A Debt From the Past

by Beryl Matthews

  He studied her for a moment and then sighed. ‘I have already tried to assure you that you will not lose the estate, whatever the outcome of our investigation. If we fail, though, your reputation could suffer because of your association to me.’

  Beth shrugged. ‘That I can live with.’

  ‘Do not dismiss it so lightly, Elizabeth, for it is a hard way to live.’ He gave Helen a surprisingly fond glance. ‘As Lady Helen has discovered.’

  ‘That is true,’ Helen agreed, returning his smile. ‘May I ask why you have not tried to keep this investigation of yours away from Beth?’

  ‘I had no choice. It was the only way I could get close to Gresham without arousing suspicion, and carry out my father’s wishes.’

  ‘I believe he is already curious about your identity,’ Beth told him.

  ‘He may have his suspicions, but I don’t believe he is really sure I am who I am claiming to be, or if I am really here.’

  James appeared relaxed and untroubled, but when Beth looked closely, she could see the lines of strain around his eyes.

  ‘Miss Langton?’ Jenkins appeared. ‘Sir Peter Gresham and his sister have called to see you.’

  ‘Help!’ Alex exclaimed. ‘Let us get out of here, James. Where’s Dan? He mustn’t be seen, either.’

  ‘He won’t return until later tonight.’

  Beth watched them hurry away and turned to Alice. ‘Will you join us?’

  ‘No, my dear. Tell them I am still indisposed.’

  ‘Very well. Will you come with me, Helen, for I have no wish to see them on my own?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘How kind of you to visit again so soon,’ Beth said as they entered the drawing room, hoping her smile looked as welcoming as the one Helen was managing. ‘You will take tea, or perhaps something stronger for you, sir?’

  ‘Tea will be fine.’ He glanced at the closed door. ‘We were concerned for Lady Trenchard’s health. Is she not joining us?’

  ‘She sends her sincere apologies, but she is still unwell,’ Helen told them.

  ‘I do hope it isn’t anything serious?’ The sister settled herself comfortably, not looking at all sincere about Alice’s health.

  ‘A slight chill.’ Beth smiled at the maid who had just wheeled in the trolley of refreshments. ‘Thank you, Jenny; we will look after ourselves.’

  ‘Very good, Miss Langton.’

  Beth busied herself pouring the tea while Helen handed round the sandwiches.

  ‘Is Lord Sharland not joining us, either?’

  ‘He is away at the moment. He will be sorry to have missed you again.’

  ‘He doesn’t appear to be around much.’ Sir Peter’s smile was forced as he glanced towards his sister. ‘We shall have to call him the elusive guardian, eh, Dorinda?’

  ‘Indeed we shall, Peter. I would not have expected a guardian to leave you to run this very large estate on your own, Miss Langton.’

  It was on the tip of Beth’s tongue to tell them to mind their own business, when Helen saved her from being rude.

  ‘He doesn’t need to do much. Beth has been trained by her father in all aspects of running the estate, and, with the help of an excellent manager, there is little for his lordship to do.’

  Sir Peter Gresham studied Helen. ‘And what about you, Lady Helen? How do you occupy your time?’

  ‘I help by keeping the accounts,’ she told him, her gaze unfaltering and defiant. ‘As I am sure you are aware, I am quite expert at sorting out money.’

  When their two visitors didn’t answer, Beth could have laughed out loud. By referring to her father’s debts, Helen had just put the Greshams firmly in their place, leaving them at a loss for a reply. If they had sought to make her uncomfortable by using her correct title, and thereby showing that they knew about her family scandal, then they had failed.

  Changing the subject, Beth talked about the masked ball, and that filled the next half an hour. When their visitors finally took their leave, the friends heaved a sigh of relief, agreeing that Sir Peter and his sister were rude and not at all likeable.

  ‘Where is James?’ Beth asked Alice at dinner that evening.

  ‘He has had to go to London and may be away for a few days.’

  ‘And has Alex gone with him?’

  ‘No,’ she sipped her wine. ‘One of the sows is about to produce, and he wanted to be present.’

  Beth nodded. ‘That should keep him out of trouble.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I just thought that it would be better for him to remain here in case James is going to hold up another coach.’ Beth was pleased when she saw Alice smile, for she was looking strained. The only one who did not seem to be concerned was Alex; he appeared to have complete trust in James. Beth wished she had!

  ‘No, Beth, he has told us he will not do that again, and he never breaks his word, thank heavens.’

  ‘That is an admirable trait.’ She knew it was useless to probe further.

  ‘Did you enjoy tea with the Greshams?’ Alice changed the subject.

  Beth grimaced. ‘It was not pleasant, for it was quite a task to keep the conversation going so they would not ask probing questions. I must confess that I don’t care for either of them.’

  ‘No, they are not the most endearing people. Did they say why they had called so soon after the ball?’

  ‘They were concerned for your health,’ Beth told her.

  Alice snorted in disbelief. ‘More likely they were trying to meet James. They must be getting quite desperate to see him. I don’t believe he knows that James was born, and to have a son of Edward turn up must be causing him a great deal of worry. If Gresham is the man who caused our family so much trouble and heartache, then he must be nervous to find us so close to him.’

  ‘Yes, they did ask after him and were not pleased to find him absent once more.’ Beth smiled wryly. ‘They are calling him my elusive guardian.’

  ‘James could not hope to remain undiscovered for much longer. I believe Gresham will now keep turning up until he actually sees James.’

  ‘From what you say, he hasn’t met him before and therefore would not be able to recognize him.’

  ‘No, but James doesn’t want to take that chance.’ Alice rose to her feet. ‘Forgive me, Beth, but I have a dreadful headache and think it best if I retire.’

  ‘Of course. Is there anything I can get you?’

  ‘No, my dear. I just need to rest. The worry these boys are causing me is quite debilitating.’

  They watched the lady leave the room. Beth pursed her lips. ‘Well, another snippet of information, but it doesn’t get us much nearer to the truth, does it?’

  ‘I’m afraid not,’ Helen agreed.

  Fifteen

  There was no sign of Alice at breakfast the next morning, and Beth thought it best to let her sleep on, but Alex arrived, full of smiles.

  ‘You have eight beautiful piglets, Elizabeth,’ he told her. ‘Would you like to see them?’

  She looked at him in horror. ‘No, thank you!’

  He chuckled. ‘I know you have an aversion to the animals, but they really are quite adorable when first born. I am sure you would change your mind if you saw them. I’ll take you now, if you want.’

  ‘I shall decline your kind offer,’ Beth told him, fighting to keep from grinning at his enthusiasm.

  ‘Ah, you don’t know what you are missing.’ He consumed a hurried breakfast, and then he was up from the table and rushing to get back to his new babies.

  As James was away, Beth decided to tour the estate and see how things were going, avoiding the pigs, of course, but Helen declared that she would love to see the piglets. Beth stayed well out of the way while her friend saw the new arrivals.

  ‘They are adorable,’ Helen declared, smiling when she returned.

  ‘That is not a word I would use.’ Beth pulled a face, making Helen laugh as they continued their ride.

  Two hours later Elizabeth was well pl
eased with what they had seen. James had made quite a few changes, but everything was running smoothly, and Beth had to admit that he was taking good care of the estate and its workers. She had encountered only respect for him, and all the earlier worries seemed to have disappeared as they had come to know him. She really did hope he was not a criminal.

  Helen tipped her head to one side and studied her friend intently. ‘I believe you can put the worry of the estate out of your mind, Beth. All is in order, and he clearly knows what he’s doing.’

  ‘It does appear that way, and I do admit that it is occasionally pleasant not to have the burden of the day-to-day running of the estate on my shoulders. But I would dearly love to be free of this uncertainty about him.’

  ‘Well, it is a pleasant day, so why don’t we ride out to the Sharland mansion and see what is going on there. We may discover a little more about him.’

  ‘That’s a splendid idea! I would like to see what changes he is making.’

  The young women turned their mounts and set off at a canter, smiling in anticipation.

  They reached their destination, glowing and laughing after an invigorating ride.

  The place was a hive of activity, with workmen everywhere, and when Becks and a hand they didn’t know hurried to help them dismount and take charge of their horses, Beth exclaimed, ‘My goodness! It looks as if extensive changes are being made here.’

  ‘Water is being piped into the house, Miss Elizabeth,’ Becks told her. ‘It is quite a task, but his lordship insists that every bedroom has a sink with running water.’

  ‘Really? May we have a look? We will not get in anyone’s way.’

  ‘I expect that would be all right, but it would be best to ask Lord Sharland’s permission first.’

  ‘Is he here?’ Helen asked. ‘We thought he was away.’

  ‘He arrived here at early light, my lady. He’s round the back.’

  ‘Then we shall do as you say. Thank you, Becks.’ Helen took hold of Beth’s arm. ‘I can’t wait to see what is being planned for this school.’

  When they reached the other side of the house, they both stopped in astonishment at the scene in front of them. A small field where men were working was a sea of mud, full of strange machinery, and right in the middle of it was James. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he was pulling on a rope attached to a large pipe. And he was covered in mud!

  ‘Oh my!’ Beth clapped her hand over her mouth, unable to believe what she was seeing.

  Helen was openly laughing and called out, ‘You look as if you need more help, Lord Sharland.’

  Only when the pipe was lowered into place did James turn. ‘Are you offering, Lady Helen?’

  ‘Oh, no, but I could go and find more men, if you wish.’

  Beth gazed from her friend to the man covered in mud, and she was stunned. They were laughing and joking with each other like old friends.

  Squelching his way over to them, James was still smiling broadly when he reached them. ‘May I ask what brings you here?’

  ‘We wondered if we might have a look at the work you are doing to turn this into a school?’ Beth couldn’t help smiling, joining in the light-hearted fun.

  ‘Yes, of course, but, as you can see, I am in no state to give you a guided tour. I’m sure Becks will be happy to show you around, though.’

  ‘Thank you. And I must say that this is a very worthy use for such a large mansion.’

  ‘If you are interested, Lady Helen, I will show you the plans – when I’m in a more presentable state, of course.’

  ‘I would like that.’

  They found Mr Becks in the entrance hall, a smile on his face as he surveyed the work being carried out, and he eagerly agreed to show them round.

  Helen was clearly enthralled by the idea of this rambling mansion being turned into a school, and she asked many questions, which Becks answered with enthusiasm.

  Beth, however, was looking at the building with different eyes. She had always wondered why her godfather had bought this place, as it was far too large for a bachelor. He must have been quite a young man at the time, and he had never talked about it as a home; in fact, he spent as little time as possible here. Would he approve of it being turned into a school?

  As they walked from room to room, she was overwhelmed with the certainty that he would be delighted. Yes, he would be happy to see his son putting it to such good use. That thought brought Beth up with a start. When had she started to accept that James was indeed Lord Sharland’s legitimate son? And he must be or he would never have inherited the title. This realization had come upon her so suddenly, and it was clear that her fear had kept her from admitting this obvious truth. She must still be cautious, of course, until she could discover his motives.

  ‘Isn’t this exciting, Beth?’ Helen said. ‘I think Edward would approve, don’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure he would.’ She smiled at Becks, who, along with his wife, had been with her godfather for many years. ‘Will you and Mrs Becks have a role in this new venture?’

  ‘Oh, yes, Miss Elizabeth. We’re to be the caretakers and see that the young boys have everything they need.’ His smile couldn’t get any wider. ‘We’re to have our own quarters and a large increase in salary.’

  ‘That is splendid.’

  ‘Ah, it is. And his lordship has been taking an interest in our Charlie – teaching him things. He’s a bright boy and loves books, and if he gets good enough, he might be able to attend the school. He’s very excited about that prospect, and so are we.’

  ‘Really?’ Helen looked surprised. ‘But surely the fees for a school like this will be high?’

  ‘No, my lady.’ Becks was shaking his head. ‘His lordship isn’t charging. He’s going to take clever boys who can’t afford to pay.’

  ‘No fees at all?’ Beth could hardly believe a school could be run like that.

  ‘That’s quite right, Elizabeth,’ said a quiet voice from behind them. ‘Crazy, isn’t it?’

  They spun round, and Beth gasped, ‘Oh, Mr Edgemont, we didn’t hear you approaching.’

  ‘My apologies if I startled you.’

  Mr Becks grinned. ‘Mr Edgemont moves like a panther, my wife says.’

  ‘I would agree with that.’ Beth turned her attention to the tall man. ‘And are you to become a part of this crazy venture?’

  ‘I have promised to give James six months of my time when the school is up and running. Then we shall see.’

  ‘Mr Edgemont is to teach the boys riding and other physical skills,’ Mr Becks explained.

  ‘Other skills?’ said Beth, an amused expression on her face. ‘That should be interesting.’

  Dan tipped his head back and laughed. ‘Nothing violent, I assure you, but the boys must learn how to take care of themselves.’

  As Beth studied Daniel Edgemont intently for the first time, she realized that she was drawn to him. He was an impressive man, in a quiet way, and appeared to be someone you could depend upon. No wonder James had been pleased to have him here.

  ‘Ah, good, you’re back.’ James reached them by taking the stairs two at a time. ‘We need your strength for the next part of the work.’

  Dan’s glance swept over his friend’s dishevelled state and he raised his eyebrows. ‘Have you been taking a mud bath?’

  ‘It’s great fun. You’ll enjoy it.’

  ‘You’ve always had the strangest idea of fun – and it always involves hard work.’

  They grinned at each other, obviously sharing a private joke. Dan had begun to unbutton his jacket when there was a commotion in the hall below them.

  James glanced over the banister and cursed under his breath. ‘Oh, hell, it’s Gresham.’

  The man James had been doing his best to avoid hurried up the stairs. ‘Lady Helen, Miss Langton – what a pleasant surprise to find you here. I heard about the work going on and thought I might be lucky enough to catch Lord Sharland.’

  ‘Sir Peter.’ Beth inclined her
head slightly, and out of the corner of her eye she noticed that Dan had disappeared. She also doubted that anyone would think the workman standing with them was James, and, as he remained silent, she took a chance. ‘He was here a while ago, but I’m not sure where he is now.’

  ‘Still being elusive,’ he said, not hiding his disgusted tone.

  ‘He has much to do.’ Beth looked James straight in the eyes. ‘Thank you for your report, George. I will tell his lordship that things are progressing well. Now, you had better get back to work.’

  ‘Thank you, miss,’ he replied in a rough accent and then hurried down the stairs.

  Gresham watched James leave with a look of distaste on his florid face. ‘I’m surprised you allow anyone in that state into the house.’

  ‘The field he is working in is a sea of mud,’ Helen explained sweetly. ‘And, as you can see, there is dirt and rubble everywhere. It isn’t possible to carry out major renovations like this without making a mess.’

  ‘No, no, of course not.’ Gresham turned his attention to Mr Becks, who had remained silent throughout this exchange. ‘Do you know where I might find your master?’

  ‘I couldn’t say precisely, sir. He could be anywhere on the premises.’ If Becks found this subterfuge puzzling, he didn’t comment, and did not even offer to go and find James.

  ‘Would you like us to show you round, Sir Peter?’ Beth smiled with enthusiasm. ‘It is going to be a splendid school when it is all finished.’

  He brushed a speck of dust from his jacket sleeve. ‘I don’t have the time to spare at the moment. Perhaps another time.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘I will bid you good day.’

  They waited in silence until they heard his horse gallop away, and then the three of them began to laugh.

  ‘That was excellently done,’ said a quiet voice behind them.

  ‘It certainly was. You could use Elizabeth’s and Helen’s talents at times, Dan.’

  At the sight of James standing beside Dan, Beth exclaimed, ‘How did you get up here?’

  ‘I used a ladder to reach the room Dan was hiding in. We were relieved Gresham didn’t take you up on your offer to show him around; otherwise, we would both have had to climb down again.’