Thorncroft Manor (A Novella) Read online

  * * * *

  Bramwell took his last bite of food at the reception breakfast. The wedding ceremony had ended, and Georgina’s mother entertained a small, intimate group of friends and relatives at her home.

  Thankfully he had maintained his composure during the ceremony, even though he begged Darby to relieve him as best man the night beforehand. The pain of the past had intensified due to all the wedding plans, and he wanted to escape. However, Darby would hear none of it and convinced him that he would make it through the ceremonies. Pressured by guilt, Bramwell agreed to go through with it but hated the thought that his friend and close confidant would soon depart for London.

  Caroline continued with an aloof attitude during the ceremony and subsequently at the reception. After observing her gloomy countenance, he decided to make an effort in civility.

  “Does your family plan on returning to London in the morning?” He fully expected those were their plans, but to his surprise she replied no.

  “I am afraid my mother is insisting that we prolong our visit here in Pendeen,” she bitterly replied. “She wishes to spend additional time with her sister.”

  Bramwell took pleasure in Miss Woodard’s tortured expression. She did not wish to stay in a boring mining town, as she put it.

  “You do not appear pleased over your mother’s change of plans,” he smirked.

  She narrowed her gaze at him in disapproval. “I think you already know how I feel about small communities, Mr. Croft. You are quite right that I am disappointed that we must remain in this dismal place.” She sighed. “In fact, if another rainy storm arrives, I shall go insane.” She tossed her napkin on her plate.

  He could not understand why she hated Cornwall. Perhaps she needed to see more of the landscape to appreciate the area. After pondering for a few moments in silence, he decided to answer her earlier inquiry.

  “Well, should you find a day that you are particularly bored, I would be more than happy to oblige your former request to visit the mine. It would be a perfect opportunity to address any further questions you may have about the business.” Seeing the surprise on her face, he added an irksome comment. “Since you appear to be fascinated by male professions, this should satisfy your curiosity once and for all.”

  Caroline leaned toward him and cocked her head as if she questioned the sincerity of his invitation. “Are you sure, Mr. Croft, that you want to take the time to oblige a woman’s curiosity?” Her voice mocked him.

  He had never met such an infuriating and outspoken female in his entire life. Why had he bothered to make an offer? About to withdraw it, he stopped. Her challenging gaze incited him to pursue the outing for sport. It could afford him a few hours to insult her in return and come out the victor in this strained acquaintance.

  “I’m quite sure, Miss Woodard. Would tomorrow at nine o’clock in the morning be convenient?”

  “So soon?”

  “Yes, is there some reason we shouldn’t get on with it?”

  She narrowed her eyes over his remark. “No, let’s get on with it then, Mr. Croft.”

  “Good. Can you hire a carriage to my estate?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I assume you do know how to ride a horse,” he added. “You can only reach the mine by foot or horseback. The trails are rather narrow.”

  Caroline sucked in a surprised breath. “I am sure I can manage a horse, Mr. Croft.”

  By the worried glint in her eye, she undoubtedly lied. If that were the case, the haughty young woman would have to deal with the uncomfortable circumstances. “Very well. I shall see you at nine o’clock.”

  Darby leaned in toward him, having listened to their banter. “You know, Bramwell, you do not have to acquiesce to her ridiculous curiosity,” he whispered.

  Bramwell grinned. “I realize, but for some reason I think the time spent together may prove to be… entertaining.”

  Darby chuckled. “It is good to hear you find an ounce of enjoyment, even if it is at Miss Woodard’s expense.”

  It wasn’t long afterward that Darby and Georgina prepared to leave on their honeymoon. After changing their clothes, gathering their bags, and the servants loading the carriage with their belongings, they said their good-byes.

  Bramwell admitted that his friend looked quite pleased with himself. Why wouldn’t he? Tonight he would be bedding a beautiful woman. Frankly, he could not understand why he had not taken her sooner, but Darby excelled at gentlemanly behavior. He, on the other hand, had no moral qualms about enjoying the pleasures of the flesh outside of marriage.

  Bramwell shook Darby’s hand and gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. “I am pleased that you have found love, but I shall miss you more than I can express.”

  “Well, now that I have Brownstone, you can be assured that Georgina and I will visit every opportunity that presents itself.”

  Georgina turned toward her cousin. “Here, you take this,” she said, offering Caroline the bouquet. “You deserve to find love too.”

  Caroline’s face flushed. “I’m so happy for you,” she said.

  Bramwell thought she would crush the flowers by the way she held them. How any man would be able to put up with her sharp tongue was beyond his comprehension.

  After the remainder of the family had given their farewells and warm expressions of love, Darby and Georgina left for the train station to begin their lives together. A terrible emptiness gnawed at Bramwell’s soul. He turned and glanced at Miss Woodard, who looked visibly distraught. Tears ran down her cheeks, and when she saw that he had noticed, she quickly turned her head away and returned indoors.

  “Miss Woodard,” he called after her. She halted and brushed her cheeks before turning around to face him.

  “Yes, Mr. Croft?”

  “I shall expect you at nine o’clock in the morning.”

  “Yes, nine o’clock,” she repeated. “You have made that quite clear.”

  Bramwell took leave of Georgina’s family, wanting to hastily retreat from the day’s activities. For the most part, he had been able to keep Rebecca from his mind. Perhaps it was the thought of tomorrow’s amusement that gave him a diversion for his troubled heart. It would be interesting to see how the prim and proper Miss Woodard would survive during the tour of a tin mine.

  Reckless Engagement

  Bramwell pulled out his gold pocket watch, flipped the lid, and noted the nine o’clock hour had come and gone. Annoyed that she had not arrived promptly as agreed, he pondered how long he would wait for her before leaving alone. The irresponsible act of her lateness caused delays in his needed arrival at the mine.

  After another fifteen minutes of irritation and pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace, Pearson announced her arrival.

  “Miss Woodard, sir,” he said, stepping aside to reveal his guest.

  Bramwell’s eyes widened when he noticed that Caroline wore a dress of frills and lace, making her look like a child’s doll. She had not dressed for the occasion to ride a horse. Why had she donned such a frilly outfit? Had her motives been to attract his attention?

  “No, no, no,” he said, taking a step closer to her and shaking his head. “Your attire is totally improper.” He frowned and looked into her surprised eyes. “Do you own a suitable riding habit?”

  Bramwell bent over and boldly lifted the hem of her garment to inspect her shoes. “Dear God,” he moaned. “These will not do either.” Astonished over his brazenness, she walloped him on the shoulder with her closed fan.

  “How dare you lift my skirt to peek underneath!” Caroline pursed her lips tightly together, making a show of disapproval. “I did not pack a riding habit since I had no intention of riding anywhere when I came to visit my cousin.” She turned to the side and tilted her head at him. “If you feel that strongly about my attire, then I shall take my leave.” With a quick swish of her skirt, she spun around.

  “You need not depart in a huff, Miss Woodard,” he said in an annoyed tone. “If you want to see
the mining operations, then I may be able to provide proper clothing for mounting a horse.” He examined her petite frame. “After all, I would not wish to be responsible for soiling your fine London fashion.”

  “What do you mean, you may be able to accommodate me with proper attire?”

  Suddenly he regretted his offer. A few months ago, he would have never considered such a thing. “Millie!” he bellowed at the top of his lungs. A moment later, his maid scurried into the room and curtsied.

  “Is there something you need, sir?”

  She looked at him with her timid fear that she often exhibited when he called for her in a gruff voice. He inhaled a deep breath and then calmly made his request.

  “Would you be so kind as to escort Miss Woodard to Lady Bellingham’s former suite? Please lay out Lady Bellingham’s gray riding habit and then assist Miss Woodard while she changes clothes.”

  As he expected, Millie’s eyes grew wide with surprise. He had forbidden anyone to enter the quarters since that terrible day. Perhaps she thought him insane to suddenly open its doors to another woman and offer Rebecca’s clothing.

  “I don’t understand,” Caroline replied. “Who is Lady Bellingham?”

  “I am surprised no one has told you by now,” he curtly replied. “My dead fiancée. Her figure was close in size to yours, and I’m quite sure her former dressage will fit you well.”

  “But I—”

  “Do you want to go to the mine or not, Miss Woodard?” Bramwell cut her off before she could ask any further questions. “I’m tired of dillydallying over the matter. Either change into the clothes that I am offering or go home.”

  He turned briskly and walked over to a side table to pour a drink. Frankly, he did not give a damn that it was only nine o’clock in the morning. Her personality would drive any man to consume too much alcohol.

  “Fine,” she flippantly answered.

  “Come this way, miss,” Millie instructed. “It’s up the stairs to your left.”

  After grabbing his glass and taking a sip of liquor, Bramwell turned around and watched Miss Woodard follow Millie to the second floor. He had done the unthinkable for some unknown reason. Perhaps deep down he wanted to move on with his life after watching his friend find happiness.

  * * * *

  Caroline lied the morning of her cousin’s wedding. She had never ridden a horse, let alone owned any clothing decent enough to ride one. Nevertheless, there was something about Bramwell Croft that made her determined not to let him have the upper hand over anything she desired.

  She found him to be brazen, gloomy, mysterious, and strangely attractive. Each moment she spent in his presence tempted her to become bolder and more forthright in return. She felt like a mountain goat butting heads with a challenger over territorial rights. There would be no way that she could lower her initiative in front of him now and become vulnerable. By the manner in which he treated her, it became apparent the man disliked her to the core. She felt the same about him.

  As she followed the maid up the staircase, she couldn’t help but ponder the revelation of Lady Bellingham. Finally, part of the secret had been revealed. Perhaps she could discover a bit more from the timid servant. Millie pulled out a ring of keys, chose one, and unlocked the door. When they entered, Caroline gasped at the furnishings and beauty of the interior. Exquisitely decorated and far more lavish than any other room she had seen at the manor, her curiosity grew.

  “I don’t understand,” she said. “Did the lady reside here at Thorncroft?”

  “Oh, yes, miss,” she said, walking over to the armoire. She opened it revealing an impressive array of tailored clothing. “She lived here with the master for many years. It was only before they were to be wed the tragedy befell.”

  “What tragedy?” Caroline inquired. She was eager to find a tongue that would tell the story she longed to hear.

  Millie did not immediately reply. Instead she retrieved a gray riding habit made of expensive material with stylish curves. “Here is the skirt and jacket,” she said, holding it against Caroline’s body. “The master is right. It should fit you just fine.”

  “You didn’t answer my question,” Caroline reminded her.

  “Oh, I cannot speak of it anymore,” she replied, blushing. “The master has forbidden us to discuss it. If he finds out that I have told you, he will dismiss me.”

  By the obvious distress on her face, Caroline decided to forgo asking any more questions lest the poor girl lose her job. How the late mistress of the house passed away would be something she would have to find out directly from the dark lord of the manor. It had been a scandalous affair since they lived together outside the bonds of matrimony. As she glanced over at the canopy bedstead adorned with silky indigo covers and pillows, she wondered if they had made love in that very same spot. Caroline felt her cheeks grow warm.

  “Miss, the master is waiting,” Millie reminded her. “Do you want me to help you undress?”

  Caroline shook her head no. Swiftly she unbuttoned her dress and slipped out of her frills and lace, revealing her bustle and undergarments. Millie helped her step into the skirt and fastened the back. The riding jacket had a row of silver buttons down the front. Everything fit perfectly.

  “Do you wish to try Lady Bellingham’s boots and hat too, miss?”

  “Yes, of course,” she said, kicking off her pumps and slipping her toes into the ankle boots. They were a size bigger than she wore, but otherwise would do. She walked over toward the mirror and watched as Millie pinned the black hat and veil to her head. Upon seeing herself, a chill ran down her spine. It felt unnerving to wear a dead woman’s clothing.

  “There now,” Millie announced. “You look like a proper young lady about to take a morning ride.”

  “Yes, and it should turn out to be quite interesting, I would imagine.”

  When Caroline descended the stairs to join Bramwell Croft, she felt uncomfortable in her attire. She could not help but wonder if he had some morbid curiosity to see her dressed in his former fiancée’s clothing.

  Upon her return to the parlor, he instantly scowled at her appearance. If he was so displeased, then why did he offer her the clothes? He made no further effort to enter into a civil conversation. Instead he pushed passed her and headed for the front entrance.

  “Follow me, if you will,” he barked.

  “The groom has saddled the horses as you requested, sir,” his butler announced, opening the door.

  Bramwell walked hastily outdoors and toward the animals, not bothering to see if she followed. His rudeness irritated Caroline, and she had the urge to pop him on the head with her riding crop to get his attention.

  “I hope you will have no more surprises for me,” he announced. He took hold of the horse’s reins and waited to help her mount the sidesaddle.

  Caroline halted in her step. She looked at the large horse looming far above her and wondered what she had gotten herself into this time. A quick glance into Mr. Croft’s eyes indicated his irritation remained.

  Noticing her hesitation, he narrowed his eyes and asked, “You do know how to ride.”

  “Well, I… I…” Stuttering over her words only worsened the matter.

  “Oh, for God’s sake, Miss Woodard! Do not tell me you lied about being able to ride a horse.”

  He took a menacing step closer, which caught her off guard. Instinctively she threw her chin back and glowered at him in return.

  “I assure you that I can manage,” she said, shooting him an annoyed glance. “Now, if you will be so kind as to help me up and hand me the reins.”

  “Fine,” he grumbled. He grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her up onto the saddle. Caroline had seen how women positioned themselves, and she knew where to place her foot in the stirrup. She landed a bit cockeyed, but after adjusting her position, she felt confident that she had mastered the rudimentary skill of sitting on a horse.

  Tightly she held the reins in her hands but waited to watch Mr. Croft a
s he mounted so she could mimic the way he held them.

  “Follow me,” he grumbled. The horse intuitively stepped forward to follow Mr. Croft, for which she was grateful.

  “Are you always so grumpy, or is it just in the morning hours that you find yourself being uncivil?”

  He glanced over his shoulder at her and then slowed until their horses walked side by side.

  “Are you always so forthright in your opinion, Miss Woodard? I could say much about your personality that could be called into question,” he snickered.

  She huffed at his comment. “I am not like other women,” she declared with a cocky attitude. “I am opinionated and am not afraid to express my thoughts or ask questions.”

  “Then you are very different from your cousin, Georgina,” he replied. “Darby is more subdued than I am. They make a good match.”

  Mr. Croft kept his eyes ahead, leading them down a narrow trail that followed the rugged, rocky coastline high above the water. As they drew closer, Caroline could hear the pounding of the waves on the rocks below. The echoing roar declared the power of the sea. The strong breeze coming off the water brought a chill.

  “Did Lady Bellingham like to ride?” The question just burst from between her lips without thought. Perhaps the borrowed attire had provoked the inquiry.

  “Yes, for the most part,” Mr. Croft answered.

  Caroline was surprised at his civil tone.

  “She loved the sea,” he added.

  “The view is quite beautiful from up here. I can see why.” Caroline had to admit that with all her prideful remarks about London, the scenery was unparalleled to anything she had ever seen.

  “She didn’t only like to look at it,” he clarified. “Rebecca loved sailing too.”

  “Sailing?”

  “Yes,” he muttered.

  Bramwell picked up the pace, and Caroline noticed her horse lagged behind. She flicked the reins and gave it a slight jab with her heel, and the horse responded. Riding a horse is not that difficult after all, she concluded.