Never Too Late

by Christina Courtenay

  ‘What a good idea, my lord,’ Maude heard the squire’s wife saying to Luke. ‘Haven’t been to Hope Spring for ages. Now, have you met my daughter Catherine? She’s been hoping to make your acquaintance ever since you returned.’

  ‘Mama!’ Catherine was just about to have her first season and blushed a lot, Maude noticed. The girl was pretty enough, with big brown eyes and chestnut curls, but next to Luke she looked impossibly young. Although perhaps that was what he’d be wanting in a wife, someone young and malleable? The thought made her heart contract painfully. She felt jealousy cut through her like a vicious knife, but she had no right to feel that way. What he did was his business.

  She really didn’t want him to get married yet though, she admitted to herself. There was no way she’d be able to stand watching Luke and his new wife making doe-eyes at each other. Besides, she’d find it hard to relinquish the reins of running the household to some chit barely out of the school room. Or what if he fell for Eliza’s charms? The woman had been flirting outrageously since she arrived and it was obvious to Maude at least that she’d be very happy to become the new Lady Hexham. A sudden wave of agony washed over her as an image of Luke and Eliza together entered her mind, but she banished it immediately. Either way, if she stayed on as Luke’s housekeeper she’d have to take orders from his future wife, which would be impossible. No, she’d have to leave.

  He had to marry in order to beget an heir. She knew that. If only Joseph had lived or they’d had another son. But Edward’s brutish behaviour had seen to it that she’d suffered two miscarriages in a row and later, with Edward away all the time, there had been no chance of another child. He’d become obsessed with some woman in London and left Maude alone, for which she’d been supremely thankful ... But she wouldn’t think about that now. Edward was gone, he couldn’t hurt her any longer, and nor could she change the past. She had to accept the present, however difficult that might be.

  They set off in open carriages, with everyone chatting and laughing. Even Cousin Thomas joined in and was seen to smile occasionally. Hope Spring was only an hour away and the servants soon had rugs spread out and a meal organised. To Maude’s relief, everyone had agreed to bring their own food, which saved her from having to explain the straightened circumstances of Hexham Hall.

  ‘I say, he’s still a nice-looking young man, isn’t he?’ The squire’s wife, Lady Sutton, plumped down beside Maude and nodded in Luke’s direction. Maude followed her gaze and saw that Luke was surrounded by three young ladies, all hanging on his every word. He looked to be enjoying himself enormously, although he kindly included Thomas in the conversation since he was sitting nearby.

  ‘Yes, indeed,’ she replied. What else could she say after all? There was no man in the world as handsome as Luke, in Maude’s opinion, but of course she couldn’t tell Lady Sutton that. ‘He’s a lot like my late husband in that respect,’ she added, just in case the woman had thought to make any snide comments about the past. And it was true. Edward had been handsome too, although he never equalled his cousin.

  ‘Hmph. Well, I’m glad to see he’s not high in the instep. You never know what inheriting a title can do to a man. Some of them become insufferable.’

  Maude smiled. ‘Oh, you need have no fears on that score.’

  At that moment, Anna came hurtling over and threw herself at Luke. He managed to catch her without overbalancing, and lifted her high into the air. Maude almost thought that he looked relieved to see her, but that couldn’t be right. The child had interrupted his conversation with three lovely young women and most men would have been annoyed. She was very grateful that he wasn’t, or at least that he didn’t say so.

  ‘He seems to get on well with your little girl,’ Lady Sutton commented.

  ‘Yes, he’s very patient with her. He’s been teaching her to ride and bought a pony for that purpose. That was extremely kind of him.’

  Lady Sutton threw her a glance which Maude couldn’t quite interpret. ‘Did he now? Yes, very nice of him, to be sure.’

  Another lady joined them on the rug. Lady Wallace, the wife of the only other titled gentleman in the neighbourhood. She was some years older than Maude, but they had always got on very well. ‘Maude, this was a wonderful idea. I was just saying to Henry yesterday that if I didn’t get out of the house soon, I’d go mad.’

  Maude smiled. ‘Well, you could always come and visit us, you know.’

  ‘Well, yes, but ...’ Lady Wallace lowered her voice, ‘... one doesn’t like to impose and the new Lord Hexham hasn’t called on Henry yet, so we weren’t sure you were receiving anyone.’

  ‘He’s been rather busy with trying to sort out estate matters,’ Maude said. ‘It’s all new to him, since he’d never expected to inherit, you know. Lots to learn.’

  ‘Of course, of course. Henry said to give him time. But what do you think – I really want to give a ball, would you all come if I were to organise it for next week? Oh, and you too, of course, Lady Sutton.’

  ‘I can’t answer for his lordship,’ Maude said, ‘but you can certainly ask. Perhaps now that he’s met you all again he’ll be eager to venture out more.’ She didn’t add that for herself, she couldn’t possibly go. It would be easier to decline in writing.

  Lady Wallace beamed. ‘Then I will. We haven’t had a ball in ages, it will be such fun. I’ll send out the invitations as soon as possible.’

  It was a tired, but happy group that made their way home after the picnic. Eliza had elected to travel back with Lady Sutton, since they were in the middle of a very important conversation, which left only Maude and Anna in the open carriage. Luke and Thomas rode next to them, with Thomas actually smiling.

  ‘Thank you for organising such an enjoyable outing, Lady Hexham,’ he said to Maude. ‘I don’t have much opportunity to socialise at home.’

  ‘Oh, and why is that?’

  ‘Well, I live with my mother and she hardly ever goes out these days.’ A shadow crossed his features. ‘She doesn’t like me to leave her side too often, it makes her nervous when I’m not around. So of course, it’s my duty to stay with her.’

  Maude was surprised at his words and felt very sorry for him. He was obviously a young man who took his filial duties very seriously. It also explained why he seemed so reluctant to leave. He obviously didn’t have a very exciting life to return to. ‘She must be very worried now then?’

  ‘Indeed, but she knew it was only right and proper that I should pay my respects to the new head of the family. I arranged for a friend of hers to stay with her until such time as I return.’

  He seemed so sincere, Maude almost felt ashamed for suspecting him of only visiting in order to see what his future inheritance might be. She was also sorry she hadn’t asked him about his circumstances before. She was just about to question him further, when suddenly one of the carriage horses neighed loudly and took off as if all the hounds of hell were after it. The second one had no choice but to tag along and despite the coachman’s best efforts, both horses bolted.

  The Hexham carriage had been in the lead, so unfortunately there was no one in front of them to impede their progress. Anna screamed and Maude put one arm around her daughter, while holding onto the side of the carriage with the other hand. She was frozen by fear, staring at the roadsides rushing by them at an alarming speed while they were being bounced around in their seat. At one point a wheel hit a large stone and the carriage made a creaking noise as it landed again afterwards. Maude swallowed hard and began to pray.

  Please, dear God, don’t let anything happen to Anna. Please, save her!

  She tried to shield Anna with her own body, in case there should be a crash, and at first she barely heard the voice that called out to her. ‘Maude. Maude! Hand her to me. Now!’

  She looked up and realised that Luke was galloping alongside the carriage, endangering his own life since he was perilously close to the bushes. He stretched out one arm, however, and she understood immediately what he was tryin
g to do. She looked into his eyes and knew that she trusted him. Without hesitation, she lifted Anna and pushed her towards him.

  He put his arm around the little girl’s waist and managed to scoop her up and onto the horse in front of him. ‘Hold on!’ he called out to Maude, before slowing down. Maude turned her head to see him hand Anna safely to Thomas before setting off after the carriage once more. She breathed a sigh of relief. At least Anna was unhurt and perhaps soon he’d manage to halt the runaway horses as well. In the next instant, however, she heard the coachman cry out and then the carriage hit a bump. There was a sickening crunch, the carriage slewed sideways and was dragged along the ditch for a few yards, before hitting something solid.

  Maude tried to hold on, but was conscious of sailing through the air before landing hard. Then the world went black.

  ‘Maude? Maude, can you hear me?’

  Maude heard someone groan and realised belatedly that the noise was coming from her own throat. She felt a cool hand on her brow and her eyelids fluttered open.

  ‘What happened?’ she croaked. Her mouth seemed to be filled with dust and she had trouble getting the words out.

  ‘You’ve had an accident and hit your head, but you’ll be fine. Just stay still, we’ll soon have you home.’ Luke’s voice was soothing as if he was talking to a small child and Maude allowed herself to be reassured. She remembered that he’d saved Anna, so there was nothing to worry about.

  ‘The coachman? And the horses?’ she whispered, recalling their terrified whinnying.

  ‘They’re all fine. The coachman is unhurt and he’s just calming the horses down now. There’s barely a scratch on them because the carriage broke loose.’

  ‘Oh, good.’ Maude closed her eyes again.

  She felt herself being lifted and placed on something soft, then heard Lady Sutton giving orders. ‘Place the cushion there. No, not like that, here! That’s better. Now don’t you worry, Lady Hexham, we’ll drive slowly so as to spare your poor head the jolting. And keep your wrist still. It looks a bit swollen.’

  Maude must have dozed off, because it seemed no time at all before Lady Sutton’s carriage was stopping before the front door of Hexham Hall. As Maude opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Anna sitting in the saddle in front of Luke. The little girl’s eyes were huge and it was clear that she’d had a fright, but Luke had one arm firmly around her waist and when he whispered something in her ear, she managed a smile.

  Donne and the other servants came rushing out to help, but it was Luke who picked Maude up and carried her indoors. Eliza followed, with Thomas and Anna trailing behind.

  ‘I’m sure I could walk,’ Maude protested, Luke’s nearness making her feel even weaker than she had before. She could smell the clean scent of him and memories of being held by him long ago came rushing back, almost choking her in their intensity.

  ‘Nonsense,’ he replied. ‘I’m fairly sure you won’t be going anywhere for at least a few days. I’d bet my last groat that you’re suffering from concussion and your wrist isn’t looking good either. Sprained no doubt.’

  This turned out to be the case and Maude was ordered to stay in bed to rest. A doctor came to bandage her head and her arm and told her sternly to stay put or he ‘wouldn’t be responsible for the consequences’.

  ‘I seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time in my room at the moment,’ she complained to Eliza, who again took it upon herself to look after Maude. ‘I’m not much use as a housekeeper, am I?’

  ‘It’s hardly your fault,’ Eliza answered. ‘I’m sure his lordship won’t hold it against you.’

  There was a waspish tone to Eliza’s voice which Maude didn’t quite understand, but she was too tired to think about it. She just wanted to sleep.

  ‘Should you be up and about already?’ Luke frowned at Maude as she entered the breakfast room a few days after the accident. Her face was pale as newly fallen snow and there were dark smudges under her eyes, but she looked, if possible, even more beautiful. He looked away and tried to ignore the bolt of longing that shot through him.

  ‘Yes, the doctor says I’m fine now, thank you,’ she replied. ‘My wrist is still a bit sore, but as it’s the left one, it doesn’t matter much.’

  She helped herself to some breakfast, but Luke noticed that she didn’t eat much. Anna, on the other hand, was wolfing down toast, eggs, kippers and bacon as if there was no tomorrow.

  ‘Whoa, whoa, slow down, young lady,’ he said to her. ‘What’s the rush? Is the house on fire?’

  ‘Jeffries said there are kittens in the stable and I could come and see them after breakfast. Cook is coming too because she’s going to choose a new one for the kitchen. Too many mice in the pantry.’

  Luke smiled. ‘Well, I’m sure they’ll still be there even if you take two extra minutes to chew your food.’

  Eliza entered the room with Thomas in tow and just as they sat down, Donne brought the day’s post. Luke opened his in desultory fashion, ignoring several invitations to dinners and soirees. Despite having met the neighbours now, he didn’t have much inclination to socialise. When he came to the last one, however, he paused and read it through again.

  ‘It would seem we are all invited to a ball at Sir Henry and Lady Wallace’s,’ he said without much enthusiasm. ‘If I’m deciphering this scrawl correctly, Lady Wallace seems to think that we’ve already agreed to come. Is that so?’ He looked at Maude, who frowned.

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but she did mention it at the picnic. I only remember saying it was a nice idea.’ She glanced at Luke. ‘You can always decline, my lord, although the Wallace’s are famous for their balls. Invitations are much sought after.’

  ‘Then we must all go, I suppose.’

  ‘Oh, wonderful!’ Eliza smiled. ‘I shall be able to wear my new rose-coloured taffeta and I have a Norwich shawl which will match it perfectly.’

  ‘Thomas, will you come?’ Luke asked, ignoring Eliza’s talk of gowns. Ladies’ fashions interested him not at all.

  ‘Yes, of course, it will be my pleasure.’

  ‘You’ll have to excuse me, I’m afraid,’ Maude put in. ‘I really don’t think it’s the done thing to invite someone’s housekeeper.’ She stood up, abandoning her breakfast half eaten. ‘And now I’d better see to some of my duties.’

  Luke opened his mouth to protest, but she was gone before he could utter so much as a word. He scowled and fixed Eliza with a glare. ‘That’s ridiculous. You must persuade her to come, Mrs Gascombe. She went to the picnic after all, despite being in my employment.’

  Eliza shrugged. ‘I doubt I can sway her. Besides, it’s a convenient excuse, isn’t it?’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘She has nothing suitable to wear for such an occasion. Maude hasn’t had any new clothes in years. In fact, I can’t recall the last time she attended a party of any kind.’

  Eliza said this as if it was common knowledge, which annoyed Luke. He hadn’t noticed what Maude wore because he was usually too busy looking at her lovely face. ‘That can’t be true. You ladies are forever buying things or altering old gowns.’

  ‘That just shows how much gentlemen notice.’ Eliza shook her head mockingly. ‘Maude has already done the best she can. Trust me, there won’t be anything worth altering in her wardrobe.’

  ‘We’ll see about that,’ Luke muttered. He had a feeling this was just another excuse not to spend time in his company and it annoyed him no end. She wouldn’t get away with it because he was determined she was going to this ball. At least then he’d be able to ask her to dance so that he could legitimately hold her in his arms again. Even if it was only for a short while.

  Chapter Seven

  The knock on Maude’s bedroom door was peremptory and she hurried to open it. When she found Luke outside, however, she frowned. ‘My lord? Is there something wrong?’ A thought struck her. ‘It’s not Anna, is it? Is she hurt?’

  ‘No, everything is fine and as far as I kno
w, nothing’s happened to Anna.’ To Maude’s surprise, Luke swept past her and headed across her room to the wardrobe. Before she had time to protest at this intrusion, he flung open both doors and started to rifle through the contents.

  ‘My lord, do you mind? You can’t just barge in here and go through my possessions like that. What are you looking for?’

  ‘A gown.’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’ Maude was seriously confused now and was beginning to wonder if he’d lost his senses. ‘What would you need a gown for?’

  ‘You.’ Luke finished his evaluation of her clothes and turned to look at her. ‘So Eliza was right. You really don’t have anything to wear.’

  ‘What nonsense is this? I have plenty of clothes, thank you very much. Or are you saying you find fault with the way I dress?’ Maude put her hands on her hips, becoming angry now. She had no idea what had got into him and he wasn’t making sense.

  ‘Not in general, no, but I want you to come to the ball with us and I can see that there’s nothing here that could be made to serve as a ball gown.’

  ‘I told you, I have no wish to go ...’

  ‘Whether you’re acting as my housekeeper or not, you’re still Lady Hexham, and as such, you have every right to attend. How would it look if I was seen to exclude you? People would think it was deuced odd and just imagine the gossip that would give rise to.’

  ‘Well, I ... hadn’t thought of that.’

  ‘No, I wager you hadn’t.’ He strode towards the door. ‘This afternoon we’ll go into the nearest town. There must be a seamstress there capable of making a gown quickly. If we set off directly after lunch, we should have plenty of time, and Anna can come for the ride. She’d like that, wouldn’t she?’

  ‘Yes, of course, but I really don’t want to be beholden to you for a gown. We’ll have to go to the pawn shop first.’