His contemplation was interrupted by a tap at the door.
‘Come in,’ he said absently, wishing whoever it was would go away. He was in no mood to deal with domestic dramas, or to turn his mind to his brothers’ latest exploits. He changed his mind about the intrusion when Flora put her head round the door.
‘Am I disturbing you?’ she asked.
Yes, he wanted to tell her, but not for the reasons she supposed. ‘Not in the least. I was busy daydreaming instead of concentrating on Parkins’ plans for the lower acres next spring.’
‘Ah!’
He smiled as Romulus bounded across the room with an ungainly gait, almost knocking her from her feet.
‘Come in and sit down.’ As soon as Romulus could be persuaded to stop licking her face, Luke led her to a chair at the fireside and took its twin immediately across from her. ‘Is there a problem with Grandmamma that requires my arbitration?’
‘No, nothing of that nature. Last night tired her. Despite my best efforts, she refuses to exercise restraint. Anyway, she’s resting at the moment.’
‘I thought I saw you in the grounds a while ago.’ Luke curbed his curiosity about her visit. She never called upon him without a reason. When she did call, the reasons in question were never contrived as an excuse to get close to him. ‘Was that Miss Pearson with you?’
‘Yes, and it’s her I’ve come to talk to you about.’ Flora contemplated the floor, looking deeply concerned. ‘Henry is showing her back to her carriage.’
Luke chuckled. ‘I’m sure he is. She’s really rather pretty.’ He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. ‘Now, what is it that you think I can help her with?’
Luke listened intently as Flora told him about the unwanted attentions that her new friend was receiving from Darius Cleethorp.
‘I am not surprised to hear it,’ he said, scowling when she ran out of words.
‘You are acquainted with Lord Darius?’
‘We were at school together. He was a hellion then and from what I have heard of his subsequent conduct, little has changed in that regard. His brother, the marquess, has washed his hands of him.’
‘So Louise tells me, which is why he’s on the prowl for a rich wife, and is not too fussy about how he persuades a suitable candidate to accept him.’
‘How far has he gone?’ Luke asked, his expression darkening.
‘Suffice it to say that Louise is very worried about him tracking her down here and forcing her hand. She believes he will spread scurrilous stories that will destroy her own reputation and tarnish her entire family’s if she does not accept him.’
‘I see.’ And Luke did see, all too well. He ground his jaw in disgust.
‘I said I would ask if there was anything you could do to prevent that from happening.’ She lifted her gaze from the now slumbering Romulus, whose rangy body was stretched full-length in front of the fire, his nose on her toes and his tail flapping against Luke’s boots as he chased rabbits in his dreams. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Of course I don’t mind. I have a great deal of time for Mrs Pearson. Besides, Henry seems to like her granddaughter, as do you, and that is enough for me. Some young women who don’t know better can often be tempted into indiscretion when they think themselves to be in love and are equally convinced that their love is returned. I cannot persuade myself that Louise Pearson is such a woman.’
‘She is not. As I explained, she had already got Cleethorp’s measure. Even before she overheard him colluding with Felicity Brigstock, she had started to harbour doubts about his true intentions.’
‘Darius Cleethorp is the youngest of six, maybe even seven. His brother, the marquess, must be a good fifteen years his senior. There are two more brothers and at least a couple of sisters in between them. Darius was very much the afterthought. He used to refer to himself as the runt of the litter. He was doted on by his mother, if memory serves. She got him out of all sorts of scrapes when he was still a lad, made excuses for him–’
Flora wrinkled her pert nose in an endearing manner. ‘And turned him into what he is today.’
Luke inclined his head. ‘Quite.’
‘How will you know if he sets foot in Swindon?’
Luke sent her a confident smile. ‘No one of consequence passes through the district without my hearing of it.’
‘Unless they don’t want you to hear. I am worried, you see, that Cleethorp will attempt to abduct Louise from the street or something equally devious. From the sound of him he doesn’t take rejection well. And we know that he is desperate.’
‘He won’t put up at an inn,’ Luke replied thoughtfully. ‘The man has a very high opinion of himself, so he is more likely to inflict himself upon someone he knows.’
‘And you are also acquainted with everyone of consequence in the area.’ Flora nibbled contemplatively at the end of her index finger. ‘Who do you suppose would be most likely to take him in?’
‘Hard to say. I’ve never had much to do with any of the family.’
‘He wouldn’t try Lord Hardwick, would he?’ Flora asked, looking alarmed.
‘Archie?’ Luke lifted a brow. ‘I doubt it. Besides, he doesn’t live on our doorstep.’
‘No, but Mrs Pearson’s house is on the road between here and Felsham Hall.’ She shrugged. ‘I just thought that his father being a marquess, they might know each other.’
Luke chuckled. ‘I am not acquainted with every earl in the country.’
She tossed her head. ‘Earls are more commonplace than marquesses, and are harder to keep track of.’
Luke pretended to take offence and clutched his hands over his heart. ‘You wound me.’
‘Stop being idiotic.’ She fought against a smile that broke through anyway. ‘This is serious.’
‘I beg your pardon,’ Luke replied, attempting to keep a straight face. ‘Although actually you make a fair point. Archie and Cleethorp are acquainted. We were all at school and university together. Archie once remarked that Cleethorp’s antics made his own look positively tame.’
‘Really?’ Flora leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. ‘What did he do?’
Luke laughed. ‘You will have to ask Archie that.’
‘I shall, and he will most likely tell me.’
Luke pulled a disapproving face. ‘I certainly hope not.’
‘They were friendly for a while, Archie and Cleethorp, until Cleethorp went too far. Then Archie cut the connection. I doubt whether Archie would invite the man to stay, even if he does arrive on his doorstep, especially not when his father is so unwell.’
‘Well anyway, now that I think about it, I don’t suppose he will approach Lord Hardwick since he is dead and the man who now bears that title is supposed to be his French cousin.’
Luke threw back his head. ‘No one actually believes that anymore. Archie hasn’t made the admission publicly but he no longer bothers with the French accent.’ Luke paused. ‘He sent you a message when he left here, by the way, thanking you for something. Does that make any sense?’
‘Oh good, he got it.’
‘Got what?’ Luke asked, frowning.
‘Nothing that necessitates a frown. I told you already that I made up a potion which I hope will help with his sore joints. I gave his man instructions upon its use but he didn’t seem very enthusiastic about passing them on. I am glad that he did. Let’s hope they try it for a few weeks and give it an opportunity to work.’
‘That was thoughtful of you.’
‘Well, the poor man is clearly suffering and I am convinced I can help him, if only a little. If I am right, and succeed in making his life a little more comfortable it will give me great satisfaction.’
‘Archie will appreciate it, I’m sure.’
‘We were discussing Cleethorp,’ Flora said impatiently. ‘Louise is going to call again tomorrow. I would like to be able to tell her something to put her mind at rest.’
Luke admired her compassion, but at the same time he fe
lt ridiculously jealous because she had put herself out to help Archie. He shook his head to dispel such unworthy thoughts and returned his attention to Louise Pearson’s problems. ‘I will have people look out for Cleethorp,’ he told her. ‘If he arrives in Swindon he will be noticed. He doesn’t know how to keep a low profile. In the meantime, your friend would be best advised not to go out alone.’
‘Of course.’
‘Should I invite the entire family to stay here at Beranger Court for a while? No one will get to them here.’
‘That’s a generous offer,’ Flora said after a moment’s reflection, ‘but will likely draw attention to Louise’s situation. You can be sure that the countess will want to know why you have issued that invitation, and it might imply interest on your part in one of her friend’s granddaughters.’
‘Ah, I see your point.’
‘I don’t know how many servants Mrs Pearson employs. Male servants capable of protecting the ladies, I mean. I called at her home once with the countess. It’s a comfortable establishment, but not large and quite remote. Anyone wishing to gain access to it would find it relatively easy.’
‘But if I offer to lend a couple of footmen, Mrs Pearson will wonder why.’
Flora sighed. ‘There’s nothing else for it. Louise will just have to be vigilant. It will help enormously if you do get word if Cleethorp arrives in the district.’
Luke smiled at her. ‘I shall make sure that I do.’
‘Are you acquainted with Felicity Brigstock?’
‘The name means nothing to me.’
‘Good. She has Cleethorp wrapped around her little finger, if even half of what Louise told me is not a gross exaggeration.’ Flora canted her head. ‘It’s true what they say about the female of the species, at least in her case. I very much doubt if Cleethorp would have gone quite so far with Louise if his paramour had had not encouraged him.’
‘Your friend is in the unfortunate position of being wealthy but having no male relatives to protect her interests.’
‘I thought society was supposed to be civilized.’
Luke chuckled and shook his head. ‘You really have no idea.’
Paul put his head around the door. ‘Sorry to interrupt,’ he said, looking surprised to see Luke in close conversation with Flora. ‘Exton’s here, asking to see you.’
‘He was only here last night. What can he possibly want with me that we couldn’t have talked about then?’ Luke shared a panicked look with Paul. ‘He hasn’t got that niece of his with him, has he?’
Paul laughed. ‘Don’t worry, you’re quite safe.’
‘Well in that case, you’d best show him in.’
‘And I ought to return to the countess.’ Flora stood. ‘She will be waking about now and probably asking for me. Thank you for your advice,’ she added, giving Luke a formal little curtsey. ‘Hopefully it will put my friend’s mind at rest, knowing that you are willing to fight her corner.’
‘What was that all about?’ Paul asked, having sent Woodley to bring Exton through. He watched Flora as she ruffled Romulus’s ears and left the room.
‘I will tell you later. Let’s get Exton out the way first. Stay, Paul. Whatever it is that he’s come to say, I want you to hear it too. No doubt someone’s broken the law and Exton feels a need to draw that person’s misbehaviour to my notice.’
Paul nodded. ‘Someone’s probably urinated in the streets or knocked a gentleman’s hat off.’
Both men laughed. Exton was a stickler for law and order and felt it his duty to report more serious breaches of local byelaws to Luke in person.
‘Squire Exton, my lord,’ Woodley said from the open doorway.
‘Thank you,’ Luke said to his butler, who inclined his head and retreated from the library, closing the door softly behind him. Romulus barked once, cast a speculative look at Exton, decided he wasn’t worth making an effort to get up for and promptly went back to sleep.
‘Lord Swindon.’ Exton offered his hand, which Luke shook. He then turned to Paul, repeating the gesture. ‘Good of you to see me.’
‘My door is always open to you, but I can’t help wondering why you needed to come again so soon after last night’s party. Has something happened in the area that I need to know about?’
‘Actually…’ Exton hesitated, glancing at Paul.
‘You can speak freely in front of my friend,’ Luke said briskly. He liked and respected Exton but resented the fact that his arrival had broken up his private conversation with Flora.
Luke indicated the chairs in front of the fire, removing Romulus’s backside from one end of the rug by pushing the toe of his boot beneath it, thereby creating room for Exton to take the chair closest to the blaze. Luke himself leaned back in the seat that Flora had just vacated, conscious of the light fragrance he associated with her lingering in the air.
‘This is delicate.’ Luke said nothing but watched the squire closely, sensing his embarrassment. He’d never seen a man shuffle his feet in a seated position as Exton now did, concentrating his gaze on the fire. ‘The fact of the matter is that I came to apologise.’
‘Whatever for?’ Luke asked, genuinely bewildered.
‘My niece. She didn’t behave well, all but throwing herself at you like a common harlot. I was totally shocked by her actions.’ He shook his head. ‘Not good form. Not good at all and I told her so in no uncertain terms the moment we left here.’
Luke smiled. ‘Think nothing of it. She isn’t the first.’
‘Luke has grown to expect it,’ Paul said, in a failed attempt to assuage Exton’s mortification. To a man with such high standards, Luke supposed that his embarrassment and pressing need to apologise should not have come as a surprise.
‘That’s hardly the point.’ Exton’s brow creased. ‘The girl is my responsibility while she’s beneath my roof and I won’t have you thinking that I encourage that sort of behaviour. I value my friendship with your family, my lord, and will not have the chit placing a strain upon it.’
‘I wasn’t aware that you had a niece before you mentioned her presence to my brother,’ Luke remarked. ‘Is she your closest relation?’
‘Since my wife died, yes. She and her sister.’
‘She has a sister?’ Paul asked.
‘Lydia has lived with her sister ever since her mother died. Their father died some years before. I hadn’t seen Lydia for several years and was frankly appalled by her conduct. When I chastised her for being too forward, I could see that she had absolutely no idea that she had behaved inappropriately. I can only assume that she picked up her flirtatious manner from her sister. She lives in London, but I seldom set foot in the capital and don’t see much of her. Married women do enjoy a certain latitude, I suppose, but she ought not to have encouraged Lydia to follow her example.’ The squire shook his head, his conscience clearly troubled. ‘Her behaviour came as the most terrible shock to me, and I now feel guilty for not having kept a closer watch over the girls these past few years. But really, with Lydia’s sister being married, I felt the girl would be safe enough under her husband’s care.’
‘Please, Exton.’ Luke held up a hand, conscious of the fact that Exton would apologise for the next half-hour if Luke didn’t do something to stop his flow. ‘Don’t give it another thought.’
‘You are very understanding.’ Exton bowed his head. ‘Her sister is coming down here. She sent me a note telling me to expect her. I shall have a few words to say to her regarding her guardianship, just you see if I do not.’ Exton straightened his spine. ‘She is not long widowed, and I am very sorry for her loss, but that doesn’t excuse…I mean, she is only just out of mourning so she cannot have been entertaining much. Lydia must have picked up on her sister’s manner of conducting herself before her husband died.’
‘She has been made to think well of herself,’ Paul said.
‘Exactly. She forgets her place entirely and will probably do so again, despite the scolding I gave her, if she’s exposed to your company,
Lord Swindon.’
Luke glanced at Paul. He would know to ensure that Exton wasn’t invited to dine at Beranger Hall as long as his nieces resided with him.
‘An onerous responsibility for you,’ Luke said, not without sympathy.
Exton sighed. ‘You don’t know the half of it. Give me a straightforward thief to chastise any time of day. Young ladies who set their sights too high frankly terrify me.’
‘No doubt the widowed sister will listen to your advice.’
‘Ha! Felicity has always been wild, so I suppose I am to blame for allowing Lydia to stay with her. But I was not appointed as the girl’s official guardian so there was little I could do to alter things even if I had seen a need for it, which I did not. I assumed Brigstock would keep control of matters you see, so—’
‘Brigstock?’ Luke sat forward. ’Your eldest niece was married to a man called Brigstock?’
Exton looked bemused by Luke’s curt tone and sudden intense interest. ‘Yes. He and Felicity were married for two years. Then Brigstock took a fall from his horse and broke his neck. All terribly sad, of course, but I think the couple were having difficulties before Brigstock’s accident. He came to see me, said he had doubts about Felicity’s constancy.’ Exton rubbed his chin. ‘Not sure what he expected me to do about it. A man ought to be able to control his wife’s wayward habits. Anyway, the next thing I knew, Brigstock was dead, leaving my niece to settle his debts. She had to sell a few things to manage it. I helped her, of course. It was the least I could do.’ He scratched his whiskery chin. ‘Probably shouldn’t be so open about these matters, but I know I can depend upon your discretion, gentlemen.’
‘Indeed you can.’ Luke stood to indicate that the conversation was at an end and offered Exton his hand. ‘Thank you for explaining, and I wish you luck with your difficulty.’
‘Thank you. God alone knows, I shall need it.’
Paul rang the bell and Woodley appeared to show Exton out.
‘What was that all about?’ Paul asked as soon as their visitor was gone. ‘Why did you look so intense when he mentioned Mrs Brigstock’s name?’
A Sense of Injustice (Perceptions Book 4) Page 10