“You did.” His lips nuzzled in the hollow at the base of her neck. “I also remember I called you a hussy…my darling hussy.”
“Then you must definitely marry me, and soon. And you must also start teaching me how to reform the error of my wickedly illicit ways.”
“I shall be more than happy to start teaching you right now, my love.”
Lifting her into his arms, Aaron carried Emma to the stables where they spent the remainder of the night hidden in the loft amid bales of hay, making passionate love, believing their future together was sealed for eternity.
Chapter 11
Having climbed from his bed and in the act of dressing, Aaron’s thoughts wandered to Emma. Preparations for the wedding were nearly complete, and there was nothing to stop their marriage from taking place. All was going well. In fact, it was going too well.
Nearly a sennight had passed since Aaron had asked Mr. Brentry for his daughter’s hand in marriage. When approached, Mr. Brentry had shown immediate approval, with Aaron receiving a hearty, jovial slap on the back and Emma a fatherly kiss on the cheek. But that was before Mr. Brentry questioned Aaron further as to his worth, suitability, and future prospects. Sadly, Aaron had been found wanting.
Aaron suspected that had Emma not told her father that if the proposal was rejected, she would remain a spinster, Mr. Brentry would not have caved in and given his consent.
There was a knock on the bedchamber door and Franks, Aaron’s batman, entered carrying a pair of freshly polished Hessian boots. The shine on the boots was excellent and couldn’t have been improved upon considering the age they were. But then Franks could always work his miracles on anything he set his mind to.
When Aaron joined the army, Franks had been assigned as his batman, and together, through thick and thin, they had come through the war. The war years had been hard-hitting, but Franks had stuck it out, and Aaron swore that if it had not been for Franks nursing him through the worst of his trauma, he wouldn’t have survived.
He owed his batman a lifelong debt, and he knew it.
“I ought to dig deep into my pockets and buy a new pair of boots. But somehow I…”
“’Tis the same thing you say every time, gov. You never do get new ones made. It’s ’cause you don’t like giving up what’s yours. That’s your trouble.”
Dressed and wearing a white, starched shirt and buckskin trousers, Aaron was in stockinged feet, tying his cravat in front of a mirror. When done, he sat in a chair and pulled on the boots. They were a perfect fit and comfortable.
Aaron knew that what Franks had said was correct. He didn’t like change. A new pair of boots would have to be broken in, just like a new woman. And although committed to the idea of marrying Emma, Aaron still had his doubts about how she would fit into his life.
Windhurst Hall was his home. His inheritance. It had been in his family for generations. Yet he didn’t know if Emma would suit life there. She was used to towns and cities, not country living. There were no balls or routs of an evening, just log fires, books, servants, and dogs for company.
He could tolerate living in his Bath apartment on the second floor, but he wasn’t sure Emma would survive such an existence until they could be better situated. He didn’t have the luxuries in life to offer her―at least, not yet. Not until he regained Windhurst Hall and could recoup his losses.
“I almost forgot to mention, gov. There’s a Mr. Edward Templeton to see you. He said I was to tell you it was of some importance, and if you could―”
“Edward? What the devil does he want?”
Hastily throwing on his tailcoat, Aaron left the room and went to see why Edward was calling.
Edward was waiting in the saloon. Sunlight was streaming through the open window, and although the room was cluttered with books and other personal items, that didn’t seem to bother the unexpected caller. He was sitting in a large, comfortable chair, leisurely reading last week’s copy of the Bath Chronicle.
What with wedding preparations and sorting out the business of Windhurst Hall, Aaron had not had time to retrieve his post and letters from the receiving house. This meant that the current editions of the Bath Chronicle and the Weekly Gazette hadn’t yet been collected.
Edward folded the dated newspaper and tossed it carelessly onto a nearby table.
“Ye gad, Aaron. You took your time. While I’ve been sitting here waiting at your convenience, I’ve been thinking you’re about to become a dandy, or worse, one of those coxcombs. How long does it take you to dress? Beau Brummell could have put his breeches on quicker. Do you think I’ve nothing better to do than pander to your needs?”
“You’re undoubtedly a busy man, Edward, which makes me wonder why I’m so honored to have you call at such an ungodly hour of the morning. It’s not yet mid-day. What is so urgent that it cannot wait until we see one another in a few days’ time at my wedding?”
“It’s not what but who. And it’s Lord Stratton that can’t wait.”
“Stratton? Why? What has he done now?”
Aaron was alert. The mere mention of Lord Stratton had his hackles rising. When Lord Stratton had left the rout, Aaron had a suspicion that they had not seen the last of him. He was now being proved correct. After the unsavory way in which they parted, he wouldn’t be surprised if something fishy was happening.
“It appears he’s been in contact with Cuthbert Williams and has had dealings with him.”
“These dealings…did they concern Windhurst Hall?”
“They did. This morning, and quite by chance, I happened to be at the Pump Room―”
“The Pump Room?” said Aaron. “Why on earth would you of all people go there? What ails you? Have you taken sick?” Aaron was astonished to hear Edward mention a visit to Bath’s spa. Being of sound mind and body, it was unlike his friend to seek the curative medicinal waters.
“It wasn’t for me that I went there. According to our physician, my father has acquired a condition called gout. There’s not much one can do, but a dose of the waters was prescribed. If it gives him peace of mind, then who am I to say he should not drink there? But that’s by the way.”
“Then come to the point. I’ve yet to break bread. You might be an early riser, but when in the city, I’m not.”
“What I’m here to tell you is that while at the Pump Room, I was informed by a reliable source that Lord Stratton has taken your cousin’s promissory note off Cuthbert Williams’s hands and now holds the rights to Windhurst Hall. He’s about to demand Lord Merton honors the debt.”
“What? Stratton has my cousin’s note?”
“Yes. And if Lord Merton doesn’t find the money, Lord Stratton is threatening to take possession, or it will be pistols at dawn.”
“Ridiculous. He cannot do that. Surely he can’t?”
“I’m afraid he can, and that is just what he intends to do. There’s not much you can do about it except pay your cousin’s debit―immediately. Aaron, this business with Miss Brentry…if you don’t hold the ceremony at once, there will be no point in marrying her. Windhurst Hall will be lost. Gone forever. And the reason for this marriage will no longer exist.”
With his hands buried deep in his pockets, Aaron took a turn about the room and went to stand at the window.
“Cuthbert Williams was happy to wait for payment, but it seems Stratton is not. How much time do I have to sort this out?”
“None. According to my source, Lord Stratton is on his way to Merton Manor as we speak. He’s about to make his demands.”
“Then I will have to follow Stratton and see if he will delay closure until I’ve spoken with Miss Brentry’s legal representatives and have her dowry in the bank. At the moment, I’ve nothing to offer him. Once Stratton gets his hands on the property, there’s no knowing what he’ll do with it…and with my workers. Damn awful timing.”
“True,” said Edward. “If only you were already married, your problem would be solved.”
“But I’m not. And now I�
��m wondering why he bought the note from Cuthbert Williams in the first place. What can his motive be? Windhurst Hall means nothing to him. He can’t possibly want my home.” Aaron’s brows drew together. “Not unless…”
“Unless what?” asked Edward.
“Not unless his purpose is pure revenge.”
Edward looked taken aback. “Revenge for what?”
Aaron turned and looked unseeingly out of the window at the passersby below.
“I fear Miss Brentry and I have unwittingly made an enemy of Lord Stratton. I must go to her at once and warn her. I might even have to call off the wedding. Now that Stratton has Windhurst Hall within his grasp, Miss Brentry and I might not have a roof over our heads or a house to call our own.”
With a brief nod, Aaron left Mr. Templeton and went in search of Emma. He set off for Lansdown Crescent with haste, to break the bad tidings.
Chapter 12
Earlier that morning, Emma’s father asked her to call upon Lady Hester. He wanted Emma to present his annual donation for the orphanage to Lady Hester, along with a large hamper of food and some toys for the children. Emma willingly agreed to do so, and while from the house, she intended to combine the trip with a visit to her milliner.
The only problem was that when Gresham set Emma down outside Lady Hester’s town house in Great Pulteney Street, instead of being able to leave the hamper and banker’s draft, her ladyship had insisted Emma accompany her to the orphanage. She wanted Emma to see for herself what was being achieved by the regular openhanded donations from Mr. Brentry and other like-minded merchants.
It had been difficult for Emma to refuse. Dismissing Gresham, telling him to return with the barouche in an hour, Emma set off in Lady Hester’s carriage to inspect the orphanage, situated a short distance away on the London Road.
To Emma’s surprise, she found the visit to be an enjoyable experience, and on the return journey to her ladyship’s house, she chatted happily about what she had seen and learned.
Emma smiled at Lady Hester and said, “The children appear well cared for. One boy was particularly helpful in telling me about his schooling. He was quite eager to join the navy and travel the seas.”
“Yes, we have a schoolmaster that comes to teach the basics of reading and writing,” Lady Hester said. “Some children decide to go into service, while others have more adventurous ideas in their heads. As long as they are off the streets and are safe, that’s all that matters.”
“It’s good of the orphanage to provide an education, and it must be a comfort to know that when older, they will be able to survive and provide for themselves.”
Lady Hester patted Emma’s hand. “Your father’s been extremely benevolent. He has even offered some of our older children work in his factory. My dear Emma, I must tell you he has been so kind. Such a good and generous man.”
Upon reaching Great Pulteney Street, a waiting footman, on the alert for the return of the carriage, assisted Lady Hester and Emma to climb from the barouche.
The footman bowed low. “Miss Brentry, I’m sorry to inform you that your carriage and coachman have been and gone.”
“Gresham was here?”
It was then that she realized she had been at the orphanage for more than two hours.
“Your coachman asked if her ladyship could spare a servant to run to Lansdown Crescent upon your return. He said he’ll be with you as soon as he can. He did wait, but the horses were becoming restless and he―”
“Oh dear…how thoughtless of me,” Emma said, concerned. “I completely forgot I’d asked him to return within the hour. He must have wondered what had happened to me.”
Lady Hester placed a hand comfortingly on Emma’s arm. “Not to worry, my dear,” said Lady Hester. “Come along inside and join me for afternoon tea. And while we take tea, I will indeed have a footman sent to Lansdown Crescent to fetch your carriage.”
Emma politely refused. “I wouldn’t want to put you to the bother, Your Ladyship. I must visit my milliner on Broad Street. She is making several hats, and one in particular is to be made ready for my wedding day.”
“But you have no carriage. Surely you do not intend to walk.”
“It’s but a short distance to Pulteney Bridge and from there to Broad Street. Walking will be no hardship. Truly. And when I’m finished at Madam Ferrier’s, if need be, I can always take a sedan chair to my father’s house in Lansdown Crescent. In fact, as it is such a lovely afternoon, I might even walk there too. No harm can come of it, and the exercise will do me good.”
“My dear, you really shouldn’t. You don’t have your maid with you. You must allow one of my footmen to escort you instead. Spencer here will accompany you. Won’t you, Spencer?”
Once again, the footman bowed low. “Certainly, Your Ladyship.”
“No, I insist he must not,” protested Emma. “I would much prefer to go alone.”
Apparently realizing that Emma was determined to do as she wished, Lady Hester shrugged her shoulders. “Are you sure I cannot persuade you otherwise?”
“Indeed you cannot, Lady Hester. However, I must thank you for today’s lovely outing, and I promise to report back to Papa, telling him of all your good works.”
Lady Hester smiled. “Give my best wishes to your father, and when you next see Mr. Trent, tell him that I hope things are soon sorted and that Lord Stratton hands Windhurst Hall back to him before too long. It’s such a shame that it has come to this sorry state of affairs. I must confess that at one time, I wondered if you ought to accept Lord Stratton. And although the situation is peculiar, I think you have made the better choice. Mr. Trent is a fine gentleman and―”
“Did you say Lord Stratton has claimed Windhurst Hall for himself?” Emma was surprised. Had she misheard? “I think you have been misinformed. It is a Mr. Cuthbert Williams who is supposed to be in possession of the promissory note, not Lord Stratton.”
“Then gossip, although it cannot be called gossip if Mr. Templeton was speaking of it, was wrong.”
“Gossip? I’m sorry… Who was speaking, and of what exactly?”
“Why, Mr. Trent’s solicitor, of course…Mr. Templeton.” Lady Hester took a step closer and whispered, “Mr. Edward Templeton and another gentleman, who I cannot put a name to, although I know his face from somewhere, were talking about Windhurst Hall.”
Emma, aware they were on the street and could be overheard, not just by the servants but also by passersby, also lowered her voice.
“Are you saying Lord Stratton now has possession of Windhurst Hall?” Emma could feel the blood drain from her face. “It cannot be.”
“My dear, were you not listening to what I said? Come inside and I will explain all that I heard at the Pump Room.”
Having hastily checked the fastenings on her pelisse, ensuring they were buttoned high against the afternoon’s chill, and securing the ribbons of her bonnet tightly beneath her chin, Emma pulled on her gloves.
“Thank you for a delightful afternoon, but I really must go,” she said.
Lady Hester shook her head but did not try to persuade Emma to stay longer. “If you must.”
“I’m so sorry, I cannot delay any further. Should my coachman arrive, please tell him I shall make my way back to the house, and he is not to trouble himself about my whereabouts.”
With a quick curtsy, Emma left Lady Hester, and walking at a brisk pace, she soon reached Pulteney Bridge. Having crossed the bridge, she made her way along Broad Street and passed the milliner’s shop she had originally intended to visit, before turning right to enter The Paragon.
The Paragon was a street of generously sized dwellings, all fronted with classic roman styled façades of honey-colored limestone. It was also where Lord Stratton kept a house. Unconcerned for the stir it would cause should it be discovered she had called upon a gentleman while unescorted, Emma intended to find Lord Stratton and demand an explanation.
Aaron was in trouble, serious trouble, and she was prepared to do a
lmost anything if it would help. Aaron was about to lose Windhurst Hall all over again, only this time, according to Lady Hester, it was Lord Stratton who had gotten his hands on the property. Windhurst Hall could be gone for good, and Emma wasn’t about to let that happen.
A carriage drawn by four horses stood outside Lord Stratton’s house, and as she drew near, she saw Lord Stratton was about to enter the vehicle.
“One moment, we need to speak,” she said. “It cannot wait.”
Lord Stratton made to pass her by, but she stood her ground, blocking his way.
“I’m afraid it will have to wait, Miss Brentry,” he said with a sneer. “I’m about to set off for Merton Manor. I’ve business there that cannot wait.”
There was animosity in his voice. Clearly, he had not forgotten nor forgiven the skirmish in the garden during the rout.
“Merton Manor…is that not where Lord Phillip Merton lives? An excellent notion,” she said. “It is about time I met this disagreeable cousin of Mr. Trent’s. I’ve heard much of him, and it’s time we sorted this unfortunate business concerning Windhurst Hall once and for all. The sooner we decide who is entitled to claim ownership, the better.”
“My dear Miss Brentry, I am taking you nowhere. Especially not to Merton Manor. And as for Windhurst Hall—if Lord Merton is unable to pay his debt and Trent hasn’t yet got his hands on your dowry, I intend to claim the place as mine. Trent’s misfortune is my good gain.”
That was all the goading Emma needed to make her act.
“Get in,” she told him forcefully, pointing to his carriage. “I’m coming with you.”
“You will certainly not.”
Lord Stratton looked and sounded affronted, but Emma didn’t care about his feelings. Social niceties were not on her agenda.
Pulling a pistol from her reticule, the one she carried with her at all times, she pointed it discretely in Lord Stratton’s direction.
He saw the weapon and blanched, turning completely white.
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