by Dilly Court
‘You can’t do this to us,’ Angel cried passionately. ‘Grantley has been in the family for generations.’
‘But not your family,’ Galloway said smoothly. ‘You don’t know where you came from, Angel Winter. Continue the way you are and you will be the one to find yourself back where you belong, on the streets of Whitechapel.’ He rose from his seat. ‘Now get out, both of you, or do I have to get my clerk to send for the police?’
Toby was about to argue but Angel grabbed his hand. ‘We’re wasting our time here.’ She met Galloway’s cynical grin with a defiant stare. ‘I don’t know what you hope to gain by this, but it’s not over yet. We’re not giving up easily.’
Outside the sun shone on the dusty pavements and the London plane trees were showing signs of autumn, their leaves turning colour in shades of yellow, gold and bronze, but the beauties of nature were far from Angel’s mind and Toby was visibly seething with rage.
‘I’d like to throttle that bastard,’ he said, curling his hands into fists. ‘I apologise for the language, Angel.’
She shook her head. ‘There’s no need. I feel the same way, but what can we do? He has all the documents and he’s right in that none of us has Uncle Dolph’s permission to make decisions about the estate. I don’t suppose he imagined we would need it.’
‘Galloway is up to no good – I’m certain of that – but without proof there’s nothing we can do.’
‘Perhaps Aunt Eloise is doing the right thing,’ Angel said slowly. ‘She’s taking care of herself, and, although she’s upset, I’m sure that Susannah will come round eventually.’
‘I know what I must do.’ Toby clutched her by the shoulders. ‘I’m the man of the house and it’s up to me. I’m going to Natal Province to find Uncle Dolph and tell him exactly what’s going on. If necessary he can get a local lawyer to draw up a document giving me power of attorney so that I can put a stop to Galloway’s game.’
‘You could send a telegram,’ Angel suggested dazedly. ‘It would get there quicker.’
‘But there’s no certainty it would reach him, or that he would be able to reply, let alone sort out the legalities.’
‘But how will you raise the money for the fare? It’s a long journey.’
‘I’ll think of a way. I could sell my guns. They’re Purdeys and they’ll fetch a decent amount. I’ll sell the family silver, if necessary, but Galloway isn’t going to get his hands on Grantley. I’d give my life if it meant saving the old place from him.’
‘Sell the silver?’ Eloise stared at Toby as if he had gone mad. ‘You can’t do that. It doesn’t belong to you or to me.’
‘Mama,’ Toby said patiently, ‘you must try to understand the seriousness of our situation. Galloway is a villain, but I can’t prove it without seeing the document he says Uncle Dolph signed. I don’t know what game Galloway is playing, but he’s not on our side, of that I’m certain.’
‘But, Toby, my darling boy, it would be sheer madness for you to travel all the way to South Africa, and term begins soon. You must return to your studies.’ Eloise turned to Angel, who had been sitting quietly, biding her time. ‘Tell him, Angel. You pride yourself on having common sense.’
‘It’s the future of Grantley that’s at stake, Aunt Eloise. I can’t see any other way. Toby needs to have Uncle Dolph’s permission before he can do anything.’
Eloise shook her head. ‘I won’t sanction it, Toby. Your uncle would never forgive me if I allowed as much as a teaspoon to be sold off to pay for such a jaunt. Write to him, or go to the War Office and ask them to contact Adolphus.’
‘But, Mama—’
‘No, Toby. I don’t want to hear another word. Do as you please, but you are not going to sell a single family heirloom.’ She swept out of the drawing room, leaving Angel and Toby staring after her in disbelief.
‘She doesn’t realise how serious this is,’ Angel said, after a pause. ‘Will you do as she says and visit the War Office?’
Toby strode over to the window and stared out at the sun-drenched gardens. ‘All this could go, simply because my mother refuses to face the truth.’
‘She doesn’t know Galloway.’ Angel walked over to join him. ‘The gardens are so beautiful and the house has stood here for centuries. I can’t bear to think of it falling into the hands of people who don’t love it as we do.’ She ran her fingers down the stone mullion that separated the leaded-light casement windows. ‘We can’t allow Grantley to be taken from the family, Toby.’
He slipped his arm around her shoulders. ‘I don’t intend to. Tomorrow, first thing, I’ll take my Purdeys to London and I’ll visit the War Office to find out if they would contact Uncle Dolph on our behalf, although I doubt if they’ll be much help. I don’t know if it’s possible to send cablegrams all that way, but at least I can tell my mother that I’ve tried, and if I get a good price for my guns it might be enough to get me to South Africa. It’s the signed power of attorney we need.’ He frowned thoughtfully. ‘In the meantime we’d better not take any more bookings.’
‘The Montgomeries are arriving tomorrow, but they’re friends and I won’t accept any money from them, so Galloway can’t use that against us.’
Toby gave her a searching look. ‘Could it be that Percy Montgomerie has an ulterior motive for his frequent visits?’
‘Maybe he comes to see Susannah.’
‘Or maybe it’s someone who is standing not a mile away from me at this moment,’ Toby said, chuckling. ‘Don’t look so shocked, Angel. You’re a very pretty lady, and clever too.’
‘Don’t talk nonsense.’
He shrugged and his smile faded. ‘Whatever his reason for coming here, I’m grateful to him for his help, and now it’s up to me. The more I think about it the more I’m convinced that I must travel to Natal Province if we’re to save Grantley. I’ll find Uncle Dolph if it’s the last thing I do and I’ll tell him exactly what’s been occurring in his absence.’
‘I wish I could come with you,’ Angel said wistfully.
‘Where I’m going is no place for a woman.’
‘Dolly went there. She’ll be living in camp with the other army wives.’
He shot her a sideways glance as he headed for the door. ‘But Dolly isn’t a lady – you are.’
Angel opened her mouth to reply but he had already left the room.
The next morning Angel was about to go to the kitchen to talk over the menus for the Montgomeries’ visit, when she spotted Danny heading across the park in the direction of the kitchen garden. Until this moment she had not given any thought as to how their changed circumstances might affect the Wicks family, but she had unintentionally involved them in what could turn out to be a financial disaster.
Danny took the news with a degree of fatalism. ‘I suppose it was too good to be true,’ he said, shrugging. ‘Pa and I have got the greenhouse tidied up and replaced the broken panes of glass. The boiler is in remarkably good shape, all things considered, and we were about to start planting seeds for an early crop of tomatoes, given that there’s plenty of wood in the spinney to keep the fire going without spending money on coal.’
‘I’m sorry I can’t be more optimistic, Danny, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop what you’re doing. I’m hoping that we can get to Uncle Adolphus in time to stop Grantley being lost to us. I don’t know what Galloway is playing at, but I don’t trust him and it seems that he’s working against us when it should be the reverse.’
Danny rolled up his sleeves, exposing muscular forearms bronzed by the summer sun. ‘I’ll sort him out for you, Angel.’
She met the humorous gleam in his eyes with a smile. ‘I might hold you to that one day, but for now we’ll have to muddle along as best we can.’
‘I’ll still keep the kitchen garden tidy for you and I’ve made a clamp to store the potatoes, carrots and beetroot for the winter.’
‘A clamp?’ Angel stared at him, puzzled.
He pointed to a mound at the far end of the garden. �
��My pa always stores roots that way. It’s a drainage trench and then layers of straw and soil to protect the vegetables.’
‘Very clever,’ Angel said, nodding. ‘Thank you, Danny.’
‘My pleasure, miss.’ He doffed his cap, grinning widely. ‘Now if there’s nothing else to say, I’d best get on.’
‘Of course. I’ll leave you in peace then.’ She hesitated. ‘Would you really take Galloway on?’
‘Just say the word. I’d like to get my hands on the man who left you in the workhouse. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to bloody his nose and black his eye.’
‘I hope it won’t come to that, but thank you, anyway. It’s good to know I have friends.’
‘More than friends, I hope. You mean a lot to me, Angel.’ He turned away and began sifting soil into wooden seed trays.
She had no reply for his last remark and she let herself out of the greenhouse. A chilly breeze fanned her hot cheeks and a shower of golden leaves scattered on the ground in front of her as she walked through the kitchen garden and out into the park. Danny’s vehement statement had come as a surprise. She supposed that his response was based on gratitude for allowing him and his father to resurrect the old greenhouse. It was comforting to know that she had such staunch allies, but she was also a little uneasy. She hoped that she had not given him the wrong impression when she asked for his help. Keeping Grantley supplied with fruit and vegetables was purely a business arrangement and nothing more. She quickened her pace, heading for the house, but she could not forget the look in Danny’s dark eyes, nor the cajoling tone in his voice.
Angel reached the house just as the Montgomeries’ carriage drew up outside. She hurried to greet them as their footman leaped down to open the door. Percy climbed out first, holding out his hand to help Belinda to alight.
‘Angel,’ she cried delightedly. ‘It seems such a long time since we were last here.’ She rushed over to give her a hug. ‘How well you look, but no wonder when you live in such a beautiful home with all this lovely parkland and fresh air.’
‘This is your third visit in two months, Belle,’ Percy said, smiling. ‘We might as well live here.’
‘Oh, that would be splendid,’ Belinda clapped her hands. ‘I’d love to live in the countryside. Charles Street is very fine in its own way, but in summer it’s stifling and I long for green fields.’
‘You’re here now.’ Angel returned the hug. ‘Come inside and rest after your journey.’
‘We’ve only travelled seven miles or so,’ Percy said with a wry smile. ‘It’s hardly an overland trek.’
‘Nevertheless, carriage rides are tiring, and I’m sure that Belinda would like some refreshments, and so would you, if you’re being honest.’
‘I’m always honest, and I see you’ve been working again.’ Percy looked her up and down and Angel’s hand flew automatically to smooth her hair, which had been ruffled by the wind. She realised then that the hem of her gown was damp and stained green from trailing over the dewy grass.
‘I’ve been to see Danny in the kitchen garden,’ she said hastily. ‘I’ll change before luncheon.’
‘I suppose you’ll be waiting on us yourself?’
She hesitated at the foot of the stone steps, giving him a searching look. ‘You’re being very critical, Percy. It’s not like you. What brought this on?’
Belinda linked her hand through the crook of Angel’s arm. ‘Let’s go indoors. Just ignore my brother. He’s like this when he’s worried about something or someone.’ She glanced over her shoulder, pulling a face at Percy. ‘Angel will wish we’d stayed at home if you keep picking on her.’
He followed them into the house. ‘I’m sorry, Angel. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just that I don’t like to see you living like this. I feel somewhat responsible for the hotel idea and I’m beginning to think it was a terrible mistake. It’s too much responsibility to put on your shoulders.’
Angel led them to the morning parlour and closed the door out of habit, although there was no danger of servants eavesdropping. She waited until they were seated. ‘I’m glad you’re here because I count you both as my friends.’
‘What’s the matter?’ Belinda asked anxiously. ‘You look so serious, Angel.’
‘Sit down and tell us what it is,’ Percy said firmly. ‘You know that we’ll do anything we can to help.’
Angel faced them, clasping her hands tightly in front of her, and she explained why they must not offer her any money for their stay, and Toby’s reasons for visiting the city. Belinda’s expression mirrored her thoughts, but Percy remained stoically calm. He waited until she finished speaking.
‘It sounds as though your lawyer is working against you,’ he said slowly. ‘The Society of Attorneys would be very interested in this case, but that doesn’t help you at this moment.’
‘Toby intends to go to South Africa to ask Uncle Dolph for the power of attorney so that we can demand to see the documents that Galloway is withholding, but I’m afraid it might take too long. We – I mean the family – could lose everything, Percy.’
‘I’d put you in touch with my solicitor,’ Percy said thoughtfully, ‘but I’m sure that Galloway is too cunning to be caught out at this stage. At the moment it’s all subtle threats and he would deny any suggestion that he was acting dishonestly.’
‘What can they do?’ Belinda jumped to her feet and wrapped her arms around Angel. ‘I have a little money. I’ll give it all to you, Angel, if it will help.’
‘Thank you, Belle, but I wouldn’t dream of taking it, and to be honest I think it would take a great deal of money to settle this problem.’
‘I suggest we wait for Toby to return from London,’ Percy said calmly. ‘We can’t do anything until we know what his plans are.’
Angel eyed him curiously. ‘Does that mean you intend to help us, Percy?’
‘If I can, but South Africa is far away. In a rough reckoning it would take three months to get there and back, maybe more. Could you hold out for that length of time?’
Angel shook her head. ‘I can just about scrape up enough money to pay the mortgage this month, but that leaves us with nothing to live on, and the servants haven’t been paid since last quarter.’
‘I could lend you the money,’ Percy said slowly, ‘but even if Toby gets to see the actual agreement that Sir Adolphus signed, he might find that it’s legal and binding. If so, there’s nothing that will save Grantley, and perhaps you ought to face that fact.’
‘Don’t say things like that.’ Belinda’s bottom lip wobbled and her blue eyes filled with tears. ‘Can’t you see you’re upsetting Angel?’
‘I’m sorry, and I know it’s hard, but you and Toby have to be realistic,’ Percy said firmly. ‘This predicament is due to the reckless investments that Sir Adolphus made, which virtually bankrupted him and the estate. It might be too late to do anything about it, Angel. I’m sorry, but it’s true.’
‘We’ll wait for Toby to come home,’ Angel said stubbornly. ‘Anyway, where are my manners? I’ll go to the kitchen and ask Cook to make some coffee for you.’
‘Why not ring the bell?’ Percy asked, chuckling. ‘You have a few servants left.’
‘Lil and Flossie are in the laundry room and Meg is helping Aunt Eloise to dress. She’s been invited to lunch at Westwood Hall. You do know that she’s engaged to be married to Sir Eugene, don’t you?’
‘It was in The Times,’ Belinda said excitedly. ‘It’s so romantic.’
‘How does Susannah feel about it?’
‘We’re all very happy, of course.’ Angel opened the door and came face to face with Susannah. ‘Oh, we were just talking about you, Sukey. Percy wanted to know what you thought about your mama marrying Sir Eugene.’
Susannah sailed into the room and embraced Belinda like a long-lost sister. She held her hand out to Percy. ‘I’m delighted that Mama has found happiness again,’ she said, intoning the words like a child repeating its catechism. ‘How lovely to
see you both. Are you staying long this time?’
Angel left them and hurried to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Cook was never in a good mood these days and the tensions in the family seemed to have permeated the whole house.
Toby returned from London in time to join everyone in the drawing room where they had gathered before dinner. Angel had changed into a gown more suitable for entertaining guests, but she was still flushed from the heat of the kitchen where she had helped Cook to prepare the food. Eloise had sent word that she would be staying at Westwood for dinner, and Susannah had taken over the role of hostess, which she was obviously enjoying, although she was using the freedom to flirt outrageously with Percy.
Angel waited impatiently for Toby to settle down with a glass of sherry. ‘Well?’ she said eagerly. ‘Did you have any luck in London?’
‘Why did you go there anyway?’ Susannah demanded. ‘Nobody tells me anything.’
Toby exchanged wary glances with Angel. ‘We didn’t want to worry you, Susie. There’s nothing you can do about the situation.’
‘What situation?’ Susannah looked from one to the other, shaking her head. ‘I’m not a child, Toby. Why do you confide in Angel and not in me?’
‘What happened in London, Toby?’ Percy asked curiously. ‘Did you get anywhere with the War Office? Angel told us what’s happened.’
‘I was fobbed off with a junior clerk who said he’d look into the matter, but it was all top secret and he doubted if anything could be done to get in touch with Uncle Dolph, at least not quickly.’
‘So what will you do?’ Angel asked. ‘Did you sell your guns?’
Toby nodded gloomily. ‘Yes. They fetched a good price, as I knew they would.’
‘You sold the Purdeys?’ Susannah stared at him, her eyes wide with shock. ‘But they were your most prized possession. They belonged to Papa and he left them to you in his will.’
‘Don’t rub it in, Susie. It was a last resort, but at least I have the fare to Durban.’
‘Why would you want to go there?’ Susannah rose to her feet and filled a glass with sherry. She sat down again and sipped her drink. ‘What’s going on? You are all in it together, quite obviously, so please tell me before I scream.’
