A Lord In Disguise

by Fenella J Miller

  All this was going to change if she had anything to do with it. The cottages in the village would be repaired, the occupants offered employment and the entire neighbourhood would benefit from the arrival of Mr Trevelyan. She had decided it would be better to think of him always by that name to avoid any possible slips when talking about him to others.

  'I can hear the boys playing in the garden – would you like to find them whilst I speak to Mrs Brown?'

  Her sisters needed no further urging and hurried in the direction of the children's laughter. The front door opened as she arrived and Mrs Brown greeted her with a curtsy.

  'Come in, my dear Miss Bradshaw, your visits are always welcome here.'

  'Thank you, Mrs Brown. I have come with the most excellent news.'

  When Penny left the cottage she had the satisfaction of knowing that not only did they have personal maids for themselves, they had restored the fortunes of the Brown family. The three Brown girls were already packing their meagre belongings and would be setting off for Ravenswood Lodge immediately.

  Mrs Brown was to take the role of housekeeper and the two boys, who were ten and twelve years of age, were to work as stable boys as they preferred to be outside. They would not be needed until Ravenswood itself was ready for occupation.

  After visiting two other residences she had the services of two chambermaids and a valet for Edward. Frobisher had been an orderly for an officer so would be ideal in that position. The fact that he was lame made no difference as he did not have to run about the place as an outdoor man might have to.

  There were no shops in the village, it did not warrant such luxuries, so everything that couldn't be grown or made in the vicinity had to be sent for from Ipswich. She had written a comprehensive list of her requirements and handed it to the coach driver before he left for the stud. Hopefully he would return with what she needed later that day as the town was only five miles from Nettlested and two miles from the stud.

  Mama had risen from her bed of sickness and instead of being ensconced on the daybed as was her want she was bustling about the place like a woman possessed.

  'There you are, Penelope, I cannot tell you how excited I am. I have set Lily and Daisy scrubbing the rooms in the attic so they are ready for the extra staff when they arrive.'

  'I did not expect you to be up, Mama, are you feeling well enough to be rushing about?'

  'I'm perfectly well, thank you my dear. I have left far too much to you over these past years and it is high time that I took control of the household. You should be thinking about a husband for yourself and not be running this establishment or any other for me and your sisters.'

  'I have been happy to do it, and would be bored sitting about the place doing embroidery or reading the latest romantical novel. Mr Trevelyan asked me to take charge of things and it is on that understanding that we are moving to Ravenswood when it is finished.'

  'That was before, things are different now. Before I was unwell, now I am not.'

  Penny was tempted to take her at her word and relinquish control, but she knew her mother would find it all too taxing and return to her indolent ways.

  'In which case, Mama, you must explain it to Mr Trevelyan when he returns. If he agrees then of course, as a dutiful daughter, I shall stand aside and let you take the reins.'

  Her mother looked less enthusiastic. 'Perhaps it would be best if you carried on as he asked you to do it. Just remember that I am ready to help in any way I can.'

  'I am relying on you to instruct the new dressers in their roles when they arrive. They should be here at any moment. Forgive me, Mama, I must go and speak to Cook and arrange for two chickens to be killed for dinner tonight.'

  *

  Edward was impressed by the small stud he had been sent to and was able to purchase two horses for himself and a pretty grey mare for the girls. They came with tack and had all been shod recently. The fact that this small horse breeding concern was on his land, and renting the fields and properties from himself, was probably the reason he got such an excellent deal.

  'Travers, what are the stables like at the Lodge?' He asked the coachman who had accompanied him on his search, him being a knowledgeable fellow.

  'They'll do, sir, but we need more bedding and feed. I'll arrange for these other two to be brought back. If you don't require me anymore, sir, I'll be on me way, I've got errands to run for Miss Bradshaw.'

  'I'm going to visit two of my farms and I shall arrange for the necessary hay, straw and feed to be delivered this afternoon. Please feel free to depart whenever you wish, I do not want to stand in your way.' His sarcasm was lost on the coachman who smiled happily and walked away whistling to himself.

  The gelding he was going to ride today was a true bay, a rich dark chestnut with black mane and tail. He stood around sixteen hands high and was well up to his considerable weight.

  'Bruno's not got the best of tempers, sir, but I reckon you'll have no trouble with him,' the stud owner told him.

  'When will the other two be delivered?'

  'First thing tomorrow, Mr Trevelyan. I'll ride the black and lead the grey.'

  'Excellent. We should have everything in place by then.'

  The horses he'd purchased were ideal, handsome, but not smart enough to turn heads and draw attention to themselves. Penny had been correct to remind him about not trying to live like a lord. If he wanted to remain in this neighbourhood without being recognised it was essential he didn't attract unnecessary gossip.

  That said, it would be beholden upon him to entertain once he was at Ravenswood. He had offered to home the Bradshaws on an impulse, the more he thought about it the better the plan seemed. They were one of the best families in the area and it made sense for them to introduce him into local society.

  He must discover the whereabouts of a reputable tailor and get his new wardrobe made. He could not make his debut dressed as he was. He had always rather envied his acquaintances, he had no close friends apart from Richard, who had more striking looks than him. Now he was glad his hair was only moderately fair and his features no more than regular. It was less likely he would be recognised than if he was a veritable Adonis.

  It had been a wrench to leave Richard uninformed of his true destination, his friend would genuinely believe he and his valet had fled the country. In fact, nobody apart from his father was aware of his new identity. His lips curved. No, that was not true as Miss Bradshaw was also privy to his secret.

  He clicked his tongue and squeezed with his calves and Bruno moved forward smoothly. The horse might have a reputation for biting and kicking but so far he'd proved perfectly amiable. From the deeds and plans he'd been able to study his demesne which stretched for three miles in all directions, with Ravenswood Hall in the centre.

  Nettlested village was only one of three he owned, although the other two were more hamlets than villages. His intention was to visit as many of his tenants as he could today. From what he could understand of the matter no rents had been paid for the past seven years. He wasn't going to demand they pay the arrears, instead he would raise the amount and expect it to be paid on the next quarter day.

  There had been no estate manager employed since this date which was no doubt the reason no rents had been collected. One must assume that the farmers concerned would not be overly delighted to see him as they had had seven years of unexpected extra income.

  The first visited was in excellent repair, the farmer's wife polite and apologetic. 'You see, Mr Trevelyan, we had no notion where to pay our dues. We have been putting them aside each year and can bring them to you directly.'

  'Mrs Turner, there's no need. Consider it a gift from the estate. I should like to see Mr Turner on quarter day with the new amount.' He had also ordered all the fodder and bedding he required for his new horses and the good lady had promised it would be brought to him that afternoon without fail.

  As he was about to mount and leave the yard the farmer arrived. He was red in the face and had ob
viously run from wherever he had been working. 'Would you spare me a few minutes of your time, Mr Trevelyan? There's something you should know before you venture to visit Brook Farm and Eastwick.'

  Edward patted Bruno's neck. 'Be patient, my boy, we shall be going soon.' He nodded at his tenant to indicate he was listening.

  'It's like this, sir, they won't be best pleased to have to pay their dues in future. They be in cahoots and have spent your rent money on loose women and wine. You'll not find the farms in good repair, nor the land in good heart. Since the estate manager died nigh on seven years ago, they've not bothered to do nothing.'

  'Thank you for warning me, Mr Turner. Both shall be evicted forthwith. I'll not visit either place unaccompanied. When I've got half a dozen stout men at my back I think there will be no argument and they will leave.' He swung into the saddle and gathered the reins. 'Would you be prepared to take on both places?'

  The man beamed and nodded. 'That I would, sir, that I would. Our fields adjoin and it will be a simple business to combine all three.'

  'I shall get my lawyer to draw up a new tenancy agreement. Mrs Turner informs me you have put aside my rent money for the past few years. Use this money to assist you in this new endeavour.'

  The farmer was so pleased he was hopping from foot to foot like a small child. His head was bobbing up and down and he appeared for the moment lost for words. Edward didn't wait for him to recover his voice but raised his hand in farewell and guided his gelding from the immaculate farmyard.

  He turned his mount into a field and gave him his head. The animal had a long stride, didn't fight for the bit, and was in every way exactly what he wanted in a horse. He pulled gently on the reins and got an immediate response. He intended to return with Bruno cool as otherwise he would be obliged to walk about with the gelding himself as yet he had no grooms to take care of the stable yard.

  To his astonishment his arrival was greeted by two urchins. 'I'm Tom and this is my little brother Dick, Mr Trevelyan sir. Miss Bradshaw has taken us on to work in the stables.'

  He dismounted but did not immediately hand over the reins. If Bruno was vicious he did not intend that these two be savaged.

  'He is a grand big horse, ain't you, fella?' Tom said and deftly removed the reins from Edward's hand. 'You come along with us, we'll make you right comfortable.'

  The large gelding flicked his ears back and forth and for a moment the matter hung in the balance. Then he lowered his head and nudged the boy who laughed and flung his arm around the animal's neck.

  Edward watched them go and all three seemed remarkably content with the arrangement. Satisfied Bruno wasn't going to bite or kick either of the lads he strode into the house. The front door seemed to be permanently open – something he wasn't sanguine about.

  This reminded him about the ancient butler who had collapsed and been taken to the downstairs apartment. The house was noisy today. He could hear the sounds of girls scrubbing upstairs and the two seemed happy in their employment.

  In his previous existence he had never noticed the menials going about their jobs. Knew none of their names and cared little about their well-being as long as he was served efficiently. Things were different here and he rather liked the change. Papa would disapprove of such familiarity with the staff but, for the first time in his life, Edward could do as he damn well pleased.

  *

  Penny had barely had time to snatch a mouthful of food since she'd broken her fast with Edward. Appetising aromas drifted through the house from the kitchen and her mouth watered. Dinner was served at four o'clock regardless of the season so she only had two hours to wait and she doubted she would faint from hunger before then.

  She was used to being on short commons, family always got fed first when there was little to eat during the long winter months. No doubt this was why there was little discernible difference between her back view and her front.

  Mattie and Beth had joined Mama in the garden where they were sitting in the rose arbour, bereft of blooms at this time of the year, and enjoying the late spring sunshine. She gathered up her skirt and ran lightly up the stairs to investigate how the cleaning was progressing.

  The three Brown sisters, although employed as personal maids, had been quite happy to tie a sack around their gowns and help with the spring clean.

  'This is looking quite splendid. However, it might be sensible to open a few windows and let the sunshine dry the boards.' One of the girls, Molly, started to scramble to her feet but she waved her back. 'No, I shall do it, you carry on. I would like to get this floor finished so you can start downstairs tomorrow.'

  The oriel window didn't open but there were two at each end of the passageway that did. The ones that lit the family side of the house were often opened and so moved smoothly enough. However, when she attempted to raise the first of the two on the right it refused to budge.

  She was huffing and puffing and muttering under her breath when Edward spoke from behind her. 'Allow me, my dear, this is not a suitable pastime for a gently bred young lady.'

  Without a by your leave he put his hands around her waist and lifted her aside as if she weighed no more than a bag of feathers. He then gripped the bottom of the window and heaved. Unfortunately, she had already loosened it and it flew up so unexpectedly he was thrown backwards.

  He ricocheted against the wall and then sat down on his backside with a thud. If she had not laughed all might have been well. His expression changed from irritated to angry. He was on his feet before she had time to react and was towering over her.

  For a second she was terrified but then common sense took over. His dignity had been dented, he was furious, but would not harm her, of that she was certain. She remained where she was and did not take a step back from him.

  'I beg your pardon for laughing, sir, I did not mean to offend you.'

  His expression changed instantly. His smile made her forget the momentary fear. 'And I apologise for my surliness. I'm not accustomed to falling on my derrière.'

  She returned his smile. 'At least the window is now open and you were on your feet so speedily I doubt that the maids were aware of your mishap.'

  He looked puzzled. 'Why should I be bothered what they think? They are here to work not to form an opinion of their betters.'

  They were talking quietly and could not be overheard. 'I disagree, Mr Trevelyan, they have every right to be considered and their feelings taken into account.'

  Chapter Five

  The girl was looking at him with disapproval – not something he was accustomed to in his previous life. Jemima had thought him a god among men, would not of dream of disagreeing with his views or take him to task under any circumstances.

  'Then we shall have to accept we have differing views on the subject, Miss Bradshaw. I hope this does not mean there will be friction in our joint household? I insist on my establishment being run smoothly and cannot abide any sort of unpleasantness.'

  She nodded politely. 'I understand completely, Mr Trevelyan. No one should be obliged to endure any sort of friction in their home. I can assure you that all the staff I appoint will behave as they should and I guarantee they will do their job so efficiently you will not be aware of their existence.'

  He was about to answer when he happened to glance behind her and saw the three girls with buckets had vanished. They had done so silently. How had Miss Bradshaw managed to convey this instruction without him being aware of it?

  'Are there anymore windows you would like me to open before I go to my room?'

  'Thank you, the one you have done will be sufficient to dry the boards.'

  She moved away and he could not help but be aware that she was displeased with him. For some incomprehensible reason this state of affairs was not to his liking. There was nothing he could do to rectify things at the moment, but at the earliest opportunity he would do whatever was necessary to bring this fierce young lady onto his side.

  He strode into his chamber and found it already occ
upied. The young man of medium height, smartly dressed – indeed, a deal smarter than himself – bowed. 'Good afternoon, Mr Trevelyan. I am Frobisher, your valet.'

  For the first time in his life Edward was incapable of speech. There was a jug of hot water steaming gently on the washstand, clean towels to one side and a complete change of garments neatly arranged on the bed. Where the devil had these come from as they certainly weren't his?

  'I see. I take it Miss Bradshaw appointed you?' The man nodded and continued to look him directly in the eye. 'Where did those come from?'

  'Miss Bradshaw thought you might like to borrow from Mr Benedict Bradshaw's extensive wardrobe until you have had time to replenish your own. I took the liberty of comparing your items with these and they will be an excellent fit.'

  Edward was about to say he wouldn't wear a dead man's clothes but thought this would be childish. 'I don't suppose you know where I can get things made?'

  'Someone is coming from Ipswich tomorrow to take your measurements. He will be bringing patterns from which you can choose your style and material.'

  'Excellent. From your demeanour I gather you have experience as a gentleman's gentleman?'

  Frobisher was already at his side expertly removing his topcoat and knotting his cravat. 'I was orderly to Colonel Fitzwilliam. I received a bullet in my leg and was unable to continue in this position. However, I don't believe my lameness will affect my ability to take care of you efficiently, sir.'

  This man was remarkably garrulous for a servant and Edward wasn't sure he was quite comfortable with that. He preferred to be served in silence, for whoever was doing the serving to speak only when spoken to.

  'I believe I shall be the judge of that, Frobisher. I shall keep you on a month's probation. If I find your services satisfactory then I shall make the position permanent.'