ahead. Her time on this earth was drawing to a close, and she wondered how she would manage her final days.
As the sun moved behind the clouds, her gaze once more fell on the large oak tree, and the memories returned. It was a different garden in this memory and, of course, another tree, but Eleanor was listening to the voice of her father.
“You have great strength, Eleanor,” he had told her. “It is inside you and may be called upon in the direst of situations. Use it wisely and it will serve you well in life.”
She wiped a tear from her eye as the memory faded and footsteps came to her ear. Forbes came to stand beside her, and he placed a hand on her arm. If she heard his approach, he meant her to, for it was more common for him to startle her before she knew he was there.
“What did the physician say?”
Could she tell him the truth? That their dream of leaving Scarlett Hall together would not come to pass? That their time together, the time to which they had looked forward for so long, would be cut short?
She turned to him, and his expression told her that he already knew.
Many times in the past, Eleanor had found solace in the arms of this man. His embrace had always been welcoming and comforting in times of trouble. Yet, this time was unusual, for he embraced her first rather than waiting for her request, and she soon found herself resting her head on his chest.
“Nathaniel will be arriving soon,” she whispered. “What are we to do? I fear…” She bit her lip, unable to finish the thought.
“Do not fear,” he said as he looked down at her. “You are Lady Eleanor Lambert, a woman of great strength, and no trial shall ever defeat you. Especially while I am here with you.”
His words comforted her aching heart. How she wished to tell him what she felt for him, but that fear gnawed at her soul. Therefore, she remained in his embrace and said nothing, nor did he.
She had learned something important over the past year. Sometimes, in silence, everything a person wanted to say can be said without a single spoken word.
Chapter Sixteen
The carriage moved at a steady pace, and Harmony was thankful the road was well-maintained. For two days they journeyed to Scarlett Hall, and having passed the village of Rums
bury, she knew they would arrive soon.
“Do not forget,” her mother said in that chastising tone she was wont to use with her daughter, “you will be required to utilize your most perfect behavior during our stay. Do not embarrass your father and me.”
“Yes, Mother,” Harmony whispered. “I will behave myself.” She was tired of being treated like a child! Once she was married, she would be free of her parents’ overbearing mannerisms toward her.
“Do make sure the boy is happy,” her father added. “It is imperative for you to compliment everything about his home.”
“That includes his mother,” her mother said. “I am sure a lady of her standing will be observing you with careful eyes. I know I would if I were in her place. Do not give her a reason to dismiss you as an unworthy bride for her son.”
As her parents prattled on about their expectations for her, Harmony allowed her mind to wander. They still did not realize how much their greed shamed her. Nathaniel understood quite well that their interest in him had more to do with what was in his coffers than the man himself.
And what of her feelings? Not once had her mother expressed happiness for what Harmony felt for Nathaniel. She would have loved him if he was nothing more than a sheep farmer!
She nearly laughed at that thought, for her parents would never have made this journey if that had been the case.
She looked first at her mother and then her father. Her heart was sad for them. Their entire lives had been spent on doing everything possible to be accepted by the ton with hopes of being invited to lavish parties and to have their name held in high regard. Did they not see that happiness was found in nature, or even song, and more so when one was able to share it with another?
The carriage slowed, and her mother peered out the window and gasped. “Surely that is not his home?” she said as the vehicle came to a stop.
Curious, Harmony leaned over her mother to look out the window, but her mother quickly shooed her back. “Do not be rude,” she snapped in exasperation. “You are already misbehaving! I swear, if you embarrass us…Dear, please explain to her.”
“Listen to your mother,” her father replied. “If you ruin this opportunity…” His words trailed off, and her heart sank. Nothing would ever change.
They waited for the footman to place the step and open the door, and soon Harmony stood at the bottom of the steps that led to the front door. She stared at the home with awe, for she had never seen anything so marvelous. Constructed with massive stone walls, it was very much like a castle with its jutting parapets and grand towers. She would never have expected Nathaniel to have such a grand home. He had indeed done well with keeping secret how truly wealthy he was!
To their left were the stables, larger than any she had ever seen. They must have many horses, she thought.
“What a magnificent place,” her father said. “And to think the boy owns this much and more.” He placed a hand on Harmony’s shoulder. “You have made me proud.”
At any other time, she would have been honored that she had finally made her father proud, but now she forced a smile, for she knew she had done nothing to receive such praise. If only he would see her worthy of more than what he could gain financially.
The door opened and a man with silver hair and fine livery exited, followed by Nathaniel. The latter wore a broad smile, which relieved her worries, as it had so many times before. Oh, how she adored this man!
Behind him came a woman in a deep blue dress who held herself regally. She, too, wore a smile, and Harmony knew immediately who the woman had to be. Nathaniel’s mother, Baroness Lambert.
“Quickly,” her mother hissed. “We are standing here like fools and cannot expect them to come to us!”
Before Harmony could respond, her mother grasped her by the elbow and led her to the large portico.
“Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe, Miss Harmony, it is so good to have you join us,” Nathaniel said. “May I introduce you to my mother, Lady Eleanor Lambert.”
Harmony’s mother began to drop into a low curtsy but shot Harmony a glare before completing what would have been appropriate for royalty.
“Welcome to Scarlett Hall,” Lady Lambert said. “Our home is your home.” She directed the last to Harmony and with a great deal of affection. It was easy to see where Nathaniel got his wonderful character.
“This is Forbes, our butler,” Lady Lambert continued. “He will see that your stay here is comfortable. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”
The butler had a kind twinkle in his eyes, which surprised Harmony. She was accustomed to the stoic, stuffy butlers her parents insisted on employing. One in particular had been dismissed because he became ‘too friendly’, yet all he had done was give her mother a polite smile, and she saw him sacked that same day. Indeed, it appeared servants were treated quite differently here than at Eastwood Estate.
“Very good,” her father said. “Go fetch our things from the carriage.”
Harmony closed her eyes in disbelief at her father’s dismissive tone, yet the butler simply gave a nod and did his bidding.
“You have a lovely home, my lady,” Harmony’s father said. “The finest I have ever seen, in fact.”
“Thank you,” Lady Lambert said. “I am happy to give you a tour when you are ready. I imagine you would like some time to rest and perhaps clean up after your long journey. I can also have tea brought to the drawing room if you would like a refreshment beforehand.”
“Whatever you want, my lady,” Harmony’s mother replied, looking as if she considered curtsying again. “We are happy to do as you please.”
Lady Lambert smiled and placed a hand on Harmony’s back. “I know one thing that would please me,” she said, her voice warm. “I would love to speak with this lovely young lady. Why not have some tea in the drawing room before you go to your rooms? Nathaniel?”
“Please, follow me,” Nathaniel said before turning to enter the house.
Her parents moved past Harmony. If only they knew they looked more like a pair of peasants gawking in awe rather than the gentry they wished to be! Harmony wanted to run away and hide! And they worried she would shame them?
When she glanced at Lady Lambert, however, her embarrassment dissipated, for the woman winked at her!
“You have nothing about which to worry,” the woman whispered. “We all have been overwhelmed from time to time.”
Harmony gave her an appreciative smile. “Thank you,” she replied.
Inside, however, she could not keep herself from gaping. The foyer was as large as both the sitting room and foyer at Eastwood Estate. A massive chandelier hung in the middle of the grand room, and a wide staircase led to a second floor, its railing of oak polished to a fine sheen. Red carpet covered the steps, and paintings lined the staircase, all she suspected portraits of the former Barons Lambert.
“When was your home constructed?” her father asked as he stared at the high ceiling.
“Construction began in sixteen fifty-five, and the first Lamberts took residence in sixteen fifty-seven,” Lady Lambert replied, clear pride in her voice. “Come, we will go to the drawing room.”
Nathaniel led them down a hallway to a room filled with fine furniture covered in exquisite white fabric. With such lavish furnishings, as well as a grand marble fireplace, Harmony suddenly felt out of place. Her new dress, a blue and white striped muslin with white ribbons of which she had been so proud, now felt like one made of burlap. As she tugged at the fabric, she hoped the baroness would not look down at her for her frumpish attire.
“It is not the dress that makes one look beautiful,” Lady Lambert whispered in her ear. “But rather the lady who wears it.”
Harmony smiled, and her fears disappeared. Lady Eleanor was everything Nathaniel had said she would be, and more, and she could not wait to become better acquainted with the woman.
***
After a cup of tea and a bit of conversation, Harmony and her parents were shown to their rooms to
wash up and change out of their traveling clothes. Then Lady Lambert gave them a tour of the house. Each room they encountered seemed grander than the next, and yet amid all the luxury, there was a welcoming feeling about the home.
They ended the tour in the library, and Harmony gazed around in awe once more. Tall oak bookcases covered two walls, and every shelf was filled with books. She imagined herself sitting here perusing the numerous volumes, and as she passed each shelf, she made mental notes of the titles she would read.
One shelf in particular caught her eye, as it was encased in glass. The tomes inside were small, and she suspected they were journals of some kind.
“Do not stare,” her mother admonished in a quiet hiss. “You look like a pauper staring through the window of a bakery!”
Harmony stifled a sigh and nodded before following her mother to join Lady Lambert and Nathaniel, who stood waiting in the doorway.
“Your home is indeed quite lovely, my lady,” Harmony’s mother said. “I believe one could spend more than a week exploring. It is truly the finest home I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. The decor, the finely crafted furniture, all if it is grand.”
“You are too kind,” Lady Eleanor replied. “Although those things make the house comfortable, I must admit it is the sounds of laughter that make it all the better.”
Harmony thought Lady Lambert wonderful and she hoped to be able to spend some time alone with her. How lucky Nathaniel was to have such a loving and caring mother!
“My lady?”
The baroness turned toward the butler, who stood in the doorway. “A Miss Lydia Scanting has arrived.”
“Oh, she is my lady’s maid,” Harmony said. “She also acts as my chaperon when Mother is unavailable.”
Lady Lambert went to respond but she was unable to do so when a coughing fit took hold of her. It had a terrible rattle to it that filled Harmony with concern. If she was ill, she should not have given such a long tour! Harmony prayed that she and her parents were not the cause of that horrible cough!
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