The Reformer (16 page)

“I also wish to extend my gratitude for being permitted to grace Your Lordship's table. My Lady, I thank you as well,” Eliza stated, silently challenging Aryanna to best her in manners.

“The pleasure is mine, and my son's, to be in the presence of three beautiful young ladies,” Gerard responded, taking a sip of his wine and nodding with approval. Conversation was casual, primarily between the men as they discussed the unusual heat wave and concerns for the crops. Ryan voiced Aryanna' idea, which was well received by his mother. Ignoring the anger on Eliza's face, Ryan further boasted of Aryanna's trip to the village, her behavior with the townsfolk, and her eagerness to be involved with the community.

Gerard looked pleased. “Well done, son! You have found the means necessary to help your ward discover her strengths. I am very proud of both of you.”

Aryanna smiled happily at his praise, glancing at Brigit for approval. The woman nodded, “I am also very proud. Change is difficult for most people, and you, Miss Aryanna, have embraced it and made it your own. Good girl. That is also a lovely dress you are wearing. So grown up. Is there a reason you were allowed out of the nursery tonight?”

“I suggested it, Mother. When she expressed the desire to help our tenants, I felt she deserved a reward for thinking as a helpful adult.”

“What are your feelings about this reward, husband?” Brigit asked purposefully, knowing that Eliza was listening intently and with more than a little jealousy.

“She considered others as would a responsible adult, people who she had no relation with. The mark of a true lady. Coupled with a heart of kindness… yes, I believe she earned this reprieve from the nursery this evening.”

“Papa? Mama? Lord Ryan gave me a gift. A pretty doll. I left her in the carriage…” Aryanna stated, her grip tightening on Ryan's hand. She was feeling the ugly stare directed at her from Eliza.

“I would very much love to see it. Papa also gave me one. I will get her to show you,” Brigit said, sensing the girl's need to have something to hold as she struggled through the awkward night in the presence of the woman who had beaten her bloody. Ryan excused himself and quickly retrieved the doll. Aryanna squeezed it lovingly before handing it over to Brigit.

Eliza watched the interaction, feeling a greater wave of rage whistle through her. A doll? How ridiculous was this? She then recognized her rage as jealousy and lowered her face in shame. Gerard studied her as Brigit and Aryanna shared the dolls they both had been given, chatting comfortably as two girls should.

“Eliza? My study, please,” he said, standing from the table. Eliza's face blanched fearfully. Was she in trouble again? She followed him silently, gulping as he closed the door behind him and sat down in his large reading chair. “Sit down, child. Talk to me. What is going on in your mind?”

“Nothing, Papa.” Eliza answered timidly, facing the floor.

Gerard patted his knee. “Come here and seat yourself on my lap. Careful now, I know you are tender. Something is bothering you, my girl. There you go,” he said gently, wrapping his strong arms around her shoulders and pulling her to rest against his broad chest. “Tell Papa what is hurting you. The truth.”

“I'm jealous,” Eliza admitted in a whisper.

“Of what, darling?”

“Mama likes Aryanna, and she doesn't like me.”

Gerard grinned, pleased to see that Eliza was submitting to her inner child at last. He kissed the top of her head and rocked her. “You haven't been the most pleasant of little girls around Mama and pressed her into disciplining you when she would have rather played with you. Accept the responsibility of your behavior, my dear. Is that all that's bothering you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Are you fibbing?”

Eliza hesitated, the thought of his disapproval turning her stomach. But how could she tell him? She nodded her head, staying silent. Gerard squeezed her again, stroking her face in a soothing manner.

“I think I know what might help. I'll be right back. You stay here.”

“Are you going to spank me again?” Eliza looked horrified. Gerard shook his head with a smile, kissed her forehead, and left the room. Moments later he returned with a package in his hand. He pulled her back onto his lap and handed it to her. Eliza's hands trembled as she opened it. Under the paper wrapping was a doll, just as beautiful as the ones Mama and Aryanna had. And it looked just like her! Tears filled her eyes.

“Is this for me?” she choked out, shaking with emotion.

“Just for you, little one. Isn't she pretty? Just like you are.”

“I've never had a doll before.”

Gerard's heart sank. Never had a doll? What kind of childhood did this woman have?

“Then allow your new papa to give his new girl her very first doll. Do you like her?”

Eliza dissolved into tears, clutching the toy against her chest as she sunk into the confines of his hold. Years of pain, neglect, anger, and insecurity poured through her as she released herself completely to the man's care. Gerard smiled, closing his eyes. Yes, there was promise for this one. Once she was cried out, he dried her eyes and kissed the tip of her nose.

“Would you like to come out and show the girls your new doll?”

“I'm scared.” Eliza admitted, holding the toy under her chin. “I don't want to be laughed at.”

“I'll tell you what. I'll send Nanny in to sit with you until you are comfortable to rejoin us. Would that be good for you?”

Eliza nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his rough cheek. “Thank you, Papa. For the doll and for understanding. I am going to try my best to be nicer.”

“I think your hurtful behavior comes from being so afraid. We are going to work on that, okay? Next week, when Mama is gone, you and I are going to be doing a lot of talking.”

“Yes, Papa. I'd… I would like that.”

Satisfied, Gerard left her with a kiss and called for Martha. When the large woman entered the room and sat down, Eliza leapt onto her Nanny's big lap and eagerly shared her new doll. Martha sighed happily. She now felt at peace that the girl was going to find happiness.

Gerard returned to the table and sat to ponder his ward. Brigit, noticing his expression, questioned his mood. “She's jealous over you and Aryanna. She wants what you two are forming. This is good. Aryanna? What are you doing?”

“I need to see Headmistress… Eliza. This makes Lord Ryan happy that I do good things, yes?”

“Dove, I will not make you do anything that you are afraid of,” Ryan said, touching her cheek in the same manner as his father. Brigit swelled with love for her son. He truly had followed her beloved husband's teachings.

Aryanna dropped her eyes and then looked at Brigit. “Mama? What do I do?”

“What is your heart telling you to do, darling?”

Aryanna paused, nodded, and excused herself. Armed with only her doll for protection, she tapped on the door to the study.

“Nanny? I like to talk with Miss… Eliza. It good, yes?”

“Of course, Aryanna. You girls play nice. No fighting. Eliza?”

“Yes, Nanny. I…I would like to talk with her,” Eliza said quietly, rising from the old woman's lap. Aryanna watched Martha leave and timidly approached Eliza.

“Is that your doll? She is pretty,” Aryanna said carefully, unsure of Eliza's next move. The image of the woman who beat her haunted her mind, yet this girl… something was different. More vulnerable. Softer.

“Yes. Papa gave her to me. Do you want to see her?” Eliza answered, clearly as uncomfortable as Aryanna.

Aryanna nodded, ignoring her 'big girl clothes' as she sat upon the floor and took the doll. She smoothed out the hair, touching the delicate fabric. “She look like Eliza. Very pretty. Soft.”

“Your English had gotten so much better, Aryanna.”

“Lord Ryan good reformer. He teaches me and sends me to learn in village. He gave me doll, too.” Aryanna handed Eliza her doll, still not trusting the woman not to harm her. Eliza fingered the toy quietly.

“Aryanna? I am truly sorry for my cruelty. Please… forgive me. I needed reform more than you did.”

Aryanna looked up into Eliza's sad eyes and pulled herself to kneel before her. “Headmistress is hurt little girl. Reformer make better?”

“Yes, Papa is helping me. So is Nanny.”

“I am happy. Mama? She is good. Very good.”

“Mama does not like me. I was mean to her.”

“You stop being mean? Always?”

“Yes. I don't like how I was. I truly am sorry, Aryanna,” Eliza whispered, a fat tear rolling down her cheek. Aryanna softened and reached her arms around the woman's neck to hug her.

“I am sorry that I was incorrigible.”

“You weren't, sweetheart. I was,” Eliza admitted, holding the girl back. After several moments, Eliza joined her on the floor. For the first time in her life, she understood the freedom that came with true forgiveness.

* * *

“I wonder what they are up to,” Gerard questioned, accepting a glass of wine from Brigit. She snuggled into his lap, unconcerned that their son was sitting across from them.

“I hear no screaming. It's probably safe to assume that they have not caused one another harm,” Ryan chuckled, once again touched by the genuine affection his parents continued to display.

“I believe we have reached a crossroads,” Brigit purred, tucking her nose under Gerard's chin. “The girls will either bond or will go their separate ways, but in respect. Either way, it is a good, healthy thing. I am so proud of my men.”

“But it was your actions that brought this about, Brigit. Had you not provoked the jealousy, this might not have occurred.”

“This was done with intent, Mother?” Ryan sounded surprised. “How in this world do you manage to orchestrate such things?”

“Your mother is a brilliant strategist, my boy. Never underestimate the quiet ones. They will always surprise you.”

“I beg pardon, Father, but I never considered Mother one of the 'quiet' ones,” Ryan teased, laughing as Brigit stuck her tongue out at him.

“When she plays as a girl, she is quite boisterous. But, when she acts as a woman… she is very sly,” Gerard chuckled, lightly smacking Brigit's rump.

“I am seeing that same trait with Ary. Father? I must confess something to you and ask for advice…”

“You are in love with the girl. That is clear. And she, with you. What is the problem, son?” Gerard asked bluntly, pinching Brigit as she giggled.

“The first rule of Reforming…”

“Yes, and one I broke and never regretted. Let her finish learning and discovering herself. Keep yourself chaste…”

“That will be difficult, but yes, I will. Mother, why are you snickering?”

“I'm just wondering if your Aryanna is going to give you the same troubles as I gave your father.”

“I'm certain she is. And, thanks to my father, I will handle her in the same manner as he did you. Over my knee and with a firm hand.”

Gerard laughed as his wife giggled again, whispering something in his ear. “I'm sure my son will figure that out on his own, Brigit. Did you what to check on the girls, Ryan?”

“Yes, I think I will. I have to also make amends with Eliza as well. My anger towards her has to be removed.”

“Go, then. We will be here waiting for you. No, Brigit, not now. Darling, we have company,” Gerard scolded half-heartedly as she whispered another suggestion in his ear. Ryan chuckled, shaking his head as he stood. He listened at the office door before tapping lightly and then entered without an invitation. The two girls sat next to one another on the floor with Aryanna reading aloud to Eliza, who held her doll close to her chest. He had never seen a lovelier sight. Aryanna smiled happily upon noticing him, while Eliza turned crimson.

“Please, continue. Her reading has improved, has it not, Eliza?”

“Yes, Lord Ryan. You have done a wonderful job with her,” Eliza said quietly, unable to meet his eye.

“Eliza, look at me, please. That's a good girl,” Ryan praised as she slowly lifted her face. “I know you have suffered much humiliation with being here, but it appears to be working for your benefit. I am proud of you.”

“You are?” Eliza sounded surprised, her big, brown eyes wide.

“Very much so. It takes much strength to rise above your weaknesses and flaws. I wish to put the past to rest and focus on the future. Will this be possible?”

“I don't know what to say, sir… my actions towards Aryanna were…”

“Forgiven, if I am reading my ward properly. And if she can forgive you, most certainly, so can I. Come to me,” Ryan ordered. Eliza rose hesitantly and allowed Ryan to pull her into a full embrace. Aryanna watched, feeling a little jealously digging at her. She lowered her face, unwilling to allow Ryan to witness her anger. How dare he touch this woman like he did her?

Eliza smiled contently, enjoying the feel of his warm arms around her shoulders. He was a handsome devil, for sure, and she considered Aryanna a very lucky girl to have him. She pulled away and rejoined the other woman on the floor, immediately noticing her sullen expression.

“Aryanna? Are you alright?” Eliza asked. Aryanna shot Ryan an evil look and, without a sound, bounded from the room, slamming the door behind her. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No,” Ryan sighed. “I think I just got a taste of my little one's temper. Please join Papa and Mama in the parlor and let them know I will return shortly.”

Eliza nodded, gathered the two dolls, and proceeded to deliver the message. Brigit looked at Gerard with a twinkle. Yes, their Ryan would certainly have his hands full with this one.

* * *

Aryanna lifted her skirts and ran out the front door and into the night, her movements deterred by the heeled boots. She heard running behind her and, without looking back, increased her speed. Ryan easily caught up with her, grabbing her around the waist and swinging her into the air. He ignored her pounding fists upon his arms as he carried her, kicking and swearing, to the carriage. He opened the door with one hand, not releasing her, and pushed her inside, plopping her down upon the cushioned seat. He sat across from her and was greeted with a sharp slap across the face.