Foxing the Geese

by Janet Woods

  After a short pause into which his careless reprimand sank, her face heated with embarrassment – or was it anger?

  She murmured, ‘I feel it would be a convenient action for both of us to adopt at this moment.’ A twinge of guilt trickled through him when she took her father’s arm. ‘Shall we go in, Papa?’

  Alex’s family and the Howards lingered in the porch for a few moments more while a business meeting with the financier was arranged.

  Of more interest to Alex was Eugenie’s reception. Their stepmother’s position had been acknowledged. The brothers grinned at each other, and ranging either side of her they proceeded down the aisle. Their backs would not absorb the imaginary daggers as keenly as Eugenie’s would feel them though.

  John Howard and his wife followed after and the two parties separated to the left and right at their designated pews. Alex was satisfied with the small amount of respect paid to his stepmother by the leading light in the district. She had not been snubbed by the Howard family, as he’d feared she might be.

  When fortune was restored to the LéSayres name he intended to play the role of earl to the hilt in a way his father never had, and gain respect for the family name in the process. To that end he would call on John Howard in a day or two to discuss his father’s debt. With Dominic’s guidance he intended to renegotiate the accumulated interest, which now amounted to several times the original loan.

  As they took their place in the family pew, Alex gently squeezed Eugenie’s hand and she gave him a warm and grateful smile.

  When he glanced across the aisle his eyes tangled with the jade depths of Howard’s niece, Miss Fox, who had positioned herself as far away from him as she could get. A silky lock of reddish brown hair escaped from under her bonnet.

  He must apologize for his churlish remark after the service, he thought.

  He offered her a smile, one that had softened many a female heart in the past.

  She ignored his overture and stared at him with disinterest, as if she was viewing a beetle in a specimen case, all prim and proper and keeping her distance. Her gloved hands rested one on top of the other in her lap, as if guarding her femininity. It was a typical spinster pose.

  He remembered her in the pigsty, a girl all shining and bright in her visiting clothes with the sun turning her hair to gold. She’d been rightfully aggrieved by the trick he’d played on her and she’d stood there with tears tracking down her dirty face and a coin in her pocket. She’d lied so convincingly in defence of her thrupenny piece that she’d nearly convinced him that he was innocent too. Unfortunately it hadn’t convinced his father … nor hers. A huff of laughter left him.

  She stuck her nose in the air and turned away, her stupid bonnet shielding her profile from his sight.

  He missed her after church too, intercepted by the rector. He got outside just as the Howard carriage was about to move off. There was a second when she gazed at him through the glass, and he could have sworn she stuck out the pink tip of her tongue at him. Then she was gone.

  Three

  The main offices of John Howard were situated in the High Street in Poole, but the man spread his net wide, Alex thought.

  The port town was a bustling place, the harbour filled with shipping and the quay littered with goods being loaded or unloaded. There were stalls too, smoked eels and pickled cockles for sale, fancy women in fancy dresses, giggling and flirting as they eyed the seamen.

  Howard also had loan offices in Dorchester, Southampton and London, if the gold lettering on the door was to be believed. The place looked impregnable; the windows were securely barred and the door had stout bolts with padlocks. In the thirty years since he’d moved into town John Howard had acquired several properties in lieu of debt and was reputed to be the wealthiest man in the district. Alex would not allow him to help himself to the family seat, whatever the debt.

  John Howard rose and came round the desk, a professional smile set in place as he indicated a chair apiece. He was as tall as Alex, long in the jaw and immaculately dressed. ‘Good day, My Lord … Mr LéSayres. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?’

  ‘You know damned well,’ Alex growled.

  Dominic placed a hand on his arm. ‘We are here to make a payment off my father’s debt.’

  ‘My clerk will deal with that.’

  ‘And our intention is to negotiate a lesser rate of interest.’

  Howard’s smile faded and he put the desk between them. ‘That’s impossible, I’m afraid. The late earl agreed to my terms and he signed the agreement, which is legally binding.’

  ‘The principal sum advanced to our father has already been repaid by us. We expected to pay his debts and a reasonable amount of interest, but the amount you charged our father is on par with rates offered by the moneylender. He must have been inebriated when he signed that IOU, and you took advantage of that.’

  ‘Be that as it may, Mr LéSayres, he did sign it. His signature was witnessed by my clerk, and by another man named Thomas Gould who is employed as a customs officer. Gould cautioned your father against it, but he wouldn’t listen to reason. He was a man who insisted on his own way, as you know. Perhaps you’d reconsider selling me the King’s Mile. It would cover the debt with a little to spare.’ His smile was that of a man who thought he had them backed into a corner.

  Dominic put that notion to rest. ‘Definitely not, Mr Howard … besides, we have received a better offer for it.’

  Alex gave his brother a hard look as he wondered what Dom was up to.

  Howard made a platform of his hands and settled his chin on his entwined fingers, completely relaxed. The expression in his eyes was clearly disbelieving. ‘Really, My Lord, may I ask from whom?’

  There was a long moment of silence, and then Dom kicked his ankle. Obviously his brother expected him to go along with this farce.

  Alex examined his fingernails as he scrambled for an answer that didn’t sound too much of a lie. What did Dom expect him to say? He opened his mouth and a gem fell out of it without being prompted. ‘That information is confidential as well as irrelevant. I will not sell the King’s Mile because it was a gift from the crown. To sell it would cause insult to the throne.’

  ‘How can the sale of a small slice of land cause insult to the crown? I doubt if King George even knows it exists.’

  Dom shrugged as he drawled, ‘I’ve examined the deed, and there’s nothing to say it can’t be sold, Alex. Perhaps I should point out that the land is worth far more than Mr Howard has offered as a settlement of the interest on our father’s private debt. If we sold the land to the latest bidder, then the debt would be covered with money to spare. The interest is far too high. I will not allow the estate to be fleeced in such a manner. It’s outright greed.’

  ‘You might find yourself in debtors’ prison, My Lord,’ Howard said, leaning forward to peer over his glasses at them.

  Did Howard think they were stupid? Alex raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you threatening me or trying to frighten me?’

  Dominic informed Howard, ‘I imagine we’re all aware that peers of the realm do not go to debtors’ prison, and the debt wasn’t ours. It was a private agreement between yourself and our father.’

  Alex thought of something useful to add to the conversation. ‘I could place the claim before the House of Lords, where it’s possible you would be proclaimed a “cent-per-cent” and the debt cancelled. Also, may I remind you that the premises you rent belong to the LéSayres estate.’

  ‘And may I remind you that the lease is for my lifetime.’

  Alex felt his blood rise. ‘Which doesn’t come with a guarantee of longevity.’

  ‘Are you threatening me, My Lord?’

  Dom’s expression was one of supreme smugness as he took a purse from his satchel and bounced it in his hand. ‘The earl is not disposed towards violence, but you must admit that your agreement with our father was blatantly unfair. Gentlemen, this is a negotiation, so let us not quarrel. Allow me to put it this way
, Mr Howard. We are prepared to pay the normal interest on the loan, as is fair and right – but not one penny more. If you will accept that, taking into account that it will be all you will get out of us, the debt can be cleared here and now.’

  It was on the tip of Alex’s tongue to ask Dom where the money had come from, but he desisted. No doubt his brother would explain when it suited him.

  Howard’s gaze followed the purse as it spun in the air and was recaptured in Dominic’s palm with a solid thud. ‘And if I refuse?’

  ‘You mentioned your lease, I believe. Perhaps I should inform you that I was just about to review the rents.’

  Colour mottled Howard’s face and the wind seemed to go out of him. ‘Setting them high enough to cover the interest on your father’s loans if I’m reading this conversation correctly. Can we stop sparring? We all know it’s a farce.’

  ‘By all means … do unto others, etcetera.’ Dominic threw the purse up again.

  Howard caught the purse in mid-air, then gave a heavy sigh. ‘Before I answer I have a proposition I would like you to consider, My Lord.’

  ‘Which is?’

  ‘You’ve met my niece through my connection with the Dubois family. The Dubois were sugar planters, and her great-uncle was the black sheep. He had a cousin called Jeanne Dubois, and she was Vivienne Fox’s mother.’

  Alex shot to his feet so fast he thought he might have left his breeches behind in the chair. So that was what the crafty sod was after. He had a plan to plant his niece in the LéSayres family to give himself legitimate access to the aristocracy via his offspring. ‘Definitely not! Besides, I’m leaving for London in a day or two.’

  ‘Oh, that’s no problem, because the girl will be in London with her cousin and aunt, which is why I mentioned it. The girl has neither looks nor fortune and has sworn never to marry … or so her father informed me in his last letter. She is my only female relative, and is more intelligent than most. I’m of a mind to do something for her, settle an annuity of some sort on her.’

  ‘It would be a kind gesture.’

  ‘I wouldn’t like to think she’d be forced to suffered hardship in her later years. I was about to ask you to call on her, and sign her dance card perhaps. I would also appreciate an opinion before I act.’

  ‘As long as you don’t expect me to wed her. We have met twice, and both times was a disaster.’

  Howard laughed. ‘As to that … it’s up to you. However, I have a proposition for you … a wager if you like.’

  ‘What is it?’ Dom said suspiciously.

  ‘Quite simply, if your brother returns with a suitable wife, one who is endowed with grace and good fortune, I will cancel the interest. If you don’t, then I’ll double it.’

  ‘Either way you stand to lose nothing, except perhaps the interest,’ Dom said.

  Howard sighed. ‘And neither should I gentlemen, for the debt is yours.’

  ‘If we lose the wager it’s doubled, interest upon interest. I didn’t take you for a gambling man, Mr Howard.’

  ‘Didn’t you? Lending money is a gamble in itself.’

  Which was the truth. Alex exchanged a look with Dom. ‘It shouldn’t be too hard to get myself a wife.’

  ‘You’re not thinking of accepting the wager, Alex?’

  He nodded and held out his hand to Howard. ‘Why not, when we’ve already decided on the same course of action? You’re on.’

  ‘Good. With your permission I’ll furnish you with letters of introduction. You will find that a money connection opens doors in the most unlikely places of power. It will certainly get you an invitation into Almack’s for the Wednesday ball. In fact I can almost guarantee the invitation will be waiting there for you.’

  Dominic sniffed the air like a terrier after a rat, as if he suspected something.

  Alex narrowed his eyes. ‘I don’t suppose it will do any harm, as long as the young woman is not given any false expectations.’

  John Howard smiled. ‘Vivienne Fox is of an age where she has no real expectations left. A pity, since Vivienne is an intelligent girl, I believe. Had she been born a male I would have offered her a position in my counting house.’

  ‘What does being male have to do with it when females are cheaper to employ?’ Dominic said. ‘Besides, any lady worth her mettle could accurately calculate the earl’s wealth with one look, right down to the last starving moth in his pocket.’

  Alex grinned expansively at Dominic. ‘My brother is a great admirer of the fairer sex. Perhaps he should dance with your spinster relative instead. Is she still here?’

  ‘Miss Fox is out and about. She likes the countryside and she likes to walk. I believe she said she was going to walk along the cliff top. She leaves with her father tomorrow … she needs to prepare her wardrobe for the London season, when she usually acts as chaperone to her cousin.’

  A spark of alarm registered on Dominic’s face. ‘Ordinarily I would have been delighted to offer your relative my arm, but since I won’t be going to London I’m sure you can count on the earl doing the gentlemanly thing.’

  ‘I had no doubt. Thank you, My Lord. If you would allow, sir, I have a suite of rooms I could put at your disposal. I use them when I’m in London on business.’

  When Alex exchanged a grin with Dominic, John Howard shrugged. ‘I advise you not to jump to hasty conclusions, gentlemen. I own the building.’

  ‘What’s the girl’s disposition?’

  ‘I’m given to believe she’s well tutored and is inclined towards debate rather than social chit-chat.’

  ‘You mean that she’s argumentative and opinionated.’

  ‘I mean that not at all. Generally I find females of that ilk seem to pride themselves on being informed when they’re merely being tiresome. Vivienne Fox is different. Reverend Fox is indeed blessed with his daughter. She is a credit to him.’

  John looked from one to another, then smiled and said to the clerk who answered the bell, ‘Bring me the LéSayres file, I’ve decided to write off the interest, on paper at least.’

  After it was done Howard offered them his hand. ‘I have made this a gentleman’s agreement. I’m not one to hold a grudge and I believe you will act with honour in this instance. Shall we shake on it, My Lord?’

  ‘My pleasure,’ Alex said, which wasn’t exactly the truth, but he knew it was better to maintain an acquaintanceship than create enemies. Due to Dominic’s quick thinking they had won the battle and he could afford to be gracious. All he had to do was attract the right kind of woman, and he’d never had any trouble wooing the fairer sex.

  When they got outside, Alex said with more than a hint of admiration in his voice, ‘That was a surprise! Well done, Dom, you’re a conniving bastard when you need to be. Where did you get the money from?’

  ‘I thought you’d ask.’ His brother laughed and spurred his horse into a canter.

  ‘Well …?’ Alex said, catching him up.

  Dominic slowed to accommodate a wagon coming from the opposite direction and patted his horse’s elegant neck. ‘I entered Nick here in a few races on the tavern circuit and he won easily. He seems to like the chase. That got me half of it.’

  ‘I’m looking forward to when he belongs to me.’

  ‘He’s not an easy ride. He doesn’t like strangers on his back and will corkscrew and toss you off until he gets used to you. The rest of the money came from the sweat of my brow. It’s the accumulation of my life savings. When you’ve found yourself a wealthy bride I’ll expect it to be repaid.’ He thought for a moment. ‘It all seems so easy. All you’ve got to do is find yourself a suitable wife. Do you think John Howard has a hidden agenda regarding this female relative of his?’

  ‘I wouldn’t be surprised, but I can’t imagine what. He’s already said she has no fortune and doesn’t stand a chance on the marriage market. Besides, he hardly knows her. She didn’t impress me in the slightest.’

  ‘And you made it clear you’re not interested in her as a bride, Alex. A
ll you’ve got to do is dance with her and listen to her prattle for a bit. If you manage to give her a kiss as well it will keep her warm in her old age and you can leave her dreaming while you hunt down more exciting prey.’

  Alex felt a twinge of conscience, for it went against his grain as a gentleman to target a woman because of age, looks or fortune. He felt sorry for John Howard’s niece. It must be hell to be measured up against women who were younger, prettier, wealthier, probably wittier, and generally more accomplished. It was just as bad for a man, except a title went a long way and he had more scope to escape, as long as he hadn’t declared himself in any way.

  They parted company at the crossroads, Dominic heading towards his place of work, and Alex for his home, his horse at a canter.

  He slowed to an amble when he spied Vivienne Fox in the distance. She was on the cliff top. Seated on a flat stone she gazed out over the water to where a fishing boat leaned heavily to one side as its crew hauled the nets ashore. Mist rose from water that was as calm and shining as a length of dark blue silk rippled with star shine. The gentle shush of water against the shore sounded like a mother calming her infant. It was a rare day.

  He dismounted and walked towards her, saying her name so she wouldn’t take fright. She turned towards him, the expression in her eyes soft and still filled with the remnants of her daydream. Her bonnet was tied to her wrist by its ribbons, lest an errant puff of wind should carry it off. Her hair was glorious in its golden brown torrent, her eyes enigmatic … yesterday they’d been jade, today they were turning the dark and wary colour of pine needles as her dreaming turned into reality.

  She scrambled to her feet when she recognized him. ‘My Lord! I had not thought to see you on the cliff top.’

  ‘Why not, when this land is part of my estate?’

  ‘I’m sorry … I had not sought to trespass.’

  ‘You were dreaming, Miss Fox. I’m sorry I’ve disturbed you.’

  ‘You haven’t.’

  ‘I was looking for you. Your uncle said you might be here.’