Ianthe and the Fighting Foxes: The Fentons Book 4

by Alicia Cameron

  'The Ianthe effect!' said Audley. 'I'm afraid to tell you, my friend, that it will only get worse. To a child raised in subterfuge and plotting, the outrageous is mother's milk.'

  Fox looked suitably afraid, but said, with a glance at a clock on a side table. 'We must depart for now, I'm afraid.'

  As the Studham party took their leave, the Fentons told Ianthe they would drive over to visit again this afternoon. Ianthe looked out of the window, considering. 'It is a fine day. Did you travel by coach, sir?'

  'We did,' answered Fenton.

  'Well then Audley, you shall have to lend them an open carriage that seats four,' ordered Ianthe briskly.

  'I shall,' answered the marquis with servility.

  'And remember. We have not had this breakfast,' Ianthe lectured with a definite gesture of both hands.

  Lady Aurora put her hand over her heart gamely. 'I shall keep this breakfast secret until my dying day.'

  Ianthe smiled brightly while Fox took her elbow and jerked her towards the door, rather as though she were a disobedient child.

  'Well!' said Lady Aurora, left with much to chew over in this short time, 'I came because I was afraid that Ianthe was being made miserable by the Fighting Foxes, but I quite see that she is as dangerous as you have told me.'

  'She has embroiled Fox in her plans at least, though he does not know his way as yet,' said Audley, cautiously, 'but one look at Lady Fox and her impudent son does not suggest a happy home.'

  'I am glad the Richards are there too,' said Lady Aurora. 'I have met Lady Richards once, and she is a most pleasant woman. And Miss Sarah Richards is delightful.'

  'But the types to be cowed by the frightful Lady Fox, I fear. I believe they must stay at Studham until they return to their friends the Houstens’ place in Surrey. They have lived with them since the death of Sir Guy Richards.'

  'I guessed as much. Who would stay with the Foxes if they had the choice?' said Fenton.

  'Should we take Ianthe back with us?' wondered Lady Aurora.

  'I do not think she would come, until the Richards leave at least. They are both too good-natured to deal with Her Ladyship. Judging by today, Ianthe is attached to them now.'

  'That is good. She can come to us at any time and so I shall tell her. And I depend on you, Audley, to let us know what she does not wish to tell us. You shall have to be with her often to make sure she is not too cast down by it all.'

  'I shall do so, never fear. She rides here every morning at present and if that were to cease, trust me to find a way.' He smiled. 'She has already worked a miracle. The two houses of Studham and Audley did not visit for seventeen years, because of some dispute between our fathers. A pity — because I was quite fond of Edward Fox when we were boys. Since Ianthe came, we have had a dinner here at Audley.'

  'She is amazing! But she has not long lost her father, and we must support her spirits at all costs.'

  'The little whirlwind will more likely support ours,' said Wilbert Fenton with his lazy laugh.

  Chapter Eleven

  The Fighting Foxes Give Offence

  Fox had had something else to think of when they returned to Studham. The upright French maid with the frightening eyebrows had magically appeared in the hall to take Ianthe's hat and whip, and Fox witnessed a hand squeeze that they exchanged. 'The Fentons are come!' he heard Ianthe say in an under voice. The maid's face hardly moved, and she had followed Ianthe upstairs. It reminded him of the other lowered voice exchange he had heard today. Between Wilbert Fenton and Ianthe.

  'And Cherie?' that gentleman had said.

  Ianthe had replied, 'Well. But determined on her course.' Fenton had nodded, as though resigned.

  Why would Fenton ask after the maid?

  Fox had already asked Jenkins about the maid, only because of a look of affection that he had seen Ianthe give her. She was only a little known below stairs, the butler explained since miss suffered from night terrors the maid lived in a truckle bed in her room. He had coughed as he added, 'Miss gave instructions that the maid, who has been with her since her extreme youth it seems, is in delicate health. She must take exercise for some hours outside, Miss Eames instructed. And miss also asked that she be allowed the gig to complete errands for the young lady.'

  This was unusual, but Fox had nodded. 'As our guest requests,' was all he had said to this.

  'And miss asked that since her wardrobe is so large another maid might be assigned to help look after it — and do the heavier work, like the laundering.' Jenkins had permitted himself a grim smile. 'I think that the French maid was most upset about that, as it curtailed her proper duties.'

  Fox had responded with a trenchant 'Mmm'. He had thought a little. The maid was probably the only connection to Ianthe's past. It mattered not at all to him if she laboured hard or not.

  'The expense of the maid,' said Jenkins carefully, 'will not fall on Studham, your lordship.'

  'Why on earth should I care for that?'

  'Lady Fox did. And when she mentioned it to Miss Eames, the young lady told Her Ladyship that Cherie had already been paid for the year in advance.'

  'In advance?' queried Fox.

  'The young lady said it was the French custom for old family retainers, your lordship.' Jenkins coughed again. His master raised an eyebrow.

  'And?' said Fox, recognising the cough.

  'And Miss Eames even offered to pay some shillings for the maid's keep. To relieve Her Ladyship's mind of care, the young lady said.'

  'Drat the girl! Must she always set my stepmother at odds?'

  The butler's expression, before he had melted away had been clear. Pot calling kettle black, it had said.

  For the rest, Fox seemed somewhat relieved by the morning's ride. He could not quite like the intimacy between Ianthe and Audley, but it had seemed something other than admiration. Had it been, Fox might have reminded the marquis that Miss Eames was under his protection.

  Fox was aware that Ianthe Eames was a beauty. Sometimes, when he saw her turn her head, or when she had shaken him with a dazzling smile, or regarded him warmly with her brown velvet eyes, it had affected him too, just as he had seen it affect the male population of the dinner party at Audley. This was why, as someone now responsible for her, and someone who did not trust in her discretion at all, he had needed to accompany her this morning. It was natural, and his duty as her relative. If Audley were genuinely interested in becoming her suitor, then there was nothing to object to, Fox supposed, except his reputation as a womaniser. This was based on relations of another order, though, and Fox knew many men who changed their behaviours after marriage. No. Audley as a suitor was one thing. Audley as a flirt was another.

  But there seemed no need to intervene, since Audley's behaviour seemed friendly rather than seductive. Ianthe was up to something with the Fentons though, Fox had noted that much. How her scheme could affect his peace he could not imagine, but he was nearly sure it would.

  It was a constant headache now, wondering what next Ianthe Eames would get him involved in.

  ***

  Later that day, Curtis Fox, closeted with his brother in his study where he had been summoned, looked sulky.

  'I heard at the stables that you have ordered the gig to be put to for three o'clock,' said Lord Fox, 'Where are you going?'

  'What business is it of yours where I go?' replied Curtis, petulantly.

  'None at all, unless you are going to the meet in Milford,' said the elder.

  Curtis flushed. 'It is still no affair of yours if I am!'

  Lord Fox strode over to the driving coat that Curtis had thrown over a chair when his brother had yelled at him in the hall to come to the study. The fair head followed his brother's movements as Lord Fox searched two pockets and brought out his brother’s leather purse and threw it violently on the desk.

  'Do not,' Fox said threateningly, 'gamble more than is in this in that cockpit, or I will peck you to death myself.'

  Curtis' grey eyes met his brother's russe
t ones, and he shook with anger. 'I hate you, Edward.'

  'Do so if you wish. I am telling you frankly that if you bet what you do not have once more, I shall not pay the difference.'

  'It is just as likely I shall win!' said Curtis. 'Who are you to interfere with a gentleman's pleasure? Just because you are so deuced stuffy yourself.'

  'I do not care how you find your pleasure, just know that I will no longer frank it. It is a last warning, Curtis.'

  'I shall go, and I shall not lose!' shouted Curtis.

  Lord Fox raised his voice back at him. 'Do what you wish, you recalcitrant puppy, but no talk of scandal, no tears from your mama will move me this time. I will not pay.'

  Curtis gave a great angry laugh. 'I find you insupportable! Have I asked you to pay anything? Am I here as your supplicant? I am merely going to take in a sporting event five miles away with half the other gentlemen in the area.'

  'The most likely result will be that you will lose even what is in your purse and then you will sulk and complain that you cannot find any entertainment and demand more funds. Possibly through your mama, and that will not work anymore.' He glared at Curtis, whose pale face was now tinged with purple, whose red rimmed eyes (from a joust with the brandy bottle last night) were bulging. 'Whatever the pressure, I shall not deprive the estate of one more penny because of your recklessness.'

  'This is ridiculous!' shouted Curtis, full of righteous anger. 'I have done nothing. Why do you always undermine me? What is this hatred you have of me? Because I was Papa's favourite? Does that still rankle? Damn it, Edward, it is five years since he passed.'

  Lord Fox clenched his jaw and glared at him coldly. 'Not a penny, Curtis.'

  'You are already planning to marry and cut me out of the succession. Mama says so,' goaded Curtis. 'Do you really think Sally Richards a match for my mama? How could you choose a woman like her? She is practically on the shelf. And Mama says she has no dignity whatsoever.'

  Edward Fox lost his temper entirely. 'You will not speak so of Miss Richards. She is my guest!'

  Curtis took a step back at the booming voice and watched as Lord Fox came out from behind his desk once more. But having gotten a rise from his opponent, he could not resist another gibe. 'Oh, so you protect that beggar living here for free, while you ignore your own brother?'

  Lord Edward grabbed a handful of waistcoat and glared down at Curtis. The young man had been here many times before. Edward threatened him, but he would not take advantage of his superior size and strength to really strike him, so although Curtis now shook, he laughed in his brother's face. 'If you find beggar-girls to your liking, you had best pursue the ravishing one. I'm sure Miss Eames is longing to be mistress of Studham. Or perhaps not. She might do better. She flirted shamelessly with the marquis at Audley!'

  Fox hit him.

  ***

  Lady Richards, Sally and Ianthe were in the hall, having divested themselves of bonnets and spencers. It had been a relaxing morning for Ianthe and Sally, who, on account of the fictional spoilt turbot, had been able to chat and read in Ianthe's room and avoid Lady Fox for the entire morning. Eventually Sally had been so worried about her mama, alone with Lady Fox, that Ianthe had sent Cherie. The maid was dispatched to ask for Lady Richards to come to attend her "ill" daughter.

  Lady Richards had arrived in their chamber and said, as she sat herself on Ianthe's bed, 'I wish I had had the foresight to eat the turbot.'

  'Was she very horrid?' asked her daughter.

  Lady Richards looked peaked and drawn but said, with dramatic inflection, 'Perfectly horrid!'

  'It is her talent I think,’ remarked Ianthe. ‘Complaints about last night?'

  'Hundreds of them. In the last hours she has disparaged Audley's grounds, house, apartments, the colours of the walls, the ostentatious dinner service, the marquis' manners, his person, his clothes.'

  'She is never at a loss,' said Ianthe cheerfully. 'One must give her that.'

  'My manners were shockingly lacking, too. It seems I spoke with gentlemen who did not wish to converse with me and put myself forward unbecomingly.'

  'Mama!' cried Sally, distressed and incensed.

  'How you are to attend a dinner party and not speak to anyone is beyond me,' laughed Ianthe, 'but poor Cousin Emma!'

  'Oh, my dear, I did not regard it for myself. I am too used to it, though it does drag one down when one is with a person of such poisonous spirits. It was when she began on Sally and you that I became angry.'

  'You Cousin? I did not think you capable of anger.'

  'I am not in general, but criticising my dearest ones roused me.' Ianthe's eyes widened in glee at the little frown on Emma Richards' pretty face. 'I could not show it of course, but I got my revenge.' Lady Richards tilted her head in pride, her single dimple showing, and Ianthe thought that she looked no more than a girl herself. The young ladies awaited the revelation which Her Ladyship delivered after a dramatic pause. 'When she began on Ianthe, I secretly picked up her silks and tied a knot in them. And when she began on you, Sally dear, she was supping at a cup, so I took her work and cut two stitches with my scissors!' Her own daring astounded her, and she looked a little nervous. 'She may not find it until tomorrow, and I suppose I must say that I thought it was my own work.'

  The girls exchanged glances and Ianthe gave a great guffaw. 'I never thought you full of the spirit of retribution, Cousin Emma, dear. But do tell us what she said of us!'

  Suddenly, the dire pall of Lady Fox's company became fodder for jocularity. Emma Richards recounted Lady Fox's harsh words on everyone present at last night's dinner, and all three roared with laughter at what now seemed the ludicrousness of her every utterance. It was almost worth the dreadful morning's lowering of spirits for the joy of the hour of retelling. Ianthe sometimes stamped her feet, Sally did impressions of the tone she thought Lady Fox would have adopted, and they laughed long and hard.

  Sally regarded her beautiful friend with affection as she laughed at Lady Fox's views on the dinner party. Before Ianthe's arrival, she and her mama were kept from going into a decline only by some shared glances of amusement or some whispered words at the end of the day. They had existed here at Studham in a spirit of endurance, but Ianthe's confident spirit had changed all that. Sally knew that this was not all Ianthe felt, for it was not long since that she had held her friend crying in her arms, surrounded by jewels and murmuring grieving words about her papa and some other lost friend. Ianthe was still in her grief, but that winning spirit would always shine through. What a blessing she is! thought Sally.

  Later, Sally heard from her mama the most wicked of Her Ladyship's words regarding Ianthe. She had said to Lady Richards that Ianthe had no feeling, for it was not ten months since the death of her father and yet she had not even worn black gloves in company. Sally's mama had said quickly that this was not the custom in France, not at all the custom (though she had no idea if this were so), and that since Ianthe did not know their ways she must be forgiven. She, Lady Richards, knew how keenly Ianthe felt the death of her father. Lady Fox had looked down on this “excessive sensibility” too. Sally's mama was just glad Ianthe had not been there to hear it. 'Such cruelty, Sally. I'm glad I cut her stitches.'

  It had been decided that after a rest and some food (brought to them from the kitchen by Cherie), they should send word that they were feeling better and that they would take the air before joining Her Ladyship for the afternoon. 'For the Fentons are coming, you know, and I should not like to miss them. I have something particular to discuss with Mr Fenton. Something that only he can advise me on.'

  The Richards took this as a call to arms, they would do anything to facilitate Ianthe's need for a private conversation with Mr Fenton. The Secret Breakfast was not, of course, secret to Lady Richards who had avowed herself to keep her countenance surprised by the visit.

  They had carried out their plan and had returned from the walk by the side entrance, only to meet the marquis and his friend Mr Steadman in the
hall, having just arrived to pay their afternoon visit.

  'We rode across,' said the marquis shortly after the greeting. All five prepared to enter the Chinese Room where, Jenkins had informed them, Lady Fox sat — when the commotion in the study held them back. The gentlemen, hearing some dispute coming from behind the heavy study door, quite rightly moved forward as it was no business of theirs. But Ianthe placed a restraining hand on Audley's arm, and he stopped, causing his serious companion to stop too, standing still with his head in the air, feigning deafness. Audley was uncomfortable as the argument continued, but they could not hear the words, just the rumblings of discontent. But when the voices raised suddenly, they could just hear them.

  'I shall go out and I shall not lose!' screamed Curtis.

  'Do what you wish, you recalcitrant puppy, but no talk of scandal, no tears from your mama will move me this time. I will not pay,' they clearly heard Lord Fox reply.

  Lady Richards said, 'Ianthe, dear, I really think—' she touched Ianthe's arm, but Ianthe stood still. Sally, embarrassed, wanted to move again. During this interval they could not make out the words, and Ianthe stirred to move again when the voice of Curtis came clearly through the door.

  'You are already planning to marry and cut me out of the succession. Mama says so. Do you really think Sally Richards a match for my mama? How you could choose a woman like her? She is practically on the shelf. And Mama says she has no dignity whatsoever.'

  'You will not speak so of Miss Richards. She is my guest!'

  'Oh, so you protect that beggar living here for free, while you ignore your own brother?'

  Sally looked at the floor, but Ianthe grasped her hand. 'It is only Curtis,' she said softly.

  'I know,' answered Sally.

  Mr Steadman's head turned at this moment and he looked directly at Lady Richards with her swelling bosom and clasped hands. Had anyone looked his way, they would have seen the look of disgust that had crossed his face at Curtis' last words. They were all stunned, so had not moved on when Curtis continued: