Holiday in the South

HOLIDAY IN THE SOUTH

ONE

Many of the property-owning nobles had gone to their country estates for the holiday, but quite a number of people still stayed back. Oliver Winters could hear the silence very clearly.

Although the houses were far from each other, with large lawns separating them and bushes that had almost turned into forests in the winter; the fact that half of the population was not in the town made the silence even more pronounced.

The birds and insects had withdrawn into their cozy closets too. They would resume their noisy duties in summer, when life returned to the town.

The house in which Oliver was, seemed to be under the same spell of silence, and when the bell outside the grand house rang, it became the sudden liveliness of the atmosphere. With curiosity to identify who had visited, Oliver sauntered to his drawing room. It was a well-furnished hall with the most delightful fittings. This was all thanks to Oliver’s hard work and zeal. Anytime he walked into the drawing room, he had reasons to smile.

He met his footman walking toward him, with the most unexpected news.

“You have a letter sir.” The footman alerted, smiling as he presented his master the parchment in his hand.

“Thank you.” Oliver replied as his face wrinkled up. “You may be gone now.” He added waving a hand to dismiss the staff.

In August, he had, in a similar manner being informed about the death of Brandon; his late father’s first son. Brandon had always been given to adventure and good life. He, Oliver, just liked to be within the confines of his study acquiring all the knowledge in the world.

If Oliver had not been the third son of his father, the responsibility of the dukedom would have naturally been moved to him after his eldest brother died. Heavens knew though, that Oliver was completely unready for such burden in his life. He would never be ready for that in a thousand years even.

Of his family, Oliver was the most given to reading; acquiring vast knowledge he was most certain would not be useful in his latter life.

And there was Martins, the man in the center of Brandon and Oliver. Everything about Martins stood between Brandon and Oliver. His skin color was a mixture of theirs; Brandon was dark and Oliver’s skin was almost perfectly white. The complexion was only a subtle representation; Martins had a mix of Brandon and Oliver’s life too. He spent a good time reading and enjoying the other activities of life. Unlike Brandon, Martins was not always found in the counsel of women and wine. He was not given to drunkenness, but he also had fun whenever he wanted.

Oliver was the purest of his father’s three children; one spectacular feature was that he had no desire in whatever fanciful life their prominence could offer. He was distinct, and bore not much similarity to his frisky father.

He was still standing in the center of the drawing room, and the footman had just left his presence when it occurred to him that he had not even read any word from the letter which he had just unfolded. The fear was in him. He didn’t want to open this and find out that something terrible had happened again.

It had been addressed to him directly and so it was not a matter associated to his farm business. As a restless gesture, Oliver sat in a chair before he began reading.

The letter was very short, but the words carried eternal weight.

Dear brother,

You know how much I love you.

I know this would come as a surprise, perhaps as one of the most surprising news you shall have ever received in a lifetime, after reading, but I urge you to understand that I have thought critically about this and made my conclusions, which you will be notified about shortly.

You know Elizabeth Tonia, from Markswood Academy in Scotland. Well, she and I have a little love story now and we have both come to the conclusion that being a Duke is not a responsibility that I am prepared to carry at this moment. As a matter of fact, we are both unready for it. And since I plan to live a long and happy life with Elizabeth, it is important we do what is best for us.

It should be interesting to note that she is with me on this decision and so we shall have to leave the country and relocate to a place where no one might ever find us. If you are still confused about the content of this letter, I shall put it in a few words;

Elizabeth and I are eloping, and the dukedom now falls on you.

I trust that you will do this well. My heart and the hearts of our father and late brother shall be with you.

Sincerely,

Martins Winters.

Oliver read the letter again and a sarcastic chuckle jolted his face. Is this a joke? Is it supposed to be a joke? He asked himself, flipping the parchment about, to see if there were still content scripted on the other side of it.

How can this be? Oliver wished he could direct the anger welling within him at something, but nothing short of the radiating silence of the entire town was there to receive his fury. The silence now seemed to mock him over his uncovered predicament.

“You know how much I love you?” Oliver’s furious eyes ran through the introduction of the letter. Really, this was written out of love? Where is the love? Where?

How he was to cope with this development was something he could not fathom, he still hoped that it was a false claim. But if it turned out true?

Oliver had never imagined himself in the counsel of the Tons, and he had never even desired it. The shock was too much. A third son would now have to take up the responsibilities of their family heritage. He was briefly certain that he would decline. Nay! They should think of something else… someone else perhaps.

Oliver was in need of nothing. He was a successful man in his business, owning large farms and livestock that he supplied to many buyers when it was yuletide season, and as Christmas was approaching, it was promising to be another busy time for him. Now however, it infuriated him to think he would have to forfeit that responsibility to travel to the South and take up unfamiliar responsibilities.

His immediate intention was to speak with the closest man to him; his footman. A challenge shared was usually half solved, but it occurred to him instantly that that would not do much, given the fact that he had not even thought about the matter well enough.

He folded the parchment neatly, as though he had an intention to send it back to his brother as he had received it. He imagined where his brother would be now; perhaps in the cozy warmth of a hut securing his partner in the mischievous plot.

It felt almost like a dream, that he who had never thought of this be offered. Most painful was the fact that there was no one he could pass the obligations to. Most unfortunately, there was no uncle who could take over the responsibility. Oliver had no choice.

TWO

Everyone had a glistening look when their gazes panned toward the new duke. The ball in which they all were was organized by Duchess Margaret but the manner in which everyone stared at Oliver made it seem as though he was celebrating something.

“Such a fine man, and yet without a woman of his own.” One of the men who had a loose mouth said in a playful manner.

Oliver did not like discussions as this. While he senses something of surprise and desire in the eyes of the ladies, envy was clearly stuck to the faces of the men.

He knew he was young, but they were not particular about his age. His sudden shot up the layer of leadership was not something the town seemed comfortable with.

But why would he not dance with any of the ladies?” Someone whispered around Oliver, while he was certain the speaker knew he heard. As long as the speaker did not mention a name however, there seemed to be peace on all sides.

“It should not come as a surprise to you that the new duke refuses to dance with any of our damsel. This runs in the blood of the Winters.”

Oliver felt an urge to look back and strike the man’s face. What did he mean? He needed not disturb himself over the intention of the man who had spoken, he interpreted his speech himself.

“Cowardice runs in their veins.”

“Shush!” a younger voice cautioned. “The duke can hear you.”

Oliver fought to keep himself together.

“It does not matter. He knows himself that this is true.” The old man said. “You can see how easy it was for a third son who is not an heir apparent to climb up the ladder and take up the position.”

Oliver occupied himself with other happenings on the dance floor. That was a difficult thing to do. It was for these reason that he appreciated being in his study, people are always too complicated to be friends with. There was rarely anytime in his life when he had been completely understood.

It had only rarely crossed his mind, the affairs of a woman. Oliver had once concluded that emotional matters were not his forte. He would never even understand it. He had a private life, and to think that someday, this privacy would be threatened by the discomfort of a woman made him weary.

On the few occasions he had been in the gathering of people as this, he admired seeing people dancing and expressing emotions. But too much reading had opened his eyes to see the ruse. Love and Passion and all related affairs were for people who lacked understanding.

Understanding was light, and Oliver had gotten it through reading. Those who committed themselves to the fallacy of love refuse to accept that such affairs are quite circular; interesting, perhaps to experience for a brief period, not anything worthy of a life commitment.

Oliver had not known his mother; she left his father and ran to an unknown place shortly after he was born. In his early life, he would always think she was a wicked woman, and not only did he see her as a villain, he also attributed all his misfortunes to her. With time, his insight was restored, and he realized the manner of the beasts in man; anyone being anything, at any time. And that would be the foundation of his ideas of politics and emotional matters.

Merely attending a single ball made Martins stance clear. Not only would Martins have been prejudiced against the position, but his lover would have even been put through much shame. Elizabeth Tonia’s family had money many years ago, but their wealth had suddenly become history when her father invested in a bad business deal. Oliver could understand the embarrassment the damsel would have been confronted with if she eventually married a duke to be a dowager duchess.

“Lord Winters?” a friend of Oliver’s father asked.

“Mr. Audley!” Oliver replied delightfully. His delight was born form the unexpected interception, and not excitement.

The aging Mr. Audley was quick to furnish Oliver with the cause of his sudden appearance. “I was delighted to note that you were in town.”

“Yes, I arrived a few weeks ago.” Oliver replied.

“I told my wife you would have read half the books in London since you arrived.” He laughed.

“Not precisely.” Oliver replied, knowing that in reality, the record of his reading may not be too far from the man’s prediction but not within the little time of his visit. That was the only thing people knew him for, the books. It was however, his new and unexpected position that cleaved some attention to him otherwise he would have remained the inconsequential son of Lord Malcom Winters.

“Well, I am here with my wife and three daughters. You should visit us sometime.”

Oliver nodded. He could no longer count the number of such invitations he had received since he landed in London. Every man wanted him to have the attention of their daughters.

“I shall let you know when I shall visit, sir.” Oliver said finally and his eyes restlessly travelled to the dancefloor where a score of ladies and gentlemen were having the greatest dance of their life.

“Yes.” Mr. Audley smiled, “That lady in pink is my first daughter by the way; Lydia. You’ve met sometime before, maybe not.”

Oliver smiled, he hadn’t even been particularly looking at anyone. It was after the man had spoken that he looked again to see the lady intended. His eyes caught three ladies in pink from the direction he had been staring. “She’s gorgeous.” Oliver expressed blindly.

“I’m glad you said that Your Grace. I would inform her of your opinion of her.”

“That mightn’t be necessary Mr. Audley. I shall be visiting you soon, and during my visit, I shall express myself quite clearly.” Oliver said smiling.

“I am honored, Your Grace.”

THREE

Lydia began to walk quietly when she heard the conversation in her parents’ chambers. She had simply come to show them a piece of quilt she had woven. They had always known how talented she was, but this time, she was convinced she had made one of the best designs ever.

A feeling of guilt overwhelmed her when she heard the first coherent speech uttered by her mother. It was a speech of desperation, and one that even had Lydia hiding quickly behind the door so that she would not be seen.

“If we do not act, these children will not act too.” Mrs. Audley was saying very quietly. Lydia had to lean against the wall to hear her. She could imagine her mother looking in the direction of the door with suspicion. The same way she did when it was only the both of them that were in a room talking.

“Yes my dear” her father replied, “but we cannot force the Duke to act. There are so many things going on in his head now. He has only just arrived in the country and he is trying to piece everything together. He’d have enough pressure around him now.” Mr. Audley’s response was said, in the calm unperturbed manner he always liked to speak with his wife and his three daughters.

“And that is what makes this the best time to be on his neck.” Mrs. Audley continued. “He can only see as far as he is shown. Think about this Alfred, he is a single man who has just been placed in possession of a good fortune.”

“I am not unaware about how many other men are presenting him the same offer. He is a young charming Duke, every man in town is trying to wave their daughters in his face.” Mr. Audley voice was sterner.

“And you think he would look at Lydia and still put thoughts about other ladies in his head. I do not believe this.”

Lydia was shocked, this was the same woman who had aggressively convinced her father that he needed to make a move towards Lord Belmont Fletcher; the earl of Barnes. The earl; nothing short of a wild animal put into good clothing. Mrs. Audley had been equally convinced that the earl already had his eyes on Lydia. The hope had been dashed then, when all their desperate moves towards the rakish earl almost got Lydia in trouble. His desire was in a more sinister relationship, and not a decent courtship that could lead to marriage.

God forbid that she would once again be thrown at the foot of a man for the sake of winning his heart. Lydia thought as she grimaced behind the door. She contemplated walking in on the discussion, to make her own stance known. It did not seem a perfect time to keep calm in the face of her mother’s blind offering. Her father was a very calm man. Lydia doubted his competence to win the discussion.

“Mama!” Lydia barged into the chamber, “I shall not have you push me into the arms of a man whose lifestyle we know naught a thing about.”

The parents were shocked to see their daughter. Mr. Audley could not place make sense of the confrontation, but he wouldn’t allow the lass speak in such manner to his wife.

“Lydia, watch your tongue. You should watch the manner in which you speak to your mama.”

“Father you should be stern on this matter. I am a good looking lady. I do not need to be thrown to the foot of any man. We should have learnt from the earl’s story. I do not see any sense in being desperate.” Lydia said.

“We have learnt from the earl, but we still want the best for you.” Mrs. Audley said consciously. She had always been the brain behind her husband’s action. Although that had paid off in the past, it was apparently not the best at the moment.

“Remember mama, that this man in question is not known yet…All we know about him is his voracious desire to read books. Such polished men rarely ever dedicate time to their wives and children. I do not desire to be isolated in the house of the man who I shall be married to.” Unsavory habits were not uncommon in the closets of men like Lord Winters. It was such men who ordered their women about and gave more credence to books than their wives.

“I have already invited the duke to visit.” Mr. Audley said to the women.

“Splendid!” Mrs. Audley exclaimed while her daughter shrugged.

“And?” Lydia asked.

“He promised to visit us soon.” Mr. Audley informed, “Dear I understand how hard this is for you but you must understand that your mother and I want the best thing for you. I shall ensure that you do not face the situation you faced with Lord Fletcher.”

“Thank you papa.” Lydia hurried to hug her father while her mother smiled happily.

***

Oliver looked through his list, he had a lot of things to handle, but he realized that if he did not dedicate some time to knowing the country well enough, he would only fuel his disconnection with the people who he is expected to relate with.

He had been informed of a visitor waiting for him in the drawing room. Oliver had thought it wise to meet with his old friends in the country. He wanted to meet them one after the other, he believed that it was through this means that he could effectively reconnect with his childhood abode.

In his drawing room, one of his old best friends was there waiting. As soon as he walked into the drawing room, the earl was there with the broadest smile.

“Oliver. My dearest friend.” Belmont had always been a jocular man and friend to Oliver’s eldest brother. He was devoted to womanizing and drunkenness and that perfectly explained why he would be a family friend.

“You are older now. Far older than I imagined.” Oliver commented.

“But I am still as ravishing as ever. Wouldn’t you say?”

“Of course you are.” Oliver admitted smiling. “We have not seen since you became the earl. How happy you must be about that.”

“Holding enviable positions are worthy of being celebrated. Are you not lucky yourself, to be made the Duke, especially when none of us had seen it coming?”

Oliver chuckled, “You know me well, I am not given to such enticement.”

The dup spoke for a long time, reminiscing on memories of the past. Through their discussion, Belmont revealed that Martins had consulted him when he was thinking of eloping. That came as a surprise.

Oliver did not conceal his surprise, “I thought people who wanted to elope kept their secrets between themselves and their partners.”

Belmont laughed, “You should have been around more often to see how close I was to your brother. We spoke about everything we had no secrets.”

“Interesting.” Oliver commended, then he saw an advantage, “Then I guess you are the perfect man I can trust to let me in the know of the activities around this place.”

“What is it you would like to know Your Grace?” Belmont asked with a sly grin.

Oliver thought deeply. He searched his heart. Perhaps the best matter to discuss with a man like Belmont was the women. He was vast in the knowledge of women.

“I have received several invitations to many homes,”

“Expectedly so!” Belmont exclaimed smiling, “You are charming, and the most talked about man all over town now, every lady would die to have your attention.”

“I do not even know which invitations to honor and which to disregard.” Oliver said further, “I have to honor some because these people were friends of my father, but left to me, I like my quiet space.”

“Who are those whose invitations you are considering? Remember that not everyone in town is your friend.”

“I have considered … the Stanhopes, Maxwells, and the Audleys.”

“The Audleys?” the look on Belmont’s face showed there was something about them.

“Yes?”

“You have seen their daughter? Lydia Audley, I believe.”

“Yes, you two share a past?”

“Not exactly. But I must assure you that she is not the type of lady you want to be with. You should not even make any attempt to know her beyond what you have already done.”

Oliver’s eyes pierced through the friend. Statements like those he was making triggered his curiosity. “You are very convinced she is not a good girl?”

“Absolutely.” Belmont assured.

“I think that now I shall have to start my visitation from there, I am intrigued by her manner.” Oliver declared nodding.

Belmont could not hold himself against speaking further ills of the lady in question, but everything he said only ignited Oliver’s desires to meet her. If such a man like Belmont considered a lady through such ill estimation, then Oliver was certain that should be the best of the ladies in town.

FOUR

The entire family of Mr. Audley glistened when they received the news that the new Duke would visit them. Even Lydia who had been reluctant to grant audience to the news of the Duke’s visitation felt deeply happy about the attention. She was with her sister behind the door of the drawing room while they eavesdropped on the discussion between their parents and the duke.

“We know how busy a man you are, and so we are very honored by your visitation.” Mr. Audley declared.

“The honor is mine.” Oliver responded.

“How have you been coping with the weather which you have left many years ago?” The older man inquired.

Oliver informed them of his intentions to sell his old establishments in order to be more focused on the responsibilities. He told them about how he would still go into the business of rearing cattle when he was a little free of the duties he is confronted with. They spoke on and on, until he finally had the chance to request the woman who had been hos sole aim of visiting.

The family allowed Oliver and Lydia have a private time to discuss.

“This is the first time in my entire life that I would be in a room with a lady who is not an immediate family or a maid.” Oliver confessed, “You shall have to forgive me for my lack of knowledge on the proper conducts a man should exhibit.”

“You are doing very fine Sir.” Lydia smiled, “We have heard so much about you. Especially your bookishness; and even what you have acted out so far is commendable.”

“My bookishness.” He chuckled. “But you know I have other engagements now, hardly do I have time to read.”

“I understand Your Grace.”

Oliver wondered what must have occurred between the harmless lass and his old friend, he tried hard not to ask, but she seemed too peaceful to be capable of any danger. He could eventually not hold back from asking;

“What happened between you and Lord Belmont Fletcher?” he inquired.

The manner in which Lydia’s face contorted into a grimace made him shiver.

“I am sorry ma’am, I do not wish to.”

“Nay.” She said firmly, “I shall tell you.”

Oliver leaned back in his chair and prepared himself for something he knew would open deep wounds.

“When he visited my parents with the intentions to marry me, we thought he was a good man, but many weeks after, he began to request me and him being in private closets, and then began also to make salacious advances. He was such a nefarious man, the earl.”

Oliver frowned, “He must be such a filthy man to have done that to you.”

“He has no shame.” She confessed.

Oliver was burdened by what his old friend had done. If Lord Belmont Fletcher wanted, he could have any woman at will, but men like him were never satisfied by what they could get at their disposal.

“I am sorry to hear this, I shall make move to bring the earl to book.”

“Nay, Your Grace. I have no desire to strike up this old wound. This is a secret within my family, it would be shameful to fan the extinguishing fire. Old wounds would be dug afresh. I do not want that.”

“But you know the man would still do this to some other victims if not put in check?”

“You may monitor him after explaining his wrongs to him.” She said, “it would not speak well of me among people. I might never find a husband due to the shame that would follow”

“True.”

***

Oliver could not fathom if it was sharing a part of Lydia’s life that kept him thinking about her in the days that followed, or her ravishing beauty. All he knew was that he could not restrain his thoughts from drifting towards her every now and then.

As soon as he could, he made a stern warning to the earl. Lord Belmont Fletcher promised that he had desisted from such heinous acts and he confessed his regrets, but Oliver made good his threats by making the earl understand that if there was such an event again, he would do everything within his power to make Belmont face the consequences.

As Christmas approached, Oliver quickly acquainted himself with happenings in town, and he kept his focus on the duties required of him as a Duke. Realizing that his consistent presence in the house of the Audley might be misinterpreted as caring for their daughter, he decided to keep off for some time. Other men may be interested in the Lydia, and seeing him visiting consistently, they might be discouraged.

Four days to Christmas, Oliver found it hard to get thoughts of Lydia off his head. He knew that his new feelings were usually the way people felt, and it was meant to serve as a foundation to a marriage of love. But his fear was whether or not Lydia felt that way towards him. He did not want to be seen as trying to take advantage of the lady because she had told him about her predicament.

To clear his mind off the thought, he attended a holiday ball organized by Lord Lukas. Most unexpectedly however, he came across Lydia.

Lydia was dressed in an elegant peach gown, she was astoundingly beautiful and she walked stealthily along the ballroom.

“You are adorable!” Oliver expressed quietly when he drew close to her.

“Thank you.” She muttered respectfully. “Although, I have been troubled as to why you have ceased from visiting us these days.”

“I was in your house a fortnight ago; how often do you want me to visit?” he inquired.

“I am sorry, I have no insinuations, it is only that with the manner in which you visited us, we had expected that you would keep the pace.” She said, “how stupid of me to think in that manner. You are a reputable man, many families crave your visitation, and I am selfish to think my family had the monopoly of that.”

“As a matter of fact,” he began sternly, “You do have the monopoly of that privilege. I have not visited any other since I heard what happened to you. I could not get past that memory.”

“I am sorry Your Grace. I must have polluted your mind about the good men we have in this community, I had no intentions to do that.”

“You were being sincere with me.” He reminded, “I fear that I’d ne’er see such sincerity in the whole of England. Ever.”

“I appreciate your kind remark, Your Grace.”

“Seeing as we are here, I think I need to ask you some serious questions.”

“Do proceed with the questions Your Grace.” She replied politely.

“Are you in love with any man, or have you any man in mind who you have your heart toward?” Oliver did not want to make any mistakes.

Lydia took some seconds thinking about the question. It was a sensitive question, and it required wits. “The man I am in love with is around the corner, and he is here tonight.”

Oliver was taken aback by the response. He had not seen nor noticed Lydia with any man since he got to town. “So you are indeed in love?”

“To the courageous man who shall propose to me tonight.” She seemed to wink at him.

Oliver felt distraught; he didn’t even know when he began to walk away from her. He did not like to trample on another man’s soil. He liked to stay within his boundary.

Lydia did not let him go completely before she made a final statement. “The man I love reads too many books, and he would have to overcome his fear and come straight at me if he is willing too.”

Oliver realized her point all along, and it occurred to him who she was referring to. He walked back to her immediately and held her hands.

“Lydia, I am sorry I was not smart to realize that I needed no fear. I love you and I would love to spend my life with you.”

Lydia chuckled; Now, he has gotten it finally. “Yes Oliver, I love you too and would marry you.”

The Christmas that followed was the best Christmas of their lives.

THE END