Chapter Sixteen - Elliot - The Second Liar

Nelly grabbed Mary and made her cotton hands clap silently.

"Another one, another one! Please?"

I laughed at her eager playfullness but was admittedly tired of the game; I'd been lucky to muster up enough imagination for one story, let alone two. Luckily Mr. Ainsworth came to the rescue.

"That's quite enough Nelly. Leave our guest alone for now and eat your supper."

Her lip jutted out in a pout and I found myself laughing once more.

"No worries," I leaned over and whispered conspiringly, "I'm sure there's dessert for those who do."

She perked up at that and turned more willingly to her plate, allowing me to turn to mine. The smell of baked potatoes and other cooked vegetables graced the entire room and normally would've had my stomach growling. But as I politely filled my platter and smoothed my handkerchief out across my lap, the person sitting on the other end of the table continued to rob me of my appetite. I stole several glances at him just to be sure but there was no mistaking it. The slicked hair and prominent facial features, and that disgustingly deceptive smile. It couldn't be anyone other than Nathaniel Scott.

"Are you sure?" Ms. Ainsworth's voice sounded in my ear. I immediatly jerked my gaze away from their other guest and forced myself to relax.

"Of course," I smiled, thinking fast enough to come up with a convincing save, "I was just observing your father."
I leaned her direction and casually pointed my fork in Mr. Ainsworth's direction, "I have noticed that his eyes keep wandering this direction. Any reason for that?"

She slightly blushed and I realized the change of topic had worked, drawing her thoughts away from what would doubtless become a tough subject. Yet my question was an honest one. Though Mr. Scott's arrival had knocked me off balance, the banker's scrutinizing had not escaped my attention either. He'd watched where I'd placed myself at the table, how I told Nelly a story, and even my method of filling my platter. Now that I thought about it, the extra attention made me a little uneasy. Luckily Mr. Scott now had him engaged in conversation but even then Ms. Ainsworth and I caught him throw a glance back towards us.

"I'm afraid couldn't tell you," she finally replied with a small giggle.
"Or you refuse to.'
Her laugh grew some, making me smile. But it was a shaky smile. He was having second thoughts, I was sure of it. Why else would he be studying my every move? The banker wasn't so sure he could trust me afterall. Had I slipped somewhere? Thoughts still reeling from Mr. Scott's presence, I forced myself to  mentally run through everything Charles had ever taught me. As far as I knew I'd followed all the mannerisms. I'd been as kind and considerate as possible. Had I overdone it? Had playing with Nelly marred my image of a self-important businessman? Why couldn't Charles have returned a day early?

Suddenly I was yanked from that right back into my original concern.

"Oh, where are my manners? Mr. Samuelson, have you met Mr. Scott here?"

The question startled me but I quickly recovered. At the chance to speak to him, a simmering anger began boiling away any other worries. I hardly looked at Mr. Ainsworth in my reply, my eyes locked on Mr. Scott's icy blue ones, "Why yes, I believe I have. We met in the countryside, if I remember correctly."

"Did we?" he asked, his gaze much more liquidy than my solid one, "I don't recall such a pleasure."

One of the younger Ms. Ainsworths--Nora or maybe Minerva, I couldn't remember the exact name--, was already bored with the conversation and suddenly interrupted it, "Mr. Scott, weren't you going to tell us about you're journey a few weeks ago?"

"Your journey?" I feighned innocent curiosity as I cut into my steak, "Yes, Mr. Scott. Do tell."

I felt the glare but ignored it, only putting the food in my mouth. The eldest Ms. Ainsworth's curious gaze could also be felt but kept my focus on Mr. Nathaniel. We both knew that if he didn't tell about his little 'journey' I most certainly could.

"I'm afraid it will have to wait," he smiled apologetically in the young lady's direction, "I really need to be getting home. The clouds looked unpromising for tonight's weather."

I smirked; Coward.

"Oh," Mr. Ainsworth looked concerned, "I'm sorry, Mr. Scott. Are you sure you can't stay longer? We've only just started."

"Please?" two of his youngest piped up.

He shook his head, "I'm afraid not. Again, I apologize. I hadn't noticed the clouds until I was on my way here and I didn't want to turn back after I'd already called."

Our host stood up, "Well then, allow me to at least show you to the door."

"Oh no, Mr. Ainsworth," I stood up myself, "Allow me. Mr. Scott and I have some...catching up to do."

The banker shrugged and regained his seat, "Very well."

***

"Mr. Nathaniel Scott," I said, shutting the door behind me.

He had already made his way off of the porch but at my address came to a surrendering stop.

"What brings you here?"

A half-confident smirk was on his face when he turned back around, "I could very well ask you the same question, Mr. Samuelson."

I scowled and he chuckled darkly, walking towards me, "Of course, I'd change my name as well if I were a Snyder."

"And yet you hold no shame for yourself," I growled. My eyes fell on his velvet cravaat and my fists clenched, "I'll bet you used the money that starved my family to buy yourself that necktie."

He shrugged innocently, his lips curled up in a sneer, "It wasn't me who stole it."

The anger that had been simmering before suddenly exploded and my arms darted out, gripping the man by the lapels of his expensive jacket and yanking him towards me. Fear crossed his face and I found it greatly satisfying.

"You don't know half of what went on that--"

"Mr. Samuelson?"

We both jerked our heads over to see the eldest Ms. Ainsworth standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with confusion.

Coming to my senses, I released Nathaniel and smoothed his jacket back down. There was an awkward silence as he glared and she stared. Finally, I forced on another one of my countless fake smiles and approached her.

"Yes?"

"You...you left your jacket inside."

I gently took it from her, "Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you Ms. Ainsworth."

"My pleasure."

By the time I had turned back around Mr. Scott had reached his carriage. Ms. Ainsworth quickly retired to her home, leaving me to wallow in my anger and humiliation. There would be no telling Charles of this.

Chapter Fifteen - Nora - An Unexpected Visitor

"Nora, please tell me you are at least dressed and washed up." My father, face as weary as ever, walked into my room, as I brushed out a stubborn curl.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I gave a half smile, jitters in my stomach for who knew why. Mr. Samuelson was to be here any minute, and perhaps just the thought of an intimate evening with such an interesting man got me a little excited.

"Well, glad you at least can get yourself ready. It seems Minevera and Hettie are having a little trouble. Can't find a thing to wear, or something to that effect. And don't even get me started on Nelly. The little darling wont clean her dirty hands for nothing." My father sighed. "Now if your mother were here, she would have everyone ready to go thirty minutes before any guest was expected."

I moved closer to him, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder, and giving him a gentle squeeze. "You do your best, and Mother would be proud, I'm sure." I stated quietly. Truth was, I missed her most, and trying to fill her shoes was never an easy thing to do, especially when I still had lots of growing up to do myself.

Suddenly Peggy knocked on my door,  breaking up our tender moment, and I smoothed my skirts out, hoping to look somewhat presentable.

"Ah, Sir, there's a gentlemen at the door for ye. I showed him in into the parlor." She curtisied and left, leaving my father and I to wonder what was the next step to make.

"Nora, do you mind entertaining him while I get the rest of the girls finished getting ready?" My father patted my hand, and nodded, already knowing I would.

I nodded, the jitters in my stomach increasing just as I tried to push them down. I increased my pace down the stairs, while still trying to look as if I were in no hurry at all.

I pushed open the parlor door, trying to open it without sound, I stepped into the room, looking around for Mr. Samuelson.

"Miss Ainsworth." An automatic smile appeared on my face as he said my name.He set down the picture of my mother that he had just before held in his hand, and gave a small bow. I curtisied in return.

"Mr. Samuelson. My father will be in shortly, he's just attending to my sisters, for the minute."

"Ah, no hurries. Besides, I get to spend a few minutes alone with a very beautiful girl, and by far, there are worse ways to spend my time." He gave a huge smirk, and I knew he was teasing.

"Careful what you say around here Mr. Samuelson, my sisters can pick out a flirt from a mile away." I stated, feigning to be completely serious. "They'll take advantage of that, without a doubt."

"Oh, we wouldn't want them on to our little secret, now would we?" He winked, and I blushed despite myself, which sent Mr. Samuelson into a roar of laughter.

I turned away, a smile on my own face; only I didn't want Mr. Samuelson to see I was enjoying his company.

"Well, seems Nora did a fine job of keeping you busy, Mr. Samuelson." My father picked that moment to walk into the room, Hettie, Minevera, and Nelly following close behind.

"She did a fine job indeed." Mr. Samuelson grinned, which put a very thoughtful look on my father, something, that I doubted was a good thing for me.

"Mr. Samuelson!!" Nelly giggled, running to her hero, and jumping into his arms. Mr. Samuelson had just enough good sense to catch her at the last second, which made Nelly grin broadly.

"Nelly! Mr. Samuelson doesn't want you crawling all over him!" Minevera whispered harshly. "Mr. Samuelson has more important women to greet, don't you Mr. Samuelson?" Minevera pulled out her fan, fanning it really fast, despite my father being right next to her.


I frowned. This dinner party wasn't going good at all. Not even two minutes in, and we already had my sisters all over him.

"Really, I don't mind Nelly." Mr. Samuelson stated, making Nelly giggle as she was set on the ground. Fortunately for Minevera, Mr. Samuelson completely ignored her fan gesture, instead coming to my father to give him a handshake.

"Come Mr. Samuelson, let's get dinner underway, shall we?"

"Why not?" Mr. Samuelson stated. Nelly insisted he take hold of her hand as they walked toward the dinning hall.

Before we even made it there, Peggy came running to my father, whispering something into his ear, before taking off again.

My father looked surprised, but no worse for wear. "Seems we have another visitor. I wasn't expecting anyone else, but, I'll go and see who it is. Forgive me Mr. Samuelson, I'm just afraid it is important bank business that I cannot let go."

"Feel free to answer the caller. It is your house after all." Mr. Samuelson nodded understandingly. "Besides, I have these four lovely ladies to see me to the table."

Hettie gave a girlish giggle, and batted her eyelashes, not wanting to give up her chance at flirting with the all too eligible bachelour.

We finally made it to the table, luckily unscathed, and Mr. Samuelson didn't seemed to offended by all the attention from my sisters, infact, he seemed to enjoy it. I felt almost sick at their behavior, but he seemed as if he got it all the time.

"Family, Mr. Samuelson, I hope you don't mind that another guest is to join us for dinner. Mr. Scotts was in town, and decided to drop by." My father stood in the doorway, blocking Mr. Scotts from view.

"Well, if it's a bother, I can leave. You did invite me to dinner, and I assumed I could take you up on the offer anytime." My father moved and Mr. Scotts entered the room.

I glanced over to Mr. Samuelson, who sat right next to me, just to see what he felt about having another guest. His mouth flew open, and something I couldn't place- anger? shock? hurt? registered on his face for all of three seconds, before he seemed to remember to compose himself and put on a blank face.

"No bother at all Mr. Scotts, in fact I'm sure my daughters would enjoy your company." My father jestured for Mr. Scotts to take a seat, and Mr. Scotts finally got a good look at our other guest, Mr. Samuelson.

He seemed to freeze up, unsure what to do. But sensing my father was waiting on him, he moved, a little nervously, to the other end of the table, to sit next to Hettie and Minevera, who giggled and twirled their hair, hoping to get Mr. Scott's attention.

"Something wrong?" I whispered, hoping I could figure out the strangeness that now fell over the room in a cloud, yet nobody seemed to sense it but myself, Mr. Samuelson, and Mr. Scotts.

"Nothing. Everything should be fine." Mr. Samuelson tried to give another smirk, but it fell flat.

Nelly tugged on his sleeve, dragging his attention away from me. "Mr. Samuelson, Mary wants you to tell us a story!" She shoved her doll into Mr. Samuelson's face.

That seemed to do the trick, and just like that, the tension in the room left, as Mr. Samuelson began a fable, and Mr. Scott was preoccupied with questions from Hettie and Minevera. I sat back and watched the two, wondering what could have gone on between them.

One thing was for sure, this night would not go past without something interesting happening.

Chapter Fourteen - Elliot - A Good Hand

I watched the cycle go around the circle. The card player would turn their card face-up, see the number, and then frown in disapointment. Those around them chuckled and patted them on the shoulder in sympathy and then it would move onto the next player. For now the cycle skipped over me as I was the one with the trump card, but the game wasn't over yet. The objective of Speculation was to end with the highest number, not neccesarily begin with it.
I had learned--and won--the game at the Evans' the night they had invited me for dinner. However, in retrospect, I had suspicions of Mr. Evans letting me. I was determined to win on my own this time.

Finally, the robust man sitting across from me turned up something higher than my eight. A nine. He gasped and then laughed in triumph.
"What do you have to say to that, Mr. Samuelson?"

"Are you sure that's not upside-down?" I smirked, "I'll bet you three fish that's really a six."

The crowd around me rumbled with gentle laughter and the man only shook his head with a smile.
"I'm serious!" I grinned, getting up and pushing three fish-shaped counters across the table, "Three fish you make that a six."

"You can't do that!" a woman from the crowd argued, "He can only auction the card off, not change its number!"

"Oh but when I draw a queen, he'll be needing all the fish he can get to haggle, won't he?" I winked at the man but he only shook his head once more.
"Get back in your seat Samuelson."

Our audience laughed once more and I only played along, swiping up all three tokens and sinking back into my seat with a defeated scowl.

I didn't need Charles' suggestion to come to the Harvest Festival as the entire town seemed to be preparing for it. Besides that, I had fast grown fond of the social life here and taking opportunities to establish myself was no longer a job, but a indulgent pleasure. Charles' absence had given me the opportunity to experiment and stretch myself in ways not as  possible otherwise. Rather than stalling my progress as we might've thought, it boosted it. And, according to his last letter, he had run across a childhood friend which, typical of my cousin, would delay him another two days. He had promised to finally return home the day after tommorrow.

In the meantime, I had a nine to beat.

"Ten!" another player to my right announced, winning a burst of cheers and laughter. I debated haggling them for it but feared that someone else had something yet higher up their sleeve, so I kept my peace.

Soon it was my turn. I flipped over to a three. I stared at the card long enough to win a few giggles and then back up at my opponents, "I know you all want it. Five fish, hand them over."

They laughed once more as the game continued. The man across from me drew my prophesied queen.
"How about those three fish, Mr. Samuelson?" he playfully gloated, winning his own good-natured outburst.

"A trump card like that for three fish? That's a bargain! I'll take it."

"Perhaps if you add three more."

"I'm only a rich man in reality, sir."

On my next turn I drew a five. It seemed everyone else had the better hands so I began a tactic normally only used by those who already had the trump card--buying players' cards that were still lying face down in order to prevent them from drawing any higher cards. Hopefully that would give me part of their better hands and I'd be able to best them rather than haggling for one of their high cards only for someone else to outdo me.

"Feeling confident, are we Mr. Samuelson?" another player sneered.
"Quite on the contrary," I replied, "Only a man truly in doubt of his abilities goes for the desperate tactics."

 My stash of counters began to diminish as I gathered most everyone's face-down cards. Normally, this was a sign of a failing tactic but I really had nothing to lose. Especially once my rival drew a king. Many broke into gasps and mutters--the winner appeared obvious.  Yet, everyone still had a couple cards left to flip so the game continued. A six, ten, eight, five, and queen later, it was my turn.

"I'd say this is about your last turn," he snickered.  I flipped my card over and then, hiding the initial shock, slumped my shoulders with a sigh, "I guess so, Sir. Congratulations. " Then, the frown grew into a wide grin as I triumphantly held up my ace card, "You came in second."

The entire table errupted. Surprised laughs, cries of sympathy, gasps of disbelief, delighted clapping. We drew the attention of just about everyone else present at the festival but it was why Speculation was one of my favorites. People didn't get near as animated in a game of Vingt-Et-Un or Piquet.

My opponent was still laughing when he came over to slap me on the shoulder, "Very well, I'll let you have this one Mr. Samuelson. But what do you say to a rematch?"

"Just how much luck do you think I possess?" I laughed, "Winning against a man like you twice? I'd be tempted to cheat this time."

He chuckled at the compliment and then opened his mouth to reply, but someone else approached me first.

"Mr. Samuelson, I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Oh no, Mr. Ainsworth, " I shook my head and gently pulled away from my challenger, "You didn't."

"Yes," the other man chortled, "He was just trying to get out of the next round. You came to his rescue."

The banker smiled, "Well let me have a few words with him and then I'll let you resume your persuading."

He nodded with a grin and then stepped away politely to talk to another card player.

"I guess I could've approached you at a later time but you seem such a busy man I was afraid I'd miss you."

"I wasn't engaged in anything of importance," I said easily, "Is there something wrong?"

"No, not at all," he shook his head and then smiled, "Actually, I was wanting to invite you to a dinner at my home tommorrow night. My daughters would greatly enjoy your presence."

"Of course," I grinned, excited to have gained a favorable opinnion in the eyes of such a vital part of my plan, even after that noisy display, "I'd be most honored."

Chapter Thirteen - Nora - A Festival of Insights

"And may we all, give thanks onto our God above this blessed harvest and the rains that fell. Truly, I think the Psalmist said it best, in the 92nd Psalm, 'It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.' This, may we keep in our hearts, and always be thanking the good Lord, during the end of Harvest or during the end of the day. I say this, in the Lord Almighty's name, Amen."

The clergyman, Dr. Roderick, concluded his sermon, closing his scriptural book with a loud smack, and Hodges immediately leaned towards me.

"Likes that dramatic finish, doesn't he?" I shook my head, trying not to laugh and be disrespectful. Dr. Roderick was the man Betram was to replace once he was a clergyman, as Dr. Roderick and his wife were moving to a quiter parish out in the country.

"Nothing wrong with that." I insisted. The church began clearing out, as people rushed out to begin setting up the Harvest Supper. What it was, was just a large feast, held just outside the church, just before the actual festival began. The Harvest Festival was one of the most awaited events of the year,

As the crowd swelled, I grabbed a steady hold upon Nelly's hand, her disapperance from a few days ago, all too fresh in my mind.

"Now, save a spot for me at the feast. I just need to go secure some last minute details. Won't take longer than a minute." Hodges nodded towards me and disappeared into the crowd. He had been given the title of this years 'Lord of the Harvest', which meant he had all the responsibilty of making sure everything ran smoothly. Usually, the title went to the most presitgious in town, but Hodges was next as parisher, and the town had decided to give him a hearty welcome by giving him the sought after title.

"Miss Ainsworth." I spun around, Nelly in tow, as the deep voice reverburated through me.

"Mr. Scott." I curtsied, and he gave a small bow in return. "Glad to see you participating in the town festivities."

"Yes. But not as good as it is to see Mr. Hodges employed with something productive." Mr. Scott nodded toward Hodges. I could only guess he had directed the conversation towards Hodges because he had taken notice of Hodges at my side seconds earlier. I glanced at Hodges who was speaking with one of the men who had brought in the harvest for the feast. "Doesn't seem the man has much going for him, as he is to be a clergyman and all."

"I suppose it is the greatest thing he could do with his time, as he is doing a service not only to God, but to his fellow men." I stated firmly, getting a bit defensive for Hodges sake. Mr. Scott had no right to talk of Hodges so, especially in my presense.
Mr. Scotts seemed to think upon this. "I suppose it is." He paused a second, before going on. "Tell me, are you close to Hodges?"

I looked at him closely, trying to figure out his angle. "Yes, quite. We've been friends since we were children. In fact, our parents even wished us to marry."

"I hardly think Hodges qualifies as a suitable suitor-" Mr. Scotts began, but was cut off by my father, who came up behind him, clamping a hand onto his shoulder in greeting.

"The feast is to begin soon. We should take our places, least they be taken by all these hungry crowd."

"Mr. Scotts, after you." I stated; I watched him closely, trying to read his actions.

"I'd rather not. I've got no family or friends to sit with- I'd probably be better at home, celebrating quietly by myself."

"Oh! Nonsense Mr. Scotts! My family enjoys your presence quite enough, especially Hettie and Minevera. We'd be delighted to have you join us!" My father grinned, the festival spirit of giving really taken over him.

Mr. Scotts smiled, a smile that didn't reach all the way to his eyes. "I would really like that."

"This way then." My father lead the way, as Nelly held to my hand tighter, her shyness presenting itself once more. Mr. Scotts followed behind us, and I was unable to tell what his motives were.

*

"What's he doing here?" Hodges just managed to whisper in my ear, as he used his chin to point to Mr. Scott, who sat on my otherside.

"He wanted to sit with us at the feast. He has no relatives here to sit by, and we thought it would be impolite not to ask him." I whispered, making sure only Hodges heard.

"Quite a somber man for such an occasion, don't you think?" Hodges asked, scrutinizing Mr. Scotts over my head.

"Leave him be Hodges." I warned.

"So Mr. Scotts, what is your profession, exactly?" My father asked, seemingly more interested in our guest than in his food.

"The selling of properties mostly. I really like dealing in land, so this Gransville estate really has piqued my curiosity."

"Yes, I remember you telling me about your interest in it last time you were in town." My father nodded, quite satisfied. "You were quite enthusiastic about it if I remember correctly."

"So this Gransville estate seems to attract many unique characters." Hodges noted aloud, a mean emphasis on the word. I wanted to pinch him for saying such a thing. Instead, I nudged him with my foot, trying to subtle tell him to mind his manners.

"Yes, I heard I wasn't the only one interested anymore." Mr. Scotts stated, and I breathed a sigh of relief, glad he hadn't taken the bait, but I realized I was a bit too early in my relief as he said, "Do tell me Hodges, do you have any interest in buying into any large estates? Oh wait, I suppose as a parisher, it'd be a bit above your allowance. But I am sure whatever cottage you buy will be more than enough."

Hodges opened his mouth to reply, but Minevera cut him off, already having enough of this business talk.

"Mr. Scotts, can you tell us about the parties you have in London? I'm sure they are better than any balls thrown around here, especially because you attend them." She leaned forward, and smiled, clearly trying to flirt. "No party could be dull with you there, surely.

I tuned out, not wanting to watch the display that my sister put on.

"That man. I don't like him, not at all." Hodges whispered harshly, and I could tell his temper was boiling.

"Hush. We wouldn't want him to overhear." I stated, a huge grin already forming on my face.

"Let him overhear. Maybe then he'd realize how we 'parishers' feel about him, and take his sorry-self back to London." Hodges spat out.

I laughed, aloud, making the whole table turn towards me and Hodges.

"Sorry." I stated, hanging my head, while supressing another bout of laughter.

"Seems you two have a lot too talk about." Mr. Scotts stated, and I could just hear the jealously in his voice. I thought it strange, as he had nothing to be jealous about, but he hardly knew that.

"It does seem that way, doesn't it?" Hodges asked, an eyebrow cocked, as if in a challenge. Hodges and Mr. Scotts kept their eyes locked, neither one ready to back down.

"Mr. Scotts, I'd love for you to join our family for dinner sometime. It would be great to discuss details of the Gransville estate." My father stated, hoping for the little showdown to end.

Just as he hoped, Mr. Scotts turned away, facing my father. "I think I would enjoy that. I could take a tour of your whole estate, as we talked about last time I visited."

Hettie actually giggled in delight. Something that would never come out of my lips.

"It's settled then!" My father announced, and our table settled into conversation, this time I made sure to steer around any topics where Hodges and Mr. Scott would be pited with one another.