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The morning after the dinner party, the maid brought a card up to me and informed me that a gentleman was there to see me. Mother had already gone to the draper’s shop. Seeing the name made me smile and I went down immediately.
Seeing Mr. Oswyn Harper in my mother’s sitting room took me back five years. How many times had he accompanied Jonathan on visits to my home and acted as a chaperone of sorts? He had been so patient as a third person who was frequently ignored.
“This is a surprise,” I said with a smile. I held my hand out as I crossed the room. I made sure to leave the door open so no one could jump to erroneous conclusions. “I didn’t think you intended to come to Bath this season.”
“Well, life is never what we expect,” he said. His eyes were serious as he studied me. “You look pale, Miss Anderson. Are you well?”
His concern was easier to take than Miss Dunbar’s assumptions. “I assure you, I am well,” I responded. I gestured for him to sit across from me. “I do feel it is only fair to warn you that my mother is determined to see me married. If you remain here long enough, you may find yourself a victim of her matchmaking scheme.”
For a moment, his expression was alarmed. “Any man who manages to win your hand will be a fortunate man,” he valiantly said. “But I do appreciate the warning.”
“Will you be in Bath long?” I questioned. For as long as I had known him, he was always coming and going as he pleased. He never seemed to have a plan or schedule to follow.
“I’m not sure,” he replied. He hesitated and then leaned forward. “Do you feel up to talking about Jonathan Sinclair? I have been thinking about him a great deal this season. I’ve been trying to recall who else would have known him.”
Mrs. Forrester’s understanding had been a relief, but here was someone who had known Jonathan. He had been a close friend! This week had started off so ill and was now becoming even better than I could have imagined.
“There aren’t many left in Bath,” I said, folding my hands in my lap. “I would be delighted to speak about Jonathan. There are so few who knew him well.”
“Do you remember who else he passed his time with?”
That was an oddly specific question. “No one really stands out in my mind. Besides, Mr. Ingram, of course.”
Though our paths crossed occasionally and he was welcomed everywhere, Mr. Ingram was not someone I had ever liked. I hadn’t been interesting enough to draw his attention, thank goodness. It was a miracle Mother hadn’t even attempted to match me with him.
Perhaps she had heard all the unsavoury rumours?
“Melbourne shadowed my friend many times too, as I recall,” Mr. Harper said. He shook his head. “He’s in Bath at the moment, though I believe he spends the majority of his time on his father’s estate.”
Oh, yes. I did remember the gentleman. He was my age and had struggled to find his way in society. Jonathan had taken him under his wing and shown him about. “The brother he never had,” I said, recalling the affectionate phrase.
“Do you remember Sinclair ever changing cross words with anyone? I think he must have befriended everyone he met.”
I smiled, surprised that the memory didn’t cause a rush of grief or sadness. “Oh, he was like that, wasn’t he? He never met a stranger, and I never heard him raise his voice,” I told him. But that last day...
“What’s wrong? Have you remembered something?” Mr. Harper’s voice sharpened.
“The last time he was with me, there was something troubling him,” I said honestly. I’d forgotten about it in the wake of Jonathan’s death. “He wouldn’t tell me what was wrong. It must be because he was ill and he didn’t want to worry me.”
Mr. Harper nodded, though he continued to frown. “I recall your father mentioning something of the sort when I brought the news. I suppose it would be impossible to discover the truth now.”
There was something more going on. I wasn’t sure why the thought entered my mind, but I was sure there was a reason for the questions. “You don’t think Jonathan was in some kind of trouble, do you?”
Mr. Ingram would have led him into a less than ideal situation, I was sure. In an instant, Mr. Harper straightened up. “No, no. Of course not. I suppose I just wonder what might have been. What I might have been able to do to change things.”
Hadn’t I done the same thing before? “I’m guilty of the same thinking, much to my mother’s dismay,” I said with a sigh.
“And you haven’t considered marrying again?” he asked. His tone was gentle.
“Of course not.”
He shook his head. “Well, I know better than to question a lady when she’s made up her mind. If you need me to assist you in a well-meant but terrible match, all you will have to do is call on me.”
As he spoke, he stood up. Ah, yes, he had been here the usual length for a visit and any longer would invite question. Mother didn’t need that kind of encouragement. I rose. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for your visit.”
*****
WHEN MOTHER RETURNED from her consultation with the cook, she’d heard Mr. Harper had visited. “What a fine, considerate gentleman,” she said enthusiastically as she entered the sitting room. “He may spend most of his time in London, but he is a true gentleman. Did he say when he would come again?”
“No, he did not,” I said calmly. The day before, I might have been irritated since it was obvious the direction Mother’s thoughts had gone. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was on his way in a day or two. But I did enjoy reminiscing about Jonathan with him.”
Mother shook her head and then paused. “Ah. You have that in common,” she said in triumph.
Did she really expect me to marry my dead betrothed’s best friend? Just because we could speak about Jonathan together? The idea made my stomach twist, however, I had learned to keep those thoughts to myself.
Mr. Harper had no interest in marriage, least of all with me. He would not fall victim to Mother’s machinations.
“You should have offered to take a walk with Mr. Harper, and made the most of the time you have with him.”
“He would not have accepted.”
After a moment, Mother gave a huff. “There’s no reason to be difficult,” she said as she turned away. “I thought Mr. Bywood an amiable gentleman, though I was disappointed that Mr. Forrester didn’t pay you any attention last evening. I had such high hopes.”
She must be thrilled to have so many new arrivals to put forth for my consideration as a potential husband. Unfortunately, Mr. Harper wouldn’t allow it. Mr. Forrester had a girl in the country he had already been pursuing. That left the strange Mr. Bywood.
Perhaps there was a way I would be able to scare him away.
****
AS IT HAPPENED, I DIDN’T have to do anything at all.
That afternoon, Mother and I went to the Upper Rooms and we found Mr. Bywood. It happened so fast, I might have suspected my mother of having planned it. At the very least, she must have been watching for the gentleman.
“Mr. Bywood!” Mother exclaimed with delight. She bestowed her widest smile on him. “What a pleasure to see you again.”
Mr. Bywood made an exaggerated bow when he faced us. I managed to keep from rolling my eyes as I curtsied. “The pleasure is all mine, ma’am,” he said. “This is a surprise! Surely neither you nor your daughter are in need of the curative waters here.”
“Everyone knows this is where one must find one’s associates, whether one is ill or not,” Mother said with a laugh. She glanced at me. “Grace, why don’t you and Mr. Bywood take a turn about the room while I rest.”
Phrased as a question, but meant as a command. “I would be delighted to take a turn with Miss Anderson,” he said. “If she will do me the honour.”
I wanted to refuse. Oh, how I wanted to say I saw a friend I needed to speak with. “I’m sure my daughter would be more than delighted. Do go on. I shall sit and perhaps speak to a friend,” Mother said with satisfaction.
No doubt she would find a friend as soon as she could and speculation would begin. Mr. Bywood held out his arm, but I ignored it. I kept my eyes forward as I walked. No encouragement would come from me.
“You do not look pleased to see me,” Mr. Bywood said as he walked beside me. “I take this as a severe blow.”
“My mother may be pleased with any young man who crosses my path, but I have higher standards,” I replied. Heavens, I sounded so prim and cold! “Mrs. Forrester was put out with you, Mr. Bywood, and I believe her to be an excellent judge of character.”
“Mrs. Forrester was not pleased when I expressed no interest in her granddaughter. Her ire with me is understandable, of course, but you must know the context before you cast judgment.”
He had no interest in a lively and pretty girl like Miss Forrester? “And why not?” I asked, not completely believing him. “Miss Forrester is charming and lively. Any gentlemen would be fortunate to win her affection.”
Mr. Bywood’s jaw tightened. “I do not disagree. However, due to my attachment to someone else, I will not trifle with another lady’s affections.”
Now that was a surprise. Could I be so fortunate that both of the young gentlemen were not available for courtship? “You have an attachment?”
“An unspoken one, but yes,” he answered. His tone was firm and just a touch wistful.
Then, I didn’t have to worry about him. How disappointed Mother would be when she learned both young men she favoured were already spoken for. “And this is the reason Mrs. Forrester took you in dislike? Because you are unavailable?”
After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Not precisely. She believes me to be fickle and irresponsible, but that is a minor detail,” he added. He waved his hand as if to brush it away.
“Oh, very minor indeed. Of course, Mrs. Forrester would be offended with you over such small things. She is known for that,” I remarked. Sarcasm wasn’t becoming in a lady, but I couldn’t keep it from my voice.
“Why do I get the feeling you do not believe me, Miss Anderson?”
I saw no reason to soften my opinion. Since we were being so honest with each other. “Because you are flippant.”
For a brief moment, his smile faded. “True enough,” he said with a nod. “However, why should I not enjoy myself?”
Shaking my head, I heaved a sigh. It was clear he thought he was in the right. “You think a bit too much of yourself, Mr. Bywood. I do not think any young lady in her right mind would think you a good match.”
I hadn’t meant to be so harsh. After all, I didn’t know him at all. We’d just met.
“Your criticism hits me hard, Miss Anderson,” he said, dramatically clutching his chest. “Why, I may never recover from this.”
He was drawing attention, and I would not thank him for that. “You are ridiculous,” I scoffed. This time I refused to feel sorry for my words.
“Your mother doesn’t think so, else why would she be amenable to you walking with me?”
Sighing, I shook my head again. “My mother is eager for me to marry as all my siblings have,” I said honestly. “She sees a seemingly unattached gentleman and begins to hope that I might be tempted at long last to leave my father’s house.”
Mr. Bywood became serious, which looked strange on his face. “But you do not wish for a family or home of your own?”
“It is not a matter of whether or not I wish for such things,” I replied. I took a deep breath to calm my tone. “I was engaged to be married five years ago, Mr. Bywood, and my betrothed died. The thought of life without him is still distressing. I have not met his equal.”
“That is a long time to be in mourning,” he said, his tone surprisingly gentle.
His change in tone annoyed me for some reason. “I loved him and expected to spend the rest of my life with him. Why should I not mourn him?”
Immediately, he brought his hands up. “I meant no offense. It was merely an observation. Your devotion to your betrothed does you credit. Do you expect to honour his memory for the rest of your life?”
Put so bluntly, I hesitated. Though I had said I could be a helpful maiden aunt, I hadn’t considered how lonely it might be. “If I must,” I said slowly. “I have no intention of marrying for the sake of pleasing my family. Marrying anyone who is not as honourable as Jon—Mr. Sinclair is impossible for me.”
“Then, as you have no intention of marrying at this time, and I am attached elsewhere, we should be excellent companions for each other.”
Once I recovered from my surprise, I had to admit, on the surface, his words made sense. We could easily part ways with no expectations or regrets. But still... “And raise the expectations of my mother, not to mention how we could earn the speculation of society? No, thank you. I would really rather not do such a thing.”
I would never know if he would have argued his point for we were joined by Miss Dunbar. “Miss Anderson!” she exclaimed, her eyes on Mr. Bywood. “How are you, my dear friend?”
Dear friend? We had never been close enough for that kind of enthusiasm. “I am well, Miss Dunbar. I trust you are as well.”
“Of course, of course. Do introduce me to your new friend.”
Ah, I should have guessed. “I would be delighted,” I said, giving in to a rush of mischief. If Mr. Bywood wanted someone to flirt with, Miss Dunbar was silly enough to be a good choice. “Miss Rose Dunbar, may I present Mr. Bywood. Mr. Bywood, Miss Dunbar.”
“Delighted to make your acquaintance,” Mr. Bywood said with a bow. His tone wasn’t as certain as it had been before.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Miss Dunbar said, curtsying with a wide smile. She stepped closer to the gentleman. “You must be new to Bath. I’ve not seen you before.”
And now was as a good a time as any to make my escape. “Please excuse me,” I said as I took a step back. “I must return to my mother and will leave you two to become better acquainted. Good day, Mr. Bywood, Miss Dunbar.”
Turning, I hurried away, crushing any guilt about leaving him with the girl.