Chapter One
February 1815
Derbyshire
Justin Miller made his way up to the hayloft with a lantern and Samantha’s letter. He hadn’t seen her in two years, but she still wrote to him every few months. He was sure she wrote to everyone she knew in Derbyshire, as she was blessed with an open, sunny heart that had room for all. He missed her rather keenly.
Acceptance wasn’t something he had much of in this life, as the bastard son of a peer. His father only marginally acknowledged him, allowing him to work in the stables rather than completely turn him out, while his eldest half-brother simply ignored him. His middle half-brother was at least convivial, but Charlie Bittlesworth had a kind word for everyone, so it didn’t seem particularly special. He knew he had his half-sister’s staunch support, but Sabrina Bittlesworth was both exacting and judgmental.
The servants, meanwhile, never knew quite what to do with him. He wasn’t one of them, yet he wasn’t one of the nobles either. His mother had been common, but her family all left the area before he’d been old enough to know them. She’d died in childbirth and his uncle had run off after insisting that the viscount acknowledge him, so he had no other local relations. There was nowhere that he quite fit.
Samantha Walters, however, was full of love for every poor little creature in the fields and streams of Derbyshire. He’d always hoped, dreamed, that meant she had a smidgen of love for him. He’d certainly never been shy about how much he admired her. It had been a long-held joke among their households that Justin was in love with her, and Sam would always laugh, teasing, “Why wouldn’t he be?” And indeed, why wouldn’t he be? She was beautiful, with her golden hair and soft blue eyes. More importantly, at least to Justin, she was the sweetest person he knew. She loved everything. Animals, seasons, colors, the way the light fell in the afternoon, the moon, dancing, playing games. It was an endless list, but Justin remembered all of it, because everything had been more enchanting when seen through Sam’s eyes. She had a way of seeing things, and people, that kept him from losing all hope in life.
When last she’d left for London, as her older sister was starting her second Season and Sam herself would be preparing for her own soon enough, she’d teased him, “If none of the men in London come up to scratch, I suppose I will just have to marry you.” He’d assumed she didn’t mean anything by it. She was precisely what every gentleman in London should want, and everyone knew she would have her pick of suitors. Perhaps with her generous heart she’d known that he needed some small flicker of hope, something to carry him through these interminable years without her presence.
He settled down into a corner with her letter. He always found a solitary spot to do so, as it almost felt like she was with him, as though an echo of her voice rang in his ear, a memory of her laughter and teasing grin just beyond the arc of his lantern. He always answered her letters promptly, never wanting her to feel like she was bothering him or that he would ignore her. He would never ignore Samantha.
My dearest Justin,
Well, Jackie has married her earl. Truly, you wouldn’t believe the effect he has had on her. For days she would drift around the house, staring off into the distance and scribbling in a little journal. I peeked in it once and it had lists of things like his properties and furnishings. Can you imagine! Then when I would say she was in love with him, she would get so angry. Methinks she doth protest too much!
But the wedding this morning – Justin I’m so sorry that you missed it. Jackie was simply lovely in a dark green velvet dress that the earl sent over last night. Jackie didn’t want to wear it because, well, she’s Jackie, and when has she ever wanted to do anything that anyone told her to do? And the earl. Oh my, I’m not sure when I’ve seen a more handsome man. He has this roguish look about him. That’s good, I suppose. Jackie always did like wild and dangerous things.
They’ve set off for Kent. Would you, could you, be so good as to take Jackie her trunks? I’m sure she will be lonely, and a bit at sea in some stuffy old estate. I do think that they will settle in after a time, but they haven’t known each other all that long and everything there will be his. It would mean a great deal to me if you would do that. The estate is known as Kellington.
Prior to finding her earl, Jackie had been making noises about becoming an old maid. She said that once she reached her majority, she would be able to take her investment funds, and perhaps her dowry if father would release it, and live on her own. Can one truly do that? What age is one’s majority?
Please give my love to all in Derbyshire. Has Philomena had her foal yet? I imagine she is fatter than Baker Hudson.
Yours truly,
Samantha
March 1815
Dearest Samantha,
I’m glad that your letter indicates you are in good spirits. May I surmise that your parents are well? Certainly your mother is thrilled that Jack married an earl. Being the mother of a countess will raise her own standing when you all come home.
Of course I will be pleased to deliver Jack’s trunks to her and will leave within a fortnight if the weather is promising.
Philomena hasn’t foaled yet, but I suspect she will before I leave.
And I will not advise Baker Hudson of your comparison, since that would mean you would never have his cakes again. At least, not without me smuggling them to you.
Tell your mother that as spring approaches, I am already desperately missing her lemon biscuits, the only thing I’ve ever had to rival Baker Hudson’s cakes.
Yours truly,
Justin
p.s. I almost forgot your question. In England a woman may own personal property once she reaches the age of one and twenty if she is unmarried. That is probably what Jack was looking forward to.
March 1815
Dearest Samantha,
I hope this letter finds you well. If you wrote to me again, I did not receive the letter before I left Derbyshire. Not only have I arrived safely at Kellington, but I have extraordinary news. The earl has hired me to be his new Parliamentary clerk! I have started my position effective immediately and will be traveling to London before the end of this month.
It is my fondest desire that I may be able to see you once I am in Town, and will call on your family in the hopes of being received.
Yours truly,
Justin
p.s I’d almost forgotten. Philomena delivered a healthy colt the night before I left. We nicknamed him Boot since he has but one white sock, making him look like he forgot to put on one boot.
Sue London, Author 