Page 13 of Deception and Desire
“I know you may find this hard to believe, but I managed without you for many years.” He kissed the top of her head. “I will persevere. Besides, I’m bringing you home in time to check in the next large shipment from India. And make sure our estate managers aren’t cheating us. I detest sitting at a desk, straining my eyes on those columns.”
“Thank you for taking me to Grandmama’s. I know you have more pressing matters to take care of than escorting me across the border.”
At the age of thirty, her father had inherited Franklin and Sons, a wholesale company that purchased goods and sold them to retailers in the larger cities. The business had grown into one of England’s major agency houses, arranging the purchase and shipment of goods without ever actually handling them. The war had been excellent for business, and Franklin had become quite popular by procuring hard-to-find items for the rich and affluent. With two ships and representatives in Ireland and the Continent, his company had earned a reputation for acquiring anything rare or delectable thetonmight desire.
These connections allowed her mother access to London’s social circles. But attending functions with thebeau monde,and belonging, were two very different things. Hence, the need for one of her daughters to marry a titled man.
“Truth be told, I’m looking forward to seeing Aileen again. My mother-in-law is a clever woman. I’m hoping she’ll help with our present dilemma.”
“Finding me a husband?”
“Finding a solution to please everyone.” He chortled. “Your mother would never allow you to marry a Scot.”
The tension eased from Fenella’s tight shoulders as the distance lengthened between her and Lady Franklin. “Grandmama says she’s never found a problem she couldn’t solve.”
“Except for her own daughter.” Her father cleared his throat. “Did you keep your end of the bargain?”
“Yes, Papa. I’ll inform you of any new developments. Evie’s promised to write often.” Her father approved of Lord Brecken, and together they’d come up with a scheme. Fenella had endured two more social events outside of Almack’s, hoping to push the earl and her sister together again. The effort had met with success,andhe had called yesterday afternoon. Lord Brecken was besotted, and Evie was impressed. With any luck, they would be engaged this season.
“You may enjoy the social life in Glasgow, Fenella. Your grandmother doesn’t move in quite the same circles your mother yearns for, but she’s well respected. I wouldn’t put it past her to find you a suitable match.”
“Not one Mother would approve of, I’m sure.”
“Aileen knows a good man when she sees one, and there are plenty of Englishmen in Glasgow. She favored me when I courted your mother.”
“Unfortunately, there is only one of you, Papa.”
“And don’t you forget it, child. Don’t you forget it.”
Chapter Three
A Dubious Dream or A Feasible Future?
Late April 1819
Glasgow, Scotland
“Och, girl, ye’remaking me tired with yer pacing. Sit down and have a cup of tea.” Aileen Douglas frowned at her granddaughter, but amusement sparkled in her soft brown eyes. She put down her needlework, peeling off her wire-rimmed spectacles. “Did ye finish that book already?”
Fenella was bored. It had been three weeks since her father had returned to England. Her grandmother leased a two-story red brick in the lovely neighborhood of Grahamston, close to shopping, several garden markets, and even a theater. It was a residential area of merchants and tradesman, and Fenella recognized many of them from her annual visits. Compared to the Franklin manor, the residence was quite small.
The first floor opened to a narrow entry hall with a parlor on the right for receiving guests, where they were presently occupied, and a dining room on the left. In the back were the kitchen and pantries and a small servants’ quarters. There were four bedrooms above, two looking onto the street and the other two over the back garden. Four more loft rooms were reserved for staff and storage.
“I’m sorry, Grandmama. I’m used to being busy all day, not this humdrum,” Fenella answered, recognizing the unfamiliar whine in her own voice. “Why didn’t you write and tell us that you’d sold your shop last month? I thought I’d be helping you there.”
“I didna think it mattered, and the money will keep me through my old age.” Aileen sipped from the blue and white china cup, then tucked a gray strand back under her white kertch. “So, we need to find something to occupy yer time.”
“What about the new owner? Perhaps he needs help?”
Aileen shook her head. “He has a large family and a son just home from Edinburgh and university. We could stop for a visit if ye’d like.”
On previous visits, she’d worked in her grandmother’s bookstore, swearing her sister Evie to secrecy. Their mother would have had an apoplexy to learn her daughter was acting as a clerk.
Instead of working this visit, they had taken walks in the neighborhood, gone to Glasgow Green—the city’s version of Hyde Park—attended several dinners, and the theater. While there was always something to do late in the afternoon or evening, it was the daylight hours that were so tedious. Fenella could only write so many letters. But her social life was anything but dull.
Glasgow, she’d realized, was quite different from London. It was a bustling merchant town, industrialization attracting a wide variety of businesses, tradesmen, and migrants. Her father said it might soon rival Edinburgh in size and importance. The city boasted schools, libraries, and a university. Children who worked could attend Sunday school to learn to read the bible.
The Glaswegians were a practical and devout lot, the majority giving less importance to social classes and titles. Here, no one whispered behind her back because she was not a London beauty; no one looked at her as if she had three eyes or horns protruding from her head. Fenella had not felt out of place or awkward at any of the events they’d attended. The people she met were intelligent and lively. They enjoyed discussions of politics and commerce. Scottish society—or perhaps only Glasgow society—was special, at least for Fenella. To her surprise, she felt comfortable here, as if she belonged. She even entertained the idea of living somewhere other than with her parents, spreading her wings. Independence. It was a heady idea.
