by Rose Pearson
Harmonia sighed heavily but did not reply, looping her arm through Amelia’s. They walked in companionable silence for a few moments, each caught up with their own thoughts. Their quiet was only broken by a tall, wiry-looking gentleman who bowed deeply as they approached, although Amelia was quite sure she had not been introduced to the man before.
“I do apologize for interrupting you both on your stroll, but I simply had to greet you both.”
Amelia bobbed a quick curtsy, Harmonia doing the same, although she eyed the gentleman with a little uncertainty.
“I do not think we have met before, sir,” she answered, a little taken aback at his impropriety of stopping them without having any prior acquaintance.
He chuckled although his eyes held no warmth. “Indeed we have not, which is why I must beg your forgiveness, although I am sure you will forgive me once you realize my connection.”
Amelia’s interest was piqued. “Connection?”
“Yes, indeed. I am Duncan Ridlington, cousin to Lord Northfell.” He inclined his head again, a slow smile spreading across his face as Amelia’s expression flickered with interest. “I am sorry I have not had the opportunity to be introduced to you more formally.”
“Do you not attend balls and the like?” Harmonia asked, seemingly not as interested in the man as Amelia was. “I would have thought your cousin could have introduced you to us there!”
Ridlington shook his head, a morose expression on his face. “Alas, I have not received invitations to the same social occasions my cousin has, only because I am fairly new to town and have not been here long.”
Amelia pressed a gentle elbow into her sister’s side, a little concerned that Harmonia appeared rude. “Of course, we quite understand,” she said quickly, before Harmonia could answer him. “I am glad to make your acquaintance, sir.”
He turned his attention back to her, his gaze fixed and intense. There was not a great deal of similarity between him and Lord Northfell, Amelia noted, save for his brown eyes. He was of fair coloring, whereas Lord Northfell had a dark crop of hair. In addition, Lord Northfell was tall and broad, whereas Ridlington appeared to be slightly hunched, as though he did not want to stand at his full height.
“Lord Northfell has not been in town for too long either,” he murmured, drawing Amelia’s attention away from her careful observation of him. “Do you know him well, Lady Amelia?”
“Quite well, I believe,” Amelia replied, a slight frown crossing her features at the oddness of his question. “You know him best of all, of course.”
“Indeed I do,” Ridlington replied, silkily. “And I would say you have a great deal more to learn about him.”
“Of course,” Amelia murmured, more puzzled than ever. “Our acquaintance has not been of long standing as I am sure you aware. However, he intends to remain here for the duration of the Season, as I am.” She did not quite know why she spoke in such a defensive manner, as though she felt the need to impress upon Ridlington the seriousness of her intentions towards Lord Northfell. The man was still gazing at her with an intensity that she found both disturbing and intriguing. Was there something he wished to tell her of Lord Northfell, but could not quite find the way to do it discreetly?
“You have something of an attachment to him, I believe,” Ridlington continued, brazenly, one eyebrow lifting. “You should be careful on whom you set your gaze, Lady Amelia.”
Amelia blinked rapidly, embarrassed at his frank speech and finding herself quite unable to answer him.
“Of course, such matters are not any of our particular business,” she heard Harmonia say, her sister’s arm tightening just a little as they remained standing arm in arm. “I am sure you understand that, Ridlington, given that you are a cousin and I am a sister. These matters are much better left to those involved, don’t you think?”
Ridlington’s eyes glittered, his lips pressed together in a thin line for a moment. He did not look at all pleased at Harmonia’s words, his irritation evident.
“And I think it best we take our leave,” Harmonia continued, her gaze just as steely as his. “It is getting late in the afternoon and we still need to go to the bookshop, don’t we, Amelia?”
Amelia had no other choice but to agree, although she frowned heavily at Harmonia before turning back to Ridlington to take their leave. The man said nothing more than to bid them farewell, his eyes still on Amelia as they began to walk away. Amelia had the strange urge to drop Harmonia’s arm and race back towards him, wondering what on earth it could be that he had wanted to say.
“A most peculiar man!” Harmonia exclaimed, as soon as they were out of earshot. “What were you thinking, Amelia, speaking so candidly to him?”
“I – I did not speak too openly,” Amelia protested, weakly. “But yes, you are right, he was quite surprising in his remarks.”
“Surprising!” Harmonia cried, increasing her pace and practically dragging Amelia along with her. “The man was downright rude! He has no right to speak to you in such a way. What he was hoping to gain from it I simply cannot guess!”
“Nor can I,” Amelia mumbled, half to herself, as they continued their promenade around the park. Daring a quick glance over her shoulder, she saw Ridlington standing looking after them, although she could not make his expression. What was it that he had wanted to tell her? Was there something terrible about Lord Northfell that she had yet to discover? Was Ridlington trying to do the decent thing but finding himself unable to do so? Frustration gnawed at her soul, questions filling her mind but, unable to do anything but walk beside her sister, Amelia knew she would not find answers anytime soon.
Chapter 9
Arthur sighed heavily to himself as he sat down at his desk, wondering what woes he would have to deal with today. A stack of correspondence sat neatly on his desk, but Arthur did not have the heart to begin opening them at this present moment. Instead, he poured himself a small measure of brandy, sat back and tried to settle his whirling thoughts.
Lady Amelia was on his mind a great deal. He had an urge to pursue her, but could not get the battle of what to say to her from his mind. Deep in his heart, he wanted to be frank with her, to tell her the truth about his estate and the like, but the sensible part of him told him that would be folly. She would turn from him at once, for a Duke’s daughter deserved more than a man such as him. A man who struggled with debt and evil relatives who appeared to want nothing more than his downfall. A man who had a daughter he kept hidden from the world. Closing his eyes, Arthur let out an audible groan, his heart filled with both love and regret for Elouise, the small child he had left behind at his estate.
Taking her home had been the right thing to do, and finding a governess for her and settling her in his estate had brought a joy to his heart. However, he was not sure what he would do about her future. To recognize her as his daughter publicly would bring shame to her, for people would question her parentage. She would be named a bastard, mocked and despised by those who looked down on everyone else. It was hardly Elouise’s fault that she had been born on the wrong side of the blanket, but yet Arthur knew she would bear the brunt of the whispers and rumors that would come her way. It all seemed so unfair.
“I could always claim her as my ward,” he mumbled to himself, the idea striking a match and lighting a flicker of hope in his soul. “Say she is the daughter of some distant relative…” The idea burned for a moment, only to be quenched by the recollection that he had a cousin who knew exactly where Elouise had come from. Ridlington was not about to give up attempting to blackmail him. Any attempt to suggest that Elouise was anything but his ward would be immediately run into the ground by Ridlington. The man was keen to do anything he could to discredit Arthur, particularly now that Arthur had refused to give him any more money.
Arthur felt as though he were walking a tightrope, waiting to see what Ridlington would do next before he fell to the ground. If Ridlington chose to tell the world about Elouise, then the consequences would be dire �
�� but at least, then, the man would have nothing to hold over Arthur any longer. That was why, at least for the moment, Arthur could not get rid of the suspicion that Ridlington would not do anything of the sort. However, what the man would do, he could not even guess.
Sighing to himself, Arthur sat forward, put the brandy on the table and picked up his correspondence. The first letter was from the governess, informing him of Elouise’s progress. There was also an attempt at a letter from Elouise herself, which brought a smile to Arthur’s face. His daughter was quite wonderful, he had to admit.
Setting that aside, he picked up the next letter, frowning as he noticed the stamp of his solicitor’s on the back. His stomach began to churn as he turned it over and broke the seal, wondering what it was that the solicitor had discovered now. An ominous cloud shrouded him as he unfolded it, his heart quickening in his chest.
However, much to his surprise and delight, the cloud of worry and anxiety began to disperse almost at once as he read the note. It now appeared to be some good news which, at the present time, was rare! Some investments he had made long ago had done very well and, finally, he had a little money. A little money that he would invest in his estate, instead of giving to Ridlington. His tenant's homes, for example, had some repairs that would be necessary to keep them warm over the winter. A smile crossed his lips as Arthur pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment, writing directives to his steward. What with the fields bringing in their crops and this money, then Arthur might be able to stall his path towards bankruptcy for the moment. It would take a good many years to return to where he had once been, unless he married someone who came with a large dowry or fortune of their own.
“Mayhap I should just tell her everything,” he mumbled to himself, sanding the paper and sealing it closed. “Mayhap she would not turn from me after all. She might appreciate my honesty.” The lightness in his soul made his heart lift and, sealing the letter, he rang the bell for his butler.
However, it was not his butler who stepped through the door but Ridlington. Arthur’s lip curled as he swept up his correspondence and put it safely in a drawer, knowing that his cousin’s sharp eyes would try to read the letters otherwise.
“What are you doing here, Ridlington?”
“Told the butler I wasn’t to be allowed in, did you?” Ridlington sneered, as the butler stepped in behind him, profuse with apologies. Arthur waved the man away, handing him the letter before returning his gaze to his cousin.
“You are not welcome here, Ridlington.”
Ridlington snorted. “You cannot turn your back on family, Northfell.”
“I can turn my back on whomever I chose,” Arthur replied, calmly, despite the anger churning in the pit of his stomach. “Get out, Ridlington. I have no need for your company.”
“Ah, but Lady Amelia does.”
A chill swept over Arthur, although he tried his best to keep his expression calm. “Lady Amelia can make up her own mind when it comes to her acquaintances,” he answered, keeping his gaze steady. “I believe I’ve asked you to go, Ridlington.”
Ridlington, however, did not do what Arthur had asked. Instead, he sat down in the chair by the fire and looked into the flames. “Lady Amelia is a pleasant sort of lady, I think,” he said, as though they were discussing the weather. “Polite, kind, genteel….I don’t think she would tie herself to you if she knew about Elouise.”
So that’s his game, Arthur thought to himself, biting his lip to stop the harsh retort escaping his lips.
“From what I have heard, she will bring a great deal of wealth into her marriage,” Ridlington continued, airily. “I can see why you have your gaze fixed on her, Northfell.”
Arthur drew in a sharp breath and let it out slowly, keeping his anger tightly under control. “Ridlington, I have very little interest in what you intend to do. I have told you before that I will no longer give you the money you seek. If you intend to ruin the rest of my life so that I am unable to wed, then so be it.” Rising from his chair, he looked at Ridlington with a calm assurance that he did not entirely feel. “I will not give you any more of my money, Ridlington. You shall have to find a way to live within your means, or find some kind of useful employment.” Arthur had very little idea what Ridlington did with his money, but he had no doubt that Ridlington spent almost all of it on his own pleasures. For years, his cousin had not had to work for his funds, nor think about where his next month’s allowance was coming from. It would be a difficult transition for him, but Arthur held no sympathy for Ridlington. The man was a cretin and Arthur had no wish to be acquainted with him any longer.
“You are making a mistake, Northfell,” Ridlington replied, scowling. “I can do a great deal of harm to you.” He tipped his head, regarding Arthur carefully. “However, all of that can be avoided if you just continue paying me as you once used to.”
“I have said no!” Arthur shouted, his anger bursting forth. “No more, Ridlington! You shall have not a penny more from me. Go and do your worst.” He glared at his cousin, planting his hands on the table and leaning forward. “I have nothing more to say to you and you are no longer welcome in my home. Any further attempts to see me or to enter my property will result in you being thrown, bodily, from my house. Do I make myself clear?”
Ridlington got to his feet, his eyes glittering. “Perfectly clear, cousin. I just hope that you can bear the consequences of your actions.”
It was on the tip of Arthur’s tongue to ask what consequences Ridlington meant, but, with an effort, he said nothing.
“I mean, Lady Amelia might be most upset to hear of your murky past,” Ridlington continued, casually making his way to the door. “I will think carefully about how I am to reveal the truth about you to her, and what I am to do when she hears it. Who knows? An intimacy might develop between us, a friendship that allows me to ingratiate myself into their particular family.”
Arthur’s lip curled. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Ridlington grinned, evidently delighted that he had got Arthur to respond. “Oh, but I will,” he replied, quietly. “Their family is a wealthy one and they might take kindly to looking upon a man who has revealed such terrible things, who has saved their dear Amelia from an imprudent marriage!”
The anger burning through Arthur’s veins became a furnace, filling his entire body. He threw back his chair, which landed with a crash on the ground, stalking around his desk and towards Ridlington. Ridlington’s eyes widened, as though aware he had pushed Arthur a little too far, the smile sliding from his face.
Arthur caught Ridlington’s shirt and slammed him up against the door, his anger and hatred over his cousin’s behavior pushing him on.
“Threaten me all you like but leave Lady Amelia and her family out of this,” he breathed, his throat constricting with rage. “For once in your life, stop being the despicable, wicked bully you have become and try and act with some decorum.”
Ridlington’s feet scrabbled on the floor as Arthur lifted him higher.
“All you have to do is give me the money,” he croaked, sweat beading on his brow. “Lady Amelia will be quite safe if you do so.”
Arthur’s grip tightened and Ridlington began to choke, his color rising. With an effort, Arthur stepped back and dropped Ridlington to the ground, feeling his entire body shaking with anger.
“Get out of my house.”
Ridlington looked up at him, one hand at his throat as he gasped for breath.
“I said, get out,” Arthur repeated, his hands curling into fists. “I do not want to see you again, Ridlington. Do what you must. I will not be used by you any longer, no matter how much you threaten me.”
“Even if it means you lose her?” Ridlington mocked, slowly getting to his feet and straightening his shirt.
“Even if that is the case,” Arthur replied, walking to the door and holding it open. “I will not be held to ransom by you any longer, Ridlington. Now get out before I have you dragged out.”
Ridlington’s jaw
clenched, his eyes boring into Arthur’s as they stood facing each other. Arthur was on the verge of reaching for him again, so as to ‘escort’ him from the room, only for Ridlington to mutter something under his breath, straighten his coat and walk from the room.
Chapter 10
Duncan Ridlington stormed from the house, his coat flapping in the wind. He had not expected Arthur to be so strong-willed. He had always been able to manipulate him without too much ease, using his daughter as leverage for whatever he wanted.
Not so anymore, it seemed.
Gritting his teeth, Duncan walked directly towards Whites, hoping he might be able to drown his sorrows – as well as come up with a new plan for how he might continue to pull money from Northfell.
It is all that woman’s fault, he thought to himself, storming angrily along the road. She is the cause of all this.
He had thought that, in meeting Lady Amelia, he might be able to use the meeting to his advantage, to threaten to tell her what he knew of Lord Northfell’s past, but Arthur was being far stronger than he had ever been before. It was as if Lady Amelia had brought about a change in him, a desire to behave truthfully and honestly for the first time in years. However, Ridlington wished for exactly the opposite.
He had spent years practically living off Lord Northfell’s constant funds. He could still remember the first time he had written a letter to Northfell, going into great detail about the costs incurred with raising the man’s daughter. In truth, of course, there were very few costs involved, given that Ridlington had not cared for the child in the least. There was the nurse, of course, clothes, toys, and a few other essentials, but he spends barely any time with the girl. What was the point of doing such a thing? She was a burden to him, although she did bring in a decent amount of profit. Instead of having to find himself a means of employment such as the clergy or the like, Ridlington had enjoyed a life of leisure.
