Harmony released Nathaniel and went to sit on the sofa. “I am excited to spend the day with your mother tomorrow,” she said. “I look forward to getting to know her better.” She glanced around. “And this house. I feel as if I am lost sometimes.”
Nathaniel laughed. “I still find myself lost at times,” he replied, his eyes twinkling. Then he turned to Lydia, who sat in one of the chairs across from them. “Have you not had a chance to explore yet?”
Lydia shook her head. “No. I was told to stay with the servants.” Then her cheeks reddened. “Not by your mother, of course.”
He turned to Harmony. “I believe the two of you should explore together,” he said with a smile. “After all, Lydia will soon be a resident of Scarlett Hall, as well.”
“Indeed, she will,” Harmony replied. “I cannot imagine having anyone else as my lady’s maid.”
Their conversation changed to life at the grand estate, and Harmony was glad to move away from the ugliness of the evening’s events. The idea of living at Scarlett Hall, free from the worries and troubles to which she was so accustomed, was a life she was impatient to begin.
Chapter Twenty
The following morning, Harmony stood with her parents in the foyer as they waited for Nathaniel. He would be accompanying them into Rumsbury, thus leaving Harmony alone with Lady Lambert. To say she was thankful for a few hours of respite from her parents did not come close to describing her relief.
“Now,” her father said as he waited for Forbes to bring his coat and hat, “do not burden Lady Lambert with a slew of questions but do remember to take note of everything she tells you.”
Harmony’s cheeks burned. Did he believe she was a child?
“I imagine she will do well,” Lady Lambert said, much to Harmony’s relief. “After all, with such a proper upbringing, how could she possibly disappoint me?”
Her father beamed at the compliment, and Nathaniel gave her a quick wink that made Harmony giggle, which in turn brought a stern glare from her mother.
Once the trio was gone, Forbes closed the door and turned back to Harmony and Lady Lambert. “Would you like a tea tray brought to the drawing room, my lady?”
“Perhaps in a bit, thank you.”
The butler dipped his head and walked away.
Lady Lambert watched him go with a strange expression on her face. Was that admiration? Yet, Harmony reminded herself that Nathaniel had explained how much a part of the Family the butler was.
“I believe we have a few things to discuss,” the baroness said.
Harmony widened her eyes. “Have I offended you in some way, my lady?”
Lady Lambert smiled and put her arm through that of Harmony. “Of course not, my dear. It would be impossible for you to offend me. Come with me.” They walked down the hallway past the drawing room. “And remember, you may call me Eleanor. You are to be my daughter-in-law, after all.”
Harmony could not help but smile. This woman was so pleasant, she could not wait to have her as a mother-in-law. How lucky Nathaniel was to have such a wonderful mother.
They arrived at the library, and once inside, Eleanor closed the door behind her. “You mentioned that you enjoy reading,” she said.
“Oh, yes,” Harmony replied. “I fear I will never leave this room once I begin.”
Eleanor smiled and walked over to one of the two dark-blue chairs. Beside it was a table where sat a small, leather-bound book. “When I first arrived at Scarlett Hall many years ago, Charles’s mother gave me a gift. And now I wish to give you one, as well.” She placed the book in Harmony’s hand.
“I cannot accept such a beautiful gift,” Harmony said as she flipped through the blank pages.
“Oh, but you must,” Eleanor replied. “There is a message on the first page for you that I wrote to the woman who would take my place as Baroness Lambert. Read it later at your convenience.”
Harmony smiled. “I will.” She traced her fingers over the soft leather. “Did Nathaniel tell you that I keep a journal?”
Eleanor chuckled. “He did not. Perhaps I should explain why I chose to give you such a gift.” She walked over to the shelf enclosed in glass. “These journals contain the writings of every Lady Lambert since the first to arrive at Scarlett Hall a century and a half ago.”
Harmony could not help but gape. “How amazing that they still exist.”
“It is imperative that, when you return after you are married, you read them. It is equally important that no one but yourself and the next Lady Lambert read what is written within them.” She produced a gold key, placed it in Harmony’s hand, and wrapped her fingers around it. “My final journal will soon take its place among the others, and one day yours will rest beside it.”
“I understand,” Harmony said with solemnity. “And may I ask what they contain?”
Eleanor smiled. “The men believe they only speak of angry rants and gossip,” she said as she led Harmony to a large window that looked over the gardens at the rear of the house. “However, in truth, they contain many secrets.”
“Secrets?” Harmony asked, fascinated. “What sort of secrets?”
The room became quiet as Eleanor stared out the window, and Harmony followed her gaze. The flowerbeds were glorious from where they stood, the grass greener, and Harmony felt a sense of comfort as she looked down upon such beauty. Yet, she wondered if Eleanor would answer her question.
When the woman finally spoke, Harmony nearly jumped in startlement. “There is no other home in all of England as wonderful as Scarlett Hall.”
“I admit I agree,” Harmony replied. “I have never seen nor heard of any quite like it.”
“It is for that reason that many have been drawn to it.” She turned toward Harmony. “You will find their desire to lay claim to what is yours knows no bounds. Therefore, always do what is best for your husband and children, for they deserve your protection.”
My protection? Harmony thought in wonderment. How could she, a woman, be a protector of her family? She turned the key in her hands. Perhaps she would have a better understanding once she read the words of the women who came before her.
“I will do whatever needs to be done,” Harmony said. “The wellbeing of my husband and children will be my first priority.”
Eleanor granted her a proud smile, something to which Harmony was not accustomed but found she liked. “I have no doubt you will,” she said. “And the Ladies Lambert will be there to help guide you, for they all have done what was needed to keep the estate secure. By listening to them, you will ready it for the next generation.” She took Harmony’s hand. “This home is a beacon of hope to many. Some will be seeking safety, and others will be in search of happiness. Both can be found here if you make it so.”
“I understand,” Harmony said. “There is nothing I would not do for Nathaniel, and I know he feels the same for me. And the traditions of which you speak, those written in the journals, I will use them to guide my decisions if I must.”
The baroness chuckled again. “Pray you do not,” she said as she walked away.
Confusion filled Harmony. What could be written in those tomes that she would pray she would not be forced to follow? Was she to take the advice of those who came before her or not? Also, Eleanor had not answered her question. What secrets did the books keep? Had a man attempted to steal something of value, a painting perhaps, and the woman caught him? Or had one of her predecessors been forced to right some grievous wrong? Well, it appeared she would have to read the journals before she could have her questions answered.
“I am weary and would like to rest for a bit,” Eleanor said, and she did look quite tired. “You may remain here if you would like, and I will have Forbes bring you a tray. I will return soon. Please do not think me an ungracious hostess.”
Harmony laughed. “I would never think you so,” she said truthfully. “And thank you for my gift.”
When Eleanor was gone, Harmony looked over the large room. Although she had conside
red specific titles she had noticed before, now she found the journals calling to her. But no, she would not read them until she and Nathanial were officially married, for it would not be right for anyone other than a Lady Lambert to do so.
Instead, she sat in the blue chair and studied the cover of the book she held. She could not wait to write in it.
***
Harmony turned over the journal in her hands as Forbes poured her tea. She had not yet read the inscription, but as soon as the butler left, she would. Her eyes met his, and she found a kind sparkle to them.
“Nathaniel speaks rather highly of you, Forbes,” Harmony said. “As if you are a member of the family.”
The man gave a brief smile and then stood upright. “Lord Lambert is gracious with his words, yet I am but a butler and nothing more.”
“I will say that I do find you kind and am glad you will remain to serve us after we are married.”
The man gave her a simple nod. “Is there anything else I may bring you?”
“No, thank you,” Harmony replied.
“Lady Lambert will join you shortly,” he said before bowing and leaving the room.
Harmony stared after him with fascination. If she had not been watching, she would not have known he had left the room his steps were so quiet.
Once alone, Harmony opened the book and read the inscription.
To my sweet daughter-in-law,
Forgive me for not addressing you by name, but we have yet to meet and will not for many years to come. Yet, I am certain that whomever Nathaniel marries, she will be worthy of such a description as sweet, for his heart holds a vast amount of love.
It is my hope, and dare I say my dream, that the entries you make in this book are filled with happiness and love. If I am still living when you join the Lambert family, and as you prepare yourself to become the new baroness, please know that you may call upon me at any time if you are in need of a ready ear.”
Letting out a sigh, Harmony closed the journal and set it to the side. Never had she felt more welcomed! She was fortunate that her soon-to-be mother-in-law was such a giving woman.
Taking a sip of her tea, she settled into the seat and thought about what would soon be her new home.
Harmony nearly dropped her teacup when Eleanor entered the room once more. “Once I lay down on the bed, sleep eluded me,” the woman said with a chuckle. “I hope you do not mind if I join you again.”
“Not at all,” Harmony said with a smile. “By the way, I read the inscription you wrote, and I wanted to thank you for such a magnificent gift. I cannot wait to make my first entry. And when I have a son, I, too, shall leave his future wife a journal.”
“That is lovely,” Eleanor said.
Then she coughed. It was not a simple cough but rather a loud, rattling bark that alarmed Harmony. She intended to wait for it to subside, but the woman grasped the back of the chair to steady herself as the cough worsened.
Harmony hurried to Eleanor’s side. “Would you like a glass of water?”
Eleanor shook her head as she clutched at her chest.
“I will call for Forbes.”
Eleanor grasped her by the arm. “No,” she managed to gasp. “I will be fine. This happens when I spend too much time in this room no matter how much dusting the maids do. With all these books, you can imagine why. And it is a damp day today.”
Although Harmony did not feel any dampness nor did she sense any dust, she did not argue. “Perhaps we should go to the drawing room, then,” she said, and Eleanor nodded.
By the time they reached the other room, the woman’s cough had subsided, but that did not stop Harmony from worrying. “When Nathaniel returns, I will ask him to search out the doctor for an elixir for you.”
“That will not be necessary,” Eleanor said with a wave of her hand. “I am fine now. He tends to worry more than he should, so I would ask that you keep this episode between us.”
Harmony studied the woman for a moment. She did seem much better now. Perhaps she was being overly-cautious. “Would you like to go outside?” she asked. “Fresh air may help.”
“I would like that very much,” Eleanor replied.
As they walked together, Harmony considered the woman’s episode. It was not a simple cough brought on by dust or dampness, that much she was certain. Should she keep what she had witnessed to herself or would it be best if she informed Nathaniel that his mother might be ill?
Yet, Eleanor had asked her not to mention it, and Harmony did not wish to upset the woman who would soon be her mother-in-law. She was no doctor, after all, and who better to know her own health than Eleanor herself? Perhaps it truly was the dust or dampness that had aggravated her breathing.
Somehow, however, Harmony doubted that was the case.
Chapter Twenty-One
Throughout his life, Nathaniel had learned that those who wronged others were sent to burn in Hell as retribution for the unkindness they showed in life. What he had not expected, however, was that one could experience that life while he still breathed.
For eight days, he did everything he could to appease the Radcliffes, yet Harmony’s father insisted on more. It seemed the more Nathaniel conceded to the man’s demands the more demands Mr. Radcliffe made. And Nathaniel was growing weary of it all.
They had made plans to go into Rumsbury, where Nathaniel and Mr. Radcliffe would spend time in the local public house while the women went to the millinery so Harmony could purchase a new hat. At the moment, Nathaniel was showing Harmony’s father the stables as they waited for Harmony and her mother to change clothes. And Nathaniel was doing his best to keep his ire under control.
“You certainly did not lie,” Mr. Radcliffe said as he walked down the long corridor, a cane he did not need in his hand hitting the ground with a distinct thunk with every step. “These are some of the finest horses I have ever seen.” He stopped before one of the stalls and patted the nose of a chestnut stallion. “This one here is a beauty. I have always wanted one like this.”
“He is one of the finest steeds in all of England,” Nathaniel said, forcing a smile while holding a clench hand behind his back. “I had it shipped to me from a breeder in France.”
“France, you say?” Mr. Radcliffe replied. “It seems you have many connections in that country.” His grin spread wide with greed, and Nathaniel had to stop himself from taking the smirk away with his fist. “Surely we can work out an arrangement for me to purchase this fine animal.”
Nathaniel wanted to tell the man he could find his own horse if he so desired, but Harmony and her mother entered the stables before he could say the words. She was so beautiful! “I cannot see why that cannot happen,” he said. “A very fair deal.”
For some reason, Harmony appeared sad. What had her mother said this time to upset her? He was growing weary of how her parents treated her, but they would be leaving soon enough. He had to be patient. Nearly laughing, he realized that he could certainly use that as a mantra!
The sound of footsteps made them turn, and Forbes entered the stables with long strides.
“It appears the butler goes wherever he pleases,” Harmony’s mother whispered.
Nathaniel ignored her.
“Forgive me, my lord.”
“Is mother all right?” Nathaniel asked.
“She is resting, my lord, but it seems you have a caller. A Lord Henry Miller Earl of Parrington?”
The name hung in the air like a mist.
“What did you tell him?” Nathaniel asked.
“I was unsure, my lord. He is waiting on the portico. I attempted to explain that you were unavailable, but he was quite insistent.”
“What is that man doing here?” Mr. Radcliffe bellowed. “Harmony, what do you know of this?”
Harmony’s eyes widened. “Nothing, Father. I had no idea he was coming.”
“Well, we will just have to find out what he wants,” Nathaniel said.
He led the group out of the stables, his jaw s
et. The arrogance of that man to believe he could come to Scarlett Hall unannounced was beyond measure!
As they marched forward, Nathaniel’s anger increased with each step and doubled when the other man came into view. If he had not had his back to them, Nathaniel would have struck him! But Nathaniel was no coward to attack a man from behind.
Bounding up the steps, Nathaniel called out to the earl. “Why have you come to my home? Do you believe you can simply arrive at will? Explain to me why I should not simply throw you out.”
Harmony reached for his arm, but Nathaniel shrugged her off.
When Lord Miller turned, Nathaniel came to a sudden stop and those behind him gasped in horror. Dark purple and green bruises covered the man’s face, and his left eye was so swollen he was nearly unrecognizable.
“Lord Lambert,” he said, lowering his head in shame. “I have come to beg for your mercy.”
“Mercy?” Mr. Radcliffe said. “Henry, why would you come here to ask for mercy?”
Lord Miller shivered visibly but never looked up from the ground. “Lord Lambert warned me that I was to never look in Harmony’s direction again. He said that if I did, I would pay dearly. Before you left for Rumsbury, I saw Harmony and your wife in town, and I am afraid I looked her way.” He gave a dramatic sigh. “I am so accustomed to being a close family friend, I did not think.” He looked up and touched his bruised face. “The men you hired warned me that next time they will leave me lame. I came to assure you that I will never cross you again!”
Nathaniel stared at the man in disbelief. “You lie!” he said. “I never sent men after you, and I certainly would not have anyone beat you to such a degree. How dare you accuse me…”
He paused when he realized he was shouting. Then he looked at the shocked faces of those behind him. Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe stood with their mouths hanging open, which was difficult enough, but the horrified expression Harmony gave him broke his heart. Did she honestly believe him capable of ordering such a terrible deed?
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