'My lord, as you can see, I'm perfectly well apart from the fact that I can't remove my boots.'
Forgetting he'd intended to remain in the passageway, he strode in and dropped to his knees beside her. 'Will you allow me to assist you? These boots must come off immediately if you're not to do irreparable harm to your feet.'
He took out a stiletto from his boot top – carrying this was a habit he'd acquired on the Peninsular. 'I'll try and tug them off but if they still won't shift, they must be cut.'
'These are my best boots. They mustn't be destroyed. I'm sure they will come off in a little while.'
Gently he picked one foot up and pulled. She couldn't prevent a gasp of pain. 'Foolish child, you should have sent for help immediately.' He cradled the heel of the boot in his lap and then rammed the blade down the seam at the side and, as the leather parted, she sighed with relief. Without removing it he did the same to the right foot.
'My lord, let me take care of my mistress now.' Her maid had joined them and he was glad of it. 'Do you have a basin of warm water and some clean cloths?'
‘Yes, sir, I'll fetch them at once.'
'This will be painful, sweetheart, but I'll be as careful as I can.' He eased her right foot from the mangled boot and his eyes widened. Her stocking was stained red. Her injuries were worse than he'd anticipated. 'Your stocking will need soaking off, put your foot in the basin and I'll remove the other boot.'
He'd expected her to be upset, to rail at him that she wouldn't be in this predicament if he'd allowed her to ride astride. Her response was quite unexpected.
'It serves me right for stomping off in high dudgeon. Unlike your boots, sir, mine were not intended to be walked in.' She wriggled her toes and the water turned pink. 'I hope I've not done myself any serious damage – I cannot abide sitting about all day.'
'I'll leave your maid to take care of you now, my lady, I'm sure she'll send for the physician if you need his attention.' He'd already spent far too long in her private chambers. He rose smoothly to his feet.
'Thank you for your assistance; I hope next time we meet it will be in more favourable circumstances.' Despite her scratched face and dishevelled appearance her smile lit up the room. It made him forget his decision to avoid any sort of emotional entanglement until he was free of the danger that surrounded him.
'I certainly hope so, Lady Madeline, and next time I ask you to drive with me it will be in my curricle.'
'In which case, sir, I should accept your offer.'
*
'How bad are they, Lottie?' Madeline asked her maid.
'The blisters burst and that's what caused the blood, my lady, I reckon you'll be off your feet for a day or two whilst they heal.'
'Botheration! Will I need the doctor?'
'Not unless they turn putrid, I'll fetch some of that ointment we used last time you cut yourself, then I'll bandage them.'
The girl removed the discoloured water and replaced it with fresh. The warmth of the liquid was soothing on her injuries and she closed her eyes allowing herself to drift off. The past few hours had been the most exciting of her life – but she hoped never to repeat any of the experiences.
Lord Carshalton was attractive, and although of a similar disposition to her older brothers she believed she could come to like him. Autocratic, dictatorial men held no fears for her – after all she had learnt to live very happily with two such specimens. In fact, if she was honest, she rather preferred a gentleman who took command. The twins, Aubrey and Peregrine, were more like Giselle – that is to say they avoided unpleasantness and were more relaxed about matters in general. This attitude was all very well, but it didn't get things done.
Once her feet were dealt with she was left with the problem of how to move to somewhere more comfortable. She could hardly hop as both feet were equally sore. Lottie had gone to organise a supper tray and the chambermaid was busy elsewhere.
Maybe she could crawl across – decidedly undignified but needs must. She was on her hands and knees when her brother walked in.
'Allow me, my dear.' He leaned down and picked her up. 'Are you heading for the chaise longue?'
'The daybed, if you please, Beau.' Once she was comfortably settled he pulled up a chair. 'I've no idea how I'm to manage for the next day or two unless I scrabble about like a crab.'
'I'll have two footmen outside your sitting room and whenever you want to move they can come in and carry you.'
Her cheeks flushed. 'Certainly not. I'd rather crawl, thank you.'
'In which case, my love, I must act as your personal assistant. I'll remain – no, don't look so horrified – you'll hardly know I'm here.' His expression was serious but his eyes twinkled.
She reached behind her and threw a cushion which he deftly caught before it did any damage. 'Go away, brother, I'll manage without your assistance.'
An alarming racket in the passageway outside almost caused her to slide from the daybed. Her brother smiled knowingly and stood up. 'Good, your chariot's arriving. I've found a bath chair for you – a bit dilapidated – but it will serve the purpose wonderfully.'
He opened the door and a footman pushed this object into the room and then retreated having at no time raised his eyes and looked in her direction. 'Perfect! I can manoeuvre myself into it and then Lottie can push me about. Thank you for thinking of it. I don't deserve your consideration after my disgraceful behaviour today.'
'I should have realised you were not wearing suitable footwear and come out to fetch you. Both Carshalton and I thought we would have a deal of fence-mending to do in order to regain your approval.'
'I intend to forget the events of today and I hope you will do so as well. Lord Carshalton's asked me to drive with him in his curricle. Would you have any objection if I did so?'
'As long as you remain on my lands and have grooms accompanying you then you have my permission. However, until I'm certain there's no danger attached to being in his company you must remain apart. I've told him how I feel and he agrees.'
Her stomach clenched at his words. 'Does he think there'll be more attempts on his life? Surely the arrival of the militia will chase any other villains away?'
'One would hope so, my dear, but one cannot be sure. Our brothers and sister will be returning next week and I thought you might like to arrange an informal supper party to celebrate? Carshalton and his grandmother can be added to your invitation list.'
'Thank you, that will give me something to think about whilst I'm trapped up here for the next two days.'
The novelty of trundling around in a bath chair soon faded and Madeline was more than ready to rejoin her brother downstairs two days after her accident. Her feet were tender, but sufficiently healed to allow her to shuffle about the place.
'Have you settled on a date for the soirée, Madeline?' Beau inquired when he found her in the small drawing room.
'I have, it shall be the weekend after next. Perry and Aubrey are returning next week and Giselle is coming home tomorrow. I've a list of two dozen names – there'll be sufficient couples for dancing. Do I have your permission to employ musicians?'
'You may do whatever you wish, my love, it's been horribly quiet here without our siblings. I almost think back to the house party with fond memories.'
She laughed. 'I was thinking we might repeat the experience for the Christmas festivities. Bennett and Grace will have returned from their wedding trip by then and I should like to spend time with them both.'
'Let me see who you intend to invite before you send out cards, I don't want my brothers and I to be pursued by hopeful young ladies as we were last time.'
'Have you heard any news from Heatherfield? Is Lord Carshalton progressing with the investigation?'
'I know no more about the matter than you do. The militia are still searching the neighbourhood but haven't discovered any of the would-be murderers.'
'I hope the matter's resolved soon for it must be decidedly unpleasant for Lady Carshalton to be unable to
go about without an armed guard.' Although she didn't mention his lordship, they both knew her concerns were more for him than his grandmother.
Chapter Five
Grey was worried that his grandmother had been adversely affected by the unfortunate events. Three days had passed and she was almost taciturn and had sent her friends away. He hoped his good news would raise her spirits.
'Grandmamma, we've had an invitation to an informal supper party at Silchester Court next weekend. I hope you will feel more yourself by then.'
She continued to stare into the fire without answering for a few minutes, but then she sat back and smiled. 'How kind of them to think of us especially after what happened when they were here. I should love to go.'
'Excellent. I'll send an acceptance note immediately. You will also be pleased to know that the area is clear. The militia captain has agreed to send out a regular patrol to ensure there are no further incidents.' He joined her in front of the fire, flicking aside his coat-tails before he sat.
'I would like to visit St Albans, my boy, I believe there is much of historical value to be seen. Although the Abbey is in a sad state of disrepair I wish to see it. I had not liked to ask whilst there was any risk attached to a visit away from here.'
'The weather is set fair so I suggest we go tomorrow. You must take your maid for company as I shall ride. The drive is no more than two hours when the roads are dry. If we leave at eight o'clock we should arrive in good time.'
'I should prefer to go next Monday, I have letters to write tomorrow and I don't care to travel at the week's end.'
'Very well, Monday it shall be. Grandmamma, I wish you would reconsider leaving here. Although I love to have your company I'm too busy to entertain you and now that your friends have gone you will be lonely.'
She nodded and leaned across to pat his hand affectionately. 'That's one of the letters I intend to write, my dear, for I've now decided to depart in November. The weather becomes inclement and the roads impossible after that.'
'In which case, I'll make every effort to spend time with you until you leave. I've been alone for much of my life and I was delighted to discover that I had a loving relative. I just wish the rift could be repaired between my uncle and cousin.'
'As do I. The feud was none of your making and it's ridiculous for my youngest son to hold a grudge.'
A footman appeared to tell Grey he was needed in the study and he apologised and left his ancient relative to her book.
Smith was waiting for him. He greeted him with a wave, indicating he should take a seat in front of the desk.
His man shook his head. 'No, I'll not be stopping. I just came in to tell you that four of the men I sent for have arrived. I've billeted them with us above the stables. Do you have any orders?'
'They must familiarise themselves with their surroundings and let the local populace see that they are employed here. I don't want them being mistaken for miscreants.'
'They'll be right glad of regular employment, sir, and after a good scrub under the stable pump, and wearing the new togs you've put by for them, they'll look more the thing. They've had a hard time of it these past few years.'
'Once we have a full complement you can mount regular patrols around the perimeter of my estate. Jenkins can leave for London now – there's no urgency so he can travel by the common stage.'
He pulled open the desk drawer and removed a handful of silver coins. 'This should be more than enough to get him there and back, and pay for a night's lodging as well.'
'Right you are, sir. Would you be wanting to meet the new men?'
'Of course, but I'll give them time to settle first. By the way, I'm taking Lady Carshalton to St Albans on Monday and I want you to accompany us. Probably not necessary, but I'm not taking any risks.'
'Best to be careful.' Smith touched his forehead and marched off.
*
'A note has come for you, my lady, the groom is waiting for your reply,' Peebles announced.
Madeline took the letter from the butler and broke the wax seal. She scanned the contents and smiled.
Dear Lady Madeline
I am visiting St Albans on Monday and as my friends have returned to their respective homes I was wondering if you would like to accompany me? I do not like to travel alone in a carriage. There's no need to bring your maid as I shall have mine.
If you agree then I shall collect you at nine o'clock. We should be home before dark. A verbal response is all that is necessary.
How kind of Lady Carshalton to think to include her. 'Please ask the groom to tell Lady Carshalton I should be delighted to accompany her.'
She had visited this town once before, but a day out was always a treat. No doubt the elderly ladies had departed because of the horrid events last week. If Lord Carshalton had been going then she would have refused the invitation as her brother had made it quite clear she mustn't associate with his lordship until the danger from these unknown assassins was definitely over.
Beau was in his study and put down the letter he was reading with a sigh of exasperation. 'Well, my dear, what can I do for you? As you can see I'm busy with estate business.'
Hardly an auspicious start to the conversation. She explained the reason for her visit. 'As you removed the running of the household from my hands I have nothing to do all day. Once Giselle and the twins come home I'll be content.'
'Very well, you may go. I believe that Carshalton said his grandmother has her own outriders so I've no need to send anyone from here. If there's nothing else, kindly go away and let me get on with this wretched paperwork.'
As she was about to leave he called her back. 'I apologise for being so curmudgeonly, sweetheart, I shall be relieved when my estate manager returns from visiting his sick mother and can resume his duties. Shall we play billiards when I've finished?'
'I'd love to, I shall go and practice and hope to make a better fist of it this time.'
Billiards was a gentleman's pastime but when the family were at home alone she and Giselle were allowed to play.
On Monday morning she was smartly dressed in a green promenade gown and matching pelisse. Her bonnet was lined with the same material and even her half-kid boots were green. Beau had handed her a small purse of coins before he left to visit an outlying farm, and these were carefully stowed in her reticule.
The carriage appeared at precisely nine o'clock and a footman was waiting to precede her in order to let down the steps and hand her into the vehicle.
Her stomach turned over when she saw that Lord Carshalton, riding a magnificent black stallion, was also outside. She shouldn't go, but it would be uncivil to refuse after they had made a detour to collect her.
The fact that there were three other riders accompanying the carriage reassured her she would be in no danger and that her brother could not possibly object.
'Good morning, Lady Madeline, I'd no idea until today that you were accompanying us to St Albans. I'm surprised that his grace agreed to the jaunt but delighted that he did so.'
She ran lightly down the steps and smiled up at him. 'I wasn't aware that you were coming, but as you have two men on the box and three outriders I'm sure my brother would have no objection.'
His expression changed and she skipped into the carriage before he could send her back to the house. He could hardly drag her from the vehicle once she was safely seated next to his venerable grandmother.
'Good morning, Lady Carshalton, thank you so much for inviting me. I haven't visited St Albans for several years and I'm so looking forward to it.'
'Good morning, my dear. You look very smart today, is that a new ensemble?'
'No, I've had it since last autumn.' The carriage rocked and they were in motion. Her heart stopped hammering against her bodice now she was certain she wouldn't be forcibly removed from the squabs.
Madeline had had to take the seat opposite her ladyship as the space beside her was already occupied by her abigail, Bates. This was a strange state of affairs
as one would expect a servant to sit apart from their mistress.
The maid was hard-faced and unfriendly – not at all the sort of person she could feel happy to have looking after her.
'I was surprised that Lord Carshalton has come today, I was anticipating an outing without a gentleman in tow.'
The old lady chuckled. 'He insisted on coming with us, my dear, but I'm sure he'll find something with which to occupy himself whilst we look at the sights.'
'I found a pamphlet about the ancient wall which can still be seen there, and the ruined cathedral. Would you care to peruse it?'
'No thank you, I intend to sleep. I'm not accustomed to rising so early in the morning.'
The maid adjusted the rugs over her mistress's knees and scowled at Madeline as if daring her to speak again.
The countryside they were passing through was familiar but soon they would turn onto the toll road and then everything would be new to her. They were quite a cavalcade passing down the narrow country lane with three outriders and Lord Carshalton accompanying them.
Half an hour or so later she saw her companion's two servants riding across the fields and wondered where they were going. Forgetting she was supposed to be silent and allow her ladyship to sleep she spoke up. 'Your men are leaving us, Lady Carshalton, why is that?'
A remarkably alert response came immediately. 'They will be going ahead to arrange for refreshments at a suitable hostelry. This is a busy road and it wouldn't do to stop anywhere unless we have a private parlour.'
'I see. I apologise for waking you, but I was surprised to see them go.'
The carriage settled back into silence again and now both her companions were fast asleep. The sun shone through the windows making the carriage unpleasantly stuffy. The maid should be asked to open the window but Madeline had no wish to wake her so decided to do this task herself.
She slid along the squabs until she was at the far side of the vehicle and then leaned across to unbutton the leather strap. She held onto this so there would be no sudden noise to wake the sleeping ladies.
The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband Page 4