Felicia Read online

  “My dear Miss Richards,” a soft voice greeted Felicia as she entered the drawing room. “How kind of you to agree to stay.”

  Felicia looked toward the window and was amazed to see a delicate, almost ethereal-looking woman lying on a chaise longue. The light from the window fell in rippling patterns on the deep green chintz day dress she wore, which matched the color of her lively, dancing eyes. Her hair was dressed in the fashionable frizzed style, and small ringlets fell about her ears in seeming abandon. “I am Lord Umber’s mother,” the voice continued musically, “but I do hope that you will call me Lady Louisa, for I cannot bear the formality of being addressed as Lady Umber. And I shall call you Felicia.” Lady Louisa’s voice was soft and friendly, and Felicia felt an immediate liking for her new benefactress.

  She advanced quickly to the chaise and dropped a deep curtsy. “I am indeed delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Louisa,” she murmured, gazing down at the exquisite oriental rug.

  “Come, be seated, child,” Lady Louisa said gaily, at the same time patting a comfortable chair that had been placed by the side of the chaise. “I want to know all about you. Oh! How silly of me—you don’t remember, do you? I am sorry.”

  Felicia straightened slowly, giving herself time to adjust to these new surroundings. It seemed absurd that this young-looking woman could be the mother of the cynical man she had met earlier. “Not yet, ma’am,” she answered, sensing Lady Louisa’s concern. “But Dr. Ross assures me that it is just a matter of time before my memory returns.”

  “Well, in that case, we must talk about me and this cure the doctor has recommended,” Lady Louisa paused and looked at Felicia closely. “You know, you are a fetching young lady,” her voice was thoughtful as she continued, “despite that frightful gown you are wearing.” The amusement in her eyes took the sting from her words.

  Felicia laughed. “I must agree with you about the gown, ma’am. But it is the only one I have.”

  “I do believe we shall suit…” Lady Louisa continued, “yes, I think Dr. Ross is quite right, for I am quite looking forward to seeing you fashionably attired.”

  “But, Lady Louisa,” Felicia protested. “I do not think you understand my position. I have no money to buy new clothes.”

  “Nonsense, my child. You misunderstand me. My son tells me that he neglected to pick up your trunk from the stagecoach and has insisted that he be allowed to refurbish your wardrobe.”

  Felicia felt herself blush again. She bit her lower lip in consternation. “I cannot possibly accept such a gift,” she said quickly. “It would be unseemly, I am sure.”

  “Quite so, my dear. Quite so. That is just what I told Ian. No, it will be my pleasure to put matters right, and Dr. Ross agrees absolutely. Therapy, he called it. I have asked Ian to send my dressmaker to me as soon as he returns to London. In fact, he decided to post back right away, so she should be here in a couple of days.”

  Powerless to resist this charming woman, Felicia smiled at her enthusiasm. “Well, maybe one or two would be all right, for on quick reflection I think Mrs. Barton would think very poorly of me if I arrived with only one dress to my name. But I would be much happier if we could keep an accounting of what is spent so that I may repay you when I have received my first quarter’s wage.”

  “We shall see,” Lady Louisa responded temperately. “We shall see.”

  Felicia had to be content with that answer, for Lady Louisa had closed her eyes, making it quite obvious that she had finished with that particular topic.

  A comfortable silence fell between them, and Felicia took the opportunity to look about her. The room was not large, but with its southern exposure, was extremely light and airy. The furnishings were of the finest quality and, as Felicia’s gaze moved from the intricate, inlaid Regency desk with silver feet tucked away in one corner, she started slightly as she saw the piano, almost hidden behind some plants, in another corner. A chord in her memory was responding to something, but she couldn’t place it.

  “Go over and see if you can play something,” Lady Louisa said quietly. There was a depth of understanding in her voice.

  Gracefully, Felicia made her way to the corner and touched the piano gently before she sat down. Putting both hands on the keys she closed her eyes and began playing. The tune that came to her was a simple ballad, and she was able to play it through without a mistake.

  “Again, please,” Lady Louisa begged. “Only take it a little more slowly, and I will accompany you.”

  Felicia nodded, a feeling of excitement deep within her. Could this mean that her memory was not lost forever, she wondered. A sense of hope communicated itself to her fingers, and the stiffness vanished from her playing. Exhilarated, she joined Lady Louisa in singing. They were both so engrossed they did not hear Dr. Ross enter.

  A becoming blush tinged Felicia’s cheeks as she ended the ballad, which deepened when Dr. Ross applauded.

  “Bravo! Bravo!” he complimented. “It would seem that we have discovered a lady with hidden talents.” He addressed this remark to Lady Louisa who nodded in agreement

  “I do believe that with some practice she would be a very good pianist.”

  “Do you think to sponsor her?” Dr. Ross inquired.

  ’Twould be better than spending the rest of one’s life as a governess, Lady Louisa thought to herself.

  “Felicia,” Dr. Ross asked abruptly. “Do you remember anything at all about playing a piano?”

  “Nothing specific, but I think I can remember other passages. Oh! Dr. Ross, is it a good sign?”

  “It is difficult to say at the moment,” Dr. Ross hedged, not wanting to build up her hopes. “Although it is an encouraging indication that your unconscious mind is responding to outside stimuli.”

  Lady Louisa smiled in delight “And to think, she started to play at my suggestion. I am beginning to like this cure you have prescribed. I declare I feel better already.”

  Dr. Ross glanced over to Felicia. “Play some more,” he encouraged. “I want to hear what else you can remember.” Turning to Lady Louisa he said quietly, “I knew you would like her. You know, the more I see of her, the more convinced I am that she is of gentle birth. She has so much dignity in her bearing, and such a cultured voice.”

  “I agree, Paul,” Lady Louisa whispered. “I think it a terrible shame that she has to make a living teaching other people’s children. I wonder who she is.”

  “I hope to have the answer to that before she leaves for Manchester.”

  “I wish she wouldn’t insist on going,” Lady Louisa sighed. “I am not at all sure it is the best move for her. Whatever is a beauty like that going to do in such a ghastly town? It is positively unthinkable. Perhaps I should write to my dear friend, Lady Worthing. She has recently taken up residence near Manchester. It is just possible that I can persuade her to check up on this Mrs. Barton. It would simply never do if there were a young Mr. Barton.”

  Dr. Ross smiled at her ramblings. “You have a point there,” he said. “Her striking looks would sweep any callow youth off his feet.”

  “I will do it!” Lady Louisa said determinedly. “Write to Lady Worthing,” she explained as Dr. Ross raised his eyebrows in question. “Pray help me to my desk, Paul, and I will do it this instant.”

  Felicia left the piano and took Lady Louisa’s arm.

  “You really do play very well, my dear,” Dr. Ross praised. “Very well, indeed. It is easy to hear that you have been well taught.”

  “Thank you, doctor. I have a feeling that it is something I enjoy as well.” She looked down at her fingers and flexed them slightly. “I must be out of practice though, for my fingers are very stiff. I wonder how long it is since I last played.”

  They had reached the desk by this time, and Lady Louisa settled herself in the bow-legged armchair. Not wishing Felicia to know of her inquiries, she turned to her and said, “We don’t keep formal hours in the country. Dinner will be served at six. Paul, pray take Felicia for a turn
in the rose garden. I am sure there are questions you have to ask her, and I want to finish my correspondence before the light fades.”

  They took their leave and left Lady Louisa staring reflectively at a blank sheet of paper. Then the steady, scratching sound of her pen filled the silence and soon the page was covered with her spidery handwriting. With a flourish she signed her name and rang the silver bell on her desk for the butler. Suddenly, she felt it was urgent to send her missive to Lady Worthing.

  *

  The next few days passed very quickly. True to his word, Lord Umber sent the dressmaker down to Alverston, with private instructions not to mind the cost as he was footing the bill.

  Miss Sophy, as she called herself, was delighted to be able to dress Felicia. She seldom had the chance to fit her creations to such a perfect figure. Felicia’s waist, without the aid of a corset, was a mere eighteen inches, and her bosom was high and firm.

  “Magnificent,” she murmured to herself as she took the measurements. “Perfection!”

  Mindful of Lord Umber’s instructions, she did not mention the price of any of the materials she had brought with her. And when Felicia expressed interest in the most expensive silk, Miss Sophy was quick to allay her fears about cost.

  “Within the budget that be,” she soothed. “And just the right color for you. I can see you now, taking a stroll in that. What a picture you will present.”

  “Do you think it will be all right?” Felicia asked of Lady Louisa. “I cannot imagine that Mrs. Barton will think such finery is appropriate for a governess.”

  “But there will be times when you will need a pretty dress,” Lady Louisa interposed quickly, hoping that Miss Sophy would forget what she had just heard. She was not anxious to have the word around that Felicia was a servant, and a temporary one at that. No, she cherished the hope that somehow she could persuade Felicia to stay with her permanently.

  Miss Sophy smiled to herself. It was always a pleasure doing business with Lord Umber. He was always such a gentleman when it came to paying the bills and never questioned them at all. If this Miss Felicia wanted to pretend she was a governess, that was her business. Miss Sophy was far too discreet to make any comment.

  After a day spent choosing patterns and fabrics, Miss Sophy left for London, promising to return within the week with the new wardrobe. Between them, Lady Louisa and Miss Sophy had persuaded Felicia to take five gowns and, unknown to Felicia, Lady Louisa had asked Miss Sophy to make up two evening gowns as well.

  Meanwhile, Felicia participated in daily sessions with Dr. Ross. They were not totally unproductive, for while she was in the trance she was able to answer some of the questions about her childhood. However, if Dr. Ross asked her anything about her immediate past, she remembered nothing.

  When she was out of the trance, they discussed what had been learned. After four days they had managed to build a composite picture of her early childhood, which Dr. Ross concluded had been quite normal and happy.

  “It really is an interesting case,” he said to Lady Louisa over tea one afternoon. “Felicia is well-bred, well-educated, and well-adjusted. Yet I begin to see that something terrible happened to her in the recent past that is the real cause of her amnesia. The blow to her head was not the true cause of her loss of memory.”

  “Whatever could have happened, do you suppose?” Lady Louisa asked, a worried frown creasing her brow.

  “Any number of things. At this stage, all I know is that the true cause is painful. So painful her unconscious mind is refusing to recall it. You haven’t heard from your friend in Manchester, I suppose?”

  “No, and neither has Felicia heard from her Mrs. Barton. And I am hoping that she never does, for I swear that I have become so fond of her, I cannot bear to think of her ever going away.”

  “A pity really, for I was hoping Mrs. Barton would provide a key to open more memories,” he leaned forward conspiratorily. “’Tis possible we can between us persuade her to stay, for I am certain that the longer she is here, the less she likes the idea of going to Manchester.”

  “I am just afraid that it is a little dull for her at Alverston. Mayhap I should ask Ian to come down soon with a house party. If Felicia could mingle with people her own age, do you think that will help?”

  Dr. Ross hesitated for a moment. He was pleased that Lady Louisa was showing interest in someone other than herself. It marked a big change in her normally reclusive attitude. But his real concern was for Felicia and how she would react in Lord Umber’s presence. Nonetheless, he liked the suggestion. “Medically speaking,” he finally replied, “I think it would do you both some good.”

  Four

  When Felicia was informed of the forthcoming visit, she said nothing, keeping her fears to herself. Dr. Ross sensed her uneasiness but decided not to interfere.

  However, her fears diminished as she was caught up in the whirl of activity that ensued. Extra servants were hired from the village, and they descended like a swarm of bees on the house. All the rooms that had been closed for years were opened and aired. The holland covers were removed, and the maids were everywhere with their mops, and brooms.

  Lady Louisa’s misgivings about her ability to cope with many guests grew as the day for them to arrive drew nearer. Felicia, who felt a genuine fondness for her, had to calm her several times.

  “I don’t think you should worry about the flower arrangements. I will take care of them if you wish. I noticed that James has some beautiful blossoms in the hothouse.”

  “Would you, Felicia?” Lady Louisa breathed thankfully. “That would relieve me of a big worry. I was never terribly good with flowers. And, I swear I don’t know how I am going to cope with all these people that Ian will be bringing down. Why, oh, why did I let Paul talk me into this.”

  “If the truth were known, Lady Louisa,” Felicia said with a smile, “I do believe you are enjoying yourself, in spite of your protestations. And the difference all these preparations have made in the house is miraculous.”

  “This is how it used to be when Ian’s father was alive, Lady Louisa said wistfully. “You are right, Felicia, I am enjoying myself more than I ever dreamed possible. But, however are we going to entertain them all? I am quite out of the habit, you know.”

  “I am sure Lord Umber will make all the necessary arrangements,” Felicia assured her. “If the weather holds, they can go for a picnic, and there are some beautiful trails for rides.” A pensive note crept into her voice as she thought of the fun the party would have. “And in the evening, Lord Umber is sure to think up some amusements.”

  “You are right, of course, dear child. Ian will take care of everything. And you are to join in as well. I will not have you languishing at my side when there are young people around.”

  “But I cannot possibly,” Felicia said crisply. “It is not my place.”

  “Nonsense! Both Dr. Ross and I feel you will benefit from spending time in young company. So I will brook no argument.”

  Before Felicia could protest further, Miss Sophy was announced, and Felicia forgot her apprehension at Lady Louisa’s suggestion as she tried on her new dresses.

  “If only you could be seen in London,” Miss Sophy gushed, much to Felicia’s amusement. “What a credit you would be to me. Think of all the business I would get!”

  “I am sorry that Manchester is so far away,” Felicia laughed. “But maybe I can help you anyway, for Lord Umber is bringing a house party down next weekend, and you may be certain that if anyone asks about my gowns, I will refer them to you.” Privately she thought this unlikely, for she had heard all about the sophisticated company Lord Umber kept when away from his mother. It was most improbable that they would ask her advice.

  *

  The day of Lord Umber’s homecoming finally arrived. When Felicia awoke, she was dismayed to see it was raining. She dressed quickly in her old gown, and ran downstairs to check on the last-minute preparations. Mrs. Keyes, the housekeeper, appeared and had a few questions
, which Felicia dealt with before she descended to the kitchens to check on the menu for the first meal. Alphonse, the chef that Lord Umber had sent down from London, was firmly installed in his domain and was not pleased to see Felicia.

  “Mon dieu, mam’selle Felicia!” he exclaimed in his broken English, “I beg of you to return again. I am too busy now…later, perhaps.… But I ’ave to prepare zee sauce spécial for m’lord.”

  Felicia smiled at him. “Non, je n’ai pas besoin de votre assistance,” she said in perfect French. “I was only checking to see whether I could help you.” She promptly withdrew, and it was only when she reached the main hall that she realized she had actually spoken another language. Knowing that Dr. Ross would be in the library at this time of the morning, she knocked briefly on the door, but in her excitement entered right away. She could not wait another second to tell him her news.

  “Dr. Ross,” she said in a breathless voice, “I have just discovered that I speak French.” Thinking she saw him in the wingback chair near the fireplace, she ran over to him.

  “That, my dear Miss Richards, was something I never doubted from the beginning,” the disturbing voice of Lord Umber drawled.

  “You!” Felicia exclaimed. “Whatever are you doing here?” In her dismay, her tone was sharp.

  “I live here,” he replied slowly, an amused look in his eyes.

  “Where is Dr. Ross?” Felicia demanded. Her heart was pounding and her knees seemed about to give way. She took a deep breath to steady herself. “I am sorry to have intruded, but Dr. Ross is usually here at this time, and anyway,” she continued as her spirit returned, “we are not expecting you until this afternoon.”

  “I am sorry to overset your arrangements then, Miss Richards,” he teased. “I decided to ride down early. Perhaps I should have informed you of my change in plans?”

  “No, not at all,” Felicia replied. “It was just that you took me by surprise.”

  “Not for the first time, my dear,” Lord Umber laughed. “I apologize.”