Gail Whitiker (2 page)

‘Yes, I know,’ Stanford agreed with a grudging sigh. ‘Talking of parents, isn’t it about time you paid a call on
your
mother?’

‘I suppose.’ Robert tipped his hat to an attractive young lady and her companion as they passed by. ‘Her sixtieth birthday is but a week away.’

‘Sixty? I say, what a splendid age.’ Stanford likewise tipped his hat and then winked at the ladies, eliciting the most satisfactory of blushes in response. ‘Is she still in good health?’

‘She has been, though of late my sister’s letters have been filled with news of a most disturbing cough.’

‘Well, then, what better tonic for her than to have you arrive home unexpectedly? A delightful surprise for them both, I should think.’

It would be a surprise indeed, Robert thought as he
walked in silence beside his friend. Pity only one out of the three of them would find anything to be happy about it in it.

Gillingdon Park, Sussex

The rippling notes of a minuet echoed around the music-room, bringing a smile of pleasure to the face of the elderly lady sitting on the brocade sofa opposite the pianoforte. ‘Oh, Hannah, that was lovely. I vow I have never heard you play the piece better.’

The young lady seated at the instrument sat back with a smile of satisfaction. ‘Yes, I think I am finally ready to say that I have triumphed over that difficult bit in the middle, Mama, and not a moment too soon. I vow it is one of the most intricate pieces I have ever attempted. Now, what shall I regale you with next? A light and frivolous dance, or something of a more classical nature?’

‘Something light and frivolous, I think, my dear,’ Lady Winthrop said. ‘I am not in a mood for anything cerebral this afternoon. What about
A Lady Came A Calling
? It has such a lovely tune and you play it so well.’

‘Very well. And, speaking of a lady coming to call, I saw Mrs Branksmuir in the village today,’ Hannah said as she searched for the piece of music. ‘She asked me to pass along her regards and to say that she is looking forward to seeing you when you are more inclined to receiving visitors.’

‘Humph. As if I would
ever
be inclined to receiving one such as that.’

Hannah frowned as she placed the music in front of her. ‘I thought you liked Mrs Branksmuir.’

‘Oh, I suppose I do well enough, but she can be such an interfering busybody at times,’ Lady Winthrop muttered. ‘She gossips about everyone and everything, and most of the time there is not a hint of truth to anything she says.’

‘Nevertheless, she did seem genuinely concerned when she enquired after your health.’

‘Of course she would appear concerned, because she knows it is the polite thing to do. Elizabeth Branksmuir would naturally open the conversation with a question about me before launching into the subject she
really
wished to discuss.’

‘Which was?’

‘Why, her daughter’s engagement, of course. Which I, for one, refuse to comment upon and which I see no reason for her to gloat about. After all, Elizabeth knows that the only reason Mr Twickenham proposed to Frances was because
you
would not have him,’ the Viscountess said smugly. ‘Philip has always held you in the highest regard, and Elizabeth Branksmuir knows very well that you could have been engaged to him years ago had you been so inclined.’

Hannah’s lips twitched. ‘Perhaps, but how could I have taken Philip seriously after all the things we did together as children? It is far easier for me to think of him as a knobbly-kneed boy with whom I climbed trees and chased rabbits than as a handsome gentleman intent on courting me.’

‘Of course it is. Why do you think I tried to discourage you from engaging in such unladylike activities at the time? Even then I feared you might form just such an opinion. I, on the other hand, liked Philip and have always thought he would make you an excellent husband.’

‘Perhaps, but it would be very hard for me to see him in a romantic light after what has passed between us,’ Hannah said, setting her fingers to the keys. ‘Do you remember the time he came to see you after I pushed him into the pond?’

Lady Winthrop hooted. ‘Gracious, how could I forget? What a spectacle he made, dripping water and green muck all over my floor.’

‘Poor Philip. He truly was annoyed, wasn’t he?’

‘He was, but I think he was more angry with
me
for not punishing you the way he felt I should than he was with you for having committed the deed.’

Hannah smiled as she tilted her head to one side. ‘Why did you not punish me?’

‘Because I suspected the only reason
you
were not the one dripping green muck all over my floor was because you were the quicker of the two.’ A twinkle appeared in the depths of Lady Winthrop’s clear grey eyes. ‘You always were the most argumentative pair.’

‘There, you see,’ Hannah said triumphantly. ‘Philip and I have been at odds with one another for years, whereas he and Miss Branksmuir have been polite to each other almost from the start, which is why I think they will get on so well together. I certainly cannot imagine Philip wishing to push
her
into a duck pond! And while we are on the subject of unacceptable behaviour, have you heard from Robert?’

‘Robert?’ The Viscountess glanced at her in surprise. ‘No, why? Should I have heard from him?’

‘Well, I thought you might. Your birthday is next week, after all, and I thought he would have written to tell you when he was coming.’

Lady Winthrop’s mouth curved in a smile, but her eyes were filled with shadows. ‘I doubt Robert will have
any time to spare for us this year, my dear. The Season is already underway, and you know what a popular gentleman he is. Especially with ladies who have marriage on their minds.’

‘But it is your birthday!’

‘Yes, but that has not been reason enough for him to come home in the past. However, I think it is time we discussed
your
going up to London,’ Lady Winthrop said briskly. ‘You will be one-and-twenty this year, Hannah, and it offends me to listen to Elizabeth Branksmuir prattle on about her daughter’s good fortune whilst you sit here and pay no attention to your own.’

Seemingly unconcerned, Hannah turned the page. ‘Never mind, Mama. I am not in the least troubled by Miss Branksmuir’s good fortune. If it gives her mother pleasure to dwell on her daughter’s engagement, of what concern is that to us? Truth be told, I suspect Frances is anxious to get out from under her mother’s domineering hand, and I certainly cannot blame her for that. I, however, have no wish to leave you here alone, and would certainly not do so when you are feeling so poorly.’

‘Nonsense! Sally is here and quite capable of looking after me. And you needn’t worry about having to travel up to London on your own. You can take Sarah with you, and you will stay with Prudence in Cavendish Square. You know how delighted she and Alice will be to have you.’

‘
They
may be delighted, but I’m not so sure Sir Roger will welcome the presence of another female in his house.’

Lady Winthrop chuckled. ‘Pay no mind to your uncle, Hannah. I learned a long time ago that he is far more amiable than he likes to let on, and a good deal stronger than he appears. My sister can be rather formidable when she chooses, but I am quite convinced Roger only acts
the part of the downtrodden husband because it suits his purposes to do so. But with Alice having made her come-out this year there would be plenty of opportunities for the two of you to be out of the house. Judging from my sister’s letters, Alice is enjoying herself immensely with the endless round of soirées and routs the Season has to offer.’

‘Of course she would enjoy herself.’ Hannah finished the piece, and then got up to join her mother on the sofa. ‘Cousin Alice has always enjoyed going to parties and indulging in the aimless chatter expected of young ladies at such gatherings.’

‘And you do not?’

‘I do not enjoy being looked upon as a blue-stocking simply because I choose to express opinions which necessitate the use of one’s mind.’

‘But that is generally the nature of polite conversation, my dear. A surfeit of wit and an absence of intellect.’

Hannah’s mouth pulled into a grimace. ‘Then I dare say there would be little point in my moving in society at all, since those whom I do not offend I would surely embarrass. But let us speak no more of London,’ she said, brightening. ‘Let us talk of your birthday festivities, for I think achieving such a fine age and looking as lovely as you do demands a celebration!’

Lady Winthrop leaned over to place an affectionate kiss on her daughter’s cheek. ‘Dear Hannah, you bring me so much joy. You always have.’ She hesitated, and then sighed, her smile fading as her expression grew troubled. ‘Which is why I think it is time we talked about matters of considerable importance.’

Hannah rolled her eyes. ‘Mama, I have already told you I have no wish to go to London—’

‘This has nothing to do with London, child. What I
must say to you will have a far greater effect on your life than a Season in London ever could.’

Puzzled by the note of concern in her voice, Hannah reached for her mother’s hand and held it gently between her own. ‘Now, remember what the doctor said, dearest. You are not to trouble yourself with anything until you are feeling a little stronger.’

‘I know that, child, but Dr Blake has not the issues on his mind I have!’ Lady Winthrop said in agitation. ‘There are things you must know. Things I should have told you and Robert years ago, but which were difficult to say, and which only grew more difficult as the years went by. I was never sure the time was right.’

‘Are you so sure the time is right now?’

A tremor touched the Viscountess’s mouth. ‘I fear I cannot wait much longer. I know I am not in the best of health, my dear, and you must know the truth before it is too late. You
must
!’

There was an ominous ring to the words, and hearing it, Hannah gave her mother a forced smile and a tense nod of consent. ‘Very well. Then let us speak of it in the morning when you are feeling more rested. You have already spent too much time with your embroidery this afternoon. Your eyes are heavy and you are starting to droop, like a pretty flower in need of water. I shall ring for Sally and have her take you upstairs. Then tomorrow, after breakfast, we shall talk about this most important matter. Would that be all right?’

‘I suppose it will have to be.’ Lady Winthrop sighed. ‘I admit, I am feeling a little weary this evening.’

‘There, you see. And I have likely made it worse with all my playing.’ Hannah crossed to the bell-pull and gave it a sharp tug. ‘I should have known better.’

‘Never! Listening to you is a pleasure, my dear. Yet
another area where Frances Branksmuir is to be found lacking,’ the Viscountess muttered. ‘I have heard her play the pianoforte and she does it exceedingly ill.’

‘Obviously Philip does not care that his future wife is not musically inclined,’ Hannah said, her ever-present smile finding its way back to her lips.

‘What’s this I hear about future wives?’ asked old Sally, appearing in the doorway. ‘Have I gone and missed news of your engagement, Miss Hannah?’

‘Nothing so momentous, Sally,’ Hannah assured her mother’s elderly companion. ‘Mama and I were simply talking about Mr Twickenham and Miss Branksmuir.’

‘Ah. And a fine wife she’ll make him too.’

‘A fine wife? What do you know, you old fool!’ Lady Winthrop grumbled. ‘Frances Branksmuir isn’t half the young lady Hannah is. The girl can barely hold a tune, her skills upon the pianoforte are non-existent, and she is forever complaining about the weather being too hot or too cold.’

‘Be that as it may, the girl has a right to a good marriage,’ Sally replied, seemingly undaunted by her mistress’s criticism. ‘And if Miss Hannah doesn’t want Mr Twickenham, why shouldn’t Miss Branksmuir have him?’

‘Well, that just goes to show how much sense
you
have, Sally Taylor!’ the Viscountess said in exasperation. ‘Perhaps if Miss Branksmuir had kept her distance, Mr Twickenham would have courted Hannah and we would not be having this conversation now. Which I’m surprised I am even entering into if that is the extent of your common sense.’

‘I’ve all the sense I need for dealing with the likes of you,’ Sally said with nary a blink. ‘Now, take my arm and come upstairs. I’ll have no more of this silliness.’

Hannah carefully hid her smile as the two ladies headed for the stairs, bickering all the way. It was an unusual friendship to say the least, but it was one Hannah had no intention of interfering in. Sally may have started out as her mother’s maid, but she had become much more than that in the years since.

Several of the ladies in the village had respectfully suggested that Hannah hire a younger, more deferential companion to look after the Viscountess, but Hannah had told them it would be a waste of time. Her mother would never replace Sally. The irascible Yorkshirewoman had been with her since the early days of her marriage, and as outspoken as she was, Hannah knew the woman’s gruffness hid a heart of gold. Besides, Sally’s devoted care and attention had become even more important in the last few weeks, given how frail the Viscountess had become.

It was a worrisome time for all of them—and for Hannah in particular. It was also the reason she was so anxious that her brother come home for
this
birthday, if for none other. Unfortunately, she suspected that her mother was right. With the Season underway, it was unlikely that Robert would take time from his busy schedule to pay a visit to his mother and sister in Sussex.

Hannah had seen very little of her brother during her life. Already twelve and away at school when she’d been born, he had become little more than a name to her. By the time she was eleven, Robert had already been leading the life of a dapper young gentleman about town. He had inherited the title of Viscount Winthrop upon his father’s death, and with his dashing looks and charming manner had become a most sought-after gentleman by London hostesses and matchmaking mamas.

Still, he had written to her for a while, Hannah ad
mitted. Or rather, he had answered, in a somewhat haphazard fashion, the letters her mother had insisted she write to him. But even she could not remember the last time he had sent her a reply. Indeed, Hannah wouldn’t have bothered to keep up the correspondence but for the fact that she wanted Robert to be aware of the state of their mother’s health.