A Fair Pretender

by Janet Woods

  ‘Not if I’ve got anything to do with it,’ he said.

  ‘My dear Saville, it seems to me that you’re being very selfish about this girl. You profess not to want her yourself, but cannot bear the thought of her marrying another. Not satisfied with that, when I remit to you her intention to take up the religious life and serve the poor, you declare you will prevent her from carrying out such worthy pursuit. May I point out that you have no claim to her, so have no power to enforce your will with regards to her future, whatever that future may be.’

  For a moment Saville stared at her, an aggrieved expression twisting wryly at his mouth. Suddenly, his face cleared and he laughed. ‘Damn you, Charlotte, you’re a devious as she is. I’m going to win her back, you know.’

  ‘I never had any doubt of that,’ she said smoothly.

  Chapter Fourteen

  It had been a lucrative run. William Younger had picked up a shipload of slaves from the fever coast, the majority of whom were young and sound of wind and limb. No more than a dozen had died during the journey. They, and a further half-dozen who’d showed signs of the same infection, had been thrown overboard to save him the expense of doctoring them. He would claim the lot on insurance as spoiled cargo, and add to it the slaves Sedgley had helped to escape.

  He’d sold the healthy slaves at an inflated price in Antigua, ensuring a quick return to England, loaded up with sugar. The weather had been fair, with a strong and constant following wind to fill the sails. The Bristol Pride, though fully laden, had made a fast run. He also picked up a passenger in Antigua, a sugar planter by the name of Francis Seaton. William couldn’t believe his luck.

  ‘My agent in London keeps his ear to the ground,’ William said over dinner the day before they were due to dock, and because his companion had sunk half a bottle of brandy, he seized the chance to broach the subject which had been on his mind since they’d left. ‘I understand Graine Seaton is your niece.’

  The sugar planter’s silvery eyes came up to his. Fastidiously, he dabbed at his lips before answering, and William could see he was considering his reply. The planter was small in stature, and there was a cruelty about the delicately curved mouth when he said quietly. ‘I rarely discuss family matters with strangers, and no doubt you’ve heard I do not acknowledge the girl. What is your point, Captain?’

  ‘Miss Seaton is in London with her half-sister, and it seems she’s to be given half of Seth Adam’s fortune.’

  ‘I see.’ He gave a thin smile and his eyes narrowed, giving his face a cat-like alertness. ‘Perhaps I will call on her whilst I’m in town, let bygones be bygones. It was remiss of me not to do so sooner. May I ask what your interest is in this matter, Captain?’

  William leaned forward. ‘I believe the sisters are guests of the Earl of Sedgley, who maintains a house in Hanover Square. Your niece's beauty is drawing attention, and there are rumors concerning her and the earl.’

  The sharp eyes impaled him, the man’s mouth twisted in disdain. ‘To what extent is she involved with the man?’

  William shrugged. ‘She was his guest in Dorset over the winter, and tongues wagged.’

  ‘Why … was she without a chaperone?’

  ‘The earl’s sister was in residence for a small portion of the time involved, I believe.’

  Francis leaned back in his chair with his hands steepled under his chin. I seem to recall the Sedgley name from the past. What type of man is the earl?’

  ‘His father was an adventurer. Perhaps you know of him. He was a partner of Seth Adams.’

  Air hissed from Francis Seaton’s mouth and his eyes became venomous. ‘So … ’ he spat, ‘The affairs of my sister come back to haunt me once again. It was the Earl of Sedgley who introduced Blanche to Seth Adams. I vowed to destroy those who contributed to her downfall. I had no idea the man had a son to inherit. It seems as if he takes after the father.’

  William leaned forward and smiled. ‘He is not the adventurer his father was, but he is actively involved in the anti-slavery movement. He’s a solitary man by all accounts, though none speak ill of him.’

  The laugh Francis gave was thin and high-pitched. ‘He might as well piss into the wind. The slave trade is too profitable and men are too greedy for it to be abolished. If it stopped there would be no sugar, no tobacco and no cotton thread. Pah! He’s no threat where that’s concerned.’

  ‘He’s set up an escape route for runaways from my ships in Bristol, which costs me money.’

  ‘You know of this route?’

  ‘I will soon, for I’m in the process of sending a man through the system.’

  ‘You cannot trust a slave.’

  ‘Be that as it may; I’ve promised this one freedom and a passage back to Africa for his trouble.’

  ‘Ah,’ Francis said, and smiled. ‘No doubt he will get his justly deserved reward in the end. And once we know who our enemies are, we can deal with them together, yes?’

  ‘Mutual co-operation, my friend. If you will allow me to ship all of your produce I will help you with your niece, who is in need of a protector now she has a large fortune at her disposal.’

  ‘Ah yes … the fortune. I suppose the elder sister is her next of kin.’

  ‘Alas … unless she dies before she weds John Lamartine. Then your niece stands to inherit her sister’s portion, as well. Under such circumstances, she would be an extremely wealthy woman. Let us hope she has not inherited weak traits from her parents.’

  ‘My niece must be protected against her own nature. But someone might have discredited me in her eyes,’ Francis murmured, his eyes gleaming.

  ‘There is more than one method to circumnavigate a relationship. There is a woman of great stupidity and tediousness my agent has recently made the acquaintance of––the aunt of the Earl of Sedgley. The woman’s nose has been greatly put out of joint by your niece, I believe. She would do anything to have the girl sent packing.’

  The words quivered provocatively in the air between them.

  Harriet Lamartine was introduced to Francis Seaton at a card assembly. He was most attentive, plying her with wine all evening. She found him to be charming, especially when he lost several gold pieces to her. She declined another game, knowing she couldn’t afford to lose, and intent on keeping what she’d gained.

  Really, it was too bad she was kept so short of money when her son was marrying a fortune, she thought. Evelyn kept a tight grip on her purse strings, and her allowance from Saville was just enough to cover her expenses. Things would change when John wed, she vowed, for she’d not allow that woman to keep the upper hand for long.

  ‘Perhaps you’d keep me company on the terrace, Lady Harriet,’ Francis murmured.

  Harriet didn’t correct his mistake in address, just took his arm in as grand a manner as she could manage. ‘I believe you’re from the West Indies, Sir. Perhaps you’re acquainted with my future daughter-in-law, Miss Evelyn Adams, and her half sister, Graine, who are lately from Antigua.’

  They took a seat in a corner, and Francis secured glasses of wine from a servant. ‘I’ve heard of Miss Adams, but as I recall, we’ve never met.’

  ‘Odd that the half-sister, Graine, bears the same family name as you,’ Harriet mused, ‘She has an … interesting, if unsavory history, I understand.’

  The man’s eyes became as alert of those of a cat. ‘Please do not continue if you are to revile her, I beg of you,’ he said. ‘I have been searching for my poor sister’s child for several months and, have in fact, posted a large reward for anyone who can help me find her.’

  ‘A reward?’ Harriet smiled. ‘Why, I do think I can be of assistance to you, Mr Seaton. I know the dear child personally, and although I’ve tried to be of counsel to her, she is possessed of a determined streak, and has not responded to my motherly overtures. I must tell you, sir, your niece is very forward for her age, due, no doubt to lack of parental control in her upbringing. Dearest Evelyn, she does her best to control her, but … ’ She shrugged. ‘S
uch a shame that your niece was raised without the firm guidance of a father’s hand.’

  ‘Unfortunately, I believed her to be dead, and didn’t know of her existence until recently. Rest assured, when I gain proper guardianship she will be obliged to learn some manners and bow to my dictates.’

  A smile spread across Harriet’s lips as she considered this. If this man proved to be Graine Seaton’s guardian, she could be rid herself of the girl, for good, preferably before the settlement took place. After all, why should Francis Seaton have it?

  Her mind ticked over the possibilities. With Graine out of sight, the earl would soon forget his fancy for her, then she would pose no threat to the grandchildren John and Evelyn would produce, for John would remain heir to Rushford and the title. The earl had never displayed any inclination to wed. She’d heard him described as a man’s man, so she wouldn’t be surprised if he was one of those men who preferred the company––

  Francis Seaton gently touched her arm, his face a study of concern. ‘You are so wise, dear, Lady Harriet.’

  ‘Do you have children yourself, Mr Seaton?’

  He shook his head. ‘Unfortunately, my wife has proved to be barren.’

  ‘Then perhaps Graine will prove to be a comfort for you both. I know you didn’t wish me to speak of this, but it’s better you should know. Nothing definite, of course, but there are whispers about the Earl of Sedgley.’

  ‘I’d heard he was a relative of yours.’

  ‘He’s my nephew by marriage, Sir. He is a worthy fellow, but was duped by Graine’s pert ways and pretty face. Strange, since to my knowledge he’s not shown the slightest inclination towards the fairer sex before. She is too far beneath him to be considered seriously, of course. But sometimes men can be such fools where women are concerned, especially when they have estate and are forced to wed against their natures, and obliged produce heirs to inherit.’

  ‘Indeed,’ Francis murmured, reacting to her snippit of information with slight puzzlement, since Captain Younger had indicated the earl’s nature to be manly where Graine was concerned. ‘I recall the Sedgley name was mentioned with regards to an escape route for slaves once. A worthy cause, if one doesn’t rely on slaves for one’s labor. I doubt if it’s the same man though. An earl would consider himself above such a trivial pastime.’

  Harriet slanted her eyes in as mysterious a manner as she was able. ‘This must be kept as a confidence, of course. The earl disapproves so heartily of the slave trade, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he’s arranged an escape route. I accidentally overheard he and my son talking about such a plan once or twice. They agreed that once a slave sets foot in English soil he becomes a free man.’

  ‘That’s true of course,’ Francis murmured, ‘But the slaves cannot handle freedom. They cannot think for themselves and must be directed in everything they do. To set them free in a strange, cold land is the cruelest thing one can do for them. Most of them die because they’re treated worst than dogs by the population at large. At least on the plantations they are housed and fed, and they are kept gainfully employed.’

  Harriet nodded. ‘The Earl said there is a sea captain who is particularly harsh, and he is determined to bring him to book one day. He invited Captain Younger to search the caves at Rushford Estate. Saville and my son were laughing about it. The caves were not the ones used to hide the runaways in, but those used in the past for smuggling by his father and his partner, Seth Adams.’

  Her hand pressed against her heart. ‘Rogues, the pair of them were, but the old earl was so dashing a man I completely lost my heart to him. The son doesn’t take after him though. Saville is much too clever for his own good. He is a dark horse and, although he is often reclusive, he can be ruthless when he sets out to be. That sea captain had better beware.’

  Francis Seaton nodded. ‘You’re a very observant woman, Lady Harriet. I imagine you know every little secret they try and keep from you.’

  ‘Oh, they think I don’t know what goes on,’ she said bitterly, ‘As if I could have ignore the comings and goings in my own backyard for all that time. ‘They bring the runaways there at night, using the river, then hide them upstairs in the sleeping chambers of the old schoolroom. The place is let as a warehouse, so it appears to be a legitimate business. They store goods in it, but the merchant concerned is known to be outspoken in his pursuit of ending the trade in slaves.’

  Francis Seaton stood up and bowed. ‘I’ve enjoyed our conversation. I do hope you will keep our discussion in confidence, especially about my niece. I wish to surprise her.’

  Harriet was disappointed by his departure. She coughed as he turned to leave, saying delicately. ‘You mentioned a reward, Mr Seaton.’

  ‘Of course, Lady Harriet. Alas, you’ve won most of the cash I carried, and without giving me a chance to win it back. Also, I need to take a look at Graine Seaton and satisfy myself the girl is who you say she is. I will expect her to bear some resemblance to her poor, dead mother. Perhaps you could invite her to visit you––’

  ‘Oh, no, I cannot! We’ve exchanged harsh words and she would snub any invitation. However, I happen to know she will be shopping shortly with Miss Adams.’ Her voice took on a sour note. ‘They tend to squander money on themselves and patronize a dressmaking establishment in Charing Cross. They have an appointment at three pm for a fitting.’

  When she imperiously held up her arm to have her hand kissed, the man pretended not to see it. She lowered it again, putting some chill in her voice. ‘I’ll expect you to call on me with the reward early tomorrow, Mr Seaton, before my son does. No doubt he’d be most interested in the conversation we’ve just engaged in.’

  A pair of pale eyes flickered toward her, Francis Seaton’s mouth stretched into a thin smile. ‘My dear, Mrs Lamartine, women of your age and disposition should not indulge in threats, especially women who cheat at the card tables.’ He palmed a knife from his sleeve. ‘A couple of pricks from this little fellow could blind you, a slash across the tongue could silence you, the tip embedded in the back of the neck could paralyze you. And who knows what the length of it could achieve when applied to the unsuspecting flesh of your son, who is an official of the church at Chiswick, I believe. You must keep your mouth shut, my dear, so no harm will befall anyone. Is that understood?’

  Recoiling from him, she gasped, and nodded.

  He leaned forward, picked up her hand and made every show of manners. ‘Good. You must hide your avarice and learn not to push so hard, my dear. You’ll get your reward, but unless you keep quiet the payment will not be as pleasant as you first expected.’ He turned and walked rapidly away, leaving her shivering with dread.

  * * * *

  Evelyn had developed an odd notion that they were being watched. She gazed around her, but saw nothing untoward. Still, the uneasy feeling persisted as they threaded their way through the bustling crowds, followed by Millie and Jessie.

  Evelyn had taken to London with a vengeance. She loved the bustle, the rich variety of the population and the noisy street vendors with their colorful language. It was so unlike her former home it was like being in a different, and wildly exciting world.

  Suddenly, there was shouting up ahead and a crush of people came surging towards them.

  ‘Quick,’ Millie shouted, trying to push her out of the way.

  She wasn’t fast enough. The crowd surrounded her and carried her forward under its momentum. Jostled here and there, her arm was grasped and she was pulled to one side and against the body of a man. Cold grey wolverine eyes touched briefly against hers, then she caught her breath as something punched her in the side.

  A pickpocket, she thought as hands wrenched the pocket from her gown and a brooch from her shoulder. Then she was down, saved from being trampled underfoot by a wall at her back. Struggling to her feet invited a cramping pain to attack her side. Overcome by dizziness, she sank to her knees.

  A pair of strong arms came around her in support as the crush passed by, stampe
ded by God knew what, for there was no immediate cause for such rushing panic as had been displayed.

  ‘Thank God you’re here,’ she whispered when she saw Saville. I think I have been injured.’

  Millie arrived with Graine and Jessie at her heels. They were out of breath and frantic. Millie gazed in horror. ‘God almighty, what has happened? Look at the blood on your gown?’

  Already feeling faint, Evelyn took one glance at the seeping red liquid and passed out.

  ‘The blood must be staunched before she is moved,’ Graine observed, and Saville was glad she was not prone to hysterics at the sight of such calamity.

  ‘Use my stock,’ he said, and tried not to respond to the sensation of her fingers against his skin as she loosened his carefully arranged neckwear to bind Evelyn’s wound with.

  There was not a sedan chair in sight. As soon as she was finished staunching the blood flow he set off for Hanover Square, his long stride carrying him rapidly over the ground. Evelyn was no lightweight when compared to Graine.

  Graine followed after him, her heels tapping determinedly against the cobbles. Although the maids, laden down as they were with parcels, fell behind, she was practically running. After a while Graine began to pant, but she didn’t complain. She put him in mind of a little terrier dog. Her breathing grew more labored. He relaxed his pace a little. Getting Evelyn home quickly would be of no use if there were nobody there with the skill to look after her.

  Barely fifteen minutes later, Evelyn was settled on her bed. Saville had been dismissed whilst Graine examined her sister, with Millie in attendance. Graine came out for a brief moment or two, to say. ‘The wound is not deep enough to have caused serious damage, and it does not require stitching. However, I must probe it, for something seems to be lodged inside the cut. I’ll call you if help is needed. She then bade him arrange warm water, tweezers, salves, and strips of clean linen to serve as bandaging.

  He passed the task over to Jessie whilst he sent a footman with a message for John. Taking a seat on the stair he winced when he heard Evelyn give a long drawn out groan, which was followed by soothing sounds from Graine. He refrained from rushing inside. His patience was rewarded when Graine joined him in a little while.