Moonstone Obsession Read online

  She decided to be to the point. “And what of Sir James?”

  “Oooh… ‘e is ‘andsome, Miss, ain’t he?” sighed Winifred.

  Selina leaned in slyly in an exaggeratedly conspiratorial manner. “Is he really such a rake as they tell?”

  The teenager giggled. “Ain’t they all, Miss? Becky—she’s the upstairs maid—said sometimes the master is out all night unexpected. He don’t come home an’ his bed’s not been slept in.

  “But give ‘im ‘is due. Becky said he’s never once behaved improper towards any of the maids. Oh… begging your pardon, Miss!”

  Selina smiled and urged the girl to continue.

  “Well,” said the girl, “Becky’s sister works for the Duke of Ashgrove and she’s said his youngest ’arrasses her and the other girls something terrible, pinchin’ bottoms and tryin’ to steal kisses.”

  Winifred popped another chocolate between her lips and looked sideways at Selina, as if adjudging the extent to which she might be familiar with her temporary co-mistress. She apparently judged herself on safe ground. “Ooh but it would be nice to be kissed by someone of quality like ’im, wouldn’t it? Lord Penventen, I mean. There’s got to be somethin’ being kissed by a real gentleman. Don’t you reckon, Miss?”

  “I suppose there must be, yes,” replied Selina.

  Then Mrs Stout, Winifred’s mother, brought the interview to an end by calling out for the girl in a frustrated tone.

  Alone in the garden, Selina reflected on what she’d just learned. It was little beyond a common decency of not preying on the female servants and that he occasionally stayed out at night.

  Selina was no closer to confirming what kind of relationship James had with Lady Abigail. His bed was unslept in. Where did he spend his nights? With her?

  As the congregation stood and opened their hymnals, she noticed that James had cast a sidelong look in her direction. She decided to pay him no heed for the duration of the service. Instead, Selina turned her attention to the pulpit from which the Reverend Newton was soon reading.

  “From the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 4 Verse 9, ‘Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life, but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.’”

  John Newton raised his eyes from the Bible and looked directly at the congregation, scanning the faces as if acknowledging each and every one.

  “Who would have thought it needful to caution remembrance of such great things as they had seen? But the Lord knew and experience had already proved, that their hearts were forgetful, evil and perverse. But the exhortation is to us likewise,” he explained.

  “Believers have seen great things, which if duly remembered would powerfully constrain, preserve and animate them in the Lord’s way. Such things as none can see but themselves, because they only have eyes to see. The Lord works wonderfully, but how can the blind see?”

  He shifted at the lectern and considered his next thought before speaking.

  “You have seen the evil of sin. Sufficient it should seem to make it hateful forever. You have seen it as the cause of all misery, of the death of Jesus. You have seen and felt it, in its bitterness and danger in your own souls, in conviction and backsliding.

  “You have seen the love of Christ. Many hear of it, but to you it has been revealed. How seasonable and welcome its first discovery. Perhaps you then thought it impossible to forget what you saw. You have seen it since, in secret and public. It has refreshed your heart, healed your wounds, lightened your burdens and comforted you under sorrows.

  “You have seen the Lord’s faithfulness to his promises. Could you not say ‘my heart has trusted and I have been helped?’”

  Newton paused, a moment’s reflection, then continued. “You have seen the wisdom and goodness of God in his providence, how he manages and overrules, causes light to shine out of darkness, and brings good out of seeming evil.

  “You have seen the importance and reality of the great things within the veil...”

  Leaving the church took twice as long as it did to enter, as members of the congregation stopped for a word or Newton himself enquired after their wellbeing. Although round of cheek and of belly, he was no less imposing up close that he was at standing in the pulpit.

  After greeting Lady Christina, Newton turned to James.

  “You’re looking very well my boy, much happier than when I saw you last.” He turned to Selina and shook her hand. “Could this young lady be the cause?

  Selina blushed, but said nothing.

  “Reverend Newton, I’d like to introduce you to Selina Rosewall. She is here with her brother Captain William Rosewall and his family for the Season.”

  “I thought the name was familiar. I knew of your father, sir, although we never served on the same vessel,” said Newton, now shaking William’s hand and lowering his voice to a more confidential level before concluding, “He did not approve of the trade and I believe he saw the light before I did.”

  “I’m proud to keep his legacy,” replied William. “There’s no slave trade on my ships.”

  Newton smiled before reaching into the pocket of his vestments and crouching down to be eye to eye with Timothy and Richard. In each of the boys’ hands he pressed what appeared to be a coin about the size of a penny.

  “Perhaps you boys will follow in your father’s footsteps,” he smiled.

  Outside the church, the boys examined the gift—a medallion of white jasper made by Josiah Wedgewood’s pottery firm. In black relief, the figure of a chained man half kneeling, bound hand and leg in chain, but his arms raised in a plea.

  Timothy turned the disc in the sunlight to better make out the figure and the inscription on the edge.

  “What does it say?” prompted his father.

  Timothy read the words in the halting manner of a child, “Am I Not A Man And A Brother?”

  William nodded in agreement at both the twins. “Never forget that boys. And take good care of those gifts from Reverend Newton. They’re precious.”

  * * *

  Lunch had been a surprisingly enjoyable affair.

  Selina had been uncertain what to expect from luncheon at the Penventen family town house, but any uncomfortable moments there might have been between families of different social standings evaporated with the inclusion of Colonel and Lady Butterworth.

  And now seated in the drawing room Selina sipped tea from a fine bone china cup, content to retreat into the background as she watched the others in conversation in the absence of their hosts.

  A scant five minutes later they returned, and from beneath her lashes Selina appraised mother and son.

  It was clear that a discussion had taken place which may not have been altogether pleasant.

  James caught Selina’s eye for the barest moment before begging the Colonel’s pardon to further a business discussion with William.

  The portly Colonel stood and patted his girth, asking his Ladyship’s indulgence to take a short turn about the garden.

  Lady Butterworth and Sarah returned to their conversation about raising children.

  The coolness Selina had initially felt directed towards her from James’ mother appeared to melt completely into a puddle of benign pity when the older woman asked of her prospects.

  “A governess!” exclaimed Lady Christina over the rim of her teacup. “It’s a wise young woman who makes her mind up early about eschewing matrimony.”

  A twinkle in the older woman’s eye announced that dig was most certainly intended. “Yes, it’s very enterprising of you. You must be very accomplished.”

  Selina smiled wanly, but decided to say nothing.

  “Do you speak a language?” asked Lady Christina.

  “I speak French, ma’am. My mother’s family were Huguenots who fled persecution in France. She taught my brother and me to speak and write fluently.”

  “Do play an instrument and sing
?”

  “The piano a little, though I prefer the guitar, but I do not sing well at all.”

  “What about painting?” enquired Lady Christina, simultaneously proffering the teapot.

  Selina politely shook her head at the offer of a refilled cup and smiled. “Drawing and painting are my great interests, Lady Christina. I’ve been told that I have some skills in that regard. Landscapes are nice, but I do prefer portraits.”

  “Then it is settled,” the older woman announced. “You would make a suitable temporary lady’s companion to Lady Margaret Westmacott, James’ grandmother, who has decided to grace us with her presence at Penventen Hall in Cornwall next month.

  “It’s always important to have accomplished young women about to ensure the guests are well entertained.”

  Selina sat back surprised both by the offer and the obvious tone of dislike for Lady Margaret.

  “I’m honoured but I’m not sure I…”

  “It’s all settled Selina,” interjected William, who had returned to the room with James.

  “Sarah and the children travel with you to Bristol and you will travel with Lady Margaret from Bristol to Padstow.

  “When the Diamond returns to London from its run to Newcastle, I’ll captain her to Newquay. That’s only ten miles away from you. It will also give the crew time to ensure she’s shipshape for the Atlantic crossing. We’re planning to relocate her to Pittsburgh before the winter.

  “Then I’ll join you at the end of July in Padstow to finalise arrangements with Lord Penventen.”

  Selina slid a look to Sarah who smiled mildly and nodded her head in approval. It would seem there was no support to be had there.

  Anger simmered in her breast. How dare William plan her life like this? How dare he treat her as one of his children? At twenty-one, she had attained her majority and it was her right to determine her life as she chose.

  Admittedly, she had promised both William and Sarah to wait until the end of this summer before making up her mind about going into paid employment, and a letter of recommendation from Lady Margaret would be most advantageous.

  But they, the poor things, held out some hope of her marriageability, but considering she had been so inept at her flirtation with James, Selina was becoming more and more convinced that love and romance were far too nuanced and subtle for her to master.

  Besides, she believed true love came only to a select few such as her parents and, indeed, William and Sarah.

  More fuel was added to stoke the anger building beneath her calm expression when she met James’ intense brown eyes considering her. How he must be secretly laughing at this silly, naïve girl, she fumed silently. How amusing she must be. Oh how James and Lady Abigail must laugh, along with Lord Geoffrey!

  Better to give up this folly right now before she became one of these pathetically desperate spinsters grateful to accept the attentions of any man.

  With all eyes on her, she mustered a smile and accepted with a gracious thank you, but not before with a brief but pointed look at her brother.

  Chapter Six

  Now the whole world was conspiring against her.

  What else could explain how she was now walking home from Mayfair to Soho on a fine summer afternoon with James while the rest of her family was invited to ride in Colonel and Lady Butterworth’s carriage?

  Still, Selina was thankful for the exertion. She still fumed at her brother though, and the first five minutes of the walk took place at a fast clip without conversation.

  James kept pace with her effortlessly, then finally spoke. “I know my mother can be tiresome, but does the idea of spending the rest of summer at Penventen Hall disgust you so much?”

  Selina slowed her pace, shame faced.

  “I’m sorry. I must appear so ungrateful,” she started. “Your mother’s invitation is very generous and I’m honoured to accept it. And while I know they mean well, I’m just so angry at my brother and his wife for trying to determine the course of my life.

  “They’ve been doing it constantly. Especially since the death of Papa.”

  They walked in silence again for a few seconds.

  “Perhaps they recognise that it’s time for you to start living,” James offered.

  Before she could vocalise a protest, he continued. “Five years running a household alone and caring for an ailing father, your sister-in-law and her children while your brother battled to keep the family business from bankruptcy? I’m sure it must have been demanding and hard work but it was also predictable and safe. The only world you’ve known. Now you want to control your new circumstances by exchanging one form of service for another.

  “You’re using your brother’s responsibilities as an excuse to run away from the world.”

  Selina stopped. His words shocked her and then caused heat to rise up her face as its truth resonated. Her eyes dropped to her feet while she composed herself.

  “That makes me sound self-pitying,” she said finally.

  “Only if allow yourself to shut the door on possibilities,” he added softly. “Don’t do that Selina.”

  She looked up into James’ eyes to see if pity coloured them. Instead he met hers steadily and without reservation.

  “That is a blunt assessment from someone who hasn’t known me long,” she said.

  “Nonetheless it’s true,” said James, “and, if I’m honest, I also speak to remind myself.”

  He paused, seeming uncomfortable with the self-reflection. He continued.

  “I’ve come to believe, Selina, that you’re a person who appreciates honesty over empty flattery. Am I wrong?”

  “No, you’re not wrong. I’m just not used to anyone speaking with such candour.”

  “Are we still friends?”

  Selina allowed herself a long sigh before accepting his arm. The walk continued at a more moderate pace.

  “I have some questions for you,” Selina announced after a few moments.

  “I’d be surprised if you didn’t,” James observed mildly.

  Broaching the matters Selina had pondered for the past few weeks was more difficult than she thought.

  “You’ve offered a very generous partnership with my brother…” she ventured.

  James nodded. “Let me see if I can anticipate your questions.

  “Yes, I can afford to fund my half of the partnership although it will mean a mortgage on the coal mine in Pennsylvania. My debts in England are modest and easily covered by the trust left to me by my father.

  “My mother does spend more than her allowance and my business interests in America subsidise her.

  “Our family is well off but not wealthy. Penventen Hall has been neglected for three generations, but over the past ten years my father and most recently myself, have spent a small fortune to bring at least half the hall back to its former glory.”

  James looked down at her.

  “How am I doing?”

  In spite of herself Selina smiled. “Very well indeed. Please, continue.”

  “As you’ve gathered, my relationship with my mother works best when we don’t spend time in each other’s company, but that could be easily remedied if she’s found herself a charity to occupy herself rather than dedicating to fret about my matrimonial state,” he finished.

  “Is your curiosity satisfied, Miss Rosewall?” he asked in a low voice intended only for her ears.

  The man was deliberately teasing her and Selina was helpless not to respond in kind.

  No, one part of her mind answered, not nearly enough satisfied, and she wondered what it would feel like to have him hold her again as he did during that waltz, the memory of which had lived on unbidden late at night, leaving her restless these past weeks.

  She slid a long sideways look up from his feet, his strong legs, his trim and tapered waist that broadened from his torso to his chest, before her eyes reached his face.

  But alas, he was not for her, although she was thrilled to find her scrutiny did not leave him unaf
fected.

  “Satisfied for now,” she replied huskily, “but you have only confirmed everything I already know.”

  “I don’t believe so,” he contradicted.

  She raised an eyebrow.

  “I think you’d like to know me better; perhaps ask about Lady Abigail?”

  “That’s none of my business,” she answered hastily.

  “I’m making it your business,” he stated firmly, the teasing tone vanishing from his voice. “On the day Canalissy brought you and your sister-in-law home I saw your face when he mentioned Lady Abigail and the opera.”

  Selina was chagrined. “My Lord,” she said, her glance away from him a pretence of casualness, “Lord Geoffrey was simply good enough to explain the nature of your relationship with Lady Abigail, and that made me realise his actions that night at the ball were…”

  Selina’s voice trailed off as she looked back towards James and saw his expression changing like a landscape swept by a cloud’s shadow on a sunny day.

  Selina saw the unverbalised turn of emotions—surprise, disgust and even anger— pass quickly across James' unguarded face before he schooled his temper, though it still coloured his voice.

  “Selina, if you never promise me anything else, promise me this. Do not ever believe a word that man says. Do not trust a thing he does.”

  Selina was surprised by the vehemence in his tone.

  She considered that, over the past few weeks, Lord Geoffrey had called on her several times and they had walked in Hyde Park. His manner was slightly supercilious though pleasant enough, but occasionally his pontificating on the ills of society left Selina with the impression he was rehearsing a speech for a Parliamentary career rather than revealing any significant social or political insight.

  And though he flattered her often and shamelessly, there was nothing in his words or his regard that stirred her as James did.

  “As you wish,” Selina agreed, and shrugged as though the matter was of no importance, though she wondered about the history between the two men. Now was not the time to ask.

  They crossed a street which marked the boundary of Mayfair with other less affluent areas of London such as near neighbour Soho.