The Secret of Stavewood (Stavewood Saga Book 4) (8 page)

Fifteen

     
T
albot Sunderland sped along the back roads of eastern Minnesota in a brand new, gleaming red roadster. The rain had stopped and he had the top down so the sunlight reflected brightly off the chrome dials and gauges embedded in the walnut dashboard. The touring car was long, fast and flashy with a powerful four cylinder Duesenberg engine. It was one of the first sports cars ever built and Talbot was enjoying every bit of the expensive ReVere.

      From what the man at the petrol station in Billington had explained, he figured that he’d reach Stavewood around noon. He’d risen that morning much earlier than usual but the fresh air rushing by was exhilarating and he could not wait to see Louisa. He had wonderful news to tell her about the publishing company and was certain she’d be thrilled. Talbot was anxious to see Stavewood as well.

      At thirty-one years old, Talbot Sunderland cut a dashing figure. He was slender and refined and stood just over six feet. His hair was always impeccably trimmed and he saw the finest barbers daily for the best of shaves. With his charming accent he was the perfect portrait of the English gentleman and his blue eyes rivaled the brightening sky of the North Country. Talbot never failed to turn heads but he only had eyes for Louisa Elgerson.

      He’d been told to watch for the big iron archway at Mark’s ranch so he knew he was now very close to the estate. He revved the engine as he shifted and made the turn onto the lane into Stavewood.

      Talbot pressed down hard on the brake and stopped suddenly in the road, a short distance away from the massive Victorian home on the hillside. He rose up in the seat and whistled low.

      “Would you look at that,” he said to himself.

      Luc turned Avalanche into the yard at Stavewood and slid from the saddle still laughing heartily. When he reached up to retrieve Louisa she shook her head vigorously, sending a shower of rainwater over his face and across his chest.

      “Stop that!” he scolded playfully. “You’re worse than a puppy!”

      “Stay for lunch.” Louisa laughed and leaned to shake her head again just as the bright red touring car sped into the yard along the side of the house. It skidded to an abrupt stop, flinging gravel across the lawn. Avalanche reared up, throwing Louisa into Luc and the two fell onto the hard packed dirt. The startled horse stomped dangerously close around them until Luc leapt to his feet and took the reins firmly. Avalanche quieted quickly and Luc reached down with one strong hand and helped Louisa to her feet. Both of them stood and stared at the car in disbelief.

      The screen door to the kitchen smacked shut loudly as the cooks rushed outside to see what had caused such a commotion. They were followed quickly by Rebecca and then Timothy Elgerson who appeared in the stable doorway, removed his hat and put his hands on his hips.

      “Talbot?” Louisa peered at the gleaming touring car in disbelief.

      To everyone’s relief, Talbot cut the loud engine and opened the car door slowly. He wore an expensive Panama hat and calfskin driving gloves. He looked at Louisa, covered in a layer of mud, and then around at all the onlookers. Luc stood with a scowl on his face beside his agitated stallion. Despite the expressions on all their faces, Talbot broke out in a big smile, spreading his arms wide.

      “Surprise!” Talbot called out, looking back to Louisa.

      Louisa took a deep breath and looked down at the watch on her wrist. The crystal was filled with muddy water. She looked up and clearly saw Luc’s disappointment.

      “Is this your friend from New York?” Luc tilted his head toward Talbot and the flashy car.

      “Yes.” Louisa nodded.

      “Maybe we’ll do lunch another time,” he said discreetly.

       “Thank you for today.” Louisa’s gratitude was genuine.

      “You should never come home from fishing empty handed.” Luc handed her the whittled bit of wood, now carved in the perfect, miniature image of a carp. “Maybe this will bring you better luck next time. A carp brings fortune through perseverance. It swims through a sea of suffering and finds success. It helps you find true love against great odds. When he jumps the falls of the great river he transforms into a mighty dragon.”

      Luc cut several of the walleye from the brace that hung from his saddle and handed them to her. “I’ll see you around,” he said. Then he leapt onto Avalanche and rode away along the back path from the property.

Sixteen

     
L
ouisa checked her reflection in the tall, sewing room mirror in her room and smoothed her narrow, fitted skirt. She had shaken out the muddy water from the watch and dried it carefully, hoping the damage would only be apparent if one looked closely. It had stopped and no longer kept time. She promised herself she would get it repaired at once. She squared her shoulders in an attempt to make the person staring back at her in the mirror appear stronger. Now, bathed and fashionably dressed, she felt ready to go down to the parlor.

      “What a mess,” she muttered under her breath. The mud, Luc, Talbot’s surprising arrival, the loud car in the yard, the expensive watch, all of it had been so awkward. Her father’s expression made it very clear that he disapproved. No one ever drove a motorized vehicle into the yard at Stavewood. When the cars and trucks came it was always out back, close to the mills and never near the house.

      Her father had walked up and Louisa began introducing Talbot to her family. She smiled uncomfortably, juggling the fish in her hand as she presented him to each person. Fortunately her mother was thrilled to hear an accent similar to her own and had the sense and grace to take Talbot into the parlor for tea, allowing her to escape to her room. She handed the fish to Liv as she hurried through the kitchen, but did not say a word.

      “How delightful to hear a voice from home, Talbot. You must tell me where you are from and where your family is located. I want to hear all the news of England.”

      At the top of the stairs Louisa took a deep breath and then descended the wide staircase. She paused outside the parlor door.

      Her mother and Talbot continued their conversation about England and his travels. Louisa eavesdropped a moment. They were discussing various English dialects when Talbot suddenly began speaking in an exaggerated cockney accent. Her mother’s laugh was sweet and genuine and Louisa smiled. Despite everything, Talbot was charming. She took a deep breath and stepped through the open double doors into the elegant parlor.

      “Louisa,” Talbot said when he saw her. He stood up and crossed the room, taking both of her hands. “There’s my dear girl. How lovely you look, stunning in fact.”

      Louisa blushed and kissed his cheek.

      “Lunch is a bit late,” Rebecca announced as she slipped from the room, leaving the couple alone. “Join us, please, when you’re ready.”

      Louisa nodded silently to her mother, thankful for her discreet exit. She turned to Talbot and smiled nervously.

      “This is such a surprise,” she said, leading him to the settee and patting the seat beside her.

      “Apparently.” Talbot sat down beside her and took her hand gently. “Was that bloke a brother of yours in the yard there, on the horse with you? I don’t recall there being one named Luc, though there are so many I could be wrong.”

      “No, no. He’s just a local fellow.” Louisa looked into his blue eyes. “Talbot, what on earth are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in New York figuring out how to set up our publishing company.”

      “Aren’t you pleased to see me?” Talbot looked crestfallen.

      “Yes, of course I am glad to see you. I’m surprised, but I’m very happy to see you.”

      He smiled, visibly relieved.

      Louisa reached up and touched his smooth cheek. It was the truth. She was glad to see him, if a bit shocked.

      “I missed you terribly,” he said. “I suppose I could have sent a wire or something but I was so excited I wanted to tell you face to face. I met with Mr. Widener as we had planned and he told me of a publishing company that was for sale. The current owner was getting on in years and wanted to retire. He had no heirs and, well, I just up and purchased it from him lock, stock and barrel. It’s perfect for us, Louisa. As soon as your book is finished we can go right to print.” He kissed her hand and looked into her eyes. “There was no longer any need for me to stay behind in New York and I wanted very much to tell you in person.”

      It was thrilling news and Louisa was touched by his gesture. He had to have driven straight through for hours to share it with her and be at her side. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek excitedly. Talbot beamed.     

      “Now I can help you do your research. In any way you like. We can do this together, Louisa. We are going to make our dreams come true, as a team, you and I,” he said.

      “We are, Talbot. We really are.” She looked into his amazing blue eyes and smiled in her excitement. The vision they had planned was very much within reach.

      “I love you, Louisa. You are a remarkable woman. You have such class, such savoir-faire. I’m a very, very lucky man.”

      Louisa was suddenly torn by her emotions. The incredible look of love in Talbot’s eyes completely overwhelmed her. Just hours earlier she had ridden in the rain with her arms wrapped around Luc’s waist, discovering feelings she had never known. Now Talbot was here professing his love for her and she suddenly felt obligated to him. All her reservations about being in love were now more confusing than ever. She searched Talbot’s eyes, unsure of herself and what she wanted.

      “Let’s have some lunch,” she said, and stood up. Talbot stood beside her and pulled her to him, capturing her in his embrace. When his lips met hers she felt her knees nearly buckle beneath her. His fervor was completely unexpected. Had he kissed her this way in New York, she may never have come home.

       “I should never have let you leave without me. I’ll never let you go again.” He held up his elbow, offering her his arm and she took it. He patted her hand.

      “Never again.”

Seventeen

     
L
unch was served immediately as soon as Louisa and Talbot entered the big dining room. Every wall was paneled in warm woods and the large windows overlooked the lawns of the estate. Liv served platters of freshly cut roast beef and boats of rich gravy alongside thick slices of freshly baked bread, and bowls of steaming greens. Louisa knew that every meal served at Stavewood was hearty and generous. The kitchen’s larders were stocked daily and Louisa’s father took great pride in the natural goodness of the fare of the household.

      “This is quite a spread you have here, Mr. Elgerson.” Talbot took a thick slice of beef from the platter as it was passed around the table. Louisa looked around nervously. Talbot was very different from the local boys and she knew he would not appreciate the rare state of the meat.

      “This is a fine bit of beef here,” he said cheerfully. “I know exactly what it needs!” He stood up suddenly and hurried from the room.

      Timothy scowled. “I don’t believe I heard him excuse himself,” he muttered.

      “He’s nervous, Daddy,” Louisa said boldly to her father, “and so am I. Please, Daddy. He’s a wonderful man, and he has very fine manners. I’m sure he’ll be right back.” Louisa thought of her childhood with her family around the table. None of the children left without first asking to be excused at any time.

      Timothy looked at his daughter curiously. He could not imagine why she should be nervous in her own home.

      “There he is.” Rebecca smiled sweetly. “Where did you run off to?”

      “I brought this,” Talbot announced. “I wouldn’t eat a piece of beef without it. It comes from New York. Rochester, I believe. It’s quite astonishing.” Talbot sat down and cheerfully plunked a jar of prepared mustard onto the table.

      Timothy reached across and picked up the jar. “Cream Salad Mustard,” he read aloud. “What’s in it?”

      “I haven’t the foggiest,” Talbot laughed. “It tastes quite good though, so I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

      Louisa looked down at her plate.

      “Your father doesn’t care for me.” Talbot walked along the lane leading to the mills, Louisa’s hand tucked firmly into the crook of his arm.

      “Give him time,” Louisa assured him. “He’s a good man. He’s just protective. He wants me to be happy. Once he sees how I feel about you he’ll warm up to you. I’m sure of it.”

      “What will you tell him about your feelings towards me?” Talbot stopped their stroll, turned and faced her.

      “I feel as I always have. I’m glad to see you and excited to start our publishing business, of course,” she said.

      Talbot reached up and touched Louisa’s chin with his fingertip, lifting her face until she looked into his eyes.

      Louisa caught her breath. His blue eyes always disarmed her and she smiled shyly.

      “We are the perfect pair, you and I,” he said. “You’re quite right, he’ll see it. It’s clear he has fond feelings for you, and your mother as well. She is very much the lady and you are very much like her, aren’t you?”

      She smiled nervously. No one had ever seen more than a physical likeness between Louisa and her mother. Their coloring was identical and she had her mother’s fine features but where Rebecca possessed a natural, elegant grace, Louisa thought of herself as lanky and awkward.

      “My mother is the perfect lady,” she said. “I have often envied that about her.”

      “You shouldn’t,” he said, gazing into her eyes. “You are the perfect woman, don’t you know that? You are just what I need, Louisa. That’s precisely why I could not stay away.”

      Louisa touched his hand and leaned her head against his shoulder affectionately. The woodland along the path echoed with the sounds of birds chattering in the distance and the rustle of leaves in the gentle spring breeze. Louisa closed her eyes. She could smell Talbot’s cologne mingling with the scent of the pines. She felt trapped between two different worlds. Here, beside her, was a wonderful, elegant man who loved her deeply. He was refined and well-mannered and she wanted to be all of the things he saw in her. But then there was Fawn Lake in the morning mist with the raindrops rippling on the water’s surface and Luc’s long legs stretched out on the grassy bank as he whittled a tiny wooden fish. Louisa felt a lump in her throat and her heart felt heavy.