Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation

248 Pages·2009·2 MB·English

by  Odiwe Jane

Copyright © 2009 by Jane Odiwe
Cover and internal design © 2009 by Sourcebooks, Inc.
Cover design by Brenden Hitt
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Art Resource, NY

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Odiwe, Jane.
Willoughby's return : a tale of almost irresistible temptation / Jane Odiwe.
p. cm.
1. Gentry—England—Fiction. 2. England—Social life and customs—19th century—Fiction. 3. Married
people—Fiction. 4. West Country (England)—Fiction. 5. Domestic fiction. I. Austen, Jane, 1775-1817.
Sense and sensibility. II. Title.
PR6115.D55W56 2009
823’.92—dc22

2009029776

Printed and bound in the United States of America
VP 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
For Romanus,
You pierce my soul
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39

About the Author
MARIANNE BRANDON WAS BURSTING with news to tell her sister and
was so excited at the report that her husband had divulged at breakfast before
leaving for Lyme that morning, that she did not consider there to be time enough
to don her bonnet. With her chestnut curls escaping from her coiffure to dance in
the wind and her scarlet cloak billowing like a great sail behind her, she almost
ran down the lane to the parsonage. Knowing that Elinor would probably scold
her for not bringing the chaise, she nevertheless had not wanted to be bothered
with the inconvenience of having to wait for it. Muddying her boots and the hem
of her gown, she took the shortcut across the fields to the lane that separated the
two sisters. Yesterday's storm had left the ground wet but there was the promise
of a most delightful day, the autumnal sunshine kissing her cheeks with a blush.
Marianne had not wanted to say goodbye to her husband but was resigned to his
departure. There was nothing she could say or do to change the situation; she
knew that from experience. Glad to be outside in the fresh air, she looked about
with contented pleasure, waltzing through the familiar countryside that she was
delighted to call her home. Delaford House in the county of Dorset was as dear
to her as the former family seat at Norland had been. Marianne knew in her heart
that she was a most fortunate young woman.
Elinor was delighted to see her as always, although she was a little
surprised at her sister's slightly dishevelled appearance. “Goodness me,
Marianne. Is ought amiss? You look rather harried. Where is little James? Is he
well? Anna will be most upset not to see her cousin this morning.”
“How is my darling Anna? I long to kiss her! And where is little Georgie? I
must have a cuddle!” Marianne handed her cloak into the arms of a waiting
maidservant before arranging herself with much elegance on the sofa in the
comfortable sitting room. “I could not bring James with me, as he was not yet
dressed, and in any case I just had to get out into the sunshine. Besides, he wants
to look into every hedgerow and chase the falling leaves, and I couldn’t wait to
tell you my news. However, before I left I promised he would see his cousin
soon. I have had an idea. Anna and James enjoy one another's company so much,
as does our dear mama. What say you to a shopping trip in Exeter the day after
tomorrow? It would be such fun. My nursemaid can take our babies in the
carriage to Barton Cottage and after you and I have handed them over with our
greetings we shall go out in the box barouche!”
Elinor looked at Marianne in disbelief. She wondered if she would ever
grow up or if she would for once consider others before she set about on some
scheme or other. Colonel William Brandon, Elinor thought, had done much to
improve her sister's character. She was more settled in her habits, more tranquil
than she had ever been, and was not quite so prone to as many flights of fancy or
as many fits of sensibility as she had been in the past. But three years of married
life had done little to really change her. Marianne still had an impetuous nature,
she still retained a desire for impulse and enterprises undertaken on the spur of
the moment. The Colonel, Elinor felt, indulged Marianne's whims far too
frequently.
“Marianne, you know that would be impossible. I have far too much to do
here at present and I do not think Mama will be as pleased as you think to have
all her grandchildren at once. Besides, she may have other plans.”
“But Margaret is there, kicking her heels with nothing to do. I am sure she
would only be delighted to see her niece and nephews. And I would love to tell
Mama and Margaret my news.”
Elinor was firm. “I would love to go shopping on another day, but I really
cannot go at the moment. Now, is that what you came to tell me in such a
hurry?”
Marianne watched Elinor's maid set down a tray of lemonade and ratafia
biscuits. She could hardly wait for Susan's starched white cap to disappear
through the door before she made her announcement.
“Henry Lawrence is coming home—William's nephew,” she added, taking
in Elinor's puzzled expression.
“Oh, yes,” Elinor exclaimed, her face breaking into a smile. “I remember
hearing about him from Mrs Jennings. He has just completed his studies at
Oxford, has he not?”
“Yes, and by all accounts he is not only very handsome but is also a very
eligible young man, for he will inherit Whitwell. I have never met him, but I
must admit, I am most curious to see him.”
“Whitwell is a very handsome estate; William's sister made an excellent
marriage.”
“She did indeed, though her health has never been good. That is why they
stayed in Southern France and Italy for so long, I believe. Hannah tells me that
the air and the climate are very well suited to invalids, and is always at pains to
point out her abhorrence of the damp atmosphere to be found in the West
Country. William worries about his sister so much, but all I can observe is that
the Dorsetshire rain does not improve her disposition.” Marianne paused before
looking directly into her sister's eyes. “I have a mind to say that there seems little
that would divert a constitution so intent on being ill. I have never seen her
without some ailment and I admit it is fortunate that we are not such close
neighbours. I have never heard her discuss any subject other than that of herself,
and then it is only to complain.”
“Perhaps she suffers more than you know, Marianne.”
“That we all suffer in her company is a certainty. You have not met with
her above twice in your life and I believe you mistakenly felt that she was quite
charming on both occasions. But then, you are not her intimate relation and I
suspect you have been taken in.”
“I daresay the entire neighbourhood will be throwing their girls in Mr
Lawrence's path,” said Elinor, changing the course of the conversation. “I expect
Miss Strowbridge will have her eye on him before long.”
“Miss Strowbridge, nonsense! He will be entirely suitable for Margaret, do
you not think? You must admit there have been few young men to excite the
romantic sensibilities of our dear sister to date. Charles Carey was never really
suitable, and in any case he has gone to sea. I feel most excited at the prospect.
William says Henry was partly educated in France and that he speaks French
quite like a native. Not only is he a character of romance but he is also
conversant in art, literature, and poetry, preferring our own beloved Cowper. He
is quite perfect for Margaret, I should say.”
“Is it wise, dear sister, to be making matches in this way, before the two
people in question have even set eyes on one another? Indeed, if his mother is
the person you describe, I wonder that you are so keen for Margaret to make
such an alliance.”
“Oh, there is no need for our sister to worry. Sir Edgar will adore Margaret;
I know he will make certain there are no impediments to a match.”
“Do you not think that the Lawrences will already have a girl in mind, one
who may possess a larger dowry than Margaret can claim?”
“I do not think that Margaret's chances with a fitting suitor are any less than
most girls. Despite the lack of money, she is a very handsome girl. She will steal
Henry's heart the moment he looks at her.”
“I imagine that there will not be many opportunities for them to meet
however, especially if you are desirous of avoiding your relatives,” added Elinor
with a laugh.
“I’ve already thought hard on that particular problem and for Margaret's
happiness I am prepared to make sacrifices. I have decided that we must have a
round of social events. Firstly, we will throw a party to welcome him. Nay, a
ball, nothing but a ball will do! I shall invite the Wiltons and the Courtneys.”
“And not invite the Strowbridges!”
“I suppose I shall have to invite them, though I know that young minx
Selina will do nothing but flaunt herself before Mr Lawrence. Never mind, I
shall take Margaret shopping; she shall have a new gown and our ardent suitor
will not be able to resist her.”
“I hope all your efforts will not be in vain, Marianne. I suppose you have
reflected on the possibility of the lovers detesting one another on sight. And I do
hope Henry's good looks match up to the gossip, which no doubt has
exaggerated the fairness of every feature.”
“Elinor, it will not be so, I promise you. Margaret will be in love with a
very handsome man before the end of the month!”
“How is William?” asked Elinor, keen to move on to another discussion.
“He's well enough, though he left for Lyme this morning without even
touching his breakfast. He has gone to see you-know-who, so I expect I shall not
see him until the day after tomorrow.”
“How are Miss Williams and the child?”
“Eliza Williams is another who is always fancying herself unwell and now
it seems she has taught her daughter to be sickly also,” answered Marianne,
knowing she was being more than a little unkind. She replaced her glass on the
table none too quietly. “A begging note and off Brandon runs to attend to his
little family. I know I sound churlish, but sometimes, Elinor, it is too hard to
bear.”