“How lovely that your estate is so close to Haverstone, Mr. Morton,” she said, as the soup was served. “Dorothea wrote me this summer in great detail of the beauty of your home after their tour. Iam certain you shall miss it terribly should you take the vacancy at Clayton Parish.”
“My brother inherited Brentwood so it is no longer really my home at all, Mrs. Kendall.”
“I understand he has recently wed.”
At this, Charlotte dropped her spoon loudly into her soup bowl, earning a disapproving glance from Lavinia. “I beg your pardon,” she murmured.
“He has,” Frederick replied simply.
“He hasn’t kicked you out from his home, has he? So that he may have his new bride all to himself?” Lavinia teased.
Charlotte reached for her wine glass but lifting it, she saw her hand was shaking, so she quickly set it back down. She hoped no one noticed.
“No,” Frederick said. “I believe my brother would be happy to keep me on as curate at Brentwood. But, my future there seemed without significant opportunity. So, when your father wrote to me, inviting me to consider taking the living here, it seemed very good timing. As a rector, I must be willing to move any place that will prove advantageous for my career. I am eager to minister to all who may be in need of my services,” he replied.
“Then, youaregoing to take the living? How lovely. I am sure your sermons will be far more palatable than the previous rector.” She laughed loudly, ending in a bit of a snort. “However, I feel I must warn you—I am afraid Doddington is rather a backwards little community. Mostly farmers and shopkeepers. I hope you won’t be bored silly.”
“On the contrary. I anticipate there are many delights here that will offer me ample diversion.”
Charlotte happened to look up at that moment to see Frederick’s eyes were fixed on her as he spoke. They held a gaze before he broke away and smiled at Lavinia.
“Your father tells me you are expecting a child, Mrs. Kendall. Mycongratulations. I look forward to baptizing your future son or daughter.”
Lavinia preened and stroked her belly, which was just now showing signs of her pregnancy. “Thank you. It will be a son, I am convinced of it. I had to wait so long before being blessed with a child that I am certain the Lord is rewarding my patience with the next heir to Clayton estate. We are all so pleased.” With a nod to Charlotte, she added, “And, Charlotte will make a trustworthy and capable governess, do not you think?”
Charlotte saw Frederick’s eyes widen briefly.
“She has agreed to this?” he asked.
Overhearing, Miles broke away from discussing sheep with his father to speak. “Now, Lavinia, we have not even asked Charlotte to consider being governess to the child. In any case, you will have a nursemaid for the first several years or so. My sister would not be ready to teach needlework to an infant, after all.” He laughed at his own joke, a braying sound.
Lavinia sent him a peeved expression. “We may as well settle things now. It is not as though she’s going to have children of her own, it appears.” She beamed at Frederick and leaned in closely to speak in a low voice. “I do not know whether you are aware, but Charlotte’s entire visit to Haverstone this summer was with a mind to our sister, Dorothea, finding her a match. Yet, here she returns, as she did fromtwoSeasons in London, still quite unattached. What else is there for her but to be a governess?”
Charlotte looked down at her hands clutching her napkin. She twisted it, willing herself not to burst into angry tears.
“But, Miss Kendall is still quite young to be considered on the shelf. She recently turned but one and twenty, am I correct?” Frederick spoke softly, but firmly. “No one would say she has lost her bloom. Indeed, I cannot help but think there would be many eligible men who…who would wish to have her as a wife.”
“Well, from your mouth to God’s ear, I am sure,” Lavinia said, and nodded to a footman to clear the soup and bring the fish.
Charlotte raised her eyes to see Frederick staring intently at her. She could not make out his countenance—was it pity? Yes, it seemed so. She forced a little laugh and turned to her sister-in-law.
“Yes, Lavinia, do not depend on me to teach any of your children quite yet. Perhaps instead, I shall ask Papa for my dowry and run away from home to strike out on my own. I’ve always thought I should make a marvelous pirate.” She brought her spoon up to cover one eye.
The general laughter to her jest broke the awkwardness.
“A pirate you may choose to become, daughter, but please do not hurry to do so,” Evan Kendall said. “I am counting on you to help Mr. Morton settle in to the rectory and parish now that he has agreed to take the living. When we were there today, I noticed things are looking a bit shabby, and I shall need you to assist him in choosing fabrics and such to make the old place look fresh and new.”
“The rectory is fine as it is, Mr. Kendall,” Frederick broke in. “I should hate to cost you any coin.”
“Nonsense,” Evan said heartily. “I think if you stay with us for a week or so, we can make a good start. Charlotte can help—choose new curtains, rugs, and so forth. A fresh beginning for you deserves nothing less.”
“Iwould be most happy to help, Father,” Lavinia cooed. “I assure you, Mr. Morton, my taste from furnishings to finishes is unmatched in the county—ask anyone. They will be quick to praise my good eye in choosing only the very best.”
“Yes, I recall hearing you just recently speak of updates you wish to make right here at Clayton House, Lavinia,” Charlotte could not resist saying. She was gratified to see a flush creep up her sister-in-law’s pinched face.
“No, no, Lavinia,” Evan said firmly. “I am sure you have your hands full getting the nursery prepared for my future grandson. We’llleave the renovations of the cottage to Charlotte and Mr. Morton.” He smiled at them both. “Is that agreeable?”
They exchanged another glance and then nodded.
