The Paradise Will

by Elizabeth Hanbury

  ‘Letty, I’m not admonishing you for spending time with Piers,’ replied Alyssa gently. ‘All I ask is that you take care. You’re not a flighty or foolish girl, and your heart is a loving one – bestow it on someone worthy.’

  ‘You believe Piers is unworthy?’ replied Letty, with a trace of defiance.

  ‘Oh, I don’t know,’ said she, with a sigh. ‘He is charming, and has good qualities but I’m not sure about his morals: sometimes, I fear he has a venal streak. But, to his credit, he has treated you with the utmost respect since his arrival—’

  ‘And continued to do so while you were ill.’ interjected her companion.

  ‘So he should. However, Piers has been fickle with his attentions in the past and that concerns me.’

  ‘I won’t throw myself at his feet,’ Letty assured her. ‘He is not at all certain how to deal with me and I enjoy keeping him on tenterhooks.’

  ‘It will do Piers no harm to wonder what is in your mind’ – Alyssa looked under her lashes – ‘or your heart.’

  Letty smiled but offered no reply. Instead she walked to the bureau, opened one of the drawers and removed a letter, saying, ‘Speaking of which, I truly wonder what was in Charles’s mind when he wrote this. I expected him at any time during this last week but instead, I received this letter today.’ Letty passed the single sheet to Alyssa, and grimaced in disapproval. ‘Pray, don’t let it distress you.’

  Alyssa smoothed out the sheet.

  Dear Letty

  I was astonished to hear of Alyssa’s illness – scarlet fever is indeed a dangerous disease and it pains me greatly she is suffering its effects.

  Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to travel at present. My business in London is at a peculiarly delicate stage and I cannot depart Town on a whim. Notwithstanding my business arrangements, the risk to my own health cannot be discounted, and it must be preferable for any danger to have passed before I return.

  I have no doubt Alyssa is receiving the best care. Please convey my deepest regard and best wishes for her recovery, and advise I intend journeying back to Dorset following the successful outcome of my affairs in London.

  Yours etc.,

  Charles Brook

  ‘Dear Charles!’ she exclaimed, chuckling. ‘I knew he would not venture near while there is the slightest danger.’

  ‘How dare he refer to your illness as a whim!’ observed Letty, with considerable feeling.

  ‘Typical of Charles, and I find it amusing rather than upsetting.’ Catching sight of Letty’s indignant expression, she added, ‘Don’t be angry on my behalf, Letty. Oh, I would be devastated if I loved him – to receive such shabby treatment at the hands of a man I cared for would indeed be an odious thing – but this’ – she indicated the letter – ‘merely illustrates what I already suspected: Charles responds to a crisis by being completely self-centred. He loves himself more than he could ever love me, and I shall not feel the slightest pang of guilt at telling him definitively we would not suit. However long his business affairs engage his attentions, he will only visit when it is safe to do so because the idea of a sickroom fills him dread. And I rather think I am relieved: Charles’s prosy lectures would set back my recovery by at least a month.’

  ‘There we are in agreement,’ said Letty, with a grin. ‘Now, let me tell you about our gowns. Mrs Farnell has helped whenever she could so they are progressing. Do you think you will be well enough to attend – that is, if you still wish to?’

  ‘Indeed I will – I would not miss that event for the world,’ she replied, cheerfully.

  They were deep in conversation, discussing alterations and the merits of various trimmings, when Sir Giles was announced.

  ‘He asked to see Miss Ravenhill and enquired after your health, miss,’ explained Rowberry. ‘When I informed him you were feeling better and downstairs this morning, he insisted I convey his card. I ventured to suggest you might not be well enough to receive him but Sir Giles seems determined.’

  Rowberry, who was normally disapproving of vulgar insistence in a visitor, was prepared to make an exception in Sir Giles’s case. It was, he later confided to Mrs Farnell, impossible to forget his attentiveness when Miss Paradise was taken ill, and he was a blind old fool if he did not recognize the signs of a gentleman in the thrall of attraction, and make allowance for it.

  ‘Show him in,’ said Alyssa. Rowberry nodded in acknowledgement and after he had left, she asked urgently, ‘Letty, do I look quite the thing? I-I mean – I know I am pale but tell me I am not completely hideous!’ She smoothed her hair and tugged at the lace fichu of her gown.

  ‘You look your delightful self apart from a lack of colour. And I am sure that is about to be rectified,’ observed her companion, with a knowing smile. ‘As I have much to do, I’ll leave you and Sir Giles alone.’

  ‘Letty—’ Alyssa began to protest faintly, but it was too late: Letty departed and a moment later, Sir Giles came in.

  He found Alyssa sitting on the sofa, dressed in blue and white muslin, her hair loosely confined and a fine silk shawl draped about her shoulders. On seeing her – pale and weak, but otherwise apparently well – a rush of emotion swept through him. Gil knew now she was essential to his soul, to him finding any joy in the world, and he yearned to tell her so when the moment was right.

  Fighting the urge to rain kisses on those upturned wan features, he stood simply watching her before saying in voice which wavered slightly, ‘Miss Paradise, you cannot know how glad I am to see you, and find you well enough to leave your room.’ He reached her in quick strides and lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it and whispering with a crooked smile, ‘I have been so worried.’

  To Alyssa’s astonishment, her eyes filled with sudden tears at his greeting and the manner of it, and she began to cry. ‘Oh! Forgive me!’ she said, a few moments later. Trying to dry her tears with a handkerchief, she gulped and continued haltingly, ‘I-Indeed, I-I do not even know w-why I am crying.’

  ‘My poor child, you must be exhausted,’ said Gil, sitting down and taking her hands firmly between his. He ached to gather her into his arms but there were too many issues to be addressed first and he cursed inwardly that their situation was so complicated. He was also afraid of ruining everything with one clumsy inappropriate action now. But if he could not comfort her properly, perhaps he could divert her; Gil longed to see Alyssa smile again. Raising his brows, he said, eyes gleaming mischievously, ‘Are you tearful because you have been deprived of our tête-à-tête discussions? There is no need – you will have further opportunity to marvel at my fascinating erudite conversation!’

  ‘Wretch!’ she replied, before rewarding him with a smile and an enchanting dimple. She sniffed, wiped away the last of her tears and said, ‘I-I believe I have missed teasing you, Sir Giles, someone must keep you in check.’

  ‘I rely on you to curb my worst excesses.’

  Alyssa, feeling suddenly a little shy, gently removed her hand from his grasp. ‘I hope I’ll be well enough to recommence our dinners soon. Indeed, I am already much better, just more tired than usual.’

  ‘I’ll visit every day while you recuperate. Mr Bartley advises our dinners can begin again when you are well. Will you come to Eastcombe then? In addition to dinner and showing you a little of my estate, I can introduce my sister and her husband.’

  ‘Yes, I’d like that. I must thank you for the fruit and roses, Sir Giles. The flowers were particularly beautiful, and Letty tells me they came from your rose garden. May I see it when I visit?’

  ‘With pleasure,’ he said.

  The accompanying smile lit up his features and made Alyssa feel weaker than ever. ‘But won’t Miss Nash object?’ she asked softly.

  ‘Your visit is no concern of Caroline’s.’ Seeing her consternation, he sighed. ‘Miss Paradise, there is much I want to say yet I hardly know how, or where, to begin. However, I do know now is not the right occasion, but could I extract a promise from you? It is wrong of me; indeed, most like
ly you will think it an extraordinary request, but even so, I must ask.’

  ‘What is it?’

  He smiled down into her questioning gaze and murmured, ‘Simply that you make no plans about your future until you are fully recovered.’

  There was silence. Alyssa eventually replied, ‘Very well, making any decision at present would be foolish so it is not a difficult pledge to make.’ She felt her cheeks growing warm under his mesmerizing scrutiny.

  ‘Thank you for indulging me,’ he said, relieved. ‘When is Mr Brook expected?’

  ‘Charles’s business keeps him in London.’

  ‘His business affairs are more important than your health?’ he cried, incredulous.

  She did not reply directly, but observed, ‘He writes he will travel here when the danger has passed.’

  ‘I’ll renew my acquaintance with Mr Brook when he deems it safe to venture back,’ he said, his lip curling in derision. ‘Rest assured I am dealing with Ennis and you need have no concerns about the estate.’

  ‘Have the workers been informed of the increase?’

  ‘Yes, shortly after you were taken ill. The reaction has been generally positive I understand, although your cousin informs me Draper still complains the amount is insufficient. You know Mr Kilworth suggested he stay in contact with the labourers?’

  She nodded. ‘Letty told me. It is strange – Piers has never shown interest in such matters before.’

  ‘I did wonder why he was so specific.’ A frown creased his brow. ‘I don’t wish to criticize your relative – in fact, I approve of him in some ways – but Tom’s opinions of his nephew were mixed and I cannot feel quite comfortable. Do you think he might have ulterior motives?’

  ‘Knowing Piers, quite possibly, although I cannot conceive what they might be,’ admitted Alyssa.

  ‘Then would it be wise for me to keep a discreet watch?’

  ‘I would feel happier if you did, Sir Giles. He is not experienced and Draper may be capable of more mischief than Piers can deal with easily.’

  He nodded. ‘Then I’ll make the necessary arrangements. It would not be politic to make your cousin aware of my involvement though: if he has no other motive, he may take my interference as a slur on his ability. And while it may be unconnected, Ennis informed me of several recent incidents: a broken window in one of the cottages, sheep going missing, gates left open – nothing serious. A hayrick and a nearby abandoned outbuilding were also set on fire yesterday. Fortunately, the blaze was soon extinguished and there was no great damage done.’

  ‘Set on fire!’ echoed Alyssa faintly, looking up in surprise, ‘But surely this is alarming news?’

  ‘There is no evidence it was deliberate,’ he replied soothingly. ‘It could have been caused by a careless labourer or someone using the building for shelter. I only informed you now because you would be annoyed at hearing it later from another source.’

  ‘How well you know me already,’ she said, with a little laugh.

  ‘And I want to know more,’ he murmured. ‘I hope you will be able to enjoy a few summer events. The Nashes’ evening party approaches, of course – I understand you are invited?’

  ‘Yes. We will go, even though Miss Nash and her mother are not the most emollient of people.’

  ‘No,’ he acknowledged, ‘but I’ll be there, and Squire Nash is a pleasant, easygoing man who looks forward to meeting you. Mrs Nash will be busy ensuring everything runs smoothly so she can bask for another year in having organized the highlight of the social calendar. Caroline’ – he hesitated, before saying in a constrained voice – ‘Caroline will have other matters on her mind then.’

  ‘Miss Nash sent a note and enclosed some embroidery silks.’ Alyssa gave a wry smile, and added, ‘She made sure to mention it was her second-best thread.’

  ‘As ever, Caroline is high-handed,’ he muttered.

  ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.’

  ‘Not at all: I’m well aware of her flaws.’

  Alyssa suddenly felt emotionally drained and, foolishly, close to tears again. Irritated at her weakness in body and spirit, she fervently hoped Miss Nash would not visit in the near future; Alyssa knew she was in no condition to stand up to her supercilious manner, and any reminder of her connection with Sir Giles seemed too much to bear at present. With her mind still sluggish from the fever, Alyssa could not think clearly. She wondered vaguely at the promise he had extracted from her but, afraid of reading too much into every look, gesture and word he offered, she gave up the unequal fight to make sense of it all and heaved an exasperated sigh.

  Hearing this, Gil rose to his feet and said firmly, ‘I’ve stayed too long. You need to rest and the doctor, I know, has asked you not to over exert yourself for a few days.’ He pressed her hand once more to his lips. ‘I’ll return tomorrow,’ he murmured and, with a brief bow, he was gone.

  Alyssa leant her head back against the cushions. Notwithstanding the gamut of emotions in her breast, she felt relaxed, and minutes later, closed her eyes and drifted into a deep, untroubled sleep – the most refreshing she had enjoyed since her illness began.

  It was almost a week before Alyssa managed to speak to her cousin alone. Now she felt stronger, she wanted to question Piers and the opportunity presented itself one morning when, having enjoyed an earlier visit from Sir Giles, Alyssa was humming happily over her needlework.

  ‘Good morning, Coz,’ said Piers breezily, coming in and taking the chair opposite, ‘You look well. Where is Miss Ravenhill?’

  ‘Letty has gone to change into her riding habit and will be down shortly.’ She set aside her work and threw him a measuring glance. ‘I’m glad you are early: I want to talk to you.’

  ‘Oh? As a matter of fact, there’s something I want to discuss with you.’

  ‘Then I’ll begin – how are the labourers, Piers?’

  ‘I’ve explained why the wage rise cannot be more and have had some success. Of course, you can do no wrong in the Fletchers’ eyes after sending the doctor to Samuel, but the consensus amongst the others is that it is a good start.’

  ‘And Draper?’

  ‘Still simmering with discontent. He says you could afford more if you chose.’

  ‘I see. Then perhaps I should dismiss him; there are plenty willing to take his place.’

  ‘It would be a pity,’ said Piers, with a shrug. ‘He has a wife and three children to support and he’s a good worker.’ During Alyssa’s illness, he had continued to encourage Draper to do his bidding and Piers had paid for both his deeds, and his silence. He therefore saw no need to remove the fellow from Hawkscote. True, he disliked the man – Draper was a ruffian – but he had done was asked of him without query which was all that was of interest to Piers. ‘Have you heard about the fire?’ he prompted.

  ‘Yes. Sir Giles told me of it, and the other incidents. He said it could be an accident.’

  ‘It was no accident.’ In fact, it had been carried out at Piers’s behest.

  ‘Oh?’ said Alyssa, ‘Why do you say that?’

  ‘Because I dealt with the culprit first thing this morning.’

  Startled, she asked urgently, ‘But who was to blame?’

  ‘An unemployed aggrieved labourer, intent on causing trouble for any landowner. He just happened to choose Hawkscote.’

  ‘I never considered anyone would resort to such methods just to make a point,’ she said, surprised. ‘Did you catch them in the act?’

  ‘Not exactly – Draper did.’

  ‘Draper! Then he is to be congratulated, in spite of his discontent. We should inform the authorities.’

  ‘I think not,’ answered Piers, blithely. ‘The man responsible is destitute as it is and, having received a severe reprimand from me, has gone on his way. There is nothing further to concern you; I handled the whole affair perfectly well. You see, Alyssa, you do need my assistance. I managed the situation better than you could have alone, and it was fortunate I was here to deal with it. I
am firmly of the opinion Hawkscote needs a man in charge – people take advantage of a woman.’

  ‘They will find I’m as fair and firm an employer as any man, and am no green girl to be duped in business!’ she exclaimed, with asperity.

  ‘But if you had someone to help you, they would not even attempt it.’

  Puzzled, she queried, ‘But I already have Ennis, and Sir Giles’s advice.’

  ‘No, I mean a true partner.’ He rose to his feet, thrust one hand into his pocket and strode to the fireplace in the hope physical action might make the task ahead easier. Why was it proving so damned difficult? Deep in Piers’s soul, something nagged that he was making a terrible mistake.

  ‘You think I should sell part of Hawkscote?’

  ‘No, not sell.’

  ‘Piers, you are being deliberately obtuse. Come to the point.’

  He cleared his throat and, choosing his words carefully, turned towards her. ‘Very well. I’ve been thinking for some time and especially during your illness that you need assistance – running the estate is too onerous for you alone. I could help you, Coz! Haven’t I proved by dealing with these incidents, I should be working alongside you? You need someone to share the burden every day, Alyssa – let me be your partner!’

  She blinked in astonishment. It was a full minute before she said in an incredulous voice, ‘Piers, I can hardly believe what I am hearing! Let me be quite certain – are you offering marriage?’