Benedict's Bride

by Janet Woods

  ‘And you’ve never considered marriage?’

  ‘To Mrs. Pethan? Good lord ... certainly not!’ For a moment George looked shaken, then he drew the razor smoothly along Benedict’s jaw line and said delicately, ‘I’m given to understand that Mrs. Pethen has other regular visitors.’

  ‘Ah ... I see.’ He twitched his nose when George released it, expanding his nostrils with a deep breath as a warm flannel was wrapped around his face. He congratulated himself as it occurred to him that he’d never again need to seek out a woman willing to satisfy his needs.

  While he was here at Brierly, he intended to talk over the possibility of a second stud with William Ross, his estate manager - in case he able to purchase Hartford House. He had no intention of dragging him out in the storm though, which seemed to have increased in intensity.

  The storm didn’t abate. Later, he sat and watched the glory of it in solitude from the drawing room window. If Amber had been here she could have played for him. She had a deft touch on the keys, and her voice had been pleasing once she'd gained a little confidence.

  After the sociable din of his sister’s home the silence of his own company was less than entertaining. Not having Amber to flirt with was proving irksome. She may have led a sheltered life but she could hone her wit to match his on occasion.

  Questions and answers raced through his mind. What if Amber had been plain, dull and awkward? There was no point in dwelling on it, since she was none of those things. Then he wondered, what had motivated the two grandfathers to make such a bargain? Had the late Lord Hartford devised the scheme to protect his granddaughter, as it seemed? If so, he’d been an astute gentleman, for he’d arranged for her to marry into wealth and family far greater that his original investment.

  And why had he been less than honest with Amber, himself? He must show her the agreement and allow her the option of withdrawing from an arrangement she’d been manipulated into. Would losing Brierly House to her be so bad? No, it would gall only if Patrick Hartford managed to obtain possession of it. Amber would understand when he told her the reason behind the agreement.

  Benedict went to bed early, resolving to search through his grandfather’s papers in the morning. The last thing on his mind before he fell asleep was Amber Rose.

  The first thing that drew his attention when he woke was the fact that his throat was extremely sore and he felt feverish.

  ‘George,’ he croaked. ‘You’d better send for the doctor.’

  * * * *

  Thomas Dunstan was hardly settled in his office at Dunstan and James when there was a scuffle in the outer office, where his two clerks were setting the office up for the daily business.

  ‘No, I’m afraid you can’t see Mr. Dunstan without an appointment. Mr. James might be able to see you. He has a cancellation, though he hasn’t arrived yet.’

  ‘I want Dunstan. Tell him it’s Lord Hartford ... and be quick about it.’

  Thomas had hardly had time to compose himself when the door burst open and his articled clerk was followed in by Patrick Dunstan and Stephen Gould, who pushed through the door, all arrogance and swagger. ‘Ah, there you are, Dunstan.’

  Thomas tried to diffuse the situation with his usual calmness. ‘I have an appointment in about ten minutes. How can I be of assistance to you, My Lord?’

  ‘How? I’ll tell you how. I believe there was a marital agreement drawn up between my cousin, Amber Rose Hartford and Lord Costain. I want to know why I wasn’t informed about it.’

  ‘I’m afraid you’ve been misinformed. I haven’t handled an agreement between the two parties you mentioned, though if they decide to wed they’re old enough to do so.’

  His visitor caught him by the lapels. ‘You know very well I’m talking about the agreement between our grandfathers. I want to know what was in the agreement.’

  ‘I’m afraid I cannot disclose what was in the agreement between your respective grandfathers, since it was a private matter. I carried out the terms of your grandfather’s will exactly as he directed. That did not include relating to you anything he confided to me. In fact, I was specifically instructed not to consult with you over any matter regarding Miss Hartford. Now, unhand me sir, or my clerk will summon an agent of the law.’

  ‘I want that agreement,’ Patrick snarled.

  He was an unpleasant young man, Thomas thought, jerking his jacket from the man’s hand. ‘I’m sure you do, Lord Hartford. But this is not the way to go about getting it. The matter has been dealt with as per the late Lord Hartford’s instructions. Believe me there is no marriage agreement in my possession. The original papers were given to the parties concerned on receipt of their signatures. The copies were handed to a specific person after your grandfather’s death, as were his wishes. I’m not at liberty to disclose that person’s name.’

  ‘I see ... and the deeds to Hartford House. Where are they? I want to sell the place.’

  ‘The house deeds are in the strong box in my cellar. I have been waiting for you to collect them. My clerk will fetch them for you.’

  Ungraciously, Patrick muttered, ‘You might as well keep them until the place is sold. I intend to go to America to live, and I need a quick sale. Perhaps you might know of someone.’

  ‘I have an agent in Poole who can make enquiries and handle the matter, if you’d care to sign a paper to that effect before you leave. It’s a desirable country residence, if a little remote. Where can I reach you? At Hartford House?’

  ‘I’m not sure where I’ll be. If you’ll give me the address of your agent there I’ll deal with him when I’m in Dorset. Failing that, I’ll be in touch. There is another matter.’

  Thomas tried not to sigh. ‘Which is?’

  ‘I want to know where my cousin is residing. Her place is at Hartford House.’

  ‘I’m unaware of her whereabouts. Besides, if you are to sell Hartford she might not wish to return.’

  ‘She’s my ward, and will do as I say,’ Patrick protested.

  ‘No, My Lord. Miss Hartford is not your ward, since you haven’t been appointed by the court as her guardian. At her age she is responsible for her own decisions.’

  ‘Where is she, Dunstan?’ Patrick snarled.

  ‘Your cousin was residing at Hartford House the last time I was there.’

  ‘I believe her to have been abducted by Lord Costain.’

  ‘Abducted! Choose your words with care, Sir, lest you be called to account for them, especially when your cousin’s reputation is at stake. Lord Costain is a gentleman. He would have offered her his protection, not removed her from her home against her will.’

  ‘Are you saying she’s his guest?’

  ‘I am not. I have no idea where Miss Hartford is. I’ve never met the young lady. Lord Hartford,’ he said with a sigh. ‘You’ve stated your intention of leaving the country. Perhaps that’s all to the good. I’ll try and secure the sale of your estate as soon as possible.’

  ‘Perhaps you’d allow me an advance on the sale.’

  ‘I’m afraid that is not our policy, Lord Hartford. You might try a money lender. Timothy, do the necessary paperwork then show the gentlemen out, would you.’

  ‘We might have to pay Costain a visit, and if she’s with him, snatch her back from him.’ The pair turned, laughing as they strolled off.

  ‘That would be a very bad idea gentlemen,’ Thomas muttered, and expelled an aggrieved breath. Stephen Gould’s father was a good lawyer, and an honest man. His eldest son had turned out to be a rogue. No wonder he’d been disowned.

  He’d hardly consulted with his first two clients when Timothy knocked at the door. ‘A legal gentleman from Turin in Italy wishes to see you. He says he has some business with you. Alfredo Dominico is his name. He hasn’t got an appointment.’

  ‘Then I’m afraid I’m unable to see him. That other business has put us behind. Have you finished the correspondence to Cuthbert Harris regarding his overdue account.’

  ‘I’ll have it ready for s
ignature by noon. As for the Italian lawyer. He understands that you’re busy. If you cannot accommodate him now, he wonders if you might meet for dinner. He states his business as the estate of one Consulata Puzo. Your next client hasn’t arrived yet, so you have a few minutes.’

  Thomas didn’t know any Consulata Puzo, but he supposed it wouldn’t hurt to see the man now, rather then dine with him. After all, business was business. ‘All right, Thomas, I’ll see the lawyer. I hope he speaks good English, since I only have French as a second language.’

  ‘His English seems perfectly understandable, sir.’

  When the Italian was announced the two men shook hands. Alfredo Dominico smiled and opened the satchel he carried. ‘I’m sorry to arrive unannounced, sir; I know your time is precious. I’m handling the last will and testament of the Contessa Consulata Puzo, who recently departed this world. Apart from a handsome property left to the church; she was a very devout woman, you understand; her fortune has been left to her niece, one Ambra Rosa Hartford. I’m given to understand you were her late guardian’s legal representative.’

  Thmas gazed at him with interest. ‘That is so.’

  ‘Then you will not mind acting as advisor to her over this matter. The sum concerned is a considerable one. All the papers you require are in the satchel. They have been translated into English for your convenience, but the originals are included.’

  In fact, the estate turned out to be more than considerable. Bemused by the turn of events Thomas regretted not meeting the girl before. There was now even more reason to find her before her cousin did, for if this got out every fortune hunter in England would be after her. He had a good idea of where she might be found, and she must be made aware of her worth before Patrick Hartford learned of it.

  ‘There are some personal items the contessa wished the girl to have ... some jewellery and some family papers and heirlooms, including a miniatura of her mother as a young woman.’

  ‘If you would like to meet Miss Hartford perhaps you’d join me in the search for her whereabouts. It’s important that she be informed of this legacy as soon as possible. If you would like to travel with me it will offer you the chance of seeing the English countryside, and I will explain the urgency of the situation during the journey. If it suits you I will book tickets on the stage for tomorrow, and we can take the morning coach.’

  Which might be an improvement on staying in a dirty city that teemed with people, was choked by unhealthy river smells and smothered in fog, Alfredo thought. Besides, he rather like this Inglese lawyer. And it wasn’t as if he wanted to hurry back to his wife, or even his mistress. Both had become rather demanding of late. Spreading his hands in a manner that proclaimed his delight at such a notion, Alfredo smiled broadly.

  When the man had gone James called his clerk in. ‘Timothy, I’ll be going to Hampshire on company business the day after tomorrow. I’ll be absent for a few days. You’ll have to see my clients by yourself, since you’re well aware of what’s needed. Mr. James will be on hand to advise you if there’s anything you’re uncertain of. Mostly they are all uncomplicated, routine matters.’

  ‘Yes, sir,’ Timothy said, a smile lighting up his face at the chance of practising the profession he aspired to.

  * * * *

  Amber continued to enjoy Emma’s hospitality after Kitt and Caroline had taken their brood back home. She would have preferred to be mistress of her own home, but alas, she didn’t have one yet.

  ‘I’m not sure if you will like Brierly House,’ Emma told her. ‘Benedict has always found the place too austere and impersonal. He’s said that when he finds a property suitable to his needs he’ll sell it. He wants to start a second stud, one he can run by himself.’

  And Benedict had been taken with Hartford House! If it were for sale and she had the money to buy it she would give it to him for a wedding present - if she married him.

  ‘At least the sun has come out now. No doubt he’ll soon send word of what has been arranged. And even though the wedding is to be a quiet affair, our family will all be at the church, and family of family. And no doubt a few friends will turn up, and neighbors, for one can’t snub people by ignoring them on such occasions. If there is anyone you wish to invite let me know, then you can leave it all to me.

  Amber smiled at the thought of being a married woman. Falling in love with a man she’d only just met was totally ridiculous, yet exhilarating. One minute she was churning with excitement, the next she was scared out of her wits by the thought of becoming Benedict’s wife. Sometimes it seemed as though she’d never been given the chance to sit and think things though properly. She wished she had a mother to talk to.

  Two days later a rider approached the house. It was one of Benedict’s servants with a message.

  ‘Oh, poor Ben has been taken ill!’ Emma cried out, her hand flying to her chest.

  Amber’s heart sank. ‘What’s wrong with him?’

  ‘A sore throat and fever. He begs us not to worry, since the doctor said he’ll recover completely if he behaves himself and stays in bed. The illness was caused by the soaking he got during the storm, and in a few days the infection will have passed, then all he need do is rest and recuperate for a few more days.’

  ‘Will he behave himself?’

  ‘I rather doubt it. Ben is not a person who enjoys being incapacitated. He goes all grumbly when he’s ill, like a bear with a sore foot.’

  Amber giggled at the scene Emma's words conjured up.

  A second piece of paper fell from the back of the first. Emma picked it up and handed it to her. ‘It’s for you.’

  Amber would have liked to read her note in private, but Emma was gazing at her with such an expectant expression that she couldn’t help but smile when she said. ‘Do tell me, what does it say?’

  Dearest, Amber Rose,

  I have arranged for us to make our wedding vows for 11 am, in three weeks hence, the date then being Saturday the 20th day of September, and the event taking place in the church at Minstead.

  I hope this arrangement will meet with your approval, for by which time I shall be fully recovered from my affliction.

  Remember to remain vigilant at all times, my dear.

  Affectionately yours,

  Benedict.

  ‘He still thinks I’m in danger from my cousin then.’

  ‘It seems so.’

  ‘But why should I be? Patrick has got nothing to gain by harming me.’

  ‘Yet, he did seek to harm you.’

  ‘He and his friends had been drinking. When they sobered I imagine they forgot all about me.’

  ‘Ben said you were terrified.’

  ‘Yes ... yes, I was.’ She had a sudden vision of being reined in by Jonas Carlton, and of Stephen Gould dragging her by her hair. That was followed by a feeling of vulnerability. She gazed nervously around her and shuddered.

  ‘Oh, my dear.’ Emma hugged her tight. ‘What you must have been through. I have never seen Ben so angry, or so protective of anyone. You must listen to his advice. We all must be vigilant.’

  ‘He didn’t seem angry to me.’

  ‘His anger is deceptive, since he secludes it within quietness and reason. He’s not one to take rash action which may give him cause to regret, but he won’t allow a slight go past without apology, however long it takes. And he doesn’t walk away from an altercation if he thinks the cause is just, however overwhelming the odds.’

  ‘He will recover completely, won’t he?’

  ‘Goodness, yes. Ben’s extremely resilient, and it’s only a cold on the chest. I remember when he was five and he caught scarletina ... ’

  Amber smiled as she listened to Emma’s chatter. She loved hearing tales about Benedict’s childhood. It made her feel as though she’d always been part of his life.

  Chapter Nine

  The two lawyers alighted from the coach at Lyndhurst, where Thomas took rooms at the inn.

  The next morning found them bowling through the pleasa
nt countryside towards the Earl of Laconbridge’s estate in a hired rig.

  They'd missed seeing the two men who’d arrived during the night. Stephen Gould had talked the tavern wench into passing on information to them, as well as allowing him certain favors. The pair had ridden out early to position themselves amongst the trees at either side of the road.

  Jonas Carlton was no longer with them. He’d become bored of chasing around the countryside after Patrick’s cousin. Ashamed of his part in humiliating the young woman, he’d decided to stay in London in the house of his uncle, a man renown for his generosity, hospitality, and his many lovers - and whose estate and title Jonas would one day inherit.

  * * * *

  It was late morning when the two lawyers reached the Earl of Laconbridge’s magnificent country estate. The earl himself came to greet them, a smile on his face and two elderly lurchers sniffing at his heels. ‘Thomas Dunstan? Good Lord ... to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?’

  ‘An urgent matter has cropped up regarding Miss Hartford. Forgive me if I'm wrong, My Lord, but I'm given to understand the young lady is no longer at Hartford House, but was taken under the care of your son, Viscount Costain.’

  ‘That is so.’ His gaze went to Alfredo. ‘I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure.’

  ‘May I present Mr. Alfredo Dominico from Italy. He is a lawyer acting on behalf of Miss Hartford’s aunt, Contessa Consolata Puzo. Mr. Dominico, this gentleman is the Earl of Laconbridge.’

  Alfredo bowed from the waist and beamed a smile. ‘My Lord, I am onerato ... honored to meet you.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr. Dominico.’ The earl looked puzzled. ‘Miss Hartford has an aunt? I thought she was without relatives, except for her male cousin.’

  ‘It is now correct,’ Alfredo said. ‘Consolata Puzo is at rest in her grave, and Ambra Rosa Hartford has inherited her estate.’

  ‘The late Lord Hartford was always in touch with the contessa, to keep her informed of her niece’s progress, something which has paid off,’ Thomas said approvingly.