Page 30 of A Lovely White Christmastide
“How are all of your sisters?”
The chatter continued as Kaye relayed all the recent news of his four younger siblings, many of whom were married and settled not far from Bartly Lodge. Carswell listened with half an ear until Mrs. Waverly took over the conversation.
“Now that I have you both here, I want to ask your opinion on something. My Henry has been restless of late and I fear he is very unhappy. He misses the activity of the Royal Army and has even mentioned that he might return.”
“That would be wonderful,” Carswell said. “The army is always in need of men as well trained as the general.”
Mrs. Waverly frowned and Kaye gave a subtle shake of his head.
“Perhaps it would be good for the army,” she said, “but not for me and definitely not for my husband. Perhaps you do not remember, Lord Bingham, but he was injured quite badly at Waterloo and so was relieved of service.”
“I did not.” He'd been in and out of fever for weeks after his own injuries and so sick the surgeons had given up on him, but Kaye had not. He’d stayed with him round the clock making sure he got what he needed to survive.
Kaye speared a piece of kipper. “Lord Bingham suffered his own injury and sickness at Waterloo.”
Mrs. Waverly’s gaze strayed to his hand. No one had said anything, but it did not take people that long to notice his ailment. Thankfully most chose not to speak of it, at least in front of him. They probably babbled incessantly about his unfortunate hand behind closed doors. Slowly he slipped the offending appendage off the table and into his lap.
“Yes… well.” She fidgeted with her napkin. “My husband is getting to an age that he needs to be home. Since we did not have a gathering when he returned due to the time he needed to recover, I would like to have something special now to celebrate him.”
Kaye put down his fork and dabbed at his mouth. “What did you have in mind?”
“My nieces have the most exquisite voices and Beth plays the pianoforte with such finesse. Henry adores listening to them, but it has been years since he’s had the pleasure. I thought we might have a musicale, and I could surprise him by inviting a few men with whom he served. Might I solicit your help in this? I remember a few names, but I thought you both would know far more.”
Carswell glanced at his friend. Kaye shrugged. Why she had chosen the two of them, he could not comprehend. While he’d worked with General Waverly, he’d not paid attention to which officers the man had struck up a friendship. What if there were certain men he’d wish to have at such an event, ones who would lighten his spirits, but whom Carswell did not know?
Mrs. Waverly adjusted her position in her seat. “I have also heard that you both possess admirable vocal talent as well.”
He nearly groaned out loud. Casting Kaye a sidelong glance, he then returned his attention to their hostess. “Not to the level of most.”
Why he had agreed to sing with Kaye the night before battle he still did not completely understand. But after weeks of wheedling, the man had broken him down only to turn and humiliate him. They should have practiced at least once, then he would have known about Kaye’s talent—or the lack thereof.
“Come now, it is not only my husband who insists on your talent, but several of the officer’s wives who were at the Richmonds’ Ball have reported on your splendid voices.”
Kaye grinned. “Do not mind Lord Bingham. He is far too humble in his acceptance of praise. We would love to sing for you.”
Carswell shot him a quailing look, but Kaye ignored him.
“Excellent.” The plump little lady clapped her hands. “Now remember, this is to be a surprise. Well, not the musicale, but the guests and your own number. I will need to let Waverly know not to schedule anything.”
“Very good, Mrs. Waverly. And what day can we expect to perform?”
Carswell wanted to knock Kaye upside the head. He knew how much Carswell disliked public displays.
“Shall we have it the afternoon before the masquerade and make it a full day of entertainment? That way our guests might listen to marvelous music before making preparations for the ball.”
Kaye rose from his chair. “Excellent. Bingham and I will compile names for your invitations and prepare a piece to sing.”
“Thank you.”
Kaye bid them farewell and Carswell could do nothing but stare after his retreating figure.
“Such an affable fellow,” Mrs. Waverly said, “and so helpful too.”
“Indeed,” Carswell said. Daniel Kaye was so helpful he just might help him over a cliff one day.
Carswell smiled politely across the table at the young woman who looked like she had something caught in her eyes. Theincessant batting of her lashes was completely ridiculous, but he could not be rude to his host and hostess’s guests. He was grateful that the woman and her two older sisters were not part of the house party.
Not that there were many others. Mr. and Mrs. Papworth, the elderly cousins of Mrs. Waverly, spent the majority of their days sitting in the parlor reading by the fire. In truth, they seemed wholly unaware of most of the goings on at Haverton, only interested in the most sedate pursuits that Mrs. Waverly had to offer them.
