‘Hence the need for Cooper’s brothers to move in with the newlyweds. Not only would they live at Miranda’s expense but she would also come to lean upon Matthew and Theo.’
‘Making marriage to one of them the inevitable step.’ Flora nodded. ‘Unfortunately for them, with the onset of maturity, Miranda has become more independently-minded and would prefer to marry for love.’
‘Which puts her in danger,’ Luke said. ‘If the Coopers cannot get control of her fortune, she will become an inconvenience.’
‘Because Mrs Cooper, as Defoe’s widow, assumes she will inherit in the event of Miranda’s death,’ Flora said, shivering. ‘But then, how can she be so sure? If Defoe decided to leave the bulk of his fortune to his daughter, there must have been a reason for that. Despite the fact that Miranda says Christina kept her father happy, she cannot know that for a certainty. She was a child, her father clearly adored her and would keep his personal travails from her. If, for the sake of argument, he discovered that Christina had entered into an affair with Cooper, it would have destroyed him. But rather than upset Miranda with the scandal of divorce, he took the fatal decision to bide his time. He contented himself with changing the terms of his will, waiting until Miranda made a good marriage and would no longer be affected by his divorce.’
Luke grunted. ‘If you are right then he wouldn’t want Christina to inherit by default, either. But Christina doesn’t know that, so Miranda could be in real danger.’
Flora gasped. ‘We have to help her!’
‘We will. If we are right then the Coopers will have to act quickly now that the family is back in England. They will have seen how comfortable Miranda felt with us last night and how much she enjoyed Charlie’s company. If Matthew proposes and she declines him, she will become a liability. And if that happens then I really do fear for her safety.’
‘She could ask the Coopers to leave her house,’ Flora said in a speculative tone.
‘She could, but Defoe was not expecting to die so precipitously, and named Christina as Miranda’s legal guardian. Until she comes of age, Christina has a duty to live with Miranda, which means Philip does, too. She could insist upon Matthew and Theo making their own way, but with Philip still beneath her roof, the threat would be as real as ever. More so, if she tries to pull rank.’
‘What can we do?’
‘I’ll have Paul find out which lawyers act for Defoe’s estate.’
‘How will that help? They won’t tell you anything.’
‘Oh, don’t underestimate my powers of persuasion, my sweet.’
Flora looked away as she absorbed the full force of the absent endearment.
‘I rather imagine that Christina entered into the marriage with Defoe, confident that she would provide him with a male heir, thereby gaining control of her husband’s fortune in the event of his death.’ Flora blinked as she through the matter through. ‘The child didn’t materialise, and come to think of it, she’s been married to Cooper for four years now too, without issue. Presumably the fault lies with Christina.’
Luke nodded. ‘Presumably so.’
‘Miranda told me that she continues to pay her step-mother’s personal expenses,’ Flora said after a reflective pause. ‘She shows Miranda nothing but affection and harbours no ill-will towards her because she controls the purse strings.’
‘Mrs Cooper is a convincing actress. She understands Miranda’s soft heart and knows she will gain her confidence by befriending her rather than showing hostility and resentment. This is a waiting game,’ Luke said, staring off into the distance. ‘Philip Cooper is the ringleader. He has an ambition that requires an influx of capital and he’s willing to bide his time.’ He tapped his fingers absently against his thigh. ‘I just wish I knew what it is that he’s trying to achieve.’
‘If we are right about Miranda being the key to it all, and given that she’s showing what they will consider to be disturbing signs of knowing her own mind, that waiting is about to come to an end.’
Grim-faced, Luke nodded as he helped Flora to her feet and whistled to Romulus, who appeared to be sound asleep. He instantly jumped up, his tail inevitably wagging, looking revived. Flora smiled and smoothed his head.
‘Miranda is engaged to call upon Emma today. Charlie is intent upon offering her that pretty little mare that he purchased for Mary, but which Mary finds too spirited for her taste.’
Flora grinned. ‘Spirited? I presume that it will be more to Miranda’s taste, then?’
Luke shook his head, looking exasperated. ‘I thought you wanted someone to look out for Miranda’s interests.’
‘Oh, I do. Believe me.’
‘Then, if it doesn’t conflict with your duties perhaps you could exchange a few words with her in private yourself.’
‘Gladly, but why?’
‘She’s in need of a sensible friend to confide in. Emma’s head is too full of weddings, and Mary is too young to grasp the implications. Besides, I would prefer to keep her away from this unpleasantness.’
‘I am glad you think me sensible,’ Flora said, miffed. ‘Although it makes me sound dreadfully dull.’
Luke chuckled. ‘No one admitted to your company could ever accuse you of being dull. Not even dressed in that terrible garment that makes you look like a Quaker.’
‘My father would say that its modesty becomes me.’
‘Your father is a fool!’
‘We have strayed from the point,’ Flora said, unable to contain a smile at Luke’s description of her father. ‘You imagine, I suppose, that having started to ponder about the circumstances surrounding her father’s death, Miranda needs to share her thoughts with someone she can trust.’ She sent Luke a mischievous smile. ‘But wouldn’t Charlie make a better confidante?’
Luke rolled his eyes and shook his head. ‘I would imagine that in your role as matchmaker-in-chief, you would prefer them to spend time alone together to…well, get better acquainted.’
‘Lord Swindon!’ Flora clasped a hand over her breast. ‘I do declare that I am shocked and appalled by your suggestion.’
He threw back his head and laughed. ‘No you’re not, you infuriating minx. You agree with me but cannot bring yourself to make that admission.’
‘Actually, it occurs to me that the best way to help Miranda without frightening her is to encourage Charlie’s interest in her. If he proposes, then even Philip Cooper wouldn’t dare to take the ultimate form of revenge against an earl’s brother’s fiancée.’
Luke’s expression sobered. ‘Don’t make the mistake of underestimating Philip Cooper. There is a savage and ruthless determination about him that truly unnerves me.’
‘I know.’ Flora relived the warnings that Remus had sent her when she first made Cooper’s acquaintance, and that of his brother, Matthew. ‘All the more reason to stop him whilst we can. Anyway, to oblige you I shall go and change into something that doesn’t offend your eye and try to have a few words with Miranda later today.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Shall I take Romulus back to the stables?’
‘No, I think he’s well enough to come into the house.’
Flora grinned. ‘Let’s hope that your rugs survive the experience,’ she said, skipping off ahead of him towards the side door to the house.
*
Miranda adjusted the fall of her new red velvet riding habit.
‘Oh, are you going riding with Matthew?’ Christina asked, putting her head around Miranda’s door.
‘No. Whatever made you suppose that I would be?’
‘Oh nothing. It’s just that he mentioned something about going for a ride this morning, so I assumed…’
Miranda picked up her gloves. ‘Not with me. Besides, he’s probably not even out of bed yet. You know how lazy he is.’
‘Not always. Wait for him if you intend to ride. You need an escort.’
‘Actually, I’m going to Beranger Court.’
Christina frowned. ‘Why? You were there just
last night.’
‘I have to have a fitting for my bridesmaid’s gown.’ Miranda wondered why she felt the need to justify herself when she was at liberty to visit whomsoever she wished without consulting her step-mother.
‘You didn’t mention anything.’
‘Sorry. I didn’t think it would affect your plans. Besides, the earl has a young Arabian mare he wants to sell and which I’m interested in acquiring. Charlie said I could try her out.’
‘I didn’t know you intended to buy a horse. You should let Matthew take you to Tattersall’s if that is the case. You will get a better selection there.’
It was Miranda’s turn to frown. ‘Why is Matthew suddenly being so obliging?’
‘He has always been obliging, and doesn’t mind making himself useful.’
Miranda shrugged, thinking that would be a first. ‘Tell him not to trouble himself. I would prefer to purchase a horse from a person I know and trust.’
Christina frowned. ‘You have become very independent since our return.’
‘Have I?’ Miranda patted an errant curl into place. ‘You make that sound like a bad thing.’
‘Not at all.’ Christina folded her arms and perched on the edge of Miranda’s bed. ‘It’s just that when we were travelling you depended upon the gentlemen’s advice the entire time. Especially Matthew’s.’
‘Did I?’ Why are you pushing Matthew at me? ‘Well if that’s true it would have been because I didn’t know my way around, I expect. It’s different here. This is my home and I feel a good deal more confident in it.’
‘Perhaps, but you cannot gallivant around alone. It’s not seemly.’
‘I am not in the habit of gallivanting anywhere, Christina,’ she replied, an edge to her voice. ‘I shall have Potter drive me to Beranger Court, where I shall be perfectly safe. Pray stop worrying about me. There is absolutely no need.’
Christina opened her mouth, presumably to protest, but she took one look at the set of Miranda’s features and had a change of heart.
‘Philip and Theo are going up to London for a few days.’
‘What for?’
Christina shrugged. ‘Some business matters. I didn’t ask.’
‘Oh.’ Miranda brightened. ‘Now that you mention it, I seem to recall Theo telling me that he has secured an interview with that architect he so admires, which is no mean feat. I will keep my fingers cross for his success,’ she added, thinking but not saying that at least one Cooper male appeared to be willing to work for a living.
‘Yes, quite.’ Christina sounded bored. ‘It will be just Matthew, you and me here until they come back, which leaves me at a loose end. Perhaps I’ll come with you this morning.’
‘Best not. The niceties have to be observed,’ Miranda said gently.
‘What do you mean by that?’
‘You know very well. Tongues are still wagging following your sudden marriage to Philip. Going abroad for two years doesn’t mean that the memories have faded. We were received last night in the foremost house in the district, which is progress of a sort, but don’t assume that will always be the case. Best to wait for another invitation.’ Miranda picked up the cloche hat that went with her riding habit and fitted on her head at a jaunty angle that perfectly matched her mood, securing it in place with a pin. She knew very well why she was feeling so…well, jaunty. She would be seeing Charlie again soon. She was interested in the mare, but she was more interested in riding with Charlie while she tried her out. ‘Anyway, I must be off.’
‘We’ll go into the village this afternoon, if you like. There are one or two shops worth patronising.’
Miranda shook her head. ‘There is nothing that either of us need, Christina,’ she said, wondering who was supposed to be the adult in this relationship. She was also a little weary of Christina simply assuming that Miranda would foot the bill for all the unnecessary items that she deemed so…well, necessary. ‘Find something to do. Read a book, or practise your music. Really, I have never known a person who dislikes her own company quite as much as you do.’ She kissed Christina’s cheek. ‘I will see you later.’
Chapter Eight
‘That beast is incorrigible.’
There was amusement in Charlie’s tone as he gently nudged Romulus with the toe of his boot. He sat in Luke’s library, where the dog had taken up a position on the rug in front of the fire, behaving as though he’d lived in the house for years rather than hours. He’d fallen asleep with his large head resting on his front paws, snoring softly.
‘At least he seems to be house-trained,’ Paul remarked.
‘Which is more than can be said for my brothers,’ Luke added, grinning.
Charlie rolled his eyes. ‘Very droll.’
‘Paul, do you have anything to tell us about the Cooper clan’s murky past yet?’ Luke asked.
‘I live to serve, as always.’ Paul threw himself into a chair and hid a yawn behind his hand. ‘I sent cables last night to a few connections in London and I’m waiting for responses. But in the meantime I had a chat with Barton earlier this morning. He’s the glorified steward come jack of all trades at Ashton Lodge.’
‘It’s not exactly a rambling estate,’ Charlie pointed out. ‘Only a few acres. I think they run some sheep and that’s about it.’
‘Right. Barton’s been there since before Miranda was born and knows just about all these is to know about the family.’ Paul leaned back in his chair and absently rubbed his chin. ‘He was happy to talk to me because he worries about the state of affairs there. Doesn’t have a good word to say for the Coopers, other than the youngest, Theo, whom he described to me as amiable. He called the others freeloaders, or words to that effect.’
‘No arguments there,’ Charlie growled.
‘He reckons Christina was sharp and played it exactly right. She made sure Defoe noticed her, then pretended not to have any interest in him. Defoe was besieged by fortune-hunters once his wife died but eschewed the lot of them. If he hadn’t denied himself the odd tumble, he might actually have been thinking with his brain. Anyway, her tactic worked and he convinced himself that Christina had no interest in his blunt. Barton said he predicted the outcome the moment he first saw them together. Defoe was totally besotted, and made a bit of a fool of himself over her.’
‘Any truth in the rumours of an affair with Cooper while Defoe was still alive?’ Luke asked.
‘Barton grunted when I asked him that question. Says he called at the house a couple of times as a guest. Of course, Barton don’t know what went on behind closed doors but talk in the servants’ hall was that Christina was different person around Philip. She could hoodwink Defoe, but servants don’t miss much.’
‘Which rather supports the conclusions Flora and I reached earlier.’ Luke explained their thinking. ‘Find out which lawyer administers the Defoe estate please, Paul. With good fortune it will be someone we’re acquainted with who will tell us, off the record, why Defoe arranged his affairs in the way that he did. It’s worth a try.’
‘Very well.’
‘Did you find out anything about the Cooper family’s circumstances?’ Luke repeated his earlier question.
‘Middle-class. That’s all I can tell you at this point. Their father did have an export business. Barton had heard mention of Cooper Enterprises. Very tight-lipped about their origins, by all accounts. But my contacts in London will find out whatever there is to know.’
‘The warehouses around the docks would be a good place to ask questions, since you have a name of the company,’ Luke said. ‘That or Companies House, of course.’
‘You think Miranda is in danger?’ Charlie asked, an edge to his voice.
‘I hope not, but you have to admit that last night’s attitude of indifference displayed by the Coopers seems damned suspicious. Chat with Miranda while you show her the mare, Charlie, but don’t say anything to make her worry or act anything other than naturally in front of the Coopers and her step-mother.’
‘I migh
t be able to find out from her who protects her legal interests.’
‘Don’t frighten her.’
‘Something tells me that she has more backbone than we give her credit for,’ Charlie replied. ‘We’re still thinking of her as the confused child who left these shores two years ago, apparently under the control of her step-mother. But she’s grown up in all respects in the interim. I didn’t speak to her for long, not privately, but I sense that now she’s back home she’s more than willing to stand up for herself.’
‘You think she knows the Coopers are exploiting her good nature?’ Paul asked.
‘She ain’t stupid, but is perhaps a little too good-natured, which might lead the Coopers to underestimate her.’
‘Her father was no fool,’ Luke pointed out. ‘At least, not until Christina got her claws into him.’
‘But if you and Flora are right and he became aware that he’d been cuckolded, at least he took the ultimate form of revenge.’
Charlie scowled. ‘Leaving his young daughter to fend off her avaricious step-mother and her new connections.’
‘She’s here,’ Paul said, nodding towards the window that overlooked the front drive.
All three men stood and watched as Miranda alighted from her carriage. Charlie thought she looked very elegant in a red velvet habit. Definitely all grown up, he thought, suppressing an appreciative chuckle. She glanced towards the library windows, as though she sensed Charlie watching her. Without pausing, she then climbed the steps to the front door, where Woodley admitted her to the house.
‘I’ll give her half an hour with Emma, then go and remind her about the mare,’ Charlie said.
Luke chuckled. ‘Judging by her attire, she hasn’t forgotten that engagement.’
*
Flora had been dismissed by the dowager countess, who was feeling under the weather but refused to allow a doctor to be called to attend her.
‘Damned quacks and their modern ways,’ she complained. ‘As likely to kill a body as to make it better.’
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