‘I don’t know how much longer you can keep this up,’ Beth laughed. ‘But I gambled on the hope that he hadn’t recognized you under all that mud.’
‘He isn’t sure what I look like, so he’s doing his best to meet me. However –’ he glanced at his friend and grimaced – ‘that was close, Dan.’
‘Does he know you, Mr Edgemont?’ Helen asked.
‘Our paths have crossed once,’ he replied dryly.
‘And if he finds out you are with me, he might bolt again, and that’s the last thing we want.’
‘Then, James, I’d better get myself covered in mud as well,’ Dan said, unbuttoning his jacket.
Smiling broadly, they both bowed. ‘Ladies, if you will excuse us?’
As they made for the stairs, James turned, bowed again and said, ‘Thank you.’
‘What did you find out?’ James asked Dan as soon as they left the house.
‘Welland examined the handwriting carefully and stated that, in his opinion, it was written by the same hand as the one received by your grandfather, but that had been heavily disguised.’
‘In his opinion? That doesn’t sound very definite.’
‘What did you expect, James? I told you from the start that you would not obtain the proof you needed in this way. The man was not going to make his demands in a letter that could easily be traced back to him. Welland is an expert and did his best, but the letter is thirty years old.’
‘I know.’ James rested his hands on the fence by the muddy field and took a deep breath. ‘Sorry, Dan. Please thank Welland for me.’
‘I have already done so.’ Dan leant against the fence and studied his friend. ‘What are we going to do now?’
‘What do you suggest?’
‘Leave the past where it belongs, and get on with your life.’
‘I can’t do that.’ James shook his head. ‘I made a promise.’
Dan swore under his breath. ‘If your father was here now, I’d stick his head in that mud until he allowed you to withdraw that promise. What the hell was the man thinking? All he had was a suspicion that Gresham was the man he had been after, but he didn’t have one tiny shred of proof.’
‘Ah, but he didn’t have you to help him.’ James grinned. ‘He told me to make sure I enlisted your services.’
‘Oh, did he? And then he left me a letter just to make sure I did get involved.’
‘He wasn’t taking any chance that you would refuse,’ James grinned. ‘Impossible tasks are your speciality. So – seriously – what should we do next?’
‘There’s only one way open to you now, and that is to confront Gresham and get a confession from him.’
James stood upright, a look of utter disbelief on his face. ‘You’re not serious?’
Dan nodded.
‘And while he’s telling me he ruined my family for monetary gain, shall I ask him if he killed my mother’s loyal coachman?’
‘That would be helpful.’
‘Helpful?’ James tipped his head back and gave a harsh laugh. ‘Oh, I’m sure he would send himself to the gallows, or add another victim to his list – me!’
‘I’ll be with you.’
‘How comforting!’
‘I’ve got one more piece of advice,’ he said, ignoring his friend’s sarcastic tone. ‘You owe those two girls an explanation. For some odd reason, they are protecting you without knowing why it is necessary, and yet Elizabeth Langton is terrified you are here to ruin her. You should never have involved her in this.’
‘I had no choice. My father made me Elizabeth’s guardian and told me to move in here until she reached the age of twenty-one, or until this damned business had been finally dealt with. He wanted to make sure that once we started investigating she would be perfectly safe. Gresham is vindictive enough to turn his anger on anyone connected to the Sharlands. And Elizabeth’s father knew the whole story, so Gresham might think he told his daughter.’
Dan nodded. ‘I agree that does make a difference.’
James nodded. ‘I can’t tell them anything yet because that might put them in greater danger. What I’ve got to do is get them away from here. If Gresham suspects we are closing in, then things could get unpleasant. Somehow I’ve got to persuade them to stay in London with Alice.’
‘Good luck with that,’ Dan said dryly.
‘I’ll need it.’ There was a call from the men in the field. ‘Come on, Dan. Help is needed out there. Time to get you covered in mud.’
Sixteen
The next four weeks were peaceful, and Beth began to breathe more easily. After their meeting with Sir Peter Gresham at the Sharland mansion, the atmosphere had been almost friendly. Almost, she thought wryly, for James was still aloof, never allowing himself to unbend too much in her company. Helen was the only one able to make him relax. He appeared to gain great pleasure explaining to her his plans for the school, and she was showing a lot of enthusiasm for the scheme. He was a different man with Daniel and Alex, and they could often be heard joking and fooling together.
James was still a mystery to her, and she was becoming increasingly confused about his motives, but Daniel was also an enigma. No matter how she puzzled over it, she could not fathom what he was, or how he was involved in the Sharland mystery – for that was how she now labelled it.
‘I miss Alice.’ Helen came in and sat down, looking to see if there was still tea in the pot and then pouring herself a cup.
‘So do I, but she must have been happy to leave her boys – as she calls them – to visit her friends in London. They have been quiet of late. The three of them have been spending most of their time working on the school, and there has been no sign of Gresham. Do you think they’ve given up on whatever they were trying to find out?’
‘I doubt that.’ Helen looked thoughtful. ‘Whatever the problem is with the Sharland family, I don’t think James will rest until it is settled.’
‘No, of course you’re right.’ Beth sighed. ‘I was beginning to hope that we might get through the next few months without any trouble. And no mention has been made of a season in London again, so perhaps that has been forgotten.’
Helen laughed at her friend’s hopeful expression. ‘Alice isn’t only in London to visit friends, Beth. She’s also there to make final arrangements for our stay and to start gathering invitations for social events.’
‘Oh no!’ Beth groaned. ‘I will refuse to choose a husband in that way. If I ever marry, it will have to be to a man I love and respect, not someone who will court me for the estate I own.’
‘I agree that it will be a very big enticement to many young gentlemen. With my situation being common knowledge, however, I am certain that I will not be besieged with offers.’ Helen didn’t look at all sorry about that prospect. ‘But we can enjoy the dancing and social events. We shall give the gossips plenty to tattle about, for I am sure that the happenings here have been circulating for some time.’
The girls burst into laughter, and Beth said, ‘You are quite right again, Helen. Our appearance in society will set the tongues wagging, and all will be consumed with curiosity.’
‘We shall not be lacking invitations, I think.’
At that moment they heard a carriage arrive at speed – and then raised voices. They rushed down the stairs and out of the front entrance to see what all the fuss was about.
James was standing in front of an elderly gentleman who was leaning heavily on a cane. The two men were confronting each other angrily.
‘Get back in your carriage. You are not welcome here!’
Beth couldn’t believe her eyes. The elderly man was so weary he could hardly stand, and the horses were lathered after being driven to their limit. Alex had arrived and was looking equally angry. Daniel had also appeared as if out of nowhere and stood slightly back from the others, but his presence was immediately felt.
The man glared at him. ‘So you’re here as well! I might have guessed.’
Daniel simply inclined his head, gi
ving a respectful bow and saying nothing.
‘I told you to leave!’ James growled, clearly furious.
When the man swayed slightly, Beth couldn’t stand by any longer. She pushed her way forward and caught hold of the elderly man’s arm. Helen was there at once as well, and they both steadied him.
Beth glared at James. ‘This is still my house and I will say who can stay! This gentleman is clearly in need of rest, and those poor animals must have attention.’
Young Tom was already soothing the exhausted horses, and Beth’s staff had gathered ready to help if needed. She gave orders for a room to be made ready, food and brandy supplied, and the animals taken care of.
With herself and Helen either side of the elderly visitor, Beth pushed the men aside. ‘Out of my way!’
Stanley, the footman, had to help them up the stairs with their guest, and they soon had him settled in a comfortable chair, with a blanket over his legs and a large glass of brandy in his shaking hands.
Helen was making sure he was feeling better, and Beth was relieved to see some colour return to his face. He had been deadly white, and she had feared he was about to collapse. And that heartless guardian of hers had been ordering him to leave when neither the man nor the horses were in a fit state to take another step. It was unbelievable! There was no excuse for such callous behaviour. This man – whoever he was – had clearly been in need of help.
‘You, girl!’
Beth had been checking that the bed was ready and turned her head to see who had spoken so rudely.
‘Who the devil are you?’
She bristled with indignation at his tone of voice and was in no mood to endure more bad manners. She left what she was doing and walked over to him. ‘I am Elizabeth Langton, and the devil has nothing to do with my identity, sir! You are in my house and you may call me Elizabeth or Beth – I answer to both. I shall not respond to “girl” again.’
He surveyed her through narrowed eyes, and then the corners of his mouth twitched just a fraction. ‘Ah, you stood your ground against my grandsons. That shows me you have spirit. Admirable.’
He did not utter a word of thanks or apology, and Beth couldn’t stop the next words tumbling out. ‘It would seem, sir, that rudeness is a family trait. Now, may I ask what you are doing here, and why your grandsons are so angry?’
‘I am here to take Alexander back where he belongs, and James hates me with a passion. Where’s Alice?’
‘Alice is in London with friends. What have you done to make James hate you so much?’
‘None of your damned business! Send for Alice.’
‘I will do no such thing, sir. You have just told me that your family squabbles are not my business, so, as soon as you are well enough, you might care to join her in London. Until then we will see to your needs, and you may stay until you are fully recovered. I will send for a physician to make sure you are not suffering from anything more than fatigue.’
‘I don’t need a blasted physician!’
‘While you are in my care, you will do as I say, sir! Stanley, send Tom for the physician.’
‘At once, Miss Langton.’
‘The bed is ready and warmed for you. Have you brought a valet with you, or would you like one of my staff to help you, sir?’
‘My driver, Hutton, will look after me. There is no need for you to put yourself out further,’ he said sharply. ‘And as you are so set on the correct forms of address, you may call me Your Grace.’
‘Your Grace.’ Beth didn’t even bother to bow her head, showing no sign of shock or awe, for she knew that was exactly what this infuriating man was expecting. She’d had enough of this family, and titles meant nothing to her. Seething, she stormed out of the room and down to the study where she guessed she would find the men.
They were in deep discussion when she stormed in, and they stopped talking the moment the door flew open.
James spun round to face her, and she could see he was still furious, but so was she at this moment. In her shock at the loss of her dear godfather, she had allowed this man to take control over her life and estate, but this was about to end.
‘It would have been polite to knock first,’ James growled.
‘Polite? This is my house, and if I want to enter a room, I will do so without your permission!’ She walked over and faced him, standing toe to toe. ‘That cantankerous old man upstairs is sick. He couldn’t have taken another step, and neither could the horses. How dare you treat man and beasts in that cruel manner?’
‘He isn’t welcome here.’ James had also raised his voice.
‘Neither are you!’ she shouted back. ‘And as soon as your grandfather is fit to travel, you will all leave this house. You will have no more say in my affairs.’
‘The law says otherwise.’
‘I don’t give a damn about the law! You are finished here. You can leave and take your blasted family with you.’
There was a throaty chuckle behind her. ‘That’s right, girl – you tell him.’
She turned and glared at the elderly man who had just entered the room, and saw Helen and the footman rush in right behind him and take hold of his arm. ‘I told you not to address me in that derogatory way. Get back to your room and wait for the physician. You need rest.’
‘A man can’t do that with the two of you shouting at each other. And I want to talk to my grandsons.’
‘Well, you can’t until you are in a fit state to face them without collapsing.’
Stanley had a firm grip on the elderly man now and looked apologetic. ‘I’m sorry, Miss Langton. Her ladyship and I turned our backs for a moment and he was gone. We didn’t catch him in time to stop him coming in here.’
‘I’m not surprised,’ she said. ‘He’s unpredictable – like the rest of his family. Take him back upstairs and lock him in if you have to.’
A smothered laugh came from Alex whose eyes were dancing with amusement. James was still scowling, and Daniel was impassive, as usual.
‘I think I had better do as you say, Elizabeth; I do still feel a little shaky.’ Before leaving the room, he nodded to James. ‘And I think you had better do as she says. It looks as if you have met your match at last. I’ll talk to you later. And stop shouting, the pair of you. I need my rest. The train to London was unbearable, so I finished the journey by coach, and that is exhausting for a man of my age.’
There was silence while the grandfather left the room and the door was closed behind him. Only then did Alex roar with laughter. He gave Beth a smile of respect. ‘That was priceless!’
James glared at him. ‘What’s so damned amusing?’
‘Oh, come on, James. That was the funniest thing I’ve seen for some time. Have you ever seen anyone order Grandfather around like that and get away with it?’
‘I doubt Elizabeth will get away with it. That nasty old man will find a way to get even with her.’
‘He won’t be staying long enough to cause me any more trouble – and neither will you!’ She turned her attention to Daniel, who, as usual, was standing silently in the background. ‘I do not include you in any of this, Mr Edgemont. You have behaved impeccably, and you are welcome in my house.’
He inclined his head and smiled. ‘Thank you, Elizabeth.’
Without another word, Beth spun on her heel and walked out of the room. She had had her say, something she should have done in the beginning, and, to her immense satisfaction, it had given them plenty to think about.
Helen was waiting in Beth’s sitting room and handed her a cup of strong tea as soon as she came in. ‘I think you need that.’
‘I do.’ Beth collapsed into an armchair and drank the hot brew gratefully. ‘I’ve told them to leave.’
‘So I heard.’ Helen looked doubtful. ‘Do you think they will?’
‘No, but it felt good to let my anger spill out. I have been docile for far too long, and I am determined to take back control of the estate.’ Beth’s hand shook as she put the cup back on the tr
ay. ‘Has the physician arrived yet?’
‘Yes, he’s examining His Grace at this moment. He’s a duke, by the way.’
‘I don’t care what title he has, Helen. While he is in my house, he will do as he is told.’
Helen hugged her friend, smiling broadly. ‘That’s the girl I grew up with! You’ve been in shock – we’ve both been in shock – but now we are back to normal. Let’s show them they can’t boss us around!’
‘Yes, they are not going to get their own way any longer,’ Beth agreed.
There was a knock on the door and Stanley looked in. ‘Doctor Gregson, Miss Langton.’
She knew the man who walked in very well; he had been their family doctor for many years. ‘How is he?’ she asked.
‘He’s tired after a long journey, that’s all. Apart from that he seems to be in good health. A couple of days of rest and he will be fine.’
‘That is good news. Thank you for coming so quickly, Doctor Gregson.’
‘My pleasure, Miss Langton. Call me again if you have any concerns, but I don’t anticipate any problems. Although he’s quite advanced in years, he is still a strong man.’
‘And very determined, from what I’ve seen of him,’ Beth remarked.
The doctor grinned. ‘That is obvious.’
When he had left, Beth sighed and rubbed her temple. ‘What a day!’
‘Why don’t you go for a walk outside, Beth? I’ll see to everything here. A quiet stroll in the fresh air will clear your head.’
‘That’s a lovely idea. I won’t be long, Helen.’
Relieved to be out of the house and away from all the tension vibrating through it, Beth climbed on to the fence, just as she had done as a child, and gazed at the horses in the paddock. It was late afternoon, with a soft breeze ruffling the grass, and she sighed contentedly. How she loved this place! It would break her heart to lose it, and she wondered, not for the first time, how Helen had survived the disaster that had befallen her. But she had, and her courage was undeniable. She had no wealth or material possessions now, but she had the love and respect of those around her, and that was worth more than gold.
A Debt From the Past Page 15