Thank you for your reviews and favorites. Once again, a thousand thanks to my amazing betas thegladelf and mryddinwilt.
Ingrid welcomed Mary Margaret and Emma to Arendell Cottage with a degree of cordiality and affection that immediately set the sisters at ease. The cottage was a comfortably fitted building with ivy clinging to its outer walls. Emma's pianoforte and the coveted Japanese tea cabinet had been sent ahead, and were set-up in the drawing room, to which Ingrid ushered them to partake of refreshment.
"I hope your journey wasn't too fatiguing, my dears," said Ingrid, as she poured out the tea.
"It was very comfortable, thank you, ma'am," said Mary Margaret, passing a cup of tea to Emma before taking one herself.
"I'm glad to hear that. But do let us not stand on ceremony," said Ingrid. "'Cousin Ingrid' or 'cousin' will do very well."
Mary Margaret and Emma smiled. In five minutes, their cousin had managed to make them feel at home in her cottage, while a few hours with their sister-in-law had been enough to make them feel like intruders in the house where they'd always lived.
"And how are Robin and his family doing? Is his wife as grasping as ever?" Ingrid observed with a twinkle.
Emma huffed out a laugh, while Mary Margaret looked a little stunned at their cousin's candid remark.
"I was not aware that you were acquainted with Regina," said Mary Margaret, avoiding a direct answer.
"I met Regina shortly after your brother's wedding. From what I remembered, I formed the impression that you two wouldn't be happy living in Locksley with her as its mistress."
"You surmised correctly, cousin" confirmed Emma. She was beginning to like Ingrid very much.
Mary Margaret did not feel comfortable openly criticizing her sister-in-law, but she acquiesced, and expressed her gratitude to Ingrid on behalf of herself and her sister for inviting them to stay with her.
"You are too scrupulous, my dears," said Ingrid, with a wave of her hand. "You're doing me as much of a favor, if not more, by coming to live with me."
Ingrid then showed the sisters around the cottage. The ground floor consisted of a drawing room, a parlor, and a dining room, apart from the domestic quarters at the back. The second floor had two principal bedrooms—one used by Ingrid, and another one with two beds to be shared by Emma and Mary Margaret. There was a smaller bedroom which was kept empty for guests. A study and a small library completed the remaining rooms upstairs. None of the furnishings in the cottage were new, but everything was neat and orderly. Netted tablecloths and pillow-covers embroidered with brightly-colored material lent a homey atmosphere to the decor.
Emma and Mary Margaret were then introduced to the household staff. The domestics comprised of Mrs. Patmore the cook, Astrid the kitchen maid, and Ashley the housemaid. An outdoor manservant, Leroy, acted as gardener and odd-jobs man. He was tending to the small kitchen-garden behind the cottage when the three ladies stepped outside through the back door. The cottage was set on the slope of a hill close to the valley floor—and yet not so low as to be in danger of flooding during the damper months. The lush green valley stretched out in front of them, dotted prettily with wildflowers. A few clouds scudded across the blue sky, and a mild breeze blew strands of hair across their faces. Being no horse-woman, Emma enjoyed walking. She made a resolution to get plenty of exercise on the green slopes before winter set in. Ingrid pointed out a couple of neighboring estates visible from where they stood and named the resident families.
As the ladies stood looking at the serene valley, the green tableau was broken-up by the appearance of a horseman exiting the wooded hills on the other side. He rode a chestnut stallion, and Emma was struck by the elegance of the beast as its master set it galloping across the downs. Once the pair reached the valley floor, the rider eased the animal into a graceful canter and continued along the winding path set in the middle. If she had any artistic ability, Emma felt that she might have attempted to capture the scene on canvas, because the horse and its rider acted as a sort of focal point to the picturesque beauty of the valley.
"Who is that?" she asked Ingrid.
"That is Captain Killian Jones of Misthaven Abbey," Ingrid supplied.
"Misthaven Abbey?" Emma's eyes lit up. "What does it look like?"
"Is it open for visitors?" Mary Margaret chimed in.
Both girls were great readers of gothic novels like The Castle of Otranto and The Mysteries of Udolpho. Such works had given them a fondness for castles and abbeys. Their parents had taken them to visit Highclere Castle two summers ago as a special treat to celebrate the end of their formal education under a governess. It was the last time they had traveled as a family, and Emma and Mary Margaret cherished their memories of that holiday.
"It's a wonderful edifice—well-worth seeing, I assure you. But I do not believe it is open to visitors these days."
"Why ever not?" asked Emma, curious.
"Captain Jones is often away on naval campaigns, though that is likely to stop now that the war is ended. I believe the last owner left everything sadly involved, and he's had quite a job getting the affairs of the estate in order."
"He has a fine mount," said Mary Margaret, a hint of longing in her voice.
"Indeed. That animal is the envy of many a gentleman for miles around," said Ingrid. Giving a mischievous smile, she added, "Captain Jones is single."
Emma laughed out aloud. "Cousin Ingrid! We've just arrived at Arendell; are you trying to get us married off already?"
"Of course not," Ingrid replied with a smile, "but I do know that the natural order of things cannot be stopped."
"Is he one of the 'Prince Charmings' you spoke of in your letter?" asked Emma and grinned. "As a naval man, this one might turn out to be more of a corsair than a prince."
They laughed and continued to watch man and beast until they were but distant specks in the horizon.
After an early dinner, the sisters turned in for the night, and almost immediately fell asleep, both too exhausted to discuss their new home beyond confessing their relief and satisfaction at their cousin's kind reception.
Emma and Mary Margaret spent the first week after arrival adjusting to their new home and getting used to their cousin's daily routines. And for her part, Ingrid did everything to make her new charges feel comfortable and at ease. The number of servants in the cottage was very much reduced from what the girls were used to. Ingrid managed the running of the household herself, and did not employ a housekeeper or a butler. Emma could not help feeling a little cramped within the cottage, not only because she had to share a room with her sister—which they had not done since they were children, but because Arendell was much smaller than Locksley. It seemed as though ten steps were enough to get from one end of the cottage to the other. The pervasive reminders of her parents, which she had unconsciously felt at Locksley, were missing from Arendell, leaving her feeling bereft all over again. Emma could see that her sister was feeling low-spirited as well. The loss of David's society was likely to be an additional contributing factor in that, even if Mary Margaret did not openly acknowledge it.
One or two neighbors stopped by on brief morning visits, eager to take a look at Miss White's young relations and welcome them to Misthaven. The neighborhood was not a very large one, and any new addition was considered an improvement. Even more so, when the Miss Blanchards were found to be so young, lovely, and accomplished. Among the earliest visitors were Mrs. Lucas of Lucas Park, and her young, married granddaughter, Ruby Whale. Mrs. Lucas was a shrewd, kind, elderly woman, with somewhat of a propensity for gossip. Ruby was tall and pretty-looking with dark hair and green eyes. She was about the same age as Emma and Mary Margaret. The young women were pleased to make each other's acquaintance. Ruby's husband was a physician of some eminence in London and his services were highly sought-after among the nobility and aristocracy. On account of his professional obligations, the newly married couple were on but a short visit to Misthaven and due to return to London at the end of the following week. As for Mrs. Lucas, she was delighted to have two single young women to match-make for, now that her own granddaughter was married and settled. She invited them to dine at her residence before Ruby and her husband left for London.
On the day of their dinner engagement at Lucas Park, Mrs. Lucas's carriage arrived at a quarter to four to fetch the ladies of Arendell cottage. Emma had dressed for the occasion with no great expectation of pleasure. She and her sister had not been in mixed company since their parents had died and were still in deep mourning, which had initially made them a little reluctant to accept Mrs. Lucas's kind invitation. However, the kindly old lady had reassured them that it was to be only a small party of friends, and the sisters had felt obliged to accept upon Ingrid's added persuasion. Emma had put on a simple evening dress of dark green muslin without any ornamentation except for a thin gold chain around her neck. Mary Margaret was dressed in dark blue, and they both wore black armbands as a sign of mourning.
Lucas Park was an old-fashioned manor house, large and rambling, and the interior was likewise furnished in the style of fifty years ago. Ornate chandeliers hung from gilded ceilings and long-dead Lucases with severe expressions frowned down upon the visitors from portraits that adorned the walls. Mrs. Lucas and Ruby rose to receive them when they entered the drawing room. The Blanchards were introduced to Ruby's husband, Dr. Victor Whale, a modishly-dressed, distinguished looking gentleman with a touch of superciliousness in his manner.
"We're only waiting for two more guests to arrive," said Ruby, after the introductions had been completed. "Mrs. Gould and Captain Jones."
Even as she spoke, the door was thrown open, and the aforementioned twosome were announced into the room.
Ever since the day she had caught a glimpse of Captain Jones galloping down the valley, Emma had been curious to meet the man. Therefore, she eagerly turned to look at the new arrivals.
Captain Jones was an impeccably turned-out gentleman in his early-thirties, who evidently subscribed to the elegant sartorial style of the king of fashion, "Beau" Brummell. The captain was dressed in an exquisitely cut suit of dark blue, a striped waistcoat of pale cream, and ankle-length buff-colored pantaloons that molded to his muscular thighs. His feet were enclosed in polished leather shoes, and a single fob dangled from his waist. The effect was completed by a neatly-arranged cerulean neck-cloth. His clothes signaled him to be a man of both fashion and taste, without the excess of fripperies that would have rendered a less well-judging younger man of fashionable high society—otherwise known as the ton—liable to the charge of being called a "dandy" (even Dr. Whale had a few too many fobs and seals dangling from his person). Captain Jones flirted on the borderline of dandyism in his choice of jewelry, perhaps, as he wore several rings on his fingers. However, he carried them with panache.
Emma and Mary Margaret rose as Mrs. Lucas made the introductions.
"Miss Blanchard, Miss Emma, may I present to you Capitan Jones of Misthaven Abbey?"
Captain Jones made a bow to Mary Margaret and turned to Emma. Their eyes met. A thrill coursed through Emma at the dazzling Irish blue of his eyes, beautifully framed by dark eyelashes. He bowed slowly, holding her gaze. Emma just barely remembered to curtsy.
"And this is Mrs. Gould of French Lodge," Mrs. Lucas continued, introducing them next to a petite brunette dressed in yellow, who looked to be in her thirties.
The dinner gong was struck and Mrs. Lucas rose and lead the way to the dining room. Captain Jones, who had been just ahead of Emma, pulled out a chair for her. Emma sat down with a muttered "thank you" as he took his seat in the chair next to hers.
When the soup and fish had been served, Mrs. Lucas set the conversational ball rolling. "Miss Blanchard, how do you and your sister like Devonshire? Quite a change from Sussex, I warrant."
Mary Margaret replied, "We like it very well, Mrs. Lucas, thank you."
"We've never lived so close to the sea before. It's wonderful!" said Emma.
"Have you been down to the seashore?" Captain Jones asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"No, but I've walked up to the summit of hill directly across the valley from Arendell cottage, and there is a fine view of the ocean from the top."
"That must have been quite the hike!" Belle Gould exclaimed.
"A little. But I enjoyed it," Emma replied, with a shrug. "And the view was well worth the exertion."
"If you're fond of walking," said Ruby, "there are several fine trails in the neighborhood, and they're all quite safe. I spent half my childhood running around in those woods."
"Don't I know it," said Mrs. Lucas. The affectionate glance she threw at her granddaughter belied the long-suffering tone of her statement.
"If you're interested in old English architecture, there are several old castles in these parts that are worth exploring," said Belle. "Rougemont Castle, about ten miles from here, dates back to the time of William the Conqueror."
Everyone chipped in with various suggestions of natural and man-made beauties in and around the area that were worth seeing. A brief interruption took place when the first course was brought in and conversation resumed once all the dishes had been placed in their rightful spots on the table.
"I wish we could stay longer and explore the country hereabouts with the Miss Blanchards. I haven't seen many of the local attractions myself!" said Ruby. Turning to her husband, she added playfully, "My love, can't you let one or two of your patients die while we extend our visit?"
"I wish I could, my dear," Dr. Whale replied, smiling, as he expertly carved the roast. "But I fear I wouldn't have any patients to get back to if we were to linger."
"Speaking of local attractions," Mrs. Lucas began, "how are the improvements to the Abbey coming along, Captain?"
"Very well, Mrs. Lucas," he replied. "I expect them to be completed before the winter sets in."
Captain Jones carved the partridge before him and offered it to Mrs. Lucas and Emma. Emma noticed that he was holding his left hand a little stiffly, and had not taken the glove off the hand. She wondered if he had been injured in the war.
"I haven't stepped inside the Abbey in years. I would love to see what has been done to it," Mrs. Lucas said wistfully. "The Abbey boasts of some of the finest old architecture I've come across. Parts of it date back to the twelfth century, I believe."
"Emma and Mary Margaret are particularly interested in seeing the Abbey as well," put in Ingrid, much to Emma's embarrassment.
"I did not think Misthaven Abbey was so popular as to merit such general interest," said Captain Jones, amusement lacing his tone. "I have to return to London shortly. However, I shall be back mid-September, and I would be very happy to arrange a tour of the Abbey for all the present company."
This offer was met with general approbation and gratitude.
After a brief lull in the conversation, Ingrid said, "Now that the war's over, I trust we can expect some peace and quiet to return to England at last."
"As long as Bonaparte doesn't escape again," said Belle.
"That's unlikely," Dr. Whale announced pompously. "The allies will make sure they're not twice made fools of by this man."
There was a quick curl of the lip that Captain Jones hid behind his wine-glass.
Addressing the captain, Ruby asked, "Is there a chance you might be sent back to the West Indies now?"
"Come, my love! You cannot expect the captain to reveal grand naval plans to us commoners," admonished her husband.
Captain Jones gave a slight smile. "I do not think so, but, we shall see, I suppose."
"But you do not wish to return, do you?" asked Emma.
Captain Jones turned a startled face to her. Emma did not know what had made her say it, but some instinct or perhaps a slight tightening in the set of his shoulders had given her that impression.
"Perhaps I do not," he said after a moment, his eyes boring into hers. Once again, Emma felt a rush of thrill surge through her at the intensity of the expression in his beautiful blue eyes.
"Why not?" asked Emma, unable to let go of the subject.
He took a sip of wine. "Perhaps I wish to play the role of indolent landowner for a while." He spoke lightly but there was a shuttered expression in his eyes.
After dessert had been served and partaken, Mrs. Lucas rose from the table, signaling it was time for the ladies to leave the dining room to the men and their port wine.
"I hear you play the pianoforte, Miss Emma," said Belle, adding honey to a cup of tea and stirring it with a spoon, when the women had gathered back in the drawing room.
Emma assented.
"We would love to hear you play for us," said Ruby.
"I would be very happy to do so," Emma replied with a smile.
"I'm so glad to hear that you are musically talented, Miss Emma," said Belle. "I'm extremely fond of music, but I don't play the piano myself. And ever since Ruby got married and left for London, I've barely heard anyone play the piano or sing."
Ruby was showing Emma the sheet music collection at the Park when the men walked into the room, Dr. Whale making a beeline for his wife.
"Have you gentlemen done discussing all the great affairs of state, and now are come to get your share of lesser matters from the women-folk?" teased Ruby.
"Nay, my love. I came to entreat you to indulge us with some music," said her husband, sitting down beside Ruby and pressing a kiss to her hand.
Ruby grinned. "How can I refuse such shameless flattery? However, I'm very eager to hear Miss Emma play first." Turning to Emma, she begged her to lead, who assented with proper grace.
The instrument at Lucas Park was a grand piano, and as such, a much better one than Emma's compact forte piano. She chose a sonata by Marianne von Martinez for her performance. Emma had a sweet singing voice and accompanied herself very well while playing. All were enthusiastic in their praise when she was done. Emma's eyes automatically went to Captain Jones, and found him watching her with curious intensity. Emma then relinquished the piano to Ruby.
Two whist tables were set up after Ruby's performance. Emma ended up in one with Mrs. Lucas, Captain Jones, and Ruby, while the other four made up the second table.
"I heard you've found a curate for the Misthaven rectory, Captain," Mrs. Lucas remarked once the cards had been dealt with, and there was a bit of a lull in the play.
"You are very well-informed, ma'am," Captain Jones replied with a wry smile. "He arrives tomorrow."
"Indeed! What is his name? Where is he from?"
"His name is August Booth. His family comes from the north, I believe."
"He's from the north, is he?" said Mrs. Lucas. "I do not know anybody from that part of the country."
"Dr. Hopper says he knew Mr. Booth's father well. I daresay he'll turn out to be quite adequate as a curate," replied the captain carelessly.
"Hmm…I'm curious to see how this northerner preaches," said Mrs. Lucas. She tended to be a tad suspicious of anyone who came from up north. Or outside Devonshire, really. She added, "A curate is all well and good for now. But Captain, you may need to look for a new rector as well. I hear Dr. Stone is doing very poorly."
"Granny!" protested Ruby, laughing.
"Who is Dr. Stone?" asked Emma.
"He is the Misthaven rector," Ruby explained. "He's been ailing for some time, and was ordered to Bath by his physician to try the healing waters. Poor Dr. Stone! I hope he gets better soon."
"I'm just being realistic, my dear," said Mrs. Lucas, unabashed. "If you're holding out for a good offer, Captain, all I say is you had better find someone soon, or you may lose the opportunity to do so."
"I'll take it under advisement, ma'am," said Captain Jones, smiling at the older woman.
The next two sets of tricks were taken by Emma and Ruby.
"I wish you didn't have to go back to London so soon, my dear," Mrs. Lucas said after a pause. "Perhaps you can persuade that husband of yours to come back for some fox-hunting in November?"
"I shall try, Granny. But if I cannot, you'll have to come and visit us in London," said Ruby.
"You know how I hate the city!" Mrs. Lucas made a dismissive gesture, as though trying to wish London out of existence.
"I know, Granny!" said Ruby, reached leaning over and giving her grandmother an affectionate half-hug. "But I'll make everything comfortable for you and just as you like it."
"Well, well…we shall see," said Mrs. Lucas, patting Ruby's shoulder. "I suppose I'm to just let everything get to sixes and sevens here while I'm gallivanting about in London."
As Ruby and Mrs. Lucas continued their affectionate bickering, Captain Jones leant forward slightly towards Emma and said in a low voice, "Your performance on the piano was excellent, Miss Emma."
Emma thanked him.
"I had not expected anyone so young to be acquainted with the music of von Martinez, let alone play it with such passion," Captain Jones stated.
"Indeed," Emma replied, unsure if he had meant that remark as a compliment, or if she ought to take offense at his implication that she would not be aware of von Martinez's compositions. "Do you play the piano yourself, sir?"
"I used to," said Captain Jones, with a brief glance at his left hand. Shaking his head a little, he continued, "May I ask why you chose to play that particular piece?"
Emma gave a half-smile. "Rather than a popular Scotch or Irish air?" Captain Jones arched his brow, silently waiting for her to reply. Emma paused for a few moments while she debated whether or not to answer him. Making her decision to answer him—after all, what would be the harm in it—she said, "I'm most used to playing on a pianoforte rather than a grand piano. If I'm playing on an unfamiliar instrument, I find that choosing a complex piece of music helps me to concentrate better on my fingering and footwork."
"Most people would've chosen to play something simpler for the reason you give."
"You think I took a foolish risk, then?"
"While singing too?" he asked skeptically. "Did that also help you to concentrate?"
"The singing was to cover any mistakes in my execution," said Emma with a mischievous smile, taking the trick in that round.
Captain Jones threw his head back and laughed. "You are quite full of surprises, Miss Emma!" he said, recovering himself, his eyes sparkling in mirth.
Mrs. Lucas peered at the two of them suspiciously. The game over, Ruby counted out the total number of tricks between the two teams, and made a celebratory gesture. "Hah! Emma and I won!"
The other table also having concluded their game, there was a bit of shuffle among the players. Emma and Mrs. Lucas changed places with Belle and Dr. Whale at the second table.
"It pleases me to see Mrs. Whale so happy and well-settled, my dear Mrs. Lucas," said Ingrid, with a glance at Ruby. "That must be such a comfort to you!"
"It is indeed, Miss White," Mrs. Lucas replied. "For a time, I was afraid she would never get married, the way she used to turn up her nose at every suitor."
Emma bit her lip to hide a smile, which, unfortunately, Mrs. Lucas caught. The older lady narrowed her eyes and said, "I suspect you are a picky one too, eh, Miss Emma?"
"There's nothing wrong with having certain requirements, is there, Mrs. Lucas?" Emma replied with a grin.
"Be careful dear, those that are the pickiest fall the hardest, as they say!" said Mrs. Lucas. Giving her a sly look and gesturing with her elbow to where Captain Jones was sitting at the other table, she added, "That one is well worth setting his cap at. He would do very well for either you or your sister."
"My sister and I were not brought up to the trade of 'setting our caps' at anyone, ma'am," said Emma, exasperated that everyone seemed to be trying to matchmake her and Mary Margaret with Captain Jones just because he was a single man in possession of a good fortune.
Mrs. Lucas was undaunted by the remark. "My dear child, you may quarrel with my turn of phrase, but that doesn't make it any the less true! He's a little older than the two of you, perhaps, but that doesn't signify in the least," she declared. Glancing at the other table to make sure they were out of earshot, she added in a lower register, "There was a twenty-year difference between Mrs. Gould and her late husband, the previous owner of Misthaven Abbey, and they were as happy as any couple could be."
"Perhaps the fact that he has remained unmarried for so long is because he doesn't want to get married," said Mary Margaret, trying unsuccessfully to stop the direction the conversation had taken.
Mrs. Lucas rolled her eyes. "Why wouldn't he want to? At thirty-two, he's at the prime of his life. He does have his ward living at the Abbey during the holidays," she continued, "but she's a quiet creature, and gives little trouble, from all I hear."
"His ward?" asked Emma.
"Aye," said Mrs. Lucas, nodding her head. "A lass of fourteen—nay—fifteen. Wendy's her name. He's brought her up these four years."
"She is his niece or cousin," said Ingrid, taking a delicate sip from her teacup. "He took on her charge after the death of her parents, I believe."
Mrs. Lucas ducked her head and whispered. "That may well be the case. But the lass looks so much like him, I couldn't help suspecting a much closer connection."
"Her being his niece would explain the resemblance, without the need for anything more," said Ingrid, mildly.
"I daresay you're right," Mrs. Lucas conceded. "But him being a naval man, I couldn't help wondering…"
"My dear Mrs. Lucas!" said Ingrid.
The party broke up soon after. Captain Jones offered to take Ingrid and the Miss Blanchards home in his carriage along with Belle. Even though the coach was large enough to seat all of them, he chose to ride on the box with the coachman, leaving the ladies more room to sit comfortably within.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I would love to hear your thoughts. Don't forget to check-out captainswanandclintasha's lovely picset for the first two chapters on tumblr.