‘But why, for heaven’s sake?’
‘Because her mother asked me,’ Laurence said with brutal frankness.
In this instance, he was correct and he was feeling nothing stronger than a certain grim, angry resignation towards what Betty had asked of him when she had been close to death. In his hands he hoped Victoria would not lose her wide-eyed innocence and naïveté and not acquire the veneer of bored sophistication and droll wit that was as much a requirement for admission into society as were the right family connections. He owed it to her mother to do his utmost to see she made a suitable marriage.
‘Like it or not,’ he said to his brother, ‘I do feel responsible for what happens to her. Based on what little I know of her, I like her well enough. I cannot shrug her off as easily as you would like me to. You are not the one her mother made her guardian. You would not find it so easy to fulfil that role without finding her so damned attractive.’
‘I wouldn’t—at least not in that way.’
A look of contrition clouded Laurence’s eyes. ‘No, of course not. That was thoughtless of me. I’m sorry, Nathan.’
Nathan had been waiting for Laurence to explain his willingness to make Miss Lewis his ward, but his last revealing sentence banished everything else from his mind. ‘So she appeals to you in that way, does she?’ he pressed.
‘In exactly that way,’ Laurence bit out. He stared at his brother. He longed to explain away the extraordinary circumstances that drew him to Victoria Lewis, to make excuses, but the look on Nathan’s face stopped him.
‘I see, then I can only hope you come to your senses and don’t do anything that you will come to regret.’
Laurence shook his head and his strong face lost its penitent cast and became soft. The shamefaced play of his features died away. His eyes were steady and honest and he did not avoid Nathan’s gaze as he spoke. ‘Nathan, I will not lie to you and deny that I am attracted to her. There is something special, something fine about her, an indescribable magnetism which draws me to her.’
Nathan gave him a wry smile and when he spoke his voice was dark with disapproval. ‘It’s little wonder you find her attractive. Diana herself finds the girl utterly delightful.’
‘That may be so, but I am adamantly opposed to doing anything that will jeopardise my position as her guardian—and the welter of events that took place so long ago renders me helpless to even consider her.’
‘I do know that. Based on your previous attitude toward the female sex—which, by the way, has me in complete despair of ever seeing you married—you have rejected Clara at every turn. She has taken it hard. Miss Lewis may not be as easy for you to dismiss as the others have been. You find her physically desirable and my fear is that on longer acquaintance you might find her irresistible.’
‘You have nothing to fear.’
‘And for the second time in your life you have no reason to fear the loss of your cherished bachelorhood?’
‘Are you quite finished?’ Laurence enquired blandly.
‘Quite,’ Nathan quipped.
‘Victoria is very vulnerable just now and will be easily hurt, so I must tread with care. I am thinking of her best interests. I promised her mother that I would see to it that she makes a suitable marriage.’
‘It can’t be a moment too soon as far as I’m concerned,’ Nathan retorted.
‘Actually, there are several problems associated with this plan. There is one difficulty.’
‘And that is?’
‘I need some female input.’
‘I understand Aunt Libby is to provide that.’
‘Come on, Nathan, Aunt Libby is seventy-five-years old and spends a great deal of her time dozing in a chair or in bed.’
‘You want my wife to call on her?’ said Nathan, reading his mind.
‘Precisely.’
‘I am against it, but if it will get Miss Lewis off our backs I will agree to it. I am sure Diana will be happy to lend her enthusiasm and assistance.’
‘You really should meet her, Nathan. You will have to at some time. She is completely innocent in all of this, innocent of any blame. She is struggling to come to terms with her mother’s death and the change it has brought to her life. She has had to abandon her ambition of becoming a teacher and she is feeling it very badly.’
‘I don’t want to hear anything about her,’ Nathan had told Laurence, ‘good or bad. If you want to play nursemaid, then go ahead, but I’d rather just think she wasn’t there at all.’
‘I’m sure you do and I would like to reinforce what I have said before, that she deserves to hear the whole truth and will be able to handle it better than she could handle confusion and deception. I carry a great burden of guilt and remorse over depriving her of the truth.’
‘What can I say except that I am sorry you are finding this whole thing difficult.’
‘It’s quite horrendous, Nathan. Victoria is as much a victim of the events as you are. Try to remember that.’
‘I’d rather not, if you don’t mind.’
They regarded each other across the room, two fiercely indomitable wills clashing in silence. Then Laurence had shrugged and said he didn’t mind at all, but he hoped Nathan would change his mind. Nathan told him he wouldn’t. He simply closed his mind, in a way that was half-fierce, half-frightened.
Just the thought that Victoria Lewis was at Stonegrave Hall, just over the moor from him, was a permanent reminder of his father’s infidelity that was almost like a physical pain in his life. It was something he had to endure and try to cope with.
And yet it was with sombre concern that he watched Laurence mount his horse and ride away. Despite his brother’s words to the contrary, Nathan had an uneasy feeling that he was not as immune to Miss Lewis’s charms as he would have him believe. He had not heard him speak with the same degree of gentleness and warmth, had not seen that gleam in his eyes for a long time—not since Melissa.
Chapter Six
The neighbouring gentry responded to the news of Lord Rockford’s new ward in various ways, but all showed astonishment by the unconventionality of it all. Generally, the reactions came from those neighbours near at hand who could not believe that the illustrious master of Stonegrave Hall had taken Betty Lewis’s daughter under his wing, and her just a slip of a girl. It was indecent, some said, a young girl alone in the house with a relative stranger—and she only a schoolmaster’s daughter. True, Mr Lewis had been a well-respected man, but that didn’t elevate him any higher than that in their eyes.
Particularly was it being asked how a chit like that was going to make anything of herself, not being of the master’s class. And that same question was quietly asked in the house itself as soon as she moved out of her room in the servants’ quarters to a more desirable one in the main part of the house. In keeping with her elevated position, she was appointed a young maid called Sally. Since they all held Lord Rockford in high esteem and valued their jobs—and because neither Jenkins nor Mrs Hughs would speak against her—as long as she remembered her place and didn’t start giving orders, then they would keep their opinions among themselves below stairs.
When Victoria first met Aunt Libby, her new duenna, she’d taken one look at her and been pleasantly surprised. Instead of the stern-faced old Amazon she’d imagined, she was a small elderly lady who, with rosy cheeks and silver hair tucked beneath a lacy cap, looked more like a china doll. As Victoria had looked into her sharp grey eyes and listened to her happy, friendly chatter, she decided that she was an excellent choice and would suit her very well. If anything, she amused Victoria, rather than intimidated her.
‘It’s very good of you to come here to look after me,’ Victoria said, ringing for tea.
‘Not at all, dear,’ she replied, making herself comfortable on the sofa and plumping the cushions around her. ‘I was thr
illed to be asked and so very pleased to be of assistance. Stonegrave Hall was my home before I went to live at the Grange with Nathan and Diana. I always like to come back.’ She smiled. ‘You’re such a pretty girl, Victoria. I’m sure Laurence will have no trouble making you a good match, and in the meantime we are going to have a lovely time. Yes,’ she said, chuckling happily, ‘a lovely time.’
* * *
Later, when she was ready to go down to dinner, Victoria caught sight of the dreary figure in black in the gilt framed mirror and wondered for a moment who she was. Was it really her? Pale, listless, dull and graceless. She was eighteen years old and though she would love her mother to the end of her days, was she to drift about looking as dead as she was? Despair was doing its best to enslave her. Then, determined not to be sad tonight, she lifted her head high and, turning on her heel, went to join her guardian in the candlelit dining room, hoping he wouldn’t find her appearance too dour.
How she would have liked to wear one of the gowns she wore for special occasions at the Academy—her favourite lime-green silk, which complemented her figure and her hair. But she reminded herself that her mother had wanted her to be a lady and ladies did not discard their mourning and change into lime-green gowns so soon following a bereavement.
Laurence was standing by the sideboard, pouring red wine into two glasses. Victoria was struck by his stern profile outlined against the golden glow of the candles. She saw a kind of beauty in it, but quickly dismissed the thought. He turned when she entered and moved towards her, his narrow gaze sweeping over her with approval.
‘I hope I’m not late,’ she said. ‘I’ve been settling into my room.’
‘Is it to your liking?’ he asked, pulling out a chair at the damask-covered table decorated with orchids.
‘Yes, thank you. It’s a lovely room,’ she said, slipping into it and taking a sip of wine.
‘I hoped you would like it. Facing south, it gets most of the sun.’
‘It also faces Ashcomb. The rooftops are just visible.’
‘I’m glad you decided to join me for dinner,’ he said, seating himself across from her. ‘I hoped you would.’
‘I could hardly ignore a royal command, could I?’ she replied, unable to resist taking a gentle stab at him, an impish curve to her lips softening the tartness of her reply.
His glance darted across the table. ‘It was not a royal command—but this is how things are going to be from now on. This is your home, Victoria. You must treat it as such.’
‘Yes—thank you, I will try to.’
‘Good. Now that is settled, perhaps we can enjoy our dinner.’
‘I shall endeavour to do so.’
‘As long as you don’t upset the cook by not eating. As you will know by now she is very efficient—and being a woman, she is extremely temperamental and takes it as a personal criticism if anyone refuses to eat.’
‘What! Even you?’ Her eyes sparked with laughter.
‘Even me.’ He smiled in response, spreading a napkin over his knees.
‘Is your aunt not joining us?’
‘Aunt Libby is not as young as she was and gets very tired. She prefers to dine in her room.’
‘But is not the whole point of her being here to chaperon me at all times?’
‘I think she can be excused now and then,’ he replied with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
* * *
It was a delicious meal, excellently cooked and served by the aloof footmen who came and went. Laurence talked of the Hall, giving Victoria a brief insight into what her life was going to be like from now on.
‘You have quite a problem. Moving in society will be difficult enough when you have not been raised to it—which I shall do my best to help you overcome.’
‘And how will you do that? I have no doubt whatsoever that I shall be ostracised when word gets out that you have become my guardian.’
‘You needn’t concern yourself over the attitude of others while I’m about. My shoulders are broad enough to deflect any slings and arrows aimed in your direction.’
‘And when you’re not here?’
‘We’ll face that when the time comes. For now I will start by teaching you how to ride. You are the only female I know who doesn’t. Riding, I’m afraid, is de rigueur for all young ladies.’
Victoria groaned. ‘Not all, surely.’
‘Most of them, and I am certain you will benefit from it.’
‘Don’t be too sure about that. I am not ashamed to admit that I have a strong aversion to horses—especially when they come too close. I have never been on one in my life and I have no intention of doing so.’
‘Come, Victoria,’ he said teasingly. ‘Where is your spirit of adventure?’ His laughing eyes communicated with hers in silent challenge. ‘Afraid?’
‘Yes, if you must know, I am rather terrified.’
‘Then I shall help you to master your aversion. You will have them eating out of your hand in no time at all and wonder what all the fuss was about.’
‘You sound rather confident about that.’
‘I am. You may be a little sore from the experience at first, but I can assure you you will soon get the hang of it and enjoy yourself.’
Victoria looked at him in alarm. The man was insufferable. He was positively revelling in her discomfort. ‘Of course that is what you would say. You are quite pleased about my distress.’
‘It will be short lived, I assure you. I intend to embark on a course of action that will make you overcome your fear of the beast.’
‘I’m surprised you would agree to teach me anything. If I have to do this, then couldn’t one of the grooms teach me? Your time is valuable.’
‘I will make time. I shall enjoy teaching you.’ He began to smile.
She pounced on his pleased expression at once. ‘You see?’ she said, pointing at him in an accusing fashion. ‘My ignorance of horses and the possible consequences of my being a social failure no doubt fills you with amusement. I am sure you are looking forward to watching me make the most complete fool of myself when I am tossed over a horse’s head.’
He laughed. ‘Do not think so ill of me as that. I have many faults, Victoria, but taking pleasure in someone’s social embarrassments is not among them. And don’t come all missish on me. It will give me pleasure to do this for you, so indulge me.’
She looked away, then back again. ‘I did not mean to insult you. However, I cannot help but question your motives.’
‘In general or the matter of teaching you to ride?’
‘Both, I suppose.’
No one had questioned Laurence’s motives since he had become master of Stonegrave Hall and he seldom felt the need to explain them. In this case, however, he knew it was important that he do so.
‘I mean what I say. I am a man of honour. If I cannot succeed in my objective by fair and honest means, I would rather fail. I intend to do all I can to make your life comfortable here at the Hall. In the light of your distrust, I should like to prove it to you.’
‘How?’
‘I have no desire to see you disgraced, which is why we will begin your riding lessons first thing in the morning. Nine o’clock on the dot.’
‘Will anyone else be there?’
He looked at her in puzzlement. ‘Why should there not be? Does it bother you?’
‘Only in the most general sense.’ She glanced away and then back again. ‘I—I would rather not have an audience.’
Laurence was becoming curious. ‘You will have an audience. The grooms will be around.’
Her cheeks turned pink. ‘I understand that. It cannot be helped, I suppose. They have their work to do. But any of your friends and neighbours are a different matter.’
Laurence could not make this out at all. In the face
of his obvious bewilderment, she went on, ‘It’s just that whatever I undertake, I seek to do it as well as possible.’
Laurence suddenly understood completely. He could expect no less of her. ‘What you are saying is that you do not wish to do anything in front of people unless you can do it faultlessly?’
‘Well—yes.’
‘Victoria, you are far too severe upon yourself. No one can do every single thing without flaw.’
‘Yes, I know, but...’ She paused, bit her lip and looked away. After a moment, she drew a deep breath and let it out on a sigh. ‘The truth is, whenever I did anything wrong at the Academy, the other girls would laugh at me—and now I have a horrible fear of being laughed at,’ she confessed in a small voice, returning her gaze to his. ‘I couldn’t bear it if Miss Ellingham should come to call and see me tumbling out of the saddle. Until I become proficient on a horse, I should prefer not to have an audience.’
Laurence looked at her—the smoothness of her countenance that never gave anything away, the discretion in her that never revealed a secret, this need to do things perfectly. He felt an unexplainable surge of anger at the other girls at the Academy.
‘I will see you make mistakes,’ he pointed out, his voice gentle.
‘That’s different. You don’t count. I don’t care what you think,’ she lied, hoping she sounded convincing.
He laughed at her. ‘Now that I can well believe. Very well, Victoria, we shall keep your riding lessons to ourselves. There are plenty of places where a lord, his pupil and a horse can hide.’
‘Thank you. I would appreciate that.’
* * *
By the time Victoria reached the stable yard, she had the bit firmly between her teeth. She was determined to take Laurence’s advice and learn to ride. It was all very clear in her mind. If she was to mix with society, then she would have to learn how to, and if learning to sit atop a horse was to be part of that initiation, then so be it.
Wearing a black woollen dress and bonnet and sturdy boots, she strode into the yard on the dot of nine o’clock. Grooms and stable boys were going about their daily tasks. Having just returned from riding out, Laurence sat upon a massive chestnut hunter with elegant ease, effortlessly controlling the restive beast. In his dark-green jacket and white-silk neckcloth, buckskin riding breeches and gleaming black-leather boots, his dark hair ruffled by the slight breeze, he looked happy and relaxed as he blithely chatted to a groom, Victoria noted. She halted in the shadows of the stable arch, her attention riveted on him.
The Master of Stonegrave Hall Page 12