by Mary Beeken
“You know very well how I feel about you!” she answered.
“I still want to hear you say it.”
“I love you Ross Devereaux!”
“And I love you, Erica Devereaux! Now do I have permission to touch you?” he asked in mock seriousness.
“You already are touching me,” Erica, somewhat confused, retorted.
“I meant touch you intimately!” he said amusement mingling with desire in his sincere gaze.
Erica blushed and nodded, uttering a blissful sigh as he lowered his lips to hers for their first kiss, devoid of any restraints or reservations. He ran his tongue along her lower lip before gently probing her open mouth and entangling his tongue with hers. She kissed him back, exploring him with her own tongue, her hands splayed across his hard expanse of chest, feeling the strength coiled in his toned muscles.
“Come to bed with me, wife?” he broke the kiss long enough to ask.
“What now? But it is the middle of the afternoon!” She answered, only half-heartedly objecting.
“No one would miss us for an hour or so, they’ll assume we are walking in the grounds,” Ross trailed little kisses down her jaw line and sucked her earlobe, making it difficult for her to think.
“Your room or mine?” she asked when she could summon enough breath to speak.
“Mine, it’s further away and less likely that your screams will be heard!”
“Screams?” she queried, a little concerned.
“Screams of pleasure, my darling,” he assured her. “I promise you a very pleasurable, scream filled, afternoon!”
“What are we waiting for?” she asked and he, covering her mouth again with his own, lifted her as he stood and slowly lowered her down the length of him, so that their bodies remained flush. Breaking away she clasped his hand and turned towards the door, intent on reaching their destination as quickly as was humanly possible, but had not taken more than a couple of steps before a knock preceded Boodle’s entering and standing on the threshold.
“Mrs. Hardy, Miss Anne Hardy, Mr. Algenon Hardy and Mr. Albert Harrison have called, Miss Erica. Do you wish me to inform them you are not at home to visitors?” he asked.
“Harrison?”
“Yes Miss. A shifty looking character, not quite the thing if you wish for my opinion.”
“Yes I do. Thank you Boodle. Have you told my brother they are here?” she enquired.
“Master Gerald had urgent business at home farm, Miss. He left about five minutes ago!” Only the telltale red, staining his ears, gave any indication that Boodle was relating a lie, concocted by his master.
Erica frowned but said, “It’s probably just as well. Tell them I will be with them in a few moments please Boodle, and see that refreshments are offered.”
“Very good, Miss,” Boodle bowed and turned to go.
“Oh and Boodle,” she added “Don’t serve the good liquor to the men. There’s no point wasting it!”
“Very good, Miss.” he smiled and again made to leave.
“Oh and Boodle, one more thing!”
“Yes Miss?”
“Congratulations are now in order.”
“Oh Miss Erica or perhaps I should say My Lady, many felicitations and to you too, My Lord,” Boodle’s face split into a beaming smile as he surveyed his young mistress and her husband.
“Please share our news with Mrs. Kavanagh but we want it kept secret from everyone else; staff and family for the time being,” Trevellyn told him.
“Very good, My Lord. I know Mrs. Kavanagh will want to join with me in wishing you both the best of happiness for the future.” He then resumed his butler’s mantle and bowed again before solemnly leaving to carry out his duties.
“Is Mr. Harrison a friend of the Hardy family?” Ross asked just as soon as the door closed behind him.
“No, not to my knowledge. He has never visited before and she has never mentioned him. Algenon is her nephew and although he has been in the past, his visits are rare and of short duration. Perhaps Harrison is a crony of his although he comes across more as a wet fish than a man of Harrison’s ilk. Jane did let drop once though, that Algenon had a habit of gambling beyond his means and that it was causing his Mama some concern.”
“Then that will be the connection. He probably holds Hardy’s credit notes and is using them to get what he wants, which seems to be an introduction to you. What we need to know is why. The logical conclusion would be that he has found out your alias.”
“Robert and I have always been incredibly careful to keep my identity hidden. If there was any possibility that I had been exposed, Robert would have heard of it,” Erica told him.
“Harrison is an extremely dangerous man, Erica. We must not assume anything where he is concerned for rest assured, he is not here just to be sociable! Even if he has not discovered the truth about you, he will have some ulterior motive for seeking an introduction.”
“Well then, let us go and find out what he does want. I shall give a very good impression of being a trifle witless but arrogant young lady so that he’ll think me incapable of being a threat to his nefarious dealings. ” Then on a lighter note, “I absolutely forbid you to desert me. Algenon has a repulsive habit of salivating over me. It quite turns my stomach! As my husband I expect you to protect me from such nauseous attentions.”
“My attentions are going to be directed at Harrison, I have every confidence that you will be able to rebuff your slobbering beau!” he replied.
“Maybe, but do not expect any help when Mrs. Hardy corners you as a potential bridegroom for her daughter,” Erica retorted.
Together they made their way down the hall to the formal reception room where they found their visitors waiting in a rather awkward silence. Erica, herself feeling trepidation at the forthcoming interview, sensed the uneasiness of her neighbours. Mrs. Hardy, usually so loquacious, seemed subdued and strained. She looked up as Erica entered the room and greeted her with obvious relief.
“Erica, my dear, how good of you to receive us. I know how busy you must be with your family all here and indeed I would never have intruded but Algenon insisted, that you would want to see him and be introduced to his friend,” Mrs. Hardy explained their presence, obviously embarrassed.
Erica chose to remain standing; therefore ensuring the men did also.
“Indeed!” Erica had transformed before Ross’ eyes into the epitome of an autocratic matron of the ton. That one word was spoken, dripping with ice and was capable of freezing any pretensions.
Holding herself fully erect she levelled her most haughty stare at Algenon, who visibly blanched, but catching the eye of his companion bravely spoke.
“My dear Miss Wilmshurst. I knew you would want to know I am visiting with my Aunt and Uncle at the moment and would like to introduce my friend from London, Mr Harrison.”
“Mr Harrison,” Erica condescended to offer him her hand, allowing a faint smile that was meant to portray her annoyance of Algenon rather than him.
“I do not believe any of you are acquainted with the Marquis of Trevellyn.” She then proceeded to introduce him before regally taking a seat in an upholstered chair and indicating to her two male visitors that they should sit upon a pair of hard and uncomfortable ones.
“Can I say how well you are looking, Mrs. Hardy. It must be a comfort for you having Jane at home with you again,” Erica smiled pleasantly at her neighbour and thereby achieved her two aims, which were to put Mrs. Hardy at her ease whilst assuring her that she in no way held her responsible for her nephews actions.
For the next ten minutes the ladies observed the social niceties, discussing the local news and weather whilst Trevellyn tried to engage the men in conversation. Keeping half her attention on them, Erica was not surprised to find Harrison somewhat monosyllabic and Algenon rattling on about inconsequential rubbish. As if by mutual consent, Ross and Erica exchanged places and while he charmed the ladies, she tried to draw out Harrison.
“So you are f
rom London, Mr. Harrison. Where do you reside, perhaps we have acquaintance in common.”
“Unlikely Miss. Wilmshurst, I do not socialise overmuch,” he replied and when no further response was offered she said; “How fortunate that you have Algenon for a friend. Tell me, how did you two meet?”
“We are members of the same clubs.” He shot Hardy a warning glance but Algenon was unable to remain quiet with Erica’s expectant look of enquiry directed at him.
“Yes, not any you are likely to know, very select,” he bluffed.
“Are you referring to gaming dens?” she asked in a tone of shocked disapproval.
Hardy tugged at his shirt collar before replying, “Perfectly acceptable for gentlemen to belong to such clubs, Miss Wilmshurst, I assure you.”
“I am sure your mother would be happier to see you attend to your estate instead of gallivanting in these ‘clubs’,” she told him. “And what about you Mr. Harrison, do you have a family, or a country seat, perhaps.”
“No, I told you, I live in London.” He was beginning to get annoyed so Erica thought it prudent to draw the visit to a close.
Standing, she addressed Algernon. “Knowing that you are staying in the area, Mr, Hardy, I expect I will no doubt to see you in church on Sunday. As you can appreciate, with having a house full of guests, I have an awful lot to organise and need to consult with my aunts who are helping to ease the burden, so I will bid you, Mrs. Hardy, Jane, Mr. Harrison, a good day. Boodle will show you out.” She moved towards the bell pull but Algenon halted her.
“One more moment of your time, my dear lady,” he faltered under her basilisk stare but a nervous glance at Harrison had him stumbling on. “You are holding a ball in a couple of days to which my dearest Aunt, Uncle and Cousin have been invited. Dare I hope that we too will be welcome?”
“Out of the question,” she answered forcefully, fixing him with a glare of pure indignation before turning to Mr. Harrison.
“I am very sorry Mr. Harrison, if Mr. Hardy led you to expect an invitation but it is a ball for family and close neighbours only, I am sure you understand!” she made it a statement that clearly indicated she would brook no argument.
Algernon spluttered, “But my dear girl, surely I warrant an invitation as a close friend, after all I have known you longer than Lord Trevellyn here or Robert Prentiss who I am led to believe has received an invite.”
“I am not your dear anything, Mr. Hardy, and would ask you to refrain from addressing or indeed thinking of me in those terms. As for Mr. Prentiss, if he has been invited it was without my knowledge; no doubt Aunt Clara added him to the list for she did compile it. I am hopeless at that sort of thing.” And for good measure she blandly added, “She has a fondness for him, you know.”
“but…” Algernon said, but was deftly cut off by Trevellyn.
“Mrs. Hardy, I look forward to furthering our acquaintance at the ball and Miss Hardy, I would be honoured if you would consent to save a dance for me?”
“Why sir, she would be delighted!” her mother answered before Jane could form a suitable response.
“That’s settled then. Allow me to assist you ladies to your carriage,” he said all solicitous and gentlemanly, offering each an arm and leading them into the hall. Hardy and Harrison could do nothing but follow though neither was pleased. Hardy looked sulky and a little nervous whereas Harrison looked positively grim.
Boodle opened the front door and Ross accompanied the ladies to their carriage and assisted them inside before rejoining Erica at the top of the shallow steps. Together they re-entered the house and Boodle firmly closed the door. Erica led the way to her private sitting room and locked the door.
“We can talk here without interruption,” Erica told him dropping down onto the sofa. “What did you make of that?”
“He obviously has young Hardy in his clutches. The poor boy was so terrified he was prepared to break all the social niceties and brave your wrath.”
“Poor boy, my foot! He is spineless and quite repulsive, as you would agree if he had ever fawned over you,” came her spirited rejoinder. “But what about Harrison? I wonder why he wanted an invitation to the ball?”
“ Hardy’s reference to Prentiss points very much to Harrison being aware of his participation in the investigation into his affairs. What we still do not know is whether he has any idea of your involvement. We can only assume that he does.”
“I cannot see how he would know but why else he would seek me out?” she said pensively.
“It could be that he has heard that Prentiss was your suitor and plans to use you to get to him. Either way, Erica, you are in danger and I want your promise that you will not leave the house unless accompanied by an armed man.”
“You have it. Having delved into his business dealings I have no wish to put myself in his control.”
“Good. I was worried you were going to object to my high-handed ways and tell me you can take care of yourself,” he said, sitting down beside her and drawing her into the circle of his arm.
“No. Not this time but try it in the future at your peril,” she smiled up at him. “ When Robert arrives this evening, we will need to warn him that Harrison is in the area.”
“I agree but I will also be sending Tom Harry to keep an eye on Harrison.” and to her look of puzzlement “He was with me in France and now acts as my groom,” he clarified.
I suppose it’s too late to go to your room?” running her hand along his abrasive chin, Erica wondered how the rest of him would feel.
“It might create a stir if we failed to turn up for tea,” she heard resignation in his voice. “And although I would be happy to make an announcement today; mainly so you could not change your mind if we were to have a row, it may not be wise with the Harrison situation hanging over us. We are better waiting and watching.”
Rising from the sofa, Ross held out his hand and pulled Erica to her feet.
He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her, long and deep.
“Until later then, sweetheart.”
Chapter Nine
Glancing at the clock on the mantle, Erica become aware that she only had thirty minutes in which to change for dinner and be back down to receive Robert and his family in the drawing room. She hurriedly made her way to her bedroom, running the last stretch along the corridor and charging through the door, not stopping until she reached the bell-pull. As she stretched out her hand to pull it, she was grabbed from behind and a large, podgy hand was clamped over her mouth, cutting off the scream before it had even begun.
Struggling with all her might, she directed an elbow into her assailant’s stomach and took the opportunity when he loosened his grasp to break free. It was not enough however, for she had not managed to put distance between herself and her attacker before he had grabbed her skirts and tugged, pulling her off balance. She sprawled across the dressing table, knocking its contents into chaos and overturning the stool in the process. Grabbing her arm, he twisted it behind her back and pressed her face against the hard, cool surface.
“Any more tricks like that and I’ll break your arm, do you hear?” snarled a voice close to her ear.
She tried to nod but with such a tight hold on her head, she could only manage the slightest of movement but it was obviously sufficient, for the next moment she was hauled up and round and came face to face with Harrison. Suppressing a gasp she demanded to know what he thought he was doing and received a slap across her face. The sting of the strike, coupled with the anger and fear that mingled within her brought tears to her eyes but she refused to be cowed. Raising her chin slightly she glared haughtily at him.
“You are in no position to demand anything, you snooty bitch,” he barked at her. “In a moment you are going to summon your maid and tell her you have a headache and are not to be disturbed until the morning. If you try and alert her to my presence, I will take delight in slitting her throat. Do you understand?”
Erica nodded and Harrison pulled the cord
. Pushing her to the door, he opened it a crack and looked out, watching for the maid and when she appeared he withdrew a knife and held it menacingly, pointing it at Erica.
“Remember, do exactly as I told you or you’re both dead!” the hoarse whisper was more menacing than the snarl he had used before.
Holding the door slightly ajar, Erica spoke to a puzzled Ellie. “Please tell Boodle that I have a headache; it came on quite suddenly, and that I will not be down for dinner.”
“Oh Miss, shall I fetch a tisane for you?”
“No! Thank you Ellie but I’ll be fine,” she replied.
“Well, let me help you into bed, Miss. You’ll feel better once you lie down,” Ellie persisted.
“No. I can manage. Please go and give Boodle my message and then I do not wish to be disturbed until morning.”
“Very good, Miss Erica, if you’re sure,” the maid said doubtfully before bobbing a curtsey and heading off to find Boodle.
“You are now going to write a note to your lover, arranging to meet.” Harrison yanked her away from the door and sat her down to write, all the while keeping the knife close to her neck.
“My lover?”
“Don’t play games, Miss Wilmshurst, I know you and Prentiss are ‘close’. You are going to arrange to meet him in the derelict cottage just off the Dorchester Road.”
“How do I know you’re not going to kill me when you’ve got Robert,” she asked plaintively, hoping that he continued to believe her a disdainful but vacant female.
“I only want him, not you.”
“He’ll know it’s a trap!” she mocked, hoping she wasn’t inciting his anger but desperate to give herself an advantage. “He’s far too clever to fall for that.”
“So where do you normally meet?” Harrison snarled and pressed the knife into her neck, drawing a small bead of blood.
Erica with obvious reluctance told him. “We meet in the Abbey ruins, but tonight he is coming to dinner here with his mother and sister.”