The Mistletoe Seller

by Dilly Court

  ‘I don’t want to seem mercenary, but what will happen to Grantley if you go away? Will I have to sell the house in Naked Boy Court after all?’

  ‘Of course not, Angel,’ Percy said firmly. ‘You mustn’t worry about a thing. I’ll see my solicitor first thing tomorrow, and I’ll leave everything in his hands. My man of business will handle the financial side of things, so you need not worry about Grantley. I promise you that everything will be done to arrange matters to our mutual satisfaction.’ He produced a leather pouch from his pocket and placed it in Angel’s hand. ‘This will help your finances while I’m away and pay for Belle’s keep.’

  ‘Thank you, Percy. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me, but Belinda will be upset when she finds out that you eloped without telling her.’

  ‘I know, and I wish I could have done otherwise, but Belle is a sweet-natured girl and she’ll forgive me when she sees me happily married to the woman I love.’

  Angel stood on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek. ‘I wish you all the happiness you deserve, Percy. I’ll make sure that Belle understands.’

  ‘Understands what exactly?’ Belinda stood in the doorway, staring from one to the other. ‘What’s going on, Percy?’

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Belinda was angry at first but, having grown up with Susannah’s mercurial temperament, Angel knew how to smooth ruffled feathers, and Belinda’s sunny nature did not allow her to sulk for long, whereas Susannah’s moods could last for days. If Susannah was a tigress, then Belinda was a kitten, and, as Angel discovered, much more lovable.

  Westwood Hall was in uproar, according to Susannah, who rode over to Grantley the next day to spread the news that Blanche had eloped. Looking elegant in a new riding habit and top hat, its severe outlines softened by a flowing veil, Susannah paced the floor in the morning parlour, waving her riding crop as if conducting an orchestra.

  ‘Life there is unbearable. I feel like a poor relation.’

  Angel and Belinda exchanged wry smiles. ‘You look very well on it,’ Angel said drily. ‘I’d have thought you had everything you ever wanted.’

  Susannah stopped, fixing Angel with a hard stare. ‘Would you now? I’m the poor relation – the unmarried daughter who will end up an old maid – the sort of person who is tolerated, but ignored by the rest of the family.’

  ‘Why would you think that?’ Belinda asked innocently.

  ‘Don’t speak to me. I’m sure you were party to your brother’s deception, you little worm. I dare say you’ve been laughing at me behind my back when Rupert chose Dolly instead of me.’

  Angel recognised the militant sparkle in Susannah’s eyes. ‘Stop it, Sukey. For heaven’s sake put the crop down before you hurt someone. This behaviour won’t wash with me and you’re scaring Belinda.’

  ‘Don’t call me Sukey. You know I hate it.’ Susannah abandoned the crop and sank down on a chair by the fire, her bottom lip trembling. ‘I thought that Percy came to Westwood to see me. It’s not fair, he used me as an excuse to pay court to Blanche. I’m the one who’s been slighted, but nobody pays me any attention. I might as well be invisible. That servant girl stole Rupert from beneath my nose, and Blanche, with her simpering ways, has trapped Percy, who should have been my beau.’

  ‘I’m sure Percy didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression.’ Belinda looked to Angel for confirmation. ‘He’s not like that, is he, Angel?’

  ‘No, I’m sure it wasn’t deliberate,’ Angel said earnestly. ‘Percy is a kind man, and you ought to be grateful to him.’

  ‘What for?’ Susannah demanded angrily. ‘He used me.’

  ‘Nonsense. I don’t believe that for one moment.’ Angel was angry now, and in no mood to placate Susannah, who was teetering on the edge of a full-blown tantrum. ‘You’re only twenty, you are beautiful and no doubt Sir Eugene will give you a generous dowry. You have plenty of time to find the right husband.’

  ‘It might be different if I was still Susannah Devane of Grantley, but now I’m just the stepdaughter at Westwood. Everyone knows that Sir Eugene is desperate to marry me off. I wouldn’t be surprised if he put an advertisement in The Times offering a huge dowry to any slavering old roué who would take me off his hands.’

  ‘I’m sure that’s not true,’ Belinda said softly.

  ‘Of course it isn’t.’ Angel experienced a sudden pang of sympathy. She knew only too well what it was like to feel alone and unwanted. ‘Are you really unhappy at Westwood?’ She met Susannah’s mutinous gaze with a steady look. ‘Do you miss living at Grantley, or is this one of your megrims?’

  Susannah’s eyes brimmed with tears. ‘This is my home, and it’s going to be destroyed. I don’t know why you’re here, because Sir Eugene says that the bailiffs will come in and force you out, but I wish I could turn back the clock and have things as they were.’

  Angel leaned over to grasp Susannah’s hand. ‘We’ve made a stand, Sukey. We’re not supposed to be here, but Percy has promised to repay the mortgage and secure Grantley for the family, and that means you as well as Hector and the boys.’

  ‘Why would he do that?’ Susannah asked suspiciously. ‘You aren’t a Devane. You’re only his half-sister, if Galloway is to be believed, and we all know that he’s a villain and not to be trusted.’

  Belinda jumped to her feet. ‘You are a mean girl, Susannah Devane. Mean and ungrateful. Angel is doing this for your family and if you can’t see that, then you are a very stupid girl as well.’ She flounced out of the room and slammed the door.

  ‘You asked for that,’ Angel said, chuckling.

  ‘Who would have believed that the kitten has claws?’ Susannah met Angel’s amused look with a wry smile. ‘I suppose I did go too far, but life has been unbearable with Mama taking sides with Sir Eugene. Everything I do or say is wrong.’

  ‘Come home, Sukey.’

  ‘What did you say?’

  ‘Grantley is still your home. It belongs to the Devane family – I’m just looking after it until Hector returns. You have more right to be here than I do, and Uncle Dolph left me the house in Naked Boy Court.’

  ‘Do you really mean it?’

  ‘Sukey, we’ve had our ups and downs, but in the end we’ve managed to scrape along together. I don’t think you’ll end up an old maid, but this is still your home. I’m certain that Hector would agree with me.’

  ‘But we have no money. Will we have to let rooms to travellers as we did before?’

  ‘That was just a temporary solution, and it will be up to Hector to make decisions when he returns from the Transvaal. Percy has given me enough money to keep us going until he returns from his honeymoon, but we will have to do without servants. Maybe you ought to consider that before you make your final decision.’

  ‘As long as I don’t have to cook or wash dishes, I don’t mind. I can do without a lady’s maid, and I’ll even do a little light dusting, but don’t expect me to scrub floors.’ Susannah rose gracefully to her feet. ‘I suppose I’ll have to put up with Dolly, too.’

  Two days later Dolly burst into the parlour where Angel was struggling with damp kindling in an attempt to get the fire going. ‘Come quick. You must see this for yourself.’ She hurried from the room.

  Curious and eager to be diverted, Angel followed Dolly into the hall where she was looking out of the window that overlooked the carriage sweep. The thaw had set in, leaving the gravel drive covered in slush, but the deer park was still swathed in an icy white blanket and a pale, buttery sun had edged its way between the clouds.

  ‘My goodness. Would you believe it?’ Angel stared at the procession, headed by the Westwoods’ carriage drawn by the pair of matched bays, followed by a cart laden with trunks and valises, and behind that a brougham. ‘I think we’re about to be invaded.’ She went to open the door, and a blast of cold air caused the temperature in the hall to drop by several degrees.

  Sir Eugene was the first to enter. He acknowledged Angel courteously, but when he saw Dolly
his expression froze and he turned away.

  ‘I wish to see my son,’ he said abruptly.

  ‘He’s still in bed, Sir Eugene.’ Angel sent a warning look in Dolly’s direction. ‘I was attempting to light the fire in the parlour, but it’s too cold to bring him downstairs at the moment.’

  ‘Barbaric,’ Sir Eugene said coldly. ‘The house is a mausoleum and in my opinion should be consigned to history. Show me to his room, if you please, Miss Winter.’

  ‘It’s Miss Montgomerie, if you insist on being formal, Sir Eugene,’ Angel said firmly. ‘I understand that you’re angry with my brother, but please don’t take it out on me.’

  ‘Don’t mention that person’s name in my presence. He seduced my daughter.’

  ‘They are married now, Sir Eugene.’ Angel forced herself to speak calmly, but she was inwardly seething. ‘They are honeymooning in Italy, and Blanche will have every luxury that money can buy.’

  ‘I don’t wish to know that.’ Sir Eugene turned to greet a man dressed entirely in black who entered the house carrying a large leather medical bag. ‘Dr Sellers has come to examine Rupert. Take us to him, if you please.’

  Angel was about to mount the stairs when Susannah swanned into the hall, followed by a retinue of servants hefting trunks and suitcases. ‘I take it that I still have my old room?’

  ‘Of course.’ Angel continued up the stairs. Susannah was perfectly capable of organising the delivery of her considerable wardrobe, but she would have to unpack and put everything away on her own. That would be interesting.

  Angel decided to leave them all to their own devices, and, having shown the doctor to Rupert’s room, she returned to the parlour, closing the door behind her with a sigh of relief. She had just succeeded in persuading the kindling to burn when Dolly joined her.

  Angel gave her a cursory glance. ‘Judging by the look on your face it didn’t go well between you and Sir Eugene.’

  ‘He barely spoke to me, and then it was only to tell me to leave the room so that the doctor could examine Rupert. I felt like a naughty child, and goodness knows what the doctor must have thought.’

  Angel used the bellows to good effect and the flames shot up the chimney. The scent of damp apple wood filled the room, and Angel rose to her feet. ‘Sir Eugene must be worried about his son. He might pretend to be hard and unfeeling, but I’m sure he loves Rupert as much as you do.’

  ‘I suppose so, but I’m Rupert’s wife. He can’t ignore that fact for ever.’

  ‘Give him time, Dolly. I’m sure that when he sees how devoted you are Sir Eugene will come round. He’s lost Blanche as well.’

  Dolly wrapped her arms around her swollen belly, as if cradling her unborn child. ‘I hope he’ll change his mind when the baby arrives. It would be so sad if Sir Eugene rejects his grandson.’

  ‘Or granddaughter,’ Angel added, smiling.

  Dolly was about to answer when the door opened and Sir Eugene walked into the room. ‘I heard voices,’ he said stiffly. ‘We’re leaving now.’

  ‘What did the doctor say?’ Dolly asked anxiously. ‘Can he do anything for Rupert?’

  Sir Eugene ignored her, addressing himself to Angel. ‘Dr Sellers has a clinic in Highgate where he specialises in spinal injuries. He has agreed to take Rupert as his patient.’

  Dolly eased herself out of the chair. ‘I must go with him.’

  ‘Out of the question,’ Sir Eugene snapped. ‘Rupert will receive the best treatment possible. He will be there for several months at considerable expense.’

  ‘But she’s his wife,’ Angel protested. ‘Surely she has the right to visit him in hospital?’

  ‘Dr Sellers insists that his patients must adhere to a strict routine, and visitors only serve to upset and unsettle them.’ Sir Eugene faced Dolly with an uncompromising expression on his lined face. ‘My son married you against my wishes, but I am a man of honour.’ He took a purse from his pocket and thrust it into her hand. ‘You are not welcome in my house, but this money will keep you and your child for a while.’

  ‘You can keep your money, Sir Eugene. I’d rather go back to selling flowers on street corners than accept anything from you.’ Dolly flung the purse at him and fled from the room.

  Sir Eugene picked up the purse and handed it to Angel. ‘Blood will out, as they say. But I think you are more practical than your young friend. I’m well aware of Grantley’s financial situation, so take the money and put it to good use. My conscience is clear.’

  Angel nodded and pocketed the money. ‘Your conscience is your affair, sir. But you’re right, I can’t afford grand gestures.’

  ‘Susannah has opted to live here. God alone knows why, but she has an allowance from me, which will continue. I’m not a monster, Angel, whatever you might think.’ Sir Eugene opened the parlour door and a wave of sound echoed round the room.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Angel asked anxiously.

  ‘You’ll have to restrain the girl. She’s creating a scene.’

  Angel hurried into the hall, but it was Lil who put a stop to Dolly’s ill-judged attempt to prevent Rupert from leaving. Lil scooped her up in her arms and stomped off in the direction of the kitchen, despite shrieks of protest from her wriggling burden.

  ‘Look after her for me,’ Rupert said weakly as the footmen carried him from the house.

  ‘Of course I will. You mustn’t worry about Dolly,’ Angel said earnestly. ‘I’ll take good care of her.’ She stood by the front door, ignoring the bitter cold as she watched him being lifted gently into the carriage, the doctor standing by. Sir Eugene climbed in after him and Dr Sellers made his way to his own vehicle. Angel closed the door, with a sinking feeling. The next few weeks were not going to be easy.

  Susannah settled in, but very quickly her attitude to Angel changed. It did not happen overnight, but she began to challenge everything that Angel said and did. She had always disliked Lil and made a point of criticising her efforts at waiting on table and even the food that Lil had helped to prepare. Lil was seething and Angel knew it was only a matter of time before she exploded and put Miss Devane in her place, although Susannah’s position in the household was open to debate. It was apparent that Susannah considered herself to be mistress of Grantley and had no intention of undertaking menial tasks. Moreover, she expected to be waited on hand and foot, as she had been all her life. Angel could stand so much, but by the end of the first week her patience was wearing thin, and Dolly was a pale shadow of her former self. She wandered about the house, doing what was asked of her, but it was obvious that her thoughts were with Rupert and she seemed to be in danger of pining away. Lil was unsympathetic, Cook kept trying to tempt Dolly to eat for two, and Susannah was openly impatient. Angel struggled to maintain a middle course, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

  Matters came to a head when Toby and Humphrey arrived home for the Christmas holiday. Susannah greeted them like the lady of the manor, ordering Baines to carry their cases upstairs to their rooms, although she had taken no part in getting the bedrooms ready. It was Angel who had lit the fires and Dolly had helped to air and make up the beds. Lil and Cook had spent two days baking and preparing the food that the boys loved, and Baines had been out with his shotgun to provide game for the table.

  Toby greeted Angel warmly and congratulated her on having the courage to stand up for Grantley. Humphrey hugged and kissed her, although he merely acknowledged his sister with a grin and a cheerful insult. Susannah was clearly put out, and even more so when Toby tried to include Dolly in their conversation as they sat in the drawing room, drinking tea and eating the gingerbread that Cook had made, knowing it was Humphrey’s favourite.

  Dolly eyed Susannah warily as she picked up the teapot. ‘It’s empty,’ she said vaguely. ‘I’ll make a fresh brew.’

  ‘You don’t have to do that,’ Toby said casually. ‘That’s what servants are for, and you’re one of us now, Dolly.’

  ‘Thank you, Toby, but I know they’re busy so I’ll
go.’ Dolly left the room before Susannah had a chance to make a cutting remark.

  ‘We’re not supposed to be living here,’ Angel said hastily. ‘I was afraid that we’d lose Grantley if the company who loaned Uncle Dolph the money decided to take possession of the house. It’s taken longer than I’d hope, but when the deal is done you’ll have to thank Percy for paying off the mortgage.’

  Toby leaned back in his chair, frowning. ‘I know he’s your half-brother, but why would he care what happens to us?’

  ‘I was going to sell the house in Naked Boy Court so that I could repay the debt, but I didn’t know how to go about it, so I asked Percy for his advice. He didn’t want me to lose my inheritance, but he knows how much Grantley means to me and that’s why he’s putting matters straight.’

  ‘Grantley belongs to my family,’ Susannah said sulkily. ‘You might have been adopted by the Montgomeries, but that doesn’t make you one of us.’

  ‘That’s a bit harsh, Sukey.’ Humphrey was sitting beside Angel on the sofa and he moved a little closer. ‘Angel is part of our family and you know it. Why are you being so mean?’

  ‘I think what Percy is doing for Grantley is absolutely splendid, Angel,’ Toby said, enthusiastically. ‘Don’t take any notice of Sukey – it was a good day for us when Uncle Dolph brought you to live here.’

  ‘I second that.’ Toby reached for another slice of cake. ‘Where would we be without you?’

  ‘Maybe Hector would be at home now if she hadn’t frightened him away,’ Susannah said slyly. ‘He resigned his commission, you know, because he intended to run the estate, but someone not a million miles from here set her cap at him and suddenly he retreated. I wonder why …’

  Angel stared at her, too shocked to speak.

  ‘Don’t talk rot, Sukey,’ Humphrey said with his mouth full. ‘Hector’s always had a soft spot for Angel. We all knew that, and he’s never run away from anything in his whole life.’