by Janet Woods
Although Grace tried to prevent it a shuddering sob burst from her. ‘I’m so sorry … so sorry. I seem to cry for no reason at all and I didn’t intend to unburden my troubles onto your shoulders.’ Grace cupped her hands over her eyes but the tears still kept seeping through her fingers. ‘Oh dear, I didn’t mean to upset you. Please forgive me.’
Eugenie gathered her into her arms. ‘Hush, my dear, there is no need to apologize when you have every reason to cry. You are safe here and the journey has tired you.’
Through her tears Grace looked around her. ‘Where’s Jancy? Dominic appointed her to look after me.’
‘Your maid will be familiarizing herself with your chamber, I imagine. Come now, you and I will talk over some refreshment while you gather yourself together.’
The younger lady of the house smiled at her. She was not conventionally pretty, but tall and elegant. She was lovely in her own way with a perfect oval face. Her smile was both warm and welcoming. ‘Welcome to our home, we will talk in a little while.’ She turned to her husband, an edge of panic in her voice. ‘Where is Dominic, why isn’t he with you, Alex. He’s not injured, is he?’
Alex shrugged, and then he took his wife’s face between his hands and kissed her, bringing a tint of colour to suffuse her cheeks. ‘Dom hasn’t finished his business yet. I’ll be rejoining him as soon as I’ve eaten. A fresh horse is being saddled and I’ll take as many of the Dorset Yeomanry who will join us. There were one or two at the inn who seemed eager to defend the honour of their regiment for the sport of hunting the brigadier down. Once captured, he and his men are to be confined to the barracks until his ship sails.’
‘Then you are expecting trouble?’
‘It’s just a precaution, my love, a minor matter. The brigadier and his men are fast becoming the cause of embarrassment to the army. It has happened before and will happen again, no doubt. Unfortunately, this time one of them is Dominic’s client. They are Australia bound, so will not remain in the district for much longer.’ He touched his wife’s face, a tender caress with the back of his finger. ‘You know how efficient Dominic can be. He’ll just need a signature or two on some papers, then the estate will be placed in the hands of the lawyers and the courts, and he’ll be free of it.’
Lord LéSayres was the master of understatement. His voice was soft and untroubled as though such events were commonplace. Grace recognized the same trait in Dominic.
How grand LéSayres Hall was. It overwhelmed her, made her feel small and insignificant. Grace hoped Alex was right and it was as easy for Dominic as he’d described. She went up the stairs with Eugenie, the fragrance from the cassoulet drifting up after them.
Her chamber was large, but made cosy by the fire burning in the grate. Shadows leapt and danced. Grace removed the all-enveloping travelling cloak and laid it across the sofa. Her shoulders drooped. The bed issued an invitation but she must not sleep yet, she must eat her host’s food – food made especially for her, to help her heal.
She wanted to cry again, for they’d been so good to her, a stranger.
Jancy came in with a tray, which she placed on a table. She looked tired.
‘You may leave the tray,’ Lady Eugenie said.
‘Beggin’ your pardon, my Lady, but my mistress looks fit to drop, and may need coaxing, for her appetite is not what it should be.’
‘And you are?’
‘Jancy, my Lady. I’m Miss Ellis’s maid. Mr LéSayres himself appointed me and he ordered me to look after her.’
That last sentence, stated with some authority, brought a smile to Lady Eugenie’s lips. ‘And I have given you another order. You may safely leave your mistress in my hands tonight, Jancy. Off you go now.’
She hesitated. ‘I haven’t had time to unpack Miss Ellis’s night attire.’
‘There’s some in the chest. Just place what’s required on the bed, and then you may leave. You can join the rest of the staff in the sitting room, or you can go to bed yourself. You know where your bed is … just above this room, and there is a staircase to it behind those hangings in the corner. The door can be locked on this side if there is a need for privacy.’
‘Yes, my Lady.’
‘Anything else can wait until morning. Did you have something to eat, Jancy?’
‘Yes, my Lady. I had some broth and some bread in the kitchen, and the cook gave me some biscuits and some milk to take to bed, in case I get hungry in the night.’ Jancy sighed with satisfaction. ‘I have a bedroom all to myself.’
‘No doubt the housekeeper will want to familiarize you with the household practices. She can do that in the morning.’
But Jancy hadn’t finished establishing the importance of her relationship to Grace. ‘Is there anything I can do before I go, Miss Ellis?’
‘Thank you, but no, Jancy. I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight.’
After Jancy left they seated themselves at a low table in front of the fire.
Lady Eugenie laughed. ‘Your maid is determined.’
‘Jancy is trying to make a good impression on everyone because she needs this position. She was good to me when I needed it, and Dominic trusts her with my welfare.’
Lady Eugenie uncovered the broth, saying, ‘Then I would rely on his judgement, which is usually sound. Do you love him very much?’
Grace didn’t pretend it was other than Dominic the woman referred to. Eugenie was too astute to be fooled. ‘Yes, I’m afraid I do.’
‘Afraid?’
‘It’s hard to love somebody when on their part it can only be superficial. That it might cause scandal … especially since he’s employed me as a clerk.’
‘I was once the nursemaid here. At first I stayed for the sake of the boys, who were still babies. Then I fell in love with their father and we became a family. I said I wouldn’t wed him until he gave up drinking. He tried many times, only to fail. He didn’t fail as a father though. He loved his sons and they were aware of it … and he loved me. At the end he was in terrible pain. He told me he wouldn’t die until I became his wife and I’d have to put up with his bellowing.’
Grace placed a comforting hand over Eugenie’s. ‘I’m so sorry.’
Eugenie’s manner became brisk and she removed her hand. ‘One must get over these things unless you want to live your life in misery. I had the boys to keep me busy. Now … eat your broth else I’ll get into trouble with the cook.’
Grace swallowed a spoonful of her soup. It wasn’t as tasty as Jancy’s had been. ‘Yours is a sad story. Did the late earl’s pain ease after you were wed?’
‘He had no strength and I saw no reason to try and do otherwise than lessen his pain, and allow him the comfort of as much brandy as he needed.’
‘How did his sons take their father’s death?’
‘Luckily, they had each other. My stepsons have always been a support for me. Growing up they collected a variety of bruises and bloodied noses from both children and adults, who made hurtful comments. The LéSayres family attracts scandal and a little bit more won’t hurt it.’
Grace giggled and Eugenie smiled. ‘That’s better. Dinner is over now but I daresay we can serve up something more substantial than the broth if that doesn’t curb your appetite.’
‘I’m sure it will. I haven’t been hungry these past few days.’
‘Then we shall find a way to tempt you. Now, you’d better get on and eat that before it cools, young lady, while I sort some night attire for you. I will expect you to eat it all.’
Grace had barely finished it when there was the sound of activity outside. Eugenie crossed to the window. ‘The earl is leaving. God go with you, Alex.’
There was a noisy clatter of a horse that faded into the distance. Immediately, fear attacked Grace again. ‘He must think Dominic is in danger.’
‘They are brothers who are used to looking after each other. Alex is just taking precautions. Look, the moon has risen to light his way.’
Indeed it had. Its light frosted the
needles on the pines creating a little miracle of sparkling luminescence. Grace was awed by it. ‘It’s so pretty here.’
Eugenie drew the hangings across the windows.
‘It’s a shame to close out the stars.’
‘The curtains help to keep the warmth inside during the winter nights.’
‘Dominic told me he used to watch his mother fly across the sky on a star when he was young. He said he’d show me which one some day.’
‘Dom was a sensitive child who needed to be loved and the tale of the star comforted him when he was small. I had thought he’d put it behind him. You are honoured Grace, for it’s not a memory a man would usually share.’
‘There is a ring about the moon. A good omen, I think.’
‘As well as a sign of frost … we will ready you for bed, then I can examine your bruises with more ease.’
‘They no longer hurt and they are beginning to fade. Given time they will heal themselves.’
Eugenie’s tone of voice invited no argument. ‘Nevertheless, I will examine them.’
She was thorough. Fetching a medicine chest she bathed the bruises in witch hazel. A drizzle of the liquid created shivers to course down Grace’s spine, like the touch of Dominic’s cold winter fingers drifting across her neck.
Soon, Grace was enveloped in a large flannel nightgown and she and Lady Eugenie sat before the fire, a lap rug apiece to keep the draughts at bay. Grace tucked her feet under the nightdress. ‘This gown belonged to a very large maid, I think.’
Eugenie laughed. ‘It certainly isn’t designed to entice a lover to your side.’
‘As if I would be so forward.’
‘Making love is a delightful way to wile away the time.’
‘So I have been informed by my former mistress. Lady Florence gave me a book … on the subject. It makes me blush to just think of it so I left it in Oakford House.’
‘Such a pity. I have heard of such books, but I have never seen one. I’d certainly like to.’
Grace blushed.
Eugenie’s smile gently teased her. You’re such an innocent. ‘If I have shocked you, I’m sorry.’ Picking up a brush Eugenie began to draw it through her hair, unravelling the knots. She had a gentle touch and it was relaxing.
‘I am not shocked. It’s just that I have not experienced … I have never known a man.’
‘Of course, I should have thought. You are young yet and had no mother to teach you how to become a woman.’
‘Oh, it’s only partly that. My father taught me to prepare medicines and under his instruction I have also birthed an infant. And I have seen pictures, of course. However, I was unprepared for the strength of the emotional pull of being in love. It seems to rob me of the ability to think straight. I don’t know how to act, or what to do.’
‘Do nothing, since I expect you will respond to Dominic when the time is right.’
‘He said that one day soon that time will be right, and we won’t even consider if it’s right or wrong. But there are some obstacles in my way. His family …’
Grace had warmed towards Eugenie and found her so easy to talk to that she was almost tempted to tell her all her troubles and her guilt over Dominic’s family. Eugenie was a beloved member of Dominic’s family, she remembered.
‘Is what right or wrong?’ Lady LéSayres suddenly came into the room, picking up on Grace’s words.
Grace didn’t know whether to leap to her feet and curtsey or not. To be on the safe side she stood and bobbed. ‘My Lady.’
‘Let’s not be stiff with manners and titles, my dear. Call me Vivienne when we are in an informal situation, and if you will allow, then I shall address you as Grace … such a pretty name.’
‘Won’t the earl mind?’
‘I shouldn’t think so. My husband regards himself as a farmer, and while he is proud of his title and estate, and he loves to entertain, he does not behave in a superior manner or pretend to be anything more than he appears to be on the surface. In fact, he calls his favourite cow Duchess.’
Grace smiled at that. ‘He is certainly well mannered … as is Dominic.’
Eugenie nodded in agreement and a motherly smile appeared on her face. ‘They were good boys, a credit to their parents.’
‘Dominic respects you as he would his birth mother.’
‘Thank you …’ Eugenie turned to the elegant Vivienne. ‘I was about to go to bed. Will you stay a while?’
‘Not tonight. Grace looks tired, and we can talk tomorrow. I’ve come to tell you both that my husband has departed with two robust men as companions. This is so he can be of support to his brother, should the need arise.’
‘Is that likely?’
‘Alex feels there is a slight possibility. If nothing else his appearance should act as a deterrent. Apparently Dominic has an appointment with an attorney at Oakford House tomorrow afternoon. He hopes to get the matter sorted out as soon as possible.’
Grace stifled a yawn.
‘Our guest is done in,’ Vivienne said. ‘We’ll put her to bed and then have an early night.’
Soon, Grace was tucked under the blankets, relaxed and as warm as a rabbit in its burrow. A kiss brushed her cheek. ‘Goodnight my dear, I will see you at breakfast. Sweet dreams.’
The light from the candle retreated and the door closed quietly behind them, leaving just the red glow of the fire.
Grace imagined Dominic alone in Oakford House, the draughts stealthily opening and closing the doors. She reached out to him. ‘Sleep well, my Dominic,’ she whispered, though he wouldn’t be hers for much longer. She snuggled into the comforting arms of the waiting bed with tears in her eyes. He was well loved by the occupants of this great house, for they all spoke fondly of him.
So where was his wife?
But Grace couldn’t sleep; her mind tumbled with fear. Madcap plans presented themselves one after another, disguised in a cloak of what seemed to be good sense. She would go to the meeting at Oakford House and put forward a plan to suit the situation. After all, it did concern her.
Came the scoffing reply: And what plan might that be?
She sat up in bed, saying quietly, ‘I will think of one on the way back to Ringwood.’
Uneasiness churned through her stomach again. The earl must have believed Dominic to be in deadly peril to consider mustering some soldiers to the cause … and all over a signature. She pictured an army of military gentlemen, uniforms a blazing red, feathers decorating their shakoes, and carrying lances as they trotted along the road, great guns on wheeled carriages pulled behind them.
Not that they’d actually have a gun carriage for one old soldier they were putting out to grass. She hoped they didn’t shoot him.
She could do something to help. She could agree to marry the brigadier after all? Perhaps he wasn’t as bad as everyone imagined.
Goodness, you are in a sacrificial mood, my dear.
‘Dominic will be furious if I return to Ringwood,’ she said out loud.
The earl will be furious too, and Vivienne and Eugenie will offer you no sympathy at all, no matter how much you grovel.
Stop being so sarcastic. The only alternative is to marry the brigadier and become Dominic’s lover. Perhaps I shall be like Lady Florence and have several lovers.
Then you will have to send Dominic LéSayres back to his family, and serve him right. You were raised to be something better than a slut and Dominic has been deceitful in his dealings with both you and his wife.
‘He doesn’t deserve me.’
Shored up by that thought and now full of resolve, Grace threw off the bedclothes and picked up a nightlight. She headed up the servant’s stair, her eyes adjusting to the dim light the lantern offered.
Jancy was asleep under her precious quilt, her past, present and future wrapped securely around her. Her clothing was laid neatly on a chair.
Grace didn’t rouse her maid. She didn’t want to suffer through her advice or risk being overheard if voices were raised. In f
act, the less Jancy knew the least trouble she would attract. She slid the clothing off the chair and carried the garments away. Nobody would recognize her with her battered face, and her appearance, that of an impoverished maid, would surely repulse any man who thought to chance his luck by approaching her.
Nevertheless, to that purpose she carried a makeshift weapon, a ned that Sam Rider had made for her. The foot of some discarded hose was filled with sand and knotted at the top for a good grip.
Sam had shown her how to use it too. ‘One good thump in the right place will cripple any man and give you time to get away,’ he’d said, and she didn’t ask him which was the right place, in case he became embarrassed.
Sixteen
Grace wrote a hasty note of apology to her host, and left it on her pillow for Jancy to find and deliver.
Outside the comfort of her room the layout of the house was unfamiliar to her. The staircase wound down into the darkness and she kept a hand on the banister close to the wall, lest she lose her balance. When the long clock in the hall drew in a whirring breath and started to chime the midnight hour, Grace jumped and nearly fell down the remainder of the stairs.
The dogs gave her a fright, appearing from nowhere to investigate the disturbance. She prayed they wouldn’t bark as the pair circled her offering soft huffs and snarls that were a mixture of threat and an entreaty to be petted. They allowed her to pass after she paid the toll of an ear fondle apiece, and without any menace they escorted her to the front door before they retreated back into the darkness. Grace slipped out and gently closed the door behind her.
She stood for a moment, trying to get her bearings. A door hinge creaked over to her left and there were a number of horse noises before they settled again and fell quiet.
It was cool, but not too cold and the sky was spangled with stars. It would not be clear for much longer for a thin, knee-high mist rose from the land to dampen her boots and the bottom of her travelling cloak. The air was salted with wood smoke from the chimney pots and it scratched at her throat as she strode off, full of resolve.
Behind her a twig snapped.
She stopped breathing and stood still. All she could hear was the urgent beat of blood against her eardrums. Then an owl hooted and a fox barked in the distance as it went about its bloody business. The silence of the night suddenly came alive. Something squealed and there was a scuffle in the undergrowth. There was no danger in the dark night, for those creatures which she could neither see nor hear would mostly be scared by her approach, and run from her.
