A Lord In Disguise

by Fenella J Miller

  It was indeed a tragedy, not just for the young man who had died, but also for Edward who had lost his life as well. He had not died, but Lord Stonham could never exist again in public so in some respects he might as well have done.

  *

  Thorogood turned out to be as suitable as he'd been told, articulate, attractive and efficient. He was joining the household until they moved and would then have the Lodge to himself. It was rather a grand house for an estate manager, but this young man wasn't your usual factor but an aristocrat like himself.

  Edward had wondered if the young man would expect to be treated with more deference than his other employees but that wasn't the case.

  'I cannot thank you enough for taking me on unseen, Mr Trevelyan. This is exactly the opportunity I was looking for and I can promise you, you won't be disappointed. I also don't expect to be treated like a member of the household, I will eat in the kitchen with your other staff.'

  'You'll do no such thing, Thorogood. You have as much right to be here as I do.'

  'Excuse me for disagreeing with you, Mr Trevelyan. I can assure you that her ladyship would be horrified to find me at her table. You are not familiar with the ways of aristocrats, but I am, unfortunately.'

  'Then I shall be guided by you. Now, let us discuss how you intend to remove those objectionable men from my properties.'

  'I think that cudgels and fisticuffs will not be sufficient. From what I've learned in the short time I've been here they are armed to the teeth. They have several ex-soldiers in their employ who will no doubt be equipped with rifles or at least muskets.'

  'God's teeth! I won't have those who go on my behalf hurt. Do you have a suggestion as to how this can be achieved without bloodshed?'

  'I think I do. They are living there illegally because they have failed to pay their rent the past seven years. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of writing to the magistrate and asking if he can send constables, or even the militia, to remove them for us.'

  'I'm impressed, I should have thought of that myself. So, they must remain where they are for the present. I see that you came with your own horse, do you have a valet to take care of your needs?'

  Thorogood smiled at the question. 'I'm used to taking care of my own requirements, sir, I have no need of a manservant.' He patted the pile of books and documents. 'I should take these to the small room I have found on the other side of the house. It will be ideal for me to use as my office.'

  Edward had been about to tell him he could remain in the library but thought better of it. When he had been heir to an earldom he would not have tolerated the presence of even the estate manager at the table in his library.

  He strolled to the window and stared out thoughtfully. His offer for Thorogood to become part of the household had been genuine, not part of his deception. It was ironic that his behaviour was exactly right for the person he was supposed to be. How could he have changed so much in so short a time?

  He was now a gentleman of leisure again with no responsibilities. His new employee had taken over the running of his estates and was probably more competent than he was to do so. The house seemed empty without Penny and he was looking forward to her return the next day.

  He was waylaid by Lady Bradshaw as he was about to leave the house. 'There you are, my dear boy, you have been proving very elusive these past few days. I cannot thank you enough for the boxes of delights that you have presented us with. My dressmaker and her seamstresses will be working overtime sewing all of us fresh gowns.'

  'There are twice as many trunks unopened in the attics of the Hall, my lady, when we have moved you must go up and investigate and see if there is anything else there that you might like.'

  'How exciting! Have you any notion how this distant relative of yours might have acquired these items? Was he perhaps about to set up an emporium dealing with expensive materials?'

  'I know little about him, in fact if I'm honest, nothing at all. I am still uncertain how they discovered my existence as I think I must be as distantly related to him as the unpleasant character who has now usurped your family home.'

  'There was enough in just one trunk to make two dozen gowns, far more than we shall ever need this year. Mrs Reynolds, my dressmaker, has intimated that if you were to open an establishment of this sort she would be only too delighted to run it for you.' She waved her hands around and was more animated than he'd ever seen her. 'I have the connections that would bring the high-end trade to such a place.'

  He was astonished that her ladyship should be so enthusiastic about anything that smacked of trade. 'I'm intrigued by your suggestion, my lady, and will give it consideration. Perhaps Miss Bradshaw would like to be involved? Forgive me for asking, but are you quite sure you wish to be associated with something of this ilk?'

  'Fiddlesticks to that! My dear departed husband inherited a moderate fortune and then by his acumen doubled it. He was so astute I cannot believe he did not keep the money made from his import and export business separate from what was entailed.'

  'Did he travel abroad often?'

  'He was away for several months most years, why do you ask?'

  'In which case, my lady, I'm certain he did make those arrangements. He must have known there was always a risk that he and your son could lose their lives. Travelling abroad is not a safe occupation.'

  'If that was so then why did the family lawyers not pass this money on to me?'

  'I have no idea, but I intend to find out.'

  She was effusive in her thanks which made him even more determined to discover why the family had been left virtually penniless when there must be a small fortune somewhere that belonged to them. He had not taken more than a few steps from the house when Thorogood appeared from the side entrance. Edward beckoned him over.

  'There is something I need you to do for me.' He explained and the young man frowned.

  'There is something illegitimate involved here, sir, it should definitely be investigated. I am just about to ride to Ipswich to set in motion the eviction of your tenants and can combine the two tasks. Do I have your permission to remain overnight?'

  'Good God, you do not have to ask me that. You are free to come and go as your work takes you without seeking my agreement. All I ask is that you let me know if you are going to be elsewhere.'

  'That is good to know. I shall do my job far better knowing that you trust me to work independently.'

  'I am going to visit the Hall. I think it would be useful for you to come with me.'

  They rode the short distance in companionable silence. He was glad this young man did not feel the need to fill every moment with idle chatter.

  He was pleased how much had been done in the past day – the stairs and hall were finished. The pieces of furniture he had selected from the mountain upstairs had been placed perfectly and only needed ornaments or flowers to complete the picture.

  'The things that need repair and restoration, Mr Trevelyan, have been taken to one of the barns. They will be stripped back and ready for upholstering by the time the fabric arrives from London. New mattresses are being made and they too will be delivered by the end of next week or soon after.

  'The two bathing rooms you have had installed are ready for inspection. Would you like to see how they work?'

  Seeing the water that had been tipped into the tub vanish like magic down a small aperture at the far end was quite astonishing. Even young Thorogood was impressed.

  'I've heard about such things but never seen it myself. It will make the task of the chambermaids so much easier if they only have to transport water up and not carry the dirty down.'

  The foreman scratched his head. 'Can't see the point meself. You'll not be using it more than a handful of times a year, hardly worth the effort, I reckon.'

  Edward couldn't help himself stiffen at this inappropriate comment from a servant and only just managed to restrain himself from giving the man a sharp set down. 'Is the new range now working?'

  'It is
, sir, and mighty fine too.'

  Hopefully neither of the men had noticed his displeasure and he had covered this by his question. He cared nothing about the workings of his kitchen, but his question had distracted both of them.

  'I should dearly like to see it before I depart,' Thorogood said eagerly.

  'I'm going to have another look in the attic so I'll leave you to it.'

  Now the windows in the attics were relatively clean there was no need for him to seek out a candle. The first chamber was now empty of furniture as it had all been removed. There would be a large bonus for all the men involved in this enterprise as they had worked efficiently and quickly at all the tasks they had been set.

  The second attic was also half-empty as the trunks he and Penny had examined were already at the Lodge. It would do no harm to see what else was up here as he was half inclined to take up Lady Bradshaw's suggestion and open an emporium in Ipswich selling the most expensive materials to discerning clients. He had not been over-interested in women's fashion, but even he recognised that what he had discovered so far was of the best quality and would be much in demand.

  The other trunks were filled with a kaleidoscope of coloured items, silk threads, ribbons, exotic feathers and a plethora of items that would be snatched up with alacrity by any lady that saw them. The third room revealed even greater treasures. In these boxes were dozens of silver items, sandalwood boxes, and carvings.

  He pulled them into the space in the centre of the room where he could move about without cracking his head on the beams and looked around for something to smash open the locks. After searching through several trunks he came across a scimitar with strange writing engraved on the blade and jewels embedded in the hilt.

  This weapon was used to fight so should be strong enough for his purpose. He slid the blade between the padlock and the chest and threw his weight against it half-expecting it to break. Instead the padlock flew free and the blade remained intact. He carefully pushed it back into its scabbard. He thought that this and all the other items must have come from India – it certainly had the appearance of being from that far-off place.

  Chapter Nine

  Penny was bubbling with excitement and even the hours in the uncomfortable coach did nothing to dampen her enthusiasm. She wished that the information she had discovered would allow Edward to resume his proper persona but at least she now would not feel guilty about the death of the unfortunate man who had already been dying.

  There was one thing that puzzled her, why hadn't Bentley taken his own life? She understood that committing suicide would bring disgrace to his family name, but surely he could have arranged to drown himself, fall off his horse and break his neck, and end his life and suffering without involving Edward?

  She came to the conclusion that using a Stonham as his executioner had been because of the long-standing feud between the families. It must have seemed like the perfect opportunity to destroy the happiness of those that they considered their enemies.

  She was squashed against the window and she could barely see her maid or footman beneath the parcels they had stacked on their laps. She could have had these things sent with the order but preferred to bring them back with her so she could give her family some well-deserved gifts. The fact that Edward had paid for them made no difference as far as she was concerned, as she had taken the trouble to travel to London and then buy the items she was their benefactor and not him.

  The coach was waiting to collect them and in no time at all they were all reinstalled and on their way back to the Lodge. 'I hope you enjoyed your short visit to Town? I could not have accomplished what I did without your assistance and I thank you for it.'

  Thanking one's servants would be frowned upon, especially by Edward, but she had never held with convention and had always behaved as she thought appropriate. Papa had encouraged her to behave more like her brother and not having either of them there to support her would always be painful.

  There was no time for further morbid thoughts as the carriage turned into the drive and she was home. She hoped dinner had been postponed as she was sharp-set, having not eaten since breakfast which was many hours ago.

  Her sisters ran from the house squealing with delight like children. Laughing, she jumped out not waiting for the steps to be let down and embraced them both. 'I am so glad to be back. I have gifts for you all but they must wait until after I have eaten.'

  'Mama has been complaining she is faint with hunger this past hour and dear Edward is doing his best to distract her,' Mattie said.

  Penny was shocked that her sister was now addressing him so familiarly. Surely they should call him at least, Cousin Edward?

  'What have you bought for us? Can you tell us even if we cannot look?' Beth asked.

  'I shall reveal nothing. I had intended to change but if our parent is so desperate to dine I had better restrict myself to a quick wash.'

  'You must take all the time you need, my dear, you have been travelling for hours and need to refresh yourself.' Edward had met them in the hall.

  'I thank you, I shall be as speedy as I can. Could you have my parcels left in the drawing room?'

  She didn't wait to see if he complied, she knew he would. What she would really like to do was take him to one side and tell him what she had learned, but this too must wait until after dinner.

  A fresh muslin gown in daffodil yellow was waiting for her. With the help of her sisters' maid she was clean and freshly garbed in less than a quarter of an hour.

  Her mother greeted her with a frown. 'At last, Penelope, you have kept us waiting quite long enough for our dinner.'

  'I was as quick as I could be, Mama. Shall we go in?'

  Her mother stalked across the room like a ship in full sail and her sisters were not far behind. Edward offered his arm and she took it.

  'Surprisingly, sweetheart, I have missed you and am inordinately pleased to see you home again.'

  'I am delighted to be back. I have much to tell you. Would you walk in the garden with me after dinner?'

  'I should be delighted.'

  His smile made her toes curl in her slippers.

  The meal was excellent but nobody wished to linger over it so conversation was sparse. Mama and the girls, knowing there were exciting items to unwrap in the drawing room, ate in silence. She and Edward were equally eager to finish and be able to converse in private.

  Her mother all but threw her napkin down and surged to her feet. 'Come along, I am done. I must know what you have brought us back from London. It is too long since we had treats of any sort.'

  Edward got to his feet too, not lingering over port, and so they all made their way into the drawing room. She would have to distribute the items herself as they were not labelled and she knew which parcel was meant for which person.

  'Don't open anything until I have handed all the items out.'

  Even he had four things to unwrap. He raised an eyebrow and she smiled sweetly. He was well aware that he was his own benefactor.

  He put his gifts on a side table and walked towards the open doors at the far end of the drawing room that led onto the terrace. Her family was so busy exclaiming and shrieking with delight they didn't notice she too had left them.

  'I take it you have no coins to return to me,' he said dryly.

  'Actually, I have. Obviously, I do not have the money about my person, but I shall return it to you when I go in again.'

  'I don't give a fig if you spent every penny, sweetheart, but wish you might have bought something extravagant for yourself and not spent it all on others.'

  'Fiddlesticks to that! I have something to tell you.' She was so carried away with the importance of her tale that she had almost completed it before she became aware he was staring at her not with approval but something akin to fury. Her voice trailed away.

  He seemed to be having difficulty speaking. 'I am tempted to put you across my knee and give you the spanking you so richly deserve. What you did was dangerous in t
he extreme. If I had known you were planning something so stupid I would never have allowed you to go.'

  She gaped at him unable to comprehend why he was so angry when she had given him news that relieved him of the burden of having killed someone by accident. 'I thought you would be pleased to know Bentley committed suicide at your hand.'

  'I don't give a damn what that bastard did. If his father had been there I shudder to think what might have happened to you.'

  She scarcely heard his tirade so shocked was she by his appalling language. He seemed unaware of her feelings and continued to roar at her as if she was hard of hearing. She rather thought that anyone within a mile of the terrace would be listening eagerly to his words.

  'Not only that, did it not occur to your feather-brain that making enquiries of this sort would immediately alert the Bentley family to the fact that I am not in fact on the continent but still in England? Was it your intention to have me arrested and dangle at the gallows?'

  This last remark was so outrageous she recovered her width and was able to respond. 'Mr Trevelyan, never have I heard such appalling words. You should be ashamed of yourself. If you continue to shout at me I shall be forced to…to…' She could not think of anything she might do that was sufficiently powerful to show her extreme displeasure. Instead she unwisely shoved him violently in the chest and watched with horror as he vanished backwards over the balustrade.

  She did not remain to enquire how he did. His vile swearing indicated he was unhurt in anything but his pride. Now was the time to make a strategic retreat and the further away the better. She fled inside and raced to her own bedchamber. This was the one place he could not follow. No gentleman visited an unmarried lady in her boudoir.

  Mary was busy in the dressing room and rushed in to see what the commotion was. 'Have you eaten?'