A Lord In Disguise

by Fenella J Miller

  'What in the name of Hades are you doing now?' He had turned and was staring at her as if she was fit for Bedlam. The way they had both behaved this afternoon they could both be considered candidates for a lunatic asylum.

  'I have no handkerchief about my person, Mr Trevelyan, so I'm using what is available. Kindly get on with what you're doing and allow me to do the same.'

  He made a noise something between a growl and a cough but did as she requested. By the time they had both completed their tasks there was no need for the candles.

  'I can't believe it. This must be the furniture that was originally downstairs. Your distant relative must have had it stored here when he rented the property out.'

  Everywhere he looked furniture was stacked high. There were upholstered chairs, daybeds and sofas but all these had been gnawed by the rats and mice. They would have to be fully restored in order to be used – but the beautifully carved woodwork was still intact.

  She pointed at these damaged items. 'There is a family locally who are expert in upholstery. I shall make sure I purchase sufficient material to have these restored to their former glory. I don't believe you will need to buy anything else to furnish your house. By the by, are the bedchambers furnished?'

  'The mattresses will need replacing and the hangings, but like these, the woodwork is sound. As we are here, do you wish to look in the other rooms or have you seen enough?'

  'We have spent more than enough time up here, Edward. I still have to examine the other reception rooms. Did you get your foreman to measure the windows and walls for me?'

  'He is doing that now and should have the list ready when we get down. It seems a shame not to at least look in the other rooms as this one has proved so successful.'

  Reluctantly she agreed and he stepped around her and pushed open the door in the centre of the wall. Again they cleaned the windows so they could see without the candles. This room was full of bookcases, smaller items of furniture and dozens of boxes of cutlery, silverware, glassware and ornaments. It seemed strange to her that the family heirlooms had been left up here and not taken wherever the previous owner had gone.

  There was one more room to investigate on this side of the house. There were three similar attics on the other but they had to be accessed through a different staircase.

  The final attic had trunks stacked from end to end. 'Good heavens! There must be over a hundred in here. We cannot possibly open them all. Which ones shall we look in before we leave?'

  He strolled across and unstrapped the first trunk he came to, pushed back the bolts and flung open the lid. He did the same for another half a dozen. Inside were bolts of material of every colour one could possibly imagine. There were silks, satins, chiffons, brocades and muslins.

  'There is enough here to set up as a modiste in the most expensive part of Town,' she finally said when she had recovered her voice. 'Where did it all come from? Why should this relative of yours have enough materials to clothe a hundred women?'

  'I've no idea, sweetheart, but I shall make enquiries from my lawyers. I know little about this person but intend to find out as much as I can. Because it has been safely sealed away there is no rodent damage and the colours have remained as bright as when the materials were made. I'll have the trunks taken to the Lodge and you and your sisters can have as many gowns as you desire.'

  Her cheeks coloured and she remembered her silly remark about him replacing her wardrobe. 'I was not serious about expecting you to foot the bill for fresh gowns for us all. We have more than enough that we brought with us when we came. They have been languishing in the back of our closets as they are too fine to wear – or rather they were too fine. Now they will be perfect for our new status.'

  'Nevertheless, I shall have them transported so you can examine them in more salubrious surroundings. Why don't you return home whilst I examine the rest of these trunks? I'm eager to know what else might be up here that is of value.'

  'Then I shall leave you to your discoveries, Edward, and go and find the foreman and collect the list he has made for me.'

  She paused on the nursery floor to shake off the worst of the cobwebs and dust but was acutely conscious of the large section of her petticoat she had torn off. At least when one was wearing a riding habit the state of her undergarment could not possibly be noticeable.

  Certainly, she was treated no differently than she had been on her arrival. The foreman handed her a much blotted and scratched out list that was barely legible. She carefully folded it and tucked it into the pocket in her skirt.

  'Exactly when will the house be ready for occupation?'

  'All the major works have been completed, Miss Bradshaw. It's just the hangings, wallpaper and such that need doing. I reckon it could be ready in a month. The master has had a new kitchen put in – you'll get your meals piping hot in future. Would you like to see…'

  'It is no concern of mine. Thank you for this. You and your men have done an excellent job.'

  As she cantered down the drive she smiled wryly. If the renovations to the kitchens were no concern of hers then why had she thanked him for his work as if she was to be mistress of the place?

  *

  Edward slammed shut the trunks as soon as she had gone. He had absolutely no interest in their contents but had just wished her to go. The more he saw of her the stronger his desire. He kicked the wall and immediately regretted it. His dearest Jemima had not driven him wild with passion and he had been able to spend time with her without behaving badly.

  The sooner he found Penelope Bradshaw a husband the better it would be for both of them. He could never ask her to be his wife as she would know any vows exchanged would be meaningless in law. She would know that any children they had would be bastards.

  He pulled the trunks with material in to the centre of the space so they would be easily recognisable when he sent servants up to collect them. In future he must stay away from her, make every effort not to be alone and certainly never invite her to accompany him as he had today.

  When the lawyers came he would ask them if it would be possible for him to become the guardian of the younger girls – although this too could not have any legal weight because it would be set up in his false identity.

  Despite these problems he was more invigorated than he had been in years. Not since he had spent three years away from his ancestral home at Oxford had he felt as happy and as free. If it wasn't for the inconvenience of finding Penny so damned attractive life would be all but perfect.

  He stopped to admire what had been done and was impressed by the standard of the work. He explained his requirements as to paint and asked his foreman not only to remove the trunks and have them carted to the Lodge, but also to have all the furniture brought down. 'I understand there is a family expert in repair and upholstery. Have them come here to work. The mattresses also need replacing. Is there someone in the village who keeps geese and will be able to restuff them?'

  'Leave it to me, master, I'll get things in hand.'

  His gelding, this one called Sydney, a remarkably dull name for an excellent beast, was waiting and eager to go. He took a circuitous route back which allowed Sydney to stretch his legs in a couple of excellent gallops.

  On his return the first thing he noticed as he trotted towards his destination was a smart travelling carriage turning into the drive. He was surprised, but pleased, that the response to his notes had been so prompt. The occupants of this vehicle must be either his banker or his lawyers.

  He arrived at the same time as the carriage rocked to a halt outside the front door. He had barely time to dismount before the two boys and the groom appeared to take charge of the horses. The footman arrived to let down the steps and open the door.

  'Good afternoon, gentlemen, you have responded to my request with alacrity. Come in, I have much to ask you to do.'

  His lawyer and his clerk scurried alongside him as he led them to the library, half-expecting to find it occupied by the young lady he was hopi
ng to avoid in future. The chamber was empty.

  He gestured the two gentlemen to take the seats on one side of the desk and he took the single chair on the other side. He explained his requirements in detail and waited for the response. The clerk was still scribbling busily making sure every word was recorded.

  'If Lady Bradshaw is in agreement, sir, then there's no reason why you should not assume legal responsibility for the family. However, I must point out that if the holder of the title and the estate objects then I will not be able to proceed.'

  'That won't happen. He evicted Lady Bradshaw from her home before he arrived.'

  'Monstrous. Therefore, I need only to speak to Lady Bradshaw and I can set things in motion.'

  As Edward had yet to speak to the lady himself he thought this might be better postponed until later. 'And the new tenancy agreement? Will there be any difficulty with that?'

  'None at all, I can have that ready for you and delivered to Mr Turner tomorrow or the next day.' The lawyer cleared his throat. 'Forgive me for suggesting this, Mr Trevelyan, but I think it might be advisable if you did not become personally involved in the eviction. I have the name of an excellent gentleman who is looking for the position of estate manager. He is the youngest son of Lord Thorogood and wishes to make his own way in the world. I can have him here for you to meet him by the end of the week.'

  'That won't be necessary. I trust your judgement. The position is his if he wants it. His first task will be to assemble a group of men and remove those villains from my properties.'

  'Mr Thorogood wished to become a soldier, but now that peace has been restored there is little call for fresh blood in the army. I have met him myself and I'm sure he will be satisfactory in every respect.'

  'Tell me a little more about him. How old is he? How would you describe him?'

  'He is three and twenty, about your height and build but with dark hair and dark eyes. A handsome young man and he is well-spoken, as one might expect from his upbringing, and a gentleman.'

  'How does he have the qualifications to run an estate of this size?'

  'He spent his formative years with his father's estate manager. He has also worked with Capability Brown and I'm sure he could redesign your park if you so wished.'

  'I'm happy with it as it is. As long as he can run the estate efficiently, collect the tithes and rents then I'll be satisfied.'

  Coffee and freshly baked pastries were fetched in and devoured eagerly. Whilst they were enjoying the refreshments he went in search of Lady Bradshaw.

  'My lady, I have a suggestion to make that will benefit you all. If I was to become guardian of your daughters then I can settle a dowry on each without there being any adverse comment. I believe it will make our situation much easier when we are living at the Hall.'

  'I am happy to agree to that, Mr Trevelyan. You are the kindest and most generous of gentlemen and I thank the good Lord that you wandered into our lives.'

  The lawyer spoke briefly to her and was satisfied that he had her agreement. The legal team left promising to have things arranged in a matter of days.

  Edward was pleased with the outcome of this meeting and even more pleased when a gig arrived with his banker and the necessary funds for Penny to purchase what was needed in London. This Triston Thorogood sounded the ideal husband for Penny. He was going to do everything in his power to promote a match between them including offering them the Lodge as their future home. The young man might not have an inheritance to look forward to, but he was from an excellent family equal in status to hers, and with the generous settlement he intended to give her they would do very well together.

  If he had been free to do so he would have married her himself, and the thought of her belonging to another was tearing him apart. He did not love her, not in the way he had loved Jemima, but he was forced to admit he had never felt this way about another woman. Penny filled his thoughts and these were not romantic dreams but passionate and quite unsuitable in the circumstances.

  He really should find himself a mistress and slake his desires with her, but for some reason the only woman he wanted to make love to was the woman he could not have.

  Chapter Eight

  With the arrival of the trunks, full of exciting treasures, Penny's sisters and mother were fully occupied and had little interest in her plans to travel to London the following week. This suited her very well as, if Mama stopped to consider, she would realise how unsuitable the journey was for someone like her to attempt.

  Edward had appeared only for dinner and then remained just to play a few hands of his strange, but enjoyable, Whist. This was probably for the best after they had both behaved so disgracefully in the attic.

  She kept herself busy, went riding most days, and tried to convince herself that she didn't care if she spent no time with him. The morning of her departure arrived and the carriage was waiting outside to convey Mary, her maid, and the footman to the hostelry where the stagecoach pulled in to collect passengers and change the team.

  Sam was dressed in a smart tweed jacket and looked every inch an indoor servant. She had already reserved three seats on the coach and requested that they be on the same side so she did not have to sit with strangers.

  The other occupants of the coach were unremarkable, she took no notice of them and they did the same to her. They stopped in Colchester at the Red Lion where they had half an hour to use the facilities and get refreshments before rejoining the vehicle and continuing to London.

  Eventually they trundled into the final stop in the late afternoon. She was heartily sick of being jostled and jolted, and was more than ready to disembark.

  'I have appointments at three warehouses tomorrow. We are going to stay the night in a hotel near Bond Street and then I have booked a carriage to convey us there. When I have completed my purchases, we shall return to the hotel. You will then have the remainder of the day and evening to explore the city. We shall be leaving the following morning on the six o'clock stage. Is that quite clear?'

  Sam nodded and Mary curtsied. They were overjoyed to be there, never having visited the capital before. She proposed to give them a shilling or two to spend on whatever they chose. Her intention was to get a hackney carriage to Hanover Square whilst they were elsewhere and try and speak to a servant working in the Bentley town house.

  The landlord at the inn arranged for a gig to take them to the hotel and she was satisfied with her choice. The place was respectable, clean and well-run, but not prestigious, so she was unlikely to meet anyone from her previous life. She had had one Season, had received three excellent offers, but none of the gentlemen had appealed to her so she had returned unmarried. Mama had been disappointed but her father had been delighted he wasn't to lose his favourite child so soon.

  She blinked back tears at the thought of him and her dearest brother. They had not even held a funeral as there had been no bodies to bury. She didn't think she would ever quite get over the loss of the two people she loved most in this world.

  After a palatable dinner she retired early. Her servants had box rooms close by her. Her excursion to the warehouses was tiring but successful. The proprietors of these places had at first been reluctant to deal with her, women had no authority to deal with such matters in their opinion. However, when she waved the bank drafts under their noses they were only too happy to serve her. The materials and so on she had ordered were to be delivered the following week. She had paid an exorbitant extra sum for this to happen so she hoped they would keep to their part of the bargain.

  Sam and Mary were festooned with brown paper parcels and boxes when they returned to the hotel that afternoon. 'Put them in my chamber, they will be safer there. I am quite exhausted and intend to rest and then dine early.' She held out a handful of coins. 'Take these, there should be enough there for you to attend a theatre performance if you so desire, and also buy yourself a meal this evening. Do not stay out after dark and, Mary, make sure you are ready to attend to me at five tomorrow.' />
  They left laughing and excited and she was glad she had been able to help them have an enjoyable time. The fact that she only did it so she could attend to her other business, and do so privately, did not make the gesture any less valuable in her opinion.

  The bonnet she had chosen hid her face in its wide brim, her gown was well cut but unremarkable. She was certain she could move through the crowds and not be noticed. She had deliberately chosen a hotel near Bond Street as this was within walking distance of Hanover Square.

  She wasn't sure how she was going to achieve her objective but was certain something would occur to her when she reached her destination. Fortune favoured her as a woman emerged from the servants' exit as she arrived.

  'Excuse me, could you tell me if this is the residence of Lord Bentley?'

  The woman nodded. 'It is, miss, but there is no one here.'

  'I had thought they were up for the Season.'

  'They were, though I can't think why seeing as the young master was so sickly. It was a real tragedy him dying in a duel, but he would have been dead within a week or two anyway.'

  Penny was stunned by this answer. 'Did he suffer from the ague?'

  'No, bless you, he had a tumour. It fair broke our hearts to see him suffer so. I think he set out deliberately to get himself killed as he couldn't bear the pain no more.'

  'What a sad story. Thank you for your assistance.' Penny quickly walked away before she could be asked why she had come to the house in the first place.

  This was the most exciting news and she could not wait to share it with Edward. It threw a quite different complexion to the event that had caused him to abandon his previous life so suddenly. She returned to the hotel and ordered an early dinner to be served in her room.

  The more she thought about this extraordinary information the less certain she was that it would make any difference to Edward's situation. The housekeeper, if that is who she was, might well have been speaking the truth. Lord Bentley had deliberately provoked Edward into challenging him and then somehow thrown himself in the path of the bullet so that he would be killed and his suffering ended.