by Dilly Court
They reached the ground floor without being spotted and Kit led them through a maze of passages usually frequented by the servants, who could be heard dashing about the main part of the house in answer to their master’s urgent summons. ‘I used to come in this way when I’d been out late at night,’ Kit said with a wry smile as he led them out through the neglected orangery. ‘Having been a wild youth has its advantages.’
‘He was always a rebel,’ Rosa said breathlessly. ‘I was the good child who did everything I was told.’
Kit held his finger to his lips. ‘Hush, Rosa. We’re not safe yet. We need to get right away before Hinckley and his minions come after us.’
‘My mother and Spike are with Perry. I hope they’re all right,’ Stella said anxiously.
‘What will we do now?’ Rosa demanded. ‘We can’t walk back to London.’
‘Find Perry and head for the stables.’ Kit pointed to the gravel path that led to the front of the house. ‘I’ll do the rest, but keep out of sight as much as possible or you’ll end up in the nursery again.’
Rosa started off towards the side of the house, keeping close to the wall. ‘Come on, Stella. We must find your mother before Uncle Gervase gets his hands on her.’
Stella needed no second bidding. She followed Rosa’s instructions, keeping her head low as they skirted the side of the building. She could hear the clamour of raised voices through open windows, but the servants seemed to be concentrating on searching the house.
Rosa stopped when she came to the front of the building and peered round the corner. She beckoned furiously. ‘Come here, Stella. I think that’s your mother with the archangel and a funny little person in a long skirt. Why, I believe it’s Spike.’ She stifled a giggle. ‘What does he look like?’
‘Never mind him. Where exactly are they?’
‘Stay here. I’m going to fetch them and we’ll meet Kit at the stables as he said. Don’t move.’ Rosa scuttled off, making her way towards Perry and Spike who were doing their best to keep Jacinta on her feet.
Minutes later they were heading for the stables when Kit appeared through the gateway driving a four-wheeled trap and pair. He drew the horses to a halt beside them and leapt down to help Perry lift Jacinta onto the back seat. ‘Everybody aboard,’ he said, giving Stella and his sister a helping hand before leaping back onto the driver’s seat.
Perry tossed Spike in next. ‘There you are, miss,’ he said, grinning. ‘Always happy to help a young lady.’ He climbed up after him, chuckling at the stream of invective that escaped from his protégé’s lips. ‘Now, now, my dear. What sort of language is that for a girl?’
‘I want me breeches back,’ Spike muttered. ‘I ain’t no girl. She took ’em.’ He turned his head to scowl at Stella. ‘What have you done with them, miss?’
‘I’m sorry, Spike. They got torn to shreds when I was climbing up the shaft. We’ll get you a new pair as soon as we reach London.’
Kit urged the horses to a spanking trot. As they approached the gates he stood up in the footwell and hailed the gatekeeper. ‘Masters, you’ll open up if you know what’s good for you.’
Masters stuck his head out of the door, staring at them in surprise. ‘Mr Kit?’
‘Open up, man. Or do I have to get down and make you?’
Masters touched his forelock. ‘No, sir. Right away, sir.’ He unlocked the gates and heaved them open.
‘Now close them and lock them,’ Kit said as he drove past him. ‘Delay anyone who tries to follow us. I’ll be back one day soon and then they’ll find out who’s master here.’ He clicked his tongue against his teeth. ‘Trot on.’
‘We can’t go home.’ Rosa leaned forward to tug at his sleeve. ‘The police are looking for you, Kit.’
‘Aye, master. It’s not a good idea to return to Fleur-de-Lis Street,’ Perry said solemnly. ‘Mr Rivenhall will blacken your name, that’s for sure.’
‘He’ll try to get Ma back.’ Stella shifted her position to accommodate her mother’s weight. Jacinta, obviously overcome by the strong dose of laudanum that Gervase had administered to keep her quiet, had slumped against her and fallen into a deep sleep. ‘I have an idea where we can be safe while Kit and Perry investigate Ronald Clifford’s murder.’
Chapter Sixteen
THEY RETURNED TO Fleur-de-Lis Street briefly even though Perry advised against it.
‘It would look suspicious if we arrived without luggage,’ Rosa said firmly. ‘We’ll have to risk it, Kit.’
He shrugged his shoulders and urged the horses on to a trot. ‘Very well. But you must be quick, and take only the bare minimum. We haven’t room for a steamer trunk.’
Spike had been huddled in the well of the trap wrapped in Stella’s skirt, but he looked up with sudden interest. ‘I got a spare pair of breeches at home. There’s no need to buy me a new pair, guv.’
Perry slapped him on the back. ‘Good boy. We men don’t do with folderols and such.’
‘Judging by the fuss that Spike has made about wearing a skirt, it would seem that men care just as much about their appearance as women,’ Rosa said with spirit. ‘Don’t you agree, Stella?’
‘She’s got you there, old man,’ Kit said, grinning. ‘We’ll take a chance and then I’ll drop you and the boy off at your lodgings in Whitechapel.’
Their brief stop in Fleur-de-Lis Street was uneventful and they packed enough belongings to last for a short stay in the country, including some dresses of Rosa’s that would fit Jacinta, who had only the clothes she stood up in.
Kit drove on to Whitechapel where he drew the horses to a halt, and Perry leapt to the ground. ‘C’mon, Spike. Show a leg, ducky.’
‘It’s not funny.’ Spike clambered down to join him on the pavement.
‘Well then don’t act like a girl.’ Perry threw back his head and laughed. ‘The sight of you in that skirt will remain in my memory forever, my son.’
‘You can tease me all you like, but I’ll miss Rosa and Stella.’ Spike sent an agonised glance in Stella’s direction. ‘Will you be all right without me, miss?’
‘I’ll be back before you know it, Spike.’ She blew him a kiss. ‘I’m sorry about your breeches. One day I’ll buy you a brand-new pair, tailor-made to fit so that you look like a proper gentleman.’
He wiped his eyes on his sleeve. ‘I’ll hold you to that, miss.’
Kit flicked the reins. ‘Walk on. If we’re to get to Portgone Place before dusk we’ll need to keep up a steady pace.’ He glanced over his shoulder as the horses moved forward. ‘Are you sure we’ll be welcome there, Rosa?’
‘Lady Langhorne was a friend of Mother’s. She’s a dear, isn’t she, Stella?’
‘She is a lovely lady, but I’m not sure whether she’ll be willing to take both me and Ma in.’
‘Don’t worry about that,’ Rosa said firmly. ‘I know exactly what I’m going to say to her ladyship.’
Once again, Stella stood in the drawing room at Portgone Place. Rosa had just introduced Kit to Lady Langhorne, who showed every sign of being impressed by the tall, handsome young man whose charming smile would melt the hardest of hearts.
‘I knew your dear mama very well, Kit,’ Lady Langhorne said, smiling. ‘It grieves me to think that we spent so many years apart when we could have been such great friends.’
‘I am sure the feeling was mutual, ma’am.’ Kit bowed over her hand.
Lady Langhorne’s gaze alighted on Jacinta, who was leaning heavily on Stella’s arm. ‘And this lady is . . .?’
‘I am so sorry,’ Kit said hastily. ‘I am quite forgetting my manners. May I introduce my aunt, Mrs Gervase Rivenhall? We were on our way home from visiting friends in the country when she was taken ill. We stopped here in the hope that you might allow her to rest awhile before we continue on our journey back to London.’
‘You must stay here, of course,’ Lady Langhorne said firmly. ‘Rosa’s last visit was all too short.’
‘I am sure my sister would love to acce
pt, Lady Langhorne, but I have urgent business in London.’
‘But Kit, wouldn’t it be lovely to spend a little time in the country?’ Rosa sent him a pleading look. ‘Surely your business in London can wait.’
‘No. Sadly not,’ Kit said easily. ‘But I will return as soon as it is settled and we will return home to Heron Park.’
Stella moved her position slightly as her mother’s weight became almost too much to support. Ever watchful, Lady Langhorne turned to look at Jacinta with a frown marring her smooth brow. ‘The poor lady does look quite unwell. Perhaps she ought to sit down. Don’t keep her standing, Barry.’
Stella was about to help her mother to the nearest chair when Jacinta uttered a strangled cry and sank to the floor in a dead faint.
Lady Langhorne reached for the bell pull. ‘Have you any smelling salts on your person, Barry?’
Stella shook her head. ‘No, my lady. I’m sorry.’
‘Then go and find Mrs Dunkley. Tell her to have rooms made up for our guests.’ Lady Langhorne tugged at the embroidered pull. ‘Mason will carry Mrs Rivenhall to her room. You’d better accompany her, Barry.’
Kit lifted Jacinta in his arms. ‘I’ll take her, ma’am. The poor lady is exhausted.’
‘Show Mr Rivenhall the way, Barry.’ Lady Langhorne patted Rosa on the shoulder. ‘Sit down, my dear. I’ll send for some tea. Or would you prefer something a little stronger? You’ve obviously had a very tiresome day.’
Stella opened the door for Kit. ‘Lady Langhorne would be amazed if she knew exactly what sort of day we’ve had,’ she said in a low voice.
He met her gaze with an amused grin. ‘Wouldn’t she just?’ He carried Jacinta into the hall. ‘Which way, Miss Barry?’
‘You’d best put her down while I go and find the housekeeper.’ Stella laid her hand on her mother’s forehead. ‘She’s cool, so at least she hasn’t got a fever. Thank goodness for that.’
‘She’s drugged, Stella.’ Kit laid Jacinta on a small sofa, placing a fat cushion beneath her head. ‘It’s obvious that’s how my uncle kept her exactly where he wanted her. She needs to sleep it off, but she will find it difficult to do without the wretched stuff. People become addicted quite easily.’
‘Are you speaking from personal experience?’
‘I’ve dabbled with opium and I probably drink too much, but I’m more interested in regaining what’s rightfully mine than in slowly killing myself with drugs.’
‘Will she be all right?’ Stella asked anxiously. ‘I’ve only just found her after all these years. I couldn’t bear it if I lost her again.’
‘She’s lucky to have you to care for her, Stella. I might not have said as much before, but I want to assure you that neither Rosa nor I think of you as a servant. You are our equal, if not our superior.’ He raised her hand to his lips. ‘Now you’d best go and find the housekeeper before I become maudlin. I have to leave soon if I’m to get back to London tonight.’
‘But it’s not safe, Kit. The police are looking for you.’
‘I’ll stay with Perry in Whitechapel. They won’t think of looking for me there.’ He met her anxious gaze with a smile. ‘I can take care of myself, Stella. I want you to look after Rosa and I promise to return as soon as possible.’
Stella was about to leave them when the sound of quick footsteps on the marble tiles made her stop. She turned to see Tommy striding towards them. His face split into a wide grin. ‘Stella? So you’ve come back to us?’ He came to a halt and stared down at Jacinta’s inert form. ‘The lady looks a trifle poorly – or is she merely drunk? Are we having a party, and if so why wasn’t I invited?’ He gave Kit a cursory glance. ‘Are you one of the guests, sir?’
Stella was about to introduce them when she remembered her place. Servants were there to take instructions and behave in a subservient manner. She must not forget her place. She stared down at the toes of her boots peeping out beneath her linsey-woolsey skirt.
‘Kit Rivenhall, late of Heron Park, Highgate, and the lady is my aunt who was taken ill while travelling. Your mother has kindly invited us to stay for the night, but I have to return to London.’
‘Tommy Langhorne.’ Tommy shook his hand. ‘It’s a pity you can’t stay, old man. I could do with some company of my own age.’
‘My sister is staying. I’m sure you’ll find Rosa very entertaining.’
‘By Jove, yes. I remember Miss Rivenhall. Dashed pretty girl.’
‘She’s with Lady Langhorne as we speak,’ Kit said easily. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Langhorne, but I really have to go now.’
‘How are you travelling, old man?’
‘He’s driving back to London,’ Stella said boldly. ‘Persuade him to stay at least for tonight, Tommy.’
He eyed her with a humorous twist to his lips. ‘I see you’ve got a staunch supporter here, Rivenhall. Our little Stella is not easily impressed.’
Kit frowned. ‘You seem to be on very familiar terms.’
‘We were childhood friends, old chap. No need to be jealous. Stella repulsed my attempt to seduce her.’
Kit’s eyebrows snapped together in a frown. ‘That’s no way to talk about a lady, Langhorne.’
‘Ah, but she’s just a servant, Rivenhall. She’s a splendid girl but not from our class.’ He pinched Stella’s cheek. ‘We all have our place in society, don’t we, my pet?’
‘I’m leaving now, Stella.’ Kit gave her an encouraging smile. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I’ve settled matters in London.’ He acknowledged Tommy with a brief nod of his head and strode off.
Stella watched him go with a feeling of loss mixed with anger at Tommy’s behaviour. ‘You’re just as objectionable as you ever were, Tommy Langhorne,’ she said angrily.
‘That’s more like the Stella I know. You were always a bit of a rebel.’
‘I was just a child when I came to Portgone Place.’
‘And we had some fun, didn’t we? Admit it, Stella. We were good friends.’
‘Yes, we were until you forgot yourself and tried to seduce me. Have you any idea how hard it is for a single woman to find work without a reference? I might have starved on the streets but for good friends.’
He looked away as if unable to meet her angry gaze. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘And so you should be. Do something useful for once in your life, Tommy. Keep an eye on Mrs Rivenhall while I go to look for the housekeeper.’
She returned minutes later with Mrs Dunkley. Tommy was seated beside Jacinta, holding her hand and chatting as if they were old acquaintances. Jacinta for her part was wide awake and staring at him entranced. ‘We’re the best of friends,’ Tommy said, patting her hand. He stood up, smoothing the creases from his immaculate trousers. ‘She’s a little off colour, but nothing that a good night’s sleep won’t cure.’ He winked at Jacinta. ‘She’s a woman after my own heart, aren’t you, my dear lady?’
Mrs Dunkley folded her arms across her ample bosom, staring at Jacinta with overt disapproval. ‘Are you able to stand, ma’am?’
Stella leaned over to help her mother to her feet. ‘I’m sure that Mrs Rivenhall will be better for a good rest. Allow me to help you to your room, ma’am.’ Supporting Jacinta’s weight, Stella helped her to mount the stairs.
Mrs Dunkley led the way to a pleasant room on the second floor. ‘I hope you’ll find this to your liking, Mrs Rivenhall.’ She left, closing the door behind her.
‘I don’t understand,’ Jacinta murmured as Stella helped her to undress. ‘Why is everyone calling me Mrs Rivenhall? What are we doing here?’
‘You are Mrs Rivenhall, in case you’ve forgotten, and we’re lying low for a while because we don’t want Gervase to find you.’
‘No,’ Jacinta said dully. ‘I don’t want to see him ever again, but I need my medicine, Stella. Can you get it for me?’
‘I’ll see what I can do.’ Stella helped her into bed. ‘Don’t leave the room. I’ll be back as soon as I can.’
‘I need medicin
e.’
‘I’ll fetch some now, but you must stay in bed.’ Stella tucked her in and hurried from the room. She had little knowledge of addiction to laudanum, but she knew that she had to try to wean her mother off the drug and it was not going to be easy. She made her way downstairs to the kitchen.
‘So you’re back again, are you?’ Mrs Hawthorne looked up from the mixture she was stirring. ‘I hope you’ve come to give me a hand. I’m rushed off my feet.’
‘Who is this person?’ A thin, middle-aged woman dressed all in black stared at Stella in a way that was not friendly.
‘This is Stella Barry, Miss Bradbury.’ Mrs Hawthorne gave Stella a knowing wink. ‘Miss Bradbury is Lady Langhorne’s new maid.’
‘I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Bradbury.’
‘Stella came here as a child, and worked her way up from scullery maid to assistant cook,’ Mrs Hawthorne said proudly. ‘I taught her everything she knows.’
Stella smiled. ‘Yes, you did, but I’m not here to work in the kitchen; I’m Mrs Rivenhall’s maid and I look after Miss Rivenhall too.’
‘What sort of garb is that for a lady’s maid?’ Miss Bradbury demanded, looking Stella up and down with a critical eye. The tip of her long nose quivered with disapproval, giving her the appearance of an angry ferret. ‘Your mistress cannot be very well placed if she allows you to dress like a common peasant.’
Stella stared at her in amazement. She had not expected to meet such overt hostility in the kitchen where she had grown from child to womanhood and considered herself to be amongst friends. A sharp intake of breath made her turn to see Annie standing at the foot of the steps. ‘At least Stella isn’t a stuck-up cow who looks down on the rest of us,’ she said angrily. She held her arms wide. ‘Come and give us a hug, Stella. It’s good to see you again.’
‘That’s as maybe, Annie Fox.’ Mrs Hawthorne rapped the table with the wooden spoon. ‘But we’ll have some decorum in my kitchen if you don’t mind.’
‘I’m a big girl now,’ Stella said, returning Annie’s embrace with enthusiasm. ‘I can fight my own battles.’ She turned to Miss Bradbury, who was glaring at her. ‘We were travelling as it happens, and my mistress was taken ill. Not that it’s any business of yours.’