Chapter Eighteen

 

The drawing room threatened to suffocate Johnathan as he paced from one end to the other. He had sent a carriage to collect Alice and expected its arrival at any moment. The weather outside was perfect; the sun shone brightly, and the sky seemed a richer shade of blue than he had ever seen before. However, as he gazed out the window, he realized that many things had become brighter over the last week, and he knew precisely why. It was the red-headed beauty that he now awaited. They had spoken another hour, perhaps even two, as they stood looking over the ocean from the pier that afternoon they had shared their stories of previous love. Although he knew she held back some of her story as much as he had, he could not help but feel elated that he had learned as much as he did.

After inviting her to his home, the conversation had remained light, and he found himself laughing more often than not as she shared stories of her life growing up at Glassberry Estate. He, in turn, had also shared tales of growing up under the thumb of a man with his sights set on bettering himself and his family name. In the end, they both learned that their fathers were very much alike, even if one had a title and the other did not, for neither was happy with what they had. Doing this made Johnathan feel closer to Alice somehow.

Johnathan wondered at his previous concern for a man who no longer courted Alice. This Thomas had only been a farmhand, after all, and more than likely he had realized that he could not provide for Alice in the way she was accustomed. Women could say that love conquered all, but the reality was, they wanted to be cared for, and Johnathan could not imagine Alice living in squalor, even for love. He no longer concerned himself with the man who had previously held her heart, for the man had opted not to marry her. And Johnathan understood from personal experience that sometimes the best-laid plans rarely came to fruition. Much like what had happened with Jane.

How Johnathan had loved her and wanted nothing more than to marry her. Hours had been spent discussing their upcoming wedding and the years that would follow. Then, much to his astonishment, their engagement ended. He shook his head. For whatever reason, he no longer became angry when he thought back to that day when she told him it was over. In fact, he now felt a sense of relief. Perhaps it was for the best, for the following years he spent a great deal of time concentrating on his work, expanding his business and wealth, and becoming the man he was today. It had also led him to Alice.

He let out a small laugh, not believing they would be wed. Just a month earlier, when he had interacted with her at the party at Glassberry Estate, he saw not the grace and beauty of a woman of the gentry, and the thought of her stomping on his foot made him laugh. However, he now understood the reasoning behind her actions and could see the humor in them.

In place of that uncertain and stern spinster was a woman of elegance and grace, a true lady, and he found himself liking the new Alice as much as, he had to admit, he liked the new Johnathan. For he had changed. He no longer made requests of the various women he had at his beck and call. Even the thought of taking Susan into his bed made him feel ill.

The sound of a carriage coming up the drive brought him back to the present. Glancing at the large clock on the mantle, he was pleased to see that Alice was on time. Johnathan made his way to the large foyer where Harold waited by the door, his weathered face solemn, although his lips showed the hint of a smile. He was so different from Stanton, Johnathan’s butler at Shetfield Manor in Exeter, but he was just as loyal.

“My Lord,” he said with a bow before opening the door. Stepping outside, Johnathan smiled as the carriage pulled up in front of him. The driver jumped down from his seat at the front of the vehicle, placed the stepping block on the ground and opened the door. A gloved hand emerged from the interior of the carriage and Johnathan helped Alice alight. His heart skipped a beat as he looked her over, for she was even lovelier than he had last seen her. She wore a coral gown of muslin with exquisite flowers embroidered on the breast. The skirts flowed below the high waist set off by a yellow sash. He had never seen her so beautiful.

“Alice, I…” He fumbled for words for the first time in a very long time.

She dropped into a perfect curtsy. “My Lord,” she said as the driver closed the carriage door behind her. When she rose, she wore a wide smile and a gleam in her eye. Was she mocking him? If it had been a month earlier, he would have thought so; however, he knew now that, if she were, it was in jest and not disrespect.

She glanced around, a confused look on her face. “Might we go inside?” she asked. “I find the air a bit cool.”

Johnathan shook his head and laughed. “Yes, of course,” he replied, though he knew his cheeks had to be a bright crimson. When they entered the house, he paused at the door. “Harold, this is Miss Huntington, my fiancée.”

Harold gave Alice a deep bow. “Miss Huntington.”

“It is very nice to meet you,” Alice said kindly.

“And it is an honor to meet you,” Harold replied. If he was not such the stanch servant he was, Johnathan would have sworn the man was beaming.

“Would you see that Susan prepares a tray for us?” Johnathan asked as he waited for Harold to take Alice’s wrap.

“Yes, My Lord,” Harold replied and soon he was off to do Johnathan’s bidding.

“Well, this is Cliff Heights House,” Johnathan said with a proud grin. “Would you like a tour before the tea is brought in?”

“Please,” Alice replied.

The first room they entered was the sitting room with walls the color of ocean froth, a dark oak table along one wall and a massive fireplace made of white marble.

Alice gasped and rushed over to run her hand over the white marble fireplace. “This is quite lovely,” she said in admiration. “I can almost stand inside it!”

Johnathan laughed. How she looked so young and innocent! It warmed his heart to see her grow excited over something so simple. “Glassberry Estate has very nice fireplaces,” he said.

“Yes, but none as exquisite as this,” she replied. Then she walked over to a large window that looked over the gardens. “And this view! How can you ever consider leaving your house when you have this upon which to gaze?” She turned, her eyes glinting with excitement. “May we go walking after tea?”

“I believe that can be arranged,” he said. “Come, I have more to show you.”

They walked through the drawing room, the music room, and the dining room, all the while Alice gushing over each space. Johnathan was pleased that she enjoyed the house; it would make their transition once they were married that much easier.

The last room he showed her was his favorite. The library sported tall shelves filled with books that lined two walls. Dark oak covered most of the surfaces offset with white walls that helped the room appear larger than it was. Alice stood at the door, her eyes wide and her jaw dropping in a very unladylike manner.

“Do all of these books belong to you?” she asked as she ran her hand along the spines. “You did not tell me you had so many!” Most of the tomes were leather-bound with gold embossed titles. Although he did not read as much as he would have liked in recent years, he was proud of his collection. “May I?” Alice asked as she placed a hand on one particular title.

“Of course,” Johnathan replied.

She pulled the book from the shelf and walked it to a high back chair with a deep yellow cushion. “Poetry,” she whispered, “is so beautiful to read.” She ran her hand over the cover as if it were made of the finest material.

The door opened and Susan entered with the tea. She set the tray on a short table between the chairs, bobbed a quick curtsy and then left the room. Johnathan leaned forward to pour the tea. “I take it you enjoy reading?” he said, although he already knew the answer.

She nodded. “I do. My father would not allow me to remove any of the books from his library, although I was allowed to read them as long as I remained in the room. This was not difficult because my father used the library for meeting with clients and business associates.” She giggled. “Though I would sneak a book every so often to my room when I knew I would not be caught.”

Johnathan laughed and almost spilled his tea in the process. “Well, you will be pleased to know that these will be our books once we are married. You may read them whenever, and wherever, you would like.”

“I will hold you to that,” she said, though her smile said she was teasing.

As Johnathan sipped his tea, he peered over his cup at Alice. “I will need to hire on a full staff here,” Johnathan said as he returned his teacup to its saucer. “I would like you to aid me in that.”

“Me?” Alice asked in surprise. “What do I know of engaging staff?”

Johnathan laughed. “And what do I know of choosing a lady’s maid? Or a decent cook? Or even a scullery maid?” Realization crossed her face. “You see? There are many ways in which you can assist me.”

“I suppose so,” she replied, although she still appeared a bit skeptical.

“There is also the issue of redecorating the house.” Johnathan smiled as Alice took a quick glance around the room. “You must admit that it could use quite a bit of updating.”

Alice laughed. “Well, I was not going to be the one to say so.” She smiled and Johnathan thought his heart would burst. “I would be happy to assist you in what needs to be done.”

Then, most suddenly, Alice looked down at the floor. Johnathan did not understand, but for some reason, tears flowed down her face.

“What is it?” Johnathan asked as he knelt beside her. “Did I upset you? If I did, it was not my intention.”

“No. I am sorry,” she said as she accepted his handkerchief. “This is all very…foreign to me and I must admit that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.” She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes. “You must think me such a ninny for acting so childish.”

Johnathan placed his hand over hers. “Of course, I do not believe you are a ninny,” he said quietly as he tried to keep from smiling. Not because she was weeping, but because of the innocence she expressed at that moment.

“It is just that opening the shop, getting married, being away from home, I’m afraid it has all caught up with me. I will be fine in a few moments.” She smiled through her tears, and although it was a weak smile, it was the most beautiful thing Johnathan had seen in his life.

“Trust me, I understand.”

Alice looked up at him with wide eyes. “You do?”

“Of course,” he said as he reluctantly removed his hand from hers and returned to his seat. “I feel close to tears every time I begin a new business venture; although, I must admit that each time gets easier. Granted, I have never actually cried, but I have been uncertain about the outcome of some of my enterprises on more instances than I care to admit.”

She smiled, this time with much more confidence. “I cannot imagine you being less than confident in anything you do,” she said with a laugh.

“Trust me,” he said firmly, “it does happen.”

He wished to tell her that if he had known her six weeks earlier as he knew her now, he could have counted that instance as one of the times he felt uncertain. Not because he would not have wanted to agree to the offer instantly, but because he would have been uncertain if she would have agreed to have him.

***

Alice reached over to pull a flower toward her and Johnathan found himself unable to take his eyes off her.

“It is beautiful,” she said with a smile. “I love its fragrance.”

Johnathan could not help but to think the same about her. She was much like the numerous flowers that grew in the garden. “I am glad you enjoy them,” he replied. “So, do the gardens meet to your satisfaction?”

“Oh, yes,” she said. “Most definitely so. I must admit, Cliff Heights House is much bigger than I expected.”

He laughed. “Did you expect a small cottage?”

“Of course not,” she replied with a wave of her hand. “But I do like it.”

He took her gloved hand in his and looked down into her eyes. He had so much he wanted to say to her, things he had been unable to say to any woman for so long. However, for whatever reason, the words would not come. Instead, he said, “I am glad you like it.” Inwardly, he groaned for being a coward.

The moment passed and he released her hand. He was acting much too forward. It was bad enough that she was alone with him in his gardens, he did not need to be taking her hand in his in such an intimate manner.

“So, tell me more of your work,” Alice said when they returned to their stroll.

“At the risk of sounding arrogant, I have dabbled in just about every trade imaginable. Wool was the least lucrative. Too many men invest in it, which drives down the prices. I have tried sugar, tea, and cotton, but my most recent endeavor has been in specializing in specific parts of something bigger. Overall, I have built quite an empire. I would have to admit that my accomplishments have been quite impressive for a titled man.”

Alice laughed. “It is quite impressive for any man, regardless of title.”

“I suppose it is at that,” Johnathan replied. “But I will promise you one thing,” —he helped her take a seat on a bench under a large oak— “I will provide whatever you need. You will want for nothing.”

She nodded and gazed off down the path. Johnathan followed her gaze and his eyes fell on two birds as they flitted in a marble birdbath, their tiny feathers splashing droplets of water over the sides and onto the ground below.

“By marrying me,” she said without turning, “your empire, as you call it, will grow even more, so I take it.”

“Indeed. Your father has made connections I could only dream of having.” It was a difficult truth to admit, but it was the truth. He took her hand in his once again. “However, ours will be even bigger.”

“Ours?” she asked as she turned to him. “It will be yours.”

“No,” he said quietly. “It will be ours. Then my dream will come true.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And what is that?”

“To be married and be able to provide for my wife anything her heart desires,” he said. Though it had not been a dream of his a month earlier, it was now. And it was a dream he found he actually looked forward to fulfilling.