‘We’ve got to! My father loved Elizabeth like a daughter, and if his fears are proved correct, then I’ll never be able to forgive myself.’
‘Neither will I.’ Dan stood up. ‘You can only stay until Elizabeth’s next birthday, and then we will all move out. Those two lovely girls won’t stand a chance.’
‘And Helen has suffered enough already. If her friend finds herself in the same situation, what will happen to them?’ James looked up at his friend imploringly. ‘What are we going to do, Dan?’
‘I believe the best way to stop him is to strip him of his wealth and ruin his reputation in a way he will never be able to recover, as your grandfather suggested. Then we’ll see if we can have him put in prison for a while.’
‘It seems the best way,’ James agreed. ‘I’ll have to leave that to you. So, how are you going to do it?’
‘My first task will be to see that these men are tried – very publicly – so Gresham is forced to attend the trial. Once I’ve arranged that, I’m going to have a long talk with the man.’
‘Good, I’ll come with you.’ The grandfather walked into the bedroom, Alex right behind him, and studied his grandson. ‘You look terrible.’
‘I feel it! You can’t go with Dan, Grandfather; it could get nasty.’
‘Of course it could, with Dan doing the ... talking.’
‘I do wish you’d stop that,’ Dan sighed. ‘You’re ruining my reputation. I expect everyone on the estate believes I’m an assassin!’
‘No,’ the grandfather laughed. ‘They are probably thinking those two boys are right and you’re a spy. And it’s no good you protesting. You are not facing Gresham alone. This man threatened my daughter’s life, and I had to hide her away not knowing when he would strike.’
‘If you’d paid him, he might have left you alone,’ James said.
‘I did pay him! He wasn’t satisfied and kept coming back for more. What was I to do – keep handing over money to him? He only disappeared when I sent the law after him. It was years before I felt he really had gone. Call me a nasty old man all you like, James, but I did what I thought was right for you and your mother.’
James sighed. ‘I’ll never believe it was the right way to handle it, and I have never understood why Mother never contacted her husband. She could have done so quite easily without you knowing about it.’
‘She thought he was dead.’
‘What did you say?’ James sat straight up in bed, eyes narrowed on his grandfather.
‘Now, don’t fly into a rage! Ever since I sent for your father, you have never allowed me to talk to you about the past, but now you are captive in that bed it’s time you heard the truth. You already know that your mother and Edward ran away to get married because I disapproved. Gresham must have found out and thought it was a good way to make money. However, things went wrong and the coachmen opened fire on him. Edward was shot and was thought unlikely to live, so I told my daughter he had died. But Gresham wasn’t prepared to give up and threatened your mother’s life if I didn’t pay him a substantial amount of money, so I sent her to safety. You had been born when Edward came to me; it had taken him that long to recover. Your mother was not strong after your birth, so I told him she had died.’
‘How could you have done such a thing? You denied them nearly ten years together,’ James remarked through gritted teeth.
‘I am very aware of that, but I kept you both safe. That was enough for me. When it became clear that your mother was dying, I sent for Edward. After the way I had behaved, the least I could do for him was give him his son. He was a sensible man and, seeing you were happy with Alice and Alex, he decided not to take you away from the home you had always known.’
‘Why the hell didn’t you tell me all this before?’
‘Because after that you only ever spoke to me to hurl insults. You weren’t ready to listen, and how the devil could I excuse what I had done? I couldn’t, James, and I shall have to live with that for the rest of my life!’
‘My father never said a word about any of this, but you should have, Grandfather.’
‘I should have done a lot of things, James, but when the people you love are in danger, you don’t always act rationally.’ His grandfather grimaced and looked at Dan. ‘But for now we have this mess to deal with. When are we going to see Gresham?’
‘I have to go to the court this morning, but if I’m back in time, I’ll visit him this afternoon. You can come only if you agree to be quiet and let me handle everything.’
‘I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.’
James gave a dry laugh. ‘And if you believe that, Dan, you’ll believe anything.’
‘Ah, an insult! You’re feeling better.’
‘No, I’m not! I need to get out of this bloody bed and help Dan.’
‘Language,’ his grandfather admonished.
‘Ha! You’re a fine one to talk.’
‘Stop it, you two!’ Alex glared at them. ‘If we’re going to sort out this mess, then we’ve all got to work together – in harmony. What do you want me to do, Dan?’
‘Stay on the estate. See Henry Greenwood and work with him to keep a lookout for anything unusual. Has anyone seen Elizabeth and Helen this morning?’
‘They both came to see me about an hour ago,’ James told Dan. ‘Helen has gone to the school, and Elizabeth rode out to visit her buyers.’
‘They are up and out already?’ Alex showed his surprise. ‘It’s only eight o’clock now.’
‘I doubt those girls have ever had a life of ease, or wanted it,’ his grandfather remarked. ‘From what I’ve heard, Elizabeth has been involved in running this large estate from an early age, and I expect Helen’s life has been much the same. Damned fine girls.’
‘In that case, Alex, I’m changing your task. I want you to find out if Elizabeth has taken one of the staff with her. If not, try to catch up with her and stay with her until she returns here.’
‘I’ll go at once.’ Alex left quickly.
‘Good thinking,’ the grandfather said, nodding his approval. ‘That beast likes to use women. It’s his way of getting us men to do what he wants.’
‘If he touches either of them, I’ll kill him and gladly hang for the crime!’ James threw back the covers and struggled to sit on the edge of the bed, sweat pouring down his face.
‘Oh, no, you don’t!’ In two strides, Dan was by the bed and lifting James with ease to put him back in the bed. If you open those wounds again, you could be in this bed for weeks, not days. Now, you listen to me. It is highly unlikely Gresham will try anything for a few days. He’ll wait and see what we are going to do now we’ve caught those men. I’m just being cautious; we don’t want to be taken by surprise again. Relax and get well, James, because there are enough of us to deal with this at the moment. If it looks as if we are going to have more trouble than we can handle, I’ll bring in more men.’
‘Damned fool!’ His grandfather had a cloth and was wiping his grandson’s face. ‘If you kill yourself, Alice will never forgive me. We didn’t expect those men to be armed and ready to kill, so we won’t make the same mistake again. Trust Dan. Hell, why do you think Edward brought him into this?’
‘I know, but it is agony being stuck here and wondering what the devil is happening!’
‘Of course it is, my boy, but you’ve got to remain in bed. Where’s Alice?’
‘Retired to get some rest. She was here all night.’
‘Ah, then we won’t disturb her until the afternoon. I’ll stay with you for now.’
James didn’t protest but rested his head back, almost as white as the sheets covering him. He nodded and closed his eyes.
‘Off you go, Dan,’ the grandfather said softly. ‘Would you ask Cook to send us up some breakfast? I’ll see James eats something.’
Dan nodded and left silently.
It was a busy morning for Dan. Once the court officials knew of his profession and family, he was given access to the prisoners and anyon
e else he needed to talk to. Satisfied that he had done all he could that morning, he returned to the Langton estate and went straight up to see James. He was much relieved to see him looking brighter and calmer.
‘How did you get on?’ James asked the moment he walked into the room.
‘We will have to wait for the judge to arrive, but the good news is that they are expecting one within the next week. They have a list of cases waiting to be heard. The men are being held in the local gaol until then. All we can do now is wait.’
‘Will you act as prosecutor?’ the grandfather asked.
‘No, but I will be called as a witness, and so will Henry Greenway.’
‘What about me?’
Dan shook his head. ‘You are too badly injured to attend court. That’s what I will tell them, and I’m sure the doctor will confirm that. I believe it would be for the best.’
‘In other words, you want me to stay out of it. Well, I will do as you say. As a barrister, you know what you’re doing.’
‘I bet you didn’t tell them what else you do.’
‘Don’t you start that again, Grandfather Beaufort, or I won’t take you with me this afternoon.’
The elderly man gave a deep rumbling laugh of amusement just as Alice walked into the room, carrying a tray for James.
‘Oh, Dan, you’re back. Lunch is being served in the dining room for you. The doctor has been and was pleased with James. He said if he continues to rest and eat well, he should have healed enough to get up in a few days’ time. But he will have to do very little for another two weeks.’
‘I’m relieved to hear that, Alice,’ Dan said, ignoring the scowl on his friend’s face.
‘Yes, it is good news.’ Alice studied her father. ‘And what are you looking so pleased about?’
‘The old devil is enjoying himself,’ James told her. ‘Do you know where Alex is?’
‘He’s still out accompanying Elizabeth; so Mr Greenway told me.’
‘I’ll leave you to have your lunch, James. I’m starving. Come on,’ Dan said to the grandfather. ‘I’ll tell you what I intend to do this afternoon.’
‘Are you still going to see Gresham today?’
‘Yes. It would be impolite not to let him know we have caught the men causing all the trouble. Don’t you think?’
‘Absolutely. I wish I could come with you.’
‘Never mind. I shall have your grandfather to protect me.’ Dan kept a perfectly straight face, making James and Alice laugh at the ridiculous thought. The elderly man just smirked.
‘You’ll have to watch him,’ James warned. ‘He could ruin everything for you.’
‘No, he won’t.’ Dan tipped his head on one side and studied the grandfather. ‘You can put on your confused old man act, and then if you say something I don’t want mentioned, I can dismiss it as the ramblings of a confused old man. Of course, it will be better if you say nothing at all, but I expect that is asking too much?’
‘We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?’ He was grinning broadly now. ‘Come on, let’s eat. I’m hungry.’
‘The best of luck, Dan.’ James said as they left the room.
‘Now, you know what you’ve got to do?’ Dan asked the grandfather as they dismounted in front of the Gresham home. I want him unsettled so that the shock I’m about to give him will be even greater. I’m relying on you to play your part. It is unlikely he will remember you after all these years, but it doesn’t matter if he does. Don’t let your personal feelings get in the way.’
The elderly man nodded. ‘We’ll have him so jumpy he won’t know which way to turn.’
‘Good. Let’s start making this man pay for his crimes, recent and past.’
They were shown into the library without delay.
‘Good afternoon, Mr Edgemont.’ Gresham stood as soon as they entered. ‘I don’t believe I’ve had the honour of meeting this gentleman.’
Grandfather Beaufort had seemed to shrink in size and now had a vague expression on his face. He started shaking Gresham’s hand vigorously. ‘The Earl of Renton, sir, but you can call me Your Grace.’
Dan drew in a deep breath rather loudly. ‘Now then, you know that isn’t true.’
‘Isn’t it? Oh, well, it’s a nice name anyway. What are we doing here, Daniel?’
‘We’re visiting Sir Peter Gresham because I have some news for him,’ Dan explained patiently.
‘Lots of books here. I like books.’
‘I’m sure Sir Peter wouldn’t mind you looking at them while we talk. Would you, sir?’
‘Er ... No, but be careful. Some of them are very valuable.’
‘You must excuse him, sir,’ Dan said quietly, his eyes never leaving the elderly man as he ambled around the room. ‘He’s a little confused and has been upset today.’
‘Who is he?’ Gresham didn’t look very happy to have this unpredictable man roaming around and touching his possessions.
‘A friend of Miss Langton. His grandson usually looks after him, but I’m sorry to say that isn’t possible now. That’s why I’m here. Last night we caught two intruders who were intent on causing damage. Unfortunately, they were armed, and the grandson was shot.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that. Did you kill the men?’ Gresham asked quickly.
Dan shook his head. ‘We captured them unharmed. They are now residing in the local gaol; by the time they come to trial, they could be facing a murder charge.’
At that moment a loud cackle of laughter came from across the room and, distracted, Gresham glanced over at Grandfather. ‘What’s he doing? Be careful with that!’
‘Daniel, have a look at this. It’s full of pretty pictures. I like this one. I think I’ll keep this.’
‘No!’ Gresham rushed over and took the book out of the elderly man’s hand. ‘You mustn’t tear out pages!’
Grandfather looked upset and even more confused. ‘I don’t like this man, Daniel. I want to go home. Where’s my grandson? I want to see my grandson! He wouldn’t talk to me this morning.’ A tear began to trickle down his cheek.
‘Don’t get upset again,’ Dan comforted. ‘He was asleep, that’s all. I won’t be long now, and then we’ll go home.’
‘Oh, good,’ he said, beginning to wander around the room again, this time looking at the paintings and ornaments.
‘Don’t touch anything.’
‘I won’t ... they are all fakes anyway. Er ...’ He studied Dan, frowning. ‘What’s your name? Why am I here with you?’
‘I’m Daniel, your grandson’s friend – remember?’
‘You tell him to talk to me.’
Seeing that Grandfather had now wandered over to look out of the window, Dan turned his attention back to Gresham, but his attitude had changed dramatically. Instead of the affable man he had appeared to be, he was now stern and towering over Gresham. ‘The men have been eager to talk, and they have implicated you in this crime.’
‘Then they are lying!’ Gresham exploded. ‘I was at home last night, and my servants will confirm that.’
‘I’m sure they will, but these men have said that you were the person who hired them, and if that is proved, you could be found as guilty as them.’ Dan reached into his pocket and pulled out an official document. ‘That is a summons ordering you to appear at the trial. I will inform you of the date when the judge arrives, but it will be within the next week.’
‘But this has nothing to do with me!’ Gresham waved the paper at Dan, agitated and clearly alarmed. ‘Surely you can’t take their word against mine?’
‘That will be up to the court, sir.’ Dan walked over and took Grandfather by the arm, then turned back to Gresham. ‘Oh, and please don’t think of disappearing. I know you’ve escaped the law more than once before, but you won’t be able to do that again. I have made arrangements for you to be watched – day and night.’
‘Who are you?’ Gresham was visibly shaking now.
‘I’m a barrister by profession, sir.’
‘Among other things,’ Grandfather cackled. ‘Can we go home now, Daniel?’
‘Of course. Our business here is now finished – for the moment.’
Twenty-Two
Alice, Elizabeth and Alex were in the kitchen sampling Mrs Howard’s cherry cake when Daniel and Grandfather arrived back at the house.
‘Two more cups and plates,’ Cook called as soon as they walked in. ‘Sit down – you must be hungry.’
‘How did everything go?’ Alex asked Dan. ‘Any problems?’
‘It’s early yet, but so far so good.’
‘How is James, Alice?’ her father wanted to know, edging towards the door.
‘He’s looking better, but you can’t go up there yet. He’s got Tom with him. Sit down, Father, and have tea and a piece of the delicious cake.’
‘How did you get on with the buyers, Elizabeth?’ Dan took a bite of cake and smiled at Mrs Howard in approval.
‘They were all very relieved to hear that the men had been captured and were now in gaol, but they were upset to hear about James being shot.’ She smiled at Dan. ‘Mrs Masters said to thank you, and said she knew you were a fine man the moment she set eyes on you.’
‘Well, I’m glad we didn’t let her down then, but I hope you told her that I didn’t do this on my own.’
Just then all conversation stopped as Tom burst into the kitchen clutching a book to his chest, his face rosy with pleasure.
‘I’ve learned such a lot about horses, and I can go up again tomorrow. Gosh, he knows so much, and he’s easy to understand.’
‘That’s because James is a first-class teacher,’ Alex informed Tom.
‘What’s that you’re holding on to so tightly, Tom?’ Mrs Howard asked.
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