Jack placed Harry and his pet on the day bed. ‘I must leave you, sweetheart. I have to find the men who attacked us before they can make good their escape.’
She roused herself sufficiently to answer. ‘Please take care. I wish you God speed and a safe return.’
He pulled her close and his mouth covered hers in a fierce kiss, sending welcome waves of heat coursing through her icy limbs. ‘I shall be, my darling; I have a family to come home to and I intend to be around to enjoy the experience for many years to come.’
*
He released her and strode off and then gratefully accepted the loan of the doctor’s many caped drab-coat. He was also glad to add two grooms with stout cudgels strapped to their saddles, to his search party. Jethro had borrowed a saddle and was mounted on one of the grey carriage horses. The four men thundered down the drive, ignoring the driving rain, determined to find the attackers before full dark.
Chapter Fifteen
Harry fell asleep cradled in Charlotte’s arms and she was able to carry him over to the bed whilst Annie took Beth to the other guest room to bathe and rest.
‘He is finally quiet, Annie. Thank God! I’ll go and have my bath and see what Mrs Baker has managed to find me to wear. Please sit with him until I get back.’
‘Would you like me to sleep in with Miss Beth, seeing as you’re staying with Master
Harry?’
‘Yes, I was intending to suggest you did so. Beth’s a sensible girl, but after what happened today I fear if she wakes in a strange room she could be frightened.’
A chamber-maid had topped up Charlotte’s bath and the water was still pleasantly warm. She sank back allowing the lemon scented water to soothe away her stress. It had taken so long to settle Harry her beautiful gown had all but dried on her. She feared it would never recover from the experience.
She tried to block out the image of guns firing and bodies littering the lane but whenever she closed her eyes they were all she could see. A sound behind her made her jump, but it was only the chambermaid.
‘Mrs Baker has found you something to wear whilst we clean and press your own clothes, Miss Carstairs. They are ready on the chair.’
‘Thank you; is Miss Beth sleeping comfortably?’
‘Yes, miss. Mrs Baker said I should sit with her until her nursemaid comes back. I can hear her from the dressing room if she stirs.’
Charlotte was glad to have the girl’s assistance. Her limbs were leaden, her head heavy and it took all her willpower to get out of the safety and comfort of the tub. She raised her arms and legs as instructed, not noticing, or caring, what she was being dressed in.
‘There, miss; not exactly what you’re used to but at least you’re warm and dry now.’
Charlotte glanced down at her gown – it was a plain grey bombazine with a low waist, long sleeves and high neck. Although a trifle loose, it served its purpose. Rose, the chambermaid, brushed and braided her hair and wound it around her head in a neat coronet.
‘That’s excellent, Rose. I’m going back to sit with Master Harry. Annie will be here directly to relieve you.’
‘Mrs Baker said to tell you she would send up a tray, seeing as you missed out on dinner.’
The thought of food nauseated Charlotte but it would be impolite to say so.
She discovered Dr Andrews in the bed chamber examining Harry. She hurried forward her heart racing. ‘What is it? Is he worse?’
‘His temperature is going up. I fear he could have contracted an inflammation of the lungs.’
‘He was fit and well this morning. How can he be so very ill now?’
The doctor’s face was grave. ‘Shock does dreadful things to a person’s health, Miss Carstairs. The horrific events he witnessed today, coupled with his prolonged exposure to inclement weather, have lowered his resistance.’
‘But he will recover? He’s a healthy boy, he’s never unwell. Indeed he has not even had a head cold in his entire life.’
‘Unfortunately he is only four, a high-risk age-group. I shall do my best to save him, Miss Carstairs, but must warn you I cannot promise a happy outcome.’
Charlotte ran to her brother’s side. She placed a hand on his forehead; this was warm but not unduly so. Puzzled she turned to find the doctor standing close behind her. Too close.
‘Dr Andrews, Harry is not burning up with fever so how can you be so sure he is about to succumb to a congestion of the lungs?’ She tried to shuffle sideways, increase the distance between them; his presence was making her uncomfortable.
‘I’m a physician, Miss Carstairs. It is my job to know such things. His temperature will continue to rise and by the small hours he may well be fighting for his life. I recognize the signs.’ He smiled warmly. ‘But have no fear, I shall sit by your side all night, you can be sure I shall devote all my expertise to his care.’
She was too tired to argue, but something prompted her to protest. ‘Thank you, Dr Andrews, but I prefer to sit with my brother alone. If I have need of your assistance, I shall not hesitate to send for you.’ For a moment she thought he would refuse to go, his eyes narrowed with annoyance. Then he stepped back.
‘Very well, Miss Carstairs. I’ll not intrude on your privacy.’ He walked towards the door. ‘I fear you are making a dreadful error of judgement, but so be it. I shall pray you are able to recognize the moment when Master Harry needs my medical skill and do not leave it too late.’
The door closed softly behind him. She brushed her palm for a second time across Harry’s brow; his skin was no hotter than before. The doctor was scaremongering, using her brother’s indisposition to insinuate himself. But a lingering doubt persisted, what if she was wrong and he sickened and died because of her actions?
She would call him back, apologize for her rudeness. She was making her way across the Persian carpet when the door in the dressing room opened. Rose appeared bearing a tray with a tureen of chicken and vegetable broth and a plate covered by a cloth.
‘Here you are, Miss Carstairs. Cook thought as you would prefer broth, nice and warming and ever so easy to eat.’
‘Put it over there on the small table. I shall come and eat in a moment.’ She hesitated. Should she involve the chambermaid in her problems? ‘Rose, could you sit with me tonight? Master Harry is a trifle warm and he might develop a fever and need careful watching. But m so fatigued I fear I shall fall asleep and fail in my duty.’
‘Bless you, miss, of course I will. Mrs Baker said as you might need me. I’m a light sleeper so between us we’ll not miss a thing.’ The girl, having put a tray down, came over to join Charlotte by the bed. ‘Can I touch him? I’ve nursed my little brothers and sisters and will recognise a dangerous fever right enough.’
‘Please do, Rose. I should be glad of your opinion.’ She did not mention the doctor had already pronounced Harry to be in mortal danger.
The maid gently felt Harry’s face. ‘Good heavens, miss, I don’t reckon he’s got a fever at all. Whatever gave you the notion that he’s poorly?’
‘His forehead is warm to the touch.’
‘No warmer than it should be; he’s a little lad and they sleep hotter than us.’ Rose stepped back. ‘No, miss, I think you’re worrying too much. But I’ll be happy to sit up with you anyway, just to be on the safe side.’
The knot in her stomach begin to unwind. ‘No, Rose, thank you. I’m over anxious. No doubt it’s shock from the events we experienced today.’
‘Of course it is, miss, and no wonder at it! But the duke will catch those villains, they’ll not bother you a second time, I’ll be bound.’
It would be inappropriate to discuss the matter further with a servant, but she wished she could tell this friendly girl that this was, in fact, the third attempt in as many weeks. ‘I’m sure you are correct, Rose. Will it be you who returns to collect my tray later?’
‘Yes, miss, it will. Mrs Baker says I’m to attend to you personally whilst you’re here. Better than dusting and polishing any
day, I can tell you.’
Charlotte lifted the lid of the soup-tureen and inhaled the savoury smell. She wasn’t hungry but this was exactly what she needed. The clock was clearly visible in the bright light thrown by the four oil lamps. It was after eight o’clock. She rather thought she would ask Jack if they could change to oil lamps, they gave so much more illumination and less smoke and smell.
Using the ornate silver ladle she spooned out a generous bowlful and took it to eat beside the cheery fire. The broth was so delicious she returned for a second helping but this time she remained at the table. She took a slice of the fresh bread and spread it thickly with butter, then added a slice of the game pie. The lemonade provided was a perfect complement to the meal.
She brushed off the crumbs and stood up, carefully stacking the plates and utensils before pushing in her chair. She checked her brother was sleeping peacefully - reassured he was no hotter than before. Should she ask Rose to help her disrobe when she returned to collect the tray? She recalled how close the doctor had stood and his eagerness to sit up all night with her and decided against undressing.
She sincerely wished Jack was with her. When he was there she was safe, confident nobody could harm her or take advantage. She grinned – that wasn’t strictly accurate. She had, so far, been shot at twice and the only person who behaved improperly was Jack. She giggled— and she was no better! When in his company all the years of instruction at her mother’s side in what was, and what was not, acceptable behaviour for a young unmarried lady came to naught. Her common sense flew out of the window and she behaved as badly as he did. How strange that when in Dr Andrews’s company she had no difficulty behaving with absolute decorum- only with Jack she forgot herself.
It must be four hours since the men had left. What were they doing? Had he caught up with the attackers? Like Rose she had every faith in his ability to achieve his objective. He would be cold and wet and hungry, but he was a soldier and would be able to function without comfort – he was trained to do so.
A slight noise from the bed alerted her. Harry was stirring. She hurried to his side. ‘Harry, darling, it’s your Lottie – would you like a drink?’
He ignored her question. ‘Where’s Buttons? I want my puppy here.’ She saw his eyes fill and his mouth tremble.
‘Buttons had to be taken out to the stable with the kittens. Dr Andrews doesn’t like pets in the house. But I’m sure he’s being well cared for.’ Harry turned his head away and cried silently into his pillow. ‘Darling – it’s only for tonight, we shall be returning to Thurston tomorrow and you can have Buttons in your chamber, if that’s what you really wish.’
His reply was muffled by his tears. ‘Promise me, Lottie, do you promise me?’
‘I do; but I warn you, Harry, puppies in bedrooms are not a good idea. They have no concept of cleanliness or respect for carpets and furniture.’
He rolled back, brushing away his tears. ‘Do you mean that he will soil everywhere?’
Why did little boys so love to converse about bodily functions? ‘Yes, my love, he will. And when he does it will be your responsibility to clean up after him.’
‘But Annie will do it; she won’t mind.’
‘No, she will not do it. I’d not dream of asking her to. It’s your puppy. If you wish to have him upstairs before he is housetrained then it’s you who must take care of his mess.’
He pushed himself upright. ‘I didn’t know that - do puppies learn to be clean like babies do?’
‘They do, if you teach them. You have to show them where and when to do their business but they soon learn. But by the time Buttons is a few months old he will be well behaved in that respect and quite safe to have indoors.’
‘If I can have him indoors when he’s trained then that’s all right. I’ll wait till then.’
Charlotte kissed him, pleased his skin felt cool under her lips. ‘Good boy. Now, as we’re talking of such unpleasant matters, do you wish to use the chamber pot?’
Harry did and he ate the rest of the broth and half the apple pie left on the tray. When Rose returned Charlotte decided it would be safe for her to undress.
‘Rose, is there a night-rail I can borrow? Harry’s perfectly well and I intend to join him in the bed.’
‘Yes, miss. I’ll fetch it; it’s been warming by the dressing room fire.’ She winked at Harry. ‘Your little scamp has eaten well and is now fast asleep in his box. He’s warm and snug down in the stables.’
‘Thank you, Rose.’ He grinned. ‘At least he has no carpets to dirty out there.’
‘That’s true, Master Harry. And the kittens are with him, they’ve been having a right old game together. I reckon as they’ll be the best of friends in the future.’
When Charlotte settled down beside her brother the rain had ceased lashing the windows. She sent up a fervent prayer that Jack and his little band were safe and had found somewhere to shelter.
She was woken by Annie, a few hours later, vigorously shaking her shoulder.
‘Miss Carstairs, Miss Carstairs, you must come at once. Miss Beth, she’s been taken right poorly. She’s burning up with a fever.’
Charlotte scrambled out of bed. ‘I don’t have a robe; I can’t come out in this. Quickly, help me to pull on my dress over the top.’
Five minutes later she checked Harry was sleeping soundly and, with her bedside candle held aloft, followed the nursemaid into the adjoining chamber.
*
Jack led his men to where the ambush had taken place. The two grooms carried lanterns, but these were not lit for there was still light enough to see, even with the rain.
He dismounted, pulling the reins over his stallion’s ears, the horse was wild but, like all the warhorses he had ever owned, knew to wait quietly if the reins were dropped in front. ‘God’s teeth! Where are the cadavers?’
Had he come to the correct place? Yes, there were broken branches where the body had fallen out into the lane but the corpse had vanished.
He crouched by the hedge and saw the pool of blood that indicated the man had indeed been dead. The heavy rain had begun to remove the sticky patch but it was still clearly visible. ‘Jethro, is there a way through this hedge? A. gate anywhere we can use?’
Jim, one of the grooms, answered. ‘There is, your grace, a bit further down. Shall me and Billy have a look-see?’
‘Do that. You’re looking for a corpse or failing that, evidence someone has come back to remove it.’
‘Light a lantern, Jethro, I wish to examine the lane more closely.’
Jethro, an expert in any weather conditions with his tinderbox, soon had a lantern illuminated and handed it to him. The pool of light showed clearly what the unaided eye had been unable to discern. ‘Another carriage has been down here, the tracks are clear in the mud. Look, those are from the gig, these are from a far heavier vehicle.’ He stood up and lifting his beaver, brushed his dripping hair from his eyes. ‘Someone has collected the bodies or at least this one.’
There was the sound of crashing on the far side of the lane. ‘Are they there, lads?’
‘No, your grace. But there have others here before us, and there’s gore all over the place,’ a disembodied voice called back. The two men were moving about having a closer look.
‘I’ve found some material and a couple of buttons snagged on a branch, I’ll bring them back to you, your grace.’
‘Good man,’ Jack answered. He was deeply concerned. If the second body had also been removed this was no casual passer-by. Someone must have been following the gig and when the ambush failed, they had stopped to take away the evidence.
But who? It made no sense; who was prepared to employ paid assassins, would risk so much in order to kill Charlotte and himself? It had to be connected to Thurston, to his title. There must be another heir, a man who had expected to inherit and was determined to do so even if it took murder to achieve his ends.
He tossed Lucifer’s reins back over the animal’s head and remoun
ted. He’d find nothing here. Perhaps he could follow the carriage tracks and they would lead him to the perpetrators? The two grooms returned and handed him the scrap of cloth and buttons they’d found. The material and insignia had come from the jacket of an ex-soldier, a former member of the green-coats, the Rifle Brigade. He should have realized the shots came from rifles, not pistols.
‘We need the other lantern. Hold them close to the ground; I want to see if we can follow the carriage tracks.’
Jethro shook his head. ‘In this rain, your grace, it’ll not be long before the tracks are gone. I doubt we’ll have a trail to follow after a mile or so.’
‘I know, but we have to try. Find the carriage and we find the paymasters.’ He called across to the grooms from Upton Manor. ‘I want one of you to ride to Ipswich and raise the militia.’
‘I’ll go, your grace, my mare, Bess, isn’t built for speed but she’s got plenty of stamina. She can do the journey both ways, no trouble.’ Jim volunteered.
‘Excellent. Ask Captain Forsythe to meet me at Thurston Hall first thing tomorrow morning.’
The carriage tracks led them past Upton Magna and on towards Hadleigh but there they, as Jethro had predicted, became impossible to distinguish in the quagmire the lane had become.
‘Here, lads, hold the lantern out so I can see the time.’ Jack pulled out his watch and flicked open the silver front. It was five o’clock, not late. He decided to return to the lane and see if he could pick up the trail of the two men who’d escaped. One was certainly wounded, and if the mysterious carriage hadn’t found them they were probably still abroad somewhere.
The rain eased making his task less onerous. He found an entrance into the wood that boarded the lane and led to where the men must have waited for them.
‘Dismount here; tie your mounts to a branch.’ He left his own horse’s reins dangling as he had done before. Jethro and Billy, the remaining groom, held the lantern in front of them.
Jack stood in the darkness, head tilted, as he considered which direction to go. ‘They must have had horses here so I want you to look for where they tethered them. You’ll not find the place close to the lane, they would not have wanted to risk one of their own mounts greeting our horses and alerting us to their presence.’
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