Highwayman's Hazard

by Marina Oliver

  'Robert! What on earth are you doing here? I thought you were not due home for weeks yet?' she exclaimed, and took an unwary step forward.

  As the young man who had followed Mr Middlewick into the room came towards her, his arms outstretched, she put her weight onto her injured ankle and with a gasp of pain would have fallen had he not been right in front of her. He clasped her to him, laughing, and then dropped a kiss on her head as it rested against his chest, while she bit her lip to avoid weeping from the agony that had shot up her leg from the ankle.

  'Sarah Coombes, you are the same as you always were! I said to Mother when I arrived at The Hermitage you would be found safe and well with Clarinda, wherever she was. Do you not realise the trouble you have caused? She would have it you had been abducted by some fortune hunter, and as soon as Mr Middlewick discovered where his daughter was insisted I accompanied him here to escort you home.'

  *

  Chapter 9

  The whole episode of Clarinda's visit to Sir Gilbert Woodford's house, a visit which appeared after all to have been rather less than a forcible abduction, and her own desperate ride in pursuit followed by the night in the cave, seemed to Sarah a few days later nothing but a dream. Only the slight remaining weakness in her ankle, which prevented her from taking her usual walks or dancing at parties, made her believe it had really happened.

  After the sudden arrival of Clarinda's father and Robert, the day had taken on a nightmarish quality. Sir Charles, after making polite conversation for a few moments, abruptly excused himself and Sarah had seen him since only on a few brief occasions. He called to ask how Clarinda was but to Sarah's barely concealed amazement omitted to ask whether her ankle was better. His manner was cold, even towards Clarinda, and Sarah could not understand it. Thinking back over their conversation she concluded he had been trying to explain to her his attitude towards marriage when he was virtually penniless and Clarinda a wealthy heiress. From what he had said she concluded that Clarinda, if she married him, would have to accept life such as the one he could offer in his secluded cottage rather than the one her father's money could provide. She condemned him for wrecking the chance of happiness he and Clarinda might have found while admitting to a reluctant admiration for his principles.

  Clarinda, summoned hastily to greet her father, collapsed into hysterical tears and vowed she would kill herself rather than be forced into marriage with either the horrible old Lord Tarbuck or the detestable, deceitful Sir Gilbert. Sarah took Clarinda back to bed while Mrs Middlewick, returning from her shopping in the midst of this scene, added to the noise and confusion with a blistering attack on her son for his inhuman, unkind treatment of her darling.

  It took some time for Sarah to calm Clarinda, and then the girl explained how she had been tricked into going to Sir Gilbert's house.

  'We met him,' she said slowly, 'and it was clear Louise expected him. The deceitful wretch, I'll never speak to her again! We rode on to Pateley Bridge, and then they said they had to see the river valley a little further on. By that time it was getting late and I wanted to turn back, but Louise said she felt faint from the heat and had to rest a while in the shade. When she felt strong enough to continue the others all said we had best accept Sir Gilbert's offer of beds for the night, since we were so much nearer his house than Harrogate. Louise swore she did not feel well enough to ride all the way back, and said it would be dark before we could reach it. I could not ride home alone, I did not know the way and I was afraid.'

  'I understand. No one blames you, Clarinda.'

  'But Papa has told him he might marry me!'

  'That will depend, I suspect, on Mrs Middlewick. She will not consent,' Sarah said bracingly.

  Whatever Mr Middlewick's intentions were he did not speak of them to Clarinda when they next met at the supper table. Her grandmother privately told her he had been shocked at the manner in which Clarinda had been tricked.

  'He wavers between forcing the fellow to redeem the poor child's honour and having no more to do with a rogue,' Mrs Middlewick said to Sarah the following day.

  'But her honour is not in question,' Sarah replied indignantly. 'There were other ladies present, including Sir Gilbert's elderly aunt, and I presume she could be counted an adequate chaperone. It was unconventional, I will admit, but from what Clarinda says all possible to explain.' Much more decorous and excusable than her own conduct, she thought ruefully, but no one appeared to be giving any thought to that.

  'I have persuaded him not to act hastily, and I am sure he will come round to our point of view.' Mrs Middlewick smiled confidentially. 'Your cousin has persuaded her to ride out with him this morning. He said, and I agree with him, she must behave normally to prevent talk and speculation. A very pleasant and sensible young man, Sir Robert.'

  *

  Clarinda appeared to find his company agreeable, too, and during the next few days rode and walked frequently with Robert. He had a few acquaintances in Harrogate and there were several parties given by them and some of Clarinda's former friends, to most of which Robert escorted the two girls. Louise had vanished, and Jacob reported her mother had left their hotel the same day as the fateful expedition, taking with her all their possessions. This strengthened Sarah's belief more had been planned than had yet been revealed, and she knew her ride had been necessary. She waited uneasily for another move, certain Sir Gilbert would not be content to see a fortune slip from his grasp.

  Sir Gilbert reappeared in Harrogate two days after Clarinda's return, and called to express his regrets at the unfortunate delay and enquire how Clarinda was. She made excuses to avoid him and fortunately her father had been out, so he was received by a curt, unfriendly Mrs Middlewick. They could not avoid him in public, however, and Clarinda had to endure his compliments.

  Sarah's own position had not been mentioned as yet. To their friends she remained Miss Smith, and Robert was introduced as her cousin. He said nothing to her about returning to The Hermitage and appeared content to remain where he was for the moment, acting as escort to the girls. And a watchdog, Sarah thought in some amusement, realising that whenever Clarinda went out without the escort of her father, Robert insisted on accompanying her. Did he expect another attempt to entice or abduct her away?

  Sarah was more concerned over the coolness displayed by Sir Charles. She had been shocked when she first heard the story of how he had been cheated of his inheritance by the foolishness of his brother, and was now prepared to believe any villainy ascribed to Sir Gilbert, but the only way to restore Forleys to him would be for him to marry Clarinda. Now, however, he was keeping at a distance and seemed to say he would not marry her because she had money.

  At two parties where Sir Charles met them he was no more than polite, asking after their health and then spending his time with other people, and when there was dancing he had not asked anyone to dance, but spent his time in the room set aside for card players. Sarah, compelled to sit out by her still weak ankle, amused herself watching the dancers, and she was suddenly struck by the shy but happy expression on Clarinda's face.

  Clarinda had been wary and anxious since her father's arrival but now, dancing with Robert, she looked at ease and her eyes glowed as she looked up at him, laughing softly as he made some remark. Sarah watched the couple and saw that even when Clarinda danced with someone else, her eyes followed Robert for most of the time and she made only abstracted replies to the attempts of her partners at conversation.

  'Your – er – cousins, appear to have considerable interest in one another,' a quiet voice sneered.

  She swung round to find Sir Gilbert standing just behind her chair.

  'Clarinda appreciates gentlemen!' Sarah snapped.

  'As I appreciate ladies, Miss Coombes,' he said softly and Sarah frowned. Obviously he knew her real name, but she wished to be spared the inevitable comment and explanation if her acquaintances heard it. Yet she would not ask this villain to respect her secret.

  'Where has Mrs Erskine vanished
to?' she asked him sharply. 'Does she remain at your house, or has she retreated to her own?'

  'The charming Louise? She will return soon, no doubt. I think she found Harrogate too slow for her tastes. She has most probably gone to London. Do you plan to return to The Hermitage soon, or have you still more disguises to adopt? Which is the real Sarah? The elegant young man, the poor relation of a lodging housekeeper, or the heiress?'

  'You are impertinent,' she retorted, and rose to move away, followed by soft mocking laughter.

  *

  His first words remained with her, however. Robert and Clarinda did seem more than usually interested in one another. If Robert was attracted to her that would explain his solicitous care of her, which was more than mere polite helpfulness. Although it ruined the hopes of Sir Charles it would be most satisfactory to Mr Middlewick, for both young men had old titles without fortune. There was little to choose in that respect.

  It was the next day, when she was testing her ankle with a short stroll on the common, before she stopped to consider her own possible marriage to Robert would not take place if he did love Clarinda. She shrugged. Aunt Nell would no doubt be disappointed, but Sarah herself had no feelings on the matter. Considering her cousin dispassionately she came to the conclusion that while she found him pleasant enough company, and agreeable, she could not find a future life with him attractive. She puzzled over her instinctive distaste for what that would be, and came to the conclusion it would be too placid. Until she and Clarinda had run away and been captured by a highwayman life had been calm and uneventful, and she knew she could not endure to spend the rest of her life so unexcitingly.

  Unbidden a vision of riding out at dusk with Sir Charles came into her mind, and she sighed. Resentful as she had been at the time it had been exhilarating, more so than strolling on the common.

  'I am thinking I would prefer to be an outlaw!' she exclaimed in amused annoyance, as she turned to retrace her steps towards the house.

  'I beg your pardon, did you speak to me?'

  It was Sir Charles, suddenly appearing behind her.

  'Speak to you? No, I – ' she recalled what she had been saying and grinned at herself. 'I was talking to myself, thinking how tedious life was,' she explained.

  He looked at her sombrely. 'Is that why you have been masquerading as Mrs Middlewick's poor niece?' he asked curtly. 'It must be interesting for a spoilt little heiress to see what life is like for those who have to earn their living.'

  Sarah was so taken aback by this attack she stared at him speechlessly for a few moments. Then she took a deep breath and spoke.

  'What point would there have been in advertising my presence here?' she demanded angrily. 'My Aunt Nell would have come to hear of it, no doubt, and would have ordered me to return home. That would have been of no help to Clarinda, who needed my support! Besides, I have enjoyed it here. It has been so different from The Hermitage.'

  'You are heartless. You have enjoyed fooling us,' he replied with what was almost a sneer. 'It was most fortunate I discovered your duplicity in time.'

  'In time? In time for what?' she asked, bewildered.

  'Spare me your innocent protestations, I beg. Do you deny it amused you to see whether you could not induce some deluded fool to offer for you, thinking you poor, and then you could reward his disinterested love with your fortune? It is, I hear, even more than Clarinda can expect, and it is already your own. Did you really think an honourable man would take it unless he could match it with his?'

  Sarah shook her head in disbelief.

  'I had no such desire,' she said angrily. 'What has given you this mad idea?'

  'Your own words,' he answered bitterly. 'You scorned to accept what a man could offer you, arguing he should be content to live on your money. Talking about Clarinda no doubt seemed very clever, but I fortunately discovered my mistake before I had committed myself to an even greater one!'

  Sarah's head was reeling.

  'What are you saying?' she demanded. 'What has my money to do with anything? When I spoke of Clarinda's fortune I meant that you – '

  'Go on,' he ordered swiftly, an arrested look in his eyes.

  'I thought you were interested in her, wished to offer for her, and refrained from delicacy,' she said in a low voice. 'I know how you lost Forleys, and that it is none of your doing you have no fortune, and it seemed an ideal solution. I did not wish Clarinda to be made unhappy through your false pride!'

  'From what I have seen Clarinda has not given me a thought since Sir Robert appeared,' he said bitingly. 'You cannot suspect she would languish from despair if I made her no offer?'

  'No,' Sarah had to admit. 'Not since Robert arrived, but before then she was fond of you.'

  'She was terrified of me at first,' he pointed out.

  'Well, what did you expect?' Sarah exclaimed, exasperated. 'No gently bred female would relish being taken prisoner by a villain!'

  'You did not appear to suffer,' he retorted.

  'Then I cannot be a gently bred female! But Clarinda is, and she was somewhat afraid of you to begin with. When she came to know you here she began to trust you.'

  'I am tired of talking about Clarinda,' he said to Sarah's surprise. 'Can you not speak for yourself?'

  'For myself? What have I to do with any of this? What is it to you if I am rich?'

  He stared at her grimly.

  'You are still pretending, and it does not become you. Thank goodness I discovered it in time, before I offered to share my small cottage and what I can come by in an adventurous, but I swear honest, manner. How pleased you would have been to cast your wealth at my feet, making me for ever an unwilling pensioner of my wife! Well, Miss Coombes, I was spared that humiliation. I wish you good day.'

  *

  He swung on his heel and strode away across the common in the direction of Tewit's Well, while Sarah stared after him. When he had been talking to her the day after their return to Harrogate he had been on the verge of offering for her. She could not believe the words he had spoken until she began to think back over many things he had said, and to re-examine them in the light of what he had just told her.

  His remarks about not living on a wife's money could, she admitted, have been leading up to an offer to someone he thought as poor as himself. Even his anger when he had found her on the way to Sir Gilbert's house could have been anxiety on her behalf, not that of Clarinda. And certainly his anger now could be explained by his suspicions she had deliberately deceived him.

  Sarah had never considered herself in any way a rival to her pretty friend, but the realisation which now swept over her that Sir Charles preferred her, and had actually been on the point of declaring his love, caused a wave of happiness and delight which left her breathless. Sir Charles loved her! Now she realised why she had been feeling restless and vaguely discontented, why she rebelled against the prospect of a placid life with Robert or Aunt Nell. Adventure with Sir Charles would bring her utter bliss.

  Then she suddenly went cold and began to tremble. He had gone. He had not expressed his love, only what might have been. The dream of happiness such as she had never before believed might be hers had vanished before it had even been perceived. He had discarded her before she had even known she loved him. She had no doubt she loved him. Suddenly all the feelings she had ever had about him came together in one clear picture.

  'Why did I not realise before it was too late?' she whispered to herself. 'What can I do?'

  She looked about, but Sir Charles had disappeared while she had been standing rooted to the spot, considering the overwhelming discovery she had made. She began to walk slowly back towards the house, her mind once more functioning with thoughts rather than feelings, and through the despair of knowing her love had been realised too late, and rejected, she began to plan ways of demonstrating to Sir Charles his mistake about her intentions when she had not told everyone of her own wealth, and regaining his love. She would make over her own fortune to Robert and go to him w
ithout anything if that was what he wanted.

  So resolved she quickened her pace, and could not restrain her impatience until that evening, when they were to attend a large party at one of the hotels. Sir Charles was bound to be there and she would force him to listen to her.

  She dressed with especial care in a gown of apple green satin, threaded with darker green velvet ribbons and with a wider skirt than she normally wore. Her eyes shone brilliantly and her cheeks were flushed with determination, although inwardly she trembled at the dreadful possibility Sir Charles would not listen to her.

  'A delightful picture you make,' Sir Gilbert said as she arrived with Clarinda and Robert. Mr Middlewick had also been invited and he nodded curtly to Sir Gilbert, turning away almost immediately to speak with an elderly acquaintance. Sarah saw Sir Gilbert purse his lips and shoot a venomous glance at Robert, and she smiled to herself. Clearly he was no longer in Mr Middlewick's favour and Clarinda had little to fear from his pretensions.

  *

  Sarah danced and talked, but heard little of what was said and moved mechanically through the figures of the dances.

  'You are expecting someone?' Captain Gregory asked when she ignored what he had been saying and turned to inspect a group of newcomers just entering the ballroom.

  'I wondered where Sir Charles Orde was,' she replied as carelessly as possible. 'He told Clarinda he would be here early, but I have not seen him,' she improvised hurriedly.

  'I saw him leaving Harrogate, going towards York,' the Captain replied.

  Sarah suppressed her dismay.

  'How long ago was that?' she asked as casually as she could.

  'Only an hour or so. It did not look as though he merely made a visit. His saddlebags were full.'

  'Then I imagine he has been called away suddenly,' she shrugged. 'Does Mrs Erskine intend to return soon?'

  'I have not heard. I doubt it. Louise never remains for long in one place.'