The Wicked and Wonderful Miss Merlin

by Anne Herries

  ‘If you are then I like it,’ he said and laughed. Taking her hand, he drew her to the head of the stairs. ‘We shall go down now and join the others. This is Eleanor’s celebration. Let us make it happy for her.’

  Samantha took his hand and walked down the stairs, out to the courtyard and back to where Eleanor and Toby were dancing, encircled by all their guests who were clapping and watching as they whirled round and round, the fiddlers playing faster and faster. It was darker now and the stars had come out, a pretty sprinkling of dancing light across the velvet sky.

  Robert drew her into the circle and clapped with the others until the dance was finally done, and then everyone was clamouring for drinks again.

  Samantha looked about her, seeing all the happy faces – and then she caught sight of the shadow at the end of the courtyard. The man stood alone, not a part of the company, an intruder in the pretty scene. He was watching them and again she sensed a menace in his stance.

  Robert and Toby were laughing together. Samantha walked towards the shadow, but he saw her and disappeared through the archway. She hesitated, wondering whether to send someone after him, then decided it would spoil the evening. Whoever it was had gone. In another day or so they would be in Bath and he surely would not follow them there.

  She sensed that Robert was safe enough until he returned and was left here alone. Yet perhaps he would not be alone for she would stay here with him, as his wife…

  After the celebration supper the house returned to normal. Now the servants were busy packing trunks and both Eleanor and Samantha kept giving them items to go into their various trunks or bags. At last the morning of departure arrived. Toby was now well enough to drive his own chaise, and Robert was to drive Samantha in his high perch phaeton. She begged him to allow her to drive and after some hesitation he did so when they reached a quite country road. Her driving impressed him and he confessed he had not expected to find her so capable.

  ‘My groom has had some rather exciting journeys when I drive myself,’ she admitted laughing, but that is only when I am in a hurry.’

  ‘You are quite a whip,’ Robert said. ‘Do you have any more talents that I am not aware of – apart from being a witch and an excellent whip?’

  ‘I speak French, Italian, German and Spanish,’ she said. ‘I have studied Greek but found it awkward to use as a language.’

  ‘You put me to shame. I have studied Greek and Latin but speak only French beside English. Tell me, do you play the pianoforte?’

  ‘Not as well as Eleanor. I sing a little, paint, compose poetry and embroider to a reasonable standard.’

  ‘You are a constant surprise to me,’ he said. ‘I think we should do very well together for I could never be bored in your company.’

  ‘How could anyone be bored in your home?’ she asked. ‘When we have so many books, musical instruments, beautiful walks, horses to ride and friends to entertain. Oh, one thing I must have, is a few dogs about the place. I do have a dog at home. I think Samson may be missing me.’

  ‘What kind of dog is he?’

  ‘A golden retriever. Very like one I saw in your stables.’ She raised her brows at him.’ Samson is used to being in the house with me.’

  ‘We must hope that our dogs are compatible,’ he said and smiled. ‘I do not mind well trained dogs in the house – does he behave?’

  ‘Impeccably. He is a gentleman.’

  ‘Then I should welcome him as a friend.’

  ‘I have been thinking of buying another one or two…’

  He glanced at her, amusement in his eyes. ‘Are you testing me, Samantha? I know that you are an independent young woman – and all things are negotiable in a partnership I think.’

  Samantha gurgled with laughter, her eyes alight with mischief. ‘You have seen through me, Robert. I see I cannot get you to rise by such means.’

  ‘I am quite reformed. I do not think I shall ever lose my temper again.’

  ‘Forgive me if I do not quite believe you,’ she said. ‘Nor should I like to think it, for a little quarrel is enervating, do you not agree – and it is always so pleasant to make up afterwards.’

  Their banter was light-hearted and both enjoyed the slight pricking of the other, for neither was a creature of milk and water but rather fire and wind. Samantha was under no illusions. Their relationship would on occasion be tempestuous but also wonderful. Each moment she spent in his company drew her closer to her happiness. She was not impatient to declare it to the world. Sometimes a secret can be delicious and it was that way with her now. She dwelled upon the looks he gave her that filled her with love and made her tingle right down to her toes. Soon the time would come when he placed a ring on her finger and they would tell the world of their love, but this was a special time, a time when they were held in a secret circle of their own that none might share.

  The journey to Bath was delightful for all concerned. Eleanor was glowing and could not contain her happiness. Her birthday was the day after they reached Bath. Robert gave her a diamond necklace to mark the day and signed the contract that would give her ten thousand pounds for her dowry. Toby gave her a pair of diamond earbobs and a magnificent diamond and emerald ring. That evening they visited the theatre and discovered that several of Robert’s friends were also visiting Bath. A stream of gentlemen came to visit their box. Eleanor was congratulated, as was Toby, and they were all invited to a splendid ball and three dinner parties.

  Robert accepted on behalf of them all and announced that he would be giving a supper dance for Eleanor the next week. Her engagement would be officially announced then and they would continue in Bath for ten days after. Toby would then take his fiancée to meet his parents and they would return to his house for a couple of days before Samantha went home.

  ‘You will want to settle things at the school,’ he said when they were talking in private over a last nightcap. ‘You have obligations to parents and teachers, but we shall hold a party at your home and announce our engagement. How long will it take you to find a replacement for your post as head teacher?’

  ‘I have someone in mind to take up the position as assistant head,’ she told him, ‘and I think someone else will stand in for me until she is advanced enough to replace her. However, I shall need another teacher, which may take a few weeks.’

  ‘I had hoped it might be sooner,’ Robert said. ‘I do not wish to wait too long – but I understand that you cannot just abandon your school.’

  ‘No, I cannot not,’ Samantha said. ‘I shall place an advertisement in the London papers at once and by the time I return I may have had a suitable applicant.’

  Robert could only acquiesce, though she knew he was controlling his impatience to claim her as his bride. As yet he had not placed the ring on her finger for they meant to wait until after Eleanor’s dance, but the understanding between them was solid. Their love for each other was in their eyes and in their smiles, and it was no surprise to Samantha when Eleanor spoke to her on the night of her dance.

  ‘I am so glad,’ she said. ‘I hoped it might happen for there is no one I wish to have as my sister more than you, Samantha.’

  ‘You have guessed. I thought you might,’ Samantha said and laughed. ‘We wanted to wait, dearest, because this is your special time.’

  ‘Thank you for being so considerate, but do you not see that this makes it all the more special? I can only say that my happiness is now complete. I should not have wanted to leave Robert alone in that house, but now I know he will have you – and that means he will be happy.’

  ‘We shall all be happy,’ Samantha said. ‘We were going to tell you tomorrow, but Robert will be relieved that you know and are content with his choice.’

  ‘More than content. I could not have chosen better.’

  Samantha kissed her cheek. They went down to the drawing room of the charming house in the crescent that Robert had taken for their visit. He was standing with his back to them but turned as they entered.

&nbs
p; ‘She knows,’ Samantha said. ‘And she is happy for us.’

  ‘Truly?’ Robert asked, his eyes meeting Eleanor’s. He smiled as his sister flew across the room to hug him. ‘Then my happiness is complete, Sister, We shall say nothing until tomorrow, but we shall announce it at a supper party for our closest friends. We will have a dance at home in six weeks time, and marry as soon after that as possible. You and Samantha will be company for each other until your own wedding at Christmas.’

  ‘It is exactly as I would wish,’ Eleanor said. ‘Perhaps we could order our bride clothes together?’

  ‘You will require far more than I,’ Samantha said.

  ‘Yes, for I shall buy you a wardrobe in Paris,’ Robert said and arched his brow as she shook her head. ‘I insist. You shall have everything you deserve, my darling Samantha. It will be my pleasure and you must not deny me.’

  ‘We shall discuss this another time,’ Samantha said and turned as Toby entered the room. ‘Perhaps you should tell Toby our news.’

  ‘You will wish me happy, sir,’ Robert said, extending his hand. ‘Samantha has done me the honour of promising to be my wife.’

  ‘Capital, sir. I told Eleanor it would not be long,’ Toby said and laughed, shaking hands. ‘What excellent news. I know Eleanor will be delighted to have Samantha as her sister.’

  Robert sent for champagne and they toasted each other, then left for the rooms where their dance was to be held.

  Samantha looked round the overflowing rooms. It had been meant to be a small dance, but their circle of friends seemed to have got larger and larger and it was quite a crush. She saw many new acquaintances as well as people she knew to be Robert’s friends, and a few people she herself had invited, who were known to her from her own visit to Bath with her parents some years previously.

  Eleanor began the dancing with Toby and Robert filled in three spaces on Samantha’s card, beginning with the first set of country-dances, a waltz and the dance before supper.

  ‘I shall not be cheated of my share this time,’ he said, popping in yet another waltz.

  To dance with him four times in an evening was to tell the world that they had an understanding. Samantha might as well be wearing his ring and she had no doubt that people would put two and two together, if they had not suspected it before. Indeed, although her card was speedily filled, she noticed that her partners were mostly married gentlemen and lacked eligible bachelors, apart from a couple of Robert’s close friends, who treated her as belonging to him and therefore off limits.

  Samantha did not mind. She was happy to dance with the gentlemen who asked, but even happier when in Robert’s arms. One or two of the ladies with whom she had made friends gave her knowing looks and nods of approval as the evening progressed and she smiled serenely. She had nothing to fear and everything to look forward to so why should she care that everyone knew their secret at last?

  It was just before the supper dance that she found herself standing alone for a moment. Her partner for the last dance had left her and Robert was talking to someone and delayed. She jumped as she heard a voice behind her and turned, looking into the face of Sir Michael.

  ‘So you are to marry him,’ he said. ‘I suspected as much. I wish you joy of him, though I doubt you will find much joy in such a husband.’

  Samantha felt the colour drain from her cheeks and the bubble of happiness that had surrounded her all night popped, leaving her feeling slightly sick.

  ‘Why do you say such a thing to me?’

  ‘He is a cheat, a liar – and he killed a woman,’ Sir Michael said, his eyes narrowed and cold. ‘You do not believe me? Meet me tomorrow at the teashop by the lending library and I will give you proof.’

  ‘There is no proof. You are the liar,’ Samantha said. ‘You hate him and I think it was you that tried to kill him.’ Seeing the menace in his eyes she gasped, then walked by him. She was trembling all over but she controlled her distress as she joined Robert.

  ‘Forgive me, were you waiting?’ he said. ‘We have been invited to the wedding of Major Jackson, Samantha. He is one of my very best friends. I was just wishing him well and telling him of my own plans.’

  Samantha smiled and said all that was necessary, but she was feeling cold all over and could barely keep from shaking when Robert took her hand and led her away to the dance floor.

  ‘Is something wrong?’ he asked. ‘You are not ill?’

  ‘I will tell you later, when we are home. This is not the place.’

  ‘Something – or someone has upset you.’ He frowned. ‘Can you not tell me, dearest?’

  ‘Not here. I think it best if we wait. I do not want to spoil the evening.’

  ‘Very well,’ he said and held her closer. ‘If anyone has hurt or threatened you, I shall kill him.’

  ‘I believe it is you he means to harm,’ Eleanor replied. ‘Please do not press me now, Robert, for I shall not tell you until we are alone. I was shocked and hurt – but I have seen him leave. I shall not be troubled again, and I will not allow him to spoil this special evening.’

  ‘Very well, it shall be as you wish,’ Robert said and smiled at her. ‘I love you, my darling. No matter what others may say or do they cannot part us.’

  ‘No,’ she said and smiled, but she knew that there was one way they could be parted and that was if something happened to Robert.

  She was very much afraid that Sir Michael hated Robert enough to destroy him one way or the other…

  ‘Fenton you say?’ Robert’s right eyebrow arched. ‘I stand accused of being a liar, a cheat – and of having killed a woman?’

  ‘He looked so angry so bitter,’ she said. ‘I do not believe him and I shall not go to meet him, Robert – but I think he hates you.’

  ‘It would seem you are right. I cannot imagine why he should feel that way. I know we have had differences of opinion over the poachers – but who am I supposed to have killed?’

  ‘I do not know. I am supposed to meet him to hear more of his spite but I shall not give him the pleasure. He is an evil man, I feel it, Robert. I sensed something when he came to the house that day – and now I am certain. I think it was he that tried to kill you. He came that day to discover if Toby had any idea of his identity.’

  ‘Yes, you may be right,’ Robert said. ‘Your intuition serves you well, Samantha, I have noticed it before. Yet if he hates me…why should he choose this evening to speak to you in such a way?’

  ‘He cannot bear you to be happy,’ she said. ‘It is the only reason he would speak to me on this special night. He wants to poison my mind against you, to break your heart…’

  ‘Yes, I see your meaning and you may be perfectly right.’ Robert was puzzled. ‘What have I done to him that he should use you against me?’ He took a turn about the room, then came back to her. ‘I can only think it has something to do with Marianne, though I do not understand where she comes in to it. I was harsh to her, I admit that freely, though I cannot see it caused her death…but what was she to him?’

  ‘You said you thought there might be someone else in her life. Your father loved her – enough to quarrel with you and turn him sour when she died. It is possible that another man was also deep in love with her?’

  ‘Fenton loved her?’ Robert nodded. ‘It may have been so, though I had no knowledge of it and he is married. His wife is a Catholic and though they had a civil wedding, she would not divorce him.’

  ‘A tangled web,’ Samantha said. ‘Your father was an older man – could it be that his relationship was not quite what you thought, Robert? Could he have been satisfied with less than an affair…perhaps he just wanted her to fuss over him and kiss him, flatter him…’

  ‘And her lover was Fenton.’ Robert frowned. ‘He could not wed her – and he always coveted my father’s lands. Did he hope to get his bastard on her and take what was mine by false means?’

  ‘We cannot know how far his plans went, but for some reason Marianne thought she would have it all, wou
ld have you rather than either of them. You rebuffed her and in her anger…what did she do?’

  ‘I spoke harshly to her but she would surely not wish either of them to know that she had invited me to her bed and been rebuffed. What could that gain her?’

  ‘Nothing…unless she claimed it was the other way round…that you tried to force her…’

  Robert’s jaw clenched. ‘Yes, that would be sufficient to turn both my father and Fenton – if he loved her – against me. But there must be something more.’

  ‘She became ill of a fever and died,’ Samantha said. ‘Does he blame you for that…feel that in some way you were responsible?’

  ‘How could he?’ Robert looked thoughtful. ‘I wonder…’

  ‘You have thought of something?’

  ‘It sounds ridiculous, but…the day I refused her she ran off in a temper, swearing to be revenged on me. I recall that it came on to rain a few minutes after she left me. She had a mile to walk to reach her home. If she took a chill that day…’ He shook his head. ‘Am I to blame if she took a chill and fell ill?’

  ‘A tortured mind might think so,’ Samantha replied. ‘If she accused you and claimed she was so upset that she wandered for hours in the rain…a man who loved her might make more of her illness, might see it as your fault.’

  ‘Yes, I can see that,’ Robert agreed. ‘I knew that she had turned my father’s mind against me, but I did not realise that she had a third string to her bow.’

  ‘Marianne was ambitious. Who can say that she did not have other lovers? It would not have been beyond her powers to play one against the other to drive them to jealousy and gain some advantage, as she did with your father and perhaps Fenton.’

  ‘This is all conjecture,’ Robert said ‘but I can think of no other reason why he should hate me so much. You must not meet him, Samantha, for there is no telling what he might do, but I shall go in your place. We must have this out, for if he tried to kill me and threatened you…’ He looked grave. ‘This must be settled between us, and soon.’