Chapter 23
GAbrIEL HANDED HIS horse’s reins to a waiting footman and made his way to the tent that had been set up for refreshments.
He removed his top hat, wiped the perspiration from his brow with the sleeve of his wool riding coat, and then pushed his damp hair away from his face.
Even with all the energy exerted, the day’s hunt had been relatively uneventful.
Most of the men abandoned the task early on in favor of port and leisurely conversation, and Bauer was one of them.
Knowing that Bauer would be immersed in conversation for most of the morning, Gabriel kept to his unfruitful task of tracking a hare, but all the while he watched and waited for his opportunity to finally engage the man one-on-one.
When he saw his chance to speak to Bauer as the man stood alone near one of the tables beneath a canopy of trees, Gabriel took it.
“We’ve not been formally introduced,” Gabriel said as he approached.
Mr. Bauer turned, his normally fair complexion ruddy with heat, and beads of perspiration dotting his upper lip. “No, but I know who you are. You’re Mr. Gabriel Rowe.”
“I am. I’m surprised—and flattered—that you know who I am.” Bauer inhaled noisily, and the corners of his broad mouth lifted in a smug grin. “I make it a point to be aware of who is attending these events. Although I believe I’ve seen you somewhere before. In London, perhaps?”
“It’s quite possible. I currently reside in London.”
“Ah, that is why you look so familiar then.” Bauer motioned for Gabriel to be seated at the table. “No doubt we’ve encountered each other at some point. Let’s sit. Devilishly hot today.”
Gabriel did as bid. “Perhaps at the Clancy Assembly Rooms. I believe I saw you there.”
Mr. Bauer’s brows lifted, as if he was pleased to have been recognized.
“Ah yes. I’ve enjoyed a pleasant following there for most of the summer.
” Bauer paused to accept a pewter tankard of beer from one of the footmen before returning his attention to Gabriel.
“So, Mr. Rowe, my good friend Mr. Hawthorne informed me that you are in law.”
“I am. I work as a solicitor.”
“Fascinating. I’ve long been a proponent of utilizing the power of phrenology to deter or possibly detect crime. I’m glad you’re open to learning about how it might help you. But as a solicitor, do you not deal mostly in documents and paperwork? Or am I mistaken?”
Gabriel followed suit and accepted a tankard from the footman. “You’ll find a great deal is changing in law. I do oversee a significant amount of paperwork, but I also find that just because paperwork is in place, compliance is not guaranteed.”
“I see. So tell me, young man. What do you think so far? Do you find value in what I’m sharing?”
Gabriel chuckled. “I’m a skeptic, Mr. Bauer. Do not hold it against me.”
Mr. Bauer’s guttural laugh echoed from the canopy of tree branches overhead.
“You’re hardly the first I’ve encountered, and I daresay you’re not the only one here.
If anything, I consider it a challenge to change your mind.
But if I may be so bold, I sense you don’t like me very much, or at least what I am teaching. ”
“I don’t know you, Mr. Bauer,” Gabriel responded bluntly, “and if we all blindly accepted everything we heard, where would we be? Isn’t that the whole point of the symposium? To challenge new ideas?”
Bauer pointed a thick finger in Gabriel’s direction.
“I’ve met men like you, Rowe. You’ve convinced yourself that you are aware of things that others aren’t.
I’ve seen you watching, waiting. My suspicion is that you came here with your skepticism so firmly in place that you are waiting for the exact moment that will prove everything about phrenology to be false. ”
Gabriel let the words simmer in the late-morning stillness.
Bauer’s deflection—an attempt to make Gabriel think he was wrong or irrational—would not gain purchase over him.
“Do you know what phrenology has taught me?” continued Bauer.
“It’s taught me that people will be who they will be.
We are all predisposed to a certain behavior pattern.
It is fixed at the time of our birth. I suspect you are skeptical by nature, and unable to change it, you claim that skepticism is a positive trait.
But I would challenge that the opposite is true. It keeps us from learning. Growing.”
Gabriel wanted to laugh. Bauer was trying to manipulate him.
He’d not allow it. “I am interested in truth, Mr. Bauer. If there is truth to phrenology, then I’m happy to hear it.
But there is something I must confess. I’m friends with Andrew Clancy, and he has expressed concerns on this topic.
His footmen have shared reports of certain phrenologists attempting to buy information about his patrons. ”
The crimson color of Bauer’s face deepened. “I have neither the time nor the inclination for riddles. If there’s something you have to say, then let’s have it.”
Gabriel straightened and folded his arms over his chest. “I’m aware very wealthy people are in attendance here, and I’d hate to think that someone was attempting to take advantage of them.”
Bauer’s words seethed. “If I were you, Mr. Rowe, I’d be very careful about making assumptions, especially when you yourself are such an object of scrutiny.
So if we are asking questions—nay, making accusations—would you like to hear the accusations about you?
Why would a man such as yourself, of questionable employ and the member of a scandal-ridden family, return to such a place as Keatley Hall?
You can pretend all you want that this weak argument is why you are here.
But your real intent is clear as day to everyone. And it is pitiful.”
“Is it now?”
“A little friendly advice. You’ll make no friends by pretending to be here for phrenology when it’s clear you’re here to woo Miss Wilde and make Keatley Hall your own.”
“Ah, there you are!” Miss Sutton exclaimed as she swept into the White Parlor. “I’ve been looking high and low for you.”
Ella looked up from her reading, surprised by the interruption. “You’ve been looking for me?”
Miss Sutton stepped farther into the room, and as she did, the sunlight filtered through the windows and caught the folds of her cranberry-hued gown, the deepness of which emphasized the chestnut color of her eyes.
“Mrs. Chatterly told me that you’d returned from your walk with Mr. Abernathy, and I wanted to speak with you. ”
Ella angled her head to peer into the corridor, uncomfortable with the idea of speaking alone with her after their awkward exchange earlier that morning. “Where is Phoebe? Is she not with you?”
“She had a headache and wanted to rest. Which is just as well.” Miss Sutton’s expression sobered and the fabric of her taffeta gown rustled as she sat next to Ella on the sofa. “I was hoping to speak with you privately, for I fear I owe you an apology.”
Ella bristled, unsure of what to expect.
With the exception of Miss Sutton’s cheeky observations on her romantic attachments, Ella had no tangible reason to dislike Miss Sutton.
The newcomer had been kind and enthusiastic and had brought fresh life to a group of people who could be quite sedate and set in their ways. Even so, Ella felt cautious.
Miss Sutton’s dulcet tone filled the space. “In the days I’ve been here, I’ve been so impressed with you, Miss Wilde. You’ve had some unique challenges before you, yet I’ve never seen you without a smile on your face or a pleasant thing to say. That very much speaks to your credit.”
Ella looked down to her hands, unsure of how to respond to such praise.
Miss Sutton continued, “I fear I spoke out of turn this morning when I mentioned Mr. Abernathy. You see, I consider myself to be quite a matchmaker—I fancy that I have a unique instinct and can recognize when two people are well suited. I meant nothing more than encouragement, and I apologize if I overstepped a boundary.”
Ella smiled as she attempted to gauge the woman’s sincerity. “That is very kind, but an apology is not needed. I’m sure that Phoebe apprised you of my father’s plan regarding Mr. Abernathy.”
Miss Sutton shifted, but she did not break eye contact.
“Yes, Phoebe did tell me of it, but only out of concern for you. She asked my advice on how she could best support you. While on this topic, I feel compelled to speak with you on a related matter. It’s hardly my business, by any means, to intervene in the friendships of others, but my heart is aching. ”
Ella would not be pulled into theatrics. “Are you referring to Phoebe?”
Miss Sutton’s lips formed a pretty pout, and she fussed with the lace cuff of her sleeve. “She adores you, you know. Dear Phoebe sings your praises and holds your opinion in the highest regard.”
Ella nodded. “And anyone may know of my fondness for Phoebe. She has been my dearest friend for as long as I can remember.”
“Then I feel I must tell you something. Last night Phoebe came to my chamber. She was quite distraught. About you.”
Ella refused to allow any emotion to cross her face.
“I know that as her friend you understand how she’s longed for a happy marriage, and how fate, cruel as it is at times, has kept such happiness from her. I’m also aware she shared with you her growing attachment to Mr. Bauer.”
“Yes, she did mention it to me.”
Miss Sutton’s elegant brows arched. “When she was in tears, she shared that you did not approve of Mr. Bauer—that you thought him too old for her. Too different from her.”
Ella’s defenses rose. “I did not say those things exactly, but I gave her my honest advice, which was simply to be cautious until she has known him longer.”
“I’ve no doubt that your intentions are pure, Miss Wilde, but I feel you need to know the entire story.
Her father very much approves of this attachment.
In fact, he is eager to make it an official one.
There are other things he would like to do with his life, but he cannot move on until he sees his only daughter settled in marriage. ”
Ella shook her head. “Phoebe said her father was not aware of their relationship.”
“Oh, dear Miss Wilde, she thinks he is not aware, but would a father really not notice such a change in his only daughter? Mr. Hawthorne and I have discussed it at length. As for the difference in their ages, I understand your concern. He is, indeed, nearly twenty-two years her senior, but many, many marriages flourish despite the years between them. After all, an older husband is stable and secure, settled in his dealings, and knows his goals. Phoebe is young, strong, and ready for the demands of motherhood and married life. I wouldn’t dare to tell you how to communicate with your friend.
I only wish for you to have all the facts at your disposal. ”
Ella’s ears burned with what she’d just heard. Elements of it made sense, but something about the way the woman spoke to her—with a presumed authority—was intended, no doubt, to make Ella question her knowledge of Phoebe.
But had they not years’ worth of time and shared experiences together? Had she not seen every major milestone and witnessed every major loss?
Ella considered each word carefully before allowing them to pass her lips.
“I’m sure that everything you say is true, and that you also want what is best for Phoebe.
If she were to tell me that this is her ultimate choice, then I would be happy for her, but until then, if she asks me for my opinion, I will give it to her. ”
Miss Sutton’s smile did little to hide the tension tightening the skin around her eyes. “I wonder, if your situations were reversed, what you would think of receiving advice from her. Perhaps you should ask Phoebe’s advice on matters . . . of the heart.”
Ella’s blood boiled within her. Miss Sutton was crossing the lines of propriety. “If there is something you wish to tell me, then I urge you to do it plainly.”
“You have a perfectly viable suitor in Mr. Abernathy. I know nothing has been announced, but it is whispered in the corridors and almost accepted as fact, but those around you are not blind to what is happening. If you are thinking of shifting your matrimonial sights toward Mr. Rowe, I would caution you.”
Ella lifted a brow.
“His reputation is . . . dubious. His family is questionable—scandalous, even—and his occupation, well, he keeps company with those with ambiguous reputations. You might consider him an exciting match now, but many a woman has followed her heart only to find she would have been wiser to trust her mind. Keatley Hall would be a prize for any man, and if it should fall into the hands of the wrong individual, everything your family has worked for would be in vain.”
Miss Sutton’s voice lowered. “I know you’re a sophisticated woman, Miss Wilde, but do not allow your enlightened way of thinking to overshadow the truths of the society in which we live.”
When Miss Sutton had ceased talking and the chamber was silent once again, Ella straightened her shoulders. “You needn’t concern yourself for me, Miss Sutton. I’m very aware of Mr. Rowe’s profession and personal attributes. I’m also far from naive.”
Miss Sutton stood, the smile of her face sickly sweet.
“I am glad to hear it. I would hate to think of a woman being taken advantage of. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to rest before the men return.
It should be an exciting evening, correct?
I believe there will be another demonstration tonight. ”
Ella maintained her composure until she was certain Miss Sutton was nowhere near the White Parlor.
Then she sighed and leaned back against the sofa.
The fleeting thought had crossed her mind that Mr. Rowe might be here to woo her under false pretenses, but she had immediately dismissed it.
It was such a farfetched idea. But could Miss Sutton be right?
Ella’s other concern followed—was Mr. Rowe being kind and attentive to her simply to gain access to Mr. Bauer?
Did he really care about Mr. Bauer’s impact on the Society, or did he just want to watch him?
He’d investigated Mr. Bauer's and Mr. Gutt’s bedchambers without asking her.
If Mr. Rowe thought of her as a partner in this endeavor, he would have informed her.
Wouldn’t he? She didn’t want to think that Mr. Rowe might be less genuine than he seemed.
The thought of it hurt her heart in such an unexpected way.
And then the question came back to her—what was she willing to risk for Keatley Hall?