by Fiona Miers
Lizzie chuckled at the duchess in amusement. Miss Roslin and a maidservant approached, then placed the large plates of delicious baked treats in the centre of the table. The maidservant quietly poured the tea, and once again moved away.
Lizzie sipped the tea and she sighed softly. “That is certainly is delicious. What blend is that?”
“I am not too certain. Miss Roslin creates her own special blends in the garden behind the tearoom. It is utterly delicious, and I have inquired quite a few times, but she refuses to give away her secret formula,” Emma said with a shrug.
“Rightfully so. It is her hard work and her creation. She cannot simply give it to just anyone,” Kitty shrugged.
They continued to speak of delightful things. Emma’s wedding on the ship on its course to Denmark, the progress of Kitty’s child’s nursery, and although Lizzie only spoke sporadically, she truly enjoyed being in their company.
Then the whispers started once more, and when she heard a high-pitched giggle, the hairs on the back of her neck rose in agitation. Lizzie would recognize that laugh anywhere. She drew in a deep breath and allowed her gaze to shift to her left, her eyes narrowing as she gazed into the dark, beady eyes of Miss Violet.
Violet glared at her for a moment until she turned back to the young lady who sat beside her and rolled her eyes dramatically as she spoke. Lizzie immediately heard her name being mentioned, and her jaw clenched.
“Ignore her. She is annoying and does not deserve any reaction from you,” the duchess stated.
Lizzie nodded and turned away from the sight of Miss Violet, but even for a while afterward, she still heard her name on Miss Violet’s lips. With every passing moment, Lizzie’s anger and agitation towards Miss Violet grew.
“Perhaps it was not such a good idea to come here,” Lizzie muttered.
“Nonsense,” Emma said. “She doesn’t own the tearoom, or the town, for that matter.”
“She does, however, seem to have the entire town wrapped around her finger for some inexplicable reason,” Lizzie muttered.
Emma scoffed and suddenly raised a brow as her gaze shifted to her right.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace,” Miss Violet’s piercing voice at their table caused Lizzie to cringe. “My lady, and the town whore.”
“I beg your pardon?” Lizzie exclaimed and stood from her chair.
“I do not believe I spoke unclearly in any manner,” Miss Violet said with her nose stuck in the air. “You are rather brave to think that it is appropriate for you to come here. This is a civilised place for ladies of class.”
“If that’s so, what are you doing here, Violet?” Lizzie snapped.
Miss Violet laughed, pretending to be amused and crossed her arms. “You are utterly amusing. But it doesn’t surprise me, you are the joke of Somerset. No one wishes to have you anywhere near them, and I don’t blame them in the least. Wives are afraid that you will cast your claws into their husbands, and mothers are hiding their sons as a result of your despicable behaviour.”
“I beg your pardon,” Emma interjected, “but you cannot speak to Lizzie in such a manner.”
“Need I remind you that I am the daughter of the chief magistrate and if you speak to me once more with such disrespect, then you will leave me no choice than to inform my father,” Miss Violet hissed.
Emma, who was known for never backing away from a fight, stepped closer to the young woman and glared. “And what could your father possibly do to me? Arrest me?”
“That would be based on false claims and he could most certainly lose his position as chief magistrate,” the duchess pointed out.
Miss Violet narrowed her eyes and muttered, “Is that a threat, Your Grace?”
“We are only returning the courtesy you bestowed onto us,” Emma answered and cocked her head. “And need I remind you that badmouthing is not an attractive trait for a woman to have. We would not wish for you to grow old alone, would we?”
“You know nothing of me—”
“And we shall keep it that way.” Emma nodded with satisfaction.
“Suit yourself. Enjoy the company of that whore,” Miss Violet simpered.
Emma grabbed Miss Violet by the sleeve of her dress and the young woman shrieked with panic. “Allow me to make something absolutely clear. Lizzie is not a whore, and if you continue to spread lies about her, you will live to regret it, Violet Saunders.”
Miss Violet’s eyes widened, and she pursed her lips.
“And that applies to all of you,” Kitty announced as she stood up, claiming the attention of the entire group of women in the tearoom. “Lizzie is many things, but she is not a light-skirted woman. She does carry the scarlet letter on her breast, and she need not be judged by any of you, as I am well aware of what many of you ladies do when you think the world is not watching. Lizzie is a good person and anyone who conjures a story purely for sensation will have to deal with me. I will not allow the admonishment of her reputation at the hand of hypocritical people.”
The silence inside the tearoom was deafening, and tension hung thickly in the air.
“Is that clear?” Emma snarled.
Miss Violet backed away, like a scared little rabbit.
Lizzie sat quietly, her heart pounding in her chest. She’d never asked the duchess or Lady Emma to defend her so ferociously, but it certainly meant the world to her that they did. And so openly.
“Right,” Lady Emma muttered and turned to Lizzie and the duchess with a smile. “Shall we return to the estate?”
12
Carson was convinced he would certainly never be able to fully understand how female logic worked, it would only be a waste of energy and effort. Women were the ultimate mysteries of the world, and men who claimed to understand them were most certainly delusional.
He tapped his fingers on the leather armrest of his favourite chair, staring out in front of him. The estate had been quiet – much to Carson’s delight – and he relished in the silence, attempting to quiet the muddle inside his mind.
Lizzie’s behavior and words puzzled him, and he didn’t understand why on earth she was upset with him. He could understand that she didn’t wish for him to marry Miss Violet. Lizzie was obviously convinced that they were not a good match.
Carson agreed with Lizzie, of course. He couldn’t imagine living with a woman such as that young harpy for the rest of his life. In fact, he would most certainly take his own life rather than allow that to happen.
Carson ran his fingers through his hair and as he sat back in his chair, the door of his study burst open. His entire body jolted, and he glanced at Adrienne, who stood in the doorway. Her face was coloured crimson with anger, and her wild hair added to her enraged state.
“What is the matter with you?” Carson inquired calmly, preparing himself for a theatrical performance starring none other than his sister.
“I had such a lovely and delightful day at the hospital. Mr. Barrington was released this afternoon. He has made a miraculous full recovery from the fever.”
“That is wonderful, congratulations to him,” Carson muttered, not in the least interested in her tale any longer.
“Thank you, brother. Doctor Richards was very pleased, although I had assured him from the very start that the hospital would benefit from having me there,” Adrienne beamed and glanced at Carson. “As I left the hospital, I strolled across the road and entered the apothecary. Miss Georgia was there, and she told me of a rather dramatic event that happened in the tearoom. I even heard it from numerous people as I made my way back to the estate.”
“I hardly think that this kind of gossip is something I should concern myself with,” Carson scoffed.
“It involves Miss Violet. She was verbally attacked by Will’s new wife and the Duchess of Somerset.”
“What?” Carson gasped. “Why?”
“Some say she made a snarky remark, threatening Lady Emma with her father’s position, and some say that she was entirely innocent in the matter,” Adrienne stated.
Adrienne’s jaw dropped as she was clearly taken aback by her brother’s lack of remorse for the treatment of Miss Violet, and she crossed her arms. “That is certainly no manner in which to speak of your betrothed.”
“I beg your pardon?” Carson exclaimed, shock pulsing through his system. “I didn’t agree to any such thing.”
In fact, he’d declared quite the opposite.
“Miss Violet is extremely excited about the upcoming nuptials. She even sent me a letter to personally thank me for introducing her to you.” His sister beamed happily.
“Did you not hear me, Adrienne? I do not wish to marry that woman. I informed you from the start,” Carson explained and stood from his chair. “Why do you insist that I marry her so strongly?”
“Because is a good fit.”
“No, because in your eyes she is a better fit than whom I wish to marry,” Carson snarled. “I cannot believe you orchestrated this without my knowledge.”
“I did what I had to do. For our family,” his sister insisted.
“You are utterly ridiculous, Adrienne! You relish in my pain and woe just as Miss Violet does. You deserve one another. Perhaps you and Miss Violet can marry. I am certain you will be very miserable together,” Carson answered and rushed past her to the door.
“I already made the announcement, Carson.”
Carson whirled around and glared at her. “You did what?”
“I didn’t think you were serious when you told me that you didn’t wish to marry her,” she said with a shrug.
“Why would I joke about something as serious as that? You know how I feel about arrangements and loveless marriages. It is pointless, unnecessary, and creates more heartache and unhappiness than anything else. I don’t wish to be a part of something like that. Knowingly marrying someone whom you do not care for, or cannot stand for that matter, you’re doomed from the start? I refuse.”
“Mother and Father didn’t have an arranged marriage. Did you know that?” his sister asked suddenly.
Carson narrowed his eyes at Adrienne and his jaw clenched.
She rushed on. “That’s right. They met, they fell hopelessly in love with one another, and they married. The entire city of Somerset was besotted with their tale of love, as they were under the impression that they fell in love after their arrangement had been made by their parents. But it was not true. They only made it seem that way to preserve the relationship between their families. That was how we attained our authority, our power and our wealth.”
“Mother’s family,” Carson muttered.
“Indeed. Her father is the late King George of Wales, and she was a princess.”
Carson stood silently for a moment, allowing the revelation to fully sink.
Tears formed in his eyes. “How are you aware of this and I am not?”
“I was not aware of it until a few years after Mother left. I came across documents in Father’s study. He kept a journal and wrote in it often. He wrote about the Welsh Princess who broke his heart. I also found a document that stated the same,” Adrienne explained.
Carson shook his head. “Mother loved Father, but still she left him. How does someone fall out of love with someone whom they had married and had a family with? Did we not mean anything to her?”
Adrienne touched his arm gently. “Carson, you must understand that Mother loved us both with her entire heart, and we meant everything to her.”
“Then why did she leave? It doesn’t make sense,” Carson asked, his heart tightening in his chest.
“Her parents wished for her to join them in Aberystwyth as her father was terribly ill, on the brink of death. Her father had written a letter to say that since she was the only living heir to the throne, she would be required to move back to Aberystwyth. Mother and Father had a rather heated and exhausting argument, as Father didn’t wish for her to leave, or accept her lineage. He had told her that if she left, she should not bother coming home again. She had no choice but to leave. Her father needed her there,” Adrienne explained.
Carson’s brow furrowed and he shook his head in disbelief. “And the rumours of her and Lord Fitzgerald?”
“Rumours. That was all they were and all they will ever be. Mother loved Father, and she loved us, but she also did what was necessary for her family,” Adrienne answered, her gaze lingering on his.
Carson ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh. The ambiguity was not lost on him, and he nodded. “It was not Father who sacrificed for us, but Mother.”
“Indeed. She gave up her entire life in order for us to live a normal one. She didn’t wish to disrupt us, and when she was needed in Aberystwyth, she gave up everything she loved, including Father and us.”
A tear ran down Carson’s cheek and he lowered his gaze.
Adrienne placed her hand against his chest. “My dearest brother. I understand that Miss Violet is not the woman whom you wish to spend the rest of your life with, but please remember what Mother did for us.”
Carson glanced at his sister and nodded slowly.
“You should perhaps speak to Lizzie. We would certainly not wish for her to ruin your prospects,” Adrienne said softly.
“What do you mean by that?” Carson asked and stepped away from his sister.
“She was also at the tearoom, apparently badmouthing Miss Violet as well. At least she didn’t threaten Miss Violet, or so I heard,” Miss Adrienne shrugged.
Carson narrowed his eyes and his jaw clenched. “I am fairly certain she didn’t. She would never.”
Adrienne rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Do not be so naive. It would not be the first time she had displayed erratic and inappropriate behaviour.”
“Adrienne, you don’t know what you speak of,” Carson muttered. He glanced angrily at Adrienne, and a sudden revelation washed over him. “Of course.”
“What?”
“It is not important,” Carson fobbed her off. “Did Miss Violet harm her in any way?”
“You care more for Lizzie’s safety than your betrothed.”
“She is only my betrothed because of you! I had nothing to do with that decision,” Carson muttered. “I must go see if Lizzie is all right.”
“Carson, do not dare…”
“Or what?” Carson growled at her. “You are the reason why Miss Violet is in our lives, so this is your doing, not mine.”
“Lizzie is a grown woman, she can fend for herself,” Adrienne muttered and crossed her arms.
“That is not the point, Adrienne! Lizzie was there for me when I felt the loneliest in my life. She was there for me when I needed someone. Her mere presence provided me with the comfort and understanding I required at that time in my life. Lizzie has never disappointed me, and it is only fair that I defend her when she is being scrutinised and gossiped about. She is my best friend and she has never hurt me. Or lied to me. Unlike you.”
“I didn’t lie to you, Carson. I was merely protecting you, as a sister should,” Adrienne defended.
“No, you twist the truth to appease yourself, and I will no longer allow you to manipulate me,” Carson answered and turned away from his older sister.
“Think of Mother and Father, Carson,”
He glared at his sister, his pulse pounding in his throat.
“If they had dared to tell me the truth, perhaps, but they do not deserve my consideration at this point,” Carson exclaimed as he stormed out of the study, leaving Adrienne behind.
13
The journey back to Woodlock Manor seemed to last a lifetime. The silence was deafening. Neither Lady Emma nor the duchess spoke a single word in the coach. Lizzie practically held her breath the entire time, awaiting any response from her new sisters. She had certainly not expected either of the two ladies to
defend her in the manner that Emma and Kitty had, and her gratitude spilled over.
Only now, she wondered whether they had only done so to silence Miss Violet, or to help her.
Lizzie glanced at the duchess, who gave her an encouraging smile and it reassured her slightly.
Upon their arrival at home, they discovered that James and Will had planned their own excursion for the afternoon, and the duchess requested that Frances and the maids prepare a delicious lunch for the ladies in the parlour.
Emma suddenly and completely out of nowhere, began to giggle, and within a few moments, it had evolved into a peal of amused laughter.
“Is everything all right, Emma?” Lizzie inquired, wondering if her new sister had lost her sanity.
“I am perfectly fine,” Emma chuckled and wiped a tear from under her eye. “I simply cannot believe that Violet threatened me with her father’s position. Please. That man would not know his left hand from his right.”
Lizzie cocked her head and she pursed her lips, suppressing a smile. “Precisely. Violet is a spoilt, foolish woman. She is oblivious to the ways of the world, and is under the impression that her father’s stature and position in the courts is a valid reason to treat people in any manner in which she wishes,” the duchess muttered.
“But as soon as she is treated similarly, then it is an atrocity.” Emma laughed and turned to Lizzie. “You should certainly not fret over her. She is as insignificant as a waft of grass blowing in the wind.”
“Wafts of grass disperse seeds into the air, allowing for…” Lizzie contended, but her voice trailed as she noticed her new sister’s expressions. She cleared her throat and nodded. “I apologise. I understand what you meant.”
“Are you really fine, though, Lizzie?” Kitty inquired. “This cannot be easy for you at all. You and Carson are very close.”
“We were close,” Lizzie corrected her.
A silence fell over the parlour as Lizzie pursed her lips briefly, avoiding the eyes of the duchess and Lady Emma. “My brothers are convinced that I am jealous of Miss Violet because she is being courted by Carson.”