by Anne Herries
‘I cannot help you, sir. He told me it was important, but I know he had intended to escort us here—perhaps his business took longer than he expected.’
‘No doubt, no doubt.’ The marquis nodded. ‘Tell me, Charlotte—you will allow me to call you that, I hope? Tell me, do you ride? Is your first love the country or are you a society miss and will you pine for town within a fortnight?’
‘I do not think I shall pine for London,’ Charlotte answered honestly. ‘I have very much enjoyed my first Season, sir—but until then I had been only as far as Bath and that not often. I enjoy riding and walking, especially with dogs. I have a spaniel called Mister Chops that I would like to bring here, if that will be convenient to you?’
‘Naturally, you must bring your dogs and your horses—but I’m sure we can mount you while you are here, my dear. Have you sisters or brothers?’
‘I have one brother. Matt has recently joined a cavalry regiment.’
‘Good, good, nothing like a spell in the army to help a man know what he wants of life. Jack was never happier, but I had to ask him to come back last year, you know. Had a nasty attack. That damned fool of a doctor of mine sent for him, they all thought I was going to die. I dare say I shan’t for a while—but I’d like to see my first great-grandson before I do.’ He chuckled as Charlotte’s cheeks flushed pink. ‘I’ve always spoken my mind. You mustn’t let me embarrass you, girl.’
‘No, sir, of course not. Jack... We have spoken of your need and I hope to give you what you wish for if I can.’
‘There’s a good sensible girl. None of this nonsense about waiting. Jack has chosen well. I’m pleased, Charlotte. His mother is a good sort of woman, but sometimes foolish. I can see you’ve got a head on your shoulders. I might have known you were exceptional or Jack wouldn’t have asked for you.’
‘Charlotte has always been a credit to us,’ her father said, beaming at the marquis’s praise. ‘I do not think you will have anything to regret in this marriage, my lord.’
Charlotte felt herself squirming, for she felt she was being held up for scrutiny almost as if she were a brood mare. She wished that Jack had been with her, for she was certain he would have protested to save her blushes. He had shown no sign of being violently in love with her, but he was always a gentleman and gallant to a fault.
At that moment the servants brought in trays of tea, wine for the gentlemen and some almond comfits for Charlotte to nibble.
After they had been served and were once more alone, the marquis looked at her over his glass of Madeira. ‘I will ask Mrs Moore to show you over the house tomorrow. You’ll need to know your way to the dining room before that, of course, but I imagine you will want to rest this afternoon.’
‘I should like to take a walk about the gardens and park,’ Charlotte said. ‘I shall, of course, change first, but before tea—a walk in the fresh air is so refreshing.’
‘And gives one an appetite. I enjoy a walk in the mornings myself. Perhaps you will allow me to accompany you sometimes?’
‘I should be honoured, sir. I should enjoy becoming acquainted with you.’
‘As I shall with you,’ the marquis said and nodded. ‘Well. I suppose I must let you go up and change—and see if your mama needs anything. I shall spend an hour or two in my room before dinner. The needs of age, Charlotte. I resent it, especially as I feel it a waste of time when such a lively girl is my guest—but if I am to dine with you, I have no choice.’
‘I shall look forward to this evening.’
He rang the bell; the housekeeper appeared and Charlotte followed her from the parlour. The stairs were wide, bordered by magnificent mahogany banisters and the hall ceiling was very high with a glass dome that let the light flood in. The landing above was carpeted in a rich red-and-blue Persian design, small tables ranged against the walls at intervals. Several doors led off from the hall, but they ascended another small flight of stairs at the end of the landing to the floor above, and it was there that the housekeeper opened a door for her.
‘This is the guestroom I was asked to prepare for you, Miss Stevens. Your mama has the room two doors down. You have a sitting room, dressing room and bedchamber. I hope you will find everything to your taste, miss.’
‘I’m sure I shall, thank you.’
Charlotte went inside and exclaimed over the tasteful decor of various shades of blue, with a thread of cream and silver running through the fabrics at the windows and the covers on the four-poster bed.
‘This is charming,’ she said as she stood in the doorway of her bedchamber. The sitting room to the left was also decorated in blue, green and cream, the dressing room mostly cabinets of dark wood that would hold clothes and linens. ‘And those flowers are gorgeous.’
‘Lady Daisy asked for those,’ Mrs Moore said. ‘We all hope that you will be happy here, miss. Of course these are guest chambers. Viscount Delsey’s apartments are on the other side of the house—and your rooms will be there when you are married. You might like to see them tomorrow?’
‘Yes, I should, thank you,’ Charlotte said, and the housekeeper smiled and left her to do as she pleased.
She wandered about the apartments, which were furnished with dark wood, unlike the salon where she’d taken tea. However, the window let in sufficient light to make the rooms warm and appealing. She could see that Betty had already laid out an afternoon gown for her and just as she was thinking about changing, her maid came through the dressing room.
‘I was told you had come up, Miss Charlotte. Would you like me to help you change?’
‘Yes, please,’ Charlotte said and turned so that she could unhook her at the back. ‘What do you think of it here? Are the maids friendly?’
‘Yes, miss. It all seems very comfortable. I have a room to myself.’
‘Oh, good. If there is anything extra you need, you must ask me.’
‘I shall be quite comfortable, miss. This is a better place than I had before—and I like working for you.’
‘I’m glad that you’re happy,’ Charlotte said. ‘I’m relying on you to help me. I don’t know everybody yet, and you will soon know the names of all the servants.’
‘Yes, miss. I expect so. I’ll be glad to help you whenever I can.’
‘Thank you,’ Charlotte said as she was helped into a pretty pale-blue gown. ‘It’s warm out, but I had best put on my bonnet and shawl.’
‘Are you going out, miss?’
‘Yes, for a walk in the garden.’ Charlotte turned to her impulsively. ‘Have you a lot of work to do—or would you like to walk with me? I want to explore and it might be best if I was not alone.’
‘Oh, miss, I should like that,’ Betty said. ‘I can press your gown for this evening when you’re having tea downstairs.’
‘Then let us go—you may borrow my shawl if you like, the dark yellow one. Yes, that looks well with your dark hair.’
‘Thank you, miss.’
Betty followed her from the apartment and they went downstairs, through the hall and out of a side door into a rose garden. The bushes were heavy with buds, some of which were almost ready to open. They walked through the formal garden at the front of the house, as far as the park. Ancient trees, their branches sweeping down to touch the earth, provided shade and the open patches of ground were bathed in warm sunlight. Overhead the sound of birds singing gave the wood a timeless, peaceful feel and Charlotte caught sight of a rabbit bounding ahead of them.
‘This is lovely, isn’t it, miss?’
‘Yes, beautiful. We have pleasant grounds at home, but nowhere near as large. I should like to walk as far as the lake, but I feel we ought not. It will not be long before tea and it would be rude of me to miss it on my first day.’
They turned and began to retrace their steps. Somewhere not far off the sound of a gun suddenly shattered the peac
e of the afternoon and both young ladies spun round, looking in alarm as though they expected to see someone charging at them.
‘It must be a keeper shooting a rabbit,’ Charlotte said. ‘What a shame. I suppose it must be done, but I do not care for the thought.’
‘No, miss, nor I,’ Betty said and frowned. ‘You’d think they’d shoot them early in the morning—it could be dangerous when folk are walking in the park.’
‘Perhaps.’ Charlotte shook her head and dismissed the thought. ‘Never mind, no doubt the keepers will realise that I like to walk here in future and we shall not get a fright.’ She would mention it to Jack’s grandfather later, but for the moment she needed to get back before her mother was awake and demanding to know where she was.
* * *
He awoke to the awareness of a pain in his arm and a feeling of not quite knowing where he was, of being disorientated. As he tried sitting up in bed the soreness at the back of his head made him wince and a wave of dizziness swept over him. Sinking back against the pillows with a groan, he opened his eyes again when the door opened and a young woman entered the room. She was dressed plainly, but somehow he did not think her a servant for she had an air of confidence about her, and her smile was warm as she looked at him.
‘So you are awake at last, Captain Delsey,’ she said. ‘My Jeb said he was sure the doctor was right and you would come through with no more than a sore head—but I shan’t deny you gave me a fright. When the fever was at its worst I thought we should lose you.’
‘Captain Delsey?’ He stared at her for a moment. ‘Is that my name? Thank you for telling me. Who are you—and where are we, please?’
‘Why, I’m Mrs Scott, sir, and this is my home. You came north to talk to my husband and he told you what you wanted to know...and then after you left the inn you were shot. The doctor said the wound to your arm was slight, but you hit your head as you fell and you were ill of a fever for almost a week. Jeb found you, for he had followed you from the inn. He got you to a local inn, sought the advice of a doctor, then hired a wagon and brought you home to me so that I could nurse you.’
‘That was kind of you. I’ve been here for a week?’ he said wonderingly.
‘Yes, Captain. It took Jeb two days to get you here so I suppose it’s nine days since you were hurt. He said you were conscious for part of the time, but rambling in your mind...’
‘I fear I remember nothing of what happened,’ he said apologetically. ‘Perhaps your husband can tell me more. Is he here, Mrs Scott?’
‘He is at work, sir, but he will be back soon. I’m sure he will be glad to tell you what he knows, though it may not be as much as you might hope.’
‘Do you know what my first name is, ma’am?’
‘I believe it is Jack, sir. My Jeb said you were the grandson of a marquis, but I know little else, except that most people call you Captain Delsey.’
‘Thank you for your kindness. I suppose I must have been robbed. Did they take everything?’
‘Jeb says he thinks he disturbed them for he saw two men ride away as he arrived. You have a gold watch and chain, which is there on the chest by the bed, sir—and there’s a signet ring on your finger...but only a few coins in your pocket.’
She placed a jug of cold drink beside his bed and poured some into a glass. ‘It’s lemon barley, sir. My granny always swore it was the best thing after a fever. Would you like me to help you sit up?’
‘I think I can manage if you would just give me the glass.’ He smiled at her as she plumped up the pillows. ‘Thank you. They feel much better. I was fortunate that your husband found me in time.’
‘Yes, sir. If Jeb hadn’t taken it into his head to follow you, you might have died on that lonely road. Not many people pass that way unless it is market day.’
Jack was thoughtful as his kind nurse left the room. He sipped the cool lemon drink and found it pleasant, nicer than the drink Nanny had insisted on giving him in the nursery... Where had that thought come from? Until Mrs Scott had told him, he hadn’t even known his own name so how could he recall a sour drink his nanny had made him drink when he was a child? Mrs Scott had sweetened it somehow so that it was pleasant; Nanny had not believed in spoiling the child.
He struggled to find other memories, but there was nothing more than the vague picture of a large house in the country, probably where he’d grown up as a child. Of his life prior to the shooting he could recall nothing, though if he was Captain Delsey he must have served in the army.
Captain Jack Delsey. Frowning, Jack wondered what kind of a man he was and whether he was content in his life. If that were the case, why would he forget? Was it the blow to the head or had he deliberately blocked everything from his mind, because he did not wish to remember? Amnesia was something even the most eminent doctors knew little about, but Jack believed it could be caused by a blow to the head...now, why did he know that? Something to do with his army days?
Clearly he was a man who did not panic easily, because he was able to face the blankness in his mind without fear. He was, he supposed, fortunate in that Mr Scott knew his identity and could supply some of the missing links.
Could he trust the couple? There was nothing to prove their statement that he was the grandson of a marquis, yet it should be easy enough to prove. Studying the signet ring on his left hand, he saw a crest and the letters JD entwined. At least the initials fitted and something about Mrs Scott’s honest way of speaking made him feel he could trust her.
Managing to reach his watch and chain, he studied the small seal of gold and amber that hung from the chain. It, too, bore the letters JD entwined with a crest, and the watch also had a crest but one letter was different—MD. Who was MD? Obviously it had not always been his watch. Perhaps it had belonged to his grandfather or his father? Were they both alive?
Jack sighed with frustration. It felt as if he were lost in a thick mist. In the distance he could see glimpses of things that might be his home or people he knew, but the mist was too deep to be penetrated. He could only wait until Jeb Scott came home and hope that he could tell him more.
Chapter Eleven
‘Really, I consider this to be too bad,’ Charlotte’s mama complained when they sat together in Charlotte’s private sitting room, partaking of tea and coffee, with soft rolls and honey, that morning. ‘We have been here almost two weeks and no word has come from Delsey. It is more than impolite, it is downright rude.’
‘I am sure he must have been detained somehow,’ Charlotte said, but looked at her mother anxiously. ‘I am worried, Mama. I do not think Jack would have left it so long had he been able to let us know how he is. I fear something has happened to him.’
‘Your papa said as much,’ her mother replied. ‘I believe he intends to speak to Ellington this morning. We really cannot go on like this, Charlotte. Unless Jack either writes to explain or arrives soon, I think we should go home. It is awkward to be staying here without any idea of when the ball is to be held or when he will finally decide to return.’
‘I am sure Grandfather Ellington will set Papa’s mind at rest,’ Charlotte said.
* * *
When they went downstairs later to join the marquis and her Papa for luncheon, however, she discovered that her optimism was ill founded.
‘Your father has raised my awareness,’ the marquis said to her. ‘I cannot understand why Jack has behaved so badly. It is not at all like him. If he tells us he is coming to stay, then he comes. I could understand a slight delay if he had some important business of which I know nothing—but two weeks is beyond all bounds. Therefore, I think I shall send someone to look for him. I shall send my agent to London to discover where he was bound when he was last heard of.’
‘Do you think it necessary?’ Charlotte asked doubtfully. ‘Do you not think he might feel annoyed that we were prying into his affairs?
’ Despite her own fears, she felt that the man she knew would not take kindly to having his affairs investigated.
‘I shall not take such minor considerations into account,’ the marquis said, his thick brows meeting in the middle. ‘Jack has either behaved totally out of character or something is the matter with him...he may have met with an accident.’
‘Oh, no!’ Charlotte gasped and turned pale. ‘Surely he would not... It could not be...’
The marquis stared at her, his eyes fierce as they met hers. ‘Do you know something we do not, Charlotte?’
‘I know there was a quarrel before my dance...someone Jack disliked and I believe he accused him of cheating over a card game...’
‘And why have you not spoken of this before?’
Charlotte’s cheeks were warm. How could she explain that she believed Jack had forced the quarrel on Lord Harding because he had threatened her? Everyone had been so kind to her here, but if they knew the truth it would be very different. She could not bring herself to reply with her parents watching and shook her head.
‘I am certain it could have nothing to do with the quarrel, sir. I know there was to have been a duel—but the other man collapsed and was very ill...a seizure, I believe.’
‘And was the business that took Jack away from town connected with this person?’
‘I cannot tell you, sir, for I do not know. I dare say I should not have known any of it if...’ She drew a deep breath for she could not go on. ‘Truly, I do not know anything more, except that Jack meant to avenge an insult to me...’
‘At last it begins to make sense,’ the marquis growled. ‘Very well, I shall not press you now, but I wish you had told me this before. I shall set my agent on to it at once.’
‘Forgive me. At first I thought it merely some business, but I have been worried of late.’
