A Relative Matter

by Karen Cogan

  Anne paused to see a younger thinner version of her grandfather standing in the hall. He was wearing Grandfather’s morning coat and his soft gray trousers. And he carried the familiar cane and favorite bowler hat. He looked at Anne in some distress as Jeremy began to shout, “Tell him he cannot wear Grandfather’s things. They do not belong to him. Tell him, Anne.”

  Anne came out of her shock and dashed to kneel beside Jeremy. “They may as well belong to him, dear. You must stop making such a fuss. Those clothes are no use to Grandfather now.”

  Jeremy stopped protesting and began to sniffle.

  Anne glanced up at Mr. Tyler. “I am terribly sorry. It must have been a shock to him to see you in Grandfather’s things.”

  “I am the one who is sorry. I did not mean to upset the young man. If I could do so, I would leave them be and not cause such distress. But necessity does not allow for me to do so. Perhaps if I explain, he will understand why I do not humor him. Will you both join me for breakfast and hear what I must say?”

  “We should be happy to do so. I will dress immediately and come down.”

  Mr. Tyler nodded. With a regretful glance at Jeremy, who refused to meet his eyes, he trod down the stairs.

  Anne turned to her brother. “You must promise that you will not make a fuss while I go and dress. You will sit quietly and wait for me. Do you understand?”

  Jeremy nodded. He looked up at Anne and there were tears in his eyes. “Do you not care about Grandfather anymore?”

  “Of course I care. But Grandfather would want Mr. Tyler to use his clothes. Do you think he would rather see them go to waste?”

  Jeremy shook his head. He wore a look of defeat. “I suppose not.”

  Anne patted his shoulder. “Stay still and wait for me. I will only be a few moments.”

  Anne washed at the blue china washbowl and hurried to don a pale pink summer dress. The sleeves were puffed and adorned with pink satin bows. Betsy bustled in to button the tiny row of back buttons and to smooth her dark curls into submission. When she was finished, Anne asked, “How is Polly working out as downstairs maid?”

  “Just lovely, miss. I think she still feels so bad about her mistake that she is meek as a mouse.”

  “I am glad to hear it. I kept her on because I did not believe she ever meant to do us any harm.”

  “I am sure she did not, miss.”

  “Nonetheless, keep an eye on her, Betsy. Let me know if she takes up with any new men.”

  “I will keep a close eye on her,” Betsy promised.

  “Thank you.”

  Anne found Jeremy sitting dispiritedly in the hall outside her door. She reached her hand to him. “Let us join Mr. Tyler for breakfast and hear what he would tell us.”

  Jeremy took her hand and walked beside her down the stairs. He sighed and said, “I like Lord Westerfield. When will he come again?”

  Anne felt as though a knife had turned in her heart.

  “I do not know when we will see Lord Westerfield.”

  She tried to keep her tone light. She did not want Jeremy to suspect that something was amiss as she was in no mood to answer his questions.

  “He said I might go hunting with him. And I want to see my puppy.”

  “Lord Westerfield is a busy man. Yet, I am sure he has not forgotten his promise regarding the puppy.”

  Anne clenched her jaw until it ached.

  Jeremy did not notice. “I am sure he has not forgotten. Still, I want to teach my puppy to hunt. So, I hope Lord Westerfield comes again soon. Do you not hope so, too?”

  “Yes. That would be lovely. Now, put on your best manners and greet Mr. Tyler politely.”

  They entered the sunny room beside the back gardens where breakfast awaited them. The sideboard was stacked with sweet breads, eggs, sausages and fruit. Though the smell was delectable, Anne found that her appetite had deserted her, due in no small part to Jeremy’s mention of Lord Westerfield.

  “Good morning, Mr. Tyler.” Jeremy’s manner was polite, if a bit formal.

  Nonetheless, Anne was proud of him for making the effort.

  After Anne and Mr. Tyler exchanged greetings, they all chose their breakfast and settled at the table. Mr. Tyler, having piled his plate, dug in with relish. Anne could not help but wonder what had kept him so thin if he was in the habit of eating so voraciously. But perhaps he was still recovering from the strain of the trip.

  Between bites he began to tell them his story. “You see, Jeremy, I would be happy not to touch your grandfather’s clothes if I had fitting clothes of my own. I hate to upset you, for I am fond of you both, though I have known you a very short time. Yet you must understand that a proper gentleman of an estate cannot be seen in the wardrobe I possess.”

  Jeremy eyed him suspiciously. “What is wrong with it?”

  “My clothes are old. They are patched and faded. Life has not been kind to me, though much of it is my fault.”

  Anne saw Jeremy open his mouth to ask another question and she quickly cut him off. “You do not have to explain unless you wish. We have no right to question your past.”

  Mr. Tyler shook his head. “I think you deserve to know a bit of my background. You see, for a time, I was a very bitter man who squandered his money on drinking and gambling. I owned a prosperous business at one time, but my habits led me to lose it.”

  “I am sorry,” Anne said, feeling sincerely so.

  “That was my own choice, so do not feel sorry for me. I felt sorry enough for myself. I do not know when I would ever have come to my senses. I met a minister last year and he helped me see the folly of my waste. He preached to me and I listened. I stopped destroying myself with too much liquor. But it was too late to do anything about my financial losses. By then, I lived in a small drafty room and could barely afford to eat. Then, I got word that your Grandfather had died and I had been named guardian of the estate.”

  Anne and Jeremy stared at him, unable to think of anything to say.

  He continued. “Though I am deeply sorry for the loss of your grandfather, I must say that it was my financial salvation. I could not have held out much longer.”

  “Had you no one to help you? No relatives or family in London?” Anne asked.

  Mr. Tyler shook his head. A look of pain passed across his face. “That is another story. Perhaps I shall tell it to you one day. It is not a happy tale and certainly not for Jeremy’s young ears. Still, I did want him to understand that it was need and not greed that drove me to procure your grandfather’s clothes. Do you understand, Jeremy?”

  “Yes. You needed them because you were poor.”

  “That is right. Will it upset you if I wear them?”

  Jeremy shook his head. “Anne is right. It will not help Grandfather to save them. I suppose he would want you to have them.”

  Mr. Tyler smiled. “Thank you Jeremy. I shall feel much better about using them now.”

  Anne felt her admiration grow for Mr. Tyler. He had owed neither of them an explanation. Yet, he had taken pains to win Jeremy’s approval, even going so far as to reveal his unhappy past. Anne wondered what had driven him to such ruin. Yet she knew she would not ask unless he chose to confide it.

  Breakfast proceeded smoothly.

  After the meal, Mr. Tyler said, “I fancy a walk about the estate. I wonder if anyone would be willing to show me the stables and grounds.”

  “I could,” said Jeremy eagerly. “I would love to do it. May I, Anne?”

  In spite of Lord Westerfield’s assurances, Anne still felt a nagging worry over Jeremy. Yet, some of what he had said was true. She did not want to make Jeremy a prisoner in the house.

  She turned to her brother and said, “Perhaps we shall both show Mr. Tyler around. You go and tell Betsy to fetch my bonnet.”

  When Jeremy had hurried to comply, Anne turned to Mr. Tyler. “I do not wish to see danger where there is none. However, a servant girl, Polly, told me she heard that Jeremy was in danger. She said someone hired
his tutor to harm him and I do not know why. Perhaps it is not true, but I am worried nonetheless.”

  To her surprise, Mr. Tyler’s face paled as he leaned towards her. “Do you know who did the hiring?”

  “No. But Polly said he killed Jeremy’s tutor in a quarrel. Perhaps, afterwards, the killer went away.”

  Mr. Tyler shook his head. “I would not count on it. Have you noticed anyone new in the village?”

  Anne thought. “No.”

  Then a sudden memory struck her. “Our ‘ostler hired a new man for the stable. He has been driving us around lately.”

  Mr. Tyler’s forehead puckered into a frown. “I think that I should meet this new man.”

  “Why is that? Is something amiss?”

  “Probably not. Yet, it pays to be careful regarding the safety of your brother.”

  “Then you believe it may be true that a man hired and murdered our tutor?”

  “Possibly. I think we should check it out.”

  “How will we know if it is true? Polly did not even see the man. It was dark and his face was hidden.”

  “I have met such men before. And, as I am a good judge of character, I think I shall learn something from meeting him.”

  “Then let us go straight away. I want to know if my brother is in danger.”

  Jeremy came running back with her bonnet. Anne set it on her head and tied the ribands under her chin. Then the three of them set off for the stables.

  Anne felt her apprehension rise as they proceeded along the path. The sharp tang of horseflesh and manure drifted on the breeze, directing Mr. Tyler toward the stables. She wondered if Mr. Tyler would suspect the young driver of foul play. If so, she could not trust her own judgment, for she had never noticed anything suspicious about the young man.

  They reached the brick exterior of the stables. Bales of amber hay lay stacked beside the open double doors. Horses nickered inside their stalls. Anne saw their new hire, grooming the bay mare that had been Grandfather’s favorite when he was able to ride.

  She stepped into the interior of the stable. It was cooler and dimmer than the bright summer day. As they paused, the red-cheeked boy turned in surprise, nearly dropping the curry comb.

  Anne studied him. He was slim of build and had gentle brown eyes that reminded her of her horse. Surely he could not be a killer. But then, how did she really know?

  Jeremy began to pet the horse while Mr. Tyler greeted the young groom. “Good-morning. What is your name, my boy?”

  “Pete, sir. I am sorry. I did not hear you come in. Do you require a carriage?”

  “No, though I may wish to go for a ride later in the afternoon.”

  Pete bent to pick up the comb. “I shall have a horse ready if you will tell me which you would choose.”

  “This one looks like a beauty,” Mr. Tyler observed.

  Anne watched his face for any sign that he found a reason to mistrust Pete. So far, he showed no sign of suspecting ill of the boy. In fact, he had relaxed visibly from the tension he displayed after breakfast.

  “This is Grandfather’s horse. At least he used to be,” Jeremy explained wistfully.

  “Your grandfather was a good judge of horses,” said Mr. Tyler.

  He bent down to Jeremy and said, “Would you mind if I rode him?”

  Jeremy shook his head. “Grandfather would want him to be ridden.”

  “Then I shall be honored to do so.”

  Again, Anne was warmed by Mr. Tyler’s concern for Jeremy’s feelings.

  “I shall go and see my pony,” Jeremy said as he trudged away along the rows of stalls.

  “Shall you be riding also, miss?” Pete asked.

  “No. I shall be keeping an eye on my brother.”

  Pete stood attentively awaiting further requests.

  Anne, weary of the suspense, blurted her questions. “Who hired you, Pete, and how well did you know my brother’s tutor, Mr. Ames?”

  Pete’s dark eyes widened in his thin tanned face. “The ‘ostler hired me, miss. I did not know Mr. Ames well at all. I saddled horses for him a few times is all.”

  Mr. Tyler put a hand on Anne’s arm. “It is all right, my dear. Pete is telling the truth.”

  He turned to the boy and said, “Did you ever see anyone else come to meet with Mr. Ames, someone you did not know?”

  “No, sir. I know everyone who has come here the last few weeks. And Mr. Ames always rode off alone.”

  “Thank you, Pete. You are doing a fine job on this horse. We shall not detain you any longer from your work. I will tour the stable and come back later for a ride.”

  “Yes, sir. He will be ready, sir.”

  Pete patted the bay’s sleek neck.

  Mr. Tyler strode along the aisle, peering at the stalls. Anne hurried to walk alongside. “You do not think the boy is a danger to my brother?”

  “No. He is no danger to anyone, except himself if he drops more than a curry comb onto his foot.”

  Anne frowned. “How can you be sure?”

  He paused before they reached Jeremy, who was in the stall with his pony. Mr. Tyler smiled patiently and said, “Let us think this out. What would a groom have to gain by harming your brother? Nothing. He stands to obtain nothing at all.”

  Anne thought over his logic. “I suppose you are right. Yet, I still wonder who killed Mr. Ames.”

  “Perhaps a highwayman.”

  Anne nodded, feeling a bit comforted.

  “What worried, me, “Mr. Tyler explained, “was the possibility that this young man was not truly a groom, but a gentleman posing as such. Such an unsavory sort might think of a way to kidnap your brother for ransom. But this young groom has the calloused hands and tanned features that proclaim him to be who he says he is.”

  “Well, that is a relief. Lord Westerfield assures me that if there was a danger, the perpetrator has probably left town by now.”

  “Let us hope he is correct. Nonetheless, I shall keep my eyes open.”

  “Thank you. You have been very kind not to dismiss my fears. It is hard sometimes to be alone in the responsibility for my brother.”

  “Then I shall be your ally and hope that my friendship gives you comfort.”

  “It already has. I believe you have won Jeremy over also.”

  A sad smile rested on Mr. Tyler’s lips as he studied Jeremy petting his pony. “He is a fine boy. I am sure your parents were proud of him.”

  “They died when Jeremy was very young. He has difficulty remembering them. As you can tell, he grew very close to Grandfather.”

  Mr. Tyler looked away, an odd expression in his eyes. Then, in a murmur, he said, “A child can be a blessing…in the right circumstances.”

  Jeremy popped up behind the open top of the stable door and said, “Do you want to see Toby? Grandfather bought him for me when I first came here. He taught me how to ride him.”

  Mr. Tyler reached across and stroked the pony’s mane.

  “Perhaps you and I might go riding one day.”

  Jeremy beamed. “Yes. I should like that. Anne will not let me ride now that Grandfather is gone, even if I take a groom.”

  “Your sister loves you very much. You must remember that.”

  Jeremy sighed. “I know.”

  Anne opened the stall door. “Come, Jeremy. We promised to show Mr. Tyler about.”

  They walked the grounds. All the while, Mr. Tyler admired the sprawling old oaks, the lush and verdant grasses, and the view of the tenant homes from atop a small rise. They ended at the fish pond where Jeremy proudly pointed out the various fish. For his part, Mr. Tyler could not have been a more gracious admirer of the well-fed occupants of the pond.

  They started the walk back, speaking about a minor improvement Mr. Tyler wished to make in a bushy overgrown corner of the park. Engrossed in conversation, Anne did not see the tall dark-haired man who trod toward them until Jeremy let out a cry of greeting.

  “Lord Westerfield. I hoped you would come soon.”


  Westerfield smiled. “And here I am.”

  He bowed at the group, giving Anne a searching look as he straightened. “I have come to offer a carriage to collect anyone who wants to go on the hunt tomorrow. Then, your man will not have to wait the day at my estate if he should be needed here.”

  Tearing his gaze away from Anne, he told Mr. Tyler, “I trust that you have been able to rest after your journey.”

  “Indeed. I have had a most refreshing night and a wonderful morning with Anne and Jeremy, walking the grounds. I must say that I am pleased with what I have seen. I plan to ride about this afternoon and see more of the tenant land. But I should love a hunt on the morrow. Pheasant, is it?”

  “Yes. I own a patch of thick woods that they are fond of. I think we shall have good luck.”

  “And I shall go and see what is done with the dogs,” said Jeremy, obviously delighted with the plans.

  Westerfield raised his brows as he looked at Anne. “I need speak to your sister on that matter. I believe she had some concerns. And I do not want to go against her wishes.”

  Jeremy stopped in his tracks and turned to Anne in distress. “Oh, do not change your mind, Anne, please. You already said I might go.”

  “Hush now, Jeremy. I am not changing my mind. You may still go.”

  Jeremy beamed. “Thank you, Anne. Would you all like to see the secret door I found that leads into the kitchen? I found it ever so long ago and quite by accident. There are stairs filled with cobwebs that go up to a hidden door in Grandfather’s room.”

  “How fascinating,” said Mr. Tyler. “Did your Grandfather know about it?”

  “Oh, yes. He said it had been there for ages. He said I had very good eyes for finding the door to the kitchen. It is covered by bushes and ever so hard to find.”

  “Indeed, I would like to see it,” said Mr. Tyler.

  Anne shivered. “You have already shown it to me. It is dark and damp and not very nice.”

  “Lord Westerfield has not seen it,” Jeremy said.

  Westerfield smiled at Jeremy. “You go and show it to Mr. Tyler. I want to talk to your sister. I will see the secret passage another time.”

  “All right.”

  He took Mr. Tyler’s hand. “Come this way, Mr. Tyler. The way up is dark, but you may hold my hand. I will not let you stumble.”

  Mr. Tyler looked down at the boy. His smile was poignant. “Thank you, Jeremy.”

  When they were out of hearing, Anne said, “I believe Mr. Tyler and Jeremy are becoming good friends.”

  Westerfield nodded. “It is easy to like a boy who is so generous with his friendship.”

  Anne felt her eyes mist as she watched the small figure walk off with Mr. Tyler. “He misses Grandfather. They had a special bond. You and Mr. Tyler have helped him forget his loss.”

  He stopped under a spreading oak and asked softly, “And who will help you forget your loss?”

  For a moment, her tears threatened to spill over. Then, she drew her small shoulders erect and said, “Loss is a part of life. For Jeremy’s sake, I must look to the future.”

  “And what will you do when Jeremy is grown and no longer needs to be looked after? Who will you look after then?”

  Anne frowned. A mix of confusing emotions swirled within her. Causing most of her discomposure was the fact that Lord Westerfield was standing close, too close for her to think clearly. The late morning breeze carried the scent of his cologne. His tall body blocked the light of the sun.

  Before she ne, “I paced the floor all evening, feeling miserable about our quarrel. I had no right to criticize how you raise your brother. I know it must be very hard for you.”

  Anne shook her head. “You need not apologize. Perhaps I did let my imagination run away a bit. I do not want to imprison my brother, nor do I want to make him weak and fearful. I want him to grow up with the same experiences as other boys. I want him to raise a puppy. And I want him to go hunting with you.”

  Westerfield took her hands and raised them to his lips. “I know you do. And as long as it is in my power, I will never let any harm come to you or to anyone you love. I would protect Jeremy with my life if necessary.”

  Anne wiped a tear from her eye. “I know. I am sure he will always be safe with you. I am afraid I am a bit prone to worry.”

  Westerfield smiled and ran a finger along her cheek. “I was going to apologize to you for implying that you worry too much.”

  She met his dark eyes with a gaze of deep ocean blue. “In that case, I should apologize to you for implying that you worry too little.”

  “Perhaps we might simply accept each other as we are. Do you think you could accept me Anne, perhaps even care for me a little?”

  Anne felt her pulse race along with her thoughts. Should she admit that she had found him enthralling the first time they met? Not only was he handsome, he was kind and thoughtful. Had he not known that a puppy was just what Jeremy had needed to cheer him from his gloom?

  And his presence now was just what she needed to cheer her. Had she not suffered just as he had from their quarrel? She had been in misery, wondering if he would cease to call upon her.

  She studied the huge gnarled tree root as she formed a reply. Feeling too bashful to meet his eyes, she kept hers glued to the ground as she replied, “I could care for you…more than a little, perhaps.”

  He raised her chin and stared deeply into her eyes. “You do not know how happy that makes me. I cannot imagine anything more wonderful than spending time with you. The thought that I might have lost you filled me with dread and remorse.”

  Anne felt as though she had awakened from a bad dream to find that everything was, in fact, all right. She would gladly put their quarrel behind them if that would restore the easy rapport they had shared.

  Not wanting the moment to end, she gazed into his eyes, feeling as though she could melt into their warm depths.

  He held onto her hands as though he felt equally reluctant to part.

  Suddenly she had an idea that might prolong his visit.