‘How many do you think there were, your grace? You killed two, but there were others, I’m certain sure I heard them escaping,’ Jethro said.
‘There had to have been three men at least on this side of the lane, the first shot was fired by a decoy.’
The group separated. Jethro and Billy searched together, whilst Jack took a lantern and set off on his own. The positioning of the men on either side of the road had been a clever ploy, the kind of thing a seasoned rifleman would do. It was a strategy he had used himself many times. Dealing with ex-soldiers made his task more difficult.
Many soldiers had returned from their years of war to find the countryside in turmoil, no jobs to be had. It would have been easy to recruit such men; they would see it as easy money, not much different to killing for King and country. The thought saddened him that heroes should be reduced to such a pass.
The only sound in the wood was a distant dripping of water from the leaves and the occasional rustle of animals and birds in the trees and undergrowth. ‘Jethro, Billy, over here. The horses were tied to this tree,’ he called. He hung his lantern on a convenient branch and crouched down to investigate more thoroughly.
In the soft leaf mould there were clear imprints of hoofs, but how many it was difficult to tell. He ran his finger round one, this horse had a lose shoe and its print was quite distinctive. Jethro and Billy arrived at his side. ‘How many horses were tied up here, can you tell?’
Jethro seemed to barely glance at the churned up area before straightening. ‘Four, your grace, there are four different sets of prints here.’
Jack slapped him on the back. ‘Well done. That confirms what I thought. Now, can you tell me how many were ridden away and how many led?’
This was more difficult but not beyond the two grooms. ‘See over here, sir, they left by a different route.’
Jack strode to where the path divided. ‘Yes, I see, Jethro, and from the way the prints run, I would speculate that two were ridden, and two led. Am I correct?’
‘You are, sir. I can tell you something you might not have spotted. There’s blood on some of the lower branches, boot height I’d say, if the man was mounted.’
‘I hit one of them in the leg; that was what I hoped to discover. Now I know what we’re looking for. Two riflemen, one wounded and leading horses would not be a common sight in these parts. Riflemen are not renowned for their horsemanship, in fact only the officers ride.’
‘In that case, your grace, they’ll not want to be out in the dark. Even a skilled rider thinks twice about travelling at night.’
‘Then we’ll have no difficulty discovering their whereabouts for they’ll have been remarked upon if they were seen.’
‘That’s true, your grace, but folks will be abed by now, it’s past eight o’clock; they won’t answer our knock, not at this time of night.’
‘Damnation! Then can we track these men, follow the trail?’
‘Once they clear the trees and regain the lane their prints will be lost in the general mud, so I don’t reckon so. I’m game to have a go, how about you, Billy?’
The young man nodded. ‘They might have holed-up at the inn. They must overnight somewhere I reckon, your grace. If one of them buggers is wounded he’ll not want to be out all night in this weather, that’s for sure.’
‘You’re correct, Billy. And, as you’re willing, we must give it a try; if we lose the trail we can visit the hostelry. Then if there’s no luck to be had there, I’ll stop the search for tonight and wait for Captain Forsythe and his troop to arrive tomorrow.’
Jethro elected to walk, he could see better that way, and the other groom led his mount for him. The four horses had left the wood and their prints were easy to track for a mile or so but then they vanished, as if someone had spirited them away.
Jack dismounted to search. ‘This is damned odd! Where the devil have they gone?’ The road was much wider here, enough for two carriages to pass without incident. The hedges were lower and there were several gates that opened on to farm tracks. ‘Billy, stand in your stirrups. What can you see across this field, any lights or sign of movement?’
‘Nothing, your grace, but I reckon there’s some buildings, an old farm cottage and a barn, but no lights.’
‘The tracks have vanished because they cut across this field. I would state my title on the bastards being down there in that cottage.’
‘What’re you going to do, your grace, are you going down there?’ Jethro asked.
‘No, but I would like you two to stand watch. I’ll pay you handsomely for your trouble.’
‘Happy to, sir,’ Billy told him cheerfully.
‘Keep out of sight. These are dangerous men; they could kill you with a one shot. If you see them trying to leave, one of you come to Thurston at a gallop, is that clear?’
‘Yes, your grace.’
‘Excellent! I’m afraid you’ll be on short commons tonight, but I’ll make it up to you tomorrow. I intend to return to Thurston Hall, I need to be there when the militia come.’
*
Jack gave his valet little assistance in the removal of his boots and wet clothes. He fell back on to his bed revelling in the warmth. Tomorrow he would have the answer to the puzzle, discover who was behind these attacks, but tonight he was too damn tired to worry
He was sadly out of condition, had spent too much time drinking and not enough taking exercise. In the old days, with Nosey, he could have ridden all night, fought a battle and then spent an hour or two in the local whore-house. Thank God he would soon be a married man and would never have the need for such an establishment again. He fell asleep with a smile of contentment on his face at the thought of his approaching nuptials.
Chapter Sixteen
‘Open the windows, Annie, this room’s far too hot.’
Annie didn’t protest at the strange request. Papa had taught her this method of reducing fever, he’d brought it back with him from his experiences in Spain and Portugal. ‘We must remove the heavy comforter and start sponging Beth down with tepid water.’
‘Yes, miss. I have the bowl and cloths waiting ready by the bed.’
Charlotte touched her sister’s forehead; she was hot, but no worse than on previous occasions. ‘Beth, darling, it’s Lottie. Annie and I are going to cool you down the way we always do. We shall soon have you feeling well again.’
It didn’t occur to her to call Dr Andrews from his bed because, unlike Harry, Beth was frequently stricken with fevers and head-colds and she always responded to the treatment Charlotte intended to administer now.
Dawn had broken before Beth’s fever broke. ‘Thank God, at last!’ Charlotte exclaimed. ‘Sit up a little, darling, and drink some nice cool lemonade for me.’
Dutifully the child did so then with a feeble smile, fell into a deep restorative sleep.
Annie yawned. ‘It don’t seem worth going to bed now, miss, it’s almost time to get up again. Shall I go and sit with Master Harry? I reckon he’ll be awake and raring to go just after dawn.’
‘He was sound asleep when I checked twenty minutes ago,’ Charlotte replied. She rubbed her eyes. ‘It’s almost five o’clock. I didn’t hear Lord Thurston return during the night, and I’m sure I should have done, because these windows overlook the stables. I hope he has come to no harm.’
‘Not his grace, Miss Carstairs, he’ll be fine. But he will be cold and tired after being out all night. Shall I go down and make sure there’s food on the range for when he returns?’
‘I don’t think so, Annie, thank you. I believe we had better wait and speak to Mrs Baker when she comes down.’
‘Very well. If we’re staying on here for another day we ‘ll need fresh clothes for the children. Do you think we could use some of the purchases we made in Ipswich yesterday?’
‘I should think most of those are in as bad as state as our own clothes after the drenching they got. No, we’ll send to Thurston Hall. Did you have a moment to wash out Master Harry’s thi
ngs last night, Annie?’
‘Yes, I did but Miss Beth has no clean under garments to put on as she used her chemise to sleep in.’
‘Beth isn’t well enough to travel today but you could return with Harry if Dr Andrews will loan his carriage. And you could take the kittens and Buttons with you. Mary can come back with what we need. Unfortunately Jethro took one of our horses so we cannot use our own vehicle.’
‘I’ll go down as soon as Master Harry is up. I expect he’ll be desperate to see his puppy, and I can speak to Mrs Baker then.’
Thank you, I think I am going to stretch out for a while beside Beth and have a nap.
It’s a good thing you were able to sleep for a while last night, Annie, even if I could not.’
‘It is, miss. After a quick wash and tidy I’ll be wide awake, don’t you worry.’ The maid paused at the door. ‘Will I tell the doctor what’s going on or will you come later and speak to him?’
‘I shall come down. I’m sure he won’t rise as early as this. I doubt he’ll be down before eight o’clock, so I have a while to rest. I should like Rose to attend me at half past seven.’
‘I’ll see that she does, miss.’
Charlotte stretched out beside her sister but she couldn’t sleep. Her head was filled with wild imaginings about Jack. Why hadn’t he returned? He could not have continued to search in the dark, so where was he? It was unlikely both grooms and Jethro had been so incapacitated that it had left them unable to return and raise the alarm.
What would she do if he was dead? How would she be able to carry on living without him? She brushed the tears away and bit her fists to hold back her sobs. It did not seem credible she could love him so completely when she had known him for such a short time. Perhaps she was like her own mother who had fallen in love with Papa at first sight. One glance was all it had taken; one brief meeting and they were destined to spend the rest of their lives together.
She sniffed quietly. Mama had disobeyed grandfather and run away to marry even though it meant living without the luxury she had grown up with. She sighed. Jack couldn’t be dead, she would know if he was. But he could be grievously injured or have been taken prisoner.
There was little point in attempting to rest. Beth was sleeping, still a trifle warm, but nothing to fret over. Maybe the housekeeper had news for her downstairs.
Perhaps a message had arrived and she had been too busy with Beth to hear. Her hand was on the door when she remembered she was only partially dressed. She had her nightgown on under the hideous bombazine gown Mrs Baker had lent her.
Charlotte crept in to fetch her maid to join her in the dressing-room.
‘Look at this, miss, your own gown back, pressed and ready to wear.’
‘What a relief! The housekeeper was kind to supply this dress but it is most uncomfortable. Why any woman would wish to wear such a slippery material I cannot imagine.’
‘It’s one of her own, I reckon. That’s why it’s plain and serviceable so it won’t show every mark like muslin or cambric.’
Charlotte smiled. ‘No, I’m being ungrateful. I have seen many matrons sailing down Romford high-street with gowns made from this.’ She stepped out of the dress, glad to be rid of it. ‘I’ll go down the back stairs as I wish to visit the stables. I there is more likelihood of finding someone up to let me out in the kitchen than anywhere else in the house.’
‘Should I keep an eye on Miss Beth as well as Master Harry?’
‘I was about to ask if you could do that. As soon as Rose is up she can take over.’
‘I’ll go along right now and sit with her for a bit. No doubt Master Harry will call out loud enough when he wakes.’
‘Thank you. You’re a godsend, Annie - I don’t know what I should do if you decided to leave us.’
‘No chance of that. I’m well past my prime, I’ll finish my years with you, as long as you’ll have me, and glad to do so.’ The middle aged woman smiled. ‘And I’m hoping that I’ll have your babes to care for later on.’
Charlotte blushed. ‘Annie, Lord Thurston I are not even married.’
Unabashed, her maid chuckled. ‘But it’s less than three weeks today. You could be presenting the duke with an heir this time next year.’
‘Annie, pray don’t speak of such matters.’
‘I apologise miss, I know it’s not my place to comment.’ Her chuckles followed Charlotte out of the door.
The stairs were dark and a single candlestick didn’t give sufficient light to make it possible to hurry. By the time she arrived at the bottom her journey had served to reinforce her conclusion. She was glad she wasn’t a chambermaid and obliged to carry buckets of hot water up and brimming chamber-pots down, such a narrow winding staircase.
‘Good morning, Miss Carstairs. Is there something I can do for you?’
Charlotte nearly dropped her candlestick in fright. ‘Good heavens, Renshaw, you startled me. I didn’t expect to find anyone about at five o’clock in the morning.’
The butler bowed. ‘I apologize for causing alarm, miss, and if you’ll forgive me for mentioning it, I was equally surprised by your sudden appearance from that particular door.’
She grinned. ‘Of course you were. Did you think I was a ghost?’
His features relaxed. ‘No, miss, I thought it was your Annie. I hope Miss Beth is not worse.’
‘No, she’s much better, thank you. Actually my intention is to go out to the stables and see if there has been any word from Lord Thurston in my absence.’
‘I can answer that for you. I can assure you I would know if there had been. I can tell you neither of the two grooms that accompanied his grace have returned either.’
Her smiled faded. ‘Oh dear! I had so hoped news might have arrived during the night.’
‘Bad news, in my experience, always travels fast, Miss Carstairs. I am certain they will return safely and that you are worrying needlessly.’
‘I’m sure you’re correct. Is Mrs Baker up? I should like a word if she is.’
‘Yes, Miss Carstairs, she is in the kitchen talking to Cook.’
‘Does everyone here get up so early?’
‘Upper servants are expected to rise before the lower staff at Upton Manor. We use the quiet time to plan the day.’
Renshaw escorted Charlotte to the kitchen and ushered her in. She looked around in admiration. The room was so different from Thurston Hall. A brand-new, shiny black cooking range stood in pride of place, almost filling one wall. The atmosphere was clean, no smoke or cinders from an open fire.
Mrs Baker hurried forward. ‘Good morning, Miss Carstairs, how can I be of assistance?’
‘Good morning, Mrs Baker. I should like to thank you for loaning Rose, she is an excellent substitute for my own abigail.’
‘She’s a good hard-working girl, nothing’s too much trouble for her,’ Mrs Baker pointed to the well-scrubbed central table. ‘Would you like to join me in a cup of tea - or I’m sure Cook could make you chocolate if you prefer it?’
‘Tea will be wonderful, thank you. I wish to ask if Rose could be spared to act as my personal maid until my own can be sent for?’
‘She can, Miss Carstairs. She will be down soon; would you like her to go straight up to you?’
The cook placed two steaming cups of tea in front of them and a plate of crisp almond biscuits.
Charlotte sipped her drink, appreciating the delicate aroma and refreshing taste. She nibbled at the biscuits and exclaimed in delight. ‘This is quite delicious, Cook. Perhaps you could let me have the recipe?’
The lady beamed. ‘I can do that, Miss Carstairs. I’ll fetch it right away.’
She smiled at the housekeeper. ‘Could you tell me what time you expect Dr Andrews to come down? I wish to ask him if it would be possible for us to borrow his carriage to return Annie and Master Harry and the animals, to Thurston Hall after breakfast.’
‘The master’s always down by seven. He likes to break his fast early winter or summer, s
even days a week.’
‘Good. I shall come down to speak to him at seven o’clock.’
Mrs Baker leant forward, her expression concerned. ‘Forgive me, miss, but it would better if I conveyed your message. I don’t think his grace would like you to be alone downstairs with the master so early in the morning.’
Charlotte set down her cup with a rattle. She was tired of being told how to go on by servants. ‘I think you forget yourself, Mrs Baker.’ Her voice was icy, her displeasure unmistakable. She rose and with a curt nod, left the kitchen, her pleasure in the moment spoilt.
She considered taking the backstairs but instead marched through the servants’ hall and up the stairs to the door that divided the staff from their masters. The spotless black-and-white tiled entrance hall was deserted, the front door still bolted. The handsome tall-case clock showed the time to be half past five. She had an hour and a half to compose herself before venturing downstairs.
She scowled, was the housekeeper correct? Would Jack object to her being alone with her host? She remembered his anger when Dr Andrews had come to remove her sutures. She thought things had improved between them since then, that they understood each other better now. She smiled. He had no need to be jealous. She was sure he man was a good physician but she thought him as nothing else. There was no room in her life for anyone apart from her beloved Jack.
She paused outside Harry’s door, but all was quiet. Re-entering Beth’s room she was delighted to find Rose sitting quietly by the bed. ‘Good morning, Miss Carstairs. Miss Beth woke and I’ve just given her a drink. She’s dozing now.’
Annie departed with Harry at eight o’clock leaving Charlotte to pace the empty chamber, becoming more and more concerned about Jack’s prolonged absence. Dr Andrews had ridden out to visit a patient in the next village and she was relieved to see him go. He had been most conciliatory and helpful when they’d spoken, but she no longer wished to spend time alone with him.
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