by Carla Kelly
Diana chuckled. ‘I think you are right. I am sure they will not go to sleep until they have described to Nurse and Jenny their triumph this evening.’
‘They performed beautifully.’ Mischief danced in Miss Tatham’s eyes. ‘Oh, dear. I do hope it has not given them a taste for the stage. Lord Davenport was telling me he sent down a couple of opera dancers to tutor them in the steps.’
‘Ballet dancers,’ Diana corrected her, a twinkle in her own eyes. ‘I was assured they were young ladies of the highest respectability.’
‘And I am sure you would have sent them packing if they had been anything else.’
‘I should, but I knew I could rely upon the earl not to do anything that might harm the children.’
Diana sipped her wine. How long ago that seemed now. She and Alex had understood one another then and she had enjoyed the game. Now it was over and very soon she would pack up and remove herself from Chantreys and the girls for ever. She shrugged off the melancholy thoughts as the atmosphere around them changed again. Lady Goodge had finished playing a fiendishly difficult piece by Mr Mozart and the room was filled with applause and excited chatter. She heard calls for the earl and Lady Frances to sing another duet and she was surprised when the lady demurred.
‘I think we should invite Miss Tatham to sing with Lord Davenport,’ said Lady Frances, at her most gracious.
There was no doubting Ellen’s surprise. Across the small table Diana forced herself to smile and nod encouragingly and while Ellen went off to join Alex by the pianoforte, Diana moved to one side of the room where she could watch the performance. Lady Frances wandered by and paused when she reached Diana.
‘Do they not make a perfect couple, Miss Grensham?’ she purred. ‘They are constantly together in town.’ She gave a sigh and said sadly as she moved on, ‘I have quite resigned myself to the match. Even I cannot compete with the heiress’s charms.’
Not by the flicker of an eyelid did Diana respond. She kept her eyes on the duo, listening to the melodious sound their voices made together, but inside the splinter of unhappiness was working its way deeper into her heart. Ellen Tatham was indeed perfect. An ideal consort for an earl who was renowned for his love of beautiful objects. Meggie and Florence liked her, too, which augured well for their future. Diana felt the hot tears pressing. The girls would not miss her for very long, if they had Ellen Tatham to comfort them.
Gervase Wollerton was waiting when Alex led his partner from the dais.
‘An excellent rendition, Miss Tatham,’ he declared. ‘And you, Davenport. Never heard you in better voice.’
Alex said nothing, merely standing, frowning, while Ellen Tatham accepted Gervase’s compliments with a pretty grace. When she was called away Alex and Gervase were left staring at one another in silence.
‘Alex, old friend—’
‘Enough, Gervase. Let us forget the matter.’
‘But I can’t, Alex.’ Gervase glanced around. Everyone else was engaged in chatter, no one was taking any notice of them. ‘I cannot,’ he said again. ‘I have racked my brains to think how I could have been such a fool last night, to say what I did to Miss Grensham. I didn’t even remember it until you tackled me about it this morning.’ He shook his head. ‘I cannot even blame it on the brandy, you would never allow a bad barrel in your cellars.’
Alex felt his scowl deepening. ‘Urmston got you drunk and primed you with what to say. I have seen him do as much before, with other fools.’
Gervase took the insult without a flinch. He said, ‘I remember sitting down with him, but I did not think I had had that much to drink.’ His usually cheerful face was full of grief. ‘I am more sorry that I can say. If you want satisfaction—’
‘And make a bad situation even worse? No. What’s done is done, Gervase. I was a fool to allow Urmston anywhere near Chantreys. Where is he, by the bye?’
Wollerton looked around him.
‘No idea. Lady Frances is still here, so—’ He broke off and cast an anguished look at Alex.
‘Don’t worry about offending my sensibilities in that quarter,’ he said grimly. ‘I have long suspected they are more than friends. I think they have been working together to poison Diana’s mind against me—did you see the way Frances encouraged me to sing with Ellen Tatham?’ He shrugged and gripped Wollerton’s arm. ‘Cheer up, Gervase. I do not hold you wholly responsible for what occurred. I have been a blundering fool where Miss Grensham is concerned. In fact, the blame for this whole fiasco rests squarely at my door and I must take the consequences.’
* * *
With all the confusion of chatter and singing and the servants moving between the guests to supply them with refreshments, Diana thought no one would miss her if she slipped outside. She needed a few moments to compose herself and to force back the silly tears that were never far away.
It was blessedly cool on the terrace and there were deep shadows between the blocks of light that spilled out from the long windows. She stepped into one of the shadows and wiped her eyes.
‘Miss Grensham, are you quite well?’
Diana jumped as Sir Charles Urmston approached her.
‘Oh, th-thank you, sir. I am very well. Suffering a little from the heat and the noise, that is all.’
‘Ah.’ He came closer and Diana found herself stepping back further into the shadows. ‘It is very hard, is it not, when one’s dreams are shattered.’
‘I’m afraid I do not understand you...’
‘Davenport and the heiress. An ideal match. I saw Miss Tatham in Bath last year. She was even then a piece of perfection, but so well guarded. At the time I thought it a little excessive, but I see now that the marchioness was keeping her for Davenport. He is her great-nephew, you know, and the Tatham fortune will enhance the Arrandale coffers.’
When Diana did not speak he continued in a reflective tone.
‘Yes, one can quite see that she will suit him perfectly. Another beautiful object to add to his collection. You know, of course, that Lady Frances had hopes of being his countess. She has been so, in all but name for some time.’
‘Really, Sir Charles, I do not think you should be telling me this.’
‘Oh, but it is a relief to be able to speak without restraint about these matters, to talk to someone who understands. I have known Lady Frances for many years and I had thought, with Davenport out of the way...’ He sighed. ‘But she is heartbroken and she will not let me comfort her.’
Diana began to feel uneasy.
‘I really think I would like to go in now—’
He caught her hand.
‘Not yet. We should ease each other’s pain.’
‘No, I do not want—’
He dragged her into his arms. Diana struggled, but Sir Charles was too strong, he was holding her so tightly against his body that it was difficult to breath. Panic was rising, but she had to contain it.
‘Let me go!’
Her hands were against his chest but she could not push him away. She kept turning her head to avoid his lips until he grabbed her hair, forcing her head back. He was squeezing her so hard that she could not find the breath to scream.
‘A kiss,’ he muttered, his breath, thick with wine and spirits, was hot on her face. ‘Let me show you that in the dark one man is very much like another—’
The kiss never came. Suddenly Diana was free and she staggered back, unbalanced. She heard a growl, a tussle in the darkness and the sickening thud of a punch. By the time she had recovered her balance and looked up Sir Charles was lying on the floor with Alex standing over him, fists clenched. Even in the shadows Diana could see the naked fury in his face. She gave a little gasp and, as if recalling her presence, Alex stepped back.
‘Get up, Urmston,’ he barked. ‘Pack your things and leave my house. There is a good moon, I want yo
u gone within the hour.’
Sir Charles scrambled to his feet and stood for a moment, rubbing his jaw.
‘Very much dog in the manger, ain’t you, Davenport? You don’t want the lady but no one else shall have her either.’ He gave a savage little laugh. ‘And I thought you might appreciate my helping you out of a predicament by taking the wench off your hands.’
With a muted roar Alex advanced, but Diana grabbed his arm.
‘No, please!’
Sir Charles watched them, his lip curling.
‘She is right, Davenport. You would not want your guests to witness an unseemly brawl, especially the lovely Miss Tatham.’
‘Get out of my sight, now, or I will mill you down again and to hell with who sees it!’
With a final, malevolent glare Sir Charles dusted himself down and lounged away. Alex turned back to Diana.
‘Did he hurt you?’
‘N-no. I was merely shocked, that is all.’ She sank on to the balustrade restlessly clasping and unclasping her hands. Alex sat down beside her.
‘Another wrong to lay at my door.’
‘I will not blame you for Sir Charles’s actions, my lord.’
He reached out and caught her hand, holding it in a warm, sustaining clasp.
‘I blame myself for putting you in his way. Diana, I want to protect you from men such as Urmston. I want to make sure such a thing never happens again. I have wronged you and I want to put everything right. Marry me!’
Diana knew it would be so easy to lean against that strong shoulder, to give in to her heart and say yes, but she must not. She loved him, but it was not reciprocated. A vision of her life stretched ahead of her, bound to a man who had married her out of duty. Out of guilt. Such a marriage would make neither of them happy. Gently she pulled her hand free. She must end this, now and for ever.
‘In my world, Lord Davenport, if a marriage cannot be a love-match at the very least it must be based upon mutual respect, affection and trust. There would be none of these things in our union and therefore it cannot go ahead.’
* * *
So that was it. His brave Diana, even after the indignity of Urmston’s attentions—and he had seen how she fought against the brute—even after such a shock she was still determined to refuse him. What had she said? If it cannot be a love-match. Nothing could be clearer. He pushed himself to his feet.
‘Very well, madam, I shall say no more on this matter.’ He rose. ‘But Chantreys has been your home. There is no reason why you should give up your place here.’
‘There is every reason, my lord. The children need a governess who is above reproach. In all conscience I cannot claim that for myself.’ She rose. ‘You will instruct Mr Timothy to find another governess, if you please. As we agreed.’
‘But you will remain their guardian?’
‘Of course. Any communication can be dealt with by our lawyers.’
‘If that is what you wish.’
‘Then it is all settled.’ Her voice was firm, matter of fact. ‘I will fulfil my duties here tomorrow and then I shall prepare the children for my departure.’
Alex nodded. His right hand was throbbing where it had come into contact with Urmston’s jaw but it was nothing to the pain of the iron band that was squeezing his chest.
‘Now if you will excuse me, I will return to our guests.’
She swept past him and in through the open window, head held high and with never a backward look.
Chapter Sixteen
There was no chill to the bright September day when Diana stepped out of the house with Meggie and Florence the following morning. She had not expected Ellen Tatham to remember her promise to join them, but a message had come upstairs while the schoolroom party were breaking their fast to say Miss Tatham would be waiting for them in the rose garden.
As soon as they saw Ellen strolling amongst the roses, Meggie and Florence ran up to her and Diana tried hard not feel resentment. Miss Tatham greeted the girls with genuine pleasure and waited for Diana to join them.
‘Is it not a glorious day, Miss Grensham? Shall we walk in the park?’
They set off at a brisk pace, the little girls skipping along beside them and chattering happily to their new friend. Soon they were telling her all about the secret lake and suggesting they should go exploring in the woods. Diana’s heart sank. She had not been to the lake since Alex had surprised her there and she was very much afraid that the memories it evoked would prove too much for her. She feared her reluctance was apparent, for after a quick glance in her direction Ellen said she thought they should save such a treat for another day, when there was more time.
‘I really think I must save my energy for the ball tonight,’ she told them, smiling. ‘We are to dine early, I believe, so we may all have time to change into our finery before the festivities begin.’
‘Diana has promised that we may watch for a little while, so we shall be able to see you dancing,’ Florence confided.
‘Will you indeed?’ exclaimed Ellen. ‘How exciting.’
Meggie nodded solemnly. ‘Jenny will take us to the orangery to watch the first dance, and then when we come back I hope we can have macaroons, and orange flummery and lemonade for our supper!’
‘I am sure Mrs Wallace will be able to send up a selection of treats for you, if you are very good today,’ said Diana solemnly.
‘We are always good,’ replied Meggie, affronted.
Ellen laughed and linked her arm with Diana’s.
‘What a wonderful place this is,’ she declared. ‘I love it here and I am sure we are going to be very good friends.’
Diana smiled and realised how much she would like to have Ellen for a friend, but it was not to be. As soon as another governess could be found to look after the children she must cut all ties with Chantreys and the Arrandale family.
* * *
They made their way back through the formal gardens, the girls running on ahead to ask the aged gardener if they might pick some flowers for the schoolroom.
‘Now we are alone there is something I wanted to ask you.’ Ellen lowered her voice. ‘Did Sir Charles Urmston try to molest you on the terrace last night?’
Diana flushed at the forthright question, but she found it impossible to be offended with Ellen Tatham. She decided to answer frankly.
‘Yes, he did.’
‘I thought as much. And Lord Davenport came to your rescue. How romantic.’
‘Not at all. It, it was quite horrid.’
‘I saw Urmston step out of the orangery last night and he never reappeared. Then this morning we learned that he had left Chantreys. It was put about that urgent business called him back to town, but I am not deceived. Davenport threw him out and I am very glad of it.’ Ellen lowered her voice, saying confidentially, ‘Sir Charles is not at all to be trusted, Diana. He tried to do me a great disservice in Bath last summer. He was part of a wicked wager to dishonour me.’
Diana stopped and stared at her in shocked dismay.
‘Is that all Lord Davenport and his, his cronies can find to do with their time?’ she exclaimed.
‘Oh, Sir Charles is no friend of Davenport’s,’ said Ellen cheerfully. ‘It was Lady Frances who invited him to Chantreys. The earl was most put out about it, he told Lady Hune as much when we arrived. Of course the dowager has said nothing to Alex about the wager, but nevertheless I know Lord Davenport dislikes Sir Charles, and I suppose seeing him trying to kiss you last night was the last straw. Did he mill him down? I do hope so, for Urmston is an odious toad and if there is any mischief to be made he will do it, you may be sure.’
‘Lord Davenport was certainly very angry,’ Diana admitted.
‘Of course he was, to see that beast manhandling the woman he loves. I am sure he was incandescent.’
Diana stopped.
‘No, no, you are quite mistaken. Lord Davenport does not care for me.’ She added earnestly, ‘Indeed, Miss Tatham, you must put that silly idea quite out of your head. He feels an obligation to me, but nothing more than that, I assure you.’
Ellen did not look convinced, but as the children came up at that moment with an armful of flowers she turned to them.
‘Well, you have collected so many, there is nothing left for me to do,’ cried Ellen. ‘Shall we go indoors and find a pretty vase to display them?’
‘You go on ahead,’ Diana urged them. ‘I think I will remain in the gardens a little longer.’
She watched them walk off and as soon as they were out of sight she slipped into the shrubbery to think about what Ellen had said.
Alex could not love her. It was not possible. It was merely Ellen’s romantic nature that had made her imagine such a thing. Ellen Tatham was very young and had most likely lived a very sheltered life. She would not yet understand that a man might desire a woman physically and yet feel nothing more than a passing fancy for her.
‘Miss Grensham, do I disturb you?’
Diana jumped. She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts she had not heard Mr Wollerton approach but now he was before her. She summoned up a smile.
‘No, sir, not at all.’
‘Good.’ He turned and fell into step beside her. ‘And I am glad that I have found you alone. I want to apologise for what I said the other night. It has been on my conscience ever since.’
‘About the earl wanting to ruin me?’
The gentleman winced at her frankness.
‘There is no excuse for it, I was foxed in your drawing room, Miss Grensham, and I humbly beg your pardon. But here’s the thing, I may have given the impression that it was Alex who said those words, but do you know, I am not sure that it wasn’t Urmston’s idea.’
