Shadows of Doubt (17 page)

Elly entered the breakfast room and found the Dowager eating alone.

“Good morning, Grandmamma.” She bent over to kiss the Dowager on the cheek. “I’ve been walking with Miss Lambert. She is delightful.”

“Indeed she is.”

“It is a pity she was left in such circumstances.”

“I intend to see them changed. What have you done with her?” She torqued her head to look behind Elly.

“I left her with Dr. Craig. They were getting along famously, chatting about diseases and her mother,” Elly remarked as she walked over towards the sideboard and began filling her plate.

“Elly! Why would you do such a thing?”

She stopped abruptly and turned to look at her grandmother. “Why would I not? He won’t try to compromise her, I assure you!”

“Are you losing your sight?”

“Not that I know of.” She wrinkled her forehead and turned back to her plate.

“He is charming and handsome,” the Dowager said with a hint of exasperation.

“Precisely. They would be an excellent match.” Elly took a seat and began to eat.

“Are you so inconstant to your poor brother?”

“I will not countenance that remark, Grandmamma. I have heard that nothing more than a mere friendship exists between Andrew and Miss Lambert. I am thinking of her future.”

“Had you seen the two of them together, you would not question his sincerity.”

“Then why did he leave to spend an indeterminate amount of time on another continent when she was in a desperate situation?” She took a sip of coffee. “No, I cannot believe Andrew would behave so, were he to be in love with someone.”

“I encouraged him to go. Besides, he had promised your father.”

“Papa would not have held him to it, had he known.”

“Had I known what, dear?” Sir Charles asked as he entered the room and heard his name.

“Grandmamma believes Andrew to be smitten with Miss Lambert.”

“Oh, yes, I quite agree,” he said in his usual jovial manner.

“Then why ever did you encourage him to leave her?”

“I had intended to establish her in Society to make their way easier,” the Dowager said, as if her reasoning should be obvious.

“Andrew doesn’t give a fig for Society. Miss Lambert does not seem the type,” Elly argued.

“No, that is certainly true, and I cannot blame her after the way her family was shunned. However, I gather she does not feel herself to be worthy of a gentleman such as Andrew. I thought if I could make her see that she belongs there, it would smooth the path for Andrew when he returns.”

“I think that is a grave mistake, Grandmamma. I can attempt to keep her from spending excessive time with Dr. Craig, but I am afraid that separating them will only serve to convince her that she does not belong with him—that she needs to make her own way. And, if you put her in the pathway of Lord Kendall, who knows what he might try as he becomes more desperate.”

“I am inclined to agree with Elly, Henrietta.”

The Dowager looked concerned. “It is already done. I own I thought Andrew’s trip would be considerably shorter. We will simply have to make certain she does not make her own path. I am capable of putting obstacles in the way of her leaving. She should be safe from Lord Kendall here, at least.”

“Then you best pray she is not susceptible to the good doctor’s charms,” Sir Charles added.

The Dowager cast him a look of reproach.

Elly snorted. “How long do you expect Andrew to be away, Papa?”

“At least until spring, I’m afraid.”

“Then we must send Miss Lambert to Andrew.”

“I’ll not have her crossing the ocean and throwing herself at him. Even if he is my grandson, a lady cannot do such a thing,” the Dowager protested.

“What if she were properly chaperoned?” Sir Charles suggested.

“Andrew’s neighbours have four unmarried daughters. They are quite rich and fetching. If they do not open their mouths. Who knows what schemes they may come up with to entrap Andrew, should he remain in America long?” Elly taunted. She could see her Grandmamma’s mind churning. She cast a look at Sir Charles.

“I admit I would rather not have one of them for my daughter,” he opined.

“Who would chaperone?” the Dowager asked.

“I will, of course.” Elly stated.

“Easton will never agree to it, and you cannot expect to take the triplets on such a voyage at this age in your condition,” Sir Charles reasoned.

“I will ask Nathaniel and Lydia, if I cannot convince Adam,” Elly conceded. “I do not think Miss Lambert will agree to this scheme unless she believes she is to take a position.”

“Then let her think she is going to help,” Sir Charles suggested.

 
“What if they decided to stay in America? I promised Millicent I would look after her.” the Dowager was still sceptical.

“This is looking after her,” Elly reasoned.

“We are taking a big gamble. What if we are wrong?”

“I’m gambling on my brother doing right.”

“You are gambling on him thinking with his mind,” the Dowager muttered.

Chapter Thirteen

Lady Easton hoped her plan of throwing Miss Lambert and Dr. Craig together had not already backfired. She found them walking along the path to the cliffs discussing Gwen’s mother’s illness with passion and animation. She had best discourage furthering this acquaintance quickly.

“How was the seminar?” she asked as she reached the pair.

“Very interesting. Much of it was beyond my understanding, but I do believe it was what my mother suffered from,” Gwen remarked.

“I confess I am eager to learn anything I can from you,” Dr. Craig added.

“I beg your pardon. Am I interrupting?” Elly asked.

“Not at all. I need to check on some of the men. Thank you for sharing your mother’s story with me, Miss Lambert,” Dr. Craig said earnestly.

“Of course. I am happy to oblige anytime you like.”

That was what Elly was afraid of. Dr. Craig walked back into the school.

 
“Miss Lambert, would you walk with me?”

“Certainly,” she said agreeably.

“Do you mind my speaking frankly?”

“No, of course not.”

“Some do, you know. I can never abide those that will not say what they mean.”

“I do recall that from my Society days, but those were few and very long ago.”

“Yes, my Grandmamma has told me some of your situation. I also heard you and my brother were acquainted.”

Gwendolyn blushed, despite wishing she could control it. “Yes, I have had the privilege of becoming friends with Mr. Abbott.”

“Are you as taken with him as he is with you?”

Gwendolyn was speechless. Had Mr. Abbott spoken to his family about her? “I have no notion of his feelings.”

“I can see I was too frank, but most ladies in your circumstances would have leapt at your cousin’s marriage proposal. My Grandmamma was my informant, as I can see you are wondering. My brother has not broken any confidences. Tell me, Miss Lambert, do you want to go to America? My father said you expressed a desire to travel and went as far as to offer yourself as housekeeper.”

“I am not certain what I want to do right now. Or what I would do when I arrived there, but I do want to see the world.”

“River’s Bend is a heavenly place. I spent six years there, you know. It would be a wonderful opportunity for you. However, going alone would not be quite the thing. Society there is more forgiving, but they still observe certain proprieties. Not that I was ever good at minding them, but I did have my father there to look out for me.”

“Your brother has told me some of what it is like. I am certain you are correct, and that it would be difficult for me to establish myself with no connections or money. It was the reason I suggested myself as housekeeper.”

“I assumed as much, but it still would not be proper to go alone, you know.”

“I had already dismissed showing up at the door as a wanton.”

Lady Easton gurgled appreciation. “Perhaps. Perhaps not.” Gwen could see the wheels turning in Lady Easton’s head. “Has my brother offered you marriage, Miss Lambert?”

Again, Gwendolyn found herself blushing and speechless. “He asked me to go with him.”

“I knew it! Miss Lambert…may I call you Gwen? It seems silly to be so formal when we will be sisters.”

“I…I…” Gwen struggled to find the proper words.

“My brother would not offer you something improper—gently bred female or no. He often says things without realising how they sound.” Elly laughed. “You are not convinced. You do have feelings for him, do you not?”

“You are very frank, Lady Easton.” Gwen laughed hesitantly.

“Elly,” she corrected. “Yes, but it saves so much time doesn't it? Come. I’d best head back to the house before my husband sends the servants to carry me. I will help you get to America and to Andrew, if that is what you truly wish. There is a boat leaving soon with some men to help Andrew. Leave my Grandmamma to me.”

She took Gwen's arm and began to lead her. “And please don't mention service to her again.
Please.”

“Very well.” Gwen changed the subject, overwhelmed by Elly’s bluntness. “Are you not ill? I had understood you to be having difficulties.”

“Me? Oh, no. I'm in perfect health. My sister is the one with difficulties, and I am a convenient excuse.” Elly rubbed on her round belly. “One is not permitted to speak of such things, but her marriage is difficult. She is happier here.”

Gwen thought it must be horrible at home for Lady Abernathy if they thought she looked happy here.

“Are you fond of children, Gwen?”

“I have no aversion to them. I’ve never been around any.”

Elly laughed. “Well, now is as good as time as any. We’ve got a nursery full. Come along and I’ll introduce you.”

***

“Mama! Mama!” little voices cried excitedly when they caught sight of their mother.

Three cherubic toddlers with brilliant blue eyes started running towards Elly and Gwen as they walked towards the house. Elly was summarily squeezed into a hug by all three little people. Instead of chastising, the nurse looked upon the chaos with affection, while Elly laughed. Gwen watched the scene with wonder.

“Children, there is someone I want you to meet. This is our cousin, Miss Lambert. Miss Lambert, this is Garreth, Charles, and Elizabeth.”
 

The three children lined up, a stark contrast to the few moments prior. The two boys made adorable bows and the little girl performed a credible curtsy.
 

A chorus of "Pweased to meet you," followed.

Gwen returned the curtsy and said hello.

The little boy closest to Elly reached out and tugged slightly on his mother’s hand, but remained quiet until she addressed him.

“Yes, Charlie?”

“Gwandpa said we can have a picnic!”

“Picnic? When?”

“Today, Mama!”

The moment of decorum was lost, and all three children felt compelled to join in the excitement of telling her the news.

“We going to fish, Mama!” one insisted.

“No, we going to ride ponies!” another protested.

“No, we going to eat!” the last argued.

“Children! I am certain all of your wishes may be accommodated. But who is seeing to the food?”

“Cook, of cowse.”

“And everyone is invited?” She was certain this could not be the case or she would have heard about it.

“Yes.”
 

The boys took Elly’s hands, and little Lizzy boldly took Gwen’s, and began leading them towards the area by the river designated for such occasions.

Apparently the children had not been mistaken, for there was already a gathering of tables, food and a crowd of people.

Gwen looked to Elly. “You knew nothing of this?”
   

“Not a thing.”

When they reached the table they were able to see a large cake and a buffet of food laid out.

“Happy birthday, Mama!” the children shouted, clearly pleased with themselves for keeping the surprise.
 

Lord Easton congratulated them and kissed his wife on the cheek.

“Adam, you know I do not like to have a fuss made.”

“This was all their doing. I was outnumbered, I'm afraid.”

People from the village and many of the orphans and veterans had come out to celebrate. Gwen drifted away from the crowd and watched, still a bit overwhelmed by her present situation.

“You will grow used to it,” a Scottish brogue pronounced.

Gwen looked up to see Dr. Craig standing before her smiling.

She smiled back. “I suppose. It is much different than my quiet existence in Bath has been. It was only me and my mother for several years.”

“I dinna think to offer my condolences earlier. I humbly beg your pardon, and I am verra sorry for your loss.”