A Lord In Disguise

by Fenella J Miller

  The page was blotched, the ink smudged. She had been distraught when she had written this letter. He would not rest until she was restored to him however long that took. He hurtled down the main stairs and skidded to a halt so he could enter the drawing room at a sensible pace. The first person who needed to know that Penny had run away, and why, was Lady Bradshaw. He was not looking forward to this interview at all.

  *

  Penny waited until the house was quiet and then slipped out of bed and dressed in a gown that would not identify her as anyone but a respectable young lady looking for employment. Before she had written a note for Edward she had forged two references purportedly from her previous employers. She used two different quills and two different types of paper and was certain no one would question their authenticity.

  The problem was that if anyone bothered to check they would find she had never worked for either of these families in any capacity. She had deliberately chosen families that were known to her in the hope that if an enquiry did come they would guess the reason and not denounce her.

  When this was done she packed a valise with her essentials and was ready to depart. She had sufficient money to live comfortably for a year, to perhaps rent a cottage or become a lodger somewhere. However, she was determined to get a position as a governess so she could remain invisible.

  Perhaps one day, a long time in the future, it would be safe to visit her family as the scandal should be forgotten, but she could not think of that now.

  Initially her intention had been to walk the ten miles to Ipswich before dawn and find herself a respectable lodging before taking her application for employment to the agency in this market town. But after consideration she thought it would be better to go to London where she was not known. If she caught the coach from there and not from the local inn her whereabouts would not be discovered so easily.

  When she could not be found after a local search she thought her mother would resign herself to the fact that her eldest daughter had gone and that it was for the best.

  The walk was accomplished in good time and she was able to catch the nine o'clock coach. She was certain she went unremarked in her plain, brown cambric gown, darker brown spencer and ugly bonnet. She made no attempt to interact with the other passengers and kept her face hidden as much as possible.

  The coach trundled into its final destination at six o'clock where she disembarked glad to be out from the jolting, rattling carriage. She walked briskly in the opposite direction to the one she had taken when she had been here so recently and soon found herself a satisfactory boarding house.

  The landlady gave her a cursory inspection and a thin smile. 'I have two rooms available, miss, will you be wanting your own parlour or would you be wanting to eat with my other lodgers?'

  'My name is Sarah Smith, I have come to seek employment as a governess in the city. I should like to remain here until I find something that will suit. I think that I should prefer to eat in my room, thank you.'

  Penny paid for a week in advance. The sum was a little more than she'd hoped but it did include full board as well as her accommodation. She was shown to her apartment and was pleasantly surprised.

  'This will be perfect, thank you. I shall be very comfortable. Is it permitted for one to walk in the garden at the back?'

  'Yes, it's for the use of my ladies. I've got four permanent residents and three, like yourself, here on a temporary basis. You would be most welcome in the dining room, Miss Smith, when you have settled in.' Mrs Rollins nodded and smiled encouragingly. 'I only take respectable ladies, all of them have been in service of some sort or are seeking a fresh position as you are.'

  'In which case, might I change my mind? I should much prefer to find something through a recommendation than through an agency.'

  'I shall have the girl bring you up something on a tray as obviously you have missed dinner tonight. Breakfast is served at eight o'clock sharp unless you have made a special arrangement.'

  'Then I shall see you tomorrow morning.'

  Her rooms were small but well-appointed and spotlessly clean. It took only a few minutes to unpack her meagre belongings and put her nightgown, neatly folded, on the end of her bed. She had eaten nothing all day but still could do no more than pick at the tasty supper that was brought to her. When she had finished she put the tray outside the door as instructed.

  Although she was tired after the long journey she was desperate for some fresh air and exercise – although the air in London in May could hardly be called fresh. Fortunately, this was a decent part of town and the noxious smells that they had passed through in the East End were not so pungent here.

  She followed the instructions she had been given to find the garden and stepped outside. She had not travelled more than a few yards when she saw she was not alone out there.

  'Good evening, Miss Smith, I'm so glad you have decided to join us after all. We always take a promenade in the garden before we retire.' The speaker was a sprightly lady of uncertain years, grey hair and bright eyes. 'I am Miss Simpson, retired governess, spending my twilight years in the city that I love but never had time to visit when I was working.'

  Introductions were made and Penny was glad she had met all the permanent residents so quickly. One of them, a Miss Brotherton, had only just left her position. 'I gave up my place because the family are moving abroad. I could not face living anywhere but in England. Sir James and Lady Carly are still urgently seeking a governess to take care of their two daughters. I think you would be ideal if you are prepared to travel.'

  'I should like nothing more than to live in Italy. I always dreamed of visiting that country, in fact visiting any country. I shall write to them at once and send them my references.'

  'I should have remained with them until they left or found someone to replace me but Emily and Elspeth, the twins I took care of, were so upset about my departure that I could not bear to remain another minute. They are delightful little girls and I can assure you I would never have left if they had been remaining in Guildford.'

  Chapter Thirteen

  Edward was about to enter the drawing room when Mattie called him from the stairs. 'No, do not tell Mama. She will not take it well. Better to try and bring Penny back before we do that.'

  He walked across to join her. 'Lady Bradshaw will know Penny is not here when she fails to come downstairs.'

  'Beth and I will tell her our sister has a bilious attack and fever and is keeping to her bed for a few days. Mama cannot abide the sickroom and will be happy to stay away as long as she gets regular reports.'

  'Your sister is of the opinion you will all be pleased she has gone and taken the scandal with her.'

  'We might be as different as chalk is to cheese but we rely on her and could not manage without her here to guide us. Papa and Ben were absent from home so much that Penny was left to arrange things.' The girl smiled confidingly. 'She is similar in looks and temperament to our papa and brother – we take after our mama.'

  'Don't worry, little one, I shall find her. Thorogood is here and we can search together.'

  'Mr Thorogood has just left in the carriage, I saw him depart just before I came down.'

  Edward bit back an expletive. 'In which case, I had better stir myself and start looking. My promise still holds, my dear, your sister will be returned to you although I cannot promise it will be today. She has had several hours start and it might take me some time to catch up with her.'

  'I doubt that you will catch the coach to London from Nettlested. She will have walked to Ipswich and caught it there in the hope of delaying the search.'

  For the first time since he had made this girl's acquaintance he looked at her more closely. He had thought her as empty-headed as her mother and her younger sister but she was more like Penny than she realised.

  'You think she will go to London and not seek employment locally?'

  'You forget, Edward, that although we have gone down in the world financially our family is well
known in Ipswich.'

  'Thank you, Mattie, your information has been invaluable and will save me hours of time. Mr Thorogood is heading for London too, with any luck I shall overtake if I travel on horseback.'

  He took the stairs two at a time and told Frobisher that he was leaving. 'I shall come with you, sir, I might be lame but I am an excellent horseman. I'll have us both packed in no time. I know exactly where the saddlebags are kept.'

  He thought it would be sensible to leave by the back stairs. Lady Bradshaw might be indolent, but even she could not fail to notice if he left through the front door with the saddlebag over his shoulder.

  There was little point in pushing the horses to their limit as they could not possibly catch up with Penny before she arrived in Town. Therefore, he kept up a steady canter and as he'd expected within the hour he spotted his own carriage.

  He rode alongside and when his coachman saw who was there he drew on the reins and guided the carriage off the main thoroughfare.

  'I need to speak to Mr Thorogood. I shall not be long.'

  The groom, who had been travelling on the box as an extra precaution against footpads, jumped down and took Bruno's reins.

  There was no need for him to scramble into the carriage as Thorogood was already out, looking concerned. He took his arm and pulled him to one side.

  'Penny has bolted. I should have realised she might do this. She will be in London looking for employment as a governess or housekeeper. I shall need your help to find her. It will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.'

  'If I might make a suggestion, sir, in the circumstances why don't we travel post-chaise? Exorbitantly expensive but it will get us there in half the time.'

  'Good idea.'

  The matter arranged between them he remounted and cantered ahead of the carriage to set things in motion. The Queen's Head, a substantial establishment, was no more than three miles ahead. He explained to his valet that the horses, like the carriage and team, would be left at the inn to be collected on their return.

  The ostler who hurried out to greet him when he trotted into the yard was only too happy to oblige. 'Your horses will be well-looked-after here, sir, no worries about that. Will you be requiring refreshment before you set off?'

  'No, have the team ready as my carriage is not far behind. My coachman and groom will take care of my horses and they will need decent accommodation.'

  The man touched his forehead. 'There's rooms for grooms and such above the stables. Your men will have no complaint.'

  Satisfied he had everything in place he handed over his reins, collected his belongings and stepped to one side. Frobisher did the same.

  Half an hour later they were travelling at a spanking pace in an immaculate chaise. It was a tight squeeze for three large gentlemen inside but they would complete the journey to London so speedily it hardly mattered. The horses pulling a post-chaise could canter as they only had to travel five miles before they were changed for a fresh team.

  Several times Thorogood glanced at Edward anxiously. They were both well aware of the risk he was taking appearing in London so soon after Bentley's death. He could scarcely credit it had only been four weeks since that dreadful day – how could he have fallen in love, discovered a fortune and now be risking everything to find the girl he could not live without?

  *

  Penny decided to send her letter of application to Guildford by express. It was too late to do so tonight but she would have it written and ready to go first thing in the morning. This was too good an opportunity to miss. The family would have to leave without appointing a governess so hopefully they would look on her as a godsend and appoint her without an interview. It would be a reckless expenditure of her funds but she thought it justified.

  She sanded the paper, folded it and sealed it. Her eyes brimmed at the thought that tomorrow she might be leaving everyone she loved to start a new life in Italy with a family of strangers. Leaving her sisters and mother was difficult but to be parted permanently from the man she loved was unbearable.

  Her pillow was sodden before she eventually fell into a restless sleep. She was up at dawn and pacing about the rooms waiting until she could take the letter. She was back in time to be able to eat breakfast with the other lodgers but had no appetite and no wish to make polite conversation however pleasant the company.

  Perhaps she would go for a walk and purchase some more writing paper and ink so she could communicate with her family once she was settled abroad. As the letter had been sent express it should be there before lunch. It was quite possible a reply could arrive that very day, if in the affirmative it might mean she would depart this evening. She wasn't sure if she was ready to go so soon.

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. She must be courageous, do what had to be done in order to protect her family and Edward from being obliged to share her disgrace.

  The area she was staying in was pleasant enough, moderate sized, three-storey brick buildings, mostly boarding houses, and all very respectable. It would be foolhardy to wander into the well-known streets such as Bond Street as she might be recognised. There was plenty to see in her vicinity albeit smaller emporiums but nonetheless more interesting than those she might see in Ipswich.

  When she returned to her lodgings the house was quiet. Presumably the other ladies were out seeking new employment or visiting the circulating library or something of that sort. She was now both hungry and thirsty as a young lady could not walk into a coffee house to buy herself some breakfast as they were the domain of gentlemen.

  Her landlady bustled up. 'There you are, Miss Smith, you have paid for dinner and breakfast and eaten neither. Would you care to come into the parlour for some refreshments after your morning constitutional?'

  'That would be kind of you. I have no wish to put you to any trouble as you made it quite clear that…'

  'Rules are there to be broken – especially for such a young lady like yourself.'

  Penny took a seat away from the window where she could not be seen by any passers-by and was eagerly awaiting whatever she might be given in way of sustenance.

  'Here you are, miss, freshly baked buns, marmalade and coffee. I could bring tea, or chocolate if that is what you would prefer.'

  'Coffee is exactly what I like. If you are not too busy, would you like to join me as there is more than enough for two on this tray?'

  Her landlady sat down with such speed Penny was certain she had been hoping for an invitation in order to ask intrusive questions. This was indeed the case but she was so hungry it didn't put her off the late breakfast.

  'I can see from your face, my dear, that you are not leaving this country willingly. An affair of the heart perhaps?'

  'I am a governess, ma'am, it is not my place to become involved with a gentleman.' She hoped that would be enough to prevent further questions.

  'I know how it is, Miss Smith, a pretty girl like you would attract the attention of perhaps the son of the house which would not be popular with your employers.'

  'I do not intend to speak of it. Suffice it to say I had no option but to seek alternative employment. I did not leave under a cloud, I have excellent references and am looking forward to travelling abroad if I am lucky enough to be offered the position in Guildford.' Too late she realised she had just given away far too much information about her future plans.

  'You have applied for the position that Miss Brotherton has just vacated? How fortuitous that you should arrive at the very moment her family are seeking a replacement. Lady Carly is Italian, her father, a count, has become unwell and Sir James is going out to run the family estates and businesses.'

  'Thank you for that information, I had wondered why they were leaving England.' She shook out the crumbs from her gown and stood up. 'Forgive me, I have some letters to write. Thank you so much for the delicious meal. I had not thought to ask, is luncheon provided?'

  'Indeed it is. Come down to the dining room at one o'clock sharp. There will be six of
you at table today.'

  Penny retreated to the privacy of her apartment. It was inevitable that the landlady would know everybody's business but she wished she had not revealed she had applied for the position with Sir James.

  *

  The post-chaise made good time but they arrived too late to begin the search that night. After spending the night at the inn Edward, Thorogood and Frobisher began the hunt. He just had to hope luck was with him and that no one who knew him would be in the area he was searching.

  He paid urchins to knock on the doors of boarding houses and remained in the shadows to receive their reports. His valet and estate manager were now looking for Penny as well and they reconvened at lunchtime in a small coffee shop in a quiet mews near the city.

  'Miss Bradshaw would have arrived too late to walk far before finding her accommodation,' Thorogood said.

  'We have enquired at all the likely places to the left of the inn she would have arrived at. Now we must do the same on the right.' Edward was sure his search would be successful by the end of the day. The sooner he was away from here the better. Eventually he would be recognised and his life forfeit.

  'I think it might be wise, sir, if I took care of the other matter whilst you and Frobisher continue to look for Miss Bradshaw.'

  'Yes, Thorogood, you do that. Remain in Town until you have been successful and then return by post-chaise. Whatever it costs, get this business settled.'

  The young man departed to try and discover the truth behind the death of Bentley leaving him and his valet to continue their enquiries at yet more boarding houses. As before he lurked in doorways leaving others to do the actual questioning.

  He was beginning to give up hope when Frobisher appeared at his side. 'I think I've located her, at the far end of this street is a very respectable house for single ladies. One Miss Sarah Smith arrived yesterday evening and she fits the description of Miss Bradshaw.'

  'Is she there now? Who did you speak to? Would she have been alerted by the landlady that someone is looking for her?'