Fenella J Miller Read online

  There were seven children in residence, enough to make up a Blakely Hall team for all the races. The errant governess finally arrived and Eleanor was happy to give Miss Smithson a chance to demonstrate her prowess with her own children. It would be a relief not to have the nuisance of searching herself. The young woman was far younger than Eleanor had anticipated. The plain lilac gown did not disguise the woman’s curves. With her golden curls arranged prettily on the crown of her head, she looked nothing like a governess.

  Eleanor greeted the new arrival warmly. As long as the girl was efficient and the children liked her then that was what mattered, after all.

  The night before the party, she lay in Alex’s arms after a particularly passionate episode. “I am so looking forward to tomorrow, my love. Everything has changed for us. I am free to be happy for the first time in years. Are you happy too?”

  He smoothed back her hair, kissing the corner of her mouth tenderly. “I thought I had showed you several times, my darling, just how happy I am to be with you.”

  She giggled. “That is another matter, my lord. I’m talking about there being seven children, a governess, a nanny and five nursery maids, plus my sister-in-law happily established in the east wing. You know everything has changed.”

  “Ned told me how things have been since you left. He’s a brave young man. I have decided he and Jonathan shall not go to their father’s old school. I have cancelled their places. They shall go to Felsted, where I went, instead. They can join after Christmas. This term they shall have free to recover from their ill treatment. They can do lessons with the governess.”

  She yawned. “Strange, don’t you think, that Miss Smithson took so long to arrive here? One would think toothache a small thing to keep her from her duties. Why should she wish to remain at Thorrington Manor with my brother? Well, she is here now, and I think her an excellent choice.”

  “Possibly, my love, Thorrington wouldn’t allow her to leave until she had the wherewithal sent to her. Did I tell you I have sent letters everywhere? He will be blackballed at White’s. I expect he has gone abroad. He could catch a package from Harwich, could he not?”

  He gathered her close to his side, putting his naked thigh across hers. “Sweetheart, that is quite enough conversation. I need some sleep. You have exhausted me tonight.”

  “Nonsense, the fight with my brother last week fatigued you.”

  Having the last word on the discussion, she lapsed into a contented silence.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The day dawned with clear blue skies and not a trace of the rain that had marred everyone’s enjoyment recently. Alex propped himself on one elbow and watched Eleanor flinging open the shutters and exclaiming in delight.

  “My darling girl, how many times do I have to tell you it’s not your job to open the shutters? Why do I pay such an exorbitant amount of money to my staff if you are to do their jobs for them?”

  She grinned. “If you returned to your chamber as you ought to do, my dear Alex, then you would not know whether I open them or not.”

  “Touché! I have decided I’m never sleeping alone again, I want you to move into my apartment immediately.” He smiled. “However, it will be in order for you to have these rooms to use when I’m away.”

  “I may keep my apartment? Am I not allowed to remain in the lord and master’s bed in his absence? How kind of you, my lord. Do I have your permission to use my own closets as well?” She clapped her hands like a child then tossed her head, accompanying this with a withering glance.

  His eyes narrowed and his lips twitched. Without answering he swung out of bed striding toward her unashamedly naked. The shock on her face made his gesture worth it.

  “Alex, you must not walk around like that; my abigail might come in at any moment. She would die from shock and you of mortification.”

  He continued to approach, a slight smile playing around his mobile mouth. She realized too late his intent. With a squeak, she attempted to dodge under his arm but he caught a handful of her hair which was flowing loose around shoulders.

  “I have you now, little baggage. I have a mind to carry you through to my apartment this minute.”

  He would not risk it; she would call his bluff. When she tumbled into his arms, his heat burnt through the thin cloth of her nightgown.

  “You’re my husband and I your obedient servant. I would not dream of arguing.”

  He grabbed her, one arm under her knees the other around her shoulders. Still without a word being spoken, he strode boldly across the carpet toward the communicating door. When he removed one hand to open the door, he kept her where she was by pressing her against the wall in a most undignified manner.

  “Put me down at once, Alex. I have no wish…”

  Her voice stuttered to a halt as they came face to face with Foster, who was attending to the curtains. She buried her face in Alex’s shoulder, knowing she was pink from nose to toes.

  With commendable aplomb, Foster bowed. “Good morning, my lord, my lady. It’s a fine day for the party.”

  Party? How could he talk of something so mundane when she was in her nightgown and her husband in nothing at all?

  She kept her face hidden until the door closed. They were alone in the room. “Alex, how could you? I shall never look him in the eye again without embarrassment.”

  “This is entirely your fault, sweetheart. Foster is not bothered that I am unclothed, and I can assure you his eyes were firmly averted at all times.” He chuckled and in two quick steps tossed her as if she was a pillow into the centre of his massive tester bed. She scarcely had time to draw breath before he arrived beside her. Foster was immediately forgotten.

  Considerably later than usual, they appeared in the breakfast parlour.

  Jane looked up from her breakfast. “Good morning, Lord Bentley, Eleanor. It’s rare that I am here before you.”

  Eleanor blushed. “Good morning, Jane. Are the children excited about today? Have you been up to the nursery this morning?” If she had asked this question a few months ago the answer would have been a definite no.

  Jane nodded. “I have indeed, it’s little short of pandemonium up there. Even Ned has deigned to become involved. He insists that as the eldest, he has the right to draw up the list of races. Of course, Jonathan and Peter disagree. It will all end in tears long before the party starts.”

  They sat for some minutes in companionable silence, munching their way through a substantial breakfast. Eleanor found she had a prodigious appetite at the moment.

  The village folk and their children were to arrive at one o’clock. The first race was to start promptly at thirty minutes past the hour.

  “Miss Smithson will, no doubt, soon have them all in order. She’s a treasure, Jane. You have saved me the bother of employing a reliable governess myself. I am so pleased you’re making your home with us, this house is far too big for one family.” Eleanor wiped her mouth on her napkin.

  “And the hundred staff, my love, pray do not forget them, I beg you. I am well served, but quite ruined.”

  “That’s true, Alex. However, I think it quite ridiculous we require so many servants. Could we not perhaps close down half the house and reduce the number?”

  “What would happen to them if I did, Eleanor? My role is to provide employment for as many of my people as possible. I also support those facing difficulties in whatever way I can. I have been neglecting my duties shamefully these past few years but that has changed now.

  “Of course, I knew that really, Alex. Far better they are gainfully employed than living on charity. By the bye, have you seen Ned flying his falcon? He’s quite the expert, you know. He shall give a demonstration this afternoon, I cannot believe he has been able to learn such a complex skill so quickly.”

  Jane smiled proudly. “He’s a quick study, Eleanor. But if I’m honest, I believe the falconer has given him a fully trained bird to handle. He just has to do the right things in the correct order and the peregrine res
ponds.”

  Alex rose. “Pray excuse me, ladies, but I must oversee the setting up of the trestles in the park, and that the ale, brewed specially for today, has been transferred safely.

  Eleanor called after him. “How many villagers and children are expected this afternoon?”

  He glanced over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow, his lopsided smile sending heat waves through her body. He was always reminding her not to shout as it was unladylike. She knew that perfectly well, but after living repressed and miserable for years under her brother’s control she felt like a young girl again, not a mature woman of almost five and twenty.

  That very morning she had attempted to slide down the banister and he had physically removed her, playfully threatening to put her over his knee if she attempted such an idiotic scheme again. She widened her eyes; his darkened in response.

  “You are temptation incarnate, my love. Leave me be, I beg you I have more important things to do.” She heard him laughing as he walked away.

  Jane was decidedly put out. “You two should be ashamed of yourselves, behaving in such a manner when you’re around each other. I shudder to think what the staff make of it all.”

  “I have no idea, Jane. No, that’s incorrect. I’m certain they’re glad we are so happy. I don’t give a fig for propriety. We don’t stand on ceremony here. It might be a grand house, but it’s our home and we shall do as we please when we’re here.”

  Jane sniffed and changed the subject. “I cannot imagine that Lord Bentley is needed outside for such a mundane task, my dear. Do you think we drove him away with our chatter?”

  “I am certain of it, Jane. I intend to leave everything pertaining to outside matters to Foster; he is far more capable than I. Unfortunately I must go and speak to the housekeeper, that is my duty.”

  “Good heavens, Eleanor. I would have thought you would revel in the responsibility of running this grand house.”

  “I would do so, indeed, were it not for the fact that she is far more efficient than I could ever be at the task. Why should I interfere for the sake of doing so? At the moment I’m content to drift in a sea of idleness, devoting all my time to my husband and children.”

  Eleanor appeared a few minutes past the appointed hour to greet the villagers. All seven children, their governess, Betty and Daisy, plus Alex and Jane were already there. She was tardy, but it had been worth it. The party would be her first formal appearance as lady of the manor; she wanted Alex to be proud.

  Her fine silk gown of damask rose had small pleated sleeves and little roses sewn around the neckline. The garment was a recreation of her wedding dress. Her skirts hung gracefully from the high waist, swirling about her feet, upon which she wore matching slippers with identical roses embroidered on the toes. Her hair was arranged with deep pink ribbons, the exact same shade as the sash tied prettily to one side.

  Alex turned. He had no need for words, his expression said it all. He stopped in mid-sentence and walked to meet her. He held out his hand and she placed hers in it. He closed his fingers.

  “You look ravissante, my love. Every inch the mistress of Blakeley. I cannot believe you’re the same woman I saw playing cricket a few months ago.”

  “Thank you, I think. I have put on weight recently. I lost so much over these past few years. I appear to have filled out in all the necessary areas.”

  His hand tightened and he whispered in her ear. “Behave yourself, sweetheart, or I shall be forced to take drastic action. I believe our guests might be somewhat startled if I were to do so.”

  In perfect harmony with him, she stood at his side to greet the flock of village folk who were hurrying across the grass. The shouts and cries of the children as they saw the treats in store for them added to the air of gaiety. The magnificent iced cake, the centrepiece of the tea, was pointed to in awe. She believed she was excited as they to be attending her first real party.

  “What is wrong, Miss Smithson?” Eleanor moved away from her sister-in-law in answer to the urgent gesture from the governess.

  “Lord Edward has had an accident, my lady, and does not wish Lady Thorrington to know. He has asked for you to come.”

  “Is it serious? I cannot keep it from his mother if it is.”

  “No, my lady. More embarrassing than dangerous, which is why he wishes it to be you who helps him.”

  Eleanor watched Alex pick up two squabbling children, holding them apart and laughing down at their red faces. The argument appeared to be over the rosette awarded to the winner of the race.

  He was so good with children, so good with everyone. He was the kindest, dearest man in the whole world. And he was hers.

  “I shall come at once, Miss Smithson. I am relieved it’s nothing to worry about. It would be a shame to spoil the party; the event has been such a success don’t you think?” The governess was already out of earshot, hurrying back toward the house, but instead of going in, she veered left and headed through the shrubbery.

  Eleanor dashed after her. Why was she in such a rush if Ned was not seriously harmed? She hesitated, glancing back at Alex. Should she send a message to him just in case he was needed? Miss Smithson gestured for her to hurry. She would investigate first and send for reinforcements if necessary.

  “Miss Smithson, what has Lord Edward done? Where is he? I don’t recognize this part of the garden.”

  “He didn’t wish me to tell you, my lady. Lord Edward was most insistent on that point. We are almost there, he will be most grateful that you have come unaccompanied.”

  The young woman said no more and was obviously embarrassed herself, so Eleanor decided to question her no further. This part of the formal garden was quiet; the noise from the children seemed a long way away. Where were they going? Over the clipped hedges she saw the domed roof of the hideous mausoleum. She always avoided it and had no wish to view the buried remains of Alex’s ancestors.

  A crypt—exactly the sort of place a curious boy might wish to investigate. Although why Ned had decided to do so when there was so much excitement going on elsewhere, she had no idea. The governess did not pause, but raced up the steps and through the door which had been left ajar. Breathless from her run, Eleanor followed the governess, expecting it to be light, that Miss Smithson would have thought to provide Ned with a candle.

  She could see nothing, suffocating blackness closed in, the only illumination the sunlight from the opened door. Where was he? For that matter where was Miss Smithson? She couldn’t see either of them, couldn’t hear a sound. Then a hand was rammed between her shoulder blades and she was flying forwards. She landed painfully on her knees. By the time she scrambled up the door had slammed, leaving her in total darkness in a building full of dead people.

  “Tell me, Foster, was that the last race? I fear my nerves could not stand another altercation between the losers.”

  “I think that was the last, my lord. The rosettes have been presented, the children have their prizes. Look, they are all going over to the trestles to attack the food laid out there. Your part is done, sir.”

  “Thank the good Lord for that! I shall make my escape.” Alex looked around. Where was Eleanor amongst the crowd? Their children along with her nephews and nieces were easily spotted amongst the more plainly dressed village children. No, young Ned was missing.

  She was the only one wearing pink. She should be easy to see even among so many. He stood well over two yards in his stockings, able to see over most people’s heads.

  He scanned the masses and felt a moment of unease; Eleanor was not there.

  She must be inside, or had gone with Ned somewhere. There was no need to be concerned, but it would set his mind at rest to ask Lady Thorrington if she knew where either of them were. She was talking earnestly to the second of her sons, Jonathan.

  “Lady Thorrington, excuse me for interrupting, but have you any idea where Eleanor is? I cannot see her here.”

  “I don’t know, my lord.” She frowned. “In fact, I don’t believe I
have seen her for some time. Jonathan, when did you last see your Aunt Eleanor?”

  “About an hour ago, Mama. Miss Smithson came over to speak to her and they went inside together. Shall I go and see?”

  Alex stopped him. “That will not be necessary, young man, but thank you for your offer. Go and get something to eat before the others finish it. I intended to go inside anyway. I need a drink of something stronger than lemonade.”

  Foster caught up with him as he was crossing the dry moat. “Would you like me to make discreet enquiries as to her ladyship’s whereabouts, my lord?”

  “Yes, do that. I should try the falconry; I think she is with Lord Edward.”

  The butler approached him in the hall with a silver tray upon which rested a letter.

  “Where did that come from? I didn’t see any post delivered this afternoon.”

  “The note was brought by hand, sir, I have no notion by whom. I only discovered it a moment ago. The item cannot have been there long, my lord.”

  Alex didn’t recognize the writing No doubt it was from one of his tenants. He would read it later. He tucked it in his jacket pocket and forgot about it. He asked for coffee and brandy to be sent to him in his study.

  An hour later, the sound of revelry continued unabated outside. He supposed he must reappear at some point. He turned to collect the jacket which he had discarded earlier and noticed the paper. He might as well read it in case it required a response of some sort. He opened the note and his fingers clenched.

  I have Lady Eleanor.

  Do not bring anyone with you or she will die.

  Come at once to the mausoleum.

  Written in well-formed letters, the letter was obviously the work of someone tutored. The missive wasn’t signed. There was no need. He knew who it was from. Thorrington had taken Eleanor.

  God’s Teeth!

  This had been sitting in his pocket for over an hour. Would whoever it was think he had ignored it, and harm Eleanor? A sharp rap on the door disturbed his thoughts.