Heirs and Graces (Victorian Vigilantes Book 2)

by Wendy Soliman

  ‘Ha!’ Jake barked out a laugh. ‘They would prefer help of a more practical nature, I expect.’

  ‘I could not agree more.’ Olivia sighed. ‘Poor Mabel. What shall you do about her?’

  Jake shrugged. ‘Keep her here, I suppose, until we get to the bottom of this matter and hopefully find her father alive and well. We cannot let her go back to Limehouse. Her neighbours will have nothing to do with her and she has no means of supporting herself. Besides, there is the small matter of the two louts who ransacked her cottage, the identity of whom Parker is going to discover for me.’

  ‘I live to serve,’ Parker replied in an expressionless tone.

  Jake shot him a droll look. ‘I think it probable Armitage believes she knows whatever it is that Lloyd holds against his employers. If I am right—’

  ‘There is some question in that regard?’

  Olivia’s frivolous remark earned her an indolent look from Jake. Fergus and Parker both spluttered with laughter.

  ‘As I was saying,’ Jake continued. ‘If I am right, there is no saying what lengths those oafs might go to in order to prevent her from speaking out.’

  ‘I will take Mabel home with me, Jake. She will be more comfortable in a small establishment run by ladies, and she can help with Tom and Gracie,’ Olivia said, referring to her own small son and Eva’s daughter. ‘That will make her feel useful.’

  ‘Thank you, Olivia, but best not. If anyone discovers she is there, you and the children could be in danger.’

  ‘Nonsense! I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself and well you know it. Besides, since Eva’s business you have insisted upon supplying me with an additional male servant, who is under-employed and spends his time twiddling his thumbs. If Finch thinks we are under imminent threat it will give him something to do.’

  ‘You had best give way, Jake,’ Fergus said, chuckling. ‘You know very well that you have met your match when Olivia sets her mind on a particular course.’

  Jake expelled an elongated sigh. ‘All right, Olivia. If you are absolutely sure.’

  ‘I am, and I am even surer that I want to know what this is all about. I think I have earned the right.’

  ‘Certainly you have, but it is convoluted and time is getting on. Stay and dine with me and I will tell you everything. Fergus has a prior engagement and I am at a loose end.’

  ‘Very delicately put, Jake.’

  ‘I did not mean you were second best.’ Jake fixed her with a smouldering look. ‘Quite the reverse.’

  ‘Thank you, Jake, but Eva and Isaac are expecting me in Chelsea.’

  ‘I dare say they will not mind if you leave them to their own devices,’ Jake replied, his lips twitching.

  ‘Even so, it would be better if you joined us there. It is obvious that Miss Armitage is important to you and Eva might have noticed things about her that escaped me.’

  Fergus doubted it. He also doubted if any other lady would have refused the opportunity to dine alone with Jake. Be that as it may, Jake absorbed her refusal without any signs of discomposure.

  ‘Have poor Mabel brought up, if you please, Parker,’ Olivia said, standing. ‘I shall take her back to Chelsea at once and get her settled. Shall I expect you for dinner, Jake?’

  Jake and Fergus stood also.

  ‘I shall be delighted,’ he said.

  Chapter Four

  Amelia slipped into the house through a side door, hoping to make her way up to her chamber undetected.

  ‘Where have you been?’

  She paused on the second stair as a shrill voice accosted her.

  ‘I beg your pardon, Edith,’ Amelia turned and looked down at the diminutive figure of her sister-in-law.

  ‘I asked you where you have been.’

  ‘Since I am wearing my cape and bonnet, it must be evident that I have been out for the afternoon.’

  ‘Don’t answer me back.’ Edith thrust out her bosom, her pinched features expressing even more disapproval than usual. ‘I am perfectly aware that you have been out; alone no less. Your father was looking for you this afternoon and you were nowhere to be found. He blamed me when I did not know where you were gone.’

  Edith was being untruthful. Papa seldom left the glassworks during the day and if he did come home for any reason it was never to see her. ‘Well, I am here now. What did Papa need me for?’

  ‘You will have to ask him that yourself. He does not confide in me.’

  Amelia was equally sure that he did. Edith and her father had very similar characters and got along famously. ‘Very well. Is he in his study?’

  ‘He could not wait all day for you so told me to remind you that we are all to attend a party at the Frobishers this evening. Mr Mason will escort you and your father requires you to look your best.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Lord knows what difference that will make. Your new evening gown was delivered this afternoon. A pointless expense if you ask me, but no one ever does. However, you are to wear it tonight.’

  ‘Ah, so you do know why Papa wished to speak to me.’ Amelia smiled sweetly, enjoying her moment of triumph over the scowling Edith. ‘I cannot think why Papa needed to see me himself though, just to tell me that.’

  ‘Well, of all the…’

  Amelia ran up the rest of the stairs but her joy at having got the better of Edith was short-lived. If Papa felt it necessary to remind her about the party and Mr Mason’s attendance of it, then she feared a proposal would be forthcoming. This time yesterday she would have taken no pleasure in accepting it, but would have done so just the same, if only to please Papa and get away from Edith’s endlessly spiteful jibes. But the few hours she’d spent with Olivia and Eva had roused a rebellious streak she had no idea she possessed, causing her to take a fresh look at her life.

  She did not much like the view.

  Amelia threw off her gown and washed in the water that their harried maid brought up for her. Jessie lingered just long enough to help her into her lovely gown of fine green grosgrain and then dashed off to attend to the rest of her duties. Amelia tidied her hair herself, used to its rebellious ways, and descended the stairs at the correct hour.

  Her father, brother and sister-in-law were already in the sitting room. She braced herself for fresh questions about her afternoon’s excursion and did not have to wait long for them to come.

  ‘Where did you go today, my dear?’ Papa asked.

  Surprised yet suspicious about his unusually affable tone, Amelia engaged in a rare falsehood. ‘It was such a lovely day, Papa, and I felt in need of fresh air and exercise.’

  Edith snorted. ‘I could have found plenty of things to occupy you if it was exercise you craved.’

  Amelia acted as though she had not spoken and continued to address her father. ‘On a whim, I took a Hansom to Hyde Park and spent several hours just ambling about, enjoying the spring flowers and watching the people promenading.’

  ‘You should have let Edith know where you were going,’ Papa said in a tone of the mildest rebuke.

  ‘I didn’t think I would be missed.’

  ‘That will be Mason,’ Papa said, when the door knocker sounded.

  Amelia watched as the man she was increasingly sure her father intended her to marry walked into the room. Edith brightened considerably as he appeared, scrunching her face into a grimace that passed for a smile and patting her lacklustre hair into place. Not content with a handsome husband of her own, she vied for the attention of every man whom she came into contact with. Amelia was less flamboyant and responded to Mr Mason’s extravagant compliments about her appearance with a reserve that caused her father to frown.

  A short time later they were all in the carriage, on the way to the Frobishers; a family with whom Papa had business dealings and whom Amelia heartily disliked for the airs they affected. Fortunately the house was crowded and she was able to avoid the family for the greater part of the evening. She was less successful in avoiding Mr Mason, who remained stoically by her side for hour after dre
ary hour.

  Finally, the clock struck midnight and Amelia breathed an audible sigh of relief. Papa was a creature of habit and seldom remained out after midnight. But it soon became apparent that tonight he intended to make an exception. It was also obvious that something was afoot. She noticed a series of exchanged nods between her father, Mr Mason and their hostess.

  ‘Walk with me, Miss Armitage,’ Mr Mason said, proffering his arm. ‘It is very stuffy in this room. Let us find some air.’

  She placed her hand on his sleeve before she could think the better of it. The next thing she knew, she was alone in a small parlour with Raymond Mason, who closed the door firmly behind them and leaned against it, cutting off her escape.

  ‘You cannot doubt why I have contrived to get you alone, my dear Miss Armitage. Or may I call you Amelia?’

  ‘You may not, and you quite mistake the matter, sir. I have no notion what you could possibly have to say to me that would require privacy.’

  He looked momentarily unsure of himself. The mouse had developed claws; a possibly that clearly had not occurred to him. ‘Your modesty does you credit,’ he said, pushing himself away from the door and prowling towards her. ‘But my attentions have surely been too marked to have escaped your notice.’

  ‘Attentions, Mr Mason?’ Amelia raised a brow in polite enquiry. ‘I thought you were merely being civil.’

  He grasped her hand and fell to one knee in front of her. ‘I hope I am always civil, but in your case my feelings run deeper. I find you charming, Miss Armitage. You are everything I most admire in a lady.’

  ‘Really?’ She widened her eyes, thinking she ought not to enjoy bringing him down a peg or two, even if he richly deserved it. ‘What things do you find so admirable? I should be interested to know since I have never thought there was anything particular about me worthy of admiration, you see.’

  ‘Well, your kindness, your… er… your affability, your…’ He mumbled beneath his breath. ‘Well, not to put too fine a point on it, I would be greatly honoured if you would agree to become my wife.’

  Anger surged through her. So confident of success was he that he had not even prepared a proper speech and could think of no compliments to bestow upon her. How dare he! Despite her reticence, she could see that he still expected her to accept him with gratitude, the arrogant man! You are one day too late, Mr Mason, she thought. She would not accept him now, in spite of the serious dispute that was bound to arise with her father. He had made no mention of love, of what he could offer her by way of a home, or any of the practicalities pursuant to his declaration. She was convinced that his regard for her was a figment of his imagination and wondered why he was so determined to have her.

  ‘Thank you for the honour of your proposal, Mr Mason,’ she said, snatching her hand from his grasp, ‘but I do not think we would suit.’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’ His incredulous expression was almost comical. ‘I ought to have mentioned that I have your father’s permission to address you, and he approves of the match.’

  ‘Then I am sorry to disappoint you both.’ She flapped a hand. ‘Oh, please get up Mr Mason. You look rather ridiculous down there.’

  He shook his head as he stood and sent her a mocking smile. ‘You cannot mean what you say.’

  ‘Please don’t presume to know what I am thinking.’ She tapped her fingers on a side table, wondering how much more of this she must endure before being permitted to leave the room, and almost knocked a vase over. She caught it before it fell to the floor and shattered. ‘If I felt that there was any genuine affection between us then it would be a different matter. But I do not, and I will not enter into a loveless marriage.’

  ‘I am very fond of you. I am sure love will come.’

  Well, at least he didn’t pretend to love her. That was something. ‘I am not prepared to take that chance.’

  ‘Enough of this foolishness!’

  She sent him a castigating look. ‘Calling me foolish is not the best way to encourage a change of heart.’

  ‘Excuse me, I did not mean you are foolish. Indeed, I am well aware that for a woman you are very accomplished. I merely meant to imply that you have developed unrealistic notions regarding marital compatibility.’

  ‘If one does not enter the married state supposing oneself to be in love then I cannot think of any compelling reason to enter it at all.’

  ‘I can see that I mistook your feelings. I thought you expected my declaration, you see; welcomed the prospect, even. But it is now obvious that I have taken you by surprise and that you need time to consider your situation.’

  ‘Thank you, sir, but I shall not change my mind.’

  ‘Not even when prevailed upon by your father to remember the duty you owe him?’ He elevated one brow in a gesture of haughty disdain. ‘That any obedient daughter ought to show to a wise father who knows what is best for her? I am perfectly sure you do not have it in you to disappoint him.’

  ‘It is not my father who is being asked to enter into an unsuitable match,’ Amelia replied, losing patience with him. He had made his offer, she had respectfully declined it and that ought to be the end of the matter. ‘Please excuse me.’

  He did not prevent her from leaving the room, contenting himself with strolling from it at her side, still looking disgustingly sure of himself. The moment they joined the rest of the company, her father looked at her expectantly.

  ‘Is all well, my dear?’ Papa asked, treating her to a beaming smile. Her father almost never found anything to smile about and in spite of the fact that he seldom had much time for her, she was sorry that he would be disappointed.

  ‘May we return home, Papa? I have a headache.’

  ‘Of course, my dear. Of course. There has been too much excitement for you and you are overcome with happiness.’

  She was overcome, certainly.

  While Amelia collected her cloak, she saw her father and Mr Mason in animated conversation. Mr Mason did not return in the carriage with them and when Papa entered it, he was no longer smiling.

  ‘What is all this nonsense about refusing Mason?’ he demanded to know.

  ‘It is not nonsensical, Papa. I do not love him and have no desire to marry him. It is as simple as that.’

  Edith laughed aloud. ‘You will do as you are told.’

  ‘Be quiet, Edith!’ Papa barked. ‘This has nothing to do with you.’ Papa returned his full attention to Amelia. ‘You are nervous about matrimony, that much is obvious to me, but you have no need to be. Mason will treat you with kindness and take good care of you.’

  ‘He will not, Papa, since I don’t have the first intention of accepting him. Not even to oblige you. I am absolutely sure that Mr Mason and I would make one another miserable.’

  ‘Complete rot! You will get along well enough.’ He huffed indignantly. ‘Young girls nowadays have unrealistic expectations. I blame it on all those silly novels you insist upon reading. Well, there will be no more of those in my household. The only book you will be reading from now on is the Bible. It will remind you of the duty and obedience you owe to me, your father.’

  ‘You cannot possibly know that Mr Mason and I will be compatible, Papa. We are barely acquainted and, as far as I am aware, have no interests in common.’ Amelia frowned at her father in the dim interior of the carriage, his expression a combination of irritation and surprise. He disliked having his dictates questioned and since she had never before challenged anything he asked of her, the possibility of her doing so now would not have occurred to him. ‘Do you care so little for my happiness?’ she added.

  It was Henry who responded. ‘We all have to make sacrifices.’

  Given that he was stuck for the rest of his life with Edith, she couldn’t find fault with his logic. But then as far as she was aware, nobody had forced him to marry her. His was a case of not knowing what he was letting himself in for until it was too late, and Amelia was sure she would find herself in a similar situation if she accepted Mr Mason.
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  The dispute continued for the rest of the journey home. Her father tried cajoling, reassuring and then issuing threats, but Amelia refused to give way.

  ‘Very well,’ Papa said, sweeping into the house in front of her. ‘There will be no more escapades to the park for you, young lady. No more parties or entertainments; no more pleasures.’ What pleasures? ‘You will remain confined to this house until you remember your duty and come to your senses. When you are ready to apologise for your disobedience and agree to marry Mr Mason, I shall be ready to hear you.’

  ‘Very well. Good night, Papa.’

  ‘We will talk about this matter again tomorrow evening.’ Papa wagged a finger in her face. ‘You have displeased me, Amelia, but I will attribute your rebellion to nerves. A night of reflection will bring you to your senses. Mr Mason will make an excellent husband and you are very fortunate that he has noticed you.’

  Papa strode through to the drawing room and slammed the door behind him. Amelia walked slowly up the stairs, sorry to have upset her family, but glad that she had found the strength to stand her ground. Jessie did not come to help her undress. Edith had probably forbidden it, she was certainly capable of such pettiness. It didn’t matter. It wouldn’t be the first time that Amelia had undressed herself. She loosed her stays with a sigh of relief, stepped out of them and slipped into her nightgown.

  She lay awake for a long time, watching shadows dancing across the ceiling. She mulled the events of the evening over, unable to understand why Papa was so keen to see her marry Mr Mason. Whatever his reasons, he was a man of his word and her life would be intolerable unless she gave in. Amelia was equally determined not to be coerced into a decision that would affect the rest of her life. But what alternative did she have?

  She eventually fell asleep with the inklings of a plan in mind.

  Chapter Five

  ‘Here we are, Mabel,’ Olivia said as her carriage pulled up in Cheyne Walk. ‘Not nearly as grand as Lord Torbay’s residence I’m afraid, but we are very comfortable here.’