A Visit

Kate opened her eyes to the lush canopy of the bed above her. Oh yes, I am now back in London…but as Lady Dorset? She did not know what to think of the title and what it entailed for her life now. She knew that she did not want it for herself but, since her son was now Baron of Dorset, she must conduct herself properly until her son was of age to take over the workings of said title. This was not the life Thomas had wanted. They were happy in India…

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Kate was working as a governess for a high-ranking British officer in India. He had one son and two daughters to whom Kate taught all the manners, etiquette, and lessons that the officer wanted them to learn. Of course, since she raised Edwina, she knew exactly what was expected of her with regards to the upbringing of the children. At the time, she already had Alexander in her care. He was but only one year old. The officer's wife inquired about him but saw Kate's fierce protection of him and, when told that Kate was willing not to take the governess salary in place of lodgings and food, the woman allowed Kate to be the governess. Over time, the officer's wife took pity on them and slowly started giving Kate the salary. Kate was appreciative but she asked for no more or no less.

One night, when Alexander came down with a bad cold, Kate begged the officer for a doctor to be called. His wife, however, did not want their own doctor, who attended to their children, to see Alexander. One of the housemaids knew of a doctor that helped locals and British citizens alike. Kate begged the head butler to send for that doctor. In less than an hour, the doctor arrived and was sent to Kate's room. Dr. Thomas Dorset opened the door to a sobbing Kate while she held Alexander in her arms as the child struggled to breathe.

In the following days, Dr. Thomas Dorset routinely visited Alexander on the premise that he was checking on the prognosis of the child. When it became apparent that the child no longer needed his attention (and the British officer no longer wanted to pay his bill), he asked Kate if he could call on her from time to time.

Kate liked Thomas Dorset. She no longer begrudged him for following Anthony's scheme at the races. She actually warmed up to him when they paddled on the lake the season that Anthony was courting Edwina. She remembered that she had told Thomas that, should he visit India, she would show him all her favourite places. So, Kate gave her acceptance for him to visit her. Over time, they came to know each other and were easy in each other's company. She felt he was a good friend to her and her son.

Thomas never asked about Alexander's father and engaged with the boy, nonetheless. Thomas was never of the mind to follow what society dictated. Thus, his interest in science and the wonders of medicine. They told the truth and did not go on rumors and speculation which Thomas detested of the Ton.

Soon, Alexander bonded with Thomas. In three month's time, Thomas proposed to Kate. He fell in love with her. He was attracted to her when they met in London but, when the Sharma family was embroiled in the scandal with the Bridgertons, he kept his distance and concentrated on spending time with family and friends. Then he went back to his studies and life moved on. When he achieved his degree, he followed through with his plans of travelling the world to study medicine in other cultures. India was his first stop…and it was his last.

Once Kate became Mrs. Thomas Dorset, she quit being a governess. Instead, her husband allowed her to read through his books and medicine journals while making a home for them all. She eventually joined him in his practice as his nurse. Their reputation of helping all people; in all walks of life; having whatever ailment, garnered them the affection of locals and dignitaries alike.

After three years of marriage, Thomas wrote out a will declaring that Alexander was his son. He told Kate what he did but advised her to keep the will for safe keeping. The identity of Alexander's father was never questioned in India. The people saw a loving family who loved the people around them. Thus, Dr. Thomas Dorset and his family were left alone to live an idyllic life.

Five years later, India encountered a very hot summer that brought swarms of mosquitos. While Dr. Dorset advised his patients to stay inside to avoid the mosquitos, he then had to make house calls to check on them. It was enroute to one of those visits that Thomas got infected. He did not notice the mosquito, however, because he was concerned for his patients. However, days later, he woke up in a sweat and was confused of his whereabouts. He called out and Kate came running into their bedroom. She was shocked to see the state he was in as he had gone to bed the night before with no occurrence. She ran to the kitchen and told the maid to run and get a doctor.

"But where, Ma'am? Your husband is the only doctor in the village," the maid asked, wide-eyed.

"Just go and run down the street and call for help!" Kate shouted at her. She then filled a pail of water and ripped a piece of her underskirts. She hurriedly carried the pail and rag back to Thomas. She dunked the rag into the water and wiped his face with it. He was so hot. He had a fever. His eyes were closed and he was moaning.

"Steady on, Thomas, steady on! We are finding someone to help you," Kate whispered in his ear.

She was crying now. She loved this man. She loved him in a different way than her first love. Her first love was passionate and all consuming but it was not meant to be. It was one-sided and she decided that she did not need to have that passion in her life. A contented love with Thomas Dorset was what she found and had a happy life with him. Basically, she lived a life in India with a man who loved her. What more could a woman (that was in her state at the time) ask for?

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Five months later, she received a letter from England. The return address said Dorset House, 538 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair. She was surprised that the letter had found her. It was addressed directly to her instead of Thomas. She broke the seal and read the letter. It was from a Mr. Brown advising her that, due to Thomas' untimely death some months ago, her son was now the Baron of Dorset. The letter went on to say that she and her son were required to now live in England in order for the title and estate to pass to Alexander.

Kate looked around her surroundings. Since Thomas' death, she tried to use their now meager savings sparingly. She tried to find work as a governess again. However, no household wanted her to bring her son with her. Alexander was now nine years old and, although he was in good spirits even after the loss of his father, she could see that Alexander was worried for her. The other day he suggested that he should beg on the streets to get money to survive. She vehemently did not allow it. For the sake of her son, she had to move them back to England.

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"Ah, you are awake," Mrs. Brown said as she walked into Kate's room. "I trust that you had a good rest?"

Kate nodded and sat up in bed as Mrs. Brown pulled back the curtains. The day was bright as it first promised when Kate had gone out earlier.

"You must be famished! You did not eat anything when you returned from your earlier outing. Supper is awaiting you in the dining room when you have bathed and dressed." Mrs. Brown looked at her sharply.

"My apologies, Mrs. Brown," Kate said. "I should have taken to the bath earlier and then laid down to rest straight away. I usually took a ride in the early morn when I was in London last. I shall take my bath now and quickly dress. Thank you."

Mrs. Brown gave her a curt nod and said, "Master Alexander has already eaten. He was awake when Lord Bridgerton returned with Torchbearer."

Kate quietly gasped. "Did Alexander meet Lord Bridgerton?"

"No, my Lady. Alexander was in his room. He was already dressed when I went in to check up on him. He said that he was hungry. So I took him downstairs to feast. Lord Bridgerton had already left by then. Master Alexander is in the library now, playing with some of the old Dorset toys I found in storage."

"Thank you, Mrs. Brown. I shall make haste."

Mrs. Brown nodded her respect and left the room.

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Later in the early evening, a carriage with the Danbury crest pulled up to Dorset House. Lady Danbury had seen the house lit up the night before when it had been dark for ages. Everyone knew that Lord Thomas Dorset had not been in residence for years but that the estate was ready for him upon his return; whenever that would be.

Lady Danbury stepped out of her carriage with the help of her footman. The Dorset doorman already had the door open to Dorset House. She walked in and saw Mr. Brown awaiting her in the grand foyer.

"Lady Danbury," Mr. Brown greeted her with a bow. "We were not expecting you this evening."

"No, I gather not. However, should I have sent word, the Baron and Lady Dorset may have had an excuse at the ready to not receive me." Lady Danbury stated with a raised brow.

Mr. Brown countered, "I should think not, Lady Danbury. It is just that the Baron and Lady Dorset had a long journey and would have not liked to entertain straight away."

"I understand but I am here now, nonetheless. Please show me to your drawing room and I will wait for them there. I am glad to be the first to welcome them back to England."

With that, Lady Danbury turned to the direction that Mr. Brown was directing her to with an outstretched hand. He would not spar words with her any longer. Lady Dorset had to be advised straight away. He felt that she will not be prepared to receive the likes of Lady Danbury.

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"What?! Lady Danbury is here?!" Kate asked in surprise. She stood up from the floor where she was playing trains with Alexander and smoothed down her emerald, green muslin gown.

"Yes, my Lady," Mrs. Brown informed her.

"Who let it be known that we were here?" Kate asked again as she rung her hands in front of her.

"No one, my Lady. Mr. Brown took to heart of your request when you wrote that you wanted to arrive with no announcement. However, Lady Danbury's townhouse is right across the street from Dorset House. So, of course, she noticed the lights and renewed movements of the staff."

"Of course," sighed Kate resignedly. Nothing gets past that old woman!

"However, my Lady, she is expecting the Baron and Lady Dorset to receive her," Mrs. Brown said pointedly.

"Oh, no. This cannot be happening!" cried Kate as she put a hand to her eyes. Then she straightened herself, "Alright, I will be the only one to receive her. Mrs. Brown, you stay with Alexander and make sure he does not leave the library until she has left!"

"Of course, my Lady," Mrs. Brown replied with a bow.

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What am I to do?

To Kate's knowledge, no one of the Ton knew of her marriage to Thomas. Mr. Brown told her in his reply, after she sent back word that she would return to England, that Lady Whistledown had gone quiet 5 years back. Since the Ton had gotten their news from the scandal sheet when it was in circulation, no one knew of Thomas' whereabouts and of his life nor of his death…until now.

There is no way around this. I would have to encounter this situation sooner or later. I just wished it was much later!

Kate entered the drawing room while Lady Danbury had her back to her, staring out the window. Kate heard a sharp intake of breath. Then, Lady Danbury slowly turned around to face her.

"Lady Dorset…No longer Miss Sharma, I see," Lady Danbury slyly said with a bow.

"Lady Danbury." Kate bowed and extended out a hand, motioning to Lady Danbury to have a seat.

"Well…I do not know what to make of this. There surely is a story here!" Lady Danbury said after taking her seat on the chaise. She raised an eyebrow.

"It is a long one, Lady Danbury, which I am sure you do not have time for tonight," Kate tried to dissuade her.

"Nonsense! Do you not remember how late members of the Ton stay up? It is a way of life, not just for balls and parties!" informed Lady Danbury.

"I see…" Kate wished that it was already late and that the visit could end.

"Where is the Baron? Is he not in residence with you?" Lady Danbury asked.

Just then, a loud noise came from the hallway and Mrs. Brown could be heard shouting, "Master Alexander! Come back here this instance!"

Alexander bounded into the room with a toy sword in hand.

"Enguard, Mama!" Alexander pointed his sword at them with a strong stance.

"Alexander! Where are your manners; disrupting my visit with our guest!" Kate admonished him. Worry started to form on her features. She looked into the hallway, looking for Mrs. Brown but she was nowhere to be found.

"I am sorry, Mama, Ma'am" Alexander stood straight then and bowed to his mother and Lady Danbury.

Lady Danbury stared at the boy. He was a spitting image of his father at the very same age.