Her mother stared at her as if she had just emerged from Bedlam. ‘Shock? Good heavens, child, what did Mr Reed do to you? Shall I have Edmund call him out?’
This ridiculous suggestion did much to restore Eliza’s sang froid. ‘No, Mr Reed is a gentleman; it was nothing that he did upset me. I think it’s time that I told you the whole truth, Mama. You had better sit down, I’m certain the shock of what I’m about to say might make you swoon as well.’
She waited for her parent to draw up the same curved backed chair she had used earlier and then begun her sorry tale. She left nothing out, told Mrs Fox the whole, including the astronomical amount of vowels Edmund had so foolishly signed and the slight chance that there was enough to save them invested in the funds.
‘It’s no wonder, my dear, that you fainted. How could you have kept this from me? The burden is for all of us to share. If we’re to remove from Grove House in a matter of weeks, arrangements have to be made, staff have to be told. You cannot expect things like this to be arranged at short notice.’
Eliza could hardly believe what she was hearing. She had expected her mother to wail and wring her hands, but she had misjudged her. ‘I apologize, Mama. I thought to save you, Grandmamma and Sarah from the worst until I actually knew how bad things were. I realize now that whatever Papa invested for me, it will never recover the amount that we owe that hateful man.’
‘Hockley House, I suppose that will have gone as well?’ Eliza nodded sadly. ‘Then I must write at once to your Uncle Benjy; you have never met him, he is two years my senior and never married. He lives in the home in which I grew up, a comfortable estate in a village near St Albans. He will take us all; indeed he has asked me several times since your father died to join him at Cranston and be his housekeeper. It’s not as comfortable nor nearly as pretty as Grove House, but it is large enough to accommodate us.
‘Why have you never mentioned this uncle before? He has never visited; or to my certain knowledge sent gifts for our name days or at Christmas. How can you be sure, after so long, that he will wish to have his privacy invaded?’
Her mother smiled. ‘He’s not an easy man to live with. If I am honest, he has a miserly turn of mind. Living there, on his charity shall not be pleasant, but at least we shall have a roof over our heads’ Mrs Fox stood up, her normal languid style forgotten.
‘Edmund is his heir, you know. Whatever happens here, he will not be penniless. When your uncle dies your brother can restore Cranston to its former glory and make it a happy place once more.’
Eliza was determined not to cavil at this opportunity that her mother had produced from nowhere. She felt of shiver disquiet at the thought of living with someone where every penny was counted and every mouthful watched. Poor Sarah, she would shrivel under such an austere regime.
‘Shall you write to Uncle Benjy, then, Mama? We do not wish to turn up on his doorstep, like gypsies, unannounced?’
‘Of course I shall write to him, Eliza. However, I think you were right not to tell Grandmamma or Sarah about this. Also, until we are certain what Wydale wishes to do regarding the staff, we shall not worry them. But we must tell Jane, Marie Baptiste and my mother’s maid, Betty. I suppose that Edmund will require to take Denver with him, but the rest will have to stay here, or be dismissed, and it’s better that they do not know this until we’re certain.’
Eliza agreed. ‘My money can be used to provide pensions for the staff, that at least will solve that problem. I could not bear to think of our family retainers being cast aside when they are too old to find employment elsewhere. And neither do I wish them to work for Lord Wydale, they would hate it and he would not appreciate their worth.’
‘I should keep some money by, my dear, it will be pleasant for us to provide ourselves with a few luxuries and the occasional new gown; you can be certain that my brother will not wish to do so.’
‘Mama, Can I ask you not to say anything, or send that letter to my uncle, until we are sure how things stand financially? It still might be possible to pay off sufficient of the debt to enable us to move to Hockley House.’
‘Very well, my dear. I shall leave the matter as it is for the moment. You have a wise head on young shoulders, and you have steered us through bad times before.’ Her mother rose, her face more animated than it had been since Papa died. ‘By the way, Mr Reed said he would call tomorrow morning to see how you are.’
Her mother smiled archly. ‘Perhaps all might yet be well? I do believe that gentleman is enamoured of you. He was white as a sheet when he called us in to attend to you.’
Eliza felt a flicker of something warm rush through her. ‘Nonsense. Good heavens! We only met yesterday. How could he possibly have formed an attachment in so short a time?’
Even as she spoke the words she remembered how dear Dickon had seen her sitting, like an extremely large wallflower at Almack’s, and known that she was the one he had been looking for. Was it possible that Mr Reed had also seen something in her that she could not see herself?
‘I’m going upstairs to change into my work clothes, Mama. I need to get out of the house, a brisk gallop around the estate might clear my head of cobwebs.’
Perhaps she might meet Lord Wydale and be able to cover him with mud a second time. She felt a surge of anticipation as she considered the remote possibility that Mr Reed might also be riding and that their paths might inadvertently cross.
She paused at the door. ‘Oh dear, what about Dr Smith? He will be arriving here expecting to find me unconscious and needing his attentions.’
Before she received her answer she heard the clatter of booted feet on the stairs and
Edmund arrived, Sarah not far behind him.
‘Thank God, Jane said you had taken poorly. What happened? I must say you look remarkably sprightly now.’
Eliza flushed, reluctant to admit her weakness. Mrs Fox answered for her.
‘Your sister swooned, she heard some shocking news, but she is fully recovered now and I shall send another messenger to tell Dr Smith he’s no longer required.’
‘Shocking news?’ Edmund paled as he was fixed by his mother’s basilisk stare. Eliza saw him swallow nervously, and took pity on him.
‘Edmund, Mama knows it all and has come up with an excellent solution. We shall not talk about it now, but I’m sure it will be explained to you later. I’m going upstairs to change into my work clothes and am going riding. Do you wish to come with me?’
Edmund glanced through the drawing-room to the bay windows which were running with water. ‘Are you mad? It’s tipping down out there, you will be drowned in an instant. Far better to stay in and play spillikins with Sarah.’
Eliza sighed, she had not realized the rain had worsened. It would indeed be foolish to venture outside. ‘Very well, I shall remain indoors until the rain lessens.’ She smiled at Sarah who she could see staring anxiously from face to face wondering what had upset the adults in her life. ‘It’s all right, darling, there’s nothing wrong. Shall we go into the back parlour and draw some pictures?’
‘I should like that, Liza. I’m quite puffed out with playing hide and go seek upstairs.
Poor Jane says she will need to have a lie down.’ Chatting happily she led the way into the small room on the other side of the house and Eliza followed her. She glanced back and saw her mother and Edmund enter the library. She smiled, it would do him no harm to receive a bear-garden jaw. It was time he faced his responsibilities and time that she relinquished hers.
She stopped, amazed at herself for thinking such a thing. She had been dreading the time and she would be obliged to hand over the running of the estate to her brother believing that she would have no life worth living, but that of a dutiful daughter, granddaughter and older sister. Even the prospect of running Hockley House did not fill her with excitement.
How could she have suffered such a volte face in less than twenty-four hours? The image of a huge bear like man, with smoky blue eyes and a smile that turned her ins
ides over, slid into her mind.
It seemed that after five long empty years she had finally met a kindred spirit, a man who could perhaps replace the void that Dickon’s death had left in her life.
Sarah tugged at her hand impatiently. ‘Liza, you’re not listening to me. Where are the chalks and slate, I can’t find them anywhere?’
The drawing things were soon unearthed in the massive oak sideboard and she was content to while away the morning helping Sarah draw pictures, whilst her mind drifted happily over interesting possibilities.
* * * *
The following day her grandmother was given Sarah to entertain whilst Edmund, Mrs Fox and Eliza waited impatiently in the library for the arrival of Mr Firmin.
‘I do hope his clerk was able to return from Town in time, Mama. The roads must have been awash after the rain we had yesterday.’
* * * *
Edmund was staring morosely out of the window. Since his conversation with his mother the previous day he seemed to have sobered up and accepted responsibility for what he’d done. He spoke no more of suicide, or running away to sea, but had spent two hours writing notes in the library of possible ways of raising money. ‘It’s sunny enough now, Liza. The roads would have dried out by this morning. I’m sure he will have the news we want.’
They did not have long to wait before there was the distinct sound of a carriage trundling down the drive.
‘It is strange, Mama, that Papa never discussed the matter with you. Are you sure he never told you about this investment he made on my behalf?’
‘No, my dear. At least we can be sure he will not have put it in slaves. However much money was to be made he never invested anything in that loathsome trade.’
This time Eliza sat with her mother to one side of the desk and Edmund took his rightful place. She smiled slightly, thinking how much had changed and in such a short time. Less than three days before she had been galloping around the place dressed as a man and Grove House had been safe. Now, she had no wish to wear anything but female attire and Wydale almost had possession of their precious home. All that stood between them and eviction was Mr Firmin and whatever his clerk had discovered in London.
‘Edmund, what do you know of Mr Reed? Is he wealthy?’
‘I’ve no idea, Liza. I imagine he has money, he couldn’t dress as he does or ride such a horse. I believe he has a house in Grosvenor Square. But he cannot be a man of real substance or why would he fraternize with such as Wydale.’
Her brother was no doubt correct. Then she remembered something he had said about his family estate, when he had been pretending to be seeking out John Constable the artist,
He had mentioned the family home, Longshaw, she thought he had called it, but had also mentioned having an estate of his own.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the lawyer was announced. He began without preamble. ‘Good morning to you all. I have the documents you require. The names of the companies inscribed thereon are very hopeful, very promising indeed.’ He walked across and placed the box on the desk.
Eliza waited for Edmund to move then remembered that these papers were addressed to her, so it was up to her to open them. She got up and, with slightly shaking hands, removed the first of the five papers. She recognized the name of a manufacturing company. She knew this was making its owners and shareholders rich beyond belief. She untied the red ribbon and flattened the paper.
Edmund lent forward eagerly. ‘What does it say, Liza? Tell us at once.’
‘Good Heavens! It seems I hold five hundred shares in this company. Mr Firmin, how much are they worth, do you know?’
The elderly gentleman rubbed his hands and beamed. ‘My dear, Miss Fox, those shares are worth at least ten pounds a piece, that is over five thousand pounds that you’re holding.’
‘Mama, come and open one of these, Edmund you take another. I do believe we might have the answer to our prayers right here in this box.’
Twenty minutes later they were sitting in the drawing-room sipping coffee and eating slices of cook’s delicious plum cake. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders and even Mr Firmin was included in the celebration.
‘I can hardly believe it. Your father was a clever man, Miss Fox. Five years ago none of these companies were more than starting out, he would have bought the shares cheaply.
He was always an astute businessman and he has left you a tidy legacy.’
‘I do not see why he would believe I should disapprove of his investments.’ For once Edmund was able to demonstrate he was more worldly than she.
‘Child labour, Liza. They make their money by employing children and women on pathetic wages. I believe they also take children from the poorhouse and make them work a so-called apprenticeship.’
‘I see. I knew that children were employed in factories, but there are many Members of Parliament who are against this practice, and I’m sure it will be banned eventually.’ Eliza could hardly refuse to sell her shares, just because they were made by exploiting women and children. A rough estimate of the value of shares was almost £25,000. Not quite enough, but perhaps Lord Wydale could be persuaded to wait for the rest until the next quarter’s rents came in.
The lawyer replaced his porcelain cup carefully on the side table. ‘Forgive me, ladies, Mr Fox, I must take my leave. As I am to sell these shares for you I must go to London and put matters in hand. How soon do you require the funds, Miss Fox?’ He had not been told the whole, but he had guessed the urgency of the matter.
‘It is a debt of honour that we have to pay and we have three months to find the money. Will you be able to sell by then? ‘
‘Yes, Miss Fox. The shares will be snapped up as soon as they’re available. I shall have the money to you long before the deadline, never fear.’
Edmund rose and shook the older man’s hand vigorously. ‘Sir, you’re a good friend to
this family. I hope we can rely on your discretion?’ The older man looked offended and Edmund realized his mistake. ‘I do apologize, sir, I’m used to dealing with such matters. Miss Fox has had to take control of things, but all that is to change today. I intend to stay at home and learn how to run the estates myself.’
Mr Firmin bowed. ‘I’m glad you are, sir. You are very like your father and I am certain that Grove House will not suffer in your hands.’ The door closed behind him and the three remaining occupants smiled, delighted everything had turned out so well.
‘What time did Mr Reed say he would be coming, Mama?’
‘He didn’t specify a time, my dear. But, unlike when one’s in Town, I’m sure he won’t leave his morning call until this afternoon.’ Mrs Fox stood up. ‘I had better go and see what Grandmamma is doing. She must feel sadly neglected this morning.’
‘I am going upstairs to change into my new riding habit. When Mr Reed arrives could you direct him down to the lake, I intend to ride there today.’
Eliza was obliged to struggle out of her day dress and into her riding habit without assistance. Eventually she had all the pieces in place and the jaunty military style cap firmly pinned to her head. The blue of the closely fitting jacket complemented her eyes and the gold buttons relieved the plainness of the outfit.
She had never worn this habit and neither had she ridden her father’s gelding side saddle. Should she change back into her britches? She shook her head; since she had met Mr Reed she had no desire to dress like a farmer. She smiled to herself, as she hurried back down the stairs, at the thought that she would rather risk a tumble than ride astride.
Chapter Eight
Eliza was unused to riding sidesaddle and found it hard to maintain her balance on the restless chestnut gelding. This horse was also unfamiliar with having his rider sitting sideways and not astride. She was beginning to fear she had made a grave error of judgement in insisting that Fred Smith saddle this particular horse.
Maybe it would have been better, as he had tactfully suggested, to have taken the quite cob that Sarah
rode. Several times the chestnut shied and bucked and twice she lost her stirrup and only by grabbing a handful of his wiry mane managed to remain aloft.
Perhaps if she gave him his head, allowed him a long gallop, he would settle. She leant forward and patted his sweating neck, feeling the heat through her leather gloves.
‘Calm down, Sultan, you will have me off in a moment and I’m sure you do not wish to do that. We are the best of friends, aren’t we, old fellow?’ She watched the horses’ ears flick back and forth as if he understood her ramblings. The soothing words appeared to work and her mount relaxed and stopped fighting her.
‘You are a good boy; now, if you’re ready shall we have a wonderful gallop down the avenue and around the lake?’ She shortened her reins and settled more firmly in the saddle; her horse needed no further encouragement. Stretching his neck and lengthening his stride he was soon flying down the turf, the wind whipping tears from her eyes and the trees on either side a green blur.
She had almost reached the lake when she felt a change in her horse’s pace, and an added tension in his muscles. What was it now? She glanced over her shoulder and her mouth curved in a smile of welcome. Thundering behind her on a magnificent black stallion was Mr Reed, he returned her greeting and urged his mount faster, obviously hoping to overtake.
She could not allow this to happen, Sultan was past his prime, but he still hated to be bested. She crouched low and shouted encouragement. However hard she urged him the stallion was not left behind. Slowly she saw his nose appear at her foot, then his head, and then the horse and man were beside her, matching her stride for stride. Laughing, she admitted defeat and sitting back in the saddle, exerted a slight pressure on the bit.
The old chestnut was ready to slow down, he, like her he had met his match. Flank to flank the horses dropped back into an extended canter and finally to a walk.
‘My word, Miss Fox, I knew you could ride astride as good as any man I know, but even sidesaddle you are incomparable.’
Fenella J. Miller Page 6
