by Vella, Wendy
The housekeeper slapped the pot onto the tray and added milk and sugar.
“To be sure it was nice of him, but he didn’t have to say that seeing me had brightened his day. He’s a smooth-tongued rogue, is what he is.”
She had nothing to smile about. In fact, Livvy would gladly lie on the floor and cry her eyes dry right here in the kitchen. Yet the notion that her housekeeper was unsettled by one Mr Frederick Blake made her smile, of course she hastily swallowed it as Jenny turned to look at her, but it stayed on the inside, a little warm glow that gave her hope.
“Will you take tea with us, Jenny?” Livvy said as she took the tray from the housekeeper.
“Wouldn’t look right, Miss Olivia, as you very well know.”
“I don’t care if it looks right or wrong, I’m asking you to take tea with us,” Livvy said, keeping her face expressionless. “
Jenny huffed for several seconds and then said, “Well I suppose someone needs to chaperone you girls from that man.”
“To be sure he is a scoundrel.” Livvy laughed as Jenny swatted her shoulder as she left the room. They then headed for the good parlour where she knew Phoebe and Bella would have taken Mr Blake.
“Well the trick was to sleep in shifts on the boats so no one stole anything from you.”
Livvy opened the door to Mr Blake’s words.
“Did you have things stolen, Mr Blake?”
Bella’s eyes gleamed as she questioned their visitor. She had such a passion for information about foreign countries.
“Please have my seat, Mrs Bell.” Mr Blake leapt to his feet as Jenny entered the room. She, in turn, appeared flustered and shooed him back into it as she took over serving the tea from Livvy.
The hour that passed with Mr Blake, Livvy knew, was only a respite from what awaited them when he left, but she could not begrudge them this time. Freddy, as he urged them all to call him, was a wonderful storyteller and genuinely nice man. He made them laugh and encouraged Bella’s questions. He was clearly smitten with Jenny and even coaxed a laugh from her, and for those sixty minutes the Langleys were able to push aside their worries and enjoy the company of a man who expected nothing from them other than to listen to his stories.
“And what of Lord Ryder, Freddy, surely he did not climb the masts as Luke did?”
“Oh, indeed he did, Miss Isabella, in fact whatever his men did he did too.”
Livvy could imagine the man Will was today doing the things Freddy said but not the spoilt nobleman who had left here many years ago. She did not ask the questions burning inside her; instead sitting quietly she listened to every word, eager for information about the man who had owned her heart. She knew Freddy skimmed over many things and told them only the stories which would make them smile and gasp, yet she was grateful for the respite from her thoughts. When the time came for him to leave Livvy was genuinely sorry to see Mr Blake go.
“Thank you for the tea, ladies, however as the sky is darkening I must make the journey home.”
“And we shall hope you will visit us again soon, Mr Blake, with more of your adventures,” Bella said as they escorted him to the door.
“I should be delighted,” he said with a final wave and smile that was mostly for Jenny, who offered a tentative one back before she hurried back into the parlour.
“I think Mr Blake is sweet on our Jenny,” Bella whispered. “And I think Jenny likes him back but is reluctant to show it.”
“However, we shall let things run their course and not interfere,” Livvy added.
“Interfere, us?” Phoebe tried to look wide-eyed and innocent, a look she had never quite perfected. “I’m wounded that you believe us capable of such a deed, sister.”
Livvy didn’t say any more about the matter as they were once again at the parlour door and Jenny was inside, instead she began to discuss the preparations for their journey to London.
“We shall have to hire a carriage to take us to Damply, Phoebe, I will not been seen getting on the stage to London in Twoaks.”
“My boy can do that,” Jenny said as she tidied the room. “He’ll be here in the morning, I’ll send him to Damply to book two tickets for the stage to London leaving tomorrow afternoon and he can hire a carriage while he’s there. Then he can go and collect my sister afterwards.”
“Thank you, Jenny, and please thank Jaccob for us.”
“For the sake of appearances it will cost us more, Livvy,” Phoebe cautioned.
“I’ll hold onto my pride for as long as I can,” Livvy said. “But now we must pack and prepare ourselves for the journey.”
They talked over every detail, discussed emergency plans for both Livvy and Phoebe and Jenny and Bella, and only when Livvy was absolutely certain they had missed no detail did they all retire for the night.
“We’re sleeping with you tonight, Livvy,” Phoebe said, appearing with Bella in the doorway of her room in their nightdresses.
Livvy didn’t argue, she knew the night would not bring her much sleep and was more than happy to have company. Moving over she lifted the covers and her sisters climbed beneath. They talked for a while keeping the conversation light until finally Bella fell asleep.
“It will be all right, Phoebe, I promise.” Livvy reached over her little sister’s slumbering form and gripped the hand Phoebe held out to her.
“Promise?” Livvy heard the uncertainty that Phoebe usually hid deep inside.
“With all my heart.”
Their hands remained linked and resting on their little sister as they lay still in the darkness until the grey fingers of light told Livvy dawn was here, only then did she slip quietly out of bed to prepare for the journey to London.
***
“You could always just sit inside in the warmth with us, Luke, and let one of our men drive us.”
“Don’t you ever stop?” Luke’s frustration was obvious as he pulled himself up onto the driver’s seat and turned to glare down at Will. “I’m driving you to London so just get used to the idea. Someone needs to see you there safely in these conditions.”
“And of course none of the other men are capable,” Will drawled.
Luke simply clamped his lips together and stared at the horses before him, signalling an end to the conversation.
“Problems?”
Will turned to face Joe as he joined him beside the carriage.
“You know when we were younger and you had that pony that wouldn’t let you lead him anywhere?”
“Bramble” the Duke said, looking from Will to Luke.
“Well Luke is my Bramble, Joseph, a more stubborn creature I have yet to meet.”
Behind him Luke stayed silent but Will could almost feel him vibrating with anger.
“Give him time, Will, he’ll come about,” Joe said softly. “England is full of prejudices and not all of them are from titled people.”
Nodding Will looked up at the grey skies and wondered if they were in for rain or more snow, whatever came he knew it would be bloody cold.
“If the weather worsens make sure you stop and stay put until it eases.”
“Yes, Joe, you have said that already,” Will said, preparing to climb into his carriage. “London is a two day trip on good roads, there really is no need for this hand-wringing and fretting brother.”
“Dukes neither wring hands nor do they fret and I should give you a sound beating for suggesting otherwise,” the Duke muttered. “However, you left us once and returned five years later, I have no wish for an accident to befall you now.”
Will sighed, the sound coming from the soles of his highly polished boots. Would the guilt he felt about abandoning his family never ease?
“I’m sorry, Joe. Sorry that I caused both you and Thea pain, but I’m back now and have no plans to leave again, in any form.”
Joseph looked at the carriage and then back at Will.
It still amazed him that the brother he had left behind was such a changed man, he loved his wife and son to distraction and
surprisingly Will seemed part of that love now too.
“No it is I who am sorry, Will. I just don’t want to lose you again,” Joseph’s voice was gruff as he grabbed him and hugged him hard. Surprised at first, Will took seconds to respond, but soon he was hugging his brother back.
“All will go well, Joe, I promise and Freddy will make me stop if it snows, he’s a shocking traveller at the best of times”
“Tis true, your Grace,” a voice called from inside the carriage.
“Christmas is two weeks away; I shall expect your return before then,” Joseph released him and stepped back.
“Yes, Your Grace.” Will gave his brother a final nod before climbing into the carriage.
“The Duke is a good man, my lord, and cares for you deeply,” Freddy said as the carriage started to move.
“Aye, I had not realized how much he mattered to me until I returned; Thea and Penny also.” Will kept his eyes on his home until it left his sight. “And let us not forget that little rascal Billy.”
“He’s a bonny wee boy that one,” Freddy added, pulling the rug out from beneath the seat he was on.
“You’re cold already? Surely that heated brick at your feet is offering some warmth?”
“Not near enough,” Freddy huffed, tucking the rug around his legs.
“Well, spare a thought for our stubborn friend driving us.”
Freddy tsked and snuggled deeper into his blanket. “That boy is a fool but I’m sure if we keep at him he will come to his senses in time.”
I hope you’re right,” Will said.
Freddy had informed Will yesterday that he needed to head to London to attend to some business matters and Will had decided to accompany him. He wanted to purchase a town house and have some more clothes made, plus see to several other things he had put on hold since his return.
“I accompanied Luke to drop the firewood to the Langley sisters yesterday, my lord, as you instructed.”
Will looked at Freddy, sensing there was more to the story.
“I arrived at the back door and Mrs Bell reluctantly let me in.”
“Don’t tell me there is a woman on this earth who is capable of withstanding your charms, Freddy?” Will laughed at the disgruntled look on the man’s face.
“She’s a tough one that Jenny Bell, but there was a thawing as the afternoon progressed I’m sure of it.”
“And the Langley sisters, how did they take the gift?”
“They were pleased, although Miss Langley did say she should not be accepting gifts from you.”
“I bet she did, the little baggage.” Will had thought of Olivia constantly since the night of the Assembly.
“If you don’t mind me asking, my lord, is there trouble in the Langley family at all?”
Freddy’s face was solemn as he met Will’s eyes.
“I had wondered if things were not right but as yet have no evidence. Why do you ask?”
“When Miss Phoebe and Miss Olivia came into the kitchens to greet me it was obvious that Miss Olivia had been crying and Miss Phoebe’s smile did not reach her eyes, in fact all the ladies, Mrs Bell included, looked distressed.”
The thought of Livvy in distress did not sit well with Will.
“I asked if anything was wrong but she brushed it aside by saying they were tears of laughter.”
“And you believe they weren’t?” Will questioned.
“No, and they could have been upset over something minor, yet I don’t believe so because all of the woman in that house were tense and worried.”
Leaning back in his seat Will thought about what Freddy had said. Thea had told him she believed everything was not as it should be within the Langley household, and when he questioned Luke his friend told him that his mother believed they did not have a lot of money as she had heard they had been behind with payment on their bills in the village. Will didn’t think Livvy would have blisters from chopping wood if she had servants to do the job, so did that mean the only servant they had was Mrs Bell?
“Did you question Phoebe or Bella?”
“No, we talked of my travels for the remainder of my visit.”
“Did you see any other servants in the Langley house while you were there, Freddy?”
“No, my lord, I did not, only Jenny Bell.”
Looking out the window as they passed through Twoaks, Will wondered if the Langleys were living a lie.
“Perhaps we will dig a little deeper upon our return from London, Freddy.”
“I can manage that, my lord, as you know there is not much I cannot unearth when I set my mind to it. But now, as we have a long journey ahead of us, I shall discuss the business matters we are to attend in London.”
“Discuss away.” Will waved his hand around, indicating that Freddy had the floor and for the next hour they talked about ships, investments and warehouses and while he listened and contributed Will still thought about Livvy and what had made her cry.
“What village is this, my lord?” Freddy looked out the window as houses and shops started to appear.
“Damply I believe.” Will looked out the other window. It was grey and miserable and he was glad to be inside the carriage rather than out there.
“Good lord, I wonder what they’re doing here?”
“Who?”
“Miss Phoebe and Miss Olivia.”
CHAPTER TEN
Looking out Freddy’s window he saw Olivia and Phoebe standing in the cold beside several other people. As they had bags at their feet he guessed they were waiting for the stage. Opening the hatch above his head, Will roared at Luke to stop at once. He had the carriage door open before it stopped and was out and striding across the street in seconds. She saw him coming and her cinnamon eyes were wide and wary as he reached her.
“Hello, my lord.” Phoebe gave him a nervous smile which instantly put him on alert. Nothing made Phoebe nervous.
“Phoebe, Olivia,” he acknowledged, keeping his eyes on the latter.
“L—Lord Ryder, how nice to see you again. Please let me thank you for the firewood, it was wrong of you to send those men to us on such a cold day but—”
“Where are you going on the stage, Olivia?” Will cut her off.
She hadn’t looked at him yet, her eyes were on the buttons of his waistcoat.
“Where are you going on the stage?” he asked again while he fought the urge to shake her.
Seeing her standing there with only her sister to protect her, looking small and vulnerable with her coat buttoned to the neck and her bonnet tied in a neat precise bow made him want to strike at something. It was freezing and could snow again soon. They were about to get into a coach with several other people whom neither he nor they knew. The thought of what could happen to them made him go cold all over, the carriage could have overturned or someone could have harmed the Langley sisters and he would have never known.
“On a trip, my lord.”
“And where is this trip taking you, Olivia?” His words were clipped and a long way from the gentleman she had once known.
Will noticed that for once Phoebe was happy to keep her mouth shut and let her sister do the talking.
“To London, to see our cousin.”
“Yet you never felt it necessary to mention this trip when I saw you at the Assembly, or when Freddy visited you yesterday, Olivia?”
“I… I did not think our travel plans would interest you, Lord Ryder.”
She was stuttering and anxious, but Will felt no sympathy for her, he was too angry.
“You thought your travel plans would not interest me?” He questioned softly. “Especially if those plans included a trip to London, a city I believe that you have never visited?”
She looked at him then, raising her chin several inches she attempted to glare at him which was spoilt by the fact that she was shaking.
“And where is Bella, don’t tell me you dragged her out in these conditions too?” Will looked around but could see no sign of the youngest Langley.
“Bella is at home safe and warm,” Phoebe said quickly, she obviously thought this would reassure him. She was wrong.
“And who is to accompany you both to London if your sister is at home, presumably with your servants, surely you had not intended to journey there unchaperoned?” Will knew that was exactly what Olivia had intended but he wanted to hear the words from her.
Her fists clenched and he wondered if she intended to hit him or if it was to stop her fingers from trembling.
“I do not need a chaperone at my age, Lord Ryder, nor are our travel plans any of your business.”
“Olivia,” Phoebe cautioned, but her sister was past listening.
“D—do you have a full itinerary of all the travelling plans of your acquaintances, my lord? Perhaps I should just send a note every morning as to my daily activities!”
“That’s enough, Olivia,” Will warned.
“Yes I believe it is enough,” she said, looking over his shoulder now. “Because here c—comes our stage, so please step aside at once so we can board.”
Will didn’t turn as the jangle of harnesses and thunder of hooves reached his ears. “You can travel with Mr Blake and I, we are also journeying to London.”
“Thank you, but that will not be necessary,” she said in a curt tone. “We have booked seats, therefore you need not trouble yourself any further on our behalf.”
“It is no trouble,” he said, picking up both hers and Phoebe’s bags before they could stop him and walking back towards his carriage without waiting to see if they were following.
“Freddy, you and Luke load these bags, Olivia and Phoebe will be accompanying us to London.”
“At once, my lord,” they said in unison, no doubt after one look at the savage expression on his face.
“Give us our bags back!”
Handing one to Luke he passed the other to Freddy and then turned to face the furious woman who now stood before him.
Pointing to the carriage he said—“In you get,”—with remarkable calm considering his insides were boiling.
“I certainly will not. Now give me my bag,” Olivia said through clenched teeth. It seemed she was no longer anxious, now she was furious. “My sister and I cannot travel alone with two men.”