by Dilly Court
‘I think Aunt Eloise is to blame for Sir Eugene’s interference. I can understand why she wants to save Grantley for the Devane family, but an arranged marriage isn’t the way.’
‘You speak passionately, Angel. Has Hector been toying with your emotions? I can tell you now that I won’t stand for such behaviour. No one treats my sister in such a manner.’
Angel met his angry gaze with a smile. ‘You really do mean that, don’t you?’
He seized her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘Yes, I do. As head of the family I should have made you feel more welcome. I’ve failed you and it seems that I’ve failed Blanche also.’
‘There’s plenty of time to remedy that,’ Angel said firmly. ‘You need to tell Sir Eugene that you want to marry Blanche, and you love each other – that’s the most important thing.’
‘You’re right. It’s something I should have done from the outset, but Blanche was afraid of upsetting her father. He’s done his best to keep us apart, but now I know his plans I’d say that he needs to be put straight.’ Percy gave her a searching look. ‘But that’s not the main reason for this visit, is it. What did you want to ask me?’
‘Sir Adolphus left me the house in Naked Boy Court and I plan to sell it so that I can pay off the mortgage on Grantley. The trouble is that I don’t know how to go about it, and I know you’re a businessman, so I was hoping you could tell me what steps I should take.’
‘You would do that for Devane?’
‘For the whole family. Toby and Humphrey are involved as well as Hector. I grew up with them, Percy. Grantley was my home until recently and I love the house and the whole estate. I was happy there, even though Aunt Eloise made it quite clear that I was an interloper, and Susannah resented me.’
‘Everything you say tugs at my heartstrings, Angel. All those wasted years when you could have been brought up with Belle and me, and we didn’t know you existed. Our father was a monster and I don’t mind admitting it, but your mother was a lovely lady and she deserved better than Pa. Galloway took advantage of her youth and unhappy situation. I feel I owe it to her to do something to make amends.’
‘No, Percy, I didn’t come here to ask you for anything other than advice.’
‘I’m a rich man. I inherited a fortune, but I’ve also worked hard, so hard that I’ve been in danger of neglecting those I love, but things are going to change. How much do you need to repay the mortgage?’
She stared at him in disbelief. ‘I don’t know exactly, but Sir Eugene’s solicitor could tell you. Why would you want to help Hector?’
‘I don’t, but I want you to keep the house that you inherited from Sir Adolphus. I think I know how much it means to you to possess something that is yours and yours alone, and from a purely selfish point of view, if Grantley is back in the hands of the Devane family I doubt if Hector would even consider offering for Blanche. That leaves the field clear for me, and I intend to act now. Belinda and I were planning on a visit to Westwood Hall anyway, so perhaps you’d like to accompany us?’
Dazed by the sudden turn of events, Angel stared at him. ‘Did I imagine it, or did you say that you would redeem the mortgage on Grantley without me having to sell up?’
‘I said it, and I meant it. When you get to know me better you’ll realise that I don’t make idle promises. It will take a while to make the necessary arrangements, but I think I can safely say that Grantley will be back in the hands of the Devane family before Christmas.’
‘It is already,’ Angel said chuckling. ‘Or it will be very soon. Baines is waiting for me in the chaise as we speak. It might be illegal, but I’ve staked our claim on Grantley and we’re planning to move in today, regardless.’
He threw back his head and laughed. ‘I believe our ancestors were privateers; it seems you have inherited some of their piratical tendencies.’
Angel and Baines arrived at Grantley in time to see Lil and Cook alighting from the barouche, both of them complaining loudly of cramp and aching muscles. Dolly climbed down unaided and was clearly agitated as she watched Russell attempting to lift Rupert from the carriage. Baines drew the tired horse to a halt and leaped to the snowy ground with surprising agility for a man of his age, his own infirmities apparently forgotten as he went to assist Russell. Angel alighted more slowly and as she mounted the steps she was greeted by Prissy, who stood in the doorway, holding a lantern.
‘I was worried you might not make it home tonight,’ Prissy said urgently. ‘I was afraid it was going to snow again, but I’ve lit the fire in the range and in the main bedrooms.’
‘Thank you, Prissy,’ Angel said, forcing her cold lips into a tired smile. ‘You’ve saved our lives. We’re all chilled to the bone and very weary.’
‘There’s a pan of rabbit stew on the hob, miss. I thought it might be welcome.’
‘You are a wonder.’ Angel kissed her on the cheek. ‘Thank you.’
Prissy handed her the lantern. ‘I’ll be off then, miss. But I must say it’s good to have you home. I know I can speak for the tenants and the whole village if it comes to that.’
‘Grantley will be saved,’ Angel said firmly.
‘You really are an angel.’ Prissy grabbed Angel’s hand and kissed it. ‘You was heaven-sent to keep us all from losing our jobs and our homes.’
Russell appeared from the dark depths of the entrance hall. ‘Stop prattling, woman. We need to get the horses stabled and fed. I’ll see to the barouche and you can take the chaise. That’s if you can remember how.’
‘I can handle a carriage and pair, let alone an old nag pulling a chaise,’ Prissy countered.
Russell took her by the hand. ‘That’s my girl.’
Angel closed the door behind them and stood for a moment, taking in the familiar surroundings softened and mellowed by lantern light. She had never given it much thought, but the house seemed smaller than it had when she first stood on the same spot, but she had been a child, and now she was a woman. She had fallen in love with Grantley then, and looking back she realised that she had hero-worshipped Hector as a girl and gradually that emotion had deepened. She could not imagine life without him, but he was once again facing the difficult situation in the Transvaal, and she prayed silently that matters would not escalate into war and that he would return soon.
‘Angel, what are you doing?’ Lil bustled into the hall. ‘Prissy has left a pan of stew that would feed a small army, but Baines has his eye on it already and you know how much he can put away in one sitting.’
‘Coming,’ Angel said, chuckling. Minor squabbles might erupt, but they were quickly forgotten. She followed Lil in the direction of the kitchen. ‘Is Rupert all right?’
Lil glanced over her shoulder. ‘We’ve made him comfortable in the morning parlour, and Dolly is with him. Baines will carry him upstairs at bedtime.’
Angel caught up with her. ‘Don’t say anything to the others, but I’m going to drive myself over to Westwood Hall tomorrow. If I can persuade Sir Eugene to come here and see how Dolly cares for Rupert he might change his mind and acknowledge her as part of their family.’
‘He’s like all men,’ Lil said grimly. ‘Stubborn, pig-headed and stupid. Even Baines has his moments, although he’s a better specimen than most.’
Angel was too surprised to say anything to this last remark. Lil’s opinion of men was well known and often expressed, but to hear her say something nice about Baines came as a shock, albeit a pleasant one. Perhaps Lil was mellowing with age … Angel smiled to herself as she entered the kitchen and was assailed by a waft of savoury-smelling stew, hot bread and a gust of warm air. The house had come to life again, and she was happy.
Next morning the sun shone, turning the crystalline whiteness of the park into molten silver as Angel drove through the gates of Westwood Hall. The branches of the beeches that lined the avenue were heavy with snow, which slid to the ground at intervals with soft thuds. It was too much to hope that a thaw had set in, and despite the sunshine there was an icy
bite in the air. Angel drew the horse to a halt beside the elegant Victoria carriage that she recognised as belonging to the Montgomeries. Their coachman was seated on the box, keeping a tight rein on the pair of matched greys that were pawing the ground and eager to be on their way.
Angel alighted from the chaise, tossing the reins to a groom who had come hurrying to her aid. She was about to mount the steps when the door opened and Percy emerged from the house followed by Belinda. His angry expression sent a chill down Angel’s spine as she hurried to meet him.
‘What’s the matter?’
He came to a halt, holding his hand out to Belinda. ‘You may well ask, Angel. Sir Eugene is an obstinate, stiff-necked fool. He can’t see that he’s making his only daughter miserable. He doesn’t seem to care about anything other than combining his land with Grantley.’
Belinda’s eyes were red-rimmed and the tip of her nose was suspiciously pink, as if she had been crying. ‘Please don’t leave like this, Percy,’ she cried passionately. ‘You’ve left Blanche broken-hearted. What is the poor girl to do if you desert her?’
‘I’m not deserting her,’ Percy snapped. ‘I’m leaving because her father doesn’t want anything to do with us. He’s made it crystal clear that he considers a fortune made in trade is little better than one created through a life of crime. I’m not staying another minute in that house.’
‘We haven’t even had breakfast,’ Belinda said tearfully. ‘I do hate unpleasant scenes.’
‘You must go to Grantley.’ Angel gave her a hug. ‘I can’t promise you the spread you would have had here, but Lil has raided the chicken run and we have eggs. You’ll be assured of a warm welcome and I’ll be back as soon as I’ve had a word with Sir Eugene.’
‘I wouldn’t bother,’ Percy said grimly. ‘He’s not in the sort of mood to accommodate anyone. You’d be wasting your time if you wanted to put Rupert’s case to his father.’
Angel hesitated. She could see James hovering in the doorway and she had been rehearsing her speech all the way from Grantley. ‘I’m here now so I must try.’
‘The best of luck,’ Percy said abruptly. ‘Come on, Belle. We’ll break our journey at Grantley, but I still say you’re wasting your time, Angel.’ He helped his sister into the carriage and was about to climb in beside her, when he turned and retraced his steps. ‘I didn’t tell Sir Eugene of my plans to redeem the mortgage, and it would be better if you didn’t mention it either.’
‘Why not? I’d have thought it would show him what a good, kind person you really are.’
A glimmer of a smile softened Percy’s stony expression. ‘I don’t think Sir Eugene would see it that way. He’ll be furious when he finds out that I’m paying off the mortgage on Grantley, especially as I make no claim to the land.’
Angel eyed him thoughtfully. ‘Percy, I know you’re doing this for me, but if you go ahead with this plan it means that you are the real owner of Grantley, and Sir Eugene would allow you to marry Blanche.’
‘I don’t intend to buy my bride. If Blanche comes to me it will be because she loves me, and not because her father wishes it. I could have your name put on the deeds, but I don’t think you’d want that.’
‘Heavens, no,’ Angel said, shocked by the suggestion. ‘Hector is the rightful heir.’
‘And he is most fortunate to have secured your love and loyalty.’ Percy leaned over to kiss Angel on the forehead. ‘I’m doing this for you, and you alone, Angel Montgomerie. You suffered because of our father and because of Galloway. I’m trying, in a small way, to make amends.’
‘Angel Montgomerie,’ Angel said dazedly. ‘I suppose that’s right, although I hadn’t really put it into words until this moment.’
‘I doubt if you’ll keep that surname for long. Good luck, dear sister.’ He turned and walked towards the waiting carriage.
Angel entered the house feeling more than a little nervous, but she had made up her mind to challenge Sir Eugene’s views on his son’s marriage to Dolly, and nothing was going to stop her.
Sir Eugene was clearly out of sorts and agitated. Angel realised that she should have listened to Percy, but she had come this far and she put her case as simply as she could, although she forgot most of her carefully rehearsed speech.
Sir Eugene stood with his back to her as he stared out of his study window at the white expanse of parkland punctuated by bare trees, their branches silhouetted against an azure sky like black lace. He turned slowly as she stopped speaking.
‘What have I done to deserve such ungrateful offspring?’ he demanded.
Angel could think of nothing to say, and he did not seem to require an answer.
He met her anxious gaze with an unsympathetic frown. ‘You should have left well alone, Angel. My son is perfectly capable of speaking up for himself and that dollymop he married against my wishes. And now your brother wants to marry Blanche and take her away from me.’
‘Oh, no, sir. I don’t think that was Percy’s intention. He loves Blanche and I believe she loves him, too. They might not be living on your doorstep, but that doesn’t mean you will lose your daughter.’
‘What do you know about such things?’ Sir Eugene slumped down at his desk, holding his head in his hands. ‘Go away, Angel. You mean well, I know, but I am not ready to accept that girl into my home. Rupert has made his choice and he must go his own way. The fact that he was thrown from his horse and badly injured is neither here nor there.’
‘Do you wish him to remain a helpless cripple, sir?’
He looked up, his brow darkening. ‘That is both uncalled for and impertinent. Of course I don’t wish him harm, in fact I’ll pay for the best physicians to attend my son, but while he wishes to remain with that woman he is not welcome here. The same goes for your brother. I have plans for Blanche and I won’t allow them to be thwarted. Percy Montgomerie must look elsewhere for a bride because he will never marry my daughter.’
‘I’m sorry you feel like that, Sir Eugene.’
‘You should go now, Angel. We’ve said all there is to say.’ Sir Eugene picked up a sheaf of documents and began sorting them into a neat pile.
Angel realised that she had been dismissed. She had failed to help either her brother or Rupert, although if Sir Eugene was prepared to pay for his medical treatment that was a step in the right direction. She let herself out of the study, and was about to cross the wide expanse of the entrance hall when the sound of light footsteps pitter-pattering across the marble floor brought her to a standstill. She turned to see Blanche hurrying towards her. If Belinda had looked upset, Blanche appeared to be distraught.
‘You’ve seen Papa,’ she breathed. ‘Did you speak up for Percy? Did you make Papa change his mind?’
Angel shook her head. ‘I’m sorry. I tried, but he wouldn’t listen.’
‘He never does,’ Blanche said bitterly. She shot a wary glance at James, who was hovering in the background, clearly curious, but trying hard to appear uninterested. Blanche lowered her voice. ‘Will you give Percy a message?’
‘Of course.’ Angel drew her aside. ‘It’s obvious that your footman is trying desperately to hear what you have to say. You’d better whisper in my ear.’
Blanche leaned closer. ‘Tell Percy that I’ll do as he asked.’
‘Are you planning to elope?’
‘I didn’t want to upset my family, but now I think it’s the only way.’
Angel nodded. ‘All right, I’ll tell Percy.’ She hugged Blanche. ‘Good luck.’
Percy received the message with a curt nod. ‘Thank you, Angel. Now I know what I must do, but not a word of this to anyone, not even Belle.’
‘You’re not telling your sister? Surely you must, Percy?’ Angel had managed to get him on his own, for once, but it had not been easy. She had made an excuse to take him to the library, and as there was no fire in that particular room it was not the most inviting place to be on a bitterly cold day. Belinda was in the parlour with Dolly and Rupert, Cook and Lil were i
n the kitchen, preparing food, and Baines had gone out with a shotgun, hoping to bag something for the dinner table.
Percy shook his head. ‘Belle is the loveliest girl imaginable, but she can’t keep a secret, and she’ll get so nervous that everyone will know something is wrong. I’ll leave a note with you, Angel. You must give it to her first thing in the morning.’
‘You’re going so soon?’
‘I was expecting this, and I’ve planned accordingly. I’m taking Blanche to London tonight and we’ll be married by special licence in the morning. It’s best if you don’t know the exact details.’
‘I won’t tell anyone.’
‘I know that, but I don’t want to put you in a position where you have to lie to your family and friends. It’s best if Blanche and I slip away quietly. Once we’re married there’s nothing her father can do about it.’
‘Oh, Percy, are you sure about this? He’s disowned his own son. Rupert and Dolly married for love, but look at them now. They’re homeless and very nearly penniless.’
‘Luckily for me I can afford to provide handsomely for my wife. I’ll take good care of Blanche, and, if her father truly loves her, he’ll come round eventually, as I think he will with Rupert.’
‘I hope so,’ Angel said softly. ‘I do hope so, for all your sakes.’
‘I’ve persuaded Belle that she ought to stay here tonight, as I have to return to town on urgent business,’ Percy continued eagerly. ‘It wasn’t difficult to convince her. She thrives on new experiences, and reclaiming the house for the Devanes in such a flagrant manner appeals to her sense of the dramatic. Anyway, I don’t want to leave her on her own in London, so I’d be grateful if you would look after her while I’m away.’
‘Of course, I will. She’s my sister, as I have to keep reminding myself, and it’s time we got to know each other better.’ Angel put her head on one side, regarding him with interest. ‘Are you taking Blanche on honeymoon?’
‘Yes, to the Italian lakes. I can tell you that much, and by the time we return I hope things will have settled down a little, and that Sir Eugene will be resigned to the idea.’
