Just as she figured, there was a back entrance that was almost as large as the front. She pulled on one of the doors, but it seemed to be stuck. Growling, she yanked harder, and even kicked the piece of wood to get it to budge. A thump sounded just on the other side of the door, sounding as if something had fallen. She pulled on the door again and this time it opened. As she started to go inside, she nearly tripped over a shovel that was lying in her path. Who in the world would place a shovel this close to the walkway? Had someone purposely put the shovel here as a way to keep the door closed?
Cautiously, she stepped inside. Through the smoke, she could see the bulk of the fire which was in one of the front stalls. Horse’s neighed wildly, bucking to be released from their pens.
She hurried to the stall closest to the fire and jerked on the latch, securing the gate. Just then the front doors to the stable opened, bringing in more light. She heard the men’s voices, but couldn’t see anyone.
Tugging harder on the latch, she didn’t give up until it opened. Immediately, she jumped back, keeping the stall door between herself and the frightened animal as the horse ran past the fire and out the opened front doors. She turned and stepped to the next stall, but noticed another man there yanking the gate loose.
Andrew!
He held a wet blanket over his head, following her example. She coughed as the smoke grew thicker.
“Miss Chapman,” Andrew yelled. “Get out of here. Now!”
She shook her head. “I can’t. I have to help.” She coughed again, the smoke growing thicker.
When the gate to the stall was opened, he yanked her away from the bucking horse. The quick movement brought her body up against his. She clutched his waist-coat to hold herself up as she gazed into his face. Worried eyes stared deeply into hers.
“Please, Miss Chapman. Let me free the horses.” He coughed. “I don’t need to worry about rescuing you as well.” He motioned toward the back door. “Now do as I say and go!”
Nodding, she pulled away from him and handed him her blanket. “Take this blanket—and yours—and throw them on the fire before you leave.”
He took her blanket before moving to the next stall. She hurried out of the back of the barn as promised. When she was far enough away to inhale clean air, she breathed deeply a few times until the coughing subsided. Then she ran to the front of the structure.
Two servants had just brought out the family’s coach. Thankfully, that hadn’t been touched by the flames.
A line of servants stood from the pump to the barn, passing along buckets of water. She hurried to the end of the line and helped carry buckets to the duke and Edward as they threw it on the fire.
It seemed like it took hours, but she was sure it hadn’t been that long before the fire was finally contained. A few servants stayed inside the stable, throwing dirt on the ashes. Other weary servants walked back to the house with the duke and his sons. Halle stood by the well, her limbs feeling like they wouldn’t be able to move on their own. As the men neared her, Andrew and his father broke away from the servants and came her way.
“Miss Chapman,” the duke began, scowling at her, “that was a very foolish thing you did.” Then suddenly, his scowl disappeared and the lines in his forehead and around his mouth relaxed. “And it was also a very brave thing you did.” He stopped in front of her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know how to thank you for your help.”
She shrugged. “Forgive me for worrying you—” she glanced at Andrew— “and you, for trying to help save the horses, but where I was raised everyone no matter their station or gender, helped in emergencies.”
The duke nodded. “Well, please know that I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
“Your Grace, why hadn’t the grooms gotten the horses out when they discovered the fire?”
The older man blew out a frustrated breath. “Apparently, they were distracted and were away from the stable. Not to worry though, I will get to the bottom of this.”
She peered over his shoulder toward the stable. “Was there much damage?”
“Only a few stalls. I don’t believe we will need a whole new stable, thank the Lord.”
“I wonder what caused the fire.” She looked back at Andrew who studied her with wary eyes.
“Miss Chapman,” he said, “I think we would all like to know that answer.”
“Personally, I think the fire was not an accident. I think someone wanted to cause damage.”
“Why do you say this, Miss Chapman?” Andrew asked.
“Because when I finally was able to get in through the back door, there was a shovel lying in the path as if someone had placed it there—on purpose.”
The duke’ jaw went hard and he nodded. “I will definitely report that to the authorities.” He took a deep breath and motioned toward the house. “Come, let us return inside. I fear you have ruined another gown.” Chuckling, he shook his head. “If you keep that up, I will have to buy you a whole wardrobe.”
“Oh, forgive me, again.” She glanced down at the soot-soaked gown that not very long ago had been very beautiful on her. “I shall wash it. I’m certain we can figure out how to make it look like new.”
“Pardon me?” Andrew asked. “You want to wash the dress?”
Gulping, she berated herself for not thinking before she spoke. “Well, my lord, I’m not uneducated when it comes to work. I apologize if that shocks you, but growing up, my family was not wealthy and we all did what we could to help each other in the home.”
“Well, Miss Chapman,” the duke said, turning toward the house and beginning his journey, “while you are in my home, I don’t want to see you doing the chores of my servants. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Your Grace.” She smiled as she followed him.
Daring to take another peek at Andrew, she noticed he was still watching her. His expression didn’t appear as distrustful as it had been earlier, and she prayed she had changed his mind about her character in some way. If not, she was in big trouble because she didn’t think she’d know how to fix it.
* * * *
The next morning, Andrew strode toward the makeshift stable as he readied his mind for the confrontation he would have with Lucy. As he reached the barn, his named was called and he swung toward the house. His mother waved as she descended the steps, making her way toward him. He turned and met her halfway on the lawns.
“Before you leave,” his mother began, “I need to ask a favor.”
“Anything. What is it?”
“Drop in on my Aunt Dorothy. Her health hasn’t been good as of late, and I worry about her.”
“I promise to do it before I leave London.”
“Thank you, Andrew.” She patted his cheek lovingly. “You were always such a good boy. I would have asked Edward, but since his thoughts have turned to marriage, I cannot get him to do anything.”
Andrew grumbled a sigh. “I agree. He has definitely not been thinking straight.”
“I’m assuming he hasn’t asked the lady for her hand, yet.”
Andrew wasn’t sure what his father had told her about Miss Chapman and their suspicions, and he dare not say anything out of turn. “Not as of yet.”
His mother sighed irritably. “Well, if you want my opinion, I think he’s making a colossal mistake. I have never liked Lady Agnes, and I think if Edward marries her, he’ll be ruining his life.”
Chuckling, Andrew nodded. “I couldn’t agree more, but Edward has always been stubborn, and so I fear he will marry her no matter what we think.”
“You are right.” She frowned. “So I must get used to the idea.”
“As we all must.”
She grasped his hands and squeezed. “Please do not say anything to your brother about my concerns.”
“I assure you, I shall not say a word.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’ll be off now, and I promise to see Aunt Dorothy before I leave.”
“I thank you again.”
As Andre
w turned back toward the barn, he shook his head. His mother’s worry would be his father’s as well, but…Edward would not listen to anyone, unfortunately. Indeed, Andrew’s brother was in for a miserable life.
After saddling his stallion, Andrew took off toward London—to his mistress’ townhouse. He hadn’t had any time to think about what he was going to say to her. When they’d talked the other evening and he’d mentioned ending their relationship, she feigned a fainting spell and collapsed in his arms. He’d had enough of her dramatics, and left soon afterwards.
One way or another, he would end it today. With the new duties the Foreign Office had assigned him, and now everything that was happening at his family’s home, Andrew did not have time for leisurely activities—especially mistresses. He tried to wrap his mind around what he could say to Lucy without throwing her into another dramatic scene, but other things kept interfering with his train of thoughts.
Miss Chapman.
She was definitely a strange woman. At one moment she confused him greatly and he couldn’t help but distrust her, then she had gone and done something that most other woman wouldn’t have attempted, which changed his mind about her.
Or had it?
He still didn’t think he could trust her, but she definitely proved she was not the genteel woman she appeared to be. Yet, the more he got to know her, the more her story about driving a buggy by herself and walking so many miles to their estate seemed plausible. Indeed, Miss Chapman was the type of woman who could accomplish all of those things. Perhaps his father had thought the same.
Up the road, Lucy’s townhouse came into view and Andrew’s gut clenched. He’d grown tired of her pouting and batting her eyes, which were Lucy’s ploys to get what she wanted from men. What an accomplished performer she was as her big brown watery eyes pleaded with him to stay the other day.
Well, she wouldn’t sway his thoughts today. He would not give in to her hysterics. He’d inform her that she had a month to arrange other accommodations because he was stopping rent on the townhouse. Lately he’d heard that Lucy was telling everyone how she was going to be Lady Merrick very soon, and charging expensive gowns to his accounts. He would have no more of this!
He neared the house as the door opened and a man stepped out. After closing the door, the man placed a black hat on his wavy wheat-head. Andrew slowed the horse as he narrowed his gaze on the gent. The black coat over a turquoise waist-coat and black trousers appeared to be fine quality. As he headed up the street, using his walking stick, the middle-aged man appeared as if he didn’t have a care in the world. In fact, as he passed Andrew, the man didn’t even look his way.
Andrew pulled his horse to a stop in front of the townhouse and dismounted, still keeping his attention on the unknown man. If Andrew were to put a name to that pleasant expression, he’d say…
A grin tugged on the corners of his mouth. By Jove, Lucy had a new man in her life. Hope expanded in Andrew’s chest. Perhaps she had taken him seriously after all and had found his replacement. He could only pray.
He hurried up the steps and rapped on the front door. Within a minute it was answered by Lucy’s maid. “Good morning, Stella.” He walked in. The young miss’s eyes were wide with fright as she dropped in a curtsy. “Would you be so kind as to tell Mrs. Dinsmore I’m here? I’ll wait for her in the sitting room.”
“Um…yes, my lord.” The maid spun around and rushed up the stairs.
Andrew strolled directly to the liquor tray and poured a small amount of scotch in a glass. As he lifted it to his mouth, he realized how many empty bottles lined the counter. Irritation rolled inside him. Either her gentleman friend was a heavy drinker, or it was Lucy, and Andrew would bet good money that she’d charged it to Andrew’s account.
Setting his empty glass on the tray, he peered toward the door. Where was she? He paced the rug in front of the sofa as he tapped his fingers against his legs. He’d never been a patient man, especially when he wanted to end something and was made to wait.
Then again, Lucy was probably still indisposed since her friend had just barely left.
The clamoring of footsteps in the hall had him turning and peering toward the door again, but it wasn’t Lucy who entered. Instead, the maid rushed in. Her cheeks red as she took quick breaths and curtsied.
“My lord, Mrs. Dinsmore sent me to express her apology. Her ladyship is under the weather and not up to visitors today.”
Under his breath, he growled with indignation. Not up for visitors…or just him? “Please inform Mrs. Dinsmore that I will speak to her now. If she has time to meet with the gentleman who was just here, she can certainly make time for me.” He hoped she didn’t think he was jealous, because that emotion was the farthest from his mind right now.
The servant’s face paled and her eyes widened. She muttered something before turning and darting back up the stairs.
Annoyance ran rampant through him now. He glanced at the bourbon again, wondering if he needed another drink. But now was not the time for that. He needed a clear head or Lucy would surely talk him out of breaking off their relationship.
He kept checking his timepiece and it only took seven minutes before he heard the clicking of a woman’s shoes on the hardwood floor in the hallway. Facing the door, he folded his arms across his chest and waited.
Looking calm and collected, Lucy strolled into the room. Her blue gown was wrinkle free, and her black hair was neatly wound in a coil, leaving wisps of curls by her ears. Her face didn’t appear at all as if she’d been ill, in fact, he thought she’d used too much rouge on her cheeks. Even her haughty expression didn’t make her look sick.
“My lord, what a surprise it is to see you this early in the day.” She gracefully floated to the sofa and sat, then patted the empty space next to her. “Won’t you join me?”
“Actually, I’ll remain standing if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.”
Andrew scanned her appearance again—this time slower—and arched an eyebrow. “I’m relieved to see you have recovered from your malady so quickly. Tell me, did your last visitor upset you and that’s why you didn’t want to see me?”
“My last visitor?”
He had to give her credit. She knew how to keep an innocent expression. She would certainly make a great card player. “Yes, Lucy. I’m referring to the man I saw leaving as I arrived. I’m assuming he doesn’t know about me. He glanced my way but did not act as if he knew me.”
She displayed a sweet smile as she lowered her eyelids half-mast. “Andrew, do I detect a jealous tone in your voice?”
“No, you do not. In fact, I’m just the opposite. I was in hopes he was the man you have selected to take my place.”
Her smile disappeared and she scowled. “You cannot be serious. Nobody could replace you, my dear.” She flipped her jeweled fingers in a dismissive wave. “That man you saw was just a business associate.”
“Business? Really, Lucy, I think you could come up with a better story than that.”
“He is a business associate, Andrew. I give him money to make investments for me.” A sly smile touched her mouth. “And I am making money, believe it or not.”
“I’m happy for you.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “At least now I won’t feel so poorly when I tell you that I’m stopping rent at the end of next month. As I’d told you the other day, I’m ending our arrangement.” She gasped and sat forward on the sofa. He raised his hand to stop her from standing. “And there is nothing you can do to change my mind. I have more important matters in my life that needs to be addressed, and I don’t have time to keep you entertained—nor do I have the funds to keep you dressed in the latest fashions.” He motioned his hand toward the empty bottles of liquor. “And I especially don’t have the funds to keep your spirits stocked, so I plan on notifying the merchants I won’t pay for any more of your things.”
He stepped closer to her. She blinked as moisture quickly filled her eyes, but he could tell sadness
was not the emotion since her eyes blazed with anger. “Lucy, I will also tell the landlord you will be out by the end of next month—or you can take over paying the rent yourself. I’m sure that will give you plenty of time to make other plans.”
“Andrew,” she whispered, “you are making a grave mistake by leaving me.” She took a deep, shaky breath. “We could have been very happy together.”
“No, Lucy. I have not been happy so far, which is why I need to put a stop to this now.” He chuckled lightly. “Perhaps you can make your business associate your newest protector. Now there was a man who looked quite happy as he was leaving.” He gave her a nod. “Good day, Mrs. Dinsmore, and good luck in your endeavors.”
He stepped toward the front door. She stood and reached for him, and even called his name, but he continued out the door and to his horse. As he mounted, he realized a great weight had been removed from his chest. Finally, he could get on with his life and not have to worry about that woman.
Yet…there was another woman he had to worry about. He groaned. Why had he promised his father he would be nice to Miss Chapman and get to know her? He couldn’t tolerate deceitful women, so how could he act like someone who enjoyed her company?
Blowing out a sigh between his lips, he pushed his horse toward his aunt’s house and checked on her as his mother had asked. After remounting his horse, he guided the animal toward home. Right away, his thoughts returned to their new guest. Miss Chapman was a difficult woman to figure out. He hoped his father would get in touch with the magistrate soon and that they’d discover who wanted to gather a mob and attack their home.
He finally reached the estate. Between yesterday’s excitement with the burning stable and today with Lucy, he was mentally exhausted. The grounds surrounding his family’s estate were immaculate. His mother made certain the grass was always kept green and the bushes trimmed, but her pride and joy was her flower garden near the large oak tree…a tree that seemed to remain the same size no matter how many years he’d looked at it. Today the flowers were almost dead due to the change in the weather, and he suspected his mother would be out here soon readying the soil for winter.
Love Lost in Time (Victorian Time-Travel) Page 12
