“Yes?”
“Well, I agree. I know you had originally planned to divide those responsibilities between Gray and myself but, as we have no idea when he’ll return from his pursuit of success in America . . .” Win shrugged. “I am prepared to take it all on. Indeed, I look forward to it.”
“Then we shall begin at once. Well . . .” A slow, decidedly knowing smile spread across his father’s face. “When you return from London, that is.”
“No more than a week or so, I would think.”
“Take as long as you wish, Winfield.” Father nodded in a sage manner. “And do enjoy yourself.”
Again, Win was struck by all the things he didn’t know about his parents in their younger days. Still, from the few stories he had heard through the years, he had always suspected his father had indeed been something of a rake in his day. And the current Earl of Fairborough probably knew far better than his wife what it would take for his son to recover from his cancelled wedding.
His father would probably understand as well that there was an odd ache somewhere in the vicinity of Win’s heart. Not that Win would ever admit such a thing. No, this dull pain was a secret he doubted he would ever reveal to anyone. Besides, what could he say?
Did he ache for what he had lost?
Or for the shattered promise of what now would never be?
June 1879
My dear Gray,
While it is unfortunate your business concerns did not allow you to travel to England it was perhaps for the best. Although I could certainly use your assistance at the moment in my stalwart attempts to drink most of the spirits in the country and bed as many of its women as possible.
I regret to inform you that the wedding of Miss Felicia Abigail Whitingdon and the Viscount Stillwell did not take place as planned as the bride decided she would much prefer to be a duchess rather than a mere countess. Yes, indeed, Gray, I have been thrown over for a man who will one day have a more prestigious title and a greater fortune.
Oddly enough, I am not sure if my heart is as wounded as my pride. Upon reflection, I realize the exquisite Felicia was not as perfect a match as I had initially believed although, had the wedding not been cancelled, it might well have been many years before I realized that fact. Perhaps even a lifetime. As the thought of living the rest of my days with the wrong woman is as a cold hand squeezing my heart, this development is for the best. At least I have convinced myself of that.
This incident, as Mother refers to it, has led me to consider my life in a new light. While I daresay I shall not entirely abandon my wicked, but most enjoyable, ways, I am resolved to turn my attentions to matters of business, property management and all else I will need in the future to ensure the prosperity of the family. Father is most pleased. I daresay I shall become quite respectable and eminently proper and even a bit stuffy. God have mercy on us all.
There is a lesson to be learned here even if admittedly, I have no idea what it is. I know the next time I choose a wife, I shall want someone who has more depth of character. Although it has always seemed to me those women who truly have good character are not always as easy to gaze upon. Felicia was very easy to gaze upon.
Mother says she never liked her. . . .
Part Two
Lucille
My Dearest Cousin Beatrice,
Lord Stillwell and I have fixed on the fourteenth of September for our marriage. It will be celebrated at his family home of Tairborough Hall and will indeed be the happiest day of our respective lives.
I cannot tell you how pleased I am to have found a man of the steadfast nature and stalwart character of Winfield Elliott I consider myself extremely fortunate and his feelings echo mine. We are agreed that we are well suited.
Our happiness will only be increased if you will favor us with your presence at the ceremony. It shall be small and dignified, as is appropriate for his station and mine. Da say you will come, Cousin, as your absence would surely cast a pall on what will certainly be the most important day of my life.
Your loving Cousin,
Lucille
Chapter 3
August 1881
My dear Cousin,
We are all delighted to hear of your successes in America. Regardless, Mother would have my head were I not to point out that in spite of the busy nature of your days she would appreciate if she would receive letters from you more frequently than you have managed thus far. Now that I have fulfilled my duties as loyal son and have delivered her message, I may move on to other matters with a clear conscience.
As you know, I have now fully taken over the management of Father’s financial investments and much of the management of the family’s properties as well. I will confess, it has not been entirely easy and has required far more effort to prove myself worthy of his confidence and trust than I had imagined. Nonetheless, I have managed to do so and humbly note I am well pleased with myself, as is Father. Furthermore, I will be forwarding you a substantial sum to invest in your next venture. No thanks are necessary. I simply wish to share in your financial acumen. But that is not the only purpose for my letter.
Once again, I beg you to arrange your affairs to the point where you can return to England for a visit. And a wedding. Yes, it’s true. I am engaged to be married.
I can see the grin on your face now, Gray, and I am always glad when the important events in my life provide you with a source of amusement.
I have no doubt I have now found the perfect woman. Lady Eustice, Lucille, is the widow of Sir Charles Eustice and is a lovely creature with a mind nearly as sharp as my own. There is nothing more enjoyable than engaging in stimulating debate of an intellectual nature with my Lucy. I suspect the passion she shows in our verbal dueling will be matched by passion of a more intimate nature, although I will confide to you that nothing untoward has occurred between us. Much to my regret. But Lucy is quite cognizant of proper behavior. I know you are thinking one of us should be.
We met quite by accident at the office of her late husband’s solicitor, who is my solicitor as well. Then met again at the opera. And once more at a dinner at the home of mutual friends. By then, we both agreed fate had obviously taken a hand and we would be foolish not to acknowledge it. After all, one should never defy fate. We have seen a great deal of each other in recent months and she has agreed to become my wife.
We have decided on a small, discreet affair here at Fairborough Hall with only our family and closest friends in attendance. But I cannot face another wedding without you by my side so do consider returning home no later than September tenth, as I should like to spend the last days of my bachelor life with my cousin and my closest friend.
Nor can I wait for you to meet Lucy. You will like her, Gray. She is as lovely as she is sensible. I assure you, intelligence and beauty is not an easy combination to find. She will one day make an excellent countess.
Mother likes her a great deal....
“You’ve come a long way, my boy.” Father closed the ledger book with a heavy thunk as befitted its serious nature. He had two such ledgers. In this one he kept an accounting of business endeavors and investments; the other was dedicated to matters regarding property including Fairborough Park and the house in London. Father was nothing if not well organized. He set the book aside on the desk. “I must confess, I wasn’t sure you would take to this as well as you have.”