Lady Impetuous

by Wendy Soliman

  ‘He did serve more than one purpose,’ Ezra told her. ‘Our spy network was constantly being infiltrated. Too many good men were lost through betrayal. Absolutely no one was trustworthy. But oddly, our enemies didn’t think to look for spies amongst the ranks of those in uniform. Presumably they assumed they would be too busy with their campaigns to do more than one thing at once. Clearly the French did not take into account colonels with clever daughters who would help them with their tactics.’

  Lady Adela chuckled. ‘I hope you are not patronising me so soon after pretending that you wouldn’t dare to, Lord Bairstow.’

  ‘I was trying to pay you a compliment, you infuriating woman!’

  ‘In which case, thank you,’ she said, so primly that they both laughed.

  ‘It is a pleasure to talk about Papa with someone who doesn’t break down in sobs at the mere mention of his name. Mama is not strong, and still misses him terribly. However, to answer your question, I cannot recall anything specific that Papa mentioned to me. He would hardly entrust secret information to me. Despite keeping me close throughout the war, he still did everything in his power to keep Mama and me safe.’ She looked away. ‘I could only wish that he had taken the same good care of himself.’

  ‘I wondered if you recalled the names of any frequent visitors. Not necessarily visitors who called at the front door.’

  Lady Adela shook her head. ‘No names spring to mind, but I will certainly give the matter some thought. Papa’s junior officers were in and out all the time. And his adjacent, of course, but he returned to England after the battle of Mont-Saint-Jean.’

  ‘Did your father leave anything with you for safekeeping?’

  ‘Nothing. All of his things, including his papers, were put away and sent back to England separately.’

  Ezra sat a little straighter. ‘Where are they now? Have you been through them?’

  ‘I saw Papa’s lawyer yesterday. He has the trunk in storage, and now that we are back in London he is arranging for it to be sent to Eaton Square.’

  ‘It’s a lot to ask, but would you permit me to look through his papers?’

  ‘Why?’ She blinked up at him. ‘What do you hope to find?’

  ‘The name of a traitor.’ Ezra firmed his jaw. ‘A man high up in English society who has passed on secrets to the French throughout the conflict. He has eluded detection for five frustrating years, but the last cypher we received from your father before his sudden and unexplained death informed us that he had found irrefutable proof of his identity.’

  Lady Adela straightened her shoulders. ‘I see the reasons for your questions now,’ she said slowly. ‘Why did he not pass on what he knew in that same cypher?’

  ‘Because they were constantly being intercepted. What he knew was too important to risk it, which is why you saw me in Brussels. I had gone to meet with your father and finally learn the name of the traitor who has cost so many lives. But he died a few days before I arrived.’

  ‘Presumably Papa thought it safer to carry the man’s name inside his head.’

  ‘I agree, but apparently he had evidence in writing to back up his claims.’

  ‘If that is so, why did our enemies let Papa’s cypher get through?’

  ‘Presumably because they knew I would come to collect the evidence.’

  ‘And having been unable to get their hands on it…’ She paused and sent him a horrified look. ‘Wait a minute. Our lodgings in Brussels were broken into not long before Papa’s death. So too were my lawyer’s offices just a few days past. That cannot be a coincidence.’

  *

  Adela felt a whirling sense of confusion as she took a moment to assess everything that Lord Bairstow had told her. She was absolutely sure he wasn’t telling her everything he knew.

  ‘You look pale, Lady Adela. I should not have burdened you with my suspicions.’ His hand hovered over hers, as though tempted to give it a reassuring squeeze. A gentleman rode slowly past them, paying them far too much attention, and Lord Bairstow thought better of it. ‘I apologise,’ he said softly, lowering his hand.

  ‘There is nothing to apologise for. I am stronger than I look. I have had to be, and can assure you that I am not about to swoon. In fact, it’s a relief to hear someone else voice suspicions about the manner of Papa’s death. As I say, no one took any notice of me and I was limited in what I could say. I had no proof of any wrongdoing—and besides, Mama was already distraught enough.’

  ‘What was the colonel’s response to the burglary?’

  ‘Papa seemed very concerned. He bade me distract Mama and locked himself in the room he used for his strategy meetings. A sort of field study, if you like, in our lodgings in Brussels. When he emerged from it, he seemed…well, relieved, I suppose. Anyway, nothing of value was stolen and Papa said it would be best to forget the incident. We had learned to be careful with our valuables. Come to think of it, our bedchambers had not been disturbed. I had not considered that before.’ She frowned. ‘What an oddity. You would assume that burglars would be on the lookout for jewels, which ladies tend to keep in jewel cases in their bedrooms.’ She sent him a speculative look. ‘You imagine, I suppose, that they were looking for the evidence that Papa held pointing to the identity of the traitor.’

  ‘Very probably, but I am fairly sure they did not find it, since I myself was followed and attacked shortly after I arrived.’

  ‘You were not harmed, I hope.’

  ‘Thank you, no. I half expected something of that nature and fought my assailant off.’

  ‘But did not apprehend him? That’s a pity.’

  ‘I decided I would prefer for my head to remain attached to my shoulders. I had no idea if others were lurking nearby, ready to come to the man’s aid, so I simply knocked him down and fled.’ He chuckled. ‘Not very gallant, but effective enough. I had just called at your lodgings, but your mother was not receiving. Whoever followed me did not know that and probably thought that I had those papers. There again, I have not been attacked since, so perhaps not. It’s all very puzzling.’

  ‘I am glad you were not hurt,’ she said.

  ‘Were there are other problems between then and your arrival in England? And since then?’ This time he did briefly touch her hand. ‘Not that I mean to alarm you, but—’

  ‘The traitor thinks he is safe, at least on this side of the channel.’ Adela nodded. ‘But he cannot be absolutely sure until he is satisfied that no proof of his treachery still exists. I quite understand.’ She paused to consider his question. ‘I am not aware of any disturbances on the road. We were escorted back to England by two soldiers from Papa’s regiment.’

  ‘Of course. I would expect nothing less to be arranged for the widow and daughter of such a distinguished, high-ranking officer.’

  ‘They were returning to England anyway, so it made sense. I can imagine what you are thinking. You believe our progress was observed and that we would have been attacked if it had not been for the men protecting us.’

  ‘It is a distinct possibility.’

  She twisted her fingers together. ‘And we are not safe now?’

  ‘Perhaps not, although you will be hard to get at in Eaton Square. Be that as it may, remain vigilant when you go out, and never venture out alone, either of you.’

  ‘I can safely assure you that we will not. Mama is the weak link, but she never goes anywhere alone.’ Adela allowed a reflective pause. ‘There was an incident while we were in Ripon. My cousin was angry because he was convinced that someone had been inside Ripon Hall who had no business being there.’ Lord Bairstow gave her his full attention, his expression alert. ‘I don’t know how he could be so sure. The place is not well maintained, and nothing was disturbed or actually taken.’

  ‘Your baggage was not touched?’

  ‘No, but now that you mention it, my maid…’ She nodded towards Bess. ‘Not Bess here, but the girl I engaged to look after Mama more than myself while we were in Ripon. My cousin has very few servants and
they are all overworked. I didn’t want to add to their burden. Anyway, the maid intercepted a man she did not recognise skulking about the bedchambers. She asked him his business and he ran off.’

  ‘Nothing since then?’

  Adela shook her head. ‘Nothing springs to mind.’

  ‘When do you anticipate receiving your father’s belongings?’

  ‘Mr Carver said that he would make immediate arrangements. They could arrive as early as today.’

  ‘Then I hope they arrive untampered with.’

  Adela shuffled on the seat. ‘The burglary at Mr Carver’s premises was not a burglary at all, was it? A lot of mess was made but nothing was taken.’ She sent him an anxious look. ‘You think they were looking for Papa’s documents?’

  ‘I do indeed. Hopefully they are not aware that he still has them, but we must assume that whoever tried to get to you in Ripon will do so again now that you are in London.’

  ‘Then I had best take a careful look at Papa’s papers the moment they arrive. I had planned to do so anyway. I have warned my butler to expect the trunk and to have it delivered to my room. I don’t want Mama upset by the sight of it. I will go through it at once and arrange for anything significant to be sent to you. But how? Obviously, you cannot call at Eaton Square and look through them since even Mama will think it odd and allow her imagination to get the better of her.’

  ‘I don’t want to alarm you—’

  ‘So you keep assuring me,’ she said impatiently. ‘Please assume that I am not alarmed, and tell me what you are thinking.’

  ‘I am very concerned for your safety.’

  ‘Thank you, but I am well protected.’

  ‘So you say, but the traitor is a member of society. Someone you would admit to your house without a second thought.’ He rubbed his chin as he stared directly at the water, probably without seeing it. ‘I would like to send that Arabian mare over for you to take a look at,’ he added in an abrupt change of subject.

  ‘Already? Don’t you have more pressing matters to deal with?’

  ‘I will send one of my men with her. Can you persuade your mother to keep him on as an additional groom? He will in fact be there to ensure your safety. He is tough and reliable, and I will feel a lot better of I know he is watching over you.’

  She lifted one brow. ‘You really are worried, aren’t you? Send your man then, by all means. I don’t need Mama’s permission. The house is actually entailed to me. I did not know that until I spoke to Mr Carver yesterday. I am still, frankly, in shock.’

  ‘I see. Congratulations.’

  ‘Thank you, but it doesn’t change anything. I had planned for Mama and me to make it our home indefinitely. I seem to be the one making all the decisions now. Anything other than social activities muddles Mama. Anyway, it doesn’t matter who actually owns the house.’

  ‘Unless something happens to you.’

  Adela widened her eyes. ‘Good heavens! I hadn’t given that possibility a passing thought.’

  ‘Your cousin will probably stake a claim.’

  ‘Ha! He’s welcome to try, but I must say that I would prefer for him not to be in that position.’

  ‘As would I.’ Lord Bairstow smiled at her. ‘Does anyone else know that you actually own the property?’

  ‘Well, given the way that those two young men were hanging on my every word last night…’

  ‘They assume it belongs to your mother, I dare say, and that you will inherit upon her death.’

  She sent him a mischievous smile. ‘You are supposed to assure me that they were captivated by my lively wit and charm.’ She laughed aloud when he looked embarrassed. ‘Don’t worry, Lord Bairstow. I am not quite that unrealistic. I knew perfectly well what the attraction was, especially as they besieged me before I could even open my mouth and demonstrate the wit and charm in question.’

  ‘If they cannot appreciate your finer qualities they are a pair of fools,’ he said softly.

  ‘We have strayed from the point,’ Adela said, feeling rather warm and averting her face to avoid meeting Lord Bairstow’s intense gaze. ‘I shall certainly consult with Mr Carver again at the earliest opportunity and make provision for the distribution of my estate in the event of an accident befalling me. I shall also make it a point not to tell anyone that I already own the house. Mama does not know, and I see no reason to enlighten her.’

  ‘That is wise.’ He paused. ‘Is your cousin staying in Ripon for the rest of the season?’

  ‘No, I think he and his mother intend to come to London.’ Adela wrinkled her nose. ‘Unfortunately, Mama invited them to stay with us. Without my prior knowledge, I might add. I very much hope that they don’t take up that offer, but rather suspect that they will. I dislike and mistrust my cousin.’

  ‘He tried to charm you?’

  ‘Not nearly hard enough.’ Adela tossed her head. ‘The arrogant man seemed to think that our relationship and his admittedly handsome face would make me swoon with appreciation at being noticed by him.’ Filled with indignation, she felt it safe to look at him again. ‘As if I would welcome a proposal from such a man. Papa didn’t like him or his father, and I have always trusted my father’s judgement.’

  ‘I applaud your standards. I have met Ripon and don’t have a high opinion of him either. However, if he assumed that you would marry him and relieve him of his financial embarrassment, his pride will be hurt when you showed no interest in him.’

  Adela nodded and bit her lip. ‘I see what you mean. He is desperate for cash and will now be thinking in terms of bumping me off, thereby assuaging his pride and hoping to inherit.’

  ‘I assume he believed that the London house formed part of the earl’s estate.’

  ‘Yes. He tried not to show how angry he was about that in front of Mama and me, but he is not good at hiding his petulance or his sense of entitlement.’

  ‘Your father and Ripon’s were estranged, you said. Do you know why?’

  ‘No. It’s puzzling.’ Adela wrinkled her brow. ‘It’s as though Papa deliberately let the estate go to rack and ruin before he joined his regiment. He knew he would never have a son to inherit, you see, since my birth was a difficult one and Mama was told there would be no more children.’

  ‘He could do nothing to prevent your cousin from inheriting the title and estate as his closest male relative, but there was nothing to say he must leave that inheritance in good order.’

  ‘Exactly. Papa moved most of his personal possessions to Eaton Square before we first went abroad…’ She glanced up at Lord Bairstow through widened eyes. ‘His possessions! I haven’t set foot in his library since returning to London, but I dare say there are diaries, letters…something to indicate the nature of the dispute with his brother. I hadn’t considered that possibility. Not that it will help you to discover the identity of the traitor, but I would like to know, if only to satisfy my curiosity.’

  ‘Of course.’ The park was getting busier and the same man they had seen twice already once again rode past them.

  ‘Do you know that person?’ she asked. ‘He seems to be very interested in us. Or could it be that he wants to be the first to spread rumours of the Duke of Kingston’s eligible heir conducting clandestine meetings with a solitary female in the park at an unfashionable time? Careful, Lord Bairstow, you could find yourself compromised.’

  ‘Witch!’ His smile quickly faded. ‘No, I don’t know him, but am suspicious by nature.’ He stood, took her elbow and helped her to her feet. ‘We have tarried for too long. Your mother will wonder what has become of you.’

  ‘I doubt whether she has left her bed yet.’

  ‘I will send the horse this afternoon, along with my man, Harker. I shall also call myself at the appropriate hour but if you have need of me, if you feel threatened or have an urgent message to get to me, Harker always knows where to find me.’

  ‘Stop trying to frighten me. I shall be perfectly safe. I have lived for ten years in close proximity to brutal
fighting and can defend myself when the need arises.’

  ‘I very much hope that will not prove to be necessary.’

  They began to walk towards the nearest gate, with Bess falling into step behind them.

  ‘Until this afternoon,’ he said, kissing the back of her gloved hand when the time came for them to part ways.

  Chapter Five

  ‘The luggage you were expecting has just been delivered, my lady,’ Talbot informed Adela as he let her into the house.

  ‘Thank you, Talbot. Has it been taken to my bedchamber?’

  ‘It has, my lady, as you instructed.’

  ‘I am expecting a horse to be delivered this afternoon.’ Talbot raised a brow but said nothing. ‘I have also offered the groom responsible for the mare, a man by the name of Harker, employment here. Please ensure there’s somewhere for him to sleep.’

  ‘Leave it to me, ma’am.’

  ‘Is Lady Gantz up yet?’

  ‘I believe her ladyship is out of bed but not yet down.’

  ‘Very well. I will put my head round her door, and then be in my room. Please don’t disturb me unless it’s important.’

  ‘Some flowers came for you, ma’am.’

  Adela raised and brow, walked into the drawing room and was overwhelmed by the sweet perfume of the assorted blooms that had been arranged in two vases. She glanced at the cards. Both bouquets were from the men who had pursued her the previous evening.

  ‘And an express just came from Ripon.’

  With a sinking heart, Adela broke the wafer and read the letter’s contents.

  ‘You had best prepare two guest rooms, Talbot. My cousin, the new earl, and his mother are coming to stay for an indefinite period.’

  A momentary thinning of Talbot’s lips was the only indication that he shared Adela’s dislike of her cousin. She wondered if he had seen him in recent years. Certainly, he would have had no business in Eaton Square, but Adela wouldn’t put it past him to have tried to make use of the premises in Papa’s absence.