Putting on Airs Read online

  "Defending an artful little minx, he was. My poor Anthony, what you must have gone through! But she will not injure you any longer; this will all be settled tomorrow."

  Imogene's face flushed red out of embarrassment of her mother, and without thinking twice, rose from her chair and rushed from the room to catch Mr. Archer and Clarice in their carriage just before they left.

  "Please, sir," Imogene pleaded through shallow breaths, "please allow me to apologize for my mother. She was unreasonably cruel to you and your...Ms. Archer. I cannot express the remorse and embarrassment I feel."

  "Nor can we express ours," he replied coldly. And with that, the carriage departed down the road.

  As Imogene watched it go, stunned at his coldness toward herself, Emmeline approached her from the house. Upon noticing her older sister's teary eyes, she asked, "What is the matter?"

  "I feel so humiliated..." she gasped out in reply, "...and angry."

  "Mother was a bit wrong in saying the things she did," Emmeline said quietly, as if her mother could hear her all the way from the drawing room.

  "She was quite wrong; yes, Emmeline."

  A little more confident in speaking freely with her sister, she added, "Our brother did not behave well."

  "Not at all. Why do people not admit when they are wrong? Why do people hold contempt for a person purely by their associations?"

  Emmeline offered a handkerchief, which Imogene used to dry her eyes. "Why does it all matter to you so much? None of it was directed at you. You should not take it so hard upon yourself."

  Imogene's only reply was to embrace her sister. It was interrupted when Mr. Campbell came out and told Imogene that they were preparing for their trip into town. But when he saw that her eyes were red, he asked if she was unwell. Thankful for being given an excuse, she declared that she was unwell and went upstairs to her room while Mrs. Barton went shopping alone.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Imogene was much contented with the scheme she had created. She kept to her room all day reading novels and writing letters. Every now and then, she would rise from bed for a walk around the room, but would soon return to bed in case someone should stop in. Mr. Campbell never came to see her, to her relief; however, Mrs. Barton visited in the evening to show the new gowns she bought for Imogene's wardrobe. Then, just before bed, Emmeline came by to talk awhile about how well things were going with Mr. Butler. Imogene was glad to hear that not only was her sister forming her own opinions on the situation, but also that she was so happy with her betrothed.

  The next morning, Mrs. Barton came to ask Imogene how she was feeling. Imogene was about to declare that she was still unwell, but changed her mind when she saw how fine it was outside. Just after getting dressed, she slipped out of the house and down the path through the fine grove of trees. She was unaware of how much time she spent there, getting lost in nature's splendors. Then, when she was finally making her way back to the house, Mr. Campbell approached her on horseback.

  "Imogene, here you are!" he cried, clearly upset. "I have been searching for you everywhere; when you were missing at breakfast, no one could think where you were."

  "I woke feeling much better and desired to go for a walk, that is all," Imogene explained.

  "This headstrong behavior you have shown me since I have arrived is quite unattractive, madam."

  Imogene had been accustomed to having her red hair called unattractive, but being accused as such for going on a walk without informing anyone truly upset her. "Do you not think that is a problem you should discuss with Mrs. Barton? She is the one you employed to change me in order that I may suit you." With that, she walked away in the direction of the house, Mr. Campbell passing her on his horse, only after a moment to turn her words over in his mind.

  ------

  After returning to the house and being found out by Mrs. Barton, Imogene received another lecture on her unattractive free will. It was then that Mrs. Barton decided it was time to begin lessons on being a true lady. The two of them sat in the drawing room for the lessons, and as Mrs. Barton lectured, Imogene's eyes constantly glanced toward the window where the buttery yellow sunshine blazed through.

  "Every lady of good breeding possesses these four virtues—" Mrs. Barton began, "—piety, purity, humility, and domestic quality. From what I have observed in you so far, I will go step-by-step to assess how well you possess these four virtues."

  Suddenly wary of the governess's threat to assess her personality, Imogene directed her attention away from the window and toward Mrs. Barton.

  "First, there is piety. I have not seen you in church, but I understand from your father that you go every Sunday and participate well; that is good. However, I have also heard from your father that you indulge in books of fiction and science more than you partake of the Bible, which is not good. Devotion to the Faith is particularly important for a lady, for it is her responsibility to thus instruct her children in the Faith and to see that her husband follows it well. In order to remedy this, I am allowing you only to read the Bible and nothing else. Each time you complete reading the Bible once, you are allowed to read one other sort of book of my choosing."

  Imogene was not entirely opposed to reading the Bible, but making it her only source of literary pleasure was unthinkable. At the time, she was right in the middle of reading Shakespeare's history plays, and did not want to stop, for the Bible would take some weeks to read, and by the time she would return to Shakespeare's histories, she would have to reread them from the beginning to recall anything that was happening.

  "Second, is purity. You have been—again, to my limits of understanding—pure and undefiled, unless there is anything you have not yet admitted to..."

  "How dare you!" Imogene cried. "You have no right to suppose—"

  "I did not accuse you of anything, Ms. Cartwright. Why are you so anxious, as if I have accused you?"

  "It was the tone in which you said it; it was most offensive!"

  "I was merely suggesting that I do not know the whole of your history. Now, may I continue?"

  Imogene remained silent, her eyes refusing to meet Mrs. Barton's.

  "The third and fourth virtues are my greatest concern: I have yet to see any humility or domestic quality in you, Ms. Cartwright. Such a display as you just now created proves to me that you desperately need lessons in those virtues. But I will begin with humility, for you can only begin the lessons of domestic quality once you have learned to be humble." Mrs. Barton was silent for a moment, trying to think of how to go about teaching Imogene such lessons. "Here is your first lesson: For the rest of the day today, you may not speak, except to answer ‘yes' or ‘no', or to escape rudeness by ignoring. Should you speak out of these boundaries, this lesson shall continue tomorrow, and as long as it takes." Imogene gaped at such a request. For fear of her protestations, Mrs. Barton added, "This is only the first step, so the sooner you learn it, the sooner you may progress. Do you understand?"

  "Yes," Imogene sighed.

  "Good. I think Mr. Campbell will be quite pleased. I will be monitoring your progress through the day, then."

  Imogene was unexpressively grateful when her sister walked into the room: "I am sorry for interrupting, but Mr. Butler and I were going to go for a walk across the estate, and were wondering if you would like to join us."

  "Yes," Imogene replied, joining her sister immediately.

  "Mr. Campbell would like some exercise too, I imagine," Mrs. Barton suggested.

  "Oh..." Emmeline looked to her sister, waiting for her to make an excuse, but nothing came. "I will be sure to invite him along with us."

  "And would you mind if I joined you as well?"

  Again, Emmeline turned to her sister with no results. "No, of course you may join us." As they left the room to group everyone together, Imogene clutched her sister's hand, pleading for her not to leave her alone with Mr. Campbell or Mrs. Barton.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Mr. Campbell was already happier with Im
ogene's quick change, unaware of the terms of conversation set to her by Mrs. Barton. Imogene nodded every few minutes to acknowledge him, but her mind was much more occupied with how outrageous her situation was. But after awhile, Mr. Campbell finally began to catch on.

  "Such a pleasant day," he said. "But there are not many shaded sitting areas out here, are there?"

  "No," Imogene answered.

  "No wonder you are so brown. You spend much time outside, do you not?"

  "Yes."

  "Dark skin is a very unattractive thing, madam."

  "I will fetch a parasol for her, sir," Mrs. Barton suggested.

  "Thank you, Mrs. Barton."

  As soon as Mrs. Barton was gone, Imogene thought to take the opportunity to rebut her cousin. But if she went too far, he would certainly tell it all to Mrs. Barton, then she would find out anyway. Although, if she made a remark that was not so brazen, maybe she would be safe to speak up. "My sister has no parasol," she finally remarked.

  "She does not stay outside as long as you often do. She hardly resembles you as a sister."

  "Tell me, sir, if we are married, will I be allowed to go outside, or will I be detained indoors?" There was hint of sarcasm in her tone, but Mr. Campbell did not hear it.

  "Not too often, but a brief, shaded walk once every day is refreshing exercise."

  "The air inside does get rather stale after sitting in there for hours balancing accounts."

  "Yes, it does. But you will not have to worry about those money matters; that will be my responsibility."

  "No, indeed. I will be sitting in the drawing room reading the Bible with the curtains drawn."

  "Reading to the children, yes."

  Imogene halted rigidly in her tracks, feeling instantly ill. She had always known about marrying Mr. Campbell, but had never come to realize that marrying him also meant having children with him. She was not even sure how she felt about having children at all, much less having them with him. Not that it mattered how she felt about it, anyway. Her duty as a wife to anyone would be to produce an heir.

  Mr. Campbell noticed her sudden shock and turned to her. "What is the matter?"

  Imogene put her hand to her head, trying to still the dizziness she felt. "I am not feeling well."

  "It must be the sun. Here comes Mrs. Barton with the parasol." Taking the parasol from Mrs. Barton, he opened it and held it to shade Imogene. "Perhaps we should head back. It is nearly time for luncheon, anyway."

  Mr. Butler heard their conversation and intervened. "Miss Emmeline and I were thinking of going into town for lunch. We would be happy if you all joined us."

  "Certainly. That is, if Imogene feels well enough."

  "Yes," Imogene absent-mindedly answered.

  "Mrs. Barton, would you be so kind as to send for a carriage?"

  "Of course, sir." Once again, Mrs. Barton was gone. But Imogene was in no humor to even think of rebutting her cousin—not in humor to think of her cousin at all. She was completely silent all through the carriage ride and halfway through lunch. She was hardly even listening—all words were just soft, buzzing sounds in her ears as she heavy-heartedly imagined her life married to Mr. Campbell.

  Her thoughts were interrupted when her sister leaned closer to her to whisper, "Look, Imogene!"

  Following her sister's eyes, Imogene was surprised to see Mr. Archer and Clarice dining at a table not far from their own. She was tempted to invite them over to their table in an attempt to resolve the differences between their acquaintances, but the dark look she received when he caught her staring made her think the better of it.

  "Were you told of it, Imogene?" Mr. Butler's voice brought Imogene's attention back to their own table.

  "Pardon?" she asked.

  "The ball."

  "Oh, no."

  "Your father and mother are throwing a ball tomorrow night to welcome the new neighbors."

  Imogene was instantly suspicious; her parents would never throw a ball. Her mother would especially not think of it while her children's suitors were visiting. There had to be a scheme in it. Just then, Mr. Archer and Clarice rose and began toward the door, passing by their table. Imogene decided to speak up, "Good evening, Mr. Archer, Ms. Archer."

  With stiff cordiality, Mr. Archer stopped to return the salutations. Clarice did as well, with a polite smile, then they both left.

  "Were they invited to the ball?" Emmeline asked quietly, embarrassed to ask but curious to know.

  "I think I may safely say they were not," Mr. Campbell replied, "not after their last visit. The breach of betrothal is being settled today; they would not be wanted at the ball."

  Imogene opened her mouth to speak, but remained silent after a reminding glance from Mrs. Barton.

  "This ball is a very important part of your lessons," Mrs. Barton told Imogene that night as she was choosing the right gown. "Remember: piety, purity, and humility. You did well today, and as tomorrow is the ball, you will be free to speak as you please, but with good judgment. In conversation, keep to the subject, and only speak if spoken to. Also, be sure to..."

  Her words were soon ignored as Imogene stared out the window at the moon, thinking again about the betrothal that trapped her future behind iron bars. There was only one way to break the betrothal, and that was a mutual agreement to do so. Therefore, she had to do everything in her power to persuade Mr. Campbell that the betrothal was a grievous mistake, and the ball would be a perfect opportunity.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Imogene woke earlier the next morning than Mrs. Barton, for she wanted to be sure that when the governess entered the room, she would find Imogene reading the Bible. It occurred exactly as planned, and Mrs. Barton said she would leave her to her reading and return only when called for. Now having the desired time alone, Imogene sat at her desk to compose a letter which was immediately dispatched via express. It was only the first part of her scheme, and if it went well, she would fix two problems at once.

  The whole of that day, she was as charming and agreeable as she could possibly be. Everyone was taken in, believing it all to be due to Mrs. Barton's teachings; however, Mr. Cartwright was worried that his daughter was scheming something, or worse—that his daughter really was changing.

  "You have quite changed during these past two days," Mr. Campbell complimented his betrothed. "I will be quite proud to have you at my side at the ball tonight."

  "Thank you, sir."

  "Are you looking forward to it?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Good." In an attempt to bring in more conversation, he changed the subject; "I heard the breach of betrothal is settled for your brother."

  "It is."

  "It is fortunate that it was settled so quickly. He may meet someone at the ball."

  "I dare say he shall."

  To her relief, that was their only conversation together all day, as Mr. Campbell seemed to busy himself with ball preparations.

  That evening, Imogene playfully suggested to Mrs. Barton that she allow her servant to help dress her for the ball. It had been Mrs. Barton's duty thus far, but Imogene expressed a wish to surprise her governess. Delighted, Mrs. Barton allowed Imogene to have her way. Imogene bid the servant to take it a bit slowly so that she would arrive in the ballroom after about half the guests had arrived—she wanted to make an impression. When she did finally enter the ballroom, her mother and governess were aghast to see red-haired Imogene wearing the ruby red ball gown. She smiled in triumph, glad that she managed to hide the gown away before Mrs. Barton had the chance to dispose of it. Unfortunate to her scheme, however, Mr. Campbell offered his arm with a smile and remarked that she looked quite well. Stunned that her gown did not produce the desired effect upon him, she accepted his arm and allowed him to lead her to the punch bowl.

  As she sipped her punch—making sure to slurp a great deal—she looked around the room for anyone of particular interest. Her brother had already made his way into a company of young women, all giggling flirtatiously at hi
s ridiculous remarks and compliments. Her sister was obliging the requests of the crowd by plucking fine strains of music on the harp as only angels knew how, and Mr. Butler stood enchanted by her side.

  "Your sister is exceptionally accomplished with music," Mr. Campbell observed in an uncharacteristically impressed tone.

  "She is indeed," Imogene replied, beaming proudly at her sister.

  "Do you play any instrument?"

  "I have been instructed in the violin."

  "The violin? Then you must play for everyone."

  "If you insist, then of course I shall."

  As soon as Emmeline finished her song, Mr. Campbell publicly expressed his desire to hear Imogene play her violin, and her excellent reputation with the instrument led all the other guests to encourage her. Taking the violin from its case, Imogene was struck nervous. She dreaded what she was about to do, but was convinced it was necessary. She placed the violin under her chin and firmly gripped the bow like a sword hilt. Whispering an apology to her dear stringed companion, she pressed the bow down hard against the strings, winced, and began to play. Sour notes and piercing scratches silenced all chatter in the room as, grimacing, everyone stared in surprise at Imogene. Emmeline and Mr. Cartwright frowned with concern; Mrs. Cartwright and Mrs. Barton gasped in horror; and Anthony laughed openly at his sister with his new female friends. Imogene closed her eyes to it all and bit her lip, praying for the one reaction she was aiming for. After putting away her violin, the silence was devastating, and she immediately implored for her sister to play again, which she did without question.

  Shaky from embarrassment, Imogene crossed the room towards Mr. Campbell, eyes of mean judgment following her. When she approached him, he did not speak, but his expression seemed to suggest all of confusion, embarrassment, and alarm, which made Imogene feel slightly better about the whole ordeal. Happily, Jane then entered the room, and Imogene rushed to her side.