Lady Anne and the Menacing Mystic

Chapter One

The drone of conversation in the overwarm sitting room of her grandmother’s Bath townhome was making Lady Anne Addison drowsy. Standing still for a fitting was tedious labor to someone accustomed to movement. Feminine voices blended into a sweet, soft hum, a few words distinct in the back-and-forth exchange between her mother and her mother’s good friend, who sat near the fire visiting.

"Baron Kattenby . . . most eligible fellow . . . said to be wife hunting . . . Bath, the perfect place to find a lady . . ."

Anne yawned. Wife hunting; what sport! The hounds baying, bounding along the green space by the Avon, chasing women in panniered gowns who tripped and galloped in awkward flight . . .

"Did you hear . . . ? Mr. Cleveland Courtland! Poor fellow! Recently wed to that widow, the former Mrs. Breckenridge. Died an agonizing death, I heard . . . so very sad . . ."

Death, another favorite topic in Bath, served up in gossip as a delicious piquant condiment, Anne reflected, blinking, wiping sleep from her eyes. A titillating shock was sudden death, good to pique the appetite for more. However . . . she had seen enough of it in the past months, and would be quite happy not to see it again. She swayed on her feet, then shook the drowsiness away and forced herself to sharpen her hearing. She again heard a few words and names . . . Mr. Tyler says . . . and Lady Sharples informed me . . . and Mr. Doyne announced . . . Tedious tittle-tattle.

Ow! Anne shrieked and Irusan, her cat, leaped from his slumber on a cushion near the fireplace. He growled and looked around, ears back, his thick fur standing on end and his tail lashing back and forth.

"What is wrong with you, Anne?" her mother, Lady Barbara, Countess of Harecross, cried out, irritated by her outburst. She had turned away from her tea table, where she sat gossiping with her longtime friend Mrs. Clary Basenstoke.

Anne looked down at the seamstress, who gazed up at her with a frantic and frightened look, pins bristling from her mouth like comb tines. The pin was still sticking in Anne’s flesh at the waist from where her new robe à l’anglaise was being fitted. She took a deep breath and said, I stepped on my own toe, that’s all. Go back to your gossip.

Mrs. Basenstoke hid a smile and engaged Anne’s mother in some fascinating topic that drew her attention. They chatted on about a certain Mr. Josiah Doyne, widower, who had come to Bath to take the health-giving waters and, at the same time, find a wife to keep his house. A Baron Kattenby likewise; an exceptional catch for a woman. They enumerated a list of young—but not too young—ladies who they thought suitable. Matchmaking was ever a fitting pastime for elegant ladies.

I heard yesterday afternoon that the baron is already snapped up, Mrs. Basenstoke said with an unmistakable note of chagrin in her tone.

Oh, that’s too bad, Clary, Lady Harecross said.

Never mind, I knew it was coming, Mrs. Basenstoke said, and the pair went back to low-toned gossip.

Thank you, milady, for saying naught about the pin prick, the seamstress murmured after using the last of her mouthful of pins. She cast a fleeting glance toward the tea table. I shouldn’t like her ladyship to think me careless.

You have worked for my mother before and no doubt have found her a difficult and tedious client, Anne said sympathetically.

Oh, no, not at all, milady. Lady Barbara is kind. She always makes sure I have tea before I go.

Anne watched the seamstress frown and squint as she worked. Truffle, may we have the draperies open? she said to the butler, who had entered to make sure that the gossiping ladies’ teapot was replenished. Mrs. McKellar is having a difficult time with the lighting in this room. Mama keeps it so gloomy always. They were doing the fitting in the first-floor sitting room at Lady Harecross’s insistence; she wanted to approve all of Anne’s fabric and color choices, though at twenty-five Anne knew what she liked and would do what she wanted. Her allowance money was her own, and she needed no maternal approval. The butler summoned a maid to open the drapes, letting in a stream of misty Bath autumnal sunshine from the large windows overlooking the Paragon. The new gown was exquisite, and Darkefell would approve of the way the neckline flattered her figure. Darkefell. Anthony. What in heaven’s name should she call her husband-to-be when speaking to others? In their private moments she called him Tony, but she could not speak so of him to others. She fidgeted. Just thinking of him made her feverish. Mrs. McKellar smiled at her image in the cheval mirror.

You’re getting rosy, milady, with thinking? P’raps of your gentleman? she whispered. Some like your mother or grandmother will no doubt frighten you wi’ fears of the wedding night, but don’t let it worry you. A woman’s duty can be pleasant, if the gentleman is gallant enough.

Anne hid a smile as she said, I’m quite comfortable on that topic, Mrs. McKellar. She would not say it to anyone, but in a deeply unorthodox wooing she and Tony had anticipated the wedding vows while she stayed at Darkefell’s estate over the summer. It was one of the few enticements to marriage for a woman, in her mind. Other than that—the delight she took in her and Darkefell’s indubitable physical compatibility—it had been a struggle to reconcile her sense of independence with the expected role of a woman as a wife and mother. She would be reduced, after marriage, she sometimes felt, to fulfilling her biological destiny as dam to the next marquess.

It was a conflict in her soul that she wished she could reconcile. It wasn’t Tony who made her feel uncertain; he was the one thing about their marriage she was sure of. After a few initial incidents when he was more masterful than she was comfortable with, he had never made her feel that she would be anything but his equal in a loving partnership. It was everything else around her: her upbringing, her church, her friends, her mother. Especially her mother, who badgered her constantly to set a date, to confirm to the world her engagement to the eligible, eminent and elusive Marquess of Darkefell. Make the announcement before he has second thoughts, her mother had warned her, even after Anne said that Tony was a man of his word, whether that word was given in a public forum or had been just between the two of them.

From the time she was a child her mother had been planning for her marriage and she did not understand Anne’s qualms. For Lady Harecross it was natural; when a woman wed, she ceased to be. She became, legally, a part of her husband. He was responsible for her, and if she strayed he would have the right to bring her to heel. They would never see eye to eye on this subject.

We can fit the next garment, milady, Mrs. McKellar said. The two moved behind a screen, and the seamstress helped her remove the elaborate robe. What is he like, this man of yours? Is he handsome?

Anne smiled and put up her arms as the woman lifted the heavy skirt over her head. "He is very handsome, she said. Dark hair, dark eyes, broad shoulders."

What about his legs? I do love a man with sturdy calves, the seamstress said with a sigh. One who fills out a pair of stockings.

His calves are perfection.

The seamstress helped her into another of Anne’s gowns from three years ago that she was making over for her. We can stay here for the moment, milady, while I pin the adjustments. Looks like you’ve lost a wee bit of weight.

Long walks in Yorkshire, Cornwall and Kent are responsible, Anne said. As well as other enjoyable activities, she thought, remembering their passionate lovemaking.

However . . . lovemaking outside of marriage had deep risks. If she fell pregnant, or if a servant whispered about what they did, her reputation would be shattered, and a lady’s reputation was something to be guarded strenuously. She and Tony had reluctantly made the mutual decision that there would be no more of that sort of behavior, but being near Tony and not able to be with him was dismal for both of them. So she had returned to her family home in Kent to spend time with her father and brother, and then traveled on to Bath to prepare for marriage.

Milady, could you turn for me please?

What? Oh, yes, pardon me. I was wool gathering. Anne turned, then looked down at the seamstress’s face in the shadowed protection of the dressing screen. Had she been too free with her acknowledgment of her engagement? Mrs. McKellar, I must ask that you say nothing about any possible nuptials. We have not announced yet, and I wish to be free of the fuss and bother until it is impossible to avoid.

I understand, milady. What shall I say if asked directly about your situation?

Tell anyone who asks that they are rude to inquire into a lady’s private affairs. The seamstress gaped, aghast. Of course the poor woman could not say that to her curious customers. More gently Anne said, Tell them this: as far as you know I am visiting my family and taking the time to have a few gowns made. Let them think what they will, so long as they don’t bother me.

What are you saying over there, Anne? her mother asked, breaking off her conversation. What are you two whispering about behind that screen? I will not have you whispering and keeping secrets in my home, Anne.

Silence.

"Anne! Did you hear me?" Lady Harecross was querulous.

"I heard you, Anne retorted. How could I not, since you shouted it? She swept out from behind the screen and glared at the countess. Because our conversation was not carried out at a yell does not mean we were whispering. Besides, Mother, you cannot forbid my behavior. This is, after all, not your home, except in the nominal way that you currently live here. It is Grandmama’s."

The seamstress had followed her out to stand in the better light by the window. Eyes wide, her hands trembling, she knelt and continued her work to pin the skirt, taking it in at the waist. Anne sighed. She and her mother were constantly at odds, but she would not be bullied.

The tension between them would not be eased until Anne agreed to announce her engagement. Lady Harecross and Anne’s grandmother, the Dowager Viscountess Everingham, were almost frantic with irritation with Anne. She suspected they wanted it announced so neither could renege. Of the two interested parties, both her mother and grandmother thought Anne more likely to disappoint them than the marquess. They also longed for the ability to hold over every other matchmaking mama’s heads the family’s great good fortune: a marquess, with many tens of thousands a year and estates and business dealings in every county. It was success beyond what had ever been thought possible for such a contrary, independent, plainspoken and plain-appearing woman as Lady Anne Addison, even given that she was the daughter of an earl. The announcement would cause such a stir as was seldom seen in sedate Bath.

But Anne would not be forced into an announcement. Tony was still north in Yorkshire dealing with family matters, and she would not face alone the storm that would surely accompany their wedding announcement. Until that moment she was a free woman, at liberty to speak, dance and walk with whomever she pleased, and no one the wiser.

The gown was pinned and altered, ready for sewing. She turned from regarding the changes in the mirror. This will do nicely, Mrs. McKellar. You have a fine hand with stitchery. I’ll have Mary speak with you about the finishing touches. She spotted the butler, who had again entered to make sure nothing was amiss. Truffle, will you bring tea for Mrs. McKellar and myself? He appeared scandalized and hesitated, but Anne’s mother had not noticed, back in a comfortable coze with her friend, so he must order tea for a working person, the seamstress, against his deepest prejudices.

Mrs. McKellar colored, her freckles standing out even against the red of her cheeks. Oh, milady, you oughtn’t have bothered. I always take my tea in the kitchen.

Nonsense. I would like to speak with you in particular about my nightclothes, and some other items I wish made, and I won’t sit and have tea while you work. Are you free for an hour more?

I am, milady.

Truffle, before you go, she said to the butler, who had hesitated, . . . move that small table over to the window, and make sure there are cakes with the tea. And currant buns, with butter. And a pot of jam. I’m famished and I’m sure Mrs. McKellar could use some sustenance. Anne smiled, turning back to the seamstress. Perhaps you can smuggle some out for your children. Grandmama employs one of the best pastry chefs in Bath.

Irusan twined about their feet until Anne put some buttered crumbs on a saucer at her feet and he gobbled them up, then set about cleaning himself. Over tea the two women discussed many more wardrobe additions, and a trip to purchase the necessary fripperies: fans, stockings, gloves and other odds and ends. Then Mrs. McKellar began to carefully pack away the instruments of her trade, along with the pattern books and fabric samples. She was meticulous and neat. With no chatter between her and the seamstress, Anne would hear the subject of Anne’s mother and their family friend’s conversation.

I find it most intriguing that Mother Macree is situated in rooms in Margaret’s Buildings, Lady Harecross said of the townhome block named for a Lady Margaret when they were built a few years before. "They have swiftly become unfashionable, though situated so close to the Crescent. My cousin Miss Louisa Broomhall has rooms there. So many are saying the mystic must be telling fortunes to make money, but she insists it is all to help. I say, if it was for money, surely she would house herself somewhere more fashionable than over a shop?"

I’m sure I don’t know, Barbara. A clever woman would reason that she must appear humble to quell any rumor that she is grasping.

You are a cynic, Clary. I never suspected it.

Roger claims I am the opposite, too gullible, he says, Mrs. Basenstoke said, speaking of her son. I am an easy target for anyone with a sad story, he says.

Of whom does Roger speak?

I think you know, Mrs. Basenstoke said on an exaggerated sigh.

Your nephew Alfred, Lady Harecross said with a knowing tone.

Who is this Mother Macree? Anne whispered to the seamstress.

Eyes sparkling, Mrs. McKellar folded a swatch of fabric, patted it into a square, and whispered, "A prophetess, milady! Some call her the Mystic of Bath. She can foretell exactly what is to happen in the future, and has predicted with astonishing accuracy an assortment of happenings."

What kind of happenings?

Oh . . . marriages, births, scandals; all manner natural and personal. There are many in Bath who will do nothing—agree to be engaged, plan a party, buy property, or even a gown or hat—without they consult her.

I think I may have heard of her. Has she become fashionable?

Yes, milady, ever so! There is not a person of standing in Bath who has not been to her.

My grandmother can tolerate so few fashionable affairs nowadays, but she does like to get out. She told me she had visited a prophetess who had, she said, predicted I would become engaged to a man of elevated status. Since that had already occurred, it was not so much a prediction as a good guess, or perhaps a simple acknowledgment of what Anne’s mother and grandmother had been hoping for ever since Tony visited them early in the summer, trying to discover where Anne was.

As Mrs. McKellar made a few final notes, Anne listened in on the other conversation.

Mrs. Basenstoke said, He is not pleased that Alfred is staying with us.

Roger is not pleased? But they are cousins, Lady Barbara exclaimed. What objection has he to your nephew?

I don’t know. The other woman paused, her forehead wrinkled, then continued, Roger will not say. It’s troubling. Alfred is a most abstemious young man, here to take the waters after a bout of illness. He’s so sweet and helpful, more so than Roger.

He’s an endearing boy, Lady Harecross acknowledged. And beautiful, like a Grecian marble bust, with a tumble of dark curling hair over his brow.

Since his parents are both gone I feel a motherly interest in him, Clary said. "We must find him a bride, perhaps one with money."

Alfred Lonsdale is a vicar, Clary. He cannot aim too high with poor health, a limited income and middling prospects for the future. He will not be able to wed until he has a living, surely. But perhaps a merchant’s daughter with a hundred a year who will trade her dowry for an introduction to society could be a good match. Alfred’s birth is good, after all, and can stand any inspection.

"Perhaps you’re right. I shouldn’t worry about his ability to find someone. He appears a most able matchmaker. After all, he did introduce me to Mr. Smythe," she said, with a youthful blush mantling her cheeks.

"Your new beau! A gentlemanly fellow, so I understand, and said to be tremendously wealthy from woolen mills in the north. I didn’t know Alfred had introduced you."

Anne watched her mother’s friend, a woman of average height, face lightly lined with wrinkles, but still with a fine figure. Mrs. Clary Basenstoke had been a widow for many years. How nice that she had a new love interest!

The lady self-consciously fanned herself and smiled. Alfred has become quite fashionable and has a wide acquaintance, even though he has been here in Bath only a couple of months. He met Mr. Smythe through a friend, I understand, and so introduced him to me at the Assembly Rooms.

You do appear quite . . . elevated, Clary. I have not seen you so happy for many a year, Lady Harecross stated with satisfaction.

"I should be perfectly happy, if only Roger had not taken against poor Alfred. It does disturb my household."

Anne firmed her lips in a grimace to keep from uttering a biting remark; she had known Mrs. Basenstoke’s son, Roger, for years and had never liked him. He was presumptuous and conceited, she thought, with the outward aspect of a gentleman and the soul of a scapegrace. If Roger disapproved of this vicar, Mrs. Basenstoke’s nephew, Mr. Alfred Lonsdale, then Anne approved of the gentleman on principle.

His great friend Mr. Bertram Birkenhead has offered Alfred a room, should he need it, but I do not wish—

Oh, I know the Birkenheads! Anne exclaimed, setting down her refreshed bowl of tea and looking over to the two older women. I have known Alethea Birkenhead for ten years or more.

Is that so? Mrs. Basenstoke said, smiling over at Anne.

We went to school together. Her husband, Bertram—Bertie to most of us—has become my good friend too, since they wed.

You should not use a gentleman’s given name, no matter how friendly, her mother stated. It’s vulgar and common. Bertie is a name for a rag-and-bone man, not a gentleman.

Anne ignored her and continued to Mrs. Basenstoke, Whenever I come to Bath we reanimate our friendship. In fact, I shall be going to visit them in an hour. We are to walk today, and are engaged to the ball at the Assembly Rooms tonight.

They seem a delightful couple, devoted to each other, Mrs. Basenstoke said.

They are the very pair who inspire me to hope that happiness can be found within marriage.

Her mother sniffed and harrumphed. Her own marriage to the earl, Anne’s father, was broken in profound ways. The problems with Jamey, Anne’s brother, who had a condition that made him wildly difficult to deal with, had forced a wedge between the husband and wife. Anne’s mother had been devastated by Jamey’s troublesome behavior and had wished to send him away to be looked after elsewhere.

In one sense her father had acquiesced, but the place he chose for Jamey to live was a house on their estate so he could visit with his only son. Jamey had a private house and a couple whose job was to look after him and keep him happy. He mostly was happy with his greenhouse, his gardens and his inventions. His proximity, though, to Harecross Hall had been unbearable for Lady Harecross, a continual reminder of her failure to give the earl an heir who could act with competence.

Lady Harecross, unable to bear the strain, had moved to Bath to stay with her mother. She had never returned to her home and Anne, in her own stubborn turn, had been angry at her mother for years. Standing with her father regarding Jamey’s living arrangement had broken the thin, tenuous bond they had once had as mother and daughter. She was now trying to mend their fractured relationship for the sake of her family, but she would never apologize for what she had done in the past, nor would she regret what she said.

There’s no need for comments like that, Anne! her mother said.

Barbara, she didn’t mean anything by it, Mrs. Basenstoke said.

I meant exactly what I said, Anne replied. The Birkenheads are my ideal of happiness in marriage.

Mrs. McKellar, clearly uncomfortable with the palpable tension in the room, stood and said hastily, Thank you, milady, for the tea. I will be gone now, for I must not disappoint my next lady.

Please do take some cakes home for your children, Anne said with a smile.

The seamstress ducked her head in thanks and wrapped some delicacies in a scrap of fabric. "Milady, if you can have your maid box these two gowns and send them to my home, I will make the alterations and the final stitching on the robe a l’anglaise, and begin on the robe à la polonaise and other items. Please send me a note when you wish to shop for the accoutrements."

She hurried from the room, and her mother, looking Anne over disapprovingly, said, I hope you are going to visit Darkefell’s brother and sister-in-law while you are here? And you’ll wear something appropriate?

Anne took in a deep breath. "Mother, Lydia is not only Darkefell’s sister-in-law but my particular friend. For heaven’s sake, I was engaged to her brother, Reggie! Of course I will be visiting them, but I must respect her delicate condition. I have sent round my card and expect to hear back any time now; I’ll be guided by how she is feeling. I’m going tomorrow afternoon to visit Lolly. Lolly was Miss Louisa Broomhall. Will you have any message for her? Anne said pointedly. Perhaps an invitation to tea?"

Not right now, Anne. I’m far too busy for Lolly’s giddiness.

Anne stared at her mother, who was in her leisure, wearing her favorite sack gown, unpowdered and unwigged. Lady Harecross did nothing most days but visit friends, gossip and shop. Today she was not at home except to her dearest friend. I will be taking a box of cook’s treats to her, at least, she said. Considering Lolly’s continued penury and your refusal to help in any material way, I will do whatever is in my power to aid her. And I’ll give her your love. Such as it is.

Do not be smart with me, Anne, Lady Harecross said, her voice frozen with fury as Mrs. Basenstoke remained diplomatically silent.

Anne picked up Irusan, and as she departed the room muttered, I have an engagement, if you’ll excuse me.

Chapter Two

The Birkenheads arrived to pick her up in their handsome open landau; they were to stroll the park, or some other green space.

Mrs. Alethea Birkenhead, clad in a striking gold polonaise gown and plumed hat, waved a hand toward a gentleman and lady sitting opposite her. Anne, my dearest friend! We have brought company with us. This is Mrs. Bella Venables, a cousin of Bertie’s, she said, touching her husband’s shoulder. He, garbed in a rust-figured frock coat and gold breeches, smiled benignly and bowed his head. Bella, may I introduce you to our dear friend Lady Anne Addison?

The two ladies bowed their heads, Anne noticing how well-looking and genteel Mrs. Venables was, clad in a magenta striped day gown, her flattering hairstyle—not as elaborate as many felt necessary—topped by a beribboned calash. She was a woman of middle years, closer to forty than thirty, Anne judged. Her face was lightly lined, as if she had suffered in her life, but her eyes were lovely, deep-set, dark and liquid, a look Anne admired greatly.

And I hope you don’t mind; this is our good friend Mr. Alfred Lonsdale. Mr. Lonsdale, may I introduce you to Lady Anne Addison?

Anne, handed up into the carriage by a footman, eyed the soberly dressed young gentleman, who had stood, removed his hat and bowed during the introduction. He took his seat as she sat down beside him. Mr. Lonsdale, you are Mrs. Clary Basenstoke’s nephew, are you not?

I am, my lady, he said as he donned his hat. Do you know my aunt?

I do; she is the dear friend of my mother, Lady Barbara Harecross.

Ah . . . I have heard my aunt speak of your mother and your grandmother, Lady Everingham?

You are correct. Mrs. Basenstoke is a frequent visitor to our home. I enjoyed meeting her this morning and reacquainting myself with her. I arrived in Bath two days ago.

Formalities out of the way, the footman hopped up beside the driver, who maneuvered the landau around a corner on the Paragon. Carriages were not usually employed in Bath, where the streets were narrow and the distances close, but with so many it was a necessity, Anne supposed. They chatted, a cheerful group, though Mr. Lonsdale appeared a somber young gentleman, not much given to light conversation and gossip. He had been asked to make up the numbers, Alethea said, as three ladies and one gentleman was one too many ladies. Anne smiled at her friend’s flighty chatter. Alethea, a friend of hers from her brief time in school, had moments of such gaiety, and then long periods of introspection. Their friendship had not been without drama, but through all the turmoil and tumult they were steadfast and true. She had attended their wedding six years ago and considered them both good friends.

Mr. Bertram Birkenhead—extremely wealthy from family investments in the fur trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company in the colonies—was at least ten years older than Alethea, his dark hair threaded with silver, his mien calm and reflective. His wise levelheadedness countered her occasional giddiness, and his wife’s mercurial flightiness made him smile, lightening his mood and making life zestful, he had once said. Together they were a striking couple, both tall, both elegant, her fine-boned beauty—sharp chin, wide mouth, high cheekbones—a contrast to his sober solidity. They were as close as any husband and wife Anne had ever witnessed.

They trundled no further than the Crescent, that long beautiful curved row of Bath stone townhomes and the park opposite, before stopping and dismissing their carriage for the moment. Mrs. Venables was on Bertram’s other arm, so each lady had a gentleman’s support.

October in Bath was a rosy month of moderate temperatures, misty sunlight, and muted colors. The trees were changing from green to golden, rust, and scarlet, and scattering leaves beneath them, a showy carpet of color. The park opposite the Crescent was a wide swath of green, with a view of trees below, beyond the ha-ha. Anne strolled, supported by the arm of Mr. Lonsdale, who was as beautiful as his aunt had said, with black hair and dark eyes. He had high cheekbones and hollow cheeks, with a suggestion of delicateness in his mien. Dark circles under his eyes hinted of suffering and perhaps sleepless nights. She was curious about him, a pleasant sensation in Bath, where nothing seemed to change much.

Are you certain you don’t wish for a more amusing walk, my lady? the young gentleman said anxiously, tucking her arm in his own. I believe they promised you a park.

This is park enough for me. I am perfectly content, I assure you, especially with my friends’ choice of a companion for me. She turned to catch a glimpse of his face, not so simple a matter with her bonnet shading her eyes. How coincidental that I heard your name and am now meeting you! There was no reply from the young gentleman, so she continued. As I said, I am acquainted with your aunt, Mrs. Clary Basenstoke, and your cousin, Mr. Roger Basenstoke. Anne didn’t add that on her last two visits to Bath her mother, desperate for Anne to wed, had tried to matchmake her with the gentleman simply because he was eligible and wealthy. She had spent many hours with him at the card table and the Assembly Rooms, and found him gloomy, cynical, sarcastic and unappealing. How happy you must be, with a cousin to spend time with! He has lived here most of his life, I believe, so he has been able to introduce you to all of his friends.

Faint rosy color mantled his cheeks, the only color on him for he was, indeed, pallid. He ducked his head in an affirmative nod. I am grateful to my aunt for giving me a home for the time being.

That was evasive and ambiguous, to say the