The Mystery at Falconbridge Hall

by Maggi Andersen

  “Did you see how good I am, Father?” Blythe rode over to them. “May I have a bicycle of my own?”

  “I’ll think about it, Blythe.”

  “Then Miss Ashley and I can ride into the village for tea.”

  Lord Falconbridge frowned. “Come to my study when you’re done here, Miss Ashley.”

  Breathing fast, she watched him walk back to the house. She should give some thought to where she might go from here, but she was too distressed.

  In Lord Falconbridge’s study, Vanessa swallowed under his scrutiny.

  He walked across to her. “You are fond of Blythe, are you not?”

  “Very much, my lord,” she said, wondering where this was leading. He sounded surprisingly reasonable. Was it to be just a rap on the knuckles as her father used to say?

  “You might help her, Miss Ashley. Would you be prepared to do something out of the ordinary?”

  His question took her completely by surprise. Vanessa nervously fingered the watch at her breast. “What would that be, my lord?”

  He looked down at her. “I had intended to find a mother for Blythe, but I’ve had little time to do it.”

  Did he wish her to find him one? The irrational thought flittered through her mind, which seemed to have turned to mush with him standing so close. So close she could study the knot in his tie and smell his fresh cologne. She anxiously raised her eyes to search his, trying to read his mood. She couldn’t breathe with him so close. But it would be rude to move away.

  He remained where he was, his eyes seeking hers. “Marry me, Miss Ashley.”

  Vanessa didn’t trust her ears. “I… um… I’m not sure I understand.”

  “It’s perfectly clear. I’m asking you to marry me.”

  Vanessa gaped at him. “This is not the time to joke, my lord.” She took a step backwards. “You’re being absurd. I’m your daughter’s governess.” He didn’t laugh. He didn’t even smile. The serious intent in his eyes almost knocked her knees from under her. “Lords don’t wed their household staff,” she said faintly. If this was his idea of a joke, it was in very poor taste.

  “You are a nobleman’s daughter. You’ve fallen on hard times, but it doesn’t alter your birthright.”

  “You hardly know me… and… I don’t know you at all,” she blustered. She checked the watch at her breast. “I must be getting back….”

  He stepped to the side, blocking her exit. “People often marry for convenience, Miss Ashley… Vanessa.”

  Vanessa backed away. He followed.

  She found herself pressed up against the wall of framed butterflies pressed under glass. Right at this moment, she felt very much like one. He leaned a hand against the wall beside her.

  “Don’t you see, my dear Miss Ashley? This is what Blythe wants.”

  “She is but ten years old, my lord.”

  “Blythe is wise beyond her years.”

  “She is still a child.” Her lips trembled. “And there is no love between us.”

  “Does love have to enter into it? You’ll be surprised how often it doesn’t.”

  “It’s what I’ve always wished for,” she said in a breathy voice, so close to him she could see the striations in his blue eyes. She suspected she could fall in love with him, but he didn’t even pretend to love her and was unlikely ever to do so. He must have been passionately in love with his wife to be jealous of the footman. Why didn’t he marry Miss Patterson, with her perfect nose and such confidence in her feminine grace? Attributes which men found so attractive. Vanessa could never be that. Surely, no woman would refuse him. Neither would she in different circumstances. If he went down on one knee, a declaring his love with passion burning in his eyes, begging her…

  “I’m offering you security and a home. That’s not so bad a bargain, is it?”

  Put in such unromantic terms, his words jolted her back to reality. It was to be expected. He was a rational scientist after all.

  Vanessa mutely shook her head. Would a marriage that offered little fulfillment or passion be bearable? Especially if she wanted more from him?

  Acknowledging her apprehension, he moved away. “We could make it a marriage in name only until I return, and then we’ll see. Would you agree to it then?”

  “I’ll have to think about it.” She darted around him and hurried to the door. “May I advise you of my decision at a later time?”

  “We don’t have much time, Vanessa.”

  She drew in a ragged breath. “I realize that, my lord.”

  “My name is Julian.”

  “Yes, I know,” she said distractedly, her hand on the doorknob. She opened the door and fled.

  Vanessa picked up her skirts and rushed along the corridor. Breathless, her heart pounding, she reached the day nursery just as Blythe and the nursery maid left it.

  “Oh, there you are, Miss Ashley.” Blythe paused. “Are you well? You look rather hot.”

  “Yes, thank you, Blythe. I hurried because I didn’t want to miss you,” Vanessa said.

  “I’m about to have my bath now. Can we read more of the book after supper? What did Father want?”

  “Oh… nothing of any importance, Blythe. Go and have your bath and we’ll read a bit more before you go to sleep.”

  Entering her bedroom, Vanessa shut the door behind her. She sank onto the bed. Marriage to Lord Falconbridge? Had he just asked her? Plainly, he had. She studied her hands, absently rubbing her ring finger. A marriage of convenience for now, he’d said. It would give her complete control of this house in his absence. How would the servants react to that? Could she gain their respect, or would they think her a schemer who enticed her way into his lordship’s affections? It was overwhelming. And he didn’t love her. He had asked her because Blythe wished it. Hardly a good basis for marriage. Yet he would be gone for some time… and when he returned? They could have the marriage annulled if he wished. Or if she wished. Her mind whirled, and her stomach churned.

  Vanessa lay down and crossed her hands over her stomach, staring at the ceiling. The Amazon was a primitive, dangerous place. What if his lordship didn’t return? The horror of it made a moan escape her lips. What would happen to Blythe then? Did she have relatives who would take her in and care for her? Would her birthright be protected? Was there someone reliable and trustworthy to keep her fortune safe until she came of age? It was such a difficult world. She had little confidence in it herself after her own experiences.

  Wishing she was clearer about the future for Blythe’s sake, she knew she must gain some agreement from him to protect the girl.

  The security his lordship offered was tempting, indeed. Nevertheless, marriage should be built on a solid foundation and be for the right reasons, otherwise it could founder… and unhappy couples forced to remain together. Unless one left as Clara had done. Vanessa sat up, rubbing her arms. If she refused him, would he keep her on here after he returned? Would the embarrassment of what happened between them make it impossible for her to remain? Where on earth would she find suitable employment? She might learn secretarial skills, women were doing that now….

  She closed her eyes. Her heart felt like it gave a sad little leap. What if she fell deeply in love with him, and he not with her?

  The answer came to her, calming her. She would have Blythe.

  The next morning, dressed in her best gown with the green leaf pattern, Vanessa knocked at his lordship’s door. She rubbed her stiff neck. She had lain awake long into the night and came to the decision that by now he would have changed his mind and regained his senses. Had he been afflicted with some tropical disease on his last trip that had affected his reason?

  She quaked when he called for her to enter.

  “There you are, Vanessa,” he said smoothly, rising to approach her. He was immaculately dressed and completely unruffled as she stood trembling before him. “How well that color suits you. Have you made a decision?”

  Vanessa cleared her throat. She would get right to the point before h
er wits deserted her. “Does Blythe have relatives to care for her should you not return from South America, my lord?”

  “It’s right that you should ask this,” he said. “My younger brother emigrated to Canada. I haven’t heard from him for some years. I have no other siblings.”

  “Your parents?”

  “Both deceased.” He rubbed the crease in his brow with a finger. “It is for that reason I’ve been most concerned.”

  “There’s no one else who would care for Blythe?”

  “If there was, I would leave her in their care. My former wife’s relatives live in France. We do not communicate.”

  Vanessa took a deep breath to steady her nerves. “Then I will marry you, my lord.” What are you doing, you foolish woman? He’ll break your heart.

  His expression lightened, more from gratitude or relief than pleasure she imagined. “That’s wonderful, Vanessa.”

  “Until you return, it will be a marriage in name only,” she said quickly, “for Blythe’s sake.”

  He shook his head. “I’ve thought about that, my dear. I think it wise, once we are wed, that the marriage continues in the normal fashion.”

  While he had a perfect right to wish the marriage consummated, Vanessa’s heart increased its tempo. “But it was your idea…”

  “Yes, indeed it was. But having given it due consideration, for the staff to accept you as their mistress, I believe radical changes must be made to establish your authority before I leave.”

  She had to admit to the sense of it, despite her fears. Yet her future peace of mind was at great risk from this man. To lose him now would be terrible, to lose him when her lover, beyond imagining. “Perhaps we might create a ruse?”

  His brows rose, and a humorous gleam lit his eyes. “A ruse? Do you really think the servants would be fooled?”

  Vanessa clutched her hands together. Really, didn’t he understand her position when he coolly suggested they inhabit the same bed for the few weeks left to them before he departed?

  She admitted to the odd moment of reflection in the past but had never seriously considered they might become…. A frisson of panic raced through her body, and her knees trembled so much she doubted they’d continue to hold her up for much longer. She placed a hand on the back of a chair.

  “It might serve,” she said cautiously, hating that her voice wobbled.

  A smile played at the edges of his mouth. “Good. Shall we go and tell Blythe?”

  He was shrewd as well as intelligent. He’d been confident she would agree because of his daughter. Vanessa had admitted to herself during the long night that she had come to care deeply for Blythe. “If you think it best, my lord.” She dropped her gaze to hide that she was aware of his strategy. It was a noble sacrifice after all.

  “I do.” He stepped close. “I promise never to hurt you,” he murmured.

  At least not intentionally, she thought crossly. A marriage of convenience would not affect him as it would her. He would be gone very soon, departing on a dangerous journey, perhaps never to return, leaving her heart in tatters and a child in even worse straights. Really!

  “Come, let’s go to Blythe. I cannot wait to tell her.”

  “You’re so sure she will approve? She is used to having you to herself.”

  How could his mere proximity have her fighting to gain her breath? “If she doesn’t may we then forget this rash scheme?”

  “Of course. You are quite right.” He held the door open for her. “But she’ll be delighted, you’ll see. And, Vanessa?”

  “Yes, my lord?”

  “At least when we’re alone, would you please call me by my given name?”

  “And when we’re not?” A thought she hadn’t yet considered hit her with force. She knew none of the ways of society and was struck by the enormity of the task ahead.

  “My full name is Julian St. John William Grieve, 4th Viscount Falconbridge. Viscount Falconbridge is a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created in 1668 for William Grieve, First Baron Falconbridge.” He walked with her along the corridor. “My father sold off the lands to the tenants and went into business earlier this century, but there remains an estate in Ireland, in County Wicklow. The property is leased. One day I will take you there.”

  She was about to become a viscountess and would be thrown headlong into upper-class society. When she stumbled over her feet, he caught her elbow in a strong grip. “How interesting,” she said in a tight voice.

  “You are the Honorable Vanessa Eliza Ashley, are you not?”

  “My mother’s name was Eliza.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  He knew almost everything about her. She knew nothing of him, beyond what he just told her. He was a stranger, albeit an undeniably attractive one. She needed to learn more about him, and wanted to ask him about Clara, but it didn’t seem fitting to do it now.

  In the nursery, they found Blythe rearranging the furniture in her dollhouse. She jumped up as they entered the room.

  “Blythe.” Julian pushed Vanessa gently forward. “I have asked Miss Ashley to marry me. And she has consented.”

  Blythe’s eyes grew large, and her mouth dropped open. Doubt was quickly replaced with joy, and she rushed to hug first her father and then Vanessa. “Is it true?” she asked in a hushed voice as if to say it aloud would prove it wrong.

  “Yes, child, it is.” Julian bent to kiss her cheek. He glanced at Vanessa, his eyes warm with satisfaction.

  Once he realized what he had done, how long would he be happy with his decision? It was one thing to care for your child, another to sacrifice your life to her. But wasn’t she doing the same? No. The answer came swiftly, and she knew her feelings for him were stronger than she had thus admitted to herself. Acknowledging it only filled her with trepidation.

  “We must announce it to the staff,” Julian said, sending another bolt of panic through her.

  “Perhaps a celebratory glass of wine before lunch,” he added, gazing into her eyes, and no doubt seeing the stupefaction there. Wine before lunch seemed a little excessive, but she wasn’t about to refuse it.

  Chapter Nine

  At Julian’s instruction, Johnson gathered the servants together in the ballroom. A glass of wine was offered to everyone, both indoor staff and out, including Jim, the seventeen-year-old stable boy, the gardeners, the account manager, Davison, and Bartlet, the gamekeeper. No one refused. Vanessa drank her wine gratefully and unbecomingly fast. She was tempted to have another, but resisted, afraid her face would flame bright red.

  Feeling a little calmer, Vanessa stood beside Julian before the assembled group as he made the announcement. Mrs. Royce’s eyes narrowed, and others gaped in surprise as Julian explained she was to become their new mistress.

  Vanessa managed a few words, promising to be fair-minded and give due consideration to their needs. “I know how competent you all are,” she added, “and I shall very much rely on each of you.” She nodded at Mrs. Royce and Johnson. Had Mrs. Royce’s sharp expression mellowed a fraction?

  Vanessa walked beside Julian along the line as they greeted each member of the staff. When she came to Lovel, he grinned and winked.

  Insufferable man! Vanessa glanced at Julian to see if he’d noticed, but he was deep in conversation with Johnson. She continued down the line. It wouldn’t do for Lovel to note her distaste; it would be hard enough for her to manage this household without him thinking she disliked him. It puzzled her that she did. It wasn’t like her to form such a strong aversion to someone without a good reason. He showed little respect for his employer it was true, but there seemed more to it than that. Might she be unfair? She was determined to keep an open mind where he was concerned, and she did admire his skill with the horses.

  Dorcas smiled, a little teary-eyed, and the other maids’ congratulations showed how romantic they thought it all was. Johnson squeezed her hand so tightly she felt sure she heard the bones crack. There were some who were more subdued. No doubt they needed ti
me to make up their minds about her. But their respect for their master was obvious, and as this was his wish, the atmosphere remained cheerful, helped along by Julian’s request that they all have another glass of wine and a piece of Cook’s fruit cake. It might have been the wine, or the fact that she’d met with no strong opposition, but Vanessa’s fears eased a little. After all, Blythe’s happiness mattered most.

  In the early evening, Vanessa strolled through the gardens with Julian. It was cool, summer but a memory. He shrugged out of his coat and settled it over her shoulders. “We must marry quickly, I’m afraid. I know women like an extravagant occasion with all the trimmings, but there isn’t time for that.”

  “I’ve never wished for a big wedding.” She smiled. “And who would I invite?”

  “I shall invite your uncle and his family.”

  She thought of that imperious man, watching her, judging her. “Oh no. Please don’t.

  He’ll feel obliged to attend. I’d hate that.”

  He turned to her, studying her in the fading light. “Are you sure? It could be to your advantage, make things go more smoothly for you.”

  “Quite sure.” With her uncle there she would be even more nervous. “I shall write to him, however.” She bit her lip. “I don’t wish to slight him.”

  “So, there’s no one?”

  She shook her head. “My aunt in Taunton is elderly. She wouldn’t want to make the journey.”

  “I’ll invite two of my friends, Hewson Watmore and Lord Forster and their wives. You have yet to meet my colleagues accompanying me on the trip.”

  She must face his friends. Would they disapprove of her? This marriage was already turning into an ordeal. But what was to follow worried her most. She hated the thought of disappointing Julian, especially in the bedroom.

  “I thought the Registry Office the following Friday, if it suits,” he said. “I can obtain a special license.”

  She pulled his coat over her chest, it smelled of his scent, male overlaid with a woody fragrance. “What on earth will I wear?” she asked aloud, expecting him to say any old thing would do.