Page 20 of Mistress of Misfortune

The same was true of Thorne, isolating himself from others because he had been too long away from England. He had endured much while serving king and country, Meredith guessed, and wished to put it all behind him. She could help him adjust to his new situation in life and, with Percival’s help, introduce him to their neighbors and friends. While she might be doomed to ending a spinster, Meredith hoped someday soon to see him married.

In fact, she would do everything in her power to help him find a good and loving wife.

* * *

Although Meredith seemedunaware that she was forming an attachment to Alistair Thorne, Lucetta decided to keep silent on the matter. She had no right to interfere, nor did she wish to shatter her young cousin’s dreams.

She knew that Meredith had yet to understand that the heart played almost no role in securing an appropriate match. While he might indulge her cousin’s adoration for his decrepit house, Thorne would soon have to find a wife suited to his situation in life. His wealth and good looks would draw the attention of every unattached heiress in the shire. Although regarded as reputable, the Starlings had only modest connections. Their limited income came from their estate, which had been long ago entailed. Likely Meredith’s pretty face and sweet disposition would be her only dowry.

Romantic disappointment loomed ahead for her young cousin; hastening its arrival would be cruel.

Lucetta felt rather cross with herself for agreeing to serve as a chaperone, as Thorne had obviously maneuvered her into that. Still, it would give her something to do. She couldn’t bear to be cooped up with Jeffrey’s timorous wife every day. Her brother would also be relieved to have her gone; she’d distracted him from his duties long enough. As for Harshad Naveya, whom she liked very much, she suspected they would become good friends as they looked after Thorne and Meredith.

Once they arrived at Starling House, Lucetta felt startled by how visibly the manor showed its age. Meredith’s parents had created a mirage of respectability by lime-washing the exterior, but cracks show plainly through the opaque coating. Gaps in the roofing from missing shingles showed the black of mildew, hinting at the likelihood of leaks within. Of the six chimneys she could see, only one produced smoke.

The small surrounding property also displayed signs of ongoing neglect. The trees badly needed pruning, and the gardens on either side of the manor had not yet been prepared for winter. Two urns of withered rose canes flanking the front entry to the manor added a distinct epitaphic air.

With the Starlings’ estate in such decline, Lucetta knew they had no money to tempt a suitor for Meredith.

A maid servant came to help them down from the carriage, and bobbed before she said, “Miss, I beg you come to the morning room at once. Milord is with milady there, and Mr. Percival and his mother have come.” Her voice fell to a hushed whisper. “They’re all ever so upset, Miss.”

“Thank you, Annie.” Meredith sighed before she said to Lucetta, “The whole family has assembled, but at least they have not sent for the militia.” She glanced at the manor before she added, “Mama will likely be very vexed with me. She becomes a bit loud in such circumstances.”

“You have been gone an entire day without her knowing what happened,” she reminded her as they went inside. “She is entitled to considerable vexation.”

Even forewarned, Lucetta felt startled by Lady Starling’s reaction to seeing her daughter enter the room.

“Meredith, you are alive.” The distraught woman uttered the words like a wail, and then fell back on her divan, gasping and fluttering her hands over her face and bosom. “I thought you dead or drowned or trampled by horses. Yesterday, when you did not return, I told your father you had come to harm. Last night I could not sleep and feared I should die of a broken heart.”

Abruptly Lady Starling fainted, and chaos ensued.

The maid servant ran for smelling salts. Lord Starling leaned over his wife, alternately trying to revive her and glaring at his daughter. Meredith hurried to kneel down beside the divan, only to be swatted away by her father. A tall man in military uniform, presumably Meredith’s cousin, came closer, peered, and then retreated. He put his arm around an elderly woman who kept calling Lady Starling “Sister” as she implored her not to die.

Meredith stepped back, her expression that of someone seeing a tiresome scene being repeated.

“I am sorry, Cousin.” She gave Lucetta an embarrassed look. “Mama hasn’t swooned since I became locked in the pantry for the night when I was twelve. Perhaps we should leave them to calm down.”

“Stay there and permit me to manage this.” Lucetta cleared her throat so loudly everyone in the room stared at her, even Lady Starling. “My lord, my lady, as you see your daughter is quite alive. I am happy to report that, aside from a slight injury to her arm, she is also well. Perhaps you will allow me to explain what has happened to keep her from home.”

Meredith’s mother peered at her. “I know you. Only I cannot think now, so your name escapes me.” She dropped back against the divan. “Oh, Husband, I am so addled.”

“As you’ve every right to be, my dear,” Lord Starling told her in a soothing tone before scowling at Lucetta. “Who is this woman, Meredith?”

“Forgive me,” Meredith said, and made hasty introductions before she said to Percival, “Miss Branwen is the vicar’s sister, recently returned from London. The Branwens are also our cousins.”

“I did not realize you were family, ma’am.” Percival clicked his heels together, standing very straight before he bowed.

“We are but very distantly related, Lieutenant.” Lucetta eyed the glittering number of medals adorning the younger man's jacket, which indicated that he had distinguished himself often during his service. “You are on leave from your regiment?”

“No, ma’am. After my father died I resigned my commission to come home and look after my dear mother.” Percival smiled at the elderly woman. “We came as soon as we heard Cousin Meredith had gone missing. Mama and I count ourselves fortunate to live so close to Starling House, for it allows us to visit the family whenever they are willing to tolerate our company.”

“Oh, never say that, Percival,” Lady Starling, now evidently recovered, scolded him. “If not for you, Meredith would surely be dead and buried now.”

Lucetta heard Percival’s mother sniff rather loudly.

“You are too generous, as always, Aunt.” Percival beamed with delight. “So, how do you find it here, Miss Branwen? Do you mean to make our village your permanent home, or are you longing for the excitement of London again?”

“I have not yet decided.” Lucetta disliked the way the Starlings fawned over their nephew while showing no actual concern for their daughter. “Perhaps we may speak on the matter after I have related what occurred on the road to Renwick yesterday.”