Page 51 of Bluebell’s Fate

Ever since he’d informed them of his engagement to Bell, their relationship had been more strained than ever. They still weren’t happy that Miss Stone was not their daughter-in-law as they’d planned, but their bitterness over the situation needed to come to an end. Tonight was likely his safest opportunity to address their treatment of her with his grandmother present.

“Bell, you have nothing to apologize for. I have been avoiding making the trip for my own sake. Are you feeling able to attend?”

She nodded. “Yes, I believe so.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “We’d better leave so we aren’t late.”

Nathaniel shoved his desire to be late just to spite his parents down to a reasonable level, and they meandered down the lane to his childhood home.

He looked down at Bell before they knocked on the door. Her hand trembled on his arm. “Don’t worry, Bell. Your godmother won’t allow anything untoward to happen to you tonight.”

She smiled a little sadly as her breathing steadied. “I am so glad she will be here.”

Her words didn’t match her demeanor. Had he said something amiss? “My cousin, Ian Cutler, will be present as well.” Nathaniel wanted to warn his wife about his cousin, but what was he to say? I don’t like him? Please stay as far away from him as possible? Either of those options made Nathaniel look like he was an immature youth. No, he wouldn’t taint his wife’s view of Ian…yet.

“Lovely.” Bell’s voice held a hint of unease.

“Not really, he’s quite the toad. You, on the other hand…are entirely lovely.” So much for not tainting Bell’s view of Ian. Yet apparently meant for the duration of an entire breath. It was better for her to be prepared, was it not? Nathaniel winked at Bell as he knocked on the tall wooden door.

His compliment had the desired effect of bringing a little color to her cheeks, and hopefully a little confidence to her spirit. Gone was the confident woman he’d spent the morning with. In her place stood an uncertain and delicate young lady. It was about to be a long night.

Grandmother Hamilton was waiting to wrap Bell into a hug as soon as the butler had shown them inside. Nathaniel could sense Bell’s apprehension slip from her shoulders with her godmother. She pulled back smiling.

“Heavens child, you look stunning.” His grandmother took Bell’s chin in her hand and examined her face closely. “Don’t you worry, I’ll arrange for this to be shorter than usual so you can be home with Nathaniel. I don’t want to earn the wrath of the fairies on your behalf,” she whispered.

Bell laughed. “It’s good to be up, but I don’t believe the fairies reside here. You’re free to do as you wish.”

Grandmother shot a look at Nathaniel which he interpreted as: this is all your fault. She was right, of course. She turned back to Bell. “Come, let’s go meet with the others.” She threaded her wrinkled hand through Bell’s arm, and pulled Nathaniel to flank her other side as they walked down the corridor.

Nathaniel’s parents were chatting amiably with Ian, a picture that tugged on Nathaniel’s heart. He’d never shared an easy relationship with his parents. As a particular friend of Edwin’s, Ian was a favorite.

“Amelia,” Grandmother interrupted. “Your guests have arrived.”

Nathaniel’s mother smiled, but her cheeks pinked with either embarrassment or anger. “Of course, Mother.” She turned to Nathaniel and Bell by turn without meeting their eyes. “We are glad you could join us.” Mrs. Payne stepped back to the comfort of her husband and Ian.

Nathaniel ground his teeth. His mother’s manners were positively atrocious. He was used to it, but after learning that Bell was reading into this first invitation to the big house, and that this was her reception was going beyond the pale. He glanced sideways at Bell. To her credit, she kept her chin high, and her shoulders back.

He hadn’t noticed Ian’s approach until his cousin was standing directly before Bell, bowing over her hand. “Ah, Lady Bluebell, we meet at last.”

Bell pulled her hand away as Ian attempted to kiss her knuckles. She looked at Nathaniel. “Forgive me. But I have yet to be introduced to you. Nathaniel, do you care to do the honors?”

“Not really,” Nathaniel muttered as he bit back a smile. Perhaps his wife would have done well in London. She was quite incredible at putting this rake of a man in his place.

“Nathaniel!” his mother gasped, obviously horrified by his response.

He faced her. “I may deserve your censure, Mother. But are you to completely ignore Ian’s misstep in introducing himself?”

“Ian is family,” his father cut in, his cheeks flushed red and splotchy.

“As is Bell. That does not change the circumstances.” He held his father’s eyes in challenge.

His grandmother coughed. “Perhaps we ought to begin again.” She looked to her daughter with a raised brow.

Nathaniel’s mother shifted uncomfortably to face Bell. “Lady Bluebell, welcome to Cairnsby Hall.” She curtsied low. “This is my nephew, Mr. Ian Cutler.”

Ian bowed, a smirk playing on his face.

Bell looked at Nathaniel. He only shrugged his shoulders. The introduction was out of his hands.

“Thank you for having us, Mrs. Payne.” Bell turned to Ian. “Mr. Cutler.” She dipped the smallest of curtsies.