A Relative Matter

by Karen Cogan

“I see that something has disturbed you. Please, you must rest yourself,” Anne said.

  Mr. Tyler allowed her to help him into the parlor, where he sank into a plush chair. His face looked drawn as he ran his hand down his chin. Anne stood watching him and wondered what to do.

  “May I get you anything? A little wine, perhaps? You look very ill indeed.”

  He shook his head. “I had hoped that he had gone away and left me to live in peace. But it is not to be. I shall never be rid of him as long as I am alive. And he will never forgive me for not accepting him as my son.”

  Anne sank into the chair beside him. “Would you like to tell me what has happened?”

  “It is a sordid story. One I should have told you sooner. However, I thought that by refusing him, he would drop the matter. He came to me for money in London. When he found that I had none and that your Grandfather had died, he gave me an ultimatum. I never thought that even he could be that evil. I told him to get out of my sight and that I hoped to never see him again.”

  “Will you tell me the ultimatum? Perhaps I can help,” Anne said.

  “I am embarrassed I did not tell you before, since it concerns your brother.”

  “Jeremy?”

  Anne felt her pulse begin to pound. She had the ominous feeling that she was not going to like what he might say. And yet, if it concerned Jeremy, she was determined to know.”

  Mr. Tyler sighed. “I should start at the beginning. And it is not a pleasant tale for me to tell. Before my “son” was born, if indeed he is my son, I discovered that my wife was unfaithful to me. Yet she insisted that he was mine. After he was born, she left the babe with me and ran off with her lover. When the boy was old enough, I sent him away to boarding school and rarely saw him.”

  Anne frowned. “That is a shocking tale. No wonder you did not admit to him. It must have been very hard for you. But how does it involve Jeremy?”

  “Well you see, my wife returned to me a few years later. It seems that her lover had deserted her and she wished me to take her back. I could not abide the idea and refused. A few days later, she committed suicide by plunging from the top of my roof. The boy blames me for his mother’s death. Despite her faults, she did come to see him occasionally at the boarding school.”

  A bird shrieked as it flew past the open window. Anne jumped at the sound. Every nerve in her body was on edge as she waited to learn how all of this would affect Jeremy.

  “After Lora’s death, I become addicted to too much drink and lost my home and business. This went on for several years. When my son, if he is my son, came to see me a few months ago, I had just thrown off my penchant for alcohol, but I still had no money. He told me I owed him some sort of inheritance. With your grandfather dead, he knew I would become guardian of his estate. And as my only son, it would eventually fall into his hands if Jeremy were out of the way.”

  Anne shook her head. “That is all true.”

  Mr. Tyler wiped his forehead with his kerchief. “My son is an evil creature, thinking that others think in the same ill way as him. He told me that I must find a way to dispose of your brother when I came here.”

  Anne felt incredulous. “He would have a child killed to inherit a house?”

  Mr. Tyler nodded. “Exactly true, as ridiculous as it sounds. Of course I told him I would have nothing to do with such a scheme. He became enraged and told me I owed it to him. When I still refused, he stomped away and I thought that was the end of the matter.”

  Anne shivered as she stared at the letter he clutched loosely in his hand. “Then what has he said in the letter?”

  “He said the shot in the forest was a warning. I have one last chance to do as he requests.”

  “And if you do not?”

  “He does not say.”

  Mr. Tyler took her hand and said earnestly, “I wonder if you should not send your brother away from here. Perhaps he should go to a boarding school and we would not tell anyone where he had gone. I am very fond of Jeremy and do not believe I could stand it if he were harmed.”

  Anne looked into the watery blue of Mr. Tyler’s eyes and said, “I do not believe I can send Jeremy away. I would not feel he was safe. What if he was somehow found out? I would not even be there to help him.”

  Mr. Tyler sighed. His drawn face held no sign of its usual good humor. “I suppose you are right. And yet, I regret what has happened. You can understand why I was so concerned when you told me you had a new groom. I would not put it past my son to pose as a groom in order to do his mischief. Yet, when I saw that he was not, and there was no one new in town, I felt as though I might relax a bit.”

  Anne gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I thank you for telling me all of this. I know that it was painful for you.”

  “It was. But my fear for Jeremy was much stronger.”

  “Do not worry. I shall keep Jeremy in the house until your son is found out.”

  “Perhaps Lord Westerfield’s men located him in the woods. I shall ride over tomorrow and see what he has discovered.”

  Anne brightened a little. “Yes. Perhaps he was found and has been detained. Once you identity him, we will know our enemy. And mayhaps he could be jailed on your testimony.”

  “I believe you are right. And once he is found out, all will be well. I believe I shall go to my room now and call for a brandy. My nerves are quite shaken after this shock.”

  Anne smiled at him fondly. “You should go and rest. I will have a talk with Jeremy and explain that he must stay in the house for a few days.”

  “I think that is a wise idea.”

  Mr. Tyler walked away, hunched by the burden he carried.

  Anne called for Betsy.

  “Please find Master Jeremy. I wish to speak with him.”

  Betsy curtsied and went away to comply.

  The minutes ticked by. Anne sat in solitude and listened for Jeremy’s footsteps. Yet the only sound she heard was the window curtains rustling in the gentle breeze and the muffled clang of pans in the kitchen.

  She became restless. What could be taking so long?

  At last Betsy returned. She reported in a solemn tone that the young master was not in the house. Should she send Polly out to the gardens to look for him?

  Anne sprang to her feet. “No, thank you, Betsy. I think I know where he has gone. I shall look for him myself.”

  “Very well, miss.”

  Not pausing for her bonnet, Anne fairly flew out the door and down the garden path. She had one purpose in mind. And that was to find her brother before Mr. Tyler’s son came upon him.

  She ran full speed toward the pond, praying all the while that she would find him there unharmed. After all, no one could have known that he would leave the house. Unless…the house was being watched.

  A burning stitch in her side begged her to stop and rest. She ignored it and pressed on, feeling as though her lungs would burst.

  At last, she saw his dark hair as he knelt beside the pond. She allowed herself to slow to a trot, so relieved to find Jeremy unharmed that tears blurred her vision. She threw herself beside him and gasped. “Why did you not tell someone that you were going out?”

  Jeremy stared at her in surprise. “I never thought to. You have never minded me coming here before.”

  Anne took a deep breath to calm herself. “You are right, of course. But we must go back now. There is something I would speak to you about.”

  Her worried eyes and serious tone made Jeremy suspicious. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “No, dear, not you. But someone else wishes to do you harm and we must make sure that he does not get a chance.”

  “Who is it?”

  “Mr. Tyler’s son. Now come with me to the house and I will tell you a little more about it.”

  Anne felt as though every nerve in her body was intently alive as she escorted Jeremy back to the house. She glanced behind her, shivering at the thought that they made perfect targets. It was only when they entered the house and shut th
e door that she finally began to relax.

  She pulled Jeremy into the parlor and sat down for a serious talk.

  “Mr. Tyler has a son. He is not a very nice man and wants to do us harm. So, we must stay in the house for a few days until he is caught and the danger passes. Do you understand?”

  Jeremy frowned. “Yes. But why should he want to hurt us?”

  Anne sighed. She had hoped not to tell Jeremy that he was in particular danger.

  “You see, dear, he is heir to this estate if you and Mr. Tyler should die. He is an evil man who wishes to get his hands on it any way he can.”

  The confusion on Jeremy’s small face set an ache in her heart.

  “I do not even know him,” he protested.

  “I know. And that is the danger. Will you promise me to stay in the house until it is safe to go out again?”

  Jeremy nodded. “I will not like being confined, but I will look at Grandfather’s books.”

  Anne leaned over and kissed his soft cheek. “You are a good boy. You are all the family I have and I love you very much.”

  He wrapped his arms around her neck and gave her a squeeze. “I love you, too, Anne.”

  She patted his back and said, “Run along and play upstairs until time for your supper.”

  She did not see Mr. Tyler again that evening. He took supper in his room and then kept to his chamber. Anne wandered the house until late in the night. She had called the servants together and put them on alert. Nonetheless, the worry that young Mr. Tyler might try to enter while they slept made her too uneasy to retire.

  Finally, her loyal Betsy sent her off to bed, proclaiming, “I shall stay awake all night and keep watch. You must get some sleep, miss. You look ready to drop.”

  Assured by Betsy’s determination to keep vigil, Anne gave in and went to bed. Exhaustion overtook her and she dropped immediately into sleep. Her dreams were troubled and she awoke very early in the morning, sure that she had heard a sound. She sprang from bed and pulled on her wrap.

  She hurried down the hall to Jeremy’s room and opened the door softly, needing only to see that he was safely asleep. A feeling of horror swept over her to see that, not only was he not asleep, he was not in his bed. She dashed about calling him and checking every corner of the room. Yet, there was no mistaking that he was nowhere to be found.

  Running down the stairs, she met Betsy at the bottom. The poor dear lady held an iron, frying skillet in her hand, ready to do battle.

  “I heard the commotion and came running. You just tell me where he is.”

  “I am looking for Jeremy. He is not in his room.”

  “Not in his room? He could not have got past me. I have been sitting in the hallway all night.”

  The women flew about the house, calling his name, waking the rest of the servants who dressed quickly and joined in the search.

  “He could not have gone out,” Anne moaned. “He promised me.”

  She was feeling near hysterics as they broadened the search, sending servants to the gardens and out to the pond. Though she insisted otherwise, Anne could only assume that Betsy had fallen asleep, allowing someone entrance to the house. However, a thorough check of windows and doors, showed them locked with no sign of forced entry.

  She spun on her heel to go back through the kitchen and join the search outside when she nearly collided with Jeremy. He was rubbing his eyes sleepily and staring about.

  “I woke up and heard everyone calling me.”

  Anne clasped him so tightly to her chest that he could hardly breathe. She released him after a moment and said, “How could you frighten me so? I thought you had been taken during the night.”

  Jeremy wiped at a tear that rolled down her cheek and said, “I am sorry. I woke up in the middle of the night and was frightened. I hid on the secret stairs behind Grandfather’s room and fell back asleep. I thought I would wake before anyone worried.”

  Anne brushed away the rest of her tears. “You cannot imagine how worried I was. But I do think you had a clever idea. Only a few of us know about the stairs, so you would not be easily found.”

  “Is it time for breakfast?” Jeremy asked. “I am frightfully hungry.”

  Anne laughed. “If you are hungry, it is time for breakfast.”

  Mr. Tyler ambled into the hallway, having been waked by having his room checked by the servants. “I took a sleeping potent last night to help me rest. I am afraid it has left me a bit drowsy.”

  They all went upstairs to dress properly before coming back down for breakfast. There, Anne told Mr. Tyler the whole story.

  “And that is why Betsy did not see him,” Anne concluded.

  He shook his head and muttered how sorry he was to have brought this trouble upon them. “It is a clever hiding spot. Yet, it is too cold and damp to stay there at night. Still, I do not know to what my son might stoop to accomplish his purpose. Perhaps a bed could be moved into my room. I shall keep a pistol nearby to protect Jeremy.”

  Anne shivered. “I suppose that is better than a damp stairway.”

  As they were concluding breakfast, Polly announced that a visitor had arrived.

  Lord Westerfield entered with a bow.

  “I was just coming to see you this morning,” said Mr. Tyler.

  At the mere sight of his strong confident entry, Anne felt her nerves relax. If she were a damsel in distress, he was most surely her knight. And he fit the form so beautifully that she could not help but smile.

  “Did you discover the intruder in the woods?” asked Mr. Tyler.

  When he replied that he had not, he was told the entire sordid story while Jeremy was sent away to his room.

  “What an entirely unfortunate business,” he said. “To harm a child is the lowest form of cowardice.”

  “What shall we do about the ball tomorrow?” Anne asked. “I cannot leave my brother here where he might be attacked.”

  Westerfield rubbed his chin. “No. I think you dare not. Yet, I have an idea. We will take Jeremy to my father. No one will suspect that he will be there. I will loose the dogs and post a few men to guard the chamber where he may spend the night.”

  Anne thought it over. “Yes. I believe he would be safer there. I will not worry if he is guarded at your house.”

  “Good. Then it is settled. The miscreant will be found out in time and we will let no harm come to Jeremy.”

  They spoke of more pleasant things until Mr. Tyler said that he was still fatigued and begged off for a rest in his room.

  Anne invited Westerfield for a walk in the garden. “The roses are in such beautiful bloom and the smell of lilacs so sweet.”

  They strolled together out to the hedge roses that formed a maze leading to a rectangular bed of daisies swaying in the breeze.

  “They remind me of dainty dancers,” Anne said.

  “Hum. There is a ball tomorrow and I am feeling a bit rusty with dancing,” he replied. “Perhaps we should have a practice.”

  Anne laughed. “Here? There is no music.”

  He took her in his arms. “Then we shall make our own.”

  They swirled along the stone path that framed the daisies, moving gracefully as one being. Westerfield felt as though he could hold her small form close to his body forever and breathe the fresh scent of lavender that scented her hair.

  He had begun to imagine a future together. In fact, he could not even fathom one without her. He had crossed a line from which he could never return. His heart was committed now and would either be shattered or elated. The choice was hers.

  When they had danced awhile, Lord Westerfield reluctantly explained that he had been on his way to the village on an errand when he had stopped by. “I should be on my way. Father is expecting me back in time for lunch.”

  “I am happy that you came. I have enjoyed our dance, even without the music.”

  “Tomorrow we shall dance again.” He leaned down and kissed her very gently on the lips. “Let this be a token of my esteem
until I see you again.”

  Anne walked him to his horse and watched him ride away. When he had left, she felt alone again and much too eager for her knight to return.

  All the next day, Anne remained in a state of excitement. She occasionally thought about how Mariah might receive her and finally decided that Mariah dare not cut her while she was with Lord Westerfield, who was above both she and her husband in social stature.

  Jeremy was nearly as excited as Anne. The idea of spending the night at Westerfield Manor appealed to him immediately. Anne believed that the elder lord reminded him of his beloved grandfather. And it did not hurt that the puppy was there, either.

  They were each ready promptly at eight o’clock. Anne had dressed carefully in royal blue silk with overskirt of blue silk. Tiny silk forget me knots edged each of the sleeves. With high waistline and slightly daring décolletage, it showed her small figure off to advantage.

  There was no doubt of Lord Westerfield’s approval when he arrived. “However did you choose a dress the same color as your eyes, the finest eyes I have ever seen?”

  “I assure you, sir, that it was quite without intent, though I am pleased you approve.”

  He bowed. “I approve indeed. I shall have the prettiest partner at the ball.”

  He glanced down at Jeremy. “Do you not agree?”

  “Yes. Anne is always the prettiest girl at any party.”

  Anne laughed. She gave Jeremy’s head an affectionate tussle. “And how many parties have you attended?”

  He thought a moment and answered honestly, “None.”

  Nonetheless, Anne was touched by his childish loyalty and loving nature. If he retained the same qualities of character as a man that he possessed as a boy, she would be pleased indeed. She had determined long ago that she would not dishonor the memory of her parents by failing in the rearing of Jeremy. And to her relief, he was proving to be a child with an easy nature to manage.

  Lord Westerfield knelt down to the boy. “Are you ready to spend the evening with my father? He is looking forward to your company. He has even planned several card games to play when you arrive.”

  “But I do not know any card games.”

  “All the better,” laughed Westerfield. “He will take great pleasure in teaching you.”

  They loaded themselves into the carriage and set off. Anne kept a strict propriety while in the carriage, though Lord Westerfield insisted upon twirling a lock of her chestnut hair around his finger.

  “You have beautiful hair. I like how you have swept it up from your face, leaving ringlets that I may tease.”

  “Tease them too much and I shall look as though Betsy never touched my hair.”

  He laughed. “I shall not muss it, I promise, though it is a tempting thought.”

  When they reached his house, they left Jeremy in the custody of the elder lord. As predicted by his son, he was delighted to see the boy and delighted to have company for the evening. They left them to cake and milk and the learning of a new game.

  Anne felt free of her worries as they set out for the Sawyer residence. “I wonder when Mariah and Troy will move to a home of their own.”

  Westerfield looked thoughtful. “Fletcher does not seem in any hurry to budge from his nest there. Perhaps he has been made too comfortable and is not the sort of chap to move out unless forced to do so.”

  “Perhaps. He claimed to be looking for a house when I first met him. I am beginning to wonder if he is in earnest about finding one at all.”

  Westerfield shook his head. “He has not taken me into his confidence. Indeed, I know him very little. But I must admit I have not been impressed by what I have seen.”

  “Nor have I,” Anne agreed.

  Anne sucked in a breath when they arrived at the house. Light spilled from every window. A festive trail of luminaries ran from the edge of the drive to the front door. Music drifted to them from the night air that carried the scent of dozens of bouquets of lilacs and roses, mums and carnations.

  They were admitted into the foyer to a fairy land of sight and sound. Garlands decorated every mantel and stair rail. The scent of cakes and puddings, roast pork and pies filled the air. On the dance floor, dancers swirled about in a graceful waltz.

  Anne smiled up at Lord Westerfield as he took her into his arms and led her with expert ease around the floor. They waltzed past Mariah who was dancing with Troy. Anne was surprised to see that she wore a most unhappy look upon her face. She glanced at Anne and lowered her eyes, yet Anne had already seen the misery in their depths.

  Throughout the evening, Anne sent covert glances at Mariah and never saw her smile. Something was wrong. She longed to corner her friend and ask. Yet Mariah had made it plain they were no longer on intimate terms.

  They spoke briefly at supper, congratulating Mr. Fletcher on his choice of a bride and wishing them both the best for their future. Mariah received their wishes politely, yet displayed a downcast mood at odds with her usual cheerful enthusiasm. Anne could not mention her worry to Westerfield until they were again alone.

  “Perhaps they had an argument before the ball began. Despite your desire that couples avoid arguments, I do not think it easy to achieve,” he said.

  She nodded. “Perhaps you are right.”

  Since there was no reason to arrive home early, they danced until the evening grew quite late and their feet grew sore. Anne felt as though she would fall over from exhaustion by the time they returned to the carriage. Yet, she would not have traded a moment of her evening with Lord Westerfield for any night’s rest she might have got.

  She allowed him to sit beside her on the ride home. She was resting her head comfortably against his shoulder and feeling pleasantly drowsy when he gently took her hands and said, “My dear Miss Tyler, there is something of the greatest importance that I wish to discuss with you. Will you hear me tonight or are you too weary?”

  She sat up, suddenly livened by the tone of his voice. “After what you have just said, I could not stand to wait. I must know what is pressing so heavily upon your mind.”

  “Then I shall tell you and hope that you are agreeable, for if you are not, I shall be sorely disappointed.”

  Thus said, Lord Westerfield cleared his throat and spoke.

  CHAPTER TEN