Jessica Brown Findlay is who I envision for Lady Elizabeth Ward, I hope that you're enjoying this book thus far just as much as I am enjoying writing it.
Smiling at Rose through the mirror on the dressing table I watched as she placed the last pin in my hair before returning my smile with a warm one of her own, "there you go milady, beautiful as always" making a tsk sound I offered her a thank you before standing up and making my way towards the stairs for breakfast. As I was about to step off the last step I felt an overwhelming sense of apprehension fill my chest as though something untoward was about to happen, however, I quickly internally scolded myself for I had nothing to worry about. Walking towards the dining room I gently knocked on the door before entering. Sitting at the head of the table was Theodore, to his left was Archie and to his right was Sybil "Good morning everyone" I said softly as I received a timid smile from Archie however as I took the seat to Sybil's left she offered me a warm smile "You look very pretty this morning" she whispered lowly enough for me to hear.
Not being able to stop the rosy red shade colouring my cheeks I glanced up towards Theodore watching as he watched our interaction with a sweet smile on his face, taking an egg to place on my plate with some toast I quickly cracked the eggshell with my spoon. It was not long before we were finished with our breakfast and the children were escorted to the library by Theodore and I "Now you both be good for Miss Thornton" watching the interaction between him and the children I knew I was correct in my assertions yesterday he may be nervous about raising these children but he had a natural way about him. Turning towards me he offered me his arm "shall we start the tour milady" he said with a jovial tone to his voice, letting out a soft laugh I place my hand on his arm "lead the way, good sir".
He first let me through the rooms of the castle describing their history and functions while I was otherwise mesmerised by the grand architecture and attention to detail, once we reached the grand hall I could not help but marvel at the balcony looking down upon it "This room is beautiful Lord Gray" watching as he smiled at my interest he glanced around the room himself "this was also one of my mothers favourite rooms as it was also mine as a young boy". Taking his arm once again he slowly lead us outside onto the courtyard whereupon glancing around at the outer castle you could tell that it had been built in the picturesque, medieval gothic style. As we then walked slowly around the grounds we reached some stairs leading up to a pond that had a water feature in the center, "Berkeley has surely not disappointed Lord Gray for it is a beautiful place" I say softly as we come to a stop by the pond. As I glance towards him watching as conflicting emotions flit through his deep brown eyes.
"The castle itself was built just after the Norman Invasion of 1067 by William FitzOsbern, however it pleases me that you feel that way, I hope that you will enjoy your time here Cynthia" there was suddenly a husky note to his voice which he must have realised for he glanced down, as I watch him try and regain composure I heard footfalls to our right. Glancing up I spotted a footman walking towards us "Lady Cynthia" he bowed his head at me before glancing towards Theodore "Lord Gray a carriage has just arrived with the Earl of Derby and his wife" watching as he nods towards the footman before dismissing him we share a quick glance "well we had best greet your family" nodding my head I took his arm as we walked towards the courtyard once again. Upon stepping foot into the courtyard I immediately spotted my Aunt and Uncle as they glanced towards our direction, gently squeezing Theodore's arm I let him go as Aunt Ida reached us "My dear child, oh how I am pleased to know you arrived safely" my aunt rushed towards me taking my hands in hers "do not fret Aunt I am very well, I chose not to write you for I knew yourself and uncle James would not be but a day behind me".
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Ida, I am Lord Gray" watching as he bowed before taking my aunt's hand and brushing a kiss to her knuckles before he turned towards my uncle to introduce himself. Spotting my cousins behind my aunt I could see that Nicholas was looking at us with a murderous glare that he was directing more towards Lord Gray "Aunt may I ask something?" I say softly as we turn away from the gentleman beside us "what is the matter Cynthia?" my aunt murmurs softly. Glancing back towards Nicholas again I take note that he adjusting his coat before starting in the direction of Lord Gray and my uncle, "Whatever is the matter with Nicholas, what is vexing him so?". Watching as my Aunt sighed she to glanced towards her son before turning her eyes to me "he is very intent on believing the gossipmongers of London about the reputation of our gracious host, he was also very angry when he found out that you came here with only Rose for a chaperone", shaking my head I did not want to think of the thoughts that had currently entered my mind.
I decided that I should intervene before Nicholas only made himself look incredibly foolhardy, as I reached him I gently placed my hand on his foreman stopping him midstride. "May we speak somewhere private?" I asked softly keeping my voice low even though I could feel the heated gaze of Theodore glaring into the back of my skull , as well as the curious and confused glances from my aunt, uncle and his siblings. Watching as he gave me a curt his I motioned for us to step under the archway that would lead us to the pond Theodore and I had just stopped by, as we reached it he quickly whirled around to face me "how could you be so reckless!" he seethed even though his tone of voice was low you could hear the unbridled anger in his voice.
Feeling shocked by his character I could not help the slight frustration I felt, "excuse me" I questioned as I placed a hand on my hip watching as he reached up to rake his fingers through his brunette locks. "Don't play coy for I am sure you can imagine my surprise when I leave fathers study to attend the Soiree of Lord and Lady Maxwell to find that you have made haste for Gloucestershire with Rose as your chaperone?" he said in an exasperated voice, not allowing myself to feel guilt for travelling to offer comfort to a dear friend I responded quickly " I truly do not understand why dear cousin I had to inform you of my leaving for Gloucestershire? " I say in a firm yet unwavering voice raising an eyebrow. Watching as he was got more frustrated he started to tug gently at his hair while pacing back and forth, " he is a notorious rake, a good for nothing whoremonger " he mumbled under his breath.
I was entirely unsure as to whether I was meant to be audience to the last remark however now knowing Lord Gray's true reasoning behind his actions, I could not help the quickness of my actions to defend a man who was not present. "Nicholas James Atticus Ward?! How dare you be so uncouth to rebuff a man who is not present to defend his character" I say my voice a little louder than before and my frustration starting to show, "You act as if you abhor the man when you have yet to know his true character and not the idealized character that is being circulated around the ton's ballroons " I take a deep breath as I watch him come to an abrupt halt before stepping towards me.
"You are very quick to defend his character dear cousin, with the quickness that you defended his honour implies that you carry some affection for his Lordship" he says his voice still low and subdued, however I could not help but identify another emotion hiding in his voice "Nicholas I loathe to ask but you sound like a jealous lover" I whisper softly the thought dawning on me. Watching as his blue eyes widen at the statement he almost looked a little embarrassed, as the sudden realization hit me like a steam train I could not help but glance at the floor between us. My cousin Nicholas held affection towards me and I would have to regretfully decline any proposal for it was like being struck by a train that I realized I did indeed hold a small amount of affection for Lord Gray, glancing towards him I could suddenly see different emotions flooding through his blue eyes.
"Cynthia I did not want to talk about my growing affection for you in this manner and I would rather like to reconcile with you so that we may enter into a courtship," he said with a sudden tenderness to his voice, however stifling the gasp that escaped my mouth I watched as he looked at me with hope shining in his blue eyes. "Nicholas...you are and will always be my dearest cousin who I love greatly and know that under all this is a kind and gentle character, however, I must regretfully decline your proposal not out of malice for I never want to cause you harm," I say this softly as I give him one last look before turning on my heel and walking steadily back to the castle.
Chapter six is complete :) I would just like to state before I receive any comments but remember in the 19th century (the 1800s) in England it was not unheard of for cousins to marry first cousin's although this may have been deemed inappropriate now it was back then deemed acceptable and offered few benefits such as wealth and property were more likely to remain the same hands and it was easier on young debutantes to meet and be courted by bachelors within the family circle.
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Saving Gray
Historical FictionLady Cynthia Ward was the eldest daughter to the Earl of Dudmaston Hall, two failed seasons in London and she was fast approaching three and twenty. Upon arriving in London to start her third season she resides with her aunt and uncle as well as her...
