‘What now?’ Flora asked.
‘I think it’s time for me to pay Cleethorp a visit and spell out a few facts of life,’ Luke replied. ‘He and Mrs Brigstock need to look elsewhere to secure their future. Heath tells me that he still has Brigstock’s open letter. He hasn’t read it but Brigstock obviously understood his wife’s avaricious nature because he left written permission for Heath to use that letter as he saw fit after his death.’
Flora’s eyes sparkled. ‘So there is nothing to prevent Mr Heath publishing it over a year after that event. How deliciously vengeful. But would he do it?’
‘I have absolutely no idea,’ Luke replied cheerfully, ‘but I shall give Cleethorp the impression that he’s waiting only for my word before taking that step.’
Paul chuckled. ‘Very devious.’
‘I might also mention that I know about his Jenson alias.’ Luke rubbed his hands together. ‘I think those two threats will ensure your friend’s safety, Flora.’
Romulus lifted his big head and barked just once. They all laughed.
‘I’m sure he understands every word we say,’ Flora insisted, dropping a hand to tug affectionately at his ears. ‘No one will convince me otherwise.’
‘Precocious beast,’ Luke muttered, smiling.
‘Well, I am glad we have found a solution to the problem,’ Flora said. ‘I shall call and see Louise this afternoon and pass on the good news.’
‘I would prefer it if you did not go alone,’ Luke said.
‘Don’t be silly.’ Flora waved aside his concerns. ‘You will be with Cleethorp and no one else is out to harm me.’
Luke knew she was right but still felt uneasy at the prospect of her riding out alone. Damn it, now he was getting as bad as Flora and acting as though he could predict danger! He glanced at Paul, who gave a small shake of his head. Paul was right of course, as he so often was. Flora was his responsibility in some respects but would not thank him for his over-protectiveness.
‘Very well, but take Romulus with you.’
‘Luke.’ She stood up and bobbed a curtsey. ‘I shall do perfectly well on my own.’ She gave Rom’s ears another friendly tug. ‘But now, if you will excuse me, I must return to the countess.’
‘That girl will be the death of me yet,’ Luke muttered, watching her go.
‘That girl will be the next Marchioness of Felsham if Archie has his way.’
Luke fixed Paul with a piercing look. ‘Has Archie said anything about his intentions to you?’
‘Hell no, but I’ve seen the way he looks at her.’
‘Archie looks at all attractive females in that manner.’
Paul shook his head. ‘I’ve noticed him watching her intently when she isn’t aware of his scrutiny. His expression goes beyond the mere speculative. Protective, I suppose. Obsessive almost.’
‘Then why, if you’re right, hasn’t he done anything about it?’ Luke asked curtly, attempting to suppress his jealousy.
‘Can you imagine his father’s reaction if he introduced a cleric’s daughter as his future wife?’
Luke nodded, aware that his own late father’s standards would also have made the match impossible. They still did, even after his death.
‘You think Archie is waiting for his father to turn up his toes?’
‘There won’t be anything to stop him from pleasing himself once he does, and I’m told it won’t be long. It will be a brilliant match for Flora.’
‘It would, but she wouldn’t have him. She isn’t impressed by wealth and titles.’
‘Perhaps not, but she does like Archie. He makes her laugh and I think she feels sorry for him. You know how soft-hearted she is.’
‘Ha! She’s too good for him. Archie isn’t the constant type, and Flora would never countenance a husband who strayed.’
‘Just thought you should be aware of the way the wind blows,’ Paul said calmly as he stood. ‘But now, I’d best get on.’
Left alone, Luke stared moodily at the fire, thinking about what Paul had just told him. He then swore profusely, pushed himself to his feet and with Romulus at his heels, decided he might as well ride into the village and confront Cleethorp right away.
⸎⸎⸎⸎⸎
Flora spent an hour with the countess. Her charge was in much better spirits, as evidenced by her desire to regale Flora with exaggerated tales of her younger days, to which Flora listened with half an ear. Her mind kept returning to Luke and Paul’s discoveries. She found it hard to imagine such wickedness on the part of a cold, calculating woman and felt a burning sense of injustice for all that Louise had been compelled to suffer as a consequence.
Even though it looked as though her new friend would soon be free of Cleethorp for ever, recovering from her ordeal would take a great deal longer. If she ever fully did. She had been robbed of something precious through no fault of her own, and would never reclaim her lost innocence. Louise was right to suggest that most men would not be willing to overlook the situation and would likely only pursue her for her fortune.
‘You’re preoccupied, miss,’ the countess said, breaking off in the middle of a long story about a marquess who had supposedly fought a duel over her. ‘Have I managed to shock you at last.’
‘Not nearly, ma’am. You must excuse me. I was thinking about Louise. The earl has found a way to dissuade the man who has been pursuing her.’
‘My grandson is nothing if not inventive.’ Thankfully, the countess didn’t ask for particulars. ‘You want to be the one to tell her the good news, I suppose.’
‘I shall ride over and see her this afternoon while you are resting, if you have no objection.’
‘You might as well go now, for all the company you are.’
‘Sorry.’ Flora smiled ruefully. ‘I feel so very sorry for Louise. She has been treated abominably just because she is an heiress.’
‘Ah well, there will always be sharp young men with an eye for a fortune. That’s why gels should be properly chaperoned, which Louise very obviously was not.’ The countess shook her head, looking highly affronted. ‘Take the rest of the afternoon off, love, go and see the girl and set her mind at rest. Sandwell will take care of my needs.’
‘Are you quite sure? I will not have you thinking that I’m neglecting you.’
‘It was me who asked you to try and help Louise in the first place. Can’t have fortune hunters cluttering up the countryside.’
‘Heaven forbid!’
Flora rang the bell for Sandwell and when she responded to it, Flora kissed the countess’s brow. ‘I shall call back later and let you know how it went,’ she promised. ‘Shall we go down to dinner this evening?’
‘I think we shall,’ the countess replied, waving Flora away. ‘It’s about time I knew what escapades my grandchildren have involved themselves in, and since they never bother to visit me here…’
Flora scampered off to change into her riding habit. She dressed quickly, made her way to the stables and was soon cantering across the countryside, perched on Amethyst’s back and enjoying the feel of the powerful horse responding to her commands.
Louise opened the door to her herself when she reached her destination and greeted her with great affection.
‘Grandmamma and Marianne are out for the afternoon visiting friends, so we have the place to ourselves. Shall we walk in the gardens?’
‘By all means. How are you?’
‘Exceedingly well, I thank you. I am so glad you persuaded me to confide in Grandmamma,’ Louise said, linking her arm through Flora’s as they strolled between the neatly tended flower beds. ‘I was petrified about disappointing her, but she gave me her full support and didn’t blame me for anything that happened, even though I shall always blame myself for being so gullible.’
‘Why would your grandmother accuse you of impropriety when what occurred was not your fault? That horrible man forced himself upon you and ought to be publicly disgraced for his behaviour. And as for your aunt…’
‘Quite.
’ The girls sat on a bench in the lee of a crisp wind. ‘I am just relieved that Grandmamma knows everything and there are no more guilty secrets between us. All we must do now if find a way to protect Marianne.’
‘Well, I think I can help you there.’
Louise listened as Flora explained what Luke and Paul had discovered. ‘The earl is on his way to confront Cleethorp as we speak,’ she finished by saying, talking over Louise’s excited exclamations. ‘I think it safe to assume that you have seen the last of him.’
‘Oh, Flora, thank you!’ Louise threw her arms around Flora’s neck. ‘You are the best friend in the world.’
‘Think nothing of it. I cannot abide injustice and must always try and redress the balance whenever I come across it. Now, we just need to be sure that you are not increasing and then you can put the whole affair behind you and look to the future.’ She covered Louise’s hand with one of her own. ‘I know that will not happen overnight but time is a great healer. You must believe that.’
‘Oh, I am a survivor. I have grown up these past weeks, and I am no longer nearly so trusting as I once was. I find myself questioning everything that is said to me and shall not be taken in again.’
‘Not everyone has evil intentions,’ Flora replied. ‘But there again, I am not an heiress so I can’t pretend to understand all of your problems.’
Flora wanted to tell Louise that Henry had asked about her several times, but knew her friend wasn’t yet ready to think about any fresh romantic entanglements. Perhaps she never would be after what had happened to her, which was a very great pity. Henry was everything that Cleethorp was not, and in Flora’s admittedly biased opinion his company would be the very best way for Louise to recover from the doldrums.
‘I have decided, no matter what…’ Louise glanced down at her stomach. ‘No matter the outcome of…you know, that I am going to sell the London house and purchase somewhere to live in the country. Somewhere large enough for Grandmamma and Marianne to share comfortably with me. I want us all to live together. I can tell that Grandmamma must have had to scrimp and save to run this establishment, and I can at least relieve her of all her financial burdens. It is the very least that I can do for her. I still feel dreadful for not having visited more frequently.’
It was Flora’s turn for her mouth to fall open when Louise told her what she had learned about her mother and aunt.
‘I now feel completely vindicated in deciding to turn my aunt out without offering her anything to live on, and I don’t intend to wait until I come of age to do so.’ Louise straightened her spine. ‘She must have known what Cleethorp’s intentions were, and did nothing to prevent him from forcing himself upon me, and all because of some long-held grudge against my mother. It defies belief, and I shall be glad to see the back of her.’ She offered up a rueful grin. ‘Does that sound very wicked?’
‘Not in the least. My own family didn’t even acknowledge my coming of age and so, as far as I am concerned, I no longer have a family. One can choose one’s friends, my dear, but not one’s family. One can however disown them if one so wishes.’
They both smiled.
‘I consider myself fortunate to call you my friend, dearest Flora.’
‘And so you shall, especially if you settle in this district.’
‘That is my intention.’
Their conversation turned more general at that point. Flora rode away from the Pearson residence half an hour later, feeling a great deal of satisfaction at a resolution neatly achieved. Absorbed in thought, she sensed an urgent rush of wind past her ear. Remus! She glanced around, wondering what possible danger she could be in. She hadn’t sensed anything, and had been too absorbed by her thoughts to pay much heed of the road ahead. Would that she had done so! She glanced up and noticed a man astride a horse, blocking her path. Her heart quailed when his severe expression gave way to one of wicked and calculating speculation.
‘You!’ She glowered at the man and lifted her chin, attempting not to show how worried by his appearance in this isolated spot she actually was. ‘What are you doing here?’
⸎⸎⸎⸎⸎
Darius slept late but forced himself from a drink-induced slumber as the church clock struck noon, a headache pounding against his temples. Too much brandy the night before, he recalled. But damn it, what else was there for him to do once Felicity had scampered off to smile at her uncle. He swore volubly as he recalled the task that he had agreed to undertake at Felicity’s behest. She absolutely insisted that Darius should confront Louise’s sister. Darius knew it was a serious error of judgement, but when Felicity set her mind upon a particular course there was no changing it.
And so here he was, watching the road that lead to the Pearson residence from the shelter of a disused barn, wondering how best to create an accidental meeting with Marianne Pearson. It wasn’t as though he could call at the house. There was no guarantee that she would be at home, or that she would receive a stranger even if she was. Darius had tried to point out all the potential obstacles to Felicity, but she was having none of it and repeatedly told Darius to be inventive.
It was deadly quiet, not especially warm and Darius’s hired horse was becoming restless. He had almost decided to give up and return to the cosy taproom when a lone figure appeared in the distance, riding a grey gelding that he immediately recognised. His spirits lifted at this unexpected gift from the gods. Perhaps this wouldn’t be such a massive waste of time after all. His desire for revenge against the earl’s servant who most definitely had ideas above her station had not abated and now it seemed he would have his opportunity.
Any lingering doubts evaporated when she addressed him in a haughty manner, demanding to know what he was doing on that road. As if it was any of the hussy’s business how he occupied his time! Darius dismounted, giving her no opportunity to gather her wits, aroused by the sight of her in her tight-fitting habit. Those curves were so damned enticing. The earl had obviously enjoyed the feel of them beneath his hands. Now it was Darius’s turn. He grasped her horse’s reins close to the bit, keeping well clear of the crop that the stupid girl tried to hit him with. He snatched it from her hand and threw it aside.
‘Let go of my horse!’
She spurred the animal forward, causing it to rear, but Darius kept a firm hold of its reins. It became more agitated, swinging its quarters from side to side, confused, unsure what was wanted of it.
‘Come with me.’
He let go for the bridle, then reached up before she had time to react and pulled her from the saddle, straight into his arms. Her hat fell off, her hair escaped its pins and tumbled around her shoulders and the horse galloped off, still spooked.
‘I am not going anywhere with you.’
She struggled against him like a wildcat. Darius was obliged to deal a hefty blow to the side of her face that temporarily subdued her. She cried out and then spat at him.
‘Fight all you like,’ he said, dragging her towards the abandoned barn in which he had been sheltering. ‘I prefer the ones who struggle. Makes it more rewarding. Don’t know why you’re making such an almighty fuss anyway. It’s obvious that you’ve given yourself to the earl more times than enough. You know what to expect and I don’t intend to be gentle, not after the trouble you’ve caused me.’
The girl let out a soft little yelp and fell limp in his arms. His knees buckled as her weight shifted and he almost dropped her. Staggering to regain his balance, Darius wondered with detached interest whether the silly chit had actually died of fright.
Chapter Fourteen
Luke cursed when told by Falkner, who’d been landlord of the White Hart since Luke had been in short coats, that he’d just missed Cleethorp.
‘Any idea where he has gone or when he will be back?’ Luke asked.
‘Sorry, milord, but no. He’s not the most sociable of blighters and keeps himself pretty much to himself. Don’t think he’s too keen on mixing with the hoi-polloi. He hired a horse from our mews and rode off
somewhere a while back like his backside was on fire.’
‘Damn,’ Luke muttered.
‘He’ll likely be back in time for supper.’
‘Don’t tell Cleethorp that I was looking for him.’
‘He won’t hear it from me, sir.’ Falkner scratched his ear. ‘Not that he talks to me except to complain about something or other.’ Falkner sniffed. ‘Wish I’d told him we was full now. I could do without his sort lording it over us lesser mortals. Would you like me to send a lad up to the Court when he gets back?’
Luke nodded, thinking that would save him another wasted trip. ‘That would be most obliging.’
‘Nothing’s too much trouble for you, milord.’
‘Good day to you then, Falkner.’
Falkner nodded. ‘Good day to you an’ all.’
Luke was halfway home when Romulus started to behave oddly. He kept darting off in the wrong direction. At first Luke thought he was chasing rabbits, but he kept his nose pressed to the ground and repeatedly rushed back to Luke, barking.
‘What is it boy? You want me to follow you?’
Romulus barked again, making Luke smile as he recalled Flora’s conviction that the dog understood every word spoken to him. He turned Onyx in the direction that Romulus seemed determined to take, and encountered Paul riding away from Beranger Court, leading a riderless Amethyst. Luke’s heart quailed. Flora had gone out on her horse to visit Miss Pearson before Luke had left for the village. God forbid that she had been thrown on the return journey. He knew he should have insisted upon her taking someone with her. The irresponsible chit was determined to test his sanity!
‘What happened?’ Luke asked curtly.
‘No idea. I was told Amethyst had come back alone so I came out to look for Flora. Hopefully, she’s just taken a tumble. Nothing worse.’
Luke thought about Cleethorp’s sudden departure from the White Hart and let forth with a string of colourful curses. He turned Onyx in the same direction as Paul’s horse and the two friends moved forward at a brisk pace.
A Sense of Injustice (Perceptions Book 4) Page 19