Beguiling the Barrister

by Wendy Soliman

  “Then thank you. I hesitate to impose but—”

  “Take my travelling chaise and coachman,” Hal said. “You’ll get there faster. They’re waiting outside.”

  Darius quelled the refusal that automatically sprang to his lips. Now was no time to stand on principle. “You’re too kind.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Rob said. “I might be able to help.”

  Darius gratefully accepted his friend’s company. There probably wouldn’t be a great deal for Rob to do. Greenway would have got things under control by now. Still, two heads were better than one.

  “Does Flick know about the fire?” Darius asked.

  “Unfortunately, yes.” Hal smiled. “She was in the room when I read your note.”

  “We almost had to lock her in to prevent her from coming with us here,” Rob added.

  “Keep her out of it as much as you can,” Darius said grimly. “Pallister is desperate and he will strike at anything or anyone that matters to me.” He clenched his jaw so tightly that it made his teeth ache. “He’s already made that abundantly clear and it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate his desperation.”

  “I’ll keep her in line,” Hal assured him, clapping his shoulder. “Somehow,” he added, grimacing. “Now, be off with you. Don’t waste time dropping me off. I’ll make my own way home.”

  Ten minutes later Darius and Rob were on the road. Thanks to the superior form of transport provided by Hal, they made the journey in nine hours, arriving in Denby shortly before midnight. Darius entered the house at a run, to be told by the butler that his mother was abed but, he understood, not asleep. Her maid was bearing her company, doing her level best to keep her calm.

  “She’s been asking for you every hour, sir.”

  “Is she very agitated, Sanders?”

  “She has calmed a little since the fire was put out but still isn’t herself.”

  “I’ll go to her at once.” Darius divested himself of his outer garments. “After that I’ll take a look outside for myself. I take it everything’s now under control.”

  “Certainly, sir. Greenway sent a lad to ring the church bell. Every able-bodied man in the district came to help. Greenway organised the men with a line of buckets from the well. We all took part.” Darius noticed for the first time that his elderly butler looked a little untidy. “He was a tower of strength.”

  “And you helped too, Sanders.” Darius clasped his shoulder. “Thank you.”

  “I did what I could, sir.”

  “And I appreciate it.” Darius headed for the stairs. “Have refreshment brought for Lord Robert.”

  “At once.”

  “Darius, there you are.” His mother raised a hand from beneath the bedclothes and Darius took it in both of his. “Whatever’s happening? I don’t understand. I thought we would all be murdered in our beds.”

  “An unfortunate accident, Mother, but it’s all under control now.”

  “But the barn—”

  “Can be rebuilt. No one was hurt. That’s all that matters.”

  Darius spent a half hour with his mother, who appeared worryingly dazed and disorientated. The doctor had been called earlier and Darius eventually persuaded her to take the sleeping draught he’d left for her.

  “She wouldn’t touch it, sir,” her maid said. “Not until you got here. She got a bit muddled, you see. She thought you were here already and when you didn’t come to see her she was convinced you must have been hurt.” Nancy wiped a tear from her cheek. “It was pitiful to see her like that.”

  “She’ll sleep now.” Darius watched as her eyes fluttered to a close and the strain left her face. “But call me if she should wake.”

  “That I will, sir. Don’t you worry none. I’ll take good care of her.”

  “I know you will.”

  Darius rejoined Rob and the two of them took a walk in the grounds. It was perishing cold but Darius was so affected by the eerie silhouette of the burned-out barn, clearly visible thanks to a clear sky and a near full moon, that he barely felt it. The acrid smell of smoke still lingered in the air, causing renewed anger to grip Darius when he considered that it could have been the house itself. Greenway had sensibly left men posted at regular intervals to protect what was left of the barn and keep intruders clear of the house. Darius thanked God for the man’s down-to-earth common sense and unquestionable loyalty.

  “Well,” Darius said to Rob later, sitting across from him in the drawing room, both of them with much-needed glasses of brandy in their hands. “I suppose it could have been worse—”

  “It could have been but I suspect it was intended as a warning.”

  “Yes, I’m sure of it. Don’t you see,” Darius asked, running an agitated hand through his hair, “if he had wanted someone hurt, it could have been arranged. That’s the message he’s trying to send me. He can hurt me however he wishes, and he imagines I won’t be able to give the case my full attention because I’ll be too worried about the welfare of my property and loved ones.”

  Rob flashed a brief smile. “It’s a ridiculous thing to say, but this is almost a compliment to you.”

  Darius shot a surprised glance Rob’s way. “How so?”

  “I doubt whether anyone else has ever opposed Pallister so staunchly. He must see you as a real thorn in his side.”

  “Possibly, but it’s not a comforting thought.”

  “You have evidence, presumably, that points directly to his son?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Well, I won’t ask you what it is but it’s obviously rattled Pallister. His entire future rests in your hands.”

  “Where will he strike next?” Darius pondered aloud, sighing deeply. “That’s what I’d give much to know?”

  “I’ve often thought,” Rob said, crossing one booted foot over his opposite thigh, “that your profession and mine have a lot in common. When I challenge a worthy opponent to a game of chess, I must think many moves in advance and try to work out his strategy, looking for traps or false messages along the way. You do much the same thing at the Bailey.”

  “Yes, but how does that help us?”

  “Think of Pallister as a defendant. He has limited ways of besting you. He knows you can’t be bribed and so must strike at the things you love the most.”

  “This estate?”

  “Yes. This place, your mother and Flick.” Rob fixed him with a penetrating gaze. “Those are your weaknesses and he’ll know it. The estate we can protect, and I’ll come to that in a moment. Your mother will come to London with us, which leaves—”

  “Flick,” the said together.

  “Quite, but she’ll be perfectly safe. We won’t let her out alone.”

  “Rob, this is the height of the season. Anyone could get to her at a ball or assembly if they really wanted to. Lord Edward Armstrong did precisely that just the other night.”

  “Ah, is that what the piquet was all about?”

  Darius glanced away. “Partly.”

  “Well then, we only have a few days to worry about. The trial will be over by the end of the day on Monday. I would suggest that we tell Flick the truth, or as much of it as you feel comfortable imparting. Put her in charge of your mother’s care, tell her you would consider it the kindest of favours since your mother isn’t comfortable with anyone except you or Flick, and she’ll probably not wish to venture out anyway.”

  Darius studied his hands. “I wish I shared your optimism. I can’t help feeling that this is just the start of Pallister’s show of strength.”

  “Don’t worry. Between us we’ll keep one step ahead of him.”

  “One of the men told me that a suspicious character was seen at the Boar this evening—”

  Rob laughed. “That’s nothing unusual. The Boar is full of suspicious characters. Ask Mrs. Wilkinson if you don’t believe me.”

  “True, but this one stood out because he was a stranger and was covered with sooty marks on his clothing.”

  “He would have to b
e very stupid to set a fire and then appear in public wearing the evidence.” Rob shrugged. “He was probably hired in a hurry, and not for his intelligence. Even Pallister can’t conjure up arsonists at such short notice, no matter how well he pays.”

  Darius expelled a weary sigh. “Perhaps he was ordered to appear at the Boar looking that way, just to goad me. Pallister knows that word would get back to me. You can be sure that the beggar’s disappeared by now and I’ll never be able to get my hands on him.”

  “Forget him,” Rob said. “Pallister wouldn’t have ordered him to do the deed direct. So even if we could find him, he wouldn’t know much. Concentrate your thoughts on winning the case. That’s the best and only way to defeat Pallister.”

  Darius nodded. “You’re right, of course.”

  “I suggest we remain here for a couple of days and ensure that Greenway has everything under control. If we return to London with your mother on Saturday, it will give you Sunday to sharpen your wits for the trial.”

  “Yes, two days should be sufficient to reassure everyone here.”

  “You can, of course, keep your horses at the Hall until the barn is rebuilt.”

  “Thank you, but we’re able to manage with the other outhouses.”

  “Fair enough.” Rob held out his glass for a refill. “Regarding Brightstone Manor, Hal has offered the loan of some of the crew from The Celandine to protect this place until the trial is over.”

  “I can’t accept.” Darius shook his head firmly. “I need to—”

  “For the love of God, Darius, stop being so pigheaded! For once in your life accept that you can’t always be all things to all people and take help when it’s offered.” He fixed Darius with a darkling gaze. “You certainly need it at the moment.”

  It was a measure of Darius’s anxiety that he conceded almost at once. “You’re right, of course. I don’t think Pallister will strike here again but I’m not prepared to risk what I’ve worked so hard to build up.” He inclined his head. “I accept Hal’s offer with thanks.”

  “Good. After all, we’re practically family, aren’t we?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Pacing won’t make the time pass any quicker,” Leah pointed out as Flick, sick with worry, wore a path through the thick rug that covered the drawing room floor.

  “Oh, I know.” Flick threw herself into the chair next to her sister-in-law. “I just wish I knew what was happening, that’s all.”

  “They’ll probably return today. Hal said that Darius absolutely has to be back for Monday’s trial.”

  “I know that, but patience isn’t my strong point.”

  Leah smiled. “That’s certainly true.”

  “Darius is always cutting me out of things.” Flick pouted, feeling quite put upon. “It’s most irksome.”

  “I’m sure it must be. Still, I imagine he’s just trying to protect you.”

  “I don’t need protecting. I’m not some incompetent ninny who can’t take care of herself. What I need,” Flick fumed, warming to her theme, “is peace of mind, a happy state that I’ll never achieve if he isn’t honest with me.”

  “Well, I don’t in the least mind remaining quietly at home this evening. I’ve already had more than my fill of parties and balls.”

  “Are you sure?” Flick cast an anxious glance Leah’s way, aware that she was being selfish. “What about Beth?”

  “Beth has enjoyed all the entertainments so far but I’m sure they’ve taken their toll on her health. She isn’t yet fully recovered, despite what she thinks, and I know she doesn’t object to missing the Lanarkshires’ soiree this evening.” Leah grinned. “She’s already realized that the more elusive she is, the more ardently her admirers pursue her.”

  “She’s almost as wise as you are,” Flick said, laughing. “She’s enjoying being feted, isn’t she?”

  Leah smiled. “She deserves some pleasure after all the hardships she’s endured. I’m hopeful that all the attention won’t turn her head.”

  “It won’t. Beneath it all she’s as sensible as you are.”

  “Oh dear, the poor child!”

  They both laughed. “Which of her admirers does she prefer?”

  “I have no idea,” Leah said. “It’s far too early to tell. Her callers spend their time staring at her like love-sick calves, too tongue-tied to open their mouths.”

  “She’ll be the sensation of the season,” Flick predicted with pride.

  The clock chimed the hour. “Six o’clock,” Leah remarked.

  Flick nodded, hardly needing to be told. It was all she could do to stop herself from asking Potter to check that the clock was in proper working order, so slowly did the hands appear to be moving.

  “If they’re coming today then they ought to be here soon,” she complained. “Whatever can be keeping them?”

  “They have Mrs. Grantley’s comfort to consider,” Leah pointed out. “Rob and your Darius can’t travel as fast with her as they would if they were alone.”

  “No, I suppose not.”

  Flick turned the pages of La Belle Assemblée but for once the elegant magazine with its engraved fashion plates, articles and news from foreign courts failed to hold her interest. There was only one subject that occupied her thoughts and she died a thousand deaths every time she dwelt upon the fire at Brightstone Manor.

  What if Darius had been in residence at the time? What if the arsonist—for it was arson, Hal had told her at least that much—had attacked the main house? Her blood ran cold each time she thought of it, especially as she felt that she was to blame. She wanted to tell Darius that and apologize, but she hadn’t been given the opportunity to see him and guilt ate away at her, corroding her insides with each hour that passed. Had she not had the confrontation with Lord Edward, Darius would not have bested his father at cards and he, in turn, would not have felt the need to turn arsonist. Ergo, it was entirely her responsibility and she felt totally wretched to be the cause of so much trouble.

  She was so engrossed with self-disgust that she didn’t actually hear the arrival she’d spent the whole day waiting for. A commotion in the hall and Leah’s knowing smile were the only warnings she had before the door opened and Darius walked through it, his mother clinging to his arm. Flick, having waited so long to see him, hung back. She was consumed with confusion, unsure what to say to him about the responsibility she felt for his ills, especially since they weren’t alone. She remained where she was and left it to Leah to play hostess.

  “My dear Mrs. Grantley.” Leah ran forward and took her hand, obliging the older lady to release Darius’s arm. “How lovely to see you here. I do hope you’re not too fatigued after the long journey.”

  “Well, no, Lady Denby, Darius and Rob saw to my every comfort. They couldn’t have been more attentive.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say so. You must be so pleased to have arrived. I dislike long journeys myself. They quite sap one’s strength.”

  “It was not so very bad,” Mrs. Grantley said with a brave smile.

  Leah led her to a chair by the fire. “Now come and warm yourself. It’s so very cold out just now. We shall have tea directly and as soon as you feel up to it, a quiet family dinner.”

  “I don’t wish to hold you back from your entertainments.”

  “And nor shall you. We don’t intend to go out this evening.”

  Flick crouched beside Mrs. Grantley and kissed her wrinkled cheek. “We are glad you’re here,” she said simply.

  “It’s such a comfort to see you, Flick,” she said, sounding and looking exhausted. “We’ve had a terrible time of it at home.”

  “Don’t think about it anymore. You’re quite safe now.”

  The arrival of tea diverted Mrs. Grantley’s attention. Flick straightened up. She had yet to even acknowledge Darius’s presence and, about to do so, was afflicted with another bout of shyness. She sensed his gaze resting on her profile and finally turned to face him, nervous and unsettled, her emotions in hopeless di
sarray.

  “You’re back,” she said unnecessarily, her voice so low that the others, talking amongst themselves, couldn’t have heard her. “How did it go?”

  “We’ve managed to contain the situation.” He looked and sounded exhausted, signs of strain emphasising the fine lines round his eyes. “Thank the Lord no one was badly hurt. Just a few burned hands, nothing more.”

  “Yes, I couldn’t have stood the guilt if they had been.”

  “You?” Darius looked astounded. “You didn’t set the fire.”

  “No, but—”

  Their conversation was interrupted by Hal entering the room and Flick had no further opportunity for private discourse with Darius. Nor would she, damn it. He was bound to return to his blasted chambers and she was being watched like a hawk by her brothers, given even less freedom than usual. She would never be able to see him there, or indeed anywhere, alone. That being the case, it came as a great surprise when over dinner Leah addressed the matter of Darius’s accommodation herself.

  “You will stay here with us, of course, Mr. Grantley?”

  “I hadn’t thought to. I need to be—”

  “Oh, Darius, you must!” His mother, who had calmed considerably since arriving in Grosvenor Street, looked very agitated again. “I shan’t sleep a wink unless I know you are near at hand.”

  “Well then, thank you, Lady Denby, I’ll do that. But I must send for papers. You’ll forgive me if I’m not as attentive as I ought to be.”

  “Of course. We know you have duties to discharge.”

  “Yes, always there are duties.”

  Darius caught Flick’s eye as he spoke and offered her the ghost of a wink, causing her heart to soar. He wasn’t angry with her and could still treat her to an intimate smile. Something hovered in the air between them as he held her gaze, an indefinable miasma that promised so much and sent her mind on a sensual detour. Unimaginable burdens rested on Darius’s broad, capable shoulders, but he still had time to express his feelings without the need for words. If Flick had ever entertained any doubts about her choice of a future husband, which she most emphatically had not, those doubts would have been dispelled in a heartbeat by the light in Darius’s eyes.