'I went to the kitchen and spoke to the cook. Most folk will be happy to tell you what you need to know if you're prepared to pay for the information. Miss Bradshaw is in her room at this moment.'
'Excellent, then I shall go and collect her. Go back to the inn and have the post-chaise come here. It can turn safely at the far end.'
His valet hurried off to do his bidding. Edward was about to make his way to the boarding house when a smart travelling carriage approached from the opposite direction. To his horror it pulled up outside the very place he was heading for. He could hardly arrive at the same time.
He watched from his vantage point on the other side of the road as a liveried footman dismounted from the rear of the vehicle and knocked loudly on the door. Words were exchanged and then the door was closed. The footman remained where he was.
Edward's heart began to hammer and a trickle of perspiration slithered between his shoulder blades. He had a very bad feeling about this. He crossed the road and began to walk slowly towards the carriage. Then Penny emerged, the steps were let down and she climbed in the waiting vehicle. The servant jumped back to his position, the coachman snapped his whip and the carriage rolled forward.
Moving purely on instinct he ran forward and jumped in front of the horses. They were pulled to a rearing halt. The coachman turned the air blue and the unfortunate flunky on the back was thrown to the pavement.
Edward dodged around the plunging animals and snatched open the door. His beloved was on her knees in the well of the carriage. He didn't allow her to protest, but grabbed her by the shoulders and lifted her out.
'You are not going anywhere, sweetheart, you are coming home with me where you belong.'
'Edward, how are you here? You should not have come to London and put your own life at risk.'
Now he was certain she was not going to try and escape from him he released his hold and reached in to recover her valise. 'That is of no account to me, whatever happens I shall be satisfied to know you are safe with your family.'
The under-coachman had now climbed down from the box. 'Miss Smith has changed her mind. She is no longer available for employment.'
Penny moved in closer to him making it obvious she was in agreement with his statement. 'Please convey my apologies to your mistress but I shall not be taking up the position of governess.'
The man nodded and scrambled back onto the box. The footman who had been catapulted from his position at the rear had brushed himself down and was now on board and ready to depart. The coachman scowled, snapped his whip for a second time, and the carriage rumbled down the road.
This fracas had attracted far too much attention. Several doors were open and they were being gawped at and discussed in a way that made him uncomfortable. Where the hell was the chaise?
'We must walk back toward the inn, my love, and leave London as soon as maybe.'
'I wish you had not put yourself in danger, but I am glad you came. I did not really want to go so far away. Are you sure my family will be glad to see me return and envelop them in scandal?'
'They care nothing for such things. They want you with them.'
The sound of wheels on the cobbles made him glance over his shoulder. Frobisher had arrived to collect them. He prayed it was in time.
Chapter Fourteen
It seemed inappropriate to be sitting practically in Edward's lap when his valet was sitting opposite in the small carriage. However, Frobisher was doing a good impression of being fast asleep which made her feel a little more comfortable.
She didn't believe that one should speak as if a servant was both deaf and dumb so was not prepared to discuss anything personal until she and Edward were alone.
'Exactly where were you going?'
'I had accepted a position as governess to a family who were relocating to Italy.'
The hand holding hers tightened. 'I see. We shall discuss this when we are home.'
'Were my sisters and mama very upset that I had gone?'
'Your sisters knew that I would bring you home so they have not told your mother. As far as Lady Bradshaw is concerned you are still unwell with a bilious attack.'
'That makes things easier.' There was nothing else they could say that wasn't confidential so she smiled at him and then relaxed against his shoulder. Travelling this way was far more comfortable than on the common stage.
She slept on and off during the journey, remained in the carriage when the horses were changed, until they arrived at the Red Lion in Colchester. Here they ate a passable luncheon before resuming their journey.
'We collect our own carriage here, sweetheart, so have to disembark.'
Penny recognised her surroundings. They were no more than a few miles from home. She could not wait to be back. She didn't regret having made the decision to leave, but was delighted to return. Her only concern was the reckoning that was bound to be coming from the formidable gentleman assisting her from the chaise.
'Frobisher, you are to be our coachman. Are you familiar with handling the reins?'
His valet nodded. 'I'll get you home safe and sound, sir, don't you fret.'
This arrangement suited all of them as now they were able to converse freely. 'I told you in my letter that you must not come after me as it was too dangerous. If you are apprehended because of me I shall never forgive myself.'
'It was my decision, sweetheart, as running away was yours. I had thought you an intelligent woman but to abandon all of us so casually makes me reconsider my opinion.'
'It was not you that murdered someone…' She stopped and couldn't help smiling. 'Although, I suppose that strictly speaking the same could be said of you.'
He reached out and tugged her bonnet sharply so that it slipped over her nose. 'It is not a matter for levity, young lady. Notwithstanding my displeasure at your comment, I must tell you that I was obliged to take Thorogood into my confidence as I foolishly revealed my true self to him.'
'I am sure your secret will be safe with him. I am surprised that he is not with you on this venture.'
'I was about to explain where he had gone when you rudely interrupted me – that is a habit you will have to curb once we are married.'
She undid the ribbons and removed the wretched hat. 'I was not aware that I had agreed to become your wife. We shall discuss this further but first you must tell me where Mr Thorogood has gone.'
He explained what they thought had happened on the day of the duel and she was astounded. 'If you are right in your assumptions then that means there must be at least three others involved in this deception, apart from the coachman and any servants that might have witnessed what happened.'
'It beggars belief that Bentley had been about to kick the bucket and had still turned out in order to betray me. He had to have died from natural causes within a day or two otherwise the trick would not have worked.'
'The whole thing is quite preposterous and all for revenge for something that happened decades ago. It makes no sense to me. The man who has taken my home and my father's title has done far worse and yet I would not dream of seeking to extract vengeance on him by attempting to ruin his life.'
'You might not, my love, but I have every intention of giving him his comeuppance. I now have the wherewithal to do whatever I please to whomever I please…'
'Only if you are not discovered. I have been thinking, my love, if I am to marry you at all – and I have not quite decided on that point – then I will marry you using your correct title. You have already risked discovery by travelling to London to bring me home. I hardly think that a secret marriage conducted by someone I love and trust could be considered to put you in any more danger.'
'I should love to do so but I don't think that we can. I cannot apply for a special licence as that would immediately reveal the fact that I am not abroad. Neither can we have the banns called in the church as too many people would hear my name mentioned.'
'Then I cannot marry you at all. It is not because I do not love you, I do
with all my heart. I cannot deceive my family by living with you when I am not legally your wife. Imagine my mama's distress when it is revealed and she understands that I am a fallen woman – little better than your mistress. One day your name will be cleared and we shall be free to wed but until then we must remain as friends only.'
*
This wasn't what he wanted to hear but Edward knew she was right. It would be much easier to be close to her, and not be allowed to show his feelings, once they had moved to the Hall which was big enough for them to avoid seeing each other apart from when they dined.
'Reluctantly, my love, I agree to your terms.' The carriage slowed and turned into the drive. 'As you are supposed to be in bed I think you must go in through the servants' door and also use their stairs.'
'I had already decided to do that. Another thing, Edward, you must no longer use endearments when addressing me. You must use my given name only. Is that clear?'
'Again, I am forced to acquiesce to your demands. Frobisher has driven the carriage around to the back which is ideal. It is late, the house will be abed. I sincerely hope we will be able to affect an entry without having to wake everyone.'
Her smile was radiant. 'The side door is never locked. I shall go in ahead of you just in case anyone is awake.'
He waited for a few minutes until she had safely entered the house and then jumped out himself. Even though it was now after ten o'clock the two stable boys appeared immediately and were already unharnessing the team. Frobisher was collecting the saddlebags, and he followed into the house relieved it was silent.
He slept soundly and was up at dawn. He wanted to see how things were progressing at the Hall so rode there whilst everyone else was sleeping. On his return just after luncheon he strolled around to the front door which was immediately opened by the footman.
'Good afternoon, sir, Lady Bradshaw is anxious to speak to you. She is in the drawing room.'
He must presume that their deception had been successful, that Penny's absence had not been discovered, so this was not the reason that her ladyship wished to speak to him so urgently.
To his astonishment she was pacing the carpet not lounging on the daybed. 'Is something wrong, my lady? How can I be of assistance?'
'Mr Trevelyan, I have had the most disturbing news. I dare not tell my daughters for fear of what they might do.'
'Shall we be seated so we can discuss this in comfort?' She flopped onto the nearest chair and he sat opposite and waited.
'I received a letter this morning.' She delved into her pocket and held out a stained and creased piece of paper.
'May I be permitted to read it?'
She nodded and he reached over and took it. It had obviously travelled far.
Lady Bradshaw
I am writing to tell you that your son, Sir Benedict Bradshaw, did not drown alongside his father but was rescued and brought to this convent. He was gravely ill, had suffered not only from immersion in the water but also from a head injury and had no notion of his name.
We have been taking care of him for this past year and a half and have been making enquiries on his behalf all this time. Unfortunately, he still has no recollection of who he is, but we were able to discover a sailor who remembers travelling on the same ship as he and his father on another voyage.
Your son is physically recovered but is unwilling to travel back to England as he has formed an attachment to the daughter of a local man and does not want to leave her.
I'm sure that you will be relieved to know that you lost just your husband, and not your only son, in the shipwreck. I hope that you will be able to travel out here yourself and persuade him to return and take up his inheritance.
I have become involved with Sir Benedict over the past month because I too am English. I became a novitiate at this convent when my entire family also perished in a shipwreck many years ago. This is why I was able to converse with him and can communicate to you in your own language.
For a moment he sat digesting the astonishing information. 'My lady, I am delighted that your son has been restored to you. This means that also your home will be yours once more and the interlopers will be ejected.'
'Of course I am overjoyed to know that my Ben is alive. However, I am at a loss to know how we can persuade him to return if he does not know who he is or that he has family and responsibilities waiting for him.'
'I shall go and fetch him back for you. I shall take your family lawyer who will be able to show him the necessary documents.'
'If you would do so, Mr Trevelyan, I shall be forever in your debt. To think that my darling boy is alive. Perhaps he will come home if he brings this young lady with him as his wife. I never thought to say this, but however unsuitable she might be, if Ben loves her then that is good enough for me.'
Penny rushed across the room and threw herself into her mother's arms. 'Our brother is alive? I cannot believe it. It is the most wonderful news – we shall be able to return to Bradshaw Manor and that upstart can be sent packing.' She turned to him, her eyes damp. 'I shall come with you, Edward. However bad his memory, I am certain he will remember me when I am standing in front of him.'
There was nothing he would like better than to travel to Spain with her but that would be a bad idea in the circumstances. Then he reconsidered. They could hardly gallivant about the continent as things were.
'Lady Bradshaw, do I have your permission to marry your daughter? Our wedding trip would be to collect your son and bring him home.'
'I knew it. From the moment I set eyes on you, my dear boy, I thought you would be the perfect match for my daughter. If we have the banns called from this Sunday you could be married by the end of the month and then set out to bring my boy home.'
His future wife was less pleased than her mama. 'Edward, could we converse in private for a moment? Pray excuse us, Mama, this has come as a shock to me.'
She didn't wait for him to agree but hurried out and he had no option but to follow her. He left his future mother-in-law and sisters laughing and chatting about having their beloved brother back and being able to return to Bradshaw Manor.
This was another reason he was determined to marry the woman he loved. Once she returned to her ancestral home she would be lost to him. Even though the marriage, as far as he was concerned, would be in the sight of God and not legally binding, she would remain with him and not leave with her mother and sisters.
He received a fulminating stare on his entrance to the library but he ignored it and smiled at her ire. 'You should be overjoyed, my love, that your brother is alive. You must see that you could not possibly come to Spain with me unless we are married – that would be even more calamitous for your reputation than marrying me.'
She tapped her foot and did not return his smile. 'We agreed not half an hour ago that we would not be married until we can be married legally. How dare you involve my mother in your machinations? I have no option but to become betrothed to you but I shall not marry you. I shall travel to Spain with Mr Thorogood and my maid – you will not accompany us.'
He was about to protest but she raised a hand to stop him. 'No, sir, I will brook no argument or discussion. My mind is made up. As soon as Mr Thorogood returns from London I shall leave with him.'
'Shall you indeed? How, might I enquire, do you intend to fund this expedition? I think you forget that you are living on my largesse at the moment.'
He had expected her to react but not the way she did. She picked up a book from the desk and hurled it at him. It caught him full in the chest and he lost his balance and ended on his derrière.
*
Penny regretted her violence the moment the book left her hand. He did not deserve such treatment despite his high-handed and arrogant attitude. His eyes were glacial. The sensible course of action would be to scamper around him and vanish before he could give her the set down she so richly deserved.
Then her anger evaporated like snow on a summer's day. She dropped to her knees beside him
and took his rigid hands. 'I am so sorry, did I hurt you? Let me see what damage I did.'
His words didn't scare. He would never raise a hand to her however much she provoked him. She placed one hand on his waistcoat front and pressed gently. 'This is where the book landed – does it hurt very much?'
She saw his eyes darken and knew he had another form of punishment in mind. There was no point in trying to escape, even if she wanted to, but she must rely on the fact that he was a gentleman to the core and would not do anything she objected to.
Then he rudely tossed her aside and was on his feet leaving her sprawled on the carpet. 'I have no time for these games, Penny. You will not go to Spain without me. Do I make myself quite clear?'
He didn't offer to help her to her feet and she was tempted to remain where she was like a sulky child, but thought better of it. Once she was upright she answered his question.
'I have nothing else to say to you on this subject. Please excuse me, I am going to return to my apartment. I shall not be dining downstairs tonight.'
He stepped aside and she stalked past expecting him to put out an arm to stop her, but he didn't. As she reached the drawing room she changed her mind and went in to sit with her family who were celebrating the good news.
'Mama, sisters, I shall not be marrying Mr Trevelyan. He should never have spoken to you before finding out how I felt on the subject. I have no desire to be married at the moment. If you will forgive me, I am not feeling as well as I should like and am going to go and lie down. My digestion is still unsettled so I will not be joining you for dinner.'
'You do look very pale, my love, run along. I do think he would make you the perfect husband, but the decision is yours. If he is not the man for you, then I shall not argue.'
Penny embraced her mother, not something she did often, and hurried away before they could see the tears escaping down her cheeks. There was nothing she would like more than to be Edward's wife, despite his many faults, she loved him to distraction. This could never be until he was able to reclaim his birthright. She must pray that Mr Thorogood was successful in his enquiries and would come back with good news.
A Lord In Disguise Page 13
