The House Guest (Unedited)

Chapter 16: Another Unexpected Turn of Events

Kitty's funeral seems to be blanketed by a morbid darkness. The Ladies spend more time caring about what gown they will fashion than paying their respects, especially Susanna, who is to marry William in less than a couple weeks, and Lady Dorothea, who refused to cease gossiping about her upcoming duties as a mother-in-law, including receiving many friendly "payments" from her future in-laws. 

Henry doesn't show his face, neither during the ceremony, nor during the funeral. His family says he has taken a trip to London, though I cannot believe he would rather be going out on hunting trips than mourning for the loss of his dear little sister. 

James doesn't speak of his proposal again, but every once in awhile, I sense him staring at me, perhaps as a result of his deep sadness, or maybe because I never accepted nor declined his offer. Although he cannot expect me to consider his declaration in my grief, he must still desire an answer: an answer I am completely unsure of myself.

Every time I pass by Kitty's bedroom, I perceive a lone rocking horse, a dollhouse -- dolls still perched at tables and in their dressing room, frozen in play - and a bookshelf. The petunias that were once vibrant on her nightstand wilting into neglected decay. 

My grief becomes something of an ocean, it passes over me every once in awhile in unusual waves, one moment I'm in my bedroom calmly penning a letter or reading, the next, I'm weeping uncontrollably. I hadn't known Kitty for long, nor very well, but I had cared for her, and I know she had cared for me.

One morning, Betsy Lancaster knocks on my door and brings me a sealed letter. She is in good spirits because of her families recovery, she explains, and gives her condolences for little Kitty's death. She cannot know that her family is the cause of Kitty's passing, but of course, I will not mention it. It was never their fault, and Kitty caught ill because of my negligence. There is nothing else that can be done. 

Betty Lancaster leaves me to read the sealed letter. 

I sit on my cot, opening the letter carefully, and begin to read the contents aloud to myself in the privacy of my bed chamber:

Dear Helene Lovell,

You may not know me, perhaps you have never heard my name, but I am your Mama's sister - your Aunt - Eloise. I have been searching for you since I learned news of your Father's untimely and unfortunate death, and have wanted you as my ward, as I loved your mother greatly. She travelled to England in the wake of the French Revolution to marry your Father, and wanted to cut ties from us for your safety, though I know she loved us and thought of us often. We soon followed, but rather than travel to England, we went to Spain, where my Papa owned many companies. He has since gone to heaven, but has left a large inheritance that I believe rightly belongs to you. I am still living in Madrid, Spain, and am quite unable to travel due to an accident, but I would warmly welcome a visit from you, and I hope that this money will allow you to make a good life for yourself.

Cordialement et Affectueusement,

Eloise Aymard

I stare at the letter in my hands with utter shock. The sum attached reads 35 000 pounds, though it cannot be so. I have never seen such a large amount of money in my entire life, despite having lived with some of the richest families in Northern England. I slip the sum into my travelling trunk, my hands shaking, deciding to deal with the contents of the letter later.

At dinner, I stride down the stairs, still contemplating what I am to do with the money, if it does in fact exist. Perhaps, I will give some of it to Betsy Lancaster as well as her family, and some to the village school James Aldridge has spoken so fondly about. Selfishly, I think I could buy myself a new gown with the money -- because I haven't experienced that luxury since living with Papa. But even then, there will be much left, and I haven't a clue how to spend it. Should I give it to the Church, or perhaps some London charity? 

I find a seat beside James Aldridge, and glance around the table. To my disgust, Henry is sitting across from me, and he winks. Mr. Aldridge stiffens beside me, glaring at Henry. 

After I rejected Henry, not once, but twice, he still has the gall to tease me, and in the midst of his little sister's death? Besides that, where was he when Kitty died? Obviously, he hadn't bothered to visit her in the waking hours of her illness and apparently hosted a string of lavish hunting parties instead.

"Well, Helene, I must say, that Henry has discussed his desire to marry you, and upon hearing about your generous inheritance, I have agreed. Of course, I will receive a significant amount per year." Lady Caroline says loudly, breaking the silence, "How special it will be. Both my sons, marrying such respectable ladies. Though, Helene Lovell has a far greater fortune and better looks than Susanna ever did," She turns to Lady Dorothea, who gapes at me in disgust.

I blink in confusion. What? How had Lady Caroline heard about the money? And am I to have all matters of my life governed by others forever?

"Inheritance?" I cry, shocked. "Where did you hear of such a thing?"

Lady Caroline smiles coldly. "No letter enters this home without our knowledge, my dear."

"I hate to dampen your spirits upon this joyful occasion," I grimace, glaring at Henry, "But I must decline such an offer. In fact, I never agreed to wed Henry in the first place. I intend to travel to visit my Aunt in Madrid on my own, and perhaps open a school there."

"Silly girl," Lady Dorothea hisses, "cease being so insolent. Henry Caldwell, the most eligible bachelor in the North is keen to marry you. And, I know you two were courting when you were younger, with you quite infatuated with the boy. Now, accept the proposal, or I shall disown you."

I don't speak.

Mr. Aldridge glances at me, and I catch his eyes. He looks distressed, and his face is dark with sadness. Perhaps he believes that my silence regarding his proposal is due to my supposed infatuation with Henry. 

"I'll begin planning the wedding immediately, and as Helene's legal guardian, Dorothea, you shall assist me." Lady Caroline shouts, rising from her chair.

I stare at Henry. How many times has this man wronged me? A thousand? His handsome face looks back at me, and grins. I feel my heart hammer swiftly against my chest, out of a mixture of girlish admiration and fear, and an invisible knot begins to form in the pit of my stomach.

~~~