The Yuletide Countess: Harriet's Traditional Regency Romance Read online

  “Of course you were, and no doubt the shock is what made you seem so off-putting. I’m sure we will hear from Lord Francis again soon, and I hope that he will come have tea with me many a day. You, of course, must deal with him as you think best.”

  Isobel sat down on the settee and stared out the window, her brow creased in thought. Harriet returned to her embroidery, a hint of satisfaction flickering in her eyes.

  Dearest Pippa,

  The past week has been most amusing, for Lord Francis has made his appearance in Ballydendargan, and dear Isobel has been in a tizzy ever since. She scarce knows what to do with herself; she is clearly more than fond of his lordship, but has so often denied that she will find a man she can care for, or that she will ever wed, that he has cast her into the greatest confusion. If I were not so fond of her I might almost laugh at the way she turns one way and then the other, first declaring that his presence is an intolerable burden and then denying that she even notices he is about.

  I am more than ever sure that Lord Francis made Isobel an offer in London and that she rejected him. I wonder at his stubbornness in pursuing her, for she is very much set against the idea of marriage, but perhaps they are well-matched, for it will take a stubborn man to be a good husband to her. She would ride roughshod over most gentlemen, for her own obstinacy is legendary. I almost laugh when I see the two of them together, so sure that no one is aware of the little drama they are playing out. I stay out of their affairs as much as I may, but at times they need a tiny nudge, and I provide that when possible. And I am always happy to have Lord Francis to tea; it is a great pleasure for me, and throws him into Isobel’s company, whether she wills it or no.

  Since Lord Francis’ arrival we have been far more social than is our wont; he has made sure that we are invited to all the entertainments in the neighborhood, and we have dined with several of the local gentry and attended a most enjoyable picnic last week. An invitation arrived today for a party at Glencairn Castle, which delighted me. It will be quite small, with dinner and perhaps a few reels danced in the drawing room. Isobel was much annoyed and would have it that we could not attend, as it would distract her from her work (as though she would be excavating anything during the dinner hour!), but I carried the day by insisting that I very much wished to see the inside of Glencairn Castle and the art collection that the earl is said to have amassed. And, I must admit, I am rather curious about finally meeting Lord G! Dear Miss D tells me he is a very kind gentleman, and I know his children are truly lovely, having met them several times now. Two such clever children must have a very special father, I would think.

  So, we go to Glencairn Castle tomorrow, and I have hopes that the evening will be very entertaining for both Isobel and for me. Be sure I will let you know how the young lovers progress. It would make me very happy if Lord Francis were to prevail upon Isobel to marry him. I would never wish a bad marriage on any woman, for we both know the misery that others have suffered, but I see nothing but happiness for her were she to wed him. I will also tell you if my prospects are furthered at all during the evening.

  Affectionately,

  Harriet

  Chapter 7

  The following evening Isobel and Harriet set out for Glencairn Castle in Isobel’s carriage. Being near midsummer, the sun was still high in the sky, and Harriet breathed a sigh of delight.

  “I will have to remember these lovely days when we are in London next March and all it does is rain,” she said. “At those times I think the sun may never return, and I long to be here in Ballydendargan again.”

  Isobel smiled at her enthusiasm. “I hope it will be a pleasant gathering,” she said.

  “I am sure it shall,” said Harriet. “How could it not? Glencairn Castle is famous for its beauty, and I know from Catherine that his lordship is a gracious gentleman. And of course Lord Francis will be there, and he is always very amusing.”

  Isobel looked down, and nervously stroked the rose-colored silk of her skirt. “Yes, he is very amusing,” she murmured.

  “I’m sure he’ll think you look delightful, child,” said Harriet brightly. “That dress is so becoming to you; I do think it is one of the prettiest that you own.”

  “You look very much to advantage yourself,” said Isobel.

  Harriet laughed. “As though anyone will look at me with you about, my dear. But I am very fond of this dress, and I fancy that blue is a color that becomes me. And the fresh air and relaxing days have doubtless left me far calmer than I am in London. While it is all very exciting there, the hustle and bustle keeps me from sleeping well, and I find the quiet here so refreshing.”

  “Perhaps Lord Francis will ask you to dance,” teased Isobel.

  “Only if you do not have time for him!” responded Harriet. “But he is a very polite young man, and will doubtless say some charming things to me. Sometimes when he is about I wish I were fifteen years younger!”

  Isobel flushed slightly and looked away. Harriet, reflecting that perhaps it was best not to disturb her companion’s thoughts, contented herself with watching the beautiful landscape slide by. Before too many minutes had passed, the carriage turned into the gravelled drive leading to Glencairn Castle, and the building itself rose before them, its towers silhouetted against the bright blue of the sky.

  Harriet clasped her hands together. “How lovely,” she said. “Perhaps Lord Glencairn will allow me to come here and do some painting! It would make a charming subject. I vow I’ve never seen such a delightful building!”

  Isobel smiled at her enthusiasm. “While my preference is known to be for the Roman, I have to allow it to be a very fine structure,” she said.

  “I do hope Lord Glencairn will allow us to view his art collection,” continued Harriet as their carriage drew up to the broad front steps. Footmen moved forward swiftly to assist the women from their carriage, and before they knew it, they were whisked through the front doors and into the enormous entry hall.

  The earl himself was there to greet them, and, upon hearing their names, gave Isobel a piercing look, clasping her hand gently.

  “How kind of you to join us,” he said graciously. “My friend Lord Francis Wheaton has spoken often and well of you both. I am honored to have you in my house; I have heard something of your reclusiveness while in Scotland.”

  Isobel smiled. “It is not an intentional abrogation of my social duties, my lord,” she said. “It is merely that after the round of entertainments in London a certain solitude is attractive.”

  “An admirable sentiment,” he said. “I am glad that you nevertheless decided to attend my party this evening.”

  “It is my pleasure,” she replied. The earl was too kind to not accept his compliments with good grace.

  “I am doubly glad that Lord Francis is visiting me now, if he is the one who has managed to coax you out of your house,” continued Lord Glencairn.

  Isobel could do little but smile pleasantly at this comment, and then turned to Harriet, who was glancing about the hall in admiration.

  “My cousin, Miss Harriet Walcott,” she said.

  “Ah, Miss Walcott,” said the earl. “I have also heard a great deal about you from Lord Francis.”

  “How kind of him,” said Harriet. “He is the most pleasing young man, and I am sure he is a considerate house guest! Indeed, I know he is, for he spent some time with us at Kitswold—that is Isobel’s house in Wiltshire--last spring. Although he was grievously injured, he was never rude or moody, but always pleasant and charming.”

  The earl smiled down at her and took her hand in his. He was a robust gentleman, perhaps fifty years of age, and while his hair was white, his face was remarkably unlined, and his piercing blue eyes were those of a much younger man.

  “He says the same of you, Miss Walcott—that you are always pleasant and charming, of course. I suppose he has no way to know what sort of house guest you would be.”

  “How kind of him,” said Harriet. “He did invite us to celebrate Easter
at his parents' estate, but Isobel felt she had far too much to do with packing for our annual visit to London. A pity, I’ve heard that Strancaster is a beautiful home—though I can think of nothing that would be lovelier than Glencairn. Only fancy, a castle!”

  “I think of it as my home, of course,” said Lord Glencairn. “But the family has been here since the 13th century, though the building itself is primarily from the 17th century.”

  “I’m told you have a remarkable art collection,” said Harriet. “Is there any chance that I might coax a viewing out of you?”

  “It would be my pleasure,” said Lord Glencairn. “Though, I warn you I can be a bit of a bore about my artwork.”

  “Nonsense, as though artwork could ever be boring,” said Harriet. She looked around the room again. “So lovely,” she murmured. Her eye caught Lord Glencairn’s and it occurred to her that perhaps she should not reveal to him that she already knew much about him from her discussions with Miss Dalburn.

  “And is Lady Glencairn not here?” asked Harriet. “I would so like to meet the mistress of this lovely home.”

  “I am a widower these ten years, madam,” said the Earl. “I have two children, of ages eleven and thirteen, and I fear they miss their mother very much.”

  “What a pity,” agreed Harriet. “Children do need a mother's tender care to help them grow. Not but what I am sure that you are the very best father they could hope for, and that you have made up in every way possible for their loss. How I do go on! I should not dwell so long on such a sad subject.”

  The Earl bowed. “Not at all, madam. Your sentiments do you honor.”

  Lord Francis chose that moment to approach them, and after greeting Isobel, he offered her his arm and escorted her into the adjoining room.

  Chapter 8.

  Harriet watched with approval, and, as the younger couple moved away, she glanced up at Lord Glencairn. His eyes met hers and she saw an answering gleam there.

  “They look lovely together, do they not?” she asked. “Lord Francis is so handsome, and his fair coloring complements Isobel’s auburn hair so well.”

  “A handsome couple, indeed,” said Lord Glencairn. “It took me very little time to determine the reason for Francis’ sudden interest in visiting Scotland; while I am an old friend of his father, and he is an accomplished angler and has visited before to do some fishing, I’m not such a fool as to think he would make a visit of some weeks without the inducement of Miss Paley’s company.”

  “I don’t see how anyone could fail to enjoy time spent in this lovely home, but I am also quite sure that dear Isobel is what lured him here,” agreed Harriet. “I would so like to see them married.”

  Lord Glencairn offered his arm. “Miss Walcott, I believe you expressed an interest in viewing my art collection. Perhaps you will do me the honor of permitting me to escort you on a tour, and while we do that you can share with me your thoughts on how we might best encourage our young friends to realize that a union between them would be to their best advantage.”

  “Oh!” exclaimed Harriet. She took his lordship’s arm. “That is a truly excellent notion!”

  Lord Glencairn led her into the adjoining room, which was elegantly appointed and contained several examples of Greek statuary. Harriet contemplated for some moments a marble Eros leaning over to kiss a sleeping Psyche.

  “It’s quite beautiful. I’m sure Isobel could tell me a great deal more about this than I would wish to know,” she observed.

  Lord Glencairn laughed. “Is Miss Paley an expert on Greek statuary?” he teased.

  “She much prefers the Roman,” said Harriet absently. “But she does know a great deal about the Greeks as well. She forever has her nose in a book, you know.”

  “I did not,” said Lord Glencairn.

  Harriet looked up, stricken. “Oh, you must not say anything to Isobel. She would be so angry with me. Well, not angry, as she knows my tongue often runs away with me, and she never says an unkind word to me, but she does wish that I would not discuss with others her interest in antiquities.”

  Lord Glencairn chuckled. “Your Miss Paley is not as subtle as she believes. Perhaps in London they are unaware of her interests, but believe me, Miss Walcott, it is quite difficult to dig up a large expanse of property using local laborers without the neighbors becoming aware of, and curious about, one's activities.”

  “Oh,” breathed Harriet. “Do you mean that everyone knows?”

  “Most of us are far too polite to ask questions,” the earl replied. “But I think we are all aware that Miss Paley has interests that are more than a bit out of the common way. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. I very much doubt Lord Francis would pursue a typical young lady with the persistence he currently displays.”

  “I do wish she would not lead him such a dance,” said Harriet. “She is quite determined to maintain her independence. I often fear Lord Francis will find a more amenable bride.”

  Lord Glencairn glanced across the room to where Isobel and Francis stood, regarding a bronze statue. Francis’ fair head was inclined toward Isobel’s, and a mischievous smile played over his lips.

  “I think you need have no fears on that account,” he said. “It would take a great deal to pry him from her side.”

  “Do you think so?” Harriet allowed Lord Glencairn to lead her to the next objet d’art, which she glanced at cursorily. “I believe that he made her an offer in London this past Season, and she turned him down,” she said softly.

  Lord Glencairn raised his eyebrows. “Then she is determined indeed. How can we persuade her to reconsider that decision?”

  Harriet hesitated. “When he visits, she often seems to be quite agitated, but also very pleased to see him. After he leaves she always speaks of what a nuisance his presence is, but if I suggest that he has any faults at all, she is quick to chide me. Perhaps if they could be thrown together in a way that she would have to appreciate his patience and intelligence, she would come to understand what she is giving up. I wish I could convince her to allow him to help her on her excavations, but I fear my powers of persuasion are not up to that!”

  “You are probably right, Miss Walcott. If some endeavor could be found on which they would be compelled to work in harmony, she may become more comfortable in his company. I’ve often thought that our courtships offer little opportunity to establish true comfort. Far too often couples wed with little understanding of one another. I know Lord Francis to be an exceptional gentleman; now we simply need to make Miss Paley understand that as well.”

  “But what could we possibly invent to bring them together?” asked Harriet. “As I said, Isobel is unlikely to let him intrude on her excavation, and Ballydendargan Cottage is not in need of anything Lord Francis could contribute. Isobel has all she needs.”

  Lord Glencairn patted her hand. “Do not fret, Miss Walcott. We shall put our heads together and come up with something.”

  “Very well. I hope you are more successful than I was these past months!” said Harriet.

  “I think you must have been successful indeed,” said Lord Glencairn. “For Miss Paley appears not to be immune to his lordship, despite her denial of his suit. You must continue to sing Lord Francis’ praises, and I will make sure that he has an excuse to spend a great deal of time in her company.”

  “You are far too kind,” enthused Harriet. “I have no idea why you would put yourself out to help me, but I do thank you.”

  Lord Glencairn’s bright blue eyes twinkled down at her. “I merely wish everyone to be happy,” he said.

  Now confirmed co-conspirators, Harriet and Lord Glencairn continued through the art collection, occasionally glancing over to see how Isobel and Francis were getting along. All was peaceful between the young couple, and after a time everyone went in to dinner. The company was delightful and the food exceptional, and after the meal the servants rolled up the carpets in the drawing room and musicians entered, ready to strike up a few country dances. Harriet watch
ed with delight as Lord Francis led Isobel out. Content to watch others dance, she sat against the wall and acquainted herself with a few of the neighborhood matrons. Presently she saw Lord Glencairn, Lord Francis, and Isobel walk out onto the terrace, and, as they did so, the earl turned and caught her eye. With a meaningful glance, he was gone.

  Harriet gazed after them, wondering what plan Lord Glencairn might be setting in motion. As she pondered the matter, her eye fell on Miss Dalburn, who was attending the party at his lordship’s request. Earlier she had been much occupied by Lady Sophia, who had been very excited to attend her first adult party, but the girl had retired to the schoolroom after dinner, and now her governess hovered in a corner, looking about uncomfortably. Harriet hastened to her side.

  “Catherine, how lovely to see you,” she said. “I had not a moment to greet you earlier, for I was much occupied in soliciting Lord Glencairn’s help in bringing Miss Paley and Lord Francis together. We have agreed we shall work in tandem to lure them to the altar.”

  Miss Dalburn smiled, relieved to see a friendly face. “What an excellent notion. I wish you all success. Lord Francis seems to be completely enamoured of Miss Paley. When he looks at her, his feelings are apparent in his eyes.”

  “And I think she is of him as well,” said Harriet. “But she will not admit it to herself, as clear as it is to those of us who know her well.”

  “What a pity that she does not know her own heart,” said Catherine. “We who have never had the chance to love envy her.”

  Harriet looked pensive. “Miss Paley has always been much sought after. She does not know what it means to be alone, and I would not wish that on her, after all. But the burden she carries of being loved by an honourable man is hardly a difficult one. I wish we could all be as carefree as my dear cousin.”

  Catherine nodded sympathetically and there was a brief pause, as they pondered Isobel’s luck. Then she shook her head impatiently. “We should be talking of what our futures may be, not of Miss Paley’s difficulties. What think you of Lord Glencairn, now that you have met him?”