A Life of Secrets

by Margaret Kaine

  But Theo was already pulling up the handbrake and scrambling out of the car. She hurried after him and with horror saw prostrate at the side of the road, half on the grass verge, a young black-and-white collie, its side bloodstained. As they approached, the dog began to whimper, its brown eyes pleading.

  ‘Some bloody moron’s knocked him down, and driven on!’ His expression thunderous, Theo bent to look at the dog’s injury, checking in vain to see if there was a collar. ‘He’s still bleeding.’ Gently, he stroked the dog’s head. ‘It’s all right, boy, it’s all right.’ He went to open the boot of the car and, removing a tartan rug, opened the back door, before returning to the grass verge. ‘Deborah, can you give me a hand?’

  ‘Of course,’ Deborah was full of disbelief and compassion for the defenceless animal. How could any decent human being just leave him?

  Theo was soothing and reassuring the dog, saying, ‘Right, as I lift him, you put the rug underneath.’

  The tricky manoeuvre was accomplished, and gathering him up Theo carried the dog to the car and laid him on the back seat. Then after seeing her into the passenger seat, he started the car.

  ‘How far do we have to go?’

  ‘Around five miles or so, I’ll get our vet to look at him.’ His tone was curt and glancing at his profile she could see a muscle twitching in his left cheek. ‘I can’t abide cruelty to animals.’

  As they travelled, Deborah glanced over her shoulder to look at the dog, distressed to hear the occasional whimper. ‘Poor thing, it’s a good job we came along.’

  Felchurch Manor was larger than Deborah had expected, its architecture graceful, with the house itself set in mature parkland. Theo smiled down at her as he drove up the long drive. ‘It’s been in the family for 200 years.’

  ‘It’s beautiful.’ She meant it, there was something appealing about Theo’s home, even from the outside.

  Theo turned left before the house and slowly drove the car to the back and into a large, well-kept stable yard. As he drew to a halt, a middle-aged man with a weather-beaten face came forward, his face alight with surprise.

  Theo got out of the car. ‘Harry, look what I found at the side of the road. Just left there by whichever hooligan ran him over.’ He opened the back door and indicated the injured dog on the back seat. ‘I’d like the vet to see him.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’ He turned, calling over to a youth who was sweeping out a stall. ‘Jimmy?’

  The stable lad came over and with care they lifted the dog and blanket out.

  ‘We’ll put him in an empty stall, sir.’

  After watching them leave, Theo guided Deborah back along the wide path that led to the front of the house. ‘Ah, here’s Langton.’

  A tall man of military bearing, immaculate in black jacket and striped trousers, was coming to meet them, his gaze going with alarm to Theo’s bloodstained clothes.

  ‘Don’t worry, it’s from an injured dog.’ Theo explained what had happened, and then introduced him to Deborah.

  ‘Arthur will attend to your luggage, Your Ladyship.’ The butler turned to Theo. ‘Would you like the car to be valeted, sir?’

  ‘Thank you, an excellent idea.’ Theo ushered Deborah through the oak front door and into a hall with a vaulted ceiling; a vase of crimson peonies rested on a gleaming circular table in the centre, while a golden retriever uncurled itself and rushed forward, its tail wagging furiously.

  Theo bent to fondle her ears. ‘Emma, come to say hello, have you?’

  The butler hovered. ‘Sir, might I suggest a change of clothing?’

  ‘Before I see my father, you mean? Yes, of course.’

  Theo turned as a buxom woman dressed in the inevitable black hurried forward, introducing her to Deborah as Mrs Beresford, the housekeeper.

  ‘Welcome to Felchurch Manor, Your Ladyship. This is Cotton, who will be looking after you.’ The trim young maid in frilled white cap and apron who was now by her side, gave a shy smile.

  ‘Thank you so much.’ Deborah turned to Theo, raising her eyebrows.

  He glanced at his wristwatch. ‘Shall we say at seven in the drawing room?’

  After giving him a warm smile, Deborah followed the maid up a wide staircase and into a spacious room, with casement windows overlooking the lawns and herbaceous borders of a walled garden. The curtains and drapes were cream patterned with pink roses, and the double bed a four-poster.

  ‘Would you care for some refreshment before I unpack, my lady?’

  ‘I would love some. Earl Grey tea, please.’

  Deborah freshened up in the adjacent bathroom and going to relax on a green velvet chair thought about the weekend ahead. For so long there had been within her a sense of something missing in her life, a need to experience again the depth of love and passion she had felt for Philippe. This evening, too, was important, when for the first time she would meet his father. Yet what could possibly go wrong?

  And then seeing the young maid come in carrying a tray, Deborah remembered Sarah Boot.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  For Theo, dinner that evening was accompanied by pleasure at seeing Deborah so relaxed in his home environment – her warm glances and smiles across the table made that plain. And it was patently obvious that his father was enjoying her company.

  ‘You’re very like him, you know,’ she said, when Frederick Field briefly left the drawing room.

  ‘Yes, people do remark upon it. It’s good to see you both getting on so well.’

  ‘I like him, how could I not?’

  Her smile lit up his heart. He’d been so fortunate to have found her. He looked across to where she sat in a comfortable chintz armchair, smiling to himself as she popped a chocolate into her mouth. Such a delicious mouth! Theo, he told himself, you’re becoming besotted.

  ‘Are you tired after the journey?’ he said softly.

  ‘I am a little,’ she admitted.

  ‘And so am I. But we have the whole of tomorrow to look forward to. A ride in the morning, I thought.’

  Deborah nodded. ‘That sounds a wonderful idea.’

  It was late on Saturday morning when Theo at last reined in his favourite black stallion. ‘Can you see over there, where the wood begins? That’s our boundary. We have forty acres.’

  ‘I think the whole estate is delightful.’ Deborah smiled at him. She had proved herself to be an excellent horsewoman and, despite the damp weather, the last two hours had been the most enjoyable he had spent for years. They wheeled round their horses, Deborah’s chestnut responding easily to her guidance, while Theo controlled his more spirited mount and the horses walked on.

  ‘You are very like your father,’ Deborah said. ‘Although it would appear that he’s the more bookish of the two of you.’

  ‘If you discount political tomes and biographies, yes,’ Theo said. ‘I’ve never been able to read fiction for pleasure, with the exception of Dickens, that is. It was a bone of contention between us during my formative years.’

  ‘But you do seem to be close.’

  ‘Yes, we are.’ He smiled at her. ‘You really impressed him, darling.’

  ‘He actually said so?’

  ‘Yes, he did.’ He looked across at the intelligent young woman he had fallen in love with so soon after they’d met. He had wanted Deborah to see his home – possibly her own future home. A romantic at heart, Theo also wanted a marriage spent in both physical and emotional harmony. It had been a joy to discover that Deborah thought deeply about social justice, and took an interest in politics. He encountered so many young women who were spoilt and shallow in their thinking. Take her sister-in-law Julia, for instance. Charming yes, and decorative, but he doubted she and Gerard had an equal relationship with regard to thoughts and decisions.

  ‘Penny for them?’ Deborah asked, smiling at him.

  ‘I was just thinking how wonderful it is to have you here with me.’

  ‘It’s lovely for me too. And it was good to see the dog looking better this morning.
What will happen to him, once he’s recovered?’

  ‘Efforts will be made to trace his owner.’ Theo frowned. ‘But with the vet saying that he’s not a pure breed, and the lack of a collar, Harry’s wondering whether he’d strayed from Gypsies. Apparently, some were recently in the area.’ He turned towards her with regret. ‘Sorry, Deborah, I hate to bring this ride to a close, but it’s time we were getting back.’

  ‘Yes, I know you have an appointment. But how about I race you back to the house!’

  Theo won easily with Deborah laughing as they cantered noisily into the stable yard, and after handing their horses over to a groom, they strolled over to the stall where the dog lay.

  Deborah bent and patted his head, rewarded by an attempt to lick her hand.

  ‘If no one claims him, I hope a good home can be found.’

  Harry grinned. ‘A young lad who comes with the laundress has already taken a liking to him. I doubt if she’d take him, though.’

  ‘If it’s a question of his keep,’ Theo said, ‘I’d cover that.’

  ‘Well, sir, that’s a right generous offer. I’ll pass it on.’

  Theo took Deborah’s hand as they walked along the path to the front door of the house. ‘Thank you, sweetheart, for a lovely morning. As you know, I have some constituency matters to catch up on, so I’ll see you at luncheon?’

  Deborah went lightly up the stairs. The morning’s ride had given her quite an appetite and judging by dinner last night, Meg Daniels, as her references had claimed, was an excellent cook. She was smiling as she reached the wide landing – only for her heart to somersault as she came face to face with Sarah Boot!

  Sarah’s startled gasp proved there was no hope of not being recognised, and Deborah put a finger to her lips. ‘Sshh.’ She glanced around. ‘Is there anywhere we can talk privately?’

  Flustered, the young maid nodded and opened an adjacent door. The large bedroom was empty, and from the dusters and brush in her hands, it was obvious that she’d been cleaning it.

  Deborah closed the door firmly behind them, feeling not a little nervous.

  She smiled. ‘Hello, Sarah, how are you?’

  The girl’s eyes were wary. ‘I be well, Miss Claremont. But … what are you doing here? Has someone bin complaining about me?’

  Deborah was swift to reassure her. ‘No, no, nothing like that.’ She hesitated. ‘Sarah, can I trust you to keep whatever passes between us as completely confidential? That you won’t tell another living soul?’

  Her eyes widening, she nodded vigorously.

  The two young women were standing opposite each other. Deborah almost suggested they sit on one of the two bedroom chairs, but knew that would make Sarah feel uncomfortable. ‘I am here, Sarah, as Mr Theodore’s guest for the weekend.’

  Sarah’s brow puckered. ‘I thought he was bringing a Ladyship.’

  ‘That’s right. You see, Lady Deborah Claremont is my real name. I just use Miss Claremont at the agency. Confusing, isn’t it? But I’m sure you can understand why.’

  Sarah hesitated, ‘I think so.’

  ‘I know it sounds strange, but with the exception of Mr Theodore, no one else knows about this, not even my friends. So, please can you keep it a secret?’

  ‘Of course I will.’

  Deborah could see bewilderment in the young girl’s eyes and tried to explain. ‘While being a member of the aristocracy brings privileges, I can’t deny that it also brings a strict code of behaviour. Not even my brother is aware that I own and run a staff agency. If he was, he would immediately forbid it.’

  ‘Oh, I see.’

  ‘It’s ridiculous, I know, but people like me aren’t supposed to work for a living. I just wanted to help people.’

  ‘You certainly helped me, miss … I mean, Your Ladyship.’

  Deborah gave an inward sigh, seeing already a change in the young girl’s manner. Whereas at the agency she had spoken openly, responding to Deborah’s friendly approach, now there was deference. Blasted title, she thought. Sometimes I wish I didn’t have one. ‘So please don’t breathe a word, not to Mrs Daniels, who also came from the agency, not to anyone.’

  ‘I won’t, I promise.’

  ‘You are happy at Felchurch Manor?’

  She beamed. ‘Best position I’ve ever had.’

  Deborah gave her a warm smile. ‘I’m so pleased and I’m glad I’ve seen you again, Sarah.’

  ‘Thank you, miss. I mean, Your Ladyship. I’d better get back now.’ She opened the door and looking out, whispered, ‘The coast’s clear.’

  Deborah touched her lightly on the shoulder as she passed, and then made her way to her own room. That was not only one obstacle dealt with, but it was good to see Sarah looking so well; it was astonishing what good food and security could accomplish.

  Lunch was a light meal of consommé, poached salmon, new potatoes, and fresh garden peas, followed by a delicious lemon tart, and afterwards Deborah retired to her room for a rest. Later, the three of them played cards, whilst lamenting the now endless rain. The time was enjoyable, and she found herself liking Frederick Field, whose build and grey eyes were so like Theo’s.

  Theo felt a surge of both love and pride as Deborah entered the drawing room that evening. Nostalgia too, because the green silk dress was the one she had worn the first time he had taken her out to dinner. Tonight she looked even lovelier, her eyes full of happiness, and he exchanged glances with his father, recognising admiration in his eyes too.

  Theo went to her and murmured, ‘Darling, you look stunning. Come and meet my two closest friends.’ The couple standing in the window smiled as they approached.

  ‘Deborah, may I introduce Bertie and Jennifer Manston? This is Lady Deborah Claremont. Bertie and I grew up together, while Jennifer …’

  ‘Has been married to Bertie for a lifetime, well in truth eight years.’ The flame-haired woman gave a teasing smile to her husband and a warm one to Deborah.

  She took to them both immediately, liking Bertie’s open pleasant face while Jennifer had several laughter lines around her eyes.

  ‘I want to know what this reprobate is getting up to in London. Apart from ruling the rest of us,’ Bertie said.

  ‘Do you live in Wiltshire?’ Deborah asked.

  ‘Lord, yes. Wouldn’t live anywhere else,’ Bertie said. ‘We have a place about fifteen miles away.’

  Theo, glancing towards the door, gave a groan. ‘Father didn’t mention she was coming.’

  Jennifer turned round. ‘Glory, watch out, Theo.’

  The voice that carried across the room was piercing. ‘Theo, my absolute darling, so wonderful to see you.’

  Theo controlled his intense dislike. Felicity Carruthers had been chasing him for years, her whole reason for living would seem to be to become Mrs Theodore Field. Or rather, he suspected, the wife of a possible future Cabinet minister. ‘This is rather a surprise,’ he said.

  ‘Yes,’ she trilled, completely ignoring the others. ‘Mummy had a headache, so I tagged along with Daddy. After all, I couldn’t miss a chance to see how you are.’

  ‘I’m in excellent health, Felicity. Lady Deborah Claremont, may I introduce the Honourable Felicity Carruthers.’

  Deborah held out her hand, which received a limp shake, before Felicity’s attention returned to Theo. ‘You’re so naughty. I was in London only last week but couldn’t manage to get hold of you.’

  ‘Hello, Felicity − we’re over here,’ Bertie, with a wink at Deborah, gave a slight wave.

  ‘Yes, I know,’ she snapped. ‘Don’t be so impatient.’

  ‘We’ve known each other for years, Deborah,’ Bertie explained. ‘She was just as obnoxious in pigtails.’

  Theo saw Deborah’s lips twitch.

  ‘You look well, Felicity,’ Jennifer said.

  ‘You too. Not another sprog on the way, then?’

  Theo swallowed hard. The very thought of her as a politician’s wife! His despairing gaze met Deborah’s and she moved clo
ser to him, turning her head to whisper, ‘I haven’t a rival, then?’

  ‘Heaven forbid.’

  Felicity cut in. ‘And what are you and …’

  ‘Lady Deborah,’ he supplied.

  ‘Whispering about?’

  Theo took Deborah’s arm. ‘Now that would be telling, my dear. But I really must introduce my guest to the others.’

  They moved away, and he could sense Deborah trying to control her laughter.

  ‘You haven’t experienced being locked in a cupboard with her during a game of sardines. And I’m talking when she was seventeen!’

  ‘It’s a wonder you got out alive.’

  ‘Now, if it had been you in there …’

  ‘You would have wanted to stay forever!’ She turned to look at him, and what he saw in her eyes sent his pulse racing. He may have thought deeply about the night ahead, but Theo couldn’t help wondering what her reaction would be if he did visit her room …

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Early morning sunshine flooded into the bedroom as the young maid drew back the curtains. ‘It be a lovely day, my lady. I’ve brought Earl Grey tea, I hope that be right.’

  ‘It’s perfect, and very welcome,’ Deborah reassured her, trying to recall her name.

  Cotton, that was it. It always seemed so cold to address servants by their surname, although it was a widespread practice.

  ‘Do you wish to go down for breakfast, Lady Deborah, or shall I ask Cook to prepare a tray?’

  ‘Thank you, but I shall go down.’ As Deborah sipped her tea, her thoughts went back to the previous night. She had half-expected or even hoped that once the house was quiet, Theo would have come to her room. Although even now she was unsure what her reaction would have been. It was ironic that she had so often repulsed gentle taps on her door on other weekends in the country, yet here, when she was so longing to be alone with him, her room had been sacrosanct.

  As they left the table after breakfast, Theo murmured, ‘The staff are expected to attend church, and I do too when I’m here.’