The Yuletide Countess: Harriet's Traditional Regency Romance (8 page)

The following
morning Harriet came downstairs to find Isobel in the dining room, having breakfast.
She seated herself and at looked Isobel, whose eyes looks suspiciously red and
heavy.

“How are you
this morning, my dear?” she asked. “Does your ankle feel any better?”

“It is sore,
of course,” said Isobel. “But I think I should be able to go to my excavations.
If you do not mind walking to Glencairn Castle, I will take the carriage.”

“Not at all,
dear,” said Harriet. “It is such a lovely walk that I will quite enjoy it.”

Isobel
hesitated. “If you should encounter Lord Francis—”

“Yes, dear,
what would you have me say to him?”

Isobel shook
her head. “Never mind. I have nothing to say to Lord Francis.”

Harriet looked
disappointed, but refrained from pressing the point. They ate in silence for
some moments, and then the noise of an arrival was heard in the hallway. Isobel
glanced up, a look that might be hope on her face.

The manservant
came in and looked at them apologetically. “It is Lord Glencairn, come to pay
his respects,” he said.

“Oh!”
exclaimed Harriet. “How surprising! Do show him into the drawing room, and we
will be along shortly.”

She took a
last sip of her tea and stood, smoothing the delicate muslin of her skirt.
Isobel likewise rose, and Harriet gave her a reproving look.

“You’ve
scarcely touched your breakfast, Isobel,” she said.

“I—I am not
hungry this morning,” said Isobel. “I wonder why it is that Lord Glencairn has
come to visit.”

“I suppose we
shall soon find out,” said Harriet cheerfully. “I cannot be disappointed that
we have such a gentlemanly caller, however. Will you come, or do you choose to
stay here?”

“I will come
with you,” said Isobel. “Perhaps he brings news of L—of the folly.”

“Very likely,”
said Harriet.

The two women
repaired to the drawing room, where they found Lord Glencairn awaiting them.
Harriet bustled over to him, and he took her hand in his gentle grip.

“How kind of
you to call on us,” she said. “I meant to be at Glencairn in a very short time,
so I must presume this visit is of some importance. I hope Sophy is not
unwell.”

“Not at all,
Miss Walcott. She is in the pink of health, and very much looks forward to her
painting lesson this afternoon. No, I come to bring the two of you news of Lord
Francis.”

“Lord
Francis?” echoed Harriet.

“Indeed,” said
his lordship. “It seems that Lord Francis’ mother desires that he spend some
time at Strancaster before the fall, and so he will leave Scotland tomorrow. He
wished me to inform you, Miss Paley, that he will make sure that all is
arranged for the completion of the folly and that you need have no concerns for
it. He asked me to give you both his very good wishes and his thanks.”

“Oh, what a
pity!” exclaimed Harriet, clasping her hands together. “I have so enjoyed his
presence here this summer. It has been most enlivening. Shall you not miss him
as well, Isobel?”

“What?” exclaimed
Isobel, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. “Oh yes, indeed I will miss Lord
Francis. His conversation is always excellent.”

“Fie, Isobel,
he is the handsomest man for many miles around, and you only speak of his
conversation,” teased Harriet. “I know I will very much regret his absence.”
She glanced at Isobel, who was silent.

“Miss Walcott,
if you mean to leave for Glencairn Castle soon, I would be glad to escort you,”
said his lordship, when it seemed that Isobel had nothing more to say.

“Thank you, my
lord,” she said. “Only let me fetch my bonnet and pelisse. It appears to be
quite brisk out today.”

“It is
indeed,” said the earl. “All the more reason that a walk will be good for us;
it will keep us warm.”

“How very
true,” said Harriet. “Isobel dear, are you sure you have no need of me?”

“Of course
not,” said Isobel, coming out of her trance and giving her cousin a kiss on the
cheek. “Do have a lovely day.”

“And you too,
my dear. I hope you find many Roman coins!”

With that,
Harriet exited with Lord Glencairn and, after spending some moments arranging
her bonnet, the two left Dargenwater Cottage in perfect amity. They strolled
down the gravel drive, and Harriet glanced back at the cottage, to see Isobel
watching from the sitting room window.

“Do you have
any notion of what has transpired between Lord Francis and Miss Paley?” she
asked.

Lord Glencairn
shook his head. “I hoped you would have word for me. I dallied as long as I
could, but I fear I came here a bit early, thinking you might have some news.”

“Lord Francis,
no doubt, is too much a gentleman to speak of a lady with another, no matter
how honorable he is,” said Harriet. “Which is all very well, but I do wish he
had confided in you! I am terribly vexed!”

Lord Glencairn
laughed. “As am I, Miss Walcott. But he is the soul of discretion. He talked of
mere commonplaces on our walk to the castle, and over dinner mentioned that his
mother wished to see him at Strancaster. He is clearly anxious to be gone, and
only lingers today to insure that the folly will be completed. Did Miss Paley
say nothing to you?”

“No, she did
not, though I did my best to draw her out. I have no doubt of the strength of
Isobel’s emotions where Lord Francis is concerned, but I also have no doubt of
her firm desire to never marry. She is quite torn, but considering her heavy
eyes and somewhat listless attitude this morning, I do think she may regret
whatever transpired between Lord Francis and her yesterday.”

“I would
imagine he made her an offer and was rejected,” ventured Lord Glencairn.

“As would I.
She had been so relaxed and happy in his company lately, that I had quite
thought she must accept him this time,” said Harriet. “But she received a
letter yesterday from a dear friend who has been treated very poorly by her
husband, and it no doubt made her think again of the iniquities of marriage.
The arrival of that letter could not have been more unfortunate, though Lady
Morgan would hardly have meant to cause such a calamity. Indeed, I think she
wishes Isobel to marry Lord Francis quite as much as I do.”

“A pity,
indeed.” Lord Glencairn shook his head. “It appears our conspiracy has come to
naught, Miss Walcott.”

“We have tried
our best, and if the two of them are such idiots as to not know their own
hearts, I suppose we must allow we have been defeated. Even so persistent a
gentleman as Lord Francis cannot be expected to continue his pursuit in the
face of such firm resistance,” Harriet sighed. “I hope you will still allow me
to visit Glencairn Castle after he leaves. I do enjoy my time with Sophy and
Douglas.”

“Miss Walcott,
you will always be welcome at Glencairn,” said the earl. “You must never doubt
that.”

Harriet
glanced up at him and smiled. “I thank you, my lord. That is very kind of you.”

“It is not
mere kindness, Miss Walcott. Your presence enlivens not only the days of my
children, but mine as well.”

Harriet looked
away, touched by his words. They had reached the grounds of Glencairn Castle,
and they walked up the steps to the castle together. As they entered the hallway,
Sophy came running up, and embraced Harriet.

“How glad I am
to see you, Miss Walcott!” she exclaimed. “Our painting days are my favorites.”

“I enjoy them
very much as well, my dear,” Harriet responded. “The breeze will be a challenge
today, but I think we shall still be able to finish your painting. Be sure to
wear a pelisse or a spencer against the chill.”

With one last
smile Lord Glencairn excused himself, and Sophia led Harriet into the breakfast
room and supplied her with a cup of tea.

Harriet enjoyed
a leisurely cup of tea, as Sophia and Douglas disappeared to prepare to go
outdoors. When the entire group had gathered, Harriet directed a footman to set
up the easels on the lawn behind the castle. As the children followed the
servant out the door, chattering away, Harriet heard a footstep behind her and
turned to see Lord Francis enter the hall.

They both
halted for a moment, startled, and then Harriet smiled warmly. “Do go along,
children, and see that that the easels are set up properly. I will join you in
a moment,” she said to Douglas and Sophy, who were waiting for her impatiently.

The children
eagerly chased after the footman, and Harriet turned back to Lord Francis. He
gave her a rueful grin.

“I beg your
pardon; I did not expect to encounter you, Miss Walcott,” he said. “I’m sure
Lord Glencairn has told you of my intention to depart on the morrow.”

“Indeed he
has, and a great pity I think it,” rejoined Harriet. “But I’m sure you must do
as you feel best.”

“My continued
presence at this point must be somewhat awkward,” said Lord Francis. “And I
would never wish to cause Miss Paley embarrassment.”

Harriet
stopped herself from offering the idea that a bit of embarrassment might be
precisely what Isobel needed. “I hope that whatever has transpired between you
and Miss Paley does not preclude us from being friendly,” she said.

“Not at all,
Miss Walcott. I will always be glad to meet you, and will always count you
among my dearest friends.”

“Thank you,”
said Harriet simply. She held out her hand. “I wish you a safe journey to
Strancaster, my lord.”

Lord Francis
took her hand in his. “Miss Walcott, do you know where Morgan Park is located?”

Harriet did
not blink. “I believe Lady Morgan indicated that it is some few miles outside
Monmouth,” she answered.

“I believe I
may need to renew my acquaintance with Lord Morgan,” said Francis pensively.

“Do you
indeed? Well, I cannot disagree with you, Lord Francis.” Harriet smiled
brightly.

Lord Francis
returned it, and for the first time since they began to speak, the heaviness
seemed to lift from his shoulders. “Good-bye, Miss Walcott,” he said. “I hope
to see you again soon.”

“As do I,”
said Harriet. “God speed, my lord.”

Lord Francis
hastened away, and Harriet hurried outside to join the children, her spirits
somewhat lifted. Douglas and Sophy had already begun their work and they spent
some time before their easels, attempting to capture the notion of a breezy
day. Eventually Douglas set down his brush, and frowned.

“I’m getting
hungry,” he said.

Harriet
glanced over at him and forbore to offer a more polite alternative to this bald
phrase. “I suppose it has indeed been some time since breakfast,” she said.
“Perhaps we should finish what we are about and return to the house.”

“Oh no,” Sophia
protested. “I am getting on famously, and require a bit more time to complete
this sketch.”

Harriet rose
to view her work, and saw that Sophia’s effort was both nearly complete, and
quite accomplished. “Douglas, you may put away your paints and brushes, but you
will have to wait for your sister and me to complete our work,” she replied.
“It will be just a few minutes more.”

Douglas
grumbled, but complied, as Harriet and Sophia hastened to finish their work.
Just as they were preparing to pack everything away, the tall broad shouldered
form of Lord Glencairn could be seen striding toward them, the sun shining on
his full head of white hair. Harriet felt her heart make a distinct flip in her
chest at the sight.

Glencairn
stopped in front of them, and surveyed his children. “How is the painting
going? Do I have budding artists here, or ham-handed amateurs?”

“Fie, my
lord,” Harriet chided him. “No one expects children just beginning to learn to
be anything but amateur. But both Douglas and Sophia have at least some
aptitude, although Lady Sophia’s interest far outstrips that of her brother.”

“You’d rather
be in the stables, or out in the river with Lord Francis, angling, wouldn’t
you?” Glencairn asked him, reaching out to ruffle his son’s hair.

“Indeed sir,
but first I wish to find myself some lunch. I was up very early, and it has
been quite a while since I ate breakfast.”

“Well, help
your sister bring her things back to the house, and take Miss Walcott’s as
well. I hope that she will do me the honor of walking down to the folly to
observe the recent rapid progress, if I offer her my arm.” Glencairn followed
his words with the action, turning toward Harriet. She rose, and they strolled
off, arm in arm.

“Thank you for
suggesting a walk to the folly,” Harriet remarked. “I’ve seen the construction
from the terrace or the lawn, but haven’t actually been to observe it in nigh
on a fortnight. It is plain that the progress has been rapid, so I’m eager to
see the change at close quarters.”

“I think you
will be impressed Miss Walcott. Not only is the structure charming from a
distance, the way that the light plays upon the interior is most appealing, and
the workmanship is outstanding.”

They conversed pleasantly about the many details of the design as they
proceeded down the path, and it was soon apparent that nearly all of the
structure was in place, with stone columns supporting a wooden peristyle
covered with a tiled and ornamented roof, very much in the Roman style. Light
streamed in through the columns, and under the roof; carved benches were
arranged so that a view of the water lapping nearby or toward the park or the
castle could be had. A pedestal awaited a statue, and on it was carved:

“
Grace shines around her with serenest beams,

And whisp’ring angels prompt her golden dreams.

For her th’ unfolding rose of Eden blooms,

And wings of seraphs shed divine perfumes,

For her the spouse prepares the bridal ring,

For her white virgins hymenals sing,

To sounds of heavenly harps she dies away,

And melts
in visions of eternal day.
”

“Alexander
Pope,” said Harriet. “How much I love his poetry.”

“Do you
indeed?” asked Lord Glencairn. “I believe he is considered to be rather
unfashionable nowadays.”

“Then I am
unfashionable as well, as I have no idea how words so lovely could ever be
viewed as outmoded,” said Harriet. She looked around her. “How lovely and
tranquil it already appears! Truly a spot to while away the idle hour
surrounded by beauty.”

“Yes, I think
it a fitting tribute to the horticultural talents of my late wife, and in
keeping with the art work that I have gathered here,” Glencairn responded.

“And the
statue?” Harriet inquired. “What will the subject be?”

“A statue of
the goddess Flora,” he replied. “I will come to London to see if I can acquire
one, or, if not, perhaps spending some months in Italy searching for an
appropriate piece would be pleasant.” He paused a moment, and cleared his
throat. “Perhaps you can assist me in selecting it, Miss Walcott.”

“I hardly
think I am likely to see you in London, unless you plan to travel there for the
next Season,” Harriet said. “Isobel and I spend the fall and the winter at
Kitswold where she keeps very busy with her family, the neighbors, and her, um,
other interests. She also rides with the hunt in the winter, so it will be
March at the earliest before we remove to Town.”

“As to that
Miss Walcott, perhaps your plans could change.” The earl pulled at his cuffs,
fidgeting in a way that was unusual for him. “Miss Walcott, it has not escaped
me this summer what great friends you have made of my children, and how much
Sophia in particular enjoys the time you spend with them. You have a truly
marvelous touch with young people.”

“Thank you,
Lord Glencairn,” Harriet answered. “I hope it is a reflection of the very real
pleasure I take in their company.”

“And they in
yours, madam,” he agreed. “Also, I have become aware of how social you and Miss
Paley are, and what a visible and respected place your family, and you
personally, occupy in the
ton
. As you know, I have lived very much
retired for some considerable time now, but I have realized that I must change
my ways, for the sake of my children. Thus, I have need of a wife, with the
ability to bring me back into Society and to bring out my daughter in what I
have realized will be only a very few years. I had thought that I would have to
spend some time finding such a lady, one not too old, but not a demanding young
chit either, with the birth and breeding that my countess must of course
possess, and who has the ear of the patronesses of Almack’s along with the
entrée to all of the best homes and Society events. But Miss Walcott, fate has
brought us together this summer, and I see that you fulfill every requirement I
could possibly have in a new wife. While our young friends have not obliged us
with a wedding, perhaps Glencairn can yet host one this year. Will you please
do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?”

The earl
smiled warmly at her as he declared himself, and Harriet’s first thought was
that here was the proposal she had hoped against hope for. But then the nature
of his speech intruded upon her. He had assessed her value to him as a hostess,
as a sponsor for his children in society, as a lady of birth and breeding who
would grace his noble name, but there was not one word about her, Harriet, and
any esteem he held her in, outside of these attributes. She read the quote on
the statue once more, contrasting the sentiments it espoused and Glencairn’s
emotionless proposal as she strove to answer him.

As she sought
the words of delight and acceptance with which she had dreamed of responding to
such a proposal if it came, she was shocked to hear herself give a very
different reply. “I am very sensible of the honor you do me in making me this
offer of marriage. However, I find I cannot accept your very flattering
proposal.”

“Cannot accept my proposal?” Lord Glencairn echoed in
an astonished tone. “Dear Miss Walcott, do you expect to receive another more
advantageous offer than I have just made you?”

“Indeed not, my lord. I realize that I am unlikely to
ever receive another offer of marriage at all, whether advantageous or not,”
she replied with gentle dignity.

“What reason can you have then for thus refusing me?”
Glencairn asked.

“As is common among people of our station, you have
made me a proposal based on dynastic and social considerations. You have wealth
and breeding, but require a wife with the experience and connections so
necessary to launching your offspring in Society. But I find, dear sir, that I
wish for more than to be simply a useful appurtenance. I feel tender emotions
toward you, which you plainly do not share. Perhaps I am influenced by many
years of Isobel's company, but I find I do not wish for a marriage in which I
am merely the most honored member of your staff.”

“I would hardly consider a new Lady Glencairn as
simply another member of the staff,” Glencairn exclaimed.

“Indeed no, I don't think you intend me to be 'merely'
a governess or a chaperone, but there is a great difference between a convenient
wife and a cherished wife. And, in spite of the many joys of assisting your
children as they make their way in life, I don't believe I can support being
nothing more to you than a convenient solution to a problem.”

“But I propose to endow you with a title, my handsome
fortune, a generous allowance, and the ability to entertain and become a social
figure in your own right,” Glencairn responded.

“Yes, I understand that, but you do plan to endow me
with your heart? During my many Seasons I have seen more marriages made only
for such reasons than not, and they usually are not an unalloyed success. I
find, to my own surprise, that I yearn for more,” she said sadly.

Glencairn looked thunderstruck, and opened his mouth
as though to protest. Harriet held up a hand and continued. “I know your heart
is buried with your Elinor, my dear sir, as I can plainly see from the carving
on this pedestal, but somehow, I cannot do without at least a little piece of
it.”

At the mention of his deceased wife, a look of
irritation crossed Glencairn’s face. “No one can take her place,” he protested.
“How can you even consider such a thing?”

“I have no wish to take her place in your heart, or
those of your children. But I do wish to have a least a small place of my own
there.”

“I had thought you a reasonable female, Miss Walcott.
My children do love you already, will that not satisfy you?” he asked.

“No, it will not. I have been trying to impress that
upon you these five minutes now, my lord. I am a reasonable female, but I am
also one who recognizes that although a crust in a cottage with love is not
necessarily better than a loveless marriage in a mansion, I am so happily
situated in my family and friends that I am not obliged to marry without any
love at all. I am very sorry to disappoint you, for I am indeed very fond of
you and your children, but I will not wed you under such conditions.” She
looked up at him and smiled mistily. “I know that we are both rational
creatures, so I hope that for the short period of time that remains before Miss
Paley and I must return to England, we can be friendly, and that I can continue
to spend time with Douglas and Sophia.”

Glencairn continued to look rather as if he thought
further argument would win the day for him, but he finally nodded his head
reluctantly. “Miss Walcott, I know that you will never behave as anything
except a lady, and I certainly hope that I am gentleman enough to match you.
Let us cry friends, and think no more of this matter.”

Harriet turned away from him, and stared blindly out through the folly,
as she bit a quivering lip, and struggled to maintain a calm demeanor. The
romantic nature of the setting Glencairn had chosen for his proposal contrasted
forcibly with the matter-of-fact way in which he had totted up the advantages
of their marriage, rather as though he were filling out a ledger book. 

She took a deep breath, then turned back to him with a brilliant, if
forced, smile. “My goodness, how late it is getting. We really should be
returning to the house. It has been so pleasant to see the recent progress on
the construction of the folly in your company, Lord Glencairn! You have
completely put to rest my concerns that dear Isobel might need to delay our
departure still further. Not but what we love Ballydendargan, but the risk of
the fall rains making travel unbearably slow, does rise apace with each passing
day.”

As she spoke, his lordship offered his arm to her, and they began to
make their way up the path to the castle, which stood gleaming in the rays of
the late summer sun. Glencairn remained somewhat quiet, but Harriet maintained
a stream of unexceptionable conversation to cover the awkward moments. Never,
she thought, would she let him believe that she was heartbroken over the events
that had just transpired.

They entered the castle and paused awkwardly, each wondering what to do
next. Harriet did not wish to intrude further on Lord Glencairn’s day, but was
fully aware that Sophia and Douglas would be surprised if she left. With great
relief she saw Miss Dalburn approaching down the long hallway, and she turned
to her with relief.

“Miss Dalburn, how lovely to see you,” she said.

Catherine approached, her eyes moving curiously from Lord Glencairn’s
stern face to Harriet’s flustered expression. “Miss Walcott, I am likewise
delighted. Thank you so much for painting with the children this morning; it
gave me an opportunity to prepare a geography lesson for Douglas.”

“You know how much pleasure I take in spending time with your charges,
so you have no need to thank me,” replied Harriet. She released Lord
Glencairn’s arm and turned to him with a smile. “Thank you very much for
escorting me to the house, my lord. I’m sure you wish to join the children for
lunch. I—I have a headache, and believe I must return to Dargenwater Cottage.
Pray give my excuses to Sophia and Douglas and tell them I will visit them
again another day.”