The carriage arrived at Langley House, the home of Leopold's Great
Aunt Agnes Mountbatten at dusk. Kate had managed to sleep most of the
journey. When Leopold awoke her they were alone. He gently shook her,
"Kate, darling." He kissed her forehead and she slowly opened her eyes,
and smiled up at him.
"Are we at your aunt's?" She looked around the carriage, Millard and Margaret no where to be seen, and she could see from the window it was getting dark out, "Where is everyone?"
"Inside. We have only just arrived; I just couldn't bear to wake you. You look so enchanting when you are asleep."
"So what does that mean about when I am awake, I don't look enchanting?"
"Only a woman, could take a compliment and twist it around in such a manner."
She stretched her arms and sat up, "I hope there is food. I am so hungry."
"I have been informed dinner is being served as we speak."
"Then why are we sitting out here?"
He continued gazing into her eyes, "Because I wanted to be alone with you."
"Really?"
"And once we go inside the house, my aunt Agnes will monopolize you the whole evening. I just wanted to have a few quiet minutes where I could take a deep breath and enjoy your company. The last two weeks on the ship, I was spoiled."
"We have our whole lives together, Leopold.'
He took her face in his hands and kissed her, "I am being selfish, I would like you all to myself and we could live in a remote castle, where no one could find us."
"And you would be bored."
"Not likely."
"Your family would be lost without you."
"Well, that is probably true." He smiled, cockily.
"And have you ever thought that maybe I want to give this whole Duchess thing a go. I have this incredible opportunity, to live in the past and be a part of it all. Even though I find the clothing ridiculously uncomfortable and I doubt I will ever know what is appropriate behavior and what isn't, I am not thrilled with the toilets and I am sure I will find I am going to miss a lot of the conveniences I am use to. But I want to be the Duchess of Albany and go to parties and be lady of the manor. I am not ready to run off to some remote castle and be a recluse with you, at least not yet. Give me a few weeks at least."
"I see your sense of adventure has not been lost on the journey."
"Far from it."
"I am glad to hear that."
All of a sudden they heard a noise outside the carriage, it was Otis clearing his throat to get their attention.
"Otis, what are you doing out there?"
"I am sorry to disturb you, your grace, but the elder Lady Mountbatten is becoming a bit agitated and is requesting yours and Miss McKay's presence in the dining room as soon as possible."
"In actuality you mean 10 minutes ago."
"Precisely, your grace."
Otis opened the carriage door and helped Kate out, and Leopold followed. "So, Otis, what kind of mood is my Great Aunt in?"
"She has already managed to make his lordship feel like a fool, I'm afraid. Of course he is handling it very well. He has not lost his temper, as of yet."
Leopold laughed, "We are in for an interesting evening, wouldn't you say, Otis?"
"Oh, yes sir, she is in her element tonight."
He smiled at Kate, "Be yourself. That is what Aunt Agnes will want. You have nothing to worry about, I assure you."
"She likes you, that is easy for you to say."
"And she will like you, believe me."
When they entered the dining room, all eyes were on them, Aunt Agnes held her arms out for Leopold, "My dear sweet boy, I must have a hug."
Leopold looked a little embarrassed but proceeded to hug his aunt, "Now step back, let me look at you." Leopold did as he was asked, "You look marvelously well, and I swear you are more handsome every time I lay eyes on you." She then looked past him at Kate. "And this must be Katherine. You will sit next to me, Katherine, at dinner. Leopold, you can sit next to your uncle and try to keep him in line." Leopold pulled out the chair for Kate, and he gave her a wink of reassurance, and then took the seat at the far end of the table next to Millard, who was looking extremely sheepish.
Dinner was rather quiet, which Kate thought odd. She had expected twenty questions from Leopold's aunt. But instead she smiled pleasantly and observed. When dinner was finished and they headed to the drawing room, Agnes held Kate back, "I would like to speak to my future great niece alone. The rest of you make yourself comfortable in the drawing room."
Leopold was about to speak and Agnes stopped him, "Leopold, she is perfectly safe in my hands,"
"Of course, Aunt Agnes, but I just thought you would want to speak to us together."
"And why would I want to do such a thing? I know all there is to know about you, Leopold. We have enjoyed many long intricate conversations in the past. And I know you. If I allow you to join us, Katherine will not even be able to speak, because you will speak for her."
"There you are wrong, she is perfectly capable of speaking for herself and will do so."
"So you are concerned about things she will reveal, is that is, Leopold?"
He eyed Kate and she looked a bit frightened.
"She has nothing to reveal that would concern me in the slightest, Aunt."
"Then run along and entertain your uncle and his wife and don't worry about us. I am sure we will get along splendidly."
Agnes took Kate's arm and they turned down the hallway to a doorway across the hall. Kate turned and looked at Leopold concerned, and he bit his lip, hoping everything would be fine.
Kate found herself in a small parlor room, it was warm and personal and she looked around at the portraits adorning the walls. She stopped in front of one of two young boys with two hound dogs. "That is Millard and Leopold's father Philip."
"I can see him in Leopold. He is very much like him, isn't he?"
"I suppose you could say that. Of course Leopold's upbringing was very different than Philip's. Philip's was much stricter, his father…my brother made sure Philip would grow up to fulfill his duties as a Duke. Although Millard won't admit it, he did not have the control over Leopold he would have liked once Philip died. Leopold lived in two worlds. Otis and the other servants of Balinor were as much responsible for his upbringing as was Millard and Margaret. He will never be the Duke his father or grandfather was because of that fact."
"And that's a bad thing?"
"On the contrary, that's a good thing. But we are not here to talk about Leopold. We will have to save that for another day. I have such a short time with you on this visit and the next time I will see you, you will be married to my great nephew and be the Duchess of Albany. I want to get to know you."
She sat down and motioned for Kate to sit across from her.
"I am sure Millard has already interrogated you thoroughly, so you do not have to fret, I will refrain for repeating that incident. Leopold has chosen you for his wife and Leopold is no fool. He has had more than 10 years of courting and being introduced to every available suitable woman in England, and thank god, he didn't chose any of the ghastly prospects his uncle paraded his way. When Millard informed me that he was taking Leopold to New York, to find him a wife, I was not amused. But I have been told that Millard had nothing to do with your meeting, and that pleases me." Kate looked a little puzzled. "You looked surprised. I know Millard was not thinking of Leopold, but of himself and the family's debt when he dragged him over to New York to chose a wife. And I am pleased Leopold is marrying for love, not money. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you. I don't need to know anything about you except that Leopold loves you and knows in his heart you are the right young lady to become his wife."
"I guess I am surprised, because of Uncle Millard's reaction to me, and I know the family's debt is riding on everyone's mind. I have no money."
"I know that as well. And of course the debt is a concern. But Leopold's happiness is what is of utmost importance. And I am hoping we can get to the bottom of our financial problems. With your help, I think that might be a possibility."
"I don't think I can be of any help. I am hopeless in regards to money."
"Kate, can I call you Kate. Katherine seems so formal."
"By all means, Leopold calls me Kate. I much prefer it."
"Kate, has Leopold ever talked about the family's debt to you?"
"Not really. But he seems very optimistic, that things will get better,"
"I said earlier, Leopold is no fool. But in regards to his family finances he is ignorant. He trusts Millard."
"And why shouldn't he?"
"Do you trust Millard, Kate?"
"I don't think I can really make a judgment about him as of yet. I don't really know him."
"And I don't know you, but I can see a good head on your soldiers. You are not some love struck debutante who expects becoming a duchess all parties and fancy dresses and looking elegant on her husband's arm. Leopold not only finds you beautiful, he enjoys the fact you can have a discussion with him about politics or religion or anything for that matter."
"I suppose that is true. But what you say about Millard. I don't think he would ever hurt Leopold. He loves him in his own way."
"I know he loves Leopold. But he has lied to Leopold as well. He has blamed Philip for the indebtedness. Saying he gambled away his money. Of course Leopold was a small boy and has no recollection of his father's business ventures, but I can assure you, Philip was no gambler. And how the financial situation could be getting worse year by year makes no sense. Something has been going on and before I leave this earth I have to know what it is and it has to stop."
"I really don't know how I can help."
"You can be my eyes and ears at Balinor. Watch Millard; find out what he is up to. But Leopold mustn't know."
"I can't do this. I can't lie to Leopold."
"You don't have to lie, you just don't tell him everything. This is extremely important for yours and Leopold's future and the future of your children. He could lose Balinor, if he is not careful. I feel that something terribly wrong is happening and I believe the secret lies at Balinor."
"I find all of this a bit overwhelming."
"Of course you do my dear, and I will leave it for now. You think about it. I love Leopold with all my heart. He has had a difficult childhood, being orphaned so young, but has turned out to be a magnificent young man. I would like to see one member of this family live a happy fulfilled life. Philip was taken so young in that terrible accident, and Millard has never truly been happy. He has been deeply affected by the family's financial problem and I would like to believe he is not at the bottom of it. If the truth could be found out, possibly Millard too will be able find some happiness. I can be awfully cruel to him, but I love him. Philip and Millard were like my sons. I never married, and when their mother died in childbirth having Millard, I helped their father raise them. I want to protect my family, Kate. And now you are to be a part of this family. I want to protect you as well."
"I understand how you feel about them. They are the only family you have, and their happiness is so important." She thought of Charlie and what it had been like after her parents had died. She just wanted to take care of him. "I will do what I can. I can't promise anything, but I don't want this family to lose everything either. Leopold may hate the fact he is a duke, but I know what his family means to him. And this is my family now too."
Agnes smiled at her and took her hand, "I knew the minute you walked into the dining room, you were a Mountbatten. You have the determination all the Mountbatten women have had. Leopold's mother was never one to sit back. She stood by her husband's side, but she had a mind of her own and Philip loved her for it. Margaret came into the family, not by choice and it has been harder for her, but she is a wonderful woman and I believe has given Millard some happiness. We are important to this family. Even though often the men would like to believe that is not the case."
Kate smiled, "So why didn't you ever marry?"
"I could not be tied down to any man. Of course I had many suitors in my day, and all of them anxious to take me as their wife. I am happy in this life, Kate. I can do as a please. I am not lonely. I have Millard and Leopold and my wonderful servants whose company I enjoy. And now I have a beautiful intelligent niece, who I look forward to spending time with. I think you will be good for this family, Kate."
"Leopold said I would like you."
"And?"
"I like you very much. Why don't you live at Balinor? Wouldn't it be more convenient?"
"Convenient yes, but I like things my way. I visit often. But this is my home. Millard gets on my nerves and Leopold can be overly attentive at times, and I like my space. I am happy here." She stood up, "I suppose we should join the others. Leopold looked very nervous about us spending time alone together."
"He can be overprotective."
"Oh, Yes, I can see that. But he lets you be yourself. That is a trait many men lack. They tend to mold their women into what they would like. Leopold will always let you be yourself. He is a rare man and he is yours. You are to be envied by every available woman in England."
"Believe me I know how lucky I am."
"But Kate, don't ever forget, he is also extremely lucky to have found you."
"Are we at your aunt's?" She looked around the carriage, Millard and Margaret no where to be seen, and she could see from the window it was getting dark out, "Where is everyone?"
"Inside. We have only just arrived; I just couldn't bear to wake you. You look so enchanting when you are asleep."
"So what does that mean about when I am awake, I don't look enchanting?"
"Only a woman, could take a compliment and twist it around in such a manner."
She stretched her arms and sat up, "I hope there is food. I am so hungry."
"I have been informed dinner is being served as we speak."
"Then why are we sitting out here?"
He continued gazing into her eyes, "Because I wanted to be alone with you."
"Really?"
"And once we go inside the house, my aunt Agnes will monopolize you the whole evening. I just wanted to have a few quiet minutes where I could take a deep breath and enjoy your company. The last two weeks on the ship, I was spoiled."
"We have our whole lives together, Leopold.'
He took her face in his hands and kissed her, "I am being selfish, I would like you all to myself and we could live in a remote castle, where no one could find us."
"And you would be bored."
"Not likely."
"Your family would be lost without you."
"Well, that is probably true." He smiled, cockily.
"And have you ever thought that maybe I want to give this whole Duchess thing a go. I have this incredible opportunity, to live in the past and be a part of it all. Even though I find the clothing ridiculously uncomfortable and I doubt I will ever know what is appropriate behavior and what isn't, I am not thrilled with the toilets and I am sure I will find I am going to miss a lot of the conveniences I am use to. But I want to be the Duchess of Albany and go to parties and be lady of the manor. I am not ready to run off to some remote castle and be a recluse with you, at least not yet. Give me a few weeks at least."
"I see your sense of adventure has not been lost on the journey."
"Far from it."
"I am glad to hear that."
All of a sudden they heard a noise outside the carriage, it was Otis clearing his throat to get their attention.
"Otis, what are you doing out there?"
"I am sorry to disturb you, your grace, but the elder Lady Mountbatten is becoming a bit agitated and is requesting yours and Miss McKay's presence in the dining room as soon as possible."
"In actuality you mean 10 minutes ago."
"Precisely, your grace."
Otis opened the carriage door and helped Kate out, and Leopold followed. "So, Otis, what kind of mood is my Great Aunt in?"
"She has already managed to make his lordship feel like a fool, I'm afraid. Of course he is handling it very well. He has not lost his temper, as of yet."
Leopold laughed, "We are in for an interesting evening, wouldn't you say, Otis?"
"Oh, yes sir, she is in her element tonight."
He smiled at Kate, "Be yourself. That is what Aunt Agnes will want. You have nothing to worry about, I assure you."
"She likes you, that is easy for you to say."
"And she will like you, believe me."
When they entered the dining room, all eyes were on them, Aunt Agnes held her arms out for Leopold, "My dear sweet boy, I must have a hug."
Leopold looked a little embarrassed but proceeded to hug his aunt, "Now step back, let me look at you." Leopold did as he was asked, "You look marvelously well, and I swear you are more handsome every time I lay eyes on you." She then looked past him at Kate. "And this must be Katherine. You will sit next to me, Katherine, at dinner. Leopold, you can sit next to your uncle and try to keep him in line." Leopold pulled out the chair for Kate, and he gave her a wink of reassurance, and then took the seat at the far end of the table next to Millard, who was looking extremely sheepish.
Dinner was rather quiet, which Kate thought odd. She had expected twenty questions from Leopold's aunt. But instead she smiled pleasantly and observed. When dinner was finished and they headed to the drawing room, Agnes held Kate back, "I would like to speak to my future great niece alone. The rest of you make yourself comfortable in the drawing room."
Leopold was about to speak and Agnes stopped him, "Leopold, she is perfectly safe in my hands,"
"Of course, Aunt Agnes, but I just thought you would want to speak to us together."
"And why would I want to do such a thing? I know all there is to know about you, Leopold. We have enjoyed many long intricate conversations in the past. And I know you. If I allow you to join us, Katherine will not even be able to speak, because you will speak for her."
"There you are wrong, she is perfectly capable of speaking for herself and will do so."
"So you are concerned about things she will reveal, is that is, Leopold?"
He eyed Kate and she looked a bit frightened.
"She has nothing to reveal that would concern me in the slightest, Aunt."
"Then run along and entertain your uncle and his wife and don't worry about us. I am sure we will get along splendidly."
Agnes took Kate's arm and they turned down the hallway to a doorway across the hall. Kate turned and looked at Leopold concerned, and he bit his lip, hoping everything would be fine.
Kate found herself in a small parlor room, it was warm and personal and she looked around at the portraits adorning the walls. She stopped in front of one of two young boys with two hound dogs. "That is Millard and Leopold's father Philip."
"I can see him in Leopold. He is very much like him, isn't he?"
"I suppose you could say that. Of course Leopold's upbringing was very different than Philip's. Philip's was much stricter, his father…my brother made sure Philip would grow up to fulfill his duties as a Duke. Although Millard won't admit it, he did not have the control over Leopold he would have liked once Philip died. Leopold lived in two worlds. Otis and the other servants of Balinor were as much responsible for his upbringing as was Millard and Margaret. He will never be the Duke his father or grandfather was because of that fact."
"And that's a bad thing?"
"On the contrary, that's a good thing. But we are not here to talk about Leopold. We will have to save that for another day. I have such a short time with you on this visit and the next time I will see you, you will be married to my great nephew and be the Duchess of Albany. I want to get to know you."
She sat down and motioned for Kate to sit across from her.
"I am sure Millard has already interrogated you thoroughly, so you do not have to fret, I will refrain for repeating that incident. Leopold has chosen you for his wife and Leopold is no fool. He has had more than 10 years of courting and being introduced to every available suitable woman in England, and thank god, he didn't chose any of the ghastly prospects his uncle paraded his way. When Millard informed me that he was taking Leopold to New York, to find him a wife, I was not amused. But I have been told that Millard had nothing to do with your meeting, and that pleases me." Kate looked a little puzzled. "You looked surprised. I know Millard was not thinking of Leopold, but of himself and the family's debt when he dragged him over to New York to chose a wife. And I am pleased Leopold is marrying for love, not money. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you. I don't need to know anything about you except that Leopold loves you and knows in his heart you are the right young lady to become his wife."
"I guess I am surprised, because of Uncle Millard's reaction to me, and I know the family's debt is riding on everyone's mind. I have no money."
"I know that as well. And of course the debt is a concern. But Leopold's happiness is what is of utmost importance. And I am hoping we can get to the bottom of our financial problems. With your help, I think that might be a possibility."
"I don't think I can be of any help. I am hopeless in regards to money."
"Kate, can I call you Kate. Katherine seems so formal."
"By all means, Leopold calls me Kate. I much prefer it."
"Kate, has Leopold ever talked about the family's debt to you?"
"Not really. But he seems very optimistic, that things will get better,"
"I said earlier, Leopold is no fool. But in regards to his family finances he is ignorant. He trusts Millard."
"And why shouldn't he?"
"Do you trust Millard, Kate?"
"I don't think I can really make a judgment about him as of yet. I don't really know him."
"And I don't know you, but I can see a good head on your soldiers. You are not some love struck debutante who expects becoming a duchess all parties and fancy dresses and looking elegant on her husband's arm. Leopold not only finds you beautiful, he enjoys the fact you can have a discussion with him about politics or religion or anything for that matter."
"I suppose that is true. But what you say about Millard. I don't think he would ever hurt Leopold. He loves him in his own way."
"I know he loves Leopold. But he has lied to Leopold as well. He has blamed Philip for the indebtedness. Saying he gambled away his money. Of course Leopold was a small boy and has no recollection of his father's business ventures, but I can assure you, Philip was no gambler. And how the financial situation could be getting worse year by year makes no sense. Something has been going on and before I leave this earth I have to know what it is and it has to stop."
"I really don't know how I can help."
"You can be my eyes and ears at Balinor. Watch Millard; find out what he is up to. But Leopold mustn't know."
"I can't do this. I can't lie to Leopold."
"You don't have to lie, you just don't tell him everything. This is extremely important for yours and Leopold's future and the future of your children. He could lose Balinor, if he is not careful. I feel that something terribly wrong is happening and I believe the secret lies at Balinor."
"I find all of this a bit overwhelming."
"Of course you do my dear, and I will leave it for now. You think about it. I love Leopold with all my heart. He has had a difficult childhood, being orphaned so young, but has turned out to be a magnificent young man. I would like to see one member of this family live a happy fulfilled life. Philip was taken so young in that terrible accident, and Millard has never truly been happy. He has been deeply affected by the family's financial problem and I would like to believe he is not at the bottom of it. If the truth could be found out, possibly Millard too will be able find some happiness. I can be awfully cruel to him, but I love him. Philip and Millard were like my sons. I never married, and when their mother died in childbirth having Millard, I helped their father raise them. I want to protect my family, Kate. And now you are to be a part of this family. I want to protect you as well."
"I understand how you feel about them. They are the only family you have, and their happiness is so important." She thought of Charlie and what it had been like after her parents had died. She just wanted to take care of him. "I will do what I can. I can't promise anything, but I don't want this family to lose everything either. Leopold may hate the fact he is a duke, but I know what his family means to him. And this is my family now too."
Agnes smiled at her and took her hand, "I knew the minute you walked into the dining room, you were a Mountbatten. You have the determination all the Mountbatten women have had. Leopold's mother was never one to sit back. She stood by her husband's side, but she had a mind of her own and Philip loved her for it. Margaret came into the family, not by choice and it has been harder for her, but she is a wonderful woman and I believe has given Millard some happiness. We are important to this family. Even though often the men would like to believe that is not the case."
Kate smiled, "So why didn't you ever marry?"
"I could not be tied down to any man. Of course I had many suitors in my day, and all of them anxious to take me as their wife. I am happy in this life, Kate. I can do as a please. I am not lonely. I have Millard and Leopold and my wonderful servants whose company I enjoy. And now I have a beautiful intelligent niece, who I look forward to spending time with. I think you will be good for this family, Kate."
"Leopold said I would like you."
"And?"
"I like you very much. Why don't you live at Balinor? Wouldn't it be more convenient?"
"Convenient yes, but I like things my way. I visit often. But this is my home. Millard gets on my nerves and Leopold can be overly attentive at times, and I like my space. I am happy here." She stood up, "I suppose we should join the others. Leopold looked very nervous about us spending time alone together."
"He can be overprotective."
"Oh, Yes, I can see that. But he lets you be yourself. That is a trait many men lack. They tend to mold their women into what they would like. Leopold will always let you be yourself. He is a rare man and he is yours. You are to be envied by every available woman in England."
"Believe me I know how lucky I am."
"But Kate, don't ever forget, he is also extremely lucky to have found you."
