‘I don’t understand? How did you persuade him to give them up?’ She saw a flash of something dark and dangerous in his eyes, but he didn’t answer her question.
‘There are formalities to be endured.’ He grinned. ‘Is Edmund your guardian by any chance?’
‘What ever made you think that? He has not reached his majority. I suppose officially an uncle that I didn’t know existed until the other day, is head of the family. However I think it will suffice if we tell my mother and grandmother and anyone in your family who needs to know.’
‘I have no relatives I wish to inform, sweetheart. I cannot believe that you’ve agreed to marry me when you know so little about me.’
‘Well, now’s the time to rectify that omission. Do you really have no family? You have met all of mine, apart from Uncle Benjy, and I’ve not met him myself.’
‘I have a father alive, he lives in solitary splendour at Longshaw, an enormous pile of masonry in Gloucestershire. I have not spoken to him for over fifteen years and have no intention of doing so now.’
Shocked to the core by his apparent callousness, she jumped up and moved away breaking the contact between them. ‘How can you say that? Whatever bad feeling there is between you, presumably you are his only heir and any children we might have would be his grandchildren.’
He gave a snort of derision. ‘And much he will care about that. When my mother and two older brothers died from the fever I no longer had any reason to return home. My parents married for love, a rare occurrence in the circles in which we move. However, after I was born there were complications and my parents were no longer able to share the marital bed. Another baby would have proved fatal.’
My mother poured her frustration into loving me and my two brothers, but my father turned his frustration into hating the baby that had caused this chasm.’
‘How dreadful! To hate a baby which, through no fault of its own, had caused this separation. Surely, loving another human being does not rely entirely upon bedroom matters?’
‘You’re quite right, my dear. It does not, but for my father it was too much for him to bear; to be close to the wife he adored and not be able to share the love in a physical way. When I was seven I was sent away to a miserable school. It was there that I met Wydale, as I believe I told you before. He is two years my senior and he kept me alive during those unspeakable years.
My father would not allow me to come home so I was obliged to spend vacations at school, although occasionally other pupils offered me refuge at their homes during the summer. Wydale was another who was rejected by his family. It seems his father believes he is not his true son, his wife played him false with her lover and he was the result.’
‘But he is the only son? Does that mean despite the difficulty of his conception he is his father’s heir?’
‘You have guessed the whole and that is where the canker lies. His father refuses to acknowledge him, and has done his best to ruin the estate and spend his inheritance. What is not entailed has been given away to charity and to distant relatives. When the earl finally turns up his toes Wydale will inherit nothing of any value apart from the title. It’s hardly surprising he’s a bitter man.’
‘You have had a similar experience and it is not turned you into a black hearted villain. You mentioned you have your own estate, shall we live there together? ‘
‘Indeed we shall, my darling.’ He smiled and raised his hand to smooth a stray lock of hair from her face. ‘I’m afraid that I am impossibly rich. I inherited from my maternal grandmother, and several other fortunes from childless relatives. Whatever my father’s designs, he is not in a position to bankrupt me. I am, I believe, considered to be one of the most eligible bachelors around.’
She laughed out loud. ‘I must say, sir, for an eligible bachelor, you have made a very odd choice of bride.’
He encircled her neck, pulling her towards him and she went willingly into his arms. After several wonderful minutes he released her, holding her face in his strong hands, to place a final kiss on her lips.
‘I have told you before, you’re a truly beautiful woman, both inside and out. You have a figure that is voluptuous, and if I could persuade you to grow your hair, you would look like a Greek goddess.’
‘A very tall Greek goddess; most women of my acquaintance are dark and dainty and they look at me as a freak show. I believe that is why I was happy to abandon dresses for britches when I took over running the estate on my father’s death.’
‘Well, I hope you will use your expert knowledge to assist me when we’re wed. I have little knowledge of estate management and you shall be my guide.’ His lips travelled lightly up her face and his eyes burned with something she now recognized as passion.
‘And I shall be your guide in other matters if you will let me?’
They cantered back to Grove House full of expectation and wonder. They had decided a long engagement would be pointless, they knew their own minds even after so short a time. Eliza had pointed out that she was approaching her quarter-century and would like to be married before she reached that milestone.
‘I am ten years your senior, my dear, and it is high time I set up my nursery. So we’re agreed? We shall be married as soon as we can persuade your mama.’ He smiled at her.
She loved the way his eyes crinkled up at the corners; he was not a classically handsome man, not like her brother, but to her he was everything she had ever wanted. A sudden interesting, and indelicate thought, occurred to her.
‘You mentioned you’re eager to set up your nursery, Fletcher. Can you imagine what our children will be like? We shall be accused of creating a race of giants.’
His roar of laughter sent his spirited stallion skittering sideways and by the time he had restored calm they were in the stable yard and the conversation ceased. They were met by the coachman and the two grooms, their faces pinched with concern.
"Whatever’s wrong? Has there been bad news?’
‘You’d best go in, miss, there’s a panic in the house. Sarah and Jane went out more than two hours ago and have not returned.’
Fletcher was beside her and lifted her from the saddle. ‘I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about, my love, they’re probably visiting friends.’
Eliza knew this could not be the case. When Jane took Sarah into the village they always followed a strict routine. They walked to the church, no more than a mile’s distance, to place flowers on Papa’s grave and then to the baker’s to buy a cake. That was all and they were always back in less than an hour and a half. If they had been gone for two hours something must be wrong.
She burst into the drawing-room, to see Edmund kneeling at his mother’s side, stroking her hands, and trying to offer comfort.
He looked up at her sudden entrance, his face pale. He signalled to them to go back out in order to converse in private. Once they were safely in the library Edmund told them what he knew.
Chapter Eleven
‘I have already visited the churchyard and the flowers they took are on the grave so Sarah and Jane definitely went there. When I checked at the baker’s, they hadn’t called in and no one saw them after they entered the churchyard.’
‘Have you asked everyone in the vicinity?’ Fletcher demanded.
‘Yes, and I left my man Denver to continue making enquiries. He has yet to return.’ His face had a pinched look and he seemed to have aged ten years since breakfast. ‘I am certain Wydale has taken them but I cannot imagine why he should wish to do so. I thought he had had a change of heart when he returned my vowels to me.’
‘I’m afraid that you’re under a misapprehension, Mr Fox. I took the papers without his permission after I had broken his nose for making improper suggestions about Miss Sarah.’
Eliza stared from one man to the other. Sarah would be safe if Edmund had not been stupid enough to gamble. Sarah would be safe if Fletcher had not seen fit to break his friend’s nose and then steal the vowels from his pocket.
Th
at it was Lord Wydale who had abducted her sister, she had not the slightest doubt. He would have his revenge if he could not have the property. She felt her heart shrivel and the fledgling love she’d formed for the tall man watching her through narrowed eyes, died within her.
‘This debacle is your fault. If you had not assaulted him, Mr Reed, and then stolen property from his jacket pocket, none of this would have happened. I lay the blame entirely on your shoulders.’ She looked at him dispassionately and saw his cheeks pale as he understood that all was at an end between them.
‘You are quite right to castigate me, it is my responsibility that this situation has arisen. But be sure, I shall return Miss Sarah to you unharmed.’
Eliza remained impassive, not impressed by his protestations. Hadn’t he promised that no harm should come to any of them, indeed, given his word as a gentleman on this matter?
‘Mr Reed, I believe that your interference has caused enough damage already. This is a family matter; it has nothing whatsoever to do with you. You are a stranger to us, kindly leave the house and do not return. We shall arrange things as we see fit.’
She saw Edmund flinch at her harsh words, but was unconcerned. She knew that Sarah’s abductor would contact her, not because he wanted his money, but because he wanted to hurt both Edmund and Mr Reed.
She saw the man she thought she had loved nod briefly to her. ‘Your servant, madam. Please convey my sympathy to Mrs Fox.’ He said no more, just straightened his shoulders and strode out taking her happiness with him.
Edmund hurried off behind him and she did not bother to call him back. She had no time for either of them; she had to contact Mr Firmin at once and make sure she had a banker’s draft made out to Lord Wydale waiting for when the summons came.
She rejoined her mother and grandmother in the drawing-room, knowing what she had to tell them was the very last thing they wanted to hear. She braced herself for an outburst of anguish and sobbing. She told them both as gently as she could why Sarah had been taken.
‘Are you saying, Eliza, that all this is Mr Reed’s fault? If he had not interfered in the matter, Sarah would be safe at home with us now?’
‘That’s exactly what I’m telling you, Mama. The blame lies entirely with Edmund and Mr Reed. Between them they have caused this disaster. However, I have the money from the holdings coming any day, and I’m sure that Lord Wydale will accept that in exchange for Sarah’s safety.’
‘But she will be so frightened, she has never stayed away from home before and what if… and what if….?’
Mrs Fox could not finish, but Eliza knew exactly what she was referring to. ‘Sarah will be frightened, there is nothing we can do about that, however, remember, Mama, she has Jane with her. His lordship would not have taken Jane as well if he had intended anything improper to happen. He’s using her as a bargaining tool; he wants his money and knows he will never get it now Edmund has burned the IOU’s.’
Mrs Dean patted her daughter’s hand. ‘Hannah, my dear, you must be strong. Eliza is right; that wretched man will deal with Eliza, not Edmund nor Mr Reed. All we have to do is wait for his message to come.’
‘I shall call Reverend Clarkson to pray with us, we need all the help from the Almighty that we can get.’
Eliza shook her head. ‘No, Mama. We must keep this matter to ourselves. Only the staff know and they are loyal and will not breathe a word outside Grove House. We know that Sarah will be unharmed, but do you think anyone else will believe that?’
The older women exchanged worried glances and then looked back at Eliza. Her mother spoke, her voice thick with tears. ‘Then we must pray together, my dear. Pray that somehow good can come out of this evil.’
* * * *
Eliza visited the office of her lawyers in Colchester, stoically enduring the uncomfortable carriage drive of several miles. She returned with the knowledge that the required document would be with her when the lawyer returned from London. She prayed it would be sooner rather than later.
She had not told anyone that she believed it was not only the money that Wydale would demand. He wanted revenge on both the men who had shown him such disrespect. Taking Sarah was just the first step; what he intended was to compromise her. By doing this he would destroy the happiness of Mr Reed, and her brother.
Mr Reed would never take a woman as his wife who had been besmirched by another man. Eliza understood quite clearly that she would be damaged goods when she returned, but that was a small price to pay if it safely reunited her family.
She would never feel the same way about Edmund again. She had indulged his every whim, as had both her mother and grandmother. From now on he would have to manage on his own. He would not be welcome at Grove House until he had become a man who could be trusted. The fact that he was the owner of her home, and had more right to be there than she did, did not bother her.
Edmund had vanished. He had returned to his chambers and collected his belongings and left, presumably with Mr Reed, to search for Sarah.
The day after Sarah’s disappearance Mr Firmin arrived with the bank draft that Eliza was waiting for.
‘Is Mr Fox not here? You must be so relieved that he can pay his debts so easily.’
‘No, sir, he has gone away with his friend Mr Reed for a few days. I thank you for your concern, but the matter has been settled and we shall have no further need of your services. I appreciate your promptness in this matter.’
Eliza read the document carefully, making sure that there could be no flaw found in it when she handed it over. Satisfied it had been drawn up exactly as she wished, she hurried upstairs to make her preparations.
She needed to remain strong, pretend that she was just awaiting the summons from Lord Wydale and would be able to go at once to collect Sarah. Later that day a closed carriage arrived outside Grove House. Eliza had been expecting it. She already had her bag packed, and one for Sarah as well.
She had asked Ann, who had been acting as her personal maid in Jane’s absence, to prepare the bags for Jane and herself. Eliza was waiting in the drawing-room, bag at her side, when Mrs Green appeared in the doorway.
‘There is a note for you, Miss Fox, the driver says as he’ll wait.’
Eliza recognized the handwriting, it was that of Sarah’s companion, Jane.
She ripped it open and quickly scanned the contents.
Dear Miss Fox,
Miss Sarah and I are being well looked after and have come to no harm. Lord Wydale requests that you return with the carriage. He says that you have something of his that him wishes you to return. We are alone in the house at present.
Signed
Jane Smith, Miss.
Eliza’s summons had come. She was glad she was alone, her relatives had taken the carriage into the village to call into the church, believing that their prayers would be more effective if spoken in God’s house.
She looked up to see the housekeeper hovering in the door. ‘This is the message I was expecting, from Jane, Mrs Green. As you can see I am ready to leave. Please tell Mrs Fox that I shall be away overnight but expect to return with Miss Sarah safe and sound tomorrow. ‘
Ann appeared at the housekeeper’s side, having also heard the carriage arrive. The girl picked up her bag and tucked it under her arm. Eliza hurried out to the coach noticing that the blinds were drawn. The coachman sitting on the box had his collar turned up and his hat pulled down over his ears making it impossible to see his face.
The second man, opened the door and politely handed Eliza up the steps. Her maid followed and placed the bags on the floor between them. Eliza glanced down and even in the near darkness of the closed carriage she could see that the handles on the inside of doors had been removed. It would be impossible to escape even if they had wished to. She was a captive, and only yards from her own home.
Sinking back on squabs, she pulled her warm cloak around her shoulders, glad that the deep brimmed bonnet she had chosen hid her expression from the anxious girl beside her
.
She felt the coach rock as the second man climbed up on the box next to the driver and
then she heard the whip crack and the four horses leaned into the traces and the coach moved away. Eliza closed her eyes, grateful that the blinds were down and no one could see her disgrace.
She didn’t see the two men, mounted on sturdy horses, trot out of the drive and follow behind the carriage. Eliza believed she was totally alone, that the safety of her sister rested entirely on her shoulders
The journey seemed interminable, the coach although well sprung, rocked and bumped over potholes and ruts which told her one thing, they were not travelling on the toll-road, but by side lanes. She had far too much time to dwell on what might have been. How could she have imagined herself to have fallen in love with Mr Reed? It was hardly surprising that their love had taken wing at this disaster when it had flown in so unexpectedly. She supposed that she must resign herself to a miserable life as a doting aunt to Edmund’s future progeny.
By the time the carriage finally rocked to a standstill she was bruised and sore from the three hours she had spent inside. Eliza smiled across at her maid, hoping to reassure her.
‘Ann, you must do whatever you are told, do not argue, for your very life might depend on it, and the life of others.’
As soon as she had spoken, she realized her words had terrified the girl. She watched her face pale, and thought she would have to deal with a fainting companion as well as everything else.
‘Come now, Ann. You knew when you came we were not going on a shopping expedition to Colchester or a jaunt around the countryside. You knew that we were responding to the bidding of a dreadful man in order to rescue Miss Sarah.’
‘Yes, miss, I beg your pardon. Of course I did know, it’s just hearing it put so baldly gave me quite a turn. I’m steady now.’
Eliza slipped her hand into her cloak pocket and her fingers closed around the polished butt of a small pistol that was primed and ready to fire. She might be naïve, but she was not stupid. She had come prepared for every eventuality. She also had sewn a tiny stiletto knife into her chemise. This delicate blade in its finely tooled leather scabbard had been brought back from India by her father. He had intended her to use it as a letter opener, but she believed it might prove to be invaluable.
Fenella J. Miller Page 9
