“I’m afraid Mrs. Birmingham is presently indisposed and won’t be able to talk with anyone at this time. In fact, at this very moment she’s not even in the shop.”
“Then please give her my regards,” Lord Marsden bade courteously and took his leave with, “Good day to you, sir.”
Once the door had been closed behind his lordship, Farrell released a sigh of relief and returned to his earlier discussion with Isabeau Wesley. To his delight, he was informed that the widow had taken advantage of his absence and selected several more gowns from Raelynn’s drawings.
Entirely engrossed in showing off the fabrics that would complement not only the fashions but the widow’s beauty, Farrell remained oblivious to Raelynn’s return. Only later did he notice that her eyes and nose still bore evidence of her weeping. He yearned to assure her of Jeff’s deep concern for her, but in keeping with his friend’s purposes, he could not bring himself to break such a trust. Instead, he strove to keep Raelynn busy and her mind well-occupied throughout the course of the day by urging her to finish several more sketches.
A FORTNIGHT PASSED QUICKLY FOR RAELYNN, MAINLY because Farrell was forever urging her to create more and more gowns, giving her hardly enough time to think about her depressing situation even when she climbed to her small bedroom at night. She had already completed a number of sketches that had elicited his praise and evoked the interest of his customers. This particular morning, after discussing a variety of fabrics that could be used for her newest designs, she had returned to her desk and had become absorbed in finishing another fashion plate when she heard a familiar feminine voice imbued with lighthearted mirth drifting from the front of the shop. Her heart rallied with sudden joy as well as an overwhelming sense of relief that she hadn’t actually been ostracized by Jeffrey’s family, a possibility that she had begun to suspect. Eagerly lifting her gaze, Raelynn found her diminutive sister-in-law almost hidden beyond the couturier’s tall, broad-shouldered form. Despite her limited view, Raelynn could see that Heather’s condition had been modestly masked by a light cape and that the winsome beauty was wearing a fashionable bonnet, the ribbons of which had been tied charmingly beneath her lovely chin. At the moment, its feathers were moving in a negative direction as Heather declined the man’s hopeful inquiries.
“Absolutely nothing in my present condition, Mr. Ives,” she replied, using the formality of proper names in spite of the fact that he was a close companion of both her husband and brother-in-law. While out and about where ears were wont to listen to every little tidbit and tongues were wont to wag and enlarge upon actual happenings, she had always maintained that it was far better to be discreet. “Thank you just the same.”
“Then should I assume that you haven’t come to engage my talents,” he queried in a tone laced with fond amusement, “but to seek the company of your winsome sister-in-law?” Farrell felt a small surge of regret that lately far too much of his time had been spent dealing with petulant, avaricious women instead of enjoying the company of close acquaintances, at the foremost of which he counted the Birminghams. It wasn’t to say that he didn’t enjoy being around a goodly number of his customers. Had he not been fast friends with both Brandon and Jeff ere they wed, he knew he would’ve still been inclined to enjoy a casual association with their wives. In spite of the gossips who had branded Mrs. Wesley as brazen, he would have accepted her presence any day over Mrs. Brewster’s. At least, Mrs. Wesley didn’t let silly convention stand in her way when she wanted something badly enough. Still, it was a rare pleasure to encounter two utterly beautiful women who cared far more for their families than for the luxuries of life. In light of that, he wasn’t at all surprised to find Heather Birmingham in his shop.
The petite woman dipped her bonneted head in a pert nod. “You assume correctly, sir, and if I may be so bold, I’d like to have a chat with Raelynn. She is here, is she not?”
Cordially Farrell swept his arm out to indicate the area which had become the domain of his newest assistant while she was in the shop. “She’s there, awaiting your charming presence, madam.”
Raelynn moved forward to greet her guest and was a bit surprised at her own nervousness. Still, she was of a mind to think that Heather bore her childbearing state with both an elegant grace and an unquenchable joy. Indeed, her beautiful face seemed to glow with a radiance that might have aroused more than a fair amount of envy from a number of ladies, not to mention bedazzling a few males who, often intrigued and yet bemused by the effervescence of some pregnant women, would have found it especially difficult not to admire this one.
Laughing gaily, Heather gave Raelynn an affectionate hug and then, upon stepping back, a quick inspection. She sighed, making much of her relief. “Thank goodness you bear no lasting marks after being dragged through the swamp.”
Raelynn almost cringed when she realized her sister-in-law had been informed of her foolish flight. “I wasn’t precisely dragged, Heather. It was a bit more genteel than that.”
The sapphire eyes twinkled back at her. “I can imagine. Jeffrey has always been far more civilized than Brandon. I shudder to think how my husband would have reacted in a similar situation. I once ran away from him before our marriage, but I never got up enough nerve to do so afterwards. If I had ever dared wander off into the wilds like you, why, I have no doubt he would’ve given me a tongue-lashing that would have made a scourging with a cat-o’-nine seem tame.” Heather feigned a shiver, certain her husband’s formidable temper would have literally been torched if she had shown such reckless disregard for her own life. “But I’m curious to know what set you to flight in the first place, Raelynn, and I thought if you’d be of such a mind, we might venture off to a nice, quiet eatery and talk over sandwiches and a spot of tea.”
Though her sister-in-law seemed blithely willing to ignore her status as a paid employee of Ives’s Couture, Raelynn was hardly able to. “I’d love to go with you, Heather, but I must stay here and finish some new sketches I’m in the process of . . .”
“Nonsense,” Farrell interjected, dropping what he had been doing nearby after overhearing her excuses. “I won’t hear of you rejecting my favorite customer’s request. It’s the middle of the day, and as an expectant mother, you need nourishment. Otherwise you’ll be giving your sister-in-law the impression that I’m a slave-driver. Why, my business would be positively ruined.”
Heather’s smile twinkled back at him. “At last, I know I’m appreciated.”
Farrell gave her a roguish grin before jauntily executing a clipped bow. “Madam, may I assure you that you’re always greatly esteemed. Without your beauty and grace complementing my designs, I wouldn’t be where I am today. May I continue my boasting by saying that presently I have within my shop three of the most beautiful women in the Carolinas, each of whom, with their elegant taste in clothes, has attracted a legion of customers to my shop.”
Heather eyed him in a teasingly aloof manner. “I’d feel much more honored by your praise, sir, if I didn’t know you could charm the shoes off the little people. But being Irish myself, I can hardly be offended.”
Chivalrously Farrell clasped a hand to his breast as if to pledge a solemn troth and gave her a clipped nod that sufficed as another bow. “I’m immensely relieved to hear that, madam, but be assured, with you as well as with these other two winsome ladies whom I greatly admire, I would dare make no such claims unless they be true.”
Immediately he took both women by the arm and set himself to the pleasurable task of escorting them toward the entrance. Raelynn barely had time to seize her bonnet and cape before he was whisking the dark green panel open for them. “Enjoy yourselves, ladies.”
“My heavens,” Raelynn gasped as the heavy portal closed behind them. “I’d be of a mind to think he was trying to evict me from the premises if not for his alacrity in making up some of my designs.” She checked the back of her gown, exaggerating her astonishment as she added, “It’s a wonder he didn’t catch my skirts in the door before
he slammed it shut.”
Heather laughed in amusement and linked her arm through Raelynn’s as they began strolling in the direction of the tea shop. “I hope you don’t mind if I lean on you a bit as we walk, my dear. I swear this baby is trying to push her way through before I’m ready for her, but I dare not tell Brandon, or he’ll have me confined to bed.”
Raelynn glanced at her worriedly. “Do you think it’s safe for you to be so far away from Harthaven when you’re nearing your time and feeling that way?”
“I may be taking a chance, true,” Heather conceded, “but I had to talk with you about Jeffrey, and after the baby comes, it will be difficult for me to get away.”
“Did Jeffrey urge you to come and speak in his behalf?” Raelynn asked, yearning for reassurances of his regard for her.
Heather was clearly astounded by her question. “Certainly not, my dear. If you knew your husband better, you’d be aware that he takes care of his own business in his own way, in his own time. He doesn’t need me or his older brother to handle such matters for him. He’s quite capable of dealing with his own affairs entirely bereft of any help from others,” she flicked her brows upward in a tiny shrug as she added, “as much as we’d be amenable to offering our services.”
“Then how did you know about my escapade in the woods?”
“Cora told me, dear. She also informed me that you’re with child.”
Raelynn groaned in chagrin and felt her own cheeks warm. “Just wait, she’ll be telling the village crier next.”
Heather’s resulting laughter proved contagious, and soon the giggling women were drawing curious stares from passersby. But then, their passage had already been duly noted by more than a few residents of the city and the outlying area. Lofty matrons seemed overtly shocked and held their chins haughtily elevated at the idea of a woman in the latter stages of her pregnancy appearing in public. Others were cynical, especially after hearing conjectures about a murderer in the lofty Birmingham family being allowed to retain his freedom even in the face of irrefutable proof. A few seemed genuinely bewildered by the amiable dispositions of the pair when everyone was fully cognizant of the fact that Jeff and Raelynn had every intention of severing their marriage. Heather remained amiably unconcerned by the looks they were garnering, but Raelynn found the inquisitive stares far more difficult to ignore. After all, it was her marriage falling apart and her husband people were wont to condemn.
“Surely, Charleston is far too large and busy a place for its populace to have so narrow a range of focus,” she mused aloud, evidencing her irritation as they entered the tea shop.
“Don’t let them fool you into thinking they’ve singled you out, my dear. They’re just as interested in the newly widowed Mrs. Wesley, Farrell and Elizabeth, and a whole host of others, including Brandon and me. Most of the gossips enjoy so little excitement in their own lives, they must enliven others’ difficulties with harsh rumors and vivid conjectures, all of which may be utterly false. You’ll find their sort in every city of the world. As you’ve correctly ascertained, Charleston is unquestionably no exception.”
The proprietress of the eatery greeted Heather in the friendly manner of a favorite patron, and soon they were being shown to a well-screened table in the back. Solicitously the owner offered the available choices and, when the selections had been decided upon, disappeared and, scant moments later, returned with a pot of tea and a small platter of dainty sandwiches.
Heather peeled off her gloves, laid them aside and then poured tea for Raelynn and herself. Choosing a turkey and cress sandwich to nibble, she eyed her sister-in-law with close attention until she could no longer maintain her silence. “If I’m not mistaken, my dear, you seem a bit unsettled about this whole alienation of affection idea. Is there something you wouldn’t mind discussing with one who’d promise not to mention a word of it to another soul?”
Raelynn considered Heather’s invitation a long moment as she took a sandwich onto her own plate. Making no effort to eat, she reflected upon what she should say and, at length, released a pensive sigh. “First of all, Heather, I’d like you to know that I’m very much in love with Jeffrey.”
Heather’s lovely brows lifted briefly. “That’s not at all surprising, Raelynn. During the years I’ve been married to Brandon, I’ve heard rumors which have led me to affirm my suspicions that Jeffrey is now and always has been a favorite among the ladies. They absolutely adore him, old and young alike. Some women trip over themselves to indulge him. Mrs. Brewster gushes in nervous excitement in his presence and has been simply aswoon over the man for untold ages. She seems convinced that he can do no wrong, at least she was before that nasty business with Nell. In fact, I really don’t know how Jeffrey has managed to escape being the most pampered man on earth.” Heather met the other’s gaze with a tender smile. “So tell me, Raelynn, what are you going to do about your state of affairs?”
Raelynn blinked as a sudden moisture blurred her vision. “I’m afraid if things continue the way they’re going, Jeffrey will be asking me for a divorce. I can’t sleep at night fretting about it.”
The black-haired beauty grew a bit perplexed. “Now let’s discuss this matter in more depth lest I become thoroughly bogged down in confusion. Cora said that you had run away from Oakley soon after Nell’s murder, and though she wasn’t aware of the precise details concerning your move to Charleston, she assumed it was your own idea. Now you’re telling me you’re afraid Jeffrey might seek to sever your marriage?” Heather bolstered enough courage to ask, “Under the circumstances, Raelynn, can you hardly blame the man?”
“He was the one who sent me away,” Raelynn admitted in a small voice.
Heather’s heart went out to the woman. Reaching across the table, she laid a hand consolingly upon the one that nervously fidgeted with a fork. “I’m sorry, dear, I didn’t realize Jeffrey had done that. I thought you had left on your own accord. At least, that’s what Cora had been led to believe.”
“Well, actually I did, at first, into the woods, I mean, but that was only because I was caught up in a nightmare wherein I kept seeing Jeffrey stabbing Nell. After Jeffrey found me in the swamp, we took shelter from the rain at Red Pete’s cabin. Olney Hyde held us at gunpoint for a while and claimed he had witnessed Nell’s murder and that the murderer was none other than Jeffrey. What was I to think? After having my own life threatened by the scamp, I certainly had no doubt that Olney was capable of such a deed himself, yet he seemed genuinely convinced that Jeffrey had murdered Nell.”
Heather had anticipated Raelynn’s apprehensions and thought she should share some of her own experiences. “A few years ago, Brandon was suspected of killing Louisa Wells, the former mistress of Oakley. In fact, after her murder, Rhys Townsend actually came out and arrested Brandon. After living with the man for more than a year and coming to know him as a husband and the gentle, caring father of my son, I was sure that Brandon couldn’t possibly have done such a brutal thing, even in a fit of temper. You and Jeffrey haven’t had much time to become properly acquainted, but, for what it’s worth, my dear, I’m convinced that Jeffrey doesn’t have the temperament to kill someone unless his own life or some member of his family is seriously threatened. I know for certain he couldn’t have killed Nell. It just isn’t in the man. He’s too noble . . .”
“Aye,” Raelynn agreed dolefully, “and so confounded charming, handsome, understanding and . . . and . . .”
“So Jeffrey?” Heather suggested sweetly and patted the other woman’s hand consolingly. “My brother-in-law has the most steadfast disposition of any man I know. He’s neither boastful nor bashful, insecure nor arrogant, self-centered nor self-deprecating. If anything, he’s equanimity personified. However,” she added, lifting a slender index finger to make her point, “that’s not to say that he isn’t fully capable of making decisions that could turn us all on our ears. He’s no saint nor, for that matter, a spineless whelp who’ll take the worst of what you give him, contritely beg you
r forgiveness and coddle you while you’re doing it. He has his pride, and if you can’t bring yourself to trust him, then he’ll let you reap the consequences. He’s a man, after all, and he can be tough as an ill-treated hide, but that only makes me love and admire him all the more.”
Raelynn heaved a glum sigh. “Since we’ve been married, it seems as if I’ve brought him nothing but trouble. I’m ever reminded that all of this started because of me, because I couldn’t bear to become Mr. Fridrich’s little doxy.”
“Nonsense, my dear. Trouble began brewing when Nell slipped into Jeffrey’s bed, and that was long before you ever put in an appearance.”
Raelynn searched the beautiful face of her sister-in-law and felt led to question her about the incident. “Did Jeffrey ever explain how that came about?”
“He explained nothing.”
“Then how . . . ?”
Heather smiled. “Cora confides in me quite often, dear. She grew up at Harthaven. Jeffrey needed a housekeeper whom he could trust and who could take charge in his absence, and of course, we had Hatti, reliable as the salt of the earth. As for that particular night when Nell forced her attentions upon Jeffrey, it seems that nearly all the servants were awakened in one fashion or another after he hauled the girl out of his room with nothing more than a blanket draped about her. Kingston was promptly sent out to fetch Cora, who was given the task of finding clothes for the girl and packing her valise. From what I understand, Jeffrey issued a series of orders and returned to his room, from that point leaving his servants to deal with Nell. Kingston helped her into the waiting carriage, and from there, Thaddeus drove her into Charleston where he secured a room for her at an inn with funds Jeff had graciously supplied.”
“Nell’s babe favors Jeffrey to some extent,” Raelynn murmured softly.