Allerdale: Confirmed Bachelors Book 1

by Jenny Hambly

  “Oh, I am so sorry, sir. I stumbled and put my stick out to steady me. I did not see you. Are you injured?”

  Lord Sandford pushed himself to his feet, his green eyes glittering in his white face, but aware of the many eyes that were upon him, he merely bowed, straightened his cravat, and walked hastily away towards the stairs, but not before he had sent Eleanor a look of burning resentment.

  Eleanor looked at Lady Bassington, an expression of awe on her face.

  “You were magnificent,” she said.

  “Thank you, dear. I wonder if my son and nephew will agree with you.”

  Eleanor saw Lord Allerdale striding swiftly towards them, his impressive eyebrows slashing downwards, and his gaze fixed on her. Captain Bassington followed close behind.

  “Did Sandford offer you any unpleasantness, Miss Edgcott?”

  “No, Lord Allerdale,” she said, a slight shiver running through her as his intense dark eyes bored into her own.

  “Then what did he do to upset you, Mama?” Charles said quickly.

  “Not a thing,” Lady Bassington said. “It was just an unfortunate accident.”

  Eleanor did not think that either gentleman was convinced.

  “Then I shall take you back to our box before you can create any more havoc,” Charles said.

  Lord Allerdale remained for a moment.

  “Is he still bothering Lady Haverham?” he said gently.

  “You know of it?” Eleanor said, surprised.

  “I am a particular friend of Lord Carteret’s.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. Diana told him all about it.” She frowned. “He promised not to breathe a word.”

  “He only spoke of it to me, ma’am. He knew it would not go any further. I am surprised Sandford is still pursuing her if she has told him she is no longer interested. Has she done so?”

  “No. I have done so, but Diana cannot bring herself to speak to him. He has become some sort of ogre in her mind, and she even compared him to the villain of the play. But surely he must realise that she is no longer interested.”

  “Not necessarily so, Miss Edgcott. I believe Lady Haverham gave him every encouragement, perhaps innocent of the passions she would arouse in his breast. He might not believe that her feelings have changed, but only that you are trying to keep him from her. It would be better for all concerned if Lady Haverham told him herself. If either of you find yourselves on the end of any unpleasantness you may trust me to deal with him.”

  Eleanor could not completely hide her astonishment at this kind offer.

  “You look surprised, Miss Edgcott. Why?”

  Eleanor cocked her head to one side, her wide smile slowly dawning, the light of mischief in her eyes. “You may have been born a gentleman, Lord Allerdale, but from what I have discovered, you have seldom behaved like one.”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “So, you know about that, do you? I am surprised Georgianna would be so indiscreet.”

  “She knew it would not go any further,” Eleanor murmured.

  The flash of annoyance she had seen in his eyes turned to amusement.

  “Then we hold each other’s secrets, ma’am, and must trust each other to keep them.”

  He took her hand and dropped a light kiss upon it. “I must return to our box. My cousin leaves for Belgium the day after tomorrow and is a little out of sorts. I must do what I may to perk him up a little, but perhaps you would consent to drive with me to Richmond Park once he has gone?” He grinned, wryly. “I give you my word, I shall not abduct you.”

  “In that case, I shall certainly accept your very obliging offer,” Eleanor said. “I have not yet visited that particular park and very much wish to do so.”

  The farce passed in a blur for Eleanor as she considered what had passed between her and Lord Allerdale. Her instincts told her that she could trust him, and she realised that she liked what she had seen of him. He had a quick understanding, and if he also had a quick temper, she had not yet witnessed it. She had, she realised, made her provocative remark about him not always behaving like a gentleman to see if it would show itself, but any indignation he had felt had swiftly died.

  An energetic person herself, she recognised the same quality in him. A thrum of masculine power that his elegant clothes and polite words could not hide, emanated from him. She could easily imagine that if his energies were not directed in some useful way, they might become destructive. She shivered a little as she contemplated what might happen if the volcano she sensed within him erupted; it would certainly scald everyone within reach, she was sure.

  Chapter 11

  When they returned to South Audley Street, Clinton informed them that two letters had arrived whilst they had been out. He handed one to each of them.

  “Thank you, Clinton,” Diana said. “Has my lord returned yet?”

  “No, ma’am. I believe it is a political dinner he is attending, and he informed me it was likely to go on into the early hours. He said that you should not wait up for him.”

  “No, I shall not. I am suddenly feeling quite weary,” she said softly.

  “Up to bed with you then,” Eleanor said, taking Diana’s arm.

  When they came to Diana’s room, Eleanor kissed her cheek and bade her goodnight. Diana smiled sleepily and opened the door. She stood on the threshold for a moment and gave a gasp of delight.

  “Eleanor! Look!”

  Eleanor gently pushed Diana, who still stood rooted to the spot, a little further into the room. The delicious scent of roses reached her before she saw the three vases filled with the blooms. A single lemon rose had been laid on her pillow and a card lay next to it. Diana ran forward and snatched it up.

  “What does it say?”

  Diana held it to her breast for a moment, colour rushing into her cheeks.

  “I cannot tell you; it is a personal message.”

  “I see,” Eleanor said, smiling. “I will bid you goodnight.”

  She closed the door softly behind her. Frederick had outdone himself. He was either a very fast learner, or he had discovered a hitherto unsuspected romantic streak. She had just climbed into bed, dismissed Linny, and reached for her letter, when Diana threw open her door, her face ashen.

  “What is it?” Eleanor asked, dropping her letter and throwing off her covers.

  “I was so happy,” Diana said, tears trembling in her eyes. “But this could ruin all!”

  She held out the missive, her hand shaking. Eleanor swiftly crossed the room and took it from her.

  My dear Lady Haverham,

  I had dared to hope that I had won your affection. When I felt you tremble in my arms, I was sure of it. Could it be that I was mistaken? I cannot believe that you would have bestowed your kisses upon me if your heart had not been engaged. You are not so fickle. I burn to hold you again but cannot come near you. Miss Edgcott appears to have become your jailor. I would set you free if I can.

  Meet me tomorrow morning in the park, at eight o’clock. I shall look for you near the Grosvenor Gate. Come alone. Either we will discover a way that we can be together, or you will tell me that your feelings have changed. I will only believe it if I hear the words from your own sweet lips.

  Do not disappoint me.

  Sandford

  Diana’s eyes blazed with sudden anger. “If Frederick had been home… if he had read that letter… Oh, I cannot bear to think of it. And it is lies! I did not bestow my kisses on him, he stole one. And if I trembled, it was with fear and shock! How dare he write to me! How dare he put my happiness in such jeopardy.”

  Eleanor looked at the letter thoughtfully. “I understand your feelings, but you must remain calm, Diana. You did encourage him, if not to kiss you, then certainly to flirt with you. You must meet him. It seems he will not leave you alone until you do.”

  “I cannot!” she exclaimed, wringing her hands. “I am beginning to think him capable of anything.”

  “You will be quite safe, for you shall not go alone. I shall come with you, as
your maid.”

  Diana gave a wild little laugh. “As if a maid could stop him if he wished to carry me off! Besides, he would recognise you.”

  “No, he will not, for I shall wear a veil. Neither will he carry you off, for I shall bring this.”

  Eleanor crossed to a set of drawers, knelt, and pulled the bottom one open. She rummaged under the garments laid there and pulled out a small, silver pistol.

  Diana’s eyes widened. “Eleanor! Whatever are you doing with a pistol?”

  “Papa insisted I had one for my protection. And you need not fear I do not know how to use it, for Papa taught me himself. I do not envisage that Lord Sandford would be so stupid as to try and abduct you in daylight, in a public park, and with a maid as witness, but if he does attempt anything so rash, you may be sure I will use it!”

  “Think of the scandal!” Diana breathed.

  “There will be no scandal,” Eleanor said calmly, “for I shall not kill him, only warn him off. If you do not like the plan, then I suggest you tell Frederick the whole. I think him far more likely to believe your version of events than Sandford’s.”

  Eleanor blanched. “No, Eleanor, no. Even if he claims he believes me, it will sow a seed of doubt in his mind. I believe he has fallen in love with me a second time, and I could not bear it if… if he should fall out of it again.”

  “Very well. The park it shall be. Frederick is hardly likely to be up at that hour after a very late night, and we will be back before he is any the wiser. I shall tell Linny the whole, for she is to be trusted, and your maid never disturbs you before ten so I cannot see any difficulty.”

  Eleanor went to the fire and threw the letter onto the flames. “There, it is gone, and so will Sandford be once you tell him that he was mistaken in your interest in him.”

  Diana seemed to gain some confidence as she watched the letter burn. She suddenly nodded. “You are right, Eleanor. I will be ready by half past seven, you may be sure.”

  Eleanor climbed back into bed and picked up her letter again. She glanced at the looping letters that spelled her name, idly wondering who would have sent her a letter at such an hour.

  Dear Miss Edgcott,

  I sincerely hope you read this tonight, for the matter is of some urgency and I do not know what to do for the best. I overheard a conversation this evening between Lord Sandford and Captain Bassington. Captain Bassington apologised to Lord Sandford for his actions of the evening before, he said that although he had been provoked by the insulting way Sandford had spoken of his cousin, he should not have knocked him down. He went on to say that they had both been jug-bitten and therefore the actions of neither of them should be judged as harshly as they would be if they had been sober. He asked Sandford to accept his apology and withdraw his challenge. Lord Sandford replied that he allowed no man to knock him down and refused to do so, but if Captain Bassington wished to reconsider his decision for the business to be conducted without seconds, he would be amenable to this wish. Captain Bassington said he would not risk the meeting coming to Allerdale’s ears, or of reaching the horse guards, for duelling was frowned upon in the army. Sandford then said that he would see Captain Bassington at six o’clock sharp at Battersea Fields and that he had arranged for a doctor to be present.

  Miss Edgcott, Lord Allerdale has been so kind to me that I cannot feel that it is right that he should not be warned of this duel. He cannot wish his cousin to put his life at risk because Sandford slandered him in some way. At the very least, he should have his support as his second! I told my father all, but he said that although it was not at all regular for such a meeting to occur without seconds, it was not my place to interfere and that I could not be expected to understand the gentleman’s code of honour. He refuses to intervene in the matter. I have witnessed your friendship with Lady Bassington and cannot help but feel that you also would not wish this event to proceed.

  I do not know why I feel that you will be able to do something, but my instincts tell me that somehow you will think of a way. I would send a note to Lord Allerdale myself, but Papa has strictly forbidden me to do so and I think I have tried him far enough.

  Your friend,

  Miss Anne Crabtree

  No wonder Captain Bassington had looked so unlike himself. He, at least, had seen the foolishness of the whole episode, but it appeared that Lord Sandford was not the man to forgive a slight. What a pity he had not been injured by his fall this evening and so been unable to take part in the duel. Eleanor frowned as something occurred to her. How could he arrange a duel for six o’clock and then so confidently a meeting with Diana at eight o’clock? He must feel very certain of the outcome. Was he so arrogant or could it be that he intended to cheat in some way? The presence of the doctor made this seem unlikely, but then, he had been chosen by Lord Sandford and might be in his pay.

  Eleanor slid out of bed, picked up her candle, and went to the small desk that was set beneath her window. She must do something for she had a horrid suspicion that she was ultimately responsible for what had happened. If Lord Allerdale had not trodden upon her dress, his subsequent conversation with Lord Sandford would not have taken place, and he would not have humiliated Lord Sandford by escorting him from the house. It was surely this event that had caused Lord Sandford to malign Lord Allerdale to his cousin. What was it that he had said to her earlier? Then we hold each other’s secrets, ma’am, and must trust each other to keep them.

  Although this was not strictly Lord Allerdale’s secret, she felt sure that he would wish her to inform him of it and somehow knew he would consider she had betrayed his trust if she did not do so. She chewed her lip. She owed him no allegiance, and she was sure she did not care either way what he thought of her, but Miss Crabtree had asked for her help and she had liked Captain Bassington on sight.

  Eleanor reached for a pen and hastily began to write. In a very few minutes she had recorded what she knew and her fears that Lord Sandford was not to be trusted. She folded the letter neatly, wrote Lord Allerdale upon it, and then wrote the word URGENT beneath, heavily underscoring it. She had just donned her dressing gown when a thought occurred to her. She somehow felt sure Lord Allerdale would have the power to stop the duel, but would he have the inclination? Would it not bring dishonour on Captain Bassington for him to do so? She sighed. His presence might prevent Lord Sandford from behaving in a less than honourable way, but it would not guarantee Captain Bassington’s safety.

  She returned to her table and hastily scribbled another letter, before seeking out Stanley and requesting him to deliver them both immediately.

  Unfortunately, Miss Edgcott was unaware that Lord Allerdale did not reside in Berkeley Square, and the footman into whose hands her letter was delivered did not so much as glance at it before laying it on the tray in the hall. He had only been hired for the season and was still rather green, although he hoped his current employment would lead to greater things. He received a severe trimming down the following morning from the butler when he enquired as to the hour of its delivery, and was then sent immediately to Duke Street, with instructions to explain his dereliction of duty to Lord Allerdale.

  Miles had followed his own advice and enjoyed a relatively early night. He continued to be a little concerned for Charles, however. When they had parted company after the play, his cousin had shaken his hand and clapped him on the back saying, with what Miles had considered rather forced cheerfulness, “Sorry if I’ve been a bit of a rum ‘un, this evening, old fellow. I’m sure I’ll be back to my old self tomorrow. Come and see me then, but not before ten; I think I’ll enjoy the last lazy morning I may have for some time.”

  He had every intention of visiting Charles this morning, and if he did not appear to be his usual cheery self, he would prise from him whatever was truly bothering him. He intended to enjoy a good gallop in the park first, and as this could only be achieved at an ungodly hour of the morning, he had given Tibbs instructions to bring his horse to him at five thirty sharp. He had risen wit
h the light and was just draining his cup of coffee when the white-faced footman was shown into the room.

  “Good morning,” he said, rising to his feet. “What on earth brings you here at such an early hour?”

  “S-sir,” he stammered. “I have two letters for you.” He held one up. “This was delivered to Berkeley Square last evening, and I b-beg your pardon, but I didn’t think anything of it and laid it on the tray in the hall. It wasn’t until this morning that I discovered it was marked urgent.”

  Miles was suddenly filled with a sense of foreboding. He strode across the room and plucked it from the shrinking footman’s hand. He tore it open and knew a moment’s relief when he saw that it was not written in Charles’ lazy scrawl. He shook his head as if to clear it; Charles would have known where to reach him.

  He rapidly scanned its contents. “You fool,” he said softly. “You complete and utter idiot!”

  “I’m s-sorry, sir,” the footman said.

  “Not you,” Miles snapped, his eyes flying to the clock on the mantle.

  It had just turned half past five.

  “Is Tibbs outside?”

  “Yes, my lord,” Michael said. “He was here before me.”

  Miles grabbed his riding crop, jammed on his hat, and hurried into the street. He nodded at his groom, swiftly swung himself into the saddle, and raced off.

  Tibbs stood for a moment, looking after him.

  “Now where’s he off to in such a hurry?”

  “I don’t know,” Michael said. “But when he read the letter I gave him, he called someone an idiot.”

  “Did he now?” Tibbs said, musingly. “Well, if he didn’t give you a message or tell you what he was up to, he probably don’t want anyone to know, so you’d best not repeat that to anyone or the fact that he rode off as if the devil himself were after him. If you were to worrit Lady Brigham, he’d have your liver.”