Harlequin Historical May 2021--Box Set 1 of 2

by Sarah Mallory

  He thrust the thought aside and tried to concentrate upon his host, who was reminiscing about his own Grand Tour. Grant encouraged this theme, interjecting the occasional question or remark and the subject lasted them until the ladies came in.

  Grant was relieved to be nothing but a spectator for the first few minutes of their arrival. Madeleine had changed her shabby riding gown for a robe of pale green satin, closed at the front by yellow bows and with a muslin fichu draped about her shoulders. Her wild curls had been tamed and confined by a green ribbon. There was a delicate flush to her cheeks when Lord Lochall complimented her upon her appearance, but Grant noticed a slight air of distraction, as if she had something on her mind, and no sooner had Lady Lochall claimed her husband’s attention than Madeleine came over to him.

  ‘I am very sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier,’ she murmured, eyes downcast.

  ‘Think nothing of it, madam.’

  ‘I was impolite. I beg your pardon.’

  He put up his brows and said lightly, ‘Can one be ill mannered to a lowly hired hand?’

  Her eyes flew to his face and he cursed himself for allowing his hurt to show.

  ‘You know I do not think of you like that,’ she murmured.

  ‘And now it is my turn to beg your pardon.’ He resisted the temptation to reach for her hand and contented himself with a smile. ‘Cry pax with me, then, lady, and we will forget this matter.’

  ‘Yes.’

  As if by magic her face cleared and it felt to Grant as if the sun had come out from behind a cloud.

  ‘Yes. Thank you.’

  Lady Lochall called her name and Madeleine moved away. Grant watched her, glad to see her sunny spirits restored. Her blue eyes sparkled with merriment as she laughed at something her hostess was saying and she presented a very pleasant picture, one Grant would have been happy to study in silence for some time. However, good manners dictated that he should join in the conversation and he did his best. Fortunately it was not long before they went into the dining room, but if he thought he might be spared the distraction of Madeleine’s animated countenance he was disappointed, for they were seated opposite one another.

  The dinner was a good one. They had not eaten so well since leaving the Highlanders’ cave and he had to concentrate to prevent himself bolting his food down greedily. A glance across the table told him Madeleine was coping much better. She looked quite at home, picking daintily at her food while keeping up a conversation with her hostess.

  She looked quite at ease in her borrowed finery, conversing as if she had not a care in the world. She really was an exceptional woman, he thought. And quite pretty, he decided, in an unconventional sort of way. Not his sort, of course. He did not favour small, dark-haired women with decided views and sharp tongues.

  ‘And you, Mr Rathmore—’ Lady Lochall’s voice cut into his thoughts and brought him back to the present ‘—perhaps you will tell us how you come to be escorting our young friend?’

  Across the table, Madeleine sent him a warning glance which he acknowledged with a smile before responding to his hostess.

  ‘We met at Kildrummy, ma’am. Miss d’Evremont’s maid had left and there was no one at the change house who could escort her, so I offered to undertake the task.’

  Maddie breathed out, relieved he had not given too much away about their first encounter. She did not wish to be reminded of the way the soldiers had attacked her, or her own folly in putting herself into such a vulnerable position.

  ‘I am very grateful to him for delivering me here safely,’ she said now. ‘The journey was not without its difficulties. Mr Rathmore must be happy to be relieved of the burden.’

  ‘You could never be a burden to me, madam.’

  She felt a sudden breathlessness. He spoke lightly, as if the words were mere politeness, but the message in his eyes was very different. She had seen such a glow before in a gentleman’s eyes when he was attracted to a woman. He did not look as if he was teasing her, but surely he could not be serious! She felt a tiny frisson of excitement.

  When Maddie had entered the drawing room she had thought how well Grant looked in the tartan short-coat and coloured breeches. He had brought no clothes with him so she could only surmise that Lord Lochall had looked them out. They were a fraction on the small side, she had noted, for the coat was strained across Grant’s broad shoulders and she remembered how she had been obliged to avert her eyes from the tight breeches, which left little to the imagination.

  The thought of those muscled thighs now brought the heat rising through Maddie, setting her body on fire. This would not do at all! She must keep the conversation light-hearted or she would be lost.

  She managed a little laugh. ‘You flatter me, Mr Rathmore. You know I did not take kindly to your advice, when you insisted we avoid the main tracks.’

  ‘But you were very wise to do so, Miss d’Evremont,’ put in Lord Lochall. ‘I have heard the redcoats can be a little...unruly.’

  ‘I believe they can be,’ returned Maddie, keeping her eyes lowered.

  ‘We have been very fortunate here,’ Lady Lochall informed them. ‘Ormskirk, the Captain of Dragoons, is a very civil young man and keeps his men under very strict discipline.’

  ‘That is not to say he poses no threat,’ said her husband, his eyes flickering towards the servants standing by the door. ‘We must all be cautious. Miss d’Evremont, may I help you to a little more of the ragout? You appeared to enjoy it.’

  The conversation shifted to food, but when the gentlemen returned to the drawing room later that evening Maddie took the earliest opportunity of speaking to Grant.

  The servants had withdrawn and their hosts were engaged in discussing the merits of serving claret—His Lordship’s preference, and smuggled into the country—against the Rhenish, which was my lady’s choice of wine.

  Maddie walked across to Grant, who was studying one of the portraits on the wall, and said a quiet thank-you.

  He turned to her. ‘For what?’

  ‘For not disclosing what happened at Kildrummy. I am ashamed that I allowed myself to fall into such danger.’

  ‘I do not think you could have prevented it.’

  ‘I might have done so. I was too complacent, you see. If I had dined in my room, rather than insisting that I have a private parlour, I might well have avoided their attention.’

  ‘I doubt it. Those men were drunk and intent upon mischief. I am only glad I was there to step in.’

  ‘So, too, am I.’

  She smiled and briefly placed her hand on his arm before turning away and going back towards the fire, where she sat down beside Lady Lochall.

  The touch was fleeting but, combined with her smile, the effect had been powerful. His heart was still racing and he was only too aware of the little arrows of fire that her fingers had sent through his sleeve and into his arm. They were even now coursing through his body, playing havoc with his peace of mind.

  Grant exhaled slowly. Inconvenient, to say the least. The lady had made it clear she would not welcome his attentions, so it would be madness to read too much into that little exchange. Despite her apology before dinner, he knew she thought of him as little more than a servant.

  ‘Rathmore, what are you doing there in the shadows, sir? Pray come and sit down with us and allow me to refill your glass.’

  His host’s call roused Grant. He summoned a smile as he crossed the room towards them.

  ‘You were looking at the portrait of my husband, were you not?’ Lady Lochall asked him. ‘It was done several years ago. There is a much finer one in the morning room, by Ramsay of Edinburgh. It was painted a couple of years ago. But perhaps you did not see it, it is over the door.’

  ‘Aye, but I did, ma’am. I also noted its partner, the portrait of yourself on the opposite wall. Both excellent likenesses.’

 
Grant did not add that Ramsay had also painted his portrait. His father had most likely removed it to the attics now. Putting the picture of his disgraced heir out of sight. Putting him out of their life. He had lost not only Ardvarrick, but his family, too. Regret sliced into him like a dirk as he thought of it.

  Lady Lochall was asking Madeleine if she had ever had her likeness painted.

  ‘Yes, in Rome, but I have no idea where the painting is now. Possibly at the house of my aunt, in Dijon. My father arranged for it to be shipped there, but I have not been back to France since.’

  Lady Lochall gave a sigh and caught her hands. ‘Ah, poor child, to wander Europe like a nomad!’

  Madeleine looked a little uncomfortable at this show of sympathy.

  ‘Think of it another way, my lady,’ Grant said, ‘such a nomadic life means that Miss d’Evremont has not been bored.’

  As he had hoped, Madeleine laughed.

  ‘No, indeed, I should hate that above all things!’

  There was gratitude in the look she threw him and he sat back in his chair, sipping his wine, wondering if anyone could be bored in her company.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The next morning Maddie awoke to find another gown laid out for her. The young maid who came in with her morning chocolate explained.

  ‘Mrs Tomson worked on it during the night, ma’am, and Her Ladyship sent it up with her compliments, only you was sound asleep then and she had said I wasn’t to wake you.’

  ‘Pray thank Lady Lochall and Tomson for me.’

  Maddie took the cup of hot chocolate with a murmur of thanks, but the maid did not move away from the bed. Instead she dipped a little curtsy.

  ‘I am to wait upon you, if you please, so shall I fetch up the hot water now?’

  * * *

  When Madeleine was at last washed and dressed she made her way downstairs, where she found Grant and the Lochalls in the sunny morning room and she was swift to thank her hosts for their kindness.

  ‘To be offered an excellent breakfast in the privacy of my room and to have a maid, and fresh gowns, makes me feel thoroughly spoiled. It is especially welcome after the travails of the past few weeks,’ she told them.

  ‘I am glad—I should not wish any daughter of mine to find herself in your predicament. To be without the protection of a parent in such times as these must be very worrying.’

  ‘I confess I was a little anxious, with the battle so close to Inverness and not to have any further word from Papa. I can only thank Mr Rathmore for giving me his escort to get here.’ She bent a swift smile in his direction. ‘I fear I have seriously delayed your own journey, sir. No doubt you will be relieved to be on your way again today. I am grateful that you waited, that I may take my leave of you.’

  Lady Lochall spoke up. ‘As to that, we have persuaded Mr Rathmore to remain with us until tomorrow, to rest himself properly.’

  ‘I am very glad to hear it,’ exclaimed Madeleine, genuinely pleased at the thought. ‘That is, if it does not upset your plans?’

  ‘Not at all,’ Grant replied. ‘Another day here or there will make no difference to me.’

  ‘And you young people will be company for one another this evening,’ declared Lady Lochall, beaming at them.

  Madeleine blushed and then hated herself for showing such weakness. She moved off to sit down upon a chair, where she busied herself arranging her skirts.

  ‘Talking of journeys, how soon do you expect to hear from Papa, my lord?’ She noted Lord Lochall’s hesitation and added, ‘I do not believe we have anything to fear if we speak frankly before Mr Rathmore.’

  His Lordship acknowledged this with a nod. He said heavily, ‘Your father’s note said it would take time to put his plans in place, Miss d’Evremont. He insists he will arrange everything, but we have yet to learn the details. Once we do, we can make arrangements for you to travel onwards.’

  Lady Lochall beamed even more. ‘In the meantime, my dear Madeleine, we are delighted to have you here with us, is that not so, Lochall?’

  ‘Of course. I—’

  He broke off as the doors flew open and a bluff, good-humoured voice declared, ‘So you are at home, my lord. I thought I should find you here!’

  His back to the door, Lord Lochall muttered in exasperation and threw a look of apology mixed with warning towards his guests. Maddie watched as a large, fashionably dressed man entered the room and stopped just inside the door, a look of almost comical consternation on his round features.

  ‘By heaven, Your Ladyship, I beg your pardon! I did not know you had visitors. Why did that fool butler of yours not tell me?’ He gave a loud, rumbling laugh. ‘But then, I did not give the poor fellow time to catch his breath! I thought it would be safe to find you and Lochall alone at this time in the morning and said there was no need to announce me.’

  The speech was delivered without pause as the man came across the room to kiss my lady’s hand, talking all the while. Lady Lochall recovered from her surprise and responded with a smile.

  ‘Why, Mr Sumington, it is quite delightful to see you here, indeed it is.’

  ‘Ah, you are all kindness, my lady.’ The newcomer beamed at her a moment longer before straightening and directing his enquiring gaze towards Maddie. ‘Now, won’t you make me known to your young friends?’

  * * *

  Lord Lochall obliged with introductions, alluding to Madeleine as a young protégée of his lady and vaguely describing Grant as the son of an old friend. Then, in turn, he explained that Mr William Sumington was his neighbour.

  ‘Neighbour and friend, Lochall. Why, blow me, man, we have known each other these past forty years, ain’t we? And that is why I am here. I don’t stand on ceremony with such an old acquaintance.’

  ‘No, indeed not.’ Lady Lochall smiled and encouraged him to go on.

  ‘Well, ’tis like this, ma’am, Mrs Sumington is craving a ball. Now ’tis no good my telling the wee wifey that this isn’t the time for such merriment, she thinks a little dancing is just what the young ones need—I have two sons and two daughters, you see, Miss d’Evremont, and they are desperate to stand up with partners other than their siblings, so we fixed on Thursday to invite a few close friends and neighbours.’

  Lord Lochall put up one hand. ‘Do you mean tomorrow, sir?’

  ‘Aye, my lord, that is correct. Which is why I am riding about the countryside today, to give the invitation to our neighbours. Short notice, I know, and whether anyone will care to join us for an impromptu gathering is another matter, but I am hopeful some will come. At least enough to make up a second set. And I see now it was Providence that brought me here today,’ he concluded, beaming at Madeleine and Grant, ‘because some new young blood is just what is required!’

  Maddie felt quite battered by Mr Sumington’s cheerfulness, but when Lord Lochall glanced at her, one brow raised in enquiry, she gave the tiniest nod.

  ‘My lady and I will be delighted to come over, sir, and to bring Miss d’Evremont with us. However, Mr Rathmore will be resuming his journey in the morning.’

  ‘Alas, that is true,’ replied Grant, ‘Else I would have been only too happy to join you.’

  ‘Ah, that is a pity, but I quite understand,’ declared Mr Sumington. ‘However, if you change your mind then you will be very welcome, young man. Very welcome. Now, I will not impose any longer upon you and your guests. I shall report back. No, no, I shall not stay for refreshments, my lady, I have more calls to make yet! We can converse more tomorrow, what?’

  And with that Mr Sumington bowed low and swept out again, leaving a marked silence behind him.

  ‘Well,’ declared Lady Lochall, throwing herself back into her chair and plying her fan vigorously. ‘I vow that man goes beyond what is pleasing, walking in here as bold as brass! What was Roberts about, to let him come in like that? I suppose he had gone to some
other part of the house and left it to one of the under-footmen to answer the door. I shall have words with him!’

  ‘I believe Sumington is sound enough,’ replied her husband. He turned towards Grant, ‘Although I should have preferred him not to know of your presence here. He is bound to carry the news back to Sumington Lodge and I don’t doubt one of the family will mention it at the ball.’

  ‘Not quite a ball, my lord,’ Grant corrected him with a smile. ‘Your neighbour distinctly told us it would be nothing but an impromptu gathering.’

  ‘But word spreads far and wide from these affairs,’ replied Lady Lochall, uncharacteristically serious. ‘It was my plan to keep Miss d’Evremont here quietly and pass her off as the daughter of an old friend. Oh, my dear, what a pity I did not think to tell Mr Sumington that you were in mourning. We could have invented some relative for the purpose.’

  Despite her anxiety, Maddie laughed at the lady’s speech.

  ‘What is done is done, ma’am,’ she replied. ‘I must make the best of it.’

  ‘You are quite right, Miss d’Evremont,’ agreed Lord Lochall. ‘Now, if you will excuse me, there are letters I must write. It is a fine day and my stables are at your disposal, Mr Rathmore, if you would like to ride?’

  ‘Thank you, sir, but after all the riding we have done these past days I would appreciate a day out of the saddle.’

  ‘Then might I recommend a walk in the gardens. They have recently been remodelled to my own design.’

  ‘Perhaps Miss d’Evremont would like to join you,’ put in Lady Lochall. ‘The new paths are very well drained now and even though we had heavy rain in the night, it will be quite safe to walk upon them. And there is a delightful little wilderness that you might enjoy.’

  Madeleine hesitated, but when Grant added his voice to the invitation she accepted and ran upstairs to fetch a shawl.