by Laura Locke
“My lady?” The man had arrived with their orders, and set them on the table before them.
“Oh! Thank you.”
Richmond smiled at her. “Well, you are better at selections than I am. I am sore envious.” He eyed her plate intrepidly.
Cornelia laughed. “We can visit tomorrow and then we'll both have one.”
“Agreed!”
As they talked, Cornelia found her attention wandering to the other patrons around the room. She was looking at a woman with a lovely pulled-up hairstyle when she realized she knew her.
“Claudia!”
Richmond raised a brow and she blushed. “Sorry, my lord. I saw my friend.”
“Shall we join her?” he asked.
“Oh!” Cornelia nodded. “That's kind of you.”
“It's nothing, my lady.”
They moved to join Claudia. The couple sitting beside her kindly swapped with them, and they pushed the tables closer. Cornelia smiled at her friend across the table. She was sitting beside Cornelia's companion, who, she saw, to her pleasure, was Theodore Needham.
“My lady.” He smiled.
“Theodore.” Cornelia felt her heart thumping. Of all the people she knew, Theo was the only one who had any idea about Francis. He knew where he was – or inasmuch as anyone – and if she could find opportunity to ask him, he could tell her more.
“My lady?”
“I...it's such a lovely surprise to see you. I missed you and Claudia.”
Claudia laughed. “And I you! A pleasant coincidence.”
“It is,” Richmond nodded. “We've not met.” He introduced himself to Theodore and soon they were all talking and laughing. It surprised Cornelia to see how affable he was in company. He had come out of himself today, it seemed.
Her opportunity to talk to Theodore alone came later, as they left the coffee-house. It was almost lunch-time and the streets were warm with sunlight. She followed Richmond to the door, then had an idea.
She left her glove on the floor as she donned her coat, covering it with her skirt so no-one would notice. Then she followed the other two out – Claudia and Richmond. Theo was still inside, talking to the proprietor.
“Oh! My glove!” Cornelia exclaimed loudly. “Do excuse me. I must fetch it.”
“Of course, my lady. We shall wait here.” Richmond nodded as he and Claudia drew back to wait in the shade beside the wall.
Inside, Cornelia collected the glove and quickly found the captain, who was just leaving. “There you are. I had wanted to ask earlier, but couldn't: have you news?”
“Of Francis? Some.”
“Tell me, please?”
“He should be back in London soon, milady,” he replied. “In fact, if things have gone as they should – which I am almost certain that they have – he ought to be back this day.”
“Oh! Theodore!” Cornelia swayed on her feet. “That is...that is the best news!” she felt a strange pain in her chest and leaned against the wall, breathing deeply. He smiled.
“I am sure he would be touched by your concern for him. I will give him your regards, should I see him. And I hope to see him soon – we have an evening party at the headquarters soon.”
“Oh, please do,” Cornelia replied. “I hope to see him soon.”
“I trust you shall.”
Cornelia descended the stairs, heart thumping. As she caught sight of their party, still waiting in the shade by the wall, she realized something. She would have to slip away from Richmond, should she wish to talk to Francis. And how was she going to explain things? If he was besotted with her, as Alexandra seemed to think, how could she simply walk away? This is going to be hard.
She sighed and walked over to the pair, a friendly smile plastered over her unease. She did not want to hurt anyone. But, she reflected as she walked beside Claudia and Richmond, heading for the park, she could not let her whole life be subverted because she could not tell someone the truth.
I have to tell them both sometime. Richmond will be easier than Alexandra – she will be furious. Cornelia shivered.
“Now, Cornelia,” Claudia interrupted, breaking in on her thoughts. “I must insist. You have to come and visit me at Tolford some time soon! I've not seen you for days. I shan't let you avoid me like this.” She was smiling, but Cornelia sensed she meant it.
“I'd like that,” she said.
“Tomorrow for tea!” Claudia announced grandly. “My lord?” she called to Richmond, who was looking at them both with a smile.
“Yes, Lady Claudia?”
“I insist on having Cornelia to myself tomorrow.”
He bowed. “Though it pains me to give up her company to you, I shall do.”
Claudia grinned mischievously. “Thank you, sir.”
They all laughed. As they walked back through the park, Cornelia found a plan was forming in her mind. If she could visit Claudia tomorrow, perhaps she could arrange to stay with her instead? It might be easier to distance herself from Lady Alexandra and her brother were she not staying there.
And I have to do that. Because Francis is coming back. She was not going to waste another moment of time she could see Francis. He had already been in danger and life was far too short for that.
At Northend House, Cornelia thanked Richmond for the day in town, and headed quickly upstairs to get ready for luncheon. She was pleased to find Linton already there, setting out her dress for the evening.
“Linton,” she smiled. “I was hoping to find you. Could you help me with my hair?”
“Very good, milady.”
“Linton?”
“Mm?” the woman asked, a hair clip in her mouth as she worked a section of Cornelia's hair down and adjusted it.
“Are you settled in here?”
“It's alright, as places go, I reckon.” Linton shrugged. “But I tell you, it's a strange place, this.”
“Strange?” Cornelia frowned. “In which way?”
“Well, they're here with marble floors and bathtubs and velvet curtains and all sorts. But there's no fires in half the rooms and the other half, they lets them burn down too early. It's odd.”
Cornelia nodded slowly. “It is odd.”
“And that housekeeper's a rum cove, so she is.” Linton said, brushing a curl of hair and letting it touch Cornelia's forehead prettily.
“In what way?” Cornelia frowned, smiling at the expression, which essentially meant the woman was not trustworthy.
“Well, she's up to something. Hiding things. Doesn't like me. Too few people here.”
“Too few?”
“Just me, her and that butler. And Cook and one assistant. Not right, that.”
“No,” Cornelia nodded. It wasn't. Counting the French hairdresser, that gave them a staff of six – five, when Linton was uncounted. That was unheard-of for a house this size, where entertaining happened often and the hosts were ready to have guests to stay at night.
“See? It's a right strange place, milady.”
Cornelia nodded slowly. It was. That information, together with the knowledge she now had, seemed to make a strange kind of sense.
I think someone has drastically cut the finances to this place. But why? And is that the source of the arguments between Richmond and Lady Alexandra?
The more she thought about it, the more she realized she must be right. It explained everything – the disrepair of the house, the suspicious servants, the air of neglect, the tension and arguments, even the withdrawal from society. And the few, if excellent, dresses.
But if they were in such dire straits, why had Alexandra sought to entertain her?
They would manage better without a house-guest. And why had she sought to isolate her here? That could only mean she had some ill intent.
She smiled up at Linton gratefully. “I'm so glad you're here.”
“Aye, and I am too, and all, milady,” Linton said gruffly. “There's not many ladies who'll say a thing like that. Or be kind. I am too.”
“Oh, Li
nton.” Cornelia pressed her hand, seeing she had tears in her eyes, Cornelia swallowed her own gathering feelings. “I don't know what I'd do without you to talk to. You're not just my maid. You're someone I trust.”
Linton really was blinking now, and she touched Cornelia's shoulder fondly. “I trust you too, and all.”
Cornelia smiled and touched her hand. They sat like that for a while, her fingers over Linton's, Linton's hand squeezing her shoulder. Then the slight, dark-haired woman coughed.
“I should go and stitch that gown of yours, milady. Thing has a little tear in the skirt and if we don't fix it now, well, it'll be the whole hem down before you know.”
Cornelia smiled, listening to the familiar grumbling about her clothes and how did she manage to get tears and stains in such odd places. It was good to have Linton there.
In all this confusion and fear, it was good to have a friend. Someone who she could trust.
She thought about tomorrow, and all she would have to do to make things ready for her departure. She would have to ask Linton for her help. They could go together, or perhaps Linton could stay and order her luggage sent on? Yes. That was it. She would give Linton directions to Tolford house – it was not too far from here – and have her send her luggage there.
I don't want to put her in danger. I will send the coach to fetch her as soon as I'm away.
As she thought it, she frowned. Did she truly fear Richmond and Lady Alexandra so much? She shuddered. Even after seeing Richmond's lighter side, the answer to that question had to be yes.
Chapter 17
Early the next morning, Cornelia awoke. She could hear a lark singing outside the window, and the room was filled with a wan blue light, seeping through under the curtains. She yawned and blinked, looking around the room at the softened shapes of furniture.
I should be somewhere else tomorrow.
Cornelia drew back the covers, feeling decisive. She slid them back up after her and went to ring the bell for Linton, stopping to rinse her face in the dish of water on the nightstand. A glance at her face in the mirror above showed her that she did, indeed, look decided. Her eyes were bright and her jaw was set. She was going to do this.
“My lady!” Linton came in, looking slightly worried, Cornelia thought. She frowned.
“Linton. Is aught amiss?”
“No, milady. Just surprised to see you awake so early. Though it seems the whole house is stirring. I swear I heard Allanson in her ladyship's quarters. Odd for them to rise at such an hour.”
“How late is it?” Cornelia asked, drawing back the curtains herself to stare out over the roofs and trees and streets of London.
“It's half an hour to nine, my lady.”
“Oh.” Cornelia blinked. “Well, though it is early for me to rise, it is not especially early. Mayhap Lady Alexandra always rises at this time.”
“Perhaps,” Linton nodded, though she still looked suspicious about it. “I suppose I'm not usually up here at this time. You called early.”
“I know,” Cornelia sighed. “I woke early. And I wished to ask you something.”
“Me, milady?”
Cornelia paused. “I know you can keep a secret, Linton. But if I asked you not to tell anyone about something, even something big, would you not tell them?”
“My lady!” Linton said, sounding angry. “How can you even ask me such a question. I'd not tell a soul! You know I'd not.” She shook her head, distinctly upset. Her hands wrung her skirt.
“Thank you.” Cornelia sighed. “I thought so. Well, I have decided to leave here.” She said it in a low voice, so just she and Linton could hear.
“Well, I'm glad.” Linton didn't even question her about it. “This morning, or later?”
“Well, the thing is,” Cornelia looked about, then drew her closer so she could say it without fear of being overheard. “The thing is that I have not asked Lady Alexandra if I can go. I have reason to suspect she'd want me to stay. I'm visiting a friend for tea – a good friend. I'll ask to stay there the night and, while I'm there, I'll explain matters to her. She can help me either go back to our townhouse or spend a while with her.”
“Why not just go to your cousin, milady?”
“Because Lord Richmond knows I'm going out this afternoon, to visit Claudia. He'll not suspect anything when I go. It will be easier this way. I need your help,” she added.
“Say the word, milady.”
Cornelia smiled. “Well, what I want you to do is to wait until I leave. Then send my trunks after me with the coach. I'll hail a Hackney to take me to Claudia's. If you could ask the coachman to take my belongings after me?”
“Of course, my lady. We can start readying them now.”
“Thank you, Linton.” Cornelia pressed her hand. “And perhaps it would be best if you leave with them. I do not wish to leave you here alone.” She wore a frown.
“Oh, milady.” Linton put her hand on her arm, squeezing it fondly. “You don't worry your pretty self over me. I'll manage just fine. But I think I'll do what you said: place scares me. Getting out of it sooner rather than later suits me.”
Cornelia laughed. “Well, then. That's settled. We leave this afternoon.”
“You first, luggage last. Me with it.”
“That's the way.”
They spent the next twenty minutes or so packing her dresses, then Linton frowned. “Oh, blast.”
“What?” Cornelia asked.
“I had two of them laundered a few days back. The blue, and the new white one. You can't leave without those.”
“Where are they?”
“They're in the laundry, milady. We should try and get them back.”
“Well, then, we shall. We don't need to pack them now. We'll wait until after breakfast, at least,” Cornelia planned. “We have until four this afternoon.”
“Very good, milady.”
Cornelia nodded. “We've made a good start. That's what counts. As it is, I need to fetch some bonnets and coats from the front-room. And I think I left a purse in the drawing-room. I'll collect it as I leave breakfast.”
“Good, my lady.”
Cornelia slipped into breakfast, hoping to have the place to herself. Lord Richmond was already there, reading the paper.
“Richmond.” Cornelia cleared her throat – it was dry and she felt nervous. “Sorry if I'm disturbing your breakfast?”
“Oh, not at all. Delightful company, as always.” He smiled blandly, and waved her to her seat.
Cornelia sat down opposite, pouring herself some tea. “Anything diverting?” she pointed to the paper as he looked up to turn the page.
“Not really, no,” he smiled. “The usual uninspiring stuff. Politics. I don't bother with it generally. I've enough to worry about.”
Cornelia laughed. “I can imagine, my lord.”
“I wish I couldn't.” He smiled. He looked worried again that morning, Cornelia noticed. His face was drawn and his eyes hard.
It's this house. The moment he's in it he starts to worry about things. I wish I knew some way out of this mess for him.
“I trust no problem is unsolvable, my lord.” She stirred her tea, regarding him across the table.
“Oh, there are solutions,” he said with a thin smile. “I think we might be about to solve the majority of them.”
“Oh?” Cornelia frowned.
“But don't worry your pretty head about it, my lady. I'm out of sorts this morning. Bad company, I'm afraid.”
“Oh, Richmond,” she said gently. Inside she was disturbed. She reached for a pastry from the basket, crumbled a section off to eat, thinking as she did so.
In a few short hours, I'll be away. Mayhap I can think of some way to help him then. It will be easier, doubtless, when I'm away – and Claudia could help.
“I suppose you will...ah!” he looked up as someone walked in. “Good morning.”
Cornelia felt her enter before she turned to confirm who it was – she saw Richmond tense and she fel
t tenser, too. She could smell dark irises and she knew it was Alexandra.
“Ah! Cornelia! Brother. Early risers.” She sounded curious.
“You know me,” Richmond commented, reaching for a slice of bread. “I sleep lightly, and those carters in the street were clanging about fit to wake an army.”
Lady Alexandra laughed lightly. “I suppose. Something woke me too. And Cornelia as well. I trust you are well?”
“I'm well, yes,” Cornelia nodded. “Thank you. I hope you are too, Alexandra?”
“I am. Very much so.”
“Good.” Cornelia poured herself fresh tea, stirring it and wondering idly why Alexandra sounded out of sorts.
“I have a mind to see a play or something,” Alexandra said, reaching for some bread. “Would anyone else be inclined to join me?”
“I can't,” Cornelia said quickly. “I agreed to meet a friend for tea.”
“Oh?” Alexandra raised a brow. “Yourself, brother?”
“Since Lady Cornelia is away, and you desire to go, I'd be happy to join you,” he said gallantly. Alexandra gave a thin smile.
“Kind of you, brother,” she said archly.
“Well, with matters as they are, I find I'm quite genial these days,” he said smoothly. Alexandra favored him with a look.
“Brother, must you discuss business at the table?” she sounded terse and Cornelia was surprised.
“Your brother was just telling me his problems were resolving themselves.”
“Oh?” Alexandra shot him an icy look. “He did so?”
Richmond looked at his sister, anger in the depths of his eyes. “I did, sister. I trust there is no harm in such a comment?”
“You trust too much,” Alexandra said shortly. “Now, Cornelia? How would you feel about a walk in the park? I find I'd dearly love to stretch my legs.”
Cornelia stared at her, the change of topic taking her by surprise. “I am a little tired,” she said hesitantly. In truth, she had a good deal to organize before tea and she couldn't be out of the house to do it.
“Oh.” Alexandra shrugged. “That's unfortunate. Well, I shall take a turn alone.” She reached for the teapot, giving her brother a meaningful glare.
