Danby Castle, December 21, 1817
“It’s not fair, I tell you,” Lady Tabitha Storm complained as she speared the material with her needle, careful not to stab her finger in the process.
“So you’ve noted, several times since Hannah left,” her younger sister, Deborah grumbled without glancing up from her book.
Hannah, their older sister, had been sent to Barbados by their great-uncle, the Duke of Danby, to act as traveling companion to the Dowager Marchioness of Whitley. Her sister was to only attend Lady Whitley on the ship, and then Hannah would be free to enjoy Barbados and Christmas with their older brothers, Samuel and Nathaniel, before having to return in February. While Hannah basked in the Caribbean sun, Tabitha was stuck in an ancient castle in Yorkshire.
“Why should Hannah have all the fun?”
“Because she is the oldest, unmarried sister?” Sarah, who happened to be the youngest, answered from her perch beside the window. She’d been ordered to remain there by their mother and to note any and all arrivals to the castle so that they could be prepared for the unwanted guests. Actually, they were only unwanted by Tabitha’s mother since everyone had been invited by the Duke of Danby.
“I would have made an excellent companion,” Tabitha insisted. “And a ship going anywhere is far better than being stuck here.”
Deborah let out a sigh and closed her book. “Are you going to be so disagreeable during the entire holiday?”
“I’m not being disagreeable. I’m simply vexed.”
“And have been for the past two months,” Deborah grumbled.
“Hannah leaving isn’t what has you upset and you know it,” Sarah gently insisted.
“Oh, very well, but I don’t see why you aren’t concerned.” Each time an unrelated bachelor arrived for the Christmas holiday, Tabitha’s chances of being betrothed by the first of the year increased. The problem was, she’d already found her match, he just wasn’t aware she existed yet. But, Tabitha was determined to make his acquaintance in the coming spring, even if she had to brave the grand steed he rode to do so.
Just the idea filled her with anxiety since she’d much rather admire the fine Arabian from afar
“I’m not concerned,” Sarah shrugged. “I’m certain Danby hasn’t given me a second thought since I have three older sisters and a brother who remain unattached. I’ll worry after the four of you are settled.”
Perhaps Sarah had a point, but as Hannah was not here, Tabitha was the next in line, if Danby was focusing on the oldest, unmarried female sibling, that is.
Her stomach tightened and Tabitha truly hoped Danby’s focus was on their older brother Peter, and not herself.
“I am worried,” Deborah offered. “But there is no point in succumbing to hysterics since we don’t know if Danby has chosen anyone for us.”
“I’m not hysterical. I’m vexed. There is a difference,” Tabitha argued.
It wasn’t that any of them opposed marriage, they simply wished to choose their own husbands, but between His Grace and their mother, Tabitha was afraid they wouldn’t be given the opportunity.
“There’s another one,” Sarah called from the window. “He is not a relative, but I have no idea who he is since I don’t recognize the crest on the carriage door.”
Of course Sarah wouldn’t recognize anyone as she’d yet to attend a Season. Her first would be this spring. Unless, of course, Danby married her off before Twelfth Night.
Tabitha set her sewing aside and walked toward the large window that looked down onto the drive.
Deborah joined them, though she still clutched her book “Just because it’s a closed carriage does not mean it contains a bachelor.”
“That is true,” Sarah agreed. “Our great-uncle does have some male relatives he’d wish to see married, so it could possibly be a female.”
As the carriage door was opened by a footman, the three groaned when the leg of a man appeared and not the skirt of a lady.
However, a moment later Tabitha sucked in a breath as he exited and glanced up at the castle. It was him.
Tabitha leaned closer to the window to get a better look just to be certain, but the man’s auburn hair could only belong to him.
Goodness, he was a handsome man, from his high cheekbones and rugged jaw to his sculpted nose. Not only that, but he was well formed with his shoulders and arms filling out his coat, and his trousers did little to mask the strength of his thighs.
“Is something the matter?” Deborah, asked anxiously.
“No, everything is now perfect.”
“You gasped as if you’re alarmed.”
Not alarmed but thrilled. This was the first time she’d ever seen him outside of Hyde Park. Perhaps now she’d learn his name and gain an introduction. Maybe they’d even share a waltz at the annual Yule Ball on Christmas Eve.
“Tabitha, what is the matter with you?” Sarah demanded. “A moment ago you were vexed and wishing to be away from here and now, by the look of elation on your face, you are quite pleased with your circumstances.”
“I am.” She sighed.
“Do you know him?” Deborah asked.
“No.” But she couldn’t wait to finally make his acquaintance.
Ever since Tabitha noted him at the beginning of April, she’d insisted that her maid accompany her on a walk through Hyde Park and near Rotten Row before they began the day in hopes of catching a glimpse of him ride by. She’d also spent a good part of the Season looking for him at every ball, picnic, theatre and all manner of entertainments, but he never once appeared at any Societal event. At least, none of the ones she’d attended, anyway.
At times she’d almost convinced herself that he was a product of her imagination, or perhaps a ghost because a week after she’d first spied him, he disappeared for a fortnight, only to return, ride then disappear again only to make his return yet again.
And now, here he was, at Danby Castle.
“Who is he?” Sarah asked.
“I’ve no idea. But, I do intend to marry him.”
“You will do no such thing.” At that, their mother yanked the curtains closed.
Goodness, where had she come from?
“That is Viscount Straffan, heir to the St. Mullins marquessate. He currently resides in Suffolk. However, and so much worse, is that his family seat is in County Wicklow, Ireland.”
Her sisters gasped at the news, but Tabitha was not the least bit put off. “Ireland?” she asked.
“Yes. Ireland.” She shook her folded fan in Tabitha’s face. “You, young lady, will not go near him, do you understand me?”
Tabitha swallowed then nodded. “Yes, Mother.”
It was no secret that their mother refused to entertain the suit of any gentleman who did not reside within a day’s carriage ride of their home and it had been quite irritating, if not embarrassing, in London. Why, she nearly humiliated Hannah to death when she yanked her dance card from the Earl of Stalter, refusing the dance all on account of the location of his estate.
Well, just because Hannah couldn’t go near Lord Straffan, didn’t mean he couldn’t come near her. Now, how to gain his notice became Tabitha’s most pressing concern.
Andrew exited the carriage, thankful to have arrived after five days on the road. At least he had met the deadline set by His Grace. Now to meet with him and come to an agreement, then Andrew could be on his way. With any luck, he’d be able to return to Cheshire and Chetwick Manor in time to enjoy Christmas with Patrick and Laura since he was being denied the company of the remainder of his family this year.
Andrew took a deep breath, straightened his spine and marched to the main entrance. Before he could knock, the door was opened by a stern butler.
“Viscount Straffan to see the Duke of Danby.”
The man gave a slight bow of his head and stepped back. “Welcome to Danby Castle, Lord Straffan. We’ve been expecting you. I’ll have a maid take your belongings to your chamber.”
“I’d hoped not to remain so long.” He wanted to attend to his business then be gone.
“I’m certain you will remain the night,” the butler assured Andrew.
“Please tell His Grace that I’ve arrived.” Andrew refused to be sent to a bedchamber like a child. Danby had told him to be here this day, and now they would meet.
“One moment.” The butler executed another bow then disappeared up the stairs, leaving Andrew to cool his heels.
When he’d arrived, there was chatter coming from inside the sitting room. The ladies had gone silent and he glanced over to find them staring at him with curiosity. They were probably sizing him up since Danby did have a reputation for using the holidays to secure betrothals and marriages. Once the misses realized who he was, they’d lose all interest and focus on an English, bachelor guest.
The butler returned a moment later. “His Grace is occupied at the moment and asked that I see you to your chambers.”
“When will His Grace be unoccupied?” Andrew demanded.
“That is not for me to say, Lord Straffan. His Grace keeps his own schedule.”
Andrew blew out a sigh and followed the butler up the stairs, determined to find a way to fit into Danby’s schedule before the day was out.