Strawberry Fields Read online

  EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2018 Pelaam

  ISBN: 978-1-77339-769-6

  Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

  Editor: CA Clauson

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To my partner for his unfailing love.

  STRAWBERRY FIELDS

  Pelaam

  Copyright © 2018

  Chapter One

  With a yawn and a stretch, Nicolas finally looked up from his latest creation. The mechanical lap dog was a gift for his sister. He was talented as a tinker, although to some people, the calling was still shrouded with suspicion. Many of those skilled in the creation of such mechanicals as the dog Nicolas now polished often kept it secret.

  “However, in your case, my little mechanical friend, Amaretta can simply say I gave you to her as a gift and no questions need be answered.” Nicolas patted the mechanical’s head. “Only Amaretta and Mother know of my … additional … skill with mechanicals. Everyone else simply thinks of me as very talented in designing and building inanimate creations.”

  With a sigh of contentment, Nicolas glanced around. His workroom might be tiny, but at least it was his own personal space. Along with his mother and sister, Nicolas enjoyed a modest life living in the countryside. He and his family preferred the clean country air and peaceful, open spaces to that of the noisy, crowded, and smog-laden city.

  Pausing in his polishing, Nicolas looked at his latest creation and smiled. A mix of copper and brass, Nicolas had modelled the dog on the popular lapdog breed, the Skye Terrier. He’d even painstakingly worked the copper so that it looked as if it was long hair, not a metal casing. Nicolas had spent months building his gift.

  “I only have to imbue you with the final touches ready for Amaretta’s birthday in a couple of days’ time.” Nicolas sat back in his chair. “I’m certain that Amaretta’s birthday tea will be a very small gathering. She has only a couple of close friends, both older married ladies.”

  His sister seemed to have little in common with the younger women more her own age. Amaretta bored quickly with discussions over which men were available and their suitability as future husbands. Nicolas wondered if her fiery temperament had anything to do with inheriting their father’s red hair. By contrast, Nicolas took after their mother with glossy, thick dark hair, but both he and Amaretta had their father’s hazel eyes.

  But, in truth, even that is two more friends than me. The realization came as somewhat of a mental jolt. Nicolas’s lack of friends wasn’t something he’d ever given any due consideration before.

  His mother had a couple of older cousins she regularly visited, and Amaretta had her friends, but when not in his workshop, Nicolas liked to read. Unlike other men of his age, he didn’t care to ride or hunt, preferring more cerebral pursuits.

  With a sigh, Nicolas resumed polishing the mechanical. Perhaps, as his mother often exhorted, he should see if he could be of any assistance at the local cricket club. That was one sport Nicolas didn’t mind watching, and he was fit enough to participate.

  However, he wouldn’t approach the subject with his mother just now. She’d been a little distracted for the last few weeks, doubtless fretting about Amaretta and her upcoming birthday party.

  While his sister would be happy with just her friends, mother, and Nicolas, he knew their mother would not. He was quite certain she was intending to invite the ladies she herself visited for tea. And doubtless the party would include at least a couple of ladies whose sons were considered eligible bachelors.

  That thought amused Nicolas enough for him to snicker out loud. His sister was very progressive in her ideas. Amaretta had no intentions of marrying anyone she didn’t love. She’d been very vocal to Nicolas about the lack of men she’d consider as husband material. ‘All they expect is a woman who will make their house run efficiently, entertain their guests, and produce children. Such a life is not for me, Nicolas.’

  In that respect, he and Amaretta shared a common desire. To find someone to love and who would love them for who they were. So far, Nicolas had avoided his mother’s interference. She was more concerned at having a daughter heading into her mid-twenties and still unmarried than an older son who was yet to wed.

  Once thing was certain, it would take a special man to turn Amaretta’s head. Pulling out his pocket watch, Nicolas checked the time, and decided it was time to return to the house to bathe and change. Putting the mechanical dog safely away, Nicolas locked his workshop and walked through the garden.

  As the birds sang and butterflies fluttered by, Nicolas stopped and smiled. They were very lucky to have this lifestyle. Nicolas couldn’t imagine anything more idyllic.

  Chapter Two

  The day of Amaretta’s birthday tea dawned bright and sunny. Nicolas stood at his window and breathed deeply. The warmth, so early in the morning, boded well for an outdoor tea party later that day.

  It was a family tradition for personal gifts to be exchanged in the evening, so Nicolas had set his mechanical aside to present to Amaretta after the party. However, there was something Nicolas wanted to avoid, and that was to get caught up in his mother’s inevitable last-minute agitations over preparation.

  Therefore, as soon as breakfast was over, Nicolas took a pile of journals and settled in the tiny reading nook which overlooked the back garden. From there, Nicolas could gauge when best to make an appearance. He’d already made up his mind to let the first rush of guests arrive before joining in. That way Amaretta would remain the focus at the party.

  Nicolas was so wrapped up in his reading, it was after midday before he realized how much time had flown by. Looking out of the window, he frowned. There were several long tables and lots of chairs dotted around, and even a small marquee. This wasn’t the setting Nicolas expected for an intimate tea party with a few close friends.

  He rose to his feet and peered out with deepening curiosity as people bustled about setting the tables, and even a trio of musicians arrived. Nicolas shook his head as his mother came into view, directing everyone. What is Mother playing at? Surely this isn’t what Amaretta wanted. When I talked to her, she gave no indication this was going to be any different to previous tea parties.

  There was nothing Nicolas could do. Everything seemed well in hand. Deciding to keep to his original plan, Nicolas took a leisurely bath before shaving and dressing. Checking his appearance in the mirror, Nicolas nodded, satisfied.

  The last thing Nicolas wanted to do was upstage his sister on her birthday. Therefore, he’d chosen black pants, a plain white shirt with copper-coin buttons, and a thigh-length, black and grey damask jacket. The jacket was normally fastened by means of a couple of gleaming copper chains, but instead, Nicolas left the garment open. Nicolas felt smart enough for the party, but he would by no means detract from his sister.

  All that was left was for him to don a pair of knee-high black and brown boots. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Nicolas tugged them into place. Standing once more, Nicolas gave a final sweep of wax through his hair, and he was ready to face the guests and whatever it was that his mother had organized.

  In the time it had taken Nicolas to bathe and dress, the back garden had filled with many guests. Nicolas wondered if his mother had invited everyone from the village, along with
the families from the local country houses. He politely greeted those he recognized and offered a smile and nod to those he didn’t, quite certain they didn’t know who he was either.

  In the distance, he spotted Amaretta, and Nicolas hurried over to her. Although his sister looked calm, the fire in her eyes belied the outward composure.

  “Did you know Mother was doing this?” Amaretta whispered the words almost into Nicolas’s ear as she offered another insincere smile to a lady Nicolas didn’t know.

  “No.” Nicolas shook his head, then bowed to a couple of matronly ladies parading by. They smiled at Nicolas, and fluttered their fans, but didn’t even look twice at Amaretta. “They don’t know us any more than we know them. “What is Mother doing?”

  “I have no idea, but she keeps dragging me around to introduce me to ladies who are strangers to me. But most of them have a son in tow.” Amaretta glowered in the direction of their mother as Lady Valentina swept into view. “I feel like a prize cow being displayed ready for auction.”

  “Don’t let it spoil your day.” Nicolas pecked a kiss to Amaretta’s cheek. “Be gracious, smile, accept any and all gifts you are offered, dance with whoever catches your eye, and decline to see any of them again, if none meet your high standards.” Nicolas whispered the last directly into Amaretta’s ear, and she burst out laughing.

  “You are indeed devious, brother mine. Very well. If Mother can be clever enough to spring this on me, I can be clever enough to be polite and gracious as you say. There’s another thing you should be aware of, though.”

  “Which is?” Nicolas asked.

  “There are a lot of single women, and some single men. I don’t think it’s just me that Mother’s parading today.”

  “I see.” That jolted Nicolas. There had never been any concern on his mother’s part previously that he was still unmarried. He took a deep breath. “In that case, I shall have to take my own advice. Not that I will get gifts.”

  “I’ll see you later. I have a feeling this is going to be a long day.” Plastering a smile in place, Amaretta whirled her way around the main group of guests.

  Watching her go, Nicolas sighed. This was meant to be Amaretta’s special day. He hoped his mother hadn’t ruined it for her.

  A shout caught Nicolas’s attention as he wandered aimlessly around, a smile firmly fixed in place. Looking over to the far side of the garden, away from the main seats and tables, was a group of three men.

  A low groan escaped Nicolas as he instantly recognized one of them. The younger son of one of the local country esquires, Jeremy waved as he saw Nicolas look round. Not particularly caring whether his smile looked even the slightest bit sincere, Nicolas ambled over to them.

  “Hullo, old man. Your sister’s looking particularly attractive today.” Jeremy’s leering gaze slid up and down Nicolas’s body, but Nicolas was determined to ignore it.

  “Yes, she is. I hope you’re enjoying the day.” Nicolas was already preparing to turn away, when Jeremy slid off the fence on which he’d been sitting and swaggered over to Nicolas.

  “Bit of a surprise when the invite came. None of us know Amaretta. She’s not in our circles. You could be, though, Nicolas.” Jeremy stood close. Too close. Nicolas could feel the other man’s heat, but refused to back away.

  “Not really.” Nicolas shrugged, as casually as he could manage. “I’m no rider.”

  “We could teach you.” One of the other men called out. “Nothing like a good, exhilarating ride to set the blood pounding, eh, Jeremy?”

  “That’s it exactly, Lucien.” Jeremy moved closer still. “You could join us, Nicolas. On the hunt.”

  “We’re always on the lookout for new prey when hunting. Any friend of Jeremy’s is a friend of ours.”

  The predatory gleam in the men’s eyes as they stared at Nicolas spoke of a different kind of prey than foxes or rabbits, as did the unabashed lust in Jeremy’s.

  “You’ve caught me a little on the hop, gentlemen.” Nicolas kept his smile fixed in place as he took a step away from Jeremy. “Give me a little time to think about your … generous offer.”

  “Don’t take too long, Nicolas.” Jeremy grasped hold of Nicolas, pulling him close. “We’re alike in some ways, you and I, but I’m not a patient man.”

  “No. I don’t expect that you are. Enjoy the party. I’ll get back to you soon, Jeremy.” Hurrying away, Nicolas shuddered. The last thing he wanted was to join that particular hunt.

  Although Jeremy was the family’s youngest son, he had a lot of influence, both with his father and in the local community. Nicolas had long since hoped he’d escaped Jeremy’s attention. Perhaps instead of looking to join something locally, I need to make the trip into the city and be involved in a club there.

  Although his mother might not be happy for Nicolas to spend time away from the family home, it was certainly a prudent move for him to consider.

  Chapter Three

  A few days passed following Amaretta’s birthday party, and things at home seemed to be back to normal as far as Nicolas was concerned. Well, at least, mostly back to normal. There was an undercurrent between his mother and sister that Nicolas felt, but no one had openly spoken of.

  Safely ensconced in his workroom, Nicolas wondered about approaching Amaretta, when there was a tap on the door. Getting to his feet, Nicolas called out; “Come in.”

  The door opened and a surly-faced Amaretta stomped in, followed by Poppet, as she’d named her mechanical pet, trotting at her feet.

  “What is it?” Nicolas was normally left alone in his workshop. That Amaretta had sought him out was a bad sign.

  “If Mother asks me one more time if I’m thinking of marriage yet, I swear I’ll scream, Nicolas.” Amaretta stomped her foot, which set her auburn curls bouncing. “I even told her that I’d felt like my birthday party was a way for her to show me off like … like some prize cow to be bid upon.”

  “You don’t usually get so agitated.” Nicolas was shocked by Amaretta’s vehemence. His sister usually laughed off their mother’s question. Even Poppet kept her distance, the mechanical cocking her head from side to side as if following the conversation.

  Although Nicolas and Amaretta generally shared the same easy-going disposition, at that moment, two spots of vivid red glowed brightly on Amaretta’s otherwise pallid cheeks, silently screaming her fury.

  “She’s not normally this persistent.” Amaretta paced back and forth, and her blue-green skirt and white petticoat whirled behind her like the waves of an angry, churning sea.

  Nicolas was certain their mother had no idea how upset Amaretta was and didn’t like to see his sister so distressed.

  “Look, I’ll have a word with Mother, if you’d like. “Nicolas laid his hand on Amaretta’s arm, and she stopped pacing to look into his eyes, and finally gave a small smile.

  “No. I’ll be fine. I’m just … just…” Amaretta sighed heavily. “One of the ladies who came to my tea party has announced her daughter’s engagement. The girl’s two years younger than me, and I think it reminded Mother that I’m still an old maid. And I didn’t swoon into the arms of one of the men at my party.”

  “Not so old, if you please.” Nicolas smiled. “You’re only twenty-three. A good five years younger than me, and I’m still single.”

  That got a genuine smile from Amaretta and she nudged Nicolas with her elbow.

  “If you reach thirty and are still unwed, I think Mother will invite every spinster within a fifty-mile radius of the house.”

  “Spinsters?” Nicolas clutched dramatically at this chest, a faux look of horror on his face, and Amaretta laughed out loud.

  “Well, perhaps she’ll get nowhere with spinsters. Bachelors, then.” Amaretta winked, and Nicolas responded by poking out his tongue. Just like his sister, Nicolas was happy to remain patient to find the right person to share his life.

  With an almost girlish giggle, Amaretta enveloped him in a tight hug, and kissed his cheek.

  �
��Any man who hopes to capture my heart will need to have a sense of humor to rival yours, dear brother.”

  “So long as he doesn’t share my ugliness, is that it?” Nicolas laughed at Amaretta’s indignant expression. He knew he was far from ugly, but since teasing Amaretta had drawn her out of her temper, Nicolas saw no reason to stop.

  “Well … I wouldn’t want him to have your big nose, or such a square chin with a dimple in its center.” By now Amaretta was giggling so hard she could hardly speak. Wiping away her tears of laughter, she gazed into Nicolas’s eyes. “I would do very well indeed, if I met a man as handsome as you, with a heart as generous. Thank you for cheering me up, Nicolas. I should be more patient with Mother. I forget that by my age, she had not only been married over a year, but was carrying her first child.”

  “Things were different in Mother’s day. There’s no disgrace these days in waiting for the right person. I must confess, Mother still speaks of me settling with a wife, despite all my affirmations that there won’t be another Mrs. Broadberry.”

  “She knows. I think she just can’t bring herself to say it out loud. I get the impression that by now, she imagined her life as a doting grandmother, with a loving husband at her side, not a widow with two unmarried adult children.”

  “I’m sure you’re right Amaretta.” Nicolas nodded. “She only wants the best for us. The problem is, that her ideas and ours are very different.”

  “Well, I’m thankful for such a loving brother. Come along, Poppet. Although I feel much better now, I think I’ll dodge Mother for a while.”

  As his sister ambled away, Poppet at her feet, Nicolas smiled. His mother might mention wives, but she didn’t turn away when he spoke of a husband. Not that he would ever confess as much to even his sister, but there had been a couple of boyfriends in Nicolas’s life. But neither had developed into anything more than casual relationships.