by Tamara Gill
Alice made a noncommittal sound. “Seems everyone I meet these days has use of lemons. You may want to ask your cook if she’s selling it.” She stood and dusted down her gown. Arndel followed her suit, stepping back a little. “I look forward to our meeting with you tomorrow, my lord.”
He bowed. “Until tomorrow, then.”
With one last glance at him, Alice strode through the foliage and headed toward home. Coming into the clearing, she stopped and took in the grandeur of Dunsleigh, sitting in the background like a magnificent beacon of comfort.
Bending down, she picked up a stick and whacked the grass that tickled her legs. Lord Arndel was a confusion she didn’t require, especially now that she was about to embark on a Season where she was determined to make her mama happy and find a husband.
Not to mention, within only a few days—if the meeting today with the carpenter went well—she would be the proud owner of ten cottages in Ashford that she would have the repair and refurbishment of to oversee. By next winter, all the tenants who agreed to remain with her would be far happier in their more comfortable dwellings.
Arndel paying so much attention to her again wasn’t something she’d envisioned, nor could she be excited about, no matter how much she thought him handsome, or how curious she was about his kisses. Apology or not, he’d said he wouldn’t wish for a Worthingham sister as a bride, and even after his retraction of such a statement, a small part of her still stung at the thought of his words.
Alice was determined to find a man who was kind, truthful, and shared the same ideals as she did—one could change the world for the better with hard work, kindness, and understanding.
She sighed, swiping at the grass harsher than she ought. Over the last couple of Seasons, whenever she’d brought up such sentiments to the gentlemen who courted her, they’d laughed, or changed the subject entirely to fripperies or the latest Town gossip. Alice had taken each such occurrence as a sign that the man was not for her and hadn’t pursued the suitor from that point on. So, to hear that Lord Arndel enjoyed the company of the common man was a conundrum.
Alice walked past the orchards her father had planted many years before, the branches hanging low, heavy with ripening fruit. The air smelled good enough to eat and her stomach rumbled. Upon returning home, she would see if Cook had baked any biscuits for their ride into Ashford. And she would make a mental list of everything she wanted to discuss with Arndel tomorrow regarding the ball.
Chapter Four
“Why can I not come to the ball, Papa? I’m almost seven now. Please, I’ll be the best daughter in the world, if you let me go.”
Callum smiled at his sweet little girl’s declaration and lifted her onto his lap. He welcomed the chubby little arms that banded around his neck, knowing all too soon she’d grow up and such cuddles would disappear. He sighed, wishing he could keep her this age forever with the magical hugs she bestowed.
“Now now, I explained that when you’re of age you shall attend as many balls and parties as you wish. And,” he declared, his tone serious, “I may consider gentlemen to court you, but right now I’m keeping you all to myself and therefore you’re not going to attend this one.”
Amelia pouted and he thought quickly on how to make it up to her before the tears followed. “If you promise not to get upset, we shall get your pony out tomorrow and resume your lessons. And today I’ll have Cook make up those little tarts you like so much, and you may have a tea party in the nursery.”
She grinned. “The ones with the cream in the middle, with a sprinkle of chocolate on top?” she asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
“The very ones.” He nodded. “And I will check on you before bed.” She smiled and hugged him again. How he loved this little being in his arms, more than he’d ever thought he’d love anyone in his life. Other than his wife, God rest her soul.
He tickled her and her infectious giggle made him laugh. He’d been so close to losing her. The memory of the carriage accident was as vivid as his daughter before him. Of them rolling into a slow flowing river, the scream of the horses, the sickening crack as his wife was thrown from the vehicle. That Amelia had only broken her lower leg had been a miracle, but that is where his luck had ended. After resetting her break, a fever had wracked her little body and she’d almost died.
Amelia rubbed her shin and he frowned, reminded anew of her injury. “Is your leg troubling you? I shall have Cook bring in a pot of tea.”
Callum went to stand, but Amelia shook her head, her curls bouncing about her shoulders. “I shall be fine, Papa. It is only a little ache.”
He set her on her feet, loathing the fact that she had to face such trials when others had no trials at all. His dubious actions against those of his own set paled to the fact that he’d almost lost his entire family in one day. That the bastard moneylender would threaten her life over a debt that wasn’t even his left ice running through his veins.
“May I be excused? We’re learning about animals today, Papa. Cats and dogs, actually.”
Callum pushed her toward the door. “You may go, but walking pace only, if you please. I’ll be up to see how your lessons are going in a little while.”
He smiled as she came back over to him, her two little hands clasping his cheeks, and bending her head to kiss his forehead. “Very well, Papa. But don’t be too long. I want to show you how well I’m doing learning.”
“Now that’s what I like to hear. How will you help me with the estate if you’re not educated?” He kissed her cheek. “Now off you go, or you’ll not have time to spare this afternoon for playing outside.”
Seemingly satisfied with his plan, Amelia walked out into the entrance hall, the light patter of her slippered feet heading in the direction of her schoolroom, which overlooked the rear gardens.
Callum’s smile faltered once the only light in his life disappeared from view and he was left with a room that reminded him of what his cousin had passed on to him. Brick, mortar, and land, but nothing else. If the duchess did call with her daughters in tow, however would he explain the bare walls and worn furnishings? To see Lady Alice look at him with pity would be the veriest torture.
He stood and walked to the window and wondered how soon the Worthinghams would arrive. A mirror to his side caught his attention and he looked at himself, studying the man he’d become. Would his neighbors and friends ever look behind the mask of the gentleman to see the man beneath, a man with a belittling past and more secrets than simply being the Surrey Bandit?
He turned away from the mirror, his stomach sick with the sight of himself. He would have to hire some help, if the house was to have visitors going forward. Perhaps Fanny at the Angel Inn knew of anyone looking for work. And if all else failed, he would ask his butler, or groom, depending on the day and his requirements, if he was aware of anyone suitable for such employ.
Callum scribbled a short note to Fanny—no time like the present—and rang the bell.
His butler, John, entered. “Could you take this missive and deliver it directly to Fanny at the Angel, John? And be prepared that some staff may arrive over the coming days for an interview for employment. The Duchess of Penworth may be calling, and I cannot expect the skeleton staff I now have to be appropriate for a woman of her rank.”
He grimaced at the sight of the peeling wallpaper in his library. “Also, should Kester House receive such callers, please have Cook make up an afternoon tea suitable for such elevated guests.”
The silence that reigned after his command was loud. “Do you not wish to carry out my commands, John?” he asked, meeting the man’s ashen face.
John shuffled his feet. “We’d not thought to trouble you, my lord, but the oven is smoking and requires the chimney to be cleaned. I’m not sure what Cook can come up with that’s suitable for a duchess.”
Of course, there are problems. There were many things wrong with the house: the roof leaked in the east wing, mold seemed to be eating some bedroom walls on the third floor,
and now the kitchen chimney was in need of maintenance. Whatever next?
His servant shuffled his feet.
Callum muttered, rubbing his brow. “Have our gardener attend to the yard. I can’t leave them in such a state under the circumstances.”
His servant worried his hands together. “Ah, my lord, you don’t have a gardener.”
Callum walked over to the decanter of brandy and poured himself a generous glass. “I don’t? Whatever happened to him?”
“The late Viscount Arndel removed him from his employ after disagreeing over when the roses should be pruned, my lord.”
He blinked at the absurd reason for dismissing someone, but his cousin, the unpardonable fool, was wont to do something so garish. “Is the man still located in Ashford?”
“Yes, my lord. Although he’s fallen on hard times since his dismissal.”
Callum sighed. Damn it. If his cousin wasn’t already dead, he would kill him for such disregard of his staff. “If you would see that the man calls on me, I’ll ensure his employment recommences.”
“That is very kind of you. Thank you, my lord.”
He waved the thanks away, not wanting thanks for something that should never have been forced upon a required servant in the first place.
…
Alice and Victoria dismounted and laughed when Benny, a young lad from the village, and another man from the stable, came about the house to take their horses. The little boy smiled in delight at seeing Alice. She fluffed his hair a little in greeting, having always been fond of the boy. “I’m so glad to see you here, Benny, and you look like you’re enjoying your new position. How have you been settling in?”
Benny’s eyes lit up with pride. “Oh very well, my lady. They’re ever so nice to me, and I’m always kept busy with his lordship’s horses. Ma is now working in the kitchen, as well. I bet they’re cooking up something right nice for ye while you’re here seeing Lord Arndel.” He patted her mare. “Did ye want to go see Mama? She’d love to see you, miss.”
Alice smiled. “I can’t at the moment, but tell your mama that I’ll call on her tomorrow, at home, if that’s agreeable. I have something I wish to discuss with her that’s quite exciting.”
“Oh aye, I wills miss.” Benny led her horse away, his chattering to the other stable hand clear to hear as they rounded the side of the house. Their mama’s carriage pulled up a moment later. Alice and Victoria waited for her to alight and join them.
“Oh my dears, what a rut-strewn driveway that was.”
Alice looked about the yard. Its overgrown lawn was riddled with weeds and gardens that were once cultivated and well kept, now resembled nothing but chaos.
“If you would follow me, Your Grace,” a deep voice said from the doorway. Alice met the sour face of the butler and smiled at him, noting with pleasure that he blushed.
The moment she entered, their steps faltered. The house was not what Alice had imagined for a viscount. Victoria’s gaping mouth also showed her surprise. The walls were bare, unless you could count the staining on the wallpaper that showed where paintings had once hung. There was no carpet on the staircase, and there was a distinct smell of dust in the air. Victoria came up beside her, raising her brows.
“His lordship has no money,” Victoria whispered, taking her arm. “Did you suspect?”
Alice shook her head. “No. Never, but it would explain why he’s selling land to Josh.” They followed the butler into what was once the library. Now it resembled a shell where books went to die. Lord Arndel saw her appraisal of the room and something inside her twisted that he might be ashamed of the lack of niceties.
His lordship bowed. “Your Grace, Lady Alice, Lady Victoria, welcome to Kester House. Please, take a seat. I apologize for not greeting you myself. I did not expect your visit so soon.”
Alice ignored the veiled chastisement of their early arrival and did as he bade, watching him as she gained her seat.
“You have a lovely home, Lord Arndel,” the duchess said, smiling a little.
Victoria stared at her with widened eyes. Alice shrugged. Their mama obviously didn’t wish to be rude, and one always complimented a home when seeing it for the first time—flush with silk wallpaper and tapestries or no. But still, the comment did make the situation between them all a little awkward.
“I’m in the process of remodeling.”
Alice didn’t believe that for a moment. But if what his lordship said was true, she hoped local builders had been given the opportunity to tender for the work. “It is good to hear the house is getting some well-deserved attention. I’m sure it’ll be beautiful when you’re finished.”
He nodded and sat, tidying up the missives that sat on his desk before he stood back up and rang the bellpull beside the mantel. “Afternoon tea for us, I think. It should be along shortly.”
The library sported wallpaper stained with yet more missing portraits of ancestors and landscapes. A small spiral staircase sat at one end of the room, leading up to another floor where the bookshelves were, too, bare of books. “What a shame that the redecorating of your home would’ve required all the books to have been packed into storage. It must have taken you a great deal of time to put away all of the tomes.”
Did his lordship suspect what she was thinking? That there were no books and hadn’t been for some time.
“I have no idea how long the process took. The servants packed them away. And as for putting them into storage, I thought it best under the circumstances. I would not want any of them to be damaged with the work going on about the house.”
“Of course,” she agreed, but where were these builders, if so much work was being carried out? Certainly there was no sound of hammers or tradesmen talking and shouting about orders. “Are the tradesmen having the day off?” she asked, regretting her nosiness the instant she asked the question. It was a character flaw she’d been trying to tamper.
“I sent word that today was too hot for manual labor. They’re working on the roof at present, you see. I could not, in all good conscience, have them laboring under such harsh conditions.”
“I didn’t see any scaffolding upon our arrival…” Victoria said, looking out the window.
Alice laid a hand on her sister’s arm. “We have not ventured around the back, my dear. And in any case, we have more important things to discuss today than renovations.” Alice met Lord Arndel’s eye and hoped he could read the apology on her face at starting the interrogation in the first place.
“They are yet to commence.” He sat back in his chair, his smile strained. “Now, what do I owe for this impromptu visit? Did you not tell Her Grace that I would be back at Dunsleigh this afternoon, Lady Alice?”
“She did not.” The duchess considered her daughter a moment, before she said, “But I thought it time that I paid my respects to the new Viscount Arndel of Kester House. It is long overdue and I apologize for it. Since the passing of my husband, I have been remiss in some of my duties, but I hope this visit will put paid to my shortcomings.”
“I thank you for your call. You are all very welcome here.”
At that moment, tea was brought in by the butler and placed before them on his lordship’s desk. He stared at it with a look akin to horror and Alice took pity on him. “Would you like me to pour, my lord?”
He visibly relaxed. “I would be most appreciative.”
They sat for some time talking of inconsequential things, gossip from London, the Surrey Bandit, and their own hold-up by the fiend.
“I was shocked to hear Your Grace and Lady Alice had an unfortunate encounter with the highwayman. I understand he tied up your driver?”
The duchess fluttered her hands. “It was the most single terrifying experience of my life. The fiend manhandled us most inappropriately, and I’ve never been more frightened for my child as I was that day. I’m fearful every time we travel, that he may strike again.”
Alice placed her cup of tea on the desk. A funny fluttering in her stomach comme
nced when she noted Lord Arndel watching her.
“And you, Lady Alice. Were you scared?”
She muddled over the question. “I had heard stories of the Surrey Bandit never harming anyone, other than perhaps, their hearts after stealing baubles of sentimental value—like the brooch stolen from Mama. So I did not think he would hurt us, so no, I was not scared.” More curious if anything, not that she could say those words aloud.
“I’m very sorry you were accosted so.”
For the life of her, Alice could not tear her attention from his lordship. He was being so very sweet, worrying and apologizing for a situation that was not of his making. It was very comforting having him so attentive, so concerned about her person.
The duchess put down her tea, the rattling cup pulling Alice from her thoughts. “Would you be so kind as to show us about your home, my lord? Tell us in more detail what you have planned with the renovations.”
“Of course. I would be delighted.” He stood and Victoria and Alice followed suit.
One by one they followed his lordship out into the foyer, Victoria sidling up beside him quickly. Alice frowned, not liking the smile Arndel bestowed on her sibling. Was she jealous of Victoria? She shook the thought aside, an absurd notion.
She followed slowly with her mama, taking the opportunity to look into the rooms they passed as they walked toward the ballroom on the opposite side of the foyer and toward the back of the house.
“I’ve always thought the ballroom at Kester was its best asset. I think you girls will agree once you see it,” the duchess remarked, her attention going from one dilapidated wall or piece of furniture to another.
Alice had to concede that the one thing that did look very well today, was his lordship. His tan buckskin breeches sat on his muscular frame quite snugly, and it was a nice view from where she walked.
Victoria checked on her whereabouts, and Alice wiped the grin from her lips, hoping her sister’s questioning frown wouldn’t lead to an inquisition later. Alice shook her head, not willing to tell her sister everything that went on in her mind, things that no sister to a duke should be thinking regarding a certain viscount and neighbor.