Sapphire’s smile was breathtaking beneath the blood and grime. ‘Thank you, my lady, and I apologise for being seen like this. But I could not leave this poor animal to die in the woods.’
‘Of course you could not, my love, I would have done the same.’
Gideon almost choked. The thought of his immaculate mama risking her ensemble in such a way was unthinkable. ‘Here, I have the rug ready, let me take him now, Miss Stanton.’
The transfer was completed successfully and his mother returned to the carriage leaving him alone with Sapphire. ‘I cannot tell you how relieved I am that you are here to carry the poor thing. He is far heavier than I anticipated. I shall accompany you to the stables and then will minister to the animal myself for I could not be any dirtier than I am already.’
‘You shall do no such thing, sweetheart, there are perfectly good stable lads who can do the job. You must return at once to the house and get yourself clean and your scratches seen to.’
‘I suppose you are correct, my lord. This is not how I anticipated meeting your family. Your mama, Lady Serena, must be the most understanding person in the county. I cannot imagine anyone else being so kind to me in the circumstances.’
‘We are unpardonably early, so if there is fault, it is on our side.’
‘Everything is ready, apart from myself. If you’re quite sure, my lord, that you can do what is necessary for the well-being of this animal, then I shall slip in the side door and hope I meet nobody else.’
She vanished along a narrow path leaving him to carry the wretched animal to the stables. Within less than a quarter of an hour everything was arranged and the dog was perfectly content to be abandoned by his rescuers. Gideon checked his own appearance and sniffed his jacket sleeve. Thankfully the smell had not permeated through the rug and he had no necessity to change.
The baggage cart would have arrived yesterday afternoon along with his valet, his mother’s abigail and his sisters’ dresser. He took the path that led directly to the house and entered through the side door as if he were a member of the household. His mouth curved at the thought. At the moment he was the most senior member of the Bishop family, but he hoped that by the end of the visit he would be Miss Stanton’s betrothed.
Chapter Thirteen
In less than half an hour Sapphire was bathed, changed and her hair correctly dressed. The guest wing was on the far side of Canfield Hall so she had no notion if Lord Ilchester and his family were upstairs or down.
‘Jenny, I must go. I am sure I look as well as I am going to, so no further primping and fussing will make any difference.’
Her maid curtsied. ‘You should have the doctor to attend to your scratches, miss, one or two are very deep and nasty looking.’
‘You have cleaned them splendidly, they hardly hurt at all. As I am wearing a long-sleeved gown the damage to my arms is no longer visible. There is nothing I can do about my face, but I’m sure nobody would be uncivil enough to comment.’
She had dallied too long upstairs; she was the hostess and should have been available to see that her guests were settled comfortably. There was also the matter of the dog and she could not relax until she was sure he was going to make a full recovery.
The guest wing and the family wing conjoined at the gallery but there was no sign of visitors in the wide passageway. They must be either in their apartment or somewhere downstairs in one of the reception rooms. She was about to descend when Gideon strode into sight. Her heart skipped a beat.
Gathering up her skirt she hurried down the staircase and followed him across the hall and into the drawing room. He must have heard her as he was waiting just inside the doors.
‘Before you ask me, the foundling is doing well. I’m sure that in a few days he will be completely restored and then you will have to decide what to do with him.’
It was hard to form a sensible reply when he was smiling at her like that. ‘Thank you, I am relieved to hear you say so. I shall keep him, of course, he will be good company for Silly – I know, calling a puppy that is ridiculous, but it is what my brothers chose.’
‘In which case I have the perfect name for your new pet, call him Smelly or possibly Stinky.’
‘I have already named him, sir, he is to be called Shaggy. I wish to be formally introduced to Lady Serena and your sisters. Are they down?’
‘The girls are exploring the grounds, and my mother is with your uncle. They were having an animated conversation when I excused myself a while ago.’
Sure enough, her ladyship was sitting beside Uncle John on the terrace and they appeared to have struck up a cordial relationship already. Lady Serena jumped to her feet and rushed across with outstretched arms to greet her.
‘My dear Miss Stanton, you’re looking quite enchanting. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you invited me to your name day celebrations. Mr Bishop has been explaining what you have planned to entertain us.’
Sapphire had been going to curtsy but found herself embraced and roundly kissed on both cheeks. ‘We are delighted to have you here, my lady. I hope your accommodation is to your liking.’
‘Everything about this house is to my liking, my dear, and your little brothers are quite sweet. They are showing my daughters the boathouse.’ She waved airily towards the lake. ‘There, I can see them all. I hope Elizabeth and Emily have the sense to keep your brothers away from the water for you can be very sure neither of my girls would dream of going in after them.’
‘They can both swim, Mama, so in the unlikely event of them tumbling in they would be quite able to rescue
themselves,’ Gideon said.
The butler glided through the French doors and bowed. ‘A cold collation is set out in the small dining room, Miss Stanton, whenever your guests should wish to avail themselves of it.’
‘Thank you, Robinson, we will come through soon.’ She turned to Lady Serena and her uncle. ‘If you will excuse me, I shall walk down to the lake and bring everyone back for luncheon.’
‘I shall accompany you, Miss Stanton, after being cooped up in a carriage for hours with my sisters I crave fresh air and silence.’ Once they were out of earshot he spoke again. ‘I’m surprised you did not yell for them to return, my dear, I can assure you I heard you perfectly when you shouted from your sitting room last time I was here.’
She ignored his playful remark. He had said he wished to enjoy the silence and who was she to go against his wishes? He was having none of this.
‘Miss Stanton,’ his tone was not encouraging, ‘I am not accustomed to being ignored.’
‘Then enjoy the new experience, my lord, I’m sure you will get used to it in time.’ She could not keep back her giggle and not waiting for his response, she picked up her skirts and prepared to run the remaining distance to the boathouse, but he forestalled her.
His grip on her arm was firm and she was forced to remain where she was. She dare not look up at him, he was no doubt angry at her impertinence.
‘Miss Stanton, I believe you are funning me. That is also a new experience for me, but one that I believe I could get to enjoy. Come, sweetheart, take my arm and we will walk like civilised people to collect our siblings.’
She could hardly refuse and reluctantly did as he requested. They strolled for a few yards before he spoke again. She did not dare risk her own voice as being so close to him was giving her palpitations.
‘My mother can be somewhat of a stickler and is not famous for taking new acquaintances into her inner circle. However, today is a revelation. She has taken you to her heart and is obviously enjoying the company of your uncle.’ He paused and she risked a glance in his direction to see that he was looking thoughtful.
‘I like your mother, sir, and am sure that I will feel the same way about Miss Bishop and Miss Elizabeth.’ His arm tensed beneath her fingers.
‘I fear that you may not. I must warn you, they can be sharp-tongued and devious. You must be very careful what you say to them as it will be broadcast throu
ghout the county shortly afterwards.’
Sapphire was shocked to the core and snatched her arm away from his. ‘I cannot believe what I’m hearing. How can you say such things about your own sisters?’
His expression was bleak as he answered. ‘I wish to be honest with you, I love my mother and my brother but find it hard to even like my sisters. They are like my father – selfish and unkind. Although they are identical twins I honestly think they would not hesitate to betray each other if it was to their own benefit.’
There was something unsettling about these comments and she was not sure how to react. ‘I am horrified that you talk of your own sisters so disparagingly. There is such a thing as family loyalty, and you obviously have none of it. I thought you someone I could like but I was mistaken.’ She stepped away from him as if he were contaminated and stalked off, making it very clear he was not welcome at her side.
Her brothers saw her approaching and ran to greet her. ‘Can we go in the punt? Why is Lord Ilchester going back to the house?’ David asked.
‘He had forgotten there was something he had to do. You will see him this afternoon and perhaps you can persuade him to take you out in the punt tomorrow. Remember, boys, there will be more guests arriving later and you must be on your best behaviour or I shall banish you to your playroom.’
Gideon’s sisters arrived and she could not tell them apart. This could prove awkward – but then she noticed one of them wore green ribbons and the other pink. She curtsied politely but they merely nodded as if she was somehow beneath their notice. ‘I am delighted to meet you, and I see that you have already made the acquaintance of my siblings. Thank you for escorting them to the lake, that was kind of you.’
The young lady with pink ribbons nodded again. ‘I am Emily, this is my sister Elizabeth. I do declare, Miss Stanton, that I scarcely recognise you now that you are free of dirt and correctly dressed. We thought you a vagabond trespassing here, did we not, sister?’
‘I apologise if I startled you, Miss Bishop, but I had no option in the matter. I could never leave a creature to suffer when I could do something to alleviate the problem.’
The girls exchanged glances and then Elizabeth spoke. ‘A lady of decorum would not have done as you did, Miss Stanton, but have returned to the house and sent out a servant. I do hope we will not be witness to such a display again during our visit.’
Sapphire was beginning to regret her reprimand to Gideon. She had already taken a dislike to his sisters and she had only just made their acquaintance. She stared at them, her expression cold and disapproving. ‘Miss Elizabeth, I believe you do not quite understand how things are. You are my guests and your opinion is of no matter to me or anyone else. I can make my travelling carriage available for your immediate return to Ilchester Abbey, if you are not happy here.’
The girls did not answer but flounced away tossing their fair ringlets and muttering under their breath. David tugged her hand. ‘We don’t like those girls, do we, Tom? Why aren’t they nice like Lord Ilchester?’
‘I think that they are feeling unwell after the long journey. I’m sure they will be more sociable tomorrow.’ This answer satisfied the boys and they trotted along beside her chatting about this and that until Tom mentioned their nursemaid.
‘Miss Bishop said that Meg didn’t need to come as they liked to look after children.’
‘There, if they like to be with children, then they can’t be too bad, can they?’
Somewhat reassured that Gideon’s sisters were not as unpleasant as she feared, Sapphire herded the boys through the house and back to their own domain where they would eat their lunch. They would not be allowed to eat downstairs until all the guests had departed.
Lady Serena was in the hall with her daughters and the girls were quite obviously upset. Sapphire paused, not wishing to intrude. Unfortunately Emily made no attempt to lower her voice and every word carried to the gallery.
‘Mama, Miss Stanton and her brothers are quite impossible. Papa always said that having money did not make one socially acceptable. I cannot understand why Gideon has brought us here.’
‘Miss Stanton is the daughter of a soldier and her brothers are the sons of a penniless clerk. The fact that their mother was cousin to our papa does not make them acceptable. It if were not for the fact that several important families are also coming to this house party I should wish to go home immediately.’ Elizabeth’s strident tones were equally audible.
Sapphire had heard quite enough and was about to rush down and tell them in no uncertain terms to pack their trunks and depart forthwith when Gideon intervened. She had not realised he had joined them as he had been hidden beneath the gallery.
His voice cut like a whip and even she flinched. ‘How dare you speak so disparagingly about Miss Stanton and her brothers? Have you no manners? You are guests under this roof and will conduct yourself accordingly. Do I make myself clear?’ There was a mumbled reply from the girls which did not satisfy him. ‘If you have the temerity to utter one word that could be considered uncivil or impolite then I will have you locked in your chamber and you will remain there until I give you leave to come out. I can assure you there will be no Season for either of you if your appalling behaviour continues.’
He was quite formidable when he was angry and she almost felt sorry for his sisters. She was about to continue her descent when Lady Serena spoke out.
‘Elizabeth, Emily, you will go to your room and rest. The journey has obviously disagreed with you and if you wish to join us for dinner then you will need to recover your composure.’
Good grief! The girls were going to be on the staircase at any moment and she would be discovered eavesdropping. Then she steadied – she would not be embarrassed or intimidated – this was her house and she could lurk or linger wherever she wished.
As it was considered unlucky to pass on the stairs she waited politely at the top for the two young ladies to ascend. She nodded regally and to her surprise they both curtsied and with lowered eyes they disappeared into the guest wing.
Lady Serena had gone but Gideon was waiting for her. He smiled wryly. ‘I take it you heard that, and I can only apologise. I am curious to know what you said that sent them into such high alt.’
He had addressed her as if she had not spoken to him so harshly a short while ago. ‘I told them that I could arrange to have them returned to Ilchester Abbey if they were not happy.’
‘I did warn you, sweetheart, but you chose to take offence. There is no need to apologise, I’m quite happy to forgive and forget.’
He offered his arm, which she ignored; she was tempted to kick him hard in the shins instead. ‘Lord Ilchester, I believe that I can say with all honesty that the only member of your family I am disposed to like is Lady Serena. I am going to eat my luncheon. You may do as you please.’
She swept past him, head held high, hoping her disdain for him was obvious. The fact that his laughter followed her did nothing for her temper.
*
Gideon knew he should not have laughed at her, but he had been unable to restrain himself. The more he crossed swords with Sapphire the more determined he was to marry her. One thing was certain, life with her would never be dull.
Emily and Elizabeth had outdone themselves this time, but he would not tolerate any further impertinence. A sound spanking might rein in their excesses, but this was a task he would leave to whatever unfortunate gentleman eventually married them..
He frowned as something occurred to him. Living under the same roof with his sisters and his future wife might well be intolerable for all of them. No matter – his mother and the girls could move into the annex. This building was a fraction of the size of the Abbey, but quite big enough for the three of them to live in comfort.
When he made Sapphire an offer he must remember to make it clear she would not be obliged to share the marital home with his family. Instead she would have her uncle and brothers to keep her company.
He sauntered tow
ards the small dining room and joined those already within.
‘There you are, my boy,’ his mother said. ‘We thought you had decided to skip your midday repast.’
‘I am sharp-set and have no intention of missing my meal. I think it would be unkind to make the girls go hungry, Mama, so, if you have no objection, I will ask for a tray to be sent up to them.’
Mr Bishop was already seated and tucking into a substantial plate of cold cuts, game pie and various pickles and chutneys. His niece was helping herself to the cold collation but turned and nodded approvingly.
‘I have already done so, my lord, and am glad that you agree.’
He joined her at the sideboard, and spoke quietly for her ears alone. ‘Are we still at daggers drawn, my dear? Or shall we declare a truce?’
Her eyes narrowed and for a moment he thought his overture would be rebuffed. ‘Very well, my lord, I am prepared to forget everything that has been said so far today by you and your sisters. I have no wish to begin my anniversary celebrations at odds with you.’
‘On that subject, my dear, I have a gift for you. Shall I keep it until tomorrow or would you like me to present it today?’
Her cheeks flushed becomingly and for the first time today her smile was genuine. ‘I was not expecting gifts, my lord, from you or anyone else. This house party and the fête tomorrow is more than enough. I shall be twenty, not a significant anniversary.’
As he reached to lift a slice of succulent, pink ham from a silver platter she did the same and their hands brushed. The contact caused her to withdraw her hand so violently that the meat on the end of her fork flew into the air and vanished over her shoulder.
She clapped her hand to her mouth and spun round to see where the missing meat had gone. ‘Oh dear me! I do beg your pardon, Uncle John, I cannot think how that happened.’
Mr Bishop was peeling the offending item from his sleeve. ‘Never mind, Sapphire, no harm done. See, there is hardly a mark on my jacket.’
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