by Dilly Court
Humphrey released Angel but Toby took his place, giving her a hug that lifted her off her feet. Hector smiled and walked on.
‘He always was a cold fish,’ Toby said crossly. ‘Can’t you do better than that, Hector? Or are you too grand now?’
Hector paused in the doorway. ‘Angel knows that I’m pleased to see her. Grantley wouldn’t be the same without her.’
‘I suppose that will have to do.’ Toby slipped his arm around Angel’s waist and they entered the house together. ‘It’s good to be home. Where’s Mama? I thought the noise would have brought her running.’
‘I’m afraid she’s rather unwell today,’ Angel said hastily. ‘It’s one of her migraine attacks, but I hope she’ll be well enough to join us for dinner.’
Humphrey looked up as Eloise appeared on the landing, looking wraithlike in her voluminous white wrap. ‘Mama, Angel says you’re feeling poorly. You should be in bed.’ He bounded up the stairs to throw his arms around his mother, dwarfing her in the process.
‘Humpty, you’ve grown a foot at least since last term.’ Eloise smiled up at him, a hint of colour tinging her cheeks. ‘How lovely to see you. I wasn’t expecting any of you for a week or so. I thought you would be having a wonderful time in London.’
‘We’d run rather low on funds, Mama,’ Toby said ruefully. ‘And we missed you, of course.’
Hector crossed the floor to stand at the foot of the stairs with the dogs at his heels. ‘I collected them from Naked Boy Court, Mama. I was on my way home and I knew you would want to see your boys.’
‘And it’s a lovely surprise, darling.’ Eloise beckoned to Angel. ‘Will you help me dress? I gave Meg the day off to visit her sick mother, but now I wish I hadn’t been so generous.’
‘Of course.’ Angel was tempted to put Dolly forward, but she knew that Aunt Eloise liked things to be done a certain way and, even though Meg had no formal training as a lady’s maid, she was used to Mrs Devane’s foibles.
Hector stood aside to allow Angel to pass and she could feel the heat of his body and the familiar smell of saddle soap, leather and fresh air that clung to his uniform. He gave her an encouraging smile. ‘What would we do without you, Angel?’
It was the sort of praise he might have given to a trusted servant, but even so it brought a blush to Angel’s cheeks and she acknowledged him with a hint of a smile as she hurried upstairs.
‘I’ll see you in the drawing room in half an hour,’ Eloise said firmly. ‘And get those dogs out of here, Hector. The stables is where they belong. It’s bad enough having them in the house when Adolphus is at home.’ She turned on her heel and headed for her bedroom, leaving a waft of rose and violet perfume in her wake.
Angel was used to Aunt Eloise’s little ways and her megrims. She had grown fond of her adoptive aunt, and was accustomed to her moods. Getting her dressed took a while, but eventually Eloise was ready to go downstairs and Angel followed her at a discreet distance. She had learned to keep the delicate balance of being neither servant nor a member of the family. Life was easier when Sir Adolphus was in residence, but Hector said that his uncle’s return home was far from imminent. When questioned further, Hector told them that the unrest in the Zulu kingdom was likely to escalate into outright war, and he would be returning to duty very soon. Angel was devastated by the news, but she had to hide her emotions or risk being teased mercilessly by Toby. She suspected that Humphrey, who had suffered so much ridicule as a young child, would be more sympathetic, but one thing was certain, and that was the displeasure she would endure from Aunt Eloise if she thought that her adored Hector might throw himself away on a foundling. He had always taken Angel’s side during arguments when they were younger, but he had never given her cause to believe that he regarded her with anything other than brotherly affection. The secret she kept close to her heart, like the ring that her mother had left with her, was not to be shared lightly.
Angel sat slightly apart from the family group, as always, distancing herself but ready to join in when anyone remembered her presence. Susannah joined them and was mildly pleased to see her brothers, but she quickly turned the conversation to herself and the forthcoming ball at Westwood Hall.
‘It’s going to be a splendid occasion,’ she said eagerly. ‘You must come, Hector. Wearing your uniform, of course, because it makes you look quite dashing. You remember Blanche, don’t you?’
Hector shrugged. ‘She seemed nice enough.’
‘Nice?’ Susannah exchanged wry glances with her mother. ‘Blanche is lovely and very sweet, most of the time. She’s an heiress too. You could do much worse, Hector.’
‘Thank you, Sukey, I’ll choose my own bride, if you don’t mind.’
‘Don’t call me Sukey. I’ve only just managed to stop Angel using that silly, childish name.’
Toby winked at Angel and Humphrey slapped his hand on his knee. ‘Good for you, Angel. Keep Susie in her place, that’s what I say.’
Susannah tossed her head. ‘You’re still a brat, Humpty Dumpty.’
Humphrey opened his mouth to retaliate but his mother held her hand to her forehead with a pained expression. ‘Stop it, both of you. I’ve only just recovered from a sick headache and you’re bringing it back.’
‘Sorry, Mama.’ Susannah poked her tongue out at Humphrey, but he shot a wary look at his mother and subsided.
‘Sorry, Mama,’ he said humbly.
‘Anyway,’ Susannah continued triumphantly, ‘getting back to the important things in life, you must come to the ball, Hector. You could come too, Toby, if you promise to behave yourself.’
Toby stood up and stretched, stifling a yawn. ‘Can’t think of anything more boring. I’d rather be out hunting rabbits for the pot or fishing, thank you.’
Angel was sitting quietly by the window, listening to the exchange so reminiscent of her early days at Grantley, but she realised that Hector was studying her face with a thoughtful expression in his dark eyes.
‘Are you going to the ball, Angel?’
‘Yes, as a matter of fact I am.’
He nodded. ‘Then it seems it’s my duty to accompany you both.’
‘Really, Hector?’ Susannah stared at him in surprise. ‘Do you mean it?’
‘I’ve just said so, haven’t I?’
‘So you are interested in Blanche. I knew you would be when I mentioned the fact that she’s the catch of the county.’
A smile curved his lips and his eyes twinkled with golden lights. ‘I thought that was your claim to fame, Susannah.’
Angel stood up quickly. She could see this turning into a squabble and she did not want Hector to change his mind. ‘Well, I think it’s very gallant of you to escort us, Hector. I wasn’t really looking forward to the ball, but I am now.’
‘Well, you would, wouldn’t you?’ Susannah said spitefully.
‘And why is that?’ Hector demanded.
Eloise rose majestically to her feet. ‘Don’t spoil the boys’ homecoming, Susannah. You’re supposed to be a young lady, and young ladies don’t squabble with their brothers. I’m going to rest before luncheon. Angel, I want you to go to the kitchen and tell Cook that we have three extra mouths to feed.’
‘Four, if you count Humpty Dumpty, who can eat for two,’ Toby said, chuckling.
‘I’ll do that right away.’ Angel hurried from the room. She was used to Susannah’s lapses, when resentment bubbled to the surface. There had been jealousy on her part from the moment Sir Adolphus had brought Angel to Grantley, and she could understand that. Until she arrived Susannah had been the spoiled only daughter, and suddenly she was expected to share everything with a complete stranger. Angel was used to making allowances for her, and she knew that beneath the prickly surface Susannah was a kind-hearted girl. Perhaps growing up with three brothers had made her compete for their mother’s affection, but whatever the reason for Susannah’s behaviour, her moods never lasted long. She would repent and apologise and give Angel a trinket from her jewellery bo
x, or a lace handkerchief and they would be friends again.
Angel went slowly to the kitchen. She had intended to wear her muslin gown to the ball, which was pretty enough, but nothing like Susannah’s elegant creation, made especially for such a grand occasion. Hector’s decision had thrown Angel’s plans into turmoil, and the fact that she did not possess anything more suitable to wear was suddenly a problem. She would go to the ball looking like Cinderella before the fairy godmother had done her magic. But she suspected that Hector would have eyes for no one but Blanche, and she had to admit that Blanche was strikingly pretty, as well as being very rich and well connected. Angel sighed and went to the kitchen to pass on the news that three healthy appetites would be joining them for luncheon. Cook had better order in more food, or Toby and Humpty would go hungry.
‘What’s up with you, miss?’ Lil demanded when Angel walked into the kitchen. ‘Don’t say “nothing”, because I won’t believe you.’
‘You do look a bit down in the mouth,’ Cook added, eyeing Angel curiously.
‘I’m perfectly all right, thank you, but you might not be when I tell you that the boys are home, for how long I don’t know. There’ll be three extra for luncheon.’
Cook threw up her hands. ‘I knew the peace and quiet wasn’t going to last. They’ll eat us out of house and home.’
Lil rolled up her sleeves. ‘I’ll peel some more potatoes, Eudora.’ She gave Angel a searching look. ‘I suppose Mr Hector is home too?’
‘Yes, he’s on leave for a while. Anyway, we won’t be in for dinner tomorrow. He’s accompanying us to the ball, so you’ll only have Toby and Humphrey to feed.’
‘So that’s it.’ Lil drew Angel aside when Cook bustled into the larder. ‘He’s upset you, has he? I’ll skin him alive, even if he is a grown man.’
‘No, Lil. You’ve got it all wrong.’
‘Then what is it? I know you, Angel. There’s something bothering you.’
‘It’s silly really. I shouldn’t be so vain, but I’ve just realised that my gown will look old-fashioned and dowdy compared to the other young ladies.’
‘And Miss Susannah will be done up to the nines and my little angel will look like a common-or-garden sparrow,’ Lil said angrily. ‘I’m not having that. We’ve got the rest of today and all night if necessary. We’ll see what we can do. Dolly – where are you, girl? You’re needed here. I’ve got other things to do.’
Dolly popped her head round the door. ‘I’m busy, Lil. Can’t it wait?’
‘Do you want Angel to go to the ball looking like a drab? Captain Hector has come home.’
Angel met Cook’s curious gaze with an attempt at a smile. ‘It’s not just the fact that Hector is escorting us to the ball – it’s just that—’
‘You don’t need to explain,’ Dolly said hastily. ‘We all understand, don’t we, Cook?’
Eudora nodded and a slow smile spread across her plump face. ‘I think we do, Dolly. I’m quite nifty with my needle.’
‘You don’t have to go to all this trouble.’ Angel looked from one eager face to the other. ‘I can always stitch a few ribbons on my gown, or something.’
‘Nonsense.’ Lil curled her lip. ‘You’ve had that muslin frock for two years at least, and all the other young ladies will be dressed in the latest fashions. I ain’t having my baby girl go to the ball looking like a poor relation.’
‘But that’s what I am,’ Angel said, laughing. ‘Who’s going to look at me?’
‘Captain Hector, for one.’ Dolly winked at Lil. ‘I’m sure we can make you presentable.’
‘We have an hour or two between clearing up after luncheon and the preparation of dinner,’ Lil said firmly. ‘Anyone who wants to help can meet me in the sewing room at three o’clock. You’ll be there, Angel, no matter what her ladyship upstairs says. Do you understand me?’
‘Yes, Lil,’ Angel said meekly. There was no gainsaying Lumpy Lil when she had set her mind on something.
Luncheon was a lively meal with Toby and Humphrey chattering non-stop about their experiences at university and at Rugby School. Humphrey announced proudly that he had beaten the bullies, having turned himself into the form clown by keeping his classmates amused with anecdotes and comic impressions of the schoolmasters.
‘I think I might go on the stage, Mama,’ he said, having succeeded in making his family laugh.
‘Don’t say such things, Humphrey.’ Eloise stared at him in horror. ‘Your education is costing my brother a small fortune, and he will expect you to achieve something better than becoming an entertainer.’
‘He’s joking again, Mama.’ Toby flicked a pellet of bread roll at his brother, but a look from Eloise prevented Humphrey from retaliating.
‘A spell in the army would do you both good,’ Hector observed casually. ‘Don’t worry, Mama. Humphrey has a warped sense of humour.’
‘At least I have one,’ Humphrey countered. ‘You are always so serious, Hector. Do you ever allow yourself to relax and have a good laugh?’
‘I wonder if Rupert will visit us this afternoon,’ Susannah said, seemingly oblivious to the argument between her brothers. ‘You must know him, Hector. He’s in the same regiment as you.’
‘But a different battalion, Sukey.’
She shrugged and tossed her dark curls. ‘I don’t know the difference – it’s just the army, as far as I’m concerned.’
‘Sacrilege, Sukey,’ Toby said, chuckling. ‘You’ve ruined Hector’s day, if not his whole leave.’
Angel glanced anxiously at Hector. ‘South Africa and Natal Province are so far from here that it’s hard for us to imagine what it must be like.’
He responded with a smile. ‘That’s true and I wouldn’t expect anyone here to understand, neither would I want you to. War in any shape or form is abominable, and I’m afraid it’s inevitable.’
‘That’s rich coming from a man whose profession it is to fight and kill,’ Toby said seriously.
‘You might think differently if the enemy was on our doorstep. Anyway, this is hardly the topic for discussion at a family meal.’ Hector acknowledged his mother with a nod. ‘It’s good to be home, Mama, even if it’s only for a short time.’
‘Oh, Hector, don’t say that. I was hoping you would have a few weeks in which to rest and regain your strength. You look very thin, my dear boy.’
‘I’m sure a week of home cooking will put that to rights, Mama.’ Hector leaned back in his seat. ‘That was an excellent meal. The best I’ve had for weeks.’ He looked up as Dolly began to clear their plates and gave her a dazzling smile. ‘Please pass the message on to Cook and thank her for me.’
Dolly bobbed a curtsey. ‘Yes, sir.’
‘I think I’ll go and lie down for a while,’ Eloise said, rising from the table with a weary sigh. ‘All this excitement is too much for me.’
Hector stood up to pull back his mother’s chair. ‘You mustn’t overexert yourself, Mama.’
‘No, dear. You’re quite right.’
‘I’ll see you to your room, Mama.’ Susannah leaped to her feet. ‘Might I have a look through your jewel case? I have to decide what to wear with my ball gown.’
‘Don’t you ever think of anything but yourself, Sukey?’ Toby demanded crossly. ‘You used to be more fun.’
‘She used to pull my hair,’ Humphrey said darkly. ‘At least she doesn’t do that now.’
‘Brothers are horrid.’ Susannah followed her mother out of the room, pausing to turn her head and pull a face at Toby. ‘And don’t call me Sukey.’
Angel was about to help Dolly clear the table when Hector laid his hand on her arm. ‘You shouldn’t do that. You’re not a servant.’
‘It’s only a few plates, Hector. I wasn’t intending to do anything more strenuous.’
Toby was already at the door. ‘Who’s coming for a ride? What about you, Hector? That nag of yours must need exercising.’
‘Yes, that’s what I had in mind.’ Hector released Angel. ‘Would y
ou like to come too? It’s a lovely afternoon.’
‘What about me?’ Humphrey asked plaintively. ‘Don’t I count?’
‘Of course you do, Humpty old boy. Let’s all go.’ Toby rushed from the room, leaving the door to swing shut of its own accord.
‘Well?’ Hector faced Angel with a quizzical look. ‘Do you dare to accompany us?’
Angel glanced at the mantel clock. There was an hour before she was supposed to join Lil in the sewing room, but an invitation to ride out with Hector was an honour for which she would have walked barefoot over broken glass. ‘Yes, I dare, and you might be surprised to find that I’m quite a good horsewoman now, Hector.’
‘We’ll wait while you change into your riding habit and meet you at the stables in fifteen minutes. Can you manage that? Or are you like Susannah and take hours to get ready?’
Angel headed for the doorway. ‘I’ll be with you in ten minutes. Eleven at the most.’
They rode out of the grounds at a sedate trot, breaking into a canter as they approached Epping Forest, and slowing to a walk beneath the cool green canopy of trees until they emerged once more into the sunlight and the gleaming expanse of the Hollow Pond. Toby and Humphrey urged their horses to a gallop on Leyton Flats, but Hector rode more slowly, taking in the scenery with an appreciative smile.
