Puzzled, Robert moved to the table to prepare the drinks himself. As he handed the whiskey to Henry, he asked, “Good news, eh? I am all eager anticipation to hear it.” He gestured to a chair for his friend and took one for himself. “Have you taken a commission in the Regulars as you mentioned when we last spoke? Or will it be the clergy for you? Being a second son does bring its challenges, I know, but you seem anything but downcast. I am going to guess the military.”
Henry held his glass up, grinning. “Neither military nor clergy. I am soon to wed Lady Jane Waddingham, a most delightful girl, who brings several thousand pounds as a dowry along with her charms. We shall take up residency in the vacant dower house on her family’s estate up north and, in time, she will inherit the entire estate. She has no brothers and the estate is fortunately not entailed away from thefemale line. I could not be more thrilled. I am bound for my father’s home now to share the news. I know they will adore Jane as I do when she joins us later this month.”
Robert smiled but inside felt resentful envy. Just like his college friend to land a wealthy, titled woman. He was always one to be lucky with the ladies.
“Such wonderful news, Henry. Truly, I could not be happier for you. I do not recall meeting this Miss…Waddingham at the start of the Season when I was still there.”
“She arrived a mere three weeks ago. We met at a ball held at the Harringtons’, and it was love at first sight for the two of us. Of course, had she no fortune, I would still wish to marry her and was prepared to buy a commission in the military to support us, but now there is no need. I shall be a gentleman in every sense. I certainly never anticipated such good fortune when I went to enjoy the Season. I could but wish you such similar happiness, my friend.” He took another sip of his whiskey and sat back, grinning.
Robert gripped his glass tightly. “Yes, well, the Season was ill-timed with my having to take charge of the estate. I simply could not be away from Brentwood at this time.” Robert took a long drink. “Tell me, are many of the lovely ladies of the ton making matches this year?”
“Oh, I suppose some are. It is a bit early yet for actual engagements to be announced, but some pairings are clearly taking place.” He laughed and held his glass up to Robert. “I am able to informyou, however, of one young lady who is still quite available. And, she is one to whom you showed particular interest when you were last in town.”
Robert sat up, alert. “Oh?” he asked, trying to sound casual. “Who might that be?”
“Why, the very charming and flirtatious Miss Phoebe Graham. Still flitting about, declining to dance even two sets with any one gentleman. I happened to overhear her at the Harringtons’ ball speaking to afriend—she said she does not wish to give rise to any expectations and has her heart set on a particular gentleman, though she did not name him.” He studied Robert a moment. “Do I recall correctly? You did show a bit of a fancy for her, did you not? I think her a silly little thing, although quite pretty. Of course, if you truly care for her, pray forgive my blunt speech. She would be a charming companion for you. Perhaps you should return to London and see whether it is you of whom she was speaking.” He laughed. “Then again, perhaps I should not give you such encouragement. Word has reached me that you are quite nearly engaged to someone in this county. Tell me, is it true? Have you fallen in love?”
Robert took another drink to keep from answering just yet. His mind was spinning. Miss Graham and her five thousand pounds still unattached? And, she is longing for a certain gentleman even now?Couldit be him? It was almost too much to hope for, but it might be his one chance to save Brentwood. He realized Henry was awaiting an answer and chuckled.
“Me, engaged? Rubbish. I have no idea where you could have heard that—I have no designs on anyone here and have made no offers, I assure you. It probably was just gossip that traveled too far, too fast. No, no. I am completely free of any attachments.”
He stood and walked about the room. “Will you stay the night, Henry? I am more than happy to have you here, but I should warn you, I was actually planning on going to town tomorrow, to meet with my accountant. Estate business.” He turned to Henry as though an idea had just occurred to him. “In fact, sinceyouare leaving to see your family at their country estate, is there any chance I might stay at your London home? On impulse, I put mine out to let since I anticipated being at Brentwood all summer.”
“I cannot stay the night, but thank you for the offer. I simply diverted from my path when I realized how close I was to Brentwood. I must depart soon, in fact. But, yes, naturally, you may stay at ourLondon house. It will be empty for the next several weeks, at least. I shall dash off instructions for you to give my housekeeper, Mrs. Dooley, before I go.”
“Thank you, Henry. It would be so much more comfortable than a hotel,” Robert said.
More affordable, too, he thought. He moved to get the whiskey decanter and pour his friend another drink.
I might be fooling myself that it is I Miss Graham is pining for. On the other hand, this could very well be the salvation I require.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Few words werespoken between Charlotte and Dorothea during the long two-day drive to Clayton House. On Dorothea’s part, it was because she was so worried about their father, and she did not wish to alarm her younger sister any more than necessary with speculation. Charlotte, on the other hand, was simply grateful for the lack of conversation so that the topic of Mr. Morton did not come up. She had not confessed to her sister Mr. Morton’s remarkable offer to elope to Gretna Green, nor would she, if she could help it. The unpleasant proposal was still so upsetting to her. However, any anxiety over it which might display upon her countenance would be seen by Dorothea as worry over their father, which was convenient for Charlotte.
She also found herself still dismayed over how Mr. Morton had departed Haverstone after she had fled into the house. He had not even taken proper leave of her. Charlotte felt confident that Mr. Morton—no, Robert, (she could call him that now, could not she? After all, they were very nearly engaged)—would likely soon set things right, though. Perhaps he would come to Clayton House. At the very least, she was confident he would write a letter to her, apologizing for his rash proposal and assuring her that, of course, he would wait however long it took to read the banns and have a church wedding. After all—what could possibly be the rush? If he loved her, he wouldcertainly take her wishes for a proper wedding into consideration.
The more Charlotte considered, the more she felt that his initial proposal to elope was, in fact, simply a clumsy way of trying to help. He must have sincerely believed that for them to hastily marry would be seen as good news and would truly bring her father to recovery.
Why, in all likelihood, Robert does not even truly want to elope, himself. He just thought it a clever idea at the time. It was, in truth, a very thoughtful and loving gesture. I should not have been so harsh in my reaction. His intentions were good. I shall write a letter to him, saying so, to assure him of my affections. Yes. I shall do that as soon as I have a spare moment at home.
Thus, happily convinced of the good sense of her plan, Charlotte was able to relax a bit. She reached for her sister’s hand and when Dorothea turned to her, smiled bravely.
“All will turn out fine, do you not think?” Charlotte asked. “In fact, it may well be that Mr. Baker has already completely turned the crisis around, and Papa will be doing much better by the time we arrive. Then, after a good visit with our family, we shall return to Haverstone before long. Do you not believe it is possible?”
“I like to think in God’s world all things are possible, dearest,” Dorothea said in a soft voice. “But, we do not even know from what illness our father is suffering. A putrid infection of the lungs? Has he suffered a stroke or seizure of some kind and is incapacitated? Miles was so very light on any details in the express. I am trying not to let my imagination run away with me, though.” She took a deep breath. “Having you here with me on the journey home is the greatest of comforts. To know that you are not even the least upset over leaving your Mr. Morton and missing out on the ball is so helpful to me just now.”
“Oh, of course, I can have no objection to canceling it. We can hold it later. Perhaps in September.” Charlotte smiled and squeezed Dorothea’s arm. “I must say I like the sound of that—myMr. Morton.”
Dorothea laid her head on her sister’s shoulder. “Indeed, he is yours. I am quite convinced of it. As for Papa, well, we should be atClayton House in just a few hours, and then we shall know how long our stay there may be.”
*
It was lateafternoon when they arrived home. As the carriage entered the sweep of Clayton House, Charlotte and Dorothea saw Miles coming outside to greet them. Charlotte tried to read his face; he looked tired, but she could not see any tremendous sorrow upon it. That must be a good sign, she thought. And, Lavinia’s absence from out front must signal she was up in the sick room, caring for their father.
Stiff and sore from the long journey, the two exited the carriage and embraced their brother.
“Tell us, Miles, is he—” Dorothea could not finish the thought.
