His Shadowed Heart ((Books We Love Regency Romance))

by Hazel Statham

  “And that is something you have so often accused me of,” chuckled the earl.

  “Pish,” replied his sister turning a haughty shoulder.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The earl handed his wife down from the chaise when it was halted before the stone steps of Lordings. Even the immediate opening of the door and Mrs. Lloyd the housekeeper coming forward to greet them, did not make the portals seem more welcoming to the couple. Dismissing the carriage to the stables, they mounted the steps to the entrance hall that was brightly lit by many candles. The earl looked enquiringly at the housekeeper. “Were we expected?” he asked, perplexed.

  Mrs. Lloyd dropped her eyes and clasped her hands nervously before her. “The day is dull and we keep the house well-lit at all times, my lord,” she said apologetically.

  “You deem it necessary?” he asked still puzzled.

  “In view of the happenings, yes, sir.”

  “And what happenings might these be?” he asked removing his coat and giving it, along with his gloves, into the hands of the footman who stood expectantly at his side.

  Caroline slid her hand into the crook of his arm; she had seen the look of disquiet on the housekeeper’s face and thought it boded ill.

  “If Your Lordship would be so good, I would speak privately with you,” Mrs. Lloyd said uneasily.

  “Whatever needs to be said, you may say in my wife’s presence,” replied the earl. “If you would but come into the library, you may speak quite freely.”

  The trio went into the library, the earl closing the door firmly behind him before taking his seat at the desk. Caroline came to stand behind his chair and they faced the housekeeper who appeared reluctant to begin.

  “We were talking of happenings…?” prompted the earl. “To what type of happenings do you refer?”

  “There have been problems….” stated Mrs. Lloyd hesitantly.

  “No problems were reported to me,” said Caroline, a small frown puckering her brow. “In my husband’s absence, did you not think to inform me of any matter for concern?”

  “I chose my words wrongly, my lady,” said Mrs. Lloyd apologetically. “It is so difficult to explain exactly what has been occurring.”

  “Then you must try,” stated the earl, becoming impatient.

  “Things have disappeared, sir.”

  “Stolen?”

  “Not exactly, sir. Sometimes they reappear in a different part of the house, sometimes not. It is difficult to say exactly what is happening to them.”

  “You will be talking to me again of ghosts,” said the earl, with a deal of irritation and Caroline laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. He patted it reassuringly and continued in a calmer manner. “Tell me what exactly has gone missing?”

  “Mainly Her Ladyship’s things.”

  “My wife’s things?” he asked incredulously.

  “Your former wife’s belongings, sir.”

  He rose impatiently, almost toppling Caroline as he pushed past her in his agitation. “My former wife’s belongings were put into storage in the attic. Who would know where to look for them? Who would have had the time to look for them before being discovered?”

  “They went during the night, sir,” said Mrs. Lloyd in a small voice.

  “Day or night, why was a vigil not kept?”

  “The men were afraid of her ghost, sir. Indeed, some of the staff have already left your employ, as they couldn’t stand the strain. My lady’s portrait has completely disappeared. A thorough search has been made of the house, but it is nowhere to be found.”

  “Caroline, you must return to London immediately,” snapped the earl, rounding on his wife. “I will not have you here. You will go at once.”

  “No!” she responded shortly. “I stay!”

  “You will do as you are told,” he commanded sharply, taking hold of her arm.

  “Indeed I will not,” she replied, calmly looking up at him. “No matter what, I stay with you.”

  Mrs. Lloyd stood looking from one to the other in bewilderment. “What am I to tell the staff, sir?” she asked hesitantly. “They will need some direction.”

  “You may tell them whatever you like,” responded the earl. “’Twould seem they have already made up their minds on the issue, but know this, now that I am returned, I shall get to the bottom of the matter whatever it costs.” Without waiting for any further reply, he strode out of the room, slamming the door in his wake.

  *****

  Going in search of her husband, Caroline finally found him in their bedchamber, sitting in the hearthside chair with his head in his hands. Immediately, she went to him to kneel at his side and put comforting arms about him. Without looking at her, he reached out to draw her tightly to him and, as he pressed his face into her neck, she felt a tremor pass through him.

  “What now Caro?” he asked in a broken voice. “What further torments can she put me through? I see Peter’s murder as a separate issue, but this—this vengeance of Elizabeth’s….”

  “I don’t believe it to be Elizabeth,” stated Caroline. “Have you not said yourself that the perpetrator is of human form? It is no ghost that inhabits the house.”

  He said nothing for quite a few moments and then raising his ashen face, he grimaced ruefully. “You must think me very foolish to even contemplate the idea. You will be accusing me of a fanciful turn of mind when, indeed, I know you speak the truth. I cannot believe myself to be vulnerable to such thoughts.”

  She smiled gently. “It is this house. It holds too many memories for you. I don’t think I ever fully appreciated the torments you must have endured. Will you not let me at least attempt to eradicate them from your mind?”

  “I thought you already had,” he said, hesitantly returning her smile and pressing his lips to her cheek. “Had we not been happy here until these events started to take place? Whoever the perpetrator may be, he must hold an all-consuming hatred of me.”

  “For now, we will attempt to put all thoughts of it to the back of our minds,” she whispered, stroking a lock of hair from his brow. “We will face it all tomorrow when it can be viewed with a fresh mind. It would not do to make decisions now. We are tired from our journey, and I must confess to being in need of sustenance. When we have eaten, you may tell me of your time with Wellington, foreswear I do not believe you to have yet told me all.”

  “It would not do to tell you all,” he said with a smile, and rallying, pressed a caress into her palm. Then, in an attempt at levity, “For all I know, you could be the infiltrator from the corridors of Horse Guards.”

  “You know my true colors at last,” she said, following his lead, and rising pulled him to his feet. “Now, as any good agent worth her salt would do, I will attempt to seduce you into giving up your secrets.”

  He chuckled, holding her tightly to him. “If that is to be your ploy, you will need to employ your arts skillfully before my secrets are told. I will not prove an easy conquest. At least, I hope not. It would not do to submit too easily, lest you abandon your cause. I shall require you to use all your womanly charms before capitulation.”

  She chuckled in return. “Wretch, but I warn you, I shall employ whatever arts are necessary to ensure you do not leave me again.”

  He startled her by holding her abruptly away from him. “By all the saints, you are good for me,” he avowed before crushing her to his breast.

  *****

  “Victoria said that I was to come,” said Lord Stanton, accepting the glass of canary wine the footman proffered, as he sat facing his brother-in-law across his desk. “Damn me if this isn’t a good wine my boy, you must give me the address of your supplier.”

  “Victoria said that you were to come…?” prompted the earl, a half-enquiring smile hovering on his lips.

  “Ah, yes, yes … Victoria,” continued Henry, recollecting his purpose. “Said she thought you might be in need of my services. Always glad to help you know.”

  “Then I am very pleased to have you,” re
sponded the earl. “Are you fully aware of the situation?”

  “Oh, aye, but I must admit you surprise me. Victoria said that you might prove difficult and go off into one of your starts. Said you were never one for accepting help. Always preferred to settle matters yourself.”

  “Then on this occasion I will prove her wrong. Moreover, I can truly say that I welcome your appearance. I have had word from Constable Millington that he is to provide me with one of his men and I would be very much obliged if you would liaise with him. You are not as well-known in the area as am I, therefore you may find it easier to ask questions regarding Peter’s murder.”

  “You are certain that he was murdered?”

  “From what Caroline tells me there appears to be little doubt. Perhaps the fact that Massey is in London will make it easier to make enquiries, though I hold out no hope of Melchin changing tack. I will need to confine my energies to a matter closer to home, so I would very much appreciate your assistance.”

  “Only too glad to be of some use,” grinned Henry, once more partaking of his wine. “Truth be told, I was glad of the excuse to stay out of London.”

  “Glad of the excuse to remain from under Victoria’s influence more like,” grinned the earl, in return. “Have no fear, I know my sister well enough to appreciate that fact. Now we will go in search of Caroline, she will be exceedingly pleased to see you I’m sure.”

  *****

  As ordered by Constable Millington, Archibald Trimm promptly presented himself in the earl’s office. He was a middle-aged man with a knowing eye and an openness of features. The fact that he showed an intimate knowledge of the surrounding area and its inhabitants immediately recommended him to the earl and his brother-in-law and they soon settled to the matter in hand.

  When questioned, he said that he did indeed have some memory of Peter and, although at one time he had been thought of as a tear-away, to all appearances, he had settled considerably, to which many of the local populous would attest.

  “And what is your opinion of the cause of his death?” asked the earl.

  “I am not allowed opinions, sir,” replied Trimm standing very straight. “In my occupation, one must retain an open mind.”

  “Excellent, then we may begin with a blank canvas and start the investigation afresh,” said the earl. “Perhaps if you and Lord Stanton would listen to my wife’s account of the happenings prior to the boy’s death, it will give you some insight into its cause. Whilst I am certain that every effort was made in the previous investigations, I believe it would serve our purpose better should you interview those members of Melchin’s staff who were present on the shoot that may have had the opportunity to witness the guests’ actions. I feel it would be pointless to attempt to repeat the interrogation of the visitors themselves, as we already have their statements that are known to be suspect by the very nature of their motives. Therefore gentlemen, I suggest we join my wife and you can hear what she has to say.”

  *****

  A distant clock chiming the hour of two broke into Caroline’s consciousness as she awoke in the large four-poster bed. Turning she slid her hand across the mattress to the opposite side, but it did not encounter the sleeping form of her husband as she had expected, just the coldness of the deserted sheets. Immediately she raised herself on her elbow, but to her great relief, she saw his figure thrown into sharp contrast by the low burning embers as he sat in the chair by the hearth.

  “Why are you sitting there, Richard?” she asked quietly.

  Startled, he turned to face her. “Have I disturbed you, Caro? Forgive me, it was not my intention.”

  “Will you not come back to bed?” she pleaded. “It is late and the night air is chill.”

  “Do you miss me, sweetheart?” he asked, smiling in the darkness, and he rose to throw another log onto the fire. “See it will soon set ablaze and we shall be quite warm.” But instead of returning to the bed, he resumed his seat and held out his hand, “Will you come sit with me, Caro,” he asked in a much-altered tone. “I have need of your company.”

  Without hesitation, she rose, and donning her robe went to sit on his lap, laying her head against his shoulder. For a moment, nothing was said. They just felt a comfort in their closeness until eventually the earl kissed her brow.

  “My love, I have reached a decision,” he said quietly, holding her even closer to him. “If we are to have any chance of happiness, once this interminable coil is ended, I must lease Lordings. Indeed, if I could legally do so, I would sell it, but as that is not so, I must content myself with finding a tenant.”

  “No!” she cried in amazement. “You love it too well, you cannot lease it.”

  “I can and will,” he stated firmly. “Our future happiness depends on it. Even when all is resolved, I cannot expect you to live in this house. I love you far more than I do Lordings, therefore I will look for a tenant as soon as possible! I cannot bear the thought that you should be unhappy.”

  “My happiness lies with you,” she responded laying her hand against his cheek. “I shall be content wherever you choose to live.”

  “Then it will not be at Lordings. I have made my decision. ’Tis after all, only stone and mortar and I too cannot bear its memories. My estates are extensive and you shall have your choice of location. We will build our own home that will be inhabited by only our memories.” Looking into her upturned face, he smiled. “And hopefully, in time, our children. I have long desired a child that is undeniably mine, a playmate for Julia.

  “Yes, we will have children,” she replied, returning his smile. “Hoards of them. Julia shall have playmates enough.”

  He lowered his head to kiss her, but in that instant, an almost imperceptible sound came from the corridor and instantly he put her from his knee. Snatching up the pistol that now habitually lay on the bedside table, he threw open the door and strode into the corridor.

  All was in darkness. Only a faint ray of moonlight showed through a chink in a curtain at the end of the hallway, and for an instant, a shadow crossed its path. Immediately the pistol spoke and the shadow was seen to recoil against the wall, but as the earl set to running the length of the corridor, the shadow disappeared, almost as if it never was.

  Caroline reached her husband’s side as he crossed the head of the stairs. “Go back,” he commanded shortly, but she refused to obey, and instead, much to his frustration, kept close step behind him. As they gained the picture gallery, he once more repeated his command but she was as determined to remain with him.

  “Go then and wake the servants,” he said tersely. “A full search of the house must be made. I know not who or what we chase, but it must be found!”

  She obeyed immediately; fear making her fleet of foot, and within minutes, the house was alive and lit with many candles.

  Returning to his room to dress, the earl halted at the end of the corridor to inspect where he had seen the shadow falter and there was a small patch of blood on the floor.

  “See, it is no specter we seek,” he said triumphantly, pointing at the stain upon the carpet. “Ghosts do not bleed. Our intruder is of human flesh without a doubt.”

  “Then we must fetch the constable,” cried Caroline.

  “I’ll have no constable,” seethed the earl. “I can contend with flesh and blood and I will settle this matter.”

  “But….” she began but he strode from her and into his dressing room.

  *****

  Once again, the search proved fruitless, the only evidence that there had ever been an intruder was the bloodstain on the hall carpet.

  “Looks like you winged the fellow,” said Lord Stanton, when he was shown the stain early the following morning. “Considering the lateness of the hour, my boy, it was either damned fine shooting or amazing good luck.”

  “Whichever, it served its purpose,” stated the earl impatiently. “Now there need be no more talk of ghosts and the likes. That foolishness at least, can be laid to rest.”

  “Wonder
what Trimm will make of it,” said Lord Stanton thoughtfully.

  “He need not be concerned with the matter,” replied the earl. “I will contend with this. You and he must concentrate your energies on finding Peter’s murderer. The sooner both issues are resolved, the sooner we may return to London and some form or normality.”

  “Starting to irk you is it, Richard?” asked His Lordship. “Must say it’s not the pleasantest of situations and I too will be relieved to see its conclusion. Heaven knows how Caroline must feel.”

  “Exactly! I wish her stay here to be prolonged no longer than necessary. She will hear no suggestion that she should return without me, and I will not leave her open to danger.”

  “Trimm is to call for me in about an hour,” stated His Lordship. “Will you join me for breakfast? It would be best to set yourself up with a hearty meal, for who knows what the day will bring.”

  The earl grinned ruefully. “I must admit the night’s happenings have left me with an appetite. Perhaps I will join you.”

  *****

  Archibald Trimm arrived at Lordings just as the two gentlemen were finishing their meal, and the earl ordered that he should be shown into the informal dining room, where they broke their fast.

  “Can we offer you some refreshment,” he asked, as Trimm, hat in hand, hesitantly entered the room.

  “I have already eaten thank you, my lord,” he replied with a grin, “but I would welcome a cup of coffee.”

  The butler pulled out a chair at the table and Trimm took his seat whilst a cup of steaming coffee was placed before him. He tasted the liquid with some relish before laying aside his cup. “I was wondering, sir, whether your wife was missing any jewelry?” he asked, his hand diving into his pocket to bring out a brightly colored handkerchief, which he placed on the table.

  “She has reported no loss to me,” stated the earl.