‘Charlotte—?’he whispered uncertainly, and then her lips found his and neither of them spoke for a very long time.
Some time later Charles was seated, most improperly, upon the bed with one arm around Miss Wrexham whose head rested snugly in the hollow of his shoulder. He held one of her hands and was engaged in tracing a pattern upon the palm with one finger. She was content merely to observe him, noting each change that his ordeal had wrought upon him. He looked so much older, yet when he smiled it was with all his old boyish charm. He smiled now as he caught her eye and tightened his hold, whispering, ‘What are you thinking about, my darling?’
‘I was thinking about you, of course,’ she answered simply.
‘And what were you thinking about me?’
‘That in some strange way you seem to have grown. Darling, what happened to you? Where have you been all these dreadful weeks? I have been out of my mind with worry!''
Charles gave her a long look. ‘You were so worried that, from what I have been told, you became engaged to Ruthin almost immediately. Oh, I am not blaming you. I don't deny I was cursed upset when Ricky and Fitz told me about it, but I daresay I can understand how it happened. That scoundrel must have taken advantage of you, told you lies about me. How could you know what to believe? You had only known me for a few days.’
Charlotte sat up very straight, shrugging off his protective arm. She faced him, her eyes blazing wrathfully. ‘How dare you! Oh, how dare you say such a thing to me! I never, never for one moment believed anything bad of you. You seem to know very little about me if you think I could be so faithless!’
‘Well, what was I supposed to think when you became betrothed to Ruthin?’ he demanded, taken aback by her fury.
‘You should have realised that I could not help myself! I only became engaged to Ruthin because mama and my aunt found us together. He had his arms around me and, of course, when they saw us he had to say that we were betrothed.’
It was Charles' turn to stiffen wrathfully. ‘Oh, so he had his arms around you, did he? Perhaps you would like to explain how that came about!’
‘No, I would not! I do not intend to explain anything to anyone as rude and hateful as you are. I wish you would just go away and leave me alone!’
The Viscount took refuge in dignity. ‘Very well, ma'am. I apologise for having inflicted my presence on you. You will not be obliged to suffer it again!’ He was halted by the sound of a sob, and turning, he saw the drooping figure of his beloved blowing her nose upon a very wet handkerchief. The sight went to his heart as nothing else could have done. In a moment he was beside her again, drying her eyes with his own large handkerchief and kissing her swollen eyelids. After a very few minutes of this treatment Miss Wrexham felt so much better that she was able to explain to the Viscount the precise circumstances surrounding her betrothal.
Carlington was naturally delighted to acquit her of all blame, but he could not yet do as much for the Marquis. Having picked upon Ruthin as the villain of the piece, he was loath to give up the idea. Charlotte, however, was quite astonished that he should suspect his old friend and pleaded with him to go and see the Marquis for himself. She was sure that a very few minutes' conversation between the two men would convince the Viscount of his error. This Viscount engaged himself to do the next day. He then, at her request, embarked once more upon the tale of his adventures, expurgating the more unpleasant parts so as not to distress her. She was quite intelligent enough to read between the lines, however, and although she was shocked by his sufferings she could not but exult in the courage and resource he had displayed.
‘Well, that's the tale, my darling,’ he finished. ‘The question is, what do we do next?’
‘We must discover the truth, of course,’ answered Miss Wrexham decidedly.
‘That's all very well, Charlotte, but if you rule out Ruthin, who else is there? Perhaps there is someone we don't know about who had a grudge against Farnley and saw his opportunity. Why, it could be anyone for all we know!’
‘Not at all. Only think for a moment. You issued the challenge and within three hours you were on your way to Islington. There was not time for news of the affair to get about. Do you not see that the murderer must be someone who was there at the club?’
‘Dash it, you'll be saying it was Ricky or Fitz next!’ expostulated the Viscount.
‘Charles, Charles, you are not thinking! Captain Osborne and Lord Fitzroy were both present when Farnley was shot. No, there must have been other men who witnessed the quarrel. Do try to remember, dearest.’
The Viscount sat in frowning abstraction for a few moments. ‘Well, let me see. There was Chadwick, Alvanley and Fitz, all at the Faro table. I think Byng held the bank. Osborne was having a hand with Wellesley and this man Dugdale was there with some fellows I didn't know. They all crowded around when Farnley started shouting and then my uncle walked in. No, come to think of it, he had been there all the time, standing near the door.’
Charlotte had turned rather pale. ‘Your uncle! You mean Mr Pentherbridge?’
‘He's the only uncle I have, and I could do without him quite well!’
‘Charles, it is he! I am sure of it!’
The Viscount burst out laughing. ‘I'm sorry, Charlotte, but that horse won't run. Dash it, the fellow hasn't the bottom. No, he may not be the best trustee in the world, but he's a pleasant enough fellow.’
But when Charlotte had told him what transpired at the Duchess of Haymarket's Ball, Charles no longer scoffed at her idea. Pentherbridge's behaviour had certainly been strange. There might be several plausible explanations, the most likely being that he sought to be alone with Miss Wrexham for unknown but probably amorous purposes. This explanation seemed likely to the Viscount who naturally held a high opinion of Charlotte's attractions, but she was dissatisfied with it. On the whole, they decided their best course would be for Charlotte to meet Pentherbridge whenever he suggested, first letting the Viscount know the rendezvous so that he could overhear what was said and if necessary protect his beloved's virtue.
All this having been thoroughly discussed, the Viscount reluctantly took his leave and Charlotte was able to snuggle down into the pillows and enjoy the first really good sleep she had had since the Viscount had swept stormily into her life.
TEN
The Marquis of Ruthin had just finished breakfast in the company of his daughter, when a morning visitor was announced. The news that Mrs Wrexham had called to see him so delighted the Marquis that his daughter was quite amazed by the sudden gladness that illuminated his face. Amelia, who knew herself to be a favourite with Mrs Wrexham, would gladly have accompanied her Papa to the Blue Salon where Mrs Wrexham awaited him, but her Papa had no intention of allowing a third person at this particular interview. Miss Milverly found herself kindly, but firmly, dismissed and retired in some dudgeon to her bedchamber where she spent the time rather miserably contemplating her imminent elopement.
Mrs Wrexham had arrayed herself with some care for this visit and was looking charming in a lilac merino half-dress worn with a fashionable redingote trimmed with sable. This splendid garment was a gift from Lady Northwood who had discovered that furs were ageing and had firmly discarded them.
It was, therefore, with all the confidence of a well-dressed woman that Mrs Wrexham faced her host and nerved herself for what she was afraid might prove an unpleasant interview. She had no idea how the Marquis might react to her interference, but her scarcely acknowledged love for him combined with her fondness for Amelia made it imperative that she try to avert the disaster she felt sure was about to overtake them.
‘Mrs Wrexham, this is a most delightful surprise,’ came the Marquis' voice just behind her, causing the good lady to jump quite violently.
‘Goodness, I did not hear you enter, my Lord,’ she quavered.
‘No, as I see, you were deep in thought, were you not, ma'am? May I know to what I owe the honour of seeing you in this delightfully unexpected way?’
> Mrs Wrexham seated herself and studiously regarded the handle of her parasol for some moments. The Marquis watched her appreciatively, noting how attractively her still smooth brow wrinkled as she pondered how best to approach her delicate task.
‘My Lord, I have something of a very unpleasant nature to communicate. I hope you will forgive me, and understand that only my very deep regard for Amelia—’
‘For Amelia!’ interrupted his Lordship.
‘Yes, dear sir, for your daughter. Ever since I arrived in London and made Miss Milverly's acquaintance, I have seen with concern that she was most unhappy. I have tried several times to induce her to confide in me but, sadly, without success. Then, as I watched her with Mr Edridge, it seemed that perhaps my help was not needed, after all. They seemed so happy, so well suited.’
‘I too have noticed this, Mrs Wrexham. I may say that I regard it as a most appropriate match. Edridge is a fine boy.’
‘As you say, Sir. But recently there has been a coolness between them. Last night it cannot have escaped your notice that Amelia was solicited to stand up with Sir Robert Chatham.’
The Marquis nodded. ‘Indeed, I did notice and I have taken steps to put an end to that particular acquaintance. I do not fancy that Amelia will be easily taken in by that fortune hunter!’
‘I do hope that may be so, sir, but I am sorry to have to inform you that I saw Miss Milverly and Sir Robert together in Kensington Gardens only yesterday!’
‘What!’ thundered the Marquis. ‘Do you mean to tell me, ma’am, that Amelia had disregarded my instructions and is meeting this man clandestinely?’
‘Oh, please do not be too angry with her. It is very bad but she is such a child, after all. I daresay it seems most romantic to her to be meeting a man in such a way. I am sure there has been no harm done. She is as innocent as a kitten.’
He was frowning heavily but his brow lightened a little at this. ‘Thank you, ma'am, she is indeed. The same, however, cannot be said for that blackguard. I will make him very sorry if he has dared to—I shall see Amelia at once!’
Mrs Wrexham rose swiftly and placed an imploring hand upon his sleeve. ‘Please, Lord Ruthin, I beg of you do not see Amelia in this angry mood. She will be frightened and, though you can no doubt browbeat her into submission, would it not be better if she were to obey you willingly because she loves and trusts you?’
There was an arrested expression in the Marquis, eyes as he gazed into Mrs Wrexham's pleading blue ones. Her hand was still resting upon his arm and quickly he covered it with his own. His harsh face softened, and he was just about to speak when the door opened and the butler ushered Mr Edridge into the room.
Fortunately, this young man was far too preoccupied to notice into what kind of scene he had intruded. He had come upon a most important mission, for he had decided, after due consultation with a most understanding elder sister who desired nothing so much as to see him married to an heiress, to do the honourable thing and ask for Amelia's hand in marriage, rather than engage in a flight to Gretna Green with all the impropriety and discomfort that such an exploit entailed.
Mrs Wrexham, a most tactful woman, took her leave at this point; but the smile she received on parting with the Marquis told her that it would not be long before they met again. She returned home the happiest of women, much to the relief of her sister who had for some time been afraid that she might fall into a decline.
Meanwhile the Marquis and Mr Edridge conducted their interview upon the most cordial terms. Sebastian asked formally for permission to pay his addresses to Miss Milverly and this was readily granted. He then embarked upon a painstaking account of his prospects, but as the Marquis had already investigated these some weeks ago, he paid only the most cursory attention, dwelling rather on his own pleasant thoughts. The two men, having settled it all amicably between them, it only remained to inform Miss Milverly of her fate.
Summoned to the library, Amelia descended the stairs in some trepidation. It seemed impossible that Papa could have discovered her secret, but her experience told her that where her father was concerned, very little was impossible. Therefore, when she entered to find him smiling good humouredly, she was much relieved. Sebastian's presence was rather a blow, she had hoped not to have to face him again. There was something about his boyishly handsome face, with its appealing brown eyes, that sapped her resolution, and she was obliged to summon all the remembrance of her wrongs to stiffen her wilting resolve.
She stood, prettily hesitant, by the door and her Papa, noting this attributed it to a maiden shyness which by no means displeased him. He held out his hand, smiling warmly at her.
‘Come in, my dear, come in. As you can see, I have a visitor.’
‘Yes, Papa,’ she answered in a subdued voice, and dropped a slight curtsey. ‘How do you do, Mr Edridge?’
Beaming broadly, her suitor took her hand and held it in a warm clasp. She glanced uncertainly at her Papa, who stood smiling in approval. Some inkling of the truth began to dawn on her.
‘I wonder if you can guess why Mr Edridge has come to see me, Amelia?’
‘No indeed, Papa, I am sure I cannot,’ responded Miss Milverly in a flat little voice.
The Marquis took her other hand and, looking the very picture of paternal benevolence, he told her, ‘Mr Edridge has done you the honour to solicit your hand in marriage, my love. I am most happy to give my consent and wish you joy for the future. Of course, you are too young to be formally betrothed at the moment, but as soon as Sebastian comes down from Oxford, which is but three years after all—’
‘No! No, Papa, I will not!’ declared Miss Milverly furiously, her cheeks most becomingly flushed. ‘I see you have settled it all. Could you not have asked me first? Or am I to have nothing to say about my own marriage?’
The Marquis was astounded. ‘But, Amelia, I was assured that you would be delighted with the match. Have you not shown the most decided partiality for Edridge? I would be most displeased if I were to discover that you have been merely flirting with this young man, for a more contemptible creature than a coquette I cannot imagine!’
At this point Amelia, not unnaturally, burst into tears and in an urgent undervoice Mr Edridge begged the Marquis to leave them alone together. This he did, feeling that the lot of a conscientious parent was a far from easy one.
‘Amelia, what is it? What is the matter with you?’ demanded Sebastian in a far from conciliatory tone.
‘Nothing in the world,’ she answered with would-be airiness. ‘It is merely that I have mistaken my sentiments and I now realise that I do not love you.’
Had Sebastian been a more experienced lover he would have taken her in his arms and kissed her, despite her resistance, no doubt she would have changed her mind readily enough. Unfortunately, Mr Edridge was unused to the ways of spoilt damsels and therefore he took her at her word. He was hurt and very angry.
‘I see, ma'am. I am sorry to have inconvenienced you. Please accept my apologies.’ With this, he stalked out of the room leaving a thoroughly overset young lady behind him.
Viscount Carlington had returned to his friend's lodging in the early hours of the morning and, like Charlotte, had enjoyed a deep and refreshing sleep. He awoke feeling very much better and was able to do justice to the excellent breakfast that Osborne provided. The batman had been sent off the previous day upon a commission nicely calculated to keep him out of town for a sennight, and the three friends were able to relax in the comfort of complete security. It was Lord Fitzroy, not usually the most observant of men, who first noticed the presence of two unsavoury characters lounging in the street below.
‘You know, Ricky, those fellows have b-been hanging around for the p-past two days. I'm b-beginning to wonder what they want.’
Captain Osborne strode to the window and peered out from behind the curtain. ‘Are you sure, Fitz?’
‘D-dash it, of course I'm sure. Come to think of it, I'd swear they've b-been hanging about ever since Charles d-disa
ppeared.’
‘Then why in God's name did you not mention this before, Fitz? Oh, never mind,’ he added, seeing Lord Fitzroy casting about for an explanation. ‘Come over here, Charles. Did you notice anyone outside the house last night as you came in?’
Carlington joined the others at the window. ‘Now you come to mention it, I have seen those two before, but not outside this house. I saw them in Hill Street!’
They exchanged looks. Fitz gave a low whistle. ‘I t-tell you what, Charles, they followed you there!’
‘Thank you, Fitz. I had already worked that out for myself. But why? Why don't they just arrest me?’
Osborne shook his head. ‘They must be under orders. I did not want to tell you this, Charles, but there has been some talk that all three of us were involved in the murder. My guess is that they're hoping to get evidence against all of us.’
‘Good God, you fellows! Why didn't you tell me this? I'm going to clear this up once and for all. I'm off to Bow Street now!’
It took the combined efforts of Lord Fitzroy and Captain Osborne some half hour to dissuade Carlington from this noble course. He was still dissatisfied but reluctantly promised not to give himself up until he had seen the Marquis in whose influence the two friends had the greatest faith.
Thus it was that the Marquis of Ruthin, engaged in tooling his elegant equipage down Mount Street towards the Park, was accosted by a grubby urchin who silently proffered a dirty note. The Marquis read this epistle and there was a noticeable lightening of his brow as he turned his horses' heads away from the fashionable streets and headed for the less salubrious area of Covent Garden. Carlington had chosen for his rendezvous an inn so patronised by the criminal elements that, he reasoned; the Runners would hesitate to follow him there. In this he was perfectly correct. No Runner liked to go unarmed into territory where he was known and hated, particularly those such as Ned and Henry, whose record for bringing villains to Tyburn was extremely good. Therefore Charles was without his usual escort and able to greet his old friend with all his usual cheerfulness. He had by now acquitted the Marquis of evil designs upon him and was anxious to discuss the affair with someone for whose intelligence he had a high regard. The Marquis greeted his young friend with great warmth. ‘My dear boy, I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you safe and well. I was beginning to despair. A fine way to treat your old friends, you young scapegrace! Could you not have sent to me for assistance?’
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