Chapter 13
Oakhaven’s tenants and their families began to arrive later that morning. After a while it seemed to be nothing but one continuous stream of people passing through the massive front doors and into the house. The lofty ceilings soon echoed with conversation alongside children’s laughter. Liam and Felicity were generous hosts, quickly putting their guests at ease by simply talking with them. Treating everyone with respect, they easily spoke of matters that were of concern to them all.
Almost at once Felicity found herself the center of attention amongst a group of married women determined to give her as much advice about husbands and children as they could. Seized by a number of husbands, Liam and Rian were equally engaged in lively banter, but theirs involved crops, cattle, and ale. No one it seemed was in the least hesitant about sharing an opinion.
Catherine had thought long and hard about whether or not to share in the festivities. In the end she decided the loss would be hers if she kept herself apart. Seeing the great ballroom populated by multiple groups of people, she nervously skirted one group after another, listening to snippets of conversation before moving on. She was about to leave one such small cluster when she suddenly found her hand enclosed inside that of another. A young woman, close to her own age, pulled Catherine farther into the circle.
“You’ll hear better if you lean in,” the girl advised with a smile. “Me mam tends to mumble sometimes.”
No one questioned her presence amongst them, and slowly Catherine’s nervousness faded. Still, it was a comfort to know that every time she looked across the room, she found Rian watching her.
In the late afternoon a welcome lull fell over the house. All of the children present, due to bribery in one form or another, were either napping or had at least been coerced into lying down to rest. Their parents and older siblings took advantage of this respite by either following suit or forming quieter gatherings with friends and neighbors. It was a chance to exchange more intimate news, and the new Mistress of Oakhaven had thoughtfully prepared some extra rooms for such a purpose.
Bringing a tea tray and Mrs. Hatch with her, Felicity found Catherine in her bedroom. The three women sat comfortably in front of the fire, enjoying the few moments of peace and quiet the day would offer.
“I thought perhaps I might wear the green dress after all,” Catherine said conversationally, referring to her selection of a gown for the dinner and celebration that would follow.
“I think that would be a splendid choice,” Felicity told her.
“Aye, lass, it will bring out the sparkle in your eyes,” Mrs. Hatch agreed.
“What did you do with it?” Catherine asked softly, sipping her tea.
“Do with what, lass?”
“The other dress, the pink one.” The sudden recollection of her snarling at Felicity made her flush uncomfortably.
“Master Rian burned it,” Mrs. Hatch said somberly, recalling once more the look on his face as he stood before the massive stone hearth in the kitchen while the flames hungrily consumed the gown. She had never seen such fury in him.
With Catherine’s permission, Rian had told his brother and sister-in-law what had triggered her violent outburst. The truth had been far worse than anything they had imagined. Mrs. Hatch, having played a pivotal role in her recovery since the beginning, was also included in this confidence, which left them all wondering how Catherine had managed to survive at all.
“I think the green will look very nice indeed,” Felicity said, finishing her tea and giving Catherine a smile of such warmth that Catherine knew she was not only forgiven, but understood as well.
* * * *
It was a good choice, but the dress seemed to be in some confusion over what color it was supposed to be. Standing one way, it was the most wonderful shade of emerald green and then, as Catherine turned, it seemed to shimmer itself into an amazing blue.
“I have seen the seas of the Caribbean change color in just the same way,” Rian said, coming up behind her and leaning down to whisper in her ear.
“How wonderful. It must be a sight to see,” Catherine replied, her eyes shining as she turned around. “Perhaps I can persuade you to take me there one day.”
Whatever response he was about to make, it was lost as a pair of identical twins accosted him, demanding his presence for the next dance. Laughing, Catherine clapped her hands, keeping time to the lively beat, and was impressed to discover Rian was quite an accomplished dancer. He would not be short of partners tonight, she told herself.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Liam held out a cup of punch.
“Yes, very much so. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.” Standing on tiptoe, Catherine impulsively kissed his cheek, making him blush.
“Good God! What the hell is she doing here?”
Thinking he was angered by her impulsiveness, Catherine started to apologize, but then she followed his eyes. Despite the organized mayhem on the ballroom floor, Liam had been distracted by something on the other side of the room. His startled exclamation had turned the heads of those standing alongside him. Like Catherine, they followed his gaze to the open doorway across the room.
Dressed in a sumptuous gown of black and white, complemented by matching feathers adorning an impossibly elaborate hairstyle, Lady Isabel Howard stood in the entryway. It made no difference that the guests present were all farmers; an entrance was an entrance, and Isabel was an expert at making sure she always made a memorable one. She scanned the assembly looking for a familiar face when her eyes suddenly locked onto Catherine and Liam. With a slight nod of her head, Isabel acknowledged her host before fixing her gaze on Catherine, daring her to look away. She did not, and after a few moments Isabel gave her a small, but patronizing smile.
“Liam, did you see who has just arrived?” Felicity, breathless from the last dance, had reached the two of them. Her husband nodded grimly. “Has Rian?” she asked.
“I don’t know where he is at the moment,” Liam confessed, “but I would imagine not.”
“Then I suggest you greet her first.”
Apologizing to those nearby who had overheard his words, Liam kissed his wife on the cheek, and then made his way through the crowd to their uninvited guest.
“You didn’t invite her?” Catherine asked Felicity.
“Good Lord no! Everyone knows this is a private affair. No one outside the immediate family is invited to attend.”
“You invited me,” Catherine pointed out.
“As I said, no-one outside the immediate family.”
Warmed by Felicity’s words, Catherine asked, “So what do you think has brought her here?”
“That is something I would very much like to know myself.” At that moment the dance came to an end, and the musicians decided it was time to take a much deserved break. Catherine scanned the couples, hoping to see one of the twins Rian had been dancing with, but there were too many people milling about. She did, however, manage to see that Liam had now reached Isabel. “If she ruins this night for Liam, I swear I will never forgive the bitch!”
“Felicity! I had no idea you actually knew that word,” Catherine said in an attempt to diffuse her friend’s simmering anger.
“You’d be surprised how being married expands one’s vocabulary. Conversation is more liberated,” Felicity said as her eyes continued to dart around the room. “I just hope Liam can deal with her before—oh, too late!”
Rian had now joined his brother, and the two women watched as both men turned and walked out of the ballroom. With Isabel between them. Felicity knew her husband well enough to read the message being broadcast by the stiff set of his shoulders. It told her he was not at all pleased.
“I met her, you know,” Catherine said matter-of-factly.
“Who? Isabel?” Felicity was astonished.
Catherine nodded.
“When?” Felicity asked.
Catherine gave a brief account of the meeting, and when she was done Felicity took her by the hand. “Come, let us find somewhere a little more private, and you can tell me everything you do not wish others to overhear.” Then, as a way of sweetening the invitation, she added, “And I will tell you all I know about Lady Isabel Howard.”
* * * *
“Lady Howard, welcome to Oakhaven,” Liam said as he bent to kiss the back of Isabel’s hand. “What brings you to our small part of the world tonight?”
“Oh Liam, why the formality?” In a display of teasing annoyance, she tapped him with her closed fan. It was something Liam was getting heartily sick of. “A little bird whispered in my ear that you were hosting a grand ball here at Oakhaven, so I decided to indulge my curiosity. I do hope you will forgive my impetuous nature.”
“Impetuous?” Rian said raising a brow. “I think you mean impertinent, don’t you?”
“Oh, come now, Rian, there’s no need to be rude.”
Knowing that Isabel could give lessons in rudeness, Rian shook his head. There would be no point in discussing the issue any further. Isabel was here and intent on staying, it seemed. And the look on Liam’s face said he expected nothing less than his older brother’s best behavior.
“Are you not even the tiniest bit pleased to see me?” their unexpected guest asked.
“Of course,” Rian replied, “and we are very pleased to have you here.” He would be the model of perfect behavior, making sure no one could fault him for his manners. But it wouldn’t be for Liam. He was doing it for Felicity and Catherine.
“Let us find a place where we can talk in private,” Liam said.
Isabel’s nostrils flared slightly at the suggestion, but she smiled graciously and allowed herself to be led away from the ballroom and into an adjoining salon. She sat while Liam poured her a glass of sweet wine.
“Lady Howard—”
An arched brow reflected her displeasure at the use of her title.
“Forgive me, Isabel,” Liam amended, “I’m sure both you and my brother have much to discuss. However, I would ask that you respect both my family and my guests while you enjoy our hospitality.”
Isabel took a sip of her wine. Liam’s warning was crystal clear. Do not upset his wife, brother or the lowliest farmhand. As long as they were under his roof certain courtesies would be extended, and there would be consequences if the same were not observed.
“I understand you perfectly,” Isabel said, gracing him with her famous winning smile. It was a shame it did not reach her eyes. “And I promise to be on my best behavior.”
Saying nothing more, Liam gave a slight bow, and then retreated, leaving her alone with Rian, who wasted no time in getting straight to the point.
“What the devil are you doing here, Isabel?” he asked bluntly. “You know perfectly well this is a family gathering.”
“One of the things I’ve always admired about you, Rian, is your complete and utter disdain for useless conversation.” He said nothing, but the look on his face implied he was in no mood to be toyed with. “Oh, don’t be angry with me,” Isabel continued, appearing genuinely contrite. “You have no idea how boring town has become. I was going out of my mind.”
“And you thought a houseful of farmers and their wives would be more stimulating?” Rian snorted. “Forgive me if I find that somewhat hard to believe.”
“But that’s where you’re wrong. I kept seeing the same faces, hearing the same gossip no matter what function I was attending.”
“It didn’t seem to bother you when we attended those same parties together.”
“Well no…but that’s because we were the subject of all the gossip.”
Unable to help himself, Rian grinned. Isabel was completely shameless. She had no remorse about letting everyone know the world revolved around her, and if it didn’t, it damn well should. It had been one of the many things he had enjoyed about her.
“Rian, please, I know you think things between us have changed—”
“There is nothing between us, Isabel,” he interrupted firmly. “Not anymore.”
She pouted prettily. “Yes, I realize that now, and I want to tell you how sorry I am for my behavior the night of Liam’s wedding. It was very wrong of me.” An admission of deplorable conduct along with an apology was something he had not been expecting. Was Isabel truly sorry? She looked almost shamefaced as she asked, “Did anyone else know I was ever there?”
Rian shook his head. “Not that I am aware of.”
“Not even the formidable Mrs. Hatch?”
“She was under the impression you had departed after leaving your fictitious note for me.”
“Ah yes, the note. I’d forgotten about that.”
“I have to admire your ingenuity. It was clever of you to leave the front door open.”
She sipped her wine as the hint of a smile flirted with the corners of her mouth. Rian said nothing. He understood she was trying to decide how to continue.
“May I speak plainly?”
“When have you ever not?”
Her mouth became a moue of frustration. “As I was saying, I realize the affection between us has changed, and I know that I have no future with you—at least not the one I had hoped for—but can we not remain friends?” Her voice trembled slightly. “I am not so proud I cannot admit to missing your company, Rian, as well as your conversation and wit. It would be just too awful to have to confess that I have fallen so far out of favor, you refuse to even speak to me.” She paused. “Please don’t send me away. I know I am here uninvited, but it would just be too humiliating to be dismissed, especially when I have only just arrived.” He searched Isabel’s face, looking for signs of trickery or false coquettishness, but all he could see was sincerity. “I promise I will be on my best behavior,” she repeated earnestly.
“Your very best behavior,” Rian added dryly, seeing her smile. Isabel never did like to lose. “I think it only fair to warn you that if, for one moment, I suspect you are about to embarrass my family or any of our guests, then I will take great pleasure in personally putting you over my shoulder and dumping you outside the door.”
“Oh, stop being such a tease.” With a wicked laugh, Isabel took his arm. “Can I at least claim one dance with you this evening?”
“I think that might be arranged.” Rian sighed, leading her out of the salon and back into the ballroom.
“And do you think perhaps I might meet Catherine again?”
Her tone was all innocence and light on the surface, but Rian thought he detected the hidden snarl of a predatory hunter in her words. He stared at her, but Isabel’s expression remained open, and seemingly without guile. Perhaps he had misjudged her.
“Only if Catherine wishes it,” he said in reply to her question. And I very much doubt that she will.
“Of course,” Isabel agreed, giving him a smile that had once brought two Dukes and a Crown Prince to their knees.