A Lord In Disguise

by Fenella J Miller

  'No, miss, I thought it best if I did this before I went down.'

  'Leave it, you can complete your task tomorrow morning. I shall not require you anymore this evening.'

  The girl curtsied and rushed off leaving Penny to pace the room trying to make sense of what had just happened. Why had he been so angry with her? Speaking to the housekeeper without identifying herself could not possibly cause him any concern. She was recovering her composure when the door crashed back and he strode in.

  'We have not finished our conversation, young lady, so do not think you can hide in here.'

  'You must leave at once, sir, I am outraged that you have the temerity to enter my bedchamber.'

  'That is easily solved.' Before she could take evasive action he closed the gap between them picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. He completed this manoeuvre by giving her a painful slap on her backside as he strode from the room.

  He dropped her like an unwanted parcel onto the window seat under the oriel window and then loomed over her daring her to move.

  'I beg your pardon for my barrack room language. You would try the patience of a saint, and I have no pretence of being one of those.'

  This was hardly a gracious apology but she thought it was the only one she was going to get. Instead of saying something scathing, something that would put him in his place, she said the first thing that came into her head. 'If you ever raise your hand to me again, Mr Trevelyan, you will regret it.'

  He stared at her and she quailed beneath his arctic gaze. Then she noticed he had greenery attached to his person and a large muddy streak across his cheek. She stood up and removed the bits of plant and then rubbed the mud away with her fingers. It had been an instinctive move and he remained immobile whilst she did it.

  'Have you finished?' He enquired softly.

  Her heart skittered and her pulse raced. He was dangerously close and quite unpredictable.

  'I apologise for pushing you over the balcony.'

  'Your apology is accepted.' His breath brushed her cheek and she thought her knees would give way beneath her. She didn't dare look at him for fear of what she would see.

  Then his hand cupped her face and gently turned it in his direction. 'I find myself torn in two directions whenever I'm with you, sweetheart. I either wish to make love to you or put you across my knee. Which would you prefer?' His eyes were twinkling so she assumed this was a rhetorical question.

  'If I'm to be given a choice, sir, then neither. I must sit down for I am feeling a little odd.'

  Immediately his expression changed to one of concern. 'That is hardly surprising, my love…'

  She collapsed on the seat before answering. 'Please desist from addressing me so familiarly. I am not your sweetheart, your love or anything else of that ilk.'

  He folded his long length on the far end of the seat and swivelled so he could face her. 'Actually, sweetheart, you have mistaken the matter. I am now your legal guardian until you are five and twenty and I am addressing you as I would a younger sibling or daughter.'

  So astonished was she by his remark she laughed out loud. 'You are quite ridiculous, Mr Trevelyan. I suppose this is my mother's idea? It makes sense to me that you have become my sisters' protector, but I am in no need of anyone's guidance or protection.'

  'Now we have got that out of the way I must speak to you about what you told me. I can state categorically that Bentley did not throw himself in front of my bullet – he remained exactly where he was. I am certain he deliberately set out to have me arraigned for his murder.'

  *

  As he spoke Edward was running through the scenario of the duel in his head. There was only one possible explanation for what had taken place and it was so extraordinary he could not credit this was what had taken place.

  'I think the whole thing was contrived to make me look guilty. The three men with him must have been part of the plot.'

  'Contrived?' She frowned and bit her lip for a moment then her eyes widened. 'I believe that I know how it was done. I once saw a mummers' play in which someone was murdered. The villain appeared to stab the victim and immediately his shirt front was stained red. I was only a child and I was suitably horrified until my father reassured me it was a trick.'

  'Pig's blood hidden behind his shirt and then released at the exact moment my bullet would have struck him. The so-called surgeon and his two seconds had him back in the carriage before I could investigate even if I had wished to do so. I was too shocked to think straight at that point.'

  'I expect you were more concerned about leaving the scene before you could be arrested.'

  'The constables were about to arrive. Now I come to consider this matter, it was strange indeed they were so close. Someone alerted them and it certainly wasn't me.'

  'This is even better than I thought. If Lord Bentley died from natural causes then your name will be cleared and you can assume your life as an aristocrat.'

  The thought of returning to the restricted existence he had had did not appeal to him. 'I think it will be impossible to prove, Penny, but at least my conscience is clear. You took a dreadful risk on my behalf, but I should have been grateful and not shouted at you the way I did.'

  She peeped at him from behind her lashes and an all too familiar surge of heat went through him.

  'I think we are even on that score, Edward, as you had your comeuppance when you fell in the flower bed.'

  'It will be the talk of the village soon enough as there were two groundsmen working in the shrubbery when I landed in the dirt.'

  'Oh dear! Do you think they saw me push you?'

  'I'm certain they did not. Remember the terrace is at a higher level so anything that takes place there is not visible to those below.'

  'My reputation is somewhat tarnished after gallivanting to London on my own so I'm relieved it will not be further stained by appearing to be a violent young lady.'

  He didn't tell her that from this moment forward she and her sisters would be not only be from an aristocratic family but also wealthy heiresses. Of course, they could have their pick of the gentlemen available if they attended a London Season, but that wasn't possible in the circumstances.

  He was sure there would be no shortage of eager suitors once word of their availability became known. Mattie and Beth were probably too young to marry – in fact they were more like schoolroom girls than young women ready to embark on matrimony.

  Belatedly it occurred to him that investigating too deeply into this distant relative might reveal his own identity but it was too late to repine. He was certain Thorogood would not betray him even if he did discover his secret.

  'We had better return to the drawing room before my mother draws erroneous conclusions from our absence. Have you told her about the treasure?'

  'Good God! I should think not. I am very fond of your mama but I do not believe she is the soul of discretion any more than your sisters are. I know I can trust you to keep any secrets to yourself.'

  He offered his hand but she ignored it and rose gracefully to her feet without assistance. She was a remarkable young lady and the better he knew her the more he liked her. He feared he was already headlong in love with her. What he had believed to be love between Jemima and himself had been nothing in comparison to the strength of his feelings now.

  If he remained under the same roof as Penny it was inevitable he would compromise her. Had he not kissed her? Only a betrothed couple could exchange kisses and that was something they could never be in his present circumstances.

  He wished with all his heart that she had not discovered he was a dissembler because, as she had pointed out to him, if his future bride did not know the true circumstances she would never be aware she was not legally his wife.

  Papa had said blithely that one day his grandson would inherit the title but that was not the case. Any sons he might have would be considered illegitimate and not eligible to become the Earl of Stonham. This was an insoluble problem and he would not e
mbroil her further in his sordid affairs. From now on he would keep a distance between them and do everything he could to promote a union between Thorogood and herself.

  Chapter Ten

  Penny could not help but be aware Edward was avoiding her. She had no idea why this was so, and she missed not being able to spar with him. Now they had a full complement of staff she had little to do to occupy her time.

  Her sisters and mother were happy to devour the latest fashion plates and plan their new wardrobe but this did not interest her. As far as she was concerned she had more than enough gowns even if they were not the latest style.

  The addition to the household of Mr Thorogood was something she approved of. He was a young man of impeccable manners, ready wit, and was a fine figure of a man. When he invited her to ride with him she accepted without hesitation.

  'My sisters are too busy selecting material for their new wardrobe to resent me monopolising the mare. Mr Trevelyan intends to buy more rides for us but is somewhat preoccupied with this business at his farms for the present.'

  'I have not ridden to all the hamlets, cottages and farms that are in this demesne. I shall not attempt to speak to either of the tenants that are about to be evicted, but I would like to see for myself what needs doing on this estate so I can set things in motion for my employer.'

  'That sounds a splendid morning's excursion. It will only take me a moment to change into my habit – perhaps you would be good enough to ask one of the stable boys to tack up for me?'

  When she returned her mount was ready and she gathered the reins, put one hand on the pommel and turned so he could toss her into the saddle. He did this with consummate ease. She was rather enjoying having two handsome gentlemen in her life, even if one of them was avoiding her at the moment.

  After an enjoyable few hours she returned well-satisfied with her companion. Edward had done well to employ such an excellent gentleman. His family were as well placed in society as hers had been, but perhaps not as elevated as Edward's.

  She dropped to the ground without waiting for his assistance. 'Mr Thorogood, whatever your reservations, I insist that in future you dine with us. I know that you consider yourself an employee, but your pedigree trumps that in my opinion.'

  His smile was charming but it didn't make her toes curl. 'Then I should be delighted to join you. Do you dress for dinner?'

  'We do not, however my mother would not be pleased if anyone appeared smelling of the stable.'

  His laugh attracted the attention of Edward who had just ridden into the yard. She thought he might be annoyed that she had become friendly with Mr Thorogood but the reverse was true. He dismounted, tossed his reins to a waiting boy, and strolled across to join them.

  'Did you have a pleasant ride? I'm surprised our paths did not cross.'

  'Most enjoyable, thank you, Edward. I have persuaded Mr Thorogood to join us for dinner in future.'

  She waited to see what his reaction to this announcement might be, but again he smiled benignly.

  'I had already asked him the same question but he refused me. I'm glad that you have been successful. I should enjoy having someone to drink port with in the evenings.'

  She left them to discuss business matters and returned to her bedchamber. When she was freshly washed and in one of her prettiest muslins she hurried downstairs and was disappointed to find both gentlemen had gone out again.

  The next two days were spent in similar fashion. She rode with Mr Thorogood in the morning and he dined with them in the evening. Her sisters behaved impeccably when he was present and she noticed that Mattie hung on his every word. She was glad that he treated her like a younger sibling and at no time showed the slightest interest in her as a woman.

  Three days after coming back from London she was called to the front of the house by an overexcited Mattie. 'There's a regiment of soldiers trotting up the drive. I've never seen anything so splendid. Why are they here?'

  'I think they have come to evict some tenants from Edward's properties. No doubt he and Mr Thorogood will explain it to us tonight over dinner.'

  Her sister pouted. 'He doesn't seem as jolly as he was before – especially with you. Have you and he had a falling out?'

  'Not really, but now he is our legal guardian things have changed. I am sure it is better for him to be occupied with his own business and leave us to get on with ours.'

  Her sister was no longer listening for she had rushed to the front door and flung it open. This was not the behaviour of a well-brought-up young lady. Mattie should have waited until the officer in charge knocked on the door and it was opened by the footman.

  'Excuse me, ladies, but this is not your concern. Kindly go back to the drawing room at once.' Edward had arrived behind them and did not seem at all pleased to find them gawping out of the door at the militia.

  Mattie was about to protest but Penny gripped her elbow. 'I beg your pardon, Mr Trevelyan, we are going now.'

  She half dragged her reluctant companion into the drawing room. 'You can see quite well from here. Have you no decorum? I am ashamed of your behaviour and Edward is most displeased.'

  There was the sound of running feet and Beth burst in. 'Have you seen the soldiers outside? Why are they here?'

  'I've already asked that and Penny doesn't know. We mustn't be seen to be looking so shall we go up and watch from our bedchamber instead?'

  Her sisters ran off laughing and chattering. Sometimes she felt herself to be ten years their senior and not just five. She had never been so giddy, so silly, even when she was as young as they were. The thought of them let loose in a ballroom full of gentlemen did not bear thinking of.

  Mattie was certainly old enough to have her come out but she would try and persuade Mama to postpone it until next year and they would both be, hopefully, more sensible. Having both Edward and Mr Thorogood spend time with them in the evenings would hopefully teach both girls how to behave in company.

  At least that was something she could help with. She would write at once to the agency in Ipswich that was to supply the staff for Ravenswood Hall and set about finding them a suitable governess. They had been much better behaved when in the charge of someone other than herself and their mother.

  The letter written she decided to take it down to the village and leave it at the posting inn herself. It was no more than a brisk three quarters of an hour's walk and the exercise would do her good. Mary could accompany her so there could be no possible complaint that she was behaving improperly.

  The weather was clement but her gown was of a light cotton material with only two petticoats beneath it so she would not get overheated even if she walked fast. Her maid carefully tied the ribbons on the matching bonnet, hooked up her walking boots, and she was ready.

  'We shall go out through the rear entrance, I've no intention of becoming entangled with the soldiers who are milling about at the front and by the stables.'

  'Yes, miss. I saw them arrive. I do think they look ever so smart in their red regimentals.'

  'I'm sure they do, Mary, but it is no concern of yours or mine.'

  The path to the village cut across the fields and she had never paused to consider which farm's right of way it ran through. In the time they had been living at the Lodge they had all, apart from Mama, traversed this way many times and never seen a soul.

  Now she came to think of it, this was rather strange. Surely she should have seen the occasional farmworker, farm beast or women from the village gleaning the fields?

  The first part of the journey took them through a wooded area that was part of the land attached to their home, but after they stepped over the stile they would be on the land of one of Edward's tenants. She had no idea whether where they were walking today was part of the farm that was about to be invaded by the militia or if it was part of another property.

  The fact that soldiers were about to evict some tenants make no difference to her but she was sure Edward must be pleased. She would continue her walk as she a
lways did. Why should anything be different today?

  *

  Edward had no intention of riding with the militia. His task was to make sure the officer knew exactly where he was to lead his men and let them get on with it. He was taking a risk being seen as it was. It had already been decided that Thorogood was to accompany them instead.

  'We will arrest the individuals and take them to the jailhouse in Ipswich. We already have your complaint lodged and the magistrate will deal with the matter speedily. You will not be required to attend – your estate manager can represent you.'

  'It might be advisable, Mr Trevelyan, to have the ladies remain inside today.' Thorogood leaned down from the saddle and spoke quietly.

  'Thank you, I should have thought of that myself.'

  He strode indoors and discovered Lady Bradshaw engrossed in a pile of periodicals and he was informed that the younger girls were safely upstairs.

  'Penelope has gone to the village to post a letter with her maid. She left a while ago.'

  'Thank you, my lady, you have been most helpful.' He nodded and retreated trying not to show his agitation. Thank God he was already dressed to ride. This was entirely his fault – if he hadn't barked at Penny when he'd seen her earlier she wouldn't have felt the need to distance herself from him.

  In less than ten minutes he was astride Bruno and the head groom accompanied him on Sydney. He had no idea in which direction the village was if you travelled on foot so he needed someone to set him on the right path.

  He jumped the stile with feet to clear and kicked his mount into a flat gallop. According to his groom they should have been able to see Penny and her maid as the path led for a mile or more across the same field. He only slowed his pace as he approached the outlying cottages of the village as he had no wish to draw attention to himself.

  He sent the groom in to enquire if she had been seen at the inn and he came out shaking his head. Edward had a bad feeling about this. Any day but today he would not have been worried, would just have assumed she had changed her mind and taken a different route, or gone to visit her friend at the rectory.