James, Earl of Crofton

by Rebecca Cohen

  “But I do have Lady Matilda as a cousin, so rest assured I can understand your feelings on the matter.”

  Rupert laughed, giving James a crooked smile that, at one point, would have been enough for James to drag him into a secluded corner. “I would, of course, defend Felicia to the grave, but for a few hours I think she is better suited to her own company.”

  James thought the idea had merit, but he remembered seeing Adam and thought perhaps it might be better to speak to him about securing his help. He turned to see if he could spot him, but he was nowhere to be seen. He would send a message and suggest they meet over dinner, the little issue of not knowing where Adam lodged could be solved. One of the court servants would be able to find his address.

  “Then let’s join the players.”

  “I will be with you in one moment. Perhaps you would be so kind as to reserve me a seat while I inform Felicia where I will be if, in the unlikely event, she needs me?”

  “Of course. But do not dally, Captain.”

  Rupert left to inform his sister. James, keen to escape the scene before Tilly decided she needed him to partake in the melodrama, headed out of the stateroom.

  James tutted as he was jostled by a crowd of dancers while trying to make his way to the card rooms. The tide of silk and velvet buffeted him, accompanied by mumbles of apology, and he was only able to regain his composure once they’d moved on.

  Annoyed, he brushed himself down and noticed a slight bulge in the gap of his upturned coat cuff. He reached inside, removed a small square of parchment and unfolded it. His father’s ring dropped into his hand. He blinked rapidly, unable to believe his eyes, then picked up the ring and examined closely; it was still in perfect condition. Remembering the parchment, he realised there was something written on it:

  My dearest Lord Crofton,

  I believe this belongs to you. I apologise I could not return it to you sooner, but it was the errand I had still to run last evening when we went our separate ways. It no doubt looks better on your finger than on that of the scoundrel who took it. A fine gem for a fine gem of court.

  Your (not so) obedient servant,

  C.H.

  He looked up sharply, casting glances around, but he was alone. The Chivalrous Highwayman must be here, or had been only moments ago. Perhaps he’d dressed to blend in. Maybe he had been amongst the crowd who had jostled him, but equally he could have slipped the ring and note into his pocket earlier, and he’d been none the wiser. James couldn’t help but be disappointed he may have missed the chance to see him again. He certainly had an idea how he would express his thanks. His heart beat a little faster at the idea of being pressed against a mysterious lover, the mask hiding his identity.

  A chatter of voices brought him back to his senses and he had to shake away the air of lust that had fogged his brain. Quickly, so as not to be discovered staring, he slipped the ring back onto his finger and shoved the note into his pocket.

  James turned to see Adam approaching. For a moment he experienced a flash of guilt for allowing himself the indulgence of his fantasy with the highwayman, but then Adam was not his lover, despite his best attempts.

  “You look startled, my lord.”

  He wasn’t ready to share what had happened yet; he wanted time to enjoy the return of the ring, and by whom, for a little while. “I am perfectly well, thank you.”

  Adam didn’t seem convinced but thankfully didn’t press. “Perhaps you need to rest. You have had a somewhat of a trying time.”

  Adam had a point, but he wasn’t willing to appear weak in the eyes of his peers. “Nonsense. I had a late night with Marchent—he may have the constitution of an ox but, alas, I am merely human.”

  Adam laughed. “But a much-loved human.”

  “By some.” He felt too disjointed to remain at court and craved some time alone, but he did not wish Adam to think he wanted to dismiss him. There were other things they needed to discuss, but not today. “Say, Mr Dowson, I have a business proposition for you. If you are free tomorrow, perhaps you would be willing to join me for dinner?”

  “I would be honoured, my lord.”

  “Then let us meet at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on the midday?”

  Adam bowed. “I will be there promptly.”

  Chapter 14

  After Adam had accepted his invitation to dinner, James had sent word to the inn and paid a modest amount to secure a small room at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, to ensure privacy so they could talk but yet be public enough so Adam would not think James might press his suit. There was no natural light in the small room, but the owner had seen fit to provide lamps to see by and they gave the small space an intimate feel he wasn’t sure Adam would welcome. A jug of hock and two cups stood waiting, and he checked the time on a new pocket watch he had collected that very morning from a workshop on Cheapside. Marchent’s idea to find someone to help him with the running of Crofton Hall—or, more correctly, to weed out the blight that had infected it—had echoed around his mind the night before, and the more he thought on it, the more he was convinced Adam was the obvious choice. Now all he had to do was persuade him to take up the mantle of advisor to the 4th Earl of Crofton.

  A quiet cough made him look up from his watch. Adam had arrived. He walked forwards, his gait stiffer than usual. He had a slight limp and was favouring his right side, which James hadn’t noticed before. “Mr Dowson, apologies, I did not hear you enter. Are you injured?”

  “Adam. We agreed you would call me by my given name.” He hesitated. “Unless something has changed.”

  Had something changed? Adam didn’t appear to be concerned by James’s recent behaviour. And it hadn’t escaped James’s attention that Adam had avoided his question about his injury. “If you are so courteous as to look past my recent treatment of you, then I would be honoured to call you Adam.”

  Adam glanced around, then slid into the seat next to James. “You are a man of great honour—grief and brandy does not alter that. Also, it is not as if I was not flattered. Just, now is not the time. You have much to concern yourself with. I think it would be better to focus on that than me.”

  Once again he was thrilled to hear Adam was not upset by his forwardness, but perhaps Adam was right and now was not the time to act on it. “Actually, it is my concerns that I wish to talk to you about, and that’s why I invited you here. I wanted a private space, but still public enough so you could be assured my actions will be gentlemanly.”

  “Whatever your actions, by your very status they will be those of a gentleman.” His smirk told James it had not been meant as a compliment, but he couldn’t bring himself to be offended.

  “You, sir, speak as if as gentleman’s word may not be as valuable as a gentleman might think it to be.”

  “That is an interpretation of your own.” His eyes sparkled with mirth. “But instead, let us discuss why you have invited me here.”

  James poured Adam a glass of hock. “Inheriting the title of earl came with responsibilities I was unprepared for, but that in itself was not the problem. I have an issue within my household.”

  “It must be important if you feel you need to seek advice. In my experience most matters of this ilk would be handled internally.”

  “Therein lies the rub. Crofton Hall may be my home, but I know only the rudimental basics of running the estate, and it is not enough.”

  “You do intrigue me. What is the issue?”

  “One of my servants—and I strongly suspect my steward—is pilfering from the estate. Small amounts here and there that, over time, have added up to a sizable sum. Not a crime of national importance, but I cannot let this pass.”

  “Neither should you. A master should be able to trust his household. Tell me more about the man you suspect.”

  “I know little about him other than Peter Clement has been steward for three years, chosen by my father on the recommendation of a friend. He approached me before I returned to London, to offer his assistance, and provided me with i
nformation about the estate.”

  “Three years is a long enough time to be considered trusted in his job. Do you think he has always been doing this and that it has only come to light recently?”

  James shrugged. “I don’t know. My father discovered it, but he died before he could inform me further. All I have left of his personal diary, with his thoughts on the matter, are a few charred pages.”

  “A quandary, indeed, but I wonder how it is you think I may be able to help. I have done many things in my life, but estate steward is not a role I am qualified for, nor one I would care to take up.” He paused and sipped his wine. “I would not wish to be your servant, James. For purely selfish reasons, in that you could no longer in good conscience treat me in the way you do now.”

  “Oh, do not misunderstand me; I do not wish for you to be my steward. I wish for you to advise me on what to do. Adam, you said yourself you have seen many things, worked for noble families and stayed in their houses. You can act as my eyes, see what is going on in parts of the hall where I cannot wander freely. Then you can help me act.”

  “You wish me to be your advisor?” Adam sounded incredulous. “I would have thought, amongst the many men you know, you would have a better candidate than me.”

  “But you are unique with your experiences, and I trust you. Please, Adam, I need your help. I will pay you a generous stipend and offer you the full hospitality of my home at Crofton Hall.”

  “Full hospitality?” He smirked. “What will that entail? Will his lordship be in residence?”

  “Do you think I’m going to let you run free in my house while I remain in London? Who knows what trouble you won’t be able to get into without me being there?”

  Adam unleashed a slow, lazy smile, and James had to count to ten in his head to calm himself. “Sounds like you really do need my services.”

  James had expected more reluctance, but apart from the initial minor rebuff, Adam looked inclined to accept. “Your help and assistance will not go unrewarded on any level.”

  “So when do we leave for Crofton Hall?”

  The relief of Adam’s acceptance trickled through him like warm Malmsey wine, and a coil of expectation heated his belly for other reasons. “In a few days, if that is amenable to you. I have some business in the city first.”

  “That will suit me very well. With Lord Knaiper’s departure I am in rooms not completely to my liking.” He raised his glass. “A toast to my advisory capacity.”

  He mirrored Adam’s action and they drank their agreement. James hadn’t given much thought to where Adam was staying. “If your rooms are not comfortable, I am sure I can arrange for somewhere better.”

  “They will suffice for now, but on my return from Crofton Hall, I may accept your offer.” He took another sip. “I see you have your ring back.”

  James glanced, unthinkingly, at the ruby. “Yes, I am much relieved.”

  “It appears the reward you lodged with the sheriff bore the desired results.”

  He wondered if he should tell Adam; they had spoken before about the Chivalrous Highwayman and Adam had not been hostile. “It was what startled me at court yesterday. Believe it or not, it appeared in the cuff of my coat.”

  “Really? How remarkable? Were the good scientists of the Royal Society able to explain the phenomenon?”

  “I did not need to request a consultation—the Good Samaritan left me a note.”

  Adam raised an eyebrow. “Pray tell, what did such an exciting missive say? More importantly, did it allude to who had done so?”

  “My very own knight in shining armour—the Chivalrous Highwayman.”

  “I do recall you saying you had a run-in with that particular rogue, but I didn’t realise he was such a favourite of yours.”

  Apart from Tilly, he hadn’t told anyone of their last encounter on the road, and not a soul knew about the stolen kiss in the alleyway. A playful part of him wondered what Adam’s reaction would be if he were to tell him what had happened last time they had met. “Perhaps it is more that I am a favourite of his. Referred to me as a gem at court.”

  Adam smirked. “Did he now?”

  “Yes. Actually, he was the one who rescued me from the bandit who stole the ring, and then took great pains to return it to me. If I had known such allegiance could be bought by a whisper of a kiss I would have considered sharing my affections wider.”

  Adam’s expression didn’t change, but James saw his grip tighten on his glass. “You are taken with him, then?”

  James chuckled. “I wouldn’t go as far as that. But he is a nice fantasy—something not to think too deeply on and to bask in the warmth of the memory. Who would not be flattered to receive such attentions from a man of his notoriety?”

  “Yet this is the first I have heard of this story. I would have thought a liaison of this type would have been a valuable commodity at court.”

  “That is just one story—I have another where he guided me home through the dark streets of Cheapside. But while to some these stories are made to barter, it is a far greater prize to me to keep these sweet morsels to myself, rather than have it cheapened by the gossips and chinwaggers.” He sipped his wine, peering over the rim to try to gauge Adam’s reaction.

  “I can see why he might consider you a favourite; you would be very easy to become fond of.” Adam finished his wine and stood before James had any chance to press him on what he had meant. “Alas, I must leave you now. Much preparation needs to be made if I am to accompany you to Crofton Hall.”

  A little taken aback by the speed at which the conversation had changed, James decided to reflect on Adam’s words before making further comment. Besides, once they were both at Crofton Hall it would be easier to talk. “Very well. Present yourself at my townhouse at nine in the morning three days hence.”

  Adam bowed. “I will look forward to it.”

  James watched him hobble away. Only then did he realise Adam had not told him the origin of his injury.

  Chapter 15

  After an ill-advised late evening with Marchent, James took his time over his morning ablutions. He was not quite ready to eat and gave Remembrance instructions that the food hamper in his carriage should include something for breakfast. By the time he was dressed and ready to greet the world, Adam was already waiting in the parlour.

  “You’re a little pale this morning. Are you fit to travel?” asked Adam, standing as James entered the room. There was something in his tone that told James Adam knew what ailed him.

  “Of course. I’ll have you know I’ve travelled in much worse conditions than this without a care.”

  “Just give me due warning if you feel ill. I do not want to get in the path of your escaping breakfast.”

  “You are assuming I will let you ride inside my carriage? That is very presumptuous of you.”

  “Would you prefer me to ride up with the driver?”

  “I dare say I will tolerate your company in close proximity. The seat by the driver is already taken. Remembrance will ride up front. The lad is very excited and I couldn’t disappoint him by giving you his spot.”

  “Such a caring master.”

  “When I returned to London, I sent him on ahead, and I think he was disappointed not to have met the highwayman rather than any deep desire to travel atop his master’s carriage.”

  “I hope he will be similarly disappointed and not meet any bandits this time. Although you may have other hopes.” Adam’s smile was wily, but James wasn’t about to admit he wondered if the Chivalrous Highwayman might watch their progress as they travelled to Crofton Hall.

  “I can’t say I know what you mean. Now, are you ready to leave? I don’t see your luggage.”

  “I handed my belongings, such as they are, to one of your servants who assured me they would be loaded on the carriage immediately, so I am ready to depart when you are.”

  “Then we should make haste. I hope the going is good and we can make steady progress to arrive at the hall before
we lose daylight.”

  James led Adam out into the street where his carriage was waiting. Remembrance was aboard, fussing with the fastening of the trunks, and a number of other servants were already on horseback to accompany them, each man armed with pistols.

  As usual, it was tiresome going leaving London, but Adam suggested playing a few hands of cards, and by the time they had crossed the city boundary James was nearly nine shillings down with no end to his losing streak. Having Adam sitting next to him, his legs stretched out, left James incapable of concentrating on anything other than his travelling companion’s thighs.

  “That’s enough. I refuse to give you any more of my money.”

  Adam laughed and threw the cards onto the bench. “We should spend the time more productively, and I would not wish to bankrupt your estate before I have the chance to save it.”

  James grunted, but he had to admit Adam was not wrong. He had thought of little else over the last few days, but his mind was scattered, and each time he had come to a way forward he found a reason to discard it. “We have not had time until now to discuss how we will approach the business of my steward.”

  “I assume you sent word you were returning?”

  “I had thought to arrive unannounced, but I didn’t think that would help somehow, and it’s not the way I usually conduct myself. Even as viscount, I informed the household of my visits.”

  “Probably wise. Acting differently would only raise suspicions. Have you announced my arrival or my capacity in any way?”

  “Only that you were to have rooms made up. On arrival, I had thought of calling the senior servants to inform them you are acting as my advisor regarding the general running of the estate and that their cooperation will be expected.”

  “I, too, have thought about this, and your idea dovetails with my own. It is important that I can gauge the character of those who are most likely to be at fault.”