The Colonel's Spinster: A Regency Romance (Tragic Characters in Classic Literature)

by Audrey Harrison

  He set off at a run.

  *

  Prudence could not see the gates, but she saw the number of people surging into the yard. She stepped back away from the window, for some reason not wishing to be seen. Watching at a discreet distance, she became more concerned as the noise increased.

  Starting to pace the office from one side to the other, she jumped in alarm at the first sound of smashing glass. The voices had risen shortly beforehand, and she knew without doubt that the situation had changed.

  Choking back a sob of fear, not for herself, but that her father and two of his loyal workers were amongst whatever was going on, she started to search her father’s drawers.

  Surprised but pleased, she found a gun tucked away in the bottom drawer of his desk. With shaking hands she managed to load the gun and prime it, before looking out the window once more.

  Not able to see enough of what was happening, she took up a place behind her father’s chair and waited.

  Time seemed to slow down, but moment after moment seemed to bring the noise of the destruction ever closer. Voices rose and cried out, but nothing was clear to her. She had never felt so out of control of events in her life, and she just hoped that no one would think of starting a fire.

  If they did, all hope would be lost, for she would never get out of the building alive. Yet, she knew that for the present, being behind a locked door was safer than trying to make her escape.

  Hearing footsteps running outside the office, she stood straighter and pointed the gun at the door. Wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead before putting her other hand on the gun to steady it, she silently cursed herself for her feebleness. She was descended from tough, hard-working stock. She would not allow fear to overtake her.

  Standing still, she watched the door.

  The rattle of the doorknob made her swallow.

  “Prudence, are you inside?” Fitzwilliam shouted from beyond the door.

  “Fitzwilliam!” Prudence cried, hardly able to believe whose voice was calling to her.

  “Yes! It is I! Open the door!” Fitzwilliam demanded.

  Prudence put the gun onto the desk and ran to the door. Flinging the wooden structure open, she did not wait for Fitzwilliam to enter the room but fell into his arms.

  Fitzwilliam staggered a little at the force with which she flung herself at him, but he wrapped one arm around her, keeping his sword out of the way with his other. Kissing her hair, he squeezed her tightly.

  “I thought they might have reached you. I feared you’d been discovered,” he said into her hair. “I wanted to kill everyone in that yard to get to you.”

  Prudence laughed with a sob in her voice. “I wanted to leave but I’d promised Papa. Have you seen him?” Keeping her arms around his neck she pulled back a little to look him in the eye.

  “He’s downstairs. He has been hurt, but he is alive,” Fitzwilliam said. There was no point in hiding the truth from her, having no idea how Mr. Bamber was.

  “No! I must go to him!” Prudence said, rushing into the office and grabbing the gun.

  “And what do you think you are going to do with that?” Fitzwilliam could not stop the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

  “It is in case anyone gets in our way,” Prudence answered.

  “Give it to me. I think I will feel safer knowing my hands are shaking a little less than yours.”

  “Beast.” Prudence handed Fitzwilliam the gun. Her hands were indeed still shaking, and she would more than likely have shot herself in the foot than injured anyone else, but it did not lessen the urge to see her father.

  “Keep behind me,” Fitzwilliam instructed as they started to move across the loom floor.

  “Is there much destruction?” Prudence asked as they walked.

  “I don’t know. I think a lot of windows have been broken, but it does not matter. Material things can be replaced. You and your father are all that matter to me.”

  His words warmed her insides, which had been chilled throughout her ordeal. She positioned herself so he shielded her, her hand on his shoulder so he knew she was there. They walked outside in their odd convoy, Fitzwilliam pushing away anyone who dared to come near him. Having his sword in one hand and a pistol in the other tended to put most people off. They veered around him.

  As he approached the gate, he breathed a relieved sigh that there were two more cavalry officers in the gate area of the mill. He called to them, and they looked in surprise at him.

  “Preparing for a real battle?” one of the men asked when seeing how he was armed.

  “The mill owner has been injured, and his daughter was trapped in the mill,” Fitzwilliam explained, tucking the pistol into his belt.

  “Good God.”

  “Exactly. We need this area cleared and the gates secured. Mr. Bamber only opened the gates because people were being crushed. He’s been attacked for being considerate. I would like to flog everyone in this damned yard,” Fitzwilliam said.

  “You get him home. We will sort this out,” the second officer said. The grim line in which his lips were compressed made Fitzwilliam think that a few of the strikers would have sore heads by morning.

  “I should stay,” Prudence said quietly.

  “No. They have said they will take over, and they will. The important thing is to get you both home.”

  Prudence crouched near her father when they reached him. He was conscious, which was a huge relief to Fitzwilliam. He had feared the worst but hadn’t wished to frighten Prudence.

  Mr. Bamber was groggy and in pain, but he was helped into his carriage, which was brought through the crowds, escorted by the two baton-wielding cavalry men.

  “There you go, sir! Safe journey home. Don’t worry about a thing! All will be right and tight here!”

  Not seeming to be aware of what was going on around him, Mr. Bamber was helped into the carriage by Mick and Fitzwilliam. Fred was atop the vehicle, bracing himself for what would be a perilous journey, however necessary.

  Prudence climbed in behind her father and forced him to lie down, putting his head on her knee.

  “If there is any change in him, let me know. I will be riding by your side the whole way home,” Fitzwilliam said before closing the door on them. Turning to Mick he nodded his head. “Thank you for what you’ve done this evening in protecting Mr. Bamber. You probably saved him from being trampled. You will not be left alone until the site is perfectly secure and everyone has been dispersed.”

  “Thank you, sir. Tell Mr. Bamber not to worry. I shall remain here all night,” Mick said.

  “Good man.” Fitzwilliam climbed onto his horse and indicated to Fred to drive the carriage. He had no idea how long it was going to take them to get home, but he would have no compunction about trampling over anyone who tried to maliciously stop them.

  Chapter 23

  The house was thrown into activity the moment the carriage came to a halt outside the door. Prudence suspected there had been a watch looking out for them.

  Many hands helped Mr. Bamber to his chamber, and his valet undressed him and settled him in his bed before the doctor arrived.

  After checking him over and administering some laudanum and waiting until it took effect, he turned to Prudence who had been present in her father’s chamber since the doctor arrived.

  “I am confident there will be no permanent injury or effects. He has had a knock, and although it stunned him for a while and he will have a lump for days, I am sure he will be his usual self in a day or two. Make him rest at least for a day and then he can start to move around his chamber. I suggest a week before he returns to work. Just to be on the safe side.”

  “Oh, dear. He has never had so much time away from the mill,” Prudence said.

  “Tell him I insist,” the doctor said with a smile.

  “That might not be enough.”

  “It would be wise to allow the swelling to go down. He could cause further problems if he ignores my advice.”

  “I wi
ll ensure he abides by it,” Prudence assured him, showing him out the door.

  When the doctor left, she went into the drawing room and was glad to see Fitzwilliam waiting there.

  “How is he?” Fitzwilliam asked, standing as Prudence entered the room.

  “He should be fine if he takes the next week off and rests.”

  Fitzwilliam laughed. “Good luck with that.”

  “Exactly! How the devil am I going to persuade him to do that?”

  “Language, Prudence! What would Aunt Catherine say?”

  “She would think me the lost cause I am.”

  “How are you? Did you get the doctor to check you over as well?”

  “No. I am perfectly well. It just keeps replaying like some sort of waking nightmare. What if you had not arrived when you did? What if father had received further injuries?”

  Fitzwilliam crossed the space between them and enfolded her in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder with relief. “The imagined outcomes will pass,” he said, gently rubbing her back.

  “I could have lost him,” Prudence choked out. “I would have been alone.”

  Fitzwilliam pulled away from her slightly. “You didn’t lose him, and even if you had, you would not have been alone. I am here. I will always be here.”

  “Oh, Fitzwilliam! Have I been foolish in my criticism of you? Was I being unfair?” Prudence asked, feeling as if she were no longer sure of anything.

  “I let you down. I understand that,” Fitzwilliam said gently. “I am going to make sure I spend every day convincing you that I am worth another chance. Because I am. We are.”

  “It would be so easy to fall back to how we were,” Prudence said. “All I want is to remain within your arms, but there are too many hurdles to overcome.”

  “Shhh, you aren’t thinking straight after what has happened today. Just take comfort. Do not make decisions about your future just yet. There is lots of time.” Holding her close once more, he continued to rub her back gently until the tension started to ease from her shoulders. When she felt completely relaxed, he once more moved away slightly. When she grumbled at his actions, he smiled. “I need to return to Manchester.”

  “Oh, no! Don’t go! You will be in danger again,” Prudence said. The misty look had disappeared from her expression, which was now all concern at his words.

  “I have to go, but I promise I shall be safe. Might I visit first thing in the morning?”

  “Of course. Please be careful.”

  “I will.” Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her lips gently. “I love you, Prudence. Just for being you. Never forget that.”

  *

  Prudence awoke late in the morning. She had fallen asleep hours after going to bed, and she had a throbbing headache pounding at her temple, making her wince as she was helped to dress. Checking on her father, she was told he had been awake, but although he had eaten a little, he’d fallen asleep soon afterwards.

  She entered the breakfast room to find Mr. Huxley and Fitzwilliam waiting for her. She smiled wanly. “Good morning to you both,” she said.

  “Come. Sit down. You look fit to drop,” Fitzwilliam said. “Sleep elude you, did it? I thought it might.” Busying himself in getting her a drink and some foodstuffs, he chatted cheerfully. “The mob had all but dispersed by the time I returned. There have been a number of arrests among miscreants, who will be appearing before the magistrates this morning.”

  “I need to go to the mill,” Prudence said.

  “About that,” Fitzwilliam said bringing a plate to her and taking the seat next to her.

  “Why am I suddenly worried?”

  “Wretch! Have you no faith in us?”

  Prudence took a sip of her tea and looked at the two indignant expressions staring at her. She laughed. “Fine. I have every faith in your abilities! What have you been concocting between the pair of you?”

  “You father needs to rest. Mr. Huxley has a little experience about the mill’s workings day-to-day, and although I have none, I am very interested in learning. We propose that we spend the next week working in the mill in place of your father. Admittedly, we might need to seek his counsel, but we thought he might enjoy being able to order us about from his chamber,” Fitzwilliam explained.

  “What about your other duties?” Prudence asked.

  “I have decided to resign my commission,” Fitzwilliam admitted. The look on Prudence’s face made him laugh. “I wasn’t going to tell you quite so soon, but you are a meddling woman who needs to know everything!”

  “And you call me the wretch!” Prudence said.

  “I shall go and check on Anne,” Mr. Huxley said, discreetly removing himself from the room and the conversation that was going to take place.

  “I like him,” Fitzwilliam admitted.

  “Oh, how things can change in a few weeks!” Prudence laughed.

  “Yes, they can. Talking of which, I shall be speaking to your father and asking him if I would be allowed to pay my addresses to his beautiful daughter. I shall tell him that, although I can offer her little with regards to finances, I would like to be taken on as some sort of apprentice and learn the workings of the mill. Hopefully, in time to work side-by-side with him, and then one far off day, with my wife.”

  “Oh. I see.”

  “That isn’t an encouraging response.”

  “No. But it would mean you work in trade and live in the north!” Prudence exclaimed.

  Laughing Fitzwilliam lifted one of her hands and kissed her fingers. “I do not care where I live if it means I can eventually marry you. As for being in trade, I have long since known that I would have to leave the cavalry if I were to have a family. I had no idea what I was going to do, but when I went to the mill, it was almost as if I had arrived home. It felt so right to be there, so invigorating. Something I knew, without understanding the finer details, that I would be perfectly at home with.”

  Prudence looked at him as if considering his words and then a smile lifted her lips. “You would even be able to cope with the mill girls?”

  “Ah, now that is one area in which I might struggle, but hopefully I would have my fearsome wife at my side.”

  “You really are a coward aren’t you?”

  “Most definitely. Now isn’t it time you kissed me and said that you thought my plan was a good one?”

  “I should curse you to the devil.”

  “Kissing is a far nicer occupation.”

  “I suppose it is.”

  “Then kiss me, Prudence, today and every day.”

  And she did just that.

  Epilogue

  Lady Anne De Bourgh and Mr. Huxley were married by special licence as soon as Anne was able to venture downstairs every day for a week. The married couple remained with the Bamber’s for another month before it was decided that Anne was well enough to start their journey in slow, careful stages.

  Lady Catherine and Mrs. Jenkinson travelled to meet them, having decided that they would not travel to Manchester for the wedding. Anne got to visit France, Spain, and Italy, only returning to Rosings two years after she had left.

  As most people were curious to see the far stronger, happier, more outgoing Anne, the gossip about the start of her marriage was forgotten. After spending a few years at home, the couple departed once more for the continent, claiming that the warmer weather was far more beneficial to Anne’s constitution. Some wondered if it were the distance from her mother that helped more than the weather, but none would openly say it. Anne did not have children but lived a long and happy life in Italy.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam resigned his commission and joined the Bamber Mills. His father-in-law was delighted that the man who loved Prudence was willing and able when it came to mill business. Having been a very often overlooked second son, Fitzwilliam was to shine in the business arena. His personality and intelligence were a perfect mix in negotiations, and it wasn’t long before he was the one making the deals to benefit the two mills. This was e
specially important when cheaper imports started to flood the market, and the cotton industry began to struggle.

  He eventually married the love of his life in a grand ceremony in Manchester Cathedral ― only the best for Mr. Bamber’s daughter. They had their own house built very close to Mr. Bamber, close enough that the grounds butted up against each other. It made visits to the well-loved grandfather all the easier when the six children came along.

  Prudence never doubted that Fitzwilliam loved her for herself and not her fortune. Others, like Selina Beauchamp, might think so, but it didn’t worry Prudence that there might be speculation. As she had fallen in love with Fitzwilliam very early in their acquaintance, she believed him when he professed the same. His actions were always those of a besotted fool, which she of course regularly pointed out to him, at which point he would kiss her into squeals and laughter.

  They were a well-respected, happy couple, liked by those they came into contact with.

  The Darcy family travelled to Stretford, and Fitzwilliam proudly showed Darcy around the mills. He timed it perfectly so the mill girls would be in the yard as they crossed it and was not disappointed at Darcy’s discomfort at the raucous comments aimed at them. It kept Fitzwilliam laughing for days.

  Prudence and Elizabeth were immediately drawn to each other. Similar in personality, they found amusement in the same situations and were both quick-witted and intelligent. Darcy and Fitzwilliam would often escape to the billiard room if the teasing attention of both women at the same time focused in their direction.

  Darcy had cleared the air between himself and Prudence before her marriage to Fitzwilliam. He thought highly of his cousin and did not wish there to be any contention between the families, especially as they lived so close to each other.

  Fitzwilliam’s immediate family had been astounded at his change of career, but once they had seen him chatter on about the mill and all it entailed, they realised he had found his place in the world. Prudence was welcomed into the family, as was Mr. Bamber. They were the most relaxed branch of the family, and although Prudence had worried that her reception would be like the one she received with Lady Catherine, there was no formality or disdain, just a warm, genuine welcome.