The Reluctant Heiress

by Dilly Court

  To Kate’s surprise, it seemed that everyone in Warren House was delighted by the idea of a wedding on Christmas Eve with a party to follow. Everyone, except Arabella, who made it plain that she thought it extravagant and unnecessary. To act in such a manner towards a servant, especially a coachman, would create a precedent and all the staff would expect similar treatment. However, Lady Lyndon was enthusiastic and so was Annie, who offered to provide a musical accompaniment to the wedding breakfast. Martha and Ivy set about making lists of the ingredients they would need to make a feast more suitable for a prince than a coachman, as Kate was adamant that no expense should be spared. It was time that the old house was filled with people who were enjoying themselves.

  Christmas was a time for happiness and a wedding was always a joyous occasion, or nearly always. Kate remembered seeing a wedding party in Delhi where the bride and groom had not met until the day of the ceremony. She had noted the bowed head of the young girl, and she had seen tears falling onto the small, tightly clasped hands. Neither Seth Goodfellow nor his intended were in the first flush of youth, but it was obvious that they cared for each other deeply, and Kate was happy for them. She wanted their special day to be remembered for all the right reasons, and she worked hard to make it happen.

  The house was decorated with boughs of holly and swags of ivy trimmed with scarlet ribbons. Vases were filled with late chrysanthemums that had survived the first frosts, and a huge Christmas tree occupied the entrance hall, reaching almost to the ceiling. The children had decorated it with brightly coloured glass balls and as much tinsel as they could lay their hands on. Frankie and May had made a silver star and Bob, the stable boy, fetched a ladder from an outside store. Balancing precariously, and cheered on by the children, he fixed the star to the top of the tree.

  To add to the excitement, two days before the wedding it had started to snow. A light dusting covered the ground and iced the bare branches of the trees. Perry had joined the family for Christmas, much to Annie’s delight, and Kate could not wait to get him on his own. He had barely taken off his greatcoat, hat and gloves when she managed to corner him before he made his way to the drawing room.

  ‘Perry, I want a word with you,’ Kate said urgently.

  He came to a halt. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Nothing, or at least I hope everything is going well. Have the police caught Monks and his gang?’

  ‘A couple of his men have been apprehended and are awaiting trial, but Monks himself is a slippery character. He’s yet to be detained.’

  ‘What do you know of Harry?’

  He eyed her warily. ‘It all depends on what you mean?’

  ‘Don’t play games with me, Perry. You must know that he was released early.’

  ‘Can we talk about this later?’ Perry glanced over her shoulder. ‘Your mother is on the staircase. I doubt if you want her to know your business.’

  ‘All right. Later then, but I want the full story from you, Perry. I don’t like being kept in the dark.’

  ‘Always so impatient.’ He patted her on the shoulder as he retraced his steps towards the staircase. ‘Lady Martin, how charming you look today. Country air seems to suit you so well.’

  Arabella descended the last three steps with the grace of long practice. ‘Perry, how lovely to see you. Are you spending the whole of Christmas with us?’

  He proffered his arm. ‘Yes, I am. London is cold, foggy and dirty. At least it’s much cleaner in the country.’

  ‘A few months ago I would have said that’s the only advantage of country living, but I find I’m growing quite used to it. I have more friends and acquaintances here than I did in London.’

  ‘I’m very glad to hear it.’

  Kate could see that Perry was working his charm on her mother, as usual. She smiled. ‘Do come to the drawing room, Mama. It’s cold in the hallway.’

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Arabella smiled graciously. ‘I’m even growing used to the Lyndon woman, although I’ll never forgive that son of hers for putting us in this situation.’

  ‘You seem to be bearing up heroically, ma’am,’ Perry said smoothly. ‘When all the villains are behind bars I’m sure you will wish to return to Finsbury Square. I’ve kept an eye on the house, and the servants who are left are doing a splendid job of keeping the place clean and aired.’

  ‘I should hope so.’ Arabella tossed her head. ‘It’s costing Kate a fortune to keep both households going. She’s very generous with the money that should have come to her late father.’

  ‘Mama, please don’t bring that subject up again’ Kate said, sighing. ‘It’s the festive season and we have a wedding party on Christmas Eve. At least allow us all to enjoy it without recriminations.’

  ‘You’re right, I suppose, but it still rankles, and always will. But you are very generous, I’ll allow you that.’

  Kate sighed as she followed them into the drawing room. She knew that her mother would never forgive her for inheriting Uncle Edgar’s fortune.

  The day of the wedding dawned bright and cold, with sunlight sparkling on newly fallen snow. Perry had been called back to London the previous evening for some reason that he refused to divulge, but he promised to be back in time for the reception, if not for the wedding ceremony itself. Kate was intrigued, but was too busy with last minute details to demand an explanation.

  St Mary’s church was crammed with wedding guests and well-wishers, and afterwards, in a picture-book snow scene, the bride and groom were transported to Warren House in Farmer Watson’s cart, which was decorated with evergreen fronds and corn dollies. The rest of the party followed in a succession of carriages, carts and on foot. Braziers placed on either side of the front entrance sent flames dancing in the still, cold air providing a warm welcome for the bridal party.

  Tilly and another girl from the village were on duty to take the guests’ capes, coats, cloaks and hats as they arrived, and Ivy was ready to hand out mulled wine or hot rum punch to fend off the chill. All the ground-floor rooms were open and log fires blazed up the chimneys creating warmth with the comforting scent of burning apple wood. The newly married couple seemed overwhelmed by the grandeur of the occasion, but Kate ushered them into the drawing room where Annie played them in with a rousing tune that sent feet tapping. After a few glasses of mulled wine or punch the guests, who at first were quiet and respectful, suddenly livened up, and one by one couples took the floor and were soon executing a lively jig.

  Arabella sailed past Kate, who was standing in the doorway, enjoying the spectacle of Mr Ruggles, the shopkeeper, capering around like a spring lamb in an attempt to impress Emily, Dora Sloan’s spinster daughter. Dora’s plans to marry off the plain and awkward Emily had so far failed miserably, but it looked to Kate as if success might be in sight. Perhaps if Emily drank a glass or two of mulled wine she might relax enough to smile and enjoy herself. She might even flirt a little, with encouragement from Cyrus Ruggles. That would give Dora something to talk about when she was in a huddle with her friends.

  ‘They’ve turned the house into a bear garden,’ Arabella said crossly. ‘I’m going to the morning parlour.’

  ‘I think you’ll find it occupied, Mama,’ Kate said in a whisper. ‘You’ll find almost every room downstairs has been taken over by the wedding party.’

  Arabella tossed her head. ‘I’m going to my room then. Send Jenny up with a bowl of soup and a slice of bread and butter. I can feel one of my headaches coming on.’

  Kate glanced over her shoulder. ‘But, Mama, Mrs Courtney is coming this way. Who is that with her?’

  Arabella’s pale cheeks flamed with colour. ‘Oh, my goodness. It’s Mr Pomeroy-Smith. Why on earth would Elaine bring him here today of all days? Especially when I’m not feeling my best.’

  Kate turned to see the man who had made her mother blush, and was pleasantly surprised. She had never met Giles Pomeroy-Smith, but everyone in the neighbourhood knew of him and his philanthropic works. His family had once owned severa
l mills on the banks of the River Lea and had made a fortune in milling flax seeds for linseed oil. The mills had been sold long ago, but the money had been invested by one of his forebears, who had more than doubled the family fortunes. Kate was not impressed by wealth or position, but Giles Pomeroy-Smith was a good-looking, mature man, with an impressive presence and a charming smile. Kate could see now why he was considered to be the county’s most eligible bachelor, and from the look on her mother’s face, it was obvious that she was of the same opinion.

  ‘Arabella, there you are,’ Elaine cried delightedly. ‘I think the whole village has turned out to wish the happy couple well.’

  ‘We certainly have a houseful,’ Arabella said drily.

  ‘I don’t think you’ve met my dear friend Giles, have you, Arabella?’

  Arabella shook her head mutely.

  ‘How good of you to come, sir.’ Kate stepped forward, seeing that her mother was suddenly struck dumb. ‘Welcome to Warren House.’

  Elaine shot a warning glance in Kate’s direction. ‘Arabella, may I introduce Giles Pomeroy-Smith? Giles, this is my dear friend Lady Martin.’

  Arabella extended her hand and Giles held it briefly, bowing to her with a smile that would have melted the coldest heart.

  ‘How do you do, Lady Martin? It’s a pleasure to meet you. Elaine has told me all about your charitable work in the village.’

  ‘How do you do, Mr Pomeroy-Smith?’ Arabella fluttered her eyelashes. ‘You are something of a legend locally.’

  Kate cleared her throat. ‘I’m Kate Martin, sir. How do you do?’

  She received icy stares from her mother and Elaine, but Giles Pomeroy-Smith turned to Kate with a twinkle in his dark eyes.

  ‘How do you do, Miss Martin? I believe I’ve seen you riding round the village on a chestnut gelding.’

  ‘Yes, indeed. I find the whole area very interesting, and I’ve been studying the history of Walthamstow.’

  ‘I have an extensive library at Pomeroy Park. You’re welcome to use it at any time, Miss Martin.’

  Kate inclined her head. ‘Thank you, sir. That’s very kind.’

  ‘Haven’t you things to do, Kate?’ Arabella said pointedly.

  ‘Yes, of course, Mama. You’ll excuse me, I need to make sure that the food is being laid out in the dining room. Otherwise we might have a riot on our hands if the guests get too hungry.’

  Giles chuckled. ‘The cold weather certainly whets the appetite. Perhaps you and your mama would accept an invitation to dine at Pomeroy Park in the near future?’ He glanced at Elaine, who was beginning to pout. ‘That includes you and Humphrey, of course.’

  ‘Thank you, Giles. We always enjoy dining with you. Pomeroy Park is a beautiful house, Arabella.’

  Kate did not wait to hear the rest of the conversation. She was pleased, although slightly surprised, by her mother’s obvious attraction to Giles Pomeroy-Smith. Although Mama was officially still in deep mourning, perhaps meeting someone new was exactly what she needed. Burying one’s heart in the grave might sound romantic, but Kate wanted her mother to be happy, and if Giles was the man who could make her mother smile again, he was heaven sent. Kate made her way to the kitchen where she found Martha brandishing a carving knife at Frankie, who had jam smeared all round his mouth.

  ‘What’s the matter, Martha?’

  Martha bristled like an angry hedgehog. ‘That young monkey has been stealing the jam tarts. I made them special, like, because I know that Goodfellow has a fancy for them.’

  ‘You do make delicious pastry, Martha,’ Kate said diplomatically. ‘And your strawberry jam is the best I’ve ever tasted.’

  ‘Yes,’ Frankie murmured, nodding. ‘I’m sorry, Mrs Boggis. I gave way to temptation.’

  ‘Just like your pa did, I suppose.’ Martha glared at him. ‘That’s what landed him in the clink, boy. That’s where you’ll end up if you carry on like that.’

  ‘I burned me mouth on the hot jam.’ Frankie’s blue eyes filled with tears. ‘I’m very sorry.’

  ‘There, you see, Martha. Frankie has had his punishment. A burned tongue is very painful, and he’s apologised twice.’

  Martha tossed her head. ‘Serve him right. That’s what I say. He can help by taking the rest of these platters into the dining room, and heaven help him if he pinches any more food.’

  ‘I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen.’ Kate picked up a dish of cold meats and handed it to Frankie, safe in the knowledge that he had a sweet tooth. ‘You take that one, Frankie, and I’ll take the salver of cold roast beef and lamb.’ She ushered him out of the kitchen before Martha could think up a more suitable punishment.

  With the food safely delivered to the dining table, Kate sent Frankie to the stables to help Bob with the guests’ horses. Frankie had shown promise as a groom and Goodfellow had been more than happy to teach him the rudiments of grooming and tacking up. Such training would serve him well if and when the family returned to London. There was always work to be found in stables, both private and commercial. So far there had been no news of Ted’s release from prison, although Perry promised he would keep them informed. He was due to arrive at any moment and Kate could only hope that he might have something positive to tell Ivy.

  She was just putting the last touches to the festive dining table when Jenny burst into the room. ‘Lady Lyndon sent me to look for you, miss. It’s getting a bit rowdy out there and someone just broke one of her ladyship’s favourite ornaments.’

  ‘Oh dear!’ Kate glanced at the dainty ormolu clock on the mantelshelf. ‘I think it’s time we announced that luncheon is served. We’ll get the bride and groom in first and the others can follow.’

  ‘I’ve laid up an extra table in the morning parlour,’ Jenny said, chuckling. ‘There’ll be a stampede when I tell them that the grub’s up.’

  Kate laughed. ‘I wouldn’t put it quite like that. Perhaps we’d better let them come in in groups, so that there isn’t a terrible scramble for the food.’

  ‘Leave it to me, miss. My pa was a soldier so mustering is in my blood.’

  ‘Mrs Marsh has never mentioned him,’ Kate said thoughtfully. ‘At least not in my presence.’

  ‘He was lost to us when I was a nipper.’

  ‘I’m so sorry, Jenny. Was he killed in action?’

  ‘No, miss. He run off with a barmaid from Kent.’

  Kate was trying to think of something suitable to say when Ivy rushed into the dining room.

  ‘Things are getting very rowdy, Kate. And I think Mr Harte’s just arrived. I spotted what looked like his chaise pulling up to the front entrance.’

  Kate threw up her hands. ‘All right. First things first. Let’s get the bride and groom in here and then the rest of the party. I’ll go and meet Perry at the door.’

  Ivy and Jenny hurried off and Kate made her way through the groups of very merry wedding guests to fling the door open. On such an occasion it would have been useful to have Henry here, but they had left him in charge at Finsbury Square. She lifted the latch and opened the door to see Perry leap down from the driver’s seat, followed more slowly by another man.

  Perry came bounding up the steps, grinning widely. ‘Look who I’ve brought with me, Kate. This will be the best Christmas present of all.’

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kate eyed the man warily. He was unshaven, his clothes were those of a working man, and judging by the smell emanating from him, neither he nor his garments were too clean.

  ‘I know you, don’t I?’ Kate said cautiously.

  ‘This is my cousin, Ted Harris. I brought him straight here from prison, Kate. He was released this morning, which is why I went to London last evening. I hope you don’t mind.’

  Kate glanced at Ted, who was standing behind Perry, looking dishevelled and very wary. She managed a smile. ‘You’re very welcome, Ted. Come inside out of the cold.’

  ‘Thank you, miss.’ Ted followed Perry into the entrance hall and Kate shut the door.


  ‘I’m sure you’d like to greet Ivy in private,’ Kate said gently. ‘If you’ll take him to the winter parlour, Perry, I’ll go and fetch Ivy. As you can see, it’s all a bit chaotic here today.’

  She stood aside as a rather drunken man, whom she recognised as Joss Clarke, the butcher, lurched past her and let himself out through the front door. His wife came to a halt in front of Kate, her round face flushed and beads of perspiration standing out on her forehead.

  ‘I’m sorry, Miss Martin. My Joss can’t hold his liquor like he used to. I do apologise.’

  ‘That’s quite all right, Mrs Clarke,’ Kate said hastily. ‘Perhaps you’d better go out and make sure he’s all right. If you take him round to the kitchen I’m sure Mrs Boggis will give him some strong coffee.’

  ‘Yes, miss. Thank you.’ Mrs Clarke bobbed a curtsey before wrenching the door open. ‘Joss Clarke, just you wait until I get you home …’ She slammed the door.

  ‘Come with me, Ted.’ Perry beckoned to Ted, who hunched his shoulders and hurried after him, leaving Kate to go and break the news to Ivy.

  The news that her husband was waiting for her in the winter parlour caused Ivy to collapse in tears. Kate wrapped her arms around her and gave her a hug.

  ‘You’re not teasing me, are you, Kate?’

  ‘No, I promise you it’s true. Anyway, I wouldn’t be so cruel. He’s here and he’s been released a bit early, maybe because it’s Christmas, or perhaps Perry had a hand in it. Wipe your eyes and go to him.’

  Ivy sniffed and blew her nose on a hanky she produced from her apron pocket. ‘He won’t have any clothes with him. What shall I do?’

  ‘Don’t worry about anything. I know where Harry left perfectly good garments and they’ll probably fit Ted. Do you want me to send the children to you?’

  ‘Not yet. But what about the party? I should be helping.’

  ‘Nonsense. You’ve done more than your share of work. Go to your husband and I’ll make sure the children get fed. Don’t worry about anything, Ivy. It’s going to be a perfect Christmas.’ Kate shooed Ivy out of the pantry. It would be wonderful for the family to be reunited, but there were others who would spend Christmas apart. However, this was not the time for self-pity; she braced her shoulders and went to marshal the guests who had yet to eat into the dining room.