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Martha slept. It was the first time in ages that sleep seemed to come and stay. Her room was cooler, her body relaxed and for the first time in ages, she had hope for, if not a loving marriage, a suitable one.
Pulling the sheet over her shoulder, she gazed out her window. The sun was bright and clear with no hint of the humid haze she’d seen every day for weeks.
As the memories of Frederick’s kiss warmed her blood, she smiled, her lips aching for more. This beautiful man had made promises to her. Had seen her to her bedchamber door and had not made use of his advantages last night. For this morning could have come with her a soiled woman had he been less of a man.
At the soft tapping upon her door, she slowly sat up. Surely, Frederick would not be so bold as to come to her door! But he was bold, wasn’t he?
“Yes,” she asked, reaching for her robe.
“Can I come in?”
It was Chloe. Was it wrong to be disappointed?
“Of course.”
Her cousin’s skin was pale, yet her eyes sparkled. “The post ran this morning.” She held in her hand a small stack of letters. “These are for you.”
“Me? Who would be writing to me? Mother and Father?”
Chloe nodded. “Yes, there is a letter from them but also loads from the Sexton children.”
“The children?” A mixture of joy and sorrow tugged at her heart. Memories of their tear stained cheeks pulled her from this morning’s strange happiness into yesterday’s melancholy. She took the offered letters and ripped one open.
Dear Miss Arden,
We miss you very much and wish that you were here with us.
Today we went for a long walk and picked flowers and made daisy chains just like you used to. It was not the same and Lucy cried.
Father has gone away on business to London. He has been very cross since you left and he shouted at Luke for falling down in the garden. Luke didn’t mean to fall and I am not sure why Father didn’t help him up. Luke said he wished you could come and brush the rocks from his hands like you used to.
I am well. Before he left for town, I overheard Father telling Grandfather that we are to go and stay with Aunt Georgina for an extended stay. I don’t know Aunt Georgina. She is mother’s older sister and until recently, Father hasn’t allowed us to visit Mother’s family.
We hope you are doing well in America. Please write if you can find a pencil or quill there. Father says America is full of wild animals both man and beast. Lucy laughed at that. I did not.
Yours truly,
Lewis Sexton.
“Are they well?”
Her eyes had moistened over with tears. “They miss me.”
Chloe sat beside her, and set her hand atop hers. “Of course they do. I would miss you, if you left. I imagine that scoundrel of a father longs for your return as well.” She took the packet of letters from her. “Read the rest later. The baron and Jude are downstairs and have suggested a day by the sea. We are getting the coach ready.”
“Are you up for the hour’s long travel?”
“I am. Knowing the cause for the discomfort eases the discomfort.” She smiled. “Somewhat. Eggs for breakfast are still a resounding nay but a biscuit and tea? That was more than acceptable.”
“Very good.” Martha wiped her tears. “Have I thanked you lately for taking me in when I had nowhere else to go?”
“Don’t thank me,” Chloe said, standing up and smoothing her pale blue skirt. “I am so grateful to have you here. I was fulfilled with Jude but he works often and there are very few woman nearby and even fewer that I found myself having anything to talk about with.”
“Well, I’m glad I have not been a burden these past weeks.”
“Indeed not! And when the baron takes you from me, I will miss you terribly.” The grin on her face spoke of a tease, but she did not know how very close to the truth she was. For just the thought of Frederick and her body warmed and her heart stammered to life.
“Have you spoken to the baron this morning?”
“Just in passing. He and Jude were speaking of a mutual business venture. The baron wants to buy a bit of our acreage for timber and possibly to set up a homestead.”
“A homestead? Does he not own a grand house somewhere?”
“Indeed he does. He is co-owner of my family estate in England. Has a castle in Germany and I believe a small villa in France.”
“I had no idea.”
“Oh he is a very wealthy man.” Chloe’s expression took on one of deep contemplation. “Very successful at everything but love.”
Martha’s hands twisted in her blanket. “I understand that only too well.”
Chloe’s gaze came to rest upon her, the seriousness of her expression caused her to take notice. “I know you do and I don’t want to see either one of you get hurt. So take care, Martha and as I told him, do not let past hurts squander your chance at precious happiness.”
“You speak as if we’re already involved.”
“Aren’t you?”
“Chloe...” her words trailed off, for she did not wish to lie but the truth was, she wasn’t quite sure what was happening between the baron and her. Marriage had been mentioned, but no real offer made.
“He’s very fond of you. Very.
“And you know this how?”
“Not because he discussed it with me. He and Jude are friends. Have been for many years and from what Jude has said, well...the interest is there.”
“I am flattered and enamored but on the same token I am very confused.”
“You’re enamored?”
“Is that all you heard, Chloe?”
The broad smile on her cousin’s face irritated like a stone in her shoe.
“I heard the confused part as well. But I chose the happy circumstance rather than the uncertain one.” She clutched her hands together. “If he finds happiness with you, which I am sure he could, for you are everything in a woman he’s looking for, then I have no more guilt for leaving him at the altar as I did.”
The news came as a complete surprise. She knew of his infatuation with Chloe but she had no idea that it had gone so far as wedding plans. Very near marriage indeed! “You were to marry the baron?”
Chloe’s cheeks turned crimson and her mouth popped open like a dock bound fish out of water. “You didn’t know. Jude never told you...”
“That puts everything in an entirely different light.” Martha cast off her bedclothes and reached for her robe.
“Why? That was years ago.”
“And yet he decides now that he wants a wife? One that happens to be sharing a home with his former fiancée?”
“And?”
“You don’t find it odd?” Her agitation grew as her mind filled with possibilities. He could be putting on a show for Chloe’s benefit. Or he could be trying to make her jealous? Either way, she decided, she was not going to play along.
“No, I don’t find it odd. You’re wonderful. He’s wonderful. Together you can be fantastic!”
Martha made her way to the window and stared out at the rising sun. It was going to be a beautiful summer day and all she wanted to do was hide her head beneath her blankets. “I don’t think I want to be pursued by the baron any longer.”
Chloe came up behind her and set her hand atop Martha’s shoulder. “Don’t break his heart.”
Offering her a sideways glance, Martha frowned. “We’ve only just met. I hardly think my lack of interest in him will break his heart. It was silly of me to consider him a match at this immature date and it would be equally silly of him to invest his future in a stranger.”
“Not if you’re meant to be, it’s not.”
Martha offered a questioning stare. “Do you suppose the baron thought you were his meant to be?”
“I don’t know.”
“Considering he made it all the way to the altar, I think we can assume that’s exactly what he believed.” She wrapped her arms across her body and turned her back on Chloe. “And if he was so wrong about you, what makes you believe he isn’t wrong about me?”
“I just know,” Chloe said, her tone that of a stern headmaster.
“Well, I don’t and since we’re discussing my future, I think it’s safe to say, it’s time to slow this down. It’s happening too fast.”
“All right.” Chloe’s agitated enunciation had Martha turning to face her.
“Don’t be angry with me. This is a forever decision and not one to be taken lightly by either party.”
“Of course you’re right.” Chloe ambled toward the door. “But you will join us for our sea side picnic, will you not? I don’t want to be the only woman there. God knows I’ll be bored to tears if you don’t. They’ll no doubt talk only of business and just the idea has me stifling a yawn.”
Martha eyed her suspiciously. “No tricks, no matchmaking, no games.”
“Of course. I don’t need to play games when he’s already so very fond of you.”