The Reluctant Heiress

by Dilly Court

  Kate brushed the raindrops from her cheeks, or perhaps they were tears – she did not know which – but she had made her choice. Her future was not in India, much as she loved the country and its people. She clutched her reticule with both hands. It contained the tickets that would take them home. In four months or maybe a little less, depending on the strength of the trade winds, they would arrive in London.

  Kate’s last mission was to visit the graveyard where her beloved uncle’s ashes had been interred. It had taken her some time to pluck up the courage to say farewell to the man who had made her a very rich woman, but having seen the quiet surroundings, she knew that he was at peace. She draped a garland of marigolds over the stone that marked his place, and whispered a final goodbye before leaving. Harry was waiting for her in the carriage and Sandeep drove them back to Audley House.

  Harry raised her hand to his lips. ‘Your uncle would be proud of you, Kate.’

  ‘I don’t know why you say that. I’ve done little enough with the money he left me.’

  ‘Nonsense. You’d already started the soup kitchen and it was only circumstances that forced you to give it up. From what I saw of Warren House you’ve spent your money well, even though it doesn’t belong to you. If that’s not altruistic, I don’t know what is.’

  She leaned against his broad shoulder. ‘I want to do more, Harry. When we return to London I want to do more for the poor and needy. I’d like to think that Uncle Edgar would be proud of me.’

  ‘I don’t think there’s any doubt of that, Kate. My mission will be to put Monks behind bars for the rest of his miserable life.’

  Kate laid her hand on his. ‘But first you must get completely better. I hope the long sea voyage will be good for you and for Joe.’

  Despite the cramped conditions on a sailing ship, built mainly to carry cargo but fitted out to take a few passengers, Kate was happy in the small world she inhabited with those closest to her. She had always been fond of Annie, and as she grew to know Joe better Kate realised that he was very much like his sister. Her relationship with Harry deepened with every passing day. What she had felt for Ashok seemed like a youthful dalliance when compared to the feelings she had for Harry. But although they had grown so close that they seemed to think alike, there was a hint of reserve in Harry’s manner that baffled her.

  On their final night at sea, in the cold waters of the Thames Estuary, Kate had seen Annie tucked up safely in her bunk, and she had returned to the small saloon where they ate their meals and spent much of their spare time. The other passengers had retired to bed, wanting an early night before disembarking at the East India Docks next morning, and Harry was there on his own.

  ‘I thought you’d turned in, Kate,’ he said, smiling.

  ‘I’m so excited that I doubt if I’ll sleep a wink. I can’t believe that we’ll be home in time for Christmas.’ Kate sat down at the table where they had eaten their supper. ‘It will feel strange to be back on land after so many months at sea. I know we had brief trips ashore when we took on fresh supplies, but that hardly counts.’

  Harry cleared his throat, eyeing her warily. ‘I won’t be coming to Walthamstow with you tomorrow, Kate.’

  She stared at him in astonishment. ‘You’re staying in London? Why?’

  ‘I have some business to attend to, but I will be with you on Christmas Day.’

  ‘But surely you could leave whatever it is until after Christmas? Everyone will be so looking forward to our return. You did send a telegram from our last port of call, didn’t you?’

  ‘Of course I did. Don’t upset yourself, my love. I need to find out what’s been happening with Monks – you know that as well as anyone – but I promise I’ll come to Warren House on Christmas Day.’

  ‘But that’s the day after tomorrow, Harry. Can’t you come with us and leave Monks until later?’

  Harry reached across the table to grasp her hand. ‘If word gets round that I’ve come home and Monks hears of it, I’ll be a marked man, and so will all of the people I love. The whole reason for my mother, you and the others hiding away in Walthamstow is because of Mad Monks. That man is a vicious criminal and he knows that I was working with the police to bring him in.’

  Kate withdrew her hand, fixing Harry with a stony stare. ‘Is that the only reason? Or have we grown too close during the last four months at sea? Are you afraid to come home with me, Harry? I won’t hold you to any of the wonderful things you’ve said to me during our time together. I realise that being confined for so long in each other’s company can make people say things they don’t mean.’

  ‘I meant every word I’ve ever said to you, Kate. I love you with all my heart, but our relationship has to end here, at least until I know that Monks is safely out of the way. If we announce our engagement it would mean that you are even more of a target for Monks and his men. It would be like signing your death warrant. You do understand that, don’t you?’

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Kate had hardly slept that night, but in the morning she was able to say goodbye to Harry with a brave smile, even though she knew he might be heading into danger. The last four months had been a respite from the real world, but now she knew there were hard truths to face. Warren House had been a perfect hideaway, not too far from London, but not close enough to come under the scrutiny of Monks or any of his remaining gang. As she sat in the hackney carriage with Annie and Joe, Kate was reminded of the last time she had returned from India, and had faced the reality of the East End streets, the poverty, the filth and the industry that polluted the very air she breathed. The world seemed to have lost all its colour in the black and grey of an English winter, compared to the blaze of sun and brilliance of Bombay.

  ‘Kate, I asked you a question.’ Annie’s voice broke into Kate’s reverie.

  ‘I’m sorry. What did you say?’

  ‘I wanted to know if you thought that Perry would come to Warren House for Christmas.’

  ‘I can’t say. I mean I asked Harry to send him a telegram when we called in at Southampton, but I didn’t think to check.’

  ‘Oh, well, if Harry said he’d do it I’m sure he wouldn’t let you down. Why isn’t he with us, Kate? I was shocked when he said goodbye at the docks.’

  ‘He has things to do that don’t concern us, Annie.’ Joseph leaned back in the corner of the cab. ‘How far is it to Warren House? My bones ache already in this damp atmosphere. I’d almost forgotten what an English winter was like.’

  ‘I suppose it will take an hour or so. The cabby wasn’t too pleased to be taken so far out of town, but I offered him double the fare and that persuaded him.’

  ‘I can’t wait to be with Aunt Margaret and the children,’ Annie said, smiling. ‘I’ve missed them all.’

  ‘We’ll have to move on sooner or later. We can’t stay at Warren House for ever, Annie.’ Joseph stared gloomily out of the rain and mud-spattered window. ‘Harry said it wasn’t safe for Aunt Margaret to return to Finsbury Circus, but you and I will have to rent rooms somewhere else.’

  ‘Aunt Margaret made it very clear that she wanted us to live with her,’ Annie protested. ‘She’s getting on in years, Joe. We can’t abandon her. Besides which, we haven’t any money now that you’ve left the army, and I can’t earn enough to keep us both.’

  Kate threw up her hands. ‘What a miserable party we are, to be sure. There’s no question of either of you having to leave Warren House. Heaven knows, it’s big enough for all of us, and Lady Lyndon is the most hospitable person I know.’

  ‘Harry won’t throw us out,’ Annie insisted, pouting. ‘You will have to grow stronger, Joe. The country air will do you good.’

  ‘We might as well face facts, Annie,’ Joe said with a heavy sigh. ‘I’m a cripple and no use to anyone. I’ve no profession and the best I could hope for is a poorly paid clerk’s position in the city.’

  ‘Joe, it’s nearly Christmas.’ Kate reached across Annie to pat Joe on the hand. ‘Do please cheer up. I�
��m sure you’ll find something better than that. Maybe Perry can help.’

  ‘I don’t want to be beholden to him. He wouldn’t want to be saddled with a crippled brother-in-law, as well as a blind wife.’

  Kate slapped his hand. ‘That’s uncalled for, Joe. And it’s unkind.’

  ‘How can you say things like that, Joe?’ Annie said tearfully. ‘Perry hasn’t asked me to marry him. We’ve been away for months and he might have changed his mind or met someone else. And I’m not a burden.’

  Joe wrapped his arms around his sister. ‘I’m sorry, Annie. I don’t know what made me say that. I didn’t mean it. Any man would be lucky to have you for a wife.’

  ‘Let’s change the subject,’ Kate said firmly. ‘Remember the season, Joe. We’ve bought presents for everyone and they’ll be longing to hear about our time in Bombay and our voyage home. You’ll be all right, I won’t let you and Annie starve.’ She faced him with a meaningful frown. ‘And don’t say that you won’t accept charity. I’ll help you because I love you both, and Annie is the nearest thing I have to a sister, so that makes you my brother, and family look after each other.’ She sat back in her seat, silently daring him to argue, but Joe was obviously chastened by their words, and he kept his thoughts to himself for the rest of the cab ride.

  When they reached the road that crossed the marshes the rain turned to sleet and then to snow, and by the time they reached Warren House large wintry flakes were settling on the ground. Kate gave the cabby a large tip and he grunted a response, refusing her offer of a hot drink before he undertook the journey back to London. He drove off, sending flurries of snow from the horse’s hoofs and the carriage wheels.

  It was Tilly who opened the door and she forgot herself enough to give Kate a hug. ‘Oh, miss. It’s so good to see you. We was hoping you’d make it, even though the snow started falling over an hour ago. Let me take your cape and bonnet, and Miss Annie’s, too.’

  ‘Where are my mother and Lady Lyndon?’ Kate asked, smiling.

  The weather might be awful but Tilly’s welcome was genuine and her enthusiastic greeting brought a smile to Joe’s lips.

  ‘In the drawing room, miss. The nippers are in the kitchen having their supper with Ivy and Mrs Boggis.’

  ‘When they’ve finished their meal we’d like a tray of tea in the drawing room, please, Tilly.’ Kate turned to Joe. ‘Would you like something stronger? Something to keep out the cold.’

  He handed his greatcoat, hat and gloves to Tilly. ‘Tea will be very welcome. I don’t suppose there are any muffins or crumpets in the kitchen, are there, young lady? I’ve been dreaming of hot buttered muffins all the time I was in hospital.’

  Tilly blushed to the roots of her mousy brown hair. ‘I’ll ask Mrs Boggis, sir. If there are I’ll bring you some with lots of butter.’

  ‘Good girl,’ Joe said with a disarming smile. ‘I love it here already.’

  ‘Behave yourself, Joe.’ Annie gave him a gentle push in the direction of the drawing room. ‘Mind your manners in front of Aunt Margaret and Lady Martin, and don’t go on about your injuries; they don’t want to know.’

  ‘Stop nagging me, woman,’ Joe said, chuckling. ‘I’ve had my moan. I’ll make an effort to be cheerful now.’

  A log fire blazed in the grate, sending out the familiar fragrance of burning apple wood, and in the corner of the room a decorated Christmas tree was surrounded with presents. The children had obviously been busy making colourful paperchains, which they had draped over the portraits of stern-looking dignitaries who must once have held prominent positions, but were now simply part of the festive décor. Lady Lyndon remained seated in an armchair by the fire, but Arabella rose to her feet with a welcoming smile.

  ‘Kate, my dear. We were beginning to think that the weather had held you up.’

  Kate dutifully hugged her mother. ‘We were determined to get home for Christmas, Mama.’ She smiled down at Lady Lyndon. ‘I’ve brought someone to see you, ma’am.’

  Lady Lyndon glanced past Kate and her face lit up when she saw Annie with Joe lingering in the doorway. ‘Annie, my dear. I’m so glad to see you safe and sound, and is that Joe loitering behind you? Come forward, Joe. Let me look at you.’

  Joe limped into the room, leaning heavily on his crutches. ‘I’d kiss your hand, Aunt, but I’m hampered by these dreadful wooden things.’

  ‘Don’t be silly, Joe,’ Lady Lyndon said sharply. ‘I don’t expect you to kowtow to me, but you were always a rebel, just like your father.’

  ‘I’m a soldier, Aunt. Or I was …’

  Kate sent him a warning look. ‘Take a seat near the fire, Joe. You look perished. It’s quite difficult to get used to an English winter after the heat of India. I should know.’

  ‘Yes,’ Annie added hastily. ‘But you’ll soon get acclimatised, and you’ll love it here, Joe.’

  Lady Lyndon glanced over Kate’s shoulder. ‘Where is Harry?’

  ‘He’s following later,’ Kate said, improvising wildly. ‘He had a few things to settle in London before he came home.’

  ‘I do hope he isn’t going to start up that gaming club business again.’ Lady Lyndon sighed, shaking her head. ‘And I hope the police have caught that dreadful creature who forced us out of our homes. Perry visits occasionally, but he never tells me anything.’

  ‘I’m sure they have everything under control.’ Kate pulled up a chair and sat next to her mother. ‘How have you been, Mama? I quite thought I might come home to find that you and Mr Pomeroy-Smith had eloped to Gretna Green.’.

  ‘Don’t say such things, Kate. Not even in jest.’ Arabella raised her left hand to her cheek, exhibiting an expensive-looking diamond ring. ‘We are officially affianced, but will wait until your papa has been gone for two years before we get married. It’s only proper.’

  Kate leaned over to give her mother a hug. ‘I’m so glad, Mama. You deserve to be happy and Giles is a good man.’

  ‘And very wealthy,’ Lady Lyndon added, chuckling. ‘Not, of course, that it had anything to do with your decision, Arabella. Giles is a very presentable man, and quite charming. If I were a few years younger I might have been a serious rival.’

  Arabella opened her mouth to comment but a knock on the door and a rattle of teacups announced Tilly’s arrival with a laden tray. Kate jumped to her feet to help her.

  ‘I’m longing to see the children, Tilly,’ Annie said wistfully. ‘Are they all well? They must have grown a lot since we went away.’

  ‘They’re shooting up, miss.’ Tilly smiled proudly. ‘Shall I send them to you when they’ve finished their meal?’

  Annie bit her lip. ‘Do you mind, Aunt Margaret? I can always go to the kitchen if you’d rather they didn’t come to the drawing room.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Lady Lyndon said cheerfully. ‘They’re always welcome, aren’t they, Arabella?’

  Kate shot a sideways glance at her mother, knowing very well her dislike of children in general, but Arabella was smiling, even if it was a little forced.

  ‘Of course they are. Anyway, I have to go to my room to change for dinner. We’re expecting Perry to come down from London, providing the roads are still passable, and Giles is coming, too. Tilly, I’ll need your help since I allowed Mrs Goodfellow to spend the evening with her husband.’

  ‘Mrs Goodfellow is your maid, Mama?’ Kate stared at her mother in surprise. Bold, brassy and not afraid to speak her mind, Marie Goodfellow was hardly the sort of person her mother would have chosen in the old days.

  ‘Needs must, Kate. Needs must.’ Arabella rose to her feet and whisked Tilly out of the room before she had a chance to speak.

  Lady Lyndon smiled benignly. ‘It’s so good to have you all home safe and sound, but I won’t rest until Harry returns. I have a feeling there’s something you are not telling me, Kate.’

  ‘Harry will explain everything when he joins us,’ Kate said diplomatically. She turned her attention to the tea tray. ‘Look, Joe. Hot buttered muffins, ju
st what you wanted.’

  ‘If you can’t explain Harry’s absence, you can at least tell me about your experiences on the journey.’ Lady Lyndon shook her head when Kate offered her a cup of tea. ‘No, thank you, my dear. I’ll wait and have a glass of sherry wine when Perry arrives. He’s always so amusing and he’s missed you very much, Annie.’

  Annie almost choked on her tea. ‘Did he say so, Aunt?’

  ‘Not in so many words, but he was always asking if I’d received word from you or Kate. You could do a lot worse, my dear. He’s not a rich man but he has a steady income, and it’s obvious that he’s devoted to you.’

  Kate could see that Annie was embarrassed. ‘Perhaps it would be better if you told us what’s been happening here in our absence, Lady Lyndon. We’ve been looking forward to coming home ever since we left Bombay.’

  ‘Yes, indeed,’ Annie added hastily. ‘I’ve been telling Joe all about Warren House and the lovely times we’ve had here.’

  Joe took a bite of buttered muffin, closing his eyes and smiling with obvious enjoyment. ‘Mm, that was so good. You have an excellent cook, Aunt Margaret. No wonder you are happy to live in the country.’

  ‘I can’t wait to return to London, as it happens, Joe.’ Lady Lyndon shot him a sideways glance. ‘I’m not a countrywoman, although I have to admit it’s been quite pleasant living here. However, I want to return to my house in Finsbury Circus, though you and Annie may live here as long as you wish.’

  Joe hesitated with the other half of the muffin poised ready to take a bite. ‘But I can’t live here for ever, Aunt. How would I earn my living?’

  ‘That’s something you will have to decide for yourself, my boy.’ Lady Lyndon rose somewhat creakily to her feet. ‘I must go and change for dinner. You three had better do the same when you’ve finished your tea, although you will have to unpack your things yourselves. Since Jenny left it has been impossible to find anyone with her skills. Marie Goodfellow does her best, but she has fingers like sausages when it comes to doing one’s hair or fastening tiny buttons.’