by Liese Anning
'What do you mean, V? I am not sure I understand,’ Cassie said, looking at Verity with wide open eyes.
Verity took another deep breath. She did not know if she was expressing herself with clarity. 'Let me try and explain,' she said, still holding her sister's hand. 'When a gentleman pays a young woman attention...'
Cassie interrupted her floundering sister, 'you mean if he flirts with her.'
'Yes, I suppose I do mean flirting,' she said, her cheeks turning pink. 'It makes us feel...' Verity floundered once more, finding it difficult to find the words.
‘Special, as if you are the only woman in the world.' Cassie looked at Verity as she spoke, her eyes bright with excitement. 'You want him to hold you until the rest of the world just melts away.'
'Yes,' Verity answered, unable to look at her sister in the eye, 'that is desire. Wanting a man's touch to make you feel...'
'Like a woman, not a schoolgirl,' Cassie said, as she once more interrupted her sister.
Verity nodded.
'Why is that so wrong?' Cassie said wistfully.
'There are many men, who are without honour. They will play on your feelings and use them to slowly dismantle your reputation. His touch will leave you wanting more, and, without marriage, that will only lead to ruin and disgrace.'
'But surely,' Cassie said, wide-eyed, 'if a gentleman kisses you, he intends to marry you.'
'Oh Cass,' Verity said gravely, 'Not all gentlemen wish to marry. There are some that may offer an alternative.'
'Something other than marriage?' Cassie said shocked, as though such a thought had never occurred to her.
'Do you know the meaning of carte blanche?' Verity said, in her best schoolmistress’ voice.
'Of course, it means, a blank piece of paper. I suppose it allows someone the freedom to do as they please.' Cassie's eyes grew even wider as she finished the sentence. 'Oh,' she said, quietly, 'I think I understand. You mean, become their mistress.'
Verity nodded. 'Unlike marriage, there is no legal contract, and they can cast you off at any time. Then you will be left with nothing. That is why it is important to distinguish between love and desire.'
'But how can I do that? I mean, distinguish between them.' Cassie asked her sister curiously.
'I do not know, my dear,' she said, shaking her head. 'But I do know that a single woman's reputation is like a porcelain vase. It is fragile and can be smashed into a thousand pieces by one person's thoughtless deed. Cassie, we are on our own. There is no one to help us protect our reputation. No one.' A note of desperation had now crept into Verity's voice. 'Without a spotless reputation, we cannot work with young ladies. Even if there is only a rumour of impropriety, no one will entrust the care of their daughters to you. If anyone even just links your name to a gentleman, such as Major Ellington, you will be ruined.' Verity stopped once more and smiled at her sister. 'Remember, our father left us no provision for our future. We must earn our keep and not be a drain on Reggie's meagre resources. Our reputation is all we have.'
‘But, V, surely it is worth risking it all if you think you are in love?' Cassie said passionately.
Verity shook her head, 'no Cass, I do not think so. You could lose everything you value most, including your heart.' Cassie sat propped up in bed, and Verity could still see she was pondering her advice. 'I found out from Major Mitford that they are going to a house-party at Highfields. Do I need to warn you about them? They are the talk of the neighbourhood. Many of the villagers will not allow their daughters to work at Highfields. I know that he had to bring all his female servants from his other estates. And, Cassie,’ Verity said seriously, putting her hand on her sister’s, ‘you must stay away from Lord Melrose, he is a very dangerous man. Please, promise me you will not go anywhere near him, or Highfields.’
Cassie nodded. ‘V, don’t get anxious about me. I can look after myself.’
Verity looked at her sister and touched her cheek tenderly, ‘I just do not want you to get hurt.’
Cassie put her arms around her sister and gave her a hug. ‘I will be careful,’ she said quietly.
'It is late, my dear,' Verity said, blowing out the candle and leaving them in darkness, 'I think we should get some sleep.'
Cassie bent over and kissed her sister on the cheek. 'Good night, V, sleep well.'
As Verity lay there in the darkness, with the storm still raging outside, she mulled over the conversation she had just had with her sister. There had been something unsettling about it. Verity went through all the events of the previous evening in her head. She had left Major Mitford and Mr Millar to retrieve the luggage from the carriage and had gone to help Mrs Millar prepare the house for their unexpected guests. Once everything had been arranged, Verity had gone to find her sister in the drawing room.
Now looking back, on the scene that greeted her, it had seemed a little odd. Cassie was sitting next to Major Ellington, her eyes were unnaturally bright, and her cheeks were flushed, while the Major sat back with his arm draped on the sofa behind Cassie. She had not thought, at the time, that they were sitting a little too close together, or that her usually honest sister could not look her in the eye. Verity was full of regret for leaving her sister alone with him. At least tomorrow morning he would be gone, and it would be doubtful that a man of the world, such as The Major, would be interested in a young, innocent maiden governess, fresh from the schoolroom. These thoughts comforted Verity as she finally succumbed to sleep.
✽✽✽
‘Sir,’ the valet said quietly, as he knocked gently on the door to his master's bedchamber, ‘Lord Melrose’s carriage has arrived.’
It was early in the morning, just before sunrise, and James had not slept. ‘Thank-you, Jones,’ James said to his servant.
‘Do you require any help this morning?’ The valet then asked through the door.
‘No, thank you,’ came the reply, ‘it will not take me long to get ready.’
James got out of the uncomfortable bed and put on the clothes he had taken off the night before. Hopefully, later that morning, he would be reunited with his luggage when he arrived, at last, to Highfields.
The bedchamber, he had been allocated, was small and sparsely decorated. It belonged to Miss Stanford, the woman he had met the night before. And, even though he had not slept well, he had been grateful to her for giving up her room at such short notice.
It seemed a little odd to James that there were so few personal possessions in the room. All the trinkets, that one associated with a lady’s bedchamber, were absent. Her only belongings, on display, were a few books. He picked up her well-read copy of Paradise Lost and read her full name, Verity Grace Stanford. It had been printed in neat copperplate letters on the inside cover. After he flicked through some of the pages, he carefully put the book back on the table next to the bed. It felt wrong to look through her effects without her permission. It was all too personal.
Before he left the house, he managed to thank Miss Stanford for her hospitality, and he tried to give her some money to compensate for all the trouble they had caused.
‘I cannot accept payment,’ she had said, as they were leaving, ‘you were our guests.’
‘At least let me pay Mr Millar for all his trouble,’ James said politely.
‘No, Major Mitford,’ Miss Stanford replied firmly, ‘I have already reimbursed Mr Millar.’
The journey to Highfields, in Lord Melrose’s carriage, was more comfortable than the journey before the accident. The roads, that only yesterday had shaken them to the core, felt much smoother in the well-sprung carriage. James put his head back, against the soft velvet of the squabs and shut his eyes. He was just about to fall asleep when Ellington said in a loud voice, ‘Hadlands was a delightful place, was it not?’
James sat up, ‘what do you mean delightful?’ he said, not quite knowing what to make of his statement. ‘The house was cold, and the bed was extremely uncomfortable. And as well as all that, their servant, Millar, was one of the rude
st men I have ever had the misfortune to encounter.’
‘I was not talking about the house. That was indeed quite dreadful,’ Ellington replied. ‘I was referring to the two lovely damsels that lived there. The younger one, in particular, was quite ravishing.’
James looked over to Ellington, who had a big grin on his face, ‘you may have been cold and miserable in your uncomfortable bed, but I was quite warm. I had the most comfortable pillow to lay my tired head on.’
James scowled at his travelling companion. What Ellington had said had been laced with innuendo. ‘I think you should be careful what you say,’ James said to Ellington, ‘Miss Stanford and her sister were very hospitable to us last night.’
‘The delightful younger damsel was exceedingly friendly.’ Ellington replied, still grinning, ‘I did not get much sleep, thanks to her.’
‘Ellington, I think you should…’ James had growled before he was interrupted.
‘Mitford,’ Ellington said, as he laughed loudly. Once he had regained his composure, he added, ‘you are, sometimes, such a bore. I am only saying, that I must have passed a more congenial night than you; that is all.’
James knew, from experience, that Ellington liked to shock and often said things to evoke a reaction, so he had decided not to respond to him. Therefore, he put his head back onto the comfortable squabs and began to doze.
‘Wake up, Mitford,’ he heard Ellington say, ‘we are just turning into Highfields.’
The carriage turned and entered the estate through an impressively large sandstone arch, and they made their way up the well-maintained driveway. As they approached the house, he could see manicured lawns, as far as the eye could see, carefully dotted with flower beds. The sandstone house, which was the centrepiece of the landscaped gardens, was impressive. It had a large entrance, composed of a classical portico that was held in position by several large imposing Doric columns. A sandstone staircase swept under the columns and lead up to a large double panelled oak door.
Ellington was also looking out of the window of the carriage, at the house. ‘When Melrose inherited the place five years ago, it was very different. His father had let it go to rack and ruin. The old man was an avid gambler and had almost lost the whole estate at the turn of just one card. Melrose has done a magnificent job bringing the place back to life.’
James had to agree. The house, particularly the grounds, did indeed look spectacular.
The carriage pulled up outside the house, and the two travellers climbed out. 'Here, at last,' Lord Melrose bellowed to his guests as they looked up at him, as he stood at the top of the grand staircase.
Ellington, then bounded up the steps towards his cousin and, once he had reached the top, shook his hand vigorously. ‘It is good to see you again after all these years,’ he said in excitement. ‘I am very grateful for the invitation,’ he added, as he grinned enthusiastically at his cousin, ‘and it could not have come at a better time.’
‘It has been too long since we last saw each other,' Melrose said enthusiastically.
James stood patiently by the carriage. He did not want to interrupt the reunion between the cousins. After Melrose, had greeted his cousin, he then said to Ellington. 'Stephan, where are your manners. I think you should introduce me to your friend.’
After Ellington, had finished the introductions, Melrose said to both men, ‘come in, gentlemen. Welcome to Highfields.’
They walked into the hall and were greeted by a smart looking butler, who took their hats and coats.
‘Please follow me,’ Melrose said, ‘from the look of you, you both need a stiff drink and a hot bath...in that order.' They followed Melrose into his study. ‘Please sit by the fire, and I will pour you both a drink.’
Opposite the roaring fire, were several soft brown leather chairs. They walked over to the chairs and sat down. Melrose then gave each of them a large glass of scotch. 'Cheers,' Melrose said, raising his glass to both men, ‘here’s to a productive house-party.’
Ellington closed his eyes as he savoured the scotch, ‘this is magnificent.’
’It is the best,’ Melrose said, with pride, ‘I have it specially brought down from my estate in Scotland.’
‘I am sorry to hear about your accident,' Melrose then said to Ellington, after refilling their glasses. 'My servant told me the axle of the carriage broke, just outside Hadlands.'
'Yes,' Ellington replied, 'we were rather hoping to arrive here last night, but the weather was appalling.'
'The road, outside Hadlands, is an absolute disgrace,' Melrose added, shaking his head, ‘and the house… well, it hasn’t had any major repairs on it, for at least twenty years. I am surprised the roof was not blown away last night.’ He then said, changing the subject, ‘you both look tired. Did you get any sleep?’
Ellington looked at his cousin and grinned, ‘not much, but, there again, I was rather distracted by the young beauty with the golden hair.’
‘The younger Stanford sister. I do believe her name is Cassandra,’ Melrose said, with a wry smile.
‘She is exquisite,’ Ellington replied, ‘and the little temptress certainly kept me awake.’
James, by this time, was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. He did not put much stock into Ellington’s lewd conversation with his cousin. He often said outrageous things just to shock those around him. James was convinced that most of what he had said, regarding the younger Stanford sister, was just bravado, told to impress his cousin. Therefore, he decided to ignore their conversation.
'I was sorry to learn of your injury at Salamanca,’ Melrose said to his cousin after they had both stopped laughing.
'Oh, that!' Ellington said dismissively, 'if you must know, it was rather a blessing in disguise. It has allowed me to return to the bosom of my family, with my honour intact. It also has its advantages.'
'Advantages?' Melrose asked curiously.
'I never have to pay for my drinks,’ he said leaning forward towards Melrose. He then added in a loud whisper, 'I will let you into a secret...women love a hero.'
Melrose laughed, 'indeed they do.' Once the amusement had died down, he added, 'I also hear congratulations are in order. You are to be married next month to the Billington chit.'
Ellington nodded. ‘A dull and strange looking girl,’ he said wrinkling up his nose, ‘who eats far too many cakes.’
‘But it’s an excellent match,’ Melrose said, 'she has a large dowry, and she is also the sole heir to her father's vast fortune.'
'What she lacks in looks, she makes up for in cash,' Ellington said, with a smile on his face.
'Her father has connections with both parties in parliament, has he not?'
Ellington nodded. ‘Yes, he does.’
‘Excellent,’ Melrose said, rubbing his hands together.
There was a knock on the study door, and a liveried footman came into the room. ‘My lord,’ he said expressionless, ‘the gentlemen’s rooms are ready.’
James and Ellington stood up to leave, but before they left Melrose said to his cousin, ‘may I speak to you in private before you go upstairs to your room.’
‘Of course,’ Ellington said.
✽✽✽
To his relief, James found his valet already in his room, standing next to a bathtub, full of steaming hot water. His valet helped him remove his clothing, the same ones he had been wearing for two days, and then he gently lowered himself into the hot water.
‘Jones,' he said, as he addressed his valet, 'did you find out anything last night from that man Millar?'
'Yes, sir,' he said as he continued to unpack his master's clothing, 'if you ask my opinion, he is a rather unpleasant character.'
‘Did you notice anything odd about him?’
'Odd is one way of putting it, sir.' The valet said as he continued to fold his master’s clothes. ‘His old master, who died last month, left him a substantial legacy, that could not be paid, due to the estate having insufficient funds. He blames the older siste
r for this oversight. Though, I am not sure why.'
'Did you find out how the father lost his money?' James said, grabbing a nearby towel and getting out of the bath.
'Gambling! He apparently lost everything playing cards.’ Jones said, as he picked up his master's dressing gown and handed it to him. 'Shave?'
James nodded, and the valet looked for his master’s shaving case.
Once the case had been found, Jones lathered up his master's face and began the delicate operation. 'They have a younger brother. I think he is at Harrow, and a bit wild from all accounts. And, from what Millar told me, there may not even be enough money to pay his school fees.'
'What do you make of this place?' James asked out of curiosity, quickly changing the subject. The more he heard about the situation, regarding the two sisters at Hadlands, the more obliged he felt to help them. He had decided, at the beginning when he had first met them, not to get involved in their affairs, and he had yet to hear anything that would make him change his mind.
‘I am not certain, sir,' Jones answered, ‘there is something not right. I did see...' Jones stopped and then added, 'no, sir, it is not my place to comment on the gentry.’
James sighed and then said, ‘please tell me, I need to know as much as I can. And, I value your opinion.’
'There were women...in the kitchen,' Jones said, sounding unsure of himself, ‘I do not think that they are in the least bit respectable.'
James said bitterly. 'I might have guessed Ellington would drag me here to this type of house-party,' he said to Jones as he was applying some cologne to his master's face, ‘I was foxed when I excepted his invitation, and I thought it would be a good idea. I am sorry for dragging you across the country for this.'
'Will that be all, sir,' Jones said, as he finished tidying away his master’s belongings.
'Yes, Jones,' he then said, 'that will be all.'
Chapter 4
It had been nearly a week since the two unexpected guests had left Hadlands, and much to Verity’s relief, Cassie had not broached the subject of either love or marriage with her. In fact, life, for both sisters, had returned to normal. During the day, Cassie would leave Hadlands, just after breakfast, and would not return until sunset. This gave Verity the time to organise her late father’s belongings, and prepare the house for her brother’s future residency. In the evenings, once Cassie had returned, they would sit together by the fire in the drawing room; reading novels, sewing and discussing their day.
