The Earl, the Lady and the Song of Love by Fanny Finch
Chapter 13
“The stables have been mucked out, my Lord. The gardens have been cleaned and the atrium shines.”
Nigel nodded at Gaius, his hand folded behind his back. “Good, good. And the library? Have the shelves been dusted?”
Gaius almost did not let him finish. “Everything shines. Even Geneva is outdoing herself, preparing a feast.”
Nigel heaved a sigh then. “Good,” he said again. “Good.”
It was finally the day when he would see Miss Imogen Hartford again. Like he had told her, he had counted the minutes until this day.
As soon as he returned home that night, he had announced that the entire estate was to be cleaned in preparation for their arrival.
He wanted everything to be perfect.
He was not the kind of man that lived to impress people, but he so very much wanted to impress Miss Hartford.
When her father had spoken to him about her, Nigel had been surprised, pleasantly so.
He knew it was a moment he would always remember.
They had just finished speaking about the shipment to Spain and were preparing to part ways when Mr. Hartford said,
“My Lord, if I would not be taking you from anything, there is something I wish to discuss with you before you leave.”
Nigel had always respected and admired Mr. Hartford. He had known him since when he was a child. After he had lost his father, Mr. Hartford had continued to do business with their family.
Unlike many men who had scorned his mother for being a woman who dared to take over the family’s business and state affairs, Mr. Hartford had only ever had the utmost regard for her.
He had been fair, just, and proven himself trustworthy, over and over again.
When Nigel had finally come of age and taken over the reins from his mother, Mr. Hartford had accepted him with open arms and continued to treat him like an equal.
So, of course, he had not minded if Mr. Hartford was delaying him from other appointments. He had relaxed in his seat and replied, “Please, by all means, go ahead.”
“Well, it is about my daughter, Miss Imogen,” Mr. Hartford had begun. “I hope you would not think this forward of me, but I would like for you to meet her. She has asked me to choose a suitable suitor for her, and you easily came to mind. I hear you are looking to take a wife. I am not saying you have to get married to my Imogen right away, but I would be thankful and glad, if you gave it some thought. You are a good man, Lord Kensington, and any father will be proud to have you as a son-in-law.”
It had taken a short while for Nigel to recover from the shock those words had given him.
“You honor me, Mr. Hartford,” he had said as he found his voice. It was true. He had felt honored to know that Mr. Hartford thought of him in such a wonderful light.
It was pleasing, to say in the very least, that the man considered him worthy enough to be his son-in-law.
What was more was the fact that he had seen Miss Hartford on the night of her debut, and he had been instantly charmed by her.
As he watched her walk down the stairs, he had been certain that he had never seen anyone more beautiful, more enthralling. She had taken his breath away without even realizing it.
Even then, he had wanted to go to introduce himself and make an acquaintance with hopes of their friendship leading to something more.
Unfortunately, he had been called away for an urgent business matter and had had to leave the ball without meeting her.
He waited patiently for the next ball but there he received disappointing news.
His fair lady had been spoken for.
He had watched her from a distance as she danced with the man her heart had chosen, smiled up at him and laughed with him. All the while, Nigel had wished he were the one she loved.
Nevertheless, he had cut his losses and accepted that she was not meant to be his.
Imagine his surprise, learning that she had ended her courtship with the baron and was now free to court another.
It was as though the universe had seen his heart’s earnest desire and decided to work in his favor.
So, of course, he had agreed to meet her right away.
“I am humbled that you thought of me, even more so that you think me worthy enough to be your son-in-law. Yes, I would love to meet your daughter. Just tell me when and where.”
Mr. Hartford’s next words had thrilled him. “How about this evening? At my townhouse? We could all have dinner together.”
Nigel had not needed to give it a second thought. “I have business until then,” he had said. “I do believe I can make it for dinner. Yes, Mr. Hartford. I will be there.”
They had sealed the agreement with a handshake and finally said their goodbyes, going their separate ways. Nigel had barely been able to sit still until the time came when he would leave for their home.
Seeing her that evening had been nothing short of wonderful. Her beauty was ethereal and there was something about her that just made him want to spend every moment in her presence. He had asked to see her again for that reason. Also, for the fact that he wanted more time to get to know her better.
He was taken with her person, that much was true. Nonetheless, they had to both see if they were well suited for each other. If they could come to live together as man and wife.
She seemed quiet. He, too, was a man of few words. If only for that, perhaps, they would get along well.
“I have never seen you go through this much trouble for a guest before. Must be someone really special this time.”
Nigel smiled as Geneva’s words filled his ears.
“I thought you would be in the kitchen, cooking away.”
He turned to her. She was a short, robust woman whose black hair was quickly turning gray. Nigel had always found her adorable.
She shrugged. “I decided to come out for some air since I am done, anyway. The table is being set as we speak. The gardens you said?”
Nigel nodded. “We shall dine first. Afterwards, I will take them on a little tour around the estate. Then, we will retire to the garden once again.”
“Ah, I do believe she will love that very much, your fair lady. I am curious to see what she is like.”
“Well, that makes two of us,” he said.
Just then, they heard a knock on the door. Nigel’s eyes widened as he turned to Gaius.
His butler must have read his meaning for he nodded. “Yes, I do believe they are here.”
Nigel brought out his pocket watch. It was eleven o’clock. They had arrived just in time. He nodded as he put the watch back into his pocket.
“Let us not keep them waiting, shall we?”
Gaius bowed before walking to the door. Begging her leave, Geneva disappeared into the kitchen once again. Nigel remained where he was, waiting for them to come to him. He did not have too long to wait.
In another moment, they were let in and Gaius led them to where he stood.
“My Lord, Miss Imogen Hartford and Mr. Lewis Hartford.”
“Thank you, Gaius. I shall take it from here.”
Gaius bowed his head, stepping aside.
Nigel greeted Lewis first. As they shook hands, he said, “Welcome to my home. I hope the ride was not too long or tiresome.”
Lewis shook his head, smiling. “Not at all. The roads are good, thankfully. It was a smooth ride, and we were here before we knew it.”
“I am glad. I would have hated to cause you too much trouble.”
As they broke their handshake, he turned to Miss Hartford. His heart trembled when he looked at her, humming that tune yet again.
She was even more beautiful in daylight. Her eyes were one of a kind. Green with speckles of golden rays. He had never seen eyes so gorgeous, so unique.
He knew he could stare into them for the rest of his life.
“Miss Hartford, it gladdens my heart to see you again. Thank you for agreeing to come,” he said as he kissed her hand.
“Thank you for inviting me, my Lord. You have a very lovely home and I have only just seen the front yard.”
He smiled at her. “I intend to give you a tour, but only after we have eaten. If you would come with me, a feast awaits us in the gardens.”
“Of course,” she and her brother chorused in response.
Nigel began to lead the way his guests following him out into the gardens, to the table that had been prepared for them, where Geneva and some servants were waiting.
As they arrived, he heard Miss Hartford gushed in awe.
“What a feast! Everything looks delicious.”
Geneva chuckled then, a little too happily. “I hope you enjoy it all. I prepared them with joy.”
“This is Geneva, my lovely cook,” Nigel explained when Miss Hartford’s brow raised. “She has made my meals since I was a child. She is like family.”
“Oh, it is wonderful to meet you. Thank you for going through all this trouble.”
“No, no trouble at all. As I said, I prepared them with joy. I shall leave you to eat now. All is set. Welcome to Kensington Manor, my dear Miss Hartford. You too, young Mr. Hartford.”
“Thank you,” Miss Hartford and Lewis chorused again.
They had identical smiles on their faces. They did not look alike much, but with that smile, one could easily tell they were siblings.
Geneva bobbed her head happily and giving Nigel a meaningful look with eyes twinkling, she took her leave.
Nigel could not help hiding a secret smile of his own. He knew that Geneva had come to see his guest for herself and that she approved. It was nice to know.
He pulled out a chair for Miss Hartford and when she had taken her seat, he went to his. Lewis sat on his other side.
“Just as Geneva said, I do hope you fill your bellies. Never worry, we shall walk the weight off during our tour.”
They all chuckled and began to eat.
The late breakfast went by quietly and very well. By the time they finished, it was already noon.
As they rose to their feet, Nigel announced that they would begin the tour in the house. He started with the library, then they went to the music room. Afterwards, he showed them the grand hall and atrium. When they were done with the first floor, they went to the front yard.
There, they walked around, admiring the statues and the fountain that stood tall in the middle of the yard. They remained there for a moment, taking in the lovely sight of water pouring.
Finally, they returned to the fields, and Nigel took them to the stables.
“My father was a lover of horses,” he said as they entered. “It appears I took after him.”
“As is evident,” Miss Hartford answered. “I can count over ten stalls at a glance. How many are there altogether?”
“Twenty-eight,” he responded.
Her eyes widened as she turned to him. “Twenty-eight horses? That is quite a collection you have, my Lord.”
The light tease in her voice made him smile.
“I suppose you are right. Some people collect art pieces and do not get me wrong, I do too . . . sometimes. However, for me, I most enjoy buying horses. Some, I have had since they were foals and I, a little boy. Others were born here later. Some I received as gifts, and others I bought as they are now. Old, beautiful, and strong.”
Her eyes were twinkling, and he could tell that she too was an animal lover. “Shall I meet them? All of them?”
His smile deepened. “I was hoping you would ask. We shall begin here,” he said pointing to the first stall on their right. “This is Reign. He is the oldest and father of many. He was my father’s horse.”
He watched as she slowly reached for the animal, waiting for its permission before finally touching it. He could tell she had had some experience.
“He does look old and weary. He does not have long left, does he?”
Nigel shook his head. They no longer took Reign out for rides. The once formidable stallion was quickly turning gray. He did not like to think of the horse dying, but he found comfort in the fact that Reign had lived a full and long life.
“He will be missed but until then, we remain grateful for each day he remains with us.”
Miss Hartford nodded as she reluctantly pulled away. He could tell that she was saddened by the news and he wished to make her feel better.
Also, he was very touched to know that she was a person who cared about such things. It spoke of a kind heart and pure soul.
They moved on to the other horses and as the count increased, he watched her demeanor improve. This pleased him. Very much.
As they stopped by the eleventh stall, she gushed in awe.
“My goodness! She is so beautiful! It is a female, is it not?”
Nigel’s heart warmed as he saw the pure joy in her heart. “Yes, it is. Her name is Fayre.”
Nigel remembered buying the mare years ago. She was only a foal then, but her beauty and extraordinary colors had charmed him.
She had coat that shone like gold with patches of ivory. The latter was the color of her mane and tail. She was indeed a sight for sore eyes. Nigel considered her one of the wonders of the world.
“Fayre,” Miss Hartford whispered softly, stepping into the stall.
Like she had done with other horses, she slowly reached for the mare. Fayre who was known to have a quite intriguing personality of her own, raised her head and peered curiously at Miss Hartford.
Nigel knew the mare was trying to decide if she liked this strange visitor.
“Hello, Fayre. It is nice to meet you. I am Imogen. Has anyone ever told you that you are the most beautiful horse in the world?”
Fayre gave a low neigh and stomped her left fore-hoof excitedly.
Miss Hartford broke into a soft chuckle then. “I guess they have. Well, I am saying it again. You are beautiful, Fayre. Very much so.”
Nigel could have sworn the mare smiled as she lowered her head to rub fondly against Miss Hartford’s face.
“Oops!” Miss Hartford yelped from the surprise, but she quickly recovered, laughing louder this time. “Oh well, it certainly is nice to meet you too,” she said, rubbing her face against the mare’s as well.
They remained there a little longer, all the while, Miss Hartford spoke to and stroked her newfound friend happily. It was a moment that made Nigel’s heart warm all over and sing with joy.
Eventually, they left, moving on to the other stalls.
As they finished meeting all the horses and some stable hands, Lewis declared he wanted to take a ride out to the fields. Nigel agreed and quickly, they had a horse saddled for him.
As he rode off, Nigel turned to Miss Hartford.
“Shall we?”
She nodded; a fond smile fixed on her lips ever since meeting with Fayre.
Together, they returned to the gardens, ending their tour there.
“It is true what they say, my Lord,” Miss Hartford said as they reached the table that had now been cleared. “Your estate is a sight to behold. It is a very lovely home you have. The kind that many dream to live in.”
It was not the first time Nigel had received such compliments regarding his home, but it was the first time he believed they were genuine. The other ladies whom he had allowed to visit had told him the same words but somehow, he had known that they had only said so because they believed it was what he wanted to hear.
Miss Hartford spoke from her heart, though. He knew it was exactly how she felt. Perhaps, it was because he had seen the way her eyes lit up whenever they came across something that really intrigued or amused her.
Like when she had seen the tall shelves in the library, the bed of roses in the atrium, the chrysanthemums in the garden, the fountain in the front yard, and of course, when she had met the golden mare, Fayre.
He could tell she had enjoyed every moment and it gladdened his heart.
“I do not know if many would want to live here. It is such a big house. It feels quite lonely sometimes.”
“How long have you lived here alone?” she asked as she took the seat he pulled out for her.
“Seven years,” he answered easily, taking his seat as well. “Since my mother remarried.”
She nodded. “My father tells me your father died when you were young.”
“I was only eleven. It was a difficult time for everyone. Mother raised my brother and me herself, whilst seeing to it that we were never cheated of what was rightfully ours. She managed the estate, and the family business until I came of age. Only when she was certain that we would do just fine without her did she let herself pursue love again. She married an old friend, Lord Cheshire and moved into his home.”
“I am sorry about your loss. I know how painful it must have been.”
“Yes, you lost a parent as well. Mr. Hartford told me about it. I felt very sorry for your loss.”
“It was a tough time for all of us,” Imogen answered. “But we pulled through.” There was a small pause as she took in the fields. “Your mother sounds like such a phenomenal woman. I find myself curious to meet her.”
Nigel smiled. “That she is. I shall tell her you said so.”
She smiled at him, and he felt his stomach turn, even as a soft, sweet tremor wracked through him. He could never get tired of seeing that smile.
“You mentioned a brother. You live apart?” she asked.
“In some way. He is in the navy. A captain. So, he is almost always at sea.”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. “Oh, I see. You sound fond of him. You must miss him very much.”
“He is my only sibling. We always were very close. I sense the same sort of closeness between you and Lewis.”
Her smile brightened at the mention of her brother’s name, and Nigel almost grew jealous.
“He is my best friend. I love him dearly. I cannot imagine having to see him only a few times a year. It would break my heart. You are a strong man, Lord Kensington, bearing such distance for so long.”
Her words made him chuckle. “What am I to do? Shall I join him at sea? I do believe I will make a fine sailor, don’t you think? Or perhaps, if there is no space left on the crew, they shall let me mop the decks?”
She laughed at his jest and he mentally commended himself. Everything she did was beautiful. Even her laughter was quite the sight, the sound like a rich timbre in his ears.
“Maybe they would have need for a cook? I do hope you know your way around the kitchen,” she teased as she recovered.
Nigel did not miss a beat. “I suppose I better start asking Geneva for some lessons and recipes. I believe I might have to bribe her. She has a fondness for chasing me out of her kitchen.”
She laughed again and this time, his heart sighed. He was enjoying this too much. Way too much.
“I am sure you will find a way,” she said.
He nodded. “I am sure I will.”
There was a moment’s pause because he continued. “Ah . . . I have told him many times to come back home, but he is just too stubborn, that boy. He will return soon, though. He is set to take over Cheshire. Our stepfather named my brother as his heir since he never had any child. His late wife passed away during childbirth. His son was born dead as well. A quite devastating tale. He waited a long time before remarrying.”
She too had sobered up. “He must be a good man to be willing to give your brother everything,” she said softly.
Nigel nodded. Arthur was more than a good man. He was the best. He had stood by their mother’s side all those years, offering strength and comfort.
“That he is. He treats us as though we are his blood. I could not have asked for a better man to take the place of a father in my life. I most especially love how he cares for my mother.”
“Your entire family sound wonderful. I hope to meet them soon.”
Warmth spread through Nigel. He was happy to know that she approved.
“I have met yours and I know enough to say the same.”
“Thank you,” she replied, holding his gaze.
It took him back to that moment at dinner. His heart had held still as she looked at him, forgetting to beat. This time, it did the same. Yet, he wanted the moment to last even longer, not caring if it cost him his life.
They could have remained that way forever, the world fading away around them. Sadly, Lewis returned from his ride, ending the moment.
“Your home is not only beautiful, it is vast,” he said, heaving heavily as he too took a chair. “I have not had such a good ride in ages. I shall appeal to father to let us return to the country this summer, if only for a month. It would be wonderful to enjoy the woods again. Peace and quiet, away from the busy streets of London.”
“I know exactly how you feel. London does get too loud sometimes. That is why I like it here. It is a good thing that the estate is not too far away. It makes it easy to travel back and forth daily.”
Lewis downed a glass of water at a go.
“Lucky you,” he said as he dropped the glass, swallowing the last bit. “I must thank you for this invite. We have had a lovely time.”
“Why does it sound like you are about to announce that you are taking your leave?” Nigel asked. He was not ready to have them go so soon.
Lewis’ response was a small smile. “In another hour or so. I must first rest from exerting myself so.”
Pleased with this, Nigel’s lips curved in a wide smile.
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about everything and nothing. Nigel relished every minute of it.
Finally, it was time for them to go. Even though Nigel was sad to see them leave, he found comfort in the fact that he would be meeting them again. Soon.
“You will write to me, will you?” he asked Miss Hartford just before helping her into the carriage.
She nodded. “Certainly. Thank you, once again, for giving us such a warm welcome.”
“I hope it encourages you to return.”
She smiled at him. “It does. Until we meet again. Farewell, Lord Kensington.”
“You too, Miss Hartford. Travel safe.”
With those words, he helped her onto the carriage.
He tilted his hat at Lewis, who was already seated and as he tapped the carriage, the coachman whipped the horses. They lurched forth, making the wheels roll out of his estate, through the open gates.
Nigel remained there until there were long gone. Then, he turned around and went into his home.
If there was anything the afternoon had proven, it was that he and his fair lady were quite suited. They would have a good life, together, he believed.
All he had to do now was take each moment as it came and completely win her friendship. They might not have love, but they could in the very least, have that.