In the Shadow of Arabella Read online

  After a few moments, summoning all her will, she pushed him away, saying in as dignified a tone as she could manage, “Sir, I cannot think it is proper for us to be sitting here in the woods and for you to be kissing me.’’ She began to rise and he, too, gained his feet, taking her arm to help her. But when she turned to her horse, he kept her arm and made her stay.

  “Don’t expect an apology. I am not sorry I kissed you.” He took her other arm and turned her to face him. “I am in love with you, Charity … I want you to marry me.” She smiled at him then, and he could see her answer in her eyes, but still he asked, “Will you?”

  “Yes, Oliver. I will.”

  “I will not allow Nick to plague you, I promise.”

  “Don’t be silly. I love Nicholas. He is a wonderful child.”

  “Even when he insists you go fishing?”

  “I shall enjoy reading to him, andyou may take him fishing.”

  He laughed again, and when he took her in his arms once more, she raised no objection.

  It was found that Charity had been right after all—Tortuga had suffered no injury from his fall. They returned home to share their news with Katherine, who seemed pleased but not the least surprised by it. Charity held to her plans to leave at the end of the following week. Oliver, however, now arranged to travel with her to Lincolnshire to make formal application to Lord Harrington for her hand.

  By the end of September, having completed his work in Yorkshire, Rudley returned with his servants to London. Katherine heard once from Lady Finley that he had been to see her, but he had not stayed long and seemed to have little to say. It was clear from Lady Finley’s letter that she had no idea her brother was fixed in London. She had assumed his visit to her was only a short excursion away from home. Those of his acquaintance who remained in town were led to the same conclusion, for he would not leave the house for more than a week at a time. When they did not see him about town, it was only natural for them to assume he had returned to the country.

  Rudley realized that with the Little Season starting, people would begin flocking back to the city and it would become necessary for him to leave. He knew that eventually he would have to return to Rudley Court. If he continued to absent himself during Katherine’s confinement, it would give rise to the very sort of gossip and speculation he was most anxious to avoid.

  Oliver stayed only two days with the Harringtons. When he stopped overnight in London, he discovered that Rudley had arrived that morning. He found him in his bedchamber dressing for dinner.

  “Well met, Ned. Had I been one day sooner I would have missed you.”

  “Had you been one day later you would have missed me as well. I leave in the morning for Scotland. Culross has invited me for fishing and shooting.”

  Oliver frowned. “Did you have my letter before you left Yorkshire?”

  “None recently. Why? Did you have news?”

  “Only news of my betrothal. Hold the fifteenth of April open on your busy calendar, will you? I should like you to stand up with me.”

  Rudley’s smile was genuine but showed no surprise as he replied, “I would be honored. I wish you happy, both of you. You must give Miss Harrington my regards.”

  “I shall, when next I see her. I am headed back to Rudley Court now to deal with the harvest. Needless to say, I could use your help. Must you go to Scotland? I was hoping you might consider coming home.”

  “I have already decided I must come for the last two months before the child is born, to silence the gossip as much as possible. Until then I will stay with Culross. I am his only guest, and he understands that I do not wish to broadcast my presence there.”

  “Ned, you have admitted there is a possibility this child could be yours. Have you no concern at all for the well-being of its mother?”

  “Has Katherine been ill?”

  “No. Serena bullies her into eating and getting enough rest. But she is suffering from a depression of the spirits that none of us can remedy.”

  “No more could I. It is Parnaby she pines for, not me.”

  “I do not believe that. She told me herself she is no longer in love with him.”

  “Nor is she in love with me. I cannot come down, Oliver. Just think for a moment what it would be like. During the day Katherine and I would be avoiding each other, always uncomfortable when we happened by accident to meet. Dinner would be a daily trial. Sitting at the same table, practicing civility, exchanging trivialities. That situation would be more painful than my simply staying away.”

  “Why painful? It seems to me you have done with her.”

  “No. I have not done that. I have not been able to. I still love her, Oliver.”

  “Then go back to her!”

  “Loving her is not enough. How can I explain? I have loved her since very early on in our relationship. I knew, also early on, that she was attracted to Parnaby. When he became engaged and no longer eligible, I began to believe she and I had a chance. But it has been made most clear to me that he is not out of Katherine’s life. Regardless of what she may have told you, her actions speak otherwise.”

  Despite Rudley’s stubborn resolve to proceed to Scotland, Oliver returned to Hampshire in excellent spirits, his marriage foremost in his mind.

  “We have set the date for the fifteenth of April,” he told Katherine. “Lady Harrington insists she cannot be ready a single day sooner. Charity hopes you will be able to be there.”

  “I will certainly try to be.”

  Oliver seated himself beside her. “I saw Ned in London.’’

  “How is he?”

  “He is off to Scotland for a few months to stay with a friend, Duncan Culross. He plans to come back here sometime in January.’’

  “For appearance’s sake.”

  “Whatever his reasons, it will put you both under the same roof again. If I am convinced of anything, it is that you two must communicate if you ever hope to mend this rift between you.”

  Not wishing to toss her into melancholy reflection, Oliver changed the subject. “How is your work progressing on the chair?”

  “Very well. I have an appointment next month with the man who is to remove the old fabric and replace it with the new.”

  Oliver studied her work with admiration. “I had forgotten how striking it was before the colors faded. This is a true labor of love, Katherine. I hope Ned will appreciate it. I certainly do.”

  “Do you? Truly?”

  “Yes, of course. My mother would be deeply touched if she could know how Ned cherishes and protects this chair. But you must understand that she was neat to a fault. Had she been alive when the chair started to show signs of shabbiness, I know she would have been the first to have it refurbished. So, in effect, you have retained our memories and at the same time satisfied my mother’s meticulous nature. And you have done it with an excellence in needlework that rivals her own.”

  Katherine had not expected such warm praise for her work and she was touched. She leaned over to kiss him lightly on the cheek. “Thank you, Oliver. You are a dear brother. I could not create a better husband for Charity if I had all the attributes in the world to choose from.”

  “Now that is high praise indeed!” he said, smiling and rising to his feet. “But I must be off. Henderson wanted me down at the stables half an hour since to look at a lame horse.”

  “Will you take Karma out today?”

  “Certainly, if you wish it. I will be going down to Bradley’s later to see how work is progressing there on the new barn. It should be a good outing for her.”

  As he picked up his hat, whip, and gloves and headed out through the doors opening onto the terrace, Katherine called after him, “Beware of rabbit holes!”

  *

  Chapter 19

  The month ofOctober passed busily. Each day seemed to bring continuous demands on both Katherine’s and Oliver’s time. Katherine had urged Serena to accept an invitation from Lady Brent to spend a few weeks in London, but Serena refused to lea
ve. When Katherine had informed her of the events leading up to Rudley’s departure, Serena was astonished. “He believed Sir Humphrey rather than you? That is incredible! Sir Humphrey is a puffed-up buffoon. Why would Lord Rudley believe him rather than his own wife?”

  “His first marriage was not a success. He told me his wife lied to him. He thinks I have lied to him, too.”

  “Is there not some way you can convince him you are telling the truth?”

  “I don’t know, Rena. Once trust has been lost, I am not sure if it is possible to win it back.”

  Four days before Christmas Oliver sent servants running about the house to gather the whole family in the great hall. Serena had been playing the pianoforte while Katherine read in the drawing room. Nicholas and Pamela were summoned from their lessons.

  When they were all assembled, Oliver demanded that they put on their coats for a walk down to the stables.

  “Are we going for a drive, Papa,” Nicholas asked, “instead of studying?’’

  “I do not intend to answer any questions,” Oliver replied. “Just come with me.”

  They trooped in a little group down the drive to the main stables, holding their cloaks tightly against a brisk northerly wind. Oliver stopped inside the main doors where Henderson was holding the lead of an unfamiliar horse.

  “This mare has just arrived, Pamela,” Oliver said. “According to the note that came with her, she is a birthday present for you.”

  Pamela stared in awe at the coal-black horse with four white stockings and a symmetrical star on her forehead. It was an actual horse—a full-sized horse—not a pony. She walked forward, reaching out a hand to touch her wonderful present and exclaiming, “For me? Oh, Uncle Oliver, what a wonderful, wonderful present! Thank you ever so much!”

  Turning her back on the horse, she rushed into Oliver’s arms and hugged as much of him as she could.

  “Wait a minute, miss,” Oliver protested. “This gift is not from me. She has come all the way from Scotland. There is a note. Listen:

  “Culkaldy Castle, Fife

  Dear Pamela,

  So impressed was I by your riding last summer that I have decided you need a mount equal to your skill. I found this beautiful little mare at a horse fair in Dunfermline. I took one look at her and knew she was exactly the horse for you. Her former owner called her Black Star, which, though simple, does seem to suit her. I will be home by the end of January and will hope that by then you and she will be great friends.

  With love on your birthday,

  Your Father”

  Nick’s voice cut through all of the exclamations of pleasure over Pamela’s new horse. “Why does Pamela get a present before Christmas? It is not Christmas yet, is it, Papa?”

  Oliver scooped up his son and set him on the new mare’s back. “No, Nick. It is not Christmas yet. But this is not a Christmas present. Tomorrow is Pamela’s birthday, remember? This is her birthday present. But you know, now that Pamela has a new horse, maybe she would be willing to let you have her pony. You have always liked him. What do you say, Pam?”

  Nick’s face broke into a pleased grin when Pamela readily acquiesced to this scheme.

  While Pamela demanded of Serena if she had ever seen four stockings so evenly matched, Katherine smiled. Less than a year ago when she had asked Ned if Pamela admired horses, he had replied that he could not say. Now, far away in the wilds of Scotland, he had remembered his daughter with a special gift. Katherine wondered what other thoughts occupied his mind during this time of solitude he had sentenced himself to.

  Christmas passed with as much festivity as the household could manage in the face of Rudley’s continued absence. Mrs. Simpson labored for days over tarts and sweets that she knew the children would enjoy. The whole family partook of a sumptuous Christmas Eve dinner, after which Oliver invited all the servants into the dining room to toast the holiday.

  Several weeks earlier Serena had received an invitation from Rudley’s sister, the Countess Finley, to attend a house party at her home in Buckinghamshire. At first opposed to the idea, Serena had finally yielded to her sister’s entreaty.

  “I do not need you, Rena. The baby is not due for more than two months and you plan to be gone two weeks.”

  “I will only be a few hours away,” Serena assured Katherine on the morning of her departure.

  “Go. Enjoy yourself. You are young; you deserve to have a good time. And remember, Lady Finley will be your chaperone as well as your hostess. Be certain you attend to her in all things.”

  “Yes, Mother,” Serena mocked lightly as she hugged her sister good-bye and allowed Kendall to assist her into the coach.

  “Thank you, Peter, for taking her,” Katherine said. “I know she will travel safely in your care.’’

  He surprised her considerably when he took her cold fingers in his and said seriously, “We will be fine, my lady. You just see that you take care of yourself. I should be back tomorrow afternoon.”

  Then, saying nothing further, he climbed into the coach, and it set off down the drive.

  That night, as a steady rain fell, the temperature dropped below freezing. Sleet, driven by high wind, beat against the windows. By daylight the storm’s damage was all too evident. The weight of the ice had stripped countless branches from the trees. In the park several entire trees had been toppled, one of which had fallen directly across the main carriage drive.

  Kendall returned as promised in the afternoon. He reported that he had left Serena safely in Lady Finley’s hands.

  On the following day the men were still hard at work trying to clear the carriage drive. Katherine stood looking out the salon window; she could see that they had pulled the last of the tree to the side of the road but would be busy cutting it up for some days to come.

  As Katherine turned from the window, she felt a sharp, sudden twinge. Startled, she stood perfectly still, holding her breath. The sensation went away as quickly as it had come, but a few moments later she felt another, stronger pain. She was only in her seventh month—too early for labor pains. She pulled the bell rope and a footman immediately opened the door.

  “Yes, my lady?”

  “Will you send Mrs. Windom to me and send someone for Mr. Seaton. Quickly, Gordon, please.”

  Oliver arrived moments later. Entering the salon, he took one look at Katherine’s white face and asked, “Is it the child?” She nodded assent as he took two quick steps back to the door. “Gordon, send one of the grooms for Dr. Bailey. Tell him to hurry.” He returned to Katherine and asked, “What is it?”

  “I am not certain. Labor pains, I think. But, Oliver, it is too soon!”

  “Let us wait to see what the doctor has to say. Come, I am going to carry you upstairs. Put your arm around my neck.”

  He lifted her gently and easily in his arms. They met Mrs. Windom in the hall and she hurried ahead to turn down Katherine’s bed.

  Katherine was frightened and in pain but trying bravely not to show it. Foremost in her mind was the thought that she could not lose Ned’s baby. It was the part of him that she had clung to during all the months he had been away—the only thing that had cheered her through the darkest, bleakest days. Whether he believed it or not, it was his child, a child already beloved by her.

  When the doctor arrived, Oliver retreated to the estate office, where he found Kendall pacing the floor.

  “Her ladyship?” he asked.

  “The doctor has arrived,” Oliver replied, “but Katherine thinks she is in labor.’’

  “We need to send a message to Lord Rudley.”

  “My God, Kendall, he is in Scotland! Do you know how long that will take?”

  “But he is not in Scotland. I had a letter from him yesterday. He arrived in London four days ago. He wanted to be back for the opening of Parliament.”

  “Then we must write. But what do we say?”

  The two men waited another twenty minutes, but it seemed like hours before the doctor came to them. They listened
carefully to Dr. Bailey’s diagnosis, and when the doctor left to return to his patient, Oliver summoned Reeves. “Dr. Bailey wishes us to fetch the midwife. Also, send Henderson to me immediately and have him bring his best rider with him.”

  As Reeves went to do his bidding, Oliver pulled a piece of writing paper forward and dipping his quill, began a note to his brother. He had just finished sealing it when Henderson and his companion arrived. He wasted no words. “It is imperative that Lord Rudley receive this letter without delay. Is this your best rider, Henderson?”

  “Yes, Mr. Oliver, this is Tom Smithe.”

  “Very well, Tom. You are to leave immediately on the strongest horse we have, excluding Tortuga. Which would that be, Henderson?”

  “That would be your own black, Mr. Oliver.”

  “Take the black, Tom, and do not spare him. Make the best time you can while there is still daylight and change horses as often as necessary to make all possible speed to London. When you arrive, you will probably find his lordship at Rudley House, but if he is not there, find him wherever he has gone and place this letter into no hand but his. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. Here, then. Take this money and the letter, and may God speed you.” Without another word young Tom hurried from the room and Oliver turned his attention to the head groom. “Henderson, I also have a job for you.”

  Tom Smithe arrived at Rudley House in London a few minutes after eleven o’clock that evening. He was tired and liberally spattered with mud, but he had made good time considering the condition of the roads. Upon hearing the earl was at home, he requested an immediate audience and was shown without ceremony into the library. “I have an urgent letter, m’lord, from Mr. Seaton.” He handed it directly to the earl as he had been instructed and then stood waiting.

  Rudley broke the seal and spread the single sheet.

  Ned,

  Katherine has gone into premature labor and there have been some complications. Bailey will not commit himself, but he did admit that if the labor is prolonged Katherine’s life could be endangered. The roads are bad and in the dark I think you will come to us fastest if you ride. Henderson will meet you with Tortuga at the Bull’s Head in Woking. He is fit and will do all you ask of him.