Jump to new as of May 26, 2002
"I have told Miss Bennet several times, that she will never play really well, unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome, as I have often told her, to come to Rosings every day, and play on the piano forte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. She would be in nobody's way, you know, in that part of the house.''
Who is Mrs. Jenkinson? What is her story? And why, if Anne de Bourgh never learned to play the pianoforte, does Mrs. Jenkinson have one in her room...?
Chapter 1
"Miss Holloway, it is we who must thank you," said a voice behind her, in tones so warm that she blushed again as the speaker came forward to lead her back to her seat. He strode past the other members of the small audience to reach her, unaware of the intense glares that his back was receiving from a certain Miss Lennox who had been quite sure of her hold over the young officer. Ignoring Miss Lennox and everyone else in the room besides the young lady seated at the pianoforte, Captain Jenkinson gazed at Rosemary admiringly as he held out his hand. He had heard her play before, but every time seemed more wonderful than the last. He had fallen into a reverie of his own, watching her graceful form bend over the keys, putting so much feeling into her playing, and when she had finished, he had found himself on his feet to escort her almost before he had realized why. And she looked so lovely tonight, with the midnight blue of her gown setting off the richness and warmth of her velvety dark eyes and hair, the rosy stain on her cheeks just subsiding from her initial flush of... what was it? Embarassment... could it be pleasure at his arrival? He felt a sudden desire to make her blush again, and lifted the hand he held to his lips. Their eyes met for a brief moment before she dropped her eyelids, her face flushing with colour once more.
Rosemary's cheeks burned, and her heart pounded wildly. Surely everyone in the room could see her reaction to the unexpected touch of his lips on her hand. It was the first time Captain Jenkinson had ever been so bold, though the two of them had met in company many times before. They had even danced together at a ball a fortnight ago, though she did not suppose he had remembered her particularly from the several supper-parties they had attended previously. And now he was looking at her so earnestly, his steadfast blue eyes gazing into hers so intently, with just a trace of a smile curving his lips, that she could hardly feel anything else but the pressure of his fingers around the hand he still held. Thoughts awhirl, she allowed him to lead her back to her seat next to her aunt on the divan, and as he bowed over her hand once more, she felt his fingers tighten for just an instant around hers. He looked up into her eyes almost fearfully, as if he felt he had gone too far, and she drew in her breath, startled. Time seemed to stop for a brief eternity, and then... she squeezed his hand in return, a tiny smile forming at the corners of her mouth, and dropped her eyes again before they said too much, too soon. Now it was his turn to blush.
Chapter 2
"He did, he squeezed my hand... and oh, he's so handsome, and my heart just started thumping like mad!" Rosemary said rapturously, hugging her little sister close to her.
"Well?" Lillian prodded impatiently.
"Well, what?" she mocked, refusing to divulge what she knew her sister was after.
"Well, what did you do then?" the lively nine-year-old picked up a pillow, ready to enhance her interrogation with physical force if necessary.
"Hmmm, I don't really remember..." Rosemary pretended to think, before the warning look in her sister's eye prompted her to remember, and quickly. Her heart began pounding again at the very recollection of that moment. "I... I squeezed his hand back," she confessed, as Lillian's eyes widened. There was a breathless moment of silence, then with a screech of joy, her little sister whammed her with the pillow she was holding.
"I knew it I knew it I knew it!!!!" she crowed, bouncing in earnest this time. Not about to let her get away with such an unprovoked attack, and disregarding her own comparatively advanced age of eighteen, Rosemary snatched a pillow of her own and retaliated, which resulted in a full-scale pillow fight. Feathers flew about the room until both girls collapsed onto the bed in exhausted giggles.
"Oh, Annie, I think this could be it," Rosemary sighed at last. She saw again that flash in his eyes as he had kissed her hand that evening. How had she never noticed how blue they were? And his fine, straight nose, and those lips... she shivered to recall how his breath had felt on her hand as those lips had brushed it so gently. And it wasn't just that he was handsome; he was always kind to her, and attentive, and seemed genuinely interested in her every occupation. Especially her music, which she herself adored. And he had said that he must thank her for her playing...
"Must thank you for what?" Lillian asked curiously. Oops! She had spoken that last part aloud.
"He was talking about my pianoforte playing," she replied, lapsing into her dreamy tone again. "He likes my music..."
Chapter 3
While he waits for you, were the unspoken words. Rosemary gave her aunt a look of relief and happiness, and dashed into her room to find her most becoming dress. She had just finished mixing up the cake for tea, and had hurriedly discarded her apron and scurried upstairs when she had heard the front doorbell ring. Woods could finish the cake for her, Rosemary was sure, even if she would not be able to help dress her hair that morning to meet the Captain. She sighed. At times like this she wished that the family could afford more than one servant, dear as Lennox had always been to her. As it was, they managed tolerably well, and meanwhile she had picked up the knack of fixing her own curls.
Now, what to wear? A very important question. Her blue-flowered muslin? No, she had worn blue the night before. The pink one with the flounce, then? It always made her look even pinker than usual, and given how often she blushed around him... no, it wouldn't do. The yellow? Too bright for October. Orange? Insufferable; how had it gotten into her closet in the first place? Red, violet, green...?
When Rosemary came into the drawing room, she smiled at the scene before her. Aunt Holloway was complacently knitting in a chair in the corner, and Lillian was dilligently drawing a sketch of Captain Jenkinson. He was trying to look solemn for the picture, and not succeeding very well at it. His smile deepened when he glanced away for a moment and caught sight of Rosemary in the doorway. "Good morning, Captain Jenkinson," she said serenely.
She was a vision, he thought. She was dressed in pale green, with a fine white collar and a touch of pink ribbon at her waist. She had another ribbon in her hair, and her curls were simply arranged. She looked like springtime come to life, he thought, amused at his own poetic fancy. Springtime in October; she could make any day warm and welcoming. If only she would brighten his days...
He realized then that she was looking at him oddly. So were the other people in the room. What had he said? Wait, he hadn't said anything. She had greeted him, and he had turned to see her, and... "Good morning, Miss Holloway," he stammered out belatedly. Behind him, Lillian suppressed laughter and scribbled furiously at her drawing with her red crayon.
"My sister is apparently trying to get your uniform just right in her picture," Rosemary offered by way of conversation, eyes twinkling. He was not wearing his red coat at present, but apparently Lillian had decided to put it in anyway.
"It is a very bright red, I admit," he replied, leaning to look at the drawing. Indeed, there did seem to be quite a bit of red in it. Lillian looked up, aggrieved at the implied criticism.
"He's a captain, so he must have a red coat!" she protested. "Isn't that right, Auntie?" she appealed to the woman in the corner. Mrs. Holloway nodded gravely, though she seemed to be having a bit of trouble keeping a straight face. The corners of her mouth were twitching with amusement, and she was relieved for the distraction when Rosemary spoke again.
"How is your family, Captain Jenkinson? I hear your brother is soon to be m-married." Rosemary smiled brightly, but inwardly reproved herself for stumbling on that last word. There was no reason in the world why she should be nervous to pronounce it; there was nothing official between her and the Captain, they were merely conversing, and oh, he was smiling at her...
"I'm afraid the rumour of my brother's marriage is highly exaggerated, Miss Holloway," he responded with a rueful grin. "He has not begun to think of finding a wife yet. He is only just now beginning to learn the management of the family estate, and I fear he will not have much time for social engagements this fall. No, I do not believe he will be marrying any time soon." The slight emphasis on the word he was not lost on Rosemary, and she came close to blushing again, much to the delight of the Captain. She did care for him!
"But he has to get married some time, doesn't he?" questioned Lillian, who by this time had worn out her red crayon and was attending to the conversation. "He's the oldest son, he has to get married!" Rosemary and Captain Jenkinson exchanged an amused glance over her head as she continued. "Is he as handsome as you, Captain? I'll marry him when I get older if he has a red coat!"
"Annie!" her sister exclaimed, shocked. The Captain just grinned, and answered, very seriously,
"Well, Miss Lillian, I can't say if he's as handsome as I am, but I do know that he does not have a red coat. You see, he's not a soldier like I am-- he doesn't get to have any fun at all... he has to stay home and manage the estate instead. But I'll write him and tell him about the young lady who has kindly offered to marry him for the price of a red coat." This last was spoken with a wicked grin, and Lillian went back to her drawing, charmed with the idea.
"Not that a wife would not be a great source of joy to him in the future," he said quietly, not quite daring to look at Rosemary. "I am sure that any man would be gratified to find an amiable, talented woman to spend his life with..." He floundered for words that would convey his meaning without being too forward, and cursed himself for sounding so pompous. Gratified. Amiable. What was he thinking? She was enchanting. She was magnificent. She would make him the happiest man on earth. Amiable... he was too ashamed to raise his eyes to hers.
"Rosemary's amiable. And very talented," Lillian said with a mischievous grin at her sister. "She can play oh, so beautifully, and she can sing, too! Auntie says she should have a better instrument, but we can't afford one..."
"Annie!" Mrs. Holloway hurriedly interrupted, "Won't you come and help me get some tea for our guest?" She stood up from her chair and took Lillian's hand to hurry her out as the child artlessly chattered on, "Auntie says if Rosemary would stop running wild outside and tearing her dresses, she might be able to spend more money on other things..." At last the door closed behind her, and the two young people were alone.
There was an uncomfortable silence.
"Lillian didn't mean anything by what she said, Captain Jenkinson," Rosemary apologized. "She just gets over-excited some times..." She was blushing again, hoping desperately that he wouldn't notice. It wasn't just the blatant match-making her sister was doing, nor the references to her habit of roaming out-of-doors at all hours of the day-- it was the sad fact that the family couldn't afford a better pianoforte, could never afford even to have the old one repaired. The quaint drawing room seemed somehow shabbier to her eyes, and every tiny scratch on the furniture, every faded spot of the carpet, seemed glaringly obvious. Oh, what he must think of her and her situation! Look, there was a half-mended apron peeking out from behind the settee... And though their mantel-piece was made of fine marble, even she could see the chipped places where time had taken its toll. And the flowers on the table weren't fresh, and the window was ajar, and, and, and...
"And Captain!" Lillian's head popped into the room again for a moment, "Did I tell you that Rosemary will be a wonderful housekeeper when she finally learns to cook?" She disappeared into the kitchen again.
Rosemary turned scarlet. Would her sister never be quiet? And him, the second son of such an illustrious family! The silence was stretching on and on... How could she ever have thought that he could be interested in her?
Captain Jenkinson, of course, was suffering from no such apprehension, and sat in a comfortable silence, regarding her contentedly. Lillian had been charming, and absolutely right-- Rosemary was amiable, and talented, and she could play like an angel. Did she go out-of-doors often? Capital! Perhaps they could go for a pleasant walk that afternoon. If her dresses were often torn, he could find no fault in her appearance now; in fact, she looked so beautiful at that very moment that he was just as glad to have the other two ladies out of the room. Rosemary looked more charming than ever when she blushed so becomingly. And he was sure she would make him a perfect housekeeper. But first he had to ask her a question...
"Rosemar--"
"Captai--"
--they began to speak at the same time. Then Rosemary dropped her eyes and made a slight gesture that he continue.
"Rosemary," he began again, and hastily corrected himself, "Miss Holloway. After last night, I think you can hardly be without suspicion that I have long been in--"
"Tea's ready!" cried Lillian, bursting into the room proudly. "And I helped make it since Woods is busy with Rosemary's cake and the linens..." Mrs. Holloway blushed herself at Lillian's unchecked tongue.
But Rosemary was still recovering from the first thrill of hearing him use her Christian name, the second of his referring to the night before and their intimate exchange over the pianoforte, and the third of his not-finished phrase "I have long been in..." Her heart flew up from the depths to which her worrying had caused it to descend, and showed itself in her beaming smile. What cared she for embarassment over cakes or linens? The drawing room had never looked so beautiful, and she could have kissed her little sister for joy. She took the arm the Captain offered as sedately as she was able to with her heart beating so loudly, and together they walked into the breakfast room to have tea.
Chapter 5
"No, thank you very much," answered the Captain, turning with a start from where he had been dreamily regarding Rosemary's profile as she sipped from her china cup. How gracefully she held the curved handle! How delicately she brought it to her lips... she was pursing them now to blow gently onto her tea...
"Captain?" Mrs. Holloway repeated. Oops, she must have asked him another question while he had been daydreaming. After his inattention earlier that morning, he mustn't reveal his second lapse...
"Er, of course..." he answered warily, not knowing what he had just agreed to, but hoping it was the correct response.
"That will be lovely," Mrs. Holloway replied, smiling. She turned to her niece. "Rosemary, would you like to go as well?"
"Hmm?" Startled out of a reverie of her own, Rosemary put down her cup abruptly and looked blankly at her aunt.
Mrs. Holloway sighed indulgently. "I was just asking if you would be so kind as to show the Captain around the park near the house. The weather is lovely today, and it should be a pleasant diversion."
"Oh, of course, Aunt," Rosemary replied demurely, risking another glance at the Captain. He was smiling furtively at her. Suddenly nervous, she picked up her cup of tea again and took a sip, hardly tasting it at all. A walk with the Captain in the park! Among the late-blooming flowers! And would he finish the sentence he had started to say before...?
"And you will take Lillian with you," her aunt finished, taking the wind out of the sails of her imagination. Mrs. Holloway may have been happy in the prospect of such a nephew-in-law (she was by no means blind to the interest between the two), but she had no intention of leaving the young couple entirely unchaperoned and placing Rosemary's reputation at risk. True, a nine-year-old child was hardly a proper chaperone, but her presence would be enough to remove the risk of impropriety while allowing the two to have a possibly important conversation. She smiled gently at her niece's stricken expression, and at the Captain's resigned one, and hoped they would understand. "Though you may have to keep an eye on her as she runs about the park," she added with a twinkle in her eye, knowing the young people would take her meaning.
A little of Rosemary's sparkle returned. Of course, Lillian would be off to play among the various paths, and she now comprehended her aunt's concerns perfectly. "Come, Captain, shall we go?" she asked with a smile.
"If you will allow me, Miss Holloway," he replied gallantly, offering her his arm once more. With Lillian in tow, they walked out into the bright sunshine.
Chapter 6
She blushed, feeling his eyes on her face, and nervously raised a hand to tuck an errant curl behind her ear in a habitual gesture. "It is a-- a fine day," she stammered, daring to look at his handsome profile as he turned to regard the surrounding scenery. Then he turned back to her, smiling with real pleasure.
"Quite lovely," he said, leaving no doubt as to the object of his compliment. Rosemary felt his hand come to rest on hers as it lay on his arm, and as he drew her closer to him, she thought she would faint from happiness.
From her hiding spot behind a mulberry bush, Lillian grinned at what she saw. Her sister and Captain Jenkinson looked very happy. Much as she wished to show her sister the pretty flowers she had picked, she would stay out of the way for a few more minutes, just to give them time...
From her spot across the lawn from the young couple, Miss Lennox made no such resolution, and began to make her way towards them.
Knowing nothing of this, Rosemary was simply happy to be in the Captain's company, thrilled that he thought her lovely, and intimately aware of his hand on hers. She hardly knew it when he led her to a small bench under a tree, magnificently adorned with leaves of scarlet and gold. Sitting down, she automatically raised her eyes to look at her companion, but realized at once that something was wrong. He was not there! Confused, she cast her eyes downward again, and at once met his intense gaze from where he was kneeling at her feet.
"Miss Holloway... Rosemary, I-- I had a speech prepared, but I've forgotten every word." Here he looked abashed, but was not to be stayed in his purpose by such trifles. Determined, he continued. "Let me only tell you how very much I admire you. You are the loveliest lady of my acquaintance, and the dearest." Rosemary's hands shook as he gazed at her seriously. With an unmistakable look in his eyes, he spoke again. "Your kindness, your intelligence, your talent... oh, Rosemary, such feeling as you put into your music, if only I could hope to have even a portion of it directed towards me! When I hear you play, my heart soars with you; I can think of no greater pleasure than to be in your company. Truly, you have captured my heart, my imagination, and my soul." He clasped her hands to disguise the trembling of his own, and raised his eyes to her face. "Rosemary, I lo--"
"Why, Captain Jenkinson, what a surprise to see you here!" Miss Lennox's disagreeable voice cut through his heartfelt feelings of love in an instant. Hurriedly, he stood up. "You told me last night that you would not be able to call this morning because of 'important business'!" she sneered, indicating none-too-subtly that she did not consider Miss Holloway to be of that caliber of importance.
"Good afternoon, Miss Lennox," Rosemary said civilly, clenching her teeth and brushing aside the tears that threatened to spill onto her suddenly pale cheek. She had been crying from joy, but her tears now stemmed from vexation. Twice today, he had been about to say those magical words, and twice they had been interrupted! It was almost too much!
Miss Lennox, fully aware of what she had interrupted and fully determined to prevent its occurence, tugged at the Captain's arm, ignoring the look of frustration on his face. "Captain, how do you like my new dress? It's made in the newest fashion, you know." She pirouetted, and continued chattering. "How do you like my trimmings? I always say that lace goes with everything. Notice the triple row of it at the sleeves and the hem? And the silk flowers sewn over all? Some people say that this dress was too grand for walking out in, but I think a lady must always dress to fit her station." Here she shot a calculating glance at Rosemary. "I see you believe so as well, Miss Holloway." Rosemary blushed, but Miss Lennox was already continuing. "And what of my hat? And Captain, you simply must come shopping for some new ribbons with me in ---- Street this afternoon! I was talking to Miss Amery yesterday and she said that you had been most helpful in choosing a becoming color for her last week." She paused for breath to deliver her crowning item. "You remember, when you insisted upon following her all day?" She shot a superior glance at Miss Holloway, noting with pleasure the way the girl's face fell at the mention of the Captain's behavior.
Captain Jenkinson also noticed Rosemary's expression, and silently cursed Miss Lennox for twisting the story in such a way. Blast it, he had simply met Miss Amery and her mother by acccident in --- Street, and had been about to take his leave of them when Mrs. Amery (in a manner he had found highly suspicious) had suddenly "twisted her ankle" and had found herself "unable to walk without his assistance." Unwilling to abandon the woman on the chance that her injury might be genuine, he had been forced to accompany her and her daughter on their shopping expedition, during which he had put up with such a display of simpering, fluttering, and blatant "hints" that it had taken an entire evening of meditation on Rosemary's beautiful playing and even more beautiful person, to banish his ill-humor.
But how was he to make Rosemary understand the real circumstances of his meeting with Miss Amery, especially with Miss Lennox smirking in the background like a well-fed cat? "Miss Holloway, I--"
"I understand, Captain Jenkinson, you have no obligation to explain yourself to me." Rosemary spoke quietly, eyes once more downcast. She hardly knew what to think. She believed she knew the Captain's true feelings, and that he would never flirt so excessively with one young lady as Miss Lennox was attempting to imply, while paying his addresses to another. No, he would never do something so ungentlemanly! But what if...? No. It was impossible. But Miss Amery had a fortune of seven thousand pounds, while she herself had less than a thousand to offer... No, it could not be! He loved her! But had he yet gotten the chance to say so? Could he not perhaps be grateful for the interruption, as it afforded him a chance to escape before the whim of a moment impelled him to say something he might later regret? She stood in an agony of confusion, aware of Captain Jenkinson's distress, Miss Lennox's satisfaction, and... footsteps approaching?
"Rosemary, look!" Having observed her sister's discomfort upon the arrival of the other young lady, Lillian had decided to make her presence known. She did not like the looks of Miss Lennox, and one look at her sister's pale face was enough to decide her course of action. "Rosemary, look at my beautiful flow-- Oh! I'm so sorry!"
Captain Jenkinson had the satisfaction of seeing the smug look wiped off of Miss Lennox's haughty face for once, for Lillian had stumbled into her, bowling her over completely and getting her muddy in the process. The triple rows of lace were quite bedraggled, as were the silk flowers. "I'm terribly sorry, ma'am!" Lillian gushed, "I must have mistaken you for a flower-bed! Your gown and hat are so covered with them that I truly didn't see you! My, but that is a lovely shade of orange you're wearing!"
Miss Lennox turned crimson with suppressed rage. The child's face was the picture of innocence, and her tone could not have been more sincere. Even her compliments were genuine on the surface. But she knew the girl had done it on purpose, and was even now making fun of her! The insufferable little...
"It's quite all right, my dear, I'm sure Miss Lennox will be fine," soothed the Captain, with a wry glance at Rosemary and a conspiratorial smile for Lillian. He looked at Miss Lennox pointedly. "Won't you be fine, Miss Lennox? I've heard you say often that you loved children and the mischief they got into."
"Yes, of course, but..." she murmured, caught off-guard. He was right, she had said that once in an effort to make him see what a good wife and mother she would make. But she had never meant...! And he knew it...! And-- She pressed her lips together firmly, picked herself up out of the dirt, and made her farewells in as short a manner as possible. It was time to make as graceful an exit as she could put together.
"Annie!" exclaimed Rosemary when Miss Lennox had departed, "Did you do that deliberately?" Lillian simply looked at her with the same innocent expression she had used on the unfortunate Miss Lennox. Rosemary turned to Captain Jenkinson for support, and found his eyes twinkling at her. She decided at that moment that nothing had gone on between him and the wealthy Miss Amery. Smiling back at him, she took Lillian's hand, accepted the arm he offered her, and together the three of them proceeded back to the house.
Chapter 7
Leaning back with a small sigh and closing her eyes, she let her fingers glide over the keys in a tune she had known since childhood. Her mother had taught her to play the simple melody when she was a child, and had accompanied her with the more complex counterpoint. Now she could play both parts herself, and did so when she wanted to feel closer to her mother. It was such a soothing exercise that she did not hear the voices approaching in the hall.
"She's in here, Captain Jenkinson," Woods said, ushering him into the drawing room. He smiled as he saw Rosemary at the pianoforte, and considered walking up behind her softly and surprising her with a kiss. But no, the maid was still standing at the door, and he was not yet brave enough to risk it. He cleared his throat loudly.
"Miss Holloway," he said clearly, rousing her from her music, "how are you this morning?"
She turned and opened her eyes, smiling when she beheld him standing somewhat nervously on the threshold of the room. "Captain Jenkinson, I am quite well, thank you." It had been several days since he had called, and her happiness to see him showed in her eyes.
The Captain caught his breath at her smile, and almost forgot his purpose in coming. Pulling a thick, cream-colored envelope out of his coat pocket, he offered it to her. "Miss Holloway, I would like to invite you and your aunt to attend the ball being held at my parents' townhouse on Tuesday next. They are most anxious to meet you," well, that was partially true- they were most anxious about his involvement with her, anyway. "and I would be honored if you would come."
Rosemary cautiously rose from her seat to take the invitation. She had no doubt that he wanted her to be at the ball, but his parents were another matter. How did they really feel about their son's inviting her, a virtual nobody, to their ball? Then she saw his hopeful smile, and her resistance evaporated. "We would be delighted to come, Captain. You are most kind."
"Thank you, Miss Holloway," he replied, his eyes lighting up. "And would you do me the honor of dancing the first two dances with me?" His eyes never left hers, and seeing the tender look in them, she could almost fancy he had asked her a much more serious question.
"I would love to," she breathed. She realized that she had perhaps been more forward than was strictly appropriate, but she didn't care. They stood that way for a long while, lost in each other's eyes.
Remembering something, Captain Jenkinson suddenly began fumbling about in the pocket of his waistcoat. At last, he pulled out a small brass key. "Miss Holloway," he said, "would you please do me a favor and keep this key safe for me until such time as I ask for it back? It is most important."
"Certainly, Captain," Rosemary replied. "But will you not tell me what the key is for?"
"I regret to say that circumstances forbid me to tell you at the moment, Miss Holloway," he said with great satisfaction. "But I will endeavour to tell you as soon as possible." And he handed the tiny key to her with a flourish. She took it and inspected it curiously. What could it be for? It looked quite old, but still gleamed in the morning light. Resolutely deciding to put away her curiosity for the time being, she placed the key in her pocket.
"I will keep it safe for you, Captain Jenkinson," she said solemnly, with a smile in her eyes.
"Thank you, Miss Holloway," he said, just as solemnly and with just as much of a smile. "And now I must take my leave. I look forward to seeing you, Rosemary." With that, the turned, and quitted the room, leaving Rosemary to go back to her pianoforte. Somehow she could not practice- the key weighed heavily in her pocket, her mind kept replaying the sound of his voice saying her name, and she was entirely distracted. It would be a night to remember!
Chapter 8
"Rosemary, dear, what's wrong?" her aunt asked with concern. "You look out of spirits."
"Oh, Aunt! I feel as if I don't belong here at all! What will they say of me? What will they think of me? We should just go home." Rosemary was dangerously close to tears. What had she been thinking, accepting the Captain's invitation?
"Dear, you have nothing to worry about," Mrs. Holloway soothed. "You have as much right to be here as any other guest- more, since a member of the family expressed his particular wish that you be here. Remember that."
"But Aunt, he's the only one who thinks I should be here! The rest of his family doesn't even know me, he must have gone against their wishes to invite me, he hasn't even spoken to me since he delivered the invitation, and he's probably changed his mind about wanting me to attend the ball in the first place!" She paused for breath, panic overwhelming her. She was desperately afraid that Captain Jenkinson really had changed with regard to his feelings towards her. After all, his family was very wealthy, and they were sure to frown on his association with a girl with her lack of connections. She felt the carriage pull to a stop, and her heart beat faster than ever. The door opened, and she took the hand extended to her as she stepped down.
"Good evening, Miss Holloway. You look lovelier than ever." Captain Jenkinson smiled up at her with delight. The greeting was a cliché, but he thought privately that it had never been more true than of Rosemary. She wore a gown of cream colored silk, with an overdress of pale rose floating in panels to the hem. A ribbon of darker rose encircled her waist and fell in streamers from a posy of rosebuds pinned to her gown. Her arms curved softly from beneath short puffed sleeves, and she wore long gloves which defined her delicate fingers. Here and there a rosebud peeped from her curls, and a pearl cross on a fine gold chain graced her neck. She took his breath away, and he wanted nothing more than to tell her how he felt about her right there and then. She smiled suddenly, and he felt his own lips curving in response. He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and was just about to kiss it when her aunt's discreet cough reminded him that they were standing by a carriage in the middle of the street. Gallantly, he offered an arm to Rosemary and to her aunt, and escorted them into his family's house.
Once inside the ballroom, Rosemary was again overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place and the people inside it. She felt so small compared to the Society ladies and gentlemen who stood about the room, chatting amiably.The Captain squeezed her hand, and she turned to him.
"Captain, I'd like to thank you for inviting me and my aunt to your family's gathering, though I fear I may be an inconvenience, as I am not acquainted with their friends."
"Miss Holloway, you could never be an inconvenience to anyone," Captain Jenkinson said honestly. "I am very glad you are here." She smiled shyly.
"Then... then your family will not be upset with you for--"
"Miss Holloway," he interrupted firmly, "I do not care what upsets my family or does not. At the moment, I care only for your comfort." And he gazed at her in a way that made his words impossible to doubt. Rosemary began to feel better about the evening, and was just beginning to relax when she heard a familiar voice.
"Captain Jenkinson!" cooed Miss Lennox. Then, drastically changing her tone, "And Miss Holloway. How... nice." She was looking less like a flower-bed and more like some exotic bird tonight, with her brilliant green gown bedecked with feathers dyed in all the colors of the rainbow, interspersed with sparkling jewels. Her headdress alone would have afforded a flock of parrots ample plumage. Captain Jenkinson was perilously close to sneezing.
"Good evening, Miss Lennox," Rosemary said politely, recalling the last time she had seen the lady, covered in mud and severely out of sorts.
"Dear Captain, you are so kind to take it upon yourself to provide some measure of entertainment for poor Miss Holloway here," continued Miss Lennox, without showing a sign of having heard her greeting. "Young ladies like herself must necessarily be in need of it when their own circle of society is so limited. My dear mamma and I were just thinking that we should like to give our governess just such an opportunity someday."
The Captain winced at her rudeness, while Rosemary merely smiled and looked down. Seeing that her barbed comment had not succeeded in drawing out a response, Miss Lennox tried another.
"Since you are so obviously not otherwise occupied, Captain, perhaps you could help me find my dance card? I seem to have lost it, and so many young men have asked me that--"
"I do not believe we have distributed the dance cards yet, Miss Lennox," Captain Jenkinson said with a wry smile. "Though when we have, I shall most assuredly help you find yours." He and Rosemary exchanged a glance which Miss Lennox could not help noting, and she made a last effort.
"Well, Captain, in that case, you cannot have been engaged for the first two dances. I hope to see you dance this evening?" There, he could not possibly fail to understand her meaning now!
"Yes, indeed, I do intend to dance," said the Captain, eyes twinkling. Miss Lennox drew herself up to her full height, eyelashes fluttering. "And I have already had the honor of asking Miss Holloway to dance the first two with me. Miss Holloway, would you like some refreshment before we begin?" And with that, he took her arm and walked away, leaving behind a most discomfited Miss Lennox.
Chapter 9
"Christopher," she said, inclining her head towards the Captain.
"Mother," he replied.
"I understand this is Miss Holloway?" she said, making it less of a question than a statement.
"It is, Mother," the captain answered calmly.
"Do I know your family, Miss Holloway?" the imposing woman asked, turning her intense scrutiny on Rosemary.
"I do not believe so, Lady Jenkinson," she said bravely. "You see, my aunt lives here London, and I live with--"
"What does your father do?" Lady Jenkinson interrupted, waving her bejeweled hand impatiently.
Rosemary hesitated. "My father is dead," she said finally, her eyes downcast.
"And your mother?" persisted Lady Jenkinson, not noticing or not caring about the pain she was obviously inflicting on the young woman.
"She is also dead," Rosemary said in a near-whisper, cheeks scarlet and eyes burning with tears.
"Ah, I see," Lady Jenkinson said dismissively. "I suppose you have not had much upbringing, then. I always say that..."
Rosemary hardly heard her. Insufferable woman! How could she ask such questions?! How dare she? Her eyes smarted, and her throat was too tight for her to speak. She could feel the tears coming, and she would not cry before this woman, she would not! The Captain, seeing her distress, took her arm protectively and tried to comfort her with his presence. He looked at his mother defiantly, though his words showed no hint of the anger he felt at her rudeness.
"Mother, Miss Holloway is obviously over-tired. Please allow me to see her to a seat."
"Do as you wish, Christopher. Though I do insist that you pay attention to our other guests. It's quite shocking how you are monopolizing Miss Holloway, you know." And with that final comment, she swept off, leaving a mortified Captain and a relieved Rosemary in her wake.
Chapter 10
"Miss Holloway?" Captain Jenkinson asked with real concern. "Are you feeling quite well?" He took her hand worriedly. How could his mother have behaved so? She may have ruined his chances for happiness with the woman he loved best in the world. And Rosemary was looking so upset, she must surely be angry with him as well for allowing his mother to speak that way.
"Captain, I fear I must beg your leave to depart," she said faintly. "Would you be so kind as to fetch my aunt that we may return home?"
Dumbstruck, the Captain could only make vague sounds of protest before finally finding his voice. "Miss Holloway, you mustn't feel obligated to go. My mother's comments were unconscionably rude, you must forgive her. Please, Miss Holloway, I entreat you to stay..." She really wanted to leave! He couldn't bear to see her go like this- she obviously wanted nothing more to do with him for the time being. If only she would show some regret at leaving his company...
Rosemary only shook her head, keeping her eyes carefully on her shoes. If she looked at him, she would be sure to change her mind, and she knew now that she could not afford to. It would never have worked anyway. She saw that now. Her lips firmed in resolution.
"I apologize, Captain Jenkinson, but I must go." Her eyes were cold as they focused on a point slightly to the left of his head. She hated the sound of her voice, so impersonal, but she forced herself to remain aloof. It was for his own good, she repeated silently.
Hurt, the Captain went in search of Mrs. Holloway. As he purposefully strode among the guests, his hurt turned to resolution. If Miss Holloway remained steadfast in her resolution to behave so coldly to him, there was only one thing to be done. He spied Mrs. Holloway chatting amiably with an old acquaintance currently serving as chaperone. He made a quick, formal bow. "Mrs. Holloway, your niece is feeling indisposed at the moment, and would like to return home. If you would follow me." His expression caught the woman's notice, and she stood immediately.
Making a few quick goodbyes, she made her way across the room to her niece. "Rosemary, whatever is the matter?" she exclaimed upon reaching the pale and silent girl.
Rosemary looked up at her aunt's approach, and her gaze shifted to take in the Captain's face as he stood behind Mrs. Holloway. He bowed stiffly.
"Miss Holloway, if you would do me the honor of..." Her breath froze. Was he going to choose this moment to profess himself? Surely it was impossible!
"... allowing me to send my carriage for you. You will be able to reach your home much sooner." His face showed not a hint of expression, nor the slightest bit of regret at her departure. In fact, he seemed almost satisfied that she should be going. The last bit of her courage failed her, and she choked out a farewell before leaving the ballroom as quickly as possible. Her aunt hurried after her, casting one last glance back at the Captain, who stood at the door.
If Rosemary had happened to look back at that moment, she would have seen Captain Jenkinson and Mrs. Holloway wink at each other.
Chapter 11
"There, there, dear," comforted Mrs. Holloway. "I'm sure she didn't mean it." Rosemary sniffled, unconvinced. "And after all, the Captain didn't say any of those things, did he?"
At that, Rosemary, burst into a fresh round of sobs. "But he WILL! They'll convince him that I'm not good enough for him! He was so cold when I left! And he'll (blows nose again)... and I'll never... (sniffles moistly)... and he'll marry Miss Lennox instead..."
"He'll do nothing of the sort!" interjected Mrs. Holloway, but Rosemary was paying her no heed, and continued to sob out sentence fragments.
"... looked just like a big parrot!" she finally finished indignantly. Her aunt had to smile.
"You mean the one in all the feathers? Yes, I suppose she did," she commented, remembering a certain young lady in green. "But Rosemary, dear, you mustn't lose faith in him. Do you trust him, or his family?"
Rosemary looked up into her aunt's eyes, and took a shuddering breath to calm herself. "I trust him, of course."
"Then you shouldn't concern yourself with what they say, isn't that right?"
"Yes, but..." Rosemary paused, thought, and continued. "You're right." She sighed. "I overreacted. I only hope that he can forgive me for my behavior in leaving so abruptly."
"I'm sure he has, dear," her aunt said, smiling tenderly. Mrs. Holloway patted her niece's hand, and looked out the carriage window as it rumbled to a stop. "Here we are. Now why don't we go inside and see if a hot cup of tea can't make you feel better."
Arm in arm, the two women entered the darkened house. Woods had stayed up to meet them, but Mrs. Holloway waved her to bed and went to prepare the tea kettle herself.
"Rosemary," she called from the kitchen, "Could you step into the drawing room and fetch my eyeglasses before I forget them again? I seem to have left them there."
"Of course, Aunt," Rosemary replied, and dutifully went into the drawing room.
Mrs. Holloway heard the door open, and waited. She heard Rosemary's muffled shriek of astonishment, smiled to herself, and again busied herself making tea. They'd need it.
Chapter 12
A sudden thought occured to her, and she reached into her pocket, heart pounding. Taking out the brass key the Captain had given her, she fitted it into the lock. Her hands were shaking so badly she could hardly turn it, but at last the catch gave way and she was able to open the pianoforte.
The ivory keys seemed almost to glow against the dusky shine of the ebony, and the effect was rendered the more striking by the single red rose laid across the keyboard. A small white card lay next to it. She reached for the square of paper, suddenly lightheaded.
"Ahem." She whirled to find the source of the sound, and gasped with surprise as Captain Jenkinson stepped shyly into the lamplight.
"It was my grandmother's instrument," he said quietly. "She taught me how to play it when I was a child, and left it to me when she was gone. I know she would have wanted you to have it."
Together they gazed on the pianoforte, studiously avoiding each others' eyes. "It's absolutely lovely," said Rosemary, tracing the delicate wood inlay.
"Quite lovely," he said with a gentle smile, and she blushed at the memory of their day in the park. He laid his hand on top of hers. "I'm so sorry to have upset you, Rosemary," he said, a pleading look in his eyes. "I wanted to tell you before you left, but there wasn't time. Will you forgive me?" And he held out his hands.
Instantly she moved forward to take them. "I never should have doubted you, sir."
Her look of joy was all the reassurance he needed. "Rosemary, dearest, will you make this the happiest day of my life, and agree to honor me with your hand in marriage?" His look quite took her breath away.
"I will," she said, eyes shining up at him. He gathered her hands to his heart, overcome with happiness. For her part, she could not take her eyes off of his as he slowly bent his head, and, his breath warm on her face, brushed her lips with his own. Hesitant at first, the kiss grew deeper as the two young people became lost to everything around them but each other.
The white card lay unnoticed and unneeded on the pianoforte's keyboard. I love you, it read.
Chapter 13
"Ouch!" Lillian's sharp tug at one of her curls brought her back to reality. No, it certainly was no dream- it was her wedding day, and she was getting ready for the ceremony, and a certain impish little sister was going to pay dearly for pulling her hair! Disregarding her delicate gown, Rosemary quickly crossed the room, grabbed a pillow, and threatened her sister with it.
"I should get you for that!" she said, grinning at the little girl who was trying to look innocent.
"I was just trying to get your attention!" Lillian protested with a pert smile.
"Attention? I'll give you attention!" and Rosemary began to chase her around the room. Around and around they went, almost tripping over skirts and pieces of furniture, until Lillian collapsed on the bed, laughing.
"I give up! I give up! I'm sorry!" she tried to catch her breath.
"All right, Annie," Rosemary said magnanimously. "You may get up now, but... oh, no you don't!" Her keen eyes had spied her little sister's fingers creeping purposefully towards the edge of a nearby pillow. "You'll behave, or... or you're dis-invited to the wedding!" she cried, inspired.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Lillian cried, instantly contrite. She sat up and put her hands firmly in her lap. "I'll let you dress in peace... but will you promise to play later?" She looked up hopefully. Her sister had been so busy lately with wedding plans that it seemed like they were never able to see each other anymore. In fact, no one had been paying much attention to her recently- everyone was so busy worrying about the cake, or the guests, or the decorations. She hoped things would calm down after the wedding, so she could have some time to spend with her family again.
Softening, Rosemary sat down beside her sister and put an arm around her shoulders. "Dearest, I know I haven't been around much lately, but I promise that we'll spend some time together soon."
"But you're always with the Captain," Lillian pouted, looking at her hands. "I like him, really I do, but I miss you." That was it, really. With Rosemary married, Lillian knew that things couldn't stay the same as they had been. She'd have her own family to look after- she wouldn't be able to pay as much attention to one little sister.
"Annie, dear, I still love you very much, even if I do spend most of my time with Christopher," Rosemary said gently, feeling a pang of guilt for having neglected her sister recently. "And when we're married you'll have a brand new brother to play with. You'll like that, won't you?"
Lillian looked up suddenly, eyes twinkling mischeviously. "I'd rather have a little niece or nephew to play with," she said, grinning. She knew her sister would be shocked.
She was not disappointed. "Lillian Mary Holloway!" Rosemary cried severely. "You shouldn't talk of such things!" But she was smiling, nonetheless. The very thought was enough to send her off into contemplations of nurseries, knitted booties, soft tiny hands...
"Rosemary!" came Lillian's voice again. "You'll never be dressed if you keep drifting off like that!" She reached for another curl, but thought better of pulling it again. Instead, she stuck out her tongue at her sister impudently, and went downstairs to help her aunt.
Rosemary, shaking her head clear of pastel visions of rattles and tiny toys, sat down at her dressing-table to finish her hair. There really wasn't much more to do, once she straightened her curls and replaced the fresh flowers that had fallen out in her wild chase after Annie. Five minutes later, she stood and surveyed herself with satisfaction. She hoped Christopher thought she looked beautiful. She knew he would look handsome in his uniform...
All right, enough of those thoughts. It was time to go downstairs. By the end of the day, she would be Mrs. Christopher Jenkinson. She wore the smile all the way to the church.
Chapter 14
The wedding-dinner was superb- his cook had outdone herself, and Woods had personally overseen the decoration of the cake. His mother had- once she had reconciled herself to his marriage- attempted to take over the planning of the wedding, but Mrs. Holloway, sensible woman that she was, had kept the fuss and bother to a minimum. As a result, the food was delicious, the decorations were in impeccable taste, and the whole thing had gone off without any greater difficulty than the guests' momentary fear of impending rain. As the predicted rain had yet to materialize, even that worry was unfounded.
He looked across the room at his wife, and smiled fondly. Rosemary was chatting amiably to some acquaintances, and he could see that even his mother could find no fault with her manners. He walked over to the group and took Rosemary's elbow possessively. "My dear, I hope you are enjoying yourself."
Rosemary felt a thrill at her husband's - her husband!- touch. He still had that effect on her. She turned and smiled up at him. "I am now," she said archly. He raised her hand to his lips in a gallant gesture, and they once again lost track of their surroundings.
Across the room, Lady Jenkinson looked at the couple disapprovingly. "Their behavior is entirely inappropriate," she said in a peevish tone. "Don't you think so, Catherine?" she asked, turning to her oldest friend for support.
"Hm?" Lady Catherine de Bourgh turned away from the affectionate scene before her. "I quite agree, Carlotta," she said vigorously. In fact, she had just been thinking how she hoped her own daughter would have such a loving marriage when her time came to marry. She, Lady Catherine, would take all steps necessary to ensure her daughter's happiness. And she knew exactly who would make her daughter happy!
"And that young upstart of a girl! How could my son ever fall in love with her? She has no fortune, no connections!" Lady Jenkinson continued. She may have become reconciled to the fact of the wedding taking place, but that did not mean she had to like it.
Lady Catherine peered more closely at the new Mrs. Jenkinson as Lady Jenkinson rambled on about the disgraceful lack of manners displayed by the entire Holloway family, from the too-broad smile of Mrs. Holloway, to the total lack of supervision of young Lillian.
Hmm, thought Lady Catherine... While it was certainly true that she was practically penniless, had no connections to speak of, and was by no means the most eligible young lady that the young Captain could have married, one had to admit that she seemed polite, elegant, and remarkably genteel. Still... no money! "Hmph! She'll never amount to anything!" And with that pronouncement, Lady Catherine turned her attention to the excellent punch her hosts had provided. There were, after all, more important things than gossip. Giving advice, for example...
"Tell me, Carlotta, did you ever look into putting those shelves into the closets...?"
Meanwhile, the guests were getting ready to see the young couple off on their honeymoon. It wasn't to be much of a trip, of course (Not like the tour of the continent I had, thought Lady Jenkinson spitefully), but they were to make a trip to the Lakes before returning home to settle down.
Handing Rosemary- Mrs. Jenkinson!- into the carriage, Captain Jenkinson looked out over the assembled friends, family, and well-wishers. Some were truly happy for him, he knew, while others were merely tolerant. But with Rosemary by his side, he could face anything. He caught Mrs. Holloway's eye and smiled at her- she was well on her way to becoming more of a mother to him than Lady Jenkinson had ever been. He saw Rosemary, out of the corner of his eye, leaning out the carriage window to bestow a special smile on her aunt, and on her little sister, who was looking downcast but was still bravely waving and smiling. I will be sure to spend more time with her when I return, Rosemary resolved as they drove away together. She rested her head on her husband's shoulder and sighed.
"Happy, my love?" he asked, stroking her hair gently.
"Perfectly," she replied.
As the carriage drove away, the guests moved back into the house, nibbling on last-minute snacks, finding misplaced gloves, and commenting on the probable happiness of the married pair. Feeling out of place, Lillian wandered through the rooms looking for a place to sit down and be out of the way. Perhaps she would go outside... the weather wasn't really all that bad yet. It looked like it might not rain after all. Besides, even if it did, she would be back home before she got too wet...
Chapter 15
"Marmalade, dear," came Christopher's voice, teasingly.
She opened her eyes to see her husband smirking down at her. "How did you know what I was doing?"
"Simple," he said with satisfaction, busying himself with the toast and handing her a linen napkin. "Every morning you do the same thing-- raise your head, sniff the air, and lie there with that little confused dent between your eyebrows... there," and he touched the spot with his fingertip. "I, on the other hand, do my best to make your mornings interesting by providing my humble services." He grinned at her wickedly. "Of course, they don't come cheap..."
"Well, Christopher, perhaps if you were to be less prompt in making breakfast so early, we might find time for such things," she said pointedly. Taking advantage of his momentary distraction to snatch a slice of freshly buttered toast from his hands, she said airily, "But then again, I quite enjoy breakfast in bed." And with that, she turned blithely away. She took a huge bite out of the toast, just to see the look on his face when he saw her calmly enjoying HIS breakfast. "Mmmmm," she sighed, mouth full, just to make her point.
"I surrender!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in resignation. "I hereby swear I will never again make you breakfast in bed!" They both laughed, and the rest of the meal passed in peace.
Rosemary looked over at her husband with a tender smile. The past few weeks had been absolutely idyllic-- the scenery and weather had been beautiful, she had a wonderful and loving husband, and she had never been so happy. Tomorrow they would go back to London, and she would see Aunt Holloway and Annie again, and then they were off to their new home. It was almost too perfect... a tiny frown appeared as she quickly tried to banish the thought. There was no use in worrying when there were no problems... what would she do then if any appeared? It was an absurd idea, really, being anxious because she was too happy. She shook her head, mentally chiding herself for her pessimism, and finished her breakfast.
Chapter 16
Descending from the carriage, she swept Lillian up into a fierce hug, looking at her aunt over the little girl's shoulder. "Annie, I missed you!" she said into her sister's hair. "How have you been Aunt?" She stood up and went toward the older woman, somewhat hampered by the small girl clinging to her hand. Mrs. Holloway held out her arms, glad to see her niece so well and happy. Marriage obviously agreed with her. With a quick hug, no less tender for its brevity, she turned to welcome her new nephew.
"Captain Jenkinson, it's a pleasure to see you again." Her smile belied her formal words, and she claimed a hug from him as well.
"Please," he begged, "call me Christopher. We are family, after all."
"Can I call you Christopher?" asked Lillian pertly.
"Lillian!" her aunt exclaimed, "we do not call our elders by their Christian names."
"But we are family after all, Aunt!" Lillian replied, wrinkling her nose impudently. Her aunt tried to look stern but failed miserably. A well-timed wink from the Captain was all it took for Lillian to dissolve into giggles. Seeing her reaction, Captain Jenkinson couldn't help making a face at her behind Mrs. Holloway's back, which prompted the little girl to an even more hysterical fit of laughter, which ended in a spate of coughing. Helplessly, she grinned.
With exaggerated formality, the Captain turned to Rosemary. "As it seems that Lillian is unable to speak at the moment, shall we go inside?" And offering her his arm, they proceeded into the house.
Rosemary entered their small drawing room, looking about her as if she expected some drastic change to have occurred in the few weeks she had been away. No, it was just the same. Perhaps... but now her sister was claiming her attention.
"Rosemary, look at my drawings! I did ever so many while you were away!" she bent to look at the sheaf of papers Lillian was holding out for her inspection. There were indeed a great many.
"This is you and the Captain at your wedding, and this is Aunt, and this is the puppy she wouldn't let me have," here she glanced at her Aunt, aggrieved, "and these are of the garden, and this is my favourite horse that goes by the house every day, and this is the doctor, and this is Miss Lennox in her orange dress..."
"Doctor?" Rosemary looked at her aunt, alarmed. Mrs. Holloway hastened to reassure her.
"It was nothing to fuss about, dear. Lillian caught a small cold while you were away, and she had to stay in bed for a while. Besides, she got plenty of time to practice drawing, didn't you dear?" She turned to regard Lillian, who was again engrossed in flipping through her stack of drawings.
"But I heard her coughing..." Rosemary protested, worried for her sister.
"Rosemary, it really was nothing to be anxious over," her aunt soothed. "She went out in the rain, she caught a cold, and it took her a few weeks to get over it. The cough will disappear soon, the doctor promised. All she needs is fresh air."
"I'm sure she'll be fine, darling," Christopher comforted her. "After all, if her current spirits are any indication of her health, I'd say she's doing perfectly well!"
Rosemary had to agree, though she couldn't shake off the sense that something was wrong. No, she was being silly again. Lillian would be fine. The doctor had said so. All she needed was fresh air...
She turned away from contemplation of her sister and smiled at her husband and aunt. "I'm sure you're right," she said with forced cheerfulness. "Aunt, is there anything I can do to help with dinner?"
"Don't be silly, dear! We've been preparing for your return since this morning! There's nothing for you to do but sit and rest from your journey. I positively insist!" She ushered her niece onto the sofa and soon had her settled with her husband on one side and a cup of tea on the other. "There! You relax. I'll call you when dinner is ready." And she bustled into the kitchen, casting a final tender smile over her shoulder. It was so good to have everyone in the house again, even if Rosemary was leaving again in two days...
Rosemary, meanwhile, took advantage of her enforced idleness to study her small sister. It was true, she did not appear to be ill, or even less energetic than usual, but a slight cough persisted in making its appearance in her breathing, and she thought that the rosy cheeks were just the least bit paler than before...? No, that last was just her imagination. But still, she worried...
"She'll be perfectly fine," Christopher whispered in her ear, brushing a stray curl out of the way. "Don't worry about her."
"How did you--" she asked, surprised once again at his seeming ability to read her mind.
"I told you-- it's that dent between your eyebrows." He touched the spot once more, and she couldn't help but smile at him. She was feeling better already.
Chapter 17
"Annie... are you awake?" Lillian turned over in bed, pulling her pillow over her ears to shut out the sound of Rosemary's soft but insistent voice.
"Wake up!" the playful commad was punctuated by a solid whap with a pillow. Lillian groaned and curled up into a tight ball under the covers.
"Annie... are you awake?" came Rosemary's voice again, tinged with laughter and just as insistent. No response. "Wake up!" and she again gave her sister's "sleeping" form a resounding smack with the pillow. Still no response, though the form under the bedclothes was looking decidedly annoyed.
"Annie... are you awake?" the voice said, even more sweetly and more menacingly.
"Mmmph, mmmph!" came Lillian's indignant voice at last. She did not, however, come out from under the blankets.
"Get up!" and Rosemary again applied the pillow to her now thoroughly awakened sister. At that, Lillian bounced out of bed, tightly clutching a large pillow and determined to exact revenge for the morning's indignity.
"I'll get you for this, Rosemary! Ooh, you just wait!" And she launched herself towards her older sister, pillow swinging.
Several laughter-filled minutes later, the two finally collapsed onto the bed, much as they had the morning of Rosemary's wedding.
"I'm... beginning... to think... I shouldn't have wanted you home... so soon... after all!" Lillian said, still catching her breath. Rosemary turned to smile at her, eyes twinkling.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps I shouldn't have made special plans for us today, if you're so tired of my company!"
Instantly contrite, yet bubbling with excitement, Lillian sat up. "You really mean it? What special plans? What are we going to do? Is it going to be fun? Where are we going?" She bounced up and down on the bed, demanding to know.
"Well..." Rosemary said, pretending to be doubtful, "I thought you didn't want to spend time with me after all... maybe we should just stay home and... embroider some handkerchiefs." She inserted that last comment with a sly smile, knowing that embroidery was not at the top of Lillian?s list of favorite activities.
"Rosemary!" Lillian was bouncing even harder by this point. "You know I didn't mean it! Rosemary, you look really pretty today... did I tell you how much I love you? Do you want me to get you some breakfast? Do you want me to gather you some flowers? Can I--"
"That won't be necessary, Annie," Rosemary interrupted, laughing. "You know I can't wait to spend the day with you." And she took her sister's hand, saying seriously, "It'll be just the two of us, dear. I know I haven?t been available much, but I want you to know that I'm always here for you." She smiled at Lillian, who gave her an impulsive hug. "Now, let's get that breakfast, and I'll tell you all about what we're going to do today..."
Ch. 18
"... and then we saw the funniest little puppet show, and there was a dog that did tricks, and I got some candy at the shop near the music store, and Rosemary wanted peppermint but I wanted lemon, and the shopkeeper said..."
"How much longer will she keep talking?" whispered Christopher behind his hand to his wife.
"If it were anyone else, I would say five minutes, but it is Annie we are speaking of, after all," she replied with a grin.
"Did you visit every spot in London?" he queried, smiling at his small sister-in-law's raptures over her latest activity.
"Not quite, but close!" she said after mentally cataloguing the day's events.
"Psst! Pay attention, I think she's finishing!" Mrs. Holloway warned them hurriedly. The two snapped to attention.
"... and that's where I got this new doll. Then we came home. I had a wonderful time!" concluded Lillian proudly. She looked at her older sister with adoration. "Rosemary said that next time we can go see the animals in the menagerie!"
"That's wonderful, dear," Mrs. Holloway said, smiling indulgently. "Now why don't you go put your doll away and wash up for dinner?" Lillian scampered upstairs, and Mrs. Holloway turned to her niece. "I'm glad you two had such a nice time today-- she's missed you so, and it'll only be harder for her once you leave again."
Rosemary shook her head, and Christopher squeezed her hand for comfort. "I know, Aunt. I'll miss you both. I wish there was some way we could spend more time together, but Christopher needs to be near his regiment, and there's nothing we can do."
"We'll visit as much as we can, and that's a promise," Christopher said, drawing Rosemary closer to him. "I could never keep Rosemary away from her only family. I do hope that she'll grow to see my family as her own, as well, especially since I may have to be on the Continent in the future."
Mrs. Holloway smiled wryly. She knew that the odds of that family relationship happening were slim, though the lack of closeness would not be for lack of trying on Rosemary's part. In the weeks since the wedding, she had taken the time to call on Lady Jenkinson twice, since they were now related by marriage. That august lady had deigned to make one return visit, and that the briefest that civility would allow. After her second call had been ignored, Mrs. Holloway had refrained from attempting further acquaintance.
"I'm sure the Jenkinsons will be just as warm and loving as their son is," Rosemary said optimistically, trying to convince herself of just that fact. "And I shall hope to see all of the family together for Christmas?"
Christopher beamed at his wife, glad that she, at least, hoped for a true family gathering for the holidays. "I am sure that my parents will be most happy to share the holidays with their new family members!"
Again, Mrs. Holloway doubted it, but for her niece's sake she tried to be optimistic. "I'm sure you're right," she said at last, patting her niece's hand an smiling at her nephew-in-law. "Lillian and I would be happy to spend the holidays with you."
A troubled look crossed Rosemary's face at the mention of her sister. "Aunt, I've been meaning to ask you... are you quite sure that Annie is in good health? I watched her today, and it seemed at times that she was over-tired... she coughed sometimes too... did I do wrong in taking her out all day?"
"Rosemary, you're imagining things," her aunt said firmly. "I told you, the doctor said that all she needed was some fresh air, and exercise. In fact, your little outing was most likely just what she needed. You must stop worrying about her, dear!"
"I can't help it, Aunt. I left for a few weeks, and she got sick! What's going to happen when I'm not here at all? I couldn't bear it if she became ill again!" She turned to her husband and leaned her head on his strong shoulder.
"Shhh..." he soothed, stroking her hair. "Rosemary, dearest, Lillian will be fine. Just look at her, she's active, and happy, and if the doctor doesn't worry, you shouldn't."
"Are you sure that the excitement today wasn't too much for her?" Rosemary asked nervously. "Because I thought that--"
"I'm sure!" said Christopher and Mrs. Holloway simultaneously.
"Sure about what?" Lillian asked, coming down the stairs for dinner.
"Nothing, Annie," Rosemary said, getting up to give her sister an unusually tight hug. "Let's go have dinner-- Woods says we have your favorite pudding for dessert..."
* * * * *
That night and the next morning passed all too quickly, and before long Rosemary and Captain Jenkinson were standing outside of the carriage, saying their goodbyes to Mrs. Holloway and Lillian.
"Be good, now, Annie," admonished Rosemary. "And enjoy yourself while I'm gone."
"I can't do both at once," Lillian said, with a familiar pert wrinkle in her nose.
Captain Jenkinson grinned at her and made one last face behind her aunt's back. Lillian giggled. "I trust we'll be receiving many letters from you, Miss Lillian?" he said solemnly.
"Oh, yes! I'll go start one as soon as you leave! And shall I put some of my drawings in, too?"
"Of course, dear, we shall have them framed for everyone to see," Rosemary said with a smile.
"Even the one of Miss Lennox in the orange dr--"
"Except that one!" And she wrinkled her nose back at Lillian, who remembered that young lady all too well.
Christopher, laughing, helped his wife into the carriage, and looked out of the window. "Goodbye, Mrs. Holloway! We shall count on seeing you both at Christmas!" And with one last wave, Rosemary and Christopher were off to start upon their new life.