Beneath the Dover Sky

by Murray Pura

  Catherine put a hand to her face. “This is dreadful.”

  “I want to speak with Caroline about this first. Do you want to come? After all, don’t you think it’s strange she should want to walk the aisle with the man who dishonored her so many years ago?”

  “I asked her that when she told me about him. She said, ‘He’s my son’s father, and he’s never been unkind to me.’ ”

  “What!”

  “That’s what she said…and that’s all she said.” Catherine got up from her vanity. “I feel very bad about this. Buchanan being here is just asking for trouble. I asked Harrison to speak with Lord Buchanan about his visit here. I asked him to reinforce that it could be this once, but only this once. Can you imagine what Edward will say when he discovers Buchanan slept under our roof? Can you imagine what Mum or Dad will say? Or what Kipp might do when he finds out? Perhaps talking to Caroline and then approaching Lord Buchanan is the best thing to do.”

  “Harrison can give a good account of himself in a fight, but he doesn’t carry heavy walking sticks he can knock people about the head with.” Holly opened the bedroom door. “The household’s barely stirring. Skitt, the cooks, and the maids are just starting their duties. Will you come to Caroline’s room with me?”

  Catherine threw on a white housecoat. “She might be still sleeping, Holly.”

  “Then we’ll have to wake her, won’t we?”

  Caroline was up and dressed in a light-yellow gown the same color as her hair. Her bedroom door was already open, and she was standing by her window, one hand on the white curtain as she drew it aside to peer outside.

  “Good morning!” she said, turning very slightly—just enough to glance at the two women before looking back out the window again. “Do you know there was a heavy dew last night? The grass is simply blazing with the reflected sunlight from the dawn.”

  “I hadn’t noticed,” Catherine said. “We’re sorry to disturb you so early, but we need to talk with you.”

  “Not at all. Is this about Tanner?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “I’m sure it’s uncomfortable for you to have him here. I hope he hasn’t caused any trouble. You must understand the demands that are being made on him by the Labor Party and his constituents in Ayrshire South. He’s not had a moment’s peace since the new year. Even with the House in summer recess, his phone keeps ringing. He thought a short holiday and visit with me here in Kent would relieve some of the strain. And naturally I wanted to see him as well.”

  Holly closed the door. “Why should there be trouble?”

  Caroline continued to stare out the window. “Oh, you know. Edward hates him. Kipp hates him. The Danforths in general hate him. And here I am at the Danforth estate in Kent, so he has to come here if he wants to visit me. He’s bound to be a bit wound up about the situation. Wouldn’t that be understandable?” She paused, still not turning towards them. “Has something happened?”

  Holly clasped her hands in front of her. “I believe my husband and your fiancé—”

  “Not yet. We’re not engaged yet,” interrupted Caroline turning her head just enough to see them before staring out the window again.

  “Whatever the case might be, I believe Lord Buchanan and my husband had an altercation by the pond last night. Harrison was quite bruised up this morning, and his face was cut. It looks like he was hit with a walking stick.”

  “Did he accuse Tanner?”

  “No. He said it was poachers. But down by the pond there are no signs of poachers or a scuffle. And I know Lord Buchanan and Harrison went to the pond together last night.”

  “And did you talk to Tanner?”

  “No. I haven’t gone to see him yet.”

  “So what would you like from me?”

  “I did find blood and grass on the toe of one of Lord Buchanan’s boots. He took them off and left them in the front hall by the door.”

  “Not much proof, Holly. Sherlock Holmes could have done better.”

  Holly raised her eyebrows. “Could he?”

  “Yes. There are clues you missed. Have you examined Tanner’s walking stick for marks or blood? The cane is resting against the wall on your right, just inside my door.”

  Catherine and Holly looked, and then Holly walked over, picked it up, and examined it.

  “There are no blood or marks on it,” Holly said.

  “But it is quite polished, is it not?”

  “Yes.”

  “Especially the silver top—almost like a mirror.”

  “Yes.”

  “I wonder why?”

  Holly stared at Caroline’s back as understanding dawned. She closed the bedroom door before turning back to Caroline. “Did he ask you to clean it for him?”

  “He did.”

  “Where is the rag you used to clean it with?”

  Sunlight streamed into the room around Caroline as she gazed out on the lawn. “The trash would make it too easy to find, don’t you think? I’m sure Scotland Yard would check that and under my bed and under my pillow.”

  “Where is it then?”

  “Why, it’s where even Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t look if he were a gentleman.” Caroline tugged a soiled rag from the bosom of her dress and held it over her shoulder. “I had no opportunity to discard it. Your butler seems to prowl around all night. Doesn’t he ever sleep?”

  “Perhaps he was concerned for our guests?” Catherine offered.

  “Or perhaps he heard an altercation…” Caroline responded.

  Holly and Catherine looked at each other and then back at Caroline.

  Caroline suddenly turned from the window to face them. One side of her face was purple and black.

  “My word!” exclaimed Holly as she rushed to Caroline’s side. “Did Tanner Buchanan do this?”

  “Have you put ice on this yet?” Holly asked.

  “How could I do that without your butler or the cooks noticing and having a fit?”

  Catherine came forward and grasped Caroline’s hand. “Why did he hit you?”

  “I noticed the blood on the cane and refused to clean up the mess. I told him I wanted to know what had happened. He told me he’d beaten off a mad dog. I said I’d ask the household staff about it…and they would clean and polish his cane for him. He told me to do what he’d asked. When I refused again, he slapped me. I fought back, and he used the cane.” She gave the rag to Holly. “Your husband’s blood and my blood should be ample evidence.”

  Holly’s face was drawn and white. “I shall ring the police in Dover.”

  “He’s Lord Tanner Buchanan, MP. The authorities won’t believe my word against his.”

  “They’ll take my word,” Catherine said.

  “But you saw nothing.”

  “Once Harrison hears about Buchanan beating you, he’ll speak up,” Holly said.

  “He won’t.”

  “He’s no coward!”

  “Even if the police believe us, Tanner is still a member of Parliament. The authorities won’t do anything. You know how they are. Tanner told Harrison that he means to destroy the Danforth family and included my part in it. If Harrison tells that, the police will think he’s raving mad. Tanner knows that, so he thinks his plans are safe.”

  “What plans?” Catherine squeezed Caroline’s hand.

  “Never mind that right now.” Holly crammed the bloodstained rag into a pocket in her dressing gown. “Catherine, I’m going down to fetch water and ice for Caroline. You two had better—”

  There was rapid knocking on the door.

  Caroline’s eyes went dark. “Yes?”

  “Lady Caroline?”

  “Yes, Skitt?”

  “Lady Caroline, are Lady Holly and Lady Catherine in there with you, by chance?”

  “Indeed they are. We’re just having a quick chat.”

  “I thought your ladyships would like to know that a car has just pulled up at the front.”

  The women looked at one another.

  “I see,�
�� replied Caroline. “And who would that be at this early hour, Skitt?”

  “It’s Lord Edward, my lady. Lord Buchanan has already opened the door to him.”

  “What are you doing here?” Edward asked, trying to keep from shouting.

  Buchanan stood on the porch, his chauffeur and suitcases beside him. “Enjoying your family estate.”

  “You have no business at Dover Sky.”

  “I do, Danforth. My fiancée is here, so I swung by to see how she was.”

  “Fiancée? And who is that?”

  “Lady Caroline, of course.”

  “Caroline? You’re joking! Why would she wed the cad who ruined her life?”

  “Perhaps she decided your brother Kipp was the bigger cad.”

  “I want you off our property right now!”

  Buchanan smiled and pulled on white cotton gloves. “I’m leaving. And don’t worry, I’ll have plenty to say about your family in a speech I’ll be giving in the House this fall.”

  Catherine suddenly showed up in the doorway out of breath, with Skitt following closely behind.

  “What’s this about, Cathy?” demanded Edward. “Is it true what he says about Caroline being engaged to him?”

  She hesitated, and then she straightened as she stepped forward. “No. No, it is not.”

  Buchanan whipped around. “She is my fiancée!”

  Skitt stepped between Catherine and Buchanan. “Steady on, Lord Buchanan.”

  “She knows very well Lady Caroline is engaged to me.”

  “That may have been true until you beat her!” snapped Catherine. “It certainly isn’t now. Get your bags and leave Dover Sky immediately.”

  “I never beat Caroline. Is that what she’s telling you? She tripped on the stairs during the night. Let me speak to her.”

  Catherine blocked the doorway. “No, you will not. Lady Holly is tending to the wounds you inflicted.”

  “I’ve done nothing, I tell you.” Buchanan picked up his cane from where it leaned against his baggage. “I think it best Lady Caroline leave with me.”

  “I’m afraid not, Lord Buchanan. She is under our roof and our protection.”

  He barked a laugh. “Your protection? Do you imagine this the Middle Ages? In any case, who is going to protect her? You? Whelps like your skinny little butler?”

  Skitt put his hand up. He looked at the chauffeur. “Please load the luggage in the car at once.” He looked at Buchanan. “That will do, sir. You’ve been asked to go. Please leave at once.”

  Buchanan seethed and swung his cane. There was a crack, and Skitt clutched his wrist as he fell against the wall of the house. “Don’t meddle with me, boy.” Buchanan pulled on the silver top of his cane and a sword emerged, glittering in the light. “All of you stay back. I’m going to fetch Lady Caroline and her bags, and then we’re leaving this wretched estate. Stay back, Lord Edward, I say. Stay back, Lady Catherine. I am a dangerous man when crossed.”

  “Aye, you may be dangerous, but I am even more of a threat, Lord Buchanan.” The words were followed by several sharp metallic clicks.

  Buchanan turned and saw Harrison walking toward the porch holding a double-barreled shotgun.

  Buchanan snorted. “You wouldn’t dare. I shall contact Scotland Yard.”

  “If there’s anything left of you to make the call, you’ll be welcome to do so on our shilling,” Harrison replied. He came closer and pointed the shotgun directly at Buchanan’s stomach. “Now be off.”

  “Not without my fiancée.”

  “She’s not your property.”

  “Oh, but she is. And she comes with me or I’ll tear this godforsaken excuse for a manor down around your ears. Who do you think you are?”

  “We’re all you’ll never be, Lord Buchanan.” Harrison jabbed the shotgun at him. “Clear off. I’ll not say it again.”

  “Lady Caroline is my woman, and she comes with me.”

  “I am not, Tanner.” Caroline stood in the doorway, her yellow dress a stark contrast to the side of her face that was dark red and swollen.

  “Caroline…” Buchanan said softly. “Bear up and back me up. Remember our plans. Remember what I can help you do.” He sheathed his sword and extended a gloved hand. “Come. We’ll have a physician in London tend to the bruises from your fall. Then I’ll have you as my bride before the day’s out.”

  Caroline remained in the doorway. “Tanner, I loathe you. You’re a spider I wish I could squash under my boot. You may thank whatever god you worship that Harrison holds the shotgun and not me. I would have already pulled the trigger.”

  “Caroline, don’t lose sight of what we want to accomplish together.”

  “You mean what you want to accomplish. All I wanted was a peaceful life, an honorable husband, and a good father to help me raise Charles.”

  “Don’t be a fool.”

  Harrison stepped forward and cut in. “Goodbye, Lord Buchanan. Your car’s ready. You and your chauffeur can take off. Now would be a good time.”

  Buchanan slowly came down the steps of the porch. “You are a brave man when there’s a gun in your hands, Harrison. One day it will not be there, but I will.”

  “And you’re a brave man with a sword in your hand.”

  “I won’t need a sword or a walking stick to deal with the likes of you.”

  “May God speed the day of our next meeting, Lord Buchanan. Until then, be off.”

  Buchanan looked up at Caroline. “You’ll regret this.”

  “I doubt it. I haven’t felt this good in months.”

  Buchanan and his chauffeur walked to the car. The chauffeur set the luggage by the boot, opened the door for Tanner, closed it, and then loaded the luggage. He climbed into the driver’s seat, and a few seconds later the black Silver Ghost headed down the drive toward the main road. Buchanan turned for one last stare. His face was like granite.

  “All’s well that ends well.” Edward smiled at Harrison. “Thank you for your help. Is the gun loaded?”

  “It is, my lord.”

  “Ah. Then, as Wellington said, that was a ‘near run’ thing.” He glanced up at Skitt who was getting to his feet with Catherine and Norah’s assistance. “That was well done, Skitt. I’ll have more to say to you later, but that was well done indeed.”

  Skitt was still gripping his wrist. “I would die rather than let a beast like that lay a hand on Lady Catherine, my lord.”

  “I believe it.” Edward nodded at Caroline. “I came by for an early breakfast before heading up to London, but breakfast and London will have to wait. Lady Caroline, we must get you into Dover for medical attention. That goes for you as well, young Skitt. We’ll take my car. My driver will have us at the doctor’s in half an hour.”

  Caroline shook her head. “I’ve been trouble enough. My face will heal in time.”

  “There could be broken bones. That’s true of you as well, Skitt.”

  “But, sir,” Skitt protested, “who will man the door? And what if Lord Buchanan comes back?”

  Holly came through the door. “Thank you, Skitt, but Harrison and I shall take care of that. You defend Lady Caroline in case that wretch Buchanan is lying in wait on the roadway. We’ll defend Dover Sky.”

  A gleam came into Skitt’s eye. “D’ya think he might try to waylay us, Lady Holly?”

  “I shouldn’t be at all surprised.”

  “May I—may I take the shotgun then?”

  “Ah.” Holly patted his cheek. “Our young lion. No, we shall have it here, I think. But you have one good hand, Skitt. And Lord Edward will be by your side. I fear for Buchanan if he should attempt to stop the car and carry Lady Caroline off. I truly do.”

  Dear Cornelia, my diary,

  Well, the summer has swept past. After that dreadful business with Lord Tanner Buchanan the rest of July and August were delightful. Caroline’s bruised face healed up nicely, and Charles and Matthew are getting along famously. The twins came up from London twice with Emma and Jeremy, along with thei
r little brother Billy. We had a very raucous manor indeed. Sean tries to keep up as best he can, but the twins are nine and he is only three—the youngest of the lot during that time.

  Between you and me, I have no idea what will become of Caroline. Terry has offered to introduce her to naval officers, but she begs off every time. If a letter comes to Matthew from Kipp and we read it out loud at the table, she excuses herself and leaves the room. I don’t think there is any future for her in that direction. Her face may be better—well, she is stunning, isn’t she?—but under her skin she is far from well. Mum calls her a bird with a broken wing. Now that she has broken off with Tanner, she could return home, but she shows no inclination to do so. She talks to her mother once a week on the phone but appears to be holding a grudge against her father. I pray with her about it, and she’s grateful for that, yet it seems to make no difference in her attitude. I continue to pray for her on my own.

  Edward saw Lord Buchanan when Parliament commenced, of course. At first Buchanan refused to greet him. Then he delivered a scathing attack on Father in his first speech of the session and another one on Edward a week later. After that he makes mocking bows to both of them when they meet.

  Edward says Buchanan has that American woman on his arm again—Lady Hall, or Lady Kate, as she likes to be called. Edward cannot understand Lady Kate’s sweetness. It’s in such marked contrast to her partner’s harshness. But apparently Lord Buchanan is at his most courteous when he’s in her company. No warmth, of course. He is never the hypocrite. He’s just cold and correct.

  If Caroline is no longer the bait to trap Kipp, will that be Kate’s role? Edward says she is quite lovely. I wonder if Kipp will find her attractive? However, when he returns from the Rif it will not be Lady Kate he seeks out. It will be Caroline. I am sure of that. But will she receive him? She’s said she won’t countless times now. Caroline says Kipp blames her for his wife’s death, but we’re not sure why he’d do that. Apparently Kipp called Caroline an awful name and said she’d be an unfit mother. I can scarcely believe it, but something happened that set Caroline against him like rock.