Angelique

by Carl Leckey

  Mr Humphreys stands by the study door looking very uncomfortable. Mother approaches me and says in a low voice. “Whether you like it or not Emily has decided you have the honour to be the master now. I know you have been thrown in at the deep end but the servants will expect you to take charge. I suggest you start with Mr Humphreys. I am going to see my Grandson settled into his nursery before Emily takes complete charge of him as well.”

  I detect a tiny laugh as she heads upstairs.

  Reluctantly I head towards the study. Mr Humphreys opens the door and steps aside to permit my entry. I recall the last time I was in here I was being interviewed, now well to be honest I haven’t got a clue what I am supposed to do. I decide to play this by ear and take the seat behind the big desk. Mr Humphrey’s enters closes the door and stands fidgeting in front of the desk. I wave him to a seat. “Mr Humphreys er may I call you Cecil?” Slightly flustered something I didn’t witness on my last visit Cecil agrees. “In that case will you call me Adam?”

  My offer appears to cause him more confusion he replies. “I am sorry my Lord that would not be appropriate.”

  “Why Cecil I am only the same person as I was when we last met?”

  “That is not so my Lord. Lady Emily has told us how to address you and that is how it will be. If she told us you are the King of England then you would be addressed as your Highness.” I reply with a grin. “But Cecil I am not a Lord. Look I am going to trust you because I know you are the soul of discretion. I believe you have the right to know. This information is to go no further than this room do you understand?” He assures me. “Of course my Lord it goes without saying.”

  I explain. “I am the illegitimate Son of Lady Angelique my Father is the late Major Carstairs.”

  Poor Cecil looks aghast as I reveal the family secret.

  I enquire. “Do you understand what I am saying?” He replies hesitantly. “I do my Lord. I suspected there was something amiss when Lady Angelique disappeared some time ago when she was about sixteen. Poor Lady Angelique was so ill when the General and Lady Emily brought her home. I must admit I never suspected she had given birth to a baby. Now I begin to understand why you came here two years ago.”

  I continue. “It’s a long complicated and tragic story Cecil but I won’t burden you further with the details.” Cecil comments in a bitter voice. “The Major forced himself on her didn’t he? Lady Angelique is too much of a Lady to submit willingly to.” He hesitates. “Forgive me for saying this Adam. Major Carstairs was an arrogant cruel swine.

  I had a feeling there was something very wrong before she went away.

  I tried questioning her maid Millie but she wouldn’t reveal anything.

  I feel I let Lady Angelique down. The poor girl had no one to turn to except her maid in her hour of need. God forgive me for not helping her.”

  I console him. “Don’t blame yourself Cecil, if my Mother wouldn’t tell you what occurred how could you have known? Now let’s move on from that sorry chapter. We may console ourselves to the fact he paid the ultimate price for his sin.”

  I try to speak with authority. “Cecil I believe you handle the estate magnificently. I see no reason to interfere.” He thanks me for my praise I continue.

  “If an occasion arises when I am not entirely satisfied, I will bring it to your attention discretely.” I add with a smile. “If the occasion arises when you are not satisfied with something I have done. I will expect you to enlighten me please.” I notice him visibly relax as I continue.

  “I will only be here a short while. I will be going across to France shortly. I have family and a business over there. When I do go I shall leave things in your capable hands. Are you aware there have been some difficulties with finance of late?” He looks embarrassed until I advise him. “You don’t have to answer that. I respect your discretion. The reason I mention it. I want to assure you, there will be no problems of that nature in the future. I think that covers everything Cecil, unless you have some questions for me to answer?”

  “I have one but…” He hesitates. “Out with it Cecil this is the time to be frank.”

  “What is the role of Miss Pamela? Lady Emily introduced her as your personal assistant, but to all intents she is to be treated as one of the family.

  This is going to cause confusion with the staff. Er um you have asked me to be frank then I will be. Is she another one of Lady Emily’s er friends?”

  “Well Cecil to put it bluntly she is, but on this occasion she is more than a casual friend do you understand?”

  “I do my Lord but does Lady Angelique approve of the, er’ liaison?”

  “Yes, she not only approves she is pleased with the relationship. You will be pleased to know there has been a remarkable change in Emily since she met Pamela. We! By we, I mean my Mother and myself believe it will be a permanent relationship. Now are you aware my Wife and her Sister will be arriving shortly. To be honest I expected them to be already here when we arrived.”

  He replies. “I have been informed my Lord, all the arrangements are in hand.”

  A bell rings harshly making me jump. Cecil smiles and explains. “That is the telephonic device my Lord, do you require me to answer it?”

  “Please do Cecil, where is it?”

  “It’s located in the hall My Lord, just outside the door.”

  He leaves the room, within a moment he calls me from the doorway.

  “It is a Mr Jonah Wilkes my Lord he wishes to speak to you personally.”

  “Ok Cecil. I’ll take the call.” In the hall I find the telephone is located on a corner table.

  “Hello Adam, is that you?”

  “Yes. It’s Adam here.”

  “Do you remember me?”

  “Of course I do, how are you doing Jonah?”

  “Great Adam, look I am just about to leave my office in Dover. I need to see you urgently, is that possible?”

  “Of course drop in any time you will always be welcome, is it something we can discuss on the telephone?”

  “Not really it’s very complicated. But I have some good news for you. Your Wife will be arriving at Dover at twelve o’clock tomorrow.

  Gunter has just phoned me from France he wasn’t sure where you where. I promised to contact you when you arrived in Kent.

  Look Adam I’ll explain everything when I get there in about an hour. Bye for now.”

  This is interesting. So our Mr Jonah Wilkes is doing business with Gunter. My introduction must have done him some good after all.

  Cecil enquires. “Is that all my Lord I need to have a word with the servants?”

  “Yes alright Cecil I believe the Ladies are taking lunch upstairs. I would like some tea and sandwiches for myself? Oh! Yes. Would you ask your Misses if she has any of that delicious pork pie she bakes please, have it sent to… Where do you suggest Cecil?”

  He advises. “Why not use the lounge my Lord, there is a big fire going, the drinks cabinet is well stocked, do you wish me to prepare you a drink?” “No thanks Cecil, I can mange myself.”

  “Very good my Lord, I shall have your lunch sent to you in the lounge. You don’t want to be sitting at that great long table in the dining room on your own do you?” I reply. “Thanks Cecil, thanks for everything, and please show Mr Wilkes into the lounge when he arrives.” I add with a smile. “Oh by the way I wouldn’t mind being at that big table in the servants quarters tonight at dinner, the tongues won’t half be wagging eh?”

  Cecil replies without any expression on his face. “Not if I have anything to do with it my Lord. You know I do not permit gossip about the family?”

  He bows and leaves me looking for the big lounge amongst the many rooms located in the large house.

  After opening and shutting two doors I finally locate the lounge. It is a splendid room furnished comfortably with large leather arm chairs surrounding a huge open fire. Logs crackle away inviting me to take my ease. When I have settled into one of the chairs I scan the wood panelled room notin
g the collection of attractive water colour paintings that adorn the walls. Located in a corner is the cabinet Cecil spoke of. Alongside it is a table set with a tray glasses and decanters of liquor. Dare I? Should I? Why not? According to Mother and my Aunt I am the Lord of the manor. If I have to take the responsibilities then I will enjoy the perks that go with it. I pour myself a stiff brandy and relax in the armchair in front of the fire to sip and enjoy the amber liquid.

  Cecil personally delivers the excellent lunch, as he is leaving he says. “My, er, Misses asked did you really enjoy her pie so much on your last visit Adam. She is very pleased that you remembered her cooking. You have made a big hit with her I don’t mind saying. She says to remind you of the time you took her to see her friends at Sandwich in the Rolls.”

  “They were good times Cecil. I was a mere chauffeur then ha, that was before I had loads of responsibility thrust upon me.” Cecil replies as he heads for the door. “I am sure the Carstairs name and estate could not be in better hands than yours my Lord.” Somehow his confidence in me makes me feel a great deal less apprehensive of the future

  The combination of fatigue due to the travel, the warm fire and brandy causes me to nod off. I am roused by a young maid placing more logs on the fire. She is unaware of my presence hidden deep in the chair. After she has tended the fire she stands in front a large mirror tidies her hair and begins making ugly faces to her own image. I try to control my laughter to no avail. I swear the poor girl leaps about a foot in the air when she hears me chuckle behind her. She squeals with alarm and begins to head for the door. I call her back. She slowly approaches me and curtsies. She is only a young kid about fourteen I reckon.

  I apologise for frightening her and ask her name. The poor girl replies in a terrified voice. “Sheila Hartley. Sir. My er Lord. Sir Adam.

  The name rings a bell. I enquire “Is Toot no, is Jim Hartley any relative of yours Sheila?”

  She replies proudly. “He’s my Dad your Lord Sir.”

  She adds with a rush. “I am sorry for disturbing your Lordship my job is to keep the fire going nice and bright like. Please don’t tell Mr Humphreys I disturbed you my Sir. I only started work last week?” Holding back another laugh I assure her. “I won’t tell on you Sheila. Thank you for keeping the fire going nice and bright, now off you go.” As she is about to leave I enquire. “Oh Sheila they were really scary faces you were pulling in the mirror, who are you going to frighten with it?“ She replies in a self conscious whisper. “My Brother Sir Adam, he’s always scaring me, can I go now please your Sir I have other fires to tend?” I dismiss her with a wave of my hand unable to reply in case I laugh in the poor kids face.

  So Toot has one of his children working here on the estate. This is the first of his family I have met so far she appears to be a nice kid.

  Mr Humphreys admits Jonah Wilkes and takes the lunch tray away.

  We shake hands exchange pleasantries then Jonah takes papers from his briefcase and gets down to business. “As you might have guessed by our recent telephone call I am now associated to Gunter Cogan, thanks to you.”

  I reply. “I gathered that, well done. I’m sure he will appreciate your talents. You should be aware even though I recommended you. He has had you thoroughly vetted and found you suitable.”

  He continues in a businesslike manner. “I would only expect him to do that Adam. Mister Cogan has asked me to handle quite a bit of very interesting business over here since we made contact, some of it is on your behalf. He will explain everything in detail when you meet next. The main item he asked me to be involved in is the estate debts. I have ascertained this is entirely due to Lady Emily’s poor investments. Between us we formulated a plan to rescue the Ladies estate on a long term basis. The immediate priority was to keep the property in the hands of the family. It was on their behalf that the coin collection and painting were sold. You are the purchaser. Lady Emily has no idea who the buyer is, if you want to divulge it to her, that’s your prerogative.

  Gunter made the decision on your behalf, not out of sentimentality but as a sound investment. I had the coin collection and painting valued by three reliable independent collectors and we paid the highest estimate. Only a week later we had approaches from a foreign syndicate offering to purchase the entire coin collection at three times the price we paid on your behalf. Gunter proved right don’t you think?”

  “Good Lord I had no idea this was going on, where are the paintings and coins now?”

  He explains “To answer your first question. Gunter reckoned you had enough on your plate at the time. The bank was pressing for payment there was talk of foreclosure. A decision had to be made and made fast to keep the estate in the families hands. The coin collection is in the bank vaults at Dover the painting is in a secure storage facility also in Dover. Oh yes.” He reaches into his brief case extracts an envelope and hands it to me.” He reveals. “I have no idea what it is. The manager of the storage facility found it secured to the back of the painting. He thought it might be of interest to the family.”

  I take the brown aged looking envelope and place it on a sideboard informing him. “I’ll give it to Emily or Angelique when I see them.”

  Jonah enquires. “Are you satisfied in the manner in which we have handled the estates’ affairs?” I assure him. “Of course I trust Gunter implicitly, and Jonah I must add you to that category.”

  He reveals something else that shocks me. “Hey Adam did you know that every generation of Carstairs added to the collection? But there was something odd. When it was being valued, there were a number of very valuable gold sovereigns missing.” I exclaim. “Oh Shit that was down to me I’m afraid. I sold the buggers to a pawn broker.” I add lamely. “I was broke at the time.” He enquires. “What did he pay you for them?” I reply cautiously. “He only gave me the exchange rate, it seemed like a lot to me at the time. Why?”

  “Bloody Hell! Adam!” Jonah laughs and informs me “They are very rare coins, worth an absolute fortune.”

  I reply grouchily. “No wonder the old bugger asked me if I had any more when I went to retrieve Mothers tiara. Well it’s no good whinging you live and learn.”

  Jonah answers. “That was a very expensive lesson if you don’t mind me saying so? Never mind let’s push on, what’s done is done it’s no good weeping about it. As I indicated earlier Gunter and I have put together some other ideas to make the estate viable. But you must make the decision on the next move if you approve of the plan. There is no urgency to discuss it further at this time. Now isn’t it exciting you have been reunited with your Mother and your Wife is arriving tomorrow. I suppose you will be meeting her at the ferry in Dover?”

  “Yes too true I will and I will be taking the baby with me. Do you know I have acquired a little boy?” “I have been informed of your latest acquisition.” He says with a smile. “Well good luck Adam. I’m sure she will be pleased to see you both.”

  I reply somewhat hesitantly.

  “Yes I know she will be pleased to see us, it seems like years since I left her in France.

  Yet it only been weeks, but so much has happened to me in that short time. There is only one cloud on the horizon.”

  “What’s that Adam I thought everything was going well for you? I know it can’t be business worries. Gunter assures me everything is running well in France and I know you have no financial problems.”

  I confess. “Denise my Wife is not aware I am the child’s Father. This could be difficult.”

  He gasps and replies. “I sympathise but I am unable to advise you on how to handle er, this problem. It is beyond my experience. I can’t visualise what my Wife would say if I had to admit something like that.” He shudders but quickly tries to reassure me, “I am sure it will all work out.” Embarrassed I hurriedly move onto another subject. “Something else occurs to me. Tell me Jonah I was under the impression her Sister Louise is accompanying her, you didn’t mention her when we spoke on the telephone?” I add regretfully. “To
tell you the truth I was hoping Louise would be available to advise me.”

  “No I’m sorry Adam she had a problem at the last moment and had to cancel. If I recall correctly it was something about a truck on the German border.”

  “Billy Oh shit. I hope he hasn’t got himself in trouble over that damn truck?” Jonah looks startled by my outburst.

  I apologise. “Sorry Jonah it’s nothing you should worry about. I’ll sort it out when I get the details from Denise. I am sorry, please forgive my bad manners? Do you want a drink?”

  He stands gathers his papers, stuffs them in his brief case while declining my offer. “No thanks Adam I am on my way home. My Wife has a function on tonight I am the baby sitter. You know where I am if you require me? Thanks again for putting me in touch with Gunter it has made a very dull life quite exciting.”

  I ask him for more advice. “Just before you go I know you are in a hurry so I won’t delay you. It’s about this bloody title. Emily insists I am to be known as Lord Carstairs, I am not happy with it Jonah. I don’t think I want to be a bloody Lord and I am illegitimate. As far as I know bastards are not entitled to the honours of their parents.”

  He replies thoughtfully. “Give me time to look into it Adam er my Lord.” He jokes. “I’ll sort it out one way or another. In the meanwhile do yourself a favour, go along with her. It will certainly make life easier with Lady Emily believe me.” I accept his advice. “Thanks Jonah what about your fees for all this work you are doing on my behalf?”

  He informs me. “Gunter has taken care of everything. By the way he has gone to America for a couple of weeks. I am very excited. He has invited me over to France when he comes back. I am really looking forward to meeting him face to face.” He adds. “Oh yes this is something maybe you can sort out for him? He wants to know if there are any level fields located on the estate? He has given me the dimensions of the field he requires.” Jonah hands me a piece of paper. Puzzled I enquire. “What does he want to know this for?” Jonah replies in a surprised voice. “Why to land his aeroplane on of course. If you need him here in a hurry he will fly over from France in his own aeroplane, exciting isn’t it. We are being dragged into the modern age whether we like it or not. Oops! Look at the time I really do have to go or I will be in big trouble.” We shake hands and he departs, it is only when I am alone that I think of something that makes me smile. Emily and Mother thought they had seen the last of the painting that scared the pants off them as kids. I just might have it returned to its rightful place one day when they are not around.