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Chapter16
It turned out that I was not forced to employ any excuse the following morning, for Lady Edith opted to remain home from church to nurse a terrible headache of her own. Whether it was real or fabricated, I did not know, but I was glad to put off the need to be around her for a little while longer.
Henry drove me to church in a curricle, his skilled hands light with the reins. The noise of the road prevented us from carrying an easy conversation, but I was content with the silence. I was too wrapped up in my concern about the gathered Society at church and what they would make of Chelton’s newest occupant.
When we arrived in Bakewell, Henry tied his reins to a post and came around to help me down. “You are not required to speak to anyone you do not wish to meet.”
His declaration took me by surprise, and I looked into his steady blue eyes and found compassion there. “Thank you, Henry. Do you think people will find it odd that we have come alone?”
“You are my sister now,” he said, an easy smile flickering over his lips. “There is nothing odd about it.”
I would do well to remember that. No one was aware of our history, and no one would deem it odd to find a new bride and her brother-in-law riding together. It was completely above reproach.
My cheeks warmed, and I dipped my head, pretending to find an interest in avoiding the mud at my feet. “Of course.”
Henry offered me his elbow, and I took it, following him up the hill toward the church. Thick green grass covered the churchyard and surrounded the headstones in the cemetery on one side. Looking down the hill, the tops of the buildings lining the surrounding streets bled out in every direction. Everything about the ancient building held a gothic feel that I loved.
It reminded me of the book I was halfway through reading, and I immediately shoved the fiction from my mind. It did not have a place among the worship today.
Mr. Upshaw, the vicar, welcomed us at the door. His white side whiskers shook as he spoke, but his welcome was warm and inviting. I walked down the central aisle and took a seat beside Henry in what I could only assume was the Bradwell box.
Eyes followed my every movement, and I was glad to have chosen such a wide-brimmed bonnet so I would not be forced to see all of the curious gazes. I leaned close to Henry and spoke quietly. “Are James or Benedict often missing from church, or is it an oddity that they are not here?”
He looked at me, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips. “You are overly concerned, Felicity. I promise you, it is not strange at all that my entire family did not join us. James is often away, and Benedict cannot be depended upon to keep to any sort of predictable schedule.”
“And you, Henry, escape to the hunting lodge as often as you are able.”
“Indeed,” he agreed with a firm nod. “In fact, I should be there now.”
“Oh?”
“Yes.” He gave me a fleeting smile before turning his attention to where the vicar was now walking to the front of the building. “But I put off my trip for a short while.”
My stomach swooped anxiously, and I pressed him quietly. “Why did you put the trip off?”
“Because James asked me to remain. For you.”
For me? No, he did not stay for me. He did so for James. He only just said as much. I directed my attention forward and did my best to listen to the sermon, despite the way my mind and stomach both crawled uncomfortably. Henry had tried to get away, to escape as he predicted last week he might need to do. It was no wonder that he was so avidly against visiting Miss Northcott himself; he’d already had other plans.
And they had not included tending to me.
How could James have asked this of his brother? My shame only seemed to grow with each new revelation. What was next? Mrs. Prescott would come to me and reveal that she did not intend to give over the management of the menu or the maids to me?
My attitude fell as low as my energy throughout the sermon, and by the time it was finished and I was required to stand and exit the chapel, I had to fight the desire to run before Henry could introduce me to anyone.
“Mother has requested that I help you make the acquaintance of three particular families. I promise it will be over swiftly, and you need not say anything at all beyond a polite greeting.”
Henry’s voice was serious, and I glanced up quickly, grateful to find his generosity appear quite genuine. I nodded in agreement and slipped my hand over his elbow so he might lead me outside. The sun shone down on us, bringing a layer of heat with it, and perspiration prickled the back of my neck.
“Good day, Mr. Bradwell,” a man called as we approached their party.
Henry leaned close. “Two of the families together. I think fortune is smiling upon you.”
I could not help the smile that curved my lips.
“Mr. Dodwell, Mrs. Dodwell.” Henry nodded to the tall, buxom pair. He shifted his attention to the blonde family beside them. “Mrs. Whaley, Mr. Whaley, Miss Whaley. Please allow me the pleasure to introduce my brother’s new wife, Mrs. Bradwell.”
I curtsied to the group and nodded to each of the women in turn. “It is a pleasure,” I said.
