by Anne Herries
‘The marquis?’ Eliza was puzzled. ‘I don’t understand. You have it right—you are to take me to Lady Sarah, my employer?’
‘Those are my instructions, yes. Is that trunk all you have with you?’
‘And my portmanteau,’ Eliza said. ‘I shall carry that—if you would help Mr Wright with the trunk, please?’
‘Yes, of course.’
The man turned away. Together, he and Ted strapped the heavy trunk on the back of the carriage and then Ted came back to her. He held out his hand, placing his other hand over hers as she took it.
‘Don’t forget, you can come home any time you like, Miss Eliza.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, glancing at the groom as he stood with the door open, waiting for her. She climbed in and waved to her friend from behind the window. Her mouth felt dry as she settled back against the comfortable squabs and her throat was tight. She was certainly to travel in luxury and that made her a little apprehensive. Why would the marquis send his carriage—whoever he was? For a moment she wondered if she were being abducted and then the absurdity of such a notion made her smile.
The groom knew the name of her employer. It was quite possible that the marquis was a friend of Lady Sarah and that he had agreed to bring her companion to her.
Feeling relieved to have settled the thing in her mind, Eliza sat back and took out the battered copy of a book she had bought from the second-hand stall at the market. It would serve to pass the time as they traveled, for she knew they would be some days on the road. She would need to take a room at more than one inn and she would have to rely on the coachman to find a decent house that was not too expensive for her purse.
Eliza looked out of the inn window and smiled as she saw it was yet another clear fine day. They had already been three days on the road and she would be glad when they reached Bath, which should not be more than another day at the most, for they had made good time. The Marquis of Cheadle’s carriage was well sprung and the journey had been less tiresome than it might have been had she travelled on the mail coach. She had been surprised to find herself staying at the finest inns on the road; when she tentatively asked how much she owed the first morning, she was told that the Marquis of Cheadle’s groom had settled the account.
Eliza had immediately tried to settle the debt, but the groom shook his head. ‘I was given me instructions clear, miss. You wus to ’ave all the best and he would pay for yer lodgings.’
‘Oh…’ Somewhat taken aback by this statement, she was at first at a loss for words, then, ‘I suppose my employer has settled it with the marquis.’
‘Yes, miss. I dare say you are right.’
She moved away from the window and picked up her portmanteau, which contained all she required for her immediate needs. Her trunk had already been loaded on to the carriage and they were ready to leave again.
‘How much further have we to travel?’ she asked as the groom opened the door for her.
‘If we make good time and meet no accidents, we should reach Bath before dark this night, miss.’
‘Thank you.’ She smiled at him, relieved that only one day of travelling remained. She had finished her book and the last hours of the previous day had seemed tedious. ‘You are very kind.’
‘You are welcome, miss.’ He touched his hat. ‘I hopes as it is the lady you’re working for, miss.’
‘What do you mean by that? I told you at the start, I am to be a companion to Lady Sarah Manners.’
‘Right then, miss. Nothing to worry about then. Get in and we’ll be orf.’
Sarah climbed into the carriage, feeling puzzled once more. Something in the groom’s manner had disturbed her. She wondered why she was riding in such luxury and once again a shiver of apprehension slithered down her spine. Had she been naïve in accepting the first offer she received?
For a moment she felt a frisson of fear at the nape of her neck, but then she took a hold of her nerves. She was being very foolish. It was most unlikely that any marquis would go to so much trouble to abduct a girl he had never seen. She was hardly the most beautiful girl in the world. The thought made her laugh. She had been reading too many romances!
Daniel looked across the square and saw the carriage drawn up outside the inn just as the young woman entered it. He frowned, feeling concerned as he recognised her and the crest on the carriage. What on earth was Miss Bancroft doing in the Marquis of Cheadle’s carriage? Alarm bells began to ring in his head. He recalled that she had been pleased to receive a generous offer of employment—was she being lured to a false promise? Would she join the legion of the missing?
The thought of Miss Eliza Bancroft being sold into white slavery appalled him. He could not bear to contemplate such a thing. It must not be allowed to happen. He must do something—and quickly.
Eliza must be warned that the marquis was not all he seemed. If he had charmed her into believing that she would be his lover or his mistress…no, he would not permit it.
Somehow he must prevent her from plunging into a life of shame and degradation. Yet how could he prevent her? He must go after her—but how to stop the carriage? What could he say?
An idea so reckless and foolhardy that it made him laugh for sheer mischief came to his mind. He dismissed it instantly, but it returned and he felt that he must risk it for Eliza’s sake. He was not sure if she travelled alone, but if the marquis was with her in the carriage it would be necessary to disguise himself. A grim smile touched his mouth.
If Cheadle was involved in the vile gang that he believed was behind his cousin’s death, he would find out soon enough that he had an enemy.
Eliza was brought from her reverie by a shout of alarm from the coachman and then a violent jolting as the carriage came to a sudden halt. She was thrown from her seat and for a moment landed on her knees on the floor of the carriage. Picking herself up, she was about to look out of the window when the door was opened.
‘You had best get down, miss. I hope you wasn’t hurt?’
‘No, just shaken.’ She took the coachman’s hand. ‘What happened?’ she enquired as he helped her descend. ‘Have we…?’ She was about to ask if the carriage had suffered an accident, but seeing the masked rider caught her breath. ‘What are you doing, sir?’ He had a pistol directed at coachman’s chest. ‘That thing is dangerous…’
For a moment the highwayman seemed disinclined to answer. He sat his horse, staring down at them in silence.
Eliza lifted her head, anger making her impetuous. ‘I fear you have mistaken your victim, sir. I have only a few coins in my purse—and this ring.’ She felt for the ring she had found in her mother’s sewing box. It was still on the ribbon that had been with it, hidden under her baby clothes. She took out her purse and offered both it and the ring to the highwayman. ‘Please take these and allow us to go on. I beg you, do not harm these good men—they have done nothing to hurt you.’
‘Who are you?’ the masked man asked in a gruff voice she suspected was disguised. ‘Why are you riding in the Marquis of Cheadle’s carriage—what is he to you?’
He had accepted the purse and ring, which she noticed he examined before slipping them into his coat pocket. For a moment he hesitated, then beckoned her closer.
‘Come with me for a few minutes. I wish to speak with you.’
‘Don’t you listen to him, Miss Bancroft. He is a rogue and not to be trusted,’ the coachman cried and took a step towards her, stopping as the gun pointed in his direction once more.
‘I mean you no harm.’ The masked man bent down, offering his hand, then glanced at the coachman. ‘Wait for your passenger, man, and do not try to be a hero—or you will regret it. Remember, a wild shot might harm the young lady.’ He barked the words at the coachman, his pistol still aimed in his direction. ‘If you do anything foolish, your wife will be a widow this night.’
‘Please do as he asks. I am not afraid,’ Eliza instructed.
She gave the highwayman her hand. He grasped her arm and sh
e clutched his saddle, instinctively jumping as he hauled her up before him.
‘Well done,’ he murmured in an approving tone that sent tingles down her spine. ‘You are quite safe. I do not kill women and children.’
Eliza shivered. At first she had been terrified by the sight of a masked, armed man, but for some unaccountable reason her fear had gone as he rode with her into the trees.
They travelled only far enough to be out of sight of the coachman before he halted. He dismounted and held out his arms. She slid down into them. For a moment he held her and she was aware of the pleasant smell of soap and a breath of cologne. He was very clean for a common highwayman.
‘Well, sir,’ Eliza said, her heart beating very fast, ‘what have you to say to me that could not be said in front of the coachman?’
‘Why are you travelling in that devil’s carriage?’ he demanded. ‘Do you have any idea what kind of a man he is? Whatever promises he has made you are likely to prove your downfall.’
‘The marquis has made me no promises. I have never met him. I am on my way to Bath, where I am to be employed by Lady Sarah Manners.’
The highwayman stared at her. Eliza felt a start of surprise as she noticed how blue his eyes were.
‘Is that the truth?’
‘Why should I lie to you?’
‘Where did you get this ring?’ He took her ring from his pocket, looking at the inscription inside for a moment before handing it to her. ‘What does it say?’
‘Love means more. Why do you ask?’
‘I have seen a similar ring before.’
Eliza’s heart raced. ‘I believe it was my birth mother’s ring. I never knew her, but my mama found it beneath my clothes when I was given to her as a baby.’ Her eyes entreated him. ‘Where have you seen a ring like mine?’
‘I took it from someone in a card game.’ He reached for her purse in his pocket, returning it to her. ‘I am not sure whether I should believe you, Miss Bancroft, but I do not rob young ladies who have no more than a few coins in their purse.’
‘Thank you.’ Her eyes were on his face. The mask covered most of it, but something about the set of his chin seemed familiar, as did the cologne he wore. She was certain she knew him. ‘Why were you concerned about my reasons for travelling in the marquis’s coach?’
‘I would not have an innocent girl fall into that trap.’
Her cheeks were pink. ‘You were good to be concerned for me, Mr Seaton, but I assure you I am not about to become any man’s mistress. As for the marquis, I have never met him.’
For a moment he was silent, then, ‘How did you know me?’ He muttered an oath beneath his breath. ‘Confound it! This is a coil, Miss Bancroft. I had hoped you would not recognise me. What gave me away?’
‘Your eyes and your chin—and your cologne,’ she said. ‘This is most awkward for us both, sir. Will you accept my word that I shall never reveal your identity on pain of death?’
‘Heaven forfend!’ Daniel said and laughed as he removed his mask. ‘I do not think you need to go so far, Miss Bancroft. Were you to be in danger of your life, you must certainly reveal my name.’
Eliza felt the laughter bubble up inside her. ‘How foolish this is! I do not think you are proficient at your profession, sir. May I enquire why you took it up?’
‘I must admit that this is my first attempt. I saw you get into the carriage where you made your last stop and feared you might be in trouble. It appears I was mistaken—but I could not allow you to go on in ignorance of the manner of man in whose carriage you rode. However, I did not wish to be seen by Cheadle, so I thought of the disguise to fool him if you were together—a disguise that seems not to have served me that well.’
‘I see…’ Eliza was thoughtful. ‘I must thank you for your concern for me—but, pray tell me, why did you not wish to be seen by the marquis?’
‘It is a matter I may not discuss with anyone—but I assure you I had good reason. And I beg you to have a care when dealing with him.’
‘I have no need of such advice. I told you, I have no intention of becoming any man’s mistress.’
‘Sometimes innocent girls are not given a choice in the matter.’
‘What do you mean?’ Her smooth brow wrinkled in thought. ‘Surely you do not think the marquis…? No, sir, that is monstrous. I have been treated with the greatest courtesy by his men. You are reckless and foolhardy and I cannot think you gave this foolish trick much consideration.’
‘You have no idea of what you speak,’ Daniel said harshly. ‘There are men capable of such infamy…things of which you can have no knowledge. Please continue your journey. I am sorry to have interrupted what was such a pleasant experience for you. When Cheadle leaves you pregnant and destitute—’
Eliza reached out and slapped him. Her eyes widened in distress as his mouth thinned with temper. ‘Oh, I am so sorry. I did not mean to…’
She turned away in embarrassment, but he caught her arm, swinging her back to face him. She had a moment to notice the angry passion in his eyes and then he caught her to him. His head bent as he took possession of her lips. The kiss was at first demanding, angry, but then it softened, becoming sweet and pleasing. Eliza did not struggle. For some obscure reason she felt relaxed and at ease in his embrace, her lips receptive, slightly parted. When he finally released her, she could only stare at him in bewilderment.
‘Forgive me. I was tempted. You provoked me too far.’
‘Then I must ask you to forgive me. It was quite unintentional, I assure you. May I leave now? You have my word that I shall not betray you. Nor shall I fall into the arms of a scoundrel. I am truly to work for a lady of quality.’
‘You are either a saint or have the patience of one,’ Daniel exclaimed ruefully. ‘I have no excuse for my behaviour—in holding up your carriage or the kiss.’
‘Papa taught me to see good in everyone and every situation.’
Eliza turned away, a smile on her soft mouth. It was as well that he could not read her mind. If he had guessed at her thoughts, which were really extremely shocking, he would know that she had wanted the kisses to continue.
As she walked back to the carriage, where the coachman was anxiously awaiting her, Eliza’s thoughts were churning with unanswered questions. Mr Seaton had not told her from whom he had won the ring that was like hers, but she could not help wondering if it were the Marquis of Cheadle. Was the hold-up all a foolish prank or was there some hidden secret—a secret that might concern her?
‘Are you all right, Miss Bancroft?’
‘What? Oh, yes, perfectly,’ Eliza said. ‘It was just a mistake, sir. The highwayman was playing a prank for a bet. He held up the wrong carriage. Shall we go on now?’
The coachman gave her an odd look, but said no more, offering his hand to assist her into the carriage.
Eliza sat back against the squabs. She touched her fingers to her mouth and smiled. Ever since the first time she had seen Mr Daniel Seaton she had wondered what it would be like to be kissed by him. Now she knew and it was even nicer than she had imagined.
Was it wicked of her to have enjoyed his kiss? Eliza knew that she was unlikely to marry unless she settled for someone like the curate. Mr Stanley was a good man, she supposed, but she had never dreamed of being kissed by him, whereas Mr Seaton’s face had come unbidden to her mind both when sleeping and when she was awake. It was foolish to think of him—he was the earl’s nephew and would have only one purpose for a girl of Eliza’s upbringing. For a moment she thought that the sacrifice of name and reputation might be worthwhile for the happiness that an illicit love affair might bring. Then she recalled that she herself was most likely a lovechild. Papa and Mama would be horrified if they knew what was in her mind.
‘I am sorry,’ she whispered, though she was quite alone in the carriage. ‘I promise I shall do nothing to shame you.’
You could never do that, Eliza.
Tears stung her eyes as she imagined her mother’s voice and
her gentle smile. She missed her parents and her friends and for a moment she felt terribly alone. It was a huge step to travel such a long way to live with a stranger. Supposing Lady Sarah did not like her? The offer was only provisional and at the end of that period of probation, she might be forced to look for another position.
Chapter Three
The house in the Crescent was imposing and grand. It was very different to the eyes of a country girl who until recently had only visited Norwich once in her life.
Eliza’s heart beat wildly as the footman opened the front door to her. His livery was extremely smart and his manner seemed condescending as he beckoned her inside. The black-and-white tiled floor in the hall gleamed and the scent of lavender polish met her as she was shown up the stairs to the first-floor reception rooms.
‘Her ladyship is expecting you, Miss Bancroft.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, her throat dry as she followed the footman along the landing to a pair of imposing doors. They were painted white and scrolled with gold swags and bows, the handles of gleaming brass. A maid must have polished them that very morning.
‘Miss Bancroft, your ladyship.’
The footman stood back to allow Eliza to enter, closing the door behind her. Eliza saw a woman seated in an elbow chair close to the window. She had obviously been reading, but she placed her book on the wine table close to hand, letting her enquiring gaze rest on Eliza. She had a gentle face and her smile of welcome lit her eyes.
‘Please come to me, Miss Bancroft,’ she said, standing up and offering her hand. ‘I have been looking forward to meeting you.’
‘Thank you. I, too, have anticipated this meeting with pleasure, my lady.’ Eliza moved forwards. She extended her hand and the lady held it for a moment and then sat down. ‘I am grateful for the chance to be of service to you, my lady.’
‘Until recently I have been living in the country,’ Lady Sarah said. ‘Now that I am in Bath I find I need a companion, a young lady who will exchange books at the library, fetch things I need and accompany me to the Pump Room and various functions. I have maids to care for my clothes and the house. I really need a friend to sit and talk with me, perhaps read to me now and then when I have a headache—nothing too strenuous, Eliza. I hope I may call you Eliza?’