Don Gutteridge - The Widow's Demise

And what a Frenchman he is! The man is noordinary citizen. He is a former rebel and an incendiary. Hestumped his misbegotten province last year denouncing the terms ofthe Union Act and demanding impossible rights for a people who tookup arms against Her Majesty and all that she stands for. He spokeon behalf of these wretched rebels, and after they were justifiablydefeated, he worked his lawyer’s wiles to get them out of prison,where they belonged. He is now the self-styled leader of a radicalFrench faction, the rouge party. Using all of his Frenchcunning, he has succeeded in pulling the wool over the eyes of suchstaunch Upper Canadians as Robert Baldwin, pretending to be apartner in a coalition made in Hell, that is until he has managedto get a foothold in our new Legislature, after which he will donothing but promote the interests of Quebec and Catholics and theFrench tongue – to the detriment of all loyal English citizens ofCanada West. So persuasive has he been that Mr. Baldwin hasrelinquished his seat in York in order to pacify the excessivedemands of LaFontaine and his French fanatics.

Citizens beware!

Yours faithfully,

Humphrey Cardiff, Attorney-

General for Canada West.

“My God,” Robert said. “That confirms our worstfears.”

“Cardiff is managing Arthur Dingman’s Torycampaign,” Marc pointed out. “He’s abusing his cabinet postbig-time.”

“This will certainly influence the localpeople,” Gagnon said.

Louis sighed. “We may have another Terrebonneon our hands.”

“I think we should meet with HumphreyCardiff,” Marc said. “What harm can it do?”

“I agree,” said Robert. “Why don’t Marc,Gilles and I go and see him today or tomorrow?”

“After all,” Hincks said with a wry smile,“the fellow is the chief lawman in the province.”

“And a Tory,” Robert sighed.

***

Lionel Truman had a great deal to offer any womanconsidering marriage. First of all he was a respectable gentleman.His job at the customs house brought him prestige and a steadyincome, and required little effort on his part. This left him lotsof time to pursue gentlemanly activities. Secondly, he was by allobjective accounts handsome and personable. His principal drawback,as he himself saw it, was that he was not rich, not even well offby local standards. He lived in modest rental quarters on northGeorge Street, and his suit was no more than a year out of fashion.But, serendipitously, the lady in his sights just happened to bewealthy herself, having inherited her first husband’s fortune. Theywould make the perfect match. Unfortunately the lady was beingparticularly coy, pretending to resist his blandishments andkeeping her passion for him well in check. But time was on hisside; his pursuit was dogged, and would bear fruit.

As he neared Rosewood, he began to whistle.The auguries were all positive today. Delores had answered his notethis morning right away, agreeing to a carriage-ride into thecountryside. What is more, she would provide the carriage, as hersuitor did not have one. Again, the arrangement seemed appropriateand just to Trueman. As he came up to the front door, he noticedthat her splendid surrey and its two horses were standing nearby inthe care of a young groom with a pock-marked face.

“Good morning, sir,” the groom said. “Madameis waiting in the foyer.”

Trueman nodded slightly and went up to thebell-pull. He adjusted his hat and gave the pull a gentle tug.

A black-suited butler immediately opened thedoor.

“Good morning, sir,” he said, giving Truemanthe onceover.

“I am here to see Mrs. Cardiff-Jones,”Trueman said. “She’s expecting me.”

“Of course. I’ll fetch madam for you.” Heturned to his mistress, who was standing only two steps behind him.“Mr. Trueman for you, madam.”

“Thank you, Diggs. That will be all.”

Delores stepped forward and gave Trueman abroad smile.

“Good morning, Delores. You lookstunning.”

“Thank you, Lionel. You are most king.”

“I see you’ve got the surrey ready forus.”

“Yes. And you’ll drive?”

“I’d be delighted to.”

“That way we can be alone,” Delores said,taking Trueman’s hand and stepping down off the porch.

“My very thought.”

Trueman led Delores towards the surrey. Thegroom was holding the horses, and watched as Trueman helped Deloresup into the front seat of the vehicle, then sat down beside her.The groom handed him the reins.

“Which way?” Trueman said.

“Let’s drive up College Avenue to Queen’sPark,” Delores suggested.

“Splendid idea.”

College Avenue ran north off Queen Street. Itwas a broad thoroughfare, lined on either side by rows of mapletrees, some of which had just begun to turn colour. When they cameto the park, Trueman pulled the carriage over to the side of theroad and wrapped the reins around the post.

“What a beautiful place to stop,” Deloressaid.

“Yes, it’s a glorious morning. And onlyfitting for a woman as beautiful as you.”

“Lionel, you mustn’t say things likethat.”

He leaned over towards her. “I was raised totell the truth,” he whispered.

“I am immune to flattery.”

“Are you immune to this ?” He kissedher lightly on the cheek, while his right hand moved around herwaist and drew her slowly towards him. He felt littleresistance.

“Oh, Lionel, you mustn’t – ”

He kissed her on the lips, which partedslightly at the pressure on them. She reached around and cupped theback of his head. Her mouth opened. He could feel her stays sharpagainst his chest. It was he who had to come up for air.

“I adore you,” he said, gazing into hereyes.

“You are a very determined man,” she said,straightening her dress.

“And you have strong feelings for me, do younot?”

“I like you very much, Lionel. We enjoy eachother’s company.”

“I want it to be more than that.”

“I know.”

“I need you to say you’ll be my wife.”

“Oh, Lionel, don’t go and spoil things. Youknow I’m not ready for marriage yet. I’m looking only forcompanionship.”

“That kiss wasn’t mere companionship,” heprotested.

“No, perhaps not. I shouldn’t have let thingsgo that far.”

“But you did. And you enjoyed it.”

“That doesn’t make me your partner inmatrimony. I’m sorry.”

“Please tell me you’ll at least consider myproposal. I can wait for your answer for as long as it takes.”

“All right. I can do that much. But I’m notholding out much hope.”

“There’s somebody else, isn’t there?” he saidsharply.

“’Well, I do entertain other gentlemen fromtime to time. I like the company of men.”

“Macy?”

Delores reddened slightly. “Horace Macy comesto see me once in a while.”

“And do you let him kiss you?”

“There’s no need to take that tone, Lionel.He’s just a friend.”

“And that, apparently is all I am.”

“Now, please, don’t sulk, darling. Itdoesn’t’ suit you.”

“How can you see other men and consider myproposal at the same time?”

“Lionel, you know I don’t like jealousmen.”

“I saw you dancing with that failed chemistlast night.”

“I was the hostess. I danced with a dozenmen, including you.”

“I won’t be thought of as one of your dozen.I love you. I have behaved honourably.”

“Of course you have. There’s no need to getso worked up about these things.” She leaned over and kissed him onthe cheek.

He sighed. “I want you to promise not toentertain any more men until you give me an answer to my proposalof marriage.”

Delores smiled and patted the back of hishands. “All right, if it will make you happy and not spoil anotherwise splendid morning in the country.”