Chapter Twenty-Five
A riadne stepped from the carriage, confidence soaring through her. They were headed into a ball, the first event they had attended as husband and wife since their return to town yesterday afternoon. She had found that all her clothes and other personal items had been transferred from her father’s townhouse to her husband’s. Tally moved things about a bit to her liking, but Ariadne felt settled into her new home in town. She would still have to send for a few things she’d left at Millvale, but there was no rush regarding those items.
The week with Julian at Aldridge Manor had been spectacular. She had enjoyed touring the countryside and meeting Julian’s tenants. They had also gone into the village of Alderton and visited with some of the merchants, as well as attending church services on Sunday. She had learned the names of most of the household staff, and she and Julian had gone riding several times. He had not known how to do so when he first inherited his title, and his head groom had given him lessons, explaining how important riding skills were to get about the countryside. If he had not shared this with her, Ariadne would never have guessed because her husband looked quite at home on horseback.
They had shared walks and intimate dinners. He had asked her to play the pianoforte for him each night after dinner and had even taught her two naughty songs which he had learned while working on London’s docks. After a bit of practice, she could now play both, adding chords to the jaunty tunes’ melodies.
More importantly, they had grown accustomed to one another in the bedroom. The first night alone, Ariadne had learned more about lovemaking than she had ever known existed. Each time they came together, they discovered new things about one another. What pleased their partner most. How tender those times were after they had made love and lay in each other’s arms before falling asleep.
She was happy her husband had suggested that she remain the entire night with him each night. Already, she was used to his large body protecting hers, even in sleep. His heat kept her warmer than the bedclothes ever had, and she was finally getting used to sleeping nude. She would keep that to herself, however, since she thought it was likely they were one of the few couples in Polite Society who did so. However, when Tia and Lia found husbands of their own?
Ariadne would highly recommend they follow the same practice.
She and Julian had already discussed having the twins come and stay with them over the Christmas holidays. He had been enthusiastic in his response and even mentioned if she wished to invite Val or any of her other cousins, they would be more than welcome at Aldridge Manor during the holiday season.
They entered the receiving line and greeted their hosts and their daughter, who was also making her come-out this Season.
As they entered the ballroom, Julian asked, “Were your parents supposed to host a come-out ball for you?”
“Yes. It was planned for mid-June. Mama said the other mothers get together and discuss when their daughters’ debut balls are to be held so one does not conflict with the other.”
He smiled ruefully. “I hate that you missed out on yours. Perhaps we should hold a ball in your honor to celebrate our marriage.”
“That would be lovely. I could plan everything myself and not have to agree to what Mama would have planned.”
“I see your parents now. We should discuss it with Their Graces. Come along, Wife.”
She and Julian approached her parents. Papa nodded brusquely, but Mama was all smiles, thanks to her daughter having been the first girl of the Season to wed.
After the formalities, Julian said, “Your Graces, I regret that Ariadne did not get to experience her own come-out ball. Would you mind if we took that date on the social calendar and held one to celebrate our marriage?”
“Oh!’ Mama said, fanning herself. “What a lovely idea, Aldridge, but you should let His Grace and I host it. You will not have to do a thing.”
Julian smiled at her mother. “I would not think of doing so, Your Grace. You planned a most wonderful wedding and breakfast for us. You must be exhausted after that. We will assume the responsibility—and cost—of the ball.”
That perked up His Grace’s ears. “Let them do as they wish,” he told his wife. To Julian, he added, “We will happily attend, Aldridge.”
“Then it is settled,” Ariadne said. “Thank you so much.”
She danced with her husband and a few other gentlemen, each of them expressing regret that she had exited the Marriage Mart early. They joined Lady Alicia and Val for the midnight supper. Her brother shared quietly that both he and Con were making a point of dancing with Lady Alicia at every ball. Because of it, her dance programme was filling regularly. Val assured her that while neither he nor Con were interested in wooing her, their attention had brought other gentlemen into Lady Alicia’s sphere, and he hoped she would find a suitor who would offer for her by Season’s end.
After supper ended, Ariadne yawned. Julian leaned over, stroking her cheek. “We are more used to country hours after this past week.”
“Do you think we might go home now?” she asked. “While I have enjoyed the dancing, I see no point in continuing to do so for several more hours.” Smiling slyly, she added quietly, “Not when I could be home in bed with my marquess.”
“We are leaving,” Julian announced, shooting to his feet. “It was good seeing you,” he told Val and Lady Alicia.
“We must say goodbye to our hosts,” Ariadne reminded him. “Especially because we are leaving quite early.”
“Do you truly believe they would miss us?” he asked, his eyes gleaming at her. “And if they do, surely our excuse is that we are newlyweds.”
“All right,” she said, laughing, letting him lead her down the staircase and to their carriage, where they kissed the entire way home. It did not take them long since the streets were clear of traffic.
“We should leave balls early every time,” he murmured into her ear, nibbling on her lobe. “How nice for it to only take a handful of minutes to arrive home and not an hour or more. It gives us that much more time to spend awake in our bed.”
His words caused a frisson of desire to run through her.
Tally readied Ariadne for bed, and she went through the series of connecting doors until she reached her husband. He sat on the bed, pillows propped behind him, not a stitch on.
Climbing from the bed, he said flirtatiously, “You are overdressed for this evening’s activities, Lady Aldridge. Allow me to take your robe and night rail.”
Quickly divested of her garments, Julian pulled her into bed, their passion instant, their coupling fast.
She lay in his arms afterward, trying to slow her breathing and racing heart. “I think that was my favorite dance of the evening, my lord,” she said seductively.
“Perhaps we will dance again when we awaken, love,” he said, gathering her into his arms, both of them falling asleep immediately.
*
True to his word, her husband made sweet love to Ariadne before they rose for the day. They separated for a few minutes as they washed and dressed for the day and then met up in the sunny breakfast room. She had told him how her parents never breakfasted together, and he had replied that her parents were fools to miss out on spending such precious time together. Ariadne reminded him that her parents were not a love match. She was too ashamed to tell him how her mother and grandmother had ensnared her father in a trap so that Mama could claim a duke for her husband.
As breakfast concluded, Julian told her, “We have an appointment this morning with the vicar of St. George’s. Mr. Charleston is expecting us at ten o’clock.”
“Whatever for?” she asked.
“To begin our purpose,” he replied solemnly.
Excitement filled Ariadne. Once Julian had shared with her how he, too, wanted to help the downtrodden of London, they had talked over ideas about where to start. She had no idea he had taken that first step, especially with them only having arrived back in town recently.
On the way to Hanover Square, she asked, “Do you have an idea what we should address first?”
“The future is always dependent on the children of the present,” he said thoughtfully. “I think Oakbrooke Orphanage is where we should start.”
Wrinkling her nose, Ariadne said, “I hope you will have better luck with Miss Crimmins than I did.”
He took her hand, raising it to his lips and kissing it tenderly. “You might have been a duke’s daughter when you spoke with her, but you now have the power of your husband behind you, love.”
She smiled. “I did not know I was wedding a champion.”
He brought her hand to his cheek. “I will always champion you, Ariadne.”
Her confidence rose. She believed she could accomplish much good with Julian’s backing. His title and wealth would open doors previously closed to her. Together, she hoped they would prove to be a formidable team.
They entered the offices at St. George, and Ariadne saw Mr. Rogers, the curate. She couldn’t help but ask, “Do you recall meeting me, sir?”
“Yes, my lady,” he said sheepishly. Looking to Julian, the curate asked, “Are you Lord Aldridge?”
“Yes. Lord and Lady Aldridge to see Mr. Charleston.”
“One moment,” the curate replied, vacating the room.
“See how he cowed, Julian?”
“I never want to use my position to harm anyone, but if mentioning my title gives us an advantage, I will not refrain from doing so.”
Mr. Rogers appeared again. “Mr. Charleston will see you now, my lord. My lady.”
The curate led them down a long corridor and indicated a room for them to enter. Seated at a desk was the vicar of St. George’s. Ariadne recognized him from the Sunday sermons she had attended since coming to town.
Rising, Mr. Charles bowed. “Lord and Lady Aldridge. It is good to see you. Please, have a seat.
They took the two chairs in front of the vicar’s desk, while he sat in the one behind it.
“What might I do for you?”
“Lady Aldridge is extremely interested in assisting the poor,” Julian began. “In particular, the children of Oakbrooke Orphanage.”
“Yes, Mr. Rogers told me he had directed her to the orphanage. It is the largest one our congregation supports.”
“Nothing came of my wife’s previous visit to the place,” Julian said bluntly. “She was sorely disappointed.” He then stared at the vicar, who began to look quite uncomfortable, and Ariadne had to stifle a giggle.
“I would see this remedied,” Julian said firmly. “Who owns the building?”
“Why, St. George’s does, my lord,” Mr. Charleston replied.
“And I assume you pay for the staff, including Miss Crimmins’ salary? As well as feed and clothe the children who live there?”
“Yes, through the poor tax, my lord. Mr. Rogers explained all this to Lady Aldridge.”
“Did Miss Crimmins share how she refused my wife’s help?”
Color sprouted on the vicar’s cheeks. “Miss Crimmins was happy to receive a donation. In fact, she told me that a Lord Claibourne, Lady Aldridge’s brother, made a substantial contribution after her visit to Oakbrooke.”
“How many teachers are on staff?”
“I am not certain, my lord,” responded the vicar. “I would have to see.”
“I would like to take on Oakbrooke Orphanage,” Julian announced calmly, as if he were ordering a cup of tea.
Shock filled the vicar’s face. “My lord, it is quite ambitious to handle everything associated with running such a large orphanage. Why, we at St. George’s—”
“I will buy the building outright from the church,” Julian said, causing Ariadne to smile as she watched Mr. Charleston squirm. “Then St. George’s will be free to support the poor in other places. Once I obtain ownership, I will be responsible for everything within its four walls. St. George’s may use its resources elsewhere.”
“Do you truly wish to take on such an expense, Lord Aldridge?” the vicar questioned. “It is not as if it is a one-time occurrence, and you can move on from your responsibilities.”
“I know what I am getting into,” Julian said impatiently. “How much for the building?”
Mr. Charleston named a price. Julian countered, saying his solicitor had checked into the value of other places in the neighborhood.
“You wouldn’t be trying to fleece a marquess now, would you, Mr. Charleston?”
The question hung in the air, and she saw the vicar quickly reconsider.
“The price you offered is perfectly acceptable, my lord.”
Julian rose, offering Ariadne his hand, and she did the same. “Then have St. George’s solicitor come to my solicitor’s office this afternoon at two o’clock. We will complete the transaction then.” He gave the solicitor’s address.
“I must speak to the bishop first,” Charleston protested. “Possibly the archbishop, my lord. I need more time.”
“Oh, I have already written to the archbishop. He is well aware of my plans.”
This was news to her, and she tried to maintain a face which gave away nothing.
“We will see you and your solicitor at two, Mr. Charleston,” Julian said, smiling benignly at the vicar.
In the carriage, she asked, “Is it true you have written the bishop?”
“Once you told me of your desire to aid the poor and your experience at Oakbrooke Orphanage, I wrote to my solicitor and the archbishop, telling them both of my desire to do my Christian duty and see to the orphans living at Oakbrooke. The sale of the building will go through, Ariadne. In fact, I am so certain that we are now going to see Miss Crimmins.”
“She is odious.”
“You will be the one to decide if she stays or goes.”
“Me?”
“Yes, my love. We will take on this endeavor together, but I believe you should make the decision regarding Miss Crimmins’ fate.”
They arrived at Oakbrooke, and Julian escorted her inside. They were met by a woman who introduced herself as Miss Darnell.
“How may I help you, my lord? I am a teacher on staff here.”
“I am Lord Aldridge, and this is Lady Aldridge. We are the new benefactors of Oakbrooke and will be in charge of all aspects in running the orphanage, from staff hired to what is taught to providing decent clothing and tasty meals.”
“Does Miss Crimmins know about this?” asked Miss Darnell, her brow creased with worry.
“She is about to hear the news from me,” Julian replied. “How long have you been teaching here, Miss Darnell?”
“Seven years, my lord.”
“Do you enjoy your work?” Ariadne interjected.
Miss Darnell’s face softened. “Very much indeed, my lady. I feel as if I were born to teach, especially the orphans at Oakbrooke.”
“And your thoughts regarding Miss Crimmins?” she asked. Seeing how nervous the teacher appeared, Ariadne added, “Please, be frank. We are evaluating the staff of the school and will be deciding who should remain. Your honesty is vital.”
Miss Darnell took a deep breath and expelled it. “Miss Crimmins and I do not see eye to eye on numerous matters, my lady. The courses taught and the manner in which material is communicated to students.” She hesitated and then added, “And discipline.” Her mouth tightened.
“You believe Miss Crimmins to be heavy-handed,” Ariadne guessed.
The teacher took a moment to gather her thoughts and then said, “While I am in favor of exercising discipline, it must be done for a reason. And practiced with love. These children have lost everything. They must see that it is not only their physical needs which are met. Shelter. Clothing. They must see they are cared for as individuals.”
She glanced to Julian, and he nodded approvingly. “We are quite impressed by you, Miss Darnell. How would you like to be in charge of running Oakbrooke?”
Without hesitation, the woman said, “Only if I could spend some of my time in the classroom, Lady Aldridge. I love what I do and these children. While I am organized and would do a thorough job as an administrator, I need to be with the pupils at least a part of every day.”
“Do you have time to give us a tour of the facilities?” Julian asked.
Miss Darnell checked the watch pinned to her blouse. “If it is a quick one, my lord. I can show you everything now, but I am certain you will want to come back and observe things at greater length, including some of the classes being taught.”
They followed Miss Darnell about Oakbrooke, seeing things they liked and others they would change. Some, immediately. Some, gradually.
Julian offered the teacher his card. “We would like to discuss matters with you at greater length, Miss Darnell. Be thinking about the staff you wish to retain and how many additional positions need to be filled. If the food is good or—”
“It is barely edible, my lord,” Miss Darnell said passionately.
“Then note we need to hire a decent cook and scullery maids,” he continued. “Also think about what is taught and how you wish it changed. You will prepare the model for teaching, as well as be the model for your staff.”
“I believe practical training is important,” the teacher said. “Once our students have decent reading, writing, and maths skills, we could train them for service. They could be maids. Footmen. We could also prepare them to work as a clerk in a shop or on the land, teaching them about farming and how to look after livestock. I want to give all our students practical skills and then see ways they can become gainfully employed.”
“Write it all down, Miss Darnell,” Julian encouraged. “When you are ready to present everything to us, please come to the address on the card.”
Miss Darnell studied them, tears in her eyes. “Thank you, my lord, my lady. These children need so much. I believe you will give them a way out of poverty and hope for their future.”
“What is going on?” a voice cried.
Ariadne turned and saw Miss Crimmins headed their way. “You’d best be on your way, Miss Darnell,” she warned, knowing a confrontation was at hand, and the teacher fled up the stairs.
Coming to stand before them, Miss Crimmins said, “I remember you. The idealistic young lady who thought she could lark about and teach for a few hours and make a difference.” Looking at Julian, she added, “I suppose this is your brother. The one whom you bullied into making a donation.”
“No,” said Julian firmly, his voice full of authority. “I am Lady Aldridge’s husband, the Marquess of Aldridge. I have bought this building, and my wife and I will be responsible for every aspect of it. Your services are no longer required, Miss Crimmins.”
“What . . . why . . . you cannot do that!”
“I can—and have,” her husband said. “You have a day to pack your things and leave.”
“I will speak to Mr. Charleston about this, my lord,” Miss Crimmins said, her face turning beet red.
“You may call upon him, but it will do you no good. You must seek employment elsewhere.”
The headmistress whirled, hurrying away.
“You realize things will be in turmoil by tomorrow,” Ariadne pointed out.
“We may have to give up some of our social engagements and late nights for a bit,” he said, slipping his arms about her, a satisfied smile playing on his sensual lips. “I fear we shall need to be here first thing tomorrow to right the chaos. Are you willing to forgo some of the social activities?”
“Let me think.” She pretended to ponder a moment. “Listening to gossip about people I do not know or care to hear about. Staying out until dawn. Or standing with my husband and making a difference in the lives of so many children.” Ariadne brightened. “I choose Oakbrooke.
“And you.”
“I thought you might, Lady Aldridge.” Julian threaded his fingers through hers. “We should go home and enjoy the rest of our day because tomorrow—and the tomorrows after that—are going to be quite busy.”
In the carriage, Ariadne covered his face in kisses. “Oh, I am so glad to have married you, Julian Barrington.”
Her husband smoothed her hair. “Not half as happy as I am for having married you, my love.”
Julian kissed her, and Ariadne knew they had a bright future ahead of them.