A Foolish Endeavor (Clayton House Chronicles #2)

Chapter One

Lavinia Kendall held her skirt high and hurried across the muddy yard towards the Clayton House parsonage.

In her haste, she had not even bothered to put on her Spencer jacket before she left the manor, despite the overnight rain and chilly April morning.

After all, it was a mere five minute walk from the manor house, and she was eager to see her sister-in-law, Charlotte, so she might be first to share the news that had just arrived that morning in a letter, now tucked securely in her pocket.

Knowing the modest home did not keep a butler and unwilling to wait for the sole maid-of-all-work to answer the door, Lavinia did not bother to knock, but let herself in, calling out as she entered the cozy cottage.

“Charlotte, are you home? ’Tis I, Lavinia.”

Becky, wiping her hands on her apron, came from the back kitchen into the small entry hall.

She nodded in greeting, though she was unable to hide her expression of annoyance at the abrupt entry.

“Good morning, Mrs. Kendall, how nice to see you so… unexpectedly. I do believe I have told you several times that you need not let yourself in. I am always happy to answer the door to admit you.”

Lavinia gave a dismissive wave at the girl. “Oh, for pity’s sake, Becky, I am family, after all. We need not stand on ceremony. I am certain you have more important duties to attend to. Is my dear sister in?”

“You just missed her. She went for her morning walk. Even in her present condition, she insists on some exercise every day. Now, if you ask me, an expectant mother ought—”

“But I did not ask you, Becky,” Lavinia interrupted. “Which direction did your mistress walk?”

“She went out the back alley to the road towards Doddington, though I do not think she intends to walk so far at that. As I said, she ought to rest—”

But Lavinia was already out the front door turning into the side alley, half-running towards the figure she now spied in the distance. When she was closer, she called out, “Charlotte—wait for me!”

Lavinia saw Charlotte turn and smile as she recognized her brother’s wife, then began to walk back towards the rectory. Lavinia soon stood before her, panting a bit. “I am so happy I caught you, dear, for I have the most wonderful surprise to share.”

“Lavinia, you should not run. You might slip in all this mud,” Charlotte said, taking her sister’s hands in hers. “And for heaven’s sake, where is your Spencer? You must take more care. You have only just recovered from giving birth to little Dickie.”

“Oh, pooh—that was nearly three months ago. I am as fit as ever, as you can see. I never have approved of those women who expect to be cosseted and coddled endlessly after having a baby. How is a lady to get her figure back if she lies about all day? I know that you will be much the same after you have your son. Indeed, I expect you will be hiking all across the hills within a week’s time.

” She patted Charlotte’s belly, showing even under her thick, warm coat.

Charlotte laughed. “Well, I do believe I might grant myself at least one day of bed rest.” She tucked her arm into Lavinia’s as the two walked back to the rectory.

“What is your wonderful news? Has little Dickie smiled at you? For I cannot believe he would be such a remarkable child to have done something as wondrous as to sit up by himself.”

Lavinia laughed. “No, but he grows more handsome every day, I declare. I cannot decide if he favors Miles or me the most. For I believe his eyes will turn dark like yours and your brother’s, but he seems to have my mouth and chin.”

“Perhaps. Although, at that age, it is my opinion that all babes look alike,” Charlotte mused.

“Oh, you just wait until you have yours. Then I shall hear endless declarations of the unique glories of your son or daughter, I am certain.”

“Likely you are correct, but we have many months left before then. I am not expected to give birth until July, after all. Now, are you going to share your surprise?”

“Of course, but let us discuss it back at your house. The news is too delicious to announce out here on the muddy road.”

When the two were settled comfortably in the cozy back parlor, enjoying cups of tea, Charlotte patiently waited for Lavinia to speak.

She knew how much Lavinia adored being the center of attention and was certain her sister-in-law would draw out the suspense as much as possible before revealing the cause behind her enthusiasm.

Charlotte guessed it must be a happy sort of news, rather than anything of a sad nature, else Lavinia would have already divulged it in a storm of anguish.

Finally, Lavinia set her teacup down, put her hand through the slit in her skirt to reach her pocket, and pulled out a letter.

She waved it gently at Charlotte while smiling broadly.

“I am certain you can recognize whose handwriting appears on this letter,” she said, coyly.

Charlotte reached and took the folded packet, smiling as she read the direction.

“Gilbert’s, of course. Who could mistake that scrawl?

No matter how often Father tried to impress upon him the importance of a gentleman having a ‘fine hand,’ Gilbert’s writing is still just barely legible and his papers filled with blots and smears.

The only time he took care in writing was when he was marking out his sums. But, then, he always took great pride in that subject above all others, as I recall. ”

Lavinia nodded in agreement. “Well, open it and learn what he has to say.”

Charlotte unfolded the paper and scanned it. Her face lit up, and she exclaimed, “He is coming home from Oxford. That is happy news. Father will be so pleased.”

“As will Miles. These past couple of years we have scarce seen Gilbert but over twice a year. Why, I believe the last time he was at Clayton House was for your wedding to Frederick. He has not even met his nephew.”

Charlotte nodded. “You are correct, for he went traveling over the Christmas holidays and did not join us here.” She folded the letter and handed it back to Lavinia. “Well. He will be here by Tuesday next, and what a joyous reunion it will be.”

“I shall speak to Miles about holding a celebratory dinner in his honor at Clayton House,” Lavinia said.

“We can invite cousin Selina and her father. That will make it even more festive. Oh! I must share the thought I had about her. I was thinking it quite likely that a romance will form between Gilbert and Selina. After all, she has just turned seventeen and is remarkably handsome—blonde features just like Gilbert’s.

How lovely their children would be. We should attempt to secure her for Gilbert before she has a Season next year—if she has one.

Think of the money our uncle Whittington will save on her clothes if she should become engaged before having to go to town. ”

Charlotte laughed. “You are such a matchmaker, Lavinia. Indeed, I recall only last year when you thought of Selina for my own Frederick.”

Lavinia had the good grace to blush a little.

“Well, of course, I had no idea of your loving Frederick, then. You betrayed not a single sign of caring for him.” She giggled and wagged a finger.

“Indeed, let us not forget it was I who persuaded you that Frederick was in love with you. You were quite convinced of his indifference to you, and yet, look at you now—happily married and ready to have his child this summer. I do not believe you give me as much credit as I deserve for helping the match along.”

“That may be true. Luckily for us, you never let me forget it.” Charlotte laughed, and Lavinia joined in.

The two sat in comfortable silence a while before Lavinia sighed happily and said, “Imagine, once Gilbert takes his orders, there will be two rectors in the Kendall family. Is that not splendid? Of course, it may be many years before he reaches that lofty status Frederick now may claim—having a living of his own. Poor Gilbert will have to begin as a lowly curate. I do hope he will not be situated far away from us.”

Charlotte smiled. “Oh, I believe we may find he will be very close to home.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, recall when Frederick mentioned last month the possibility of taking on a second parish part time in Brewster? It is very nearly arranged, and, when it is, Frederick will need a curate to give sermons here when he is absent from Clayton parish. Gilbert can begin his career in the church right here.”

“But that is too perfect,” exclaimed Lavinia.

“He will learn and grow in his new position, and be close to home. Then he can woo Selina.” She paused to consider for a moment.

“Although, a curate’s salary is so very low, she may not have him.

For she has little enough of her own, heaven knows, and may seek a richer match.

Still, if love blooms between them, your father may see fit to supplement Gilbert’s salary.

And then, Uncle Hugh might make a very good settlement on Selina if he approves of the match—perhaps as much as one thousand pounds.

Well invested, that sum would provide a stream of income and they might have nearly one hundred a year, which would enable them to at least afford one maid. ”

“I see you have everyone’s future planned out, dear sister,” Charlotte said in a teasing voice. “Gracious, why wait upon God’s sure bounty for us, when you can make everything fall under your will?”

Lavinia set her teacup down and gave a little shrug.

“Well, it certainly never hurts to consider the possibilities, now does it?” she asked primly.

She leaned forward, her eyes dancing. “Oh! I can see it all now, Charlotte. Gilbert will be content to be a curate here and our family will be all together. You tease me, but I may very well be right about it all.” She stood and smoothed her dress.

“No, do not get up, dear sister, I can see myself out. You and Frederick are coming to dinner tonight, are you not? We shall discuss it further then.” With a final smile, she breezed out of the room, leaving a bemused Charlotte shaking her head.