Gwen and the Dowager arrived in Sussex and were driven through a grand ducal estate before arriving at the Dower House. Lord and Lady Easton had stayed in Town on some urgent matter and were to follow as soon as they could. Gwen had considered her options ad nauseum on their journey, from running away to America, to finding a position, to accepting her cousin’s proposal. There were worse fates. But she still held out the smallest piece of hope that Mr. Abbott would return; she no longer fitted into Society, nor cared to. She should not be thinking of him. It was somehow different to dream of a fictional character in a book. But Mr. Abbott was real; a living, breathing, in-the-flesh male. He was much more threatening than any of her heroes from the page, and quite beyond her touch.
Her cousin was a Society beau, and would expect her to do him credit. She would fail miserably in his world. It was odd that she did not think her cousin so much beyond her touch as out of her realm. His was a realm she was content never to enter.
She still had misgivings about taking the Dowager’s charity. She did not want to be a burden or feel indebted. She could not overcome her pride in her self-sufficiency from years of independence. She had come to terms with her new position in society, and she realized she would need help to find a respectable situation, which seemed to be the best choice. She forced her feelings of anger towards her father to the back of her mind. It seemed a lifetime ago that she had lived on a sizeable estate, with dreams of a Season and a love match.
Her aspirations at this point were minimal: to find a kind employer, and have a warm bed and meal every day. That was not entirely true, she confessed to herself; she also selfishly wanted a blue-eyed charmer with a roguish smile, who was currently away in America. If she had money, she would be tempted to purchase a ticket for the next boat there. Talk about wanton! She doubted he would shut the door in her face if she were to arrive unattended, but he might assume she was open to a different type of arrangement. This was a case where it would be preferable to be a man. She would not hesitate to leave and start a new life if she were not limited by female restrictions and proprieties.
The footman was opening the carriage door and handing her down as she dismissed her adventurous thoughts. She had no money to even dream of such things. She paused and looked around. She could smell salty air brought in by a cool breeze. Perhaps they were close to the sea, as she had heard it described. It was possible in Sussex. She had never seen the sea, except for in paintings, and she suddenly felt a rush of anticipation. She would enjoy her brief foray into freedom, but only long enough to find a good position. She knew the Dowager would object, but she would have to make her understand.
Before she knew what was happening, she had been ushered up the stairs into a fine bedroom, and was being dressed in a fine gown and her hair tamed by Hanson, her Grace’s maid.
“We do not have time for a fancy style this evening, miss. But I think this will do for now.”
Gwen turned around to look and saw she has been transformed yet again. Only this time Mr. Abbott would not be there to appreciate it. Stupid, stupid girl, she berated herself. She had to stop thinking such thoughts of him. It was going to be difficult to remember who and what her circumstances were whilst staying with the Dowager. She would have to move quickly with her search, though it hurt her heart.
When she was ready, she escorted the Dowager on a short walk to Wyndham. Dusk was beginning to fall, but she could see water in the distance. She paused and inhaled a deep breath, luxuriating in her first view of the English Channel. She could not wait to explore in the morning. She thought of Mr. Abbott out on a ship and the sea, and suppressed a chuckle. She could just imagine him clinging to the sides as he had vividly described.
They were shown into the mansion, and then to the drawing room where a crowd of strangers awaited her.
“Let me introduce you to everyone. We do not expect you to remember names on the first day.”
She was introduced to Sir Charles, Lady Abernathy, and Lord and Lady Fairmont, and all were equally friendly. How fortunate Mr. Abbott was to have a family such as this. Now she understood his mannerisms better. What she did not understand was why he had not yet married. Perhaps he was not in want of a wife. She smiled inwardly at the first line of genius from Pride and Prejudice. She would dearly love to take tea with that authoress one day!
“Did you have a pleasant journey?” Lady Fairmont asked.
“It was lovely,” Gwen said dreamily.
“Lovely? You must have taken a new road,” Lady Fairmont said doubtfully.
“Besides this trip to London, I have never been out of Bath, so anywhere is lovely to me.”
“Never left Bath? You must remain in our company then, for we never stay put long. Between America, Scotland, France...you are certain to find plenty of adventure with us.”
Lady Fairmont had no idea how she longed to do just that. They instantly treated her as if she were one of the family, with a genuine kindness which could not be feigned. She felt her throat tighten and water began to form in her eyes. She forced a smile and looked away. She was saved from betraying her emotion by the butler announcing dinner.
She had never experienced such a dinner. These families were obviously close and informal, which helped to put her at ease. They spoke across the table and laughed jovially, unafraid to tease one another. Lady Fairmont informed her that the men had all grown up with one another, and had gone off to the army together as well. Lord Fairmont’s sister, Beatrice, had married their other friend, Lord Vernon, but they spent most of their time in France now. The only one who did not seem happy was Lady Abernathy. She had a look of sadness about her. Gwen remembered Mr. Abbott speaking of his sister, Sarah, but had said little else about her. She wished Mr. Abbott was there. She would love to see him engaging with his family, and to know him better. She had only ever been with him alone, or with the Dowager.
“You are to stay with us permanently, then?” Lady Fairmont asked and smiled kindly. “I assure you, we do behave in a proper fashion when we must.”
“No, Lady Fairmont. I had hoped to seek her Grace’s help in finding a position.”
Gwen heard a harrumph from across the table where the Dowager sat.
“I will not consider discussing any such thing now.” The Dowager threw her chin back and turned away.
Gwen felt her mouth gape, and she heard suppressed laughter and snickering from around her.
“Pay her no mind, Miss Lambert. She is only teasing you. That is her way of showing affection.”
Gwen tried to offer a slight smile. She had not expected such a reaction.
“You will grow accustomed to her ways,” Lady Fairmont remarked with a twinkle in her eye.
“Has anyone heard from Andrew?” Lord Fairmont asked.
Sir Charles, a pleasant, older gentleman with an easy smile, spoke up. “I had a letter from him yesterday. It seems he has more work than he anticipated. He is having difficulty finding a steward that he trusts to treat the workers properly.”
Gwen wished she had received a letter. It had been some time since she had written, herself. It took a month to send correspondence and she had not had the luxury of being able to post from London.
“I wonder how things have changed since we left,” Sir Charles said thoughtfully.
“Perhaps someone here would be willing to take it on–start a new life there,” Lord Wyndham suggested, a kind, frail man.
“Yes, many of our veterans are improved enough that they could handle such a task,” Lord Fairmont said enthusiastically.
“An excellent idea!” Sir Charles agreed. “I have little doubt there is plenty of work for anyone who is interested.”
“It is settled then. I shall propose it to those suited in the morning and make arrangements if any are willing.”
“Andrew may have more help than he bargained for,” Lord Fairmont said humorously.
“Is there any need for a housekeeper there?” Gwendolyn asked somewhat timidly.
“Perhaps. Do you know of someone?” Sir Charles asked eagerly.
She blushed. “I was thinking of myself, sir.”
“Nonsense, Gwendolyn! Utter nonsense. Let us speak of something else before she gets any more nonsensical ideas into her head,” the Dowager said with vehemence.
“Your Grace, I must find a position soon. And I have always longed to travel.”
“Then we shall find a way for you to travel. But I will not hear of you going into service. I promised your dear mother I would see you situated properly.”
Gwendolyn ceased speaking about it for now. She could see she would get nowhere with the Dowager.
Sir Charles and Lord Fairmont were discussing who would make a good steward for the plantation.
Gwen became absorbed and fascinated with the discussion of the homes that had been set up to help the less fortunate orphans and veterans on this estate.
As the ladies were withdrawing, a carriage pulled up, bringing Lord and Lady Easton home. Everyone gathered in the drawing room to greet them.
“I hope you do not mind, but Hendricks, would you please have a small dinner set for us in here? Lady Easton is famished.”
“I must defend my husband,” Elly spoke up. “He offered to stop several times, but I insisted we travel on.”
“We can return to the dining room, so you may be comfortable,” Lady Fairmont offered.
“That is not necessary. We do wish to speak with Miss Lambert.”
Gwen was about to retire and leave the family to speak in private. Lady Abernathy excused herself, but the others remained.
“Do you wish us to leave?” Lord Fairmont asked. “I would not intrude on something personal.”
“I cannot imagine anything about me that is not already known,” Gwen said frankly.
“Very well,” Lord Easton began. “I went to see Lord Kendall’s solicitor, who also happens to be my solicitor.”
Gwen creased her brow and wondered how it would concern her. She waited for Lord Easton to continue.
“Unfortunately, I was unable to see him. But his clerk did inform me that when your grandfather died, Miss Lambert, there was an inheritance tied to your marriage.”
“My marriage? I had no idea,” she said, astonished.
“I was unable to obtain the specifics, but I left request to speak to my solicitor as soon as can be arranged.”
“Thank you, Lord Easton. It had not occurred to me to do such a thing.”
“I hate to raise your hopes about a dowry. The will could state you must marry your cousin in order to inherit. I have seen it done before.”
“It would explain Peregrine’s sudden interest. Has the family been in financial trouble for some time?”
“I have only heard about recent losses at the tables,” Lord Fairmont said.
“If you wish to reconsider, we will try to help,” Lord Easton said. “It would not be a terrible match for you. The family is old and well-respected, even if the last generation’s collars were over-starched.”
“It most certainly would be a terrible match!” The Dowager, who had been listening intently, finally spoke up. “You do not wish for it, do you, Gwen?”
“I am uncertain.” She looked down at her hands. “I have been thinking on it. Perhaps I should swallow my pride. I might not receive a better offer.”
Gwen was awake at her usual early hour after having spent a restless night in thought about her predicament. She dressed and decided to explore the grounds before the household awoke. She chose the pathway they had used the night before to walk towards the sea. She had been reassured by the Eastons that she was welcome anywhere. As she got closer to the water, the winds grew stronger and blew her bonnet off. It was quite a climb to the edge, but the view was beyond imagination. Her artist’s eye soaked in the beauty of the chalk cliffs and the sun on the horizon, shining its glory across the ripples in the water. Her favourite part was the brilliant patterns the waves made against the rocks. She closed her eyes in an attempt to capture the moment for later, wondering if it was possible to accurately portray the spray that the waves made. She wished she had brought along her sketching paper, but she dare not return to retrieve it or she would miss the moment. She inhaled deeply of the sea breeze, and savoured the glorious feeling.
“I see you have found our favourite spot as well,” Lord Easton remarked.
“Good morning, Lord and Lady Easton.” The couple were holding hands, clearly enjoying some quiet time together.
“I beg your pardon, I did not mean to intrude.”
“Nonsense!” They both dismissed her objections. “We are happy you appreciate our view. We think it the finest in England.”
“It would make a lovely painting,” Gwen said enthusiastically.
“Are you an artist?” Lord Easton asked.
“I used to fancy myself one, but it is more of an extravagance now.”
“We would both dearly love to capture this.” Lord Easton swept his hand out towards the sunrise, the water and the cliffs. “If I may be so forward as to request you to paint it for us? We have been discussing finding someone to capture its beauty for years.”
“I would be delighted. I only hope I may do it justice,” Gwen said modestly.
“I am certain you will. I have heard you worked wonders with Bath stone,” Lady Easton chuckled.
“I have a meeting to attend this morning, if you will excuse me, ladies. Miss Lambert, may I trust you to ensure Lady Easton returns to the house before long? She tends to think her condition does not warrant special attention.”
“I am not certain anyone can make Lady Easton do anything,” Gwen said, “but I will do my best, sir.”
They all laughed. “We shall get along famously, Miss Lambert. Come, let me show you around and introduce you to everyone. I am a bit biased and proud, of course, but I do not think you will find a finer school in all of Britain.”
“What made you want to open this school, if you do not mind my asking?”
“Lord Easton already had an orphanage, and he had begun the idea of schooling the orphans to train them for useful work. They do not remain children for long, and those who have no training often are taken to be chimney sweeps or other unsavoury occupations.”
“Such as the workhouses.” Gwen knew that to be true. She had seen it before, and had worried often that she would end there herself.
“Indeed. The medical training was my idea, I confess. I became rather attached to the art of medicine when I was in America. It began with helping wounded soldiers and grew from there.”
“Are you a physician?” Gwen asked Lady Easton with surprise.
“Oh, nothing so glamorous, I am afraid. I am a mere amateur. We have Dr. McGinnis in charge of the school, and Josie and I help out a little. And we have Dr. Craig here from Scotland from time to time. We are attempting to convince him to join us here permanently.”
“It sounds like quite a venture.”
“We have only been operating about three years, but I would like to think we have helped improve medicine in hospitals and in the army.”
“And what about the veterans?”
“The ones that are able are trained to help in the stud, or are placed on estates with people who we trust to treat them right. Sadly, there are many that will never recover. They are given as comfortable a home as we can provide them with, and they have all the medical care they need at their doorstep, you might say.”
“It seems you have thought of everything.”
“I find that unlikely, but we do what we can. We feel it is our privilege to take care of others who have fallen on hard times, or who cannot help themselves. None of the people here chose this path.”
“No,” Gwen agreed quietly. She had not chosen her path either, but she would do her best to make the most of her abilities.
“Here is the good Dr. Craig now. Dr. Craig, may I present to you Miss Gwendolyn Lambert?”
“A pleasure to meet you, lass.” He proffered an elegant bow and she gave a slight curtsy. He was an extraordinarily handsome man, with deep blue eyes and a Scottish brogue. If her heart were not in America, it would be awakened by his surplus charms.
“Miss Lambert’s mother was Grandmother’s cousin.”
“May I offer my condolences, lass.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I was showing her around the school. Are you teaching anything of interest today?”
“It is almost time for lecture. I find it interesting, but I am not certain if Miss Lambert would find it so.
“Lecture is the time of day when the students read an essay or journal piece and discuss it,” Elly explained.
“A compelling essay on shaking palsies was recently published by James Parkinson, a surgeon in London. We have two veterans with similar symptoms as he describes, so I thought it an appropriate topic.”
“This shaking palsy; is it when the person’s body shakes?” Gwen asked.
“Sometimes it is the entire body, sometimes it is only an arm or hand.”
“My mother had shaking. It was not her only problem, but her doctor did not understand what was happening to her.”
“Would you like to sit in our lecture? I would love to speak to you more about your mother’s condition as well.”
“Of course.” She looked towards Elly. “Would you mind?”
“Not at all. In fact, I would be delighted. It is time I visited the children anyway.”
“This way.” Dr. Craig placed one hand on Gwen’s back, and held out the other to show her the way.
Elly watched them walk away, and could not help but wonder if the two would suit. She knew Miss Lambert and her brother had become acquainted, but Andrew had never seemed interested in marriage, despite all the females making cakes of themselves over him. He had written of meeting Miss Lambert and their painting interlude, but surely he would not have left for America if his intentions towards her were serious? He had been highly sought after in Society, and had never shown any interest in anything more than flirtations. Miss Lambert did not seem inclined to accept her cousin either, and who could blame her after his trying to compromise her?
She walked back towards the house, pondering the situation. Miss Lambert needed a good marriage, and Dr. Craig needed a good wife, especially after his heartbreak with Beatrice. Elly would make sure they had plenty of opportunity to spend time together, and let Nature take its course.
Elly entered the breakfast room and found the Dowager eating alone.
“Good morning, Grandmama.” She bent over to kiss the Dowager on the cheek. “I have been walking with Miss Lambert. She is delightful.”
“Indeed she is.”
“It is a pity she was left in such circumstances.”
“I intend to see them changed. What have you done with her?” She turned her head to look behind Elly.
“I left her with Dr. Craig. They were getting along famously, chatting about diseases and her mother,” Elly remarked as she walked over towards the sideboard and began filling her plate.
“Elly! Why would you do such a thing?”
She stopped abruptly and turned to look at her grandmother. “Why would I not? He will not try to compromise her, I assure you!”
“Are you losing your sight?”
“Not that I know of.” She wrinkled her forehead and turned back to her plate.
“He is charming and handsome,” the Dowager said with a hint of exasperation.
“Precisely. They would be an excellent match.” Elly took a seat and began to eat.
“Are you so inconstant to your poor brother?”
“I will not countenance that remark, Grandmama. I have heard that nothing more than a mere friendship exists between Andrew and Miss Lambert. I am thinking of her future.”
“Had you seen the two of them together, you would not question his sincerity.”
“Then why did he leave to spend an indeterminate amount of time on another continent when she was in a desperate situation?” She took a sip of coffee. “No, I cannot believe Andrew would behave so, were he to be in love with someone.”
“I encouraged him to go. Besides, he had promised your father.”
“Papa would not have held him to it, had he known.”
“Had I known what, my dear?” Sir Charles asked as he entered the room and heard his name.
“Grandmama believes Andrew to be smitten with Miss Lambert.”
“Oh, yes, I quite agree,” he said in his usual jovial manner.
“Then why ever did you encourage him to leave her?”
“I had intended to establish her in Society to make their way easier,” the Dowager said, as if her reasoning should be obvious.
“Andrew does not give a fig for Society. Miss Lambert does not seem the type,” Elly argued.
“No, that is certainly true, and I cannot blame her after the way her family was shunned. However, I gather she does not feel herself to be worthy of a gentleman such as Andrew. I thought if I could make her see that she belongs there, it would smooth the path for Andrew when he returns.”
“I think that is a grave mistake, Grandmama. I can attempt to keep her from spending excessive time with Dr. Craig, but I am afraid that separating them will only serve to convince her that she does not belong with him—that she needs to make her own way. And, if you put her in the way of Lord Kendall, who knows what he might try as he becomes more desperate.”
“I am inclined to agree with Elly, Henrietta.”
The Dowager looked concerned. “It is already done. I own I thought Andrew’s trip would be considerably shorter. We will simply have to make certain she does not make her own path. I am capable of putting obstacles in the way of her leaving. She should be safe from Lord Kendall here, at least.”
“Then you had better pray she is not susceptible to the good doctor’s charms,” Sir Charles added.
The Dowager cast him a look of reproach.
Elly snorted. “How long do you expect Andrew to be away, Papa?”
“At least until spring, I am afraid.”
“Then we must send Miss Lambert to Andrew.”
“I will not have her crossing the ocean and throwing herself at him. Even if he is my grandson, a lady cannot do such a thing,” the Dowager protested.
“What if she were properly chaperoned?” Sir Charles suggested.
“Andrew’s neighbours have four unmarried daughters. They are quite rich and fetching—if they do not open their mouths. Who knows what schemes they may come up with to entrap Andrew, should he remain in America long?” Elly taunted. She could see her grandmama’s mind churning. She cast a look at Sir Charles.
“I admit I would rather not have one of them for my daughter,” he opined.
“Who would chaperone?” the Dowager asked.
“I will, of course.” Elly stated.
“Easton will never agree to it, and you cannot expect to take the triplets on such a voyage at this age, in your condition,” Sir Charles reasoned.
“I will ask Nathaniel and Lydia, if I cannot convince Adam,” Elly conceded. “I do not think Miss Lambert will agree to this scheme unless she believes she is to take a position.”
“Then let her think she is going to help,” Sir Charles suggested.
“What if they decided to stay in America? I promised Millicent I would look after her.” The Dowager was still sceptical.
“This is looking after her,” Elly reasoned.
“We are taking a big gamble. What if we are wrong?”
“I am gambling on my brother doing what is right.”
“You are gambling on him thinking with his mind,” the Dowager muttered.