Chapter 29
Two days went by quickly as Chase and Drew traipsed over the many and varied verdant green fields that were his inheritance and responsibility.
Afternoons were spent in the gardens entertaining Andrea and her kitten, playing battledore and shuttlecock or bowls, or just having tea and talking about life and the state of the country.
On the third day, Marianne came down the main stair just as the butler closed the front door.
“Who just left, Wellingford?” Marianne pulled on the riding gloves that matched her equestrian attire.
“His lordship has loaned your brother some appropriate clothing and a gun and they are finally going hunting. Their horses have just been brought round and they are off toward the estate’s woods. They were discussing hares, pheasants, grouse and the like and what Chef Jacques could do with them. Lord knows what they will actually bring back.”
“Well, then, I guess I’m on my own. I had hoped to ride with them over the fields today but I have no interest in hunting. When they return, please tell his lordship I have gone into the village to practice my riding and see Mrs. Pins. I shan’t be late. And, Wellingford, please have my mare brought round.”
The butler left to find a stable boy to get her mare prepared.
“Mama, mama, where are you going?” Marianne turned as Andrea trundled down the main hallway, her face and pinafore smeared with something that might have resembled chocolate. Miss Jane followed closely behind wiping her hands on her own apron.
“Sorry, my lady. The little miss heard all the talking in the foyer and just had to come out to see what was going on. We’re in the kitchen helping Chef Jacques make Mousse au Chocolat for dinner tonight.”
“Mama, I licked the bowl. Chef Jack let me. It tasted good!”
Marianne laughed and bent to hug her daughter, being careful not to get the chocolate on herself or anywhere else on Andrea. “Well, are you not a very special little girl? Did you thank Chef Jacques for sharing?”
“No! No! I forgot.” Pulling out of her mother’s arms she hurried back in the direction of the kitchen. “Miss Jane, we must thank Chef Jack so he will give me more next time!”
Miss Jane curtsied. “Well, it’s good to see she understands what good manners can do for her. Have a good day, my lady.”
“Thank you, Jane. I will stop by later this afternoon when I return from the village. Maybe the three of us can join her dollies for tea.”
“I’m sure the little miss would like that, my lady.” She hustled down the hallway in pursuit of her charge.
~ ~ ~
A beautiful, sunny day lay before her as she rode into the village. Marianne, comfortable and easy on her mare, Honey, felt her equestrian skills improved every day she took to the saddle.
After a brief visit with Mrs. Pins to discuss the making of a new pinafore for Andrea and another day dress for herself, she made her way back to the hitching post where she had tied up Honey. Offering the mare a carrot she had hidden in her pocket, she heard a familiar voice call her name.
“Marianne, you’ve quite mastered horseback riding. I would never have thought you’d have any interest in it.”
Marianne, quelling her feelings of surprise and annoyance, turned to look into the intense face of her friend. “Hello, Robert. How are you? I must admit I did not expect to see you here after you left so abruptly a few days ago. Are you well?”
“Quite. And you? Are the plans proceeding on the estate?”
Marianne noticed that Robert made to stroke the mare’s nose but that she shied away.
Her musings over recent events had brought to her attention that Andrea had never really warmed up to him either. Though always polite, her daughter seemingly had neither interest in activities Robert suggested nor any desire to spend time in his company.
“Why, yes. Things are turning around very nicely. Thank you for asking.”
“Of course. Since we are both here, would you honor me for a little while by having luncheon in the inn over there? I understand their service is acceptable for such a rural locale.”
Marianne hesitated for only a moment; since her errand had been quickly done, the day remained quite young, and the weather amiable, she saw no harm in tarrying a little while to spend a few moments with Robert. It would probably be best not to let him wonder any longer about her decision to stay with Drew. “Very well, I would much enjoy that.”
Robert gently took her arm and escorted her across the road to the village inn which shared its hospitality with the locals as well as any travelers who might be passing through and in need of a meal and a bed for the night.
Robert led her over to a table at the far side of the small tap room and assisted her to a seat.
After giving their order to the barmaid they sat quietly waiting for their meal. It was not until they were almost finished eating that they both started to talk at the same time.
“Robert—”
“Marianne. Wait, let me go first.”
Marianne nodded and waited for Robert to have his say.
“I feel an apology is needed for my inappropriate behavior the other day. You and his lordship welcomed me into your home despite the fact that I showed up uninvited and unannounced. Even his lordship welcomed me with all cordiality. There is no excuse for my rudeness. It was a manifestation of my complete frustration and upset to find you had left London and not given me any notification. I was sure you had been taken without your agreement. Once I saw you, however, I knew you were under no duress.”
Marianne started to speak but paused while the barmaid refreshed their teacups.
“Thank you, Robert. I accept your apology but recognize the entire matter would not have occurred if I had only sent a note to inform you of our plans to leave town. That being said, I feel I must also tell you that I have thought long and hard over my decision to stay with Drew, his lordship, or leave him to start a new life with you. Please believe me when I tell you it was a very difficult decision to make. The most important part of this choice was my daughter, Andrea. I find I just cannot bring myself to leave her, give up all rights to seeing her or being with her, and not have an ongoing part to play in her upbringing. She is my heart. As a mother I will not give her up. I do hope you understand.”
Robert looked up from stirring his tea. His eyes betrayed a plethora of emotions. Pain. Rejection. Frustration. Betrayal. “Is there nothing more I can say to change your mind, Marianne? We had such plans. Such possibilities. We could have more children. Our children.”
“I know. But nothing can compare to my responsibility and love for my daughter. You may not understand, since you have no children of your own yet. But someday you might and then it will become clear to you.”
“No, without you there will be no other in my life. No children. No wife.”
“Don’t say that, Robert. You are still more than young enough to find another to share your hopes and dreams.”
“Your ladyship. Your ladyship.” Mrs. Pins hailed her near the door to the taproom waving a hand in their direction.
“Oh, I must have forgotten something. Robert, please excuse me for just a moment. I will be right back.”
Marianne had forgotten the sketch Mrs. Pins had made of the new day dress as well as the swatch of sprigged linen for Andrea’s pinafore.
“I saw you come in a little while ago and hoped you’d stay long enough to fetch these for you. I’m so glad I hurried. It looks like you’re almost done.” Mrs. Pins handed her the two items. “I’ll be going. I’m sorry to have interrupted your meal.”
“No matter, we’re just finishing up. Thank you, Mrs. Pins. Andrea will be most excited.”
As the seamstress left, Marianne folded the two objects and placed them in her pocket before returning to their table where she found Robert stirring her tea. He looked up. “It was quite hot, my dear. I thought stirring it might cool it just a tad.”
She sat and settled her skirts.
“I do understand.” Robert picked up their conversation from before the interruption as he set the teaspoon down on his saucer and picked up his own teacup to take a sip. “I had hoped I would be enough for you. I tried my best to be everything you wanted. Surely it would be difficult to give up such wealth and station for a mere gentleman of my low means.”
“Nonsense, Robert. It has absolutely nothing to do with wealth or his lordship’s earldom. It is truly about Andrea.” Marianne decided it best not to share that she loved her husband. His kindness, patience, and intimate attentions had won her over. He had given her so much more in just two months together than she had shared with Robert in the last two years. How could she give that up, too?
She feared it was getting late. She found the other pocket in her dress and withdrew the little watch her husband had given her just before they left London. The tiny turquoise flowers, petite rubies, and gold detailing made her smile every time she looked at it. The tiny hands told her it was after three. Andrea would expect her in time to play tea with her, Jane, and all the dollies.
“I must be going, Robert. Thank you so much for spending this time with me. I am truly sorry things will not work out as we planned. Life certainly does keep one off balance, does it not?” She rose to leave. Feeling as if her blood rushed from her head to her feet, she reached for the table edge.
Robert stood immediately. “Marianne, are you quite all right?”
“I . . . I . . . don’t know. I feel so light-headed.”
“Here, let me help you outside. Fresh air should clear your head quickly.”
Robert left enough money on the table to cover their meal, then took Marianne’s elbow.
“Really, I should be all right with a little air.”
Once outside, Robert helped her across the road to where she left her mare. Honey was gone.
“I don’t understand it, Robert. She was right here when we went for luncheon. Where could she have gone? Who would dare take his lordship’s horse?”
“No matter, my dear. My carriage is right around this corner. In your condition, it’s probably best you not ride anyway.” Robert started to lead her along the road toward the corner of the shop.
“Robert, I feel so faint. I think I’m going to . . .”
Robert picked her up and carried her to his cabriolet.