Eleanor: A Regency Romance (The Four Sisters' Series Book 4), page 15
“Have you seen the state of your daughter?” Peter said with derision. “I don’t think she has stopped crying since I demanded that Joseph leave the building and not return. She looks to me as if she has accepted her fate, the poor thing.”
“Yes, well, I have made my decision,” Mr Johnson said uncomfortably.
“We are well aware of that,” Peter said grimly.
As Mr Johnson was leaving, Peter invited him to breakfast with them and then he would take him fishing. Mr Johnson accepted on two points, it would take him away from Mr Wadeson and he thought that if his secret did emerge, it may be wise to have the friendship of some of his relations.
Eleanor hardly slept. She hoped that Joseph would find a way to gain access to the house and reach her, but no knock came on the door. She eventually fell into a fitful sleep, wondering if the pain would ever go away.
When morning came, she looked into the looking glass with a groan. The dark rings under her eyes were visible to even her tear-filled eyes. She sighed, dressing in a plain cotton gown. There was little point in making an effort with her dress or hair. She had never felt beautiful until she had met Joseph. For those precious moments she had felt like the most beautiful person in the world, but more than that, she felt treasured and loved. With it now being ripped away, all that was left was desolation.
She joined the others at breakfast. Grace had joined the family and embraced her sister when she entered the dining room. Mr Johnson was already seated, not commenting, but watching the exchange.
“Eleanor, you will rally,” Grace whispered.
“I’m not sure I want to,” Eleanor whispered back.
Peter joined the group and they sat eating in almost silence. The bread tasted like powder to Eleanor, every piece seeming to stick in her throat. Mr Johnson turned to speak to Peter. “A gentleman left the Crown this morning. He sent his best wishes to you, although he is not intending visiting again anytime soon. I was glad to see him leave.”
Eleanor looked alert, but Peter indicated that she should not say anything. “I can’t imagine what would bring him to the area anytime in the future. Shall we collect our fishing tackle, Mr Johnson?”
It was many hours before the gentlemen returned. Rosalind was poised, ready to serve tea and cakes to her father, inviting Eleanor to join them. Peter was given a missive by Bryant and he read in silence for a moment.
Peter turned to Rosalind. “Have you heard from Mrs Adams today?”
“No, I was surprised that she did not join us at the end of morning visits, she usually does. I just presumed that she was preparing for the new Mr and Mrs Adams returning from their wedding trip,” Rosalind replied.
“It seems not,” Peter said, indicating the letter in his hand. “She has had a fall and hurt her back.”
“Oh no!” Rosalind cried. “We must go to her!”
“Yes, I think that is a good idea, but she asks for specific help,” Peter said.
“What is it? The poor woman must be in agony to be asking for help. I have never met a more proud being,” Rosalind said compassionately.
“She asks if Eleanor or Annabelle could stay with her for a few days until Frances and Stuart return,” Peter explained.
“I’ll stay,” Rosalind said.
“I think you are forgetting that little bundle of ours,” Peter said with a smile. “Luckily Mrs Adams hasn’t, which is why she has asked for Annabelle or Eleanor.”
“I’ll go,” Eleanor said quietly.
“You’ll do no such thing!” Mr Johnson said hastily. “You are to be married in four days, Mrs Adams must have forgotten.”
“She’s the only one that has,” Eleanor said bitterly.
Peter thought it wise to intervene when he saw Mr Johnson’s thunderous expression. “Mrs Adams expects her son and daughter-in-law in two days, hence the specific request. There is nothing to do for preparation of the wedding that we can’t do, Eleanor does not need to be here for the preparations to continue. It will keep Eleanor occupied, save her dwelling on the future,” Peter reasoned.
“I shall accompany you,” Rosalind said. “I won’t be happy until I have seen her. I expect she has refused to send for the doctor.”
“I shall arrange the carriage,” Peter said. “Shall we say half an hour?”
Rosalind and Eleanor left the room to change into their outerwear before meeting in the hallway. “Ready?” Rosalind asked and left the house at Eleanor’s nod.
Both women climbed into the carriage and it set off at a smart pace. Eleanor had packed a small trunk and Rosalind had packed some items that she insisted that Mrs Adams would need. Eleanor thought that it was a little excessive, but she knew that her sister was a carer, so did not question her.
They travelled in silence. Eleanor felt completely drained and did not really think she had the energy to look after an invalid for the next two days, but at least she would be away from her father. She was not sure that she would ever be able to forgive him for what he was forcing her to do.
Rosalind watched Eleanor, her heart aching for the pain she had been forced to endure over the last day. She was not sure if she would survive a separation from Peter at this point in their lives, but Eleanor faced a future that was very dark, making what she had lost seem even more devastating.
The carriage drew to a stop outside the Adams household. Rosalind stepped down and waited until her sister stepped from the carriage. She linked Eleanor’s arm as they walked into the house. When Rosalind had handed her bonnet and gloves to the footman, she took Eleanor’s hand, who looked at her in surprise.
“I love you Eleanor and I want you to be happy,” Rosalind said, not waiting for a response and led the way into the morning room.
Eleanor followed with a frown on her face. Mrs Adams was lying on her sofa, looking comfortable. She noticed Eleanor’s frown and smiled.
“So the thought of two days with me and your expression resembles that of a thunder cloud,” Mrs Adams said cheerfully.
“Not at all,” Eleanor said quickly. “I am happy to be here and do anything that will help you.”
“I would love to have you here,” Mrs Adams said fondly. “I have thoroughly enjoyed all my dealings with you girls, you’ve been a bright addition to my life,” she continued expressing what she felt but would rarely say.
“Did you hit your head when you fell?” Rosalind asked with a smile.
Mrs Adams laughed and stood up. Eleanor looked in question, “Won’t you damage your back by moving?” she asked, but Mrs Adams did not appear to have any more trouble than normal when she moved.
“I was quite surprised when Peter said that I was going to have a fall and hurt my back,” Mrs Adams said with a chuckle. “When he explained further, I was quite impressed, I’d never expected him to be quite so devious.”
“Rosalind?” Eleanor said in doubt and a sliver of hope.
“Come in Mr Heaton!” Mrs Adams shouted through the closed door.
Joseph walked through the door, looking as well as could be expected after a tense two days. He took one look at Eleanor and crossed the room to her, pulling her into his arms. “I’ve missed you Eleanor.”
Chapter 18
Eleanor should have been ladylike and swooned when the love of her life returned to her. She should have put her hand to her forehead and said some profound words that they would both treasure for the rest of their lives. She did none of that, she wrapped her arms around his neck and burst into tears.
Joseph held her close, gently stroking her back until she calmed down. Eventually she was able to control herself enough to wipe her face and look at him without crying again. “I must look a sight,” she hiccupped.
“You do,” Mrs Adams said.
Joseph smiled at Eleanor. “You look like my beautiful girl and I am never letting you out of my sight again. This last day has been pure torture. I was only able to bear it because I knew that fiend was incapable of doing you any harm.”
“I marry him in a few days,” Eleanor said, her eyes filling with tears once more.
“Oh no you don’t,” Rosalind interrupted. Eleanor looked at her sister, the hope that sprung into her eyes, was proof to Rosalind that they were all doing the right thing. “You are to marry Mr Heaton. I am not to be the only Duchess in the family!” she smiled.
“A dash to the border?” Eleanor asked. “Father is determined for the marriage to take place, he will follow us.”
“Yes, but my husband is a genius,” Rosalind said with a grin. “Everyone will expect you to make a dash for the border, so Peter suggested to Mr Heaton that he organise a special licence.”
“Peter thought of everything,” Joseph said. “I was too intent on killing Mr Wadeson to think straight, but thankfully Peter kept calm.”
“He’s his mother’s son,” Mrs Adams chipped in with pride at her deceased best friend’s boy.
“He told me to leave the house and organise a special licence. Then I had to book rooms at the Crown and make sure that I saw Mr Johnson. Your father had to see me leave this morning, so that you would be seen by him at a far later time. It was all contrived to make the suspicion of us eloping together more remote,” Joseph explained.
“He then hid out with me, while I had to pretend that I’d fallen and needed you for two days. That way tonight your absence would not be missed,” Mrs Adams chipped in, not wanting to be left out.
“So, later today my darling Eleanor, we are to be married and then commence our journey to my home, south of here. No one will presume that we have travelled south,” Joseph said, kissing Eleanor’s hand.
“Annabelle and Grace will miss your wedding, but I hope the presence of myself and Mrs Adams will go some way to compensate for their absence,” Rosalind said.
“But my things….” Eleanor started.
“Are all in the carriage,” Rosalind interrupted. “I noticed you looking at the luggage and prayed that you did not mention anything. I needed the amount of luggage that I was bringing not to be noticed. Bryant is a real gem when deviousness is required,” Rosalind said, pleased at the abilities of the long-term butler.
“I’m not sure he would appreciate that label,” Mrs Adams said. “Right, we have all wasted enough time. Are you ready to go to your wedding, my dear?” she asked Eleanor.
“Oh yes!” Eleanor responded, squeezing Joseph’s hand.
*
Rosalind and Mrs Adams rode in the Duke’s carriage, allowing Eleanor and Joseph some time alone before they reached the ceremony. It would be an hour’s travel before they reached the chapel that Joseph had made arrangements with.
As soon as the carriage had started, Joseph pulled Eleanor onto his knee. Eleanor laughed, it felt strange to her ears, she had not expected to feel like laughing for a long time, when she had awoken a few hours previously.
“I think I would have committed murder if your marriage to that man had gone ahead,” Joseph said, his frown prominent and his eyes dark with menace. “When Peter said what had happened after I had left your chamber, I had never felt so angry in my life.”
Eleanor kissed him gently. “It doesn’t matter now, he won’t affect us any longer. I thought I would never see you again.”
“It doesn’t matter now, but there is one important thing we haven’t discussed,” Joseph said with a smile.
“What’s that?”
“I feel as if I am kidnapping you,” he said with a grin. “We are travelling to the church where we will marry, and I haven’t found out yet if you will marry me.”
Eleanor smiled. “How long have we until we arrive?”
“Less than an hour.”
“That should give you enough time to persuade me,” Eleanor responded, wrapping her arms around Joseph’s neck. “I have ached since I saw you last. I never want to be separated from you again.”
There was no further talk in the carriage; there was only time for their love to be expressed in actions rather than words.
*
Rosalind returned to Sudworth Hall during the early evening. She was exhausted and immediately returned to her bedchamber. The first journey after confinement had been a long one, and her body was complaining about the exertion. She would not have had it any other way. She had been able to see all three of her sisters married to the men they loved. It went some way to compensate for the fact they had not been present at her wedding.
She was joined by Grace and Annabelle, who had been told by Peter what had happened. They were surprised, but pleased Eleanor had finally been able to marry Joseph.
“When will Father find out?” Annabelle asked.
“Peter is going to speak to him tomorrow,” Rosalind replied. “I’m hoping he just accepts it, but he has seemed unnaturally insistent that Eleanor marry Mr Wadeson.”
“I don’t know why; father is no fool: surely he sees what we all do?” Annabelle mused.
“He appears to like him,” Grace said. “But mother didn’t. They had arguments about him, more so after you married, Annabelle.”
“Something isn’t right, but I have no idea what,” Rosalind mused.
*
Peter decided to speak to Mr Johnson after they shared lunch the following day. Joseph and Eleanor would have been married for a day and well on their way to Joseph’s estate. He asked Frederick to join him for the meeting, hoping together they could reassure Mr Johnson the outcome was the best for all parties.
Mr Johnson had other ideas though and raised the subject during lunch, when Annabelle and Grace were with the group. “When is Eleanor expected to return? Mr Wadeson insists on seeing her today; he has details he wishes to discuss with her.”
Rosalind looked slightly alarmed, but Peter remained unfazed. “She is helping our friend, as she was yesterday,” Peter replied.
“If you could give me the direction, I need to take her to Wadeson; I can return her afterwards,” Mr Johnson insisted.
Peter indicated the staff should leave and waited until the door had closed behind them before speaking once more. His tone was calm enough, but there was a no-nonsense edge to it. “Eleanor will not be visiting Mr Wadeson now or any time in the future.”
“I beg your pardon?” Mr Johnson spluttered. “I shall remind you she may be staying as your guest, but she is very much my daughter.”
“Whom you are willing to give up as a living sacrifice to a man you must know is totally unsuitable for any female, let alone your own daughter,” Peter said sternly.
Mr Johnson’s face was very red, anger bubbling from every pore. Rosalind thought she could detect something else in her father’s demeanour, and it was something she was surprised to see: it was fear.
“Father, surely after everything that has happened, you should be considering ending your association with Mr Wadeson?” Rosalind asked quietly.
“Rosalind, you have no idea how business works; please do not interfere,” Mr Johnson snapped. He turned back to Peter. “I demand you give me the address where Eleanor is staying.”
“I don’t know where she is staying,” Peter said with a shrug. It was time to be honest. “She was handed over to the care of the Duke of Adlington yesterday with all our blessings.”
Mr Johnson jumped up from the chair so quickly the chair was sent clattering back, landing upside down on the wooden floor. “You’ve done what?!” he shouted. “Good God, man! You’ve ruined me!”
Mr Johnson stormed around the dining room, muttering to himself and cursing. The three Johnson women were mortified at his behaviour, but Rosalind looked calm enough. “Father, sit; it is not so bad.”
“It is worse than you could possibly know!” Mr Johnson spat. “I shall set off for the border. I need a horse, and I need it now!” he demanded of Peter.
Peter decided, although Mr Johnson had reacted in the way he had presumed he would, there was no point in allowing him to ride half way across the country in an effort to stop his daughter, who had never been on the route he would be travelling. Peter was not a cruel man and had some family loyalty to his wife’s father. If it had been Mr Wadeson before him, he would have had no compunction in sending him out on a wild goose chase.
“Mr Johnson,” Peter started. “Eleanor was married yesterday by special licence. They now are on their wedding trip, which I believe is to be a number of weeks. The Duke of Adlington did not specify particulars of where he intended to travel; looking at your response, a sensible precaution.”
“Good God! It is worse than I thought. We will have to have the marriage annulled,” Mr Johnson said, sinking into a spare chair.
“There are witnesses who will testify that will prevent the marriage being annulled. They had carnal knowledge of each other before they were wed; I’m afraid that hope is futile,” Peter responded calmly, curious to know why there was such a poor reaction.
Mr Johnson looked at Peter, anguish in his expression. “I am ruined, and all my family will suffer as a consequence. You are so smug, yet you won’t be so happy when all my daughters, my wife and myself are vilified in the newspapers, and I am thrown into Newgate, if not worse.”
Peter was immediately on the alert. It had not made sense as to why Mr Johnson was so insistent about such an ill-matched wedding to take place, but now it seemed there were other reasons driving the man.
“Is it so bad?” he asked gently. It was not too long ago since he was facing the loss of his estate, so he had some sympathy with the man.
“It is worse,” Mr Johnson said grimly.
“I suggest you tell us the truth, and then we’ll know what we are facing,” Peter said.
Mr Johnson sighed; they were going to find out: after he had told Wadeson Eleanor was married, there was no way the man would remain silent; they might as well have the extra time to prepare themselves. He started to speak, facing his daughters and dreading their condemnation.
“Wadeson was brought in to my business to boost trade. Things were slowing; the cost to bring in materials from abroad is increasing every week, so prices were going up and sales down. Other businesses were going out of trade, so something had to be done, or I would follow,” Mr Johnson said, remembering the panic he had felt to see the businesses he had created start to flounder.
