She pulled the book and searched through the pages for the right passage. Using a scrap of paper, the quill and ink on the desk she the jotted down the ingredients and amounts. Reaching for her herb basket she made her way down the hall and out the kitchen door headed to the woods not far from the house. Some of the ingredients grew naturally on the forest floor while others were in her garden.
By the afternoon, just before the carriage came to pick her up, Cecilia returned to the house with all the ingredients and mixed her remedy. It was ready for use. It took a week of doses for the potion to become effective so Cecilia made enough to last a while and drank the first dose. If something did occur again there was no reason to stop this time.
****
Sterling was in his office leaning back in the chair deep in thought; this was the first chance he had to really reflect on yesterday’s incident with Cecilia. The emergency that had him called away was a new irrigation ditch that he had the tenants digging, which had a few setbacks that required some creative thinking to solve so he spent the rest of the day supervising the repairs. If his leg had not been injured he would have been in the ditch himself digging the trench. Unfortunately he could only watch as the work was done.
Yesterday his carefully constructed campaign for Cecilia came to fruition in a most unexpected way. His goal was not to seduce Cecilia but to romance her through friendship. He was interested in more that a short, hot affair that ends in regret. That is what it could have turned into if he had not stopped them. Now, he was concerned that stopping may have put a damper on the flames, so much so it could have extinguished his plans altogether. Today he would have to be careful to coax them back to life.
****
For the next week Cecilia and Sterling continued as if the kiss never happened. They both ignored the magnetism that attracted them and became hypersensitive to each other. They ate their lunches discussing all type of topics from books to agriculture to Parliament but avoided anything personal.
Cecilia appreciated that Sterling seem to be genuinely interested in her opinion. With the exception of her father no man ever took her seriously. The locals respected her as the Earl’s daughter and when they needed her help, but they treated her as any woman of her time -as if she should not be bothered by men's concerns.
Sterling was fascinated by Cecilia. She was smarter than any debutante he had ever met at any soirée. She had opinions about more than the newest dress designs and the latest gossip and they talked about more than the weather. He had not realized how much intelligent conversation he was missing from females and now that he had experienced it he could not imagine spending the rest of his life with a woman without it.
****
Cecilia woke from a dream that she vaguely remembered, refreshed and with a premonition that something wonderful was going to happen. In a good mood she dressed and went downstairs to find Mary and Ella getting ready to go out.
“Going to the village?” Cecilia asked.
“Yes, I thought that we would get some food staples and look for some material to make Ella a new pinafore. She has almost outgrown the ones she wears now. We should be back in a few hours.”
“Good. I’ll help you hitch the horse. I know that we were running low on flour. While you are out I thought that I would pick the last of the blackberries for jarring.” As they walked to the barn where Blossom, the horse, was stabled Cecilia continued “I will probably leave for Blackbrier Park before you return so I will see you later tonight.”
A few minutes later after expertly assisting Mary to attach the buggy to the horse’s halter and then leaving, Cecilia and Rufus were alone. Wandering through the house she grabbed her cloak and picking basket then they walked out the back kitchen door towards the blackberry bushes lining the back of her property. Most of the barriers had been picked on her side of the bush so she decided to move to the other side, on Blackbrier Park’s property. Cecilia figured that the berries would just rot without her picking them so why let them go to waste.
Sterling was returning from inspecting the improvements made to the land at the far end of the estate when he saw Cecilia picking berries. She was a beautiful sight wrapped in her dark purple cloak reaching for a succulent berry just out of her reach.
“Do you need assistance?” he asked.
Concentrating so hard at reaching for the large ripe berry she did not at first see Sterling’s approach. His question startled her so much that she lost her balance and tumbled into the blackberry bush. Rufus who barely cracked an eye at his approach wandered over to Cecilia to make sure that she was not injured then returned to his spot under the tree in the shade.
Quickly dismounting Sterling grabbed his cane and lurched to her side and started helping her unwrap herself from the grasping thorns. When she was finally free she had light scratches on her hands and face.
“I am sorry I did not mean to startle you.” Sterling apologized. “You are covered in scratches. Let me help you.”
“That’s not necessary. I have some antiseptic at home. It will take care of the scratches.”
“Let me at least give you a ride back to your home.”
“I need to finish picking the berries; they will go to waste if they are not picked soon. My scratches can wait.”
“How about I help pick the berries then give you a ride back to your house.” Sterling compromised. “As I recall the walk is quite a distance, especially carrying a full basket.”
Sterling paid no attention to the fact that the berries were on his property. Without waiting for her agreement he continued. “How about I get the high ones and you get the low. Any that are deep within the bush let me get them. I cannot cause myself much more damage as I have a plenty of scars on my hands and face.” Fighting in a war quickly turned a man from smooth and privileged to a hardened soldier covered in nicks, scratches and scars from small wounds and flying shrapnel. Sterling's hands and face were covered in the small reminders of the war.
Cecilia, from all their conversations, knew how much he did not like to talk about the war, said nothing and began picking berries on the bottom of the bush. Taking her silence as agreement, Sterling began plucking the berries from over her head starting with the one she was reaching for when she fell. With Sterling’s help they quickly filled the basket taking the last of the season’s berries.
Gathering the basket before Cecilia could, Sterling walked to his horse and waited for Cecilia to approach. When she came close he indicated that he would boost her up onto the horse. Seeing his intent Cecilia said, “I am not riding the horse, you are.”
“As a gentleman I cannot ride while you walk.”
“Well you cannot walk while you leg is still healing.”
“It seems to me that we are at an impasse. I cannot ride while you walk and you will not let me walk.” After a pause he continued “The only solution would be that we ride together.”
Slightly shocked at the suggestion she remained silent for a moment then making a quick decision she said “Fine, I will hold the basket.” and moved to mount the horse.
Surprised at her agreement Sterling was quick to assist her on to the horse. He set the basket and his cane on the ground and created a cradle in his hands. Cecilia looking hesitant at his assistance, was about to object to him helping her mount when she decided not to, she did not want to hurt his pride. When she set her foot into the cradle he boosted her into the saddle with ease. Sterling felt a jolt of pain in his leg but a little pain would not dissuade him from being a gentleman. He then handed her the basket and his cane, with his foot in the stirrup, he swung up behind her. Sterling wrapped his arms around Cecilia’s waist and held her flush against him, he used the excuse of reaching for the reins to pull her close. He discreetly inhaled the fresh scent of her hair, a unique mixture of vanilla, blackberries and her.
Cecilia felt the warm strength of Sterling arms wrapped around her. Boldly she leaned back into his embrace and savored the experience. She ti
ghtly clutched the wicker basket handle and fought the urge to run her hands down his strong thighs as they pressed against her hips.
With a click of his tongue they made their way back to the cottage with Rufus following. The ride back to her home was short and not just because they were on horseback. Once they arrived Sterling dismounted then reached up to help Cecilia slide to the ground. Half way down she stopped with Sterling pinning her between his body and the horse. For a brief moment their eyes met and held. Cecilia, seeing the heat in his gaze, melted, basket forgotten in her hands. When the horse behind her shifted his stance they broke out of their trance and Sterling let her feet touch the ground. Still close together Sterling ran his thumb across a light scratch on her forehead and said “Let’s go inside and take care of these scratches.”
With a slight nod Cecilia made her way inside and Sterling followed as soon as he took care of his horse. Once inside Cecilia set the basket on the table in the kitchen and hung her cloak on a hook by the door. She was, for the first time, really looking at the scratches on her arm when Sterling let himself in. “The scratches are not bad, I don’t think that I even need an antiseptic.”
Taking her hands into his he looked at the fading marks on her arms and said. “I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
Noticing that the house was silent Sterling asked “Where is Mary and Ella?” He had gotten used to the busy sounds of mother and child while he stayed at the house, the absence was noticeable.
“They went to the village this morning, they should be back in a few hours.”
They were alone. It was an unspoken thought that passed through both their minds. Unable to resist temptation any longer Sterling slid his hands up her arms, pulled her close and kissed her. The sparks that had been flickering between them all morning turned in to a strong current shocking them both with searing passion. His hands slid down her back and gently cupped her bottom pulling her close. Cecilia in turn wrapped her arms around his neck for support.
Slowly walking forward, Sterling stopped when Cecilia’s backside was resting against the kitchen table, lifting her slightly, he sat her on the table. His hands slid forward resting on her thighs.
Pulling away Sterling looked into Cecilia’s passion clouded eyes “Cecilia I do not want you to regret this.”
“I won’t.”
“There are consequences...”
“We already discussed this.”
“There are other consequences.” They both understood what he was talking about. What they were about to do could result in a child. Cecilia had already anticipated this and took precautions although to her a child would never be seen as a consequence.
“No regrets. No consequences.” she assured him. With that she leaned in and as soon as their lips touched Sterling took over. Picking her up, he carried her down the hall and up the stairs to her bedroom. For the first time he paid no attention to the pain in his leg.
Chapter Twelve
Since their relationship had become more intimate Sterling and Cecilia spent as much time together as possible. Mary at her cottage and the servants at Blackbrier Park made discretion nearly impossible but Sterling was very careful to not tarnish her reputation. They continued their daily lunches and they met during the day whenever they had time.
They frequently met at the blackberry bush that divided their property and where they had first truly met. They would sit under a tree wrapped in a heavy blanket sharing their warmth surrounded by the crisp air of the approaching winter. They talked about a variety of topics or nothing at all.
Cecilia soaked up every experience they had together. She knew that it was only a matter of time before their relationship ended; she was not even sure how to define their relationship. Not a wife, not a mistress, she was his lover without the love, at least on his part. She could feel herself falling in love with him but she was not naive. He had not made any promises nor declared his feelings. She knew it would not last but she hoped that when it did end, it ended well.
Three months after arriving at Blackbrier Park, Sterling decided that it was time to organize his office. Currently the office still held the personal effects of the previous owner. He thought that it would be best if he, with the assistance of a footman, packed up the items and sent them to the old lord’s family. Sterling was sure Marcus had that information. In the meantime he would store the crates until the next time he visited London
Sterling was standing in the middle of the office with his hands resting at his sides examining the shelves that ran the full length of one wall trying to decide where to begin. John, the footman, was bringing in the crates that he had purchased in the village for this very purpose. With no specific plan Sterling began pulling books off the shelves. Examining them he began separating the farming and agricultural books from the other novels and such, into stacks on the desk.
The books seem to have no organized placement, it was an eclectic mix but one book caught his attention. Sterling pulled a large tome from the shelves titled Treaties of Ancient Medicinal Practices. The book was thick and leather bound with gold inlaid lettering, turning it over Sterling ran his hand over the cover in appreciation.
It occurred to Sterling that the book would be an ideal gift for Cecilia. He knew that if anyone would appreciate an old medical text it would be her. Opening the book he paged through it stopping occasionally to examine the pages. He flipped to the front of the book when he saw an inscription.
To my loving daughter…
‘Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.’
-Aristotle
Know yourself and follow your dream to become a physician
- Your Loving Father
Sterling found the inscription odd. As far as he was aware the old lord did not have any children and no lord would allow their child to become a physician, much less their daughter. In fact the only female physician that he had ever heard of was Cecilia. With that thought Sterling’s mind began churning.
Sterling recalled his errant thoughts a few weeks before about the household’s reaction to Cecilia and how he brushed his observations to the side. Now they were coming back in full force, front and center. It did not take long for him to put two and two together. It seems that Cecilia was the Lord of Blackbrier Park’s daughter.
Closing the book with a snap Sterling looked at John, the footman who had worked for the previous lord, he wondered why no one had mentioned this fact to him. Sliding the book into the keep stack Sterling decided to confront Cecilia with the truth later, now he would bide his time and mull over the options.
****
That night Sterling spoke to Thomas about Cecilia. “I think that Cecilia was the old Lord of BlackBrier Park’s daughter.”
Hearing this Thomas stopped in his task. As Captain Fairchild’s employee he took care of some of the day to day tasks such as correspondences and executing the improvements that the Captain wanted made on the estate, the tasks that did not fall under the purview of the Estate Manager. Now that Captain Fairchild was healing and feeling better he was starting to take over some of the tasks but Thomas was not concerned, he knew he was secure in his position, whatever that may be.
Handing Thomas the book he found earlier Sterling explained his suspicions. Looking at the inscription Thomas recalled the encounter he saw between the butler and Ms. Wright. “I believe that you may be correct m’lord. Some weeks ago I saw Ms. Wright and the butler hugg’n as if they knew each oth’r for many years. It seemed odd but I didn’t give it much thought at the time.” Thomas said handing the book back to Sterling.
“On Mrs. Wilberforce’s first day here I noticed a connection between them but when I asked her about it she had brushed my question aside.” Wonderingly Sterling said, “Why would an acknowledged daughter of a wealthy lord live alone in a cottage with limited funds?”
Knowing that Captain Fairchild asked a rhetorical question and was not expecting a real answer Thomas went back to the c
orrespondence he was writing to an architect about modernizing the manor.
Sterling decided to confront Cecilia the next day at lunch. He did not want this between them no matter if it was the truth, or if it was just his imagination running amok.
****
Sterling and Cecilia were in his room sitting by the large windows that over looked the maze. Two club chairs and a table laden with lunch was between them. They had dined together in his room from the beginning and although it was not proper they ignored the rules and spent time there alone in privacy.
Unsure how to broach the subject, Sterling cleared his throat with uncertainty. Cecilia noticed his hesitation and asked “Is there something wrong?”
With a quick decision Sterling reached to the floor and grabbed a wrapped package he had put there that morning. “I found this and thought of you.” Handing it to her he watched her remove the paper looking for any kind of reaction.
Delighted at the gift she unwrapped it, it was a book. She ran her fingers over the gold lettering and read the title. “Treaties of Ancient Medicinal Practices, I do not have this book. Thank you very much, you should not have purchased it for me, it is too much.”
“I did not purchase it, I found it in the library. I was going to inscribe a message but it already had one.” Holding his breath he waited until she flipped to the front pages and found the inscription.
With a small frown between her brows Cecilia quickly recognized the handwriting and read the note. Tears were brimming in her eyes and when she looked up to Sterling a tear ran down her cheek. Running her hands over the cover she set the book on the table. Wiping the tear away she said, “He never gave me this one, he died right before my birthday.”