‘Miss Carstairs, your grace,’ Meltham announced grandly.
Scarcely suppressing her giggles she entered. What a change! The room was restored to something resembling a drawing-room. The disgusting armchairs had vanished to be replaced by two chaise-longue, a love seat and several spindly legged gilt chairs, more suited to a ballroom than a drawing-room.
Then all desire to laugh evaporated. She spotted Jack, standing by the mantelshelf watching her, his face alight with appreciation. She hardly recognized him; he looked magnificent in scarlet jacket, skin-tight calfskin breeches and top boots with flamboyant tassels. His hair was swept forward almost covering his scar.
He bowed deeply and she curtsied low. On offering her hand to him he gripped it, carrying it to his mouth. His lips burnt across her folded fingers and her heart somersaulted. Her closely fitting bodice felt constricting.
He gazed into her eyes and she could not resist. Her feet carried her the three steps needed to reach his arms. His hold was gentle and his lips when they found hers, were tender. She felt bereft when he lifted his head.
‘I hadn’t intended to do this, sweetheart. I was going to be the perfect gentleman tonight, treat you with the utmost respect.’ He smiled his lopsided smile and shrugged. ‘But you are so utterly ravisante, I could not help myself. Forgive me please?’
At that moment she knew she would forgive him anything. Maybe marrying without his love would not be so bad. ‘Of course I forgive you. I came to you, not the other way round.’ She smiled, her eyes glittering. ‘And tonight, dressed as you are, I find you quite irresistible.’
He gestured around the room. ‘What you think? A vast improvement, isn’t it?’
‘It is indeed. Where are your quarters now?’
‘I’ve moved upstairs, there are one or two chambers habitable. I thought to have made it the room where the ceiling collapsed but I’ve found another.’ He led her over to the chaise-longue and waited for her to be seated. ‘May I offer you a glass of champagne? Meltham has unearthed a dozen bottles that were hidden in the cellar.’
‘I’ve never tasted champagne,’ she answered shyly. She was finding him rather overwhelming this evening.
‘I did not ask you, my love, if you have tasted champagne; I wish to know if you wish to share a glass with me now?’
She recovered her equilibrium, being cross with him was so much easier. ‘Do not bandy words with me, Lord Thurston. Of course I would like a glass.’ As she watched the butler deftly remove the cork and pour the golden frothing liquid into tall crystal glasses, she finally recalled why she had wished to speak with Jack earlier in the day.
‘Mr Blower tells me there is a house in Ipswich waiting for me and the children and a legacy from my grandfather to pay for its upkeep.’
He sat up. ‘The house I knew off but the legacy is news to me. I wonder why this wasn’t mentioned earlier.’
‘And why didn’t you inform me of its existence, give me the option to remove myself there?’
He chuckled. ‘I’m sure you know the answer to that, my love. As I had already made up my mind to marry you there was no necessity to mention the house. But I am puzzled by the sudden appearance of a legacy.’
She recalled the unease she had felt in the company of the lawyers. ‘I don’t like those men, They have a shifty manner I cannot trust.’
Meltham interrupted the conversation to serve the drinks on a silver salver. She took a few exploratory sips and placed the glass aside. ‘I find I don’t like this, it has too many bubbles and a rather dry taste.’
Jack followed her example and put the glass down. ‘I have always thought this drink overrated. You can have a glass of claret with the meal; perhaps that will be more to your liking?’
‘I’ve had both red and white wine on many occasions; these were often the only safe drink available.’
‘I had forgot you accompanied your father on his campaigns. But to return to the lawyers, do you know if they knew of your whereabouts prior to your arrival here?’
‘Oh yes, Lord Thurston would have had it. I wrote to him when Papa died, to ask for his help. Of course, I didn’t know he was already dead and that’s why I received no reply.’ She frowned. ‘But it’s odd the letter was returned opened but unanswered.’
‘Decidedly odd. It had to be Blower who returned it. Why didn’t he inform you of your legacy then?’
‘I wish he had, it would have made such a difference to our lives. I wouldn’t have needed to come here; I could have remained in the house in Romford.’
His expression became serious. ‘Then I am glad they were derelict in their duties; your arrival here has changed my life.’
She flushed with pleasure. This was almost a declaration of devotion, maybe he felt more for her than he was prepared to own. ‘Another thing, have you wondered where all the silver plate and decent furniture and paintings have gone? Mama didn’t speak often about her life here, but I do know the Hall was a grand place and that she experienced every possible luxury in her youth.’
Jack called across to the butler standing unobtrusively by the sideboard. ‘Meltham, how long have you been here?’
‘Thirty years, my lord; I started as an under footman.’
‘Then you can answer a question for us. What has happened to the silver, furniture, in fact anything of value?’
‘The lawyers took it when the old duke died, your grace. Mr Blower said it would be at risk in a house with no master.’
‘And the furniture and paintings, did they go into storage as well?’
‘Yes, miss. The only thing that remained was the cutlery. I am surprised they have not returned the rest as you have been in residence, my lord, for more than a year now.’
‘Thank you, Meltham, you have been a great help.’ Jack waited for the man to retire to his corner at the far side the room before continuing. ‘There is something havey-cavey about this, Charlotte. I shall accompany you to Ipswich tomorrow and speak to the lawyers.’
‘Could you not ask to see the will? See the accounts and the extent of the debts incurred by the loss of the fleet?’
‘Excellent suggestion, my dear. I have been remiss in all this. Had I not been so lost in self-pity this past year, I would have investigated the matter and discovered the truth for myself.’
A footman came in and spoke to the butler, who promptly moved forward. ‘Your grace, Miss Carstairs, dinner is served.’
Charlotte detected a certain tension in Jack, a suppressed excitement. He held out his arm and she placed it on his, his forearm solid beneath her fingers. She smiled up. ‘What is it? What are you hiding from me?’
‘Wait and see, my love. I have a surprise for you, a pleasant one, I hope.’
Meltham led them from the drawing-room and, instead of turning right to the breakfast parlour; took them across the corridor and stopped in front of a room she had not been in. The two footmen hurried forward to open the double doors. The butler bowed and stepped aside giving Charlotte a clear view of the chamber.
‘Oh my! You’ve opened the dining-room for us.’
Jack led her in and she glanced around in wonder. The long table was covered from end to end in snowy white damask and a large vase of beautifully arranged late autumn flowers and russet leaves occupied the centre. Candles stretched its entire length bathing the room in a golden glow. At the far end two settings were laid, the crystal sparkling and the ornate silver cutlery reflecting the flickering light.
‘It looks so beautiful, thank you so much.’
‘It’s a mirage, my dear. The candles have been placed down the centre of the table deliberately. The rest of the room is in a shocking state, I can assure you.’
The meal passed in a haze. Betty had surpassed herself and managed to produce two courses and several removes. Jack put himself out to be charming and kept her entertained with a series of amusing anecdotes about his life on the Peninsula. She had no need for claret, she was drunk with happiness.
The
hour was late when they parted on the gallery. Charlotte had been anticipating his goodnight kiss all evening but he disappointed her. ‘I was thinking of having the gig brought round at nine o’clock tomorrow. Is that too early for you?’
She shook her head. ‘No, I am an early riser as are the children. I shall be ready in time. Is there room for all of us and Annie?’
‘I am riding so that means there will be ample room inside.’
He took her hands and squeezed them gently. ‘I must bid you goodnight here, sweetheart. I can’t trust myself not to follow you into your chamber if I come any further.’
‘You are a reformed character, Jack, if you continue in this way I shall not recognise you.’
Her oblique reference to his previous invasions into her chamber didn’t pass unnoticed. ‘In twenty nights I’ll have the right to enter your chamber and stay there. I can wait. I count myself a patient man.’
Charlotte’s chuckle escaped without her permission. ‘If you are a patient man, sir, then I am the Queen of Sheba.’ Still laughing, she pulled back her hands and ran down the passage to her room where Mary was waiting to prepare her for bed.
She glowed all over at the thought of him joining her in her chamber on their wedding night and exactly what that would entail.
The drive to Ipswich the next morning was uneventful. Jack’s huge stallion provided plenty of entertainment for the children as it did its best to tip him off on several occasions. On the second of these alarms she realized that he was armed. He had a pistol holstered on either side of his saddle. She was uncertain if she was reassured by his foresight or perturbed that he believed there was still a danger of being attacked.
The carriage slowed to join the queue of other vehicles heading into town. Jack rode alongside, his horse having finally settled.
‘The lawyers have an office in Fore Street, I’ve asked Jethro to arrange refreshments for us all in the Crown at midday.’ He grinned. ‘Is it possible you might have completed your purchases by then?’
She laughed. ‘I sincerely hope so. Neither Beth nor Harry enjoy shopping overmuch. I might have a rebellion on my hands if I didn’t stop for luncheon.’
The expedition was agreed by all concerned to be a success. Just before midday she returned to the Crown Inn laden with parcels and boxes. These were stacked tidily in the corner of the private parlour Jethro had bespoken for them.
‘Children, please don’t eat your barley sugar sticks until after we have had luncheon.’
‘No, Lottie, we promise.’ Beth took Harry over to the small table by the window where they could sit and watch the passers-by in the street outside.
‘Annie, I declare I’m delighted with my purchases. I hadn’t expected Ipswich to have such an excellent range of emporiums.’ She sighed. ‘We were fortunate that the seamstress had just had an order returned to her.’
The maid rubbed her back. ‘Those four gowns will hardly need any alteration to be a perfect fit, miss. I just hope we have time to complete the sewing of your undergarments and nightwear before you are wed.’
‘We have almost three weeks which is plenty of time. And I intend to ask Mrs Thomas to loan me a couple of the new girls to help.’
Harry jumped up and banged on the window making them both jump. Charlotte opened her mouth to scold him but saw Jack waving through the glass obviously unbothered by Harry’s rudeness.
‘Look Lottie, Cousin Jack has boxes as well, I can hardly see Mr Jethro under all the parcels.’
‘And Cousin Jack is carrying two boxes himself,’ Beth announced, her tone expressing her astonishment that such a top-lofty person as a duke should deign to carry his own purchases.
Charlotte pulled the bell strap. If he was here it must be time to have their refreshments served. Annie moved over to join the children at the small table leaving the larger one for her employers. Two maids staggered in with trays stacked high with food. Charlotte surveyed the mountain in dismay. She hated waste.
When the girls had set out the repast and departed she spoke of her concern. ‘We shall never consume all this — there’s enough to feed an entire army.’
‘Jethro obviously didn’t know what we liked so ordered a small amount of everything they serve.’ He grinned across at the children. ‘Come along, you two, let me serve you first. I can see you are bursting with curiosity to see that what there is on our table.’
Annie and her charges retreated with loaded plates leaving them to converse undisturbed. He gestured towards the parcels. ‘I see you’ve not wasted your morning, my dear.’
‘Indeed, I have not.’ She rummaged in her reticule and produced the soft leather pouch he had given her that morning. ‘I am sorry, but I spent almost half the money. I had hoped to return far more to you.’
His eyebrows shot up. ‘Good God! I didn’t expect to see any change. You must be the only female in creation capable of restraint when shopping for gowns.’
She pushed the bag across the table but he dropped his hand over hers, restraining her. ‘No, sweetheart, it’s yours, keep it. I’m certain you will need pin money of your own. I don’t wish you to be obliged to come cap-in-hand to me whenever you have personal needs.’
‘But, are you sure? I thought we were short of funds, that we had to economise?’
‘We do, but things are not at such a pass I cannot give you an allowance.’
They ate in companionable silence until she replaced her cutlery on her plate. ‘I am replete. I could not eat another morsel. I’m not used to consuming so much in the middle of the day but the meal was delicious. How did you know this place served such excellent food?’
‘I have to admit that I did not. I asked the redoubtable Meltham - he is a fount of all knowledge - and this is his recommendation and an excellent choice it was too.’ He stood up and strolled across to the children. ‘Well, bantlings, are you finished?’
‘I’m bursting out of my breeches,’ Harry announced happily.
Beth, shocked at his improper comment, interrupted him before he could embarrass her further. ‘That was a lovely luncheon, Cousin Jack, thank you.’
‘Excellent. Annie, I have something outside with Jethro that might interest these two. And I think a well supervised run around the yard will help to settle their meal before we begin our return journey.’
‘What is it? Is it a surprise?’ Harry asked.
Beth giggled. ‘You’re so stupid, Harry. If we don’t know what it is, of course it’s a surprise.’
The door closed behind the children and their argument. The two maidservants completed clearing the table leaving Jack and Charlotte alone.
‘Charlotte, we need to talk. I’ve spent an informative hour with the lawyers and wish to share my information with you.’
‘What have you discovered? I do hope it’s not bad news, you look so serious.’
He removed a packet of documents from the inside pocket of his topcoat and handed them to her. ‘Read these, my dear. I should be interested to hear your views, see if they coincide with mine.’
She carefully untied the ribbon and opened the first paper, smoothing it flat with shaking fingers. There was something amiss, Jack’s expression told her so and she hoped it was not too shocking. There had been too many unpleasant revelations and events in the three short weeks she had known him and she did not wish to experience anymore.
Chapter Fourteen
Charlotte flicked through each document quickly. She noticed the ones detailing the sale of the silver and paintings and others relating to essential expenses that had to be met, debts that had to be paid. They all seemed to be in order. What was Jack hoping she would discover?
‘Take your time; I didn’t see anything amiss on my first perusal,’ he informed her helpfully.
She spread them out, side-by-side, across the polished table top; perhaps she would see something when they were viewed like this. She sorted them into a logical order and began to study them again. The black spidery handwriting was eas
y to decipher, her grandfather’s signature clear on each. She studied the dates. The documents went back over several years, apparently cataloguing a reckless disregard for economy and the tendency to invest in uncertain enterprises.
She smiled - she knew what it was. Triumphantly she looked up. ‘These were all written by the same person and, judging by the clarity of the ink, all at the same time.’
‘Well done! I’m certain you are correct. These are forgeries.’ He leant over and took her hand. ‘You realize what this means, my dear? Blower and his partner are rogues; they have been systematically stealing from the estate for years.’
‘My grandfather was unwell in his declining years and unable to make decisions because of his mental confusion or so Dr Andrews told me. This would have made it easier for them; he would not have queried anything they did.’
Jack picked up one of the most recent papers and studied the signature, then he compared it to another earlier document. ‘Then these signatures have been forged as well. I can detect no difference between the ones done when he was well and when he was ill.’
Charlotte found this unpleasant revelation hard to accept. Lawyers were people you trusted with your money - they should be above suspicion. ‘Perhaps there is some mistake? Did you confront Mr Blower when you were there?’
He shook his head. ‘No, I studied them at my leisure in a coffee house nearby. It was only then I noticed the discrepancies.’
She felt the band around her chest begin to slacken. ‘Then, I think I have the answer.
Mr Blower has supplied us with copies of the relevant material, not the originals. That is why they all look the same.’
He was not convinced. ‘But why would they all be written at the same time? No, there’s something underhand going on here, I’m sure of it.’
‘Think. They knew you would wish to see documentation, proof of the legitimacy of their transactions. I expect they have had their clerk scribbling away making these for you, ever since you first contacted them.’ She pushed back her chair. ‘There’s one way to discover the truth. Let’s go back there and ask to see the originals.’
The Duke's Challenge Page 15
