Healing Her Heart Page 5

  “It is true, my lord. Miss Jenner, you have an amazing gift. A few months ago, I had to give up reading because it became too difficult to see the small words on the page. Now I can see the words again. You have no idea how much this means to me,” Grumman said, almost tearfully. “My beloved books are mine to enjoy again.”

  Marcus turned to Abigail and looked at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. He could not deny there was something very unique about Miss Jenner. “Quite impressive. What other miracles shall you perform today?”

  Abigail grinned at Marcus’s remark and turned to Grumman. “I am so glad your vision has improved, but it is hardly a miracle. My grandfather spent years of his life researching and perfecting remedies. The tincture Olivia and I made for you was one of his more successful endeavors. It is him who you owe a debt of gratitude,” Abigail said as her eyes grew solemn. “He was a great man who never grew tired of helping others.”

  “You are far too modest, Miss Jenner,” Grumman said with notable appreciation and then added, “I knew you would be a great asset to the household when Lord Everton hired you.”

  Olivia grabbed Abigail’s hand. “What shall we do today?”

  Marcus looked at Olivia’s hopeful face and knew he had chosen the right person for his niece. He watched Abigail kneel and explain to Olivia their plan for the day. Abigail carefully weaved less appealing subjects, such as arithmetic and writing, amongst more fun activities, like drawing and music. She made their day sound so appealing that even he wanted to join in the activities. “Well, I think all that hard work deserves a reward,” Marcus said. He turned to Grumman. “Have the carriage readied for half past three. We will be making a stop at Bristow’s.”

  “Hooray!” Olivia shrieked. “I hope they have a fresh batch of toffee.” Olivia smiled at Abigail. “Are you going to try their mallows?”

  Abigail looked uneasy. “I am not sure your uncle meant I should go to Bristow’s with you.”

  It was probably for the best he distance himself from the lovely Miss Jenner, but he could not resist the urge to spend time with her. What could really be the harm of spending a few hours in her company? Besides, he wanted to see her face when she tried one of Bristow’s delectable mallows. “Do not be silly Miss Jenner. Of course, you are invited.”

  Abigail’s expression turned playful. Like a child who successfully stole a cookie from the cookie jar. Marcus was warmed by her smile and Abigail’s contentment made him feel giddy. He noticed Grumman staring at him in a peculiar way. Despite Marcus’s age and rank, he always felt like an unruly six year old in Grumman’s presence. “Did you want to say something Grumman?”

  “Your valet wanted me to inform you, your new evening waist coat was delivered this morning,” Grumman answered. Marcus detected a measure of censure in his butler’s voice. He noticed Grumman’s protective glance at Abigail. “I am sure Lady Applewood will be very impressed by your appearance tonight at Almack’s.”

  Grumman’s subtle hint to not meddle with Abigail’s affections was not lost on Marcus. Grumman was very aware of societal rules and knew his master was looking for a proper, blue blooded wife. It appeared Grumman had formed a loyalty towards Abigail and did not want to see her get hurt. Marcus did not want that either and he wanted to reassure himself and Grumman that he was focused on the right woman. “Thank you, Grumman. It is a comfort to know Lady Applewood will be pleased. I am looking forward to dancing with her tonight.” It was the semi-truth; she would make a stunning dance partner. Whether or not they would have a decent conversation was the real question.

  “Who is Lady Applewood?” Olivia asked Marcus with natural childhood curiosity. Marcus thought it was strange Abigail blanched at the mention of Lady Applewood, as if she recognized the name. His interest was piqued, but he decided to pursue the matter later.

  Marcus could have evaded Olivia’s question, but he always thought it was better to be straightforward and honest. He crouched down on one knee and his tone became serious. “Olivia, I have decided it is time I took a wife. Lady Tabitha Applewood is one of the ladies under consideration. I think it will be good for you to have a motherly influence in your life.”

  Olivia’s eyes welled up with unshed tears and her stance became defiant. “But I do not want another mother. My mamma will never be replaced.”

  Marcus had never seen his niece angry.

  Abigail must have realized he was at a loss for words. “Olivia, that is not what your uncle meant at all. Your mother can never be replaced,” Abigail said as she stroked Olivia’s cheek. “But I think she would like the idea of you having another person in your life that would care for you.”

  Olivia jutted out her tiny chin. “I guess, but what if she does not like me?”

  “Whoever she shall be, if she does not adore you, then I will not marry her,” Marcus promised. He hated himself for upsetting Olivia. He was grateful for Abigail’s swift intervention. “Olivia, you should never forget that you are the most important person in my life,” Marcus said, and then he thought of a brilliant idea. “And to prove it to you, I will only marry someone you approve of. Does that make you feel better?”

  Olivia put her arms around Marcus and kissed him on the cheek. He lifted her in his arms and the anger from before was forgotten. “That makes me feel a lot better.”

  Abigail and Grumman looked upon the warm scene with pleasure and then Abigail turned to Grumman. “I need to set up and gather some supplies for Olivia’s lessons. Would you mind assisting me?” Grumman answered in the affirmative. It was clear Lord Everton needed to spend some quality time with his niece. Before leaving them alone, Abigail made a suggestion. “Everything will be ready in about an hour. Perhaps you can teach Olivia to play chess.”

  Olivia appeared excited by the idea. “But I thought that was a game only grown-ups played.”

  Abigail smiled. “Your uncle thinks you are a very smart and mature young lady. He thinks you are ready for an adult game.”

  Like all children, Olivia reveled in the idea of acting older than she was. “Can we start to play now?” Olivia eagerly asked.

  Marcus decided to raise Miss Jenner’s wages. “I cannot think of anything I would like to do more than play chess with you, right now.”

  For the next hour Marcus taught Olivia about all the pieces on the chessboard. Olivia listened intently and gleefully announced the knight was going to be her favorite because it moved in an “L” shape pattern. Marcus could not remember a time when he had more fun than the time spent teaching Olivia the rules of chess. It was so refreshing to see the world through a child’s eyes. Marcus smiled when he thought of Abigail’s suggestion to play chess with Olivia. She had been right.

  He checked the clock on the wall; six hours until their trip to Bristow’s. Marcus told himself he was just looking forward to his sugar fix and his anticipation had nothing to do with spending time with the exquisite Miss Jenner. Liar!

  Chapter 7

  Abigail’s hands trembled with nerves as she rode in the carriage to Bristow’s. She would never forget the Applewood family. Her grandfather had treated Lady Tabitha’s father who sustained a minor ankle injury after a fall from his horse. The family insisted her grandfather stay on at the household until Lord Applewood was fully recovered. Douglas Jenner was in no position to refuse. He often took care of people who could not afford to pay him and the income he would receive from the Applewoods would keep them afloat in the years that proceeded.

  Abigail remembered the Applewood’s elegant country estate in East Sussex like it was yesterday. She had only been ten years old at the time, but she could still picture the enormous crystal chandelier that hung past the entranceway of the hundred and six room mansion. The Applewood household ran like a well-oiled machine. Lady Cynthia Applewood had high standards and demanded a great deal from her army of servants. Everyone feared her and Abigail was no exception.

  Abigail had many children to play with in Herne Bay, the seaside village whe
re she lived, so it was natural for her to feel lonely during her stay at the enormous Applewood manor. Naturally, Abigail was delighted when she learned Lady Applewood had a daughter, Tabitha, who was only a year younger than her. Abigail assumed they would become fast friends. Of course, nothing could have been further from the truth, which Abigail learned the hard way.

  On a particularly rainy day, Abigail sought to become friends with Tabitha. She followed the delicious scent of freshly baked ginger cookies through the enormous house until she reached the nursery.

  Abigail had never seen so many toys or books. She marveled at the wooden rocking horse in the corner of room. It was fashioned after a white stallion and the artist who made it must have spent hours making sure a real live horse’s spirit was captured in every detail. There was also a collection of snow globes, each depicting a joyous Christmas celebration. Abigail’s hands itched to shake them. She couldn’t wait to show her grandfather all the wonders she had stumbled upon, or better yet play with all of them.

  From the corner of her eye, Abigail spotted Tabitha. She was playing with the most ornate tea set Abigail had ever seen. With the sweet exuberance of innocent youth, Abigail was eager to join, so she asked if she could play with her.

  “Why would I want to play with you?”

  Abigail was taken aback. Tabitha had rolled her eyes with disgust and just continued with her tea set. This was behavior she was not accustomed to. She had never encountered such coldness before. Abigail’s throat constricted and she could almost taste the salty tears that threatened to spill. She just stood there frozen. “I thought it would be fun. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

  Lady Cynthia Applewood happened upon the nursery. Abigail remembered the way her nostrils flared in anger.

  “You cannot expect my daughter to keep company with a little nobody such as yourself.” Abigail felt completely insignificant. It was her first real brush with high society’s superior attitude. “I am not to find you in the nursery again.”

  Tabitha was sticking her tongue out at her from behind Lady Applewood’s back as she responded, “Yes, my lady.”

  Abigail quickly retreated from their company and made it her business to never encounter the pair again. How ironic she may have to face the duo now? If Lord Everton married Lady Tabitha, then she would become her employer also. Surely, the Applewoods would not recognize her? She had been a little girl then, not the grown woman she was now. Even if they did remember who she was, they really did not have a reason to delve into her past. She was truthful about the fact that she was Douglas Jenner’s daughter and that is how she would be remembered by them. The only problem Abigail could foresee was that news of her wedding did manage to reach the London gossip columns. It was not every day a wealthy viscount decided to marry a physician’s daughter.

  Abigail glanced at Lord Everton and Olivia. They were deciding which candy they would choose at Bristow’s. Lord, he looked so handsome today. A slight layer of stubble appeared on his face and Abigail was tempted to run her fingers against the roughness of his jaw. She knew it was wrong to fantasize about him, but she could not help herself. Abigail’s chest grew heavy when she thought of him marrying Tabitha Applewood. She told herself it had nothing to do with jealously and more to do with the fact that she thought he deserved better.

  But what was better? A person who kept dark secrets and lied on an everyday basis or just a spoiled young lady. Besides, it really did not matter. Lord Everton’s interest in her would never be more than a physical attraction. He needed to be with someone of his social standing. Preferably someone who is not already married!

  Abigail was so deep in thought she did not hear Marcus’s voice. “I think we just ran over the queen,” Marcus said, trying to gain Abigail’s attention with an outrageous statement. When it did not work, he tried again. “Look outside the carriage, Miss Jenner. I believe the Thames has completely dried up. Not a drop of water left.”

  Abigail vaguely heard something about the Thames and tried nonchalantly to reenter the conversation. “I hear they plan to start construction on London Bridge,” Abigail said, referring to the decrepit structure that was in desperate need of repair. “It will be quite useful if they ever get started.”

  Marcus appeared as if he was trying to keep a straight face. Olivia burst into giggles. “What is so funny?” Abigail asked, realizing they had caught her daydreaming. “I am sorry. I sometimes get distracted easily.”

  Marcus smiled and touched his chin thoughtfully. “Not to worry, Miss Jenner. It happens to the best of us.”

  Abigail suspected it was a rare occasion when Marcus became unfocused. The carriage came to a halt and a foot man opened the door. Lord Everton stepped out of the coach and took Olivia by the waist and planted her on the ground with ease. He smiled up at Abigail and captured her wrist with his strong hand as she put her palm on his shoulder to steady herself. Their bodies grazed one another as she landed on the hard ground. Marcus inhaled her sweet scent and for a moment Abigail let the heat of his body warm her. Their eyes locked and time stood still.

  The voice of a street vendor jarred them both back to reality. “A flower for the lovely lady.”

  Abigail stared at the flower girl holding a basket full of long stem pink roses. The girl’s dress was worn to shreds and her face was dirty. The hopeful look in her eyes broke Abigail’s heart. If she had any money, she would have purchased the entire dozen. To her relief Marcus handed her a guinea and asked for two roses. When the young girl tried to make change, he told her to keep the difference. She thanked him profusely and it appeared Marcus was made uneasy by such gratitude.

  Abigail realized the extra money would probably help feed her family for a month. Marcus bent down and gave Olivia a rose and a quick kiss on the forehead. Then he extended the other rose toward Abigail from his crouching position. Their fingers brushed against one another as she accepted the rose.

  The flower girl started to leave and then turned back to look at the three of them. “God bless you all. You make such a beautiful family.”

  Then she left quickly, not giving them a chance to correct her assumption. Abigail sighed. She wished she could be part of a family. Abigail had always desired a houseful of children and a husband that would share in the joy of them. Clayton had taken that chance from her. She was not in love with him when they married, but her grandfather had insisted she accept his proposal. He was very ill at the time and was plagued by fear that she would be all alone in the world, without anyone to care for her. It went against her better judgment to marry Clayton, but she could not deny her grandfather’s dying wish. She would have done anything to please him.

  Olivia grabbed one of Marcus’s hands and then reached for Abigail’s. “Let’s go in.”

  They gladly obliged her. Bristow’s was such a happy place. Rows of glass jars filled with colorful confections that would make anyone’s mouth water. Abigail spotted lemon drops. They were Jane’s favorite. She made a mental note to come here with Jane when she was to be in London. “Olivia, there are so many candies to choose from. I think I am at a loss for what I want. Can you help pick something?”

  Marcus motioned to the proprietor of the shop, Mr. Samuel Harris. He wore a big smile and had an enormous belly, which paid tribute to the fact that he made all the scrumptious creations himself. “Mr. Harris, I would like a table in the back. I am going to treat my niece and her governess to your delicious ices.”

  “Right away, Lord Everton. What flavors would you like?”

  Marcus laughed at Olivia’s eager expression. “We will take one of each flavor.” Bristow’s boasted seven different flavors, so that was quite a demand. “And three spoons.”

  Abigail smiled at Marcus’s request. “I am not sure that is the right way to teach your niece proper table manners.”

  This man was just too perfect. She had expected him to be stuffy like his other noble counterparts, but Abigail was coming to realize Lord Everton was anything but typical. She w
ondered if he had a dark side to his personality. Could he be cruel? Her experience with Clayton had made her leery of others.

  Marcus winked at her. “There is a right time for everything. If we were dining with King George I would insist on the proper etiquette. But when it comes to sweets, it is every man or woman for themselves.” Marcus gave her a wicked smile. “So are you up for a little break from decorum?”

  Abigail felt exhilarated when she was with him. She could try to squash that fact, but knew it was the truth. “When you put it in those terms, you make it hard for me to refuse.” Abigail glanced at Olivia’s joyful expression. “Besides, it would almost be rude to not sample all of the flavors. Especially after all the hard work Mr. Harris put into creating them.”

  “I could not agree more,” Marcus said, and then he looked down at Olivia. “I have always believed hard work should be rewarded.” Olivia smiled prettily at Marcus and seemed to absorb that kernel of knowledge. “Now, let us all sit down and enjoy.”

  The back parlor of Bristow’s was bustling with energy, most likely due to everyone’s sugar high. There was an elegantly dressed mother and daughter who were happily indulging in tea and pastries, a family with three young children eating pistachio ices and an elderly couple that looked as much in love with the maple fudge as they were with one another.

  The tables were colorful mosaics that were wonderful pieces of art. The three sat down and were served immediately. Some ices were put in elegant silver serving dishes, while others were molded to appear like the fruit they were flavored from. Olivia was overcome with delight when Mr. Harris brought out pineapple ices made to look like a miniature pineapple.

  Abigail allowed the delicate flavors of the white currant ice to swirl on her tongue. She had never tried ices before and was truly awed by the special experience. Abigail peered over at Lord Everton. His mood seemed jovial as he urged Olivia to take more. The discussion was light, as they debated which flavor reigned supreme. Marcus and Olivia felt strongly that the barberry was the best while Abigail firmly championed the orange-elderflower concoction.