by Anne Herries
‘I know the deceit was wrong.’ Sarah’s cheeks flamed. ‘At first it seemed to do no one any harm. I was well able to oversee Francesca’s studies, as able as Miss Goodrum would have been, I think—but I have not been truthful with you, Lord Myers, though Francesca knows some of it.’ She raised her head, looking into his face. ‘Do you wish me to leave?’
‘I ought to say yes. You know that, do you not?’ He paused for so long that she was turning away when he stopped her. ‘Who would that help?’ he asked in a cold clipped voice. ‘Francesca is fond of you and I believe you are helping her. I do not condone the deceit, but I see no point in distressing her and putting my uncle to the trouble of engaging a new governess.
Are you able to remain here until Francesca goes to live with a chaperon?’
‘Until Christmas?’ Sarah hesitated, then, ‘I might need to go home for a few days, but I could return—if you wished me to do so?’
‘It is not a matter of my wishes. I am thinking of Francesca—and you.’
‘Me?’ Sarah was astonished. ‘Why are you thinking of me?’
‘You came here because you needed a break from your life, a chance to think and relax, did you not?’
‘In part, yes.’
‘Also to escape from fortune hunters and the like?’
‘Yes. Sir Roger Grey did not take kindly to my refusal of his obliging offer. The fact that he is visiting his uncle’s estate makes it awkward and may not be a coincidence. If he had discovered I was staying here … though I cannot see how he could … .’ She hesitated, then, ‘I have recently received a generous offer to buy my father’s business empire, but the buyer remains anonymous. If it is the man I think it may be, I should be reluctant to sell. He would close the less profitable mills, leaving both men and women without work or a home.’
‘Would you wish to sell to a reputable buyer?’
‘Perhaps. I am not sure …’ Sarah hesitated. ‘Since coming here I have discovered a different way of life. I have thought I might perhaps marry if I could find a gentleman who would agree to keep the mills running and to treat my workers decently. I should like to be part of a family like this, you see. I was an only child and my mother died when I was quite young. Father treated me as if I were his son.’
‘That would account for your confidence.’ Rupert nodded. ‘Are you looking to buy yourself a husband—someone who needs a fortune to repair his ancestral estate, perhaps?’
For a moment her heart raced. She thought he might be going to offer his services and the thought both frightened and thrilled her.
‘I thought something of mutual benefit … perhaps a widower with a young family,’ she said in a voice no more than a whisper as his eyes continued to dwell on her. They seemed to sear her flesh and penetrate her inner being. Her whole body was tight with tension. ‘I know that I am a mill owner’s daughter. I received the education a gentleman’s daughter might expect, but I do not come from gentle stock. I cannot look too high for a husband.’
‘You have the manners of a lady of breeding. You should not put yourself down, Sarah—nor sell yourself short. Sir Roger may have been after your fortune, but I dare say there are plenty of gentlemen who would take you for yourself if you presented yourself in the right circles.’
‘I do not have time to be a lady of leisure. Removing myself from my home and my family was a spur-of-the-moment thing and I imagine my uncle is angry with me for sending him a letter informing him that I shall be away for some months.’
‘Would you not consider handing over the reins to your uncle?’
‘I have sometimes wished that I might. He is a dear, but he has no head for business. My father always said it. Uncle William would probably sell to the highest bidder and think he was doing me a favour.’ She frowned as the words left her mouth. ‘Indeed, were I to die I have no doubt he would accept an offer for the mills, for he is my heir.’
‘Then perhaps we have the answer to the question I posed earlier. It seems likely that, with you out of the way, your uncle would accept the offer you are considering.’
‘Was considering. I shall most certainly turn it down. Anyone who would employ a rogue to frighten me into selling is certainly not fit to care for my workers.’
Rupert nodded, his eyes narrowed, expression thoughtful. ‘I cannot supply your lack of a husband, Miss Hardcastle. However, I might settle with this rogue—if you tell me his name.’
‘Mr Matt Arkwright of Newcastle,’ Sarah said, looking at him uncertainly. ‘He did not give his name, but I happen to know he was very interested in purchasing the mills. Would you wish to become involved in this business, sir?’
‘I imagine I might bring pressure to bear on the man—make him back off and aware of the consequences if anything were to happen to a lady under my protection.’
Sarah felt a thrill of pleasure shoot through her at his words, then realised that he was speaking of Francesca. ‘I doubt he would harm one of your charges. However, if I had been killed, my uncle would have been in a position to sell to him.’
‘Perhaps you should make a will, tying your property up in a trust that may not be sold? In the meantime, I could look into these matters for you and see what can be done to protect you against similar attempts to relieve you of what is yours by right.’
‘Is that possible?’
‘A clever lawyer could make all sorts of legal trusts and conditions that would cause Arkwright or your uncle a devil of a time trying to sort them out. I imagine it might deter either of them from thinking of your estate again.’
‘Uncle William would not be a party to my murder.’
‘He may have mentioned that he thinks it wrong for you to be in sole charge, Miss Hardcastle. An obliging husband would, of course, be the best solution to your problem.’
‘Yes … if I could find a man I could bear to marry who would be willing to make such a commitment.’
‘I dare say we might find you one.’
‘I beg your pardon? I do not understand you.’
‘Francesca will enter society next year. It was planned that my sister would be her chaperon, but she has been set back by a difficult birth. I dare say she would be glad to be relieved of duties she might find onerous. If you and Francesca were to stay in my house in town for the Season, with an older lady to act as chaperon—we might find husbands for you both.’
Sarah gasped. He was being generous to consider such an idea, but she felt as if he’d poured a bucket of cold water over her.
‘Why should you put yourself to so much trouble? Besides, I am not certain I could spend so much time away from my business affairs.’
‘I am willing to do much to see that Francesca has the companion she trusts and loves—
and I would never stand by and see a woman abused.’
‘I see …’ Sarah licked her lips. ‘I should like to oblige you, but I cannot spend too much time away from the mills or they may suffer.’
‘If you had someone to oversee them for you, to make certain that this Arkwright—if he is the man behind the offer—was sent packing, and that you were well served by your agents, you might consider it.’
‘I don’t see—’ Sarah broke off as she saw the gleam in his eyes. ‘Are you suggesting …?’
‘I will visit your agent and speak to him, make certain he has all the necessary instructions he needs from you. Until you take a husband I shall stand as your … guardian is not the word, but in place of a male relative. I believe that once it is known I have a hand on the reins you will not be bothered by the attentions of rogues. And I will speak to Arkwright, make him understand that the mills are not for sale.’
Sarah breathed deeply. His offer was so startling that she did not know how to answer him. ‘Why should you do so much for me, sir?’ she asked at last.
‘Someone tried to harm you while you were in my care. As an employee here you are entitled to my protection. As a young woman alone apart from a foolish uncle, and at the mercy of un
scrupulous rogues who want to take what you have for themselves, you are entitled to my help as a gentleman.’
‘Oh …’ For a moment she had thought that perhaps he cared for her, but if she’d hoped for it her hopes were dashed. He would offer his protection, but he was not offering her his heart or even a marriage of convenience. ‘I am not sure I could ask so much of you, sir.’
‘You have not asked.’ Rupert smiled and her breath fled. Her knees felt as if they might buckle and she had to hang on to her senses tightly. He was so handsome and, when he chose, utterly charming—the perfect gentleman. She would not be a woman if she could remain untouched by that smile. ‘I feel it my duty to help you. The only other alternative is to send you away and break Francesca’s heart. I believe she is happier now than she has been for most of her life. I do not wish to see her unhappy.’
He was doing this for Francesca? Remembering his concern when Francesca had fallen from her horse, Sarah wondered if he felt something warmer than mere affection for his cousin, but then decided that he had shown no sign of it. His manner towards the young girl was that of a kindly uncle, nothing more.
‘I should be reluctant to hurt Francesca,’ Sarah faltered, because she could not help thinking that much of his concern was for her. If she accepted, she would be breaking down the barrier between them. Was that wise? He had seemed to be intent on seduction at one point, but that was when he suspected her of being an adventuress. How did he feel now that he knew the truth? ‘Yet I feel that I am asking too much of you. After all, you know so little of me—and I did deceive you by coming here under false pretences.’
‘I think we should keep your true identity to ourselves for the moment. When we go to London, I shall reveal the truth to Francesca’s grandfather and I am sure he will forgive you when he learns your story and knows that you have been good for his granddaughter.’
‘If you are sure he will not think me a scheming adventuress. Perhaps I ought to leave as soon as a replacement could be found …’
‘You will do me a favour by remaining here under this roof,’ Rupert said. ‘I gave my uncle my word I would mentor John and protect Francesca, but he knows I have business from time to time. I can attend to yours and my own with only a small detour.’
Sarah swallowed hard. ‘I can only thank you for your consideration, sir. I think most gentlemen in your position would have simply dismissed me.’
‘I am not most men,’ Rupert said and there was mocking laughter in his eyes. She felt coldness at her nape. What made him look that way? Had a woman hurt him so badly that he could never trust another? ‘Do not review your opinion of me, Sarah. I am still the rake you thought me, but I do have a code of honour that I respect—and that concerns young ladies in need of protection.’
‘I am not so very young, but I understand your concern for Francesca—and I have become so fond of her. She is to me the sister I never had.’
‘Yes, I thought that might be the case.’ His smile was intriguing. ‘I shall not leave until after the picnic—and now I think we really must join the others for tea.’
‘Yes, of course. I can only thank you—’
‘Oh, there may be something more you can do for me—but we shall discuss that at a later date. Do not look alarmed, I promise I shall not harm you. When I thought you an adventuress or a courtesan I might have taken advantage, but that is no longer the case. Come now, we shall start again. If I may call you Sarah—and you will address me as sir or Rupert in private. No more my lording me, if you please.’
‘I shall try to remember.’
Sarah could not resist smiling. Her heart was beating very fast, for she could not dislike him even when he was cold and reserved. Something must have made him that way, for underneath she had now and then glimpsed a very different man. Sarah knew that she could easily fall in love with the man she’d seen on those rare occasions—but was he the real Rupert or was he the hard-eyed rake he claimed to be?
Only time and further acquaintance would tell.
She turned and left the room, preceding him to the drawing room where the others were gathered for tea.
‘Ah, there you are,’ Francesca said. ‘Is everything all right? I was afraid you might have to leave us or something.’
‘No, no, not at all,’ Sarah replied. ‘I had a small problem, but Lord Myers has promised to see to it for me.’
‘I have some business of my own I must attend to,’ Rupert said and gave the girl a warm look of affection. ‘I shall do what I can for Miss … Sarah while I’m gone. It will not be until after our picnic and I know you will be quite happy here together while I’ve gone.’
‘I wish I could come with you,’ John said. ‘I shan’t know what to do when you’re not here.’
‘You have your riding lessons—and you may join Sarah and your sister for lessons and other pursuits until I return. I shall not be long and I shall give you some reading to catch up on while I’m gone—something you will enjoy. Do not look so sulky, boy. You must learn to conquer that habit for it will not wash when you go to public school. I promise you that you will enjoy the books I choose for you to study. And when I come back we shall ride together.’
John was mollified and accepted a muffin from the plate his sister offered him, biting into it and chewing as the melted butter ran down his chin.
Sarah looked round the elegant drawing room, feeling truly at peace. She was glad to have confided in Lord Myers and relieved that she would not have to deal with the objectionable Mr Arkwright herself. Sam would need a letter from her, introducing Lord Myers as a friend who would oversee things for a while, leaving her free to enjoy the next few months.
It was an excellent arrangement, though temporary. She could not expect Lord Myers to continue it for longer than necessary. Once they were in London for Francesca’s Season, she would have to look around for a suitable husband. One who would be happy to run her affairs in the way she liked, and to give her a family.
The thought sent a tingle down her spine. A husband would expect the marriage to include intimate relations and she wanted children—so she would have to respect and like this man. Perhaps it would be easy to find such a person once she was mixing in society, but she’d mixed with gentlemen and men of her father’s class before and found no one she could even contemplate marrying. Except … her eyes focused on Lord Myers’s features and she felt a spasm of something she knew to be physical desire in her stomach.
Sarah would not object to a marriage of convenience with Rupert Myers, but he’d made it clear where the boundaries of their relationship ended.
He was prepared to offer her his protection, but love and marriage were very different things. Therefore, she would be a fool to let herself fall in love with him … and she would do well to dampen the physical feeling she’d had towards him on several occasions. Lord Myers might be a gentleman, but she was still not certain that he would not seduce her given the right opportunity.
Chapter Eight
The morning of the picnic was fine and warm, a perfect day for it. All the invitations had gone out and everyone had replied, accepting with pleasure, it seemed. Francesca was excited and John was beside himself. Several youths of his age had been invited and he was looking forward to the games he’d been promised.
Francesca and Sarah had been wrapping small gifts in secret for days. The games of running, jumping, throwing hoops over prizes and shooting arrows at a board would all be rewarded by sweetmeats and things like a silver penknife, a silver pencil and other similar trinkets, including a riding whip with a beautifully engraved silver handle, which Rupert had donated to their little hoard.
‘I think this is an excellent idea,’ he’d said to Sarah when giving her the gift. ‘It was time this place came to life again. I’m sure you will have callers while I’m gone—and when I return we’ll give a reception of some kind. I might ask a few friends of mine down, men I can trust not to try seducing Francesca before she has her Season.’ He hesitated,
then, ‘What do you think of the dancing master? I’ve scarcely seen him, but he seems pleasant enough.’
‘Yes, he is charming,’ Sarah replied, keeping her reservations to herself. ‘He has given Francesca one lesson thus far, but I think she enjoyed it. I played for them, of course, so was unable to watch all of the dancing, but I think she has a natural grace.’
‘He is French, of course, and young.’ Rupert frowned. ‘I am trusting you to make certain he does not try to take advantage of her. She will never have met anyone like this Monsieur Dupree and may foolishly think herself in love with him. Make sure he does not get ideas above his station, if you please.’
‘Most young girls have a crush on their dancing master,’ Sarah said and smiled. ‘He is a very handsome young man, but I think Francesca is looking forward to her Season too much to be foolish over him.’
‘Well, I rely on you to keep an eye on her while I’ve gone.’
Sarah had promised she would. With the excitement of the picnic and the promise of her Season to come, she thought Francesca’s heart was safe enough for the moment and nothing the girl had said concerning the dancing master had given her any cause for concern. Lord Myers would naturally feel more concern because he was very protective over Francesca and did not want her breaking her heart over a man her family would never allow her to marry.
Monsieur Dupree seemed to be a very honest open young man, who had proved a hit with John from the start, showing himself willing to join a game of rounders or cricket. He had also taken on himself the task of tidying the library shelves.
‘It is a task after my own heart,’ he told Sarah when she found him rearranging a shelf early one morning. ‘I have too little to do, you see. As charming as it is to teach the adorable mademoiselle, I wish to earn my salary—no?’
Sarah nodded, inspecting the way he was arranging the books in better order. ‘This is a task I have wanted to do. If you could put all the poetry, plays and works of fiction together, I should be grateful—and I am sure Lord Myers would be, too.’
