Chapter Ten
The following afternoon, at some point between luncheon and teatime, Laurence had been left to his own devices, for Rose pleaded a slight megrim and had laid down for a nap.
He hadn’t minded, but he rather suspected she needed time to recover mentally from what she’d confided in him yesterday as well as from what they’d shared together in the heart of the hedge maze.
While he wished to support her and reassure her that there was nothing to feel shame for, he knew she’d need to work through that for herself.
Lord knew he’d done the same many times over the years for various reasons.
Having unexpected hours to himself, Laurence made his way down to the servants’ hall.
Perhaps he could persuade the cook to let him have a couple of jam tarts and a cup of tea.
The sound of low conversation reached his ears, and as soon as he entered the room with sparse furniture, he grinned, for the housekeeper and a few maids sat at a long, wooden table.
“Do you mind the interruption?”
Mrs. Henderson’s expression lit when her gaze fell on him. “Of course not. Come, come, Captain. Share a cuppa with me. The girls were just getting back to work.” With a wink, she shooed a hand at the maids, who scrambled to their feet then scattered from the room.
“Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Henderson.” He grinned as he slipped into a chair near the housekeeper’s location while she poured out a cup of tea. “There are times when a man just needs the company.”
“I’m happy to chat with you, Captain.” The housekeeper slid a cup and saucer over the tabletop toward him. “What’s on your mind?”
“Well, on the way back from my walk earlier, I overheard a few of the servants talking about All Hallow’s Eve celebrations that are being planned in the village and at area estates.”
“Oh, yes. This is a favorite time of year for many. The harvest is in and everyone can relax for a bit.” One of her eyebrows rose. “Did you have a question about that?”
“Not directly.” Pausing for a sip of tea, he quickly added a small lump of sugar into the amber depths then stirred it with a silver spoon.
Since he was a favorite of the staff and he knew it, he gave what he hoped was a charming grin to Mrs. Henderson.
“I think it’s lovely there are so many celebrations, and I adore this time of year and everything it has to offer.
However, does Landry Hall do anything for celebrations?
I haven’t heard much in the way of gossip about that. ”
The housekeeper blew out a breath. “We used to, but a few years ago, everything stopped, even Christmastide traditions.” She wrapped her hands around her teacup. “Lord and Lady Rolston barely come out to the country any longer. The only one of their children to be here is Miss Landry.”
“Rose.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “There is no one quite like her in that family. I’ve become close to her since her tenure here.”
“And she is here merely because of the scandal that resulted in a baby?”
For the space of a few heartbeats, Mrs. Henderson studied him, no doubt deciding if she could trust him. Then she drained the contents of her teacup. “Did she tell you her secret?”
“She did, yesterday. We met while I was walking, and I decided to diverge into the hedge maze.” Of course, the woman didn’t need to know what happened next.
“Yes, Miss Landry often goes there to think.”
“I had that feeling.” He contemplated the remainder of the tea in his cup.
“You have my word that I will not use the knowledge to hurt her. I merely wish to see her happy.” There hadn’t been a time since he’d arrived at the manor when he’d seen a smile reflected in her eyes.
“And I’d hoped she might share because she shouldn’t carry around that burden by herself. ”
“I agree.” The housekeeper refreshed the tea in her cup. “Miss Landry hasn’t been happy since the babe was taken away. Every time I think on it, my heart shreds for her.”
He tightened his fingers around his cup.
“It’s unfair what her family did to her.
And while I can see how allowing her to keep the babe would have meant daily reminders of her scandal, they should have at least let her hold the infant before taking it away.
” Even now, he couldn’t imagine the pain she felt—still did—about having that part of her ripped away.
“Family should love each other regardless of what they’ve done.
” Of course, he should listen to his own advice, for he hadn’t forgiven his own father for leaving the family in ruins.
It didn’t matter that his father was dead.
“Oh, I quite agree with you, Captain, but such things aren’t as black and white with beau monde families.”
He frowned. “I’m afraid I didn’t study bloodlines as well as ladies do.”
“No one faults you. The Landrys have the other two daughters to think about. Their futures and such. Society would think there is something wrong with them because they’ll judge off what the elder Miss Landry did.”
“Society is skewed, if you don’t mind me saying.”
“You’ll find no argument from me.” She offered a slight smile. “You and I are on the same side, Captain.”
“Perhaps we are.” Slowly, he nodded when she offered the teapot. As he watched the stream of amber tea go into his cup, he sighed. “On the days when Rose needed them the most, they walked away and left her alone.”
“To be fair, there was a companion at one point.”
He frowned. “What happened to her?”
“Who can say for certain? Miss Landry wasn’t at her best those first months. She didn’t leave her room, didn’t talk to anyone, and we thought she might waste away from a broken heart. No doubt at some point she sent the woman away.”
“I can just imagine. It’s a wonder she remained on this mortal coil.” Laurence shook his head. “She should have had familial support.”
“Scandal and keeping one’s name above the muck is a driving force with beau monde families, but yes, she should have, especially during those times when grief is strong.
” It was merely a stated fact as the housekeeper drank her tea.
“Miss Landry had a difficult time but she’s strong.
Though she’s come out right as rain from the ordeal, she could benefit from being forced from her comfortable shell. Grief can only carry one so far.”
Slowly, he nodded, for that was how it had been for him. “Even the strong ones need someone to lean on when their strength wavers.”
Mrs. Henderson gazed at him from over the rim of her teacup. “Are you that man, Captain?”
Was he? The idea of pursuing a match with Rose was shocking.
Even though he’d shared carnal intimacy with the lady, that didn’t necessitate marriage, did it?
And he didn’t love her. If he made an offer right now out of obligation, she’d laugh at him then berate him for a fool.
Rose wasn’t the sort of woman who would accept a man in such a way.
But the housekeeper waited on an answer. “Let’s just say that I might be interested in that, but I have only just met her.”
She snorted. “Sometimes that doesn’t matter. I believe we meet the people we were fated to at just the right time. Also, the two of you seem to get on well enough.”
“While that is true, I am not nearly good enough for her. She’s a viscount’s daughter.”
The housekeeper huffed. “And you’re a baron. It would prove a respectable match, and her parents wouldn’t object, for she would be off their hands.”
“A baron with nothing to his name, not even the ancestral home. I was forced to sell it to pay delinquent taxes and my father’s debts.”
“That matters not. Especially when tender feelings come into play between people.” Mrs. Henderson cocked an eyebrow in question. “Do you wish to court her?”
“I wouldn’t mind it, and I’m already here, at least until I’m told to get out.” Pausing to take a gulp of lukewarm tea, he then added, “We can’t both be poor and outcasts from society, Mrs. Henderson.”
“Poor is a relative term, Captain.” A chuckle escaped her. “At least while you are here, the staff will support your efforts.”
“Why? Why is everyone so keen to match me to Rose?” It was a puzzle, indeed, but he rather liked that they wanted to protect her.
“Why not?” She shrugged. “You are both good people down on your luck, and you are a clever man, a fortunate man since you survived the war with minimal damage. Why shouldn’t the pair of you have something lovely in your lives?”
With a sigh, he rubbed his eyes with his fingers. “If there is a match at the end of this scheming you all seem to be doing, where would we live? I need to draw an income but haven’t yet decided on what or how.”
“No doubt Landry Hall would prove a good start, but don’t worry about that just yet.
To be honest, we haven’t seen the land steward on this property for an age.
Perhaps if a match with Miss Landry is forthcoming and you eventually speak with her father, you might ask him if you can fill that role.
At least if you were on the property day in and day out, you’d be more apt to know how the estate is run.
” She gave him a cheeky wink. “However, don’t let yourself be spooked before you ever begin to plan. ”
Good advice, and it was definitely something to think about.
It would seem the viscount was neglectful of his estate as well as his family.
He drained his teacup then set it quietly into its saucer.
“I’m willing to concede the point to you, but I would like to have my own clothes.
Wearing her brother’s cast offs is a bit questionable. ”
Mrs. Henderson chuckled. “I can understand that. Let us make an arrangement, then, between the two of us. Cook and I are capable seamstresses, as are the maids. If we create a limited wardrobe for you—including a set of evening clothes—would you work with Mr. Madison and the footmen to perhaps plan one night of frivolity set on these grounds closer to All Hallow’s Eve?
It doesn’t need to be on that day, for folks already have plans since it’s nearly upon us, but the servants here plus Miss Landry might appreciate the effort and the chance to indulge. ”
A kernel of hope bloomed and grew within his chest. “You would do that for me?” Odd, but a wad of tears lodged in his throat, prompting him to clear it.
“Of course, Captain. I want to see Miss Landry happy too.” A softness came over her expression.
“When she was a young girl, she used to adore the bonfires and autumn celebrations. I’d never heard her laugh as hard as she did then.
She loved the treats, carving gourds to fit with candles, apple bobbing and picking, dressing in costume to scare away evil spirits.
Though she was a handful back then, it breaks my heart to see her spirit ebbing away. ”
Laurence was obliged to swallow hard as emotions beset him. “I will do everything I can to make this year special and fun for her. Perhaps some of her old self will awaken.”
“You’re a good man, Captain.” Mrs. Henderson dabbed at the corners of her eyes with her linen napkin. “Miss Landry could do much worse.”
“Ha, I wonder, but I appreciate your confidence in me.” A certain relief fell over him now that the topic had run its course. “Have you lived at Landry Hall long?”
“Yes. I started with the Landry family when I was a younger woman of thirty, so it’s been about twenty-five years of service to them.
” Her smile could light the skies, so proud she was of that fact.
“In fact, my family is from the northern part of the county. Being close allows me to travel back and see them a couple times a year. Why did you want to know?”
Surprise gripped him. “I’m from there as well.” Perhaps she might have information regarding his family. “When I was a lad of ten, my mother died giving birth to my sister. Unfortunately, the girl was given away as an infant. Do you remember anything about that?”
“Oh!” Realization came into her expression. “That’s why your name is familiar.”
He frowned. “Meaning?”
She shook her head. “I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead.” Hesitation shadowed her eyes.
“Please do, Mrs. Henderson. If it answers my questions, I don’t mind, and I’d rather have the truth besides.”
“Well, there was some gossip going around years ago that your mother had an affair.” Compassion flitted over her face as she looked at him. “No one blamed her since your father was—”
“I know how he was,” Laurence said in a low voice as he interrupted her.
“Yes, well…” The housekeeper nodded. When your mother fell pregnant, there was speculation through the villages that the child was that of her lover’s instead of her husband’s.”
“Dear God.” Shock slammed into his chest. “Now it makes sense of why my father sent my sister away.” Of course his father wouldn’t have told him of the speculation, for Laurence was only a child, and by the time he went away to war, his father was well entrenched into his vices.
“He didn’t only wish to raise an infant by himself, but he also didn’t want to raise another man’s child.
” A slow frown took hold of him. What had happened to his mother’s lover, then?
“I wouldn’t know anything about that, but if your mother managed to find happiness outside of her marriage…”
“I don’t begrudge her that.” He nodded. “My father was horrible; I’ll fully admit that. These days, I only want to find my sister, for I want my family near.”
“I wish you luck, Captain. If you’d like, I can write to my sister who still lives in the area. Perhaps she’ll remember who came to claim the baby.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Henderson. You’re too kind.”
With more hope and excitement than he’d had in a long time, Laurence left the servants’ hall in favor of hunting down Rose.
He didn’t locate her in the house, which prompted him to wander about the corridors as he decided his next course of action.
Eventually, fatigue got the better of him, so he headed back toward his room.
On the way, he glanced out of the picture window on the second floor, and his chest tightened.
Rose was outside, playing a game of tag with some of the tenant farmer’s children.
Everyone involved laughed and smiled and called out to each other.
His heart gave a large thump. The joy on her face was what she should look like all the time, for there was still much living to do beyond the grief she struggled with.
And he knew beyond a doubt that she would make a lovely mother.
There was still plenty of time for her to know that dream if she still wished it.
For a few moments, he watched the antics on the lawn, and promised himself he’d plan something worthy of her for the autumnal season.
If only to see her smile at him.