Master Zane

by Maggie Carpenter

  "She is? Where is she? How do you know?"

  "This letter, it says Flora had a fall and lost her memory but she's fine now and will be in touch tomorrow."

  "Walter," she exclaimed as the tears of relief and joy began cascading down her face, "I can't believe it. My girl is all right."

  "We must tell George! Come along, I'll help you up the stairs."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Anne Barkley had also been keeping vigil in the front salon of her house. She'd sit in a chair by the window and gaze out at the night, but she was drinking tea, not brandy. Flora would reappear, and Anne wanted to be fully cognizant when she did. When she spotted the young footman walking up the steps to her front door she didn't wait for him to ring the bell, but hurried through the foyer and opened it.

  "A letter for Lady Barkley," he said, handing her the envelope.

  "Come in."

  "No, thank you," he said briskly, then turned and hurried way, and though she'd reached out to try to grab his arm, he'd been too fast.

  Closing the door against the icy chill, she opened the envelope and read the news. The short note had been signed simply, Z.D. and she broke into a grateful and relieved smile. It was intriguing, and whoever Z.D. was, he or she, would be arriving on her doorstep in the morning.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The following morning Zane was already at the breakfast table when Flora entered the intimate dining room, and he noticed she took her seat rather gingerly. It made him smile, and as she drank her tea and smiled back at him, he was sure her eyes were carrying an extra sparkle.

  "Good morning, Flora, you're looking well. Are you ready to tell me what happened?"

  "Definitely," she said firmly.

  Zane immediately dismissed his servants, and as she relayed the details of her escapade he listened quietly and without comment. It was an extraordinary tale and it told him a great deal about her. She was brave, but stubborn, reckless but clever, and he could well imagine how difficult she must have been growing up. The role her friend Anne played was questionable, and he was surprised a grown woman would have agreed to hide her, unless Anne had decided to intercede with her parents. Even so, Anne Barkley had demonstrated a duplicitous nature.

  "Is that everything?" he asked when she finally stopped talking.

  "If there's anything else I can't think of it, but, Zane, what's going to happen now?"

  "It's time for you to go home, young lady. I'll deliver you to your friend's house and she can arrange it."

  "But…"

  "But what? You can't stay here any longer. You have no clothes, you can't go out, and for goodness sake, Flora, your disappearance is in the newspaper."

  "I will not walk through my front door until I know that father will allow me to choose my own husband!" she exclaimed. "It's my life, my future. He's not the one who—"

  "That's quite enough, Flora, I know how you feel. You don't need to go on about it."

  "I can't help it. It's infuriating. May I tell you what I think we should do?"

  "We?" he chuckled.

  "Yes, we. Aren't we in this together?"

  "I'm not sure what you mean by this, and I certainly won't be involved in keeping a daughter away from her worried parents."

  "You are exasperating," she muttered, rolling her eyes. "You remind me of George sometimes."

  "In that case I suspect George is an excellent brother to you. Go ahead, what's your suggestion?"

  "Let's do what you suggested last night. You go to Anne's by yourself and ask her if she would please visit my father and tell him I said I'll only return home if he agrees that I don't have to marry Prince Gerhard."

  "In the light of day I see it differently. It's out of the question."

  "But why? It's the truth."

  "You'll be putting your friend in a very awkward situation. You should just go home and talk to your parents yourself."

  "She won't mind, I know she won't. She totally agrees with my position. Do you want me to marry Prince Gerhard?"

  Her question was unnerving, and so was the earnest expression in her eyes.

  "I'll tell you what I'll do," he said feeling somewhat disconcerted. "I'll visit Anne alone, but I won't make any suggestions. I'll simply ask her how she feels about things and let it come from her."

  "You'll see. She'll offer to visit my father. She will. Thank you, Zane."

  "I'd better be heading out. It's almost nine o'clock and I told her that's when I'd be arriving, and you'd better stay put."

  "Where would I go?"

  "You didn't ask yourself that when you went dashing out into that storm a few days ago."

  "That was different."

  "Regardless, you'd better be here when I return, and I wouldn't be so worried about going home. I'm sure you'll be very happy about it once you're there. Think about how nice it will be to wear fresh clothes."

  "I'll definitely admit to that," she said with a fervent nod. "I usually change several times a day."

  "I'm sure. I intend to walk so I'll be about half-an-hour or so."

  "You like to walk in the snow?"

  "The air is bracing. I enjoy it very much."

  "So do I."

  She was looking up at him with doe eyes, and resisting the urge to move around the table, pull her to her feet, and devour her mouth, he strode from the room.

  Watching him leave Flora had similar feelings. She longed to be in his arms again and ached to feel his lips crush hers. With a heavy sigh she rose to her feet and walked across to the buffet, and as she was spooning eggs on to her plate, the first footman walked in carrying a fresh pot of tea. From the corner of her eye she saw him place it on the table, then to her surprise he walked boldly up to her and offered her an envelope.

  "If you know what's good for you, my lady," he said in a hushed whisper, "read this alone and do what it says."

  "What on earth do you think you're doing?"

  "You heard me," he growled, his eyes darting towards the door. "Take it, take it quick or you'll be sorry."

  "How dare you? I'll call Bancroft in at once."

  "Then the world will hear about your affair with his lordship. Now take it before old Bancroft comes back or you and his lordship will be the gossip of the town."

  She saw malice in his eyes, and hastily taking the envelope, she slipped it into her pocket.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Anne had finished breakfast and was waiting anxiously in the drawing room for the arrival of the mysterious Z.D. The initials were highly unusual. She couldn't even think of a name that began with the letter Z. The doorbell chimed, making her jump, and she immediately rose from the couch to greet her intriguing visitor. She could hear Carstairs opening the front door, then the voice of a man as he was helped with his coat and hat. Z.D. was male!

  Nervously touching her hair and smoothing her dress she mentally readied herself, but as her butler ushered the man into the room she caught her breath. The handsome stranger had wide shoulders, shoulder-length dark hair, full lips, and possessed the most inviting brown eyes she'd ever seen. Much to her chagrin she couldn't stop staring at them, and as he walked forward he seemed to be looking right through her.

  "Mr. Zane De'Ville, your ladyship," Carstairs announced.

  "Lady Barkley," Zane said taking her hand. "Delightful to meet you."

  "And you," she replied smiling her very best smile, "though I'm sorry it's under such trying conditions. Zane De'Ville, such an unusual name. You're French?"

  "I am, but I'm not here to talk about me."

  "No, of course not, and I'm most anxious to hear about Flora. Is she all right?"

  "She is, she's perfectly fine."

  "That is such a relief. We've all been so worried. Would you care for some tea?"

  "Not at the moment, but I do require privacy."

  "Thank you, Carstairs, I'll ring if I need you."

  As the butler left Anne gestured towards the couch, and after waiting for her to sit first, Z
ane chose the chair opposite.

  "May I ask," she began, "where is Flora and how did you meet?"

  "I came across Flora, or rather, Flora came across me, when she was running from here. Apparently her father had arrived and she was determined he wouldn't find her. She had turned the corner at the end of the block and was in such a rush she ran right into me. Our collision sent her tumbling and I had to carry her into my house. Unfortunately she hit her head rather badly and it caused her to become confused. I only found out who she was last night because of the report in the newspaper. I confronted her, and that's when she explained everything."

  "I see. Thank you for taking such good care of her, and forgive me asking, but do you live with your family, your wife, are there others in the house?"

  "I live alone Lady Barkley. She was attended by my housekeeper."

  "I didn't mean to suggest—"

  "It's perfectly all right, but we both know her reputation is at stake and that's why I needed to speak with you. Her family cannot know she was in my house."

  "Absolutely, but why isn't she here?"

  "Two reasons. The first is hers, the second mine. She is refusing to return home until her father agrees she will have her own choice of a husband."

  "Ah, yes, well, Flora can be very stubborn, but I would be too in her position. The man her father was pushing on her was, or rather is, fifteen years her senior and he lives in Germany."

  "Do you know if there was a legitimate reason behind this choice of a husband?"

  "Well," Anne said with a sigh, "Flora's family is closely related to the royals. It's expected that she should marry accordingly. Prince Gerhard was more than suitable."

  "Ah, I understand the obligations of her status."

  "Exactly, though she doesn't care at all, but it matters a great deal to her mother and father."

  "Back to the matter at hand," Zane continued. "What would you suggest?"

  "I'm quite happy to explain to Lord Braithwaite that Flora doesn't wish to return home until he agrees he won't push her into the marriage, and now that I think about it, any other marriage. I have no doubt he'll agree. He and his wife have been absolutely beside themselves. And may I ask the second reason she's not here? You said it was about you."

  "I wanted to speak with you in private. I'm somewhat perplexed. Why did you encourage her to leave her home?"

  "Encourage her? I didn't encourage her. I had something else in mind. She just showed up here out of the blue very early in the morning."

  "My apologies, I was given to understand you suggested she leave for a while."

  "She mentioned she might, but I certainly didn't give her my blessing. When she arrived and I saw how completely distraught she was I agreed to let her stay, but before we had a chance to discuss the matter her father barged in and she ran off. I had planned on talking with her and calming her down, and hopefully taking her right home. Mr. De'Ville, when Flora gets an idea in her head it's frightfully difficult to reason with her. Perhaps you've discovered that by now, and forgive me, but it is Mister? I don't have a card."

  "Please, call me Zane, and yes, I have witnessed Flora's single-mindedness, and I'm very glad to hear you weren't behind her rash behavior."

  "And I'm very glad it was you she ran into, not some rogue who could have taken advantage of a vulnerable and impressionable young woman like her. She's a very lucky girl, and I'll head to her home right away and speak with her father. How can I let you know his response?"

  "Please understand, regardless of what her father says I can no longer have Flora at my house. She's delightful company and I shall miss having her around, but she has no clothes and it's too risky. If word got out it would not bode well for her reputation."

  "I quite agree. If Lord Braithwaite does not see sense she can remain here with me, but I'm quite sure he will be very happy to have her back."

  "I'm glad that's settled. After you speak with him why don't you come to my home, then you and Flora can return to her house together, or yours if that's the case."

  "Thank you, that's an excellent suggestion."

  "It's just around the corner. Number forty-seven Grosvenor Street."

  "Number forty-seven? I knew that house had been sold and was being redecorated. When did you move in?"

  "Very recently, and now, Lady Barkley I must get back. I hope I'll see you soon with good news."

  "Please call me Anne, and you will. I'm sure of it."

  As she escorted him out, she wondered if Flora had pretended to have amnesia so she could remain in his house. He was handsome and charming, and his eyes, they could have easily melted a romantic young woman like Flora.

  "She could do a whole lot worse," Anne said to herself as she returned to the drawing room, "and I sense you're a very interesting man, Mr. Zane De'Ville. Very interesting!"

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Though Zane was pleased things had gone well with Anne Barkley, as he left her house and walked through the crisp thin layer of snow, there was a heaviness in his heart. In spite of how much he cared for Flora he knew he would have to let her go, and not just because of his reputation. Her life would require her to conform to certain obligations, and conforming was something he simply did not do.

  "It's only been a few days," he muttered to himself, "yet the attraction is strong. It won't be easy for her, she's already shown me she's enamored, and it won't be easy for me either, but it's for the best."

  Turning the corner he approached his house, and looking up he spied Flora at the window. Even though her features weren't clear it made him nervous. Walking in the front door he removed his coat, ordered a fresh pot of tea to be brought into the drawing room, then walked quickly across the foyer to join her.

  "Anne is a very nice woman," he remarked as he entered, "and she certainly cares a great deal for you."

  "She's a dear friend," Flora said quietly. "What did she say?"

  "She's going to speak with your father right away, then she'll come here and report to us. You'll be going home or to her place."

  "I hope father agrees," she said softly.

  Stepping closer Zane studied her face. She looked pale and her eyes were red.

  "Flora, are you upset? Do you not feel well?"

  "I promised I would do my best not to lie to you, so yes, I am upset and I do not feel well."

  "My goodness, whatever is wrong? Come and sit down. You must tell me."

  Gently guiding her forward he sat next to her on the sofa, and she looked back at him, he could see worry and fear in her eyes.

  "Flora, you must tell me," he repeated.

  "I, uh, I wish I could, but I'm afraid that's out of the question."

  "I don't understand."

  "I know and I'm terribly sorry."

  To his shock large tears began to spill down her cheeks, and as he raised his finger to wipe them away he thought his heart would break. He couldn't stand to see her in such distress.

  "Are you upset because you're leaving here?" he asked praying it wasn't so.

  "I am a bit upset about that, but no, that isn't why I'm like this."

  "And you cannot tell me?"

  "Please forgive me, but it's impossible."

  Knowing Bancroft would be arriving with the tea at any moment, and desperately wanting to comfort her and find out what was troubling her, he quickly rose to his feet, took her hand and pulled her up.

  "Come with me."

  "Where are we going?"

  "You'll find out in about thirty-seconds."

  Leading her across the room he stopped in front of a bookcase and reached behind a small bronze. To her shock the bookcase suddenly swung away from the wall.

  "Zane—what—?"

  "Quickly, step inside."

  She hurriedly stepped forward, and as he pulled it closed behind them the small space was flooded with a soft amber light.

  "My goodness, a hidden room!"

  "Actually it's a passageway. If you follow it you come across a
staircase that takes you up to my bedroom. It was discovered during the renovations."

  "Why are we in here?"

  "Because you need me to hold you without fear of servants intruding," he said softly, bringing her into his arms. "Whatever is wrong it will work itself out."

  "How do you know?"

  "Things generally do."

  "I don't know how this will," she sniffled sinking into his chest. "Perhaps I should tell you."

  "What's stopping you?"

  "I'm scared. I'm really, really scared."

  "Scared of what?" he asked stepping back and staring down at her. "I can't help you if you don't tell me what's happened."

  "It's that footman. Oh, dear, now I've told you."

  "You haven't told me anything, but I'll flay him alive if he's hurt you. Tell me right now what he's done."

  "Here," she said pulling the envelope from her pocket. "You can read it for yourself."

  CHAPTER TEN

  As Zane took the envelope from Flora's hands Zane could guess what it contained. The ambitious boy was probably attempting to blackmail Flora.

  "Why don't we sit down?" he suggested. "You need to catch your breath a bit."

  "Where?"

  "On that small couch," he replied pointing to a chaise lounge against the far wall.

  "I didn't even see it."

  "The light's a bit dim in here," he said placing a comforting arm around her shoulders as they moved towards it. "I thought it might come in handy but I never imagined it would be for a situation like this."

  "You won't believe what's in that note," she said woefully as they sat down.

  "I believe I already do," he said with a heavy sigh as he pulled out the folded piece of paper. "Let's see what this blighter wants."

  I no who you are. Bring a 100 quid across the street and wait at the corner at 3. A man in a black cape will meet you. If you don't Ill tell everyone you were here having it on with the master. If you tell him or anyone else or if you don't bring the dosh, yor name will be mud. Jimmy Foster.