An Inconvenient Companion

by Audrey Harrison

  “Damn.” Alfred said, sinking back into the chair, deflated.

  “Is there a problem I can assist with?” Walter asked.

  “It’s probably better if you don’t know the details. Someone is at risk and I was hoping with the work that I had done with Lord Halkyn in the past, that he could offer assistance. It is clear that he can’t, not at the moment at least.” Alfred said, trying to sound calmer than he felt. He did not have a network of people outside London that he could send Laura to for safety, it was becoming apparent to him that she had picked the wrong man to help her.

  “I am sorry, but even if I forwarded your letter on, he probably would just throw it in the nearest fire. He has a history of doing that.” Walter said, remembering with a shudder the time when his master had gone into such a decline that he had feared for him.

  “I suppose I shall have to wait until they return,” Alfred said in resignation. “I just hope they tire of travelling soon.” It was a vain hope, but the only thing he had.

  Alfred said his goodbyes to the butler and walked up the stairs from the basement as if he had the world’s worries on his shoulders. He could not continue the farce about him being ill indefinitely. There would come a point when his landlady would demand access to his room and then they would be discovered. He could not protect Laura in London, he had no idea to what extent the Baron would go to in trying to find her. If he had arranged the killing of three women already, he was obviously a determined man, so while she remained in London, Laura was in danger.

  Alfred sighed at the top of the steps. He could not dally, they would have to make alternative plans and quickly. He needed to return to his lodgings. As he walked across the square, leaving Lord Halkyn’s house behind him, a carriage swung around and stopped at one of the houses of the opposite side. At first Alfred did not take much notice of the carriage, but then something caught his eye and he picked up his pace.

  The carriage was adorned with the Dunham crest and Lord Dunham was alighting from it. Alfred hurried to catch Lord Dunham before he entered his house, since he would probably not be receiving visitors at this hour. So, although it went against every instruction in polite behaviour, Alfred interrupted Lord Dunham and his companion on the steps of the house.

  “Lord Dunham!” Alfred said.

  Lord Dunham turned, not looking pleased at his conversation being interrupted. He looked closely at the gentleman stood on the pavement, before a look of recognition passed across his face. “Mr Peters?” He asked in surprise.

  “Yes my Lord,” Alfred said with relief. The first hurdle was overcome, there had been no guarantee that Lord Dunham would remember him. “I am sorry to prey on you at this hour, but would it be possible to have a private word with you?”

  “Now?” Lord Dunham asked, not unfriendly, but not overly welcoming either.

  “If it wasn’t of importance my Lord, I would not be interrupting your evening. I’ve been trying to contact Lord Halkyn, but without success. It appears he has gone to ground and is not available for communication.” Alfred explained.

  The message to anyone other than Lord Dunham sounded cryptic at best, but Lord Dunham inclined his head slightly and indicated that Alfred should join him. So, with a sigh of relief from Alfred, the three gentlemen entered the house.

  The black and white marble hallway was a far cry from the servant’s entrance that Alfred had been led down a few minutes previously. The staircase swept up from the ground floor, leading the way enticingly to the higher rooms. Solid oak doors, stood to attention around the edge of the hallway, to which Lord Dunham led the way to one.

  “Dawson, I’ll see you in the drawing room, after I’ve spoken to Mr Peters,” Lord Dunham said to his friend.

  Alfred was ushered into the study and admired the richness of the wood and amount of books adorning the shelves. The chairs that were in this room, were not the wooden chairs, filled with cushions that had been in the butler’s pantry, but the high winged-back, upholstered chairs that promised both comfort and warmth.

  Lord Dunham sat at his desk and indicated that Alfred should take the chair opposite him. “I’m presuming this has something to do with Baron Kersal?” He asked, correctly presuming that any contact between the Bow Street Officer and Lord Halkyn would be to do with the case they had worked on together.

  “It has, my Lord,” Alfred replied. “I am sorry about the intrusion, but seeing your carriage gave a glimmer of hope in an otherwise very dark evening.”

  Alfred explained about Laura’s approach and what his intentions had been. He explained their current predicament and the loss that he was at since he had undertaken his evening enquiries at Lord Halkyn’s home.

  Lord Dunham sat, thinking for a few moments before responding to the story. “Do you believe everything this Laura tells you?” He asked.

  “I do,” Alfred said without hesitation. “She is not an hysterical female, or a conniving one, I know her profession may lead people to mistrust what she is saying, but she has never lied to us before. She has asked for nothing, apart from help to reach safety.”

  “Trust Halkyn to refuse to have any contact with the outside world,” Lord Dunham muttered to himself. “Is there no one that she knows outside the city?”

  “No, people like her tend to have quite a narrow acquaintance, none of who would be willing to acknowledge her during daylight hours.” Alfred said, his face betraying nothing.

  Lord Dunham looked amused at the officer’s words. “Quite so, well it looks like we need to get her away and sooner rather than later.” he responded decisively.

  Alfred smiled, a rare and genuine smile. “Thank you my Lord.”

  “There’s no need to thank me, she risked herself when she helped Miss Webster, uh, Lady Halkyn, and her evidence brought a stop to the practice, even though Kersal managed to escape the noose. It is only right she is helped in return now, as it would be unfair to leave her to her own fate.”

  “She is quite independent and once away I am sure will require no further assistance,” Alfred assured Lord Dunham, recalling Laura telling him that she still had most of the money that he had given her, as well as her own savings. “There is another problem though, she is heavy with child and there is no sign of the father.”

  Lord Dunham frowned slightly. “Well that comes as no real surprise, although it does complicate matters further, she needs to be somewhere that she can have the child in safety, before setting up a home. I’m presuming the poor child will be some aristocracy by-blow.” Lord Dunham said with sadness and a touch of anger. He had been no angel when enjoying his single days, but he had always taken care to ensure there was no consequences from his liaisons. The fact that he had been motivated by personal reasons made no difference, children could be prevented.

  “I have not asked and she has not offered any information.” Alfred said stiffly.

  Lord Dunham sighed, “Let us be honest, she may not even know who the father is, if she was a popular girl.”

  Alfred was unable to reply, as he was gritting his teeth so hard. That was an image he was fighting almost every moment of every day and he did not appreciate such an open reminder of it, even though it was not an unreasonable assumption.

  Lord Dunham did not seem to notice the lull and carried on. “I am returning to Somerset tomorrow, I shall send a letter after I have spoken to my wife and man of business. I have an idea, but need to think it through before committing to it.”

  “Thank you my Lord, your help is appreciated,” Alfred said, rising to his feet. “I shall leave my card with my address on and await your letter.”

  “Don’t worry Peters, it won’t be long.” Lord Dunham assured him.

  Chapter 8

  Somerset 1816

  Lord Dunham had sent letters ahead of his return home. He realised that time was of the utmost importance and although he would have preferred to have spoken face to face to those involved, he needed to move things along. Once the letters arrived, it would start
the conversations that needed to be held and hopefully he could finalise everything on the first night that he arrived back.

  He travelled as fast as he could to reach Dunham House, not because of wishing to help Laura, but because every moment spent away from his darling Elizabeth and baby girl, was a moment too many. The horses were changed as quickly as possible and the stopovers were taken, but the carriage was on the road again before many of the inhabitants in each inn they stopped at, had even realised that morning had arrived.

  The carriage reached the open doorway of Dunham House and Phelps was there to greet him, as always. The footman let down the steps in the carriage and the butler took Lord Dunham’s hat, cane and gloves.

  “Good afternoon my Lord.” the butler greeted him.

  “Good afternoon Phelps, her Ladyship?” Lord Dunham asked. It was the only question he needed answering, where his wife was.

  “In your study my Lord.” The staff knew not to disturb Lord and Lady Dunham after a separation had occurred, it was an unwritten rule that the couple could share a greeting without interruptions, before business once more took priority. They were out of the ordinary in aristocratic circles in that they loved one another and were far better together than apart.

  Over the evening meal, Lord Dunham talked over the issue with Lady Dunham, Mr Anderton, and Miss Fairfield. “Laura needs to leave London as soon as possible, what do you think of my idea?” Lord Dunham asked the people surrounding him.

  “She needs to be safe, it’s a good plan and it means that she can remain in Yorkshire on the estate, until after the baby is born,” Elizabeth, Lady Dunham said. She was a woman who was always practical, and particularly wanting to help the woman she had never met, because of Laura’s previous support of her friend Charlotte. “There is only one flaw in your plan.”

  “Only one?” Lord Dunham asked with a twinkle in his eye. Since the moment he had met his wife she had challenged him in every way and he loved her because of it. Although sometimes she was not as infallible as she thought, nearly losing Lord and Lady Halkyn as friends when she had interfered with their developing romance.

  Elizabeth smiled at her husband. “Yes, only one, although it is a large flaw.” she said, looking smug.

  Lord Dunham groaned, “Go on, tell me the error of my ways.”

  “She can’t travel with Charles, it wouldn’t be fair to her in her condition.” Elizabeth said, sympathetic to anyone increasing since she still had very recent memories of it herself.

  “I’d presumed Mr Peters would accompany her, he seems very steady and they are obviously friends of sorts now. It never crossed my mind that he would just hand her over to us, I had not discussed it with him, but had supposed that he would want to see her settled.” Lord Dunham countered.

  “She will need female support, neither Charles nor Mr Peters can be there when the baby arrives,” Elizabeth said, knowledgably. “Martha, I know this is out of the ordinary to ask this of you, but would you consider accompanying Charles and settling Laura in? I think she would feel better for it, she must be terrified.”

  “Me?” Martha spluttered. She blushed as she realised that because the request had been so unexpected, her response had squeaked out. She was not a woman that squeaked. She tried to calm herself down by taking a drink, but she looked mortified.

  Elizabeth laughed at the expression on her companion’s face. “You have been like a mother to me over the years and I can think of no one better to offer someone support, when it is really needed.” she said honestly.

  Martha blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, but what about the running of the house?” She asked. She took her job very seriously, it had been a lot to learn when she had started, only having helped to manage a smaller house previously, but through hard work, she had gained the respect of the staff and ran an efficient household.

  “It’s a perfect opportunity to give one of the under-maids the chance to help to run a large house. We were planning a visit to Violet and Edward in London, sometime soon. We could bring that visit forward, so there would be little work to be done while we are gone.” Elizabeth explained. She may not enjoy visiting the capital, but sometimes it would be necessary and Lord Dunham’s sister and brother-in-law were very dear to her.

  “Oh, I see.” Martha responded, not liking what she was hearing.

  Elizabeth quickly reached over and squeezed the hand of her long-time companion. “Martha, don’t think for one moment that this is anything but the highest compliment to you, there is no other woman I would want by my side when I was in trouble, or needed support. She needs you.” she said, genuinely sorry that her companion should feel the request was anything other than the highest praise.

  “I don’t mean to make a fuss,” Martha said quickly, her cheeks burning at such focus of attention on herself. “Of course I will do as you wish.”

  “Good. Excellent,” Lord Dunham responded. “I will send off a letter this evening and if you both could be ready by tomorrow afternoon, it would be best to leave then. You have a long journey before you, with the need to go to London first.”

  Charles and Martha both nodded their agreement. The small group broke up soon after, Lord Dunham to write his letter to Alfred, while Charles and Martha needed to give instructions to other staff members who would be responsible for tasks in their absence, and they also needed to pack. There was no indication at the moment when they would be returning.

  Charles had watched the interchange between Martha and Lady Dunham with a mixture of feelings. He had initially been amused at Martha’s reaction, anything that ruffled her made him smile. After that first moment though, the reality of the situation sank in, he would not have his escape from Martha Fairfield after all. That was really a mixed blessing. He liked her a lot, but the way he had been managing to anger her recently did not bode well for a long journey, or a lengthy stay when there would not be the same level of work involved as there was at Dunham House. Suddenly, the next few weeks seemed a little daunting. He was no coward, but he did not want to antagonise the woman further than he had done already.

  Martha met Charles coming out of the kitchen. She had spent the last hour with Cook, passing over some of her duties. It was fortunate that Lady Dunham had suggested that the family would be travelling to London, as it reduced the level of work required from the staff.

  Charles was approaching the kitchen, when Martha emerged from behind the green baize door. He bowed slightly and stepped to the side to let her pass.

  Martha looked at the man before her. He looked confident and perfectly at ease with the situation, while she, although believing the words that Elizabeth had said, (her mistress was no liar), but she still stung from the thought of being sent away from her rightful place. This was an uncharacteristically poor thought from Martha, which was added to by her blaming Charles for the situation.

  “I won’t forget this in a hurry, Mr Anderton.” Martha whispered as she passed Charles. She may be angry with him, but it would not be wise to let the other staff know. Gossip between the staff about other members of staff was avoided if at all possible, especially the senior staff. It only made their positions more difficult.

  “What do you mean?” Charles replied in genuine puzzlement and surprise. He had not expected to be exchanging pleasantries, but he had not expect to be spoken to with such venom.

  “If you didn’t keep undermining me at every opportunity, I would not be being sent away now!” she whispered angrily.

  “What? I had nothing to do with it!” Charles exclaimed, astounded that he was being accused of such a crime.

  “You have been quick to point out my shortcomings at every possible opportunity, the result being that they no longer have faith in me,” Martha continued. “If you hadn’t criticised me in the most public of ways, I’m sure her Ladyship would never have suggested such a scheme.”

  “Lady Dunham said that you were the best person for the job,” Charles tried to defend himself. “Her reasons we
re sensible, I saw no great scheme to undermine you, tonight or any other night. It is all in your imagination.”

  “I wouldn’t expect you to think anything else, other than it was my imagination, or twisted viewpoint. I know your low opinion of me, but you are wrong! I won’t now be employing the nanny will I?” Martha snapped. “So, I’m obviously good enough for before the baby is born, but not once it arrives!” She walked away with a stiff back and her head held high, while Charles was left standing open mouthed at her retreating figure.

  He had never thought for one moment that she had taken such a dislike to him, but after that outburst, she appeared to detest him. All his previous thoughts about Martha having some feeling for him had disappeared during her tirade, and he was left with the remorse of realising the consequence of his foolish actions. The one woman who he thought about for much of the day, disliked him with all of her being. It was going to be a long trip. A very long trip indeed.

  Chapter 9

  London

  Alfred and Laura had not fallen back into their easy companionship after Laura had tried to persuade Alfred to give in to his feelings. Laura had been hurt by the rejection and Alfred refused to let himself to get into such a position where his weakness would show again. He did not blame Laura, they both had feelings for each other, which had been obvious almost from the moment they had met, but as he had told her, things had changed.

  So, an uneasy pact had developed in which they avoided each other as much as possible in the small space of Alfred’s lodgings. It helped that Alfred tried to stay out of his rooms as much as possible. On one of his excursions out he decided that he needed to speak to his senior officer and explain what was happening. It was a difficult interview, as he had been absent from his position, without a just cause.