Chapter 13
1901
Alice finished her daily correspondence and folded the letter to Jasper, placing it inside an envelope. Some might think it odd that she would write him a letter today since they had only parted ways a few hours ago, but she wanted to dissect the day's events with him and hadn't been able to do it properly on the sailboat ride home. Plus, she'd had to endure that ghastly ride home with Isabella in James Hunter's car, and she wanted to tell him about that, too. He would be able to read over the letter at breakfast tomorrow, and that was almost as good as breakfasting with him herself.
Almost as good, but not quite. But Alice didn't plan to breakfast alone for much longer. She was sure that she would breakfast with Jasper every morning before the year was out. Alice wasn't overconfident or self-centered. She just knew when she'd found her place in the world, and Jasper was it. She smiled as she sealed the envelope.
Alice was happy for herself but very, very worried about Isabella Swan. She was such a sad, sweet soul, but she didn't see herself clearly or consider herself worthy of such clarity. Isabella was a much better person than any of the Gardiner sisters (well, Catherine wasn't so bad), but due to the unfortunate circumstances of her birth, she might be doomed to unhappiness. Alice prayed and wished with all her might that she would not be forced to marry James Hunter, for that would certainly be the end for Isabella.
Alice thought back on the day, and something tickled her memories, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. She thought back to Isabella's ankle injury, requiring her to sit alone in the gazebo with the chaperones. Then, she thought back further to that wretched Tatiana and her haughty attitude, refusing even to acknowledge Isabella's presence on the beach…with Edward. Hmm. And her thoughts paused on that image: Isabella and Edward speaking, heads inclined toward each other.
What had they been saying? She'd been too wrapped up in frolicking with Jasper to even consider it before. Isabella had been quiet and withdrawn on the ride home, but she had attributed it to Mr. Hunter's presence, but now that she thought about it carefully, she realized that Isabella had already been withdrawn on the sailboat.
Had Edward insulted her? Made fun of her the way Tatiana had? No. He had helped to the gazebo like a gentleman after she injured her ankle. Alice considered the afternoon carefully and decided Isabella had not seemed offended or hurt but rather overwhelmed. Why would that be?
Alice had questions, and she would be sure to ask them. Alice pulled out another piece of stationary and quickly scrawled out her intentions to visit Isabella tomorrow afternoon. The weather should be fine, and they could sit in the shade on the lawn overlooking Cullen Island and have a nice chat. Charles Swan would not turn her away. He encouraged their friendship, happy for Isabella to have a nice society friend to spend time with, even if Alice's own family left her completely unsupervised and probably had no idea where she was half the time. At least, she had the right type of last name.
Alice sealed her final letter and placed it on the silver tray for the servants to deliver in the early morning.
Jasper smiled broadly as he plucked the letter from the silver tray offered to him by the butler. He was in high spirits this morning after his successful beach party the afternoon prior. He started to tear into the envelope, anxious for Alice's words, when he noticed Edward eyeing him from across the table. Edward usually stared in disdain or openly scoffed at what had become his morning ritual, but today he seemed more contemplative.
"Well?" Jasper asked Edward and watched him startle when he realized Jasper was looking at him. Edward smiled slightly and just shook his head.
"No, words of derision for me this morning, Brother?" Jasper said teasingly. "Where is your head today?"
"Just thinking," Edward brushed him off. "And what does the lovely Miss Brandon have to say? I imagine it was a full three hours after you left her when she wrote to you," Edward joked. Jasper made a face but was secretly relieved that Edward was now acting like himself.
"I don't know yet. You are rather rudely keeping me from my correspondence," he replied. The two ate in silence for a few minutes while Jasper read his letter, and Edward chewed contemplatively, his thoughts a mystery to Jasper.
"Well, Alice says she had a wonderful time yesterday, and the party was a great success," Jasper told Edward proudly, "and she does have a few other things to relate despite the short interval." Jasper added this last rather pointedly. Edward raised his eyebrows, and Jasper went on. He was sure that Edward didn't care to know, but he was going to make him hear anyway.
"She says that James Hunter was most inappropriate in his conversation and manner during the drive from the pier last evening. She worries that Miss Swan will be forced to marry him and be most unhappy," Jasper lowered the letter and looked soberly at Edward. "I know you don't think much of the girl's background, but she would be a most unsuitable match for Hunter. He would eat her alive. I have to go with Alice on this one and hope it doesn't turn out that way. Poor girl should be allowed to remain unmarried. Swan would do better to remarry himself." Jasper did not notice the look of horror that settled on Edward's face after he related this last bit of Alice's letter. He also didn't see Edward's hands clench into fists because Edward quickly hid them under the table.
"Yes, I do agree that I would be most happy never to see Hunter's face or hear his name mentioned again," Edward replied brusquely. Jasper nodded absently as he finished up the letter and folded it next to his plate. He would file it with the other letters he had saved later. He was surprised to look up and see Edward staring at him sharply.
"You're very serious about this girl, aren't you?" Edward asked bluntly, all brotherly banter gone. Jasper's smile slid off his face as he nodded soberly and seriously.
"Yes, I am, Edward, and I plan to ask her to marry me before the end of the summer," Jasper declared. "Father may want to prevent me, but I hope you will support me." He was shocked when Edward stood from the table and swiftly made his way around the end to stand next to his chair. He was speechless when Edward grasped his forearm and pulled him to his feet and into a tight hug. Edward spoke quietly in his ear as he patted his back with his fist.
"Jasper, I will always support you. When you meet your other half, you have to act because you don't know what else life will bring. No matter where I am, I will do all I can," he declared. Jasper thought the choice of words was odd, but he was flattered and pleased by Edward's uncharacteristic effusiveness. He hugged him back tightly.
"Thanks, Edward, it means a lot. I hope you'll meet someone like Alice one day," Jasper told his brother appreciatively. He didn't notice the slight twitch of Edward's lips that followed his statement.
"Yes, well, I must be off. Lots of business to attend to today," Edward quickly gathered his things and bid Jasper a good day. He had to get to the bank and make arrangements for a certain withdrawal in lieu of investment transfers. Hopefully, he could have the cash in hand before the end of the week.
This was not the first time that Alice had invited herself over to Isabella's home to spend the afternoon, so she didn't suspect anything to be amiss when she received her letter at breakfast. Her father was already ensconced in his office attending to business, but she didn't bother to obtain his permission before sending a response to Alice. Her father encouraged that friendship. Alice was lonely and often ignored by her relatives, so Isabella didn't mind entertaining her.
She arrived shortly after luncheon dressed in a light day dress most suitable for a warm afternoon in the garden. She announced her desire to sit on the lawn overlooking the sound, and Isabella smiled to herself, thinking that Alice couldn't even go the afternoon without being reminded of her dear Jasper. So, she directed Angela, her maid and one of the footmen to set up chairs and an umbrella and bring them some lemonade to sip.
In a few minutes, the girls were settled on their chairs, both staring across the water at Cullen House, thinking separate but similar thoughts. Alice broke the silence.
"The drive home with Mr. Hunter was very unpleasant, was it not?" she began innocently. Isabella shuddered and heartily agreed.
"I don't know what I will do if Father forces me to marry him. It will be the end of it all," Isabella replied, but she was too cheerful about it, and Alice caught it. Isabella wasn't as horrified at the thought now that she knew she had a much more attractive alternative. In fact, she couldn't keep her thoughts away from Edward's glorious face for long.
"Yes, it would be quiet horrible," Alice said, "but you don't seem very worried about it." Isabella recognized the sharpness in her reply and was quickly put on the defensive. Had she given something away? She would need to be more careful. Alice continued.
"And you were so subdued on the sailboat and in the car yesterday. I was sure you were ruminating over that particular danger. You must have slept well last night," she added because Isabella actually looked quite fatigued today with deep purple circles under eyes. She thought she was fishing very well. Isabella didn't answer; she wasn't nearly as sly or practiced at things such as this as Alice was.
"Tell me if something happened yesterday, Isabella," Alice suddenly pleaded. "I am your friend, am I not? What happened with your ankle? And what did you discuss with Edward in your moments alone with him?" Isabella turned her gaze away from Cullen House to stare at her astute friend with wide eyes and an open mouth.
"How did you…? What did I…? Did Jasper…?" she stuttered, unable to complete any of her thoughts. Alice felt vindicated; she had been right!
"Just tell me," Alice directed. "Your secret is safe with me. Who would I tell, anyway? I will always be here for you, no matter what," she added fervently. Isabella wrung her hands, turned to look back over the water, and then looked back at Alice. It might help to confide in Alice. She an Edward could use all the allies they could get. And she trusted Alice implicitly.
"Edward is going to take me away. I don't know when, but soon," she murmured, hardly knowing how she strung the words together.
"WHAT?!" Alice shrieked, and Isabella put her hand over her friend's mouth in alarm and gestured for silence. Alice pulled her hand away and asked (but much more quietly), "You're going to elope?" She was vibrating with excitement. She and Isabella would be sisters!
"Yes," Isabella confirmed, feeling more excited now that she was saying this out loud. It seemed more real somehow. "We will go to Europe until his family's anger blows over. I doubt my father will be upset when he hears," she concluded wryly.
"I can't believe it," Alice shook her head dazedly, hardly believing the wonderful news. "How did this happen?" Isabella blushed.
"Well, we've spoken a number of times actually: at my ball, at church, at the party. He sees me and understands me. I think I can say the same about him. I see beyond his father's expectations. I know it will be hard, but I think it will be worth it to be with him. I don't care about the fortune," she said this last a little softer, and Alice knew she was telling the truth.
"I know you don't, Isabella," Alice squeezed her hand. "And I know it will be a rough road for awhile. But when it's all over, you and I will be sisters." Isabella smiled and thanked God for her sweet, caring friend. She squeezed Alice's hand right back.
"I'll miss you when you go," Alice said and the two girls stared out over the water in silence for a little while.
Later that day, Edward concluded his business at the Bank of Newport with his family's financier, Alec Daise. Mr. Daise had been quite surprised when Edward announced a change in his plans for the funds from his trust. He was also very curious and tried several subtle hints to learn what Mr. Cullen planned to do with such a large sum in cash. But Edward brushed off his tactics and only related that he no longer planned to transfer the money for investments. Mr. Daise shook his hand and promised the money would be available for withdrawal in three days time. A bank the size of the Bank of Newport did not, unfortunately, have $30,000 on hand; it would be ordered from Boston.
Mr. Daise was not the only curious onlooker that afternoon. His young secretary, Jane Payne learned of the pending withdrawal as she helped her boss with the necessary paperwork. Miss Payne was the daughter of the head housekeeper at the Gardiner estate in Newport. She was the same age as Miss Tatiana, and the two had played together as children. Well, Jane thought of it as playing and idolized the beautiful heiress, while Tatiana probably considered their interactions more as tormenting. But she did enjoy the fawning attention that Jane paid her when the two had cause to meet nowadays.
Jane was a romantic, young girl, and immediately decided that the monies withdrawn must be for an engagement ring. And she knew that Tatiana Gardiner had always been meant for Edward Cullen. The ring must be for her. As soon as she had a free moment, she penned a quick letter to Tatiana informing her that she should expect a proposal any day, and a large ring if the sum of the withdrawal were any indication. Jane doubted she would be invited to the wedding, but looked forward to peeping around the kitchen door to get a peek at the bride and groom in all their wedding finery.
Isabella and Alice remained silent, deep in thought together as they gazed over the water. However, the two girls were soon interrupted by Angela, Isabella's maid, arriving breathless at their idyllic little oasis on the lawn.
"Miss Swan!" she cried when she was close enough to be heard. Both Alice and Isabella looked up in surprise at her agitated state. "Your father is in his study and requests your presence. I am supposed to help you freshen up first." Dread filled Isabella's chest. This announcement could only mean one thing. Alice looked on with apprehension; she knew what this likely meant, too.
"Does my father have a guest?" Isabella asked as steadily as she could. Angela nodded frantically.
"Yes, Mr. Hunter is here. He has been in your father's office for nigh an hour," she reported. She did not mention that Mr. Hunter had clutched at her behind in the hallway when they had been alone. "Mr. Swan will lend you his carriage so you don't have to wait for your own, Miss Brandon. He is sorry to be unable to show you out himself," Angela told Alice. Isabella's heart sank, and she saw the concern and fear radiating from Alice's face, too.
"Very well, then, let's not keep the gentlemen waiting," Isabella replied half-heartedly as the two girls rose and made their way back across the lawn to the house. All the while, she kept telling herself over and over that it did not matter if she were betrothed to James Hunter because she would be leaving in a few days with Edward no matter what.
Alice got away safely in the Swan carriage, and Angela helped Isabella straighten her dress and re-make her hair. All too soon, she stood outside her father's office and knocked. She heard her father's gruff voice call for her to enter.
Her father was seated behind his desk when she came in, and James was seated in one of the leather chairs directly across from him. He stood gallantly when she entered and inclined his head.
"Miss Swan, it is lovely indeed to see you again today. You look quite stunning if I may say so," he greeted her with a charming smile. The sentiment was benign enough, and Mr. Hunter was definitely handsome, but there was something behind his eyes that just wasn't quite right. It made Isabella shiver.
She plastered a small smile on her own face and walked forward toward the two men. Mr. Hunter reached for hand when she reached the desk and leaned over it, not quite leaving a kiss there. Isabella fought the urge to snatch it away. Charles Swan remained seated, given that he was the lord over the situation.
"Isabella, Mr. Hunter has asked for your hand in marriage, and I have given my blessing," he declared bluntly, wasting no words as was his way. Isabella could not help the small gasp that escaped her at the news, even though she had expected it. James squeezed her hand, still not having let it go and broadened his oily smile.
"I'll take that as happy, surprised exclamation," he told her and winked. Isabella fought to keep her expression neutral. Edward, Edward, Edward, she chanted silently in her mind.
"We'll have a small party next week to announce the engagement, and Mr. Hunter will present you with a ring at that time. Now, you and Mr. Hunter may take a small walk around the garden to get to know each other a little better. You and I can discuss things over dinner," Charles addressed Isabella, effectively dismissing the two young people. Isabella stared at him in shock with wide eyes and open mouth, but he didn't look back up at her. James tugged her by the hand and pulled her along after him from the office and towards the back of the house.
Isabella was quiet and wouldn't look at him. James considered what he could say to try and make this moment more comfortable for her. He didn't particularly care what she thought, but he did need her on his side. He looked at her surreptitiously from the corner of his eye.
She wasn't his typical kind of girl. She was slight and brunette with a delicate face, but she wasn't terrible on the eyes. He could work hard on getting her with child for a few months, and it wouldn't be awful; he'd probably enjoy himself. But then he could get back to his dalliances on the side. He didn't think she would fight it. She seemed very timid and hardly ever met his eyes with her own.
The important thing was fathering a Swan heir. Then, all of this would be his, he thought, looking out over the vast lawn and expansive water view. He glowered a bit at Cullen House when he spied it in the distance. They had greatly snubbed him by omitting his invite to the beach party yesterday, even this bastard bitch walking next to him had been asked to attend. He shook off his ire.
Once he had secured all of the Swan's property and fortune for himself and his (hopefully) son, he could treat his wife however he pleased. Until then, he needed to convince her she was happy, or at least keep her from complaining. Watching her moving along with her eyes downcast, her clammy palm in is, he didn't think that would be hard. Finally, he spoke.
"Isabella, I know this must seem sudden to you, but I had a splendid time dancing with you at your ball a few weeks ago. I thought we had a connection, and I think many marriages with such humble beginnings turn out to produce the most fruit. We both started life with little to no prospects but here we are now with the world at our feet. I think we are a good match," he completed his little speech. He was annoyed when she barely glanced up at him.
"Of course, sir, I see the wisdom in your words," she said simply and kept walking. He didn't like the frivolity of her response. She should be simpering and thanking him. She was no better than him, in fact, she was worse. She should be a laundry wench or worse. Nothing but her father's silly sentimentality had saved her from that. He saw red and gripped her wrist as hard as he could and jerked her to a stop.
Isabella immediately halted and pulled her wrist from his hand, rubbing it with her other hand. Her plump little lower lip fell away from her thin upper one. She looked stunned and a little afraid by his rough handling of her, and she finally met his eyes with her bewildered expression. He mentally kicked himself; he needed to keep a better hold on his temper at least for now.
"Isabella, we will be happy," he tried to reassure her. He was rewarded with a small, sphinx-like smile.
"Yes, sir, I don't doubt that I will be," she replied. James felt much better, offering her his elbow. The two took several turns around the garden before he returned her to the house and took his leave.
Tatiana received the letter from Jane Payne (her name was always a source of levity for Tatiana) late that afternoon. She was dressing for the evening when her maid brought her the letter. Her father, Basel Gardiner, was quite well known for his monthly poker game, and tonight was when it would be held. With so many handsome gentlemen in the house with her, she needed to look her best. There would be a short reception hosted by her mother as well as the three daughters before the men barricaded themselves into the smoking room.
Tatiana paused in her routine to read the short note. She held little regard for Jane, but the letter was unexpected so she felt it might be important. Once she had digested the contents, she let it sit on her lap and stared into space. Her maid held up her brush, but Tatiana directed her to leave the room until she was called for.
Tatiana was self-centered and had a high opinion of herself, but she wasn't stupid. Edward had not behaved toward her in their last few meetings as one who was about to propose. So, Tatiana was sure the money wasn't meant to buy her an engagement ring. Tatiana had spent time with her father and, as has already been mentioned, she was a clever girl. She couldn't work out how cash would help Edward with a business venture. It must be for something else. She called for her maid to return and harangued her to expedite her toilette.
Tatiana was pleased to make it downstairs before either of her sisters and her mother. Her father was in his study, pouring a finger of scotch into a crystal tumbler. She smiled and entered the room. Her father indulged his girls, so he had never set up boundaries to keep work and play separate. She knew he wouldn't mind her presence and, she could grill him a little bit
"Father, how are you this evening?" she asked, fluttering her eyelids and swaying into the room. Basel glanced up, his eyes lighting up when he saw his lovely oldest daughter.
"Wonderful, wonderful, my girl. Looking forward to fleecing our neighbors, if I do say so," he boomed. Basel had a very high opinion of his poker skills. "How is my princess tonight?"
"Perfect, perfect, Father, thank you for asking," Tatiana simpered. "I wanted to ask you about the Cullens, though. Are they coming tonight?" Her father shook his head.
"No, my dear, the Cullens rarely attend my game. Not sure why, but I suspect they feel a bit threatened!" Basel let out a hearty laugh. Tatiana arranged her features into a disappointed face and folded her hands.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I thought Edward might be by," she let her voice trail off. She knew very well that the Cullens didn't attend this game. They were too high and mighty, and she suspected that they knew her father cheated. But she wanted her father to think she was sad over the news.
"Sweet, Tanya, I know you fancy the elder Cullen. He's nowhere good enough for you, but I suspect your vigil will be rewarded." Basel chuckled and winked at his sweetheart. Tatiana was pleased with the direction of the conversation; her father was playing into her hands. She cast her eyes down and blushed, quite purposefully.
"Father, I'm worried that Edward is too immature. He may be a silly playboy and not ready to settle down. You know I'm not looking for a husband like that," she said, laying the bait. Basel smiled, knowing he could set his girl's worries at ease.
"Well, Sweetheart, I happen to know that Mr. Edward has been given access to his trust just this week and will become more involved in Cullen Industries in the weeks to come," he told her proudly. Tatiana's ears perked up; she was getting exactly what she'd fished for.
"So, he's going to use the funds for investments for the business?" she asked, trying to sound eager about Edward's business future. Basel nodded.
"So his father, Carlisle tells me, my dear, so you see, Mr. Edward will be quite the accomplished young man before long," he finished, but then noticed his glass was empty. He turned away to refill his glass and missed the calculating look in his daughter's eye.
Tatiana considered what she had been told. Edward had been secretive about the purpose of his withdrawn funds; she knew this from Jane's letter. He wasn't planning to use it for traditional investments or else he would have arranged for transfer of the money. She was quite sure he wasn't planning to buy her an engagement ring. Was there anyone else he might be interested in? She was sure there wasn't.
But, wait. Had she not just warned James Hunter yesterday that Edward was too interested in Isabella Swan? She had been sure it was something that Isabella had done wrong, but could he be considering her in some other way?
No. She was sure of that. His father would never condone the match, even if his silly mother would have. So, if he were seriously interested in Isabella, it could only be as an elopement.
Tatiana's blood ran cold as her last realization sank in. Was it possible that Edward was withdrawing his trust in order to fund an elopement with Isabella Swan? She thought back over all she'd seen of their interactions over the last month. Now that she considered it, they had spoken on a number of occasions at her ball and at the beach. And he had always seemed respectful. And he had refused her efforts to ridicule the girl. Hmm.
So, the answer was maybe. She realized if she planned to capture Edward Cullen, she would have to be crafty and cautious. Her father interrupted her thoughts.
"Tanya, the guests are arriving," he noted, peering out of his study window toward the front of the house. "Please assist your dear mother in greeting them." He pulled her close and kissed her hair as he gave her a fond shove toward the door to the room. Tatiana glanced out the window as she exited and recognized James Hunter's steam car. Just the man she needed to see.
A/N: So, this chapter was bursting with short vignettes, so it was a bit all over the place. Lots of filler but all very important…
Thanks for reading!
EG