|
Nicholas has spent his day remembering the first time he saw Althia and the emotions it created, feeling restless and anticipating this evening. Althia is not any calmer.
A walk having no effect on her concentration, Althia decided that she would put her nervous energy to use and work in the garden. She entered the house and told Humphrey of her plans. He went to gather the equipment and supplies while she changed into something more suitable for the work. She walked to her bureau and selected a plain white linen dress and covered it with a simple frock, complaining inwardly that it would be so much easier to work in the garden if she could just wear a shirt and pants like Humphrey, but seeing as she didn't own any, she just sighed and picked out her work shoes. Althia pinned the straw hat to keep it in place and tied the strings under her chin as she went back downstairs and through the dining room and kitchen to the back of the house. Humphrey waited for her there and followed her out to the garden, which started a few yards from the house.
Althia began by looking over the preparation work they had done last month. The pair had tilled the areas for replanting and identified areas for trimming. She now directed Humphrey to begin pruning some of the bushes and shrubs as she began the planting nearby. Seedlings and bulbs were already prepared, waiting in a tray, as she gingerly took one out and dug a hole for its transplant. Steadily and quietly, the two worked until Humphrey broke the silence.
"The Captain is quite a young man, wouldn't you agree, miss?"
Althia didn't stop or look up from her work. "I suppose so, Humphrey."
"Just last evening he was telling me the most amazing stories about life on the sea." He slyly shot a look at Althia while he continued to work.
"He does have a penchant for stories." She continued to dig into the ground, but in a more agitated manner.
Humphrey continued, "And a naval Captain. I should think he would enjoy a tour of the Blue Room when he is of more health."
"Yes, I suppose he would." She dropped her trowel and brushed the dirt off of her hands. She stood, smoothed her frock and looked up at him. "Just what are you hinting at, Humphrey?"
"Nothing, miss." Humphrey attempted to dismiss the question and get back to his work. "I am only suggesting that we try to make our guest feel as comfortable as possible while he is here."
"Indeed," agreed Althia as she made her way over to him. "And do you feel that he is not comfortable?"
"Not at all, miss. I, well..." He searched for the right words as he stopped trimming and looked at her. "We are all aware of your aversion to persons of the male species. I only hope that you do not react so strongly to this one."
"My dear Humphrey." She smiled at the older man. "I promise to be on my best behavior," she held her hand over her heart, "But don't go getting any lofty ideas in your head. The man in question is married and has a child and I am perfectly content here with the only man who could make me happy," she teased as she held out her hand to him.
He took it in his own. "You know that I only want your happiness, miss. You know that my dear Rose and I always thought of you as our own daughter."
"I do indeed. And the feeling is mutual. Now, let's get this finished and get inside for dinner." She squeezed his hand and then returned to her planting, half laughing to herself that, after all these years, Humphrey would be trying to play matchmaker. What curse was Captain Metcalf vexing on everyone in the house?
At last the chimes rang out five o'clock. Althia had come back inside, washed and changed. When Humphrey had stopped by to check on Nicholas, he had requested a second chair be brought into the room. Humphrey did so and then, with his help, Nicholas painfully stood and tucked his shirt in. He wore a set of John's clothes, which were much too large for Nicholas, but he was determined to make the best of what he had. Temporarily satisfied, he had Humphrey help him into the chair and he sat there waiting for her to join him. He finally requested Humphrey close the door as he left.
Althia descended the stairs nervously. She reached the bottom of the staircase with book in hand and took a deep breath. What was it about this man that made her react in such a way? It was just a simple discourse with a man; so why did her cheeks burn? Althia fanned herself with her book as she made her way to the room.
Nicholas couldn't remember the last time he felt so nervous. It was just a simple discourse; so why did his cheeks burn? He tried to cool down by fanning himself with his book when he heard the knock at the door. He quickly set the book down and took a deep breath. He then cleared his throat and, as calmly as possible announced, "Come in."
Althia pushed the door back and entered the room. Her eyes went immediately to the bed, but he was not there. She quickly glanced around the room and saw two chairs set up to her left, with Nicholas sitting in one of them near the corner of the fireplace. He smiled and looked a bit flush, but it was difficult to tell in the firelight. He motioned for her to come and occupy the other. Slightly stunned, knowing the difficult time he had this morning sitting up, she slowly made her way to the other chair.
"Good evening, Lady Shevington. I trust you had a pleasant day?" Nicholas greeted as she sat down.
"Yes, I did, thank you. I spent a part of my time in the garden. How did you...?"
"I felt it only fair that we approach this discourse as equals. Would you agree?" A small smile crept onto his face.
"Yes, of course, I just meant, this morning, you..." Althia tripped over her words. If this was how she was going to be the entire evening, a discourse would be out of the question. She scolded herself for not being able to form a complete sentence.
"Yes, well, I had a bit of help from Humphrey. This does not displease you, does it?" Nicholas clenched his book tighter to keep from becoming excitable. She was floundering and he could sense it.
"No, no, of course not. No, it will be fine. As long as you are not in any pain." She commanded herself to concentrate on the task at hand.
"Nothing that is too unpleasant, I assure you."
"Shall we begin, then?" She opened her book and tried to focus on the words in front of her, but they all seemed to be written in another language.
Nicholas couldn't remember a single poem he tried to read today and wanted nothing to do with a discourse concerning them. "I should like to hear more about your garden first, if I may?"
Althia gratefully accepted the distraction. "I am not sure that there is much to tell. Humphrey and I have worked on it since my parents' deaths. We started with a few rose bushes in their honor and have since added a number of shrubs, trees, and flowers of various kinds. It has grown into something very lovely."
"Of that I have no doubt. But tell me, Lady Shevington, however do you get anything to grow in the soil of Plymouth?" He turned in his chair slightly to get a better look at her. Nicholas rested his elbow on the arm of the chair, with his chin on his thumb and index finger on his cheek as if mulling over an idea.
"I admit, it was quite difficult at first. You can imagine how rocky and sandy the ground is here, being so close to the shore. Luckily at this height, the sand isn't as much of a problem as the rocks are. Many an afternoon was spent just digging around and removing them. Once we cleared out an area, we were able to till and fertilize the area and John was able to secure additional soil for us from Willow Creek, which we added. Once we completed the preliminary field work, the care and upkeep has been rather enjoyable."
"Full of silver bells, cockleshells and pretty maids in a row, I suppose?" teased Nicholas as he gave her a wink.
"On the contrary, Captain Metcalf, the garden has a number of locust trees, daisies, gladiolus, lilies, cowslip, heather, and tulips. This afternoon I worked on new beds for carnations and orchids." Althia looked at him confident of her work and explanation. She detected a hint of respect and admiration in his eyes and she quickly looked down at her book.
"It sounds beautiful, Lady Shevington. I shall enjoy walking through it and being informed on the meanings and species of flowers present." His voice was low and honeyed.
Althia didn't know if it was the fire or his voice that was causing her to feel drowsy. She sat up straighter in her chair to try and force herself to keep alert. "For that, I am afraid Humphrey would make a better guide than I would. I have learned everything I know from him and it was his design and decisions that have made the garden what it is today."
Nicholas dropped his arm and tried to match her physical demeanor. "There are few people who would admit to their servants' abilities and expertise."
"I would be lying and unfair if I did not," Althia relaxed slightly as she explained. "Humphrey has kept this house and myself in line for over thirty years. His wife Rose was one of the best cooks in the entire county and a woman with a heart of gold. Unfortunately she passed on two winters ago. Their son John is a natural with animals, especially horses. He has taught me practically everything I know and he had very little formal training. Many estates in Plymouth respect his knowledge and manner with horses, which is why Sir Langston was so insistent that I send John to him to help with the mares. Jane is a prompt and efficient maid and now cook and I have never had a day of trouble with her."
"Until today," Nicholas corrected.
Althia looked down and gave a half smile as she looked back up. "Yes, until today, Captain Metcalf." She paused for a moment and then added, "I should like to hear the story that caused Jane to so easily forget her appointed duties."
It was Nicholas' turn to look down and give a half laugh. "I am afraid that the story you mention is intended only for ears of a lower station than yourself." He looked at her to see what her response would be.
"That is most unfortunate. By the response I heard, the story is most jovial."
Nicholas chuckled. "That it is my dear Lady Shevington. But, perhaps you would be interested in a story of the same vein. Once, when we were stationed in the Caribbean..."
For the rest of the evening, Nicholas entertained Althia with stories of life on the open seas. Even though Althia tried her best to contain her enthusiasm and enjoyment, Nicholas could see the delight sparkle in her eyes. All too quickly the clock rang out ten. Humphrey appeared in the doorway with candelabra in hand.
"I am preparing to retire, miss. Would you like me to escort you to your room?"
"Yes, Humphrey, thank you." Althia stood and moved next to Nicholas' chair. "I want to thank you for the pleasant discourse."
Nicholas reached out for her soft hand and brought it gently to his lips. "The pleasure was all mine, Lady Shevington. I wish for you only the most pleasant of dreams." He released her hand slowly.
"Thank you, Captain Metcalf. Good night." Althia turned and made her way out of the room.
"I shall return shortly to assist you, Captain," Humphrey announced as Althia walked past him.
"Of course, Humphrey. Do not rush on my account." Nicholas leaned back in his chair savoring the evening and the feel of her skin in his hands. A lopsided grin planted itself on his face.
Humphrey stood at the bottom of the staircase as Althia made her way up the stairs. "I trust you had a pleasant evening with the Captain, miss?"
Althia turned around on the stair halfway up. She thought for a moment and then answered, "Yes, Humphrey. It, in fact, was a pleasant evening. Good night." She turned back and proceeded to her room.
"Indeed, miss, good night," he replied, unsure whether he should be happy or concerned for his dear mistress.
©2002 StoriesByEmail.com
|
