A Dreadful Splendor (67)

Flora switched the basket to her other hand.

“I can carry that for you,” I offered.

She hesitated. “It wouldn’t be proper, Jenny.”

“It’s no bother; besides, I feel useless. When we get closer, I’ll hand it back to you and no one will be the wiser.”

A frown took over her face as she thought it over, then her characteristic smile slipped into place, and she handed me the basket.

Grunting, I altered my gait to accommodate the basket, which was much heavier than I’d suspected. Flora was stronger than she looked.

“So,” I began. “There’s a love potion in here? I hope we don’t mix it up with the mint jelly. I bet that would liven up a dull dinner party. Although, from what I’ve seen, I don’t think you need a love potion to capture the attention of your heart’s desire.”

I was a few steps ahead before I realized Flora had stopped in her tracks. She stared back at me, eyes enormous with surprise.

“Is it plain for everyone to see?” she gasped, touching her fingers to her lips.

“A man shows his genuine feelings by his actions, not his words,” I said, thinking of all the false whispers of devotion overheard at Miss Crane’s.

“He’ll be upset. I promised I would keep it a secret.”

“Why? He’s the one who walks through the cold purposely to see you. Or maybe it’s the lure of your apple pies,” I teased.

Flora fretted with the ribbon of her bonnet, wrapping the end around one finger. “I suppose,” she said, sounding unconvinced. “But he’s promised me a ring, so that’s somethin’, isn’t it?”

“A ring? I had no idea your relationship was that serious.”

She scoffed at this. “He’s promised to make me his wife.” She lifted her chin. “I will not be a scullery maid much longer. Soon, I will have the last name of Sutterly.”

I choked out a laugh, certain she was teasing me. “You mean William?” I asked. We stopped on the road, both of us staring at each other.

She giggled behind her hand. “Your face is so red! I knew you’d be surprised! It feels so nice to finally tell someone, though.” She touched my arm. “We’re keepin’ it a secret for now. What’s wrong? Ain’t you happy for me?”

I grabbed her elbow. “You can’t be serious.” I pictured him drunk and lying in Audra’s bed. “This makes no sense.”

A flash of hurt crossed her face. “Why’s it so hard to believe? He’s not uppity like the rest of ’em.”

“You cannot trust him with your heart. He’s obsessed with Audra. He was in love with her!”

She tugged her arm away roughly and threw an angry pout at me.

I needed to make her see reason. “He’s even cavorting with one of the other maids,” I said. “I saw him the very first night I stayed at Somerset.”

“That was me!” Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m the only one who’s been able to heal his grief. I’m the only one that can make him forget all about her. He told me so.”

My heart broke for her. If I hadn’t seen him the other evening in Audra’s room, I might have accepted her announcement with more understanding. I said, “He’s only telling you what you want to hear.”

“You don’t know anythin’!” Flora grabbed the basket from me and raced ahead.

A sense of dread lay heavy as I realized I may have lost perhaps the only person I completely trusted at Somerset Park.





Chapter Forty-One




Lady Audra Linwood

Diary Entry

Somerset Park, April 16, 1852

Dearest,

I can scarcely believe how my world has turned upside down in one small afternoon.

He arrived earlier today with his doctor’s bag in hand. I could hardly raise my face to his. But oh! His hands were so gentle and his voice so achingly sincere and warm. He remained professional throughout his examination—something I found both endearing and disappointing.

However, we were both astonished when he determined that my sickness was in fact not a disease at all.

I am pregnant.

It was as if a spell were broken. His mask of medical competence slipped away, revealing an expression of exquisite joy. We collapsed into each other’s embrace, both of us crying. Tears of immense happiness, but also anguish. For how can we ever be together?

He told me it is enough to know that I will be taken care of and that our child will be much loved. He truly believes Mr. Pemberton is an honorable man who will be a good husband and father.

He confessed his agony at not having been able to see me since Father’s death. He was willing to accept this pain as penance for seducing his best friend’s fiancée.

I laughed, Dearest, for my heart was full again! I told him we had all the right in the world, for we are true loves. Now that I am certain of his feelings, I am determined to have him as the family doctor. Mr. Pemberton will not question my reasoning, as he deemed old Dr. Mayhew insufficient. Just knowing he will be back in my life has electrified my spirits.

My smile is impossible to hide. He will deliver our child; he will be the first to see its face, and the one to place the babe in my arms. How is it possible to be this happy?