by Jenna Brandt
“But why would my mother tell a lie about that?”
Debbey shook her head. “I have no idea.” Then her eyebrows shot up with recognition. “She could have done it to make me look incompetent; implying I was not good at anything, even something with which most Americans pride themselves.”
William did not want to believe it, but his mother was a master game player. He would not put it past her to behave in such a manner.
Wanting to get to the bottom of his mother’s statement, William promised, “After everyone leaves, we will discuss the matter with her.”
Before Lady Almonbury could escape to her bed chamber, William stopped his mother at the bottom of the stairs with Debbey beside him.
“Mother, we need to speak with you a moment.”
Lady Almonbury turned to face them. She looked irritated as she huffed out, “What is it, William? It has been a long day and I am fatigued.”
“I want to ask you a couple of questions about your toast this evening.”
“Yes, get on with it,” she barked out.
“What was your purpose in giving it?”
“I wanted to commend your wife for her valiant efforts to fit into British society.”
“And what about the lie at the end?”
“What lie?” she asked with confusion.
“The one about me falling off my horse three times,” Debbey interjected. “That never happened.”
“But it did,” she stated with certainty. “I remember clearly because at the time, you asked me not to say anything until your training was done. You were worried William would be concerned because of your arm and he would make you stop. As it turns out, your arm was fine, and you only had a couple of bruises to show for it.”
Debbey shook her head. “I’m not sure why you are making up that story, but I passed my training the first time with little effort.”
“You don’t remember?” Lady Almonbury asked. “I can have you speak with the groomsman that worked with you along with Miss Thornton. Perhaps speaking with them will help the memories resurface.”
Debbey looked perplexed as well as ashen. “Apparently, I must be mistaken,” she stated with a whisper. “I think I need to lay down. Will you help me to my room, William?”
“Certainly, my love.” He placed his hand under her elbow and guided her past Lady Almonbury and up the stairs.
William was worried about his wife. Two incidents occurred in the house where accidents happened with no suspect. The incident with the shrouds over the pictures and the missing vase. Now, she was unable to remember a vivid event during her training. Was this the beginning symptoms of rabies from the wolf attack? Was his wife sick and just now starting to show signs? William sent up a silent prayer that his suspicions were wrong, and all the incidents were not related. For now, he planned to keep his suspicions to himself. He did not know what he would do if Debbey were sick.
Chapter 20
Debbey had been surprised when Lady Madeline sent over an invitation to a women’s luncheon at her home. She had been under the distinct impression that the other woman didn’t like her. Perhaps she was wrong and there was a chance for them to be friends.
As Debbey’s carriage pulled up in front of the Earl of Bunsdure’s estate, she was surprised to see the home was of moderate size and stature by the ton’s standard. She had learned from William that some members of the aristocracy had high titles while others had significant wealth, but only a few select members managed to obtain both. Often, advantageous marriages were what made up the difference. Debbey wondered if that was why Lady Almonbury focused so heavily on the right match for Clara as well as why she did not approve of Debbey as a wife for William.
Taking in a deep breath, Debbey prepared herself for the upcoming afternoon. As she exited the carriage, anxiousness fluttered inside Debbey’s stomach. This was the first social event she was attending without either Aunt Beatrice or William, and she wondered how she would do without someone by her side.
Debbey knocked on the door and moments later a grey-haired butler answered the door. He wore a stern look and matching severe suit. He glanced at her with a critical eye.
“The rest of the guests are waiting in the parlor,” he said holding the door open until she passed through and then shutting it firmly behind her. “Follow me.”
She followed the elderly man through the entryway and down a short hallway where he stopped just outside a door. “The other ladies are just inside.”
As Debbey passed through the entrance, all the eyes of the assembled women focused on her. She stiffened under their scrutiny and overtly scanned the room. She did not recognize a single face amongst the guests nor did any of them offer a smile.
Lady Madeline stood from her chair and walked over to Debbey’s side. “Good afternoon, Lady Deborah.”
“Good afternoon, Lady Madeline.”
“Now that you are here, we can make our way to the dining room,” the hostess stated.
“Did I arrive late?” Debbey inquired with a hint of defensiveness. She had checked the invitation twice to make sure she was ten minutes early.
“Do not be silly, Lady Deborah. The rest of the guests are dear friends and arrived early to talk about the Wiltston ball. I did not want to make you feel awkward since you were not invited.” She gave Debbey a sympathetic look. “You need to understand the older set of nobles are set in their ways. They are not as inclined to accept one of us marrying outside our social class.”
Although there was truth behind what Lady Madeline stated, it did not keep the rejection from stinging. Debbey had done everything possible to make everyone in William’s world accept her, yet there were still those who refused to socialize with her.
Debbey did not want to show the snub upset her. Instead, she smiled and said, “My husband has been substantially busy during the past month. We have scarcely been able to attend an entire night at the theater, let alone such a lengthy event as a ball.”
Lady Madeline returned the smile. “Well, once he settles into his new title, his time should free up immensely. It is difficult to adjust when someone is not ready to take on the duties thrust upon them.” She leaned towards Debbey and whispered, “William was never good at being serious. When we were growing up, he became an expert at dodging responsibilities.”
“He has changed since last he was home. He is executing his role as the Viscount Braybridge flawlessly.”
“I am sure he has, considering it is new. I simply hope the position holds his interest. He has been known to get bored with novelties quickly.”
Though they were speaking about William’s title, she wondered if Madeline was hinting at his relationship with Debbey as well. Did she hope William would grow tired of his new wife and free himself of her once he became bored?
She glanced at the other woman who was smiling at the group and informing everyone it was time for the afternoon meal. Madeline did not seem capable of such duplicitousness. Perhaps, a bit too familiar with Debbey’s husband, but not intentionally mean-spirited. She hoped her impression of the other woman was correct, and there was no ulterior motive behind what she said and did.
The guests made their way into the dining hall. The table was set for eight, and the ladies each took their assigned seat. Debbey was placed next to Madeline and another woman who appeared to be around their same age. Debbey glanced at the piece of paper that held the other woman’s name. Lady Mildred, the Countess of Wentley.
The countess was pretty with long brown hair, a heart-shaped face and green eyes. She was speaking with the guest on her other side. Debbey remained quiet as Madeline was busy speaking to the guest to her right. Debbey quickly realized that though Aunt Beatrice held a lot of sway, there were pockets of the aristocrats with whom she had no influence. The women in the room seemed to all but ignore her, with the exception of the occasional side-glance and whisper.
Was this to be her future? Was it to always sit in a room filled with people she pretend
ed to socialize with, but barely tolerated her? When would she finally feel like she belonged?
Debbey leaned towards Madeline and asked in a low tone, “Is there a particular reason you invited me? None of these women seem to care for my presence.”
Madeline whispered back, “Everyone I invited was strategic. These women are either married to or are the daughters of the very nobles you need to win over. This is your chance to show them why William fell in love with you.” There was a small sadness that appeared in Madeline’s eyes before she masked it with a smile. “William is one of my oldest friends and I want to help him by helping you.”
“How exactly do I go about winning them over?”
“From my encounters with you, I have come to find you are one of the kindest people I have met. That is a rare commodity amongst the aristocracy. If you show them that side of you, it will undoubtedly break through their walls.”
Sending up a silent prayer, Debbey resolved to make her best effort to do what Madeline suggested. She spent the rest of the afternoon talking with the women near her at the table, and afterward in the garden while they played croquet. She told them funny stories about living in the American frontier, complimented them on their fashionable dresses and fine jewelry, and laughed at all their jokes. By the end of the day, she felt like she had won over the women.
As Madeline escorted Debbey to the door, she stated, “I have to admit, I thought you were fighting an uphill battle today, but you managed to change almost all of their minds about you. Never in my life have I seen them warm to someone so quickly. You should be proud of what you accomplished.”
Debbey felt a warmth spread across her chest. Not only had she improved her standing amongst the nobility, but she might have gained a new ally and friend in Madeline.
Chapter 21
William could not wait to take Debbey on his surprise outing. As he helped her into the carriage, he watched with pleasure as he saw the excitement on her face.
“You really won’t tell me where we are going?”
He shook his head. “You received enough clues when I informed you to wear your riding habit.”
She giggled. “Well, you had to, William. Can you imagine me trying to ride in a traditional garment?”
He did not tell her he had been tempted to have her go in a day dress and change in the woods where he was taking her. His good sense overrode his desire once he thought about anyone happening along the trails finding her in a state of undress.
A half an hour later, they arrived in a clearing where one of his groomsmen waited with two saddled horses.
“You planned this?” Debbey inquired as she looked out the window of the carriage. “The woods are beautiful.”
“I promised to take you to a place where you could ride freely.”
She clasped her hands together as she proclaimed, “I can’t wait to get in that saddle.”
The footman came around and helped them out of the carriage. The groomsman walked up with the horses, helped them mount, and then hopped up onto the back of the carriage with the footman. A few minutes later, the carriage was disappearing into the distance.
“Where are we going?” Debbey asked.
“This way,” William shrugged his head to the left, then took off. He glanced over his shoulder to find Debbey was indeed following him.
They rode on the outskirts of the woods and William made sure to keep guiding their direction to the destination he had in mind.
Debbey gasped as the hidden lake surrounded by a wooden canopy came into view. The birds were chirping, and butterflies were dancing along the bank’s edge.
“This is astounding,” Debbey murmured in awe. “You grew up coming here?”
“My family have owned these lands for centuries,” he stated as he dismounted from his horse. “I used to love to go exploring in my youth.”
Debbey rolled her eyes as he reached up and helped her down. “You say that like you’re an old man. You’re still young, William.”
“Ever since I was forced to take on my father’s blasted title, I feel I have aged considerably.”
“Well, you still look as handsome as ever.”
William gave his wife a lop-sided grin. “You do not look too bad yourself, Debbey.”
Both her eyebrows raised in surprise. “I haven’t heard you call me that in ages.”
“It would not do for me to do so in public. The nobility is not keen on nicknames, at least not any that are meant to be endearing.”
He grabbed his wife’s hand and led her towards the bank of the lake. They stood there looking at the still water glistening in the sunlight.
“Who would have thought, a few months ago, we were getting married in the snow, and now we are here on the banks of this breathtaking lake.”
“You’re in my world now, Debbey. Just one of the many perks for being in the Almonbury family. We don’t do anything in half measures, and only have the best of everything.”
“I’m starting to like living in your world,” she whispered as they strolled along the edge of the lake. They continued in silence, holding hands, content to be in each other’s presence without the need for words.
William stopped walking and pulled Debbey around to face him. He looked deep into her jade eyes, and tucked a tendril of red hair that had escaped her bun back behind her ear. His hand rested on the side of her face as he moved towards her. His other arm stretched out and wrapped around her waist, pulling her firmly against his body. He leaned forward, and seared her mouth with a kiss. He felt her melt against his body as her hands came up and wrapped around his neck. The kiss deepened, and he felt his heart start to skip out of control.
Reluctantly, he pulled back and whispered. “Even though I’m tempted to let this continue, we need to be getting back before the evening meal.”
A small pout formed on Debbey’s lips. “You mean there is no time to dip our toes in the water? There is a perfect little makeshift dock just there,” she said as she pointed a few feet away.
William eyed the water skeptically. He had not been in the water since he was a small boy. All manner of creatures and parasites could be lurking in the water, but he could tell from her expression she had her heart set on it.
“It seems I cannot deny you anything, my love,” he stated as he began to pull off his boots and socks. “We can only remain a few minutes.”
Debbey’s eyes began to twinkle, and her mouth curved into an alluring smile. “Thank you, William. I can’t wait to put my feet in that water.” She followed suit, and pulled her own flats and stockings off.
Both of them sat at the edge of the dock, William’s pant legs were rolled up and Debbey’s skirt was hiked up to her knees. Both of them placed their feet into the water, which was cool, but not cold, and felt refreshing against the warm air.
A giggle escaped Debbey as she looked over at William. “I feel like school children. We used to go down to the Willamette River like this in the summer.”
“You don’t look like a schoolgirl anymore, Debbey,” William said as he reached out and scooted her closer to him. He placed his hand on her lower back and whispered against her neck. “I wish we had more time. There is a multitude of things rushing through my head that I want to do to you.”
Debbey’s eyes grew round with surprise. “How much time do you need?”
“I believe I can make it work.”
He knew he should refrain; he knew it was improper to take advantage of his wife with the possibility of being discovered, but God help him, he lost all rational thought when he was around her.
Without any further prompting, he pulled her onto his lap, both their feet still dangling in the water. His mouth reached up to kiss her. He whispered against her mouth, “It seems you can talk me into anything, my love.”
Chapter 22
Fatigued from a long day of dealing with business affairs, William rubbed the back of his neck with his hand as he headed towards the stairs. He was tempted to cancel
the plans he had with Debbey to attend the theater, but she had been looking forward to going all week. She wanted to see the newest play—he could not recall the name of it for the life of him—which had just opened and he did not want to disappoint her. If he rested before getting ready, perhaps he would feel more inclined to go.
As he came around the corner, he heard the family butler talking to someone at the front doors.
“No, you may not see the Viscount Braybridge.”
“It’s an urgent matter, mister. I need to speak with his lordship right away.” The voice on the other side was feminine and had the distinct accent of the working class.
With a haughty demeanor, the butler replied, “I am sure there is nothing of importance with which you need to speak with the viscount. You best be on your way before I call for the constable.”
“I have a good mind to let you do that, and when he gets here, I will announce to him and everyone around, why I’m here. How long do you think before your lordship’s high and mighty friends hear that he turned away his own kin? What do you think they will make of that?”
William approached the door and pulled it open to find a woman in a threadbare dress that was several inches too short, exposing old battered boots with holes in them. She did have a bonnet on her head, but it was in the same tattered condition as the rest of her ragged attire. Peaking from behind her was a small girl, no more than three-years-old, wearing a ragged pinafore dress.
“What is all this commotion about?” William demanded.
She looked him up and down before accusing, “You must be the new viscount.”
“I am the Viscount Braybridge, and I asked you a question. What are you doing here?”
She pulled the girl from behind her and pushed her towards the two men. “I’m here to give her to you since she’s your kin. I can’t take care of her anymore.”
The little girl started to cry as the woman backed away from the child, turning around to leave. William reached out and stopped the woman from fleeing.