“Well, all that talk about spices, exotic people, and new sensations! We’re quite jealous, I tell you.”
Anne understood perfectly what Walter meant about being inspired to travel. What she really wanted, however, was to clarify which Mr Watkins was with her mother now. “Is Mr Watkins’ father with him this morning?”
Charles shook his head. “No, my dear, it is Mr Watkins senior who is visiting with your mother.”
The relief on Anne’s face was plain to see.
“What is the matter, Anne? Do you not like James?” Charles gave her a cheeky grin. “He is handsome, is he not?”
Anne did not know how to reply to such a statement. She did not know if he was teasing her or not. However, she dared not reveal the true reason for her relief. She simply lowered her eyes and feigned a blush.
Walter and Charles smiled at her.
“At any rate, they’re far pleasanter company that the others.”
“Oh, yes, Charles. Never a truer word was spoken.”
Charles turned back to Anne. “I cannot imagine what your mother was thinking by inviting them.”
“Can you not?” Anne couldn’t resist. Charles and Walter were kind to her and she liked their company; most of all, though, she craved conversation.
Charles studied her face for a moment. “We do know. We’ve suspected it from the moment the invitations arrived, as I hinted to you when we arrived. You remember?”
“Aye, Miss de Bourgh. Your mother has never invited us to Rosings before. There can be only one explanation.”
Anne looked down at the floor, suddenly ashamed.
“Do not fret, Anne. I told you when we arrived that we will protect you as much as we can,” Charles ventured.
“I appreciate that, Charles, honestly I do, but what use is it? My mother is determined and no one can stand in her way.”
“I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if you were married off to a brute.”
“No, nor I,” Walter agreed.
Anne smiled at them. Their words were kindly meant, but in the end, what mattered was what her mother wanted. What Lady Catherine wanted was to see Anne married, and she didn’t care to whom as long as he had land, a title, or, at the very least, money.
“I wish there was another way.” She sighed.
EIGHT
_______________________________
Lady Catherine watched Anne like a hawk over the following week. She knew that finding a replacement companion was not going to be easy. She needed to be assured that Anne would be closely watched. Anne needed a firm hand. Lady Catherine was also sure that their guests were enjoying their stay and fancied that one or two of the young men had taken a liking to Anne. She did not wish to have a new companion coming along and scuppering her plans for her daughter.
Lady Catherine had made a mental short list already of those she felt were interested in marrying Anne. At the top of the list was Charles Warrington. He was her first choice, if she was honest. He was the son of a general in His Majesty’s army and assured of a fine inheritance. Second on Lady Catherine’s list was Monty Fitz-Herbert. He would inherit his father’s estate in Somerset and Lady Catherine had made discreet enquiries as to its approximate value. It was no Rosings, nor was it Pemberley, but it was certainly grand enough for her daughter. A marriage between Monty and Anne would substantially benefit them both equally in terms of land and fortune. The third person on Lady Catherine’s list was Walter Stapleton. He was a quiet and intelligent man, and Lady Catherine liked those qualities. He would inherit his father’s estate in the northeast. The estate, she was led to believe, was smaller and less grand than Monty’s, and the climate in the northeast was harsh. She believed that would not bode well for Anne. She decided, therefore, that perhaps Walter was not a viable contender for Anne’s hand in marriage, unless, of course, he could be persuaded to live at Rosings for Anne’s sake.
She was loathe to admit it, but Anne had blossomed somewhat of late. She was sure Anne had formed an attachment. For what could bring about such a change in a young lady other than love?
Lady Catherine even went so far as to allow Anne to walk to the church and back, with the proviso that she rested once she returned.
She, however, wondered why she had never thought to throw such a party before. She was benefitting from the formation of a new friend. Ever since Lord and Lady Metcalfe moved to Bath for the treatment of Lord Metcalfe’s gout, Lady Catherine had not enjoyed much conversation. The arrival of the new parson and his father changed all that. Mr Henry Watkins might be new money, but what cared she for that when there was superior conversation to be had? He wasn’t a suitor, either, which meant she could speak to him without restrictions. He was a companionable man and she was fond of his conversation. She found him refreshing and stimulating. Therefore, she was pleased to indulge herself in inviting him to visit and dine with them all for the duration of his stay in England.
* * *
The gentlemen settled in well and, apart from irritating Lady Catherine a little of an evening by insisting on playing cards for money, all proceeded as she planned. She knew that Anne continued to disobey her inasmuch as she practiced the pianoforte and took walks in the garden or further than the church each day. However, Lady Catherine did not object to such walks, provided Anne was accompanied by one or more of their gentlemen friends. It was, after all, Lady Catherine’s intention to have Anne married off by the time their guests left Rosings. She felt that she could allow a little indulgence in the pursuit of a husband.
* * *
Lady Catherine looked up from her writing desk at the sound of a knock.
The butler entered the room. “Mr Henry Watkins to see you, Your Ladyship.”
Lady Catherine smiled.
Henry nodded nervously to the butler and bowed to Lady Catherine. She had to admit that she wasn’t displeased to see him. Henry and his son had been frequent visitors to Rosings over the past week or two and they dined at the house almost every day as well. Lady Catherine had become accustomed to Henry being there and looked forward to their walks in the garden together.
“Your Ladyship, I hope that I haven’t arrived too early and disturbed you.”
“Not at all, Mr Watkins, I assure you.” Her eyes strayed to the box which he held in his hands. “Pray, what do you have there?”
“Ah, yes!” His smile lit up his face. “Do you recall, Your Ladyship, a conversation we had about a sennight ago?”
Lady Catherine looked puzzled. “You shall have to enlighten me, I’m afraid.”
“We talked about fine silks and Kashmir from India.”
“Yes, I recall now.” She smiled but was still none the wiser.
“You also told me, Your Ladyship, how your silk paisley shawl had been ruined by a careless washerwoman.”
Lady Catherine’s smile turned to a scowl. “Indeed, I was most vexed. In fact, I still am!”
“Well.” Henry beamed. “If you will allow me a little indulgence.” He placed the box atop the writing table and stood back. “The morning after our conversation, I took the liberty of sending a letter to my son in London.”
“Yes?” Lady Catherine was unsure what a letter to Henry’s son had to do with her shawl.
“My company does a lot of trade with the East India Company. My son managed, on my behalf, to procure this gift for you, Your Ladyship.”
“A gift, for me?” Lady Catherine was astonished. Very rarely was she the recipient of a gift. Although she liked Henry, she was not sure that she should be accepting gifts from him. However, her curiosity got the better of her. Tentatively, she opened the box and gasped.
“It’s made of the finest Kashmir wool,” Henry explained as she pressed the soft material to her cheek.
She held it out to inspect. It was impeccably made and she had to admit it was also far superior to her ruined one. She knew this was an expensive gift. “I do not know what to say, Mr Watkins.”
“No need to say anything, Yo
ur Ladyship. I only wish you to accept it.”
Lady Catherine was greatly flattered. She could not but accept such a beautiful gift.
* * *
Anne knew that her mother would appoint another companion for her and worried that the new one would be stern and strict. However, until that happened, she was determined to enjoy herself. She had never felt so free in all of her life. Her mother seemed to enjoy very much walking and conversing with Henry, and Anne was pleased about that. She did not recall ever seeing her mother on equal footing with anyone, except the Metcalfe’s, and yet, somehow, Henry managed it. He had a no-nonsense manner about him that was appealing. Anne was sure that despite the class difference and the fact that he was new money, his manner was what drew her mother to him. This afforded Anne more freedom. She was no longer under such scrutiny.
That morning was clear and promised to be a fine day. The younger folk were all gathered in the garden. Anne was persuaded to play a game of quoits and was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Her opinion of the threesome had tempered a little and she could bear them more easily now than before. Their behaviour towards her had softened, too. No longer did they tease her so mercilessly. Anne believed the more she showed her abilities and willingness to try new things, the less they thought ill of her.
Anne suddenly realised, to her great astonishment, that she was winning the game.
“I say, Anne! You’re going to show us all up!” Charles laughed.
“I am sure, Charles, that you are letting me win.”
Charles feigned shock and they all laughed. Anne was certainly winning them all over. Rumours abounded in society of the quiet, sickly mouse who was to be heiress of the Rosings Park estate. Now, however, she began to assuage those rumours. The more energy she put into exerting herself, the more she enjoyed herself. Anne was pleased to admit that she thoroughly relished being a more active person. Dr Sawyer would be pleased with her when he saw her again, she was sure.
With one more toss of the quoit, Anne was declared the winner.
“This will not do! Chivalry and courtesy aside, gentlemen, we have been slaughtered.” James Watkins laughed.
“Indeed, we have, but what can we do? Anne is obviously a superior sportswoman.”
“Charles!” Anne protested.
“I know, best out of five!” Monty suggested.
They all looked at Monty and agreed.
Anne wasn’t so sure. “I do not believe that I can repeat that performance.”
“That’s what we’re hoping!” James teased back.
Monty sidled up to Anne and gave her a flirtatious grin as he handed her the quoits. “Ladies first, Anne.”
She managed to rustle up a halfhearted smile for him, took the quoits and began the game.
* * *
Lady Catherine did indeed enjoy her walks with Henry Watkins. He had an open mind and knew a great deal more than she expected of him. She was surprised at how much she trusted his opinion, too. Here was a man, she was pleased to say, with whom she could converse without having to assert her rank or be argued with.
They walked through the rose garden, within sight of the young folk playing quoits, but far away enough to converse in private.
They were talking about their children and Lady Catherine opened up to him and told him how she felt about Anne’s disobedience. He was understanding and had a high opinion of Anne, which pleased Lady Catherine greatly.
“You’re both the same, you know, you and Anne. You’re cut from the same cloth. She has a stubborn streak just as wide as yours, Your Ladyship.”
She ought to have been offended by his comment, but something swelled inside of her akin to pride, and she smiled. “If she is like me, then I have nothing to fear.”
“My sentiments exactly, Your Ladyship. I feel that it’s best to give them a little rein. You can trust her, I am sure.”
Lady Catherine was doubtful of that fact and frowned.
“I had to trust my James when he refused to go into the family business but preferred the church.” He looked her in the eye. “And that has turned out well, hasn’t it?”
She had to admit he was right. She agreed reluctantly to give it some thought, although the idea of giving Anne more rein frightened her. He also didn’t like the idea of Anne being pressed into marriage and was courageous enough to say so. Lady Catherine, however, decided on that particular subject, she undeniably knew better than he did.
* * *
The morning passed in such a jovial manner, despite her winning streak coming to an abrupt end, that Anne did not realise she was hungry until the butler arrived to announce that luncheon was served in the blue summer room overlooking the formal garden.
It was much cooler inside and Anne was glad of the chance to sit and take a cool drink. It was then that Anne noticed her mother and Henry Watkins returning from a stroll in the grounds together. She watched her mother as they approached. Anne never saw her mother so deeply engrossed in or so captivated by a conversation. She was glad of it. Too long had Lady Catherine played the role of queen of all she surveyed, and Anne was certain that her mother was equally as lonely as she. She loved her mother deeply and did not like to think of her as lonely. However, Anne believed that she must be so, without close friends or family to visit with often. She smiled to think of her mother with a true friend; it was a pleasant thought. She knew her mother to be very close to her sister Lady Anne Darcy, but poor Aunt Darcy died many years ago. Anne thought this might work to her advantage. Perhaps I may continue to enjoy myself unfettered.
That afternoon, the sun was too hot for much activity and some of their party wandered in the gardens, while others lounged in the shade of the trees. The threesome headed off to the billiards room when Monty complained of a headache from the heat. This left Anne to the rare pleasure of walking in the gardens with James.
“I must say, Miss de Bourgh, that I am pleasantly surprised by all that I have found in Kent. I was concerned that it might be a little dull after India, Oxford, and London.”
Anne smiled at him. “I can imagine that. In fact, something strange has indeed happened here of late. It never used to be this much fun.”
“Oh?”
“I believe everything has been turned upon its head by the arrival of our guests. Even my mother seems to have taken on a new lease of life.”
“I see that she has tempered a little since we first met. If I may be so bold, she seems even to have softened with you, too.”
Anne nodded. “Yes, that is true. I am glad of it, but fearful, too, that as soon as our guests leave, everything will return to the way it was.”
James walked on in thought and eventually muttered, “I don’t think that the genie can be put back into the lamp once it is out.”
Anne fully agreed.
At the edge of the gardens where the trees grew wilder and turned to woodland, there was a bench. Anne’s father, Sir Lewis, had positioned benches and places to sit along all of his favourite walks. This one was especially pleasant on such a hot day, as it was fully in the shade.
“Shall we sit a while?” James asked.
Anne replied that she would like that. That place in particular reminded her of her father. Anne didn’t know why, but she felt like telling James about Sir Lewis. He listened patiently while she talked and, when she had finished recounting all her anecdotes, he told her of his own upbringing.
By the time they returned to the house, it was time for Anne to retire to her room to rest before dinner. She did so reluctantly. She happily felt that she could talk to James forever.
NINE
_______________________________
The next day, a trip into Westerham for luncheon was suggested. Anne was truly amazed to find her mother not only agreeing to the idea, but also excited to go along as one of the party. Anne could not imagine what had effected such a change in her. The weather was a little cooler, but still Lady Catherine fussed over Anne, forcing her to take a para
sol.
Unfortunately, for Anne, she found that she was to share the open carriage with Monty. She looked about her but James was not to be seen.
When Henry Watkins arrived, James’ absence was explained. “My son, Your Ladyship, sends his most heartfelt apologies, but he feels he must spend today in contemplation of tomorrow’s sermon.”
The explanation satisfied Lady Catherine. She liked a man who took his work seriously. However, Anne was not so placated. She felt irritable at James’ absence and could not explain it. Her irritation was heightened by having no choice but to listen to Monty prattle on about she knew not what. She concluded that the man was a veritable bore.
The ride to Westerham was interminable. Monty was obviously trying to impress Anne by listing everything at which he was accomplished. Anne, though, was unimpressed. She did not like bragging.
“You know, it would be splendid if you were to visit us in Somerset, Anne. I am sure you’d love the place. It’s got all those things that girls love. Flowers, ponds, trees…flowers and whatnot.”
Anne groaned inwardly. Was the man truly as dull as he seemed?
When she did not reply, he changed tack. “That Watkins fellow is a frightful bore, don’t you think? I mean, who’d want to be a clergyman? I suppose that is why he is unmarried, eh?” He nudged Anne with his elbow. “You wouldn’t want to married to such a dullard, would you, my sweet?”
Anne’s eyes opened wide at being called such a name, and she stared at the road ahead.
“No, I reckon you like a man who’s a lot of fun, eh?” He waggled his eyebrows and nudged her in the arm again.
Anne did not know much of the world, but she knew this conversation was moving beyond the confines of what was acceptable. She looked back at her mother’s carriage. She saw the look of satisfaction on Lady Catherine’s face as she watched Anne and Monty in front. Suddenly, Anne realised that there was only one reason for her being alone in the carriage with Monty. Her mother believed that he would ask for her hand. Anne felt faint. How could she have been so foolish as to be trapped this way? She mentally kicked herself for her naïveté.
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