The Treasure of Netherstrand

Chapter 21

Everyone's eyes turned upon them as they walked into the drawing room. When the Carlyles entered a place, they always made an impression. Amelia looked stunning in the latest fashion, with all of her jewels flashing in the candlelight. Preston came in with an air of judicious importance about him, his dark eyes looking proudly from beneath his heavy eyebrows. Beside him, Arthur drew the people's attention as one of the most handsome young men they had ever seen.

"Allow me to introduce my nephew, Dr. Arthur Lansbury!" Mr. Carlyle told his acquaintances. Soon, people from all over the room were shaking the young man's hand.

"It is a pleasure to meet you," he told each one, giving his reserved, sorrowful smile.

"The pleasure is —ours—!" a woman emphasized casting a meaningful glance toward her starry-eyed daughter.

Their conversation quickly turned to Arthur's life and work. Whether the young man was inclined to discuss his past or not, they drew a brief history from him.

"You must be very pleased to have a holiday from all of your hard work, Dr. Lansbury!" The young lady said once she had listened to his story.

Mrs. Carlyle smiled to herself as the girl tried to charm him. It was just what she had hoped for, and she kept glancing at both of their faces to see whether they were smitten with each other.

"And, I imagine it is a relief to get away from that tiny hamlet where you stayed, as well!" the admiring girl continued. "I have passed through that town several times, and I always remark that it is the smallest village I have ever seen! For a man of your standing, it must have been tedious! I cannot imagine there is any kind of social life there!"

A flash of amusement, and a strange hint of defensiveness woke in Arthur's eyes. "Things are not always as they seem at a glance, Miss Porter," he said. "To be frank, I have never been in better company than when I lived in that little town."

"Truly?" the girl asked in astonishment. Then, an arching white smile lit her face in a bewitching way. "Do tell me all about it then! What kind of diversion did you find there?"

Arthur thought back upon the last several years, and slowly, his smile grew into something sweeter and reminiscent. "I enjoyed taking long walks down the lanes," he answered, in a voice both sad and wistful. "They are all hedged with roses and blackberry bushes there. And when the mornings were still cool, my wife and I would tend to the garden." At the word "wife", Arthur's listener suddenly blushed and looked awkward.

"Oh...There is a Mrs. Lansbury then?" she asked in a changed tone. "I do not believe I have had the pleasure of meeting her..."

Mrs. Carlyle panicked. The poor girl thought that her pursuit had been in vain. Amelia couldn't let this possible match slip away from her nephew. She had to act immediately. "Mrs. Lansbury is no longer with us," she stated with haste.

"Oh?" the girl asked in confusion.

"No, indeed. She died last winter," Amelia explained. Then, remembering her manners she added, "More's the pity!" with an attempt at empathy.

Arthur looked at his aunt with inexpressible hurt in his eyes, but the woman kept on smiling as if nothing had happened.

"Arthur, dear, you ought to take Miss Porter to see the attractions of Netherstrand!" she suggested brightly. "You are both so new here! It seems only right that you should explore it together!"

Miss Porter's eyes sparkled up at the admired young man. "I would be delighted," she said. "That is, if the plan is agreeable with you, Dr. Lansbury."

Arthur's face hardened with cold disinterest. "Forgive me, miss, but I had no intention of going sightseeing tonight," he said blandly. "Please, excuse me." With those words, he gave a low bow and walked away from Miss Porter's company.