Page 40 of A Foolish Endeavor

“Thank you. Tell me, Your Ladyship, what brings you to Hyde Park so early? Was that your barouche I saw parked by the path? Are you simply taking some air?”

Dorothea gave a small laugh. “I confess, I am here for the same reason as yourself. I am chaperoning my brother with Miss Wells. They wandered off a bit, but I will meet up with them soon.”

“Miss Wells, is it? I might ask you the same question you did of me. You believe her to be sincerely fond of your brother?”

Dorothea gave a little start at the woman’s presumption. “It appears she is. Her aunt has given Gilbert permission to court her, and Miss Wells was quite eager to ride with us to the park this morning. If she did not care for him, she certainly would not wish to be here in public to be seen by one and all.”

Mrs. Landry nodded, but her eyes looked doubtful to Dorothea as she said, “One and all? Perhaps it is more that she wishes to be seen by one in particular.”

“I do not have the pleasure of understanding you, Mrs. Landry.”

Mrs. Landry sighed in a fretful manner. “I do so dislike to spread gossip, Lady Gillingham. However, you may recall, I did drop a hint or two about that particular girl’s… character. She appears all sweetness and charm, but I have it on good authority that her actions—especially as concerns your dear brother—are not perhaps what they may seem.”

Dorothea felt a surge of irritation and took a moment to compose herself. “I do recollect your mentioning something of that, but you have not been so kind as to inform me of your source. You may be simply repeating fabricated gossip from some jealous person. Who told you she is not to be believed?” She tapped her foot and clutched her parasol tightly.

Mrs. Landry made a helpless gesture with her hands. “It is not for me to say, sadly. I must not betray a trust. I only mention it because I am fond of your brother and do not wish him to be hurt. I would only urge you to advise him to guard his heart and to take great caution when it comes to his regard for the lovely Miss Wells. She is… not what he may believe.”

Dorothea stiffened. “I thank you for your considerate advice. Now, if you will excuse me, I must find them. I wouldn’t wish for either to be accused of impropriety, after all. Good day, Mrs. Landry.” She gave the slightest of nods before taking her leave and moving swiftly down the gravel path to find Gilbert.

Insufferable busy-body! It is painfully obvious that she does not wish to see Gilbert wed an heiress. She is, no doubt, trying to punish him for not falling in love with her own daughter, leaving her to wed someone of the lower class. Well, let Miss Mary Landry accept this commoner suitor. It is nothing to me.

I am certain Gilbert’s offer will be accepted by Miss Wells within the week, and then we shall see who has made the better match!

Chapter Thirty-Two

The several days following his last tryst with Daisy were painful ones for Miles. He felt very deeply the embarrassment he had caused the Kendall name through his foolish actions and he was ashamed to have been caught with the girl. He had promised his father he would not see the chit again and he intended to keep that vow, despite his longing for her. Even if he had not sworn to give her up or if he had tried to continue with Daisy, his father was now keeping a very close eye on him, questioning Miles each time he set foot outside. It was as if he were a child again, in need of close monitoring. It made him quite resentful, but he had to admit that there was no one to blame but himself. He knew it would take time to get out of his father’s black books and win back his trust. He was determined to do so.

He had accompanied his father on a few visits to tenant farmers, but things were still rather strained between father and son, so the outings were less than pleasant—another issue Miles vowed to heal. He had always been so close to his father, and Miles had always taken great pleasure in accompanying him on rounds to meet with the tenant farmers. To realize he was on the outs with both his wife and his father left Miles so unhappy. He felt he had no one in whom he could confide.

Thinking perhaps a visit with his sister, Charlotte, would cheer him up, he instructed Mrs. Wilson to inform his father that he was going to the parsonage and left the house. As he approached the cottage, it occurred to him that his sister might not wish for company. She was due to give birth very soon now, and she must be so uncomfortable. But he lifted the brass knocker to give two short raps on the door and waited to be admitted.

Sally, the maid, opened the door, and smiled to see Miles.

“Good morning, sir,” she said cheerfully. “Are you come to see Mr. Morton?”

“No, Sally, I actually wish to have a visit with Mrs. Morton, if she is up to company.”

“She is in the back parlor just now. I am sure she will be glad to see you.” The girl gestured for Miles to come in and then led him down the hall to announce him.

Charlotte was half-lying down on the sofa when Miles entered. He thought she looked tired or, perhaps, a little out of sorts, but from her smile he could tell she was happy to see him.

“Miles, how lovely,” Charlotte said. “I was just hoping for a distraction this morning. Sally, please bring tea.” Then, looking up at her brother, she added, “You can stay for tea, can you not? Or is this simply to deliver an inquiry from our father? You may tell him all is well, and I am still waiting for this baby to arrive.”

Miles grinned. “No, I have no message. I am in need of company, and I hoped you might be, as well.” He took a seat on a chair upholstered with needlepoint decorations of vines and flowers. “How are you feeling? I recall how difficult it was for Lavinia when she was at this point.”

Charlotte pushed herself up and rested a hand on her large midsection. “I am well enough, I suppose. The midwife was here yesterday. She tells me it will not be long now. I have nothing to do but read, eat, and be patient. Frederick is hoping the baby will arrive while he is still here, and not at his other parish, so I have spoken to my future son or daughter quite firmly with my instructions.” She looked down and wagged a finger at her belly. “You must wait until your papa is at home.”

“Is he gone now?” Miles asked.

“Yes, he left Friday and will not be back until Monday. I do wish our dear Gilbert would cease his pleasure-seeking in town and return home to begin his duties as Frederick’s curate. Frederick has written to him twice now but received no reply. I can only assume that means he is enjoying himself too much to take the time to write.”

Sally entered with the tea things and set up, then bobbed a curtsy and departed. Charlotte reached for the tray, but Miles said, “Allow me,” and poured for both of them. He took a sip before saying, “Father has written to Gilbert, as well. Like you, I understand that our brother wishes to enjoy himself a bit before settling down to work, but his family obligations ought to come first. He ought to consider others in the family, after all.” Realizing the hypocrisy of his statement, in light of his own recent acts, Miles lowered his gaze, his face burning.

Charlotte noted his discomfit and sighed. “Dear brother, I had not wished to bring up a painful subject, but, since you speak of family considerations, I must ask. Tell me, are the rumors I have heard true? Father came to speak to Frederick the other night, and, I confess, I overhead enough to gain the gist of his troubled mind. Are you… did you consort with a common barmaid?”

Miles felt tears come to his eyes. He nodded, unable to look his sister in the eye. “I do not know what I was thinking. I love my wife—I do! But Lavinia has been so unreachable of late, still staying in the nursery with Dickie and ignoring me. I was so miserable and so lonely. Not that I can have any excuse for my lack in good judgment and governance, but that is the reason I was tempted to stray.”

“I see. If you would prefer to unburden yourself to Frederick in private about this later, we can change the subject. You and I need not discuss it.”