Love Engineered (11 page)

Charles then explained that he knew about Mr Risinger and Miss Thomas's broken friendship.

“I don't know the circumstances that led to the breakdown of the friendship yet,” he explained. “But I do know that he was shocked to see her and that he was unhappy she now knows he is in the country.”

Jane shook her head. “I don't know what to think. Louise is my friend, and I've only met Mr Risinger a few times, despite your previous friendship with him.”

“He was a fellow student at school.”

“But what could Mr Risinger possibly fear from Louise? She is such a kind-hearted and generous lady, I cannot believe that any man would fear her. She is just a woman.”

“She is a woman with great wealth and influence,” Charles said. “And although I do not know all of the details, William has told me that he is unable to get work because of her interference. He is emigrating because America is the only place with opportunities where Miss Thomas cannot touch him.”

They stood silent for a moment. “I do not believe she is capable of such a thing,’ Jane said. ‘I believe we both should not jump to conclusions. But why would Miss Thomas leave so suddenly and appear so ill at the sight of Mr Risinger if she wields so much power over him?”

It was an interesting point, but after a moment he had his answer. “A woman in her position does not have to do the work of influence herself. She will have paid men to ensure that Mr Risinger does not gain work. Therefore, seeing the man himself on her own must have been a shock.”

“If what you say is true, then my friend must have a good reason. Have you not thought of that? You must not be so one-sided until you have found out all the facts. He could have harmed her.”

“Whatever the reason, I'm determined to find out everything now.” He softened a little. “You're right Jane. I must find out the whole truth.”

. . .

At home, a thousand thoughts swam in Louise's mind. Risinger back in England? He had been the very last person she had expected to see – and in the Lucas house too. She felt sick at seeing him. But she was also angry at herself for reacting the way she did. How could she be so weak? She told herself that if she ever saw him again she would be strong. He looked different, older, withered. But underneath the cool exterior, he was still the same man. She could see it in his eyes. One question bore onto her: how did Risinger and Mr Lucas know each other? She scolded herself for not having asked Jane. She thought it strange that Risinger was friends with Charles Lucas, the brother of her new friend. This seemed to be no coincidence. and she feared what the consequences might be. She knew she had to act and act quickly. She wrote to her lawyer, Mr Russell.

After the shock of seeing Risinger had subsided, Louise allowed her thoughts to stray in another direction. She was disappointed not to have spoken to or seen more of Mr Lucas. The few moments she saw him didn't give her the time to gauge his feelings, even if she now knew her own. It was inconvenient.

Jane called the next day and enquired after her. Louise saw her briefly, so that she was assured of her recovery. They arranged to meet the next day to visit a gallery but before she left, Louise asked Jane how long her brother had known Mr Risinger.

“They were at school together. But they have only met a few times in the last few months,” Jane explained.

“Are they close friends?”

“Not at all. Charles said he only knew Mr Risinger a little at school, and like I said, they have only met a few times since they met again recently.”

“Your brother – he is not a man who is dazzled by wealth, or who seeks it, I think?”

“Charles? No not at all. As you may be aware, his interests lie solely with engineering feats. In fact, sometimes I find him exasperating, he is so single-minded.”

“Yes, that is what I thought. Tell me one more thing. His reputation as an engineer is impeccable; is he always honest and true?”

Jane frowned, “Have you heard something that taints his character?”

“No, no. Not at all. I'm sorry, it is an impertinent question and I shouldn't have asked it.”

They sat in awkward silence for a moment until Jane said, “Charles has always had the highest morals. He never was and never has been a man to wilfully do anything wrong.”

Louise took hold of Jane's hand. “That is exactly what I thought.”

When Jane arrived home, Charles was waiting for her in the sitting room.

“Well? What excuse did Miss Thomas give for her behaviour yesterday?” he demanded.

“Excuse? Why would she need an excuse? She asked how you and Mr Risinger knew each other, so I told her the truth – that you were at school together and had met again recently.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes, and I'm tired of this subject. Haven't you got a tunnel to design? Or something else to keep you occupied.”

“I have enough work, as you well know.”

“Then I can't see why you're so interested. It's so unlike you to be concerned with personal matters.”

“Risinger is my friend.”

“Why are you so determined to dislike Miss Thomas? What has she done to you that places her so low in your opinion?”

“Nothing. She has done nothing to me. I suppose it's more what she represents than who she is. I do not know the circumstances of her dealings with Mr Risinger, but I do not like her obvious interference in his affairs. It's officious.”

“Neither of us knows the truth. It seems they dislike each other, but without knowing the details, we can't make an informed judgment.”

“That is true, but if she is anything like the gentry I have been at the mercy of many times during my work, she will be the one at fault.”

“How can you say that? You seem happy to classify her amongst the worst of her class, when she could be the best.”

“From what I have been told, she is not among the best.”

“Told by Risinger?”

“Yes.”

“Why should you believe him above anyone else?”

“He is a gentleman. He is an old school friend. Why would I not believe him? What possible reason could he have to slight Miss Thomas?”

“I don't know. But, come Charles, we must not argue! Especially over something so wholly unconcerned with us.” Jane put her hand on her brother's arm and he patted it then stood up.

“I suppose so. I'm going to the study to work.” He was determined to keep the peace and retreated to his private sanctuary.

. . .

Louise and Jane attended the gallery the next morning to find a small amount of rain didn't spoil their plans, but cleansed the air somewhat and made their journey as pleasant as could be expected on a warm March day in London.

It was after their visit to the gallery was over and they had walked home that Louise decided to speak her thoughts.

“I'm glad to be able to spend time with you again Jane. Your friendship is important to me. I hope you realise that.”

Jane stopped and looked at her friend. “It's important to me too. I hadn't realised until you left for Devon all those months ago. I hope you can stay longer in London this time.”

“I hope so too, but I would be honoured if you and your mother would be my guests at Glazebrook sometime in the near future. I would very much like to have you stay.”

“I would like that very much too. Tell me – how long does it take to travel to the Tamar from your estate?”

“I'm not entirely sure, but I would have thought about half a day. There is a train that will take you as far as Plymouth. Why do you ask? You want to see how your brother's bridge is progressing?”

“Yes,” Jane answered hesitantly. “Actually, there is someone I would like to see if I were to visit Devon. He is a good friend.”

“He?” Louise said, with amusement in her eyes.

Jane blushed a little. “Yes, he.”

“And is he involved with the building of the bridge?”

“Yes. He is there all the time overseeing everything. He is the principal engineer.”

“And you would like to see him again?”

“Very much.”

“I can relate to such feelings myself. You need not be embarrassed.”

“You can?” Jane looked into Louise's face and wondered who could have made her feel such things. Mr Risinger? Was that the reason for her reaction the other day?

“What is the gentleman's name in Devon?”

“Henry Boyd. But you must not say anything to anyone. Promise me, please.”

“Of course. You have my word. But why the secrecy?”

“Well, it's that I'm not sure if he truly returns my sentiments. I would be rather embarrassed if he didn't and I wouldn't want him to feel under any obligation because he works for Charles.”

“Have you thought about writing to him?” Louise asked, thinking of her new friend Lucy Potts.

“He has written to me a few times and I have written back. But he was formal in his letters and gave nothing away. It was all rather vexing.”

“I see your point. Why write at all if you're going to be only formal?”

“Exactly. I did wonder whether he held back because he was unsure of my feelings. I believe that I made them clear enough. I'm not one to hide such things.”

“Well, I do not think it a good idea that you write to him explicitly about your sentiments; that wouldn't be seen to be right. It's difficult for women, isn't it? But I wonder, could you not let your brother know of your feelings. Perhaps if he thinks Mr Boyd a suitable match, he could relay your sentiments to him?”

“I'm not sure. I think Charles knows, although I have never spoken to him about it. I'm certain Mr Boyd has said nothing about me, especially to his employer,” Jane said.

“It's a puzzle to know what to do. I do sometimes dislike the fact that a lady should not make her sentiments known to a gentleman. But we will have to bear it as best we can. Has he given you an indication of his feelings?” Louise asked.

“He certainly is most attentive when we meet, though when Charles is near he does seem a little reserved at times, which is most of the time. Mother is very good and tries to look for opportunities to pull Charles away.”

Louise smiled and inclined her head in understanding.

“Enough about me,” Jane said. “Now tell me, you said you knew how I felt. Who is the gentleman you admire?”

Louise tried not to blush, and turned away. Her gaze fell on the buildings around them, the trees, the street. Anything except his sister's face. “Oh, it's nobody. But alas, I have no mother or brother to help me along. So I shall have to do it myself!”

Jane didn't press the issue further, though she was more than curious to find out who had managed to secure her friend’s affections.

A few days later and the friends found themselves together at a local assembly. It was somewhere the Lucases attended occasionally when the weather was bad, or when evening entertainment at home grew a little wearisome. Mrs Lucas was in attendance, having returned from her trip to Bath, and was pleased to see Louise, and their friends the Hunters. Louise had yet to speak to Charles or see him since that day Risinger had shown up. She was disappointed to hear that he wasn't to attend the assembly, but resolved not to let the evening be dampened by the news. As always, she dressed with the utmost care: a green silk gown – one of her finest.

“Charles has to work late again, he sent word this afternoon, but Jane and I were determined to attend tonight,” explained Mrs Lucas when they were all gathered. Edward escorted the party and seemed rather more jovial than Louise remembered. His wife Rose was as friendly as ever and introduced her to many of their friends. It seemed she knew half the room.

It was some time into the evening, while standing near the entrance, and regaining her composure after a lively dance, that Louise noticed a familiar figure enter the room.

It was Charles Lucas. She didn't expect him, but her heart was filled with gladness and expectation. Finally she hoped to speak to him freely. From her position in the room she could observe him without being seen herself. He stood tall and with self-confidence, perfectly groomed, she couldn't tear her gaze from him. She watched as he entered, looked around and upon seeing his sister, mother and Miss Hunter, walked over to them. Their delight at seeing him was obvious and Louise noted a small blush on the cheeks of Miss Hunter as she greeted him with a flutter of lashes. Louise was instantly jealous, though not surprised that another woman would be attracted to him. Still, she couldn't help thinking Miss Hunter was a poor insignificant. She was a nobody compared to herself. Miss Hunter's fortune was one thousand pounds. Louise laughed inwardly. One thousand! Her inheritance was at least one hundred times that. She quickly tried to calculate how much it was all worth. It was impossible.

Despite these thoughts, Louise suddenly felt overcome with a nervousness she had seldom felt before. The feeling unsettled her. She had been about to return to Jane, but now that her brother was there she had a strange self-consciousness about doing it and remained where she was.

So, for fifteen minutes, she stood on her own. She watched the assembly – or at least appeared to. For she saw the people dance and talk, but her thoughts were far away at the other end of the room.

She knew the moment he walked in the room that her heart was his for the taking. She had known it for months. But now, on seeing him again, she surrendered a part of her never yielded before.

If she had been capable of thinking of anyone else other than herself and the object of her affection, she would have felt a great deal of empathy for Lucy Potts and her Mr Francis, whose circumstances meant their match would be unlikely for some time. Not so for her. For what was there that could possibly prevent her marriage other than either party's own approval or disapproval? Eventually she realised that, if she didn't do something and move from her spot, what was left of the evening would be wasted; her on one side of the room, him on the other.

It was Jane who ended the stalemate. She saw Louise on her own in her miserable solitude. She whispered a quick “be nice to my friend” to her brother and went to collect her.

Charles did as his sister asked, and greeted Louise with cordiality. She tried not to blush in the same way as Miss Hunter.