What About Cecelia? Read online

  “Jane, the alternative was Byron's poems.”

  “Those too. Don't you have any wholesome literature in this house? Something like a book of sermons or 'Evenings at home'?”

  “We might, but these are new books from the circulating library. They make every so much more interesting reading.”

  “Captain Wood, I will have some words to say to you about this later.”

  Cecelia rose to defend her cousin, but George motioned her to sit down. It was better that he talked with his dearest companion himself. “Jane, I was over-set by the shooting and Miss Wood was simply helping me calm down.”

  “Couldn't you have just had some brandy?”

  “I was following Landor's advice to not drink to dim my memories. He was right, I feel better for living through them rather than running into a bottle.”

  “That is as may be. I am most displeased with your conduct, but will not berate you in public. Upstairs, now.”

  George shrugged and followed the light of his life to his doom.

  Cecelia heard the start of her lecture before they walked far enough upstairs that it faded into silence. “Couldn't you wait to set up a flirt until after we were married?”

  “Miss Wood, a flirt? No she's not a flirt.”

  “Think of me at least, and don't seek your entertainment in public. It's humiliating. Why don't you read with me?”

  “I didn't think you liked novels, or Byron. I'm sorry, would you like me to read them to you?”

  “I would prefer that you don't read them to Miss Wood.”

  Cecelia turned to her maid, who had not left the room through all this and said, “Martha, I think the sooner I'm away from this the better it will be for George as well as for me.”

  “Miss, mayhaps you'll be lucky in Bath. I do hear that there are balls and concerts for the gentry like you to meet each other. They say Bath is a great place for finding husbands.”

  “I hope it is. I'll need one soon enough.”

  Meadows entered the parlor followed closely by the ubiquitous Mr. Landor. He bowed to Cecelia, and said, “Miss Wood, Mr. Landor is desirous of some conversation with you.”

  “I can see that. Mr. Landor?”

  “I came to see how Captain Wood is doing. Had I thought he would be so affected by the shooting, I would never have embarrassed him by inviting him to it.”

  “He's upstairs with Miss Arnold. I believe they are having a discussion about that now.”

  Mr. Landor could hear the muted and indistinct voices from that heated discussion despite the closed hall door. “What happened?”

  “Captain Wood returned from the shooting visibly upset, almost crying.”

  “So you nursed him to health and she took it the wrong way?”

  “I'm sorry, but it seems I have been the cause of some domestic tension.”

  “Miss Wood, I like your modesty. What were you and him up to? If it upset Miss Arnold so much, it must have been interesting. Tell me all.”

  Cecelia tried to give him a quelling response, “We were just reading to each other. That's all. Mr. Landor, why are you visiting us now?”

  “Two reasons. First to check on George, and second to see what you thought of my latest verses.”

  “I thank you for your concern about Captain Wood, but do you have to read me your poetry right now?”

  “Yes. I value your opinion.” He waited until she sat and began to recite to his captive audience.

  She I love (alas in vain!)

  Floats before my slumbering eyes;

  When she comes she lulls my pain,

  When she goes what pangs arise!

  Thou whom love, whom memory flies,

  Gentle Sleep! Prolong thy reign!

  If even thus she soothe my sighs,

  Never let me wake again!iv

  He stopped, and waited for Cecelia to comment. After a few moments she replied, “Very moving.” She kept her thoughts, namely that she'd prefer if she could move it out of earshot, to herself. Summoned by Meadows, the Captain and Miss Arnold entered the room. The tension between them was palpable, but Mr. Landor continued. “Excellent, more people to hear my next verse. I think this one is truly excellent.”

  Past ruin'd Ilion Helen lives,

  Alcestis rises from the shades;

  Verse calls them forth; 'tis verse that gives

  Immortal youth to mortal maids

  Soon shall Oblivion's deepening veil

  Hide all the peopled hills you see;

  The gay; the proud, while lovers hail

  These many summers you and me.

  Jane sniffed, “Very moving.”

  “Funny, that's what Miss Wood said.”

  “I see that we agree on several things then. I wish there were one less of them.”

  George added, “Mr. Landor, I apologize that you find us at a moment where it is difficult to offer you hospitality. What was the purpose of your visit, besides giving us the pleasure of listening to your verses?”

  “I was just checking on you George. It looks like you have recovered from the morning's exertions.”

  Jane shot George a jealous look, “Which ones?”

  “The shooting, of course, what did you think I meant?”

  “You know.”

  “Miss Wood and I were reading together when Jane returned. My fiancée thought it implied more than just a friendly gesture on Miss Wood's part. It wasn't and it doesn't.”

  Mr. Landor became aware of the tension between them. “I see. I hope this won't upset my plans for tomorrow.”

  “What plans?”

  “There will be a livestock fair tomorrow in Raglan. Much closer than Brecon. Won't get as good a price but that Ionie is eating her way through my hay-store, and I want to get her sold.”

  Cecelia brightened, “So you would like it if I came with you?”

  “Not just you, Miss Wood, but Miss Arnold and the Captain as well.”

  Jane answered for both her and George, “We should be happy to come with you, especially if Mrs. Landor is included in the party.”

  “I should hope she is. Especially since I'm counting on Miss Wood's horse sense to find her a suitable mount.”

  4. Raglan Horse Fair.

  Mr. and Mrs. Landor arrived in his gig early the next morning. Ionie was tethered to the back of it and making it clear that she did not enjoy leaving her stall. If it was needed, her side-saddle was in the gig. Cecelia came trotting out before he could dismount and knock. “Thank goodness you're here. I don't think I can take much more of this.”

  “Much more of what, Miss Wood?”

  “This continued sniping. Jane, Miss Arnold is still upset from yesterday. I like and admire the Captain, but he is affianced to her. I would never come between them. Somehow it seems I have.”

  Julia called her over, “Cecelia come and talk with me. Walter, would you make sure that they are getting ready to go. I'd like to get to Raglan while there are still some decent horses still for sale.”

  “Yes, my love. I hear and obey.”

  Cecelia mounted the gig and sat beside Mrs. Landor. Julia started the conversation, “Cecelia, I had a long talk with Jane yesterday. You must understand that she's not sure of herself.”

  “Not sure of herself. What do you mean by that?”

  “It's simple, remember when you rode Ionie and I couldn't?”

  “Yes, you just have to show the horse who is in charge.”

  “Which means you have to be confident that you can control the horse. You are, and I'm not. That's why I can ride a sweetheart like Awyr and not a difficult mare like Ionie.”

  Cecelia thought for a moment, and said, “You mean she's not sure she can ride George? That doesn't make sense to me. He's not a horse is he?”

  “She's not sure she can run a household like Penyclawdd and keep George happy. It scares her.”

  “Oh. Is she scared of me too?”

  “Yes.”

  “That's silly.”

  “No it's not
. If she gets snappy with you or George it's because she's worried.”

  “I hadn't thought of it like that. Perhaps you have a point.”

  They might have gone further with this discussion, but Mr. Landor and Miss Arnold came out and haled them. “George is bringing around their gig. I was wondering if you would prefer to ride with Jane and George instead of me.”

  “Why?”

  “What happens if Ionie acts up? You can't handle her, but Miss Wood can.”

  Jane added her voice, “And, Julia, we hadn't finished when the message came about the Captain being in distress. I'd so much like to continue our conversation.”

  Julia shrugged, and then whispered to Cecelia, “Think about what I've said.” Then she dismounted and walked over to Miss Arnold. “It would be my pleasure to get to know both you and your fiancée much better.”

  Mr. Landor drove his gig off first, with Cecelia beside him and Ionie trotting on her lead behind. They reached the main road to Abergavenny before either said much to each other.

  “Mr. Landor?”

  “Yes, Cecelia?”

  “There's one thing I don't understand.”

  “Only one thing, Egeria?”

  “Who?” Mr. Landor started on a description of the various Goddesses and Muses of Wisdom. Egeria was the Muse who instructed the early Romans on ritual and religion. He hadn't gone very far into the subject when Cecelia interrupted him. “Please stop with my classics lesson, I have a serious question for you.”

  “Ask away.”

  “Why are you suddenly so helpful? I hardly saw you or Mrs. Landor before Captain Wood and Miss Arnold arrived.”

  “There are several reasons, Miss Wood.”

  “Really?”

  “First, your father asked me to keep an eye on you. As long as it was just you running the estate, I didn't have much to do.”

  “Why?”

  “You're a better manager than I am.”

  “No, that can't be true.”

  “Penyclawdd makes money, doesn't it?”

  “Yes. Of course.”

  “Llanthony has been nothing but hole in my pocket. If my books didn't sell, I'd be starving.”

  “Do you want my help?”

  “That takes me to my second reason. You know I've tried to get the local farmers to adopt modern and more profitable methods.”

  “Now that's hard. They're so stubborn, especially when you're an outsider. You really should let me talk to them first.”

  “I'm applying the same charity to you. Help you find a mate or at least somewhere to live once the Captain tires of your company.” The thought that George might tire of her company made Cecelia's chest tighten.

  “Is that all?”

  “No. I like you and George. You're pleasant company.”

  “And Jane?”

  He paused, “Her too. At least when she's on her good behavior. Finally, I need you to pick out a good horse for Julia.”

  Once the two parties arrived at the Raglan fair, they found stabling for their horses and headed for the horse sales. Cecelia's initial impression of the livestock on offer was not high. “Jane, I'm not sure I've seen any horses here that I would want you to ride. Certainly none I would ride given the choice.” Mr. Landor caught her attention, “Miss Wood, how about this mare?”

  It was a brown and white horse. Its owner had spent considerable effort grooming its coat into something resembling a healthy gloss. Cecelia looked at it, and commented, “She's a long-legged curby backed brute. How much are they asking?”

  “Ten pounds.” Cecelia mentally calculated a bargaining price. It might be worth one pound. Then she said, “Maybe we can bargain, but only if I think the horse is otherwise sound. Let me look at her mouth.” After she spent a few moments looking at the teeth, she said, “Have you been plowing with this horse? Her bite is ruined for riding.”

  Together they moved on to look for another horse.

  While they were looking, Sir Charles Somerset found Mr. Landor in the crush and asked him, “I'm looking for a hunter as a wedding present for my daughter Elizabeth, and I've heard that you have a fine full-blooded one for sale.”

  “My Lord, if you would follow me. Ionie is over here.”

  When Sir Charles examined Ionie, he said, “She's a fine mare, but clearly ill-mannered. Can she be ridden by a lady?”

  “Miss Cecelia Wood rides her. Would you like to see Ionie put through her paces?”

  “Yes, if you could.”

  “Miss Wood, would you be willing to demonstrate?”

  Cecelia looked at Ionie, who was showing signs of distress at the crowding and bustle. “I don't see why not. She's a bit upset with the noise of the fair, but it's nothing that getting her out and exercised won't fix.”

  The side-saddle was brought from the gig and mounted on Ionie. While this was happening Captain Wood attracted Cecelia's attention. “Miss Wood, please don't. You are not completely recovered from your fall and that horse has a wild look in her eyes.”

  “Captain Wood, the only reason she threw me that evening was my lack of preparedness. I'll be fine today.”

  “Still, please humor me. That horse is not worth the risk to your health.”

  “What risk? There isn't a horse I'm scared of.” Cecelia was unpersuaded, and short of restraining her by force there was nothing else he could do.

  George watched in trepidation as Cecelia mounted Ionie and trotted her around the field. All went well until there was a loud crash from one of the stalls at the fair. Ionie put her ears back and bolted for freedom. Cecelia pulled back as hard as she could on the reins but the horse kept going. They jumped the first hedge and shot off across country.

  George saw someone leading a saddled horse out to demonstrate its paces to a prospective customer. “That's what I need.” He ran to them, closely followed by Mr. Landor. George pushed the men aside and took the horse, “Sorry, but this is an emergency.” He mounted the horse and galloped off in pursuit of Miss Wood.

  “Who was that?”

  Mr. Landor replied, “That was Captain George Wood, of Penyclawdd. I wouldn't worry about your horse, he's a responsible sort of chap.”

  “That's my horse! He stole my horse!”

  “As I said don't worry about it, if he hurts it he'll pay for it.” He paused to watch George clear the first hedge, “Damn he's a fine rider. Didn't think your horse had the ability to jump like that in him.”

  The man looked at Mr. Landor in disbelief, “That was a twenty pound horse and saddle. I'll call the bailiffs.”

  “Don't bother. Twenty pounds you say?”

  “Worth every last brass farthing.”

  Landor pulled a ten-pound bank note out of his coat. “I don't feel like haggling with you. Will this do?” It did, the man would have settled for five. His only regret was that he hadn't asked for forty pounds first.

  George found Cecelia several fields and a half-mile away. She had finally pulled Ionie's head to one side, forcing her to circle in the field. Circling made her settle down and stop running. When George finally arrived, Ionie was calmly eating grass in the field, while Cecelia was struggling with the tattered remains of her dress. She used her one free hand to try to keep the top of her dress up. “That horse dragged me through a hedge.”

  “I see.”

  “You're seeing more than is proper, Captain Wood.”

  “I appreciate your problem. Did anyone ever tell you that you have nice shoulders?” He thought some lucky man would get to appreciate what was hidden beneath her folded arm.

  “No, but thank you. I'd rather not show them off. Let alone flaunt what would show if my arm slips.”

  George gave her dilemma careful consideration and replied, “An idea, Miss Wood. I'll give you my jacket and then you'll be at least notionally decent.”

  He removed his jacket, nudged his horse next to hers and exchanged his jacket for her reins. While he looked away, regretfully, Cecelia put his jacket on over the shreds of her dress an
d buttoned it up. “Captain Wood, you can look now.”

  “I must say it becomes you. You'll set a new fashion for fair equestrians.”

  “No I won't. It feels indecent.”

  “It isn't. It's lovely, like you.” Cecelia blushed. Unaware of his danger, he continued, “Let's get back to Raglan.”

  They returned. Ionie, having had her run, behaved well as they trotted back together.

  Lord Charles admired Cecelia's horsemanship, but said, “That is a fine horse, but not one for my daughter to ride. Your horse is better suited for racing. Let me see what my steward thinks of her.”

  In the meantime Captain Wood attracted Jane and Julia's attention. “Miss Wood needs help with her dress. Can you fix it?” The two women led Cecelia off to see what could be salvaged, or failing that to see what could be assembled by purchase in Raglan.

  Before he left to find his steward and to see if he could use another racing horse, Lord Charles noticed George. “I say, aren't you Captain George Wood, lately returned from Spain?”

  “Yes, my Lord”

  “I thought so, my brother Fitzroy wrote me to look out for you. Seems you had a rough time of it.”

  “My division was nearly destroyed at Badajoz. I'm sorry to say that I was shattered as well, and I'm back home to recover. If I can.”

  “Then you'll appreciate the news, Lord Wellington's siege has taken the city.”

  “They tried again?”

  “This time his excellency supervised it himself. Fitzroy says it was bloody, but it succeeded.” George could hear the distant guns thundering in his mind. The color drained from his face. “My Lord if you'll excuse me.” He trotted off, found Landor and said, “Walter I have to go, now. Would you pay for this horse?”

  “George are you well?”

  “Just heard about the second siege of Badajoz. I need some space and time by myself. I'll ride to Penyclawdd.”

  “I understand. We'll settle up later. Enjoy your new horse.”

  “Thank you, please see that Jane and Cecelia get home safely.”

  “Don't worry about it. If need be Cecelia can drive one of the gigs.”

  George laughed at the thought, “Yes, she does have good hands and a light touch.” Then he rode off to find solace in the solitude of the mountains.