Mornings at Beasley Hall were like icebergs, Taylor had long ago realized. The end result was all that was visible above water, as it were, while the real action was all below stairs. University had turned him into something of a morning person, which caused plenty of confusion when one of the scullery maids realized he was awake while she was trying to stoke his fire. It amused him, in a way, to watch all the machinations come together, although he knew he wasn’t really supposed to. It was all supposed to happen as if by magic, the manor perfectly warm and breakfast laid in style when the family finally awoke, hours after the house itself had sprung to life for the day.
Taylor was often the first one in the great hall for breakfast, beating even his father and the morning post. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat by the window, his mind still replaying images of his brief trip to visit Nicholas.
He could not say when he would have a chance to see Nicholas again, but couldn’t help feeling happy at the way things had gone. They were moving quickly, perhaps, but men like them didn’t have much choice. They had to take whatever opportunities presented themselves.
A footman entered the room quickly, interrupting Taylor’s thoughts. He laid out the newspaper, perfectly ironed for ease of reading, and Taylor couldn’t resist picking it up. He didn’t think his father would mind if he read it first.
The first page was filled with news of the war, as it had been for years. Taylor could hardly remember what it was like not to hear about bloodshed and devastation as a normal part of conversation. The article described how Australian and Indian forces had experienced some success lately, pushing the Turks back as the English disrupted their supplies and communication. Taylor knew it was war, but he hardly thought it was fair to deprive even the enemy of food. He would have to ask Zac about it all later; perhaps he could explain all the military terminology that made Taylor’s eyes glaze over as he scanned the page.
“Ah,” Lord Hanson said, pausing in the doorway. “I should have known you would be awake. Anything interesting in the paper?”
“More of the usual,” Taylor replied.
His father gave a low murmur, turning away to fill a plate before taking his seat at the head of the table. He ate in his usual quick and businesslike manner, then sorted through his own mail with the same sort of precision. Taylor carefully slid the newspaper back to him, having gotten his fill of the gory details.
“There’s a note here from the Marquis of Radnor,” he remarked.
Taylor’s head snapped upward and he reached out his hand, but the letter was not forthcoming.
“He’s invited us all to the castle for the hunt. Nice to see people keeping the traditions going, even when—”
Zac’s appearance in the doorway put a quick stop to that sentence. Taylor wondered when they were all going to realize that they need not tread lightly around Zac. Out of everyone in the family, he was clearly the toughest. He might have had a short fuse, but treating him with kid gloves was hardly necessary.
Zac stared back and forth between the two of them, then wordlessly grabbed the newspaper and stuffed it under his arm. Without a word or even another glance, he filled a cup of coffee and sat down at the table.
Taylor decided it probably wasn’t the best time to ask him about the war news.
“Shall we go, then?” Walker said after a few minutes of awkward silence had passed.
“Where to?” Zac asked, his head buried in the paper.
“To Longford Castle for the hunt. It will be the first the new marquis has hosted, but it’s sure to be a hit. He seems like the sort who knows how to throw a good party.”
“I’ll say,” Zac replied, glancing at Taylor over the top of the page.
Taylor flicked his hair and glanced away. That little look didn’t dignify a response at all.
As if summoned by the news of a party, Lady Diana, Jessica and Avery all appeared at once. Zoe trailed behind a bit, her feet shuffling as she struggled to catch up with her older sisters.
“Pretty little maids, all in a row,” Walker remarked as the women made their way into the room.
“Someone is trying to butter us up, girls,” Diana remarked, and the girls tittered.
“Not at all,” he replied. “But if it puts me in any position to make demands, then I may ask that you don’t spend all of my money on new outfits for the hunt at Longford Castle.”
“The hunt at Longford Castle!” Avery echoed, and Taylor had to laugh. His middle sister was proving to be quite the little debutante, though perhaps a bit too enthusiastic.
“Yes, we’ll be leaving in a fortnight to spend a full week there. That is, if you all approve.” Walker’s eyes were sparkling; as though there were any chance the Hanson girls would say no to a party. He chuckled softly as their incredulous looks. “I’ll send for Mackenzie as well. He shouldn’t be left out of all the fun.”
Jessica sat down next to Taylor, her mood rather somber compared to the rest of the room. He was sure he ought to say something, but he wasn’t so sure it was the right time or place. He placed a hand on her arm, and she gave him a nod.
“In the hall,” she said softly.
Taylor nodded.
He quickly but discreetly finished his meal, then excused himself, saying he preferred the light in the library to read his post. It was a blatant lie, but no one seemed to notice, too consumed by talk of the impending holiday to Longford Castle.
He had paced back and forth around the hall only a few times when Jessica finally appeared in the doorway. She glanced around to be sure they were alone before walking toward him.
“Walk me to the hospital, will you?” She asked.
“You only wanted an escort,” Taylor replied teasingly, offering his arm to her anyway. “And here I thought you were going to share some really juicy gossip.”
“You know I’m not the juicy gossip type,” Jessica shot back.
“No, I suppose you’re not,” Taylor said, opening the heavy manor door and motioning for Jessica to go ahead of him. “What is it, then? Something at the hospital?”
“Yes and no,” She replied. She fell silent as they walked down the path, and Taylor wondered if he ought to prod her further. “Only, I find it a bit silly to carry on with things like hunting trips when the wounded are still pouring in. When the war seems no closer to ending than it ever has, no matter what they keep saying about armistice. How can we pretend none of that is happening? And how can I go when I’m clearly needed here?”
“Then don’t go,” Taylor said. When Jessica stopped walking and eyed him, he added, “You may not have come out, but you’re a lady. A woman. A full grown adult, capable of speaking her mind. I can’t guarantee everyone will listen, but it’s worth a shot. Tell them what you told me—that you’re needed here. They can hardly argue with that.”
“I can only imagine how well that will go over,” Jessica said.
Taylor shrugged. “It’s worth a shot. Give it a try, and at least you know you’ve attempted to do the right thing. If you’re told you’re going along anyway, then worry about making the best of it then. But until then, just keep on and know that the people here do see your worth.”
“Thank you, Taylor. I needed to hear that.”
There was a strange look on Jessica’s face as they walked on, and Taylor couldn’t even begin to place it. He didn’t see the point in even trying. There was something more on her mind, obviously, but she would talk about it when she was ready. Pressing the issue would do neither of them any good, especially not when he had managed to brighten her mood some.
Soon enough, they reached the hospital and parted ways, Taylor promising to return around luncheon to walk her back to the manor. By then, he hoped, she would have worked up the nerve to confront their parents, and he would be right there by her side when she did.
It was a short walk on to his office, where Taylor hoped he would be able to focus on any of the various tasks at hand. If he were honest, he was a little bit upset that Nicholas had addressed the entire family and not him. His rational side understood why that was necessary, though, to avoid undue suspicion.
Still, it didn’t make him feel any better.
Taylor had only been at work for a moment, when an errand boy came in holding a telegram that he insisted was quite urgent. Taylor plucked it from his hand and dismissed him, his heart fluttering at the thought that this could be the message he had longed for from Nicholas. He ripped into it and saw that he was very, very much mistaken.
FROM CALCUTTA, INDIA 11TH. SEP 1918.
THE HONORABLE JORDAN TAYLOR HANSON
RECOVERED FROM INJURIES TO BE DESCRIBED IN DETAIL LATER AND HAVE SECURED PASSAGE TO AMERICA WITH PROMISES TO RETURN TO ENGLAND BY CHRISTMAS PLEASE INFORM FAMILY I AM SAFE AND WELL
VICSCOUNT CLARK ISAAC HANSON
Taylor reread the telegram a good half a dozen times before the words penetrated his brain. When they did, he sprang to his feet and shoved the rectangle of paper into his pocket. He did not know why the telegram had come to him, though he supposed his office was closer to the town and therefore easier to reach. What he did know, however, was that the family would not forgive him if he did not deliver this cryptic message as soon as he possibly could.
With that thought in mind, he scurried out of his office, forgetting his earlier promises to join Jessica for lunch.
Jessica didn’t dare to tell Taylor, but there was another reason why she had no desire to leave Beasley for any length of time, even one as short as a week.
That reason was currently occupying a bed overlooking the courtyard of the hospital, looking rather chipper for a wounded soldier. Jessica had quickly checked with the rest of the staff to be sure she had no other pressing duties, and sure enough, her schedule had been perfectly arranged to allow her to visit with her new friend.
“Nurse,” Teddy said softly as she approached his bed. His voice was still a bit hoarse from disuse, but it was music to her ears. “I was hoping you would be here today.”
“Me particularly?” Jessica asked. “Surely any nurse would do.”
“I’m sure a fair few of them can read, but none so well as you.” Teddy nodded toward a small package sitting on the table next to his bed. “Go on. Open it. I had it sent away for especially.”
Jessica picked up the package and untied the twill holding it together. The papers fell away and revealed a magnificent leather bound book. Between the binding and the apparent rush shipping, this had surely cost Teddy a pretty penny.
“The Magnificant Ambersons,” she read from the cover.
“I thought we would try something different. I think I could recite My Antonia from memory now. Only, if you aren’t busy taking care of your other charges.”
Jessica smiled down at him. “I’m sure I can make time for you.”
“I hope you don’t think I don’t like Willa Cather. But I thought perhaps a change was in order. It’s no criticism.”
“No, of course not,” Jessica replied, opening the book. “I quite liked the first of his. I guess I enjoy American stories.”
“You’re a modern woman, of course you do,” Teddy replied, smiling up at her.
Jessica felt herself blushing as she opened the book and began to read. Her voice was a little weak at first, and it frustrated her. She shouldn’t let a boy get to her like this, not even a good looking soldier like Teddy. Eventually, as she read more, she found her voice again and began to feel more comfortable.
She had managed to read four chapters when another nurse came along carrying a tray of food for Teddy. It occurred to Jessica that she had completely abandoned her other duties, but she was, after all, a volunteer. She could leave right then if she wanted to. Of course, she didn’t want to. She wanted to remain with Teddy all day.
“Well, I suppose it’s time for a break,” Jessica said after the other nurse had departed.
“Must we?” Teddy asked, picking up his cutlery nonetheless.
“Only for a while. I fear my voice may be going.”
Teddy glanced down, looking a bit sheepish. “I am sorry. I know I’ve demanded a lot of your time and energy.”
Jessica shook her head. “I didn’t mean to complain. Only I want to do a good job. Live up to your expectations of me.”
“I am sure you could never disappoint,” teddy replied. He fell silent for a moment, as he carefully ate his lunch. “Don’t you get a chance to eat, as well?”
“Oh,” Jessica replied, glancing around the room and sitting up a little straighter. “I was—that is, I mean, my brother was meant to come collect me for lunch. He must have gotten caught up at work.”
“He must have,” Teddy agreed.
Jessica opened her mouth to speak again, then thought better of it. She found herself fidgeting nervously as Teddy ate, wondering just where Taylor might have been. Finally, when she had resolved to ask another nurse if there had been any word, a nurse came bustling over toward her.
“Lady Jessica?” She asked. Before waiting for a response, she continued, “There’s been a message from Beasley Hall. Your brother sent a telegram.”
“Taylor sent a telegram?”
The nurse shook her head vigorously. “No, it’s—it’s your eldest brother. There’s been word from Isaac. The messenger says Taylor received the telegram and rushed off without thinking to alert you. He sends his apologies, and the Earl asks you return home immediately.”
Jessica glanced back and forth between the nurse and Teddy. He gave her a small nod and a smile.
“Go on then,” he said. “And take the book. It’s yours, you know.”
“I couldn’t—”
He shook his head and held up a hand. “Please. I want you to have it. Just a token of my appreciation for all you’ve done. It doesn’t come close to what I must owe you, but it’s a beginning.”
“I suppose, if you put it that way.”
He smiled again. “I do. I really do.”
She stood and held tightly to the book. “I suppose I should practice my reading then. Thank you.”
“Thank you, Lady Jessica.”
She followed the nurse from the room, and saw that her family’s chauffer was waiting in the hall. She supposed Taylor must have truly felt sorry for forgetting her, if he had a car sent to fetch her. Although it had been a quiet shift, she relished the idea of not walking that distance, especially when her mind was in such turmoil.
Only a matter of minutes later, the car was idling in front of the manor. Jessica didn’t wait for the chauffeur to come around to her side before climbing out of the car on her own and scurrying into the house. She was, at times, capable of being ladylike and following protocol, but she decided this was an occasion that didn’t call for protocol at all. Presumably, when ones long lost brother was found, one could do as they damn well liked.
She hoped her family agreed.
As it turned out, they were all gathered in the library, in something of a rough semi-circle around Lord Hanson, who was slumped in his desk chair with a small piece of paper in his hand.
“Jessica,” Taylor said. “I am sorry. I’m glad you got the message.”
She shook her head. “It’s fine. But please, can someone tell me what has happened?”
“We don’t really know, dear,” Diana replied. “His message is… well, cryptic, to put it lightly. All we know, truly, is that he is still alive.”
“Or was when he sent the telegram,” Zac put in, not at all helpfully and earning him glares from everyone, even the butler.
“But what does the telegram actually say?” Jessica asked, feeling altogether left out, even though she knew none of them had done it on purpose.
Walker held it up, although it was clear he had memorized its contents already. “He’s recovered from his injuries—we don’t know what kind. And he’s headed to America—again, to what purpose, we don’t know. All we know, and we should focus on this, is that he is alive and well enough to travel. That in and of itself is a blessing.”
There was a softness and reverence to her father’s voice that Jessica was not familiar with. She realized, belatedly, that this meant the family was perhaps saved. The expression of relief on Taylor’s face said he had realized it, too.
If Isaac returned, perhaps all was not lost. Perhaps things could carry on as they were meant to at Beasley Hall. Still, Jessica couldn’t help feeling that nothing would ever really be the same again.