The Shoemaker Read online

  “I promise,” Aggie said solemnly.

  “Follow me to my room,” Catherine commanded.

  Aggie did so with a great sigh of relief. Catherine indicated a seat before the fireplace and they both sat down. Servants had already started a warm fire and the coverlet had been turned down on the bed. A bed warming pan warmed the sheets. As the great house could be drafty, the efforts made for comfort were not lost on either of the ladies.

  “’Tis a great deal that looks to be troubling you,” Catherine observed from the Corinthian sofa when they were settled. “Why don’t you tell me whatever seems to be the matter.”

  Lady Agnes drew in a deep breath and kicked off her mules. She eyed Miss Lyndon with a distrustful look but her desperation won out. “My parents have forced me into an engagement with a man I do not wish to marry.”

  “Why do you not wish to marry him?” Catherine opted for a direct approach rather than a sympathetic one. Sympathy for the girl who had been hostile towards her for two days was not yet a natural part of her thought process at this point. She stifled a yawn, weary from the long day of events.

  “I wish to choose my own husband,” Aggie stated flatly, “and they do not understand how important that is to me. We live in a much more modern era now. Many ladies of today make their own choices in regard to matters of the heart.”

  “That is true for the most part, other than a few of the upper aristocracy.” Catherine made an attempt to be agreeable as she slid off her evening gloves and laid them on the sofa. “Have you met the person with whom they wish you to marry?”

  “A few times,” Aggie said. “I’ve seen him about at society events, but only a few times with our parents present where we were forced to be together. A few dinners and one tea…”

  “Was he handsome? Did you find anything about him that you like?”

  “I suppose he was handsome enough. I don’t know yet if I like anything else about him. He is an Earl. I do not like his mother and she rules the roost. We would be expected to live in Bath with his parents, and I simply cannot abide with such arrangements.”

  “Of course not, but haven’t you discussed this matter with the Earl, your intended?”

  “No, but Mama says I must not insist upon changes until after we are wed. Then too, there is the matter of his friends.”

  “His friends…?” Catherine inquired.

  Peeling off her evening gloves one finger at a time, Aggie continued. “I do not like his friends. In truth, Catherine… Miss Lyndon, I think I find them detestable, and a few, potentially disreputable. He is always surrounded by ladies who barely speak to me and gentlemen who play too many card games. He attends far too many extravagant parties and high society events with his set. I find it intolerable.”

  “Call me Winnie,” she managed, sliding her shoes off.

  “Winnie,” Aggie repeated, some of the tension in her voice decreasing.

  Winnie remarked, “It sounds very much to me like you desire to live a peaceful, loving, and honorable God-fearing life—when, and if you choose to marry.”

  “Well, I hadn’t thought much on it, but now that you put it into words, yes. I do want those things if I marry. What should I do?” Lady Agnes toyed with the gloves in her hands nervously. “I cannot possibly marry this man feeling the way I do.”

  “Certainly not, if things continue to stand where they are at present… You have spoken to your parents about these matters, obviously?”

  “… And you see how far that has gotten me. My concerns fall on deaf ears. They presume I can manage to change all of these things after the marriage. I have my doubts.”

  “I think you are justified feeling the way you do about the marriage to the Earl, but I do think you should discuss these issues with your betrothed directly and insist upon certain changes. If he does not agree to comply, then I would consider it grounds for breaking the engagement.”

  “What of Mama? She can have deaf ears, a sharp tongue, and furthermore, she and my father can take actions which imprison and force me into a situation that they do not fully understand… which is why I fled Bath to Hillbrook Hall.”

  “Did your mother know that you fled to Hillbrook Hall?”

  “Not until some days after my arrival,” Aggie explained. “I wrote to her and now she has followed me here, intending to drag me away.”

  “The Earl may soon follow,” Winnie added, “since you’ve been missing for so long. They will all likely have been in severe distress.”

  “I hadn’t considered that, but I suppose it is possible, if he has even noticed my absence since we are recently acquainted.”

  “Why did you choose to come to Hillbrook Hall?”

  “When my friends wrote and told me they were coming to comfort Kingston, Lady Anne-Marie, and Lady Amiée-Jo, I wanted to be here. Mama insisted that I not attend though all of my friends were coming. It infuriated me. I have always enjoyed my time here as a young girl. We’ve attended the Annual Christmas Ball here several times in years past. It has been a favorite place for me for most of my life once we aren’t in London or Bath. I wasn’t thinking all that clearly. I just wanted to get away from my parents and the Earl.”

  “Well, it seems you have accomplished that, but now your mother has followed you here. She has probably been beside herself with worry about your whereabouts until she received your letter.” Winnie sighed. “The Earl might have grounds for concern if your parents can’t give him satisfactory explanation of where you are. He could raise issues that could complicate your engagement before you have a chance to discuss matters that are important to you. You could also drag Kingston into a scandal.”

  “I like Kingston, very much. That is certainly not my intention!” Aggie declared.

  “The worst part about this is that if the Earl rejects you at this point, it could absolutely destroy your chances of obtaining a good marriage. There are so many guests present that I fear it impossible to keep your name from scandal if you fail to work things out with your intended.”

  “I hadn’t quite considered that before…” Aggie turned a very pale shade of white as the color drained from her face. “I suppose the Earl could be angry enough to destroy me. And surely he will follow Mama’s arrival…”

  “I realize you meant no harm to Kingston, but if the Earl were to ask any questions of those who are at Hillbrook Hall… they have witnessed a behavior that sends a message of confusion as to your allegiance to the Earl. How many dances did you dance with Sir Bouverie this evening?”

  “Just two, perhaps three… but I suppose three is enough to cause my fiancé concern.”

  “If you truly care about Kingston, your reputation, and that of your parents, I think you should give the Earl the benefit of the doubt and try to spend time with him. You could insist upon the purchase of a London residence far away from his friends in Bath, but a wife doesn’t need to insist that he give up his friends, necessarily. If you are troubled by them, you may want to consider introducing him to the proper sort of friends. You could insist upon the eventual acquisition of your own second home in Bath and introduce him to more of your own circle of friends so that the relationship is more balanced. You could fill his life with wonderful pursuits so that time with his friends is limited. I would however insist that he give up any questionable gambling habits. If you spend time with him, I think he will naturally desire to do the right thing. You are young and beautiful. Surely he has noticed your sudden absence. Standing up to your future mother-in-law, and ultimately your parents, is also something you will needto do to establish respect.”

  “Yes, you are right,” Lady Agnes nodded, a tear streaming down her cheek. “I’ve been too close to the situation to know what to do. A change of residence could repair most of these problems, if the Earl is truly willing to settle down and begin a marriage and family. If he is agreeable, I suppose it is possible that we could find happiness together. If he isn’t, I shall insist that the engagement is broken off.”


  “’Tis really as simple as that… but it starts with your parents understanding more of the truth about the Earl’s situation. You must make your mother understand that under no circumstances will there be a marriage if your mutual happiness is not considered.”

  Lady Agnes slid her shoes back on and stood to her feet, yawning. “Thank you for helping me sort through this. I have taken up enough of your time and it is late. Thank you for warning me of her arrival and helping to sort this out. I will speak with her in the morning.”

  “Be strong and courageous,” Winnie said as she walked Aggie to the door. Teasingly, with a smile, she added, “Just give your mother, father, and the Earl, if necessary… those firm and difficult looks of friendship and admiration which you have bestowed upon me. In no time at all they will see your perspective.”

  Aggie laughed. “I’m sorry… I think I have had it in my mind that Kingston would find me attractive and rescue me from Grenley with an offer of marriage. There was a time when I thought the Duke would see me for more than the friend of his younger sisters, and there was a brief moment when I think he may have begun to feel that way. I see now that Kingston has made his choice in you. After seeing the two of you together this evening, both as musicians and dancing, I think you are very well suited. I have also thoughtlessly put the very kind and gracious Sir Bouverie in danger of scandal.”

  “Grenley…?”

  “Grenley is the Earl of Milton, my betrothed. I have not thought my actions through at all. I haven’t been engaged for very long… less than a month. I have barely considered it an engagement in my heart. I’ve been against it from the start, unless I can find a way to resolve these issues.”

  “I’m sure you can resolve anything if you sit down and talk to your betrothed. I’m glad to have been helpful to you in sorting some of this out. I hope we can become good friends in the future. I hope that those who are close to you will listen to your needs and desires. It will all become clear when you speak to Grenley frankly and with firmness as to your concerns and solutions. You may have to come to a sort of compromise with him on your living arrangements and even his friends.”

  “Yes, I see that now. I’m sure you are right. I ran away instead of confronting. Now, it is time to confront… after I have had some rest. Good night, Winnie.”

  “Good night, Aggie. It’s been such a long day. I am afraid I can barely keep my eyes open. I will keep you in my prayers that all goes well as you confront these matters.”

  It occurred to Winnie as she yawned and burrowed under the blankets that perceptions could be so deceiving. Lady Agnes had behaved contemptuously, delivering calculated looks and coolness that had served hostility on a silver platter. Yet in truth, for the hard exterior she hid behind, Aggie struggled beneath the control of family members who did not allow her to stand up for herself. They would not listen to her deepest concerns for her future happiness on the occasion of the greatest event of her life. She was also bent beneath the weight of torment by an entire social set of friends belonging to her future husband.

  As for Aggie’s relationship and feelings toward Kingston, all was questionable. As she considered the matter, she decided she could hope Lady Agnes Burke was telling the truth in every regard. She had the distinct feeling that Aggie had left a great deal out, but it mattered little to her. Kingston had danced with her all night. He had made no attempt to hide his feelings or attraction for her, so she surmised that she had little to worry about where Aggie was concerned, if she even could permit herself to consider the Duke. It was getting harder and harder to remember reasons why she should not.

  She must find Kingston in the morning and inform him of potential scandal concerning the Earl of Milton. Kingston would know what to do once she apprised him of the situation. She must also find a moment to write to her parents, and perhaps at least one letter addressed to all three of her dear sisters: Caroline, Careen, and Corabelle. Perhaps a short note should also be penned to Brent and Tillie. One thing her conversation with Lady Agnes had taught her… she greatly valued the communication and respect within the framework of her own family. She drifted into a deep sleep, remembering the thankful shock she had experienced when Kingston had cut in and danced with her for the remainder of the evening. Tongues had wagged behind their lace fans, but somehow it made little difference to her.

  “How are you settling in, Miss Lyndon?” Lady Amiée-Josephine inquired from her perch on a chair in the Morning Room the next morning at about eleven o’clock. “You must be enjoying a room of your own as most of our guests are doubled up.” Everyone had slept in until nine or ten. Trays of hot chocolať and croissants had been delivered to their rooms no earlier than nine because of the late party that had kept the household up late. Maids had scurried about hauling bath water, dressing the maidens, and styling their hair. Most of the ladies had slowly gathered in the second floor Morning Room at the top of the staircase to discuss the events of the coming day just before eleven.

  “Very well, thank you, Lady Amiée-Josephine, though I do require another trip to the shoemaker,” Winnie looked up from her letter writing to reply from the writing desk in the corner.

  “Oh you must visit the shoemaker on Abington Street, Mr. Wilmore! We all should!” Lady Anne-Marie insisted from where she stood by the fireplace, pacing back and forth about the room.

  Before Winnie could reply that she had met him, Lady Jane inquired, her Scottish accent evident, “Pray, do tell us why? You have intrigued us, I daresay.”

  “Oh, I do agree with my sister! Mr. Wilmore is not the average shoemaker,” Lady Amiée-Josephine chimed in.

  “What makes him so different from any other shoemaker?” Lady Julia asked. “You’ve seen one, you’ve seen a dozen.”

  “Yes, indeed. I do most of my shopping in London and I can assure you, one shoemaker is the same as nearly any other,” Lady Constance looked down, lifting her gown about two inches to behold her kid leather day slippers. She stared at them for a moment and dropped her gown, unimpressed.

  “Mr. Wilmore is the best shoemaker in all of Northampton. His family descends from generations which date back several hundred years. They sew an emblem of my initials inside the tongue of each of my shoes!” Lady Anne-Marie stopped pacing and stepped out of one of her shoes. She held it up for all to view the handiwork.

  “Oh how lovely… remarkable! May I have a closer look?” Lady Elizabeth asked as she stood up to inspect the shoe. “We haven’t anyone who does custom work this well in all of Derby Shire.”

  “Yes, do look!” Miss Cordelia Higgens pulled one of her shoes off and held it out for everyone to inspect. “He did the same in my shoes. As you know, I reside in Northampton. I only purchase my shoes from Mr. Wilmore. I would never consider anyone else.”

  “He sews strands of pearls like fountains springing forth on your day shoes?” Lady Frances set her needlework aside and held Cordelia’s shoe in her hands with her mouth open. “How very exquisite! We haven’t anyone who does work of this caliber in Cornwall.”

  “Oh yes, all of my shoes are from Seth Wilmore and absolutely stunning!” Miss Higgens declared.

  “’Tis true! Our shoes are a sight to behold!” Lady Margaret confirmed holding up one of her own shoes made by Mr. Wilmore’s shop. “Though I think it distresses our fathers when they review the accounts…”

  This remark set the Morning Room ablaze with more giggles until Lady Frances remarked, “I should like to distress my father and order some like these before I return to the Cornish beaches.”

  “My goodness, there are five pink gems attached to each of your day shoes Lady Margaret… and these are trimmed in an adorable fringe with a tassel on the side. How very clever! These match your day dress perfectly since you have a tassel on each of your sleeves. Such attention to detail!” Lady Myriah remarked.

  “I confess I have previously visited Mr. Wilmore’s shop, yesterday afternoon, as a matter of fact. Kingston was kind enough to inquire there after our visit t
o the Abbey so I could place an order for a repair.” Winnie laid placed her quill back in the quill holder and stood up from the writing desk to take a turn about the room near the desk. “Only, this very morning, Max must have found his way into my room. He chewed a pair of my shoes for breakfast… so I shall have another order to place.”

  Lady Mary patted Max’s fur as they all turned to laugh at him. “Did you do such a thing Maxwell? For shame!” Lady Mary smiled down at him lovingly. Her adoring tone gave the dog no indication whatsoever that he had done anything out of the ordinary at all. Max looked up at her with affection and blinked innocently. The ladies giggled.

  “You are the most sensible among us Miss Lyndon. What did you think? Did you find the shoemaker noticeably different from other shoemakers?” Lady Constance posed as she looked up from her embroidery.

  “From before I even entered I could tell this shoemaker was unusual. He has a large window on the far end where at certain times of the day one may observe the intricate trimmings being added to the shoes by his daughter. Her name is also very unusual: River Joy Wilmore. Maybe his wife and sons also do work in the window at times. It was lovely to be able to see how the shoes are finished.”

  “That does sound interesting,” Lady Constance commented as she attempted to thread a needle.

  “There is something else about him,” Miss Lyndon added. “He seems to apply a personalized approach to his customers. He made me feel as though I was a very significant customer. He seemed to offer words of wisdom that stuck with me through the rest of the entire day.”

  “Precisely!” Lady Anne-Marie exulted. “He has been known to tuck a proverbial Scripture inside our shoes on a piece of paper in times past. It always seems to happen just when I need it most, as if the Lord speaks to us through His wisdom. I’ve heard of other ladies buying shoes from him just hoping he will have a new scripture to share or words of advice.”