by Jane Charles
“Warning someone not to be alarmed when they're about to be told something usually is the very thing that alarms them.”
Hannah bit the corner of her lip and frowned. “I suppose you are correct. I had never thought of it that way.”
Ashton stared at her as if waiting.
Hannah weighed her words knowing that what she was about to impart could bring him some concern and perhaps make Ashton reconsider their betrothal.
“Would you please tell me?” he asked.
“Oh very well,” she sighed. “We’ve discussed my stubbornness and not liking to be told what to do.”
“I’m certain it will be something I become quite familiar with in the future,” he laughed.
Yes, it was quite possible, but she vowed not to be so reactionary in the future.
“Hannah?”
She picked at the non-existent lint on her skirt. “You see, my great-uncle, the Duke of Danby, has forbidden me to have anything to do with you.”
Hannah snuck a quick look at Ashton from beneath her lashes.
He didn’t seem very alarmed.
“Me? He mentioned me by name?”
She nodded.
“May I know why he would do so?”
“I believe he made note of my interest last spring,” Hannah admitted. “When he called me to Danby Castle to tell me that I’d be traveling to Barbados, he mentioned that his decision as to who my husband would be would need to be put off to the spring, and that he forbade me to have any interest in you.”
“I’m well aware of the duke’s penchant for seeing that his relatives marry, but I cannot imagine what he has against me.”
“Danby wanted no other relation of Eldridge, the former, marrying a relation of his,” Hannah explained.
Ashton nodded and chuckled. “I can understand. The two hated each other.”
“It was odd,” Hannah confessed. “It was almost as if he were reading my mind.”
“Why is that?”
Then she confessed how she was planning on gaining his attention in the coming season and holding it while thwarting her own mother in the process.
“Hannah, you never lost my attention. You simply disappeared from London and I was not given the opportunity to pursue you.” He reached over and took her hand in his. “I also find it quite odd that Danby would forbid you to have anything to do with me.”
“His hatred for Eldridge,” she reminded him.
“Do you know that he invited my family to Danby Castle for Christmas?”
This time it was Hanna’s turn to be surprised. “No. He did not mention the same to me. Had he, I would have insisted on remaining in Yorkshire for the holidays.”
“Perhaps it is as Eldridge said. Danby hated his father as much as Eldridge hated Danby. He believes His Grace invited the family as a final triumph over the man, even if he had to wait until Eldridge was dead. This way, Danby would have won in the end. Though it doesn’t make sense to me or why having the family to Danby Castle was winning but apparently it does to Eldridge.”
“And, because he noted my interest in you, he sent me away so that we didn’t fall in love and thus marry.” She laughed. “Little did he know that his sending me here was putting me on the very path he hoped to avoid.” Hannah glanced up at Ashton. “You aren’t worried, are you?”
“Though it may be foolish, I do not fear the Duke of Danby or what his response to our marriage may be. However, I strongly suggest that we marry before we return to England so that nothing can be undone.” The smile slipped and Ashton studied her. “You aren’t agreeing to marry me simply to defy Danby are you?”
“I may be foolish at times and not like being told what to do, but I would not be so foolish as to risk my future simply to thwart my great-uncle,” she assured him.
“That is what I assumed, but you were so happy about impeding him, I had to ask,” he laughed.
Chapter 23
Absolutely nothing could dampen Ashton’s spirit today. His problems were solved.
Not all, but his debt to Palmer would be paid and he’d be marrying Hannah as soon as it could be arranged, and then they’d sail to England at the beginning of February.
He grinned in anticipation of the long voyage. There had been hours of boredom on the crossing, but such would not be the case on the return. In fact, there would be no need to even leave their cabin except to take meals and the occasional stroll about the deck, but Hannah’s company, especially in privacy, would be entertainment enough. So entertaining that Hannah might conceive the next heir before they reached the port of London.
“You seem rather happy today,” Eve remarked as she looked up from her stitching. “Would it have anything to do with Lady Hannah?”
“I assume you still approve.”
“Of course.” Eve chuckled. “And I’ll be quite happy to hand over all duties that befall the lady of the manor to her.”
“Then, what will you do?”
Eve set her embroidery aside and stretched out her arms. “See the world, travel, or write a book, take up painting.” She let her hands fall into her lap. “Nearly anything I wish.”
“Within reason, of course,” Ashton warned. Eve might see herself as an independent woman, upon the shelf and ready to embrace spinsterhood, but she was also only four and twenty.
“Of course.” She rolled her eyes. “I’d never do anything too scandalous.” With that she picked up the teacup and brought it to her lips, and Ashton might have believed her words if he hadn’t witnessed the secret smile and mischief in her green eyes.
“In truth,” she said after a moment. “I’ve considered taking up residence in our home in London.”
To which Ashton nearly choked on his tea. “To what purpose?”
“Unless you need to sell the place, of course,” Eve stated without answering his question.
“We have need of that property, unlike the others, which I intend to put on the market as soon as we are home.” Then he paused. “Actually, there is no reason why I can’t send a missive to our solicitor now and see that it leaves with the next ship. With any luck, perhaps the properties will already be sold by the time we return.” He rose and crossed to a desk in the far corner. He’d had thoughts of doing just this, but hadn’t written the missive. He would do so now as there was no reason to put off what was necessary.
“Why do you wish to reside in London, and who would act as chaperone?”
Again, Eve rolled her eyes. “I don’t need a chaperone,” she insisted. “Besides, both Jude and Vance use the property as their home, so it isn’t as if I’d be living alone.”
It was true that his younger brothers saved funds by living in the Mayfair townhouse, but they were also bachelors and might not appreciate their younger sister taking up residence within.
“It is fully staffed, and I promise to take my maid with me,” Eve promised.
There really was no harm in her living in London since Ashton was certain that both Jude and Vance would watch out for her, even though they may not welcome the intrusion.
“Is it because of Hannah?” Ashton asked after a moment. “Do you not wish to live with her?”
“Hannah has nothing to do with this,” Eve dismissed with a wave of her hand. “Other than her presence frees me.”
Ashton pulled back. “I didn’t realize you resented the role that had come to you.”
“You misunderstand. I’ve never resented seeing to the manor after mother died. But I also look forward to the freedom that your marriage will now afford me.”
“Exactly what kind of freedom do you need?” Perhaps allowing Eve to live away from him wasn’t the wisest idea.
“I want a life of excitement, not mediocrity. And if it were possible, the same freedom gentlemen enjoy. Unfortunately, any real opportunity for adventure is denied me simply due to the fact that I’m a lady.”
Ashton frowned. Still not certain exactly how free she wished to be.
“I wish to attend the th
eatre when I desire, enjoy salons, visit the museums, live where life is exciting, and entertainments are offered nearly every day. Such cannot be said for sitting around Maywood Manor day in and day out.”
Eve did enjoy Town far more than the rest of them. In fact, whenever the Season was upon them, she was the one who looked forward to going to London, and not just for the balls. “I see no reason why you can’t take up residence in London.” Though he was just as certain that neither Jude nor Vance would thank him.
At least it was a conversation that Ashton wouldn’t need to have for a few months. Though, perhaps he should send them a note of warning.
“Mr. Milan Hill to see you Lord Wingate.”
Ashton glanced up at the footman. “Thank you. Please send him in.”
“Who is Mr. Hill?” Eve asked.
“He was father’s solicitor on the island. I hope he can draw up the papers giving ownership to Roxburg and Storm.”
Ashton set aside the parchment and rose from the desk to make his way back to the sitting area when the footman entered again and announced the solicitor. As he stepped away and exited, Ashton was brought up short and unable to move or take his eyes from the man.
Slowly Eve stood and stared at Mr. Hill who bore a striking resemblance to the rest of the family, and most particularly Jude.
“I see you noted the resemblance,” Mr. Hill announced.
“Yes, well,…” Ashton cleared his throat. “Can I assume…”
“I am your father’s bastard,” he clarified. “As well as his solicitor and man of business in Barbados. Shall we discuss his estate as it applies to the island?”
“Isabella, I’ve been giving our return to England a great deal of consideration,” Nate announced as he wandered out onto the back veranda where Hannah was taking tea with Jillian and Nate’s wife.
“I’m certain you have,” Sam laughed as he came up from the beach.
Nate shot him a look. “You would as well in my position.”
“There is a reason I don’t leave this island except under extreme duress.”
“What are you considering?” Isabella asked.
“There is really no reason why we must return in the spring,” he suggested.
“Other than the soldiers’ home,” she reminded him. An estate was being renovated and once complete, soldiers who had served at Waterloo, but no longer had homes, and some too injured to find a position, would live there. Those who were able would work the land and see to the house, while the others convalesced. Nate had purchased a neighboring estate so that he and Isabella could oversee the property.
“We aren’t really needed,” Nate hedged to which Isabella raised an eyebrow in warning.
“Very well,” he sighed. “But, once we disembark the ship, we are going directly to our home and nobody will tell Danby or mother that we’ve arrived.”
Sam laughed.
“Mother is going to have my head for allowing Hannah to marry someone so inappropriate.”
“Danby doesn’t concern you?” Hannah asked. She feared him far more than their mother.
Nate shrugged. “Danby is pragmatic enough to realize that it is one less special license he needs to obtain and one less great niece or nephew that he needs to see married, and will move on to the next in line.”
Oh, she hoped her brother was right since Danby had specifically told her she was not to have anything to do with Wingate.
“However, our siblings may not appreciate that you’ve removed yourself from Danby’s attention,” Sam suggested.
Hannah grimaced. Her siblings tried to avoid Danby as much as she and now they’ve been moved up the list. “With any luck, Wingate will take me directly to Maywood Manor and I won’t need to explain to anyone.” Hannah crossed her fingers.
“Regardless, they’ll soon get over their disappointment, irritation and anger, as the decision will be made and out of their hands. In fact, there will be nothing they can do to interfere with your marriage,” Sam reminded her.
With that, Hannah let out a sigh and settled back in her chair. Soon, she would marry Ashton and there wasn’t a thing anyone could do to change that fact.
Chapter 24
“Father’s bastard?” Eve gasped before she looked to Ashton. “Did you know?”
“No. It was another secret Father kept from me.”
“Yes, well, I’m not surprised.” Mr. Hill lifted his satchel. “Shall we discuss the reasons you requested a meeting?”
Mr. Hill behaved as if he could simply come in here, announce that he’s a brother as if it were of no consequence, and settle into business.
“I believe further explantation about you is in order.”
Mr. Hill hitched an eyebrow. “Do you not know how babies are made?” Then he glanced at Eve. “My apologies. That was rather crass. Please forgive me.”
“You know that is not what I meant,” Ashton ground out.
“Please, come in and be seated,” Eve insisted. “We are quite curious, as you can understand.”
Mr. Hill studied Ashton a moment longer before he turned to Eve. “Thank you, and yes, I can understand your curiosity.”
As he settled into a chair, Eve and Ashton resumed their seats. In most situations a gentleman might be distrustful of such news, but Mr. Hill was a slightly older version of Jude. If they were of the same age, they’d be able to pass as twins, the likeness was so close.
“Had I known of your existence, I would have called as soon as we arrived.”
“To what purpose?” he asked. “Though I’m rather surprised you did not already know. Everyone knows who fathered me and your father made no secret of my parentage either. At least not in Barbados.”
He’d need to speak to Samuel Storm or Roxburg, as he’d definitely not known, and if it was common knowledge, someone should have told him.
“You are our brother,” Eve said as if the answer should have been obvious.
“Bastard brothers are usually not acknowledged by the legitimate born children of the lord.” He opened his satchel and began to withdraw documents.
“That isn’t how it is in our family,” Eve offered with a dry laugh.
Mr. Hill hitched a brow in surprise. “There are others?”
“Not of father’s,” Eve answered. “At least, not that we know of.” She frowned. “But, of our cousins, more were born on the wrong side of the blanket than the right.”
“Perhaps he doesn’t need any more information on our family, Eve,” Ashton warned. He was still a stranger and they knew nothing about him, other than who fathered him.
“He is family,” Eve argued. “Though I’m rather disappointed.”
Mr. Hill frowned. “I’m sorry, but I had no choice in my birth.”
“No, you misunderstand,” she quickly assured him. “I already have four brothers; a sister would have been nice for a change.” She leaned in. “Do you have a sister, by chance?”
“To my knowledge, I am his only bastard.”
“Pity that,” Eve sighed and relaxed again.
“While I appreciate your sentiment, Lady Eve, I’ve lived these thirty-two years without siblings, or cousins for that matter, and I’m certain I do not need them now.”
Ashton studied the man. He was cold and hard, much like father had been, but was it because of the circumstances of his birth or was this Mr. Hill was more like father than any of his other children.
“At least tell us of yourself,” Eve insisted as she poured him a cup of tea. “Are you married? Do you have children? Have you always lived in Barbados? Who is your mother, and does she still live?”
He accepted the cup of tea then set it aside. “I don’t believe any of that information is pertinent to the reason I am here today.” He then turned his focus to Ashton. “As you sent for me, I assume you wish to review the duties I performed for our father. . I’ve brought all the necessary documents.”
“You might not think the information pertinent, but I do,” Ashton insisted.
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Mr. Hill blew out a breath. “Very well if that is what it is going to take before we can conduct our business.”
“I am Eve,” his sister announced, “Across from you is Ashton.”
“Milan Hill, but you already knew that.”
“Let’s start with your mother,” Eve leaned in. “Was she a great love of Father’s?”
It wasn’t as if Eve was fresh out of the school room with naive ideas of love and intimacy, so why would she ask about a great love? More likely Milan’s mother had been no more than a mistress to Father.
“They did love and had your father possessed a backbone, I’d be Wingate,” he announced, yet there was no bitterness in his tone.
“No doubt Ashton wishes you were as well,” Eve snorted.
“I am thankful that I am not. He incurred ill-advised debts and made poor decisions in Barbados. If he conducted business just as poorly in England, you inherited more problems than you did assets.”
Ashton nearly groaned. Were there more debts and issues in Barbados that he was not yet aware.
“If Father loved your mother, why didn’t they marry?” Eve asked, seeming oblivious that business matters were now taking precedence in Ashton’s mind with fear of what else he may learn.
“If it will mean that we can finally discuss the reason I am here, then I will provide my family history,” he directed to Eve with a sharp edge to his tone.
Not that Ashton blamed him. He’d be irritated too if someone were prying into his life.
“Your father purchased what is now known as The Grell Hill Plantation in 1784. My mother was an upstairs maid and one of the few white employees, as he mostly owned slaves. The two grew close and even though your father professed love for my mother, he’d not marry while his father was still alive, as his father would object if he married so far beneath him. He still refused to marry when he learned that my mother was expecting but promised that as soon as he was free and had inherited, all that would change, and he would remain in Barbados. Unfortunately, his father died, and your father was forced to return to England. Within days of his arrival, he married the woman who had been chosen for him, whom I also assume is your mother. Though your father wrote regularly, he rarely returned to Barbados, his last visit was in 1803. Over the years, he continued to beg my mother’s forgiveness, but he’d been left with no choice as an heiress was needed to fill depleted coffers, much as the situation you find yourself in now, Wingate,” Mr. Hill pointed out. “However, it was during his visit in 1794 that matters began to take a turn. By that time, the plantation was floundering, as my mother could only do so much to see that it was taken care of and the sugar harvested. Your father had left her in charge but the men who were to oversee the crops were derelict in their duties, as they did not believe in reporting to a woman, and the wages that were paid were lower than any other plantation.”
