Chapter Thirteen

Mina Edwards, who was seated at her desk, studied her mathematics students with a sharp eye. It did not seem as if she was observing her students, who were still chatting amongst themselves. She was seated at her desk, writing something in her firm, legible hand.

Mina Edwards, whose married name was Mina Kurst, was a tiny woman, who looked deceptively frail. She had intelligent grey eyes, and thick brown hair, that did not possess a single strand of grey. She rarely smiled, but students who studied under her could not deny that she was generous nor could they deny the pleasure they felt when Professor Edwards did smile.

Mina Edwards signed her name on the paper with a certain satisfaction. Feelings things were starting to settle down in their places, she looked up, able to pay complete attention to her students. And there was one particular girl who caught her eye.

She had a tall, slender figure, although perhaps "skinny" was the better adjective. She had golden blond hair and blue-green eyes that changed their colors depending on her mood or the clothes she wore. She had an intelligent expression on her face, as she gazed dreamily out the window.

Ah, Mina Edwards thought with great satisfaction. I have found my ideal pupil. She will serve me well. She cleared her desk and tapped her desk with her stick.

"Good morning, class," Mina greeted coolly, without any hint of emotion in her voice.

Victoria pulled herself out of her reverie and straightened up. She opened her notebook and fixed her pen before dipping it into the ink bottle.

Victoria sighed and smiled to herself. Professor Edwards is extremely inspiring, she thought. She picked up her books and started to pick up her pace.

"So you are Victoria Brown," Mina said abruptly.

Victoria turned around, surprised. "Yes, Professor Edwards?"

Mina nodded. "You are well-acquainted with the subject of mathematics."

"Thank you," Victoria said, blushing. "My father and my older brother are excellent amateur mathematicians."

Mina looked thoughtful. "You are the Victoria Brown, are you not?"

Victoria stiffened. "I do not know what you mean, Professor Edwards."

Mina smiled dryly. "Do not pretend ignorance with me, Victoria. I, and the rest of Boston, are well-aware of your status in England --"

"And I am sure you know why I came here," Victoria interrupted icily. "Everyone in this city has been kind enough to tell you."

Mina shook her head. "I need to hear a reason from you, Victoria. I will not listen to wagging tongues."

"How comforting," Victoria said, with a slightly sardonic tone in her voice.

Mina sighed. "Is it all right if you come to see me this afternoon at tea time, Victoria? In my office?"

Victoria's face hinted at nothing, as Mina noted. "Yes, I will see you this afternoon, Professor Edwards."

Mina glanced at Victoria's retreating back. That young lady can make even the most socially accomplished feel awkward and ill at ease, Mina thought with a interested look in her eyes.

Victoria quietly followed Mina into the office. The office had rich, warm cream-colored wallpapering in it. The carpet was a plush red. The couches were tasteful, made of the softest leather, and Mina's desk and enormous chair were also stylish. The tea table was also stylish, simple, and elegant. However, none of this made any deep impression on Victoria nor did she bother to observe them. Which is odd, considering how Victoria loves to observe and make notes.

Mina seated herself gracefully in a chair and motioned for Victoria to do the same. Victoria nodded her thanks and sat stiffly down in the chair across from Mina. Mina looked slightly amused, but did not comment. Instead, she graciously served tea and handed Victoria a cup.

"Thank you," Victoria said quietly, taking it as if to warm herself..

"Now, we are going to have a cozy chat," Mina declared. She picked up her tea cup and leaned back in her chair, her legs tucked under her. "Who was that attractive young man with you outside just before you entered the building?"

"Do you know who he is?" Victoria asked, looking up, holding tightly on to her tea cup. The trembling of her fingers were barely perceptible.

Mina noted this. "Shall I take a guess or do you prefer to tell me, Victoria?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye.

"That is your preference, Professor Edwards," Victoria answered with composure, putting down her tea cup.

Mina smiled, tilting her head. There was something almost girlish about the pose. "Very well, Victoria," she said. "I think that our mysterious stranger is Vernon Andersen. Am I correct?"

Victoria nodded slowly. Her eyes were cool and crisp as they looked up at Mina. "Yes, you are correct, Professor."

Mina leaned forward in her chair, her tone hushed. "Is he just a friend? To me, he looked much more than a friend."

Victoria shrugged, not touching her tea. She was trying to look nonchalant, but was failing miserably. "Yes, he is a very good friend. But I really do not think that that is important."

Mina frowned slightly, thinking. There was something about Victoria... a connection with Vernon... some family connection... perhaps an engagement... a marriage... "Wasn't he engaged to your late older sister?" Mina asked abruptly, all expression of teasing gone from her face.

Victoria nodded slowly. "Yes, my older sister, Amanda, was betrothed to Vernon. It was arranged when she was fourteen."

"She had no say in it?" Mina asked gently.

Victoria, for some odd reason, found herself opening up to Mina. "She agreed to it... until she met Teddy, her future husband."

"I see," Mina said, taking a slow sip of her tea. She glanced at Victoria. "How old were you when Amanda threw Vernon over?"

"I was twelve, and I was the one who had to tell Vernon," Victoria answered quietly. "It was not a pleasant experience."

"Vernon is my husband's most prized student," Mina remarked without expression. "He tells me Vernon is mature beyond his years." She glanced at Victoria shrewdly. "Is that true?"

Victoria could not help smiling. "Yes. Vernon is one of the most brilliant people that I know."

"Really?" Mina asked, intrigued. "That is very interesting."

Victoria was thawing out, her smiles radiant, her eyes sparkling. She has the oddest light in her eyes when she smiles, Mina thought, tilting her head slightly. I do not think anything could mimic that light in her eyes. I know she is different from every other creature I have ever seen. But why is she so nervous about telling me who Vernon is? I do not think there should be a problem.

"Do you like Vernon?" Mina prodded, determined to find out what was wrong.

Victoria looked up, surprised. "Why, of course I like Vernon, Professor Edwards."

Mina shook her head and laughed kindly. This girl can be perfectly obtuse when she wants to. I am sure she understands what I am saying. "No, no, Victoria. Do you like him more than just as a friend?"

Victoria paused, wondering how to answer it. "Professor Edwards, are you able to keep secrets?" she asked solemnly.

Mina felt uncomfortable under the intensity of Victoria's eyes, and it took a lot to make Mina uncomfortable. "Well, Victoria, that depends... on what you want to be kept a secret."

Victoria smiled what she called her "society smile". "Oh, it's very simple, and it would explain my relationship with Vernon so neatly and simply."

Mina nodded, confident of her ability to keep a secret. "Well then, certainly I can keep a secret, Victoria. That should not be a problem."

There was a small silence in the office as Mina waited for Victoria's response. "I am engaged to Vernon, Professor Edwards," was Victoria's response.

Mina's eyes widened. It took an extraordinary event to surprise Professor Edwards, for she was one of those souls who would probably be able to remain firm even in the worst natural disaster. However, Victoria's announcement was able to surprise Mina, and with good reason.

"Vernon never said anything like that to my husband!" Mina exclaimed.

Victoria smiled blandly. "Perhaps your husband did not tell you, Professor Edwards."

Mina looked thoughtful and nodded. "Yes, that could be it. If Vernon made my husband swear to secrecy..."

Victoria glanced at her watch. "I know it is impertinent of me, Professor Edwards, but I must really go home."

Mina nodded absently. "Yes. I've kept you much too long." She rose from her seat and held out her hand to Victoria. "It has been a pleasure chatting with you, Victoria."

Victoria clasped the offered hand firmly. "With pleasure on my side also," she replied, smiling thinly. She withdrew her hand and left. Mina raised an eyebrow, an expression of morbid curiosity on her face.

"I think you should really announce your engagement," Serena declared at the supper table that evening.

Grace smiled tiredly at her daughter. It was a simple dinner: her son, George's son, and George were out at a men's banquet. She glanced at her daughter's face and her niece's face, placing her fork down on the table. She placed her hands under her chin and had an amused smile on her face.

How different they are now, Grace thought sadly. Serena will be a matron next year, Victoria will be one in four... if all goes well, soon I will be a grandmother... a great-aunt... she smiled. It is odd how fast time goes. A longing to have spent more time with your children, but the knowledge that it is too late. There is not one thing to be done, but that is the way the cookie crumbles.

"Mother, you have not paid me one single bit of attention," Serena clamored.

Victoria hid an amused smile. Grace glanced at her daughter and picked up her fork again. "Well, dear, you have quite a willing audience in your cousin," Grace teased.

"Mother, don't you agree that Victoria should announce her engagement?" Serena asked, ignoring her mother's teasing. "People will really talk if they see Vernon and Victoria together all the time without reason."

"Oh, stuff and nonsense," Grace retorted. "Vernon and Victoria are entitled to do what they want. They need not bind to the rules of society, young lady."

Serena sighed, disgruntled that she had not gotten her way. "I still think you ought to announce, Victoria. People have nasty tongues, you know, darling."

"Vernon will be able to ignore those nasty tongues, Serena, and so can I," Victoria remarked loyally. "I've never been one to care very much for society."

"Which makes you and Vernon ever so popular," Serena remarked sarcastically. "Really, Victoria, you still have no sense of what is right for you."

Grace smiled with motherly affection, as the two girls continued to squabble.

Victoria threw a shawl on her shoulders and hurried downstairs. Grace was entering the hallway from the study when she saw Victoria.

"Mercy, Victoria, where are you going at this time of the evening?" Grace asked, alarmed.

Victoria threw on her warmest coat and shook her head. "No time to explain, Aunt Grace, except that Vernon has signaled for me. I will be back in half an hour." She was about to leave when she ran over to her aunt and kissed her on the cheek. "Bye, darling."

Grace smiled, shaking her head. Serena followed after Grace, the sharp sounds of her heels being heard.

"What was that all about, mother?" Serena asked, glancing at the front door.

Grace placed a mother shoulder on Serena and turned her around. "When Victoria is ready to explain, then we shall know."

Victoria ran down the stone cut stairs of her home and ran to the gardens. She paused for a moment, catching her breath. She caught Vernon's eye, and started running towards him.

"Oh, Vernon," Victoria called, throwing her arms around him.

Vernon embraced Victoria warmly and pressed a kiss on her cold forehead. "There you are, darling. You promised me half an hour," he teased.

Victoria half-pulled away from Vernon and scowled. "You mean that there is nothing important?"

"Of course not," Vernon answered quite easily. "I just wanted to see you."

Victoria was secretly pleased, but made a pretense of exasperation. "Really, Vernon, I thought something was wrong."

"But something was wrong," Vernon teased. "I did not see you." He stared into Victoria's eyes. "You did not forget about your promise for half an hour, did you?"

Victoria shook her head, powerless under Vernon's magnetic eyes. "Of course not." She rested her head on Vernon's shoulder and sighed. "I am thrilled to see you."

"I should hope so," Vernon remarked dryly, seating himself and Victoria on the nearest boulder.

"Would you like to hear what I talked about with Professor Edwards?" Victoria asked eagerly.

Vernon held Victoria's gloved hand and nodded. "Yes, certainly."

"Nothing important. We had a rather difficult time getting off," Victoria said honestly. "She is a charming person, and not as harsh I thought she was."

"No one ever really is as harsh as you'd like to think, Victoria," Vernon remarked laughingly.

Victoria ignored the remark. "She asked me about you."

Vernon was amused. "And?"

"I told her that we were engaged," Victoria answered. She quickly turned to meet Vernon's eyes. "Oh, but she promised that she would keep it a secret. You do not mind?"

Vernon chuckled. "If I had it my way, Victoria, we would have announced our engagement long ago."

Victoria sighed. "Serena was bothering me about it tonight at the supper table. Do you honestly think we should announce it?"

Vernon nodded firmly. "Yes, I do, Victoria." He sighed melodramatically. "I do not want to be bothered by silly, inane girls. When the mothers hear I am engaged to you, they will stop bothering me."

Victoria laughed. "Vernon, you are so conceited!"

Vernon grabbed Victoria by the waist and lifted her up. "Repeat that please, Lady Victoria Brown!"

Victoria mockingly glared at Vernon. "I said that you are so conceited. Put me down, Vernon! You haven't any right to do this..."

Vernon pressed an extremely light kiss on Victoria's lips, which naturally silenced her. Victoria stared up at Vernon when he pulled away.

"What on earth possessed you to do that to me?" Victoria whispered, her eyes sparkling.

Vernon smiled. "I have not offended you, have I? I did not get that impression."

Victoria shook her head. "No, no, of course not. You are my betrothed. It is just that it feels so odd..."

"In a good way or a bad way?" Vernon asked, placing his chin on the top of Victoria's head.

"Oh, in a good way, of course," Victoria answered with her eyes closed. How lovely it feels to be in Vernon's arms, she thought. Comforting.

"Well, I thought we ought to practice so that we would have a decent kiss for our engagement party," Vernon explained, an unholy spark in his eyes.

"Why do we need a kiss for our engagement party?" Victoria asked in genuine innocence.

Vernon laughed. "Every engaged couple shares a kiss in front of the guests, Victoria. You and I shall do the same."

Victoria was thankful for the darkness; her cheeks were turning bright red. "What an unholy idea! Really, Vernon."

Vernon laughed. "What a modest person you are!" he exclaimed, tweaking Victoria's nose.

Victoria sat at her dressing table, brushing out her golden hair. She glanced around her room, half-listening to Serena's bright and insignificant conversation. The room had lost some of its sparkle since she had first arrived here in Boston from England. Yet she did not understand why. Vernon's kiss could not have changed everything. Or could it?

"Steve's been perfectly boorish about where we should live," Serena remarked, flipping through a fashion magazine. "He wants to keep a home in the Hampton, while I want to keep a home in Brookline."

"Not Boston?" Victoria asked, somewhat surprised. "I thought you would want to be near Aunt Grace?"

Serena made a face. "I love mother dearly, Victoria, but I do want to be independent from mother when I get married."

Victoria frowned, tilting her head. "Is marriage the only way you feel you can gain your independence?"

Serena flashed one of her rare "tired" smiles. "Oh, Victoria, you know just as well as I do that young ladies of our status and breeding cannot do anything. All we were meant to was to be paraded in front of society's richest and most eligible bachelors." Serena threw down her magazine and stood up, pacing the length of the floor. "Then we get married, get stuck with someone we don't love, have children, and lead separate lives from our husbands." She tilted her head back and laughed bitterly. "Sounds so promising."

Victoria stared at Serena. Never had she Serena say something so full of depth and understanding of their situation as young ladies. She had always supposed that Serena loved being the "toast of society", the one men adored and were after constantly before her engagement. But Victoria had been wrong. Serena had feelings, an intelligence that she had not been aware of. But why had she always seemed so foolish and shallow?

Serena smiled sardonically. "I suppose you're wondering, 'When Serena get so smart? She was always so shallow.'" Victoria blushed when Serena glanced at her. Serena looked at Victoria sympathetically. "I don't blame you, cousin. I haven't said much to earn your intellectual respect." She wrapped her satin robe around herself tighter, tossing her hair back. "I suppose if we were back in England, had I been in England, it would have been the same. Haven't you ever wondered, cousin, why I spurned men and hurt them as much as I could?" Serena asked, her voice growing harder.

Victoria shook her head. "No, Serena, I have never wondered why. I just supposed that you enjoyed being cruel to them. You never gave me a reason to think otherwise."

Serena crossed her arms across her chest and smiled mockingly. "No, I didn't. More's the pity. To be honest, cousin, I did not trusted when you first came to Boston. Mother told me that you had come to lick your wounds. I hated you, despised you, Victoria, because you captured mother's attentions, and I also thought you were terribly pretty."

Victoria watched Serena use her hands to explain herself. The brush was laying in Victoria's hands. "But you were shy, wary of young men when we first entered society. You probably don't know how much I mocked you behind your back in public and in private." She paused, turning, and glancing at Victoria.

"I had some sense of it, yes," Victoria admitted quietly. "But I had no idea of the magnitude of your feelings."

Serena smiled lightly, lifting one shapely leg. "No, I was a marvelous actress, wasn't I?" She paced the room slowly, knowing that the walk was emphasizing the seductive sway of her hips. She leaned back and laughed hollowly. Victoria watched Serena with blank eyes.

"Getting back to the subject of men, I cannot tell you how much I hated them for being stronger than me, getting more privileges than me." Serena turned around and stood up tall and straight. "I was the princess... no, the empress, and they, those foolish young men, were intruding on my property. I wanted to own the whole world. I resented the way these young men would someday rule the world for themselves, while I... I would probably the wife of some foolish rich man, and become toast of society as I was when I was a debutante."

Serena leaned closer to Victoria so that their faces almost met. She stared into Victoria's eyes. "Have you never felt this, Victoria? This feeling of utter repression by young men. No, I suppose you never have. You've never cared for power as much I do." She laughed sharply and twirled around, pointing her long, slender, polished fingernail at an inanimate object. "How limited we are, Victoria. I hated them." She returned to her seat on the bed, yawning. She smiled brilliantly. "I'm tired, Victoria. I think I will go to bed."

Victoria nodded mutely, placing her hairbrush slowly on the dressing table. She bit her lower lip thoughtfully for almost a moment before turning off the gas lamp and getting into the bed next to Serena.

"It was the peace she had always wanted, perhaps even more. Now, resting here, in the woods with complete silence, it erred her to hear the trampling of the leaves. Someone was coming... the person..."

"How is my girl?" Vernon asked from behind, placing his hands on Victoria's shoulders.

Victoria jumped, dropping her book. Vernon bent down and picked it up with one hand. He handed the book to Victoria, smiling. "Your book, I believe?"

Victoria grabbed it from Vernon and hit him on the chest. "I was reading a very interesting part, Vernon."

"Oh, I could see," Vernon teased. "An extremely riveting, scary part."

Victoria glared at Vernon before smiling at him. "How did you know I was here?"

"Your Aunt Grace told me that you were not home. I thought you might be here," Vernon answered. He placed an arm around Victoria's waist as he talked. "You are coming to the ball that Professor Kurst and Professor Edwards are sponsoring, aren't you?"

Victoria sighed and nodded. "Yes. You are dragging me there, so there is nothing I can do."

"No, there is not," Vernon agreed, smiling. "When do you want to announce our engagement?"

Victoria sighed. "I think I want to wait a little bit more."

"Why is there a certain reluctance in your tone?" Vernon asked seriously, studying Victoria. "Is there something wrong?"

Victoria looked into Vernon's face pleadingly. "Nothing is wrong, Vernon... except the past that haunts us, no matter what you say." She pulled away from Vernon and held her back to him.

"Do they haunt you, Victoria?" Vernon asked quietly, leaning against the tree with his arms crossed across his chest.

Victoria shrugged, the answer obviously in the affirmative. "Oh, I don't know, Vernon. I hardly think about Amanda anymore. You help me forget about the memories that hurt me. But Amanda still haunts me, Vernon, and it would far from me to deny such a thing. It would be a lie if I said to you and to myself that Amanda held no power over me anymore."

"Why would it be a lie?" Vernon asked probingly.

"It would be a terrible lie, Vernon," Victoria answered tiredly. "I've always said myself how vulgar it is for me to be engaged to you. It's wrong, I told myself." She turned around to face Vernon. "You were my older sister's betrothed, Vernon. Can you honestly tell me that you don't compare me with her? Can you honestly tell me that you --"

Vernon took Victoria's hands and pressed them to his lips. "Victoria, why all the sudden insecurities?" he asked gently. "You would know better than anyone else that I would not have proposed to you if I had still loved Amanda. You have such ideas in your head, Victoria." He laughed softly.

Victoria shook her head. "Vernon, I know that they are foolish ideas. But I want you to know what... I'm going into before I make any firm commitments," she explained. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Vernon laughed and pressed a kiss on Victoria's forehead. "Yes, I do, but Amanda is dead," he said seriously, looking into Victoria's face. "She cannot hurt us the way you think she can. Now, will you promise me that you will purge your head of such foolish and inane thoughts?"

Vernon was brushing away a strand of golden hair away from Victoria's face as she looked into his eyes. How can I promise you that, Vernon? she asked herself silently. How can I promise you that when I allow Amanda's ghost to haunt me? And when I have such doubts about you? She stared up into Vernon's eyes, unable to answer.

"Victoria?" Vernon asked gently, brushing Victoria's cheeks gently with his fingertip.

Victoria threw herself into Vernon's arms and rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. "Of course, Vernon," she lied. "Of course. Anything you ask.

"Ah, Vernon, there you are," Harold Kurst called, holding out a friendly hand. Vernon shook the offered hand and smiled in genuine delight.

"Professor Kurst, are you enjoying yourself?" Vernon asked politely but with warmth.

"Of course he is," Mina Edwards answered sharply, her smile taking the bite out of her reply. She looked at Victoria, who was dressed in a pink concoction that came from Paris. "What a vision you are, Victoria Brown," she declared, pecking Victoria's cheek. "One would never think you could dress up like this, not with your cardigans and long skirts."

Victoria smiled, delighted with Mina's teasing. "Thank you, Professor Edwards. May I add in return that I could not possibly imagine you as a wife to Professor Kurst until now?" her eyes twinkling.

Mina smiled at Victoria. "You'll do well, Victoria. I will tell you that." She turned to Vernon and patted him solidly on the shoulder. "Be careful not to lose her, Vernon. You won't find many like her."

Vernon glanced at Victoria and nodded. "Yes, you need not tell me that, Professor Edwards."

Harold Kurst smiled kindly at Victoria. "I have heard a great deal about you, Victoria. From both Vernon and my wife."

Victoria smiled demurely. "I suppose... I suppose then that you are disappointed. I am certain that Professor Edwards did nothing but praise me."

Harold shook his head. "No, no. I feel that you deserve every compliment that my wife has bestowed upon you and more," he argued. "And Mina does not praise everyone, Victoria."

"I certainly hope not," Mina retorted, slipping her arm into her husband's. "I certainly do not want to waste my time complimenting perfect idiots. It is not as if I had energy to spare."

Vernon exchanged a smile with Victoria. He turned to Mina. "Of course not, Professor Edwards," he agreed solemnly. "That would be most unwise."

Mina chuckled and slapped Vernon soundly on the arm. "Vernon Richard Andersen, what would your mother say about such scandalous behavior to your elders?" she demanded with a sparkle in her kind eyes.

Vernon frowned and placed an index finger on his cheek, his other hand supporting the elbow of the former hand. "Well, what do you suppose I should do?"

Harold pulled away from his wife and kindly offered an arm to Victoria. "While my wife and this friend of yours argue, why do not we dance?" he asked most gallantly.

Victoria glanced over at Mina and Vernon, pretending to consider. Finally, she smiled brightly, shrugging her pretty shoulders. "And why not, sir? I shall be most honored to," she answered, curtsying.

"Well, good-bye, darling," Harold called behind him. "We'll see you later."

Mina glared at her husband and finally started laughing. She turned to Vernon. "Shall we?"

Mina laughed to herself as she glanced around the ballroom, where the servants were putting everything away. Every now and then, she would give out an order, either agreeing with or disagreeing with the servants' requests. She watched, leaning against the banister of the staircase, her thin lips tilted to one end of her not so youthful but still strong face.

Harold slipped an arm around his wife's waist and smiled. "It was a lovely party tonight, don't you think, Mina?" he asked, watching the clearing of the ballroom with his wife.

Mina nodded, smiling tiredly. "It was extremely exhausting with all the preparations and the guests, but yes, it was worth the effort. I think that everyone had a marvelous time, don't you?"

Harold nodded. "Yes, I did. Even the feuding parties seemed to be getting along fairly well."

Mina chuckled. "That's because I didn't abide by society's rules and place the feuding people far away from each other. Hence, they had to settle their differences and to talk. What else could they have done?" she asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes.

Harold laughed, shaking his head. "I knew that when I saw the Clifts and the Potts seated next to each other, it was no mistake."

"And why would you ever think that?" Mina asked in feigned innocence, placing a slender, white hand on her throat. "Aren't I the epitome of tact and care? Aren't I always careful?"

Harold nodded, kissing his wife's nose. "Yes, you are, lass, but I would not care to bet whether or not you have so trick up your sleeve."

Mina snorted. "I am only doing what I consider to be the best in the eyes of all of us." She glanced at her husband coyly. "And no one can deny that Vernon and Victoria belong together."

Harold's merry expression disappeared as he sighed. "Mina, you know that both Victoria and Vernon have made their requests that we keep their... eh..." he glanced and servants and decided to change his wording, "... well, their arrangement."

"And have I said anything?" Mina demanded her husband. "I've not said a word."

"I'm not sure what is worse: publicly announcing their arrangement for them or covertly acknowledging it by seating them next to each other," Harold contemplated, shaking his head again.

"Anyone with half a wit could have realized that Victoria and Vernon had more going for each other than just friendship, Mina," he admonished gently.

Mina shrugged. "People started to suspect the day Victoria Brown entered this town, Harold. Do you hold me responsible for those wagging tongues too?" she asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

"But we did promise, Mina," Harold argued. "And by doing what you did this evening, it seemed that --"

"Are you accusing me of being indiscreet?" Mina asked, snorting.

"Of course not," Harold replied reasonably. "I am just telling you that we should be more careful than we were tonight for their sake." He took Mina's hand in his and patted it. "Mina, I know that you care for both of them dearly as if they were your own children --"

Mina swallowed painfully and closed her eyes, trying to prevent the tears from flowing over all the children that could have been, but never were. Seven stillborn children and two miscarriages. God had given them little to live for.

"Mina," Harold started gently. "I know that --"

"I have never forgotten, Harold," Mina said stonily, her hands cold. "I have never forgotten how... painful it is to lose all... all that might have been." She turned to Harold. "They aren't happy, you know."

Harold was bewildered. "What are you talking about? Who aren't happy?"

"Victoria and Vernon," Mina answered quietly. She smiled when she saw Harold's expression, but nodded. "Oh, Harold, I don't mean that they aren't happy now... but there is so much unsaid between them even though they love each other so much."

"But how can what you did tonight have helped them?" Harold asked, puzzled. "They seem to have no troubles right now -- "

"Victoria's late older sister, at least for Victoria, is the source of most of Victoria's pain," Mina answered, grasping Harold's hand firmly. "She is the frightened little girl again when she speaks of her late older sister. Oh Harold, I know... I can't explain how... but I just know that their happiness cannot be for much longer --"

Harold nodded sympathetically and drew his trembling wife into his arms. Mina had gone through seven dead children and two miscarriages without a single tear, her expression always frigid and empty whenever she was told the news. Perhaps, she expected nothing after awhile, expected none of the happiness that Fate granted to other women. Harold continued to hold his wife, comforting her. And now... possibly she was looking for a substitute or substitutes in her life -- Vernon and Victoria fitting the mold.

Vernon locked the door behind him and held on to the doorknob for a few minutes. He let himself smile for a brief moment. Victoria had been extremely... well... she had never been so open and full of laughter. Even as a child, she had always been unusually solemn. Strange, Vernon thought, throwing his keys up in the air and catching it. I remember Victoria as a child so well, and I cannot remember Amanda very well anymore. He shrugged, not wanting to analyze his thoughts.

Vernon walked into the hallway, ready to walk up the graceful and wide curving staircase, when he saw the light on in the library. He glanced at his watch and shook his head. It was almost one in the morning. Most likely it was one of the maids who forgot to turn out the gas lamp and left it on. Most unwise, he thought with some annoyance.

With an air of supreme self-confidence, Vernon walked into the library, ready to turn out the gas lamp when he saw William lounging in his favorite armchair, with a tumbler of whisky in one hand and a glass in another. William was facing the fireplace, which was empty, except for the glowing embers. Vernon paused, one foot firmly entrenched on the carpeted floor, while the other foot was standing up. He leaned against the frame of the doorway.

"Forgot to turn off the gas lamp?" Vernon ventured.

William jumped, dropping his glass, which did not break. He placed his tumbler on the table next to him and rose, stuffing his hands into the fine silk pockets of his robe. There was no doubt that he was drunk. The air reeked of the smell of whisky, his eyes were bloodshot, and his walk was unsteady, his smile leery. Vernon quietly walked over to William and picked up the glass, placing it on the table next to the tumbler.

"Had a little too much, old chap?" Vernon quipped. He seated himself down on a chair across from William.

William's grin was empty, as were his eyes. "Oh, just felt like having some whisky, you know, Vernon. Haven't had it for the longest time, you know."

Vernon nodded, steepling his fingers. "How was your evening, William?"

"He asks, 'How was your evening?'" William snickered. "Fine, thank you, Vernon. Strange of you to ask me when you were out having such fun."

Vernon smiled grimly. "Well, William, obviously you are in depths of despair. Care to talk about it?"

William laughed cruelly. "Do you suppose you have all the answers, Vernon? Like you always think you do?"

Vernon did not answer; William's question did not deserve one.

"Oh, so you're too high and mighty to answer my questions, are you?" William sneered. "Excuse me, sir... no, your grace would be a better title, wouldn't it? After all, you are the duke of Rochester."

William turned to the table and poured himself another glass of whisky. After having done this, he threw himself in the chair where Vernon had originally found him. He drank his whisky quickly, as if possessed. Vernon watched him and studied him carefully before daring to say anything at all.

But William was the one to speak first. "So how was Lady Victoria Brown?" he asked, an almost kind and benign note in his voice. "She is well?"

Vernon looked up, somewhat surprised by such a question. "Yes, Victoria is doing well, thank you."

William smiled charmingly, a shadow of his former self returning. "Victoria is the only kind soul in this town, Vernon. She had the soul and heart to speak to me even when Serena didn't."

"What exactly happened between you and Serena?" Vernon asked neutrally.

William shrugged, pouring himself another glass. He held up the glass and looked through it. "Such a lovely color. Well aged, eh, Vernon? As for Serena, what is there for me to say? She despises me."

"Surely there must be a reason, William," Vernon said compassionately. "Everything, no, most things have a reason to them."

"I suppose Steven Callahan would be a good reason for starters," William answered, gulping down another glass of whisky. "Nothing better than whisky to drown your troubles in."

Vernon reached over and took away the glass and tumbler of whisky away from William. William was surprised by Vernon's actions. Rarely did Vernon ever take it upon himself to control anyone overtly, although perhaps covertly, he did.

"I believe you've had enough for the evening," Vernon said quite briskly and sternly. He stood up and put away the tumbler before William had a chance to regain his senses and quick reflexes, if he had any left.

William chuckled. "Always the authoritative Vernon. Always on top of matters and knows what he wants and how to get it. Tell me, Vernon, was that how you persuaded Victoria Brown to marry you even though you don't care one fig for her?"

Vernon's head turned sharply. "What are you talking about William?" he asked, turning around and leaning against the whisky cabinet.

William waved a hand, grinning evilly. "All of Boston thinks that they know that you are still pining away for the late Amanda Brown, who jilted you for another young man. Oh, I know that isn't the case, Vernon. You're too proud and intelligent to let yourself be in grief over one mere mortal. Vernon Richard Anderson is too good for that."

"William!" Vernon said sharply, his voice grating.

William laughed in delight, rubbing his large, fleshy hands together. He ignored Vernon, continuing. "You always think things out so well, Vernon. I rather think you are not human. You're as cold as a cod, you know. You don't think that you really love Victoria?"

There was a murderous expression on Vernon's face. "What concern of yours is that?" he snapped.

William smiled easily. "Well, I would not want to see Victoria hurt, Vernon. Victoria is not the ordinary girl around the corner. She is full of something different. So is her cousin Serena," he added unnecessarily.

"I am not going to hurt Victoria, William, and I do not care to discuss my feelings for her with you," Vernon said coldly. "I believe that we've had quite a conversation, and it is time for you to retire to your bed. Naturally, you'll have quite a hangover in the morning," he said, glancing at the whisky in the cabinet. "But you will live."

William forced himself up and held out a hand to Vernon. "How about it, cousin? Willing to help me?"

With a disgust that was well-hidden, Vernon grasped the hand and helped William walk along. Before leaving, Vernon turned out the lamp, the lines around his mouth unforgiving and hard.

Adelaide glanced at Vernon, as she walked into the breakfast room. She had been up the whole evening, waiting to see what time Vernon would retire. He had retired to his room at half past one in the morning, and here he was in the breakfast room at half past seven, calmly drinking his coffee, eating toast with orange marmalade, and reading the morning paper.

Vernon did not even look up as Adelaide seated herself down at the table. "Good-morning, Vernon," Adelaide said distinctly, enunciating every vowel and consonant.

"Good-morning, Aunt Adelaide," Vernon said in return, turning the page of his paper. "Was your evening well?"

Adelaide chose the toast and sausages before answering. She sipped her tea. "Yes, except for those terrible headaches. Is there anything interesting in the paper?"

This time Vernon bestowed a dry smile at his aunt. "I never read the society section, Aunt Adelaide. You know that."

Adelaide raised an eyebrow and took another dainty sip of her tea. "How was your evening with Victoria Brown?"

"Oh, it was all right," Vernon answered blandly. "Nothing important."

Adelaide, who took everything Vernon said at face value, was secretly pleased. Perhaps they are not engaged after all, she thought approvingly. "Arabella Stuart asked about you the other day. She has just come back from Europe and is more charming than ever. Such grace and style, Vernon. You wouldn't find those qualities in any other young lady in Boston."

"Hmmm," Vernon said absently.

Adelaide gritted her teeth before trying a gentle smile. "Arabella was mentioning to me the other day about Peter Stuart, her older brother and that friend of yours. You still keep in touch with him, I hope?"

"No, Aunt Adelaide," Vernon answered lazily. "He's been terribly busy."

"Well, you really should start speaking to him again," Adelaide suggested, taking a dainty bite of her toast. "He is engaged, you know, to his mother's friend's eldest daughter. I can't seem to recall her name -- "

"Amy Borden," Vernon interrupted before returning to his paper.

Adelaide nodded approvingly. "Yes, that is she. I have never met her personally, so I cannot really say if she would a proper bride for Peter, but I am sure Mr. Stuart's taste is impeccable. Don't you agree, Vernon?"

"I've never met Mrs. Stuart, Aunt Adelaide," Vernon replied, smiling wryly. He folded up his paper and tucked it under his arm. "I am done with breakfast, Aunt Adelaide. I will be in my study." He walked to Adelaide's chair and kissed her dry cheek. "Give Uncle Garth and William my greetings when they have their breakfasts."

Adelaide rolled her eyes and held her breath for a few minutes to calm herself down. Why on earth is that boy so unresponsive to my tender overtures? she demanded. He is always in the skies. I wonder how he gets along in school.