Page 6 of Papa's Captive
“If you do not wish for me to find another husband for you,” Miss Wickersham said, “and Lord Caldwell does not renew his affections, what shall become of you?”
“I-I do not know,” Rosie said. “I had not considered it. Perhaps,” she said hopefully, “in time my heart will mend and I will be ready for the papa that you select for me.”
“It will need to be sooner rather than later,” Miss Wickersham said. “You were nineteen when you arrived here two years ago and you have been hesitant to marry whenever I have mentioned it to you. I have been surprised by Lord Caldwell's attentions to you and even more surprised by the appearance that you shared his interest and enjoyed his company. As I have said, it is my usual practice to select papas for my young ladies myself, without any input from either party. I pride myself on taking the measure of each man who seeks out a bride here at Talcott House as well as accurately discerning the personality of each of my young charges. I have made a large number of quite successful matches, as well you know. Only in recent times have I tolerated the gentlemen who have wished to circumvent my methods. However, now that I see the turmoil and pain it causes when a gentleman's affections wane, I am more determined than ever to halt allowing courtships to happen and for my young ladies to choose for themselves. It is simply too disruptive. The fact that you, a young woman who is always self-possessed and comports herself as a proper young lady, has turned to scuffling with one of her chamber mates over comments which were hurtful in relationship to your gentleman caller is just another sign to me that my way is the best.”
While Rosie allowed all of that to sink in, Miss Wickersham continued. “You shall have until the first of the year to mend your broken heart and then I shall in earnest begin the process of finding a proper husband for you. One who will appreciate you and all you offer to a marriage, which it appears Lord Caldwell does not, else he would have returned days ago.”
A rap on the door halted their discussion. Rosie assumed Lily and Letty had arrived and braced herself for the next phase of punishment from Miss Wickersham. Her shame at her own mischief multiplied knowing her discipline would include Lily and Lettie who would be able to witness her chastisement as well.
However, when Miss Wickersham opened the door it was Garland who stood there, her face a little flustered. She gave Miss Wickersham a brief curtsy and said, “If you please, ma'am, Lord Caldwell is here and wishes to walk out with Rosie.”
A thrill of pleasure unlike any she had ever known washed through Rosie's body. He was here! He had returned! He still cared about her! She stood and in her excitement forgot about her precarious position on the chair and ended up yet again laying on the floor of Miss Wickersham’s study.
Miss Wickersham turned and looked at her. “What do you think you are doing, young lady? Not only does a proper young woman not go running after a gentleman, particularly when he has shown himself to be unreliable in his intentions, but there is still the matter of your punishment, not to mention we are waiting for Lettie and Lily as well.”
Tears pricked at the corners of Rosie’s eyes and she folded her hands as if in prayer, looking up at Miss Wickersham. “Please, Miss Wickersham. I beg you. Please let me go to Lord Caldwell. I promise that once he concludes his visit, I shall return here and accept any punishment you choose to mete out to me. I was wrong to allow Lily’s words to get under my skin and undo my composure. You have spent a great deal of time and effort to train me to behave properly and I did not do that today and for that I am truly sorry. But please, please, I beg you, allow me to walk out with Lord Caldwell.”
Time stood still while Rosie held her breath, silently praying and begging for Miss Wickersham to consent. After what felt like an eternity, Miss Wickersham nodded her head in assent. “Very well,” she said, “but Garland will go with you as always to chaperone you and your time with Lord Caldwell. I am concerned about the character of a man who takes no more care than to drop in willy-nilly, which I shall make clear to Lord Caldwell myself when I speak to him.”
Rosie’s eyebrows furrowed in alarm. Miss Wickersham intended to speak to Lord Caldwell? She would no doubt chastise him in the same manner she did her pupils. Well, verbally, anyway. The idea of it reddened Rosie’s face with embarrassment. How could Miss Wickersham do such a thing?
However, she dared not object as it was only on Miss Wickersham’s benevolence she was permitted to be with Lord Caldwell at all.
Miss Wickersham continued, “I shall come in search of you in thirty minutes. This will be a very short call. An unreliable man does not deserve too much acquiescence on our part. Do you understand?”
“Yes, yes, I do understand. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Rosie said with an uncharacteristic amount of enthusiasm. She ran from the room with Garland following after her calling, “Wait. Wait for me.”
