by Wendy Vella
A few more days of waiting, he thought angrily. Yet he wondered if each day was adding to her hating him. The more she believed he was spoken for and flirting with her for the fun of it, the more she disliked him.
He had seen the growing confusion in her face. He knew she was torn between her undeniable attraction towards him and her brain that told her a rake like him deserved no respect, least of all her heart.
Perhaps it was time to let her in on the secret. He would speak to the Earl and convince him, he decided. She had to be told.
He did not want to wait for Emma to be settled and invite her cousin for his courtship. That could take months. But if she were told now, then he would have a few days to convince her that he was serious and never intended to have anyone but her.
He paused as his thoughts were interrupted. He looked around and found himself in an unfamiliar hallway. A door stood ajar, and Lady Babbage’s voice floated out,
“Prudence, I am pleased you have found a way to pay me. I confess I am surprised that you managed to do so. I knew the Earl or even the Duke would not take you on as a mistress, so I wonder how you procured the sum.”
“I have sold my mother’s diamond necklace. The money will be here tomorrow. I sent a man to London today, and he should return by tomorrow evening. I hope this is the end of it.”
“I did say this would be the last time that I asked you for anything. Yet, I cannot fail to point out that you will start showing soon. How are you meant to hide that fact from the world? You can keep my mouth closed, but others will not be so kind.”
“I have a plan, and it is none of your concern, Lady Babbage.”
“I see, well, I will leave a note in your work basket tomorrow night when everyone is abed to suggest a time and place. I will return the letters to you as well when I have the money,” she said coldly.
“You are going to suffer for your deeds, mark my words.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, it’s an observation. Now, goodnight.”
Lord Raikes softly retraced his steps. He no longer waited for an invitation to enter his own room, but he did knock and wait for Emma to put herself straight before he entered.
“I am sorry to intrude on such an occasion, but I think you should hear this,” Lord Raikes said the moment he was let in.
“That is why she has been ill!” Emma said shocked, after hearing the details.
“This is brilliant,” the Earl said, and then at Emma’s outraged look he hurriedly explained, “We need to get the note out of the basket. That is the proof we need. We will meet after everyone has gone to bed as usual, and then search for the note.”
“She may carry her basket to her room,” Emma pointed out.
“Not if she expects Lady Babbage to leave a note. Remember her walking in the corridors at night when we almost got caught? She may have a habit of doing that to leave messages for her victims. She will do that tomorrow, and Prudence will leave her basket somewhere other than her room,” the Earl said confidently.
“Why does she not go to Prudence’s room and inform her?” she asked.
“It would be too risky. She went today and already William overheard the conversation. She must be aware her visit to Prudence’s room will be questioned, if by no one else then at least by Mrs Barker. Mrs Barker would not take kindly to her daughter being blackmailed. She took a chance today, but she is a careful woman. I doubt she will be so obvious again.”
“But the note . . . how is that a safe method? What if someone else finds it?” Emma asked, puzzled.
“No one else but Prudence will have any reason to look in her own workbasket. Besides, Prudence will hardly air the letter, considering she is being blackmailed for a dark secret,” the Earl explained patiently.
“Poor thing, I wonder what her plan is to hide her condition,” Emma mused aloud.
“Escape to a remote village, I would think,” Lord Raikes replied.
“We can do nothing more tonight. The only way we can help the girl is by bringing proof to the Duke,” the Earl said soberly.
“Agreed. Now, I would like to sleep,” Lord Raikes said, stifling a yawn.
The Earl and Emma wished him goodnight and departed. He did not sleep but lay awake a long time mulling over the day’s happenings.
***
The next morning the Duke took Mr Barker and Lord Raikes hunting. The women stayed behind to finish a leisurely breakfast.
Emma and Catherine had donned warmer pelisses and sat huddled by the fire.
“It looks as if the leaves are coated with caramel,” said Catherine, glancing out of the window.
“That’s a wonderful way of putting it. I can almost forgive the weather for turning,” replied Emma.
“Prudence does not seem to be getting any better. She hardly eats anymore.”
“I do feel sorry for her. Mrs Barker is almost rude to her daughter. She pushes her to enjoy herself, instead of calling for a doctor.”
“Em, do you think I should ask the Duke to call for Dr Johnson anyway?”
“No!” Emma shrieked, and then continued in a calmer tone, “I am sure she is pining for London. It must be dull for her here after the excitement of the season. Besides, there are no eligible men here for her to set her cap on. She has even stopped flirting with the Earl.’’
“That may be it. Still, I worry about her. She is the youngest here, and even though she is annoying, I cannot ignore that misery in her eyes,” Catherine said worriedly.
“Give it a few more days. If she does not improve, then I will mention it to the Duke,” Emma replied, wondering how she could keep the physician from being called. No one could know that the girl was pregnant. It would ruin her.
They spent the morning pulling out shawls and warmer dresses from boxes and cupboards.
Emma kept a sharp eye on Lady Babbage, who looked as though she was suppressing her excitement. It could be the thought of obtaining a large sum from Prudence, but Emma had a feeling that it was something else.
That afternoon she came upon the Duke and Lady Babbage arguing outside the morning room. She heard her uncle issue a vague warning before he strode off angrily. Lady Babbage had a satisfied smirk on her face.
Emma curled her hands into a fist forcing her disgust deeper. She schooled her features as she joined the rest for tea.
The hunt had been successful. They would have a feast that night. The Duchess wanted to make an occasion of it. They all decided to dress up and invite some people from the village again.
The thought of entertainment brought some colour back into Prudence’s cheeks, and Emma was glad for it. The invitations were sent out, and replies promptly arrived.
The Duke did not entertain much, and when he did, the villagers considered it a privilege to attend.
Catherine was on her way to give some clothes to the maid for ironing when Lord Raikes caught up with her. He pulled her into the empty music room, “I need to speak to you.”
“I do not want to speak to you. Please let me go, My Lord. I have a number of things to attend to before the guests arrive,” she replied coldly.
He let her go without another word.
***
Emma insisted on taking her usual walk, promising to help Catherine with the details of the party later.
Catherine, after a brief argument with Emma, finally conceded defeat, and soon the two girls, along with Lord Raikes and Lady Babbage, went outside for a quick stroll in the garden.
Emma caught Catherine’s eye meaningfully and discreetly tilted her head towards Lady Babbage.
Catherine blinked back twice in reply.
A few moments later Catherine let out a cry of anguish.
Emma paused and turned to eye her cousin.
Catherine winked, and Emma, grabbing Lord Raikes arm in a deathly grip, forced him to walk faster.
“I have a stone in my slipper, aunt,” Catherine replied to Lady Babbage’s query.
Lady Babbage was torn be
tween staying with her beloved niece and chasing the rapidly departing couple. Her love for her niece won, and she decided to wait for Catherine, who seemed to be taking an awfully long time finding the stone in her shoe.
“When did you plan that?” Lord Raikes asked amused, after Emma explained to him that Catherine was simply hamming it.
“Just before we came out for a walk. I wanted a word with you. I heard Lady Babbage arguing with the Duke. I could not catch the words, but she is up to something, and I do not think it has anything to do with Prudence,” Emma replied.
“Hmm, I will watch her tonight as well. We cannot do anything about any of her sinister plans, except find proof and present it to the Duke. We will have to steal that note somehow.”
“Richard forgot to tell you that we will meet in your rooms at one in the morning,” Emma said, glancing back to see how far Lady Babbage and her cousin were.
“What if the guests are still around?” Lord Raikes asked.
“No one stays past eleven when visiting the Duke unless it is a ball. The Duke likes to retire early, and everyone is aware of that.”
“Your cousin is refusing to speak to me. Don’t you think it’s time we told her what’s going on? I am sure she will agree to keep your secret for just a few more days.”
“It is her father we are deceiving. I am not sure her loyalty will allow her to aid us in this charade.”
“I think we should tell her,” he said stubbornly.
Emma glanced at the resolute face in alarm.
“Speak to Richard tonight first,” she pleaded.
“I am planning to.”
***
The evening was a success. They had all needed something to take their minds off their private troubles. The Duchess had become the life of the party, holding séances with some of the older ladies present.
Catherine avoided Lord Raikes, refusing to dance with him even once. Annoyed, he watched her laughing with some young man, whose name he could not recall.
Lady Babbage had given no hints of her plan. She had behaved as usual, hiding amongst the drapes in her dull brown dress. She had tried to encourage Lord Raikes to see Catherine as an alternative to Emma. This left him with mixed feelings.
The last of the guests departed, and everyone left for bed eagerly, each unaware of the numerous nightly activities planned.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The Duke strode around the mansion fastening windows. Finally satisfied that the house was secure, he locked the front door and pocketed the key.
He glanced at Pickering who had been faithfully following him throughout the entire process. He gave a slight nod and Pickering, understanding the silent signal, left to see to his master’s task.
The Duke then looked around one last time before making his way to his bedroom.
***
The Earl sneaked into Emma’s room that night and the two spent some time canoodling. They were soon interrupted by a knock on the door, and Lord Raikes’ voice sounded outside.
The Earl cautiously let him enter.
Lord Raikes looked away from Emma’s flushed face and spoke urgently, “Forgive me for entering your bed chamber, but I could not wait any longer. What if she falls asleep? She may already be asleep. But I really need to talk to her,” Lord Raikes addressed the Earl in anguished tones.
“We are going hunting for the note, not talking to her,” the Earl replied in confusion.
“Why would you talk to her?” Lord Raikes frowned.
“Why wouldn’t I? Why should you?”
Emma giggled and interrupted, “Lord Raikes is talking about Catherine. Richard thinks you mean Lady Babbage.”
Lord Raikes nodded absently. “I want to tell Catherine everything. It is not fair. You have Emma, and your game is almost over. Can I not tell her the truth?”
“He is right, Richard,” Emma said. “She is a confused mess, and I do not like seeing her hurt. I hate lying to her even more. Now that she is involved, I want her to know the truth as soon as possible.”
“Em! I will name my first child after you,” Lord Raikes announced happily.
Emma grinned in pleasure, while Richard frowned, “But she will confess all to the Duke. I cannot allow you to do this just a few days before my win. All will be lost, after going through weeks of torture.”
“I will convince her to remain silent,” Lord Raikes promised rashly.
“I am not sure, William. Give me a day to think it over.”
“No!” He exploded, “I am going to her now, darn it!”
***
Catherine meanwhile was tossing and turning in her bed. She was burning with curiosity as to what the Earl had wanted from her. He had looked so tortured, and she felt terrible for behaving so badly with him.
Her embarrassment was no fault of his, yet she had perversely blamed him. He had not tried to do anything untoward since the kiss . . . other than being kind.
She spent a considerable amount of time analysing her behaviour. She ruthlessly acknowledged to herself that she had used her anger as a shield, to protect herself from the increasing attraction she felt towards him. She had lashed out at him to keep him at arm’s length and protect her heart.
But her own vulnerability was no excuse for the way she had behaved with him. Her infatuation with him was not his fault.
The more she thought about her behaviour, the more restless she became. What if he wanted to confide in her about something to do with Emma? She was letting her cousin down because of her own selfish reasons.
***
Lord Raikes entered his room in agitation. He missed the figure arranged seductively on his bed until a feminine cough alerted him.
He glanced up and saw Prudence lying under the covers. It was clear she was wearing not a stitch underneath.
He was frozen in shock, unable to move until a knock sounded behind him. He absently reached over to unlock the door and found Catherine standing nervously in front of him.
She avoided his eyes and instead looked straight towards the bed. She stilled and then said softly, “I am sorry to have disturbed you. It seems you are busy.” With one last look at Prudence, she turned on her heel and fled.
He let out a whimper of frustration, startling Prudence. He took a deep breath to calm himself, then making up his mind, he picked up his robe from the chair and flung it in Prudence’s general direction. He refused to speak to her or even look at her. He left her there without bothering to see if she departed his room.
He raced after Catherine and forced his way into her room when she tried to block him.
“We need to talk . . . NOW,” He bit out.
Catherine took one look at his face and mutely agreed.
***
Meanwhile, Emma and the Earl stole out of their room to search for Prudence’s work basket. They tiptoed their way towards the main staircase when the Earl suddenly pushed Emma behind a suit of armour.
Emma’s squeak of protest died in her throat when she heard footsteps close by. She held her breath and squeezed the Earl’s hand.
Whoever it was seemed to be in a hurry and quickly passed by them.
Emma heaved a soft sigh of relief and peeked out. She noticed Mrs Barker’s back disappearing into shadows.
They prudently kept silent, keeping their questions for later. They had taken a few steps down the staircase when another figure darted past them.
Mr Barker must have been behind them all the time. Yet, he pretended not to see them as he rushed away. A dying candle on the ledge had thrown enough light to identify him.
They stood frozen like petrified rabbits. Emma wanted to run back into her room and hide, but her compassion for Prudence won out in the end. They decided to proceed as planned.
Mr Barker may inform the Duke of what he had seen, but that issue had to be brushed aside for now. The note was more important. They quickly made their way into the salon. That was where they had last assembled, and it stood to reason that Prudence would l
eave her basket there.
“I cannot find it,” Emma whispered in frustration.
“Perhaps the morning room?” the Earl whispered back.
“We might as well try all the rooms we can, Richard. I tried to keep an eye on her, but it was hard with so many people tonight.”
“Hush, did you hear that?” the Earl asked, placing a finger on her lips.
They stilled, straining their ears. At length, she shook her head and raised an eyebrow.
“Perhaps it was another mouse. I think we should not speak anymore. I feel as if the entire house is awake and prowling tonight,” the Earl said quietly.
She nodded in agreement, and they continued their search. After searching for more than two hours, they gave up, and Emma returned to her room alone.
She undressed and got into bed, but the moment she closed her eyes a knock at her door had her sitting bolt upright.
“Richard, what’s the matter, I thought you were returning to your room,” Emma exclaimed, seeing the Earl back so soon.
“I tried, but the entrance to the servant room is locked. I don’t understand it. It has never been locked before. I tried the front door and windows, and they are all bolted shut.”
“I am sure Lord Raikes will let you sleep on the couch. You can slip out in the morning,” she said nervously, shifting to block the Earl’s view of her own bed.
“On the contrary, I think I need to sleep in a warm bed tonight. I am fed up of my hard mattress.”
“Will he let you share his bed?”
“No, but you will,” he replied smiling.
***
Lord Raikes paced the room, and Catherine eyed him warily.
“I did not invite Prudence into my room. I found her there when I returned from Emma’s room.”
She gasped.
“No, no, you don’t understand. I went to Emma’s room to meet the Earl to ask him to allow me to tell you everything.”
“You went to Emma’s room to speak to the Earl. That is, you went to her room to speak to yourself? Then you returned to your room to find Prudence in such a state?” she asked sceptically.