Chapter Seventeen

It is the general rule that families, who meet again after a long parting, will rejoice. But let us be reminded that it is a general rule. Perhaps the Brown family was different.

Guenevere rose from her seat as Victoria and Serena entered. She rose with a careful and controlled rhythm, something learned from her youth. She smiled faintly, holding out one of her hands to Serena and the other to Victoria. Gilbert watched his wife.

Serena laughingly ignored the hand and embraced Guenevere warmly, kissing her on the cheek. "I thank you dearly, Aunt Guenevere, for coming. I thought you would not come," she admonished teasingly.

Guenevere shook her head, smiling uncomfortably. "You are my niece. Did you think that I would miss your wedding?"

Serena released Guenevere, tilting her head coquettishly. "No, but you have arrived awfully late."

"In the nick of time, darling," Guenevere reminded, pressing a light kiss on Serena's cheek. "I congratulate you on your engagement, Serena, if I have not done so before in my letters. I am sure you will be a beautiful bride."

Serena beamed, turning to Gilbert. Victoria took her mother's hand and leaned over, kissing the air more than her mother's cheek. When Guenevere nodded, Victoria pulled back, her hands neatly folded in front of her, her eyes averted to the ground.

"Hello, Victoria," Guenevere greeted mildly. "You are well?"

"Yes, I am well, thank you, mother," Victoria answered neutrally. "And you, mother? Father has written that you have had some trouble with your heart?"

Guenevere forced what she thought was an affectionate smile. "No, I am quite well, thank you. My heart hasn't bothered me in ages," she lied. "And your studies?"

"They are interesting, thank you," Victoria answered, raising her eyes to meet her mother's. She glanced at Gilbert, who was talking brightly with Serena. "I understand that you will be staying here in the States until I am wed?"

Something flickered in Guenevere's eyes, but it was only there for a moment. "Yes, your father would like that," she said quietly. "To help with your wedding arrangements."

Victoria glanced briefly at her father. "Yes." She forced a bright smile, failing miserably. "I heard Ken is engaged to Vernon's younger sister."

Guenevere nodded in affirmation. "Yes, to Persis. I believe Persis a year older than you. She is eighteen, I believe."

"Yes, Persis," Victoria said, remembering her former best friend. "When is the wedding?"

"In a year or so," Guenevere answered, smiling politely. "The Dowager Duchess is taking care of the wedding preparations. She will tell us when we are to attend."

"How like you, mother, to watch things with a certain aloofness that has not escaped your personality yet," Victoria remarked sardonically. "Will you do the same for me? I will be most honored."

Guenevere glanced sharply at her daughter. "Your father has instructed me to help you prepare your trousseau," she tried to say without any hostility in her voice.

Victoria laughed quietly and bitterly. "Really, mother. You needn't say how much you love doing this for me. You can just say what you have always said to me ever since I was six. 'It is my duty, Victoria. You must learn duty too.' Is that not right, mother? Or have you forgotten?"

There was a challenging note in Victoria's voice. Before Guenevere could respond with an angry retort herself, Grace intervened, smiling. "Would you like to see your room, Guenevere? Serena has taken much thought into preparing it."

Guenevere did not turn even when the door opened. Gilbert entered, surprised to see his wife still awake. Guenevere had retired early on the excuse that she was tired from her journey. She continued to stare out her window. Now, Gilbert was not sure if that excuse was valid.

"Still awake, Guen?" Gilbert asked quietly, closing the door behind him.

Guenevere nodded without turning. "I could not sleep. Sleep has not been kind to me of late."

Gilbert pulled his cravat and nodded. "Yes, I suppose it hasn't."

Guenevere turned and watched Gilbert change into his nightgown and dressing robe, going back and forth from his dressing room. When he finally settled down in a large, comfortable chair, she started the conversation.

"Victoria has changed," Guenevere said quietly, turning around to meet her husband's eyes.

Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "Did you expect the girl to stay thirteen forever? She is not, you know."

"She is not a girl anymore either, Gilbert," Guenevere reminded with a slight smile. "She is a young lady, and an engaged young lady at that."

Gilbert shrugged his shoulders. "So?"

Guenevere paused, deciding to take another tact. "Do you remember your mother's portrait in our home? The one that was painted of her when she was eighteen?"

Gilbert nodded, perplexed. "Certainly, Guenevere, but what does mother have to do with Victoria?"

Guenevere ignored his question for the moment. "Mother Elinor always loved Victoria so much," she remarked a little wistfully, referring to her late mother-in-law. "She was always scolding me for ignoring my lastborn child." She paused, trying to recollect her thoughts. "I took such a long time to recover after Victoria's birth. There were times when I thought I would meet the same fate as my mother. It was the first time in my life I had been thankful that father passed away the year before. He did not have to see me suffering." She pressed her lips tightly together. "He would have been so disappointed in me."

Gilbert was silent, listening carefully to his wife and scrutinizing his wife's expression. She continued. "Victoria was such a weakling. Even you did not think she would live," she said, turning to her husband before looking down at the carpeted floor. "Everyone loved her and protected her because she was always so weak. But I did not love her as I loved my other children, Gilbert. Being a precocious child, she realized that far too soon. Much too soon."

"You could not have imagined my surprise at seeing Victoria," Guenevere remarked, smiling sadly. "She looked almost exactly like Mother Elinor did in that portrait. I realized so much, Gil, when I saw her." She looked directly at Gilbert. "Somewhere in my subconscious, I realized that I did not love Victoria as much as my other children because I never loved Mother Elinor as much as I thought I did."

Gilbert nodded gravely. "I always suspected as much."

"So it doesn't shock you, does it?" Guenevere asked with some regret. "No, nothing shocks you, Gil.

Gilbert rose from his chair and walked toward Guenevere, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Why did you resent my mother?" he asked gently.

Guenevere bowed her head and shook it, fighting the tears of shame. "Your mother was alive, Gilbert. My mother could have been alive too, but she wasn't. She died giving birth to Grace." She turned to meet Gilbert's eyes. "I could have met the same fate as my mother. Victoria would have been the cause."

Victoria stared up at the ceiling in her bedroom. She smiled wryly. Now, it was her bedroom for the next two years. Serena was sleeping her last evening as a maiden with her mother. I cannot really begrudge her that, Victoria thought. She and Aunt Grace love each other very much, in spite of their differences.

Differences. The word echoed through Victoria's mind, causing her to laugh bitterly. Differences. We have more than just differences, Victoria thought mockingly. More than just bitter feelings. We do not love each other. She shook her head, unwilling to lie to herself. She does not love me.

Victoria rose from her chair and walked over to her window. She placed one arm around her waist and continued to sip her water. She turned her head and placed her glass on the table next to her when someone knocked on the door. "Who is it?"

"Aunt Grace," Grace answered, opening the door slightly. "May I come in?"

Victoria smiled faintly and nodded. "Of course, Aunt Grace. But shouldn't you be resting?"

Grace shut the door quietly behind her. "Yes, but I seem unable to do just that. Serena is sleeping like a baby, of course."

"Of course," Victoria said absently, waving a hand to a seat. "Sit down, Aunt Grace."

Grace wrapped the robe around herself tighter and sat down. Victoria seated herself in a chair across from Grace. "How does it feel, darling, to see your parents again?"

Victoria shrugged. "Odd. I realized how little I missed them since I last saw them a year and a half ago." She shook her head. "Somehow, it seems... longer than that."

Grace raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Even your father?"

Victoria laughed lightly. "Yes, even father. Shocking, isn't it?"

"At first, perhaps," Grace answered frankly. "But understandable. You are growing up."

Victoria's voice was distant. "I found myself talking about ridiculous things with father. Father did not know what to say and neither did I." She looked down at her hands. "We have changed so."

Grace sighed and crossed her legs. "Well, dear, I suppose that was inevitable. You could not have been Gilbert's little girl forever."

Victoria lifted her glass of water and looked at her aunt over the rim. "No," she agreed simply. "That would be foolish."

"I think Gilbert understands, though, darling," Grace said soothingly. "Your father has always been an extremely resilient and understanding person."

Victoria pressed her glass against her cheek. "There is no need to comfort me, Aunt Grace. It is done and over with." She stepped on her feet and lifted herself from the chair. She walked to the window, placing the glass down next to her.

Grace watched Victoria. "Your mother? How did you feel when you met Guenevere again?"

Victoria lowered her eyes, rubbing the rim of the glass. "Nothing," she lied.

Grace laughed softly, ironically. "She is your mother. You must have felt something."

"I felt bitterness and frustration," Victoria answered quietly, pressing the glass against her lower lip. "But I have always felt those feelings whenever I have met mother. You know that, Aunt Grace."

Victoria felt Grace chuckling softly. "You know, darling, you are not the only one with those feelings," she said quietly.

Victoria nearly dropped her glass while turning around in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked rather sharply.

Grace looked at Victoria. "I have always felt your mother's bitterness towards me. She never shows it, but it is there."

"Why would mother be bitter towards you?" Victoria demanded in a harsh tone. "You haven't done anything terrible." She laughed hollowly. "Then again, neither have I."

Grace met Victoria's questioning eyes. "Haven't I, Victoria? I was the cause of my mother's death," she answered quietly. "Had I not been born or been conceived, your maternal grandmother might have been living today. Your mother would have been a different person."

Victoria lowered her eyes before raising them again to meet Grace's. "You're not making any sense, Aunt Grace," she said, crossing her arms across her chest. "You're her sister."

"And you are her daughter," Grace returned passionately but in a hushed tone. "You are far closer to her in blood than I am. You were borne of her body, of her blood." She rose from her seat and walked towards Victoria, taking her hands.

Victoria chuckled weakly. "Mother loves me out of duty, Aunt Grace."

Grace nodded. "It has always been that way for me too." She smiled dryly. "But I have lived. Guenevere's not loving me is not the end. It never has and it never will be."

Victoria turned and rushed to Grace; she started weeping uncontrollably in Grace's lap. Grace patted and smoothed Victoria's hair. There was nothing to say.

* * *

Victoria watched the departing newlyweds from her window; her head was leaning against the glass of the window. She took a finger and pressed it on the windowpane. She could not bear to say farewell to Serena in front of all those guests. But she had said good-bye. Good-bye in her own way.

Victoria watched the animated expression on Serena's face as she entered the house and recalled the conversation they had some time ago. There were no tears on Serena's face: just a sense of satisfaction and the glow of love. Victoria smiled faintly. It was over. All the pomp and beauty... the glorious moments of childhood... they were all gone. Just faded memories.

There was a knock on the door. Victoria pressed her lips together tighter and did not answer. The door opened quietly as Serena entered, attired in her traveling suit.

"Aren't you going to say good-bye to your newly married cousin?" Serena scolded teasingly.

Victoria turned around, astonished. "Serena! What are you doing here?"

Serena laughed gaily and threw her arms around her cousin. "I could not say good-bye to my maidenhood without your being there. You were the bridesmaid."

Victoria returned the hug. "Serena..." There was a lump forming in her throat.

Serena clucked her tongue and pulled away. "You are coming down with me," she said in mock sternness. "And there will be no tears. Tears are unlucky at a wedding."

Victoria shook her head and nodded. "I know, Serena. But you mustn't do this to the other guests. They are waiting for you."

"And I am waiting for you," Serena retorted. She took her cousin's gloved hand and pulled her towards the door. "Come, Victoria. Vernon is waiting for you."

Taking a deep breath, Victoria started waving to Serena. Serena was being Serena. She waved her hands gaily, enjoying all the attention she was getting. She blew kisses at all her former beaux and all her former girlfriends. She waved both hand ecstatically, smiling brilliantly. Most of the gentlemen whistled appreciatively while the girls were smiling in genuine delight, half of it due to Serena's departure as a maiden and the other half of it due to their affection for her.

Vernon watched his fiancee, her expression fixed, her smile much too bright to be real. His gaze shifted to Theodore, whom he caught looking at Victoria. Vernon's piercing green gaze met Theodore's hazel one. Theodore smiled sardonically and turned away from the rest of the crowd. Vernon's gaze did not falter.

Victoria lowered her hand to her side and sighed. She turned to Vernon, who was still looking at the spot where Theodore had stood a few minutes ago. Slipping her arm through his, she pressed a light kiss on his cheek. Vernon turned his head, surprised.

"What has enraptured you so, Vernon?" Victoria asked softly, as they pulled away from the crowd and started walking.

Vernon shrugged. "I thought that I saw someone familiar."

Victoria laughed, feeling a bit old and wise. "Well, I suppose the ghosts were haunting us today."

"Perhaps," was the short reply.

Victoria put her head briefly on Vernon's shoulder. "We have James' wedding to attend next year."

Vernon nodded without expression. "Yes, I know."

Victoria stopped walking. They were far away from the rest of the guests and her family. She placed both of her hands on Vernon's upper arms and closed her eyes. Vernon's eyes were filled with concern.

"Are you all right?" Vernon asked, pulling Victoria slightly closer to him.

Victoria nodded, opening her eyes. "Yes, yes. I was just feeling somewhat faint." She pulled away and turned around, rubbing her arms with her hands. "Didn't you think Serena was the loveliest bride you had ever seen?" she asked, smiling into Vernon's eyes.

"And what about the bridesmaid?" Vernon asked wryly, placing his hands on Victoria's trembling shoulders.

Victoria turned her head, showing off her profile. "I've never seen Serena look... so blessed. She loved being the belle. She loved all that pretending." She gave a small sob. "The stage won't be the same anymore, will it?"

Vernon nodded. "No, it won't."

"Was William there?" Victoria asked quietly. Her hands went up to meet Vernon's at her shoulders.

Vernon nodded, squeezing Victoria's hands. "He was on the fringes. He really did love her, you know."

"I know," Victoria whispered. "Some part of Serena still loves him, Vernon. Some part of her will never forget him." She turned to Vernon, meeting his eyes. "Vernon, you must know that if I marry you, you will have all of me. No part will belong to anyone... to anyone, except you. You do understand, don't you? You do believe me?" she asked earnestly, desperately.

Vernon squeezed Victoria's hands once more and pressed a light kiss on her forehead. Victoria closed her eyes and leaned against him. You do know, she thought gratefully. But then her heart stopped cold. But for how long will you believe me?

Grace wiped a tear away with her handkerchief as she entered the house with Guenevere. She had seen George do the honors by giving her only daughter away. She laughed mirthlessly to herself. It was going to be so difficult without her girl. Peter's girl.

"You really mustn't cry like that," Guenevere said briskly. "Time has come for Serena to get married anyway, Grace."

Grace smiled. "I wish I were more like you, Guenevere. But I am not." She glanced at the roads. "I will miss my daughter. She was mine to cherish for the last seventeen years."

Guenevere smiled coolly, seating herself down in a chair. "Yes."

"When do you want to start planning Victoria's trousseau?" Grace asked, pouring herself and her sister a soothing cup of tea. She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

Guenevere accepted the cup of tea from Grace and raised an eyebrow in inquiry. "Victoria's? I suppose when the time comes, I will start," she said sensibly.

Grace sighed. "Guenevere..."

Guenevere leaned back in her chair and took a sip of tea. "We even haven't announced her engagement yet, Grace. What do you expect from me?" she demanded.

Grace pressed her lips tightly together. "A little more motherly concern, Guenevere. A little more love that has nothing to do with duty," she answered in a tight voice.

Guenevere looked up, astonished by her younger sister's answer. "Grace! I have shown Victoria every bit of motherly concern that is required of me -- "

"Do you hear yourself, Guenevere?" Grace asked sharply, losing her patience. "'I have shown Victoria every bit of motherly concern that is required of me?' What kind of notion do you have in your head, Guenevere?"

Guenevere stiffened. "No notion at all, Grace. You know that I am not emotional..."

"When Amanda married Teddy, you were extremely emotional," Grace interrupted tiredly. "When Ken will marry Persis, you will be emotional. But at Victoria's wedding, not a tear will drop from your eyes. You will smile ever so faintly in a mocking fashion and nod your head in the proper way."

Grace rose from her chair, taking slow steps with her hands folded in front of her. "You will shake hands as is required of you," she said, emphasizing the last few words in her sentence. "You will look exquisitely pretty in an elegant blue waist, topped off by an tastefully designed blue hat. Tell me, Guenevere, am I wrong?"

Guenevere's cheeks had turned a dull red. "Grace, you are being hysterical," she stated angrily. "My relationship with Victoria has been difficult, no doubt, Grace, but that does not mean I neglect her."

"But there is no real joy when you do things for her, is there?" Grace demanded in disbelief. "It is only duty. That is why you love her. That is why you love me," she said slowly, her eyes unflinching as she met Guenevere's.

Guenevere's eyes widened, her nostrils pinched. "I love you as much as I always have, Grace. Where do you get such notions... ideas that -- "

"Guenevere, there is no need to deceive either of us," Grace interrupted quietly. She walked towards the door, placing her hand on her doorknob. She laughed softly. "I am not ten anymore. You were always pretended so well, Guenevere. The great actress. Now I do not wonder where Amanda inherited her qualities."

"Grace!" Guenevere exclaimed, furious. "You are being an ungrateful -- "

"I was the cause of mother's death in your eyes," Grace continued, ignoring Guenevere's tirade. She turned the doorknob. "Perhaps I was, Guenevere. Perhaps I was. But what can you do about it now? Nothing."

* * *

Victoria slowly opened the letter she had received from Serena and sighed. It was a breezy, carelessly written letter, like all of Serena's letters. Victoria smiled to herself as she walked along the path to her home. She looked at the letter briefly before putting it away, slipping it between the covers of her book.

Sarah rose from her seat on the steps and rushed towards Victoria. She eagerly grasped one of Victoria's hands and kissed her on the cheek.

"Both of us have been so busy," Sarah said apologetically. "I wish we had more time to do things together."

Victoria smiled absently. "I received a letter from Serena today."

"How is she?" Sarah asked politely. There was never any love lost between them.

Victoria sighed, shaking her head. "Her letters are so carelessly written, but I do believe she is happy. They exude joy and confidence." She smiled dryly. "Not that Serena ever had low self-esteem."

Sarah laughed cheerfully, but there was an expression of concern on her face. "Oh, Victoria, do you miss her that much?" she asked softly.

Victoria bit her lower lip and nodded miserably. "Sarah, I did not think I would miss Serena like this. But every morning I wake up to find my bed empty. She is not there anymore. There is no one to make me laugh in the mornings or to spar with."

"You haven't been yourself since her marriage," Sarah remarked gently.

"Everyone has been nice enough to mention that," Victoria said acidly. "However, I cannot help it if I realized now how much I loved Serena." She unconsciously held her book tighter. "I do love her very much."

Sarah's face rose, her eyes studying Victoria's profile. Immediately, she averted her eyes as if she had discerned something she had not wanted to see. After a few minutes of silence, she linked her arm with Victoria's and asked cheerfully, "Shall we go? I do want to see Brian."

Theodore pressed his lips lightly against Sarah's cheek but did not dare to do so to Victoria. Instead, he just smiled and shook her hand warmly.

"You are well?" Theodore asked with a tender light in his eyes. He had not released her hand yet.

Victoria nodded, not noticing Theodore's overly friendly overtures. However, Sarah did not miss this. "I am fine, thank you, Teddy," she answered, smiling. "Is Brian taking his nap?"

Theodore nodded, as he motioned for Sarah and Victoria to seat themselves. "Yes. Nana had an awful time putting him to sleep. He was waiting for his 'aunta'."

Sarah glanced sharply at Victoria, who chuckled. "I had a late class today, Teddy. Please tell Brian to forgive me."

Nana entered the library and smiled pleasantly. "Lady Victoria, Miss Sarah Simmons, I am pleased to see here." She turned to Victoria. "Brian was waiting eagerly for you."

"Thank you," Victoria said in genuine warmth. "But unfortunately, I was late today."

Nana chuckled. "He has such a temper. I cannot imagine from whom he inherited it. I know of no one in his family with such a temper."

Victoria flushed lightly, while Theodore's face was impassive. Tension filled the room for everyone, except Nana, who continued to chatter brightly.

Both Sarah and Victoria bid their farewells to Theodore before leaving for their respective homes. As they walked along the road, where they saw an occasional automobile pass by them, Sarah shook her head. She did not understand the sudden reactions of both Theodore and Victoria when Nana mentioned Brian's temper until now.

"It was Amanda, wasn't it?" Sarah asked softly.

Victoria looked at Sarah blankly, pulling her cardigan around her more tightly. She nodded. "Yes, Brian has Amanda's temper."

Sarah shook her head, slipping her hand through Victoria's. "I do not understand why you had reacted so. Surely there is no reason to, is there?"

"Of course not," Victoria agreed. "But Amanda's having passed away and all..." she paused, "it does not make it easy to talk about her."

"No, I suppose it doesn't," Sarah murmured quietly. She glanced around them. "Have you been near the Charles River of late?" she asked deliberately, changing the subject.

Victoria looked up, startled by such a question. "Well, no, not of late. In fact, I do believe I haven't been up there since a year ago."

Sarah stopped walking and sighed. "No, I haven't been up there either, not since I became engaged to Gerard."

Victoria laughed softly, pulling her hand away from Sarah's. She set her back to face Sarah. "We're leaving our childhood, Sarah. Forever."

Sarah lowered her eyes, her smile have a reminiscent flavor to it. "Yes, I suppose we are," she agreed. "But it is inevitable. I do not have any regrets, Victoria. I am engaged to Gerard, and you are engaged to Vernon. There is no reason for regret, is there?"

Victoria did not look at Sarah, her lips parted as if she wanted to say something. Sarah waited expectedly with her large blue eyes gazing out at Victoria. Her hands were folded in front of her. Victoria wrapped her arms and placed her hands loosely on her upper arms. She spun her head slowly, rubbing her lips together. "No, no, I have no regrets," she answered finally, but with a doubtful tone.

Vernon walked into his home, handing his things to Wilson. Wilson accepted them and bowed. "Her ladyship is in the sitting room. She requests your presence, sir."

Vernon raised an eyebrow. "Does she? Did she tell you why?"

Wilson shook his head gravely. "No, sir, but she said it is of great importance. I believe you should go see her immediately before you retire to your room, sir."

Vernon nodded. "All right, Wilson. Thank you."

Wilson smiled faintly and bowed again before leaving the hallway. Vernon pushed one hand through his neatly combed blond hair before venturing to open the door of the sitting room. He entered, smiling faintly. He walked over to Adelaide and placed a light kiss on her cheek. Adelaide smiled, as if her lips had been starched and pressed.

"Well, Vernon, I have not seen you of late," Adelaide declared staunchly, tapping the chair next to her. Vernon obediently sat down, not allowing his back to touch the chair.

"How are you, Aunt Adelaide?" Vernon inquired politely. "You have not been up and around of late."

Adelaide took a sniff of her smelling salts before speaking. Her eyelids were half-closed. "Yes, you know that I have a weak constitution, Vernon. I do not believe you need any other answer."

"Of course not," Vernon answered, deciding to humor his aunt.

Adelaide cleared her throat, opening her eyes wide. "This is silly. I have not asked for you because I wanted a social call. I could get that from many of these dim-witted debutantes and their mothers who think that you and my son are still eligible bachelors." She snorted. "Well, William is, but you aren't."

Vernon smiled, amused. "No, I am not, Aunt Adelaide. You know that quite well."

Adelaide played with her handkerchief. "That is precisely why I called you. These dim-witted debutantes have been kind enough to tell me such horrifying news. Is it true that your fiancee has a tendre for her late sister's widower?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing to slits.

Vernon, who up until now, had not really paid attention, suddenly looked up, somewhat perturbed by such a question. "Aunt Adelaide," Vernon said, enunciating each word distinctly. "Who on earth said that?"

Adelaide smiled slyly, pleased by Vernon's reaction. Maybe the gossip is not unfounded after all, she decided. Aloud, she replied airily, "Well, dear, you should really tell Victoria that she ought to be careful with whom she keeps company. We wouldn't want her character to be tainted."

Vernon stood up, fairly angry now. "Aunt Adelaide, Victoria needs none of your pitifully malicious advice," he informed coldly. "She does not need to listen or to obey society. No matter what she does, her character would not be tainted in the eyes of those who love her dearly."

Adelaide steepled her fingers, smiling furtively, and raising an eyebrow. "And do you love her also, Vernon? I thought you didn't."

Vernon's eyes met Adelaide, his green gaze icy. "No, Aunt Adelaide, I do not love Victoria. But she is my fiancee, and I will allow no one to taint her name in my presence. Is that understood?" he asked forcefully.

Adelaide was surprised by the strength of Vernon's temper. He rarely has one, she thought sourly. It only goes off once or twice a year. Not willing to face his wrath any longer, she hastily said, "Of course, Vernon. I am sorry if I offended Victoria. I was just repeating what society has been saying. Do forgive me, darling," she said soothingly.

Vernon glared at his aunt and stormed out of the sitting room. Adelaide turned to her cards, which were placed out before her in five rows. She thoughtfully tapped her long fingernail on one before turning it over, frowning.

* * *

Victoria brushed away strands of hair that were flying all over her face due to the strong autumn winds. Feels more like winter, she thought with resignation. She tried to balance the books she had in her arms, but found she could not. The books dropped to the ground.

Victoria let out a sound of strangled laughter, kneeling down to pick up her books. At the same time she had knelt down to gather her books, a person bent down to help her. Victoria looked up, surprised to see Theodore before her.

"You said you wouldn't be back for a week," Victoria blurted without thinking. Her mind was no longer on picking up her books.

Theodore collected Victoria's books and handed them to her. Victoria accepted them blindly, nodding absently. He rose with Victoria, smiling. "Matters were settled much faster than I thought they would. I overestimated, I suppose."

Victoria sighed as the wind whipped her hair again. She pushed her hair away impatiently. "Yes, you overestimated," she agreed. "But I have not been to your home for ages." She laughed apologetically. "I've just returned to school again."

Theodore nodded understandingly, as he started to walk in step with her. "You have your studies to attend to, and nothing must take preference over that."

Victoria smiled, pleased that Theodore could comprehend her situation so well. "Yes. I was just going to visit Brian." She hesitated. "Do you mind my coming? You might want to spend some time with your son."

Theodore shook his head, pushing Victoria gently. "No, Victoria. I want you to see Brian. He is your nephew. He deserves to know his aunt well."

Victoria laughed in genuine amusement. "Theodore, do you want something from me? There is no need for you to be so nice to me."

Theodore shrugged, looking perfectly bland and blasé. "I want nothing from you, Victoria, but your charming company," he replied in a stuffy manner, bowing down halfway and holding out his hand.

Victoria turned her face away, trying to hide her smile. But when she returned her gaze to him, she could not help but to start laughing. Theodore's eyes crinkled in a smile as he returned to a straighter pose. Victoria held her hand over her mouth.

Vernon entered the Creston home, handing his hat and his overcoat to Stern. Stern bowed politely, draping Vernon's coat neatly over his right arm. He held out his free arm, gesturing to Vernon where his mistress, Mrs. Grace Watson, was. Vernon smiled politely and walked towards the library, knocking on the door lightly.

Grace got up from her chair and smiled, dropping her embroidery on the chair next to her. She held out her hands to Vernon. Vernon smiled engagingly at Grace and grasped her hands, kissing her on both cheeks.

"Hello, Mrs. Watson," Vernon greeted brightly. "How are you today?"

Grace motioned for Vernon to sit down and sighed. "I miss my daughter, but I am fine otherwise. I still have Victoria, although you might take her away too in a few years," she chided teasingly.

Vernon's smile was strained. "Victoria. I was waiting for Victoria in the gardens. She had promised to meet me there."

Grace frowned, her hands placed neatly on her lap. "If Victoria promised to meet you there, she should have been there. However," she continued, her brow clearing. "she could be at Teddy's home, taking care of Brian. She told me she would do that today after school."

Vernon stood up and walked towards the fireplace, placing one hand in his pocket. He stared at the fire Grace had ordered Stern to make. Grace watched Vernon, uneasy. The library was silent.

"Victoria has always been fond of Brian since he was born," Grace remarked, feeling queer. "She and Teddy have become very good friends of late." She gave a little laugh, trying to sound amiable.

"And what of the gossip in this town?" Vernon asked quietly, in a serious but bland tone.

Grace lowered her eyelids for a moment before looking up. "Since when have you believed what the old dowagers say, Vernon?" she asked softly. "Are you starting to have doubts about Victoria's fidelity?"

Vernon turned to look at Grace, tilting his head. He leaned against the fireplace, his arms crossed across his chest. "If I am?" he challenged, his voice having a slight edge. "I do not appreciate having a fiancee whose name I have to protect wherever I go. Do you think I like having these sympathetic looks being thrown at me, Mrs. Watson?" He laughed caustically. "I am not going to be duped twice. Especially not by Amanda's younger sister. Once is enough."

Grace sighed. "Vernon, what do I have to tell you? That Victoria loves you? That nothing would ever tear her away from you? Nothing at all?"

Vernon looked at Grace sharply. "Victoria does not love me, Mrs. Watson," he stated flatly.

Grace laughed softly, shaking her head. "And how would you know, Vernon? Has she ever told you that?"

Vernon pressed his lips tightly together, staring straight ahead. Grace nodded. "I see she has told you that. Well, it is not true. Now I have a different question to ask you. Do you love Victoria?"

Vernon stared at Grace incredulously. "Mrs. Watson, do you think I would risk my heart again?" he asked ruthlessly. "Especially by Amanda's sister?"

Grace ignored the retort and started to pace the floor. "The fact that you proposed to Victoria tells me that you have never loved Amanda, if you have not already forgotten her." She faced Vernon, smiling without any emotion. "I have always wanted to ask you so many things, Vernon. I know that your pride took a blow when Amanda married Teddy. I don't blame you; you were a young man with so much to look forward to in the future. I think you probably realized that long ago, though." Her voice grew more vibrant and stronger. "But Victoria is not Amanda, Vernon. Victoria is a young lady who has more compassion and honesty in her than any other young lady I have ever known, including my daughter."

Grace tilted her head, pausing to give Vernon a chance to reply to her questions. He said nothing. "So tell me, Vernon, if you did not wish to risk your heart again, and you do not love Victoria, then why did you propose to her? After all, she is Amanda's younger sister."

"I have never thought Victoria to be the same as her sister," Vernon answered stiffly, contradicting himself. "She seemed suitable."

"Such a dispassionate statement," Grace commented, her lips curving slightly. "But there are other young ladies much more suitable to be your wife, especially in your aunt's view."

"I have never cared for what my aunt has thought," Vernon replied, easing the taut stance of his shoulders.

"No, you don't," Grace agreed. "So tell me, why did you propose to Victoria?"

The shuffle of feet was echoing through the room. The silence was becoming unbearable as Grace serenely stared at Vernon, waiting for an answer. Vernon turned, ready to give a defensive answer, when the doors flew open. Victoria smiled in genuine delight, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her hair in disarray. She ran to Vernon and threw her arms around his neck.

"Oh, Vernon, I thought you had left," Victoria said quietly. "But when Stern told me you were in the library with Aunt Grace, you cannot have known how thrilled I was." She pulled back slightly and pressed a kiss on his cheek. She had her hands firmly anchored onto his arms. "Can you imagine, dearest?"

Vernon forced a bright smile of his own, pressing a kiss on Victoria's cheek. He shook his head. "No, Victoria, but I am glad you are here," he finally answered, returning Victoria's warm embrace.

"I know you are going to scold me for being late," Victoria said hastily and breathlessly. "But please don't do that. Brian was being terrible about my leaving. He started crying and throwing a tantrum, and nothing could assuage him, Vernon. Of course, poor Teddy made some joke about my having to marry him in order for Brian to be perfectly happy." She gave a genuinely innocent laugh. "Isn't that idea perfectly ridiculous?"

Grace frowned slightly, but quickly forced a smile. "Of course, it's a perfectly ridiculous idea, Victoria. But dear, have you decided not to notice that your aunt is in the room and embrace Vernon in the most scandalous fashion?" she chastened teasingly.

Victoria turned pink. "Oh, I'm sorry, Aunt Grace. I did not mean to be rude --"

Grace interrupted Victoria by clucking her tongue. "Nonsense, I was teasing, darling. I will leave you two alone so that you may talk." She walked towards the door and closed it behind her.

Victoria turned to Vernon expectantly. "You do believe me?" she asked anxiously.

Vernon forced a tired smile, not wishing to analyze Victoria's expression or her eyes; he might find something he did not want to see. "Yes, Victoria, I do." He lifted his hands and placed them gently on her cheeks. "But that does not excuse the fact that you are late."

Victoria stared up into Vernon's green eyes. "Are you angry and tired, Vernon?" she asked with concern, leading him towards the couch.

Vernon stared at Victoria in wonder. How can she read me so well? he asked himself. Am I that transparent?

Victoria smiled faintly. "Am I invading your privacy, Vernon?" she asked sensitively. "I am sorry if my question disturbed you." She lowered her face and pulled her hands away. "I am sure you value your privacy as much as I value mine."

Vernon glanced at Victoria and shook his head. "No, no, you are not invading my privacy, Victoria. After all, we are engaged."

Victoria, however, was not going to be easily soothed. "Your soul is separate from mine," she said, looking at Vernon with vacant eyes. "I tell you almost everything, but you tell me almost nothing. I never try to will my soul separate from yours, but you do," she said simply.

Vernon took Victoria's hands, rubbing them unconsciously with his thumbs. "What utter absurdity!" he exclaimed in feigned tones of anxiety. "You know that I do not want -- "

Victoria pulled away from Vernon, rising from the chair. She held her back to Vernon. She looked at him over her shoulder. "It is getting late," she interrupted. "I do not wish to prolong this conversation, Vernon. That would be useless. I can see you are not willing to forgive me, and I am sorry for that." Smiling faintly, she added, "I know you rather well now, Vernon, although you might think otherwise." She nodded to him. Vernon had no choice but to leave. Bowing stiffly, Vernon shut the door with a slight slam behind him. Victoria closed her eyes and collapsed on the floor.

Grace watched the flames of the fire bathe Victoria's pale face. She closed the door of the library quietly behind her, watching the play of emotions on her niece's face. Grace leaned against the door, silently waiting for Victoria to come out of her spell.

"Did he leave?" Grace asked gently.

Victoria looked up, startled. She jumped up from her seat besides the fireplace and nodded. "Yes, he has left," she said quietly.

"He stayed here for such a short time," Grace remarked, seating herself in her chair.

"Yes, well, we both had other things to do, and... I did not feel it wise to prolong our conversation," Victoria answered with a small smile.

Grace crossed her ankles, patiently waiting for a more detailed answer. It never came. "Vernon seemed quite ruffled tonight," she mentioned casually.

Victoria glanced at Grace, wondering how much she knew. "Yes. But being Vernon, he did not say very much," she answered vaguely.

"Were you really supposed to meet him here?" Grace asked, taking out her sewing basket. It was going to be much more productive if she did some mending than to sit and to chat with idle hands.

Victoria crossed her arms across her chest. "Yes, I was. Unfortunately, Brian held me up."

"Are you seeing Brian again tomorrow?" Grace asked kindly.

Victoria blinked her eyes. "Perhaps. I really haven't decided yet." She looked up at her aunt and forced a smile.

"And Vernon?" Grace asked pointedly.

"Vernon can take care of himself, Aunt Grace," Victoria said quietly. "There is no need for me to say anything else." She turned around, forcing a smile. "I do believe that I will retire now. I have my studies to attend to and... I do not feel ... so well after all." She leaned over to press a kiss on Grace's cheek. "Good-night, Aunt Grace."

"Good-night, darling," Grace said lovingly. She watched her niece's retreating figure, her eyes narrowing.

Guenevere and Gilbert watched Grace enter the breakfast room and sit herself down. Grace cheerfully requested two slices of toast with strawberry jam and a cup of tea with milk. She turned to her guests and smiled.

"How was your evening?" Grace asked politely. She took a bite of her toast.

"We had a visitor last night, didn't we?" Gilbert asked with a forced nonchalance.

Grace merely glanced up, smiling faintly. "Yes, we did. In fact, Vernon was here last night. He was here to see Victoria."

Gilbert dropped his knife and rubbed his hands together in glee. "Good, good. Were you with them when they talked?" he asked eagerly.

Guenevere calmly snapped her bread into two. "Grace rarely chaperoned Serena, let alone Victoria, Gilbert," she reminded blandly.

Grace tilted her head. "Yes, Guenevere is right there, Gilbert. It was a very brief visit. I do believe they had a lovers' spat, Gilbert. But nothing serious."

Gilbert frowned. "What would they have an argument about? Victoria worships him."

Grace hesitated before answering. She lifted her knife and started to spread the strawberry jam on her toast slowly. "You are aware that Teddy lives near not more than three miles away?"

Gilbert nodded slowly. "Yes, but what does that have to do with Vernon and Victoria?"

Not wishing to anger Gilbert, Grace tried to choose her words prudently. "Of late, Teddy has often asked Victoria to watch Brian. Victoria, of course, has agreed because she loves Brian dearly, and she and Teddy have become good friends."

Gilbert lifted his head slowly, an annoyed light entering his sharp blue eyes. "What plans does Teddy have in mind?" he growled.

"I am sure there is nothing serious brewing between them," Grace said hastily, perhaps a bit too hastily. "At least not on Victoria's side. It is obvious to anyone with eyes that she is very devoted to Vernon." She lifted her tea and took a slow sip of it. "However, Gilbert, Teddy is still a young man, and I suspect he has more than friendship in mind."

"He will not marry my only daughter. I will not permit that," Gilbert thundered. "He will have to -- "

"What are you losing your temper about?" Guenevere asked, undisturbed. "Teddy has not proposed to her, and I doubt he ever will," she remarked with a touch of coldness. "He has enough sense to know that Victoria is very different from his late wife and our late daughter."

Gilbert glanced at his wife, narrowing his eyes. "Still, it will not hurt to be wary, Guenevere. I think Teddy is nice young man, but I do think once is enough -- "

Guenevere pushed her chair back, scratching the floor. She turned to Grace, ignoring her husband. "Is George awake yet?" she asked, ignoring her husband.

Grace's eyes widened; she was taken aback. "Yes... I suppose so. You could try his room, Guenevere."

Guenevere nodded coolly and tilted her head condescendingly towards her husband before smoothing her skirts and leaving the breakfast room. Grace and Gilbert exchanged uneasy looks.

Guenevere entered the sitting room, happily humming a tune to herself. She entered without even looking around, assuming she was alone. However, she gasped sharply when she saw a figure standing at the window, her hand quickly placed over her heart.

It was a terrifying moment when Guenevere's eyes met that of the slender person in the room. For an instant, she felt herself looking into the eyes of a ghost, her mother-in-law. The mother-in-law that had always understood her and had always been kind to her. But she, Guenevere, had betrayed her mother-in-law in spirit, if not in body. The time had come.

"Well, mother, I did not expect to meet you here," Victoria remarked sardonically, looking confident and defiant. "And I assume you thought that the sitting room was free."

Guenevere was startled out of her daze by Victoria's soft, echoing voice. "Yes, yes," she said with some uncertainty.

"I overheard your most enlightening conversation," Victoria remarked, crossing her arms across her chest. "Forgive me for being rude, but since I was the topic of discussion, I could not help but listen." She laughed a little, walking a bit towards something... but Guenevere was not sure what.

Victoria stopped walking and turned, facing her mother. She laughed lightly but without emotion. "I was just going to ask your forgiveness, but I suppose that would be foolish of me. You never forgave me for anything. Why should you forgive me now?" she asked, tapping one foot lightly against the polished floor.

Guenevere averted her eyes to the fireplace. "Is there something you wish to speak to me about, Victoria? If there is, do not keep your peace."

Victoria tilted her head, pouting her lips a bit in thought. "Do you honestly think, mother, that I yearn for your love? That I am in fear of you and that I would anything to try to earn your love?" she asked coldly, all the lightness gone from her voice. "In some ways, mother, I should be grateful. You have taught me many a hard lesson about love." She bowed slightly, extending one arm. "Thank you, mother."

Guenevere raised her head, watching her daughter make the dramatic gesture. "Victoria, I understand your bitterness towards me. I do not blame you -- "

"Have you not been hearing what I have just said?" Victoria demanded harshly. "Do you hear what you only want to hear, mother? I remember saying that I do not care a fig what you think."

"Victoria -- " Guenevere tried to interrupt Victoria's tirade.

"Perhaps we should air all our... no, that would be stupidity to do what most ordinary mothers and daughters do," Victoria remarked more to herself than to her mother. "Because we aren't the ordinary mother and daughter, are we, mother?"

Guenevere turned her head away, taking deep breaths. "Don't worry, mother, I assure you Teddy has no interest in me whatsoever as a prospective bride," Victoria remarked airily, returning to her previous nonchalant tone of voice. "You are right, mother. Teddy would a fool to ask me, Victoria, to marry him. Because as you know well, mother, my heart is taken already." Victoria smiled resentfully at her mother. "But unfortunately his was taken to the grave.