by Anne Herries
‘Perhaps you will show me over the estate tomorrow?’ Phipps asked her in a soft tone that only she could hear. ‘I should like to see you ride.’
‘Yes, of course, I should enjoy that,’ Amanda said. ‘I shall be ready to ride by eight....’
He gave her an approving look and bowed to Mama and Jane, then turned as Papa invited him to take a nightcap in his study. Jane and Mama were chattering, apparently discussing the herb garden in which Jane was very interested, and Mama was promising to show her some of her rare herbs on the morrow.
Amanda accompanied Jane to her bedchamber and spent a few minutes talking to her, before seeking her own room. She had dismissed her maid and was about to get into bed when someone knocked at the door and then her mother entered.
‘I just wanted to say goodnight and to ask if you are happy to be home, my love?’
‘Yes, Mama. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in London—but I love to be at home, and in a day or so I shall make sure to visit all my friends. I’ve bought lots of small gifts and when my trunks are completely unpacked, I shall take them round to everyone.’
‘Yes, that is so like you,’ Mama said and kissed her cheek. ‘You know, dearest, at first I thought you might have done better than a second son—but Lieutenant Phipps was such a comfort on the way here that I am quite content. I believe he thinks well of you, Amanda, and I suspect that you will be happier than I had imagined.’
‘Thank you, Mama. Phipps is very kind—and capable. I always feel that everything will be fine once he is there to protect me.’
‘Yes, he is a capable young man and you are a sensible girl not to expect too much. He may not be madly in love with you, but he will be a considerate husband. It seems that you have done better than I feared and I’m pleased for you.’ She smiled as she went to the door. ‘I am glad to be home. I do not think that I shall venture as far as London again for a long time. I do prefer Bath...’
Why was it that Mama’s speech of congratulation had made Amanda feel quashed? She had always known that Phipps was not desperately in love with her, of course, but perhaps she’d hoped that he loved her a little. Mama’s words made it plain that she thought it was merely a marriage of convenience on his part, though he thought well of her...
Such lowering words! Amanda was almost overset by a feeling of depression. Had she been fooling herself into imagining that her chosen husband would come to love her in time? Clearly, Mama harboured no such thoughts and was congratulating her daughter on being such a level-headed girl that she did not regard it.
If only she knew the truth! How much her daughter longed to be loved with a passion that equalled her own. The doubts and foolish longings that assailed her if she once let down her guard. Yet she knew she must give no sign of her feelings, either to Mama or to Phipps—especially not Phipps.
Amanda merely inclined her head in answer. Her bed was made and she did not wish to change things for she was perfectly certain that no other man she had ever met would suit her as well as the tall, charming, handsome man who had stolen her heart the first time he had smiled at her. Yet she also knew that if Phipps was kind to her and never found her too clinging or too dull, she could be happy with her lot. She liked London well enough for a visit, but was more suited to the country. All she needed to make her happy was her horses, her dogs...and someone to care for her. Phipps was certainly to be trusted with her comfort. He had proven his abilities on the journey from London. She was putting her trust in him and hoped that, even if he never loved her in quite the way she loved him, he would not inadvertently cause her pain too often, for she was certain he would never knowingly do so.
He had certainly set himself to please both her and her mother, and she could only hope that Phipps would not grow bored with his bargain in the coming months and years.
* * *
Phipps took a cordial leave of his host and went upstairs to the very comfortable chamber that had been prepared for him. He was pleasantly tired, though unused to such early hours, for in London he had been accustomed to staying out to the early hours and despite the long journey would readily have sat up another hour or two.
He loosened his cravat and Lord Hamilton’s footman pulled off his boots for him, before asking if there was anything more he needed.
‘No, thank you, Jenks,’ he said pleasantly. ‘I sometimes like to take a stroll outside before I sleep, though I shall not tonight—but in the general way...is there a side door that I can use to let myself in and out?’
‘I’m sure I could provide you with a key, sir,’ Jenks said. ‘Most of the doors are locked and bolted, but there is a little side door that we usually leave for those returning late to their duties...a servants’ entrance, sir.’
‘That would suit me very well. You may show me tomorrow. Thank you.’
After the man had gone, Phipps sat down in a chair by the fireplace. No fire was burning for he had prevented the footman setting a match to it earlier. He was not cold, used as he was to much harsher conditions when in the army.
Pouring himself a brandy, he swirled the rich liquid in the huge balloon glass and stared at it reflectively. Lord Hamilton’s house was large, but of no great age, and built more with comfort than grandeur in mind, which was a blessing for both the family and friends. His own house was much older—at least one wing of it was and the others had been built on in later centuries. It had a certain charm and he was in his way quite fond of the ancient house, but he thought Amanda might find it uncomfortable after living in such a house as this. Of course they would have a choice of residences once they were married, for she had her own estate, though Lord Hamilton had told him that the house was smaller than this and nothing remarkable.
‘The land is the best part of the estate,’ he’d told him. ‘There is a great deal of property scattered about, though none of it would make a comfortable home for a gentleman’s family. You may have to consider building on another wing—or pulling the whole down and rebuilding.’
‘I must discover what Amanda wishes before I think of either,’ Phipps said and the subject had been closed.
He sat thoughtfully, sipping his brandy and reflecting on the changes looming. Life was certainly going to be interesting for the foreseeable future; he would find it a challenge to administer his wife’s estates, because he would not be content unless they flourished. He owed it to her to give her something in return for taking him, because his fortune was nowhere near the equal of hers. Yet despite a slight awkwardness when he first learned just how wealthy she was, he had come to accept and look forward to the challenge. Life had been a trifle dull after he’d returned to England when the war ended. To kick his heels in an army barracks was too slow for a man with an intelligent mind and a fund of energy. However, a feeling of contentment had come over him of late, for though it had taken him some time to bring himself to propose marriage to Amanda, he had discovered that he was more comfortable with his bargain than he’d imagined at the start.
He’d always thought Amanda had a lovely face, which matched her nature, though she had undoubtedly been a little on the plump side. Unless he was mistaken, she had shed several inches these past weeks, which had improved her figure, and her features were more defined somehow. There was a glow about her, her hair glossy and her skin clear. She had always had an enchanting smile and beautiful eyes, but she seemed to be so much more lively than when they first met in London. She would never of course be the equal of Miss Langton, but still he did not regret his choice, for he believed the beauty to be selfish and, though he was outraged that a man like Shearne had sought to take advantage of her, he did not think he would wish to be her husband, even for a fortune. No, he much preferred his little Amanda, who could be a darling and aroused his protective instincts.
Phipps yawned and stretched and walked over to the window, staring out at the night sky for some time...until he became aware that he in turn was being watched from somewhere out there in the darkness.
Phipps
turned and blew out the candle before looking back towards the shadows, where he had seen something move. It was almost pitch black out there, for layers of cloud hid the moon. He concentrated his gaze for several minutes, but whatever had been there had gone—perhaps he had imagined it. Yet he was sure that a man had stood in the shadows looking up at his window. He must have been clearly visible for the curtains were not drawn and the candle was lit behind him.
If someone was watching the house, they knew exactly where Phipps was lodged. Yet surely that was his imagination. Who could be watching the house—and why? It made no sense to him.
He dismissed the idea almost at once. This was England, not a foreign land at war. He did not need to imagine spies or enemy sharpshooters. If anyone had been there, it was probably one of Lord Hamilton’s keepers taking a last stroll round before he retired.
Yawning, he drew the curtains, returned to the bed and began to strip off his clothes. He had arranged to ride with Amanda early in the morning and did not wish to disappoint her.
* * *
Over the next two days, Amanda divided her time between showing Phipps the estate and making Jane feel at home. However, although happy to walk in the gardens with Amanda, Jane seemed as content to sit in the parlour sewing while Lady Hamilton spoke to her about the wedding.
Mama had drawn up a wedding list, adding in those relatives and friends that Phipps particularly wished to ask, and Jane took her turn in helping to write them out, for there were more than three hundred and fifty in all. Papa said they would need to have a marquee in the garden to hold the overspill for the reception and joked that Amanda was bent on ruining him, while at the same time adding people that he’d thought of to their list and insisting that no expense should be spared.
It was on the morning of the fifth day that a letter arrived for Amanda that greatly relieved her mind.
Cynthia had written to her at some length.
My dearest Amanda,
I must tell you that if scurrilous rumours have reached you concerning my elopement with the Marquis of Shearne you must ignore them. Mama received information that made her think he was a rogue and she forbade me to see him. As I had not formed an affection for him I naturally obliged her.
Unfortunately, I met with an accident when out for an early walk and, having fallen into a deep ditch and rendered myself unconscious, I lay there for some time. When I recovered my senses it was night and I discovered that I could not climb out of the ditch for it was too deep. I called all night, but no one came near and it was the following day that I was found by a chance traveller, who rescued me and carried me home, but not before nightfall.
Mama had been so worried and erroneously believed I might have fled with the marquis because she forbade me to see him, and unfortunately one of our neighbours overheard her crying and telling Papa that I had gone off with him. We fear that rumours may have spread for the lady is an inveterate gossip, but hope that my reappearance so soon after the event—and Major Brockley’s kind testimony to having found me fallen in that wretched ditch—may avert a scandal.
The major has been so kind and we have been invited to stay at his home before the house party to which you are invited. We leave almost immediately and should be there when you receive this letter. I know I may trust you to keep this to yourself, Amanda, but Brock has made me an offer of marriage. You may be surprised, as I was myself, for I had not thought him truly one of my suitors, but it is so and I have accepted him.
I am looking forward to seeing you in August and I must congratulate you on your own marriage and hope that we shall continue as friends, as seems likely since our future husbands are the best of friends.
Your devoted friend,
Cynthia Langton
Amanda read the letter twice and then took it to Mama, who puzzled over it and then shook her head in disbelief.
‘You may depend upon it that this is the tale they have put about to save her reputation, for Phipps had it from Shearne himself when he was in his cups—but of course you must pretend to believe it, Amanda.’
‘Yes, Mama, of course. I would not harm Cynthia for the world. It is clear that Major Brockley found her and took her home. Do you suppose he truly cares for her?’
‘One must suppose so. It would be extreme to marry her simply to repair her damaged reputation, I think.’
Phipps was undecided, frowning over the letter for some minutes in silence. ‘Brock is a law unto himself, Amanda. If he thought he was in some part to blame for what happened to Miss Langton, he might act out of chivalry—but who knows what was in his mind?’
‘Mama says I must accept her story as true, Phipps.’
‘Yes, of course, for she will tell you the truth if she believes she can trust you, but in all courtesy you must appear to believe her.’
‘I should not dream of doing otherwise,’ she said, ‘though I might have wished she had trusted me enough to know the truth.’
‘She may well confide in you when you meet,’ Phipps said and touched her hand, ‘but to write it in a letter...which might be read by anyone...’
‘Yes, of course.’ Amanda’s brow cleared. ‘I am so glad it has all come well for her. Now I can stop worrying about her and think only of the future.’
‘Yes, much better,’ he agreed, looking at her. ‘You are dressed for walking. I had thought I might take you for a drive—perhaps begin your lessons?’
‘I should like that very much if you would do so this afternoon, but it is my intention this morning to begin my visits...to people living on the estate. They will be eagerly waiting to hear news of my sojourn in town, Phipps, and of course my marriage.’
‘Then I must not hinder you—but you will not go alone?’
Amanda looked at him in surprise. ‘I have walked these fields since I was ten years old quite alone. Indeed, I often walk as far as the village. I cannot think I shall come to harm where I am everywhere known—and liked. Mama does not mind at all, you know.’
‘I do not suggest that it is in any way improper, just that...’ He shook his head, but looked anxious. ‘Would you accept my company, Amanda?’
‘Yes, of course, if you can be bothered. Most of them are Papa’s old servants, men and women who have either worked in the house and gardens or on the estate. They live in a hamlet of grace-and-favour cottages that Papa built at the edge of the estate. It is a long tramp for...’ She laughed and looked up at him with mischief in her eyes. ‘You are accustomed to town living, I think?’
His caught fire and he gave a shout of laughter. ‘You wretch, Amanda! Do you think me soft from town living? I will have you know that we often marched twenty or more miles a day in pursuit of the enemy.’
‘Oh, but that was some time ago,’ she said with a provoking look.
Phipps inclined his head, much amused. ‘It would be quite improper of me to list my sporting achievements, my love, but I shall take leave to tell you that I am able to walk quite as far as you.’
‘Now you put me on my mettle,’ she said. ‘Very well, I shall give you one of my baskets to carry and I warn you they are heavy—but will be lighter on the way home, I promise.’
Phipps smiled, looking at her with a challenge in his eyes and something more that made her heart race. He had never looked at her in just that way before and she could not help feeling pleased that she had captured his interest.
‘I shall be down in a moment,’ she promised and headed towards the stairs, meeting one of the maids as she came along the corridor carrying two baskets packed with small gifts. ‘Oh, Janet, I shall not need you to help me after all. Lieutenant Phipps is to accompany me.’
Amanda smiled to herself as she took the baskets, wondering what had prompted her to allow Phipps to believe she intended to walk alone—but some devil had got into her and she could not regret the impulse, even if she was becoming a little devious.
Had she not allowed Phipps to imagine she intended to make the long walk entirely alone, she doubte
d that he would have wished to visit Papa’s elderly dependants. It was a trifle wicked of her to be sure, but even here in the country there was very little chance for them to be alone.
Chapter Nine
All of Amanda’s friends had been delighted to receive a visit from her intended and everyone invited them to sit down and partake of homemade wine and cakes. Indeed, if they had drunk more than a sip of every glass of elderberry, parsnip or elderflower wine, and even a half of the glass of sloe gin pressed on them by old Mr Greene, who was almost, Amanda had told him, like a grandfather to her, they would have been very merry indeed.
Phipps had spent an amusing and informative morning. Any small barriers that remained had fallen as he watched Amanda in her element. He’d known in London that she was prettily behaved and a generous girl, but here in the midst of people who worshipped her, she was a young goddess. It was apparent that a visit from Miss Hamilton was much to be prized and each of the elderly recipients of the gifts she brought were as much delighted by the fact that she’d brought her fiancé to visit as by the expensive treats of chocolate mints, Turkish Delight, tobacco and French brandy, which she had bestowed on Mr Greene, who had once been a footman at the Grange. He was a keen gardener in his retirement and pressed a bowl of early strawberries on her, saying that he knew she was partial to them and he had plenty more in his garden.
They were warm from the sun and fresh picked, and on their way home Amanda and Phipps had shared them, eating the plump, soft, ripe fruit with much enjoyment and laughter. Once the juice had dripped down Amanda’s chin and on a sudden instinct he caught it on his finger and then sucked it. Looking at her mouth, reddened by the juice, he’d known an overpowering urge to draw her into his arms. The passion of the kiss they shared had shocked him, for he had not expected it, but there was something sensual about eating warm strawberries in a country lane. Phipps had been caught by a flame that rushed through him, making him breathe harshly when he finally released her.
