by Anne Herries
There was a question in his voice. Sarah held out her hand and let him slip it on to the third finger of her left hand, where it fit perfectly.
‘It is so beautiful. Do you think we might use it as our wedding ring?’
‘If you wish.’ He looked pleased. ‘Wear it for now and I will buy you a ring of your own when I am in town.’
‘Are you leaving us?’ Her heart sank for she had hoped that they would have a period of quiet time when they could get to know one another better.
‘Only for as long as it takes, Sarah.’ Rupert smiled and it was a caress, making her heart leap. ‘I have to settle certain matters. Someone almost killed you. We’ve searched for the villain, but I believe he must have left the district. I need to know who is behind this business.’
‘I thought Sir Roger …’
‘Yes, I think it likely he tried to take his revenge on you for refusing him.’
‘I have always disliked him, but I did not think he would go that far. How could he benefit from my death?’
‘I have no idea. It is one of the matters I mean to investigate.’
‘When must you leave?’
‘I shall not go until I know the outcome between Francesca and Sir Freddie. If that goes as we think, I shall ask him to remain here until I return—and, as I said, I think Merrivale will come down.’
‘We shall have company, but—you don’t think I am still in danger?’
‘I hope that the danger is past, but I intend to make certain if I can. It would distress me greatly if you were to be shot at again. I find it outrageous that a lady in my care should be treated so shamefully.’
Sarah thanked him. His words at one moment seemed to indicate his care for her and at another his outrage that any woman should be subjected to such treatment. He certainly gave her no cause to think that he loved her. He had spoken of passion when he proposed, but that, of course was a different thing.
After they had parted company, Sarah ran up to Francesca to warn her to be ready to receive Sir Freddie. The girl stared at her with a mixture of delight and apprehension in her eyes.
‘Do you think he means to ask me to be his wife?’
‘I should not be at all surprised, my love. Is that not what you want?’
‘Oh, yes, with all my heart. It’s just that … what do I say? How do I answer? I mean, should I smile and tell him I should be pleased—should I let him kiss me?’
‘I do not think there is a set rule for these things, my love. You must answer from the heart. I think he will tell you he loves you, perhaps in words stronger than mine—and you might tell him his feelings are reciprocated, if you wish. If he offers to kiss you, I see no reason for you to refuse.’
‘Oh …’ Francesca went pink with excitement. ‘I am so lucky. I cannot believe he truly wants me. I thought he might like Miss Rowton better—or you, Sarah.’
‘He is a kind gentleman and polite to everyone, but I am sure he thinks only of you. Besides, I do not think Rupert will mind if I tell you. He has asked me to marry him and I have accepted.’
‘Oh, Sarah, that is wonderful,’ Francesca said and hugged her. ‘We shall be related and you will visit me and I shall visit you. Nothing could be better. I am so glad he asked you. I thought he liked you rather a lot, but you cannot always tell with Uncle Rupert.’
‘No, you can’t,’ Sarah agreed. ‘What shall you wear, Francesca? What about the jonquil silk—or would you prefer one of your white-muslin gowns?’
‘I think the jonquil,’ Francesca said and looked nervous. ‘I want to look my best, after all, and the white morning gowns are very simple. Yes, I like my yellow silk. Will you help me to change? It is almost half-past nine already. I do not want to keep Sir Freddie waiting.’
‘He won’t change his mind, dearest,’ Sarah teased, but smiled at the girl’s obvious pleasure. ‘You do know your grandfather will need to give his permission and he might insist you wait for a while—but Rupert agrees that there is no reason you may not have an understanding.’
‘I know Grandfather must be consulted because he has been so good to us—but I am sure he would not disagree. He must approve of Sir Freddie, mustn’t he?’
‘Yes, I’m certain he will,’ Sarah said. ‘Turn around and let me unfasten your gown. You can send for Agnes in a minute to dress your hair as you would like it.’
‘I’m so happy. Yesterday, I thought everything might be ruined, but now it is all coming right.’
‘Yes, it is,’ Sarah said and smiled at her. ‘I’m glad you’re happy. We were all concerned when it was thought you might have eloped—or been abducted.’
‘I was, but no one needs to know that,’ Francesca said, her face aglow. ‘I must be the luckiest girl in the world.’
‘Weak fool!’ Sir Roger looked at the younger man sitting opposite him in the inn with scorn. ‘You had the girl. Why let her talk you into taking her home and concocting that stupid story to save her reputation? You should have seduced her and made sure of her. If you’re ruined, it’s your own fault. There’s no use in coming to me for help. Unless I can pay my creditors by the end of the month I shall have to leave England.’
‘I’m thinking of it,’ James Monks said gloomily. ‘What’s a fellow to do when his pockets are to let and the girl of his dreams doesn’t want to know?’
‘You had your chance. Now you must take the consequences.’
‘You’re one to talk. If you venture back to London without a penny to your name, you’ll end in the Fleet.’
‘Damn you! Do you imagine I don’t know that? It’s why I’ve hung around here after … That damned woman seems indestructible. She won’t listen to threats of exposure, tells me to go ahead and tell her story—and twice she’s been shot at. The idiot who missed her the first time has been dealt with. He won’t talk now.’
‘You mean … you killed him?’ James Monks was shocked.
‘He could have betrayed me and I’ve no wish to hang.’ Sir Roger glared at him. ‘I had her uncle eating out of my hand. He told me how valuable those mills are. If I could have gotten her to marry me, I could have taken control and my troubles would have vanished. I even made her an offer for them because I thought she might think of marriage if they were off her hands.’
‘You couldn’t have paid for them.’
‘No, but by the time she realised that they would have been mine through the marriage.
If she caused too much trouble, I’d have found a way to be rid of her soon enough.’
‘You’re an unscrupulous devil. If Myers knew what you’d done, he’d kill you.’
‘What’s it to him?’
‘According to something I heard, she’s agreed to marry Rupert Myers.’
Sir Roger swore ferociously. ‘I feared that might happen, but if I’m quick there may still be time to act.’
‘But what are you going to do?’
‘Exactly the same as you, but I shan’t let her go when I have her. She may resist, but I know ways of bringing a woman to her knees. I shall rather enjoy teaching Miss High and Mighty Hardcastle her lessons—and she will learn to beg on her knees before I’ve finished with her.’
James Monks touched his sore nose gingerly. ‘He will come after you if you lay a finger on her—and he’ll kill you. I thought he was going to kill me… .’
‘Well, he may have a go, but I’m a pretty good shot. I would have had her the other day if someone hadn’t come. I saw him from the corner of my eye and it spoiled my aim.’
‘Well, rather you than me.’ James pulled a wry face. ‘I shan’t be around, so don’t ask me for help. I’m driving down to my uncle’s for a visit. He’s asked me to call. If he comes up with the dubs I’ll be in town next Season—if not, I’m off to the Americas.’
‘Coward.’ Sir Roger’s lip lifted in a snarl. ‘I can manage without your help. Fat lot of use you’d be. You couldn’t even manage a teenage girl.’
‘Fran has a lot of sense,’ James replied. ‘I ra
ther liked her. If she’d married me, I’d have been good to her. I might even have settled down.’
‘Violets and roses.’ Sir Roger’s tone was one of disgust. ‘I have no such feelings for that uptight Hardcastle. I’m going to enjoy making her crawl at my feet.’
‘I must go. I have some packing to do,’ James murmured and rose from the table.
He was thoughtful as he left the inn and mounted his horse. Sir Roger was eaten up with bitterness, his anger against the woman who had refused him so white-hot that he was surely a little mad. He didn’t really intend to harm Sarah Hardcastle, did he? An abduction that forced her to either pay him money or marry him was one thing … but there was something distinctly unpleasant about the look in his eyes.
It was only as James dismounted in the courtyard of his family home that the idea came to him. He had been feeling disgruntled because of the beating Lord Myers had given him—but Sarah Hardcastle didn’t deserve the fate Sir Roger had planned for her.
What could he do? He didn’t dare risk getting involved—but he might send a note warning of Sir Roger’s intentions, leaving it unsigned, of course. Yes, he rather thought that might serve. He would warn her that Sir Roger meant to abduct her—and that he was a vindictive man who meant her harm. He might also give her a hint that Sir Roger was the one who had shot her.
He might have made a mistake in associating with a man like that and he rather thought he owed the family some sort of an apology for what he’d done. An anonymous letter to Lord Myers would be a perfect way of warning him of the danger without getting too involved. Lord Myers would know what to do.
Chapter Fourteen
‘I’ve heard from Merrivale,’ Rupert said the next morning. ‘I had intended to leave today, as you know, but I think my business must wait. I’ve written to my agents and they may do some searching on my behalf.’
‘Oh …’ Sarah’s heart caught, her pleasure marred because he stayed for his uncle’s sake rather than hers. ‘I am glad that you need not leave us yet.’
Rupert looked down at her, his gaze narrowed. ‘You know I would not wish to leave you at all if it were not that my business is important?’
‘Yes, I know.’ Her heart raced as she looked up at him. The heat in his eyes made her wonder if perhaps she’d misjudged his reasons for marrying her. ‘I’m glad you are staying. I was afraid the marquess might be angry with me for coming here under false pretences.’
‘I fear he may—which is one of the reasons I decided to wait and leave my work to an agent.’
‘Thank you …’ Her breath caught in her throat and for a moment she thought he would kiss her, but then Sir Freddie walked into the breakfast room and the moment was lost.
‘I was thinking of shooting a few pigeons,’ Rupert said. ‘Do you care to take the guns out for an hour or so?’
Sarah left them to their talk of sport and went upstairs to Francesca’s room. The girl was just having her hair done and she waited until the maid had left, before telling her that her grandfather was coming down and would arrive later that day.
‘Rupert has delayed his trip to be here,’ she said and saw a look of relief in Francesca’s eyes. ‘Are you anxious about something?’
‘Only that I am not sure Grandfather will permit us to become engaged at Christmas—and I do so want to, Sarah.’
‘Well, you must give him a little time, but I am sure that he will agree, dearest. Once he sees how happy you are.’
‘I hope he will not be angry with you, Sarah.’
‘Well, I dare say he may a little, but Rupert is here—he will talk to him and I must hope to be forgiven.’
‘Good afternoon, Miss Hardcastle.’ Merrivale’s eyes narrowed as he looked at her later that day. ‘My nephew has nothing but good to say of you, and it is clear how much better my girl is for your influence—but what have you to say to me? You came here under a false banner.’
‘Yes, sir, I did,’ Sarah said, meeting his gaze honestly. ‘It was very wrong of me, but I was not thinking clearly at the time. I am truly sorry for deceiving you by pretending to be the new governess.’
‘You ought not to have done it.’
‘I know and I do beg your pardon, sir.’
‘Well, all’s well that ends well,’ he said, beaming at her. ‘I can feel the difference your presence has made to this house—it hasn’t been so alive since before my girl married that scoundrel.’
‘That is a very great compliment, sir. I am flattered.’
‘I was too old to have the care of a couple of children when she died,’ he said heavily. ‘I didn’t know what to do with them and I fear I left them to a succession of governesses and tutors who let them down.’
‘They were certainly bored and lonely, but someone had managed to teach them some lessons.’ Sarah smiled at him. ‘What they needed was company—and Lord Myers provided a role model for John.’
‘Yes. It was a stroke of luck that he agreed to come down for a while. I’ve no idea why. He isn’t being pursued by creditors—I know that for a fact. I dare say he fell out with his current lady-love. I thought he might be interested in getting married, but it came to nothing. Dare say he wanted a little time to lick his wounds, what?’
Sarah inclined her head, but said nothing. Had Rupert lost the woman he loved shortly before he came down—and was that why he was willing to settle for second best?
The thought made her throat tighten, but she drove it away. She’d thought as they spoke that morning before he went shooting with Sir Freddie that he might care for her, but it must have been wishful thinking on her part.
The marquess was looking at her intently. ‘What do you think of this match between Francesca and Sir Freddie, then? Bit old for her?’
‘There is a difference in years, but I think they are in love.’
‘Are they indeed?’ His bushy brows met. ‘In my day we did not allow sentimentality to enter the equation. However, I can’t have my girl breaking her heart so I suppose the match will have to be—but there’s no rush. I’ve decided on an engagement at Christmas and the wedding next year, perhaps in the summer.’
‘Yes, sir. Lord Myers rather thought you might be of that opinion and I have warned Francesca that she must be content to wait, because she is still very young.’
‘Kick up rough, did she?’
‘No, not at all. I think she just feels very fortunate to have found someone she can love—and to know he loves her.’
‘Sir Freddie wants to take her to meet his mother and sister. Suggested I go, too—and you, m’dear. Seems my girl cannot be parted from you. I told him I wasn’t ready for another journey just yet. He’ll have to be patient for a few days. Too much junketing around isn’t good for my health.’
‘You must take care of yourself—’ Sarah broke off as one of the footmen entered bearing a silver salver with a letter on it. ‘Good morning, Sims. Is the letter for the marquess?’
‘No, Miss Hardcastle. It is for you.’
‘For me?’ Sarah picked it up. ‘Thank you. I shall read it later.’
‘The boy said he was to wait for a reply, miss.’
‘Oh?’ Sarah tore it open and read the brief message. It said that her uncle had been taken ill and she was to come at once if she wished to know the truth about her mother. ‘No …’
The Marquess of Merrivale looked at her face. ‘Is something troubling you, Miss Hardcastle?’
‘I am told my uncle is very ill and asks for me to come immediately.’
‘Then of course you must go, my dear. I shall send you in my own carriage with a maid and groom to accompany you.’
‘I’m not sure …’ Sarah was doubtful. ‘I promised Francesca I would stay and, besides, I do not know who has sent this. It is unsigned.’
‘Unsigned?’ Merrivale’s brows met. ‘That is a trifle unusual, what?’
‘Yes, it is.’ Sarah decided she must explain. ‘I was shot at and injured some days ago. I have recovered, as you see—
but this might be a trap. I had a letter only three days ago and my uncle was perfectly well then.’
‘In that case you are wise to think twice. How sensible you are, Miss Hardcastle. Most young women would have gone rushing off in a panic.’
‘I believe that is what I was meant to do. If you will forgive me, I shall write a letter and ask one of the footmen to send it for me.’
‘Write your letter. We’ll send a groom with it to discover the truth—unless you wish to go yourself. I could send an armed escort with you.’
Sarah thought for a moment and then shook her head. ‘Thank you, sir, but I believe this is a trap. My enemy wishes to draw me out because I have stayed close to the house. I shall write and if a groom could deliver it and bring back a message I should be grateful.’
‘Write your letter, m’dear, and I’ll see to the rest. We don’t want some rogue shooting at you again, do we?’
She thanked him, took her leave and went up to her room to write the letter. Her instincts were telling her that the letter was false and that meant she was still in danger from whoever hated her.
Sarah’s letter had been sent and she’d asked the marquess if it might remain their secret, as she did not wish for anything to overshadow Francesca’s happiness. Sir Freddie had given his love a ring, but for the moment she was wearing it on chain beneath her gown. Their engagement would not be announced just yet, even though they were to pay a visit to Sir Freddie’s mother in the near future.
Sarah had not allowed her suspicions to cloud her pleasure in the company and walked in the gardens, but always in the company of her friends. Sometimes Rupert, Francesca, Sir Freddie and John, together with the dancing master, made up the little group, and on occasion the marquess joined them for refreshments outdoors.