Page 29 of A Lovely White Christmastide
“I am afraid Mr. Caleb Waverly has pulled Miss Julianna to a secluded portion of the gallery, Mrs. Barker.” He hid a smile when she began marching through the narrow room. In truth, he could see them the whole time, but adding the wordsecludedhad done its job.
It only took a moment for Mrs. Barker to rescue Miss Julianna, her eyes narrowing at the would-be abductor as she escorted her charge back to the safety of the group.
The rest of the tour was uneventful as they examined the family wing which held General Waverly’s study and a library.
When they entered, General Waverly stood. “To what do I owe this visit, and from so many of you?”
“I am showing them the layout of the house. Do you not remember?” His wife placed a hand on her hip and the generalrubbed the back of his neck, obviously embarrassed by his forgetfulness.
“Ah… yes, I do recall now.”
Mrs. Waverly shook her head but went on to explain how her husband had designed the layout of the shelves choosing the wood and stain for the dark mahogany.
When the group moved to the door to continue, Daniel hung back.
“General Waverly,” he said in a hushed voice, “might I speak with you privately?”
The general glanced at the others exiting the room. “Of course, Mr. Key.”
Daniel cringed. Years under this man's service and he still could not remember his name.
When Bingham glanced back, Daniel motioned him to continue. “I will catch up in a moment.”
After the room was silent, he said. “I am concerned about Mr. Caleb Waverly’s treatment of your niece, sir.”
“I have two nieces, Key. You will have to be more specific.”
“It is Kaye, sir, and I am speaking of Miss Julianna.”
“Is it really? I shall have to commit that to memory.” The general rubbed his forehead as if the action would push the information into his skull. “As for Caleb, he has had a sweet spot for Julianna for many years now. You will have to forgive them. Young love and all.”
“Yes, but she does not return his regards.”
“And how do you know?”
“Observation. During the day she has consistently tried to create space between them but he follows her about like a young pup.”
“Perhaps she is simply trying to string him along and make him desire her more.”
“By using me as a shield to hide from him, sir? That does not sound like interest. And when she did not immediately comply with his request, he nearly yanked her over. I am sorry, but I will not sit by and watch any lady be used so ill.”
General Waverly sat back in his seat, rubbing his chin. “That does sound ungentlemanly.” Finally he leaned forward, placing his forearms on his desk. “I will speak with Julianna. If she is indeed distressed by his attention then I will have words with Caleb.” He pushed to his feet. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Key. You are dismissed.”
Daniel’s lips quirked. Apparently the rubbing had not done the trick. But like always General Waverly kept things short and to the point—just like his days in the Royal Army.
Chapter Nine
For the most part Carswell’s stay with the Waverlys had been uneventful. They breakfasted in the mornings, spent the day hunting or with some entertainment with neighbors, then dined in the evening.
General Waverly’s nephews came and went as they pleased, the two oldest having homes nearby. But most of their time was spent at Haverton, especially the youngest who more often than not made himself a pest where Miss Julianna was concerned.
However, on their fourth morning in residence, Carswell found himself alone in the breakfast parlor. After three days of noise the quiet was a blessed relief. He took time to savor his food as he stared out the window at the blustery day. Some might consider the dreary weather depressing, but it lifted his spirits considerably. There would be few activities out of doors today. Perhaps he’d make his way to the library and read a book.
“It has been such a delight having you here,” Mrs. Waverly said from the hall. “I only wish your mother could have accompanied you.”
Carswell sighed. It seemed his peace would not last.
Kaye rounded the corner into the room, Mrs. Waverly on his arm. “It is quite the journey from Kettering and she did not wish to be far from my sister as her confinement nears.”
