The Unknown Heir

by Anne Herries

  She left her mother to the tender ministrations of her maid and went in search of Jared. However, as she entered the west wing, she saw at once that the wagons must have already arrived. It was a hive of activity with floors being cleaned, carpets being laid, curtains hung and furniture carried in by an army of servants. She did not know some of the faces and could only think that Jared had hired them in London to help with the ball.

  She found him in one of the rooms directing the arrangement of some extremely fine French furniture. She drew her breath sharply—she had never seen such magnificence as the inlaid cabinets that were being arranged at each side of the fireplace.

  ‘Do you like them?’ Jared asked as he saw her staring.

  ‘They are wonderful,’ she said, turning to look at him. ‘I do not think this house has ever seen the like. Where did they come from?’

  ‘Originally from the palace of one of the Sun King’s mistresses,’ he told her, a teasing smile in his eyes. ‘But I bought them a few years ago for my own chateau in the Loire Valley. I sent for them because I thought they would go well here—and I have decided that I shall sell the chateau. I may keep the house in Paris if things go as I wish.’

  If his mistress agreed to marry him when their son was legalised? Hester felt the sharp pain in her breast, but her expression did not change.

  ‘Oh, I came to tell you that Lady Mallard has arrived. I have arranged to offer refreshments in the green salon, and Mama is coming down to entertain them, but perhaps you would wish to be there?’

  ‘Yes, I suppose I should put in an appearance,’ Jared said. ‘In half an hour when I have finished here, perhaps.’

  ‘Is there much more to do?’

  ‘The furniture is mostly unpacked, but there are objets d’art to arrange in these cabinets.’ He indicated a large chest a few feet away. ‘Would you do that for me, Hester? Some of the pieces are delicate and rare. I would prefer careful hands—if it is not too much trouble?’

  ‘Yes, of course. I shall come back later after I have welcomed your guests.’

  ‘I am sorry they arrived a day early,’ Jared said and frowned. ‘I cannot recall what was said at the time I made the invitation.’

  ‘It really is no trouble,’ Hester said. ‘I dare say some others may arrive later today.’

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Jared gave her an odd look. ‘It must mean a lot of work for you…this ball?’

  ‘I enjoy it,’ she told him. ‘The house has been empty too long. Besides, these rooms look so lovely now it would be a pity not to show them off.’

  ‘Yes. Hester….’ Jared hesitated and then shook his head. ‘No, it does not matter.’

  She turned away, going back to the main house. The ladies would be down soon and it was time to order refreshments brought for them. She was glad to be busy because it stopped her thinking about things that would only make her unhappy. Jared was selling his house in the Loire Valley, because he now had a big country house here—but he was keeping his house in Paris. Was that because Lady Mallard preferred to live there? Hester put the thought away from her. Jealousy was a horrid thing and she would not let it invade her thoughts. She had too much to think about with so many guests, and all the while the shadow of fear that someone might be planning to kill the man she loved was there at her shoulder.

  Hester was not long alone with the guests for Lady Sheldon came in just as she had begun handing out glasses of sweet wine and small almond biscuits. Lady Sheldon brought the scent of flowers with her, her gentle fragile air immediately charming the ladies as she gave them her smile and apologised for not being there to greet them.

  ‘We were a little early,’ Lady Raven admitted. ‘But Selina was impatient to see the house. She knew Lord Sheldon when he was Mr Clinton, you see—but she has never visited here and was curious.’

  ‘Oh, you must ask him to show you the west wing later,’ Lady Sheldon said. ‘It has all been refurbished and is quite lovely.’ She glanced at her daughter. ‘You may leave us, Hester dear. I am sure you have much to do.’

  ‘Thank you, Mama. I shall see you later, Lady Mallard—Lady Raven.’

  Hester was pleased to be relieved as she had not yet seen to the flowers that day and there was also the matter of the precious objets Jared wanted arranged in the beautiful French marquetry cabinets. She decided that the flowers could wait, partly because she was curious about what was in the box.

  When she returned to the salon where the cabinets stood waiting, she discovered that the box had been opened, though no attempt had been made to unpack it. The room now contained an elegant sofa and matching elbow chairs, also some pretty wine tables and a torchère in the corner with a magnificent bronze figure holding gilded candelabra aloft.

  It was a room for entertaining, fit for the palace it had come from, and Hester realised a little ruefully that it made the rest of the house a little shabby by contrast. She would not wish to spend her mornings here when alone, but it was exactly what the house needed when there were guests.

  She bent to start unpacking the treasures in the box, discovering first some gold boxes with engraved lids, some of them set with precious stones. After that came several pieces of Sèvres china, delicate figures and small ornamental pieces that had been made for display and not for use. Each piece seemed more expensive than the next, and Hester lingered over the work, handling the delicate treasures with care. She had just set a beautiful enamelled box in its place when she heard voices in the next room.

  ‘Well, this is more like it, Jared, my darling,’ a woman’s voice said teasingly. ‘I had begun to wonder what you were doing in this dreadful mausoleum, but now I see that you have made a start. Surely I know some of these things? Were they not at your house in the Loire Valley?’

  ‘Yes, Selina. How clever of you to recognise them, but then you always had good taste.’

  ‘That was how we came together,’ Selina reminded him, the tinkle of laughter in her voice. ‘We both wanted the same table, do you not remember? When you discovered that I wanted it, you bought it and gave it to me.’

  ‘Yes, of course. I had not forgotten.’

  Hester closed the door of the cabinet and turned the key, slipping it into her pocket to give to Jared later. She left the room by the far door before he and Lady Mallard could enter and discover her there. Hot tears were burning behind her eyes, but she lifted her head proudly, because it would be so foolish to cry.

  Jared was a man. She had known that he must have had mistresses in the past, but it was hurtful that he had invited the lady he was currently having an affair with to this house. He was entitled to do as he pleased, of course—but why had he made Hester fall in love with him? She would not have minded if he hadn’t kissed her, arousing the passion she had not known was in her and the foolish hope that he intended to ask her to be his wife.

  Of course he would not ask! Why should he when Lady Mallard was so very beautiful?

  She must not let anyone see how much she was hurting inside! Hester raised her head, fighting the ache inside her as the tears threatened to fall. She had far too much to do to worry about silly things! The flowers needed to be arranged for all the public rooms. She must send some up to the guest rooms now occupied, and then find the gardeners and make sure that sufficient blooms were sent up the next day. Then there were all the menus for the next few days. She had already agreed them with Mrs Mills, but it would be best if she looked at them again, and she hadn’t even been to see her grandfather that morning…

  She certainly did not have time to dwell on her foolish thoughts!

  Somehow, Hester managed to get through the day without giving in to the pain building inside her. She hoped that her smiles did not seem false, and to compensate she laughed a little more than usual. She caught Jared looking at her oddly once, but he was fully occupied looking after both Lady Raven and Lady Mallard, who seemed to be vying with each other for his attention. Had Hester not been feeling so upset, she might have found it a little
funny, because it was obvious that Lady Raven was annoyed with her sister for demanding so much of his attention.

  Hester gave her attention to her godmother and Mr Knighton, who seemed to disapprove of the other guests, though he was unfailingly polite whenever one of them noticed him, which wasn’t often.

  It was a long evening and Hester could not help feeling relieved when Lady Ireland announced that she was tired and intended to retire. It gave her the chance to escape for a while and she rose to go up with her godmother. Lady Ireland looked at her as she kissed her goodnight.

  ‘You should not let their behaviour upset you, Hester. It is often the way with married ladies of a certain kind and the viscount is far too sensible to become entangled with either of them. I think he finds their behaviour amusing.’

  ‘I am not upset,’ Hester lied. ‘I just have a little headache.’

  ‘Ah, I see,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘Why do you not go to bed, my dear? I am sure no one will mind.’

  ‘I shall go back to say goodnight to Mama and our guests, ma’am.’

  ‘Yes, my dear, if you wish.’

  Hester kissed her again and went back down. She hesitated outside the drawing room and then turned away, seeking out the library. She thought that she would like to take a book up with her, because she felt that she might not be able to sleep. Going into the library, she discovered that Mr Knighton was there, looking through the shelves. He turned as she entered.

  ‘Hester. I was looking for something to read. I think I shall go up. I do not care for that kind of behaviour, though it is often the case at country house parties—but to make it so obvious…’ He pulled a face. ‘I believe the viscount is beginning to show his true nature. Regrettable, but I suppose it was to be expected with his upbringing.’

  ‘I think you are unfair, sir,’ Hester said. Her nerves were strained and she forgot caution as she spoke in Jared’s defence. ‘It is the ladies who will not leave him alone. You should not judge him by their behaviour!’

  ‘But I told you there is a bastard child, did I not?’ Knighton said. ‘I dare say she has got him to promise that he will make her bastard legitimate.’

  Hester turned and left the room, taking a volume from the shelf without looking at it in her hurry. She was angry and distressed and she knew that if she had stayed longer she would have betrayed herself. How dare Mr Knighton say such things? Hester was angry on Jared’s behalf, for he had done nothing to deserve it. He had been courteous and attentive to the ladies, it was true, but they were guests, and since they insisted on having all his attention he could hardly have done otherwise without causing offence. He had, in fact, behaved as a gentleman ought and she could find no fault with him.

  After what she had heard in the west wing, Hester could not doubt that Lady Mallard had been—might still be—Jared’s mistress, but she would still not allow that he was capable of the loose behaviour Mr Knighton was suggesting.

  Just why was he going out of his way to plant the thought in Hester’s mind? As a gentleman he ought never to have spoken of something Jared had said in his cups, and he certainly ought not to draw her attention to what had been going on earlier. The two ladies might have been hoping to arrange an assignation for that night, but a man of Mr Knighton’s character would not normally have mentioned it to an unmarried lady. It must be part of his plan to discredit Jared, though what lay behind it she could not guess.

  She was tempted to go straight up to her own room, but good manners prevented it. She returned to the drawing room and discovered Jared in the act of finishing a glass of brandy. He was alone.

  ‘Oh, has everyone gone up?’ she asked. ‘I came to say goodnight.’

  ‘I do not think Lady Sheldon expected you to return,’ Jared said. ‘The others went a few moments ago.’

  ‘I came to get a book,’ Hester said. ‘Goodnight, sir.’

  ‘Have I offended you, Hester?’ Jared looked at her oddly. ‘Forgive me if I have, but…’ He hesitated as Mr Knighton came back into the room. ‘Goodnight, Hester. Knighton, care for another game of billiards?’

  ‘I think not, sir. I am for an early night. The ball is tomorrow and we must all be fresh for that—do you not agree?’

  Hester did not stop to hear Jared’s reply. Her heart ached, though she was trying not to be foolish. She would not condemn Jared without a hearing, and, as she had told Mr Knighton, the ladies had been the ones pursuing him.

  If she thought of it that way, the situation became almost amusing and some of the tension left Hester as she entered her bedroom. She would not break her heart just yet, she decided, practical as always. Now that she was calmer, she discovered that she had picked up one of Jared’s great-grandfather’s journals.

  It would be interesting to read it, she thought, and placed it on the little table beside her bed. Glancing out of the window, she saw that it was a clear, bright night, the sky lit by the full moon. She pulled the curtains tightly shut, undressed, brushed her hair and got into bed. Picking up the journal, she began to flick through the pages. The date was towards the end of the second Duke of Shelbourne’s life and she turned the pages until she came to an entry that made her sit bolt upright.

  Jared was right! She read the entry again, discovering the old man’s feelings on finding that his dead son’s bastard child was still alive.

  I regret that the child was ever born, but since it still lives I feel it my duty to do something for him. He has been given only a modicum of education. I shall fund his advancement in a profession, perhaps the army, for I doubt that the church would take him…

  The child had not died at birth as she had been led to believe. The second duke had obviously known of it, but he had kept it a secret, refusing to acknowledge the bastard as his blood, though by this entry he had clearly intended to help the child—or the young man at this point—to find a career for himself. Hester realised it was the proof that Jared had been looking for with no success. With this he could challenge Mr Knighton and perhaps force him to confess.

  Had she known where to find him, Hester might have gone in search of him then and there, but she could not go wandering about the house at this hour, particularly when there were guests. She got out of bed and placed the journal in the bottom of a tallboy, covering it with pieces of clothing. It should be safe there until she had a chance to speak to Jared about her discovery.

  Turning, she leaned over and blew out her candle, snuggling down into the softness of her feather bed. Her mind was still busy with things that were bothering her, but she did her best to dismiss them and was soon drifting into a peaceful sleep.

  Hester left the book where she had placed it when she went down to breakfast that morning. She had forgone her usual ride, because it would be a busy day. She had arranged to have the flowers brought to the house early so that she could prepare vases for the guest rooms and the reception rooms. Hester would fill them herself, leaving it to the maids to deliver them to the right rooms. Once that was done, she would visit all the guest rooms with Mrs Mills, making sure that everything was as it ought to be.

  The morning flew by and it was soon time to join her mother and the other guests for luncheon. She found that five ladies and four gentlemen had already arrived, and another fifteen guests were expected at some time that afternoon.

  Hester looked for Mr Grant, but discovered that he was not at table. She detained her mother as she was leaving the room.

  ‘Have you heard nothing from Mr Grant, Mama?’

  ‘No, my dear,’ Lady Sheldon replied, wrinkling her brow. ‘I was certain that he would come for the ball; he was so particular when he left.’

  ‘Perhaps he will come later,’ Hester said and frowned. ‘Have you seen Cousin Jared or Mr Knighton this morning, Mama?’

  ‘I saw the viscount just before luncheon,’ Lady Sheldon said. ‘He told me that he had been sent a note that meant he must go out for a while, but I have not seen Mr Knighton.’

  ‘I see…’ Hester was thoug
htful as she left her mother. She needed to check that everything was going as it ought in the kitchens, and that the ballroom was ready for the evening. After that, she would go up and change into a pretty gown, for her work would be done and she need do nothing more until it was time to dress for the evening.

  Chapter Ten

  An atmosphere of excitement had built up during the day with guests arriving at regular intervals. By the time that everyone went up to change for the evening, the house had come alive with the sound of voices and laughter. Jared had returned to the house just before tea, and Mr Knighton joined them in the parlour in time to be served by Hester.

  ‘Thank you,’ he said, accepting the dainty dish of fragrant liquid. ‘I think you have been very busy today, Hester. Everywhere looks very nice.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘The gardeners have worked hard to furnish us with all the beautiful flowers for the house.’

  ‘It is your personal touch that brings such serenity to the house,’ he said, smiling at her. ‘I hope you will save a dance for me this evening?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ Hester replied easily. ‘You must put your name down for one of the country dances, sir.’ She caught sight of Jared looking at her from across the room. He raised his brows, but made no move to come to her, turning almost at once to listen to something Lady Raven was telling him. He said something to her, which made her laugh and tap him on the arm with her fan, apparently delighted with his attentions. Hester looked away, telling herself that she should not feel hurt or neglected. Jared was simply carrying out his duties as a host, and doing it very well too. She thought his society manners exceptional, and it was obvious that he was already popular with the ladies.

  Jealousy would be ridiculous! Hester raised her head, determined to remain as composed as ever. He was her cousin through marriage and she had no right to mind if other ladies enjoyed flirting with him!