SPRING (Aubrey)
Part 1
by Atonia
Captain Jack Aubrey climbed the sloping hill to the house. He turned several times to make sure Killick was still behind him. His orders had come in the middle of the night and it was with some urgency that he sailed to the House of Four Seasons. Something had gone amiss with the house and his orders came directly from the owner. It was the first time he had visited the house without some comely wench having called him. He wasn't sure what to expect.
Upon reaching level ground he paused and took a deep breath. Ah spring: rebirth, renewal, a new beginning. Jack was a frequent visitor to the house and knew of its ways. A quick look around disclosed nothing of the problem within. He left Killick at the back door and walked around to the front of the house. A wreath of pussy willow hung on the door and a basket of pansies set on the step. There was no one to great him. He pushed the door open and walked inside. There was a chill in the air despite the ever burning fireplace. A cat stretched, walked over to him meowing and rubbing against his legs.
“Now who might you be?” he asked bending to pet the animal, “and where is your mistress?”
He walked through the downstairs rooms finding them empty. He turned while standing on the landing. Sadness…the house is sad. Something has happened here and I suspect it’s your fault house. He went down the hallway to his rooms and found them unfinished. Disgusted he turned back down the hall. Pausing at Toni’s door, he knocked and receiving no replay, he opened the door. The room was empty of its occupant so he strolled around taking in everything. He tried to get a sense of who she was. He walked out on the balcony to watch his ship disappear on the horizon.
Toni had been walking for hours. At times her grief overtook her. She sat and let it flow but the anger still burned like a hot coal in the pit of her stomach. By the time she reached the house she was spent. She didn’t see the changes as she climbed the stairs to her room. She only her desire to pack her bags. Toni heard noise in the room next to hers as she reached the hallway, but she had no interest in that room. She noticed the figure on the balcony as soon as she closed her door. At first her heart gave a leap thinking it might somehow be John but when he turned she was speechless.
He stepped through the curtains embarrassed at being found in her rooms. “Jack Aubrey at your service, my lady. I was just um…my ship has sailed…your balcony offered a view…my rooms are not…I am sorry to um...” He bowed. She had not spoken. When he straightened he looked into her face. She was very pale and her eyes were swollen. Perhaps she had been ill? She was clutching a sweater at her throat. Perhaps she was cold?
“I’m terrible sorry but you look cold.” He turned and closed the balcony doors. “Won’t you come by the fire and warm yourself?”
She said very quietly, “I never called you. I don't want you here. I don’t want anyone.”
“I am very aware you did not call for me. I am here under orders.” Something was very wrong with this beautiful lady. “I received my orders at four bells and came as quickly as I could.”
“You could have taken your time.” She walked over to the fire. “I'm afraid there is nothing here for you Captain Aubrey. I'm leaving.”
“But that’s not possible. Surely you know that you signed the contract. Did you not?”
She stared into the fire, “I’m afraid it was under false pretenses Captain. I was looking for a sanctuary to write and instead I’ve lost my heart.”
Ah she fell in love, “Would you like tea...perhaps a cup of tea?” She turned to him and nodded. Jack walked out on the landing and bellowed for Killick to bring tea to the lady’s room.
“I don’t have your name.” He came and stood beside her
“You mean you don’t have a dossier on me? Know all my likes and dislikes? What I like to eat and drink, what size shoes I wear?" She spat out
“I know nothing of you my lady except you are troubled.” He said softly
She looked up at him and saw only concern on his face, “I’m sorry this isn’t your fault. My name is Toni Stanley.”
“Ah a nice English name, Stanley. Where are you from, may I ask?”
“Boston, by way of Virginia. I'm a writer and came here to write a novel. I had no idea of this place, Captain, or I wouldn't have come.”
He studied her for a moment. The house must be having an experiment with this one and it had perhaps failed. “May I ask you…who your winter companion was?”
He saw it in her eyes. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
“My winter companion as you put it was John Biebe. He had to leave this morning.” She dropped her head.
He took her by the arm. “Won't you sit my dear? Killick should be here with the tea momentarily.” He guided her to the sofa and sat beside her, “John is a good man. You chose wisely.” He tilted his head. There was a small smile on his lips. He understood now. There was no doubt her love had been returned. “There is a reason things happen Toni. May I call you Toni? Then you must call me Jack."
"Things happen here for a reason we don’t always understand at the time.” They were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Ah here’s Killick with the tray. Very nice, Killick, thank you.” He fussed over the tea for a moment before handing her a cup and saucer.
“I don’t understand Jack. What possible reason could there be to throw two people together, who fall in love as we did, knowing how it had to end? What twisted mind could come up with such a thing?”
“Ah, now there is a question.” His furrowed brow glanced around the walls. “I think perhaps it was not known it would happen as it did. I would hope certain precautions have been put in place to see it does not happen again. Believe me, Toni, there was nothing twisted behind this. Only a lapse in judgment. I think perhaps you should not have been allowed to come here. But, be that as it may, you are here. I will try and help you through this sad time. Perhaps I should leave you to rest. Later I would like to have your company for dinner, if you desire?”
Toni sat back on the sofa. So tired and so drained. “Yes, thank you, Jack. I'll see you at dinner.”
Jack softly closed her door and walked determinedly down the hall to his rooms. He stood in the middle of the still unfinished room with his hands on his hips. He intended to make a full report to the owner as soon as his desk appeared.
Toni finished the tea and removed her shoes. Lying back on the sofa she covered up with the warm afghan. She didn’t know when she had decided not to leave? Maybe Jack was right and she couldn't. It didn’t matter now. Nothing did.
The house was feeling bad about Toni and was trying to make amends. Jack was angry that nothing seemed to be going right. The downstairs rooms had assumed a more formal atmosphere. Although the rest of the furniture remained the same the leather recliner was gone as was the kitchen table. A dining room had bumped out on the other side of the staircase. A small room appeared off the kitchen for Jack's steward, Killick. The air had a fresh clean smell with a touch of oranges. Dark blue candles in crystal holders gave off a pleasant smell in the living room. Soft classical music set the tone. Bouquets of spring flowers decorated the table tops.
When Toni awoke from her long nap the tea tray was gone. Whether by Killick or the house taking care of details, she didn't know. Her bath was waiting. She stood by the tub for a moment remembering the rose petals and the night. She wondered if the pain would ever lift from her chest. The warm water felt good as it caressed her body. She relaxed. It was only then did she hear the soft classical music from the walls.
Down the hall Jack was finishing up his initial report in his now finished room. His bath was waiting. Killick had been in laying out his clothes and receiving last minute instructions for dinner. He sat back in his chair. He wasn't really sure how he should proceed with Toni. He wished for his friend Dr. Maturin to confer with, but alas he had sailed. He would have to push on alone into uncharted waters.
After bathing he dressed carefully in buff colored close fitting slacks and a crisp white shirt. His uniform was not necessary while he was at the house unless some lady requested that he wear it. Somehow he didn’t think Toni would notice what he wore tonight. He had some doubts about himself in this situation. He had never assisted in mending a broken heart; only in leaving them behind. But if the owner had confidence in his abilities he would do his utmost to fulfill his duties. He tied back his hair and went downstairs.
Toni was standing in front of her refurbished wardrobe. Evidently sweat pants and tee shirts were not appropriate attire for Jack Aubrey’s companion. If I must I will be his companion…but not his lover…I could not.
She came down the stairs dressed in cream silk loose fitting pants and a jade green silk top that floated around her as she moved. She noticed the dining room and stopped at the foot of the stairs. It was candlelit; with an oval table beneath a crystal chandelier. Silver cutlery and fine china awaited the diners.
“There you are, my dear.” Jack’s voice came from the living room. “Come and join me for a drink before dinner.” He indicated a drinks tray. “Looks like most anything you could want here. Shall I pour?”
“Sherry for me, thanks.” She took the glass and held it to his as he started to toast.
“To new beginnings,” he said and smiled.
She couldn't help but smile back. He was a most handsome man.