Unearthed

Chapter 7 - Scones & Secrets

"Cousins?" I asked in surprise, my eyes flitting between the two of them.

Charles laughed, "It's true! My mother happens to be a good friend of Mrs. Bradfield and when she had inquired about a music teacher my mother told her about cheeky Jamie here." he said, slapping James on the back.

James frowned at Charles, "You can never seem to let that go can you."
Charles laughed, "Of course not! I tell that story every chance I get." he said with an amused look.
I suppressed my laughter, "It is a small world."

We snapped to attention as a heart-stopping shriek interrupted our idle banter.

Minnie clasped her hands together, Truly?!" she squeaked with excitement, "a banquet?!"
Charles let out an exasperated sigh and tiredly chided, "Minnie."
She looked up at him with a sheepish grin, "Sorry."

We watched as the girls continued to chatter excitedly, no doubt pouring over every detail of the upcoming banquet.

James turned to me, "Are you looking forward to the banquet Ms. Wilson?" He asked politely.

I shook my head, a banquet? I had no intention of attending and was not sure whether I would be invited anyhow. "I do not intend to attend."

"A shame."
"Truly, your presence will be missed." Charles said, "if it is a matter of a chaperone, I would be delighted to accompany you." He said bowing slightly.
I ignored my racing heart and gave him, what I hoped was, a charming smile. "You are too kind Mr. Lockhart, however, I must regretfully decline your offer."
"I do hope you have a change of heart." He said with genuine concern.
With his striking good looks and equally charming manners, Charles easily addled my wits.

James cleared his throat, effectively pulling me from my thoughts.
Embarrassed, I looked over at James, who watched our exchange nonchalantly.

"Well, we had best by returning to the Bradfield residence. It is getting rather late, wouldn't you agree Ms. Wilson?" James said, abruptly turning to me.
"Of course," I said dipping into a curtsy and shifting my gaze to Charles. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Lockhart."
He bowed, holding my gaze, "Truly, the pleasure was all mine."
I wrenched my eyes away from his, looking over at Emily. "Come along Emily, we shall be late for the luncheon."

* * * * *

Mrs. Bradfield sat in the large dining room surrounded by more than half a dozen of her friends. The ladies were scattered all over the room, each of them wearing a different pastel-coloured gown. Every tendril of hair was curled and carefully pinned in place and expensive shawls hung loosely on their shoulders. Gossip was traded in hushed whispers and exaggerated peals of laughter. The scones and finger sandwiches had barely been touched, though there seemed to be no shortage of tea being passed around.

"Ms. Wilson, no need to hover by the door, please join us." Mrs. Bradfield said waving me in.

I shook my head with a polite smile, "I do not wish to intrude."

"Oh hush! Do sit down." The lady in coral said, watching me much as a cat watches a mouse.

Although I did not care for the look she gave me, I did as I was told and took to the armchair adjacent to her. As I took my seat, a pronounced hush fell over the room.

"Tea?" She asked while motioning the maid to pour me a cup.

I lifted the cup to my lips, growing uncomfortable under their scrutinizing gazes.

"Thank you, Ms..." I said trailing off.
"Longbourne."
"Longborne." I repeated with a polite smile.
"Tell us about yourself." She purred once I had placed the cup in its saucer.

"I'm afraid there is not much to say."
"Come now, we are all friends here." She said with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"I grew up in a small town on the outskirts of London and moved to the city in search of work."
"And what of your parents?" The lady in lime green piped up.
I gave her a tight-lipped smile, "I grew up with my father and my mother passed away when I was very young."

The group cooed and fussed like a flock of hens and I struggled to resist the urge to bolt out of the room.

"Poor thing."
"Without a mother?"
"Such a shame indeed."

"Come now, enough grim talk for today ladies." Mrs. Bradfield said throwing me a sympathetic glance.

At the moment their curiosity was fed with my woeful tale and they happily resumed their frivolous conversations.

Occasionally Ms. Longborne would throw a comment my way, trying to force me into the conversation. Though, I kept my responses brief, preferring to remain an observer.

"Oh yes he's been so busy with work as of late." The lady in peach said, her voice carrying above the hum of chatter.
"He is an absolutely charming boy. Has he found a lady, perhaps a future wife?" Another lady asked, intently leaning towards the lady in peach.
"There are plenty of young women who express their interest in my son, but I don't believe he has found the right girl." The lady in peach stated. "The law firm keeps him busy and he seems to be enjoying that. It's the family company after all, it is his legacy." She stated matter-of-factly.

The other lady nodded solemnly, clearly impressed. I cast my face down to hide my smile as I struggled to suppress my laughter.

A knock at the door interrupted the chatter.

"Good evening." Pierce said with a graceful bow.
"Mrs. Lockhart, what a delight to see you again." He said greeting the lady in peach.

Lockhart?

"Oh James, you have been an absolute dear. Thank you for helping Charles at the firm."

"Truly, I was glad I could be of help."

"With your brother away on business, Charles needed a partner and I'm glad he could depend on you."

"You are very kind." He said bowing slightly.

That's where he had disappeared to - to act as a replacement for his brother at the Lockhart's firm!
But what could a music teacher possibly know about running a law firm?

James briefly met my gaze before turning away.

"I wish you all a good evening."

A good evening indeed. This tidbit of information provided just a glimpse into the mysterious character, that is Mr. James Pierce. I was sure there were many more secrets and I was just starting to scratch the surface.

* * * * *

Author's Note:
Enjoy!

Booklover