Love Engineered (4 page)

“My mother.”

“Well then, she had similar tastes to me. That red silk wallpaper is exactly as I would choose.”

Conversation, as was inevitable in such situations of new acquaintance, then turned to the weather.

Once this line of dialogue was exhausted, the tea arrived, and as soon as they were comfortably sipping their refreshment, Mrs Lucas began to ask more questions of her hostess.

“Jane tells me you attended Charles's lecture and that you have a great interest in engineering.”

“Yes,” Louise replied over her teacup, secretly pleased that the conversation had quickly gone in the direction she hoped. “It was very enlightening.”

“I'm so proud of Charles,” Mrs Lucas said. “He may be the younger son, but I think he has already achieved more than his older brother.”

“You have two sons?”

“Yes, Edward is two years older than Charles. He is a lawyer here in London, a partner in a well-respected company, Finch Associates. Have you heard of them?”

“No, I'm afraid not.”

“Well, they are on the other side of town, and though their clients are respectable, they are perhaps not in such high circles as you.”

Jane placed her teacup down. “Mama, Edward has achieved much as well.” She turned to Louise. “My mother professes not to have a favourite child, but I fear sometimes her guard is let down and her preference for Charles shows itself.” A teasing smile played on Jane's lips.

“Well Jane, you always say that, and I always deny it! I love all my three children, and although I have an excellent relationship with them, it's Charles who is most like their father. Is that the preference you speak of?”

“How long have you been a widow?” Louise asked.

“Nearly ten years now. I miss Walter greatly.”

Louise looked away as all-too-familiar memories of loss flooded through her. “Although I have never lost a husband, I do know what it's like to lose a loved one.”

“You have no family living, I hear?”

Louise surmised that her reputation preceded her. It wasn't uncommon for new acquaintances to know at least a few basic facts about her. Some knew far too much, and others heard many untruths. She hoped the Lucas family fell into the first group. “Not my immediate family, no. I have a cousin and aunt and a few other distant relatives. Second cousins and such.”

Jane looked a little shocked. “I'm sorry for it, truly I am. But you have many friends, do you not?”

“Yes. I'm lucky in that respect, and my cousin, Lord Philip, is a great help and support to me.” Louise shifted about, she desired a change in the conversation. She was not willing to dwell on what she didn't have, and the loneliness so often felt. “You both live with Charles and not your eldest?”

“Yes,” Mrs Lucas answered, even though the question had been directed at Jane. “We're very fond of Edward and his wife Rose, but they have four children and enough to keep them occupied without extra family getting in the way.”

Louise nodded. “Perhaps one day Mr Lucas will marry, and then what will you do?”

Jane gave a kind of snort. “Charles is far too busy to think of marrying, I'm sure of it. He works too hard and too long hours to meet any eligible women. Despite our efforts to the contrary.”

Mrs Lucas glared at her daughter for a moment. “What Jane means is that Charles has yet to meet a woman he admires enough to marry. When that happens, we will review the living arrangements. Hopefully he will marry someone who will be like a daughter to me, and then there wouldn't be a problem.”

“I'm sure I shall be married before him,” Jane said. “And Mama you can come and live with me.”

“You're very kind Jane. But we'll see.” Mother and daughter exchanged a tender glance, as silence fell on the room. Louise admired their obvious affection for each other. To have a mother living would be a wondrous thing indeed.

Louise was broken from her reveries by Mrs Lucas's soft voice. “Dare I ask – are you free tomorrow night? We're having a dinner with only a few select friends and would be honoured if you would come. But I must warn you now, we're not grand by any means. However, I can guarantee hearty food and excellent company.”

“I have no prior engagements tomorrow evening and the honour would be mine.”

The ladies stayed another half an hour. All three felt a mutual but silent affirmation that they would like to continue the acquaintance.

Mrs Lucas, although not usually dazzled by wealth, felt Miss Thomas a worthy friend for her daughter and as they were traveling home remarked, “Jane, if you wish to become friends with Miss Thomas, I would be glad of it.”

“Do you think she likes me as much as I like her?”

“I think she does. But you're so lovely, who cannot but help liking you?”

“If you continue like this, I shall start to think I'm your favourite child,” Jane smiled. She looked out of the carriage window. “I confess, I was a little overwhelmed by the grandeur of her house and her wealth. I think she is very rich. Did you see the silver in the cabinet? It must be worth hundreds of pounds.”

“But she is unlike so many of the wealthy,” Mrs Lucas agreed. “She is unassuming and easy to talk to. Not officious and perfectly amiable. Yes, I like her very much.”

“I didn't see anything eccentric about her,” Jane agreed. “The gossips who like to whisper about her must just be jealous.”

“Indeed. I have heard whispers that Miss Thomas is brazen and assertive. I saw nothing of the sort. They must be envious of her wealth and independence.”

If the Lucas women were happy with their new acquaintance, it was nothing to the feelings Louise held in return. Though she was something of a social butterfly with many acquaintances especially in London, she felt the Lucas women were different from typical ladies.

Jane was a lovely girl in her own right and had obviously been brought up well-educated and informed. She was sure that their friendship, if cultivated, would be mutually beneficial. It was true that part of Jane's appeal was the family surname she bore, but Louise could see a depth to her that was missing from so many women. She was a little surprised that Jane wasn't already married; those men in her social circle must surely see her accomplishments? Perhaps there already was an attachment that Louise wasn't aware of.

Likewise, Mrs Lucas was an excellent woman. She showed great affection for her children, and clearly nurtured their individuality. In her eyes, they could do no wrong. Louise thought this the perfect attitude for a parent to have, and thereby rendered the children a freedom that wasn't often afforded many in their day and age. Certainly, Louise's own wealth, though a great benefit, and something others clearly coveted, was an encumbrance to her at times. Her responsibilities were so many that sometimes she felt at a loss to cope on her own. Every decision she made was done to the best of her ability, but she longed for a consistent mentor or companion to share the burden. Philip was a dependable help when she felt overwhelmed. What would she do without his assistance? But she hardly ever saw him, and despite the fact that he would always answer her letters, he was so often away around the country that his replies were inevitably delayed.

That afternoon and evening, though busy with engagements, she forced herself to stop any thoughts of the pressures of her wealth, and instead turned her mind to the dinner the following evening. There was a deep pleasure she barely acknowledged even to herself: she was glad that she would have the opportunity to speak to Mr Lucas again. But she must not let her friendship with Jane be guided by her wish to see the brother. It would be shameful and a disservice to Jane to use her in such a way.

When the following evening arrived, she was late dressing. A letter from her steward arrived while her maid was arranging her hair. It wasn't in her nature to ignore business letters, and she dismissed the maid for a short time, and sat at her dressing table to read it.

Her eyes scanned the letter to take in the major details. There was flooding in the fields near the Axe river again, but that was to be expected – it happened every year. It made many of the fields unusable through the winter, but in the summer when the weather was drier and the river flow subsided, the grass was all the sweeter for the flooding.

The Turner brothers had been at each other's throats again; this time it was a border dispute over their adjoining farms. She sighed to herself. If she had a sibling alive, she wouldn't argue like them. She would cherish each moment. But she remembered one of the lessons her father taught her: people from all stations in life never appreciate what they have. She had always been determined not to be one of them, especially every time she passed a starving child in the street. Every day she knew how lucky she was to be able to put food into her mouth.

The harvest was almost over, with only the last apples to be collected. Preparations for the fair were nearly complete. She would return for that, and never missed it. She remembered the smiling faces and the laughter above the musicians. The rows of stalls selling foods of all kinds.

Her maid re-entered the room and broke her from her thoughts, and she continued to dress. Thoughts of home would have to be left for later and in a way she was glad; her home in Devon stood empty – empty of family at least.

Despite the late business and reduced time to dress, her carriage pulled up outside the Lucas house exactly on time. She was happy with her outfit, having chosen a cream satin evening dress together with a simple pearl necklace, matching earrings and a green Indian shawl that gave her outfit colour. Though she dressed carefully, she didn't wear one of her best dresses. She wanted to fit into her surroundings and look becoming but not stand out or intimidate her hosts.

She stepped out of the carriage and took a long glance at the Lucas house. She was surprised at the size and situation of it. It was a new building, a few years old, in the middle of a long row of terraces. The road, though not as wide and clean as her own, was still very respectable. The red brick went up to three floors, as well as an attic room. The front entrance, though not majestic, held a certain simplistic charm. The Lucases were wealthier than she had originally supposed and she made a mental note to enquire what business the late Walter Lucas had been in. Since the eldest son was a lawyer, it was likely that had been his profession. Her knowledge of the Lucas and Ashton partnership meant that it was unlikely Charles Lucas took home a large salary each year. Most up and coming engineers, though revered and respected, lived on a small wage.

Inside, she was welcomed by Mrs Lucas, who took hold of her hand warmly. “My dear Miss Thomas, you look radiant tonight. I'm so pleased you're here. Come into the drawing room.” She was led to a door to the left. The room was small, like the rest of the house and the heat from the fireplace engulfed it. The oil lamps were lit, even though it wasn't dark outside, and gave it a hospitable glow. Louise felt strangely at home.

The whole family were assembled to receive their guests and she was glad to see that Charles Lucas was present, as well as his older brother Edward, and Edward’s wife, Rose.

When the introductions were over, Rose Lucas quickly drew Louise aside into conversation.

“I'm delighted to meet you,” Rose said. “I've heard all about you from Jane.”

Unfortunately, Louise couldn't say the same. But, she noted, Rose was a bright, young, attractive woman. Much younger than her husband, with dark auburn hair and blue eyes. She was an attentive listener, agreeing and nodding in an exaggerated manner to anything Louise said, and was obviously impressed with her. She was so nice that Louise could do nothing but feel welcome and attended to, and though she was the centre of attention, she didn't mind. She was used to it.

A few minutes later some other guests were shown in: Mr and Mrs Hunter and their daughter Constance, a quiet, shy girl of nineteen. Constance appeared to be a family favourite, especially with Rose, who greeted her like a sister with an affectionate kiss on each cheek.

“My dear Contstance, let me be the lucky one to introduce you to Miss Louise Thomas.”

She pulled the girl over to Louise and instigated a conversation between them. Louise was used to small chit-chat, and when she applied herself could make the quietest people speak. Constance Hunter was no different, and though at first she spoke only the odd word, she soon began to open up under Louise's expert questioning. Rose continued to nod and make the odd comment when she could, smiling broadly as she did. A few times Louise did feel trapped talking to this girl, when she would much rather be on the other side of the room. She glanced several times at Jane, Charles and Mrs Lucas, who all stood together, but to no avail. They were all busy talking to each other and how could they tell that Louise wanted to speak to them? She was excellent at hiding her true feelings.

Her saviour came in the form of Mr Ashton, who arrived fifteen minutes later. He burst in out of breath, with his cravat looking as though it had been hastily tied. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him.

“At last!” Mrs Lucas said. “We thought you would never arrive, and we have Miss Thomas here tonight too. I know you were looking forward to speaking to her again.”

Mr Ashton looked at Louise and she raised her eyebrows in query.

“Of course, I'm very sorry to be late,” Mr Ashton stepped forward to greet Louise. He bowed deeply, fluttered compliments such as “delighted”, “affable company”, “guest of honour”. A quick glance around the room showed several of the other men, including Charles, with amused looks on their faces. Louise suppressed a feeling of awkwardness. She didn't like being the centre of attention when she was an object of ridicule.

After nearly fifteen minutes of speaking to Mr Ashton, who wouldn't let Louise speak to anyone else, dinner was announced and finally she got her chance to talk to Charles. He sat at the top of the table, and she was most fortunately placed next to him.

At the first opportunity, Louise turned to him. “I was sorry our conversation ended so quickly the day of your lecture. As I mentioned yesterday, I have further things to ask you.” Her voice was soft and she tried to hide her eagerness.