A Debt From the Past

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Really?’ She tried an innocent look. ‘He is a much-loved relative. He has lived abroad for many years – and that is why you have not heard of him before – but he has returned to shoulder his responsibilities.’

  Beth was aware of a feeling of danger. She had never liked this man – she had heard he was violent – and, for some inexplicable reason, she felt it imperative to protect his lordship. Which was ridiculous because he was clearly very proficient at protecting himself.

  ‘I see.’ He appeared to relax. ‘That would account for the fact that no one seems to know him.’

  Now it was time to change the subject. ‘And how is your sister?’

  ‘Distressed!’ He held his cup out for more tea. ‘Our London residence was broken into two days ago, while she was asleep in her bed.’

  ‘How terrible!’ She poured and handed the cup back to him, hoping her expression was suitably outraged. The sister was no more likeable than the brother. ‘I trust she suffered no hurt?’

  ‘She was unharmed and did not know anything about it until the servants rose to go about their chores.’

  ‘That is indeed a blessing. Did the thieves take anything of value?’

  ‘No, that was the strange thing: nothing was missing. But the house had been thoroughly searched.’ He glowered. ‘By an expert.’

  ‘That is most distressing,’ she sympathized. ‘What do you think they were looking for?’

  ‘We do not have the faintest idea.’

  He was lying; she was sure of it. ‘Ah, if nothing was taken, then it is clear that they did not find what they were looking for.’

  ‘No, they did not!’

  The certainty in his voice told her that he knew what the intruder had been after. How exciting! Another mystery.

  He smiled and stood up. ‘I must not take any more of your time, Miss Langton. Will you tell Lord Sharland I am sorry to have missed him and hope I shall have the pleasure of meeting him very soon.’

  ‘I shall tell him, and please give my regards to your sister.’

  ‘Well, well,’ Beth murmured when they were alone again. ‘What did you make of that, Helen? I cannot remember Sir Peter ever visiting us before.’

  ‘Strange indeed. He was clearly disappointed at not finding Lord Sharland at home.’

  ‘That was the impression I had as well. He could hardly sit still long enough to be polite.’ Beth pursed her lips thoughtfully. ‘And the way his lordship practically ran out of this room made it clear that he didn’t want to see Sir Peter. I do believe you are right to suggest that there is more to this than a stranger taking over as my guardian.’

  Both girls nodded and poured themselves another cup of tea.

  ‘The mystery continues to grow, Helen. I find it very curious that his lordship should not want to meet Sir Peter – and that Sir Peter’s London home has been recently broken into, but nothing taken. It feels as if there is a connection there.’

  Helen pursed her lips. ‘And Mr Edgemont has been missing for a while.’

  ‘Indeed!’

  Eight

  James appeared just in time for dinner that evening and was even more uncommunicative than usual. They were well into the second course when Beth broke the silence. ‘Is Mr Edgemont not joining us this evening?

  ‘No, he is still out ... visiting.’

  ‘Oh, does he know people who live in the area?’

  ‘He knows a great many people.’

  The expression on his face told her quite plainly that the subject was closed, so she didn’t probe any further. ‘I entertained Sir Peter Gresham in your stead this afternoon, and he appeared most interested in you.’

  That did gain his attention. ‘And what did you tell him?’

  ‘I could not say much because, in truth, I know very little about you, so I lied shamelessly.’

  ‘Really?’ The corners of his lordship’s mouth twitched.

  ‘Yes, I do not like the Greshams and I told quite a few untruths.’ She looked at him through lowered lashes as if ashamed of her conduct, but she doubted that her poor acting ability was fooling him.

  ‘Such as?’

  ‘I told him you were a charming man and I was fortunate to have you as my guardian.’ She sighed and fanned herself with her napkin. ‘I cannot understand why I should have told such a blatant untruth.’

  The corners of his mouth twitched again, but otherwise his expression did not change. ‘And did he want to know my relationship to the Sharlands?’

  ‘He did.’ She glared at the infuriating man; he was finding this far too amusing. ‘But I had to wriggle out of answering that, because although you have told me you are his son, and the lawyer assures me that you are, and has papers to prove it, they could be forgeries.’ She heard Helen draw in a sharp breath but ignored it. She had always spoken her mind and had no intention of changing now. ‘I got around it by saying that you were a close relative and had been abroad for many years.’

  ‘That was very inventive of you. Almost as inventive as you consider me to be.’ His eyes regarded her intently. ‘Did he believe you?’

  ‘I don’t know. It was hard to tell what he was thinking, but we had better get our stories straight before you meet him.’

  ‘I have no intention of making his acquaintance ... yet.’ He sat back and folded his arms. ‘However, you had better tell me exactly what was said.’

  She gave a full account of the conversation. As she drew to a close, he was smiling broadly.

  ‘I don’t think this is anything to laugh about,’ she declared indignantly. ‘I have behaved in a most improper manner and I cannot understand why I should have acted in this way.’

  His smile spread, and he stood up, came to her, then bent down and touched his lips to her cheek. It was no more than the touch of a butterfly wing, but she was startled that this cold, stern man should show gentleness. It was quite out of character.

  ‘Why did you do that?’ she gasped, taken completely by surprise.

  ‘To thank you for trying to protect me.’ He went back to his own place and started to eat again. Then he looked up. ‘But it was not necessary; I am quite able to take care of my own affairs. And you can be assured that I shall not tell anyone that you are such an accomplished storyteller.’ He drained his wine glass and stood up again. ‘Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I have something to attend to.’

  When they were sure he had left the house, Beth said to Helen, ‘So much secrecy and it is quite driving me to distraction.’

  Helen nodded. ‘It is frustrating, I know, but you must learn to guard your tongue. You as good as accused him of criminal activity, and I do not feel that is wise.’

  ‘I know I have an unruly tongue, but I cannot hide my feelings. His conduct is unacceptable, and I am sure he is up to no good.’

  ‘That could well be so,’ Helen agreed, looking pensive, ‘but all will be revealed eventually, and you must bide your time. A year is not too long, and then this will be over. I could not help noticing that he is attractive when he isn’t frowning. Has he said any more about your coming-out season?’

  ‘No! And I most certainly will not agree to such a foolish thing. You know I cannot abide all that fussing. It is demeaning to put oneself on show just to catch a husband.’

  ‘I know you don’t agree with it, but if you had a husband, you would be free of his lordship.’

  ‘And I would have another man taking over control of my affairs. I will not have it, Helen.’ Beth shook her head vigorously. Then she noticed the expression on her friend’s face. ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, Helen. You should have had a season; you would soon have found a charming husband, I’m sure. We are the same age, and you have been forced to take on a position of a companion, but I want you to know that I consider you as I always have – my friend. However, my godfather listed you among the estate staff and you will therefore continue to receive your allowance.’

  ‘That is very kind of you, but I am uneasy about the arrangement, Beth.’ Hel
en gave a worried frown. ‘Lord Edward assured me that my allowance would be coming out of his pocket, but now he is no longer able to do that I feel as if I shall be a drain on your estate. That isn’t right, and he was kind enough to leave me a sum of money, so I should be finding a way to make my own living.’

  ‘But you are not a drain!’ Beth looked at her friend in alarm. ‘You must not even think about leaving. Please, I need you! I cannot cope with what is happening without you by my side.’

  ‘I would not consider leaving you until this mess is cleared up and you are once again secure, but I cannot allow you to support me for the rest of my life. After my father gambled away our fortune, I could have ended up in a very sorry situation, but you kindly took me in. I have no hope of finding a husband now as I have nothing to offer in the way of property or wealth.’

  ‘Nonsense! You are a charming young lady; many men would be proud to have you as their wife.’

  ‘I doubt that, but even if what you say is true, we do not meet any young men.’

  ‘No, you are right.’ Beth suddenly felt unhappy about their isolation. ‘I have been thoughtless. My entire attention has been taken up with running the estate, but as soon as our mourning period is over, we shall have to change things.’ She smiled encouragingly at her friend. ‘We shall open up the ballroom and have a large, glittering function.’

  ‘That would be lovely,’ Helen agreed, giving Beth a searching look. ‘There is more to life than business.’

  ‘I’m sure you are right, but for the moment there is little we can do.’ Beth put down her napkin and stood up. ‘Let us retire to my sitting room.’

  ‘Pstt!’

  Beth stopped with her foot on the bottom stair and peered round the banister. Tom’s head was sticking through the door leading to the servants’ quarters. He beckoned and then his head disappeared.

  ‘I wonder what he wants?’ Helen couldn’t help smiling at the young boy’s antics.

  ‘Let’s find out.’ Beth opened the door and looked in. ‘It’s all right, Tom – his lordship is out.’

  ‘Don’t want anyone else to hear,’ he said excitedly, shutting the door firmly. ‘I’ve got news. It was my day off today and I went to see Charlie Becks. He told me his lordship and Mr Edgemont went to the Sharland estate yesterday. He heard them talking, but they said he wasn’t to tell anyone what he’d heard. As we’re friends, he thought it would be all right if he told me. You’ll never guess what they are.’ Tom looked expectantly at her.

  ‘I have no idea, Tom. What did your friend tell you?’

  ‘Well, as I told you before, Mr Edgemont calls his lordship “professor”. He really is a teacher, miss, and is going to turn the Sharland house into a school.’

  James had already mentioned this, and Beth could see that her godfather’s rambling house would make an excellent school. ‘He really must be an academic, Helen.’

  ‘He sounds like one.’

  ‘There’s more.’ Tom could hardly contain himself in his eagerness to pass on the next bit of news. He moved closer and lowered his voice. ‘They’re both spies and probably going to use the school as a cover for something.’

  It took Beth a few moments to compose herself, for she had the urge to burst into amused laughter. When she was fully in control again, she asked, ‘Is your friend sure about that?’

  ‘Yes, miss. Mr Edgemont asked Charlie to keep an eye open for anyone acting strange around the place. He’s to tell them at once if he sees anything suspicious.’

  ‘Did they say who they were looking for?’

  Tom shook his head. ‘Oh, no, that’s a secret.’

  ‘Of course.’ Beth smiled at the lad. ‘Thank you, Tom; you’ll let us know if you hear anything else?’

  ‘I will, miss.’ He hurried away, looking very pleased he’d been able to pass on this exciting news.

  When Beth and Helen had reached the sitting room, they looked at each other and then burst into laughter.

  ‘Spies!’ Beth could hardly contain herself. ‘Oh dear, I do believe Mr Edgemont has been telling the young boy a tale. I can well believe that his lordship is a teacher, for he has an air of authority about him, but spies ...’

  ‘It does seem unlikely, but you must admit that they are indeed very mysterious gentlemen.’

  Beth nodded, serious now. ‘And we still need to keep an eye on what they are doing. It would be sensible if we could find out something about Mr Edgemont’s family.’

  ‘But how would we do that?’

  ‘I don’t know; I will have to think about it. If we can find out if he knows anyone in the area, then we could start there. We shall sleep on it, Helen.’

  Her companion began to laugh again. ‘I do believe we are also turning into spies!’

  What was that? Beth sat up in bed and tipped her head to one side, listening intently. There it was again! A stair had creaked, and now a door was closing with a soft click as if someone was taking great care not to be heard.

  ‘Helen,’ she called quietly. ‘Are you awake?’

  ‘Yes ... is something amiss?’ A muffled reply came from the connecting door to the next room.

  ‘It sounds as if someone is creeping around the house.’

  There was a rustling sound from the other room, and then an exclamation as Helen walked into something in the dark.

  ‘What are you doing?’ Beth asked in a whisper, slipping on her wrap.

  ‘I’m trying to find the candle.’

  ‘Do not light it! We don’t want the perpetrator to know he has been discovered. There is enough light from the moon for us to be able to see.’ The last thing she wanted was to alert the intruder. She wanted to find out who was creeping around her house. And it was her house, whatever that odious man said!

  Helen stumbled into the room, clutching a candlestick in one hand and a flint box in the other. ‘Do you think it is a thief like the one who burgled Sir Peter Gresham’s house?’ Helen asked in a hushed whisper.

  ‘Let us find out.’ Beth’s eyes were accustomed to the gloom by now. She took the candlestick from Helen, removed the candle and swung the heavy object. ‘This will make a splendid weapon.’

  ‘Shall I awaken the men?’

  ‘There isn’t time for that.’ She unlocked her bedroom door and made for the stairs. When she stopped to listen, Helen cannoned into her.

  ‘Sorry.’

  ‘Shush!’ She started down the stairs, Helen’s restraining hand on the back of her robe.

  Helen whispered in her ear. ‘You must not confront the fiend yourself. We must awaken the men.’

  At the foot of the stairs she stopped to listen again. Yes, it was unmistakable: someone was moving around with great stealth. She indicated towards the study and Helen shook her head frantically, trying to pull Beth back up the stairs. This was making things difficult, and if they were not careful, the thief would be away before she could find out who it was. ‘You go back,’ she whispered.

  Helen shook her head again and held on to Beth even more.

  Beth released Helen’s fierce grip and moved towards the study. Even fear could not lessen Helen’s loyalty to her, and it was clear that wherever Beth went, she was going too. It was only to be hoped that she would remain silent, for if they were discovered, then it could be dangerous for them.

  They were just about to approach the study door when it opened. They dived behind the stairs for cover, watching the man leave by the front door.

  Giving him a moment to get away from the house, the girls hurried into the study and looked out into the garden. The moon was very bright now and she could see him quite clearly. He was tall, dressed entirely in dark clothing and wearing a cape and large brimmed hat that shaded his face.

  ‘Oh, damn!’ Beth muttered. ‘I cannot see him with that hat on.’

  Helen was bolder now the interloper was halfway across the garden. ‘He has a horse under the trees.’

  ‘So he has. That was well spotted, Helen,’ she complimented,
‘and I do declare that it is as black as his clothes.’

  ‘It has a white mark on its head, though, and that is what I saw move. It could be the stallion from your stables,’ Helen pointed out. ‘See – the animal is facing us and is quite clear now.’

  ‘Ah, yes, you are right. I wish he would move into the moonlight ...’ Her wish was instantly granted. The man mounted and lifted his face to look at the house for a brief moment before turning and making for the gate.

  Beth and Helen hid behind the drapes for fear of being seen and sighed with relief as they heard him canter away.

  ‘That was ...’ Helen could not contain her astonishment.

  ‘Yes, it was James Sharland!’ Beth put her weapon on to a small table and turned to survey the room. ‘Now, what was he doing in Father’s study?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ Helen looked at her with imploring eyes. ‘We should tell someone about this.’

  ‘No!’ Beth was adamant. ‘I don’t want this noised abroad until we know what is going on. After all, if he wishes to sneak out of the house at this late hour, then that is his business – for the moment.’

  ‘Perhaps he has an assignation he wishes to keep secret.’

  Beth controlled a laugh. ‘I would say that was obvious, Helen. But what kind of assignation?’

  ‘A lady?’

  ‘Perhaps. Though I don’t think this creeping around in the middle of the night is for a lover’s tryst. I can’t believe he is the kind of man who would care what others thought of him.’

  ‘Oh, look!’ Helen hurried over to the desk. ‘This drawer is not properly closed.’

  Beth joined her and pulled it open. There was a box in there and she knew what it contained.

  ‘Has anything been taken?’ Helen wanted to know.

  She lifted the box out and opened it. It was as she feared; there was one empty space. ‘There is something unpleasant going on. One of Father’s pistols has been taken.’

  ‘Perhaps he has taken it for protection?’ Helen suggested. ‘It is not a good time of night to be abroad.’

  ‘I would hope that is so.’ Beth frowned fiercely. ‘But I don’t think it is the reason; otherwise, James Sharland would not have been skulking around the house in this manner.’