Chapter Twenty-Eight
Two and a half weeks following the riding accident, Gilbert finally felt well enough to dress (with some assistance from a footman) and leave his bedroom at his sister’s home.
What a relief to come downstairs, he thought.
He was eager for a visit from Carter again, and perhaps one from Miss Wells.
He had pressed Carter to inform Diana of his accident and to suggest that an appearance from her would cheer him up considerably.
But had he done so? Gilbert had hoped for a note of condolence, or perhaps even a gift of homemade baked goods from her and her aunt after word got around town of his accident.
But so far, there had been no word from the beautiful Miss Wells.
He cursed himself for not earlier asking permission from Mrs. Steele to court Diana, for then, they might have been exchanging letters and love tokens all along, and he might be assured of many long visits from her.
He had waited too long, however, and, without a formal understanding between them, he could not expect anything beyond the usual quarter-hour courtesy call.
But even that had not materialized. He had spent a miserable birthday alone with his sister.
He had hoped to celebrate turning four and twenty at a grand party with Carter and all his friends.
Dorothea’s insistence on a quiet dinner at home was a disappointment, to say the least, even though he appreciated all she was doing for him.
She had opened a very fine bottle of wine, at least, he mused as he made his way downstairs to the drawing room.
Gilbert made himself comfortable on a sofa by a window, which offered a slightly different view from the windows in his bedchamber.
He was still in considerable pain when he moved and having to request assistance for even the most basic needs was a humiliation.
He consoled himself that his sister was correct to insist upon his leaving Carter’s home—he was much more comfortable at the Gillingham home, and there were far more servants to help him.
Dorothea’s personal physician had told him yesterday that he was healing well and might be allowed to go out in society in another week.
But, he had added, dancing was completely out of the question.
Another disappointment, Gilbert thought, but at least he could speak to Diana at next week’s grand ball.
The butler opened the door, interrupting Gilbert’s gloomy musings.
“A visitor for you, sir,” the tall man with a permanently dour countenance announced in his sonorous voice.
“That is, if you are up to entertaining?” he finished, with a slightly raised eyebrow.
Where did Dorothea find these men? He was a near match to the butler at Haverstone.
But the news he brought was welcome indeed—a visitor! Could it be Miss Wells and her aunt?
“Yes, thank you, I am most eager for company. Pray, show them in, and then send in tea.” Gilbert changed his position on the sofa to sit up.
The knitted blanket he had put over his legs was quickly thrown behind the furniture.
He wanted to look the least like an invalid as possible to Diana.
He fixed a smile on his face and waited for the door to open again.
The butler stepped in and announced, “Miss Slade, sir.” He bowed as Nancy walked in, then departed, leaving the door open for propriety’s sake.
“Nancy!” exclaimed Gilbert. “What a surprise. I never anticipated seeing you. What are you doing in town?”
She smiled and approached, holding a posy of flowers. “My father came for business and I decided to accompany him. When I heard of your dreadful accident, I was determined to see for myself how you are.” She cocked her head. “But you look very well, indeed, aside from the sling. Are you better?”
“I am healing well, Nancy, thank you for taking the trouble to come see me. Tell me, how did you learn of the accident?”
“Your sister had written to your father and he told me. I happened upon him in Doddington the other day.” She paused a moment, then, as if suddenly noticing she was still holding a bouquet, thrust the flowers forward.
“These are for you. I know they cannot compare to the flowers from Lady Gillingham’s own hothouse, but I thought they might cheer you up a bit.
Also, I know it was your birthday two days ago, so a belated happy birthday, too. ”
“It is so kind of you to think of me,” Gilbert said, taking the small bouquet and setting it aside on the table. “Please, sit. I have ordered tea and we can have a nice visit. Tell me all the news of home, for I am quite low in spirits, being unable to attend any balls or parties at present.”
“You have had a gay time in town up until your accident?” Nancy asked, perching on a damask covered chair nearby.
“Oh, indeed, I have never had so much pleasure in my life. Balls, assemblies, and parties every week, and my friend, Carter, and I have been welcomed by some of the best of society to an impressive degree. Though, of course, I must admit a lot of that is due to my sister, Lady Gillingham. She has let my presence in town be known to her many friends and they have been most generous in sending us invitations.”
Nancy nodded. “Connection to a family such as the Gillinghams can only be seen as an advantage in town, I am certain.”
Two footmen arrived bearing silver trays with tea and cakes. They set them down upon the low table in front of the sofa where Gilbert sat. One asked if Gilbert would like him to pour, but Gilbert waved him away, saying that Nancy would serve.
“That is, if you do not mind,” he added, looking at her.
“Not at all,” Nancy said, rising and going to the table.
She lifted the teapot and poured for Gilbert, adding two sugars, as she knew he preferred.
She poured a cup for herself, then put a slice of seed cake on a plate for him, and took one for herself.
“How soon before you may come home to Doddington?” she asked, retaking her seat.
Gilbert swallowed a bite of cake before replying, “If all goes my way, I may never return—at least, not to live there full time.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, you see, I have such joyous news to share, Nancy, and I know you will be happy for me when I tell you that I have fallen completely in love with the most beautiful young lady imaginable. Miss Diana Wells. Oh, she is a complete angel. It is my fervent hope and desire that she will accept me as her future husband. Her family owns an estate in Surrey, which she will one day inherit. So, if all goes as I hope, she and I will live there, and I shall have the life of a country gentleman. Ha! My brother will not be the only Kendall who presides over a fine estate.” He winked at Nancy and took another bite of cake.
“I see,” Nancy said quietly. “That is… quite remarkable news.” She toyed with the cake on her own plate, silent a moment. Then she asked. “And… is it settled for all and good? Has the young lady accepted your offer?”
Gilbert laughed. “Oh, I have not yet made my offer, but I am quite confident she will accept me. She had been most eager for my company at every ball and party we have attended and we have had some lovely talks. I know I shall bring less to the marriage than she, for her dowry is fifteen thousand, but when love is true, what does money matter?”
“Indeed, money should not matter at all, to my way of thinking. Of course, her family may have some opinions on her choice, as they often do,” Nancy said.
“Forgive me for saying this, but, do you not think it possible that they may wish for this young lady to make a… higher match? Clayton House is a lovely estate, but you, yourself, have told me it is not tremendously prosperous. Her family may think she should make an alliance with a wealthier family.”
Gilbert made an exasperated sound. “That is what everybody says. Even my friend Carter has brought it up, but, I think—no, I know her heart is aligned with mine. I hope to attend next week’s ball, and while I shall be unable to dance, I will take the time to ask Miss Wells’s aunt for permission to court Diana. ”
“Oh, so you are not yet formally courting her.”
“No, but that is a mere formality. Her aunt favors me greatly, and will approve. Then, once I can spend more time with Miss Wells, I am confident it will not be long before I am able to make my offer.”
“Which you believe she will accept.”
“Of course!” Gilbert grinned. He wagged a finger at her. “You will see, it will all go just as I plan, and I shall never have to take my orders for the church.”
“If that is what you truly desire, then I am nothing but happy for you,” Nancy said in a small voice.
“Once we are engaged, you see,” Gilbert continued, “my father will not mind in the least when I inform him that I never completed my degree at Oxford. As you might imagine, I have been dreading revealing that piece of news to him. But the happiness of my excellent match will overcome any disappointment he may feel on that score, I assure you.”
Nancy nodded and took a sip of tea. “Tell me, Gilbert, do you intend to return to Doddington once your sister, Mrs. Morton, gives birth? For she is very near her time, I understand.”
Gilbert shrugged. “Is she? I suppose you are right. Well, no, I likely will not return until the Season is over and I can bring Miss Wells with me. Newborn babies can hold my interest for a few minutes at the most. I will pray all goes well with Charlotte, naturally.”
“Of course, although I am sure she would appreciate seeing you, and I would enjoy another visit with you.”
“Ah, but should I return before I can secure the affections of Miss Wells, I would be forced to endure Mr. Morton’s continued pressure to return home permanently and become his curate.
That is a confrontation I would delay as long as possible, believe me.
Another reason why I must focus entirely on securing my match with Miss Wells. ”
“You seem to see this lady as quite your salvation. May I ask, Gilbert—as a friend—have you considered what your course of action will be if this Miss Wells does not accept you?”
Gilbert set his teacup down and frowned. “Why would you even suggest such a thing, Nancy? Did I not tell you she has been all affability and kindness towards me at every encounter?”
“Forgive me, I do not wish to offend. It is just that if Miss Wells is as lovely as you say, and she has such an impressive dowry, I find it interesting that she is not being pursued by many gentlemen. Is there not a good deal of competition for her affections?”
“Perhaps, however, she has shown no preference for any one gentleman yet. So, Nancy,” he said, patiently, “that is why I must press my suit. I am certain she likes me above all others. No doubt she is only waiting for me to ask to court her, you see?”
Nancy nodded and set her cup down. “I do see. Well, I wish you great luck, Gilbert, and I hope to hear the… happy news of your engagement very soon.” She looked at the long clock against the wall.
“I must leave now. I promised to meet my father at the bankers at eleven. I shall have just enough time to walk there.” She rose.
“I am happy you are healing well, and am glad to have seen you.” She walked to the door. “Goodbye, Gilbert.”
“Thank you for a fine visit, Nancy. It was good to see you and catch up on all the news. Pray, tell your father hello for me.”
She gave one last smile and departed.
It never occurred to Gilbert, as he finished the last bite of seed cake, that Nancy had shared none of the news of Doddington, for he had spoken only of his great love, and had asked nothing at all of her life.