A Gentleman’s Promise: A Regency Romance (Gentlemen Book 1)

by Penny Hampson

  ‘Now, Julia. That’s enough questions. Let’s eat something first. We can return to the subject later over coffee.’ Richard’s tone was pleasant but firm. To his relief, Julia didn’t object, and the grateful smile Emma sent him confirmed that he’d said the right thing.

  Emma sipped at her coffee, only vaguely aware of the continuing chatter between Richard and his sister. They were doing their best to make her feel at ease, and it was lovely to feel part of a family again. She’d recounted most of the details of her journey back to England, and Richard had told his shocked sister of the suspicions of wrongdoing and possible murder. Emma could hear Julia’s voice as she gazed around the familiar room, a comforting buzz in the background. It reminded her of previous family meals taken at that very same table. A lump formed in her throat as a thought struck her. She would never be part of a true family again… now there was just Jamie and Grandmamma. Her cheeks felt wet and she realised she was crying.

  ‘Oh, you poor dear girl.’

  The next thing Emma knew, she was being held in a fierce hug as she sobbed into Julia’s shoulder.

  ‘Have a good cry. Don’t mind us, my dear,’ Julia’s voice soothed. ‘You need to grieve, and that will take time. Let me be a friend to you. I’m sure my brother has said the same.’

  Emma, getting her emotions under control at last, drew away and swiped at her eyes with the dainty lace handkerchief that Julia handed to her.

  ‘Yes, I’ve assured Cousin Emma that I’m at her disposal,’ responded Richard. ‘I’ll do my utmost to discover who or what is behind this dreadful turn of events. That’s why I sent for you, Julia. Would you be so kind as to keep Emma and Jamie company for a while? It’s an imposition, I know, but I might need to get to London as quickly as possible, and I don’t wish Emma and Jamie to make the journey until arrangements have been made for their safety.’

  Julia didn’t hesitate.

  ‘It’s no imposition. Of course I’ll stay.’ She paused and sent Emma a questioning look. ‘If that’s all right with you, Cousin Emma? You can’t stay here on your own. It sounds as if it might not be safe.’

  ‘It’s very kind of you, Cousin Julia, considering we’ve only just met. I’m very grateful. Though, please call me Emma. “Cousin” sounds so formal.’

  At that moment, a flushed and clearly excited figure bounded into the room, catching everyone’s attention. Disregarding the two ladies, the boy Jamie, for that was who it was, fixed his eyes on Richard.

  ‘I say, Cousin Richard, those horses of yours are magnificent.’ Momentarily taking a much-needed breath, the lad belatedly took in Richard’s grim expression. He cast a quick glance at the figures at the table and, to his credit, noted the presence of a stranger. ‘Sorry, I didn’t know we had a visitor.’

  He squirmed under Emma’s reproving look as she made the introductions.

  ‘Jamie, allow me to present to you our cousin Mrs Julia Morton, Richard’s sister. Julia, this is my brother, James. Viscount Easterby.’

  Remembering his manners at last, Jamie made a creditable bow.

  ‘I’m honoured to make your acquaintance, Cousin Julia.’

  Her lips twitching, Julia returned the gesture with a graceful incline of her head.

  Formalities over and with barely a pause for breath, Jamie renewed his address to Richard.

  ‘I’ve been helping Joe groom them,’ the lad gushed. ‘He says they’re prime goers.’ He sent Richard a pleading look. ‘Do you think I might ride one… please?’ At last, the boy’s roving glance took in the laden dishes of food on the sideboard, and he eyed them with relish. ‘I say, I’m starving. Have you started without me?’

  Emma was about to reprimand him, but Richard spoke first.

  ‘Young man, please mind your manners. You are a viscount now. You must behave like one.’ He softened his reprimand with a smile. ‘First, you should apologise to your sister for being late for breakfast, then you must change if you’ve just come from the stables.’

  A chastened Jamie replied, ‘Yes, of course. Sorry, Emma. Sorry, Cousin Julia. I meant no disrespect.’ He walked dejectedly to the door, then turned with pleading eyes to Richard. ‘Will you let me ride, Cousin Richard?’

  ‘Yes, of course. But not those two in the stables. They’re far too lively. Now be off with you and get cleaned up, sir!’

  Jamie grinned. ‘Thank you. You’re the best, Cousin Richard.’ The door slammed behind him.

  Julia squeezed Emma’s arm and rolled her eyes.

  ‘Boys!’

  Richard grunted and said, ‘By the way, Emma, I thought it best if it wasn’t spread abroad that you’ve arrived here, or certainly not your true identities. I don’t want you or Jamie at risk. I’ve asked Wrighton to speak to the staff, and they will put it about that you are distant relatives. Hopefully, I will continue to be the sole target for any mischief.’

  Julia’s face clouded.

  ‘Oh Lord!’ she gasped. ‘Now I remember. George said something about footpads. I thought it likely you were both probably foxed and you’d been careless.’ She fixed gimlet eyes on her brother. ‘But this is what you mean, isn’t it? From the moment your connection to the Smythe family was announced, you’ve been targeted too.’

  Richard grimaced. The cat was amongst the pigeons now. Emma confirmed Julia’s suspicions.

  ‘Richard told me someone tried to run him into a ditch on the way here. And the girth on his saddle was cut in London.’ Emma turned imploring eyes to Richard. ‘I can’t let you take all the risk for us. It wouldn’t be fair. You’ve only just discovered your connection to the family. I can’t ask you to put yourself in harm’s way.’

  ‘And what sort of fellow would I be if I left a young boy to deal with this nonsense?’ he answered sternly. ‘The fact that I didn’t know of your side of the family before now means nothing.’ His jaw set in a determined attitude. ‘I know now, and I intend to help.’

  Emma opened her mouth to protest, a martial look in her eyes, so Richard adopted a more placatory tone.

  ‘It may be that it’s all just a set of dreadful coincidences, but if not, I’m determined that the scoundrel responsible will be discovered and made to pay.’ Richard didn’t believe it was coincidence for one minute, but nor did he wish to have two females arguing with him. One was bad enough. ‘Permit me to judge the risk. I’ll take every precaution, I assure you.’ He smiled to soften his next words. ‘But I ask that all three of you take care. I request that you remain within the confines of the house and gardens.’

  Julia looked shocked but remained silent. He guessed she was planning to ring a peal over his head when they were alone. He hoped that Emma, at least, would see the sense of his words.

  ‘You’re very kind, Richard, and I appreciate your help,’ said Emma in clipped tones.

  He sensed there was a “but” coming.

  ‘But may I remind you that it is more my responsibility than yours to discover what has been going on.’ A tight smile appeared on her lips. ‘I don’t wish to sound ungrateful, but I cannot allow you to take the whole burden on yourself. I’ve managed to get Jamie back safely, and I therefore must insist that I play my part in any further investigations.’ Her chin jutted out. ‘I will, however, do as you request… for now.’ The challenge in her eyes was unmistakeable.

  Clenching his fists at his side, Richard managed not to snap out a terse retort. A quick glance at his sister told him that she was clearly enjoying this battle of wills. What could he say? Just like his sister, Emma was opinionated and forthright and – much as he loathed to admit it – she had a point. Damn! He couldn’t just wrest control from her, not after what she’d disclosed of her life with her father. The formidable chit had more than proved herself by getting her brother back home. Besides, he understood more than most her wish to retain some control.

  He sucked in his cheeks.

 
‘Very well, Emma. Of course I understand that you wish to play a part in discovering what’s been going on.’ He kept his tone even. ‘However, you must also see that, with my contacts in London, I am better placed than you to initiate any investigations.’ Before she could object, he rushed on, making a commitment that he hoped he’d not come to regret. ‘I promise, furthermore, that I’ll keep you informed of all developments, and I’ll not take any steps before consulting you. Is that acceptable?’

  To his satisfaction, not to say relief, Emma answered, a gleam of triumph in her eye.

  ‘Yes, that is acceptable. Thank you, Richard.’

  Julia gave him a knowing smile. ‘Nicely done, Richard. You’re learning.’

  He snorted.

  ‘I’ve only agreed because Emma possesses a rare intelligence and incredible determination.’ He wasn’t saying it to flatter. He meant every word.

  ‘Just like me, you mean?’ inquired Julia, her face all innocence.

  Chapter 6

  The next few days passed quickly. Emma’s face lost its pinched look, her bruise was fading, and she was pleased to be feeling a little stronger. Her feet, too, had recovered, and it no longer pained her to walk. A welcome letter from her grandmother had explained why that lady was unable to travel to Oxfordshire, desperate though she was to be reunited with her grandchildren. Confined to her bed with an ague, she hoped to be recovered sufficiently to journey to Easterby Hall by the week’s end. The dowager begged them to wait for her arrival, seeming concerned that a further journey on her grandchildren’s part might cause them to disappear again.

  In the meantime, Emma enjoyed spending time with Julia, a friendly and intelligent companion who entertained her with lively accounts of her life in London. Emma’s respect for her grew when Julia confessed to attending not only Royal Academy exhibitions but also numerous public lectures on mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. How Emma yearned to do the same. With Julia as a friend, this perhaps would be a possibility. Emma, for the most part, had been content with her life of classic scholarly pursuits. Now with Julia’s vibrant company and her talk of theatre trips, lectures, and entertainments both serious and frivolous, it was becoming more obvious how narrow her own life had been.

  They were seated in the library, Julia flicking through a copy of the Lady’s Magazine and Emma ostensibly checking an inventory of the linen cupboard. Mrs Henning had been insistent that now there was a mistress in residence, her household accounts should be presented on a regular basis. The lines on the carefully written pages were beginning to blur, and Emma’s mind was filling with dismal thoughts of the years and opportunities she’d missed, when she was roused from this introspection by Julia’s casual mention of a trip she intended to make.

  ‘Sorry, what did you say, Julia? I’m afraid I was wool-gathering.’

  ‘Just that I’m hoping to visit Scotland later this year. I’m part of a committee pressing for better conditions for workers, you see.’ Julia’s mouth turned down. ‘Honestly, you wouldn’t believe the conditions in some factories, Emma. Absolutely terrible.’ She shook her head. ‘I believed the chimney boys’ situation was quite bad enough, but it seems that for those of the lower orders, life is very harsh indeed.’

  Emma agreed. It had come as something of a shock when she’d read in the newspapers that the England she’d so looked forward to returning to had a dark side that she’d never been aware of before.

  Julia was chattering on, her face now glowing with enthusiasm.

  ‘Richard has been very progressive with our mines and manufactories. He says there’s no reason children or anybody else should suffer when trying to earn their crust. To that end, I’m set on visiting a model factory at New Lanark to discover if there are improvements we haven’t thought of.’ She gave a rueful smile. ‘That is, when I can persuade George to travel all the way up to Glasgow.’ Her expression turned dreamy. ‘He does admit that I can be very persuasive when I want to be.’

  Emma, while admiring Julia’s altruism, couldn’t help feeling a tad jealous. How nice it would be to have a relationship of the sort that Julia had with George. Richard’s face came to mind. Over the last few days, he’d impressed her with his punctiliousness, keeping her informed of all the reports he received from his solicitor’s investigators. He hadn’t patronised her or tried to shield her from any unpleasantness, admitting frankly that he’d strong reason to suspect her uncle’s death had not been accidental. In all respects, Richard treated her as an equal, a new experience for her. Her father had never asked for advice or listened to her opinions, something Richard did as a matter of course.

  He was also kind to Jamie, teaching him to ride and taking him around the estate to familiarise him with the land that came with the viscountcy. With Joe Henning’s help, the boy was being taught to care for horses. He’d never had a horse of his own, as their father, unlike Uncle Frederick, hadn’t been a keen rider. Admiration now shone out of Jamie’s eyes whenever he spoke to or about Richard. Emma chuckled inwardly. If she wasn’t prepared to lay her heart and independence at Richard’s feet, her brother certainly was.

  Now her initial distrust had been dismissed, she found herself drawn more and more to him. But only as a friend, not as a husband, she told herself.

  Emma was certain that beneath Richard’s mostly serious exterior lurked an engaging personality. Why else would his lively sister think so highly of him? Kind and considerate, his occasional flashes of wit indicated he possessed a sharp sense of humour that matched Julia’s. Julia had indicated as much when she confided in Emma one day as they were strolling round the garden.

  ‘It was very difficult for Richard when Father died. He had so many calls on his time, what with the estate and the mining business. But David and I never felt neglected. Richard was always there for us. Now I worry that he’s missed out on things.’ She pulled her shawl closer round her shoulders and patted Emma’s hand. ‘Richard can be very serious, but…’ She paused, a blush stealing up her cheeks. ‘Well, these last few days, I can see some of his light-hearted humour has returned, despite the current problems we are facing. You seem to have had a good effect on him, Emma, and for that I’m very grateful.’

  Emma, rather taken aback, gave a hesitant smile but remained silent.

  Richard lingered in the study for a few moments after reading the latest report from Blake. Dressed for riding, he was shortly intending to journey to Oxford. He glanced critically down at his new boots – hessians, ordered against his valet’s advice from a new bootmaker in St James’s. In fact, Carter had barely hidden his contempt when he unpacked and presented the boots to Richard that morning, having brought them up from London.

  Richard paced up and down the Turkey-carpeted floor trying not to grimace. The boots pinched, but he was not going to mention it to Carter. The man would most probably gloat because his advice had been ignored. With luck, they would stretch.

  Squinting down at his feet, he admired the glossy leather. Despite their tightness, the boots looked as good as any others he’d seen. Besides, he’d made up his mind not to patronise Hoby again. In his opinion, the man had become a pompous fool since Prinny had become one of his customers. Wincing slightly, Richard stepped gingerly over to the window and spied Emma and Julia strolling round the bare rose beds. It was time to tell the ladies of his plans.

  He hailed them as he strode across the terrace. ‘There you are. I didn’t expect to find you outside. It’s not very warm.’

  Julia dismissed his comment with an airy wave of her hand.

  ‘Oh, pooh, we’re not so fragile that we can’t enjoy a brisk walk on a chilly day, and we’re both wrapped up well, as you can no doubt see. Besides, sitting in the library was becoming tiresome, wasn’t it, Emma? We decided that we were both in need of some fresh air after being cooped up.’

  Richard’s dark eyes twinkled. ‘I’m not questioning the robustness of your constit
utions, Julia. I was merely wondering why, unlike me, you were not hugging the fireplace. I must be getting weak in my old age.’ He made a parody of rubbing his arms.

  Julia rolled her eyes and groaned. ‘Yes, you’re such a weakling.’

  He winked at Emma and was pleased to note the blush that rose to her cheeks.

  ‘Well, I’m glad I’ve found you together,’ he continued. ‘Emma, I’ve just received Blake’s latest report. He’s arranged for me to meet someone who might have further information about both your uncle’s death and the chap Bedworth.’ At Julia’s questioning look, he added, ‘Bedworth’s suspected of intercepting letters.’

  Emma started heading towards the house. ‘Where are you meeting? I’ll come with you,’ she said over her shoulder.

  Richard grasped her arm as she moved past him.

  ‘I don’t think that would be wise.’ He tried not to sound too domineering. Emma stopped in her tracks and spun round to face him, her eyes blazing.

  ‘What?’

  ‘I’m meeting the chap in a tavern in Oxford. So it’s not very suitable for you to be seen there.’ Her mouth began to open, so he rushed on. ‘He’s terrified of being discovered, and your presence in such a place would occasion some gossip. You do understand, don’t you?’ He sent her an apologetic smile. ‘This meeting would be difficult to rearrange. He might even change his mind about speaking altogether. It took a great deal of persuasion on Blake’s part to get him to agree at all.’ A nerve twitched in his cheek. He played his final card. ‘This might be the only chance we get.’

  ‘Very well,’ she answered at last. It was plain that she was unhappy.

  Glad not to have to argue, he nevertheless recognised the effort she’d made to concede to his wishes. ‘Thank you.’