Chapter 14 #2
A manor house stood at the end of a large, winding drive, covered by old trees that bespoke of the history of the property and house itself.
Where Ashford contained a fairly new manor house, the old one having fallen into disrepair one or two generations ago, Waverley Place was built in medieval times with large turrets at each corner.
The outer wall of the keep had long been reduced to a few sections of low walls surrounding the outer gardens, about half their original height.
The old moat was left as a water feature, with lily pads and various other wildlife occupying the deep ravine.
Where the entrance of the house stood, a more permanent bridge had long since been constructed, replacing the old portcullis that had once been lowered to allow for safe passage of the residents, keeping unwelcome guests safely outside the fortress.
Inside the now-reduced curtain walls, the keep had been modernized and updated, but the main structure still stood as it had centuries ago.
As Christopher approached the side of the house, he had a clear view of the front bridge and drive, as well as a partially obstructed view of the gardens in the front of the house, where large rose bushes stood to welcome guests.
In the summer, the bushes would fill with blood red, pearl white, and dusty pink blooms. At this time of year, though, the bushes resembled more of a tangle of thorns, but their size was still impressive and, in some cases, imposing.
To the marquess, they meant he was home, even if this particular home had not been an overly happy one during his childhood years.
Christopher was about to dismount and walk his horse the remainder of the distance to the stables, tucked into a large crevice in the old keep walls, when he heard a horse racing down the pebbled drive behind him.
Not able to see who approached around the bends in the long drive, Christopher cautiously made his way to the front of the manse to await whoever was making their way to Waverley. He had not been expecting company.
At the last moment, the horse and rider came into view, quickly galloping across the bridge and stopping just short of where Christopher had been waiting.
It was clear that the rider and horse had been pushing hard, the stallion breathing heavily and frothing at the bit.
Graham was breathing more easily than his horse, but a sheen of sweat on his brow gave away his effort, especially in the cool weather of March.
“Graham! To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Christopher called out to his friend, surprised and curious about when he had started the journey, considering it was a full day’s ride from Ashford. “I hope all is well? Shall we stable the horses and head inside?”
“Ho, Christopher! Greetings to you as well. I am afraid what I have come to say will be best shared outside,” came Graham’s flat response.
Christopher found it odd that his friend would be curt. Finding it difficult to remain nonchalant, Christopher forged ahead with a joking tone, or at least the best he could muster. “What is this? Is there trouble in paradise?”
Based on his own reaction to seeing his lifelong friend in the midst of his pending nuptials, Christopher had much doubt as to whether he would be able to tolerate the actual wedding. He had hoped to be given enough time to allow himself to offer a proper congratulations.
“Paradise? What in the world are you talking about?” Graham shot back, exasperated.
“I was coming to see why you have not seen fit to visit Alaina in London at all in the past week. To be honest, I was not going to press the matter, but Georgiana insisted that I deal with this after she received word from Alaina on Edward’s recovery in the past week, and their lack of visitors, as I am your closest friend. ”
“Why would I visit Alaina? It seems quite inappropriate given the two of you are now engaged.” Christopher felt confused; what in the world was his friend talking about?
“Engaged?!” Graham exclaimed, raking his hands through his hair. “It seems I was blind to what was going on, but according to Georgiana, Alaina’s letters always inquire after you.”
Christopher studied his friend, for the first time questioning his understanding of events from a week ago. “But I thought… I heard her say she was completely charmed.”
“And I expect that since you were eavesdropping, you heard that she was not as charmed as she should be, and did not think our courtship should continue. It seems she was not in love with me.” At this last statement Graham relaxed a bit in his saddle, slumping his shoulders.
At a loss for words, wanting to comfort his friend, but also to celebrate his own good fortune, Christopher stayed mute.
“Well, are you not going to say something?” Graham stated quietly, willing his friend to snap out of his trance.
Still stuck in his assumed version of events, Christopher only mouthed, “not engaged.”
“Yes, we have been through that,” snapped Graham. “It is my mother’s and sister’s firm opinion that she is in love with you, and I am compelled to ask: what the hell are you doing here, wasting an opportunity with Alaina? I certainly would never have let her slip away.”
Finally, Christopher was able to grasp what his friend was telling him. “I am truly sorry to have hurt you, my friend. I never intended to become entranced by Alaina, to be sure. I am not totally sure if Alaina would have me.”
“Well, how will you know if you do not try?”
Graham’s soft question seemed to light a fire within Christopher, making him feel as if he must talk to Alaina at once.
“I guess I should head to London,” was all Christopher said before once again mounting his horse and turning back toward the bridge, intending to leave Waverley posthaste.
Before getting up to full speed, Christopher turned back to his friend.
“I guess I owe you a debt of gratitude, my friend. You will have to forgive my poor manners and the haste of my departure, but I have a long journey.”
“Be ready for the day I shall call in the debt,” Graham chuckled. “There is no need for forgiveness. I hear love can make you stupid and blind. It seems you have been afflicted with both.”
Hearing the good-natured teasing in his friend’s voice, Christopher relaxed a bit and acknowledged, “It appears I have been afflicted, as you say. Farewell, for now.” Christopher spurred his horse up to full speed, quickly disappearing around the first bend in the drive, leaving Graham to contemplate the course of events.
It was unlike his friend to keep such matters from him, but then again, it was love, the strangest of phenomena.
As Graham sat atop his horse, not quite looking forward to the ride ahead but eager to be home, it was clear to him that his affection for Alaina did not match the fervor he had just witnessed from Christopher.
It was possible that the feeling of love had not graced the duke’s life just yet.
Graham had always thought that he would know if and when he met the love of his life, but now he was not so sure.
Graham shook his head and smirked a bit, sighing as he made his way back toward home.
Having been shoved out of the house by Edward, with assurances he would be fine and would not do anything against doctor’s orders, Charlotte, Alaina and Evelina found their way to the main shopping district in London, hoping the bustle would revive their spirits after so much caretaking.
With nothing in particular they wanted to buy, the mother and daughters found themselves wandering, glancing in windows in case some wares should catch their eyes.
It was an uncharacteristically sunny day, but with a bit of cold still in the air, Alaina found herself quickly worn out and in need of rest. Evelina had just spotted a hat that piqued her interest, when Alaina pleaded for relief.
“Please, you must allow me to return to the coach. It seems that I am more tired than I thought. You would not think that sitting for long hours and watching someone sleep would be so exhausting,” Alaina reasoned, hoping her mother and sister would take pity on her and end the shopping outing early.
They had each taken turns as caretakers for Edward, but, even in moments of solitude, sleep was ever elusive this past week; visions of Christopher haunted her as soon as she closed her eyes.
Seeing her sister’s fatigue, Evelina acquiesced. “If you allow us a few moments to look at this hat, we can head to the carriage straight away.”
Charlotte took a look at her eldest and, feeling a more immediate rest would be required, suggested, “Why don’t you make your way to the conveyance now?
It is just a few steps away from the shop, so you will be in view.
The driver is waiting for us anyway. We should only take a few minutes, and then we can all go home. ”
Knowing that her mother was making an exception, Alaina was quick to jump at the chance for some peaceful alone time. “Thank you, Mama. That would be wonderful.”
Alaina quickly turned on her heel and made her way to the door of the carriage, accepting the assistance of the footman as she stepped up into the conveyance and quickly settled into the interior.
Assured of her daughter’s safety, having watched her approach and the footman open the door, Charlotte turned and ushered her youngest through the portal of the milliner’s shop.