Secret Heiress

by Anne Herries

  ‘I dare say he was ashamed, sir. You must not blame yourself for any of this unfortunate business. ‘ Daniel was thoughtful for a moment, then, ‘I do not know how to thank you for your gift. I should indeed wish to sell. I have some debts, which such a sum will amply cover. How did you know I was in debt?’

  ‘I guessed it when my agent told me you had had your estate valued. You should have told me. I would have lent you the money.’

  ‘I did not wish to ask. I meant to sell and take up a life in the army.’

  ‘I prefer that you keep your estate, Daniel. I shall be needing your help and advice more as the years pass. If it was within my power, I would leave everything to you—but I must think of my daughter’s sons. However, the Peterborough estate will become yours on the day of your wedding.’

  ‘You are generous, sir.’

  ‘We shall say no more of it. Go and find Miss Bancroft. I believe she is sitting in the front parlour, which was your aunt’s favourite.’

  ‘Eliza has got up?’ Daniel frowned. ‘I shall go to her at once.’

  He walked swiftly in the direction of the small parlour, which, in summer, caught the last of the evening sun. It was quite dull that evening and a fire had been lit. Eliza was standing at the window, gazing out.

  ‘Eliza…’ She turned at his voice, her face lighting with pleasure. ‘Should you not be resting?’

  ‘Please do not scold me,’ Eliza said and came to him with outstretched hands. ‘I feel much better. I am not ill, you know. I think I fainted because I was hungry…though the sight of the blood…’ A little shiver went through her. ‘Is he still alive?’

  ‘Kettleton is not dead, though he might prefer it to imprisonment and a hanging,’ Daniel said and looked grim. ‘You have nothing with which to reproach yourself, Eliza. Indeed, Mr Justice Rawlings praised you for your courage and helping to bring a wicked villain to book. He was aware that something unpleasant was happening, for at least ten young women had disappeared in the district over the past two years.’

  ‘How awful. Kettleton must be evil indeed.’

  ‘Yes, I believe he is. We are certain that he either killed or had my cousin murdered. Believe me, my dearest, you need have no feelings of guilt.’

  ‘He intended me for his whorehouse,’ Eliza said. ‘However, the main reason for my abduction was to lure you to your death. I had already escaped once, but he tricked me into his carriage. He threatened me with his pistol and when he tried to pull me from the carriage I fell against him and took the pistol. He tried to grab it from me and…I fired.’

  ‘It went off by accident, which is what I told the magistrate,’ Daniel moved in closer, looking down at her with love in his eyes. ‘There were three witnesses, all of whom agreed to testify against a man they feared. It would seem that they were all coerced one way or the other into working for him—or that is what they would have us believe. I am not sure it will save them, but that is for the law to decide, not us.’

  ‘I am glad it is over,’ Eliza said and sighed with relief. ‘But you do not know what happened before I was abducted…at Lady Sarah’s house.’

  ‘Certainly I know,’ Daniel said. His arms went around her waist and he bent his head to kiss her softly on the lips. ‘Lady Sarah told me her son falsely accused you of theft. When I left her, she was being comforted by Cheadle, who, as far as my understanding goes, intends to take care of her. She did not believe you would rob her, dearest. Her main concern was that I should find you. You must know that she cares for you deeply.’

  ‘Yes, I thought so, but for a moment she seemed to doubt me.’ Eliza blinked back foolish tears. ‘Then you still wish to marry me? You are not afraid of the scandal?’

  ‘What scandal? My uncle insists that the wedding be here, Eliza. You will be able to invite your friends and I shall invite those I particularly like, though I think we shall not want a large wedding.’

  ‘Oh, Daniel…’ Eliza looked up at him, her lips soft and inviting as he lowered his head to kiss her. ‘I cannot believe that it has all turned out so well. It seems too much like a dream.’

  ‘We are neither of us dreaming, my love, and, because of my uncle’s generosity to me, we shall have a home. He has given me a substantial estate, which I shall sell and pay my debts.’

  ‘Oh, Daniel…’ Eliza’s face glowed as she looked up at him. ‘I am so happy…’

  ‘I love you so much, my dearest. When I thought you lost it was unbearable. I am determined never to let you out of my sight again. We shall have the banns called in church this Sunday,’ Daniel said. ‘I shall make the arrangements for the wedding and you must find someone to sew your bride gown. Would you prefer to stay here or lodge with Betty until the wedding?’

  ‘The earl has been extremely kind, but I think I should go to Betty’s until the wedding. It will be quite safe now that your enemy has been placed under lock and key—and I know she will enjoy having me there. I shall buy material in Norwich and Betty will help me make a new gown.’

  ‘You must do exactly as you wish,’ Daniel told her, his fingers trailing lovingly down her cheek. ‘I shall spend every day with you until the wedding, and for the rest of our lives. We shall have a short honeymoon in Paris and you may buy most of your bride clothes there.’

  ‘I shall not need so very many.’

  Daniel kissed the end of her nose. ‘You will allow your husband to be the judge of that,’ he said, but his eyes were filled with laughter. ‘I shall have several thousand guineas left after the sale of my new property, Eliza, and I intend to spend a fair portion on you.’

  ‘We shall see,’ she said and smiled. ‘Have you written to Lady Sarah? I would not have her worried for my sake.’

  ‘I wrote to Cheadle at her address and he will break the news to her. I am certain he will make sure she is not too distressed.’

  ‘Then it seems we have nothing to do but look forward to our wedding.’ Eliza reached up to kiss him. ‘I do love you so very much.’

  ‘And I love you, my darling.’ Daniel took her hand. ‘Shall we go and tell my uncle the good news?’

  It was three days later that Eliza returned from Norwich, whence Daniel had driven her in his curricle to buy certain things she needed, to discover a carriage at Betty’s door. They both recognised the crest immediately.

  ‘I think your father must be waiting for you,’ Daniel said and saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes. ‘Do not be anxious, my love. I shall be with you and I assure you he will say nothing to upset you.’

  ‘I do not fear him,’ Eliza said. ‘I am merely anxious that Lady— Mama…’ she cried as the cottage door opened and Lady Sarah came out to her.

  ‘Eliza, my love,’ her mother said and rushed to embrace her. ‘I told Cheadle I must come to you and he was so good as to oblige me. I was so anxious that I could not wait another day—and so here we are.’

  ‘I am glad to see you, but where are you staying?’

  ‘I dare say my uncle would be glad to offer Lady Sarah and the marquis a room,’ Daniel said. ‘Shall we go inside and talk about it?’

  They trouped inside and Betty ushered them through to the parlour, where Mr Wright was looking slightly ill at ease as he attempted to make conversation with the Marquis of Cheadle. He rose to his feet as the others entered.

  ‘I’ll leave you now, sir. I’m glad to have made your acquaintance.’

  ‘Remember that you may come to me if you ever wish for a change of situation. I am deeply aware of my obligation, Mr Wright.’

  Cheadle rose to his feet. His gaze went to Eliza and Daniel and he nodded his head. ‘Well, I hear it is all settled. You are to be married. I congratulate you, Seaton. Eliza will make you an excellent wife—and she will not be without a dowry. I have decided to give her the same as I gave Marianne, which is twenty thousand pounds.’

  ‘Cheadle, that is handsome of you,’ Lady Sarah said and smiled approvingly. ‘I shall give Eliza five thousand, as I always planned to give my daughter when
I found her.’

  ‘Are you sure, Mama?’ Eliza asked her with an anxious look. ‘Will Lord Manners not object?’

  ‘It matters not if he does,’ her mother replied, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. ‘Cheadle and I have some news of our own. We shall remain in England until both you and Marianne are wed, and until then we shall make no announcements—but after that we are to travel to Italy and perhaps Spain or France. Cheadle has parted from Lady Cheadle, and she has agreed to a settlement. There may be a divorce one day, but we are both old enough to pay that no mind.’ She looked at Eliza in an oddly shy way. ‘You will not be ashamed of your mother for becoming a kept woman?’

  ‘Mama…’ Eliza’s eyes danced with laughter. ‘I believe it would be several years too late, for I should not be here had you not already become the marquis’s lover. This is what you should have done years ago.’

  ‘Exactly what I told her,’ Cheadle said and smiled fondly at his love. ‘If I can arrange it, Sarah will be my wife one day—but if not we shall live together abroad and be damned to the gossips.’

  ‘Then I must wish you happiness,’ Daniel said and looked fondly at Eliza. ‘I know this will set Eliza’s mind at rest and we may all be comfortable. ‘

  ‘You will allow me to repay the money I took from your father at the card tables, Seaton. It is much on my conscience and I would like to make recompense.’

  ‘It was a gambling debt, sir. My father lost the money and…’ Eliza pressed Daniel’s hand, giving him a look of appeal. He bent his head stiffly. ‘Very well, sir, have it your way.’

  ‘Now we may all be content and look forward to your wedding, Eliza,’ Lady Sarah said. ‘I have brought some special lace with me. I understand you are making your gown with Mrs Wright’s help and I hope you will find a use for it.’

  ‘I am sure I shall—that was the one thing I could not find today,’ Eliza told her.

  ‘Shall we leave the ladies to talk wedding clothes?’ Cheadle asked. ‘Give me your company, Seaton. There are a few things I would say to you.’

  The two men walked from the cottage together, taking a stroll in the lane. They discussed the outcome of Eliza’s kidnap, and Cheadle declared himself well satisfied with the business.

  ‘I am glad it is all settled. I should not liked to have left England while either you or my daughter were in danger of your lives.’

  ‘Kettleton will be no threat to anyone in future,’ Daniel assured him. ‘He is still living, but if he cheats death now he will not last long—and his underlings have all confessed their guilt and hope to be transported to America rather than hung. I shall say nothing against it for their testimony has brought the truth out.’

  ‘Then we may all rest easy.’ Cheadle cleared his throat. ‘I must thank you for helping me to be certain there was little scandal concerning Marianne’s elopement. I think once it is known that Lady Sarah and I have left the country together it will not take the gossips long to put the pieces together. You will not mind if there is some talk?’

  ‘Not in the least, and nor will Jack. He is head over heels with Marianne, and I fancy she is quite content to be the wife of a country gentleman.’

  ‘Yes, she is. When last I saw her, she was delighted to know that Eliza was her half-sister and I think she wants her to be her maid of honour, if you will bring her down next week. It is close to your own wedding, I know, but Marianne would so much like her sister to be there.’

  ‘Then we shall certainly come,’ Daniel said. ‘And then we must also attend Kate Henderson’s wedding before we return here. I imagine Lady Sarah will not accompany you to Marianne’s wedding?’

  ‘Not this time—it was part of my wife’s terms.’

  ‘Then she may stay and keep my uncle company until we visit Kate’s home, or perhaps go down ahead of us…’

  ‘You look beautiful in that gown,’ Lady Sarah said when she went in to give Eliza a kiss and a small piece of diamond jewellery on her wedding morning. ‘This diamond pin was given me by my father when I was engaged, Eliza. I should like you to have it.’

  ‘I shall pin it to my lace. The earl gave me a set of diamonds and sapphires,’ Eliza replied and hugged her mother. She touched the diamonds at her throat. ‘These were my father’s wedding gift to me, and the bracelet and earrings were from Daniel. I think they conferred together because they match very well.’

  ‘Yes, Cheadle and Seaton do seem to get on together these days,’ Lady Sarah replied with a smile. ‘Everything is so much more pleasant. I even had a note from Howard, telling me that I am at liberty to stay at the Dower House should I wish. I believe he has repented of his wickedness—or Cheadle must have frightened him half to death.’

  ‘My father can be quite terrifying when he is angry,’ Eliza replied and kissed her mother. ‘Wasn’t it splendid of Marianne and Jack to put off their trip to Italy until after our wedding?’

  ‘Jack is to be Seaton’s best man. They are close friends, I think?’

  ‘Yes, the best, which is perfect for Marianne and I.’ Eliza smiled. ‘I do not know what I have done to be so very fortunate in my friends and family, Mama.’

  ‘I think you deserve all the happiness that has come your way,’ Lady Sarah said. ‘I have never had a word of reproach from you, even though you had a right to complain.’

  ‘Nor shall you,’ Eliza told her. ‘I have no reason in the world to complain for everything is quite perfect.’

  ‘That is not what I meant and you know it, but we shall not mention the subject again.’ Lady Sarah straightened a piece of exquisite Brussels lace at her daughter’s breast. ‘Come, dearest, we should be leaving for the church.’

  Eliza turned her head to look at Daniel as the vicar pronounced them man and wife. He lifted her veil and kissed her, to some applause from the congregation. Eliza’s heart filled with happiness. Then they were leaving church, her hand on his arm as the bells pealed out joyfully.

  ‘My beloved wife,’ Daniel murmured as they sat side by side in the coach taking them back to his uncle’s house. ‘How good that sounds. I smile when I think that I once found the idea of marriage something to be avoided.’

  ‘Kate told me you were nearly a rake once,’ Eliza said and smiled. ‘I was sorry she could not be here, but as you know she is on her honeymoon. I had a long letter and a gift from her, and she promises to come and stay as soon as we are all settled in England once more.’

  ‘A rake?’ Daniel’s eyebrows arched. ‘Did she, indeed? I believe your friend has a little too much imagination, Eliza. I was never quite that, I think.’

  ‘Oh? You disappoint me,’ Eliza teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘She promised me that reformed rakes made quite the best husbands.’

  ‘You little wretch,’ Daniel said, taking her into his arms to kiss her soundly. ‘You deserve that I should spank you—but there, you always did find me amusing. I shall have to teach you not to laugh at your husband. Respect is the proper thing, madam.’

  Eliza gurgled with laughter for his eyes quizzed her boldly, daring her to defy him. ‘Ah, is that so? Then I fear you will have to chastise me a great deal, husband, for I have never been properly respectful. I cannot help but see the amusing side to anything—and you must admit that you made a wretched fist of being a highwayman.’

  ‘How true. I do not imagine I shall have the need to take it up again. Your father insisted on repaying the money he won from my father for his peace of mind, and the mortgages are all paid.’ He gave her a mock scowl. ‘I confess my pride was piqued when you said I amused you.’

  ‘But I like to be amused,’ Eliza replied, reaching up to touch his cheek. ‘There is sufficient sadness in the world, Daniel. When you came into my life I was struggling to recover from my grief. My adoptive mother was a kind and generous lady. She gave me all the love a natural mother would bestow on her child—and I sincerely mourned her; indeed, she will always hold her place in my heart. My good fortune was that by chance I was reunited with my t
rue mother.’

  ‘I doubt there was much chance in it,’ Daniel replied. ‘Oh, yes, the advertisement and your employment were by chance, but Lady Sarah was determined to find you. I am certain she would not have given up however long it took.’

  ‘You are very right—but it has all turned out extremely well. She was an invalid when I went to her. Now she has a new brightness about her and seems perfectly well.’

  ‘She has rediscovered love,’ Daniel told her and drew her close to his body. ‘Love means more, dearest. Those are very true words. When I read that inscription in Cheadle’s ring, I began to realise that I had misjudged him.’

  ‘I gave my ring back to my mama. She wanted me to keep it, but I told her she could leave it to my daughter if she wished—or my son…’

  Daniel’s eyes danced with amusement as he looked down at her. ‘Have you not yet decided? I should have thought you would have all that mapped out?’

  ‘Even I may not do that,’ she replied. ‘Yet I think perhaps God may favour us with one or the other—or both.’

  ‘Now that,’ Daniel said, ‘would be quite perfect…’

  Eliza stirred, a sigh of content on her lips as she woke and felt the warmth of her husband’s body beside her. They were staying in a small discreet hotel in Paris, which was exactly right for a honeymoon. Daniel had taken her exploring, showing her the sights and taking her on the Seine in one of the boats that plied their trade up and down its waters, beneath the Saint-Michel bridge and past the great Cathedral of Notre-Dame. He had bought her more dresses than she could possibly wear, spoiling her until she protested and begged him to stop.

  ‘And what was that sigh for?’ Daniel enquired, reaching out to touch her cheek. He turned on his side to look at her, as they lay in their bed. ‘Are you bored in Paris—do you wish to go home?’