'He was so confused, James, I could think of nothing else. I am sure we were right to think he has run away from somewhere he disliked intensely. Why else would he be so frightened by your shouting?'
James grinned, the tension leaving him. 'You're too softhearted, sweetheart. I should not be here with you whilst you are in your night attire. My mother would have us marching up the aisle far sooner than you wish if she were to discover us like this.'
'Then you must go back to your apartment. It will be dawn in a few hours; the house will be pandemonium whilst things are being made ready for the celebration.'
'I have been thinking, my love, would you like to be my secretary? I have a mountain of letters and correspondence to take care of and I constantly procrastinate. By doing this you would learn about my work and be doing me an immeasurable service. Also I would prefer it if you were not putting yourself at risk.'
Forgetting that tomorrow her past would be revealed, that she might be unable to remain in Brook Street with him, her heart skipped. This was exactly what she'd like to do, become involved in his work. 'I should be delighted to take on this role, I shall start tomorrow. Your mother has no need of my assistance. I shall be glad to have a worthwhile occupation.'
He stood, casually pushing the chair to one side. He stared down at her with a pensive expression. He offered his hand and she took it. She was too close. His heat radiated through the thin cloth of her night rail. Her heart began to thunder. Surely he could hear it? She daren't look at him as her expression would reveal how she felt.
He reached out and cupping her cheek, he tilted her face and then brushed his lips lightly across hers. Her eyes flew open in astonishment. Chuckling, he strolled out, closing the door quietly behind him.
Too much had happened – she could not take it in. She was an honest person, was certain she'd never told a fabrication in her life. Yet in the space of less than a quarter of an hour she had asked a child to behave deceitfully and then lied to James. He'd asked her to become his helpmate, answer his correspondence, learn about his most intimate financial details and she had lied to him. When he discovered she was dishonest he must disown her and she would not blame him. It was one thing to mislead another out of ignorance, but was unforgivable to do so deliberately.
She would not return to bed – sleep would be impossible with her life in such turmoil. The thought of losing James was insupportable, her doubts about her feelings had vanished. She loved him totally. When she was dressed she would ensure he had returned to his chambers and then go back to the guest room. She would sit by the boy's bedside until he woke and could tell her who she was.
Feeling like a thief she crept along the corridor and put her ear to James's chamber door, she could hear movement. Was it safe to return to talk to the child?
'Aunt Charlotte? I've been waiting this age for you to come back, my leg hurts like the very devil.'
'You must not use such language, it's unseemly. Doctor Hunter said he only gave you half the dose of opiate, you can take the rest now if you are in severe discomfort.'
'Can you really not remember who I am? I'm your nephew, Lord Edward George Adolphus Siddon, but I'm called Ned to my friends.'
'Well, Ned, let me fetch a chair and then you shall tell me everything. I had some disturbing dreams, I have a feeling we do not come from a happy establishment.'
She dragged the armchair across so she could sit comfortably next to the bed. Whatever he was going to tell her from this point would mean she could no longer reside here, would have to return with Ned. Her family were aristocrats, so she would be rejected by James. Although she was glad to see her nephew, she hated to think he had been roaming around the streets of London on his own.
However, it would have been so much better if someone else had rescued him, if her whereabouts had remained unknown. What heinous twist of fate had thrown the child under their carriage wheels and not the one behind?
'I'm comfortable, Ned, so please begin your story. I'm hoping that your words will trigger some response in my brain, at the moment I can recall almost nothing about my past.'
'Tell me what happened to you and Mary first. That sounds far more exciting.' He grinned. 'Is there any chance of something to eat, I'm famished.'
In spite of her despair she smiled, so typical of Ned to want to eat before anything else. A shiver flickered up her spine - things were coming back to her.
'I shall go down to the kitchen right away and see what I can get, you do look as though you haven't eaten for a while.'
The tray she staggered back with was laden with a bit of everything she could discover in the pantry. There were pasties and fancies, hams and raised pies, but they were obviously meant for the supper being served at the party. The thought that the celebration might well be cancelled was not a notion she wished to dwell on.
'I say, that looks splendid. You cannot put it on my knees, could it go on a table beside the bed do you think?'
After further furniture shifting the food was positioned so Ned could eat what he wanted from the selection she'd brought. Eating so much might not be good for a person with a broken leg, but she was certainly not going to disturb James and ask him his opinion.
She sipped her reheated coffee whilst she watched her nephew tuck in. Some time passed before he declared himself satisfied. She had told him her tale and he was most distressed to learn of Mary's death.
'We liked Mary, she was on our side unlike many of the staff at the hall.' He rubbed his eyes with his sleeve. 'It could have been you, that would have been so much worse.'
'We must not dwell on it, Mary had a lovely funeral so I'm told, and now we know her name we can set up a headstone in her memory. I wonder, did she have any family we should inform?'
'I've no idea, but no one has enquired after her. Now, I'm done. Shall I tell you who you are and where you come from?'
Matters were far worse than she feared – not only was Ned an aristocrat she held a title in her own right too. She was Lady Charlotte Siddon, not plain Miss Edwards. 'And my brother is a tyrant? He treats you and your sisters badly? I cannot understand why your mother does not intervene.'
'Mama is not strong like you, she is crushed by his rages and since you've been gone she has not risen from her bed. The house is in uproar, I'm not quite sure what has so angered Papa. The lawyers came in your absence and when they left he was in a frightful rage. He has been searching the countryside for you, it seems you have to sign some papers or the lawyers will not let him have any money.'
'That is a mystery. Why I should be needed in order for my brother to get his money, I have no idea. How can someone with such a large estate be in need of funds?'
The boy scowled. 'He's a gambler, Aunt Charlotte. He spends little time at home, he prefers to be in London with his cronies spending what should be spent on his family and tenants.'
Charlotte was appalled. Small wonder James despised aristocrats, she had no recollection of her brother and already she disliked him intensely. 'How old are you?'
'I shall be eleven next March.'
'You should not be burdened with such things at your tender years. I shall return with you as soon as you are well enough to travel. I'm still waiting to hear how you came to be wandering the streets of London yesterday.'
'Things were so beastly, there was no one to take care of us, we had to go down to the kitchen if we wished to eat, and hide if we saw Papa coming. Sally and Martha were not allowed to bring food up. I knew you had gone to Colchester, so I caught the same mail coach you did and started to ask after you.' He yawned. 'They told me that someone else had been making enquiries about Miss Edwards, I persuaded a barmaid to give me the address and I was on my way to this house when you ran me down.'
'I'm impressed with your intelligence, Ned. Now, do you wish to take some of the laudanum or do you think you can sleep without it?' He ignored her query.
'I heard you talking to the housekeeper about a party, what are you celebrating?'
'I was to become engaged to Doctor Hunter but that will not happen now. He detests people of our sort, he will reject me once he discovers who I am.'
'Then do not tell him. I shall not say anything. Who do they think you might be?'
Charlotte could not believe she was having this conversation with a child with a broken leg who was not yet eleven years of age. 'I cannot lie to him, I love him too much to do that.'
'When you tell him you'll have to return to a miserable existence. Why not marry him and when you're safe you can send for us? Neither of our parents will notice our departure, you were the only one who loved us.'
'What if he will not part with you? I shall be married to a man who will repudiate me when he knows my ancestry and you will have lost me forever.'
Chapter Five
'It cannot be right to deceive someone even if it is of benefit to others. But I will not ruin the party for Mrs Hunter or Doctor Hunter. Shall we agree to remain silent until after the event?'
Ned grinned. 'I'm not going to say anything, the longer I can stay here with you the better I shall like it. As soon as you own up they will send letters to Siddon Hall and then we shall both be taken back to be half starved and shouted at every day.'
'We're not going to talk about it further, Ned. You've a badly fractured leg, you must rest. Here, take a little of that medicine the doctor left for your pain.'
'I don't need it, I feel much better now I've eaten and spoken to you.' Suddenly he looked like a little boy, lost and unsure of himself. 'Aunt Charlotte, promise me, you'll stay where I can see you. You won't leave me alone again.'
'I give you my word I shall be here until morning.'
She dozed fitfully in the chair, she was sure she would be dark eyed next day. She had too much time to think. Bits and pieces of her past life were slipping back into place, but she'd not quite grasped the whole. Her brother was a monster, he bullied his family, mistreated his staff and ignored the plight of his tenants. He ruined the lives of all those he came into contact with by his addiction to gambling and hard drinking.
She puzzled over Ned's mention of her signing papers. She would discuss the matter further with him in the morning. At dawn the street sounds outside heralded the start of a fresh day. There was only one explanation for why she was needed so desperately at Siddon Hall. She must wake her nephew, she wouldn't be able to speak to him once the servants were abroad.
She leant forward and gently touched his shoulder; sleepily he rolled his head on the pillow opening his eyes. How could he look so happy, didn't his leg pain him at all?
'Ned, my love, I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's something I must ask. Do you have any notion exactly how old I am?'
Unfazed by her strange question at this unearthly hour he grinned and nodded. 'You have not quite reached your majority, you shall be one and twenty on December first.'
A sick dread settled in her stomach. 'Thank you, go back to sleep now, I must go to my room and write a letter. By the way, can you remind me of the name of the lawyers who came to visit?'
He screwed his face. 'Ditchley? No that is not correct not, it's Ditchin. We thought it funny to have a name like that, that's why I remember.'
She bent forward and kissed his brow. 'I'm going to put this right, I shall not let you and the others be mistreated any longer. Trust me, and please keep your promise.'
'I gave you my word, I would not break it for anything. Even when Papa discovered you had gone, none of us told him where you were however much he raved and ranted.'
'Good boy. I'm beginning to remember it all. How I long to see Jennifer and Beth again.' She smiled sadly – it was true, what was said about lying. One deception would inevitably lead to another. Ned's broken leg, the children's distress, all this was down to her. 'I must go, this will not do. If I am found in here the doctor will be most displeased.'
'Hadn't you better take my tray away then, Aunt Charlotte?'
'For a boy with a serious injury you're remarkably alert. I shall come and see you later on.'
She took the backstairs, glad she had the foresight to place a lighted candle stick on the tray before she set out. The route was pitch dark, the wall sconces would not be lit until the first kitchen maid came down. It would be better to have replaced the crockery and cutlery as this would avoid embarrassing explanations.
The unfortunate child designated to rekindle the kitchen range rushed in as Charlotte was drying her hands. The girl's cap was askew and her apron tied haphazardly.
'Miss Edwards, cor! You gave me quite a turn. Was you wanting something?'
'I beg your pardon, I did not mean to startle you. I could not sleep and came down to see if I could make myself a pot of tea.'
'Cook will skin me alive if you do it yerself. I’ll bring it up right now to the breakfast parlour.'
Charlotte retreated, relieved she'd had time to remove all traces of the feast she'd taken to her nephew. Her spirits were low, now she was deceiving the staff as well as her beloved; not to mention her brother and his wife. There was nothing she could do about it presently, circumstances had put her in this position. She was determined to do whatever was necessary to make matters right for her nieces and nephew. Her memory was restored, it should be a time for celebration but all too soon she would be leaving this house and the man she had come to love.
The breakfast parlour was chilly, the fire not burning; there was already a nip in the air that heralded the arrival of winter. When Ned had confirmed her suspicions she had hardened her resolve.
Somehow she'd invent an excuse to leave the house and discover the whereabouts of Messrs Ditchin & Ditchin – they would be able to tell her all she needed to know. Once armed with the facts she would make her decision.
The household rose early, today would be a busy day for all the staff. Tradesmen could be heard delivering items for the party that evening. Her breakfast congealed on her plate. James joined her, brushing her face tenderly as he passed. 'The boy's doing well, his leg shows no sign of infection.' He helped himself to several slices of ham and a generous spoonful of mushrooms. 'His name's George Jones, he seemed reluctant to divulge further information. I shall not press him whilst he's in such pain.'
Charlotte hid her face in distress, now Ned had been obliged to lie. From somewhere she found the strength to smile. 'I looked in on my way down but he was fast asleep. He looks so lost in your nightshirt. I thought, whilst everything is in such turmoil here, I might take the carriage and buy the boy something more suitable. However, I must ask you for the wherewithal to do so.'
'Excellent idea. We can go together, I have several calls to make after I've broken my fast. The best place to be today is as far away as possible. I intend to find myself unavoidably detained at my surgery. My carriage is at your disposal, why don't you take the opportunity to explore Bond Street? With your maid at your side you will be perfectly safe. The coachman can return to collect me this evening.'
'James, do you know, I have no idea what time to expect the first of our guests. The invitation cards have been sent, but I've not seen one myself.'
'Good grief! No more have I – there might well be some guests dining here. We must enquire before we leave.' The butler entered bearing the morning mail on a silver salver. 'Foster, tell me, what is to be the order of events this evening?'
'Your guests will arrive to dine at six o'clock, sir. I believe there will be twelve sitting down to table. At half past eight the remainder of the guests arrive, and there shall be dancing and cards and a buffet supper served at ten o'clock.'
James waited until the man had handed him his correspondence and retreated. 'I had better cut short my surgery this afternoon if I'm to be ready to receive guests at six o'clock.' He smiled, his eyes glittering strangely. 'I hope you will rest this afternoon, my love. You look tired. I do not believe you are fully recovered from your unpleasant experience.'
'I slept poorly, my head was full of worries about George.' She dropped her
napkin across her full plate hoping he would not notice she'd eaten nothing. 'I don't believe I shall be able to keep awake until supper if I don't catch up on my slumber.'
The carriage dropped James at his first call, this was an imposing three-storey mansion standing behind fine railings. She was not surprised that he attended such prestigious patients, he was an excellent physician. The coachman had instructions to take her to Bond Street and wait while she made her purchases. Daisy was beside her on the squabs, a basket clutched to her chest.
The vehicle shuddered to a halt in the busy thoroughfare. It would not do to obstruct the traffic for more than a few minutes. Once on the pathway Charlotte spoke to the groom. 'I wish you to return here in two hours.' That should be long enough to complete her task.
'I have some private business to attend to, Daisy. Here, this should be enough to buy George two nightshirts and some fresh hosiery. His stockings were ruined in the accident.'
The girl curtsied. 'Where shall I wait for you, Miss Edwards?'
'At the door of this emporium. I shall come in with you, I wish to ask directions.'
Charlotte hoped to discover the whereabouts the lawyers by asking one of the sales assistants. She had no doubt the legal representatives of an earl would be a prestigious firm, hopefully well-known in the vicinity. She handed her abigail sufficient for her purchases and waited until Daisy had hurried off.
There were several unaccompanied, fashionably dressed ladies wandering around the place. In her borrowed finery she looked their equal. A gentleman in black, a white apron tied around his middle, approached. He bowed obsequiously. 'Can I be of service, madam?'
'Indeed you can. It is my intention to visit my lawyers, Messrs Ditchin & Ditchin. Foolishly I appear to have left their direction behind. I was wondering if you have any notion where I might find them?'
The man beamed. 'I do, their offices are not far from here, madam. You take a left turn and walk through the passage. You will find the building directly opposite. It's scarcely five minutes’ walk.'
The Lords & Ladies Box Set Page 22
