Grace (A Sinclair Society Novella) Rough Draft

Chapter Ten

Though I expected to hear raised voices from the library, I did not. Neither of my parents said a word about what they discussed, and Mother did not raise any further objection about my plans. It was obvious, though, that she wasn't at all happy about it.

Mr. Melbourne arrived promptly at three o'clock in a curricle. Knowing if he had to wait it would mean forcing him to converse with Mother, I was ready with my bonnet and gloves on. As soon as I saw him through the window, I started for the door.

"Grace!" Mother said sharply from the sitting room. "It is bad enough you agreed to go with him, there is no reason for you to be overeager. I would speak to him before you leave. Come and sit down."

"Mother, I understand you have reservations about Mr. Melbourne," I said as gently and with as much patience as I could manage. "However, you must trust that I am doing this after much consideration. If you feel the need to question and interrogate him, it will have to be another day. I'll be back soon."

Boldly, I hurried to the door, hearing her give a squeak of horror. When I opened it, Mr. Melbourne was on the other side, his hand raised to ply the knocker. "Oh. Good day, Miss Anderson," he said with his usual smile. "You're looking lovely today. Shall we be off?"

"Yes," I said, eager to escape before Mother...

"Her father and I do expect her to return within the hour," Mother said from behind me. Her tone was cold and disapproving. "And we will expect a detailed accounting of your time with her. There are always friends we can rely on all around Bath to keep their eyes on you."

"How admirable as we shall be going out into the country," Mr. Melbourne said, doffing his hat. He then offered me his arm. "I shall return your daughter to you in one piece and unharmed, I promise. Good day."

"Goodbye, Mother," I said, linking my arm with his. I stepped out and firmly closed the door behind me. Well, that had been my intention, but Mother caught the door to hold it open. "Really. There's no need to see us off."

Mother pressed her lips into a thin line and said nothing. Mr. Melbourne guided me to the curicule. "If I didn't know better, I would say your mother has taken me in dislike," he said in a low voice as he handed me up.

"I'm afraid my mother has a long memory and remembers an unfortunate incident from your youth," I said with a sigh. I waited until he was seated beside me to go on. "She seems to think it as evidence that you are unreliable."

"Well, I shall make it my mission to prove my worth." He took up the reins. "Does she not realize that it has been five years time since I was a wayward youth? Sinclair took me in hand, you know. I doubt I would be the man I am now if he hadn't taken pity on me and kept me from falling in with men like Ingram."

I smiled. "Jonathan was good at taking people in hand." There was no rush of grief at the memory, only sad fondness.

"I was told you have been in mourning since he passed."

"That is so. His death was such a shock." I paused, watching the houses go by. "But just because he is gone, did not mean I stopped loving him. I have not met his equal."

Which was not quite the thing to say to someone taking me on a drive.

"Nor have I," Mr. Melbourne said somberly. After a moment, he sent a smile at me. "But today is too fine a day to remain on such a serious conversation. I only have you to myself for a short time, and I am determined to make sure you enjoy yourself."

We had reached the edge of Bath and soon left behind all buildings. I smiled and tilted my head back as the sun hit my face. "There," Mr. Melbourne said with a laugh. "That is the smile I have been hoping to see."

"What do you mean? I smile."

"Not often enough. Half the time I see you, you have a frown and you look so serious."