Lord Belden's Baggage

"He most certainly will not!" Bram's voice was the loudest of anyone's, to her amazement, but everyone seemed to be in agreement that it was a patently ridiculous request, including the servants, who looked more horrified than their

employers.

Alisa backed down quickly. "I didn't mean to offend anyone, but I want to pay my own way as much as I possibly can, and I figured I could probably afford the doctor's visit."

It was David who said quietly, "Alisa, you don't know us very well, but you needn't concern yourself with such things."

Although she was still paying attention to what Lord Littlefield was saying, she couldn't help but see the incredulous look on his son's face as he said those words, and she knew that he desperately wanted to argue that point with his father but didn't because it wouldn't be seemly. But she would bet that the older man was going to get an earful when they were out in the hall.

"Well," she said, while Charlotte tucked her into bed as if she was eight instead of eighteen, "you have all given me so much but I do not want to be a burden to you-of any kind. And, although I don't have a lot, especially in comparison, I would still like to help with the bills that I create as much as I can."

Bram had to admit that he felt a grudging admiration for the girl, if she truly meant what she said and wasn't saying it just for show.

"Shhh, Alisa," Charlotte crooned. "There's nothing at all for you to worry about. Really. You just rest and get better. Shall I stay with you until you fall asleep?" she asked hopefully, and, although she would have been fine alone, Alisa recalled what Bram had said about his mother's desire for a daughter.

"I would like that very much, Charlotte. Thank you."

The woman looked as if she'd just given her the world.

David came to stand by her bedside, being so bold as to reach out to graze his fingers over her knee. "We're very glad you're here, Alisa. Welcome to the family. Sleep well, and I hope you're completely recovered in the morning. I'd love to take you around the grounds, if you feel up to it."

"Thank you, David. I would enjoy that, too."

Even Bram said, only somewhat grudgingly, from his position by the door, as if he couldn't wait to leave, "Sleep well, and I'm sure you'll be much better in the morning. Good night."

"I'm sure I shall, Lord Belden," she replied quietly, although her eyes were on the hands in her lap.

Charlotte was as good as her word, chatting with her and telling her stories about her adventures with her mother when they were young girls, before she met Lord Littlefield and her mother met her father and they went their separate ways, although they always kept in contact as best they could.

Eventually, though, she became tired enough that she apologized to Charlotte but mentioned sleepily that she needed to turn onto her side.

"I'm so glad you're going to sleep, Alisa. If it's all right with you, I'll stay here for a little bit longer."

"Thank you, Charlotte."

Because she hadn't fallen asleep immediately, Alisa heard the soft tapping at the door when it came, seconds later.

"Mother?" It was Bram's voice. "May I come in?"

"Certainly, son."

She could hear that he was much closer when he spoke again, probably standing next to his mother where she was sitting in a chair that had been moved next to her bed. "She's asleep?" "Yes, just a minute or so ago."

Alisa felt Charlotte pat her gently over the covers. "She is such a dear little thing-she reminds me so much of her mother at that age that it's almost painful to be with her, but it's a good pain." "You always did like to take in strays, Mother," he pointed out but without malice.

Charlotte sounded very indignant on her behalf. "She is not a cocker spaniel, Bram. She's a young woman who is utterly alone in the world. I don't know why you're being so nasty to her, but it is most unseemly and ungentlemanly of you, I must say. I thought I had brought you up better than that, and I will also remind you that there was a time when you were rescuing puppies and kittens right alongside me."

"I know, Mother," he answered in a jaundiced tone. "But none of them were ever going to cost us what she is likely to. I was listing the expenses we will assume in becoming responsible for her to Father the other evening, and they are not inconsiderable, what with school and suitable clothing to start. Did you see the dress she was wearing at dinner this evening? It was an offense to the eyes! Even I knew that it was at least five seasons old. Not to mention that even if some poor unfortunate does take her off our hands, that's a dowry and a trousseau that we will have to provide, also."

There was a considerable pause before his mother spoke, asking a very pointed question. "Are you telling me that we are in difficulties, Bram?"

"No, we are not, but that doesn't mean we can spend money carelessly, either."

But then her demeanor changed, not unexpectedly. His mother would have what she wanted, damn the consequences. "And it is because of your excellent management of our financial affairs and my utter faith in you that I expect you to keep your complaints to yourself. We have so much, dear. We must be willing to help others who don't, when we can. You heard her-she already feels as if she's an unwanted encumbrance, and I know she didn't get that idea from myself or your father. It's your attitude that wants redressing. It is most unchristian. I am wholly unwilling to break the promise I made to her parents, and your father fully supports me in this. As you have already in a shamefully short amount of time-made your feelings abundantly clear to all of us, including Alisa, I will endeavor to make sure that you have to interact with her as little as possible. I was hoping that you might come to have tender feelings for her, as a younger sister to you, at the very least, but I can see now that is never going to happen. But I would beg you to consider the fact that I want her here, and that, although you oversee it, the money you are so vociferously and unnecessarily concerned about is your father's and mine to spend as we please, not yours."

"Yes, I have been reminded of that fact recently by the man, himself."

"Good. I have always been proud of you, Bram. You're smart and industrious and, even though you tend to test me with some of your attitudes, especially towards marriage and women, if I find that you have treated her badly, I shall be most ashamed of you."

He was duly chastised, more so than his father could ever accomplish with his belt or the cane or any disapproving looks he might get nowadays.

"I beg your pardon, Mother. I shall try to be more...uh..."

"I believe 'civil' is the word you're searching for, son."

Bram's jaw muscle flexed as he clenched his teeth. "Yes. Civil, towards our houseguest in future."

"She's more than a houseguest. She's family."

That assertion apparently warranted no reply at all.

But Bram did clear his throat softly. "At least, I can rest assured that I need not have any concerns that you will look upon her as a suitable match for me, I assume?"

"As you could barely tolerate the very idea of her even before she arrived, that is hardly likely, although I do hope that very feeble reason is not the basis for your ill feelings towards her."

He refused to take that particular bait but simply and honestly said, "I am sorry, Mother, if you had aspirations along those lines, but it is not to be."

"The only aspirations I had for you in regards to Alisa were that you would welcome her and treat her kindly, and I do hope that that is not beyond you, Bram. It is very little to ask for in regards to someone who is as downtrodden and grief- stricken as she is from someone who is as blessed as you are."

The barbs his usually warm and loving mother were casting at him none too subtly were hitting home, and he began to feel some remorse at his attitude towards the girl, prompting him to lean down and kiss the older woman's cheek while patting her shoulder somewhat awkwardly.

"I shall endeavor, then, to act more charitably towards the bag-Miss Thurgood. And with that, I think I shall find my own bed, Mother, as you should find yours."

"I think I'll stay here for a little while longer and watch her sleep. I want to be here for her if she has a relapse or wakes up scared in an unfamiliar place."

"Mother," he chided as he headed for the door. "She's not a child."

"I know."

"But you dearly wish she was." It sounded as if there was a smile in his voice, which for once was quite kind.

Alisa felt Charlotte adjust her covers again in a very maternal fashion. "Good night, son." "Good night, Mother."

***

Although breakfast was served to the men in the family, who would normally expect her to accompany them as she was unmarried-promptly at eight, Evie was told to allow Alisa to sleep in as long as she wanted to. After all, not only had she had a breathing attack last night, she was also still recovering from her long trip, not to mention the death of her parents.

Charlotte and David were both eager that she should spend some time relaxing and recovering before entering into the usual social whirl. Bram was aware of their desires, and resolved, in the face of the conversation he'd had with each of them separately recently, to suppress his feelings about the matter as much as possible.

Instead, she was treated to a tray in her room, once she remembered to pull the cord to alert Evie that she was up.

When the young woman appeared, she pulled the drapes open, arranged the pillows behind her and set the tray over her legs.

"I wasn't sure what you liked, miss, so I brought a little of everything. Normally, you'll eat downstairs in the morning room with his Lordship and Lord Belden, where there's a buffet laid on the sideboard of all sorts of breakfast foods. But for the next week or so, you are to sleep as late as you like and have a tray in your room, so you can tell me what you'd like me to bring you tomorrow."

Breakfast was Alisa's favorite meal-well, every meal was Alisa's favorite meal-and this one looked quite good, although she was surprised to see broiled tomatoes, mushrooms, and beans on her plate. But there was also toast with butter and incredibly good marmalade, sausage, eggs and potatoes.

"Are you feeling better, miss? You sure did give everyone a fright last night. Even Lord Belden looked terribly concerned, and, while you were outside in the midst of it, I heard that it was himself who helped you over your attack, too. I wouldn't have put money on that happening."

Then she blushed immediately, saying, "I'm sorry, miss. I spoke out of turn. Lord Belden can be harsh at times, but he can also be "

"Oh, come, Evie," Alisa interrupted, "it isn't as if I don't know that he doesn't like me or want me here. I've been here less than a day, and I'm already quite clear about that." She'd gotten an earful of his opinions about her last night, quite enough so that she was only too glad not to have to confront him over the breakfast table this morning.

Evie looked relieved that she had not taken offense.

"I shall simply have to dedicate myself to finding a husband and thus relieving his Lordship of the terrible inconvenience of my presence."

"I'm sure you'll have many offers, miss, as pretty as you are."

Now it was Alisa who was blushing, especially since she had never considered herself much of a prize in that area, which was why she wasn't already married or even had a beau she regretted leaving behind when she moved here.

Her curly auburn hair was more of a curse than a blessing, as Evie had found out last night when she'd been tasked with taming it into something resembling a stylish coif rather than a wild mass of tendrils, each with a mind of their own. Her complexion wasn't too bad, if a bit pale, her heart shaped face was graced with two bright green eyes.

She always wished she were bigger and taller than she was. Her mother kept trying to convince her that men wanted a woman of shorter stature, but she always found being diminutive to be a disadvantage rather than an advantage, especially when one was trying to reach a book.

Why was it that all of the books she wanted to read always seemed to be on shelves that were much taller than she was? she wondered.

"Forgive me, but I don't know if you have pancakes over here?" she asked as the maid puttered about the room.

Evie gave her a look of bafflement, so she suggested something else. "French toast?"

The girl came to examine the toast in its little wire rack, which had had the crusts cut off it. "We have toast, but I don't know what nationality it is. I think it's English."

Alisa giggled at that.

"I brought tea and coffee, too."

"I usually have coffee."

"You should try the tea, if you don't mind my saying so, miss. Her ladyship is American, as you know, but she loves our tea!"

She did, and she agreed with Charlotte-it was Heaven!

When she was through, Evie helped her dress and this time, she wore one of her black dresses, even though she hated it. It was too big for her, really, and despite the fact that it was supposed to be a mourning dress, and thus, simple, it had all sorts of frills that, being on the small side, she kind of got lost in.

Still, she didn't have an endless collection of dresses from which to choose, so she wore what she had. But, when she met them all later, she could see, even on Lady Littlefield's face-although she knew the older woman was trying to hide it- that it was not really an acceptable dress, and she could hardly miss it as Bram simply closed eyes that had gone wide in disbelief, although he didn't say anything, either, surprisingly. Apparently, his mother's talk with him had spared her a little of his derision, anyway.

Everyone was quite solicitous-even Daniels had asked after her health when she'd come downstairs and he'd guided her to the library, which was a bright, open room with floor to ceiling books with which she immediately fell in love. Alisa intended to spend as little time in Lord Belden's proximity as possible. She knew she had to say something to him, so, as soon as she could, without appearing discourteous, when he got up to serve himself a cup of tea, she drifted over to him in what she hoped was a casual manner.

When she spoke, it was as quietly as she could manage, wanting to be overheard as little as possible by his parents. "Lord Belden, I should have said this to you last night, but I want to thank you for helping me when I had the attack. You were instrumental in it not becoming as serious as it could have been and in my being able to get over it as quickly as I did."

He seemed almost baffled that she was saying all of this to him and brushed it-and her-off. "You're welcome, Miss Thurgood. But it was nothing I wouldn't do for anyone I found in that situation."

Feeling thoroughly inconsequential, she murmured, "Well, regardless, I appreciate what you did. You were a very big help to me. Thank you." She'd said her piece, so she made her way to sit next to Charlotte, who received her warmly, asking how well she'd slept and insisting that she put a blanket over her lap.

Alisa chuckled at being so thoroughly mothered. Her own had been careful of her because of her infirmity, of course, but not smothering in the least. She had a feeling that Charlotte, given the chance, would lean much more towards smothering, and, in a way, that felt rather nice, since she'd not been mothered in any way in close to a year.

It was David who broke into Lady Littlefield's suggestion that she should spend most of the day in bed. "Don't be ridiculous, Charlotte. What the girl needs is a day spent out in the fresh air and sunshine to clear her lungs. She'll be right as rain, soon enough. What do you say to taking that tour of the grounds I mentioned, Alisa?"

Bram happened to see her genuine smile and felt his heart catch in a most uncomfortable, unwanted, and inconvenient manner.

"I would love to see anything you would like to show me, but may I ask if you would be willing to take me around the house, first? It's so beautiful-I'd love to see as much of it as you'd like to show me!"

There was little Lord Littlefield enjoyed more than showing off his family seat to an appreciative audience. "Capital idea! We'll leave as soon as you've we've had our tea."

Eventually, even Alisa joined in on that famous British institution, having already decided she adored the tea. She wandered back to where she'd been when she'd spoken to Lord Belden, dismayed to find that he was there again, himself. "May I pour you a cup?" he offered.

"No, thank you, my lord. I'll do it myself."

"Don't be ridiculous. How do you take it, or do you know?" he asked, with rather a condescending note in his tone.

"A splash of milk and sugar, please."

He made it quite expertly, but then he would, and handed it to her.

"Thank you again. It seems I am already perpetually in your debt, Lord Belden."

"You are not, Miss Thurgood."

She ignored what he said, knowing that he didn't believe what he was saying, either. "And I have a feeling that I'm going to end up owing you much, much more before I'm through, although I'm sure I can trust you to keep a running tab." With that, she left him.

"I think I could come to enjoy taking tea if it's always like this!" she said, reclaiming her seat next to Charlotte.

"Oh, afternoon tea at four is a much more elaborate affair. This is just a nice respite in the morning."

"Much more of all of this rich, delicious food and I'll need to have my dresses let out."

"Burned would be even better," she heard a mumbled comment from across the room, not that there was any doubt as to who would say that.

"What was that, dear?" Charlotte asked, her tone not inviting him to actually tell her.

"Nothing, Mother."

"I thought not." She turned to Alisa. "Don't you worry about dresses, my dear. I've gotten you in to see the most exclusive dressmaker in London, Madame Yvonne, next month, and until then, we'll see if I have anything that Hollis might be able to alter for you."

Although she tried to reflect Lady Littlefield's happiness at that idea-not wanting to appear ungrateful or to take offense-she felt the son's constantly critical eyes on her as she did so.

She-whose mother had despaired of her ever getting married-was beginning to wonder just how long it would take for her to find a husband.