“She won’t care for that. Come on.”
There were a number of fine establishments in Brussels, many of them in the streets surrounding the Place Royale. Philip went up to several of the lackeys guarding the doorways asking for Lady Alice. It was at the fourth establishment that he was given the answer he was looking for. Both Sir Edward and his wife were staying in the hotel, but the lackey would not allow them to enter.
“You’ll find that Sir Edward Maitland will see us,” Philip argued. “He will be most annoyed if you don’t admit us.”
“He won’t bother with the likes of you,” the man insisted, waving him away. “Be off with you.”
“If you don’t let us in, we’ll wait until you do,” Philip said calmly.
“Oh no you won’t.” The man gave a shrill whistle and another lackey appeared. Philip pushed Grace behind him and waited. He was prepared, so the first man’s fist met open air and he measured his length on the cobbles. Before the next man could attack, a voice demanded,
“What’s going on here?” A uniformed figure wearing a large plumed hat came out of the hotel and bore down upon them.
Philip, who had his foot on the fallen lackey’s back, pressing him down on the cobbles replied, “This man refuses to let me speak to Sir Edward Maitland or his wife Lady Alice. When I protested, he attacked me.” The man squirmed under him. “Be quiet you.”
“That’s his job,” the man in the top hat said. “We don’t allow beggars to bother our guests at the Royale. Release him at once and go or we will drive you away.”
What might have happened next was debatable, for they never found out. A shriek turned all heads as Alice came running down the street, right into the middle of the fracas.
“What are you doing to my brother?” she demanded, rounding on the man with the hat.
“Your brother, my lady?” he looked horrified.
“Are you deaf? Grace too! What’s happened to you?”
“These men mistook us for vagabonds and tried to turn us away when I asked for Edward.”
“I’m not surprised in those clothes. I thought you were safe in Paris and Grace was in England.”
“It’s a long story. May we come in and tell you about it?”
“Of course.” She turned back to the doorman who was looking extremely puzzled because the rapid exchange had been in English. “This is my brother and my friend. Admit them at once. Fetch some hot water to my rooms and something to eat. Are you hungry?”
Philip laughed. “I could gobble up a horse. We have been living on bread and cheese when we could get anything at all.”
“Come then.” She took Grace’s arm and urged her forward. A young girl timidly started to follow them. Alice stopped and said, “This is my new maid. Go and find Sir Edward, Madeleine, and tell him I need him at once. He should be still in the Grande Place.”
The doorman hurried after them, bleating apologies but Alice ignored him until he got in her way then she said,
“You must have other duties to attend to. Carry out my orders and leave us alone if you please. My husband will have a thing or two to say about your conduct later on.”
The Maitlands’ rooms were situated on the second floor of the building, pleasantly furnished but not as opulent as the ones they had occupied in Paris.
“The town is so full,” Alice told them. “There are visitors from home and people from all over France. We were lucky to find anywhere at all.” She opened a door that led off the parlour. “This is Edward’s dressing room where you can change, Philip. Take off those awful clothes. You reek. I’ll send the water in to you as soon as it arrives.”
“Why thank you, little sister. If you had been in gaol and travelling for days, you might pong a little yourself!”
She giggled. “So I was right when I prophesied you’d end in prison. Hurry up. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Come with me, Grace. You can change in my bedchamber.”
The door opened and Edward came in.
“You wanted me, Alice? Philip! Grace! Good God, what are you doing here?”
“A long story which I promise to tell you as soon as we have rid ourselves of all our dirt. Alice tells me that I smell.”
“You do.”
“I agree, but we brought very little on the journey from Paris, so these are the only clothes we possess. We must borrow some of yours, if you please, or cause a scandal.”
Edward grinned. “I’ll send my man, Benson, in to you. My coats are certain to be too big for you, but he will contrive. He always does, and we cannot have you naked. Think of our reputation if not your own.”
Philip laughed.
Chapter Nineteen
A couple of hours later, the travellers enjoyed the best meal they had eaten for a long time. Benson did indeed contrive and Philip now appeared as an English gentleman, although not one in the forefront of fashion. Neither Edward’s breeches nor his coats fit his smaller figure. Benson had cut and tied his hair back neatly in the approved manner. Grace, attired in a round gown belonging to Alice, looked very much as she usually did when she was not in the middle of an adventure.
After dinner, when the servants left, the two groups exchanged stories of what had happened since they had parted at Moret-sur-Loing.
“I didn’t think you could get over the mountains on horseback, little sister,” Philip teased.
“I didn’t. That first day’s ride was enough for me, but I must practice more. I have become lazy living in London, although I always used to beat you on the hunting field.”
“Ah, but Papa gave you the better horses.”
Edward smiled at their banter and then said, “What do you want to do next, Philip? It seems to me that you are at a crossroads.”
Philip nodded. “I am. Now that I am known to be an Englishman, I can’t return to the Emperor’s service, even if I wanted to. If the allies prevail and put the king on the throne again, I wouldn’t live in France.”
“Then, perhaps it’s better for the Baron de Vezey to disappear and for the new Earl of Kirkmore to emerge?” Alice asked.
“I killed Staunton, as you know, and there were witnesses.” He turned to her. “Your friend Charville was one of them.”
“A word could be dropped in Charville’s ear to keep him silent,” Edward said. “He was implicated in Staunton’s kidnapping of Alice and that is a hanging offence, if we choose to accuse him.”
Philip was startled. “You’d never involve her in such an unsavoury affair?”
“Of course not, but would Charville believe that? He could be silenced and so could the other witnesses. In any case, Staunton died in France, where British magistrates have no power. By the time we’re at peace again, I doubt you’ll find too many people enquiring into the death of a man in an affair of honour.”
“There is also the matter of Celia.”
“Now that she and Staunton are both dead, only her father could challenge you.”
“Colonel Blackwood has grown very frail, Philip, and he disowned Celia when he found out what had happened,” Alice said. “So I doubt he’d pursue the matter. As for your stay in London last year, you look very different now to how you did then. Nobody would recognise you.”
Philip sat back and twirled his wine glass between his long fingers. “Do you really think I can go home?”
“Do you want to?”
“I never imagined spending the rest of my life at Kirkmore when I was growing up, but now…” He took hold of Grace’s hand and smiled at her. “I would like you to be the first of my English family to know that Grace has done me the honour of accepting my proposal of marriage.”
Alice jumped to her feet and embraced them both. “Oh my dear brother, I’m so happy for you both.” She kissed them.
It was late when Alice showed Grace to the room that had been prepared for her. The men lingered over their wine for a while until eventually Philip rose. He would have retired to the dressing room, where a truckle bed had been made up for him, but
Edward held up his hand and stayed him.
“I have a favour to ask of you,” he said.
“Certainly, if I possibly can.”
“Let me check that Alice is asleep.” He softly opened the door of their room and listened. “Yes she is. As you know, it was my intention to rejoin my regiment as soon as war was declared, but we only arrived here two days ago. I had to find accommodation for Alice where she would be safe. Now I have done so, I intend to ride out to see Colonel Grant tomorrow, which should be a mere formality. All the regiments are short of officers and men with so many in America.”
“How does Alice feel about that?”
Edward shrugged. “Like any woman would be, she’s unhappy. She did not know me when I was a soldier and she has never had anyone dear to her fighting in battle. She realises it’s my duty, so she is trying to be brave and support me. Suppressing her feelings is hard for her.”
“How can I help you?”
“I intended to leave Benson here with her for protection. She doesn’t want to leave and I have agreed not to send her away unless Brussels is actually threatened. Benson has instructions to take her to England in the event that fortune turns against us, but he would prefer to come with me. He’s a good soldier and I would be happy to keep him by my side. If you could stay here with Alice until we know the outcome of this campaign, that would greatly relieve my mind. If anything happens to me, Alice will find it easier to be with you and Grace than with anyone else. If not, we can all go home together.”
The fine June day was warm and sunny when the new Earl of Kirkmore stepped out of the hotel with his sister and his bride-to-be. He was about to rejoin the society he had fled from so many years earlier. A transformation had taken place and tailors had worked through the night to alter some of Edward’s garments to fit him. From the top of his hat to his shining shoes Philip was now a picture of perfection. The travellers’ smelly clothes had been given away and a story concocted to account for their arrival in such a state. A stirring tale of a carriage accident, robbers and a narrow escape was circulated amongst the servants and seemed to be accepted. Not that anyone appeared to be interested, with all the exciting things that were taking place outside the city.
True to his word, Edward had ridden out early that morning to find his regiment. Benson rode beside him, looking relieved, or so Philip thought. Clearly, staying behind at the hotel had not been his preference. Alice was surprisingly calm although she betrayed her nervousness by quick speech and a restlessness she could not disguise from her brother. So, when she seized on the notion of taking Philip and Grace to visit the few acquaintances she had made in Brussels, he did not try to dissuade her.
“We must establish you in your new personality,” she insisted. “If we are open now, Philip, you are far more likely to be accepted than if you keep away from everyone.”
He agreed, thinking that going visiting would at least take her mind off what was happening to Edward. So, they strolled along the streets, called at several houses and lunched at one of the smaller cafes near to the Grand Place. Here Alice was hailed with acclaim and begged to join a party of other English people who were discussing the latest news. Philip was introduced by his new title which raised no eyebrows and was accepted without comment since he accompanied his sister.
“They say that Bonaparte has left Paris already. We’ll see some fighting now, I’m sure,” one man said.
“He may not come in this direction,” another disagreed.
“Nonsense. This is where the armies are gathering. He’ll either stay in France to defend the country or attack us here. If he makes no move, Wellington is certain to lead an invasion south. Don’t you agree?” he shot the question at Philip who replied without thought,
“He’ll attack, that’s his way. The Emperor is not known for fighting defensive wars.”
“You almost sound as if you admire him.”
“I do.” Philip heard Grace give a little gasp at his side and several people frowned. “In many ways he’s a genius especially on the battlefield, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want him stopped. We’ve been fighting the French all my life. It’s time there was peace.”
“That monster is coming here?” the wife of the first speaker asked nervously and, when Philip nodded, she turned to her husband.
“Shouldn’t we leave for the coast directly, before he comes? There are the children to be thought about, after all.”
“Don’t worry, Sarah. No need yet. We’re bound to find out when things start happening. Time enough then if we have to go.”
As they were walking back to the hotel, Alice said,
“You really shouldn’t praise Bonaparte, Philip. People did not like to hear you say what you did. Such views draw attention to you, which is dangerous when you can’t explain why you hold them.”
“I agree with Alice, Philip,” Grace murmured. “Some of them looked at you askance and no doubt will remember you and your remarks.”
He looked at her and noticed that she was paler than usual. “I’m sorry. I spoke carelessly. You’re right, but I have spent the last years running away, hiding myself and my thoughts in another country. I would like to express my views occasionally.”
“Not here, not now!”
“Perhaps not. Since it worries you both, I will be more discreet in future.”
That evening, Alice had been invited to dine with a Mr. and Mrs. Gibson. They were some sort of distant relations of hers, who had embarked on a Grand Tour of Europe. She did not want to go before she had news of her husband, but Grace persuaded her to do so.
“If Edward has been accepted back into his regiment, he can’t possibly return to Brussels tonight. He must be very busy at the camp. I’ll tell one of the lackeys to bring you word if he returns or sends you a note. If you stay with us here, you’ll only worry and I’m sure there is no need at this moment.”
So, Alice allowed herself to be persuaded. It was decided that Philip would accompany her, because it was another opportunity for him to establish his credentials. Grace had a headache and, on this occasion, wanted to remain behind. The evening was not a great success. The dinner was excellent and the rubbers of whist an interesting challenge since there were several excellent players among the company. Unfortunately, the talk was all about the coming war, and Alice became prey to her fears once again. She found it very hard to hide her feeling under a mask of good manners. Eventually, when she managed to snatch a moment alone with him, she begged Philip to take her home.
“Of course. Do you have a headache too?” he asked. “You look as if you do.”
“I really cannot bear it any more. All they talk about is war.”
They made their excuses and returned to the hotel where Madeleine took charge of her mistress, bathed her face with lavender water and put her to bed. Grace had already retired but Philip sat up in the salon. He was restless and found it hard to concentrate on the novel he was attempting to read. A sudden noise caused him to toss the book aside and look out of the window. A single horseman was clattering up the street. By the light of the lanterns by the door of the hotel, Philip could see that he was in uniform.
“What’s happening?” Both Alice and Grace came out of their rooms and stood behind him.
“A rider making a dashed lot of noise, that’s all,” he replied with a shrug, closing the window.
“What sort of rider?” Alice asked.
“Couldn’t see. It was too dark,” he lied. “Go back to sleep, both of you. When Edward comes, Alice, he won’t want to see you with black circles under your eyes and looking like a ghost. I’ll wake you if anything happens, I promise.”
Alice left him but Grace remained. They sat beside each other for a long time holding hands and saying nothing, content just to be together. Then, at last, Philip said,
“My dear, tomorrow I have to make arrangements to get you and Alice out of Brussels and to the coast. The longer I put it off, the more difficult it will be. I can’t stand th
e thought that you might be in danger.”
He kissed her and she returned his kisses until he murmured,
“We must stop now or we’ll anticipate our wedding night. Leave me, my love, while I can still ask you to go.”
Grace left but Philip did not immediately seek his own room. He sat nodding in a chair, staring into the embers of the fire, trying to order his thoughts. He wanted to marry Grace before anything happened to prevent it. Then he would have the right to protect her. Would it be possible for them to wed in Brussels? She might prefer all the pomp and ceremony of a big society wedding, of course, and to be properly introduced to the Ton. Then he smiled. A woman who had ventured into a foetid prison was unlikely to insist on pomp. From the kisses she had given him tonight, he thought that she, too, would not want to wait much longer.
Tomorrow he would make the necessary arrangements and then he would ask her. Brussels was safe enough for the present, although it would not remain so for long. He would also fulfil his promise to Edward and find a way to remove Alice, if danger threatened. Sleep claimed him unexpectedly and nothing further disturbed him until the sunlight found the uncurtained window and fell across his face.
“Do either of you need me this morning?” Philip asked at breakfast. “If not, I have some business of my own to do.”
“Is your business very secret?” Alice smiled.
“Not at all. If I am to play the part of the Earl of Kirkmore properly, I must call on the ambassador and tell him that I am here. That is the usual procedure when visiting a foreign country as you know. If I do not, he may wonder why and ask awkward questions that are best avoided.”
“Edward and I met him the day we arrived. Sir Charles Stuart was the ambassador to Spain when the army was fighting there. They say he’s a favourite of Wellington’s, who has asked for him to be sent to France when his time here is finished.”
“What’s he like?”
“Pleasant enough, as you would expect from a man in his position, but shrewd for all that. He told me that he had been at school with Papa but that I favoured my mother.”
Regency Belles & Beaux Page 32
