The Scandalous Lord Lanchester

by Michelle Styles

  Chapter Seven

  ‘Are you certain that you wish to do this?’ Justin Avonlea raised his brows at Mariah. ‘It is a generous thing to do, of course, but hardly necessary.’

  ‘I have found too much money a burden,’ Mariah replied. ‘Winston had large estates as well as a great deal of money in blue-chip investments, which give me as much income as I need. I would like to make the gift now before my marriage, Justin. The capital will be kept in trust for the child until such time as she is five and twenty when she will be able to use it as she chooses. The income will be hers as soon as she is nineteen.’

  ‘Ten thousand pounds is quite a large sum.’ He frowned. ‘It is generous, Mariah—and you do not wish me to tell either Lucinda or Angela of this until she is nineteen?’

  ‘Lucinda might feel awkward. I would rather it came as a surprise to the girl when she is old enough to understand and enjoy the gift. It is enough to make sure that she could live well even if she did not marry, but not enough to have the fortune hunters annoying her.’

  ‘She already has a house of her own and the income to run it—and it was my intention to do something more for her when she was older.’

  ‘You have been more than generous to her,’ Mariah said. ‘You will see to the provisions for the beneficiaries of my will should I die before I marry. I know that they will not apply if I marry and we shall talk again then, because Andrew has already told me that I am to settle what I will on my children and do as I wish with my own income. He will help me with my affairs, but he does not wish to benefit personally.’

  ‘No, I dare say he finds your fortune a little overpowering. He is wealthy enough despite some setbacks in his investments, but he would not wish to take advantage for himself. Any suggestion that he was interested in your fortune would offend his pride.’

  ‘Andrew has had some investment problems?’

  ‘Yes. Did he not tell you? I think it was a year or so ago, when he mentioned he had a debt he must settle. I think he may have had the intention of selling land, but he put himself right without doing so as far as I know. He has already told me that he wishes the marriage contract to be settled in your favour with provisions for your children and the rest to be at your disposal.’

  Mariah nodded. She was surprised to learn that Andrew had had some money difficulty. Jane had never spoken of it—perhaps did not even know of her brother’s need. She wondered why he had kept it so quiet, because Jane had been his estate manager for a long time while he was serving in the army with Wellington. Andrew had given no hint of any difficulty and the reception he’d thrown for his sister’s wedding had been lavish, as, Mariah believed, had his settlement on Jane.

  She dismissed the faint doubts as Justin went into the process she would have to follow if she wished to give ten thousand pounds away. Her husband’s trustees would need to be informed and she might have to sell an investment—unless she had a capital sum to hand?

  ‘Yes, I do, as it happens. Winston placed a large sum at my disposal when we married. After he died, I had the income from his estate and so I never used the money he gave me. I think it amounts to about twenty thousand pounds. I have spent a few hundred guineas on clothes, which must be settled when the seamstress comes, but that is all. The interest together with my income from the estate has been sufficient for my needs.’

  ‘Then all you will need to do is to sign the papers and I can arrange that for you.’ Justin stood up and poured her a glass of wine. ‘May I ask what makes you wish to do such a wonderful thing for the child?’

  Mariah accepted the glass from his hand. ‘I have been so fortunate in life, Justin. Lucinda told me how Angela was treated when that awful woman had her working, almost as a slave it would seem. I could of course have done something for her later in life, but one never knows what might happen—if I should die and no one knew of my wish she would be that much poorer.’

  ‘Lucinda would thank you if she knew—but you are right, she might feel overwhelmed by your generosity. It is best if we keep this between us. My man of business is coming here next week and I shall arrange for the documents to be drawn up before that so that you may sign.’

  Mariah thanked him and sipped her wine. A few minutes later, she left him at his desk in the library and went in search of Lucinda. Looking out of the window, she saw that the sun was shining, though it would no doubt be cold out for it was early December. Andrew had arranged the wedding for early in the New Year. Before that they were to hold a Christmas ball and Justin and Lucinda had planned a large affair here at Avonlea on Christmas Eve.

  She smiled, ignoring the faint doubts that Justin’s words had conjured up. Mariah had assumed that Andrew had asked her to be his wife on two counts: one was to make her safe from fortune hunters and the second was because he wanted to settle down and start his nursery.

  He insisted that she must order her finances to suit herself, placing most of her fortune in trust for their children—but once they were married he would legally be in charge of her fortune and could, if he wished, use the money she had at her disposal. Even the news that he was marrying a woman of considerable fortune would impress any creditors he might have and give him a breathing space should he need it.

  No! It was despicable even to suspect that her money might have swayed Andrew’s thinking. Had he wanted her fortune he might have asked her months ago. If he’d had some financial difficulty in the past, it was resolved. He must have found some way of paying his debts, for she did not think he was in any difficulty now. The engagement ring he had bought her was a magnificent square emerald surrounded by fine diamonds—and the suite of emerald-and-diamond collar, eardrops and tiara that he’d given her as a gift were surely worth a king’s ransom. She believed they were heirlooms, for he had told her she might have them reset if she chose. Surely if he had been in debt he could have sold the emeralds?

  Justin had it wrong. Mariah would not think of it again.

  * * *

  ‘It is so good to have you here for Christmas,’ Lucinda said as she hugged Mariah’s arm. They were taking a turn in the conservatory, because the sun made it feel warm behind the narrow glass panes and they were able to stroll up and down the long room, which faced south and was at the back of the house. There were scented plants in large pots, which had somehow been forced to flower at an unseasonable time and gave an illusion of summer. ‘I am looking forward to all the dinners and balls. I have not been out much since my confinement and shall enjoy them all the more for having you here.’

  ‘It is wonderful to be with you again,’ Mariah said. ‘It was lovely at the villa until…’ She decided that her friend did not need to know about the unpleasantness and gave a little toss of her head. ‘One tires of travel eventually. Christmas at home will be much nicer.’

  ‘Next year you will have a home with Andrew. It will be an exciting year for you, dearest.’ Lucinda looked at her when she did not immediately answer. ‘Is something concerning you? You have been a little quiet. Justin did not scold you too much this morning? Or are you missing Andrew?’

  ‘I am missing him, of course, but I knew that he had business in London. There is something he must settle. I am certain that he will return as soon as he has the time.’

  Mariah wrinkled her brow. Andrew had seemed to think he could settle the business just by talking to a colleague—but would it be so easy?

  She felt a shiver of fear, which started at her nape and began to trickle down her spine. If anything should happen to Andrew now, it would break her heart. She had begged him to take care. He’d dismissed her fears with an arch of his eyebrows, laughing it off.

  ‘In Italy we may have been in some danger, but I believe we are safe enough here, my love. You must not worry. Think about the arrangements for the wedding and before you know it, I shall be home again.’

  Was he telling her the truth? Or was he merely protecting her so that she did not become anxious?

  Lucinda glanced at her. ‘You seem
a little quiet, Mariah. Is something the matter?’

  ‘No, nothing at all. I am missing Andrew, of course, but I dare say he will be back before we know it.’

  * * *

  ‘You were unable to find any trace of Lieutenant Gordon?’ Major Harrison looked grim. ‘I am sorry to hear that, Lanchester. The matter is becoming urgent since I have been asked to make extensive inquiries into the disappearance of the silver. By withholding the letter I am becoming an accessory to the crime. I ought to report it to a higher authority.’

  ‘I perfectly understand that, sir. I am grateful that you have held back this long. Should it come to a court-martial I shall, of course, be judged by my peers. I swear to you that I know nothing of the theft, but as yet I do not know why I have been accused—or who the true culprit is.’

  ‘I trust you implicitly, Andrew. I shall give you another month—after that…’

  ‘Yes, I understand, sir. I have discovered the whereabouts of Gordon’s mother and sister. I am thinking of approaching them to ask if they know anything of him or the letter.’

  ‘You may receive a sharp answer, but if you could obtain a sample of their handwriting, perhaps a case might be made—should one or the other be a culprit.’

  ‘There is another possibility, though I hesitate to suggest it. I must say at once that I do not think he stole the silver—but he may know who did…’

  ‘Of whom do you speak?’

  Andrew explained what had happened in Italy. Major Harrison looked disapproving. ‘Grainger is an excellent officer. I do not think he would deliberately seek to discredit a fellow officer.’

  ‘No, nor do I—but he might protecting someone out of loyalty. He disappeared in mysterious circumstances the day after an attempt was made to kill me…’

  ‘You are not suggesting…’ Major Harrison raised his heavy brows. ‘Surely not? Why would Grainger wish to kill you?’

  ‘I have no idea—unless…’ Andrew shook his head. ‘A thought has occurred to me, but I have no proof. If Lieutenant Gordon’s mother or his sister was responsible for the letter accusing me of theft, he might be protecting her—but where the rest of it fits I have no certain knowledge.’

  ‘It is merely a theory and I do not like the implication of another officer, whose behaviour has thus far been exemplary.’

  ‘No, nor I, for I would not wish to cast aspersions on another man’s character without proof.’

  ‘That would indeed be a pity. If you come up with any proof, I should be glad to have this matter settled. If the silver could be recovered, I should be glad of it. Some of those pieces were irreplaceable and important to the regiment.’

  ‘Yes, I am certain of it,’ Andrew replied. ‘It is hard to believe that any member of the regiment would steal something of that importance—where would he sell it? No reputable dealer would buy silver with the regiment’s crest unless there was a certificate of permission for the sale—it must have been melted down for a fraction of its real worth.’

  ‘That is my fear.’ Major Harrison sighed. ‘Sacrilege! It may, of course, have been an opportunist from outside the regiment.’

  ‘I shall continue to make enquiries.’ Andrew offered his hand, which was accepted. ‘If I discover anything of worth, I shall come to you, Harrison.’

  ‘Thank you. I have also to thank you for the loan you made to Mrs Ransome. I have not mentioned it before, because I did not wish to muddy the waters while this business was still unsettled.’

  ‘Captain Ransome’s widow was left without enough money to return to England and set up house,’ Andrew replied. ‘I think we all felt that Ransome’s death was a shocking waste of life and regretted his loss. The money I advanced to her was meant to be a gift and to remain a secret.’

  ‘And it will as far as others are concerned. The truth is that Julia has done me the honour to accept an offer of marriage. She thought it necessary to tell me of the gift—and that there was never an involvement between you?’

  ‘None at all,’ Andrew said. ‘Teddy Ransome was a good friend. I could not see his wife without a home or allow her to live in poverty.’

  ‘I am more grateful than I can tell you—but the debt becomes mine now. I shall repay you very soon.’

  ‘There is no hurry, but you must do as you wish. I perfectly understand your desire to pay what you consider a debt.’

  ‘I shall send you a draft on my bank.’ Major Harrison looked awkward. ‘I did wonder at one time…ten thousand is a deal of money to find at short notice…’

  ‘I borrowed from my bank, as it happens. They were happy to advance me until I could sell a small estate.’

  ‘Yes, of course. Forgive me. It was just a little difficult in the circumstances. You will let me know how this business goes on?’

  ‘As soon as I have any news.’ Andrew smiled. ‘I must congratulate you on your marriage and wish you both happy.’

  The two men said their farewells. Andrew was thoughtful as he left the major’s office. He could see why Harrison had found the business uncomfortable—and why some doubt had lingered at the back of his mind even though he professed to believe Andrew.

  He wished that he had been able to settle the matter, because he might then have married Mariah with a clear conscience. He did not enjoy having this shadow having over him and he was anxious lest it should bring harm to the woman he admired and cared for.

  Having discovered that Gordon’s mother and sister were living in Hampstead, he determined to pay them a visit on his way home. He would ask them if either knew of Lieutenant Gordon’s whereabouts and ask for an address, if they could supply it—but he could not ask outright if they had sent the letter.

  However, before he left London he must pay a visit to the jeweller at which he had placed an order. His gift for Mariah must be ready by now and he was anxious to see if they had managed to find what he wanted for her wedding present.

  * * *

  Leaving the jeweller he had chosen to patronise an hour or so later, Andrew had much to occupy his thoughts as he returned to his hotel. The pearl-and-diamond collar he had purchased for Mariah was costly and beautiful enough to please any lady, even one as wealthy and discerning as his bride-to-be.

  He frowned slightly as he thought about Mariah’s circumstances. He had told her that she might do as she wished with her own fortune—he did not wish her to imagine that he was one of the fortune hunters who had plagued her since her first husband’s death. Indeed, her wealth was one of the reasons he had hesitated to ask for her hand. Mariah was undoubtedly a spoiled beauty. She had been given everything she wanted for most of her life and at times she tended to be contrary and perhaps a little too confident of her right to do just as she pleased. Andrew admired her spirit, but could not help wondering if perhaps they would strike sparks off one another once they were wed.

  He admired her in many ways and found her amusing company—but he could not convince himself that Mariah was in love with him. She liked him and respected him, but he doubted that her feelings ran deep. For himself, he held her in warm affection and thought it could be a good marriage. He would be an unnatural man if he did not feel desire for a woman as lovely as she, but as yet he was not sure how deep his feelings ran. At times he felt that Mariah was indeed the only lady he could ever love, yet at others he felt the prick of doubt. Was he perverse in wishing that it had been otherwise? Only a handful of his friends had made love matches, and he knew that most would envy him his choice of a bride. Undoubtedly some would think he was marrying her for her fortune, but they would be wrong. His loan to Captain Ransome’s widow had left him temporarily short of available funds, though his estate had never been in danger. He had sold some property left to him by an aunt—a house and land, which he had never cared for—and that sale had restored his income to its normal levels.

  What was wrong with him? He might have married years ago had he not been so particular. Unprepared for a marriage that turned sour after a few months, as often happe
ned, he wanted a lady he could admire and respect—and one that would return his affection. At times when he was near Mariah he felt near mad with wanting, but he could not forget her love of flirtation. Supposing after they were married she grew bored and amused herself with others? He had little experience of women outside his sister, except for lightskirts who were willing to lie with almost any man for money and gifts. No, he was a fool to think it, but could not help feeling slightly jealous of the men she had known. Just how many lovers had she taken since her husband died—and would he be enough to content her? Yet he could not bear the thought of giving her up now that they had agreed to marry.

  He found that he was missing Mariah more than he would have expected and would be glad when his business was finished and he could go home and claim his beautiful bride.

  * * *

  Mariah stood reluctantly for the fitting of her wedding gown. In its early stages, it still had pins everywhere and the drapes in the skirt did not look as she wished. She pouted at her reflection in the long mirror and pulled at the front of the dress.

  ‘This is not quite right, madame. I would prefer that it fell in a straight drop. At the moment it makes me look fat.’

  ‘You could never look anything but beautiful,’ Lucinda told her with a laugh. ‘However, the front is tucked up and needs a little adjustment. Do you not think so, Madame Bonnier?’

  ‘Ah, yes, I see what you mean,’ the harassed seamstress said and gave the front a little tweak, smoothing out the wrinkle that had spoiled the line. ‘There, is that not perfect, milady?’

  ‘Yes, it is.’ A smile touched Mariah’s mouth. ‘I am difficult to please today, madame. I think it must be wedding nerves.’

  ‘Oh, no, I have the clients much more difficile,’ the seamstress said and laughed. ‘Milady is the perfect client with her so-beautiful figure.’

  ‘You need not be so polite,’ Mariah told her. ‘I know I am a spoiled brat. Justin told me so years ago and I fear he is right. I was always given my own way and perhaps I have become selfish without intending it.’