The Journey Home

Chapter 21 A Barrister is Late for Dinner

Henry Lennox arrived at Harley Street late for dinner, knowing that the gathering would run well into the evening. At a time when moderation would be expected due to the festivities planned for the next evening, Henry expected that the Lennoxs' would instead choose to start the gaiety a little early. He was ill tempered and in need of a distraction; what better place to find it than at the Lennoxs'.

The day had been taxing; after his morning office hours, Henry spent the remainder of the day in court over an ongoing legal battle relating to the estate of the late Mr. Wallingford, a bachelor, whose illegitimate child demanded a share in the inheritance. Henry represented the estate, namely Wallingford's sister, and her progeny. Henry had every intent to settling the matter quickly, before other bastards came to light and tried to lay claim to the estate. Unfortuneately, the family was more interested in clearing their uncles good name, or what was left of it, and reluctant to settle any money on the recalcitrant claimant.

Arguing and hunger made Henry peevish; so he was a bit put out when he realized that Edith had over crowded the table and neglected to leave a seat open for him. Margaret was no where to be found, and he wondered if she would avoid dinner as she had the night before. Breaking with acceptable practice, Mrs. Shaw asked that a plate be brought for Henry to have while the men enjoyed after dinner refreshments. Mrs. Shaw was convinced that as he was a bachelor, Henry was incapable of finding a decent meal on his own and it was her duty to keep him fed. Henry took every advantage of Harley Street's well stocked larder.

Shortly after Henry's arrival, the ladies took leave of the gentlemen and retired to the parlour, while the men remained in the diningroom and poured brandy. Henry took the opportunity to indulge in the platter of nuts and cheeses that were brought for the men's enjoyment while he waited for his dinner plate, which arrived piled high with meats and fish, along with freshly boiled vegetables. He discussed the current political activities of the parties, trying to take advantage of the self imposed exhile of the Queen since the death of the Prince Consort.

The men finished their drinks and went to rejoin the ladies in the parlour. Henry stopped Sholto on the way out of the room and inquired about Margaret, asking if she had retired early once again.

"Quite the contrary, Henry." Sholto gave his younger brother a quick wink. "She should be with the the ladies. She left dinner early to say good night to Maria Louise. I must say, she is quite the ravishing creature tonight. Something about her that I cannot put my finger on. Even Teddy commented on it."

Sholto was, of course, quite right. When Henry saw Margaret, he too, noticed the change in her appearance. She was radiant in her more festive attire, but Henry could see that it was more than just the dress; it was the brightness of her eyes and the joyful smile on her face that made her seem as if she were lit from within. Henry sighed, as he was reminded of the days when he was the only gentleman in the drawing room who paid any attention to Margaret, and a pang of jealousy squeezed his insides. He knew now that the source of her radiance was the affection of John Thornton.

He caught Margaret's eye, glancing at the open seat beside her, and receiving her acknowledgement, crossed the room to join her. "You're looking well, Margaret." He stated with an all knowing tone.  "Thank you, Henry. I feel better than I have felt in a very long time. And you? You are looking quite handsome this evening." Her voice sounded clear and beautiful, as if she were an angel, even as she teased him. "Now, now, Margaret. You and I both know that we two are terrible at flirting. Tell me, how was it with your Aunt Shaw today?" Margaret touched Henry's arm as she told him of the emotional encounter with her aunt, and assured him that everything had been put right.
The gesture was noted by Lieutenant Brandt from his position near the Lennoxs' piano.

"And Thornton? Is he aware?" Henry spoke very low, and pretended to concentrate on a phantom stain on his cuff. Margaret leaned in to speak quietly to Henry. "Yes, Mr Thornton is well aware. He was here today when I spoke to Aunt Shaw. Please Henry, could we not mention Mr. Thornton around our guests this evening? I don't want to cause any discomfort to my aunt."
"Yes, of course." Henry replied. "Where is the remarkably patient Mr. Thornton this evening?" Sarcasm - he heard it in his own voice, knowing that the jealousy he felt for Thornton had got the best of him.

"At a dinner, with Mr. Townsend, the Milton MP. Mr Thornton needs his help in brokering a coalition to raise funding for public works projects in the north." Margaret spoke proudly. John had told her of his plan earlier in the day as they sat quietly enjoying what little time they had alone with each other. A pinkish flush rose on her cheeks as she spoke of John, recalling his firm embraces and gentle kisses. "Ah, yes. Quite unexpected that he has such humanitarian intentions. I would think a manufacturer has little interest in the unemployed. Of course, you are an undeniable influence." Henry smiled at her, resigned to allowing the jealousy to turn him into the clever, albeit sarcastic, barrister for the remainder if the evening.

"Dear Henry." Margaret chided him. "You behave like a petulant boy at times." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, so overcome by her own happiness. "I will not allow you to turn my mood sour." She gestured towards the table of sweets and fruit. "Go, and feed that appetite of yours." She laughed. "As usual, Margaret, you know me too well." He stood and gave her a short bow, admitting defeat in his attempt to rile her, and moved towards the refreshments. Looking about the room as he walked, he noticed the attention of Teddy Brandt, who had been closely monitoring the entire exchange.