Chapter 8: Family Matters

November 1825

Lucy was busy in the next morning, and there was no opportunity for Ellen to speak with her in private. After lunch, Lucy had to visit one of the governors of the hospital. Lucy was very good at this behind the scenes work, letting the wealthy sponsors bask in the public praise, but keeping the hospital going for her husband. Not that Lucy saw her work as a chore. She enjoyed the good she could do, but also the friendship with some very important families who needed her talent for the charities to which they liked to attach their names.

Thus, Ellen was left to her own resources. She had written two letters already, one to apologise to Mrs. Binnings for her ill-advised behaviour, and another one to Lord Wynchelsea, the older brother and sole relative of James Finney. She wrote that she regretted being the subject of the quarrel that had been the cause of the fatal duel and blamed her own inexperience and lack of tact for it. However, she was uncertain whether the letters were in good taste and she could not ask Lucy. On a whim, she put the letters in a bag, threw on a cloak and a scarf and walked over to the Carters. Fortunately, Lady Carter was at home and received her, and Ellen asked whether she would be kind enough to have a look at her apologies.

Harriet decided to help her, partly out of her good heart, and partly to see whether Ellen really regretted what she had done. She was surprised how summarily Ellen had taken the blame for the quarrel.

“This is a little bit strong, dear,” she said after reading the letter to Lord Wynchelsea. “After all, Finney was spoiling for an altercation. You should rephrase that. The letter to Mrs. Binnings is quite well written. If she does not accept this apology, I shall have a word with her.”

“Thank you for your help, Lady Carter.”

“Well, Ellen, I have to disappoint you. Richard has left the house with my husband. He is paying his respects to Lord Wynchelsea at Mr. Finney’s wake.”

“Oh, should I go there too?”

“No, my dear. This is just about the people involved in the duel, such as Richard and the seconds. It is to show that there is no ill will between the families anymore.”

“Please excuse my asking, but would you have allowed Mr. Finney at Richard’s wake?”

Harriet thought about it.

“There would not have been a choice for me, really. But let us not dwell on these morbid thoughts.”

“It’s not easy,” Ellen admitted.

For the next hour and more, Ellen stayed and spoke with Harriet Carter, venting her confusion over all the pitfalls encountered in society.

“I had thought Marjorie Binnings my friend, and she was always friendly and supportive.”

“She used you, my dear. By associating herself with you, she increased her own standing, since men are drawn to you like moths to a flame.”

“Why that scathing dismissal then?”

“Haven’t you heard the rumours that Finney was her paramour?”

“Yes, but I never encouraged him.”

“You were the cause for him to lose face in front of all her guests, bringing her own repute and that of her salon down as well. Women like Marjorie thrive on their perceived standings, and anything or anyone diminishing those will be punished. She’ll be even more of an enemy, now that Finney died in the duel. Richard should not expect invitations from her either.”

“Will Lord Wynchelsea be my enemy, too?”

“I do not think he will. His brother was a constant embarrassment for him and detrimental to his political aspirations. He is also the sole heir of his brother’s possessions at a time when he needs monies to grease the skids in Parliament.”

“That sounds so...”

“Cynical? I call it realistic. Do not worry about him. Send him the letter and consider the matter closed. As for Binnings, ignore her. She was never your friend in the first place. You’ll need help to find your place, but not from her. I believe that I know the right person to guide you.”

“Who?”

“Let me ask her first.”

A little later, Richard and his father returned from Finney’s wake, and Harriet dragged her husband out into the hallway.

“We still have at least an hour until dinner. Richard, why don’t you entertain Ellen in the living room. I need to speak with your father.”

Richard and Ellen felt awkward sitting alone in the large living room. They could sit and talk, but they could not show their affection because the maids bustled around frequently. Sensing that his parents were not returning anytime soon, Richard took Ellen’s hand.

“Shall we go to my room? We shall not have any privacy down here.”

“I’d love that, Richard,” Ellen answered, and Richard led her upstairs.

They opened and closed his bedroom door quietly and sat together on a chaise longue by the window. Ellen rested her head on Richard’s chest. For a while they sat silent.

“Are you embarrassed by what we heard?” Ellen asked after a while.

“Well, it came as a surprise to me. I know they love each other dearly, but I somehow never made the connection that they would actually do the things that I dream about.”

“You fantasise about ... making love?”