The Lords & Ladies Box Set

by Fenella J Miller

  Emma was not so easily convinced. 'I do not trust him, Papa, he is too glib, too ready to smile at one's witticisms, to flirt outrageously. No, I consider Mr Tennent and his brother are both reprehensible. I have no wish to speak to Lord Denver tomorrow, and I'm sure Eugenie will not wish to see Mr Tennent either.'

  The cockerel in the yard began to crow. The vicarage would soon be bustling with the new maidservants about their duties. 'If you have no objection, Papa, I shall send a letter to our grandparents and finally accept an invitation to visit. We received a letter from them only the other day, and I have not yet replied to it.'

  'That's an excellent notion, my dear. If we send the boy to catch the mail coach first thing, your missive should be with them by Monday. I'm sure they will wish to send a carriage directly they hear from you for they have been most pressing in their invitations since your poor mama passed away. This will give you ample time to sort out your wardrobe and pack your trunks.' He reached out and clasped her hands in his own. 'Whatever your feelings, my dear girl, it would never do to run away. Leave with dignity next week and no one shall think you departing for any reason other than to take up an invitation of long standing to spend time with relatives.'

  Emma gave her father an affectionate kiss. He was a wise man. 'Thank you, I shall be guided by you. You're the best father alive - we shall both miss you dreadfully. I fully expect to hate it there, but in the circumstances I can think of nothing else. I know what village life is like, some other scandal will occupy the busy tongues before long, and then we shall be able to return without being made to feel embarrassed every time we leave home.' She paused at the door. 'I hope we can be excused from service this Sunday, Papa?'

  'In the circumstances I can hardly object. We will have a short service here before I leave for matins.'

  She returned to her chamber pleased they had come up with an acceptable solution, but her head ached and her heart was heavy. How could things have come to this? Yesterday she had been full of hope, believing that her affections were returned, but Lord Denver had made her a figure of fun and rejected her in the cruellest possible way.

  Deciding she would get dressed even though it was scarcely dawn, Emma removed the plainest dress she owned from her closet. Jane appeared when she was halfway through her toilette, face pale and her eyes like dark circles. Emma realised she was not the only one who had suffered a sleepless night.

  'Oh, Miss Meadows, what happened last night was all my fault, I should have kept a better eye on Miss Eugenie.'

  Emma's stomach roiled; exactly what was Jane talking about? 'What did happen, you had better tell me

  at once, Jane.'

  Too late her maid knew she had spoken out of turn, but bit by bit she described what had transpired the night before. When she had completed the horrific story, Emma felt such fury she had the urge to smash something, hit something, she wished it was Denver's brother she could strike. She was not a violent person, but she sincerely hoped Lord Denver had thrashed his brother for his perfidy.

  'I never trusted him, Jane. But the blame is not entirely yours, I should have kept a better eye on Miss Eugenie. She thought he was to marry her? How could he have led her along like that, she's an innocent and gently born.'

  She closed her eyes, trying to understand the scale of the disaster. She had known Eugenie had returned upset, but in her worst imaginings she could never have come up with the true reason. The stupid girl had been going willingly, if Denver had not stopped them matters would have been so much worse, Eugenie would be a fallen woman, both their lives totally ruined.

  'This debacle was not your fault, Jane, I beg your pardon for inferring that it was. You did everything you could. I understand now why Lord Denver treated me so badly, he was right to do so, to be made a laughing stock is nothing compared to being seduced.'

  She collapsed onto the bed more wretched than before. Being angry, hating a man who had mistreated you, was far easier than feeling as she did. Her dreams were as ashes. There was no possibility of a match between the man she loved and herself, not now, not after the behaviour of his brother. 'Jane, please go and see to Miss Eugenie, check how she is, and if she is feeling up to it would you get her dressed and bring her down to the drawing-room?'

  The sun was rising, bathing the village in beautiful red light but she saw none of it. Her heart was broken. She must put her own happiness aside, and think of Eugenie now.

  Lord Denver came to call and asked to speak to her, but she refused to see him knowing it was for the best. He spent some while closeted with her father and then left; she heard him striding away, taking her heart with him

  Eugenie was apathetic, too wretched to have an opinion one way or another about their forthcoming departure. All she said on the matter was that she had been sure Mr Tennent intended to marry her, that he had convinced her it was permissible to be alone together if they were to be betrothed. Her sister berated herself constantly for being so gullible and swore she would never fall in love again but would remain a spinster and a solace to her father in his old age.

  'I have no desire to remain here, to be reminded every moment of his betrayal so I suppose we might as well go and visit our grandparents. They have been most pressing since Papa contacted them a few months ago,' Eugenie said petulantly.

  'It will become easier, my love, and because of Lord Denver's quick action no damage has been done to your reputation. We can return in the New Year and carry on as though nothing untoward has happened between the gentlemen at Kesgrave Abbey and ourselves.'

  At no time did her father or sister ask how she was faring; they must assume that only Eugenie was suffering heartbreak. Emma had only recently understood that she loved Lord Denver and had had no time to share this discovery with her sister before that fateful night. Now she could not do so and must bear her grief as best she could in the privacy of her chamber.

  Chapter Seven

  The time came for their departure and Emma was more than ready to go. Papa embraced her fondly.

  'I am going to miss you dreadfully, my dears, but it is for the best. It is high time you were introduced to society; you have mouldered away down here quite long enough.'

  'Papa, we have no intention of going into society whatever Sir James and Lady Masterson might think. We intend to pay a social visit, meet our uncle, aunt and cousins and that's all.'

  Eugenie had come when she had learned Mr Tennent and his brother had left the neighbourhood, become more animated, her broken heart healing far more rapidly than Emma could have hoped.

  'Do you think we shall be able to ride? It's so long since we had a horse here but I have never forgotten the thrill of being so high or travelling so fast.' She smiled before continuing. 'Mind you, I believe I was only trotting at the time and on no more than a pony.'

  The sound of her laughter cheered them all. Emma joined in the merriment, she was glad, of course she was, that her sister's desolation appeared to be a transient thing. Perhaps if she had known this last Saturday she would not have sent Lord Denver away. She must not repine on matters, he had gone, perhaps forever, leaving a competent estate manager and an army of servants to take care of things in his absence.

  The last of their trunks was strapped to the back of the luxurious coach that had been sent for them. She could delay her departure no longer, if they were not to be obliged to stay overnight on the road they would have to leave immediately. Neither of them had ever spent a night away from home before and she felt like a child must on being sent away to school for the first time.

  The final embrace from her father was almost too much for her composure and she blinked away her tears. As she turned to go he handed her a carefully folded rectangle of paper, sealed with a blob of a red wax, which she slipped in to her coat pocket without inspection.

  'My dear, you might have thought me unfeeling, but I am your father, I know you have been suffering too these past few days. Trust in the Lord, my love, he has a way of making things come a
bout.' He almost bundled her from the door giving her no time to answer his comment.

  Jane was accompanying them and was waiting patiently beside the open door of the carriage for them to climb in. It now being the first of November, the wind was sharp and blew her pelisse around her feet and she was obliged to grab the brim of her bonnet. She stepped nimbly up to join her sister, delighted to see fur rugs in which to wrap themselves and hot bricks upon which to place their feet.

  The excitement of the journey caused her to forget about the letter her father had given her; she was as entranced as her sister at the scenes that passed by the windows. They stopped to change horses at the Red Lion in Colchester and she was deeply impressed that her grandparents could afford to have two sets of spare animals waiting for them en route to their palatial country estate in Richmond.

  However, as the day became dark and cold her enjoyment turned into discomfort and boredom. They had drawn the blinds and conversation between them had all but ceased.

  'How much longer is it going to be before we arrive, Emma?'

  'I have no idea as I have told you many times before, but I imagine it cannot be much further. When we stopped for supper an hour ago the coachman said we should be arriving at eight o'clock, and although I cannot see to check my chronometer, I'm sure it must be almost that by now.'

  Her sister sighed loudly and shifted vigorously on the seat. The carriage rocked alarmingly and for a moment she feared it was Eugenie's antics that had caused them to bounce. One of the blinds rolled up of its own volition and she saw to her delight the vehicle was turning into a long driveway. The gatehouse stood to the left and there were flambeaux burning brightly on either side of the drive. These illuminated the magnificence of the wrought iron gates and the high redbrick wall that snaked off on either side into the darkness.

  'Look, we're almost there. Quickly, Jane, whilst we have the light from the torches, help us to replace our bonnets and wipe the grime from our faces.'

  The carriage appeared to travel for a further fifteen minutes before Emma saw any signs of the house they were to spend the next few months in. 'I see it, to our right, Eugenie, there's a blaze of lights. Good heavens! Such extravagance! I do believe they must have put candles in every window to welcome us; and there appear to be a prodigious amount of windows.'

  'It's a massive building and recently constructed I think. Can you see the columns flanking the front door? I do believe there must be two dozen footmen standing on either side of the steps.' Eugenie flopped back shaking her head in disbelief. 'I had no idea Mama came from such a wealthy family.'

  Emma's mouth tightened. If they were so rich, why had they left their only daughter to pinch and scrape to make ends meet? She was disposed to dislike them already. 'It will be like living in an army barracks, the place is so huge.'

  Her sister giggled. 'Without the hundreds of common soldiers, of course. You do say such peculiar things sometimes, Emma.'

  The coach lurched to a halt, the door was flung open and the steps down before Emma had time to reply. An arm was offered to help her alight, but she ignored it. She waited for her sister and Jane to descend then looked up expecting to see her grandparents waiting to greet them at the head of the steps.

  The two figures coming towards them were definitely not Sir James and Lady Masterson; one was an elderly man in black tail coat the other an elderly lady in navy bombazine. These must be the butler and housekeeper. Her heart dipped into her boots; if her grandparents could not be bothered to appear in person they were obviously not welcome. This was a duty visit, something to be endured by both sides and ended as soon as good manners allowed.

  She paused, allowing her sister to draw up beside her and then slipped her arm through hers. 'Smile politely, nod your head, but do not curtsy or be over familiar. These are superior servants and they will treat us abominably if we do not set the correct tone.' These words were spoken quietly so that even Jane could not overhear.

  'Welcome to Singleton Manor, Miss Meadows, Miss Eugenie. I am Foster, and this is Mrs Truman who will take care of you and conduct you to your apartment.'

  Emma nodded regally and with Eugenie at her side, swept past them as if she dealt with situations such as this every day of the week. Her heart was pounding and there was unwelcome perspiration trickling down between her shoulder blades.

  She didn't pause to admire the spacious marble floored entrance hall with its galleried balcony and double sweeping staircase. Instead she continued her stately progress and began to ascend the one on the left. She heard the clatter of footsteps behind her – the housekeeper had been forced to run in order to catch up with them.

  Smiling in spite of her nervousness Emma didn't halt until she reached the landing on the first floor. She risked a glance at her sister and saw her lips twitching. There was a grave danger of them both collapsing into unseemly giggles if they didn't reach the sanctuary of their chambers soon.

  'I beg your pardon, madam, for being so tardy. If you would care to follow me I shall conduct you to the apartment Lady Masterson has chosen for you.'

  Two footmen dodged past in order to open the double doors with a flourish. They bowed in synchronised servility and as before, Emma ignored them. She swished into the rooms that she was to share with Eugenie for the next few weeks at least.

  There were two immaculately dressed chambermaids standing to attention by the door. They dipped in matching curtsies and again Emma and Eugenie merely nodded. The housekeeper pointed to the first girl. 'This is Mary and that is her sister Beth; they shall be for your personal use during your stay here. I hope you find everything you need. Please send one of the girls down if there is anything else you require.'

  'Thank you, Truman. I'm sure that we have everything we need. However, if we don't I shall let you know at once.'

  The woman backed out and the door closed behind her. Emma breathed a sigh of relief – she had hated acting the part of a supercilious mistress and was glad she could now return to her usual demeanour. She addressed the two girls who were shifting nervously from foot to foot.

  'Jane is our abigail, but she will be pleased to have your assistance. Perhaps, Mary, you could act as Miss Eugenie's personal maid?' She had selected Mary as she was obviously her sister's senior by several years.

  The girl's face lit up. 'I should be honoured, madam. I love to sew, if you have any repairs or alterations I should be delighted to do them for you.'

  'Then you are the perfect choice for me, Mary. Come, would you both show us around our new abode?'

  Eugenie's enthusiasm was infectious and soon Emma was exclaiming as loudly as her sister over the luxurious appointments. They were to share a bed chamber but not a bed. The room was so vast that the two beds were easily accommodated and still left room for pretty tables and a chaise-longue under the window.

  'In here, Miss Meadows, you have a commodious dressing room with two large closets and many shelves and drawers.'

  Emma exchanged a glance with her sister; the garments they had brought with them would scarcely fill a corner of the cupboard. Mary was unaware of their amusement and ran forward to open the door of yet another room. The girl stepped aside and waited for them to join her.

  'My goodness! Emma, we have our very own bathing room. I have heard of such things but never thought to use one myself.'

  The room was full of rose perfumed steam and Emma gasped in delight. 'Eugenie, we have a bath full of hot water waiting for us. I never imagined such a luxury.'

  A roaring coal fire filled the grate and bath sheets were warming on the stands on either side. 'Mrs Truman thought that after your long journey you would enjoy a hot soak. If, Miss Meadows, you would care to step behind the screen, your Jane can assist you to disrobe.'

  'No, Mary, thank you. You help Miss Eugenie into the bath, I shall wait my turn.'

  She left her sister to enjoy the novel experience and retreated through the bed chamber to the pretty

  parlour that made up their s
uite of rooms. In their absence someone had come in and left a tray on the mahogany table standing just inside the door.

  'Sit down by the fire, miss, and I'll bring you something to eat and drink,' Jane instructed.

  'Whatever it is, it smells delicious. How thoughtful of someone to think of us like this.' She was demolishing her second plate of game pie and delicious chutney when Eugenie emerged, her cheeks flushed and looking totally relaxed. 'At last! I thought you drowned, you have been so long. I hope the water is still warm enough for me.'

  'You are to have fresh water, Emma. Mary sent Beth down for it as soon as I got out. Do you know, she pulled out the stopper and the water vanished like magic? I could hear it gurgling down a pipe, I wonder where it goes.'

  'I've no idea, my love; come and sit by the fire and let Jane fetch you some of this delicious pie. I hadn't realised how famished I was until the plate was placed in front of me.' She called across to Jane who was busy serving up a second portion of supper for the new arrival. 'What else is there? I have room for something else if it is as tasty as my first course.'

  Well-fed and freshly bathed she climbed into her bed which, she was touched to note, had been freshly warmed. Eugenie was asleep seconds after she vanished beneath the comforter, but Emma couldn't settle. In spite of being warm and feeling more relaxed than she had in days, her thoughts kept turning to the man she had lost, wondering if he was feeling as wretched as she.

  The fact her grandparents were away from home, indeed had left that very morning for a more pressing engagement and had not been present to greet them, did nothing to calm her overwrought sensibilities. Sir James and Lady Masterson had made it perfectly clear how matters stood between them. Eugenie and herself might be blood relatives but they were obviously not considered to be of any importance; they had been abandoned to the care of servants to sink or swim as they would.

  She fell asleep as the clock in the sitting room struck midnight, her pillow sodden, not knowing how she could face the next few days with equanimity.