All I Ever Really Wanted Was You
Chapter 1
Timothy's heart caught in his throat as he glanced at his pocket watch. He was due to meet Dorcas any minute now. She had mentioned something about a delicate matter, how they needed to talk. He had a terrible feeling it would involve cutting off their friendship. He shook his head. He had to believe Dorcas would never ask that of him. Did she not realize how much their friendship meant to him?
Timothy turned to a photograph of his wedding day. Both he and Adelaide looked so deeply unhappy. At first glance they looked beautiful, but Timothy noticed how the spark in his eyes had gone. How strained Adelaide's smile was. The photograph was an appropriate metaphor for their marriage. To an outsider Timothy and Adelaide were a perfect couple, the handsome Squire and stylish upper class beauty.
Yet an outsider looking in would never know the whole truth.
They would never know the terrible screaming arguments they had. The stiff silence at the dinner table. The coldness in Adelaide's eyes when she looked at him, or how she cried herself to sleep. How Timothy could never get to sleep he would be so confused and upset. They would never know how he lay awake at night, terrified this would be his life forever. Timothy lost count of the number of times he wished Dorcas were his wife. If only his family had allowed him to marry for love. Before the wedding when Timothy expressed concern he could never love Adelaide, his father glared at him in contempt.
'Timothy understand this now and understand it well. In the upper class loveless marriages have existed for centuries. You and I, even your future children cannot marry for love. It is a luxury we can never afford' he explained angrily.
Timothy wanted to cut his own wrists he was so heartbroken. Bitterly he endured the whole ordeal. The wedding and endless questions and gossip in his life. How did he propose to Adelaide? Did they plan on having children? How many? It took Timothy all his strength not to scream at the questioning to stop. He endured the social events he attended, the pain which accompanied him each time he introduced her as his wife.
He cast his mind back to that terrible day he discovered Adelaide was with child. Earlier she had literally run from the manor after a hideous argument and it had been an insane dash to locate her again. Back at the Post office the tension between him and Dorcas changed somehow. Yet again Timothy attempted to explain how he could do no more for his marriage.
'Dorcas I love you with all my heart. I want to spend the rest of my life with you'.
Timothy's mind screamed at him to say it.
He opened his mouth.
'Dorcas I-' he began.
'Miss Lane!' Laura's voice pierced the room. She entered, hair flying and cheeks flushed.
Timothy fought the urge to hit something. He would tell Dorcas when Laura left. What was she saying anyway? Timothy dragged his mind back to reality.
'I think she is just so happy about the baby' Laura explained.
Please let me have misheard her Timothy and Dorcas thought in unison. Their eyes communicated everything their hearts could not. In that split second they realised the life they longed for with each other was effectively over. Anger, confusion, devastation- every single negative emotion was reflected in Dorcas' face. But what could Timothy do, with Laura there? He felt a spark of anger toward her too though he knew how perfectly idiotic this was. Laura had done nothing wrong- she was simply the messenger in this whole sorry charade. He was angry at her happiness when knew he never could be….
The crash of the photograph to the floor brought Timothy back to reality. He sighed and bent down to retrieve it. With a jolt he realized he was going to be late.
He picked up his leather gloves and hurried from the drawing room.
Chapter 2
'There will always be reasons why you and I should be in one another's company and I feel we have to be strong in our resistance' Dorcas explained.
Timothy looked at Dorcas his Dorcas in frustration. Why was she talking about resistance? He had never felt so suffocated- even his own tie was choking him.
'It was at your bidding we live like this' Timothy snapped.
The long repressed anger rose in his heart. Dorcas was the love of his life and he was certain he was the love of hers. But he needed an explanation. Right now the best way to get Dorcas to explain was through emotional torture.
His plan backfired terribly.
Dorcas stared in shock. 'Timothy please' she began.
'Tell me why Dorcas, we've been like this for years! We meet and we chat and smile. We are on our guard to be decent and polite, we never say anything that matters' Timothy hissed.
'Timothy this is all past and gone and we should leave it well alone' Dorcas tried again.
'I do not believe what you told me then that you don't love me. I lived my life bound by duty and obligation but I never wanted any of this. All I ever really wanted was you' Timothy continued.
His anger had now reached his heart's core. He did not care if he had to stand there until nightfall- he was going to force her to confess her love for him God dammit.
'Tell me why you refused me- tell me the truth' he whispered.
His brown eyes gazed into her green ones and Timothy realized he was too terrified to breathe.
Meanwhile Dorcas' heart broke into shattered pieces.
Again.
'It was my father, he told me it could never work. Love never crosses the great divide of social class, those were his words' she replied softly.
'Then your father was a bigoted small minded fool of a man' Timothy said bitterly.
His vocabulary choice backfired too.
He had time to glance at her before Dorcas slapped Timothy hard across the face.
'Thank you. At last something real between us' he murmured.
The touch of her hand on his skin awakened something within Timothy and he pulled her into his arms. As he held her tight he realized how lost he was without her. His heart leapt but all too soon the moment was broken. Dorcas pulled back from his embrace and swiftly walked away.
Timothy had the disturbing feeling he was being observed.
He turned.
Adelaide stood there glaring at him. He was so preoccupied he never heard her footsteps. But what did she expect when their marriage was based in anything but love?
Timothy returned her glare and walked deeper into the grounds.
Chapter 3
Dorcas felt her heart beat so fast she thought she would faint. What had just happened? If the wrong person witnessed their embrace, her and Timothy's reputations would be destroyed forever. Their conversation had cut theirs hearts and torn their souls yet Dorcas had never felt so alive.
'Dorcas'.
Adelaide stood in front of her. Dressed in a stunning lace outfit with her hair just so, she looked like she had walked from a fashion magazine. Dorcas became aware of her own tear stained face and trembling hands.
'Adelaide please let me explain-' she began.
Adelaide moved closer, her face etched with resentment.
'You are in love with my husband! I do not care for excuses or explanations. I need a solution. I have been married to Timothy for four years. In all that time he is only happy when he is with you. He never will love me so long as you are in his life!' Adelaide hissed.
'I know' Dorcas replied sadly.
Her heart ached for everyone in this complex love triangle. For herself for being so idiotic to refuse Timothy's first proposal. For Timothy-trapped in a marriage to a woman he could never love. For Adelaide- married to a man clearly still in love with another woman.
'Next week Timothy and I are moving to London. Until then stay away from my husband' Adelaide snapped. She turned and walked back to the manor.
Dorcas put her hand over her mouth to stem her sobs and continued back to the Post office.
Chapter 4
Later that evening Timothy stood in the drawing room once more. He gazed into the night as he nursed his wine. His earlier plan failed to work, along with his most recent attempt. He had stopped by Zillah's party, but seeing there were still several guests returned home. He wanted his moment with Dorcas to be private and the party was anything but. He pressed his forehead to the window, and had to stop himself throwing the wine bottle against the wall. He knew Dorcas still loved him-she just needed to admit it.
'Oh God' Timothy muttered as he ran his hand through his hair.
'Timothy!' Adelaide exclaimed. Her presence in the room forced him back to reality with a terrifying thud.
'Where were you just now?' she enquired coldly.
Timothy fumbled, mumbled then eventually said 'Adelaide that is not your business'.
Realisation flooded her face.
'You went to see Dorcas didn't you? I told her to stay away from you! That interfering good for nothing-' Adelaide started.
It was as far as she was able to get for Timothy swiftly put his hands on her shoulders. The movement was sudden, and he dug his hands into her dress as he glared at her.
'Never say anything like that about Dorcas Lane again do you understand?' he snapped.
He shook Adelaide and she gave a small whimper. She stared at him for a moment then nodded. She moved to the corner where Timothy heard her crying. He made no move to comfort her. Why should he? He was too consumed by his own tortured thoughts.
Timothy poured another glass of wine then moved to the opposite end of the room. He lit a cigar as he resumed analysing his thoughts. Certainly it was in his dreams he was happiest. In his dreams Dorcas would throw her hands around his neck and declare she would love him forever. Then the most painful part of all. The waking up, the body drenched in sweat. The pain in his heart as he remembered his dreams would never become reality.
The sickening realisation that is all it would ever be.
A dream?
No.
Timothy turned to his wife. She was studying the wedding photograph he dropped earlier. Adelaide would be lost in her own world forever. Timothy did not care she was expecting their first child-he was done.
'Adelaide I want a divorce. I cannot do this anymore' Timothy explained.
'We finally agree on something. I would rather face the social humiliation a divorce would create than stay married to you' she hissed.
Timothy slammed the drawing room door behind him. He hurried to the front door and strode out into the night. He broke into a run, sprinted past the Candleford forest and after what seemed like centuries reached the Post office.
A light shone from the first floor window.
Timothy realized he was completely out of breath and stopped. Then walked to the front door and knocked.
Chapter 5
Dorcas sighed as she unlocked her front door. She had returned from Zillah's party far too early- but tonight she needed to be alone. She could have sworn she had seen Timothy's salt and pepper hair through the remaining guests, yet when she turned he disappeared.
She walked to her private quarters and slumped to the floor.
'Timothy what have I done? If only you knew how much I love you' she whispered.
Her mind moved through time as she remembered their history.
Timothy's wedding day to Adelaide. How the light in his eyes had disappeared, how his weight had dropped. The poor man was a shell of himself. Why was she the only one who noticed?
'Do you Timothy take Adelaide as your wife? Will you love her for as long as you both shall live?' the Vicar asked.
Timothy turned and locked eyes with Dorcas.
They became lost in each other as they imagined a world where destroyed futures and shattered dreams did not exist. Their hearts connected and broke in unison. Dorcas remembered how she held her breath and prayed for a miracle. For Timothy to stop the wedding. For society to realize how idiotic arranged loveless marriages were.
It did not happen.
Timothy turned back to the Vicar.
'I do' he replied and Dorcas knew her heart had been torn from her. She remembered how kind Thomas' gaze had been as he passed her his handkerchief. How Margaret reached out and held her hand tight. She looked at her in such a way Dorcas knew Margaret understood everything.
Dorcas replayed their embrace that morning. She had always felt so safe in Timothy's arms. She would die if it meant she could kiss him again. If only she had not pulled back from the embrace so soon! Timothy was the Heathcliff to her Cathy. …
Suddenly she heard a knock at the front door. She opened it and stared at the figure before her in shock.
'Timothy!' she exclaimed.
She looked at him in amazed confusion then murmured 'Please come in'.
They walked to her study where she locked the door then turned to face him.
'Why are you here?' she asked bluntly.
'I thought my presence here would be rather obvious' he replied as he moved closer to her.
'Timothy how many times do I have to tell you? You are a married man! Adelaide is expecting your first child!' Dorcas snapped.
'Dorcas how many times do I have to tell you? I don't care' Timothy growled.
He walked toward her and reached out so his hands locked around her waist. He pulled her towards him and for a second time that day held her in his arms.
'I am going to divorce Adelaide. It will destroy my reputation in society. But I would rather have a damaged reputation and you as my wife- than spend another minute in my current marriage' Timothy explained.
Dorcas' heart beat faster. She had spent so much of her life hiding her love for Timothy yet his speech forced to realise she no longer cared what society thought. She took a deep breath.
Tonight she would be able to explain everything.
'Timothy for the past fifteen years I have been forced to hide my love for you-but I am exhausted living a lie. You have been and always will be the love of my life. When you look in my eyes your gaze touches my soul and makes my heart soar. You have shown me what real love is. Darling I will love you forever' Dorcas whispered.
Tears slid down her face and Timothy wiped them gently. Finally Dorcas had confessed her love for him. He was so happy he thought he would die.
'Dorcas if I stood here for a thousand years it would still not be long enough to describe how much I love you. When you look at me I become lost in you and struggle to breathe. You are the only woman in this earth who can make me completely happy' Timothy replied.
The moment they waited an eternity for arrived.
Their lips met and their souls touched. Timothy moved one hand from her waist and cradled her head. Dorcas wrapped her hands tightly around Timothy's neck. They broke apart and gazed at the other happily. Their hearts soared as they realised their love could transcend society. But most of all because they knew they would never have to let each other go again.
Chapter 6
One year later
Timothy stood by his study window and stared out into the evening. So much had happened in the past twelve months it made his head spin.
In the aftermath of Timothy and Dorcas confessing their love, Adelaide had fled to London. Her parents had sent Timothy a series of furious letters demanding to know what happened, but Timothy did not care. How ever much scandal it created or how damaged his reputation would be, Timothy was going ahead with the divorce. Yet the situation was solved in the most tragic way possible as Adelaide and the unborn child had died in a riding accident. As nobody apart from her family knew about their impending divorce, it meant Timothy was saved from the social scandal it would have created. Yet his lawyers advised him to observe a one year mourning period. They explained it would not look appropriate for a man in his position to remarry soon after his wife's death. But it was so difficult for Timothy to step into the role of grieving spouse- when he had never loved Adelaide in the first place.
His study door opened and the footman entered followed by Dorcas.
'Sir Timothy I have a letter for you' she explained.
Timothy recognized her handwriting as she held it out to him.
'Of course Miss Lane. Thank you' he replied.
Timothy nodded to the footman who bowed and exited. It infuriated them how they literally had to act when in front of other people.
Timothy locked the door then turned.
'Did you really write a letter in order to see me?' he grinned.
'Darling I thought I merely had to write your name on an envelope not an actual letter itself' Dorcas teased.
But when Timothy opened it his heart leapt. He saw Edmund Spencer's Sonnet 75 One Day I Wrote Her Name had been carefully written.
'For I myself shall like to this decay and eke my name be wiped out likewise. Not so quod I let baser things devise, to die in dust but you shall live by fame' Timothy murmured.
'Your vertues rare shall eternize and in the heavens write your glorious name. Where when as death shall all the world subdue, our love shall live and later life renew' Dorcas replied.
They looked at other, their eyes bright with tears. Timothy pulled Dorcas into his arms and kissed her deeply. They broke apart and continued to hold each other tight.
'Seeing as your birthday is tomorrow we can change the rules regarding present opening. Happy birthday darling' Timothy grinned.
He handed Dorcas a beautifully wrapped parcel tied with purple ribbon.
Dorcas opened it and her hand flew to her mouth. Inside were the love letters they had sent to each other as young adults. While the ink had faded a little, Dorcas checked through them and realized every single letter was there. Letters filled with sentences direct from their hearts, the dates carefully written in the corner. It was a literal timeline of their love.
Dorcas looked at Timothy as tears rolled down her cheek.
'My darling don't cry. I did not mean to upset you' he said gently.
'These are tears of happiness. I thought your parents told you to destroy every one of these letters?' Dorcas asked.
'I would rather have cut out my own heart. If I destroyed them I felt I would be destroying my love for you' Timothy explained.
Dorcas rested her head on Timothy's chest and once more he wrapped his hands around her waist.
'Thank you darling. I cannot begin to describe how much these mean to me' she whispered.
'You are most welcome. I wish this one year mourning period was over so we can be together at last. This has been the longest year of my life' Timothy explained.
'I know. I feel as if the world watches our every move let alone Candleford' Dorcas sighed.
'We are so close, just a few more weeks. Having to keep our engagement a secret because of what society considers acceptable is insane. At the ball this evening we will surely be the main subject of gossip. Speaking of which' Timothy smiled.
He focused properly on Dorcas' dress. It was deep purple with embroidered short sleeves and a train which dripped to the floor. It was exquisite.
'I assume this is your new dress?' he teased.
'Why Timothy how did you know?' Dorcas replied and laughed.
You look beautiful' he declared.
'Thank you Timothy. You look like a Prince yourself' Dorcas replied.
Timothy indeed looked exceptionally handsome. His black evening tail coat and black trousers contrasted perfectly with his white bow tie and shirt.
'The ball starts in twenty minutes so you can appreciate my dress properly' Dorcas teased.
'I appreciate your dresses best when I have ripped it from your body and we are otherwise engaged' Timothy growled.
He drew Dorcas to him and kissed her deeply before they walked from the study into the ballroom.
Chapter 7
The Autumn ball at Candleford manor was a Midwinter family tradition. Every year the Candlefordians looked forward to an evening of dancing at the finest address in town. The ballroom seemed straight out of a fairytale. A vast room studded with exquisite paintings and fine furniture. A roaring fire crackled in the elaborate fireplace and the windows gave a view into the sweeping gardens. One could be mistaken for thinking they had entered another world. The air was thick with cigar smoke and laughter as Dorcas and Timothy entered.
'I knew he never should have been invited' Timothy frowned as Peter Midwinter arrived.
'He is your brother Timothy' Dorcas explained.
'So?' Timothy replied and Dorcas fought the urge to laugh.
Timothy and Peter had never seen eye to eye even as children. Timothy envied Peter's freedom to fall in love with whoever he wanted, while Peter envied Timothy's position as eldest son and heir. In addition Peter had always been far been too perceptive for Timothy to consider him a true ally. Of course the Midwinter family knew about Timothy's first proposal to Dorcas. Timothy remembered he had never seen his parents so furious. His father had threatened to disown him, while his mother wept throughout the entire conversation. Timothy remembered glancing behind him and seeing Peter hidden in the shadows. How a smirk played on his lips as he shook his head at Timothy's foolishness to believe love could cross the class divide.
'Peter thank you for coming. It is good to see you' Timothy lied as he extended his hand.
Peter smiled and shook it. Five years younger, he was tall and slim with the same dark hair and eyes as Timothy. While Timothy's eyes danced with mischief, Peter's danced with contempt. Even so Timothy had witnessed many a woman swoon over him. Peter had never married, instead leaving a series of broken hearted females in his wake.
'Sir Peter how lovely to see you again' Dorcas smiled politely.
Truthfully she always thought Peter far too arrogant. While Timothy was kind and generous with a brilliant sense of mischief, Peter was the exact opposite. He could be exceptionally cold with no heart. More dangerously Dorcas knew Peter was too perceptive. Timothy warned her Peter would have guessed they were in a relationship.
They needed to proceed very carefully.
Peter's lip curled when he saw how Timothy and Dorcas interacted with each other. He had long known Timothy was in love with Dorcas Lane-even when still married to Adelaide. But she was a middle class Postmistress from Candleford. Could his brother not aim higher for his second partner? Peter wished he could tell Dorcas what he really thought but that moment would have to wait.
'Dorcas. How nice to see you. I trust the Post office is doing well?' Peter said, oblivious to flirtatious gazes the other female guests sent him. For a while they made polite conversation when suddenly Ruby and Pearl Pratt arrived. They wore colourful dresses with elaborate feathers in their hair. They noticed Peter, swiftly walked across the ballroom and hovered hopefully. It took Timothy a split second to realise they were waiting for an introduction.
'Pearl and Ruby allow me to introduce my brother Sir Peter Midwinter. Peter this is Pearl and Ruby Pratt. They operate the clothing store in Candleford' Timothy explained.
'A pleasure to meet you. I have always thought businesswomen are so forward thinking' Peter smiled.
Pearl and Ruby twittered happily.
'Sir Peter the pleasure is ours! Such a caring man you are to travel all the way from London to attend this ball. Your dedication is greatly admired' Pearl purred.
'Indeed! So often these days men do not understand the importance of family. Sir Timothy is lucky to have such a loyal brother' Ruby chipped in.
Their flirting was so obvious Dorcas laughed while Timothy grinned.
'Sir Peter may I have this dance?' Pearl asked boldly as she held out her hand.
'Pearl I would be honoured, however it will have to be later. I did promise this dance to Dorcas' Peter explained.
Timothy clenched his fists while Dorcas frowned. Peter had done no such thing. She knew something disastrous was about to happen, she just could not pinpoint what.
'Of course Sir Peter' Pearl replied politely, but she looked so disappointed Timothy took pity on her.
'Pearl I would be delighted' he smiled.
Pearl beamed as they walked to the other waltzing couples. To think she Pearl Pratt would dance with Sir Timothy Midwinter Squire of Candleford!
'Dorcas?' Peter smiled as he bowed to her.
Dorcas wanted to turn and run but Ruby was looking at her expectantly. She could not exactly say no and create a scene. Very reluctantly she placed her hand on his shoulder, Peter placed his hand on her waist and they started to dance. Dorcas looked around the ballroom taking everything in. Thomas and Margaret danced across the other side of the room. She noticed Laura had just arrived with Emma and Robert. Pearl and Timothy waltzed past them. Timothy winked at Dorcas while Pearl beamed at her. Dorcas smiled yet felt suffocated under her own partner's gaze.
'What exactly are you doing?' Peter asked, the hatred evident in his voice.
'Peter I do not understand-' Dorcas began.
'Dorcas I have known for a long time are in love with Timothy. My parents always said you would be the ruin of him and they were right. You are not part of his upper class world and never will be. Do you honestly think Sir Timothy Midwinter Squire of Candleford would be happy with you, a woman from the middle class? God you must be insane' Peter hissed.
Dorcas removed herself from his grip and walked across the room. Timothy excused himself and followed her. He caught up with her and she turned. Timothy saw she was on the verge of tears and felt the urge to strangle Peter.
They moved to a quiet corner.
'Darling what happened?' Timothy asked in an undertone.
He longed to take her in his arms- yet they knew it would create the social scandal they had tried so hard to avoid. They were very aware every single person in the room was watching them. Many of the guests had long suspected what the real relationship between Timothy Midwinter the handsome Candleford squire, and Dorcas Lane the independent Postmistress was. There had been gossip that years ago Timothy had even proposed. Of course they could not exactly ask either of them about it. But still. One could never be certain their rumoured love had died.
Rumors and whispers broke out at terrifying speed.
Timothy saw Laura, Emma, Robert, Thomas and Margaret walk across the room to them. As they had only told the people closest to them, these were the only people in the room who knew about their engagement. The quintet reached them and Margaret placed a comforting hand on Dorcas' shoulder. Robert and Thomas glared at Peter as they had never liked him either. The man was far too precocious.
Discreetly Timothy took Dorcas' hand in his and held it tight.
'My dear what happened?' Margaret asked. She looked so concerned Dorcas felt terrible.
'I am fine Margaret. I do not mean to worry any of you. I just feel slightly unwell' Dorcas explained. There was no way she was going to admit the real reason- not here and not now.
Everybody was still watching them.
'Peter has something to do with this' Timothy hissed.
'Sir Timothy I would be more than happy to hit him for you' Robert grinned.
'Robert!' Emma snapped.
'Thank you Robert. I will certainly keep that in mind' Timothy replied, his brown eyes sparkling.
'Miss Lane let me' Laura smiled. She reached out and gently pinned back Dorcas' hair which had come undone.
'Peter must have sadness in his soul to create sorrow when happiness is most celebrated at this ball' Thomas commented as he shook his head.
Ruby and Pearl wound their way across the ballroom, their feathers swaying as they moved.
'Dorcas are you quite alright?' Pearl whispered while Ruby pressed her best handkerchief into her hand. Timothy was relieved to see nothing but concern in their faces. Several months ago he would never have considered Pearl or Ruby acquaintances, now he was rather fond of them. Time certainly had a strange way of resetting society and the people in it.
'I am fine ladies' Dorcas smiled bravely.
She realised how lucky she and Timothy were to have such wonderful friends. Timothy looked at the other guests. Luckily the ballroom had now returned to normal. Enough was enough-he wanted to talk to Dorcas in private.
'Excuse us please' Timothy said.
They exited the ballroom and walked down the manor's long corridor back to his study.
Chapter 8
Timothy locked his study door then turned. He held Dorcas tight in his arms while she rested her head on his chest.
'Darling tell me what happened' he said softly.
'I know I should not be so upset. You and I no longer care about society but other people do. While we were dancing Peter said I would never be good enough for you. He explained you would never be happy with me because I am middle class to your upper. He represents what so many people would think about us' Dorcas sobbed.
Timothy had to stop himself from punching the wall in anger.
'Dorcas look at me. I told you the first time I proposed and the second time I do not give a damn what society or my family think. My family are centuries behind the times. They still believe in arranged marriages! As for society believing people should not marry if they are from different classes- the idea is idiotic. You are the love of my life and I am the love of yours. That is all that matters darling' Timothy explained fiercely.
'Thank you Timothy. I know all of what you said is true. But when you are faced with somebody who clearly despises you and everything you are it becomes difficult. I feel so idiotic' Dorcas murmured.
'I understand but God I am so furious I could hit Peter. I will take Robert up on his offer unless he has literally beaten me to it' Timothy grinned.
Dorcas laughed but still looked nervous.
'Timothy promise me you will not confront Peter? I want to forget this event happened. Please darling I beg you' she pleaded.
'I promise' Timothy replied.
He stroked her hair and kissed her softly on the lips. They broke apart and Dorcas looked much happier.
Suddenly a knock on the door interrupted them. Timothy opened it to see Thomas, Margaret, Emma, Robert and Laura accompanied by Pearl and Ruby. Timothy turned back to Dorcas to see her reaction. She nodded and Timothy smiled as he gestured for them to enter. As the group surrounded Dorcas-Timothy slipped out.
Instead of turning left to the ballroom Timothy turned right to the dining room.
He had lied.
Of course he was going to confront Peter.
Chapter 9
Like the rest of Candleford manor the dining room was exquisite. A spacious room decorated fit for royalty, due to stunning floral arrangements and elaborate candles. The oak table was dotted with a series of expensive wines and cigars while portraits of Midwinter ancestors gave the room a sense of power. As Timothy suspected Peter was the only occupant. His dark hair was rumpled, his white shirt untucked. His chair was positioned so his legs stretched out and rested on the table, feet crossed at the ankles. He smoked a cigar, nursed a glass of port and looked infuriatingly comfortable.
'Ah Timothy there you are! I wondered where you'd got to' Peter drawled.
He gave a cold smile and proffered the cigar box.
'You know I stopped smoking' Timothy snapped.
'I know Timothy. But its very difficult to stop wanting something or even someone don't you agree?' Peter smirked.
He lit a fresh cigar and watched Timothy with interest.
'Excuse me?' Timothy hissed.
'Cast your mind back six years ago when you and Adelaide were just married. You held a ball here at the manor. I watched you Timothy. I saw how your eyes lit up when Dorcas arrived. Adelaide turned to me and said she wish you looked at her the way you looked at Dorcas' Peter explained.
'Stop dragging up old memories. I need to talk to you' Timothy said bluntly.
Peter sighed but unfolded himself from his chair. Both men walked to the fireplace and stood at opposite ends. Above the fireplace was a portrait of their great great grandfather Christopher Midwinter. His dark eyes glittered down at them and Timothy remembered hearing how Christopher married their great great grandmother Jemima against the advice of his family. Timothy smiled. At least Christopher understood what love was.
'Yes?' Peter snapped.
Timothy turned to his brother.
'Dorcas told me everything. Never talk to her like that again do you understand? If you do I will great pleasure in disinheriting you' Timothy explained.
Peter shrugged and continued to smoke.
'What exactly is it about Dorcas you dislike?' Timothy asked angrily.
'She is middle class therefore inferior to us in every way. For God's sake Timothy we both know relationships between people of different social classes never work. Whether it is a middle class female with working class male, or upper class male with middle class female. Every romantic relationship which crosses the social class divide is going to fail' Peter explained.
Timothy glared at his younger brother. Peter had always been elitist, but Timothy assumed Peter would learn to embrace a changing world.
Evidently not.
'Do you realise how arrogant you sound? Dorcas is my fiancée and-' Timothy began.
'Fiancée? Dear God Timothy have you lost your mind? You can do so much better than Dorcas Lane! You have a choice of any upper class woman in London yet you choose a middle class Postmistress from Candleford. Your future children will be tainted by this. They will have impure blood!' Peter snapped.
Timothy's fist connected to Peter's jaw and he crashed to the floor.
'I should have done that years ago' Timothy snarled.
A polite cough turned Timothy's attention to the doorway. It was Fletcher the Midwinter family butler.
'Sir? Mr Midwinter's carriage is here' Fletcher announced.
Like all good butlers he would never comment personally on the family, but Timothy always assumed Fletcher disliked Peter too.
Peter dragged himself up from the floor. His lip was bleeding and he glared at Timothy with pure hatred.
'Are you going to apologize?' Timothy asked coldly.
'I would rather cut out my own eyes' Peter exclaimed.
'Get out' Timothy hissed.
He watched with satisfaction as Peter swiftly walked from the room.
Fletcher turned and grinned.
'Sir if I may say so? That was an excellent hit' Fletcher commented. He bowed to Timothy and exited.
Moments later Dorcas entered looking concerned.
'Darling I heard raised voices. Is everything alright?' she asked.
'I had a word with Peter' Timothy said as a form of explanation.
'Timothy-' Dorcas began in a warning tone.
'Yes?' Timothy replied innocently.
'You promised you were not going to confront him' Dorcas said.
'I did not confront him. He insulted you so I struck him' Timothy replied.
Dorcas shook her head but her eyes sparkled.
'You Midwinters were always so passionate, always standing up for what you believe in. Just one of the many qualities I admire in you darling' she smiled.
Timothy laughed as he put his hands around her waist in a wonderfully familiar gesture and drew her close.
'Thank you Dorcas. Now I shall demonstrate that passion in a very different way' he murmured as he kissed her deeply.
To be continued…