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Nicholas and Althia are both in London for a wedding.
But, it's unclear just who will be the bride and groom.
Nicholas strolled down the streets of London, taking
in the sights around him. It had been many years since he had been here and
nothing looked as he remembered. Every corner was a flurry of activity; people
running, shouting, and clamoring everywhere. No one seemed to be influenced by
his naval uniform; instead they just saw one more obstacle to get past on their
way to wherever they were going. He decided to pause for a moment near a
dressmaker's shop.
"Oh Althia, this one is perfect for you!"
Cordelia remarked, pointing out another pattern.
"That is what you said about the last four. We
really need to be getting back to Margaret's before she sends out the Royal
Guard after us."
"Yes, we cannot let poor Margaret squirm and
worry, can we?" Cordelia's sarcasm dripped with every word. The counter
girl handed Althia the wrapped dress. Both women then made their way to the
door.
"I still think that last one would be perfect for
you," Cordelia remarked as she opened the door.
The jingling of the bells from the dressmaker's door
caught Nicholas' attention. Two women were coming out. He couldn't see the one,
but he recognized the other as Cordelia.
"Lord Harrington will just love you in that
wedding dress, Althia," teased Cordelia.
Nicholas straightened as his heart fell. The women
began walking in the other direction.
"Enough, Cordelia. We have got to get back in
time for the wedding reception this evening."
Both women continued their conversation, but Nicholas
could no longer hear them. So, Althia had found someone else and planned to wed.
Should he be so surprised? She had moved on and now he should do the noble thing
and step aside, letting her forge ahead with someone else. Unfortunately, he did
not feel like being noble. He had to know for himself if all was lost. He
immediately started back for the hotel to prepare for this evening.
Cordelia rapped on Althia's door. "Are you
finished yet, Althia? The carriage is on its way."
"One moment, Cordelia," Althia answered. She
reached up and patted her head once more to ensure that every hair was in place.
The Chanceler's beautician had done a magnificent job. Althia's hair was curled
and pinned into place, her makeup painted on just so. Her new violet dress
shimmered against her skin while the amethyst earrings and necklace, on loan
from Lady Chanceler, sparkled around her. Everything looks perfect, she
contemplated, So why does it feel so horribly wrong? I do not feel like myself;
I feel like a carbon copy of Cordelia.
"Althia, we must leave now. The carriage is
here." Cordelia's imploring broke her thoughts. Althia hurriedly grabbed
her shawl and made her way downstairs.
The reception was located not far from the Chanceler's
home. A light mist fell from the skies as the women's carriage pulled up to the
front door. Two servants stepped forward to help the three women out and into
the house. There seemed to be flowers everywhere and Althia drunk in the
fragrance, reminding her of her beautiful garden at Hindrake. She immediately
felt a twinge of homesickness. It would feel good to get back home and back to
living.
Lord Harrington soon appeared next to Althia.
"Lady Shevington, how lovely to see you again." Lord Harrington looked
to be nearing fifty. He was affable enough, but there was nothing extraordinary
or outstanding about him. He wore a dark suit, with a purple vest and cravat. No
wonder Lady Chanceler was so insistent on knowing what I was wearing. "I do
hope this day finds you in pleasant health, Lady Shevington."
"Lord Harrington, how delightful to see you. I am
most well; thank you for asking." Althia turned on the charm as Lord
Harrington escorted her to her seat. It did seem to make the evening more
interesting than just standing against the wall. And knowing that she was in
control of the situation caused her to feel less anxious. It was all just a game
now; one she was mastering quickly.
Nicholas entered the room and was soon immersed in the
floral fragrance. He could no more stop his sense of smell than the memories the
scents evoked. He somehow waded through both and entered the dining room. He
scanned the faces, recognizing the Chancelers and then, seeing her, his heart
stopped. She looked stunning-- laughing and gently patting the arm of the man
seated next to her. Nicholas surmised that he must be her betrothed. Every part
of his body screamed for him to do something. As casually as possible, he walked
over to her.
"Why, Captain Metcalf, what a pleasant
surprise!" Cordelia's voice rang out. She stopped him a few feet from the
table.
At the sound of his name, Althia's head shot up and
all color drained from her face.
"Lady Vaughn, I trust that everything is well
with you and your family?" He bowed to her as she curtsied.
"Lady Shevington, is something the matter?"
Lord Harrington asked, concerned. Althia sat frozen.
Nicholas stood and looked past Cordelia to Althia.
Their eyes locked for a moment.
"You must come and be my dinner companion,
Captain Metcalf. My husband was unable to attend due to business and I would
hate to spend the evening alone." Cordelia batted her eyelashes at him as
she wound her arm around his.
Althia blinked and shook her head slightly as she
returned to reality. "Umm, yes, yes, of course, Lord Harrington, I am fine.
I just thought I saw someone I once knew." She turned and smiled at him.
"It's Nicholas, please." He didn't feel like
explaining what happened to Cordelia unless he absolutely had to. "And I
would be delighted to accompany you this evening." He looked back at Althia,
smiling slightly and nodding as he led Cordelia to her seat.
"Tell me more about Hindrake, Lady Shevington. It
sounds like a charming place," Lord Harrington inquired. Althia did her
best not to look in Nicholas' direction.
"Splendid! I'll tell them to prepare a place for
you." Cordelia patted his arm and then left to notify the staff of the
change in seating arraignments.
"I am afraid I have already told you most
everything, Lord Harrington. This time of year, the grasses have already started
preparing for winter and the ocean becomes more rough." The servants moving
chairs around distracted Althia. She became even more distracted when Nicholas
and Cordelia came to sit down--directly across from her. She and Lord Harrington
stood to greet them.
"Look who the sea brought to shore, Althia! You
remember Captain Metcalf, do you not?" Cordelia glowed next to her
"find."
"I...uh...yes, of course. Captain,"
stammered Althia. She chided herself for reacting so flustered.
"Lady Shevington, how pleasant to see you again.
You are looking quite well, I must say. I trust everything is well at Hindrake?"
They bowed and curtsied to each other. Nicholas smiled, but his eyes bored into
Althia's. He could detect only the faint glimmering of life behind the façade
and emptiness.
Althia desperately tried to look everywhere but at his
gaze. "Yes, everyone is fine, thank you." She began to fan herself.
"Lord Harrington, may I introduce Captain
Nicholas Metcalf of His Majesty's Royal Navy." The men bowed to each other
and then everyone took their seats.
"Have you been to Hindrake, Captain? I say, I
cannot get Lady Shevington to divulge much about it," Lord Harrington
inquired.
"It is Nicholas, please. And yes, I had the
pleasure of spending a few weeks there this spring." He spoke to Lord
Harrington, but his gaze never left Althia who deliberately attempted to avoid
it.
"I should very much like to see it for myself. If
it is half as lovely as the mistress, I should think I would enjoy it
immensely." Althia turned to Lord Harrington who smiled broadly at her. She
smiled slightly and then returned to studying her silverware.
Cordelia piped up. "I do not think Hindrake is
all that impressive. Nicholas, you should come to my home the next time you are
in Plymouth." Her hand encircled his arm again. "I should think you
would find it much more to your liking," she stated coyly as Nicholas
finally looked over to meet her gaze.
Althia raised her fan again and began to wave it
rapidly. What did Cordelia think she was doing? He knew she was married, but he
didn't seem uncomfortable with her actions in the least. Of course not! her
inner voice replied. He was more than ready to start an affair with you. Why
would it be any different with Cordelia? All of the feelings of hurt, anger, and
separation returned. I'll show him.
"You are too kind, Lord Harrington," Althia
purred, resting her hand on his arm. "Hindrake may be a bit more simple in
nature, but it is that simplicity which provides its charm."
Nicholas could feel the uniform tighten around his
neck as he clenched his teeth. She seemed so willing to forget everything that
they had felt and shared for this...this sorry excuse for a man. Two can play
this game.
"Indeed, Lord Harrington. You must prefer the
rustic, dilapidated look." Nicholas derided.
"Well...I..." Lord Harrington seemed at a
loss for how to reply.
"Hindrake is most stable and well taken care
of," Althia defended herself and her home. "I try to limit the amount
of putrescence brought in from the ocean." She looked directly at Nicholas.
Nicholas laughed. "As well you should. Of course,
living alone for so long, it comes as no surprise to see parts sagging and
weather-beaten."
"Nicholas..." Cordelia didn't know whether
to laugh or feel offended for Althia.
Althia closed her fan with a jerk of her wrist.
"Yes, there may be parts that need work, but it is true and honorable and
would never trifle with a woman's feelings for sport." Both knew they were
no longer talking about the house.
Nicholas caught her shooting daggers with her eyes and
was pleased that there was now a sparkle of life in them. He wavered for a
moment and then crossed the line.
"Lord Harrington, is that not just like a house?
Despite how much you care for it, it wastes no time prostituting itself to the
highest bidder."
Althia caught his "hidden" message loud and
clear. She wasted no time picking up her wineglass and tossing its contents
across the table. Most of the wine hit her intended target, while some spilled
on Cordelia and the man sitting next to Nicholas.
"Althia!" Cordelia screeched. The rest of
the room immediately went silent as all attention was focused on the foursome.
Nicholas forced a laugh as he wiped wine from his face
with his napkin. "Thank you, Lady Shevington. I needed that." He moved
back and prepared to stand. "I extend to you and Lord Harrington best
wishes on your upcoming nuptials. Lady Vaughn." Nicholas bowed and then
exited the room.
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