Chapter Twenty Five
Tristan looked up from the letter he was translating into English to see Arabella standing in the open doorway of his office. As always, her beauty took his breath away. She was wearing a lovely dark blue day gown of fine muslin with matching gloves and a small straw bonnet. All in all, she looked lovely, and Tristan felt so grateful that this beautiful woman had agreed to marry him.
Tristan gave Arabella a beaming smile, “Is that one of your new gowns?” Tristan had grown tired of seeing her in used gowns, and given her thirty pounds to purchase new gowns for herself. Tristan had wished it had been more, but it had allowed her to purchase three new gowns in colors of her choice. Once all the debts were settled he hoped he could spoil her as he wished.
“Yes, it is, it was delivered yesterday afternoon. Do you like it?” Arabella spun slowly about to show off her new gown.
Tristan rose and, stepping around his desk, stepped up to Arabella to catch her in his arms, causing her to smile up at him.
“Oh yes, it looks lovely, as do you. If I didn’t have all these translations to finish and you were not about to go out, I would take you across the hall to our chamber and show you how lovely you look,” Tristan replied, leaning down to press a kiss to Arabella’s lips.
After a moment, Arabella broke the kiss with a sigh, “I am tempted, but how are your wounds? It was still a bit red last night when we changed the bandages.”
“I don’t even feel it anymore; perhaps tonight we can try another page in the book. Your pick this time, as I picked the last.” Tristan was referring to the sex manual he had brought home from India. He and Arabella had been going through the book and finding pictures of positions that she wanted to try.
Arabella felt her heart speed up as she remembered their last bout of love making and the way Tristan had kissed and touched her. The things he had done to her, the pleasure he had given her. There was much to be said for married life with a caring and loving husband.
“I would like that,” Arabella replied as Tristan tilted up her head and began to kiss her again. His lips were warm and firm against hers; he tasted of coffee and mint. She reached up to grab him by the front of his jacket to hold him tight as she pressed against him.
“I shall be glad when we return to Avondale, and I can move into my house, not that I don’t enjoy your company, but seeing the two of you acting like love-struck fools is rather tiring at times.” Marcus drawled.
With a mumbled curse, Tristan regretfully broke the kiss and stepped back, releasing Arabella, who was now blushing.
“I shall remember that when you find a woman of your own,” Tristan replied giving him a scowl.
“Yes well I shall hold you to that; perhaps you can find me a wife.” Marcus stated. “As I’ve said before being a bachelor has become tiresome.”
“Bella have a good outing, and enjoy yourself.” Tristan gave Arabella a smile, “Tomorrow I thought we could go to the Physique Garden again. You can invite Clara if you wish, I know she likes Marcus”
Arabella saw Tristan wink at Marcus, who scowled at him in return, making Arabella laugh softly. She loved the way Tristan and Marcus jested with each other, loved their comradery; it spoke of the years that they had been together.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea; I don’t know how long I shall be,” Arabella replied.
“That is fine, Bella, enjoy yourself and let Mrs. Waterhouse spoil you,” Tristan stated.
Arabella nodded. “I will, it’s just that I feel awkward allowing her to buy me gowns, it feels like charity and I have always prided myself on supporting myself and Elizabeth.”
Tristan nodded, “I understand, I too have hated being dependent on others, but in this case, I do not think of it as charity, but as a woman that wishes to treat her daughter’s friend. Besides, Bella, after all you do for others, you deserve to let someone spoil you as I wish I could. ”
“Very well, I shall let her spoil me,” Arabella rose on her tiptoes and kissed Tristan on the cheek before turning to hurry away. As Arabella descended the steps towards the foyer, she thought about what Tristan had said about letting Mrs. Waterhouse spoil her. Perhaps Tristan was correct after years of sacrificing to take care of Elizabeth and her children perhaps it was time to let someone pamper her. She knew Tristan yearned to do more for her, to buy her fancy clothes and jewels, but could not afford to. Arabella also knew that it ate his pride that she had to wear second-hand gowns. No, she would follow his advice and let Mrs. Waterhouse spoil her today and simply enjoy it.
* * * *
Arabella sat back on the plush, well-padded squabs of the Waterhouse’s elegant carriage and looked across the carriage at Mrs. Waterhouse and Clara. Arabella felt a bit guilty about going out without Penelope, but it was nice to be going out with Clara and experiencing something new.
Tristan had given her five pounds to spend on herself; he’d told her to buy anything she wished. After years of pinching pennies and patching her clothes, it was wonderful to have the luxury of buying anything she wanted.
The previous afternoon, the men Marcus had hired had arrived for work. The men were all in their mid-thirties and had numerous scars that they had sustained in battle serving their country. She, Tristan, and Marcus had welcomed the men warmly; even Penelope and the boys had welcomed them. Only Miriam and the dowager had not welcomed the men; Miriam had scowled at them, warned them to stay out of her chamber, and stormed off.
Mrs. Waterhouse smiled at Arabella as the carriage slowed for traffic.
“Now, Arabella, I don’t want you to protest about me spoiling you a little today. Clara told me you were hesitant about accepting presents from me, but I don’t want you to be. Nor do I want you to feel awkward about it.”
Mrs. Waterhouse stated, “You see, I owe you my undying thanks.”
Arabella frowned in confusion. “I am not sure I understand. You have already done so much for Tristan and I.”
“The tonics you sent for my migraines, fatigue, and insomnia have literally saved my life. For years, I have had terrible headaches and fatigue so bad that at times I could hardly get out of bed. My dear Reginald has tried for years to find me a cure. He has paid for physician after physician to treat me. They recommended everything from massive doses of laudanum to bleeding me as I had too much blood.” Mrs. Waterhouse shook her head in obvious disgust. “Clara, the dear that she is did her best to help me. She spoke to everyone from midwives to Indian medicine men in the American woods. Some of her potions helped a fraction, and her research led to her book, but nothing took away all my problems until your potions. What I am trying to say is that your tonics have freed me from pain, helped my fatigue, and allowed me to finally have a good night’s sleep.”
Arabella smiled, pleased that she had been able to bring relief to Mrs. Waterhouse. As a healer, she was always pleased when she was able to give a patient relief and bring joy back to their life.
“You need not give me gifts as a thank you for helping you, Mrs. Waterhouse. I am a healer. Seeing my patients happy and well is thanks enough,” Arabella stated.
“Phish, I am a confectioner and a baker, and while I enjoy seeing people eat my cakes and sweets, it doesn’t mean I don’t like it when, as a thank you from clients, I am given gifts. Lady Lawson, as thanks for making candy for her daughters’ coming-out ball, gave me three crystal candy dishes.” Mrs. Waterhouse gave Arabella a warm smile.
“Besides, I am partial owner of the modist we are going to visit. And my husband owns several linen mills, as well as a cotton mill, and we import silk. So you see, the gowns I am going to give you will cost me nothing. But the gifting of them will make me immensely happy.” Mrs. Waterhouse leaned forward to pat Arabella on the knee in a motherly gesture, “And it will make me happy to see a kind, beautiful young woman like yourself wearing something fine. In addition, your friendship means a great deal to Clara, and I am hoping you will chaperone her to some of the events that my health or my duties prevent me from. As a countess your friendship will help elevate her in the eyes of the ton, make her more than just the daughter of a rich crude American. I hope you understand my motives and accept the gowns as what I intend them, gifts of thanks.”
Arabella nodded, pleased and grateful for Mrs. Waterhouse telling her the truth. She did not feel like a countess, she still felt like the poor daughter of a naval officer and the ward of Sir Hugh. But she understood what Mrs. Waterhouse was saying, the ton was impressed by titles and wealth. If Clara was befriended by a countess she would be accepted to the more elite circles.
“Thank you for telling me Mrs. Waterhouse. I won’t tell anyone what you told me about the shop.” Arabella stated as the garage slowed to a stop.
“I know you won’t, you may be new to London, but you already understand how the ton works,” Mrs. Waterhouse replied. “The ton is like a pit of duplicitous vipers, who would sell their souls for the right connections or a chance to elevate their station. I for one don’t miss the need to be cruel to make myself feel better.”
“I completely understand, at home Lucinda Belmont and her friends have always treated me like I was a beggar because my father was a naval officer and my mother the youngest daughter of a mere baron,” Arabella replied, thinking of her nemesis and the cruel barbs she used to inflict upon her.
“I loathe her, she is indeed a snake and uses her words to flay those she doesn’t like all to try and elevate herself,” Clara stated.
“Indeed I agree with you and one of the many reasons I am glad of Arabella’s friendship my dear,” Mrs. Waterhouse stated. “Arabella you are a genuine and kind person as is Sir Tristan. In fact Sir Tristan reminds me my om dear Reginald. Reginald was the kindest, bravest and handsomest man I had ever met, just some of the reasons I married him. Perhaps one day I will tell you how we met.” The carriage rolled to a stop and Arabella looked out the carriage window to see they were stopped before a three story brick building, with large windows lining the front.
The regally dressed coachman appeared on the sidewalk beside the carriage to put down the steps and to open the door. He then held out his hand to help Clara, Mrs. Waterhouse and then Arabella down. Arabella stood on the surprisingly clean sidewalk to look at the impressive shop before her. A long wide sign of blue and gold read Madam Dubois, through the large window Arabella could see a sizeable shop in which finely dressed women were moving about.
Mrs. Waterhouse nodded her thanks to the coachman, then, head held high, she strode into the shop, followed by Clara and Arabella. Mrs. Waterhouse pushed the shiny blue door open, and a bell attached to it rang loudly, and several shop girls dressed in matching dark blue gowns, with lace edging, looked up from where they stood behind glass counters.
The door closed behind Arabella with a loud jingle of the bell, and she looked about in fascination. The shop was at least three times the size of the modiste where Tristan had purchased her three ready-made gowns the day before. Long waist-high glass cases formed a huge U that ran around the inside of the shop, with a large opening at the back that led to a curtained area.
Along both walls behind the cases were hundreds of bolts of cloth, each contained in its own separate cubby. In the cases were all manner of finery, fancy lace, ribbons of every color, beaded reticules, and gloves of every color and style imaginable. In the middle of the store was a long table on which were all manner of women’s footwear: dancing slippers in every color of the rainbow, walking shoes, boots, and half boots. A tall, thin woman with a lace cap and a fine dark blue muslin gown stepped up to them as they entered, giving them both a smile.
“Ah, my lady, Miss Waterhouse, it’s good to see you both; it has been too long. Madam received your note and is waiting for you,” The woman said.
Mrs. Waterhouse gave the woman a smile, “Thank you, Sarah.”
“If you could please wait a minute, I will close the shop and then fetch Madame for you,” Sarah said, then turned to look at the four women perusing items in the furthest case.
Sarah turned around and clapped her hands together loudly, drawing the shopper’s attention. “Excuse me, ladies, but I must ask you all to make your purchases and leave. The shop is closing for a private fitting.”
The women looking in the cases frowned in annoyance at the announcement. One of the women, a pudgy woman with greying hair, brown eyes, and a pinched look, scowled at Sarah, then Mrs. Waterhouse, Clara, and Arabella. She gave them each a scathing look of utter contempt before turning her gaze back to Sarah.
“You must be mistaken. I am Lady Forester. I am here to order new gowns for my daughter.” She gave a dismissive wave to Arabella and the Waterhouses. “You can’t mean to see them over me?”
“Lady Forester, while we are always grateful for your patronage, I believe your accounts are in arrears,” Sarah stated, and then walked over to the nearest counter, where there was a large black book. Sarah flipped through the book before stopping on a certain page.
“Ah, yes, Lady Forester, I am so glad you pointed out that you were here so you can settle your account. The balance due is very large,” Sarah stated, looking at Lady Forester.
Lady Forester scowled, then drew herself up. “Well, if this is how I am to be treated, I shall take my business elsewhere.”
“I am sorry you feel that way, Lady Forester, but you shall need to settle your account first,” A deep female voice sounded from the back of the shop, and all eyes turned to see a statuesque, middle-aged woman with black hair and brown eyes. The woman was dressed in a dark green muslin gown, trimmed with matching green ribbons. The woman stepped forward, drawing all eyes.
“Madame Dubois, you are here,” Lady Forester stammered, looking like a child who had been caught being naughty.
“Of course, I am here; Mrs. Waterhouse booked a private fitting weeks ago for Lady Sizemore here. Lady Sizemore is newly married to the new Earl of Banbury and Rawlings, and will be making her first entrance into society soon.” Madame Dubois stepped forward to execute a perfect curtsy to Arabella.
“My lady, welcome to my shop. It is an honor to serve you,” Madame Dubois said.
Arabella was taken aback at first, then nodded, “Thank you, Madame, Mrs. Waterhouse has spoken highly of your talents, and I am looking forward to seeing what amazing gowns you shall make for me.”
“So you are the new Countess Sizemore, you are married to the new Earl Sizemore. He was mentioned in the paper several times,” Mrs. Forester’s daughter gushed. “It is said that he is ever so handsome and tall; all my friends were making bets that they could catch him. I mean an Earl and a handsome one at that.”
“You would have had no chance of catching either his eye or his heart; Lord Sizemore is an intelligent and kind man. He married Lady Arabella because she is kind, intelligent, caring, and beautiful.” Clara remarked.
Miss Forester gave Clara a scathing look, like she had smelled something unpleasant.
“My, my, Clara, shouldn’t you be standing behind a plant with the other wallflowers and girls no one wants?” Miss Forester gave her a scathing look.
Arabella gasped softly at the slight given to her friend. She saw Clara color and was about to speak, but Arabella couldn’t let the insult go unanswered.
“Miss Waterhouse is a dear friend of my husband and I. In fact, she stood up at my wedding with me, and I view any insult against her as an insult against me.” Arabella drew herself up to her full height and assumed the same expression that the dowager used. “As she will be accompanying my husband and I this season, you would do well to keep your viper tongue in check; he has a dim view of bullies.”
Miss Forester gapped at Arabella like a fish, while Clara stepped closer to her side.
Arabella wasn’t sure what came over her, but as Mrs. Waterhouse had reminded her she was a countess with a loving husband and friends. She wouldn’t stand by and let her friend be insulted.
“Quiet, Florence,” Mrs. Forester snapped. Mrs. Forrester opened her reticule and pulled out a handful of bills, which she dropped on the countertop. Sarah quietly counted it out, then made a notation in the large black ledger book. She then wrote out a receipt in another book, which she handed to Mrs. Forester.
“I don’t know when I’ve been so insulted, come Florence,” Mrs. Forester grabbed her daughter’s hand and fairly dragged her from the shop. The other two women finished their purchases before slipping from the store.
Sarah followed them to the door and locked it behind them.
“My, what an unpleasant woman,” Madame DuBois stated. She then turned to the shop girls. “Come, girls it’s time for work; let’s make her ladyship feel welcome. Lady Sizemore, please come with us to the back of the shop, and we shall get started.”
“Her ladyship will need everything, Flossie,” Mrs. Waterhouse stated, as she patted Clara on the shoulder.
“Thank you, Arabella, for coming to my defense,” Clara said as she followed her mother and Madame Dubois towards the back of the shop.
“You are my friend, and you helped me with those awful Belmonts, and you have done so much for me, I couldn’t just stand by and let that little shrew use her forked tongue on you,” Arabella shook her head. “Though I don’t know what came over me,”
“You remembered you were a countess,” Mrs. Waterhouse stated, “Come along girls, it’s time to get started with Arabella’s trousseau.”
* * * *
Arabella nodded her thanks as Buttons opened the door for her,
“Welcome home, my lady; did you have a good day?” Buttons asked.
“Yes, thank you. I’m afraid I have many packages in the carriage, as well as several flower pots.” Arabella replied, holding the cardboard box that contained her new lace nightgown tightly against her chest. “The packages will need to come up to my bedchamber.”
“Of course, my lady,” Buttons replied, giving her a nod.
“Thank you.” Arabella hurried up the steps to the second floor and then down the hall towards Tristan’s office.
Her day had been amazing; Mrs. Waterhouse had ordered her so many clothes, everything from chemises and petticoats to walking gowns and ball gowns. She had tried to protest at first but had been overruled by both Mrs. Waterhouse and Madam Dubois. Madame Dubois, Flossie as she wanted her friends to call her, wanted to use Arabella as her model to help promote her shop. As a result, Arabella was about to be swamped with gowns, reticules, and dancing slippers; she was even going to have two pairs of split gowns made to wear while she was gardening.
After leaving Madame Dubois, they had gone for lunch at a fashionable restaurant and then stopped to allow Arabella to buy new plants. Arabella had made good use of the money Tristan had given her buying twenty new plants, with several pounds left over.
Arabella paused before Tristan’s office, the box pressed against her chest, her heart pounding with excitement. She hoped that Tristan was alone; otherwise, it would be shockingly embarrassing for Marcus to see her scandalous new night gown. Arabella raised her hand and knocked briskly, “Tristan, it’s me, are you free?”
* * * *
Tristan raked his hand through his hair, pushing back his bangs as he reviewed his notes on the dispatches from India. If what he read was true, the rebels were going to cause more trouble for both England and the East India Company. He reviewed his recommendations on how to handle the issue then placed the report in an envelope and sealed it.
Tristan fished the key to his desk out of his waistcoat and used it to unlock the top desk drawer, then pulled out the journal he was using to keep track of their finances. It flipped it open and made a plus notation for the sale of the last batch of clothes from the third-floor closet. They were several thousand pounds in debt, but they were beginning to make headway, and for the first time since returning to, England ,Tristan had hope of getting out of debt.
Jules had also sent a note that morning that he and his men had visited the second tailor’s shop that Mr. Keene had purchased some of the clothing from and had again spoken to the shop owner. The owner had grudgingly confirmed that he had worked out an agreement with Mr. Keene to overcharge his brothers for the garments and then split the difference. The shop owner, to avoid going to jail for several years, had agreed to give back the money he had cheated his brothers out of, and that Jules would be bringing Tristan about a thousand pounds that night. A thousand pounds was a staggering amount of money and would again make a huge dent in settling the last of his family’s debts.
There was a soft knock on the door, and then he heard Arabella call out,
“One moment,” Tristan rose and stepped around the desk, unlocked, and then opened the door for Arabella.
“Ah, your home, how was your outing?” Tristan asked as Arabella rose on tiptoes to kiss Tristan on the cheek before stepping into his office, a box pressed to her chest.
“It was wonderful, exciting, but exhausting,” Arabella replied as Tristan shut the door behind her. “I never knew being fitted for gowns could be so tiring, and I have been poked by far too many pins.”
“I shall have to kiss your wounds later while you tell me all about it.” Tristan was delighted to see Arabella home, it was shocking how much he had come to care for her in such a short period of time. She had found his way deeply into her heart and was there to stay, and in Tristan’s mind that was a good thing. Tristan reached up to untie Arabella’s pretty little bonnet, he eased it off her head and then turned to set it on the chair beside the door.
“Mrs. Waterhouse owns part of the shop we went to today, and Mr. Waterhouse owns several cloth mills so that all my new finery shall only cost Mrs. Waterhouse the wages for the seamstresses,” Arabella replied, stepping past Tristan to set the box on an empty chair before Tristan’s desk.
“Well, that is marvelous then, you need not feel as guilty about accepting her gifts,” Tristan replied, watching as Arabella began opening the box.
“There is more, Madam Dubois, the owner of the shop, says she wants to dress me in fine garments and use me to advertise her shop. I tried to protest several times but Mrs. Waterhouse and Madame overruled me; they said my wearing their clothes will help them by bringing attention to the shop.” Arabella shrugged, “What could I say after that?”
Tristan laughed; it was obvious to see that Arabella was happy, very happy and her mirth and joy were contagious. “Nothing, I am sure, I look forward to seeing you in all your new finery.”
“You aren’t angry that I have accepted so much from Mrs. Waterhouse?” Arabella asked, looking up at Tristan, who shook his head.
“No, I will admit it hurts my pride a little that I can’t afford such luxuries for you yet, but having grown up dependent upon the kindness and charity of my uncle, I would be a fool to refuse what Mrs. Waterhouse is offering,” Tristan replied. “And I think Mrs. Waterhouse is correct, you wearing her gowns will be an asset to you both. You are a beautiful woman, Bella; you could wear a sack and be noticed. But in a fine gown, you will outshine all the women at any event we go to.”
Arabella blushed at Tristan’s praise; Tristan often told her she was pretty but after so many years of thinking herself plain, it was hard to believe that she was pretty, so she simply nodded her thanks.
“I am glad you are not angry at me for accepting her gifts. I used some of the money you gave me to buy plants for the conservatory, herbs, and some flowers I have never grown before.” Arabella said.
“You will have to show me your plants later. Now what is in the box?” Tristan prompted.
“It is for later to celebrate you being better,” Arabella blushed deeply as she opened the box and pulled out the lace nightgown to hold it up before Tristan.
Tristan’s eyes widened at the sight of the lacy garment that was so thin he could see through it.
Arabella was beginning to worry that Tristan was scandalized by her new nightgown when he stepped up to her, slipped her arms about her, and drew her into a fierce kiss. Arabella was soon crushed against Tristan’s chest, and she slipped her left hand up to slip about his neck and hold him in place. Tristan after a moment pulled his mouth from hers to begin kissing her neck while he backed her towards the desk. His hands slipped about her waist as a loud knock came.
Tristan pulled his mouth from Arabella’s and mouthed the word, damn. “One moment,” Tristan said loudly as he took a deep, calming breath, then kissed Arabella on the forehead. “I look forward to seeing you in your new nightgown.”
Arabella gave a nod, then hurriedly turned to stuff the nightgown back into the box as Tristan stepped up to the door and yanked it open. Standing outside the door was Marcus, who was smirking at the sight of Tristan’s flushed face and mussed hair.
“You have awful timing, my friend,” Tristan drawled, annoyed that Marcus had interrupted him and Arabella.
“Yes, well, Jules is here. I asked him to stay for dinner, and I already told Cook so you need not worry on that account.” Marcus leaned against the door frame and nodded to Arabella.
“Hello, Marcus,” Arabella called out as she patted her back into her place.
“Arabella, nice gown. I helped Mr. Cayden carry your new plants to the conservatory and I also asked Cook for tea. See you both in the parlor, and you both might want to straighten your clothes before you come down.” Marcus gave Tristan a wink, then turned to walk away, whistling loudly.
Tristan shut the door behind him and, after a moment, began to laugh loudly as he stepped up to Arabella and gave her a fierce hug before stepping back.
“When shall your gowns be ready?” Tristan asked as he began to straighten his clothes.
“My first ball gown will be delivered in three days, just in time for Lady Redingote’s ball. Mrs. Waterhouse says she will introduce us to everyone of importance, and that doing so shall help firmly establish you as the true Lord Sizemore.” Arabella stated, “The remaining gowns shall come in after that.”
Tristan nodded, “That is good, based on the number of invitations that arrived while you are out you shall have ample need for them. Now, if you are ready, we need to greet Jules, he sent a note earlier that he was successful at the second tailor he investigated and expects to be able to restore to us at least a thousand pounds.”
“A thousand pounds, good heavens, that is a fortune,” Arabella replied as she smoothed down the front of her gown.
“Indeed, thanks to you, I am slowly paying off all the debts. This shall all be over soon, Bella, and then we can go home to Avondale.” Tristan reached down to squeeze Arabella’s hand. She squeezed it back and gave him a winsome smile in response.
“Wherever you are Tristan, I shall be home,” Bella saw, Tristan’s smile, widen then he kissed her cheek.
“Come, we had better go before I drag you and that scrap of lace into our bed chamber,” Tristan gave Arabella a wink, then pulled her from his office, pausing to lock it after him.
“I shall hold that to you later,” Arabella gave Tristan a saucy wink and was rewarded with a wicked grin. She loved Tristan, and being his wife, she too couldn’t wait to be free of what was happening and move on with their lives.