Never Too Late

by Christina Courtenay

  Maude gave a non-committal answer. If Eliza didn’t feel the thrill of being on the back of a horse or didn’t want to gallop full tilt with the wind rushing past, then it wasn’t something she could explain. All she knew was that she’d always loved it, and so did Luke.

  She glanced at him and in that instant he looked up and their eyes met. He smiled at her, as if he knew what she was thinking, and he probably did. They had often been able to tell each other’s thoughts when they were courting because they were so similar in many respects. They both loved being outdoors, they both adored riding recklessly and they shared a liking for many other things as well. They had been perfect for each other.

  That thought made Maude turn away abruptly. It was a long time ago and it wasn’t true any more. She simply couldn’t allow herself to dwell on what might have been. It was too late.

  ‘So Stetson, have you picked up any interesting gossip below stairs?’

  Luke was tying his cravat while Stetson busied himself with clearing away the shaving paraphernalia. Although he employed the man as his valet, they both knew Luke was perfectly capable of looking after himself and it was only because he’d wanted to keep Stetson with him that he’d offered him the position. After years of campaigning and fighting together they were friends, more than master and employee, and easy in each other’s company.

  ‘Well, I’ve heard one or two interesting snippets, yes. Mostly they concern her ladyship.’

  ‘You mean Maude?’ Luke saw Stetson make a disapproving face. ‘I know, I shouldn’t call her that, but I’ve known her since we were babes-in-arms.’ He knew he ought not to be so familiar with her, but whenever he thought of her as Lady Hexham, it was as his cousin’s wife and that still rankled. Besides, she hadn’t told him not to use her first name. ‘Go on then, tell me what they’re saying. Do they like her? Loathe her?’

  ‘Adore her, more like.’ Stetson sniffed as if he didn’t hold with servants being that fond of their mistress. ‘Talk about her like she’s some sort of angel and won’t hear a word against her.’

  ‘Really? I would have thought that once she got the title she wanted, she’d have lorded it over them.’ That wasn’t entirely true. The Maude he’d known had always been kind to servants. But then the Maude he’d known had claimed she didn’t want to marry his cousin either, nor cared whether she had a title or not. She had lied.

  He clenched his fists as he shrugged into his tight-fitting jacket, helped by Stetson. His uncle and Maude’s father had always had it in mind that she should marry Luke’s cousin Edward. Sir Richard Bellamy had refused to accept Luke’s suit because he was not the heir of anything and had no prospects. He still remembered the humiliation he’d felt when he had plucked up his courage and gone to ask for her hand. Sir Richard had just laughed and shown him the door.

  ‘That’s not what I’m hearing, or seeing for that matter,’ Stetson interrupted his thoughts. ‘She’s always gracious and mindful of others. Her husband left her here on her own for months on end, apparently, with barely any money to run the place.’ Stetson sniffed again. ‘A gambling man, so I’m told.’

  ‘Edward? I don’t remember him as being that bad.’ Luke frowned. Edward hadn’t been particularly clever, but he’d never been stupid enough to play too deeply when they were young. Perhaps things had changed.

  Stetson coughed and cleared his throat. ‘Wasn’t too happy about his marriage, I gather.’

  ‘What?’ Luke found it hard to believe that anyone could be unhappy while married to Maude. And Edward had wanted her too, there had been no doubt about that. It had been a great source of satisfaction to him when he thought he’d won her from under his cousin’s nose.

  ‘There was some talk of an elopement. His lordship wasn’t too happy about having someone else’s “left-overs”, as the head groom put it. You wouldn’t know anything about that, my lord, would you?’ Stetson looked innocent enough, but Luke knew the man wasn’t stupid and could put two and two together. He’d never told him anything about Maude, but then again Stetson hadn’t asked.

  ‘No,’ he replied curtly. ‘Must’ve been after I left.’

  ‘Er, quite so, my lord.’

  ‘I told you, no need to call me that in private. Hexham will do, as it’s always done before.’

  ‘I know, but if I don’t, I might slip up when others are around so it’s better this way.’ Stetson smiled and Luke had to acknowledge the wisdom of his thinking.

  His thoughts returned to the past. So Edward had resented Maude for choosing Luke first and then changing her mind? It didn’t really make sense, but then he’d always had trouble figuring out Edward’s way of thinking. He sighed now.

  ‘So Edward spent time in London gambling, did he? Is that what they’re saying?’

  ‘Yes, my lord. Although he sometimes brought friends home for weeks on end and drank the cellar dry by all accounts.’

  Luke wondered what Maude had thought of that, but maybe she had joined in the revelry? Either way, he wasn’t about to ask her. He could, however, speak to the solicitor, who might know a bit more. He resolved to send for the man as soon as possible.

  Chapter Four

  Before Luke had time to summon anyone, however, a commotion in the hall heralded the arrival of another guest. Luke was just coming down the stairs when Donne opened the door to a young man who seemed vaguely familiar.

  ‘Good morning,’ he heard the newcomer say. ‘Kindly tell his lordship that Mr Thomas Hexham is here to see him. And have my luggage brought in. I shall be staying the night.’

  Oh, shall you indeed? Luke thought, wondering what had brought this cousin to visit. A cousin he hadn’t seen since they were both in leading strings. Then it hit him. Of course, he’s my heir! Damnation.

  He descended the stairs and held out his hand. ‘Thomas, what a surprise. What brings you to these parts? I thought you still resided somewhere in deepest Yorkshire.’

  Thomas bowed and shook the proffered hand somewhat limply. He was tall and thin, with fair hair and a long nose, his features pleasant, if unremarkable. Although impeccably dressed, his clothes were not in the latest fashion, his jacket loose rather than tightly fitted across the shoulders, his cravat tied very simply and his top boots and buckskin breeches well worn.

  ‘Indeed, I do, but I felt it incumbent upon me to come and pay my respects to the new head of the family. I did as much for Edward, although you weren’t here at the time so of course you won’t know that.’

  ‘No, I wasn’t aware of that fact. Welcome to Hexham Hall.’ Luke glanced at Donne, who seemed to have the situation under control. ‘Perhaps you’d like some refreshment?’

  ‘Thank you, yes.’

  Luke led the way to the library and the ever efficient Donne soon appeared with a tray of wine and biscuits.

  ‘I must say, news travels fast,’ Luke commented, when they were seated on either side of the fireplace with a glass of wine. ‘I’ve only been back in England for a couple of weeks.’ He smiled at his cousin, trying to make a joke out of it, but the truth was that he was a bit annoyed that Thomas had come sniffing around so soon. He could at least give Luke a chance to settle into his inheritance before hoping he’d shuffle off this mortal coil, he thought.

  Thomas didn’t seem amused. ‘Well, a scandal such as that created by Edward spreads like wildfire, don’t you know. I dare say everyone’s been keeping their eyes on you ever since you set foot back in this country. I was told about it by an acquaintance recently returned from a visit to London.’

  ‘I see. I didn’t realise I was the object of so much gossip.’ He also wondered why Edward’s gambling should have given rise to a scandal. It wasn’t exactly unusual, lots of people died after accumulating gaming debts. He didn’t want to discuss it with Thomas, however, so didn’t comment further.

  Thomas sniffed. ‘But of course. Everyone’s wondering if you’re going to follow in Edward’s footsteps and squander the rest of the money.’

  Luke gri
tted his teeth. No doubt Thomas was hoping for reassurance that there would be something left for him. ‘I’m not our cousin,’ he said curtly. ‘And there’s nothing left to gamble with.’

  Thomas’s eyebrows rose. ‘As bad as that, eh? Heavens.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’ll sort it out, but it will take some time. Speaking of which, if you’ll excuse me, I’d better deal with some estate matters. I’ll inform the ladies that you are here and perhaps they’ll entertain you.’

  ‘Ladies? I didn’t realise you were married.’ Thomas looked surprised.

  ‘I’m not, but Edward’s widow still lives here with her companion, Mrs Gascombe, and of course Edward’s daughter Anna.’

  ‘Oh, yes, right.’

  Was it his imagination, or did Thomas look relieved, Luke wondered. As long as Luke wasn’t married, there was no chance of another heir. Thomas must surely realise that Luke had plenty of time to find himself a wife, however, since he was only in his late twenties

  ‘I look forward to seeing you at dinner,’ he said, and stalked out of the room, thinking the complete opposite.

  Damned impudence.

  The following afternoon Maude was in the estate office with Luke when Eliza came and knocked on the door.

  ‘There you are! I’ve been looking all over the house for you. It’s too bad of you, really it is. I’d be shirking my duties if I didn’t tell you that this simply won’t do, you know.’

  Maude and Luke had been bent over an old ledger with their heads close together. Aiken’s scrawl was particularly bad in this one and almost impossible to decipher. They both looked up as Eliza entered through the door which they’d left open on purpose. She wagged a finger playfully at them and twinkled at Luke, giving him her full attention and seemingly ignoring Maude.

  ‘I know, I know, it’s just business. I realise that, but not everyone would believe it, mark my words.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Eliza, I’ve only been here two minutes.’ Maude straightened up and tried not to look flustered. ‘I was in the garden earlier, speaking to Howson about the flowers you wanted for the arrangements.’

  Eliza had taken it upon herself to put together extravagant flower arrangements for all the main rooms and although she did undoubtedly have a knack for it, her demands had annoyed the head gardener. Maude had had to soothe his ruffled feathers and assure him that the flowers he produced were as wonderful as always.

  ‘Yes, well, come along now. Tea is ready and Mr Hexham is waiting for us in the salon. I believe the child has helped make some scones too.’

  Maude bit back a protest at the way Eliza always referred to Anna as ‘the child’ and never by her name. It was as if the little girl wasn’t a person because she was so young, just something to be endured. It irritated Maude no end, but she supposed that if you’d never had children of your own, perhaps things were different.

  Her thoughts went to Luke – he had no trouble interacting with Anna. And as far as Maude knew, he had no children of his own. She shook her head and prepared to go with Eliza, who was still watching Luke.

  ‘Will you join us, my lord?’ the latter said. ‘It would be lovely to have your company.’ Maude could have sworn the woman was fluttering her eyelashes at Luke – was she setting her cap at him? It would be understandable, she supposed, as Eliza was still young enough to remarry and he was available, but for some reason Maude found the idea distasteful. Shaking her head inwardly, she told herself not to be so silly. It was nothing to do with her.

  Luke took a moment to consider this, then nodded. ‘Yes, why not. I could never resist scones.’

  Luke watched the two ladies as they went through the ritual of pouring the tea and offering scones around. They seemed to divide the tasks up between them without even thinking about it, with Maude filling the cups, Eliza adding milk and sugar as required and little Anna carefully carrying the plate of scones around to each person.

  ‘Here, let me help you with that, Mrs Gascombe,’ Thomas offered politely and took the sugar bowl from Eliza. ‘You only have one pair of hands, after all.’

  Eliza smiled at him, looking a bit flustered. ‘How very kind.’

  Anna offered Luke the plate of scones and he took two. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘Did you really help make these?’

  Anna beamed with pride. ‘Yes, and Cook says I have a very light hand.’

  Luke had no idea what that meant, but gathered it was good, so he smiled at her. ‘Excellent. Your future husband will be pleased.’

  Maude looked up, but when she saw that he was joking, she relaxed. Luke wondered why she was constantly nervous about the child’s behaviour when Anna seemed very well-mannered to him. Apart from her tendency to impulsive hugs, which he didn’t mind in the slightest, she was very biddable and only spoke out of turn occasionally.

  Maude took a sip of her tea, then looked at it with a frown. ‘I say, this sugar isn’t dissolving very well. I’ll have to speak to Cook and make sure it’s fresh. Perhaps she used the old sugar cone again? It was the same yesterday.’

  ‘Mine is fine,’ Luke commented, staring into his cup. There was nothing unusual about it.

  ‘And mine, Maude dear. You must be imagining it,’ Eliza chimed in. ‘But it’s such a bore when one’s servants don’t listen though, don’t you think? I’m forever having to remind my cook about things because she simply doesn’t pay attention.’

  Eliza then changed the subject, the way she always did whenever a discussion bored her, and began to gossip about their nearest neighbours. Luke thought no more about it until later that afternoon when Stetson reported that Lady Hexham had taken to her bed with a bad case of food poisoning. He supposed she must have been right, and the sugar was too old. He hoped she had remembered to ask the cook to buy a new supply.

  Maude groaned and tried to make herself more comfortable. She had been suffering from severe nausea and loose bowels for an hour or more now and it seemed relentless.

  ‘If only I could be sick,’ she muttered, but the nausea never quite went that far. It just hovered at the back of her throat in a most uncomfortable way.

  ‘Can I get you anything?’ Eliza bustled into the room. ‘Some tea perhaps?’

  ‘No! No, thank you.’ Maude almost groaned out loud again. ‘I think it was that old sugar that did for me in the first place. Honestly, I couldn’t face another cup today. I ... I just need to rest.’

  ‘Very well, I’ll leave you to it then. Oh, and just so you know, Lord Hexham is taking the child riding and I thought I’d better go along, just to be on the safe side.’

  ‘Right. Thank you. Is Cousin Thomas going with you?’

  ‘No, he said he’d had enough of riding for a while, having travelled for days to get here. Just as well. He’s not exactly scintillating company, is he?’ Eliza laughed.

  Maude had to admit she was right. Cousin Thomas, while polite enough, did have a tendency to bore on about subjects such as farming, which didn’t interest the ladies at all.

  Maude frowned at the door as it shut behind Eliza. She was sure Anna would have been perfectly safe with just Luke and Stetson, but she was too tired to argue. She refused to acknowledge even to herself that the thought of Eliza and Luke riding together bothered her. There was no reason why it should, after all.

  Luke hadn’t bargained on bringing Eliza along for the riding lesson with Anna, but for once, she proved to be excellent company. She didn’t complain about her horse a single time and kept regaling him with stories of some of the stupid things his neighbours had done while he’d been away. He found her amusing and witty, if a tad sarcastic.

  In the autumn sunshine, her hazel eyes sparkled and their emerald flecks were more noticeable, perhaps brought out by the bottle green of what looked to be a brand new riding habit in the military style, complete with a matching hat that sat at a jaunty angle on top of her curls. Her pale complexion didn’t seem as insipid either, especially with a becoming flush on each cheek from the exercise. Luke found himself enj
oying her company for the first time.

  ‘How long have you been a widow, if you don’t mind me asking?’ he said.

  ‘Just over a year now,’ she replied, her expression unreadable. She turned to him, her eyes wide. ‘I won’t pretend with you, my lord, for I feel we are old friends. I’ve not mourned my late husband unduly. Ours was a marriage of convenience, at least on my part, and we both got what we wanted out of it, no more, no less. I’m sorry if that sounds callous, but it is the way of the world, is it not?’

  Luke nodded. Eliza wasn’t the first girl to marry an older man in order to gain a fortune and position in society, so how could he blame her for that? He had guessed from Maude’s remarks that Eliza must have been left well provided for, which was as it should be. It would have been a shame if her sacrifice had been for nothing.

  He smiled at her. ‘But now you are free to choose another more suitable companion for yourself.’ It wasn’t until the words were out of his mouth that he realised it sounded as though he was flirting with her.

  She sent him a coy glance, confirming that she’d noticed this as well. ‘Indeed, my lord,’ she said. ‘That is my intention.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Between you and me, what I’d really like is to be as in love as Maude was.’ She sent him an apologetic glance. ‘I remember she was smitten with you at first, but I believe your cousin turned out to be the love of her life. She was simply devastated when he died. Such bad luck.’

  Luke felt as if someone had rammed him with a knife, but he kept his expression neutral. ‘I see. And was it reciprocated, this love?’

  Eliza laughed. ‘Hardly, especially considering how he died ...’

  ‘And how exactly was that? No one seems to want to enlighten me.’ He’d asked the solicitor, but the man had only muttered something unintelligible which sounded like ‘some things are best forgotten’.

  ‘I’m sorry, but that’s not for me to tell you. It may only be rumours in any case, and I’d hate to be the one to spread gossip.’