Noting the tension in the room I excused myself, opting for a walk in the garden. Part of me considered what it would be like for Patience to be away for so many months and how that would affect the household. The rest of me felt a pang of guilt that somehow that stress between the two of them was my fault. Freddie would say to put that thought of my head, but it was still a possibility. I'm not sure what I could have done to make Patience dislike me over the years, but somehow I did.
I kept walking until I heard an odd bird calling, one I hadn't heard in years. I followed the sound and when I was out from the trees I looked towards the house. There was Freddie standing on the balcony of the library, "There you are, Magpie! I thought your call would lure you home. Now come in, we have something to discuss." I nodded and made my way to the door. He was smiling but it wasn't his usual smile. A knot in my stomach started to grow with each step.
Freddie was in the hall by the parlor, waiting for me. "Yes?" I asked as he ushered me into the room. Patience was standing at the window and when I entered, she turned and tried to smile. My brother led me to a chair before moving to stand beside his wife. He rolled on his feet after a moment and cleared his throat.
"Yes, Margaret," Patience began, her voice different from her usual tone, "It would make me very happy if you came to London with me."
I was shocked and I felt my mouth open slightly, I looked at Freddie and he wasn't quite smiling. "You want me to go to London?" I stammered looking back to Patience.
"Of course," she answered, "it's a long journey and it's always good to have pleasant company. Then once we're settled I will have my sister introduce you around . . . "
I didn't know what to say. I mean I know Freddie must have changed her mind so, but months alone with Patience? "I will be joining you, of course," Freddie said gingerly taking her elbow and leading her to the sofa beside me, "I'll stay behind and look after Isabella for awhile, enjoy some good hunting too . . . but then I will meet you all in London before the races."
"Well?" Patience asked, "What do you say?" She turned and looked at Freddie nervously.
I nodded reluctantly, "That shall be very good."
Patience let out a small sigh as Freddie stood, "Then it's settled."
"I will write to Faith tonight and tell her that we will be joining her," Patience said excusing herself.
I waited until she was out of sight before turning to my brother, "But Freddie," I started and was cut off immediately.
"Look, Margaret, you need to meet people . . . you need to find your happiness again . . . Patience and her family are well connected in Society, let her show you life in town."
"But this wasn't her idea," I observed.
"No, but it's the right idea," Freddie countered. "It will be good for you two to spend some time together, and she really is magnificent in her element. Let her show you." I nodded, seeing how important this was to him. He kissed the top of my head and sent me to my room.
Over the next several weeks there was a steady stream of correspondence to and from Patience. I could only imagine that she and her sister were making vast plans for the Season. Every day she spent a few hours with me going over my wardrobe or my manners or what would be expected of me in the circles of good Society. The way she said it made me question our country life, were we not part of good Society? The more this went on the even less I was looking forward to be going.
It was two weeks before we were to leave for London when our unexpected guests arrived. Reginald brought the tray to Freddie as we dined and he took one look at the card, cleared his throat and told our man to show our guests to the parlor before turning to Patience and myself.
"Well my dear, it appears that we have guests this evening," he said dabbing his mouth with his linen napkin, I noticed an impish smile tugged its corners.
"Guests?" Patience's voice broke with surprise, "Who would call on us unexpectedly at this hour?" She pushed her plate away from her and reached for the little bell that sat at her place. With one ring from the bell Charlotte, our head of the kitchen, came into the dining room. "Charlotte, please get some tea and cakes ready for the parlor, apparently we have uninvited guests this evening."
I cannot describe the expression that crossed Freddie's face but he shot me a look that said 'just wait.' I followed them from the dining room, down the hall to the parlor. I could hear faint talking of a man and a woman and the flickering glow of the fireplace crept out from under the door. Reginald opened the door and before I could see inside Patience was squealing and running into the room.
"Why did you not tell me you were coming?" Patience asked as she twirled in the arms of the gentleman. "No one told me a thing! Not even you, dear husband, gave me notice when you got their calling card." When she turned to look at Freddie her face was rosy with glee, her hand still holding the gentleman's.
"If your brother and sister decided to surprise you, who am I to ruin it?" Freddie laughed as he walked into the room, "It is good to see you again, Percival," he said shaking hands with the young man. "My dear, Faith, you have become such a striking young woman," he said as he gave a little bow, "and it has been some years, but I'm sure you both remember my sister, Margaret," he turned and reached out for me now, obviously knowing that would be lurking in the doorway.
Everyone's face turned in my direction so I gave a quick curtsey and tried to smile, "Good evening," before moving towards the window where I left my book. Patience and Faith immediately sat together on the sofa talking urgently while Freddie moved to the side table to pour himself and Percival a brandy.
I felt eyes follow me, but I always get that feeling when around people I am unfamiliar with, so I paid it no mind until I heard him, "I am aware that you have a little sister, Freddie, but I have never met this young lady before." Without warning there was a chair moved beside me and he took a seat. It has been several years since I had seen Percival last, but he was...and still is a handsome man.
"Come now, Percy, you've met Margaret...several times," Patience sighed before turning back to Faith to continue their conversation.
"I believe you danced with her at our wedding, old man," Freddie laughed sitting beside me at the window.
"I danced with a young girl in ringlets," Percival said taking the glass of brandy that my brother offered, "I think I would have remembered this face," he smiled slyly trying to look at me while I tried furiously to read.
I gave up and closed my book, turning to him I took a deep breath and said "You did indeed dance with me, Mr. Stanhope. One dance and I believe it was your mother that insisted you do so."
"Well, I would need no insistence from anyone to get me to dance with you now," he raised his glass towards me as if it were a toast before taking a drink. I looked to my brother from some sort of rescue but he merely chuckled and looked away.
"Do stop teasing her, Percy," Patience said irritated, "why not tell us why you're here of all places?"
"Well, we made port early and I have some time before I need to be in London for my review," he stood up and moved towards Patience, "I had planned to go home to see our parents but Faith here suggested that we ride ahead and make our way to town with you," he explained as he headed to the side table to refill his glass.
"Really?" Patience's eyes lit up as she turned to her sister.
"I thought that the only thing to make this Season better would be do it all together," Faith smiled and looked over towards me, "I hope that you don't mind the extra company, Miss Woodbridge."
"Not at all, Miss Stanhope," I could not think of anything else to say so I excused myself to take a walk through the garden. All I could think of was that by some small miracle since Faith was here now, that Patience would be content and I could stay behind while she went to London with her family. I could stay with Mrs. Fletcher and Isabella...or I could ask my cousin Elizabeth if Edward would mind if I came to visit a bit while Freddie and Patience were away from home...I could also inquire with Eleanor, I'm sure she would welcome my company! Anything would be better than being tied to Patience for the Season. The biggest obstacle would be Freddie, he really wanted this.