A Debt From the Past

by Beryl Matthews

  The girls shot each other a startled glance.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Beth demanded. ‘Where’s Dan?’

  ‘He’s gone to London, and his instructions are to behave ourselves and be vigilant,’ the elderly man told them dryly. ‘So that’s what we’re doing.’

  ‘It’s sensible, Beth,’ Helen told her. ‘We don’t want anyone else to be hurt.’

  ‘No, of course we don’t.’ She sighed. ‘And if Dan thinks we should take these precautions, then I’m not about to dismiss his advice.’

  ‘Sensible girl.’ Grandfather was on his feet, his breakfast only half finished. ‘Let’s get on with the day, then.’

  Helen watched anxiously as James swung himself into the saddle without his usual fluid grace. No matter how he protested that he was fully recovered, he was clearly still suffering some discomfort.

  They set off at a walking pace, and Helen was pleased to note that Stanley was right behind and armed. There was a rifle on the saddle, and she could see a pistol in his jacket. Whatever Dan had told the men last night, it was obvious they weren’t going to give Gresham a chance to catch them unawares.

  Although it was still early in the morning when they reached the school, the men were already working hard as more furniture was being delivered.

  ‘I wasn’t expecting that until tomorrow,’ Helen exclaimed, dismounting quickly and almost running into the school, giving orders as she moved through the workers. ‘When did this arrive?’ she asked Mr Becks.

  ‘An hour ago, my lady.’ He smiled, rubbing his hands together with pleasure. ‘The boys’ rooms are completely furnished now, and so is the library. I’ve checked the consignment, and it contains all the tables and chairs for the dining room. What we need now are the linens and kitchen utensils. We haven’t touched the master’s quarters yet. His lordship has still to decide on the furnishings there, but he should be delighted when he sees the progress we’ve made in a week.’

  ‘I can’t wait to inspect it.’

  Becks swung round. ‘Your lordship! How good to see you on your feet again. Thank you so much for giving our Charlie a place in your splendid school.’

  ‘He’s earned that place and deserves it. He’s a bright boy and shows promise.’ James was turning and looking everywhere as he spoke, his expression unreadable. ‘Helen, show me what has been done to the rooms upstairs.’

  His inspection was carried out in silence, giving Helen no indication of his opinion. She was tense, desperately wanting him to like what she had done while he had been unable to come here.

  When they had been in every room, checked every cupboard and chair and the suitability of every piece of furniture, they walked on to the landing. James gazed at the activity below him and finally said, ‘You have worked miracles, Helen. I couldn’t have done better myself. Thank you.’

  Relief swept through her and she began to breathe more easily. ‘I’ve loved doing it.’

  He turned his head and smiled. ‘That’s good because I am going to ask you if you would continue for a while. There is still a lot to do and I need the help.’

  ‘I would be delighted to, James.’ She drew in a silent breath and hesitated.

  ‘You have a question?’

  ‘You are well aware of my situation, and I will eventually have to find some way to support myself. I can’t stay with Beth for the rest of my life, so if there should be a position in your school for a woman, would you consider me for the post? I don’t care what it is. I’ll do anything.’

  He studied her thoughtfully and nodded. ‘I’ll consider it, Helen, but I can’t make any promises.’

  ‘I understand.’ She hid her disappointment. It had been foolish to hope he would be able to offer her a job at the school, but her future was a concern, and it would have been a perfect solution to her problem. His vision for the school excited her, and she loved being here. And it would have kept her near James, but that was another foolish idea!

  The same routine was followed for the next two days without a sign of trouble. Being involved in the final stages of the school, James seemed to regain much of his former vigour and vitality.

  Christmas was now only two months away, and James was planning to have a huge celebration before then to declare the school officially open. Alice, Alex and Grandfather intended to be present for that, and if Gresham had been dealt with by then, they would be returning to their home in Scotland for Christmas.

  Beth and Helen understood their desire to leave, but they were going to miss them so much. Then, in early March, Beth would reach her twenty-first birthday and James would no longer be her guardian. Although he would still be in the area, she doubted that she would ever see much of him again, and Dan would also disappear from their lives.

  The girls were discussing this at the end of another busy day, neither of them happy about the prospect of finding themselves alone again. In the past they had never found this isolation troubling or unusual, but things had changed now. They had changed.

  ‘I have become accustomed to having the house full of people.’ Beth sighed. ‘I find myself fond of all of them.’

  ‘Yes,’ Helen agreed. ‘It is going to be hard to see them leave, and you know, Beth, that I will then have to think about my future. I shall have to seek a position somewhere in order to support myself.’

  ‘I know you need to feel independent, but you can stay here for the rest of your life. I would be happy to have you with me.’

  ‘That’s more than generous of you, but I would not be happy taking advantage of our friendship. If our situations were reversed, can you tell me you would not feel the same?’

  ‘You know we are too much alike, and I would indeed feel the same, but the thought makes me sad.’

  ‘We must not be sad, because we have a few weeks to join the London social scene with Alice and Grandfather. That should be an enjoyable experience. After that, the future will be what it will be.’

  ‘You are right! We will enjoy the short time we all have left together and let the future take care of itself!’

  Twenty-Five

  ‘I wonder when Dan will return,’ Beth said at breakfast. ‘This will be the third day he has been away. Did he say his business would take this long?’

  ‘He didn’t know,’ Alex replied before rushing over to the window at the sound of a horse clattering to a halt. ‘Ah, this could be news.’

  Before any of them could reach the door, it opened, and the butler ushered in a travel-stained man. ‘This gentleman insists on seeing you at once, Lord Sharland.’

  ‘I have a message from Mr Edgemont. He asks that you meet him at the Gresham house as soon as you can.’

  ‘We’ll leave at once. Jenkins, will you ask Tom to saddle our horses, please.’

  Jenkins nodded and left immediately.

  ‘You appear to have ridden hard,’ Beth said to the messenger. ‘Will you rest a moment and take refreshments?’

  ‘No, thank you kindly, miss, but I must be on my way again.’ He bowed slightly, turned and left with the men right behind him.

  ‘That man was a soldier.’ Beth looked at her friend, a deep frown on her face. ‘What have the military to do with this?’

  Helen shook her head, perplexed. ‘It is a mystery.’

  ‘Do you know who that man was?’ Beth asked Jenkins, who had just returned to the breakfast room.

  ‘He did not give his name, Miss Langton. Do you intend to ride out today? If so, Stanley will escort you.’

  ‘I am not sure what we should do. What do you think, Helen? Should we stay here in case we are needed, or go about our day as usual?’

  ‘There is still rather a lot to do at the school.’

  The sound of running feet caught their attention. After a quick rap on the door, it swung open and Tom ran in, skidding to a halt, flushed with excitement. He gave a slight bow to Helen. ‘His lordship told me to come at once. He said if you are going to the school today, I was to be your escort, my lady. Are you goin
g?’ he asked hopefully.

  ‘You might as well,’ Beth told her friend. ‘We will only become anxious if we stay here with nothing to occupy us.’

  Tom was fidgeting from one foot to the other. ‘We don’t need to worry about the gentlemen. There’s a whole crowd of them. Mr Edgemont rode in briefly and he had a lot of soldiers with him. No one’s going to mess with them.’

  Beth groaned. ‘I do wish they had stopped long enough to explain what was happening.’

  ‘It wouldn’t have entered their minds to do so, especially the men of my family.’

  ‘But Dan could have sent a message, Alice.’

  ‘Oh, he’s worse than any of them for keeping information to himself. And when I mention my family, Dan is included. My father jokes about him, but I know he greatly admires that complex man and looks upon him as another grandson. I think it would be best if you go about your business today, and I will stay here to do the worrying.’

  Helen nodded. ‘You’re right. Tom, I will be ready to leave in half an hour.’

  ‘Yes, my lady. I’ll get Honey ready. She told me she’s looking forward to a gallop this morning.’

  ‘In that case I had better not disappoint her.’

  Grinning broadly, Tom spun on his heels and tore out of the room.

  As they approached the Gresham home, all but one of the soldiers peeled off and disappeared to various positions around the home.

  Dismounting, Alex went to James, concerned. ‘They were in a hell of a hurry. Are you all right after such a frantic ride?’

  ‘I’m fine, but I wish they had taken the time to tell us what this is all about. Whatever Dan’s up to, he doesn’t intend to let Gresham escape. That must mean he has some damning evidence against him.’

  ‘Of course he has!’ Grandfather leant over, trying to catch his breath. ‘And he’s damned determined about it.’

  Dan had remained in the saddle, as had the man who was clearly an officer, and it was only when the door opened and Gresham appeared that they dismounted.

  ‘Well, well, what’s all this? Come to apologize, have you?’

  Dan gave a smile that made Gresham take an involuntary step back. ‘I would like to introduce you to Major Andrew Gresham, the rightful owner of this desirable property.’

  ‘I don’t believe you. I am the only living relative of this branch of the Gresham family. Leave here this instant!’

  ‘You are the one who will leave, Mr Peter Walton.’ Dan removed documents from his jacket. ‘I have here all the proof we need. The woman you have been presenting as your sister is indeed your wife. I visited her in London and she is already packing to leave the Major’s house. You have used many names to carry out your criminal activities, but you were foolish enough to use your real name for a crime many years ago, and more recently here. That is how we tracked you down.’

  ‘Uh, oh.’ Alex moved closer to James and whispered. ‘Look, he’s not alone.’

  When four men began to emerge from the side of the house, Dan nodded to the Major, who let out a piercing whistle. His men rode out of their hiding places, forming a circle around Gresham’s men. ‘Thinking of fighting your way out of this, were you?’

  Seeing there was no escape, Walton glared at Dan and then focused on the Major. ‘Where the hell did you come from? I went into the Gresham line carefully, and there wasn’t anyone left to claim the inheritance.’

  ‘So you thought you would have it?’

  ‘Why not? And you haven’t answered my question. Why has it taken you so long to appear?’

  ‘I have been in India for the last three years and didn’t realize that the estate should have come to me until Mr Edgemont informed me of the situation. Now, Mr Walton, my men will escort you.’

  ‘Where to?’

  ‘Gaol, of course. Mr Edgemont informs me that you have rather a long list of charges to face, dating back some thirty years. The London constabulary are also anxious to question you. I believe a charge of murder was mentioned, as well as fraud, embezzlement and blackmail, to mention but a few.’

  ‘By all that’s merciful, we’ve got him at last, James.’ Grandfather gripped his grandson’s arm, a tear trickling down his cheeks. ‘Not for his crimes against us perhaps, but he’ll surely go the gallows now.’

  Walton was already mounted on a horse with his hands tied in front of him, and there was no sign of his men.

  The Major turned to James. ‘Lord Sharland, I will leave you four of my men, and you have my permission to clear the property of all staff. Tell the regular workers to present themselves to me at the village in two days from now and I will see they receive any money owing them.’

  ‘It will be my pleasure, sir.’ James shook his hand. ‘And thank you.’

  With only a slight nod of his head, the Major swung into the saddle. ‘Once this man is safely locked away, I shall meet you at the Langton estate with Mr Edgemont. We have things to discuss.’

  ‘What did he mean by that?’ Alex watched as they cantered away.

  ‘No idea.’

  One of the soldiers came up to James. ‘I’m Sergeant Dickins, your lordship, at your service.’

  ‘Well, your officer wants everyone off his property, so let’s carry out his orders.’

  It was late afternoon when they arrived back at the house, where they found Alice and the girls anxiously waiting for them.

  Alice breathed a sigh of relief when she saw them. ‘Thank goodness you all look cheerful. I’m guessing everything went all right.’

  ‘We’ve got him!’ her father laughed, giving her a hug. ‘He won’t get away this time. Dan’s made sure of that. What a day! I could have kissed that boy for the way he handled the situation.’

  ‘I’m glad you didn’t; it would have ruined the whole thing.’ Dan strode into the room, followed by the Major. ‘Allow me to introduce your hostess, Miss Elizabeth Langton, and her friend, Lady Helen Denton. The other charming lady is Lady Trenchard, Mr Beaufort’s daughter. Ladies – Major Andrew Gresham.’

  The Major bowed respectfully to each of them.

  The name had startled Beth, but, although bursting with curiosity, she maintained her poise. ‘Welcome to Langton house, Major Gresham. Would you join us for dinner?’

  ‘It would be my pleasure.’

  ‘What about your men, sir? I would not wish them to go hungry.’

  ‘They are already comfortably settled in the local hostelry.’ His eyes shone with amusement. ‘I can assure you that they will not go short of anything.’

  ‘In that case I will go and let Cook know that we have a guest for dinner.’

  Beth had just reached the kitchen when Tom burst in excitedly. ‘I’ve got a warhorse in the stable! Wow! You ought to see the size of him. He likes carrots and apples. Can I have some, please, Mrs Howard?’

  ‘In the store cupboard, but don’t take too many. And Tom,’ she called as he made for the stores, ‘you be careful of that animal. I’ve been told they can be quite vicious.’

  When he emerged clutching the treats for his new charge in his arms, he had a look of utter disbelief on his face. ‘He won’t hurt me.’

  Cook sighed. ‘I suppose he told you that?’

  He nodded, then turned and ran, eager to get back to the stables.

  ‘That boy’s got no fear when it comes to animals. What are we doing with a horse like that in the stables, Miss Langton?’

  ‘It must belong to the Major. I’ve come to tell you we have a guest for dinner.’

  ‘Ah, I thought that might be the case. We’ve more than enough for an extra one. Shall I have a room prepared for him as well?’

  ‘I don’t know yet if he’s staying the night, but it would be wise to have it ready. Tom’s going to be very disappointed if the warhorse doesn’t stay for a while,’ Beth joked.

  ‘He’ll be in the stables all night.’ Mrs Howard lowered her voice. ‘Any news about what happened today?’

  Beth shook her head. ‘No details yet, but Grandfat
her is jubilant. He said they’d got him, and that was all.’

  ‘Ah, well, that’s something, and it was good to know they had all come back unharmed.’

  ‘Indeed it was. I must return to our guest.’

  The only occupants of the sitting room when she arrived were Alice and Helen. ‘Where have they gone?’

  ‘They’ve withdrawn to the library with a large bottle of brandy.’ Alice pulled a face. ‘They have things to discuss. Men’s talk.’

  ‘Did they say any more about today?’

  Helen sighed. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Of course they didn’t!’ Beth sat down and folded her arms. ‘So, we are to be left in suspense – again.’

  The Major sipped his brandy appreciatively. ‘Dan has told me about your plans for a school for underprivileged boys, Lord Sharland.’

  ‘James, please. I am going to open the school in the new year. At least it will give a few children the chance of a good education.’

  ‘An admirable project. And you would find extra land useful?’

  ‘Not essential at this point, but it could become so if I decide to expand the school. That will depend upon its success, of course.’

  Andrew Gresham nodded. ‘With your qualifications, I am sure that success is assured. I also agree that all children should receive a sound education, and I would like to make a donation towards your work. The Gresham estate, and everything it contains, is yours.’

  The brandy glass in James’s hand nearly went flying as he leapt to his feet. ‘But you can’t just give it away! I will be happy to pay a fair price for the property.’

  ‘I neither want nor need a country home, but I shall keep the London house as that could be useful. In two months I shall be returning to India.’ He shook his head. ‘What would I do with the place? And before you argue further, James, I do not need the money, and it would please me to know it will be helping such a worthy cause. I am a very distant relative of the Greshams and can’t ever remember having met them. The place means nothing to me, and I would be honoured if you would accept it as my gift to your school.’