Beth Through Time
Beth Through Time
Beth Through Time
A Magical Bookshop Novel
Harmke Buursma
Copyright © 2022 Harmke Buursma
All rights reserved
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-7374033-7-1 (hardcover dustjacket)
ISBN 978-1-7374033-8-8 (ebook)
ISBN 978-1-17374033-9-5 (paperback)
Edited by Megan Sanders
Author photo by Patterson Photography
Cover design by Getcovers.com
Published by Illusive Press
info@illusivepress.com
www.illusivepress.com
For more information about Harmke Buursma and her books, visit www.harmkebuursma.com
First Edition, 2022
For love, in all its many different forms
Contents
Dedication
Quote
1 The London Season
2 An Encounter At The Modiste
3 Hyde Park
4 Daughter Of A Marquis
5 An Irish Duke
6 Harebrained Scheme
7 Invitation to Bambreich Manor
8 Commence The Charade
9 Covent Garden
10 Potted Eel
11 The Foundling Hospital
12 Game Of Whist
13 Millefruit Biscuits
14 The Farnsby's Ball
15 A Large, Too Hot, Swallow Of Tea
16 Old Bond Street
17 'William And Susan'
18 Visiting The Duke Of Cashel
19 A Few Old Fish Crates
20 The Gentleman Thief
21 Gunter's Tea Shop
22 To The Docks
23 Covent Garden Theater
24 The Magical Bookshop
25 Farewell
26 Passage To Cork
27 Mo Ghrá
28 Vows
Afterword
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Books by this Author
Audiobooks
Quote
"To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love."
- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
1
The London Season
"I am glad to be in London," I told Anne as we exited the carriage. The driver stopped in front of a tall, tan building; the place near Covent Garden we would call home for the next couple of months. I could not wait to explore the open-air market and everything else London had to offer.
Anne locked her arm with mine and flashed me a smile. "I can scarcely believe your brother is sponsoring my season." She lifted her brows and smiled ruefully at me. "To think I'll be attending the balls, parties, and al fresco picnics along with you after I thought I'd have to stay behind in Westbridge this year."
My brother, John, and his wife, Rose, swerved past us to greet the butler who had opened the front door of the charming townhouse. The beige stonework was livened up with white painted window frames and trellises with creeping ivy.
"Welcome, sir," the middle-aged man said, bowing his head, revealing neatly combed, silver hair.
"What is your name?" John asked.
"Bartley, sir." The butler had a deep soothing voice.
"Good afternoon, Bartley. Could you send out a footman to bring in our belongings?" John pointed to the luggage at his feet and the other suitcases and bags the carriage driver was currently placing near the open cast-iron gate in front of the tan facade.
“Right away, sir," the butler said. He motioned at a young gangly man behind him who hurried out to retrieve the luggage. The footman barreled past us with his head ducked and lifted the first of the suitcases. He barely lifted his freckled face to look at us.
I glanced up at the townhome, letting out a breath, aware of the smile that was growing on my face. The anticipation of everything that could happen in London energized me after the long carriage ride. I grinned at Anne. “I am glad you will be my companion and," I winked, "my partner in crime."
Anne rolled her eyes and let out an exaggerated sigh. "I should have known. What are you planning now?"
I feigned innocence, clutching my hand to my chest in mock affront. "Me? Nothing at all.”
Anne burst into a throaty laugh. “You forget that I know you. You always have some kind of plan."
"Do not let John hear you.” I leaned into Anne so I could whisper in her ear. "I mean to make the most of my first Season and could use your help with running interference."
Anne bumped her hip against mine, snorting. "As long as you don't get me into trouble, promise?"
I wiggled my brow. “I promise."
Anne shuffled her legs and bit her lip. "I just don't want to disappoint your brother. He is entirely too generous to let me stay with you and purchase my wardrobe for the season. My family cannot possibly repay him, not even with my brother teaching at Rose's school."
She raised her shoulders and hesitated. “And my behavior has not been… well. You are aware.”
I was. She had been dishonest in the past when she tried to snare my brother into matrimony, hurting Rose, my brother’s now wife, in the process.
“What I did then…” Anne frowned and stared at her fingertips. “I truly regret behaving in that kind of manner.”
“Rose and John have forgiven you. We are all aware of your circumstances and do not blame you for it.”
Anne sniffed. “Regardless.”
"Do not worry about that. We will not be upsetting my brother; I'm not planning a coup. I merely want the chance to meet and dance with a few fetching gentlemen. Knowing my brother, he's planning to keep a close watch on me and deter any and all suitors. I love him, but he can be overbearing." I smiled, glancing back at my brother and his wife. "Rose has helped lighten him up, but still..."
Anne snorted. "You're his baby sister. He still imagines you as the young girl in pigtails, the girl he had to raise after…” she stopped her sentence.
I shrugged. “I understand why he acts the way he does; although, it doesn't take away the fact that I am nearly twenty-one years old. A few more years and I shall practically be a spinster." I shuddered at the thought. My foiled elopement last year with the dreadful Mr. Danby had been a mistake, but I had grown more mature, and I wanted to be out in the world. I envied my brother and Rose's relationship. And William and Austin's.
I did not necessarily want to get married yet, but I did want to experience life and love for myself. Attending the London season gave me the best opportunity to do so. I would get to mingle and dance with eligible bachelors, meet new friends, and the shopping would not hurt either.
Estelle, carrying her own suitcase, caught up with us. The French ladies' maid was the only staff member from Hawthorne to come with us, partly because I relied on her skills with my hair. I wanted to be certain Anne and I would be dressed and coiffed per my standards. But also, because I considered her a friend and wished her to enjoy some experiences outside of our country estate.
Anne and I climbed the few steps to the front door as the butler invited John and Rose inside.
The butler pointed his hand away from the main staircase. “I will show you the way to the drawing room while the staff readies the bed-chambers for you and your party."
The five of us followed Bartley from the foyer into the hallway, a plush red carpet rolled out beneath our feet. To our right, we entered the drawing room, a bright and airy space. Anne's face lit up as she spotted the piano forte in the corner of the room. Translucent white drapes reached down from the ceiling, framing wide windows which bathed the room in sunlight and brought attention to a weaved carpet covering the wood floor. From Brussels, I deduced, noting the intricate multi-colored pattern.
Estelle excused herself and followed the butler to the servants’ area. Rose swished past me and planted herself on the love seat, sighing as she sank into the velvet upholstery.
"This is a nice place," she said, staring up at her husband. John's eyes trained on his wife, a smile playing at his lips. Rose patted her hand on the spot next to her.
"Only the best for my sweet," my brother said as he crossed the room and joined Rose. John turned to me as I found a seat of my own. "Before we left for London, I received an invitation from Mr. Brocklehurst and his wife. They are asking us to attend a luncheon with them at Hyde Park later this week.
"Hyde Park?" Anne said, perking up beside me. "Will we take a turn on Ladies' Mile?"
Rose quirked her head inquisitively. "Ladies' Mile?"
Anne nodded. "It's a gentle route through Hyde Park where women ride their horses or men show off their fancy carriages. I spent quite a few afternoons there last year, people-watching and being taken on pleasure rides."
"Perhaps John can take us around the Ladies’ Mile before we head towards our meeting place with Mrs. Brocklehurst then," Rose said.
I was glad Rose and Anne were getting along better. Their interactions had been stilted since Rose arrived out of nowhere and caught John's attention. I didn't blame Anne for wanting to marry my brother; I recognized that he'd been a catch, but I was glad he had chosen Rose. Anne never loved my brother, a
nd now that there no longer was any competition or rivalry between Rose and Anne, our friendship had gotten closer. I hoped Rose and Anne would eventually become friends as well. I had high hopes, especially since the idea of sponsoring Anne's season came from Rose, all so John would feel secure in the knowledge that I had a chaperon present at all times.
I touched the leaves on a fern decorating a side table. My mind buzzed with excitement. London. I was truly here. My coming out into society was finally happening. I could not wait to attend all the fetes in my new wardrobe. I peeked up from the fern and returned my hand to my lap before I accidentally tore off pieces from the plant.
"When shall Anne and I visit the modiste?"
John crossed his leg and considered for a moment. "I suppose we can venture out tomorrow if both of you are up to it." He turned to Rose. "Would you like to go shopping with me while Anne and Beth attend their dress fittings?"
Rose rolled her neck, stretching her muscles. "I reckon a good night's sleep will get me back to being as fit as a fiddle. I have to say this trip felt more uncomfortable than usual. My behind is stiff from sitting on the same bench for hours."
John smirked. "Aging prematurely?"
Rose swatted his shoulder. "Do I need to remind everyone about your loud snoring."
I hid a grin. My brother and Rose loved teasing each other, but I could tell it was good-natured. One only needed to pay attention to the way John gazed at his wife to understand that he loved her deeply. I wondered if I would ever have someone to gaze at me the same way, as if I was the most important thing in the world.
John grabbed a newspaper from the side table and, licking the tip of his finger, opened it up to the first page. I caught a glimpse of the front page; a crude drawing of a man next to the title “Gentleman Thief Strikes Again.”
"Why does that sound familiar?" I mused out loud.
"Hmm?" John glanced up from the paper.
I pointed at the cover. "That headline sounded familiar."
John scanned the text. "Ah, yes. No wonder. It was during William's trial; a man nicknamed the Gentleman Thief was amongst the other prisoners waiting to be heard by the judge."
Yes, that was it. I hadn't seen his face, but now I remembered the posters plastered all over the courthouse.
We were interrupted by the butler returning with tea. John flipped to the next page while Bartley doled out cups and started pouring the fragrant liquid.
“None for me, please. I would like to retire soon.”
The butler straightened into his formal stance. “The rooms have been readied, miss.”
I jumped up out of the chair, thanking the butler. "If you will excuse me. I shall go explore the rest of the house and pick my room."
John shook his head and laughed. "As long as you do not pick the largest one."
I quirked my brow. "First come, first served." I glanced to Anne. "Would you like to investigate our rooms together?"
Anne nodded and stood. Together, we left the drawing room while John caressed Rose's shoulder and handed her a cup of tea.
"This is a comfortable place," I told Anne, as we trudged up the hardwood stairs. "It is not as familiar or comfortable as Hawthorne, but whoever decorated the place spared no expense on the decor." My feet sank into the thick carpeting covering every tread.
We skipped the first floor which held two adjoining rooms that could be turned into a larger suite—which John and Rose had claimed before arriving—and continued on to the second floor. There, Anne and I chose our rooms; I picked the bedchamber with a view overlooking the street. I leaned against the sill, spying out the window. Below, curricles and coaches passed by while random men and women scurried along the sidewalk as they headed to whatever their destination was. I could not wait to be amongst these strangers, strolling along the streets, exploring the shops, taking in every sight.
The floor creaked behind me, and I swirled around to see my friend enter my room.
"Oh, Anne. Are you not excited to be in London?"
An amused smile played at her lips. "I think you forgot that I experienced my fair share of London seasons."
I brushed past her, planting myself on the bed, and leaned back on my palms. “Tell me, then, are the gatherings much grander than the parties in Westbridge?" I observed Anne as she considered my question, tapping a slender finger against her chin.
"Well, there are many more people attending, everyone dressed in the latest fashions. It is wonderful to mingle and dance with gentlemen from more faraway parts."
I nodded, understanding. "It does get dull to dance with the same three or four men at a ball in Westbridge. There's no excitement when you grew up with them and remember when they were going through their awkward stages." I smirked. "Do you remember Milton's boils?"
Anne snorted. "He still requests a dance at every gathering. I truly hope Mother never considers him to be an equal match."
"The only fun and exciting party in Westbridge had been Mrs. Ashbrook's masquerade, and John just let me attend that for the first time last year." I stood from the bed, spreading my skirts and bowing to Anne.
"I want a dashing gentleman to sweep me off my feet, someone tall and muscular with a strong jawline."
I grasped Anne's hand as she giggled. “Are those your only requirements?”
I winked. “I shall think of more. Of course, he would introduce himself and kiss my perfectly gloved hand." I pulled Anne’s hand towards me and brushed my lips across them. "Then he'd lead me to the dance floor, and we would waltz the entire evening."
Anne shook her head but went along with my play acting. I pulled Anne closer at the waist, and we danced circles across the floor of my bedchamber. Anne burst out laughing at the final round.
"And what next?" Anne hiccoughed, brushing away a tear from the crook of her eye.
I smirked. “Well, I suppose I would let him kiss me."
At this, she laughed louder. "Do not let your brother catch wind of your plans. I have a feeling John would lock you in your room and throw away the key."
I exhaled deeply. "Probably.” Anne shot me an amused smile. I shrugged. “Oh, alright, most likely. But it is a fine fantasy regardless."
"Romance is a wonderful notion," Anne mused, staring off to the side. She had stopped laughing and her shoulders seemed to deflated a bit. "I wonder if I will get the chance to...” she sighed. “I suppose I should not think about what could be. Mother told me to do my best to find a husband this year." Anne let go of me and moved to the bed. "You know our finances are strained, and if I do not marry well...I cannot be certain we could stay where we are."
My voice softened as I sat next to her. "Not even with your brother earning wages while teaching at Rose's school?"
She shrugged again; her expression clouded over. "Perhaps. But what about when Rose takes over once more?"
"I am certain John could..." I started.
Anne grimaced. "I dislike taking his charity... your charity. There are not enough words to explain how grateful I am, but I am indebted to you. I am not deserving of this kindness after the way I treated John and Rose.”
"None of us hold it against you."
"Which somehow makes me feel worse." Anne let out a dry chuckle. "I am sorry, I do not mean to sound ungrateful."
I brushed her comment aside and hugged her. "You do not need to worry about sounding ungrateful. You can share what is on your mind with me. Do you not consider me your friend?”
"Of course, I do. I am grateful for your friendship," Anne muttered against my ear.
I moved back, staring up at her with a grin. "Besides, it means we are both hunting for handsome bachelors this season. Who is to say we could not both return to Westbridge with a romantic partner?”
2
An Encounter At The Modiste
The next morning, all of us, including Estelle, headed out to the shops. A tawny-haired man in his mid-twenties—the coachman in service to the house John was letting—drove us to Leicester Square. I insisted on exploring a different shopping area than the fashionable Bond Street, and this location was conveniently close.