Winthrop Trilogy Box Set

by Burnett, May

  “Oh, he exists, all right. He will have ordered you to forget your meeting with him, once he was done. We surmise that he ordered you to hate Lady Fenton, to leave Regensbad immediately without speaking to her again, and not to believe anything she says.”

  Barnaby scoffed. “I have never heard such an absurd claim in my life. Does she really think I am going to swallow this? What does she take me for, a fool?”

  Louis sighed wearily. “Not at all. If we could be sure that is all you were ordered to do, we would let you go, but these men are dangerous. They might have ordered you to blacken her name back in England, to hand them all your money, or in the worst case, to put a bullet into your head.”

  Louis brown eyes were looking at his head as he spoke, and despite himself, Barnaby stirred uneasily under his impassive gaze.

  “In short, until we can be certain that you are not under any such self-destructive compulsion, you will need to be restrained and guarded for your own good.”

  The Frenchman told the absurd story with such a matter-of-fact air that for a moment Barnaby was on the verge of believing it; but he caught himself, and laughed harshly. “I had no idea she has such a wild imagination. That is the best story she could come up with? It will not serve. I shall see you, and her, punished for this. Don’t think that family considerations will stay my hand.”

  Louis’ eyes narrowed. “I told milady you would be unable to comprehend or absorb the truth, but she thought it worth a try. Believe what you like, Winthrop, it is all the same to me. I wonder what she sees in you, that leads her to undertake such risk and bother.” Instants later the door closed at his back, not quite with a bang.

  Barnaby was left alone with his confusion. What on earth did Milla and her servant think to gain by bamboozling him like this? Did they take him for a flat? Louis had been very quick to defend that companion, Madame Rallien, his countrywoman… where was she, anyway? This was not a large house. Why had he not seen her yet, or at least heard her voice?

  Could it be true that Milla had taken up such a dangerous and unladylike hobby-horse, out of boredom or sheer high spirits? It would be just like her. But if so, why would she become the mistress of a crook, who only tried to fleece her?

  Milla had never admitted to being Kepler’s mistress, yet he remained firmly convinced of the fact. What had he seen or heard that had persuaded him? He painstakingly went over his days and hours since arriving in Regensbad, every encounter, every word spoken. As he did so, he began to wonder at his own uncharacteristic actions. To depart Regensbad without taking personal leave of Milla, offering to carry her letters to her brother and Abigail, would have been excessively poor manners. Even disappointed in her and disapproving of her morals, in the normal course of things Barnaby would always adhere to the outward forms of courtesy. A farewell note would have been the bare minimum. And he had kept Milla waiting for hours, when they had arranged to go riding...

  Dammit, that was not his normal behaviour. It could not be – could it – that there was something to this tale of mesmerism? Barnaby did not know much about that so-called science, had been inclined to regard it as a myth, one of those charlatan’s arts like speaking to the dead, or sooth-saying. He was not weak-willed or easily influenced. The very idea that somebody else could place a compulsion or false belief on him was insulting.

  The clock on the wall ticked. Minutes passed. He forced his breath to slow down, tried to clear his head.

  Fact: he could not remember the time between the end of that dinner party and the moment when he had awoken in his bed the next morning, late for his appointment with Milla, and irrationally, rudely determined to leave straight away.

  He still wanted to do so. If Milla unbound him, he would collect his luggage, pay what he owed, and take the first conveyance he could hire back to England. Yet should he not find out what kind of trouble she had involved herself in? What would Abigail or Susan say, if he returned without having learned how things stood with Milla? It was not his habit to leave any task half-done.

  So, he must stay a while longer, until he knew all. His heart sped up in panic, and his muscles tensed against his restraints. His body, part of his mind, were determined to leave at all costs. Logic and feelings were at odds, in a way Barnaby had never before experienced.

  Either Louis’ story was true, and he might actually be in danger – though he felt no urge towards suicide – or he was in the midst of some bad dream, perhaps occasioned by the laudanum with which he had been drugged. It was supposed to produce vivid bad dreams, wasn’t it? Such as being tied to Milla’s bed without any love play in sight. He bit down on his lips. The small pain reassured him that he was wide awake. This was no nightmare – or rather, a different and worse kind, from which there was no waking up.

  Chapter 23

  “He did not believe me, but perhaps when he has time to think it over, the information may do some good,” Louis reported to Milla in the drawing room. “Winthrop does not strike me as stupid or unreasonable, but it will not be easy to keep him imprisoned. I could see thoughts of escape forming behind his eyes.”

  “Yes,” Milla agreed. “Besides, to keep a healthy man tied to bed for longer than a day will weaken him overmuch. When we visited that ironworker’s shop two weeks ago, in Badlaurenz, I noticed an ancient ball and chain set with a lock. I hope they have the matching key, too, or can reproduce it quickly. That should keep him sufficiently immobilised, and yet not bedbound.”

  “He’ll never want to marry you after this,” Louis cautioned, “even if we can straighten out his mind.”

  “It is my fault he is in this trouble. I have to do what is best, even if he hates me afterwards.” Milla spoke boldly, but her indifference at the prospect was feigned. To be hated and cut by Barnaby Winthrop would hurt. It was already painful now, when he was not in his right mind, was acting under her enemies’ compulsion. But no matter how he treated her after this episode, she could not risk his obeying whatever malicious commands he might have been given.

  Marie rushed in, looking harried. “Major Kepler to see you, milady. Are you at home?”

  Milla exchanged a quick look with Louis. “Make sure that all doors are closed, so he and our patient cannot hear each other.” If Barnaby were to shout, he would still be audible in the drawing room, but since he had not done so since waking, with any luck, he would not think to do so now. “If the Major asks, Madame Rallien has given her notice, Marie.”

  “Very well.” The maid left to attend to the visitor.

  “I’ll be within call,” Louis murmured.

  Though Milla had seen Kepler alone on earlier occasions, she felt more nervous now, and so angry that it would require great effort to appear at all calm. Of course, she could allow him to see some of her feelings… he would even expect it.

  “I hope I find you well, dear Camilla?” Kepler asked with odious solicitude when she joined him in the drawing room. He made to take her hand, but she evaded his touch with a pettish movement to the side.

  “I am irritated at Mr. Winthrop. We were supposed to go riding this morning, but he never showed, nor sent an excuse.”

  “How boorish and inconsiderate! You will do well to forget all about that young Englishman, Camilla, he is quite unworthy of you.”

  Oh, is he? And who are you to judge him? She was careful not to look into the Major’s eyes, or he could have divined her hatred. “You are right, of course, Major, but his defection has put me quite out of sorts. I missed the exercise to which I was looking forward, on this splendid summer day. And to make matters worse, I could not even ride out with my companion instead. She gave notice all of a sudden, late last night, and departed earlier today. I shall have to find another woman in this place, I suppose. It is beyond tedious.”

  “No need for that, a husband is much more useful than a companion.” He beamed at her. “Madame Rallien is no loss at all. You should not waste a moment’s regret on her.”

  “Easy for you to say. As a man, you
do not require any companion to give you countenance.”

  “I wish I could offer my own escort for the ride you missed this morning, dear Camilla, but business matters prevent me. Do you remember how profitable our recent joint venture proved to be? Today I heard, by mere coincidence, of an even more promising occasion, for somebody willing to act quickly and discreetly.”

  Milla was relieved that he didn't try to press kisses or embraces on her. This other matter, she had expected, and could deal with. “Oh? You pique my interest. Do tell me more.”

  “I thought that’s what you would say. May I sit?”

  “Yes, yes, of course.” She pretended to be flustered as he sat on the blue armchair, facing her on the matching sofa. “Is this about mine shares again?”

  “No, for such a large transaction, that would be too uncertain and speculative. This is a sure thing.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “A lady right here in Regensbad finds herself in unexpected difficulties, and must sell quickly, at any price. She owns a large, fertile estate, less than an hour from here, that has been in her family for several generations – heart-breaking for her, of course, but extremely lucrative for the lucky buyer. There is a stud attached to the place, and the cattle and pigs she breeds regularly win prizes at regional fairs. That pretty grey mare you take out from the livery stable came from her stud; you could soon own her dam and sisters, at an incredibly low price.”

  “You are going to buy this estate at a fire-sale price?” Milla tried to sound half-interested, half disapproving.

  He smiled. How had she never before noticed that vulpine quality, when he showed his big white teeth? “I very much wish I could do so, but regrettably my own funds are tied up in another, equally favourable deal. That is why I thought of you, dear Camilla. The owner will sell the estate, with all the valuable stock, at fifteen thousand gulden. Among brothers, the worth is easily twice that much, perhaps three times more. You can inspect it, and talk to the owner yourself.”

  Milla wondered about that. “Yes, certainly I would not even consider such a large expenditure without personal inspection, or dealing directly with the owner. She has proof of title, I assume?”

  “Certainly. Anyone in the neighbourhood can confirm that it has been in her possession all her life. You may already have met the owner, a Frau von Meybrinck, at some of the local concerts.”

  Milla searched her memory. “A white-haired old lady, with a cane?”

  “Yes, that would be her. Everyone in the area knows Frau von Meybrinck, she is the soul of probity. This sale would not have the slightest risk attached, and the certainty of a very handsome profit when you resell at your leisure.”

  “And the matter is very urgent, is it?”

  “Yes, she needs to cover a note that will be presented by next week, and nobody is supposed to get wind of the matter beforehand. If her neighbours were to learn of it, they might interfere, and offer more.”

  And why would she not accept their better offers? Milla wondered cynically. It was not as though an estate’s sale could be kept permanently hidden. “Please set up a meeting with the lady, at her estate,” she asked Kepler, whose satisfied expression told her that he had expected just this reaction. “We should have a professional appraiser as well,” she added mischievously. “Not that I doubt your estimate of the estate’s value, Major, but in matters of such magnitude it is best not to rely on any one person.”

  “There is a risk that the man will talk, and the deal will slip through your fingers at the last moment, but if you insist,” Kepler said, more willingly than she expected. “You can bring one of your own, someone you trust not to talk out of school.”

  That offer surprised her. Where was the catch? There had to be one, but from the Major’s description everything about the business sounded above-board, if morally dubious.

  “I will, then,” she said, smiling. “How strange! Our little talk and the prospect of a profitable venture have driven my earlier megrims quite out of my mind.”

  “Fifteen thousand gulden is a great amount,” he said delicately. “Can you, err, is it too much for you? It is the lowest price she’ll consider, far less than the full value of her estate, but can you get your hand on the sum so quickly?”

  Milla shrugged. “Don’t worry, it may take a few days to get the actual cash, but I can present my letter of credit to any large bank in the area.”

  She was not surprised when he grasped her hand and pressed a fervent kiss on its back after those beautiful words. “You are extraordinary, Camilla,” he purred. “As beautiful and clever as you are decisive. You remind me of your Queen Elizabeth, who won the battle against the Spanish Armada.”

  “I believe she had red hair,” Milla said drily. “There is one thing that worries me – are we taking undue advantage of the poor old lady’s distress? I would not want my future neighbours to believe I have swindled a helpless widow.”

  “How like your sweet, kind nature, Camilla, to worry about that. But once you resell, the neighbour’s views will not matter.” Seeing her doubtful expression, he added, “Remember that if you don’t buy the estate, she’ll only have to sell to someone else. To take advantage of others’ calamities is only good business, and has been the foundation of many a great fortune. In any case, I can guarantee no one will think you have swindled the old lady.”

  I bet you can, Milla thought. It was difficult to maintain her smile. She wanted to clout Kepler over the head with the metal horse-head decorating the mantelpiece. Had she done so during his first call, Barnaby would not have fallen under these rogues’ influence. Was it a mistake to restrain her homicidal urges?

  “I am feeling a touch of headache coming back,” she said apologetically. "I believe I need to take a tisane and rest a little. Send me a message with the time of the inspection, please, at least a day early so I can find that appraiser.”

  “Let’s agree on the day after tomorrow, then, at ten in the morning? I shall send a note of confirmation after talking to the seller.”

  “Will you be there as well, Major Kepler?”

  “If time permits. I do have many other irons in the fire.”

  “You are a very busy man, Major, as I can see. Thank you for bringing this sale to my attention. I cannot promise anything before seeing the place, but I could never resist a bargain.”

  His eyes gleamed. “Who can? Good-bye, my dear, until soon.”

  It was not until she heard the door close after him, and five more seconds had elapsed, that Milla grabbed the china vase standing near the door and smashed it into the grate with pent-up violence. “The scoundrel! The villain! The cur! Damn him to the deepest reaches of hell!”

  “I could teach you much better curses than that,” Louis said, amused, from the door.

  Marie joined them a moment later. She looked at the fireplace with the china shards, and shook her head disapprovingly. “Tea, milady?”

  “I need something a little stronger just now.”

  Marie served French cognac to the three of them.

  Milla swallowed the fiery liquid, gathered her emotions firmly by the scruff. “You both heard? That is exactly what Veronique predicted. I confess I do not yet see how I am to be tricked. I have met Frau von Meybrinck, a perfectly pleasant old lady. She did not strike me as someone who would willingly engage in a swindle, particularly in this place, where she is well-known and has lived for so long. It should be easy enough to establish if she is, in fact, the owner of her estate, and whether the price is as advantageous as the major claimed.”

  “Veronique would know right away what their plan is,” Louis said. “I am not nearly as well-acquainted with that side of the business.”

  “I admit that, for the moment, I cannot guess exactly how they hope to fleece me.” Milla would find out, however; if at all possible, before Veronique returned.

  “Remember that you have more pressing matters to deal with,” Louis reminded her with a glance in the direction of her former bedroom.
<
br />   “It is all the same matter. I shall punish Kepler and Rabenstein for their attack on Mr. Winthrop, if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “Take care it isn’t, milady” Marie said soberly. “I’m not at all sure they would shy back from murder, once they realize you are on to them.”

  Chapter 24

  As the manacles were fastened to his left ankle, Barnaby maintained a sullen silence. At least he was clean and shaven, with his very own razor and strop, and wearing proper clothes again. His trunks had been retrieved from the Hotel Bitterschwarm by the resourceful Louis, against payment of his outstanding bill. The hotel had been told that Mr. Winthrop had been urgently called away. Well, that was one way to look at the matter.

  Barnaby no longer knew what was true or false, or how he felt about Milla. If she were indifferent to him and wanted only that hateful Major, as part of his brain still insisted, she would not risk her neck chaining him to her bedroom. It was illegal, it was unhinged, but it was hardly the act of a woman indifferent to him.

  Reluctantly, for want of a better explanation, he found himself half-believing the unlikely tale propounded by the French servant, or whoever the fellow was. For all Barnaby knew, Louis might be the lost dauphin in hiding – that would be just as outrageous as the rest of this strange affair. He could not trust his own reactions and memories, so much had become clear over several hours of puzzled and increasingly worried thought. Since he still felt a strong irrational impulse to leave Regensbad, it might be for the best if he was restrained until he regained his balance. But he would never admit it, of course.

  “Where is Lady Fenton’s companion, Madame Rallien?” he asked Louis. “Is she on the premises?”

  “She has gone to fetch help for you.” The man did not seem happy about it, for whatever reason.

  “Help? What kind?”

  “Someone who can undo the unknown commands to which you were subjected. At least, that is what Lady Fenton hopes for. If he does not have any English, it may be difficult.”