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Mary, as well, was irritated by the intrusion. At last, it seemed as though Charlotte might actually be open about their circumstances and what was happening. For the first time, Charlotte had approached Mary with a sense of humility and gentleness. It was nothing at all like Mary was used to, but she would have been so grateful had her stepmother allowed them the chance to really talk about things.
And yet, Lady Rachel had never shown such kindness and Mary knew that her stepmother would have done nearly anything to keep the two girls apart. It was quite obvious that her greatest intention was to destroy any hope of a relationship between them.
“Charlotte, darling, I hope that you know you are not to be wasting your days away with someone who will only do harm to your reputation. Your stepsister is not the sort of woman with who
m you ought to interact. As you know, she has a dreadfully awful nature and is quite shocking in how she behaves. This, of course, should not be a surprise to you any more than you ought to be surprised by my displeasure. I had warned you to keep away from those who would do you harm,” Lady Rachel said, looking only at her daughter and avoiding Mary at all costs.
Mary remained silent, not wishing to give her stepmother the satisfaction of her humiliation. Although it was clear that Charlotte had wanted to discuss something with Mary, her mother was doing everything within her power to prevent it and Mary had to accept that there was nothing at all more to be done.
“Will you come with me, Charlotte? Or must I remain here, willing myself to kindness despite my rage at your selfishness?” Lady Rachel asked her daughter.
Charlotte glanced once at Mary and then turned away, following her mother.
Mary watched them go. She didn’t know if she would ever again have a moment like that with Charlotte, but she was certain that Lady Rachel would work hard to prevent them from it.
But in that moment, Mary knew that although she felt lonely, she was not alone.
Charlotte must have struggled greatly with the isolation of obedience to her mother. There were not many days in which the two young ladies had engaged one another in conversation.
Certainly there had been times at this or that ball or tea party when they had tried to get along, but those discussions were over nothing more than the simplicities of which debutante was uglier than another and Mary had simply gone along with her stepsister, remaining quiet and letting Charlotte speak as she wished.
It was clear, however, that Charlotte had been moved by her feelings for the blacksmith and was unable to overcome them. She was, evidently, more in love with him than she would have liked to admit. Mary didn’t want to see her stepsister forced away from the man she loved, but what could she do?
Both women had been separated from the men they loved and it was all because of Lady Rachel. She was the true enemy and Mary wished that her father would see it.
Later that afternoon, Sarah came around again and Mary recounted the entire ordeal. It was so nice having someone to speak with, even if there was very little to address.
“I simply wish that she had been given the opportunity to tell me what was truly on her mind. It was painfully apparent to me that she struggled with the separation from the man she loves. To be truthful, I grieve for her,” Mary said.
“And what of Lord Hanbrooke? How are you going to find your way back to him? How will you overcome Lady Rachel in order to be with him?” Sarah asked, reminding Mary of the most challenging question.
Mary sighed and shook her head.
“I wish I had an answer for you, but for the moment, I am simply doing my best to be strong. It is my sincerest hope that I am able to help my father see the truth, but if he is unwilling, I will not be allowed back into society without confessing to something which I did not do.
And now that he is refusing to admit Lord Hanbrooke into the home, there is no possibility of Lord Hanbrooke pleading my case. It is such a disaster, Sarah,” Mary said.
For a long moment, Mary sat quietly and Sarah did the same. Sarah had accepted her lot in life, believing that she would remain unmarried for the rest of her days. Mary wondered if all of this was painful for Sarah to discuss. Was it difficult for her to have to listen to Mary’s woes about Crispin? And yet, Sarah had done so much to try and encourage the match that Mary felt quite supported.
Still, she wondered if she had been foolish to simply expect this assistance.
“Sarah, I do apologise if my circumstances have run straight through your own life. I feel as though you have given so much to aid me and I know not how I could ever repay you,” Mary said.
Sarah smiled and placed a hand on Mary’s shoulder, looking her right in the eye. “You are as much a sister to me as my own, Mary. I want nothing more than your happiness. As for me, I may not have believed I would ever find a match, however…”
“Oh?” Mary asked, leaning forward with excitement.
“It is too soon to say anything, really. There is a gentleman of whom I am fond and I do believe that he feels the same. I cannot be sure and I do not wish to speak out of turn, but…I shall inform you if there is any further development,” Sarah promised.
“Oh, please do! I would be delighted for you. And although I have been utterly distracted by my own situation, I want nothing more than to come alongside you in this as you have done for me,” Mary said.
“I am sure that you will. Soon enough, you will be free of this room and this home; soon enough, you will find your way back to the man whom you love and all will be well,” Sarah said.
Mary hoped that she was right. For the moment, all she could do was to hold on until her next meeting with Crispin. She was about to say as much when there was a sudden banging at the front door.
