by Dilly Court
With trembling fingers, Angel tore off the paper and opened the shagreen-covered box. ‘Oh, Percy, it’s beautiful.’ She took the gold pendant set with a ruby from its bed of black velvet and dangled it from the fine gold chain. ‘I’m lost for words.’
‘It goes well with your mother’s ring,’ Percy said, smiling. ‘Blanche has exquisite taste.’
‘She has indeed.’ Angel replaced the pendant in its case. ‘I’ll wear it on Christmas Day.’
‘Eudora won’t be able to cope on her own, and the larder is probably empty,’ Lil said thoughtfully. ‘Miss Susannah doesn’t know how to run Grantley. She was always a lazy young madam.’
Percy stood up and reached for his hat and cane. ‘In that case, I suggest we leave for Grantley first thing in the morning.’ He leaned over to drop a kiss on Angel’s forehead. ‘Don’t get up. I’ll see myself out.’
Ignoring his instructions, Angel went to see him off. ‘I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done, let alone the magnificent gift.’
‘I’m just making up for the lost years. It’s small recompense for the suffering that Galloway inflicted on you. I can’t begin to imagine what it must have been like in the workhouse.’ Percy opened the front door and gazed into the snowy courtyard. ‘I can picture you out there when Sir Adolphus first saw you – a child in rags, barefoot, trying to sell mistletoe in order to keep yourself from starving. It doesn’t bear thinking about.’
‘I found myself short of money so I reverted to my old self, selling mistletoe on the street just days ago. Danny had stripped the trees in the Grantley orchard and we did a roaring trade.’
He gave her a steady look. ‘I am so sorry. I’ve grown up with money and sometimes that makes me forget that others are not so fortunate.’ He took a pouch from his pocket and dropped it into her hand. ‘I apologise for being thoughtless, and I’ll try to do better. From now on I’ll give you an allowance so that you don’t have to keep asking me for money.’
‘Thank you, Percy, but if Grantley really is mine, I intend to make it pay. The land will produce crops and I’ll keep pigs and chickens, and cows.’
‘I don’t doubt that you’ll make a success of whatever you do, my little mistletoe seller.’ He tipped his hat and strolled out into the icy darkness.
The chaise was packed with hampers of food and crates of wine. Lil and Angel had been to market first thing and Baines had been sent to Smithfield to purchase the largest turkey he could find, and he had not disappointed. The prize bird was so enormous that it needed a seat to itself, but somehow they managed to squeeze everything into the chaise. Lil was about to climb up next to Baines when Angel caught her by the sleeve.
‘I have a call to make on my way to Grantley,’ Angel said in a low voice. ‘I’ll go with Baines, so I’d like you to wait here for the barouche and you can travel in style.’
Lil gave her a searching look. ‘What are you up to?’
‘Nothing, I promise. I just wanted to stop off to wish the Wicks family the compliments of the season.’
‘You wouldn’t be pining for that young man, would you?’
‘Danny and I are friends, and no doubt he and his father will help me when it comes to managing the land at Grantley.’
‘You’re not telling me everything,’ Lil said suspiciously. ‘I know that look, Angel Winter. You were like this as a child when you’d done something naughty and you didn’t want Mrs Wilding to find out.’
‘You’re imagining things.’ Angel climbed onto the driver’s seat, next to Baines. ‘I’ll see you at Grantley.’
‘Where to, miss?’ Baines gave her a sideways look as he guided the horse through the busy traffic on Ludgate Hill.
‘Pratt Lane, Hackney, Baines. I have some Christmas cheer for Joe and Sally. I want to tell them of my good fortune.’
‘I should take something for Russell and his missis, but I haven’t been paid for months.’
‘Things will be better from now on,’ Angel said hastily. ‘I’m sorry, Baines. You’re so much a part of the family that I forget about money.’ She took a half-sovereign from her purse and slipped it in his pocket.
‘Best wrap up, miss,’ he said gruffly. ‘It’s going to get colder when we leave the city and that damp marsh air ain’t no good for man nor beast.’
Angel pulled the coarse woollen rug up to her chin. She was looking forward to Christmas at her old home, but there was one huge hurdle to get over before she could feel relaxed and happy – Susannah. Toby and Humphrey would be surprised, shocked even, to discover that Grantley no longer belonged to them, but she had no intention of turning them out. The house was large enough to accommodate them all. But Hector was another matter. He might be far away, but she had spent half the night wondering what to do, and it was daybreak before she reached a solution. Hector was the rightful heir – the most practical solution would be for them to work together for the good of the estate and its tenants. Once such a thought would have excited her, but somehow it had lost much of its appeal. It might be fair, but would it work?
‘Are you all right, miss?’ Baines’s gruff voice broke into her reverie and made her jump.
‘Yes, just thinking, Baines. Just thinking.’
Sally’s face split into a wide smile when she opened the door and saw Angel standing on the threshold. ‘My dear, how lovely. Come inside out of the cold.’ She held the door wide and Angel entered the front room, clutching the bottles. The warmth and friendly atmosphere of the cottage wrapped round her like a comforting blanket, and she felt instantly at home, although it must be a short visit.
‘I can’t stay, Sally. Baines is waiting for me. We’re on our way to Grantley.’
‘Jack told me last evening that your brother’s offer has been accepted, and ours too. It’s hard to believe that the Wicks family are landowners.’
Angel put the bottles down carefully. ‘This isn’t much considering all that you’ve done for me in the past, but I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of each other from now on. I’m going to take an active part in running the estate, at least while Hector is away.’
A shadow passed over Sally’s face, dimming her smile. ‘Danny said that you were sweet on Captain Devane. Is it true that you have an understanding?’
‘No, Sally. I might have had romantic dreams when I was younger, but I’m a grown woman, and I realise now that’s just what they were. It’s time to stop dreaming and get on with my life. Unfortunately I have to go now, but I’ll see you very soon.’ Angel glanced into the kitchen but the only occupant was Stumpy, who wagged his tail and went back to sleep. ‘I was hoping to see Jack and Danny to wish them a merry Christmas.’
‘They went to Grantley earlier to examine the land we bought. They’re so excited, like two big children, chattering about their plans all day and late into the night.’
Angel laughed and gave her a hug. ‘Merry Christmas, Sally.’ She left the cottage with its inviting aromas and stepped outside into the cold damp morning. A grey mist covered the marsh, but they took the main road, and the horse seemed to know that a comfortable stable and a meal were getting nearer and he broke into a trot.
‘I suppose you’ve come to gloat over our loss,’ Susannah said bitterly. ‘You’ll probably throw us all out, but we won’t go without a fight.’ She stood in the entrance hall, shivering beneath the cloak she had wrapped around her slender body, as if to underline the hardships they had endured at Grantley. The great fireplace was empty, and a cold draught whistled through the ground floor, banging doors and rustling wall hangings like an angry spirit out for revenge. She turned on her heel and stomped off in the direction of the drawing room, where Dolly, Belinda and Percy were huddled around the fire. Damp logs hissed and spat and smoke billowed into the room.
‘Why are you living like this, Sukey?’ Angel demanded angrily. ‘There should be plenty of logs in the barn. We were never short of firewood.’
Susannah shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Maybe no one thought to chop d
own trees, or something. It’s the servants who are to blame.’
‘We haven’t had a cup of tea yet. I offered to go and help in the kitchen but I wasn’t allowed to.’ Dolly’s teeth were chattering so loudly that it was hard to understand what she was saying.
Susannah tugged the bell pull. ‘Sit down, you silly girl. If we wait long enough someone will come.’
‘You said that half an hour ago,’ Belinda said crossly. ‘You don’t seem to know how to manage your servants. You need a housekeeper.’
‘Or someone who knows what they’re doing.’ Lil jumped to her feet and made for the door. ‘I’ll stir them up in the kitchen. You’ll get your tea, ladies.’
‘Where are Toby and Humpty?’ Angel met Susannah’s hostile expression with an attempt at a smile. ‘They should be helping you.’
‘I don’t know where they are,’ Susannah said peevishly. ‘Toby took his gun and went out first thing this morning and Humpty Dumpty is probably in his room reading a book, or acting out a part in front of the mirror. Although no one in their right mind would pay to see him perform.’
‘I haven’t seen him act, but he’s a handsome young man.’ Blanche moved a little closer to Percy as they sat side by side on the sofa. ‘We saw some wonderful plays and several operas in France and Italy. Humphrey should go abroad and study, if that’s where his heart truly lies.’
Susannah shot her a withering look. ‘Who asked for your opinion? Just because your husband bought Grantley doesn’t give you the right to tell us what to do.’
‘That was rude, even for you, Susannah,’ Percy said angrily. ‘I think you should apologise to Blanche.’
Susannah shrugged. ‘Perhaps I went too far. I’m sorry, Blanche, but all this is very upsetting. I don’t want to lose my home to Angel or anyone.’
A feeling of sympathy overcame Angel’s angry reaction to Susannah’s verbal attack on Blanche. ‘Grantley will always be your home, Sukey. Nothing will change.’
‘I don’t want to be beholden to you for anything.’ Susannah’s lips trembled and her eyes reddened. ‘Anyway, I might well find myself engaged to a titled gentleman by the New Year. I can see that it’s the only way out, unless I want to end up an old maid.’
Belinda leaned forward, holding her hands out to the feeble flames in the hearth. ‘Really? That sounds exciting. Who is the lucky man?’
‘We’re all invited to the Westwood Christmas Eve ball,’ Susannah said sulkily. ‘That includes you, Percy, even though you aren’t Sir Eugene’s favourite son-in-law, and Blanche, of course, because it’s her home. We’re all to go, and I’ve got news for you, Angel.’
Shivering, Angel edged nearer to the fireplace. ‘Really? That sounds interesting.’
‘Yes, and it will put you firmly in your place. Hector is on his way home. I received a telegram this morning. He expects to arrive later this afternoon.’
‘That’s excellent news.’ Dolly glanced anxiously at Angel. ‘I know that Rupert will be pleased to see him.’
‘As will Angel,’ Susannah said slyly. ‘But Hector has a surprise for us.’
‘It’s obvious you’re going to keep us in suspense.’ Angel was curious, but she was not going to let Susannah draw her into an argument. ‘I’m going to see about some logs for the fire.’
‘He’s married.’ Susannah’s voice held a note of triumph that echoed in the ensuing silence.
Angel had reached the door, but she hesitated, turning slowly to face Susannah. ‘Married?’
‘I thought that would bring you up short.’ Susannah faced them all with a defiant toss of her head. ‘What’s the matter? Why are you staring at me like that?’
‘If that was a joke it was in poor taste,’ Angel said angrily. ‘I was told that Hector had been called back to the army for some urgent reason.’
‘You’ll just have to wait until he arrives this afternoon to find out.’ Clearly enjoying herself, Susannah sat down by the fire, holding her hands out to the feeble flames that licked around the mossy logs. ‘Do hurry up, Angel. Send someone to chop some wood or we’ll all freeze.’
She shot a malicious glance in Angel’s direction. ‘By the way, her name is Rosalind Cholmondeley-Charlton and her father is a brigadier. I’m sure we’ll learn more when Hector brings her to Westwood.’
‘But he wouldn’t have had time to get to South Africa and back,’ Angel said dazedly.
‘It was a lie.’ Susannah looked round, smiling triumphantly at their shocked expressions. ‘He only went as far as Malta where he met his fiancée and her father, who were returning from Durban. He’s a dark horse, I must say. I didn’t think Hector had it in him to be so romantic or so devious.’
Angel left the room, too stunned to retaliate. She knew that Susannah was enjoying her brief moment of triumph, but although the news was a shock, it was not devastating, and this surprised Angel even more than the fact that Hector had kept his romance a secret. He must have known the young lady in question for some time, and it seemed odd that he had never mentioned her, or even hinted that he was engaged. She should have been shocked, mortified, broken-hearted, but she was none of these. It was strange, but the only emotion she felt was relief. The dreams she had harboured as a young girl had held her captive and now she was free. She wrapped her mantle around her and made her way to Humphrey’s room. Her first priority must be to get fires burning in all the main rooms, especially the bedchambers. She knocked on the door.
‘Who’s there?’
‘Humphrey, it’s me, Angel. I need your help.’ She waited and was about to knock again when the door opened.
Tousled-haired and bespectacled, Humphrey blinked like a sleepy owl. ‘Angel, when did you arrive?’
‘About half an hour ago, but the house is like an ice cave. Will you help me fetch logs and coal, if there is any?’
‘I’ve had a cold,’ he said miserably. ‘I’ve spent most of the time in bed. Susannah’s always in a foul mood and Toby takes off to the village at every possible opportunity. I think he has a love interest, although he pretends he’s going shooting. He never seems to bag any game and I’m heartily sick of vegetable stew and potato pie.’
‘Never mind him. Put your trousers on,’ Angel said, averting her gaze. ‘I’ll wait for you downstairs.’
‘Give me a minute and I’ll be with you. I can’t tell you how glad I am that you’re home, and I’m glad that Grantley is yours. At least you’ll look after it, which is more than Susannah has done. She’s let everything go to blazes.’ He closed the door and Angel retraced her steps, stopping at the foot of the stairs to wait for him.
It was mid-afternoon, but dusk was creeping over the flat marshland, blanketing everything in a grey haze. The sky and the land seemed to merge at the horizon as Angel and Humphrey set off towards the barn where the logs were stored.
‘Dammit,’ Humphrey said crossly. ‘Only yesterday I chopped up a whole tree, or so it seemed.’
Angel shook her head. ‘This won’t last long, and there’s barely enough coal in the cellar to keep the range going. Susannah obviously doesn’t take much interest in housekeeping.’
‘Mrs Kerslake used to do all that, but Mama kept an eye on what went on.’ Humphrey ran his hand through his mop of tawny hair. ‘Maybe Danny will help me saw some logs.’
‘Danny? Is he still here?’
‘I fetched some logs this morning and I saw him and his dad walking the field they’ve bought. It’s on the far side of the orchard. We had a chat and he showed me where a tree had come down. Said it would make good firewood, but it’s a two-man job with the log saw.’ He quickened his pace and Angel had to run in order to keep up with him.
‘We can’t carry logs back from the orchard, Humpty. We need a barrow.’
‘They had the donkey cart with them. If they’re still around I know he’ll give us a hand.’
The wind was biting and laced with sleet by the time they reached the orchard and Angel wished she had thought to bring her muffler, and
she had left her gloves on the carved oak chest in the entrance hall. Humphrey let out a loud halloo and a figure emerged from behind a thicket of brambles.
Danny came striding towards them. ‘What on earth are you doing out on a day like this?’ he demanded, taking in every detail of Angel’s unsuitable clothing with a swift glance. ‘You should be at home, sitting by the fire, sipping tea like a proper lady, not roaming round in the twilight.’
Suddenly everything became clear and she felt like a bird released from a cage. She threw back her head and laughed. ‘Danny Wicks, you sound just like your mother.’
A slow smile spread across his tanned features. ‘I should know better than to tell you what to do. You’d think I’d have learned after all the years we’ve known each other.’
‘We’re in desperate need of firewood, Danny. Where is the tree that you were talking about?’
He gave her a speculative look. ‘You’re not thinking of sawing logs, I hope?’
‘If you’re offering I’d be a fool to turn you down.’
‘Like you did when I poured my heart out to you.’
Humphrey cleared his throat. ‘Ahem, I’m sorry to interrupt, but this isn’t helping and it will be dark soon.’
‘As a matter of fact Pa and I sawed the tree up. I knew you’d want the logs and we’ve taken a few for ourselves, but there are plenty left. If you’ll give me a hand we can pile them in the cart and I’ll bring them up to the house.’
‘Thank you, Danny,’ Angel said wholeheartedly. ‘You can’t imagine how cold it is in the house, and we have to get ready for the ball at Westwood.’
He smiled. ‘Thanks for reminding me. We’d best get moving.’
Angel fell into step beside him while Humphrey hurried on ahead. ‘You know about the ball?’
‘Don’t look so surprised. The Wicks family are landowners now and as such we have an invitation.’
‘And you’ve accepted?’
‘Are you afraid I’ll show you up by behaving like a yokel?’
‘No, of course not. I just can’t imagine you in such a setting.’