Wentworth's Baron - Chapter Four - Lord William Wentworth

CHAPTER FOUR

Lord William Wentworth

It was a typical London day as Lord William Wentworth, The Earl of Stratford, found himself walking down St. James street on his way to White’s.  He was immersed in thought as he pondered the dilemma he found himself facing.  Wentworth Hall was in dun territory.  How would he come about.  If only Henrietta would set her cap on some respectable chap.

He thought of how it would be to have little “Wentworths.”  He and his late wife Lady Arabella had planned to have more children but after Henrietta was born Lady Arabella became very sickly and not many years following, Lord Wentworth was forced to bury his lovely Lady Arabella.  Henrietta and this great estate then became his primary focus.  He loved to take her out while he conducted affairs on the estate and Henrietta learned firsthand what was necessary to run a great house such as Wentworth Hall.

He hired a governess but Henrietta soon outgrew the need for a governess and he was forced to dismiss her.  Miss Cromwell came highly recommended and it pained him when the time came because she seemed to fill the void for Henrietta who was in need of a female role model in her life.  However, he could not justify keeping her on when Henrietta clearly had moved on to other interests and was determined to pursue her own interests.

She had already had two London seasons but declined the offers she received because she vowed she could not “love” them.  At the time, Lord Wentworth could not see forcing the only reminder of his lovely wife Arabella into something she felt so strongly would make her unhappy.  Lord Wentworth could never endure seeing his daughter unhappy.  She resembled her mother in so many ways.  The bright green of Arabella’s eyes was widely known to be a remarkable characteristic to which Henrietta inherited.  Lord Wentworth basked at the sight of his daughter’s beautiful green eyes remembering his lovely wife whom he missed as each day passed.

Now, things have taken a turn.  He started to be concerned about what would happen to Henrietta if something happened to him.  She must marry to insure a lady of her station was able to maintain the quality of life she is accustomed to.  How had Sir Lewis allowed his accounts to become so unstable.  Sir Lewis was the estate accountant/banker whom Lord Wentworth entrusted with his finances.  He had known Sir Lewis his entire life as he was a distant cousin.  Lord Wentworth’s Father and Sir Lewis’ father had fought side by side during the Jacobite rebellion.

Now, Sir Lewis told him Wentworth Hall was in danger of being liquidated.  The investments were not as profitable as had originally been expected not to mention the current state of the economy during this war against Bonaparte.

Lord Wentworth could not fathom the thought of Lady Henrietta being cast out by the duns; he couldn’t fathom the thought of her in the poor house; how would she live?  His lovely Arabella would think him wretched indeed were she alive.  No!  Henrietta must be brought around to see the wisdom of a good match.  Wentworth Hall must survive.  It has been the family seat since the 1600's.

Thus, Lord Wentworth arrived at White’s with a new determination.  Lady Henrietta Wentworth was not to be put on the shelf.  Someone of the eligible bachelors of society must be interested in her.  Surely, Lady Jersey would not decline his application for her to attend Almack's.  Word of his situation was not widely known and he was well acquainted with the patroness.  Surely, she would not decline an old friend.

Once inside White's, he made his way to his customary table to enjoy a game of faro.  Lord Barrington joined him soon after and before long Lord Wentworth was in deep discussion with the Earl of Warwick about the future of the two estates.  They continued their discussion more privately as the evening ensued.  Both men came to understand each intent on their convictions and soon enough the arrangements were made; they shook hands and both gentlemen now faced the difficult task of getting their wayward offspring to the alter.  Both acknowledged this to be a challenge and agreed that they would meet with their solicitors and meet again on the subject in the forthcoming weeks.

Lord Wentworth finished his business in London and headed home to attempt the difficult task of admonishing to his daughter the benefits a good marriage.  He was hoping to bring this about without the necessity of telling her the circumstances behind his change of heart.  For he has never pushed the idea of marriage on her and has always encouraged her free-thinking, independent nature however distressing that may now be to his plans for her.

Lord Wentworth reached Wentworth Hall expecting to find his lovely daughter engrossed in a novel in front of the fireplace but instead was taken aback when upon entering the parlor there sat a most elegantly dressed gentleman in conversation with Henrietta.  Upon seeing her father she and the Baron immediately stood as Henrietta made the proper introductions.

As Henrietta suspected, her father was not lax in his invitation for Baron Raby to join him with his hunting party whenever he pleased and the Baron was delighted to accept the offer.  The two men continued in their discussion of the hunt and the dogs that Lord Wentworth kept were considered the best in the county.

Henrietta quietly took her leave of the gentlemen and made her way to her sitting room where she liked to pass the afternoons in contemplation of her day’s accomplishments and plan for the next.  Not long after, Lord Wentworth joined her in her sitting room.  Henrietta immediately noted the look of concern on his face.  “What is it father?  Do you and Baron Raby disagree on something?”

Lord Wentworth quickly responded, “no, no, nothing like that.  There is something of great importance I need to speak with you about, Henrietta, and I don’t know quite how to start.”

Henrietta began to feel a bit uneasy and replied, “what is it father?  Whatever it is I can handle it.”  She wasn’t sure if that was truly the case but she knew her father must tell her and she wanted to make it as easy as possible for him.

“Henrietta,” he began.  “I know I have always encouraged you to be your own person and I allowed you to indulge in your own pursuits thinking you a girl with unique talents and I always loved your independent nature.  It reminds me so much of your dear departed mother.”

Henrietta sat listening intently to what he was saying wondering where this line of thought was going.  Then he said, “Henrietta, I feel very strongly that you should think seriously about marriage.”

Henrietta could not believe her ears.  What was this that her father was saying?  All these years he never forced her to accept an offer she did not want.  Could it be he was changing his views?  What would she do?

“Henrietta, I know this may be somewhat of a surprise and you may at first be very angry but it is all arranged.  I have spoken with Lord Barrington and we have come to an agreement.”  Henrietta sat motionless.  She could not believe what she was hearing.  “What do you mean you have come to an agreement?”

Her father continued, “now, Henrietta, just listen.  It is not as bad as you may think.  Arranged marriages happen all over England.  It is the way it is done.  Love comes in time and you will see you can be very happy.”

Henrietta stood up and walked over to the window.  She turned to her father and said, “I can’t believe you are doing this.  What changed?  Why do you all of sudden come at me with an arranged marriage?  Father I can’t!  I won’t!”

Henrietta stormed out of the room, running up the stairs to her room as she fought the tears that were falling regardless of her attempts to stifle them.  She threw herself on her bed and thought of her mother.  What would her mother say?  She knew her mother would never condone an arranged marriage.  How could her father do this?

Henrietta sobbed profusely as she lay sprawled across her bed.  Her uncontrollable sobs continued through the evening until eventually out of sheer exhaustion she fell asleep thinking angrily to herself, “who is this Alexander Durham Barrington, Viscount and  future Earl of Warwick anyway!”