Only For Love (A Novella)

Only For Love - Chapter Four

Lord Richard Grossmont scanned the three lines of the telegram before folding it, and tucking it into the inner pocket of his vest. His son had another fever. Though the doctor was sure the boy would recover, he wanted his father. 

Leaving the telegraph office, he crossed the street to the hotel. In the dining room, he found Lady Eleanor sharing a table with the Duke and Duchess of Anglesey, Hugo and Agatha Huntington. Around them, a team of servants worked to fulfill their every need. 

The other patrons of the dining room were watching the display with awe. A servant bowed as he pulled out a chair for Richard, "My lord." 

Never one to enjoy being examined by others for his status, Richard sat, thankful his back was to the room, "Good morning." 

"Good Morning, Lord Grossmont." Agatha Huntington purred, "It is so good of you to join our little party." 

"I have been in this God forsaken country for weeks, Richard." Hugo Huntington spat food out of his mouth as he waved his fork in the air, "I have not seen my granddaughter." 

Studying the pair, Richard was, not for the first time, struck by the stark differences in the two. She was elegant, and proper; he was fat and crass. She was delicate and he was harsh. But there was one very important factor they had in common. When it came to their status, they were ruthless. They both liked luxury, and they wanted to be envied.

"I am sure Clara will come to visit today." Eleanor suggested as she spread jam on a piece of toast, "She was in town yesterday." 

"She did not respond to our invitation." Agatha waved her lace fan in front of her while holding the back of her free hand over her forehead, "Oh, goodness. What shall we do?" 

Suppressing, the urge to roll his eyes, Richard turned his attention to a gentlemen approaching the table from the hotel lobby. After a moment, he realized he recognized the man, Andrew Siward was the sixth Earl of Warwick, and an Englishman. 

"Lord Grossmont," Andrew paused beside the table, "my good man, it is so pleasant to find an agreeable gentlemen in this intolerable land." 

"Lord Siward has journeyed here to meet his future bride." Hugo informed them. 

Lady Eleanor slammed her cane on the floor, "Do not say you have arranged a marriage for the girl. She has not agreed to journey to England, and if you..." 

"She is our granddaughter." Agatha's tone hardened, "We will remove her from this horrible place, and carry her home to the bosom of those who will care for her."  

Angrily getting to her feet, Eleanor lifted a finger towards the couple. Before she could speak, Clara flounced into the dining room wearing her men's trousers, and a white linen short sleeve blouse. 

The occupants of the table could only gap at the young woman as she stood grinning, "Good morning!" 

Richard and Lord Huntington got to their feet, though the latter was choking on his food, "Lord and Lady Huntington, may I present, Lady Clara Byfield." 

"No, Miss Clara Byfield." Moving to Lady Eleanor's side, Clara leaned down to kiss the old woman's cheek, "Good morning, grandmother." 

Lady Agatha was staring wide-eyed at the newcomer, "Oh...oh..." Draping her forearm over her eyes, she fell back onto her chair. Her servants catching her before she fell to the floor. 

"Is she...alright?" Clara asked, glancing to Eleanor and Richard. 

"I do not think she was prepared to see you in your present state of dress." Eleanor informed her.