The Mistletoe Seller

by Dilly Court

  Galloway smirked visibly and resumed his seat. ‘I’m glad you see it my way, Captain Devane.’ He shot a sideway glance at Angel. ‘Am I to infer that this young woman is part of your household?’

  Angel clenched her hands at her sides. She was not a violent person, but at this moment it would have given her great satisfaction to wipe the stupid smile from Galloway’s face with a sharp slap.

  ‘Miss Winter was discovered barefoot in the snow, selling mistletoe in an attempt to keep herself from starvation. My uncle brought her here on Christmas Eve seven years ago, and she is a much-loved member of our family. You will treat her with the respect she deserves.’

  ‘You realise, of course, that she was a foundling, abandoned in Angel Alley, Whitechapel as an infant, her parentage unknown.’

  ‘That is none of your business, Galloway,’ Hector said sharply. ‘Miss Winter’s background has nothing to do with our present dilemma, and you might find yourself dealing with her when my mother is indisposed, as is all too often the case. My brothers will be returning to Rugby School and Oxford at the beginning of the Advent and Michaelmas terms, but until then Tobias will be here to help and give advice. He is studying law, so he knows what he is talking about.’

  ‘Really, Captain Devane, you seem to think I am an out-and-out villain, but you are mistaken. What happened in the past is now history, and I have earned my position through diligence and the goodwill of my clients. You have nothing to fear.’ Galloway turned to Angel with a smile that did not reach his eyes. ‘I am at your service, Miss Winter. I hope that misunderstandings will be forgotten and we will get along splendidly. My one aim will be to save Grantley Park from ruin, I can assure you of that.’

  ‘I certainly hope so, Mr Galloway,’ Angel said coldly.

  ‘I second that.’ Hector went to sit behind his desk, resting his elbows on the leather top. ‘Now then, Galloway, what is your plan of action? Remember that I have only a short time at home and then I leave for Natal Province.’

  ‘I have not forgotten, Captain. With that in mind I have arranged to meet with your creditors this afternoon.’ He produced a sheaf of papers from a document case and laid them in front of Hector. ‘If you read and approve of these terms upon which repayment would be made, you must sign them and I will take them with me, but I have to leave within the hour.’

  Angel went to stand behind Hector, making an attempt to read the documents over his shoulder, but she found the legal terms daunting and it seemed unnecessarily complicated. Galloway sat on the edge of his chair, smirking, but Angel concentrated on the papers, avoiding his gaze.

  ‘Is this the best you could do?’ Hector demanded, raising his head to glare at Galloway. ‘Are these really the most favourable terms you could achieve?’

  ‘Are you doubting my probity, Captain Devane? I have worked tirelessly in conjunction with the creditors’ lawyers to produce an agreement that is fair to both parties.’

  ‘Then your idea of fairness does not equate with mine,’ Hector said angrily. ‘The amount they expect to receive each month is extortionate.’

  ‘But, Captain Devane,’ Galloway said silkily, ‘your uncle lost a great deal of money, and he put the estate up as equity. You can hardly blame the creditors for demanding a just return. Perhaps we should consider the benefits of selling the land, which might save Grantley, although I can’t be certain of that.’

  Hector’s eyes narrowed. ‘What are you getting out of this, Galloway?’

  ‘I’m deeply offended that you should even think that of me, sir. I am now the senior partner in the firm, and I am highly respected. Don’t believe everything that Miss Winter tells you.’

  ‘That’s enough, Galloway. If matters weren’t desperate I would throw you out for making a remark like that.’

  ‘I apologise, of course. Perhaps I spoke out of turn, but I urge you to sign the agreement, Captain Devane. Otherwise I fear that you will lose everything.’

  Hector hesitated for a moment, gazing down at the document, his brow knitted in a frown. ‘At any other time I would fight this.’ He sighed heavily. ‘But I really have no choice.’ Picking up a pen, he dipped it in the inkwell, signing his name with a flourish. ‘Take it to them and be damned.’

  Galloway stood up, holding out his hand. ‘It was the only way. You can rest assured that your interests will be well looked after in your absence.’ He shot a sideways glance at Angel. ‘You will find me a valuable ally, Miss Winter, but a dangerous enemy.’ He snatched up the documents and placed them in his tooled leather case. ‘Good day to you both.’

  ‘I still don’t trust him,’ Angel said as the door closed on him. ‘And he threatened me. Did you hear that, Hector?’

  ‘Yes, but he won’t get away with it for long. When I see Uncle Dolph I’ll tell him everything that has transpired in his absence. Galloway will find himself in serious trouble if he steps out of line, and we’ll be changing solicitors at the first possible opportunity.’ He sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers. ‘I’m so sorry to leave you with all this, Angel. I realise that the burden will fall on your shoulders and that you’ll be facing an uphill struggle.’

  ‘You know that I’ll do anything I can to save Grantley. I’ll take in washing, if necessary.’

  Hector’s troubled expression was wiped away by a smile. ‘Can you imagine my mother’s face if that were to happen?’

  ‘It would be a picture,’ Angel said, laughing. ‘But I meant what I said.’

  ‘I know you did, and I love you for it.’

  To Angel’s relief, Hector rose to his feet and went to look out of the window. His words had made her heartbeat quicken and she knew she was blushing. There was nothing remotely lover-like in his tone, but it was the first time he had ever spoken to her so fondly. His next words, however, brought her back to earth with a thud.

  ‘Damnation. It’s Westwood. He’s got a confounded nerve.’ Hector rushed to the door. ‘I’ll have a few words to say to him.’

  Angel ran after him. ‘He’s trying to do the right thing, Hector. Give him a chance.’

  ‘Keep out of this, Angel. I won’t stand for anyone taking advantage of my sister.’ He came to a halt in the entrance hall, turning to face Angel. ‘He came here to see Susannah, but his intention all along was to meet secretly with one of our servants. Do you deny that?’

  ‘No, of course not, and he knows it was wrong, but—’

  ‘But, nothing. Don’t interfere, Angel. This is my business.’ He wrenched the front door open and stepped outside.

  Despite his warning Angel followed him, but she kept her distance as Rupert drew his horse to a halt and leaped from the saddle.

  ‘I know what you must think of me, Devane, but I’ve come to offer my apologies for the way I’ve behaved.’

  ‘It’s my sister who is the injured party,’ Hector said stiffly. ‘I think Susannah deserves an explanation and an apology. You abused our hospitality, and you led my sister to believe that you were calling on her when all along you were courting one of our servants. It was underhand, Westwood. Underhand and unworthy of you.’

  Rupert bowed his head. ‘I accept all that, and I am truly sorry, but we can’t always pick and choose when it comes to matters of the heart.’

  ‘Oh, come on,’ Hector said scornfully. ‘You sound like a character out of one of my sister’s novelettes. My brothers and I used to tease her about them when we were younger.’

  ‘I’m not making any excuses for falling in love, Devane.’

  ‘Dolly Chapman is a servant. How do you think she’ll be received by the other officers’ wives? She is likely to find herself ostracised.’

  ‘Hector.’ Angel had heard enough. She hurried to his side and laid her hand on his arm. ‘That’s not fair and it’s unworthy of you. Dolly is a sweet girl and she’ll make a loving wife. She might not have the benefit of a well-to-do family and a good education, but she is willing to learn and she is better able to follow the drum than many a gently bred g
irl.’

  Rupert took her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘Thank you, Angel. Never was a truer word spoken.’ He turned to Hector, his smile fading. ‘Say what you like about me, but don’t insult my bride-to-be.’

  ‘Perhaps I overstated my case, but she won’t have an easy time, Westwood.’

  ‘I’ll be there to love and protect her, and the main reason for my calling on you today is to invite you all to the wedding this afternoon. I bought a special licence and the vicar is happy to oblige. I’m afraid there won’t be a wedding breakfast because there wasn’t the time to arrange one, but you are all welcome to attend the church.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Hector said stiffly.

  ‘Will your family be there?’ Angel asked. ‘And who will give Dolly away?’

  Rupert’s grey eyes darkened. ‘I was hoping my father would oblige, but he’s decided to stay away.’

  ‘But surely Blanche will be there?’

  He shook his head. ‘Blanche has also declined. She has taken Susannah’s side, and I suppose it’s only natural.’

  Angel tugged at Hector’s sleeve. ‘You’re the head of the house, Hector, and Dolly was part of Grantley until yesterday.’

  ‘What are you suggesting?’ Hector’s grim expression was not encouraging but Angel was determined to give Dolly a day to remember.

  ‘Rupert is a fellow officer, and you will be leaving later today. Surely the past could be put behind you, if only for a day. Will you give Dolly away, Hector?’

  Chapter Twelve

  Wearing one of Angel’s silk taffeta afternoon gowns in a delicate shade of green that made her eyes sparkle like emeralds, Dolly walked up the aisle on Hector’s arm. Angel had had to use all her powers of persuasion, but eventually he had agreed to give Dolly away, and he looked impressive in his dress uniform, as did Rupert, who was waiting at the altar. The village church was eerily silent as there was no music to herald the bride’s arrival. Miss Creedy, who ran the village shop and post office, usually officiated as the organist but there had not been enough time to secure her services, and the choirboys were out in the cornfields, helping with the harvest.

  Despite the fact that the wedding arrangements had been rushed, Angel could have wished that there were more well-wishers to see Dolly and Rupert take their vows. Humphrey was the only member of the family, apart from Hector, who had felt able to attend. When Eloise learned of their plans she had sent for the carriage and taken Susannah to Westwood Hall. No doubt they would be taking tea with Blanche and Sir Eugene, who had also chosen to ignore their invitations, and poor Dolly would be the object of their combined anger. Even so, Blanche could have made an effort, Angel thought, angrily. Rupert was her brother and his only crime was to have fallen in love with a girl who was not from his social class. The couple were genuinely in love, it was apparent for all to see as Dolly joined Rupert at the altar.

  There were sentimental sighs from Lil, Cook and Meg, who were in the pew behind Angel and Humphrey. Angel stepped forward to take the posy of moss roses from Dolly as the vicar intoned the words of the marriage ceremony. Having done his bit, Hector came to sit beside her. She glanced at his strong profile and a sudden shiver ran down her spine. He would be leaving that afternoon, as would Rupert, and they would be embarking on a long sea voyage that would take them to South Africa and a war that seemed inevitable, although far removed from their daily lives. Angel took a deep breath and forced herself to concentrate on the bride and groom as the vicar announced that they were now man and wife.

  Outside the church Dolly and her new husband were showered with scented rose petals, which Angel and Meg had collected from the garden that morning. Cook wiped away tears, and Lil blew her nose loudly, while Meg gazed, misty-eyed at Dolly.

  ‘You are such a beautiful bride.’

  ‘It’ll be your turn next, Meg, and I’ll dance at your wedding.’ Dolly’s face glowed with happiness as she hugged her friend. ‘Thank you all for coming.’

  ‘Yes,’ Rupert added, shaking hands. ‘Thank you from me, too. I promise to look after Dolly, and we’ll come and see you when we return from Natal Province.’

  Cook and Meg both curtsied, but when Lil attempted to copy them she almost toppled over and she righted herself with a grunt and a lopsided grin. ‘Never was much good at being ladylike.’

  Humphrey gave Dolly a hug. ‘I hope you’ll both be very happy, and come home safely.’

  ‘Congratulations.’ Hector shook Rupert’s hand. He turned to Dolly with a genuine smile. ‘I hope you’ll be very happy.’

  ‘Thanks, Devane,’ Rupert said, slipping his arm around his wife’s tiny waist. ‘I appreciate what you’ve done for us.’

  Angel glanced at Lil, Cook and Meg, who were huddled together with expectant looks on their faces. ‘Would you like to come back to the house for some light refreshments?’

  Rupert shook his head. ‘You’ll have to excuse us, I’m afraid. We’re leaving for Southampton as soon as we’ve changed into more suitable clothes. What about you, Devane?’

  ‘I’ll be off soon, too. I’ll probably see you at Waterloo Bridge station.’

  ‘I’ve hired a carriage. You are most welcome to come with us.’

  A wry smile curved Hector’s lips. ‘I don’t think I’ll play gooseberry to the newlyweds, but thank you, Westwood.’ He bowed to Dolly. ‘Mrs Westwood.’

  Dolly stared at him and then burst into laughter. ‘That sounds ever so strange. Mrs Westwood. Who would have thought it?’

  That was Angel’s cue to rush over and give her a hug, closely followed by Lil and the others. Rupert had to prise his bride from their embraces, and they walked arm in arm to the inn, which was only a few paces away.

  Humphrey slapped his brother on the back. ‘I’ll miss you, Hector. I wish I was coming with you.’

  ‘No, you don’t, Humpty. It’s not going to be a picnic over there, and as for taking a woman to face camp life, it’s not what I would wish for someone I loved.’ Hector proffered his arm to Angel. ‘I’m going home to finish packing, and I’d like to go over a few things with you before I leave.’

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Angel tucked her hand through the crook of his arm. ‘You can trust me to do the best for Grantley.’

  ‘I know I can. I’m depending on you to keep everything together, Angel.’

  ‘I’ll leave Rugby and stay here to help run things,’ Humphrey said, falling into step beside them.

  ‘It might come to that, old chap. It all depends on how much extra Uncle Dolph can contribute to the repayments, and I won’t know that until I’ve had a chance to talk it over with him. His old lawyer knew the family business inside and out, but I don’t trust Galloway, and neither does Angel. I want you to do all you can to help her, Humpty, and I’m going to say the same to Toby.’

  ‘I’ll do my best,’ Humphrey said seriously. ‘Mama has no head for business and I’d as soon put a cat in charge of things as trust Susannah. She’d spend every last penny on new gowns and shoes, if she had a chance.’

  ‘I don’t think that’s fair.’ Angel tried to sound severe, but she could not help laughing – it was exactly what Susannah would do.

  The sun was shining and the air was filled with birdsong and the intoxicating scent of summer flowers and warm grass. It was a beautiful day for a wedding, and, as Angel walked homewards, arm in arm with the brothers, she realised she had never felt happier than at this moment, but she dare not think about what was to come; her near-perfect life was being threatened by outside forces. She would have to be strong and she could not allow herself to think of what could befall Hector when he returned to Natal Province. The possibility that he might not return hovered above them like a bird of ill omen, and she resolutely pushed it to the back of her mind. Besides which, she had her old enemy to contend with now. She did not trust Galloway an inch, and she would fight him to the last drop of her own blood if it meant she could keep Grantley for the family she had come to think of as her own.

  �
�Why so silent?’ Hector asked as they reached the tall wrought-iron gates that protected Grantley from the outside world. ‘I did what you asked and gave your young friend away, even though my mother and sister will never forgive me.’

  ‘Don’t tease her.’ Humphrey gave his brother a playful punch in the ribs. ‘Mama and Sukey never remember anything for more than five minutes, unless it’s the latest Paris fashion or the prospect of a ball.’

  Hector feinted with his right, as if sparring with his brother. ‘Don’t let either of them hear you saying things like that, brat.’

  ‘Don’t squabble,’ Angel said, trying hard not to giggle. Their boyish behaviour came as a relief after the tensions of the past couple of days. ‘I have a better idea. Let’s go indoors and raise a toast to the happy couple. I think there might be a dusty bottle of champagne left in the cellar.’ She wanted to hold on to this moment for ever, but she knew that it would pass quickly and then Hector would be off to war, while the future of Grantley was hanging in the balance.

  Eloise and Susannah returned in time to change for dinner and Angel met them in the entrance hall.

  ‘Hector left an hour ago,’ she said bluntly. ‘Didn’t you think it important to say goodbye?’

  ‘Don’t be impertinent.’ Eloise thrust her parasol into Angel’s hand. ‘I suppose the girl has left and we’re without a chambermaid.’

  ‘Dolly and Rupert were married this afternoon.’ Angel controlled her temper, although she was seething inwardly. ‘It was a pity his father and sister didn’t think fit to attend.’

  Susannah tossed her parasol onto a chair. ‘I suppose the gardener or one of the grooms gave the little trollop away.’

  Angel glanced over her shoulder at the sound of footsteps as Humphrey appeared from the direction of the drawing room, coming to a halt at her side.