The Lord of Lost Causes

by Kate Pearce

  Having the ability to purchase her own house and fill it with everything she desired felt like a dream. Even though all the formalities had been settled weeks ago, and the money was safely secured in her new bank account, she still woke up in a panic, and had to remind herself that no one could take it away from her again. Sometimes in the darkness she also wished for the comfort of Captain Grafton’s arms around her, but she tried not to dwell on that too much. It made her heart ache. He had left her, and she simply had to find a way to go on without his advice, encouragement, or outright goading.

  She took a deep breath and faced Mr. Melksham. “Shall we put in our offer?”

  “I think that would be an excellent idea, Mrs. Harding.” Her solicitor smiled at her. “I will prepare the paperwork, and let you know the outcome of our bid as soon as possible.”

  She handed back the keys, and walked across the square to inform her family that if all went well they would soon be moving into their own house. If her offer was successful, and she calculated that it would be, she would give Mr. O’Brien a month’s notice in writing, and take her time moving their possessions over to the new place. If she were discreet, perhaps he would not bother to inform their employer that she was leaving.

  Caroline paused before she entered the shop. What would she do if Captain Grafton were informed that she no longer wished to live in the apartment? Would he care? Would he try and stop her? After three months of silence she had to doubt that he would. She reminded herself that it didn’t matter anyway, but it was hard to pretend that she could simply stop caring for him. She’d never met a man quite like Captain Francis Grafton, and she doubted she ever would again.

  “Have you heard from Captain Grafton, Caroline?” Ruby asked as she handed her sister a cup of tea.

  “No, I haven’t.” Caroline sipped her tea and kept her gaze on the list she was writing. She’d been home for three hours, and was still waiting for her mother to come home so she could share her news with everyone at once. “If Captain Grafton has anything he wishes to say to me I’m sure he’ll find a way to communicate his orders through Mr. O’Brien.”

  Ruby shared a glance with Jon who had joined them for dinner. “I wanted to share some news with him.”

  “You did?” Caroline put down her cup. “About what?”

  Ruby pulled a face. “I can’t tell you.”

  “Why not?” She glanced over at Jon. “Does this concern you as well?”

  “In a way,” he smiled at her. “But probably not how you think.”

  Caroline attempted to quell her growing curiosity and merely sniffed. “If you really wish to contact Captain Grafton, write him a letter and ask Mr. O’Brien to send it on for you.”

  “I’m surprised he hasn’t written to you himself, Caroline,” Jon mused.

  “Why? Surely you know we were at odds when he left.” She tried to smile. “He thinks I betrayed him by telling you about the plan to sell Three Coins to the locomotive company.”

  “You didn’t tell me anything.” Jon looked up.

  “Well, we both know that, but he chose not to believe me, and if there is one thing Captain Grafton values it is loyalty.”

  “But you were loyal to him because you didn’t tell me you knew about the deal,” Jon repeated. “Perhaps I’ll write and tell him that.”

  “Please don’t’” Caroline said. “If he chooses to run away to London to avoid any unpleasantness in Millcastle then good riddance to him.”

  “I thought you liked him, Caroline,” Ivy offered quietly. “And he definitely was very fond of you.”

  “He was not. He simply valued my bookkeeping skills,” Caroline said. Ruby laughed out loud, and Caroline scowled at her. “Perhaps we could get back to your original request to contact Captain Grafton. What do you need to tell him?”

  Jon, who had been watching her intently, turned to Ruby. “Tell her, lass.”

  “But I promised you—”

  “Tell her. I think she deserves to know, don’t you?”

  “Deserves to know what?” Caroline asked suspiciously.

  “Do you remember that the day after the meeting and the so-called riot, a lot of the men were arrested and tried at the gaol?” Ruby asked.

  “Yes, of course I remember,” Caroline nodded. “It wasn’t that long ago.”

  Jon took Ruby’s hand. “I was arrested.”

  “I know,” Caroline said. “Ruby told me you had been released with no charges.”

  “And how do you think that happened?”

  “Because you were innocent?” Caroline shrugged. “That is usually how justice works.”

  “Not for people like us, lass. Captain Grafton came to court and spoke up for me.” Jon held her gaze. “He testified that I’d saved his life and walked him home to his office, so I could not have been involved in any of the violence that followed.”

  Caroline slowly closed her mouth and found she had no words. Was that why he’d left with Ruby with hardly a word after she’d tended to his wounds? To speak up on behalf of a man he resented because Caroline still cared for him? Captain Grafton really shouldn’t have been out of bed.

  “It was something of a sight to see. Your Captain Grafton threw his rank around, and Sir Ian caved like the lickspittle he is,” Jon continued “And the captain also offered to pay the fines of any men who were convicted of rioting.”

  “Why?” Caroline searched Jon’s face.

  “That’s exactly what I asked him.” He smiled. “He said that as he started the riot by walking into the hall in the first place, he was responsible for everything that happened afterward.”

  She pictured him saying it and found it all too likely. She swallowed hard. “I suppose I should be the one writing a letter and thanking him.”

  “For what?” Ruby demanded. “He doesn’t deserve anything!”

  “For saving my friend,” Caroline said. “As I said, despite everything, Captain Grafton does value loyalty.” Her voice trembled. “It is a shame that he could never see it in me.”

  She gulped for breath and then suddenly it was all too much, the holding it in, the missing him, the wanting… She cried until Ivy came around the table to give her a hug, and Jon handed her his big handkerchief to blow her nose.

  “I’m sorry,” Caroline whispered. “I don’t know why I’m crying, and I still don’t know why you need to contact him.”

  “The workers committee wishes to express their thanks, and some of the men want to know if they can repay their debts,” Ruby said. “I was asked to write the letter because of my acquaintance with him.”

  “Then you should really talk to Mr. O’Brien—although I suspect the thought of being thanked for anything would make Captain Grafton recoil in horror.” In a frantic effort to pretend that everything was all right. Caroline scrubbed away her tears

  “He certainly prefers to be seen as a more fearsome creature.” Jon’s smile died. “There is something else. The eviction notices for Three Dials have started to go out.”

  Caroline sighed. “Yes, Mr. O’Brien told me that would soon be happening. Are you hoping to appeal to Captain Grafton’s better nature to make him stop?”

  “Isn’t it worth a try?” Jon asked. “We can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

  “The railway contract has been signed, and the Act of Parliament is imminent. I don’t think he is going to change his mind on this one.”

  “But we’ll try regardless, lass, aye?” Jon patted her shoulder as he stood up. “Thank you for dinner. Don’t get up. Ruby’s going to walk me down the stairs.”

  “I thought you weren’t coming back.” Nancy placed a bowl of bread rolls on the table beside Francis who pretended not to hear her. “I thought you said you were done with this place.”

  “I am.” Francis grabbed a roll and split it open with his fingers before dunking it into his lamb stew. It was just past noon, he’d ridden up from London overnight, and he was in no mood for an inquisition.

  Nancy sat down
opposite him, her chin propped up on her hand, and observed him. “But you’re here at my table, eating my good food, so what made you return to the town you loathe?” She chuckled. “Not that you need to tell me. I have a fair idea what’s brought you back with your tail between your legs.”

  “My tail has nothing to do with it,” Francis muttered as he chewed on the bread.

  “Your prick then?” She nodded as if she found the whole idea highly amusing. “You can’t keep away from her, can you?”

  He finally looked up. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Matters appertaining to the locomotive company have proceeded faster than I anticipated, and I need to speak to Mr. Fletcher at his earliest convenience.”

  “Using fancy words doesn’t change anything.” Nancy stood and wiped her hands on her apron. “Whatever you do, don’t venture into Three Coins, will you?”

  Francis snorted. “Don’t worry, I have no desire to forfeit my life.” He finished his stew and wiped the bowl with another piece of bread. “Is Mr. O’Brien here?”

  “He’s moved over to your office above the dressmakers.”

  “When did he do that?” Francis frowned as he pushed the bowl away. “I certainly didn’t give him permission.”

  “Maybe he likes being close to Mrs. Harding.” Nancy winked at him. “Maybe someone had better get over there and stake his claim before it’s too late.”

  “Stake my claim? What in God’s name are you talking about now, woman?”

  “Your Mrs. Harding.”

  He met her amused gaze. “She certainly isn’t mine, but I cannot imagine her falling into the arms of Daniel O’Brien. She’d scare him to death.”

  Nancy tutted and shook her head. “Jealousy is a terrible thing.”

  Francis didn’t even attempt to reply to that outrageous comment, mainly because she knew him too well and regrettably it was too close to the mark.

  “I’m not talking about Mr. O’Brien.” Nancy gathered his bowl and spoon onto the tray. “I’ve heard rumors that Mrs. Harding is leaving Millcastle.”

  Francis went still. “And going where exactly?”

  Nancy shrugged. “You’ll have to ask her yourself, won’t you?”

  After bathing and changing his clothes, Francis walked across the square to the rear of the dressmakers and used his key to enter the building and climb the stairs to his offices. He paused at the top landing, aware of the unusual silence. Was Nancy right? Had Caroline and her family left their lodgings?

  “Captain Grafton!” He looked around to see Daniel O’Brien beaming at him from the door of his office. “I wasn’t expecting you, sir.”

  “Obviously,” Francis murmured as he went into the familiar room. “When did you decide to take possession of my office?”

  “Well, sir, the inn wasn’t the best place for receiving new clients. Some of them refused to even enter an establishment where spirits were served.”

  “Bloody Methodists.” Francis sat down in his chair. “I need to speak to Mr. Fletcher. Can you arrange that?”

  “Yes, Captain Grafton.” His agent picked up his hat. “I’ll go and attend to the matter right now.

  “Before you go, Mr. O’Brien. Where is Mrs. Harding?”

  “I believe she is speaking to her new solicitor, sir. She’ll be back shortly.”

  “What solicitor?” Francis asked the empty office as Mr. O’Brien disappeared. “What the devil has been going on since I left?”

  “I’m back, Mr. O’Brien. Did anyone wish to speak to me while I was gone?” Caroline attempted to untie a knot in the ribbon of her new bonnet as she went into Mr. O’Brien’s office. When she finally succeeded in pulling it free she glanced over at the desk and froze.

  “Captain Grafton!”

  He leaned back in his chair and regarded her. “You look very nice. Did I suddenly increase your wages?”

  “Not that I am aware of.” She fought down the urge to bolt and faced him, drinking in the signs of tiredness under his eyes, and the rigid set of his unshaven jaw. Had he come back to her? A flicker of hope stirred low in her stomach.

  “Then why all this new finery?” he asked.

  “I don’t believe my wardrobe choices have anything to do with you, Captain Grafton.” She smiled even though it made her heart hurt. “Is there something I can help you with?”

  “Yes. Mrs. Bridgewater informs me that you are leaving Millcastle.”

  “And again, I would remind you that my personal decisions have nothing to do with you.”

  “I employ you.” He pointed out. “Surely you should’ve informed me if you were planning on leaving—or were you too busy skimming excess funds off my books to buy pretty new bonnets?”

  “I have never cheated you.” She gestured at her office across the corridor. “Please feel free to check my accounting at your leisure!”

  “I will, thank you.” He considered her, one finger tapping out an impatient rhythm on the arm of his chair. “What is going on?”

  She opened her mouth to offer him the same tart answer, and he held up his hand.

  “Don’t play games, Mrs. Harding. Tell me the truth.”

  “The truth? When you won’t believe me anyway and have just accused me of attempting to cheat you?” Caroline took a step toward him, her faint hope of a passionate reunion turning to ashes. “Perhaps I will answer your questions if you answer one of mine.”

  “Ask away.” He shrugged. “Unlike you, I have nothing to hide.”

  “Then why did you come back? You said you wouldn’t return to Millcastle in the foreseeable future, and yet here you are.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “I came to see Mr. Fletcher.”

  “To order him to speed up the evictions?” Caroline asked. He didn’t want her-didn’t care what happened to her. She summoned her anger to dash every thought that he might have cared for her from her mind. “Everyone in Three Coins is waiting on that order. How do you intend to enforce it? Call out the militia and drag people out of their homes?”

  A muscle twitched in his jaw. “You should know me better than that.”

  “I thought I did. You delight in proving me wrong.” She curtsied. “Now I have work to do. Please excuse me.”

  She was at the door before he spoke again. “I’m not finished.”

  “Well, I am.” She looked back over her shoulder. “Loyalty goes both ways, Captain Grafton. You demand it and offer nothing in return. My resignation letter will be on your desk by this evening.”

  She walked out, shutting the door carefully behind her. After a moment’s indecision, she went down the stairs, out into the square, and gulped in some air. She couldn’t stand to see him smile at her because, despite everything, she wanted to share her news, watch his reaction and celebrate with him. He was the only person alive who would really appreciate her good fortune, and she could no longer reach him behind that wall of pride and arrogance. How could she possibly stay in Millcastle if he was determined to remain there when she was so drawn to him?

  She was a fool, but Captain Grafton didn’t need to know that. After a quick glance around, she headed toward Three Coins. She had business there, and she reckoned that it was the one place Captain Grafton would never set foot.

  Francis stared at the closed door.

  “That went well.”

  He spoke into the silence. Why in God’s name had he allowed her to drag him into a pointless argument about her clothing and the railway rather than simply tell her the truth? That he’d come back to Millcastle because of her? Nancy damn well knew it. Why didn’t Caroline?

  “Because you are afraid to tell her.” His words sounded even worse when said aloud. “For the first time in your life, you are being a complete coward over one woman’s opinion of you.”

  A knock on the door had him straightening up. Had she returned to berate him further? Maybe fate was offering him a second chance. “Come in.”

  His agent came in accompanied by Mr. Fletcher.

  “Good aftern
oon, gentlemen.” Francis gestured at the chairs. “Please sit down. I understand that things have progressed rather more quickly than we were anticipating.”

  “Indeed, Captain.” Mr. Fletcher sat forward. “We have our initial financing in place, and permission to proceed from the government. We’d like to break ground as soon as possible.”

  Mr. O’Brien cleared his throat. “There is just the slight problem of the tenants in Three Coins. Almost all of them are still in place claiming they have nowhere else to go.”

  “They don’t,” Francis said shortly. “Who sent the eviction notices out?”

  “I told Mr. O’Brien to do that, Captain,” Mr. Fletcher spoke up.

  “You should have consulted me first.” Francis said. “That was our agreement.”

  “With all due respect, you were not here, Captain, and my board wished to proceed as quickly as possible.”

  “Then seeing as you have already reneged on the terms of our agreement should I consider it broken?” Francis studied Mr. Fletcher, who visibly paled. “Perhaps the only solution is to take you to court and sue for the return of the land I sold to you under certain very specific, reciprocal, conditions.”

  “Captain Grafton, there is no need to take things that far,” Mr. Fletcher protested. “We intend to honor all of our commitments to you.”

  “Then perhaps you should reread the agreement and start construction where I asked you to.” Francis stood up. “Until you can offer me an affirmative answer on that question, Mr. Fletcher, I will be consulting my solicitor. Good afternoon.”

  Mr. Fletcher left in some haste. Mr. O’Brien closed the door behind him and faced Francis.

  “I told him you wouldn’t like it.”

  “I know and I’m glad you wrote to tell me what was going on.” Francis grimaced. “And now I’ll have to deal with Three Coins again. Hopefully this time I can emerge unscathed.”

  “I’m coming back with you.” Jon put on his hat and coat. He’d just returned from attending chapel with his mother and was dressed in his finest. “If Captain Grafton is here, he needs to listen to what I have to say.”

  “He does not have to listen to anything!” Caroline almost stamped her foot in frustration. “If you will just wait. I’ll set up a proper meeting between you, the rest of the workers committee, and Captain Grafton. There’s no need to provoke him when he’s already in the most unpleasant mood.”