by Janet Woods
Two sheets of paper were attached. She started to read, then when she’d finished she read it all over again. The details hadn’t changed the second time. Her grandfather had loaned money to Reverend Andrews to build Brierly House. The place was her dowry, money her grandfather hadn’t wanted Patrick to lay his hands on. He had set out to buy her an advantageous marriage. If the marriage didn’t go ahead the principal sum of the loan, plus any difference in value, plus interest on said loan must be paid to her.
‘So that’s what my grandfather meant when he said my future was taken care of,’ she murmured. She felt betrayed by him ... and by Benedict, who must have been motivated by the contract when he’d proposed.
It had been fortuitous that Benedict had been in time to rescue her from Patrick and his friends, and she was grateful for that. But he’d omitted to tell her she was needed to consolidate his property. Instead, he’d offered her marriage on the premise that he’d compromised her.
And now . . .? Because she’d fallen in love with him she was rushing into marriage because she’d had nowhere else to go. His father and mother must have been aware of this, and his family. Dear God ... had they all conspired to deceive her? Hurt growing inside her, Amber didn’t know what to do about it, and even while she understood the predicament Benedict had found himself in, he’d plunged in her estimation.
To take her mind off the problem she opened the letter from Thomas Dunstan. It was almost an anticlimax to read that her cousin had agreed to the offer she’d made for the purchase of Hartford House and its contents. Thomas Dunstan informed her that he was preparing the papers. He asked her to call in the next time she was in London where they’d be ready for signature. Otherwise, he would send his clerk.
How ironic that she’d wanted her former home for Benedict, as a wedding present. She might forget marriage, move back in and live there by herself. After spending twenty years there she knew how to run the small estate in a manner that would bring in an income - not that she needed one now. And she’d be able to send Jake to school nearby.
As for Brierly House, she’d forfeit the loan. It would not be fair to make Benedict liable for his grandfather’s debt. And it wouldn’t be acceptable to her to allow him to honor the debt through marriage. Oh ... she felt so mixed up inside. She’d wanted so much to become Benedict’s wife.
Emma had dressmakers working full time making her a gown for the event. It was beautiful, high-waisted, and made of cream silk, with a brocade pelisse. Already Emma had sent out invitations to friends and family members. Amber groaned and placed her head in her hands. She had a feeling that events were about to overtake her.
‘Miss, are you all right?’ Annie said.
‘I have the beginnings of a headache that’s all. I think I’ll go and lie down for a little while. What she wanted was a little solitude, where she could think things over in a rational manner and come to a definite conclusion.
But even that was denied her when Emma bustled into the room and said, ‘Annie tells me you’re unwell.’
‘It’s just a little headache. Hardly anything, Emma.’
‘Thank goodness. You’re moping because you haven’t seen Ben, aren’t you? You mustn’t worry about him, you know. He has a strong constitution and will be well in no time.’
‘I’m sure he will.’
‘Can you ride? We’ll take the horses and visit Laconbridge House, that will blow the cobwebs away. You haven’t seen it yet, have you? I’m sure you’ll be impressed. We can call in on Caro on the way back.’
She set Annie scuttling off to rouse the stable hands. ‘I’ll go and prise Archie out of his den. He and the groom can accompany us.’
‘But what if your husband is busy?’
‘Oh, he’ll soon drop anything if I ask him; Archie is entirely accommodating like that. He’s an absolute angel and I just adore him.’
‘Were you in love with Archie when you married him, Emma?’
‘Oh yes, and Caroline fell in love with Kitt as soon as she met him. He was Archie’s best friend, which was very convenient. We had a double wedding in the church at Minstead.’
Where Benedict intended to marry her.
‘Our parents set us a good example, you see, though I imagine they’d have kicked up a fuss if we’d fallen in love with unsuitable men. They also fell in love as soon as they met, but mama was promised to another. Papa took her from under her father’s nose. He persuaded her to run off with him one Sunday after the church service and married her himself. That’s why we’re so pleased that Benedict has fallen in love. He’s following in the family tradition.’
‘But how do you know a man truly loves you, and it’s not just ... manly desire? What if he knew something that his intended didn’t ... that he had to marry her to save his estate from ruin, and he pretended to love her, when really he only desired her.’
Emma grinned at her. ‘Don’t let this recent legacy bother you, my dear. You didn’t have any estate when my brother met you, so you know his proposal wasn’t mercenary. Ben is wealthy in his own right, and his horse stud brings in good returns. Believe me, he would have no trouble attracting a wealthy heiress if he’d let it be known he was on the marriage market. Come, come, Amber ... all brides have these misgivings. I have absolutely no doubt that my brother adores you.’
Emma’s manner was so open, it occurred to Amber that she must not be aware of the agreement, or of the motivation behind a marriage between them.
Amber had not been on a horse for a while. The one chosen for her was a sturdy chestnut mare with white legs. Her name was Merry. Amber enjoyed the ride through the forest, the adjoining heath and the lanes winding through the gentle green countryside.
‘You have a good seat,’ Archie told her as he helped her to dismount.
She gazed at the house with the ivy climbing the walls, and its stone facade warmed by the sun. One day Benedict would inherit, and if she married him, she would live here in these splendid surrounds.
She remembered Archie. ‘The horse is so well-behaved.’
‘She’s a safe mount for a lady to ride. One from Ben’s stud. Merry was bred from his favourite mare. She’s sound of wind and has a neat gait, so she offers a comfortable ride.’
They found the Laconbridge household subdued.
‘What is it, mama?’ Emma asked her mother.
‘A stranger entered our home when we last visited you. They found the key to the strongbox, stole money and the gold and enamel snuff box from your father’s desk.
‘Oh, how dreadful,’ Amber gasped.
‘What else, mother? I can see from your eyes that you’re upset. Ben hasn’t taken a turn for the worst, has he?’
‘One of the maids surprised the thief. The poor girl was attacked by the felon.’
‘How badly is she hurt?’
‘Her stomach and face are bruised and swollen. He hit the young woman so hard that she was knocked unconscious and the doctor feared for her life. Now she jumps at the sight of her own shadow.’
Something Amber had experienced herself. ‘Did she get a good look at the thief?’
‘It was dusk. He pulled a kerchief over the lower part of his face when he saw her. She thought he was tall, and she said that something about him smelled peculiar.’
‘How?’ Emma asked her.
‘She couldn’t explain. She thought he might have been chewing the wild mint that grows in these parts.’
Although she couldn’t say why, Stephen Gould came to Amber’s mind.
While Archie went in search of the earl the women moved into the morning room.
The countess appeared agitated. ‘This is the first time we’ve been robbed in this manner. The worst aspect of it is knowing that a stranger has been in my home, and probably there were two of them watching us from the shrubbery, for they found the imprint of both horses and riders. Your father is going to have the lilacs removed and flower beds put there instead. He thinks it was probably an opportunist, but it makes me
feel so vulnerable. Only God knows what the poor maid is going through. She’s a nice girl and a good worker. Her family lives in Christchurch. I was thinking of asking your father to compensate her and send her home for a week or so to rest. What do you think, Emma?’
‘She seems to have suffered badly, so some time off will help her to heal and get over her fright, I should imagine.’
What a wonderful gesture, Amber thought, as a maid brought them in refreshment. How could such nice people set out to rob her of her dowry. But perhaps the papers she’d received had been written simply to cause mischief. Patrick came into her mind, but it hadn’t been his writing.
She needed advice, but in whom could she trust? Mr. Dunstan came into mind.
Chapter Ten
After three days of arguing with herself Amber decided it was time she took her life into her own hands. First, she needed to sort out the question of the marriage agreement.
‘I’m going to London to see Mr. Dunstan,’ she told her hosts over breakfast. ‘I believe there’s a coach from Lyndhurst.’
‘What nonsense is this?’ Emma exclaimed. ‘You know very well that Ben has placed you in our care. If he was well enough he’d absolutely forbid it.’
Amber’s chin came up as she said quietly, ‘I can’t think of any reason why he should forbid me to see my legal representative, can you?’
Archie gazed sharply at her then averted his gaze. He knows, she thought sadly, and pushed a little harder to see what his reaction would be.
‘Let me just make one thing clear. Benedict may have rescued me when I was in need of it, and I regard him with the greatest respect. However, he holds no authority over me whatsoever.’ Except for the fact he was the keeper of her heart, she thought ruefully.
‘You have promised yourself to him, and in two weeks you are to be married. Out of respect for him can this matter not rest until after the event. Is it anything to do with the package and letter that arrived for you? If so, Archie might be able to help you with anything legal it contained.’
She would not satisfy Emma’s curiosity on this occasion. ‘I imagine he could, but it’s not really necessary since I’m quite conversant with the contents,’ she said, and he looked slightly uncomfortable.
‘It can’t be that important after all, then. Now, let’s hear no more of this and eat our breakfasts.’
Emma seemed miffed so Amber sought to mollify her. ‘Don’t think I’m not grateful for your hospitality, Emma but are my own feelings and wishes to be held to no account.’
‘Oh, damn it, Amber, do be quiet,’ Emma said crossly. ‘I don’t want you to be grateful and you’re making me feel like the nagging, controlling creature I am.’
Archie nearly choked on his coffee.
‘I’m sorry,’ she stuttered, slightly taken aback.
‘You’re using Mr. Dunstan as an excuse, when really you want to go to London to spend some of that money you inherited.’
She was about to deny it when Emma continued, ‘And why not? You’re sadly in need of a new wardrobe, so a week in London will be quite the thing.’ She brightened. ‘Hmmm, I imagine Caro will want to come as well so we’ll advise you.’
She bowed to the inevitable. ‘That’s kind of you.’
Emma’s voice bubbled with enthusiasm. ‘I’ll send a servant with a message and we’ll take the family coach, Caro’s as well, since it will be much more convenient than the stage and we can put all the packages in one. We’ll take Annie with us. She’ll maid for all of us, and she’ll be able to fit in a visit to her family while she’s there. Oh what fun it will be! The exercise will take your mind off of Ben’s illness altogether.’
Archie twisted his wife a rueful smile and growled. ‘I’ll accompany you, so I can keep my hand on your purse strings. I’ll drop in on Caroline while I’m on my way over to see Ben. I want to see how he’s faring.’
Emma gazed at him. ‘Why didn’t you tell me you were going to see Ben? We could have written him a letter wishing him a speedy recovery.’
‘I’ve just remembered it. Don’t worry. I’ll tell him the pair of you still love him.’ Amber found herself the recipient of a probing glance. ‘That would be the truth, wouldn’t it, Amber?’
Did she love him? As if he was part of her heart, her mind and her soul. How could any woman not love him? But she couldn’t bare her heart for all to see. She was not used to being part of a family, to sharing her hopes and her fears - feelings that were most tender and private to her. And she wondered why a straightforward yes was so difficult to say to Archie when if Benedict had asked her the same question she could have told him the truth. As she struggled to form an answer in her mind Emma laughed at her husband.
‘Stop teasing Archie, you’ve made her blush. Of course she loves him. You’re an absolute hero for dropping in on Caro, my love. I don’t deserve you.’
‘Both women laughed when he gave a long suffering sigh and murmured, ‘You certainly don’t. I told you that when we first married.’
So much for taking control of her own life, Amber thought ruefully as Emma began to enthuse over what they’d do in London. The visit didn’t seem to include Thomas Dunstan.
She managed to intercept Archie just as he was leaving, to hand him a note she’d hastily scribbled. ‘If Benedict is well enough would you please give him this. It’s to wish him a speedy recovery. And there’s something I’d like to ask you, Archie.’
His eyes took on a guarded expression. ‘What is is, Amber?’
She couldn’t tell him not to discuss her business with Benedict. ‘I need to see my lawyer when I’m in London, so would you accompany me to his office?’
‘Of course. Is it for a specific reason?’
‘Well, yes,’ and guilt tore through her for side-tracking him. ‘Mr. Dunstan has negotiated with my cousin for me to buy my former home. I’d rather Benedict didn’t know I’ve bought it ... you see, it’s to be a surprise.’
‘I’d hazard a guess and say it’s a gift for Ben, since he told me how much he liked the place. He thought he might buy it himself if it came onto the market. I do think that cousin of yours is a complete fool to liquidate his assets.’
‘Patrick never had much of a life. He was brought up without parental love and guidance from an early age. His father was a nere-do-well, you see, and my grandfather favoured me. Patrick resented me for it, so I can’t really blame him for feeling that way.’
‘My dear, you must not make excuses for him. His bad relationship with your grandfather is not your fault. His behavior left much to be desired. Remember, while you remain unmarried Lord Hartford is your heir. Do be careful that news of your good fortune doesn’t reach his ears. Many men would kill to get their hands on such a large sum.’
Her blood ran cold. Surely not! ‘I will be careful, Archie, and your warning is noted.’ She held out an arm. ‘Look, you’re making me come out in goose bumps. If you’d rather we didn’t go to London I’ll understand.’
‘It’s too late now Emma has arranged it all in her mind.’ His smile lit up his face. ‘You must find it tiresome coming into a family where everyone knows your business, and we all insist on offering you the benefit of our advice.’
‘It’s difficult to keep up, for I’m used to peace and quiet all around me. There seems to be a tide carrying me along here, but it runs so fast that sometimes I’d like to be in calmer water, where I could think things through and determine my own course.’
‘That quiet strength you have will stand you in good stead. When you’re wed you’ll find contentment in the home you make with Ben and in the children you share. You have the same sense of serenity about you that his mother has. You’re a perfect match for him, and he knows it.’
She smiled at the picture he’d conjured up. ‘There’s so much affection between you as a family that I find quite appealing. I often wondered what belonging to a family would be like. I’m afraid you must find me very dull and countrified.’
‘Not at
all.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘Don’t worry, my dear, your secret is safe with me,’ he said, then strode off.
* * * *
Benedict ignored George’s protests and sent him off to get some coffee.
Pulling his robe around him, and noting that his head throbbed a little less miserably than it had the day before and his fever had abated slightly, he took a chair by one of the open windows, allowing Archie to do the same.
‘What does the note say Archie,’ he croaked.
Dear Benedict,
Pleased be assured that I’m well looked after by Lord and Lady Stratton, and yes, I’m being vigilant. Even the footmen go armed when we are in the open air, so I feel very safe.
‘How on earth did she know that?’ Archie said.
‘She’s got eyes in her head, hasn’t she?’
‘Very pretty eyes they are, too.’
‘A sort of a greenish grey with dark eyelashes.’
Archie grinned. ‘I thought they were greyish green, but no matter.’
I do hope your condition is improving. Archie will inform you of my recent good fortune, no doubt. I have no time to go into it all now, because we travel to London tomorrow.
All good wishes. I will pray for a rapid improvement in your health.
Amber Rose Hartford.
Benedict gazed at his brother-in-law through bleary eyes. ‘She’s going to London. Is that wise?
‘We are all going to London. Emma has decided on a shopping spree, and where Emma goes, Caro goes. They have set their minds on assisting Amber to buy all the lacy fripperies and delights that wives like to tempt their husbands with.’
Benedict managed a grin at the thought, but it felt as lukewarm as he did. ‘Keep Amber and her fripperies safe for me. If she needs any cash I’ll reimburse you when you return.’
‘Don’t worry, Kitt and I will look after Amber. And she’s observant - my footmen do go armed. There’s even more reason to now. That good fortune Amber mentioned ... she’s become the sole legatee of her Italian aunt’s fortune. You will be marrying a very wealthy young woman, Ben.’