AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Five
December 17, 1817
Felicity walked slowly by Mrs. Grayson’s side as they strolled the parkland nestled behind the townhouses that made up Grosvenor Square. It was a pleasant form of exercise she made sure the widow took daily. As of yet, it hadn’t snowed, but neither had it rained. The gray skies and the chill in the air promised some sort of cold precipitation. The dour atmosphere chipped away at her soul. Oh, why couldn’t there be a shaft of sunshine to cheer everything up?
The past two days had mirrored the weather exactly and she still felt as if her soul were overcast, all thanks to the rude and demanding Captain Grayson. Too bad the horrible fellow was her employer’s son. If there was such a thing as a saving grace in the situation, it was the boy, Luke, he’d brought home with him.
As ten-year-old boys went, the child was much more serious than any Felicity had met before. He was also much more rough and tumble, which caused the captain no end of embarrassment. But the lad had shared a few smiles with her in passing, and if given half a chance, Felicity thought that perhaps they could be great friends. She could certainly help teach him the finer things of life he’d need to know.
“I can practically hear you thinking, young woman,” Mrs. Grayson accused. “Once again, when you’re supposed to be attending to me, you’re not.”
Felicity blew out a breath. “I apologize, for my mind was on young Luke’s situation.”
“There is no situation. Bartholomew has more or less adopted him, which means once he visits his solicitor and changes his will, that boy will be his heir and son.” The widow shot her a look brimming with annoyance. “Do you take exception to that?”
“Of course not!” She patted Mrs. Grayson’s hand that rested on her arm. “I’m merely saying the boy requires quite an education ahead of him before he’ll even go away to school, if that is your son’s bent.” For a few seconds, she searched her mind for the appropriate words. “I’d like to help if I can, perhaps teach him music, or if that doesn’t work, I can tutor him in reading and writing. No doubt he’ll desperately need those basic skills if he’s to assume this life.”
“You’re not wrong.” The widow continued to stroll. She alternately leaned on Felicity’s arm and her cane. “My son intends to apply to Eton on Luke’s behalf. Barring that, the boy must have tutoring, and I fear he’s not as advanced in various disciplines as he could be.”
“Yes.” She frowned. Too bad lingering in Mrs. Grayson’s employ wasn’t possible as long as her beast of a son lived in the house as well. “I hope the captain is intelligent enough to recognize that need.” It remained to be seen.
“You doubt Bartholomew can raise a child on his own?” Slight accusation rang in the widow’s tones.
“I didn’t say that.”
“No, but you’re thinking it. You also have no respect for him as a person.”
A touch of heat stung Felicity’s cheeks. “How can I when he’s acted like a… a… Well, he’s acted monstrous.”
Mrs. Grayson snorted. “As if you’ve deported yourself like an angel?”
“I’ll admit, my temper got the better of me, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior.”
“No, it doesn’t.” They walked on in silence for a few minutes before the widow spoke again. “I’ve known you a long time, my girl, so when I ask you this, it’s out of caring.” She slowed to a stop and turned to face Felicity. “Since you’ve taken immediate exception to my son, do you intend to forfeit your position as my companion?”
“I… I don’t know yet.” If she gave notice and her father’s business failed, her future would hang in the balance. Would it fall on the side of hopelessness? Unable to endure the other woman’s scrutiny, she looked away. “That will largely depend on your son’s attitude, but if he doesn’t change, I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to remain under the same roof.”
At least it was honest.
“Ah.” The widow set them off again on their stroll. “If it helps a decision, my son wants me to terminate your position.”
“What?” Shock moved through Felicity’s chest, quickly followed by a shaft of hot anger. “How dare he attempt to oust me.”
“He’s as stubborn as you.” Mrs. Grayson snorted. “Show him you have the pluck I know you do. Stand up to him and defend your right to be here.”
“I will, of course.” Oh, that man had no manners at all! “He has no right to dictate my life, or even yours.”
Her companion snickered. “I thought you might feel that way.”
Felicity fumed as they continued their stroll. A breeze whipped her ivory skirts about her ankles. Her plain brown pelisse rippled around her person. “It looks like snow. Perhaps we should head back to the house.”
“Nonsense.” Mrs. Grayson shook her head. “Taking exercise in the cold is good for the lungs.” She waved her free hand. “Besides, my son promised to meet us out here and walk with me. I’ll at least wait until he arrives.”
Well, drat.
Despite her vow to hold her position, Felicity released a huff of exasperation. “Then I’ll leave you here to spend time with him.”
“Whyever would you do that?” The older woman’s gaze was shrewd as she rested it on her.
