Chapter 16
The morning dawned clear and bright, not a cloud on the horizon and no chance of showers ruining Lord Cartwright and Miss Judith’s special day.
Below his window, Eli watched as servants hurried to and fro; carrying large floral arrangements, massive trays of meats and cheeses, and chairs for all the guests.
A long table had been arranged upon the lawn to accommodate all the guests after the nuptials were complete.
Eli spied Lady Marce and Lord Cummings directing servants in and out of the house as the garden was transformed into a whimsical fairy tale of gold and deep burgundy ribbons, flowers, and table decorations. He would be hard-pressed to remember a setting as perfectly beautiful as the one below.
A gentle rap sounded at his door, and Mathers hurried from Eli’s dressing closet to answer.
“Your master’s presence is requested by Lord Cartwright in Lord Cummings’ study.”
Eli glanced over his shoulder to see his valet nod to the maid and close the door.
“My lord—“
“My ears work remarkably well, Mathers,” Eli said with a chuckle. “I will make my way down now.”
As he departed his room, Elijah wondered if Miss Judith had spoken with her betrothed about the compromising situation she’d found Sam and him in the previous evening.
He’d half expected Lord Cartwright or Sam’s brother to be pounding on his door before midnight, calling for pistols at dawn—on the lawn.
However, now he saw they would not seek a bloody mess where the guests would dine.
The halls were empty at this early hour, many guests still deep in slumber or preparing for the late-morning wedding.
Eli entered the room to find Lord Cartwright studying a large book spread open on the table.
The sandy-haired man glanced up, motioning Eli to enter.
Lord Cartwright stared at a large map of the Americas, lightly trailing his finger across the paper in a grid-like pattern.
“I can return later if that suits you better,” Eli said.
“Later I will be tying myself to the most beautiful, cunning, imaginative woman I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.
” Cartwright finally glanced up from his intense study of the map.
“My apologies. My sister brought this blasted map to me a few moments ago. Says there is an error somewhere on this page and bounced out of the room. Imagine, challenging me when I should be meeting with you and then preparing to shackle myself to a fiery-haired woman for all eternity.”
When Eli made no comment, Cartwright continued, “You know several scientists have explored the topic of monogamy among warm-blooded creatures. They found every indication mammals are meant to secure a life partner and spend their days completely devoted to that one creature.” He looked to Elijah for comment, but flapped his hand instead, dismissing the topic.
“Ah, well, that is neither here nor there, as it were. And Theo’s map challenge will also have to wait.
Is now an optimal time to discuss what your grandfather wished to bequeath to the museum? ”
“If the time suits, but I can also wait until the morrow, if you prefer.” They’d planned to meet today; however, it was rather unconventional—in Eli’s way of thinking—to expect a man to conduct business on his wedding day.
“I also do not mind putting this off until you return from your wedding travels.”
“Certainly not.” Cartwright closed the tome and motioned for Eli to have a seat before Cummings’ desk. “However, it is my aim to meet you in London when you arrive to deliver the treasures.”
“You may not be interested in any of the pieces, my lord,” Eli rushed. “Nothing is of great value or significant history—though that was not the point of my grandfather’s collection.”
Cartwright settled into the seat across from him. “Elijah…it is agreeable I call you by your given name?” When Eli nodded, he continued, “I do feel like our acquaintance spans years. Melly often wrote of you and spoke highly of you on our few brief meetings.”
Elijah pinched the bridge of his nose and blinked rapidly to keep his treacherous tears unshed, focusing on Cartwright once more. “The marquis was a kind, generous, and loving man. I was blessed to have him not only as a grandfather but also as a father figure.”
“And I know he felt blessed, as well. He spoke many times about his vast collection.” Cartwright leaned forward in his chair. “But I must confess I was shocked to learn you wished to donate his collection—in its entirety.”
He’d been taken aback, as well—his man of business venomously speaking out against his intentions, though none of the items were entailed to his estates.
Therefore, Eli was free to do with them as he pleased—or better yet, as his grandfather would have wished.
“They will be enjoyed and cherished far more in a place where many can view and experience them and learn of Grandfather’s many adventures. ”
Cartwright nodded as if agreeing with Eli. “Yes, I have many letters to go with the pieces. Notes he wrote me during each exploration trip.”
“I will also be sending his journals and inventory catalogs. It should help with labeling and dating all the artifacts as he kept meticulous notes referring to each piece: where it was found, the date, and any local knowledge about the item.” Elijah had stumbled upon the chest holding his grandfather’s handwritten journals by accident.
They even included many from before Eli’s birth, when his parents had traveled with the marquis.
His mother had been quite the adventuress, exploring underwater caves and digging in trenches alongside Eli’s father and grandfather.
“They will all belong to the museum as long as you promise the exhibit will always be free of charge to visitors.”
Cartwright tapped his finger against his chin. “It took some convincing, but Cummings agreed to open a portion of the museum for visitors to enjoy without collecting a fee.”
“It is what my grandfather would have wanted,” Eli said, leaving no option if Cartwright wanted the collection. “He always said that it wasn’t about the artifacts found or their value, but about the journey of discovery—and the memories made.”
“The exhibit is certain to inspire other young explorers to follow in Melly’s footsteps,” Cartwright agreed. “Now, what about you? Do you plan to continue in your grandfather’s footsteps? Travel the world, seeking adventure.”
It was the topic Eli had been waiting for, suspected he could not avoid.
“I will remain in England. I have no plans to travel neither outside the country nor away from my estate but to bring Grandfather’s collection to the museum.
Mayhap the future holds something outside of England; however, not in the coming year. ”
“Very good.” Cartwright fell into silence as he scrutinized Eli. “May I ask a rather blunt and highly incongruous question?”
Eli lifted his chin in confidence, his mouth tightening. “Of course, my lord.”
“Jude frequently conveys it is rude to pose a question of a sensitive nature,” he sighed. “So, I have adjusted my manner and request permission to ask such things before blurting out what I wish to know.”
“That is a commendable compromise. I am here as your guest; therefore, feel free to ask anything you wish.” As long as it isn’t related to Sam, our time alone, or our intimate relationship, Eli longed to add. “I have nothing to hide.”
He had much to hide, including his budding affection for Sam.
“It has been brought to my attention that you and Miss Samantha were caught in a rather delicate situation last night…” Cartwright broke eye contact and proceeded to inspect his freshly trimmed nails, obviously uncomfortable with the conversation.
“You see, Jude is worried about her sister, and while I agree that Sam is of a mature age, her actions and words since arriving in Derbyshire are rather out of character and suspect for her.”
“And you’ve been sent by Miss Judith to inquire as to my intentions?”
Cartwright flopped back in his chair, his eyes closed as he nodded vigorously. “Yes, that is exactly what I’ve been sent to do. Not my idea, mind you, but important to Jude.”
“I can assure you that things were not as they appeared,” Eli confessed.
“Things are rarely as they appear. Something I—and Jude—know well, Lord Ridgefeld, which is why I have been sent to speak with you regarding the incident and not either of Miss Samantha’s older siblings.
” Cartwright shuddered at the mention of Garrett and Lady Marce.
“They are a ferocious pair, to be sure.”
“I appreciate your and Jude’s discretion on the matter.” Though Cartwright owed Eli nothing.
“I do not see that there is a matter at all, but my soon-to-be bride is not so certain.” Cartwright folded his hands in his lap and stared at the far corner of the room.
Eli glanced in that direction, expecting to find a timepiece or bauble that had caught his attention, but the area was devoid of anything significant.
“Lord Ridgefeld, may I again touch on a delicate matter?”
The inquisition was not yet at an end. There was more Cartwright had been sent to convey—but whether it came from Miss Judith or Sam, he did not know.
“Of course, my lord.” The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
From the man’s uneasy posture, his next words were not going to be to Eli’s liking, and the earl knew it.
“What are your intentions with Miss Samantha?” Cartwright gazed at anything but Eli—currently inspecting a picture on the desk in front of him. “Do you plan to pursue a courtship?”
“We have only just met, my lord.” Eli attempted to keep the shock from his voice—or at least disguise it.
But he’d be a bloody fool to admit he’d thought of just that scenario since their meeting on the deserted road.
“I am acquainted with few people here, and Miss Samantha kindly offered to make introductions. I was in no position to turn down her assistance.”
“I can understand that,” Cartwright mused. “However, I think…correction, Jude wishes you to know Miss Samantha is experiencing a bout of emotional turmoil—her words, not mine—at the sudden reappearance of their father. I have been informed you are well aware of this development.”
“I am.” Eli couldn’t decipher exactly what was transpiring between him and the earl.
“Very good. So you understand that Samantha is not precisely herself at this moment, which Jude believes has caused her to latch on to you, giving you a false sense of her true feelings toward you.” Cartwright took a deep breath and expelled the air slowly.
“Jude suspects her feelings are not genuine, but come from a place of desperation, confusion, and fear.”
Eli sat up straight. “Are you saying that—“
Cartwright held up his hand to halt Eli. “I am saying nothing. This comes from Jude, who I might add is quite adept at matters of the heart, as it were. And is the only true expert on her sister’s heart, outside of Samantha herself.”
“I am certain what has transpired between Miss Samantha and me has nothing to do with matters of the heart, my lord.”
“That is good to know,” Cartwright’s posture went slack, releasing pent-up tension that Eli hadn’t noticed.
“This is all Jude asks…if you do find yourself with an affection for Sam—which neither of us is against—she asks that you allow Samantha the time she needs to process her father’s appearance without you as a distraction.
Once you arrive in London with your grandfather’s collection, you are welcome to pursue her with vigor—if you are interested.
You will have our blessing and that of her two older siblings. ”
“What of Lord Beauchamp?”
“That does not signify,” Cartwright said, dismissing any mention of the man. “His wishes are of little note to Jude and her siblings, including Samantha and her future. He is not her guardian, and therefore, will not be consulted about her choices for the future.”
Eli would likely need time to process everything alongside Sam. He’d ventured to Derbyshire in hopes of being rid of all the reminders of the man he’d lost to his own selfishness; in no way had he come seeking to find a bride—or even a dalliance or flirtation.
“Now, where your intentions lie in a month’s time, neither of us can be certain, but for the time being, Jude thinks it best that you depart to give Samantha the space needed to come to terms with everything.”
“Are you throwing me out?” Eli asked to gain more insight.
“Of course not.” Cartwright waved his hand, dismissing the accusation. “Stay for the wedding and the feast to follow, but, please, keep your distance from Samantha and depart with first light tomorrow.”
Eli could only nod, his next action undetermined. If he stayed and ignored Sam, she’d think him a scoundrel, especially after the previous evening: all that was said, all that was shared, and all that was confessed.
“Are we in agreement?” Cartwright pushed from his seat.
“Absolutely, my lord.” It was the only response Eli could give, although it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Wonderful.” The earl’s ready smile returned. “Without further delay, I have a wedding to dress for. If we do not have occasion to speak again, I look forward to seeing you in London when we return from our trip.”
Eli followed suit, standing as they both moved toward the study door.
“Good blessings on your wedding, my lord,” Eli said with a stiff bow. “I wish you and Miss Judith all the best in the years to come. I am delighted to know my grandfather’s collection will be well cared for and enjoyed by the masses. Until London.”
“Thank you for understanding, Ridgefeld.” Lord Cartwright walked from the room, leaving Eli to stare after him.
Cartwright was correct in his thinking—Sam needed time without Eli as a distraction to determine the relationship she wanted to embark on with Beauchamp.
It was similar to what his grandfather had done for him.
Eli had been afforded the space, time, and resources to determine if he craved a connection with his mother.
If he should journey all the way to America.
If Alice Watson, his mother, longed for a relationship with her son.
At the time, Eli would have forgiven her anything—wiped the past from his memory to make a place for their future.
It was only right Elijah give Sam the same opportunity.
His only desire was that she not experience a second heartbreak as he had.