"Now that is much better," Freddie said as he entered the room, Charlotte on his heals with a large tray. "See, Margaret, I told you I would be returning! I asked our cook to bring us some refreshments to further our pleasure," he gestured to the grand tray that Charlotte set down on one of the tables, it was filled with fruit, cakes and tea. "So, what are we talking about?"
"Carptetbags," Percival answered straightforwardly, sneaking a little look in my direction. Freddie turned to him immediately looking confused, only the small tart he was eating kept him from asking anything.
"London, Freddie, we're talking about London," I smiled when Charlotte brought me a cup of tea.
"No," he sighed, "I don't want to talk about London. That's what Patience and Faith are discussing." Freddie pulled another chair towards ours, "Come now, Percy, you can't be talking about London."
"I can't? But I have the most darling new dress . . . " Percival stood dramatically and held his hands against his torso as if he were holding a gown in front of him. I did my best to hide my amusement as he twirled once in front of Freddie.
"Very funny," my brother quipped.
"We were discussing the sites to see in London," I added once I knew no laughter would cross my lips, "Mr. Stanhope said there are some very lovely places to see."
"Oh, well he is right about that," Freddie scratched his chin for a moment and watched as Percival took his seat again, a playful smile on his face. "How long will you be in town, Percy?"
"About a month until my review," he said, "after that it depends when new orders come."
Freddie looked at me for a moment, noticing that I was in a much more relaxed state than earlier, "I won't be in London until the hunting season is over. Perhaps you'll be good enough to show Margaret around?" I felt my face flush with warmth and looked down into my tea cup immediately. "That way she'll be sure to see more than just social events and dress shoppes."
"I suppose I could," Percival conceded nodding at Freddie before he turned back to me, "that would solve our carpetbag problem." I could not help but laugh and a very improper snort escaped.
For the next several days our home was buzzing with activity as we not only prepared to make way for London but we celebrated the Christmas holiday as well. I admit I was not looking forward to the festivities much after Jonathon and Emily left, but with Patience's siblings here the house felt more alive than it had in some time. Even Isabella warmed up to her Uncle Percival and Aunt Faith although she has yet to invite them to a tea party.
It was Christmas evening and following supper we all retired to the parlor to relax. Faith asked if she could play the pianoforte and Patience excitedly agreed, "It has been quite some time since we've had someone play!" She took the seat beside her and set to turn the pages. The music quickly filled the room and I enjoyed listening as I watched the snow fall from my seat in the picture window.
"Do you think my sister would have a fit if I asked you to dance?" The low whisper startled me as I didn't notice anyone near me. "There is no one here besides family, I see no harm," Percival smiled.
"I . . . I," I stammered as I looked about the room. Patience was engrossed with the music beside Faith and Freddie was sitting in his chair, just watching us, amused, brandy in hand.
"I'll take that as a yes," Percival said and took my hand bringing me to my feet. He escorted me to the middle of the room, "nothing fancy but a few rounds, please?" He bowed and I curtsied, then I followed his lead as we performed an abbreviated version of a country dance.
It truly was just a few turns as the music came to an abrupt stop. Percival and I looked to the pianoforte, finding Faith and Patience sitting there in awe. The silence was speaking loudly until Freddie stood and clapped, "Truly lovely," he insisted, "We haven't had such an evening like this in far too long. Come, more music! More dancing!" he cheered making his way to Patience, "Dance with me?" he asked her offering his hand.
Faith immediately began playing again, something fresh and happy when Patience stood, "I'm sorry," she said walking past her husband, "I have a headache." She quickly left the room and headed straight for the stairs. As she passed us, Percival reached out to stop her and she just brushed him aside.
"I'm sorry, Freddie," Percival began.
"No," my brother shook his head before downing the rest of his brandy, "there's no reason to apologize." He took a deep breath and looked around the room, "Go ahead, back to your merrymaking."
I just watched him as he stood in the doorway looking up the staircase. I wanted to say something, but I had no idea what. When Percival nodded to his sister she began playing again, but I could not find it in me to dance again. I gave a quick solemn shake of my head and let my hand rest on his arm before moving away. Faith picked up on it quickly and the music faded once again.
"Thank you," Percival said catching my hand, "for another chance at a dance." He bowed and gently kissed my hand before letting me go. My breath caught as he stood looking at me for a moment. I could not find any words so I curtsied quickly and started to leave, stopping at Freddie to kiss his cheek and whisper my goodnight.
That evening I sat at my dressing table, just thinking as I brushed out my hair. I thought back to when Freddie first brought Patience home to meet our family. I remembered the beautiful and jubilant young lady that hung on my brother's arm as if he was what gave her life. I remember watching from behind a curtain, she reminded me of one of my porcelain dolls, elegant and refined . . . exquisite. They were very happy in those early days, even when here. Then I was struck by a memory and fervently began going through my dressing table and jewelry chest. I found a tiny locket hidden in the back of one of the drawers. When I opened it I could smell a faint perfume, and the memory came rushing back. It was my eleventh birthday and we were having a party. I had been sulking because I was still so young compared to my brothers and my parents would not grant me the same allowances . . . not even on my birthday. Patience had come to my room with a small gift in her hands, it was the locket. She knew I liked her perfume and so she put some on a bit of cloth and tucked it inside the locket, promising me that I would grow up soon enough and have all the lovely things that ladies had. I felt a stray tear roll down my cheek as I recalled that special moment. How many times had I opened that locket to dream about when I would be a fine young lady? How could I have forgotten it?
I wiped my face and put on my robe, eager to show Patience the special trinket that bonded us at one time. Maybe she would have similar fond memories and we could start fresh again. I quickly padded down the hall to Freddie and Patience's room. I saw my brother enter and so I stopped, giving them a moment before I knocked, but the door was slightly ajar, so I just waited outside.
"Do you care to explain yourself?" Freddie asked. I heard agitation in his voice, something that hardly ever happens.
"I said I have a headache," Patience answered flatly.
"Dash that!" Freddie blurted. I heard movement within the room and I thought about returning to my room, but I looked at the locket again and somehow I thought that it could make everything better. "You were enjoying yourself! I saw how happy you were sitting beside your sister. Everyone was having a grand time . . . " I heard him pause, "Is this about Percival and Margaret?"
"There is no Percival and Margaret," she insisted, setting something down hard.
"Come now, darling," Freddie was using his soothing voice, "I think it's a little obvious, don't you?"
"No!" Patience shouted, "I will be hanged before I let there be a connection between them!" I held my breath, not comprehending all of the implications.
"It's not up to you," Freddie retorted with a chuckle, "they've already . . . "
"He is not for her!" Patience's voice was breaking, "He's just not!" I heard a soft sob. My fingers touched my cheek, there were no tears. There was another sob and I knew it was Patience, she was crying. I looked at the locket in my hand, it would take more than that to correct whatever problem she had with me, so I left it on the table beside their door and returned to my room.
I sat at my window and looked out into the night, "He is not for me," I told my reflection in the glass. I repeated it several times. In honesty I had not thought much about any sort of arrangement with Percival, but now knowing how much Patience was against it, it felt like I was losing something dear . . . again.
"He is not for me," I said again against the glass, my breath causing it to fog. It was quickly followed by a stifled sob, this time I knew it was from me.