Compromising Miss Milton

by Michelle Styles

  ‘But surely you knew he was a friend of Lord Edward’s? It was cruel of you not to say. I… I have been concerned for him.’

  ‘We did not discuss such things. We had more important matters to attend to.’

  ‘More than a friend, a companion in arms. We served in India together. One of the King’s regiments, rather than one of John Company’s. You understand the difference.’ Lord Edward bowed low. He smiled, showing too many teeth. ‘It was worry for my friend that drove me to miss this tea party. Am I forgiven or am I to be cast out into utter darkness?’

  Miss Blandish’s cheeks coloured and she stretched out her hand. ‘You are forgiven, Lord Edward. I am only grateful that our governess was able to assist your friend.’

  ‘I believe, Mrs Blandish, that my presence here is unnecessary,’ Daisy said, turning away from the pair. She had no doubt that the banns would be posted in due course. But by the time the wedding did happen, Daisy planned to be opening her school. There would be no need to wonder if she would happen upon Lord Ravensworth. ‘Nella must be kept to her task or she will begin daydreaming out of the window and who knows what will happen then.’

  Mrs Blandish tapped a finger against her tea cup. ‘I have merely expressed my concern about my younger daughter’s distressing habit of embroidering without recourse to needle or thread. You remain a most welcome addition to our family. After all, you clearly have the knack of rescuing the right sort of person.’

  Daisy concentrated on taking deep breaths and not giving into her temper. It would be easy to give up her job, but that would be cutting her own throat. She had other people to think about besides herself. She had little doubt that the next post would bring yet another plea from her sister for more money. It would not do them any good if she was out of work. A governess without a reference had a difficult time keeping a roof over her head. She would be gracious in victory.

  ‘Besmirching a lady’s reputation for pleasure is an unsavoury pastime, Miss Blandish,’ Daisy said, looking the woman directly in the eye. ‘I make no accusation, but simply comment. I trust I may return to my charge now. Hopefully next time, when she requests urgent help, her pleas will be listened to.’

  Daisy swept from the room. In the hall, she put a trembling hand on the wall. All the anger and the injustice drained from her, leaving her flat and deflated. She gave a weak smile. Here this morning she had been thinking about the job and its pleasant prospects. Now, Lord Ravensworth had managed to turn it all on its head and she couldn’t wait to leave. The door clicked behind her.

  ‘Well played in there, Miss Milton.’ Lord Edward blocked her way. His face assumed a foxlike expression and his eyes suddenly appeared crafty, reminding her again of the man on the river bank. She blinked and the expression was gone. ‘It is even more fortunate that I found you before anything amiss happened. I too know what Miss Prunella can be like. And I am gratified that you discovered Ravensworth and managed to bring him back here.’

  ‘I am grateful to you, sir,’ Daisy kept her voice polite, but her nerves were on alert. Why had he followed her out into the corridor? ‘Mrs Blandish leapt to certain unfortunate conclusions. However, I would have performed the same task if Lord Ravensworth had been a penniless tramp. People are owed the common courtesy of life.’

  ‘The parable of the Good Samaritan is your byword. Truly admirable, Miss Milton.’ He put his hand against the wall and moved closer.

  ‘If you wish…’ Daisy ducked under his arm and regained the space between them. Lord Edward had never shown her the slightest interest before and she sincerely hoped Lord Ravensworth had not told him about the kiss he had bestowed. The last thing a governess needed was to attract the wrong sort of male attention. ‘I am sure that Miss Blandish is pining for your company and Nella will have written about seven and a half lines. Her present occupation will be daydreaming. She needs a steady hand.’

  His laughter rang out, but he remained, blocking her way. ‘I am merely grateful that you discovered my friend and had the good sense to escort him to the hotel. But I am puzzled as to why you abandoned him before you reached the hotel. Did he behave inappropriately?’

  ‘Lord Ravensworth appeared determined to make his own way to the hotel.’

  ‘I am not chiding you, but seeking to determine his route.’ Lord Edward held up his hand, but his eyes were cold. ‘I am trying to ascertain if he dropped anything along it. I understand the thieves were unsuccessful.’

  ‘He was wearing his signet ring when I left him, but I am not aware of any other valuables.’

  ‘Thank you for that.’ Lord Edward’s face became more foxlike in its intensity. ‘I will remember to check for the ring. Now was there anything else he mentioned? His pocket watch? Anything at all, no matter how trivial. I am anxious to apprehend the thieves.’

  Daisy gave her head a quick shake. ‘Lord Ravensworth is the best person to speak with about such things. He knows what was within his pockets.’

  His gaze travelled slowly down her form, making her feel like an object rather than a person. ‘Lord Ravensworth is not nearly as pleasant looking as you, Miss Milton. It is a wonder that we have not had the opportunity to speak before now. Your perception and wit provide a beacon in an otherwise dull world.’

  Daisy pressed her fingertips together. The last thing she wanted was a talking to from Mrs Blandish about the follies of engaging a single man in conversation. And Lord Edward was most definitely Miss Blandish’s property, although she remained at a loss as to what could interest Miss Blandish beyond his title. She knew the rules of being a governess and she would keep them. ‘My charge awaits, Lord Edward.’

  ‘I believe I have a proposition for you.’

  Daisy’s eyes flew to his face. Lord Ravensworth must have said something about the kiss! It was the only explanation, and now Lord Edward… Daisy gritted her teeth. She wished she had left him on the river bank. ‘You mistake me, sir. I am no lightskirt.’

  ‘Not that sort. A thousand apologies.’ Lord Edward’s tone became even more oily. ‘Lord Ravensworth will be distressed to learn that your rescue of him has caused you any moments of difficulty. He will order me to fetch you. I merely sought to save us both trouble.’

  ‘Lord Ravensworth issuing orders?’ Daisy raised her eyebrows. ‘Why does that not surprise me?’

  ‘I believe the proper word is invitation.’ Lord Edward made a low bow, but his eyes twinkled slightly and a lock of hair fell over his forehead. ‘Yes, an invitation from both of us. You will do me the honour of allowing me to escort you to him so we can both put his mind at ease.’

  ‘Surely he is in bed with the doctor in attendance.’

  ‘Alas, no. He refuses.’ Lord Edward shook his head mournfully.

  ‘Lord Ravensworth is an arrogant man.’ Daisy cast her eyes heavenwards. ‘He should pay attention to his doctor.’

  ‘Please do me this one favour and make Ravensworth listen to the doctor. You succeeded in rescuing him and he will heed your words.’

  Daisy tapped her foot. ‘No one can make Lord Ravensworth do anything.’

  ‘I fear you have not seen him at his best. He is generally considered to be an amusing companion. The ladies fall at his feet. In India on a hill station—’

  ‘My brother worked for the East India Company and was posted to a hill station for a time,’ Daisy said quietly. ‘I know about the things that happen in India. England has different customs.’

  ‘Your brother?’ Lord Edward’s mouth dropped open. ‘I had no idea that you had any connection at all to India.’

  ‘Tom, Tom Milton. He has been dead for nearly six years.’ Daisy’s hands straightened her skirts. ‘He caught a fever and died. Perhaps you might remember him—he had different-coloured eyes, one was brown and the other green.’

  ‘Fever happens to many poor souls. India’s air seems to make you sick. When I think of all the men who have died…not to mention the children…’ He gave a dramatic sigh and shook his head. ‘I cannot reca
ll meeting such a man, but if he was your brother, I feel certain that he would have been a sterling fellow. Did he give you that pretty brooch?’

  ‘His last present. I consider it my good-luck charm.’ Daisy tried to keep her voice from choking. There was no point in explaining about her brother and his life. ‘I appreciate your concern, but I must get back to Nella. No doubt her mind will have come up with some highly coloured end for me.’

  ‘But you will go to see Lord Ravensworth.’

  ‘When I have the time…’ Was it her imagination that Lord Edward had taken yet another step closer? She glanced at the drawing-room door and willed it to open. Surely Mrs Blandish must have a sixth sense about these things. It was beneath her dignity to race up the stairs. ‘Do give him my regards.’

  ‘Miss Milton, Miss Milton.’ Mrs Blandish waddled out from the library, her turban slipping slightly over one ear. Daisy felt the tension ease from her shoulders. ‘I fear you may have taken offence at my elder daughter’s rash remarks.’

  ‘Offence? I feel certain you are mistaken, Mrs Blandish,’ Daisy said, tilting her head. She would stay out her contract and no more. She would start a school and it would be a success. If she said it enough times, perhaps she would believe it.

  Mrs Blandish dabbed her handkerchief to her eyes. ‘Nella is so very fond of you. It is a mother’s concern that tempers my words. I am at my wit’s end with that child. So much consternation and bother.’

  ‘I was explaining to Miss Milton that she must help me out with Lord Ravensworth. He refuses to obey the doctor until he knows she is safe. He fears that somehow he has put her in danger.’ Lord Edward’s mouth twisted up into a smile. ‘And yet, she states she must see to Miss Nella’s lines. Surely, you can spare her for a little while.’

  Mrs Blandish stopped. ‘Shall I send some calf’s-foot jelly to the viscount? I have several jars of it, in case my nerves start acting up. Miss Milton can bring it on my behalf.’

  ‘What a splendid idea, Mrs Blandish.’ Lord Edward rubbed his hands together. ‘What say you, Miss Milton?’

  ‘What can I say? It appears my life is being arranged.’

  ‘Miss Milton, when you are ready to depart, you will find me taking tea with the ladies.’

  * * *

  Daisy juggled the calf’s-foot jelly along with her parasol as she waited for Lord Edward to open the door at Shaw’s. Her one bonnet was beyond simple repair, the brim hopelessly crushed, and no amount of ribbon or flowers would hide the stains. And she had not had time to empty her basket of its paints.

  She resisted the temptation to redo her hair, but had allowed a mass of ringlets to form on her temple. She hated the way her heart quickened at the thought of seeing Lord Ravensworth again. If she was not careful, she would begin blushing and sighing. She could only hope the infatuation would die when she saw him in his natural habitat.

  ‘Miss Milton, may I assure you that Lord Ravensworth’s charm is legendary.’ Despite the jocularity of Lord Edward’s tone, his eyes were glacier pinpricks.

  ‘He was perfectly agreeable the first time we met…under the circumstances.’ Daisy closed the parasol with a snap. ‘I dare say being attacked and then nearly drowning would try the patience of a saint.’

  ‘You need not parry words with me, Miss Milton. I am aware of Ravensworth’s faults. He can be trying. I only wish we knew why he was attacked. And for what purpose.’

  ‘I will keep that under consideration.’

  Daisy moved further away from Lord Edward. She disliked his cold hands as they had guided her across the green. There was something odd in the way he kept sweating, but seemed to have such cold hands.

  She shook her head slightly, banishing the thought. Lord Edward had a sterling reputation and his family were very well known. He had not behaved in any way that lacked propriety. But something eluded her. Before today, his eyes had slid over her completely and now he watched her like a cat watches a mouse. What had she done?

  ‘Indeed.’ Lord Edward’s eyes gleamed. ‘I will send for a cup of refreshment and you can explain the precise circumstances of the rescue. Perhaps we should adjourn to a private parlour…’

  ‘My journey is to see Lord Ravensworth.’ Daisy tightened her grip on the parasol. Private parlour indeed! She had been trapped in a ruse. After her dismissal, Louisa Sibson had tearfully confided about how Jonathon Ponsby-Smythe had trapped her in similar circumstances. The naïveté of it all.

  Had Lord Ravensworth even requested to see her or had Lord Edward simply used it as a pretext?

  Normally, she was more attuned to the undercurrents. Her very reputation depended on it.

  ‘I have no complaints to make of his behaviour. Lord Ravensworth was a perfect gentleman during the rescue.’

  ‘Miss Milton lies. I was the very devil and refute any suggestion otherwise.’ Lord Ravensworth’s authoritative voice resounded at the end of the hall. ‘She has seen me at my worst and has lived to tell the tale. This woman will believe no pretty fable, Heritage, about my civility or charm. She is made of sterner material. Thank God.’

  Daisy turned towards the sound and saw Lord Ravensworth lounging against the banister. His stubble had gone and his hair was neatly swept back. He had changed and was now wearing a coat, shirt and cream-coloured trousers, the very model of a British aristocrat.

  The jar of calf’s-foot jelly grew slippery in her hands, but she clung to it much as a dying man clings to a spar. Lord Ravensworth was even more dangerous fully dressed than when she had discovered him on the riverbank.

  Lord Edward drew down his mouth. ‘Ravensworth, I had thought you would follow the doctor’s instructions and rest.’

  ‘How can I rest when I know my attackers remain unaccounted for?’ He gave an elegant shrug, but Daisy saw the white about his lips and knew the effort it must cost him to stay upright. ‘It suited me to speak to the parish constable in a public room, rather than in my suite.’

  ‘You see what I must contend with, Miss Milton,’ Lord Edward said to Daisy in an undertone. ‘If I let him, he would not give me or indeed any of the staff a moment’s peace. The doctor was firm on the matter. Sleep is the best medicine.’

  ‘Then you die. I have had quite enough of dying for one day, Heritage. I may have spent time in a river, but my hearing remains as acute as ever,’ Lord Ravensworth said, sounding far more like the man she had first encountered than the man who had kissed her. ‘You forgot to bring your basket, Miss Milton. I had not thought to see a governess without her basket. I should think there must be a statute or a law about it. Are you a governess without a basket?’

  ‘My basket?’ Daisy stared at him. What sort of game was he playing now? ‘It is at the Blandishes, full of paints and brushes. Ready to be cleaned out by my charge.’

  ‘A pity—you could have used it to carry whatever revolting concoction it is that you are balancing in your hands.’ Lord Ravensworth gestured imperiously with his hand.

  ‘Calf’s-foot jelly. It is good for invalids,’ Daisy replied, lifting her chin slightly. She tightened her grip on her parasol and wished she had thought to hide the calf’s-foot jelly in a bush. The smell was truly stomach-churning. Hastily she put it down on a table.

  ‘For what? For making them ill?’ Lord Ravensworth put a hand to his head. ‘I have devotedly prayed that I might be spared from the misguided ministrations of do-gooding females. It appears that my prayers have gone unheeded. You should be resting from your labours, but instead you bring lashings of calf’s-foot jelly.’

  ‘Ravensworth, you should consider the feelings of your friends,’ Lord Edward said.

  ‘I was not aware you were friends with Lord Edward Heritage, Miss Milton.’ Lord Ravensworth’s eyes became hard lumps of amber.

  ‘Lord Edward is friends with my employer.’

  ‘How very convenient. It saves me the trouble of finding you and your basket next time I have need of a governess. Which I don’t at present.’ Lord Ravensworth pushed off from the
banister and started forwards. Daisy put out her hands to steady him as he stumbled down two steps. He glowered at her and she allowed them to drop to her side.

  ‘Miss Milton is safe.’ Lord Edward gestured towards Daisy. ‘You were agitated about the governess being safe, Ravensworth. A little bit of detective work and here she is. Gilsland is not a large village and there are limited numbers of governesses.’

  Lord Ravensworth’s face became blacker and more thunderous with every breath he took. ‘I had not asked you, Heritage, to interfere in my affairs.’

  ‘Has the blow to your head entirely destroyed your sense of manners, Ravensworth? You asked about her.’

  Daisy attempted to ignore the sudden sinking of her stomach. Lord Edward had blatantly lied. Lord Ravensworth had not asked for her. He had no desire to continue the acquaintance. She would retain her dignity and he would never guess how deeply his remarks had wounded her. ‘Perhaps I should depart and return at a more opportune time.’

  Lord Ravensworth kept his gaze fixed on Lord Edward. ‘My sense of propriety is as acute as it ever was. I merely enquired why you felt compelled to bring Miss Milton here. At this time.’

  ‘To get you to rest, obviously,’ Daisy said in exasperation. ‘He mistakenly thought I might have some influence.’

  ‘I can take care of myself.’

  ‘Ravensworth, be reasonable.’ Lord Edward held out his hands in supplication, his eyes sliding from one to the other, but never resting. ‘Who knows what might have happened if I had not intervened? Her charge had apparently given a highly inflammatory story about you two embracing when you were naked.’

  ‘It is an intriguing suggestion.’ Lord Ravensworth’s gaze travelled slowly down her form and then back up again, far more slowly this time. Daisy wished the floor would open and swallow her up. Or that she could go back and start the day again. ‘But alas, that was not possible. You are very bad for me, Miss Milton. I discover that I have developed a conscience.’

  ‘Nella is given to exaggeration.’ Daisy clung to the parasol. She would ignore the blatant invitation in his eyes. Why was it that her prayers were never answered? ‘My charge merely wished to enliven proceedings. Unfortunately, Nella’s tall tale ensured no rescue party was sent.’