The Colonel's Lady, Ch. 1 (part 2)
An Oxford Cottage Companion Story
(There’s a new part of this story dropping tomorrow in the Broadsheet, so it’s time to give last month’s part it’s own post so it can be found more easily. They are all in the Harriet and the Colonel section on my Substack’s home page.)
Many hours later, Richard dismounted his horse in front of Lillesley House in Leicester Square. He had both a report and a petition to be made before he could retire for the night – and he was weary. Just not weary enough to wait to see Harriet until tomorrow. Therefore, he had sent word that he would give his report today.
He handed his horse to a groom and drew three deep breaths as he rolled his shoulders and shook out his legs. He looked at the time on his watch. It was only ten minutes past the time when he said he hoped to arrive. Lillesley should be waiting.
With that thought in mind, he turned toward the door, but before he could do more than begin to ascend the steps, that very door opened. A grin split his face as he saw who it was who had come to welcome him.
“Has your brother fired the butler and given you, his position?” he teased the pretty lady who held the door open. “Perhaps as a punishment for not doing something he thought you should?”
Harriet Phillips laughed and shook her head. “You will be please, and perhaps shocked, to know that I have not provoked him since before your last visit.”
Which had been less than a week ago, but, knowing Harriet as he did, that was a noteworthy feat.
“May I take your hat?” She held out her hand in expectation of his compliance. She never expected anything less than acquiescence to her petitions – or demands, as the case might be.
And that was why it was notable that she had not provoked her brother in the short time since he had last seen her, for her brother’s temperament was just as unyielding. Though to be honest, Harriet was often the victor in any standoff with her brothers. Edmund had a soft spot in his heart for his youngest sister that was nearly as deep as Andrew’s had been. Not that one would know it if one were to witness one of their battle of wills.
Richard doffed his hat but hesitated in handing it to her. The rule at Lillesley House was that he was to keep all of his things with him when visiting Edmund on official business, and this was a visit of that sort – at least, in part.
“I will put it on the table in the little library,” she said, as if she knew what had caused him to pause.
And this was one reason why she tended to get her way. She was excellent at anticipating objections and providing a solution.
“In that case, you may have it,” he said, handing her his hat. “It is good to see you, Harry, but as you most assuredly know, I am here to see your brother.”
“For more than just business, I hope.” She gave him a playful smile that shone in her eyes.
“As do I,” he agreed, as she closed the door behind him.
“A moment please, Colonel,” she said before he could begin the short trudge down the hall to the little library.
When he turned towards her, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Her brother would be far less than pleased to see such a demonstration in the entry to his house, but Richard was not. His right arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close as he returned her kiss.
“Harriet!”
Richard broke their kiss at Edmund’s bellow.
“I will thank you not to accost our guest in the hall.”
Harriet’s cheeks were rosy, but her eyes were filled with defiance. Goodness! She was a delicious sight to behold. At least, when that defiance was directed at her brother on his account.
“I am not accosting our guest. I am simply welcoming him and reminding you that this is the man I intend to marry.” She stepped around Richard and began walking towards the little library.
“Yes, well, that will come … in time,” Edmund replied.
Richard’s left eyebrow rose of its own accord as he followed Harriet. In time? What exactly did that mean?
“Before Christmas,” Harriet replied.
“Perhaps and then, again, perhaps not,” her brother answered.
Harriet placed Richard’s hat on the table inside the little library and turned towards Edmund. “Before Christmas.”
“Spring might be better,” he replied in a soft and somewhat cajoling tone.
A scheme was in play – likely not one of Lillesley’s making, but a scheme none the less. Richard shook his head. This was the part of his current profession that he found both exhilarating and bothersome.
It was exhilarating because the objective was often shifting and moving forward. It was bothersome because the shifts and moves were not always predictable and rarely in his power to make of his own free will.
“Am I still able to offer for her? Or will I be led along a merry path that includes some other task that must be completed first?” Richard demanded.
“No, no. You are free to make your offer – though it does seem a bit redundant to do so since she has made it abundantly clear that she will not marry anyone else.” He gave his sister a piercing glare before turning back to Richard. “However, I do not know how long the next part of sorting out this…” He waved his hand in a small circle. “Situation will take.”
Richard sighed. It was as he had suspected. The next step must be made quickly. Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge were only the beginning of uncovering what was afoot.
“Surely, it will not take nearly half a year.” Richard could hear the annoyance in Harriet’s tone as she mounted her protest. “Indeed, it would not, if you would let me help you.”
“No!” Richard and Edmund said in unison.
She huffed and crossed her arms. “I found that watch much faster than you would have.”
“I will grant you that,” Edmund said, “but I am not entirely certain that that was in our best interest.”
Richard cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
“I will explain after I have had your report. Harriet, would you be so kind as to see that we have some refreshment?” Edmund asked.
She smiled. “It was ordered before the colonel had even dismounted his horse. Jimmy will arrive shortly with all that is needed.” She motioned to the chairs in the library. “Do you wish to meet here, or shall we go to your study?” She took a seat next to the chair Richard always sat in when he waited her for her brother in this room.
Edmund scowled. “Apparently, here is acceptable.” He sat down, and Richard followed. “Shall we begin with your report on how things stand in Hertfordshire?”
“That is one of the reasons why I am here.” The other reason was the feisty and precious lady who took his hand as soon as he was seated.