Fenella Miller (5 page)

‘In that case, my dear, I shall expect to see you mounted on a suitable hack from Lord Grierson’s extensive stable. I shall be waiting outside at nine o’clock tomorrow morning.’

Surely not? Yes—the chit’s hands were clenched.

‘Very well, sir, I shall be ready.’ She fluttered her eyelashes. ‘But is nine o’clock not too early for you? Perhaps midday would suit you better?’

His smile was as false as hers. ‘Alas, it is the wretched birds, you know, I find myself unable to sleep past dawn.’ He reached over to the desk upon which he had left his whip and gloves. ‘Pray, do not let me keep you from your breakfast, Miss Devenish.’ Without another word he strolled past and left her alone in the library. Being this wretched girl’s guardian was going to be more tiresome than he’d thought.

* * * *

Marianne was uncertain to whom the honours of the encounter had gone. She shook her head ruefully. An encounter with Sir Theodore was like trying to catch a minnow in a stream. One minute you had it in your hands, the next it had slipped through and you were left with nothing. That was how she felt, empty, as though she had almost understood something important then it had, like the little silver fish she had hunted in her childhood years, vanished, leaving her dissatisfied and cross.

Her stomach gurgled noisily reminding her she had not eaten. Smiling, she hurried from the library to seek sustenance in the sunny breakfast parlour. This time the chamber was occupied by Lord Grierson and his two sons who stood up and nodded politely. Of Emily, and her ladyship, there was no sign.

‘Be seated, my dear, I shall serve you myself. What would you like?’ Lord Grierson greeted her cheerfully.

‘Some ham and coddled eggs, with bread and butter, would be perfect, thank you, my lord.’

Charles smiled at her. ‘Would you like chocolate, coffee or porter, to drink?’

‘Coffee, please, Mr Grierson.’

She nodded to Edward, already munching his way through an impressive plateful. ‘Good morning, Master Edward.’

Edward nodded, his mouth too full to answer. Lord Grierson placed a laden plate in front of her.

‘There you are, my child. You are far too thin, but a few weeks with us will soon sort that out.’

She stared with dismay at the pile of food. ‘If I am unexpected to eat all this every morning, my lord, I will soon be the shape of a barrel.’

He chuckled. ‘Nonsense, my dear. Eat up—good wholesome food never hurt anybody. This all comes from my farms. You will not get better anywhere in Essex.’

‘I shall do my best, sir.’ Her plate was still half full when she pushed it away. ‘I am sorry, I cannot eat another morsel, but it was delicious.’

‘Excellent! We do not take lunch here, so it is best to eat your fill at breakfast.’

‘When should I expect Lady Grierson and Miss Grierson to appear, my lord?’

Unexpectedly, Lord Grierson frowned at her, not answering her query. ‘This will not do, my child. I cannot be forever hearing, my lord, my lady, miss this and mister that. We do not stand on ceremony at Frating Hall.’

‘Then how shall I address you, sir?’

He beamed, his decision made. ‘You are as a daughter to us now, so you shall call me as my children do, Papa. How about that?’

‘Thank you, sir…Papa—that is a kind suggestion. I am an orphan and have no other parents who can possibly object to the arrangement.’

Charles, who had finished his meal, smiled, his eyes friendly, his expression open and honest. ‘If that is how things are, you have become another sister and I shall, in future, address you as Marianne.’

‘And I shall call you Charles.’ She pushed back a chair, relieved a footman had not leapt forward to assist her. ‘I am going to love it here.’ Then her smile faded. ‘But I hope you will understand that I am not used to living in a large family and must sometimes need to be on my own.’

Lord Grierson nodded. ‘Of course you will. We are a rambunctious lot. Too much to bear, I am sure. The library, I am sorry to say, is rarely used, for we are not a bookish family. What say you take that as your own place? I shall make certain, in future, no one enters without your permission.’

Tears filled Marianne’s eyes. She did not deserve such consideration. ‘Thank you, Papa, that is kind of you. The library will be perfect.’ She smiled warmly at the three men who were all standing as she prepared to leave. Lord Grierson prevented her.

‘And, another thing, child, you will have new rooms from this morning, it is all in hand. Emily meant well, we all did, but realize now that someone brought up as you have been would not be used to sharing.’

Marianne felt her cheeks redden. ‘I did not intend to upset Emily. I know she offered to share her own apartment out of kindness. I spoke hastily. I can only plead that my headache forced my incivility and will make my peace with her when she descends.’

‘No harm done, my dear. You will be best of friends whether sharing or not. Now, run along and see where your mama has put you. I will see you at dinner, no doubt.’

She escaped the breakfast parlour, her face still pink. She would do as she was bid and inspect her new accommodation for there was nothing else to do until Emily and Lady Grierson rose from their beds. She ran lightly up the stairs. There was going to be so much to occupy her here—gone were the long empty days of Upton Manor, in which she had only her wild rides in the country to alleviate the boredom.

She had never attended a soiree, an assembly or even participated in such mundane activities as a picnic or a visit to a country fair. She knew nothing about shopping either but was eagerly anticipating becoming involved in a few of these activities now that she was here.

Her mouth curved involuntarily as she recalled the meeting with her guardian. He was, even to her inexperienced eyes, a very attractive young man—what a shame his intellect did not match his appearance.

Chapter Five

Marianne was delighted with the new chambers at the side of the house, and although darker, being north facing, they overlooked the park which was an improvement on the outbuildings she had previously.

Lady Grierson left satisfied her “golden goose” was comfortable. She would not want Marianne to complain to her guardian and ask to be accommodated elsewhere.

Emily, last night’s disappointment forgotten, arrived at the parlour door. She was accompanied by her maid with her arms full of clothes.

‘Marianne, I have brought a selection of dresses. As we are almost the same size I thought you might like to select a few for yourself. You could borrow from me until you have your own.’

‘That is kind of you, Emily, and especially after my appalling rudeness last night.’

‘Of fiddlesticks to that! You were tired and had the headache. It is hardly surprising you were out of sorts.’ The garments spilled enticingly over the settle and Marianne, who had considered herself above such trivial interests as fresh gowns, dropped to her knees to examine them more closely.

‘This is lovely; this particular shade of green is a favourite of mine. And the material is so fine—is it cambric or muslin?’

Emily shrugged. ‘I have no notion. And as I do not like the sleeves and it has no frills or bows, I have never worn it. It is far too plain for me. Take it, it is yours to keep.’

Marianne stood up, holding the high-waisted garment at arm’s-length. This was perfect for her. ‘Thank you, Emily; you’re a darling to give it to me. I am about to change from my habit, so will put it on immediately.’

‘Are there any others you would like to borrow?’

Marianne glanced down but saw nothing else that interested her. The rest were of insipid pastel shades, over adorned with ribbons, bows and ruches. ‘This is all I require, thank you. I have my old dress which I can use as a morning gown, and I have my habit to ride in. And now I have this lovely confection for afternoons. Mrs Dawkins promised she would have some things completed by tomorrow so I can manage very well until then.’

The maid gathered up the rejected clothing and both she and Emily departed, leaving Marianne to bathe and change.

* * * *

‘There, miss, that looks a treat! It could’ve been made for you, it fits so well.’ Jane adjusted the mint green sash that tied under the bosom so the floating ends fell fetchingly to one side.

Marianne gazed in awe at her reflection. ‘Is that really me, Jane? I had no idea I could look so well. What a difference a pretty dress makes.’

‘It is a pity the matching slippers don’t fit, but the skirt’s long enough to cover your feet. But you must keep your old slippers tucked underneath when you’re seated.’

‘I will. I shall go down now as I want to explore the house. At the moment I feel like a stranger here and, as this is going to be my home, I must learn to find my way around without recourse to footmen.’

When her abigail opened the door Marianne could hear voices on the stairs. ‘Listen. Jane, I think Emily must have a visitor. I should stay in here. I do not wish to intrude.’

She stepped back just as two figures rounded the corner making her escape impossible.

‘Marianne, look who has come to see me. It is my bosom bow, Lady Arabella Hawksmith, from Great Bromley.’

Marianne met the cold stare of the young lady who stood, poised and elegant, beside Emily. The girl did not curtsy, merely nodded. Marianne knew etiquette demanded she should dip, she was outranked, but she didn’t. She inclined her head as disdainful as her ladyship.

Emily, noting nothing amiss, ran forward. ‘That gown looks wonderful on you, does it not Arabella? I knew it would suit you.’

Lady Arabella’s expression changed and her mouth curved into a resemblance of a smile. ‘I never liked that gown, Emily, I consider it an ugly colour—but indeed, it is exactly right for you Miss Devenish.’

Through gritted teeth Marianne replied. ‘Thank you, Lady Arabella, I am delighted you approve.’ She stared pointedly at the girl’s acid yellow muslin gown, liberally festooned with bows and ribbons. ‘For it is obvious that your taste is dissimilar to mine.’ The implication being that hers was superior was not lost on Arabella.

Emily looked from one to the other and smiled hopefully. ‘I am sure you both look perfect and I specially admire your gown Arabella.’ Arabella preened and all might have passed smoothly had Emily not added. ‘But when our new gowns come they will be the latest thing. The fashion plates Mrs Dawkins has used only arrived from Town this week.’

‘Are you implying that my clothes are unfashionable? That I am no more than a country dowd?’ Arabella’s caustic tone caused Emily’s face to crumple.

Marianne glared pointedly at Arabella. ‘Of course she did not mean to criticize you, Lady Arabella. Emily has been singing your praises ever since I arrived yesterday. She has nothing but admiration for you, as I am certain you are aware.’

Lady Arabella flushed and lowered her eyes, for though full of her own consequence, she was, it seemed, fond of her friend. ‘I beg your pardon, Emily. I did not mean to speak so sharply. I am afraid I have the headache.’

Emily, instantly smiling again, drew Marianne forward. ‘I wish you two to be friends as well, for I cannot bear to think you hold each other in dislike.’

Marianne was quick to reassure her. ‘I am sure, as Lady Arabella and I become better acquainted, we will fully appreciate each other’s worth.’ She smiled brightly at both girls before continuing. ‘Shall we go down? I would like to be shown around the gardens. I believe there is a rose garden and a walled garden where all your vegetables are grown, is there not, Emily?’

Emily led the way, chatting about the garden, the park, and anything else that flitted into her mind leaving Marianne and Lady Arabella to follow behind in uneasy silence.

The rose garden was not in its full glory it being only May, but nonetheless a pleasant place to walk. Emily halted at a leafy bay enclosing a rustic bench which faced a splendid Tudor archway.

‘Shall we sit here and rest a while? There is so much we have to discuss that I hardly know where to start.’

Arabella nodded and carefully brushed the bench with her mittened hand. ‘Emily, I am told Sir Theodore Devenish is a friend of Lord and Lady Grierson? Is this true?’

Emily nodded. ‘Indeed he is; and Marianne is his ward—they are related you know.’

‘In that case perhaps it is to you that I should apply for information, Miss Devenish.’

‘I am not sure I can help you for I only met him yesterday. I was expecting Sir James and Lady Devenish would be my guardians. I was shocked to discover Sir Theodore in their stead.’

Arabella’s perfectly arched eyebrows vanished beneath her coiffed black hair. ‘I imagine you were as much a shock to Sir Theodore, for he can only be a handful of years your senior. Hardly old enough to assume responsibility for another.’

‘I did not enquire as to his age, Lady Arabella. His being a bachelor caused me to come here, not his lack of maturity.’

Arabella smiled. She had discovered Sir Theodore an eligible, and available,
parti
. She rose gracefully from the bench.

‘I had come over to tell you, my dear Emily, that we are holding a ball to celebrate my name day. I do hope you will both be able to attend?’

Emily looked perplexed. ‘But is your birthday not July? That is two months away. I do hope I am going to see you again before then.’

Arabella fidgeted with her sash and Marianne filled the awkward pause. ‘It is wise to start planning such an important event a good time in advance, is it not Lady Arabella? I expect you are hoping Emily might help you with your plans.’

‘Yes, that is exactly what I hoped. Will you Emily? I would value your opinion, especially on the selection and arrangement of flowers.’

‘The roses will be at their best, and lupins and delphiniums and many other pretty blooms. Shall I come to Bromley Hall tomorrow, in the morning? You can show me where you and Lady Hawksmith wish to display the arrangements.’

Arabella glanced politely at Marianne. ‘Will you be accompanying Emily, Miss Devenish? You would be most welcome.’

‘Thank you, no, I have a prior engagement. My guardian and I are riding out together.’