The Rake's Redemption

by Anne Millar

The enquiry was so perfunctory as to be insulting. Jonathon Hampton showed no sign of improving. The inflammation of his lungs that Doctor Bradley had diagnosed resulted in a wracking cough that terrified Judith each time she ventured into his sick room. If she were to lose father now there would be no one left for her.

  Chapter 13

  The warming pan had gone cold soon after they left Horsley Hall after an excruciating duty visit, the rugs she had heaped over her legs seemed as vapid as Theodore, and her temper was disintegrating by the minute. For a coach to break a wheel was not unknown, but for it to happen now when no one else seemed to be travelling was the height of ill luck. Judith resigned herself to a long cold wait, listening to her maid sniffing, until Perkinson brought back assistance. If he could manage it, having a footman double as a postillion was all very well until you needed someone experienced.

  When she heard the sound of another coach on the road a wave of thankfulness swept over Judith. It seemed an eternity until Watson the driver opened the coach door, but she sat quietly. It would be too unseemly to get out and investigate for herself, much as she longed to. Lucy had stopped sniffing and was agog to see who had arrived so Judith made sure she showed no sign of impatience herself.

  “The gentleman’s offered to take you on to Oakenhill, Miss.” Watson managed to sound distinctly reserved about his news. “But it’s Major Stainford.” Judith never ceased to be amazed at how servants grasped the affairs of their employers so thoroughly. How could her distaste for Thomas be below stairs gossip when she’d never discussed him with anyone or showed any antagonism to him?

  She stepped out of the coach to find the real reason for her coachman’s hesitancy. Thomas Stainford was grinning down at her from the driving bench of a high sprung little curricle. “I’m sorry, Judith, not to offer you more comfortable transportation, but I did not expect to be of service to a stranded lady today. Still this little chariot will get you to Oakenhill if you don’t mind a buffeting.”

  “You are most kind, Major. I am sure I will survive the journey.” Judith wasn’t so sure about Lucy who was almost hopping with anxiety. She wasn’t quite pulling at Judith’s sleeve but she was coming close. How ridiculous when Judith could see plainly for herself that it was a two person chariot without room for a chaperone. Still, accepting Thomas’ offer would allow her to make sure help was sent back for the coach. It would serve Lucy right to freeze till then.

  “Watson, if you would please help me climb into the Major’s chariot.” Thomas landed beside her before she’d finished speaking, offering his arm. If she hadn’t seen the wince that accompanied his landing, Judith would have been unimpressed. But the realisation that his wounds still pained him made her accept his arm without any fuss.

  Conversation was difficult as the gig whisked on at an alarming pace, and Judith found Thomas’ driving style a little abrupt, though she had to admit he was pushing the horses on quite competently and they were making good time. It was easier not to talk too since that allowed her to sideline the question of whether she ought to warn him about Theodore’s intended surprise. Not that you could really warn somebody about a surprise when you had no idea what was planned yourself. Still it felt somehow disloyal not to say anything. Quite, quite ridiculous to feel that she owed Thomas any loyalty.

  So easier to stay silent and concentrate on keeping her precarious perch on the bench. There was barely enough room to sit beside Thomas without touching his thigh, particularly when they swept through the corners and the little vehicle rolled them together. Or rather rolled her into him, since Thomas Stainford had his Hessians planted firm on the buckboard and appeared impervious to the motions of the carriage.

  And contact with him was best avoided in case it brought back old memories. Moon struck dreams of a young girl rather, that was all they had been. Though no doubt she had provided Thomas with a pleasant diversion. The gates of Oakenhill broke Judith out of her reverie, leaving her discomfited that the journey had passed without any effort at civility on her part.

  “My godmother thinks your father unwell, Judith?” It was a neighbourly question, the very core of social exchange between friends, and her hackles rose like a wolf at his presumption.

  “He does well enough, Major.” There was no doubt for either of them that the words were to close down his inquiry, but the maddening man smiled instead of accepting his rebuke.

  “Please pass my regards to him.”

  Of course she had to invite him for refreshments, it would have been unthinkable to behave otherwise. And when she noticed Tomkin watching their little vignette with interest Judith was tempted to press Thomas to accept beyond the dictates of civility. Instead she turned on Tomkin to organise the rescue of the coach. Their steward could earn his money honestly for once instead of acting as Theodore’s spy.

  By the time she’d turned back Thomas had mounted his curricle, reinforcing his refusal and leaving it too awkward for her to press him on the invitation. Judith watched the little cart rattle down the drive with the image of its driver fixed in her mind. Ashen grey under his tan, he was clearly working too hard for his state of health. Judith felt a groundswell of sympathy for someone who could look so vulnerable and so determined at the same time.

  Then instead of dwelling on something that wasn’t her concern, she turned to bully Tomkin who seemed to be finding his assigned task less interesting that gawping at his betters. His obvious resentment at being chivvied only whetted her anger. The wretched man would report everything to Sir Theodore anyway so she might as well enjoy power over him whilst she could.

  ~

  Her father’s sick room was another place where Judith knew her powers to be limited. Mrs Rogers had barely left the bedside since her father had conceded four days ago that he might feel the benefit of rest and that Doctor Bradley could be sent for. ‘Though lord knows what use the man will be. Can’t recognise a lead if it’s explained to him, how can you trust his diagnosis?’ Father’s card playing crony had taken one look at the wheezing, spluttering master of Oakenhill and insisted on complete bed rest.

  Nor was he particularly encouraging over father’s chances of recovery. ‘Too much moping, Judith. He’s taken a scunner at life it seems to me. Though why he should feel so discontented I don’t know. Perhaps losing you to young Horsley? Anyway no disturbances and no activity and I’ll come back in a few days.’ Not that father was grateful for his physician’s care. In fact he was distinctly unappreciative of anything that anyone did for him with the single exception of Mrs Rogers.

  The next morning looking at their housekeeper sitting in the chair by the bed Judith was touched by her devotion. Touched, and a little depressed by the fatalism she could see in the older woman’s eyes. Not for the first time she wondered at the depth of Emily Rogers’ attachment to father. Soft, dewy eyes suggested a greater depth of concern than most housekeepers felt for their employer.

  “How is he, Mrs Rogers?”

  “Not so feeble that I can’t answer for myself, Judith.” The burst of coughing this sally provoked gave the lie to her father’s claim and Judith exchanged worried glances with Emily Rogers.

  “Maybe we should call Doctor Bradley back, father?”

  “Why? Do you mean to be rid of me Judith?” Father nearly choked himself on the wheezy burst of laughter he thought his wit merited and Judith could feel the exasperation surge in her. If he thought this was a time for joking...

  “No, I simply want you to get better.” Mrs Rogers was being no help at all, merely taking his hand between both of hers to stop father thumping himself in the chest.

  “You’re a good girl, Judith, and I’m sorry for all of this. I really am. I can’t believe you will do well with Horsley and if you had any other way I would tell you to take it.”

  Judith’s first reaction was to look to see if they were embarrassing Mrs Rogers. Which was ridiculous if her suspicions of the housekeeper’s feelings for father had even a little substance to them, and even more ri
diculous when you considered the woman’s years of service to the Hampton family and her sharp wits: there was little that went on at Oakenhill that passed Emily Rogers by.

  She was saved from answering by a knock on the door. The maid who stepped into the room imparted news that she clearly viewed as catastrophic. Two carriages had arrived at once and Lady Horsley and Lady Guilmor would soon be sitting down together in the same room. Judith was inclined to share the sentiment, two less compatible visitors were hard to imagine. Her panic must have been a little too visible because Mrs Rogers stretched a hand out to steady her.

  “You’d best go down and greet them Miss Judith. Lady Guilmor doesn’t do well with ladies who chatter.”

  Chattering was totally absent when Judith reached the morning room. Greetings had been exchanged no doubt, but there was no conviviality warming the room.

  “Judith!” She could have been a bone to be fought over as the two women greeted her simultaneously. Obviously both expected her to return their greeting first, leaving a knotty little question of precedence: peerage seniority, age, or forthcoming family bond all had a valid claim on guiding her decision, and Judith took the coward’s solution.

  “Ladies. What a delight to receive you both.”

  The silence which met her little sally probably meant she’d annoyed them both and for one awful moment Judith worried that she’d disgraced herself by failing to provide introductions when these two formidable ladies didn’t actually know who the other was. Florinda Horsley put her mind at rest.

  “Judith my dear, I simply must talk to you about Theodore, but of course that can wait until Lady Guilmor concludes her visit.”

  Nice touch Judith conceded, playing the forthcoming family card put Amara firmly into the category of casual visitor.

  “Oh no my dear. I could not possibly take precedence when you will soon be Miss Hampton’s relation. I insist Florinda.” Amara Guilmor sat back with the air of one who has no intention of being moved, and the smugness of someone who expects to be well entertained.

  For a long pause it looked as though Florinda Horsley would frustrate Amara’s design by the expedient of remaining silent and Judith was wracking her brain for something to break the ice. Then Florinda spoke.

  “Judith, Theodore was disappointed that you were inconvenienced when your coach broke down. He would not have you stranded like that again.”

  So Tomkin had made his report and here was Florinda Horsley just one day later to lecture her. As if she had the right. “These things happen, Florinda. Fortunately Major Stainford was able to bring me to Oakenhill.”

  “My dear, Theodore would not want his betrothed to be beholden to one of his subordinates.”

  “Hardly a subordinate.” Amara Guilmor sat forward and spoke very decidedly. “Thomas is the man who has trained up this regiment, stopped it being just a bunch of toy soldiers.”

  Judith could see the flash of hatred in Florinda Horsley’s eyes at the interjection, and she had to admit that however accurate Amara’s opinion it was less than tactful. But Lady Horsley was made of strong enough stuff to shrug off the interruption in favour of continuing with her reasoned argument. “Judith, Theodore is a man of position, and as his betrothed your conduct will be closely scrutinised.”

  “I trust my conduct and character will stand any scrutiny.” This was the last line Judith wanted to be taking, and the only possible answer she could give.

  “Of course, my dear. Of course. But Major Stainford is a man whose character has been called into question. By his own brother no less.” Florinda Horsley was all sweet reason and Judith wanted to slap her for it.

  “Are you suggesting, Lady Horsley, that Judith should have rebuffed my godson’s offer of help and froze to death in her broken down coach instead?” Amara was being less than helpful, and Judith could see no way to make her stop. She’d seen the light of battle in Amara Guilmor’s eyes before now for less cause than Florinda Horsley was currently providing.

  “It was unwise to accept an offer from such a man when it meant poor Judith could not take her maid with her.” Battle lines were being drawn and Judith knew she was being cast in the role of spectator, or was it trophy, by both visitors.

  “Judith and Thomas have known each other since they were little more than children, Lady Horsley. Your implication is unworthy. And ridiculous.” Amara at her most scathing, but Judith could see the calculating light come on for Florinda Horsley. In her righteous indignation Amara was being entirely unhelpful and only feeding the woman’s suspicions.

  “I make no implication, Lady Guilmor. Merely remind Judith of her position as Theodore’s intended bride.” Florinda Horsley eyed Amara Guilmor for any further objections but decided that the stage was safe for her finale. “Theodore has suggested that you might like to borrow one of his coaches, Judith. For ease and safety.”

  Both her listeners reacted in the same way. Stunned silence. Judith knew her anger had to be restrained. She felt like screaming at the woman that she would not allow her father to be insulted like this, but that could only wreck her betrothal and ruin them all. Funny how often ruination was the motivation for what had to be done. But she couldn’t let this pass unchecked.

  “My father is perfectly capable of providing his daughter with transportation, Lady Horsley. Your kind offer is unnecessary. But I thank you for it.” Judith could see Amara subside slowly at the firmness of her answer. At least her friend wasn’t going to weigh in and inflame the situation further.

  Florinda Horsley knew she’d committed a horrendous faux pas, you could see that in her puzzlement, it was just that she had no idea how to recover from it. You could see it in the way her mouth opened and closed till eventually Amara grew bored.

  “Judith, I came by to tell you that Charles and Jane have returned to England. Guilmor and I dined with them last week. Charles intends to learn the running of Penwick.”

  So Thomas’ father intended his rejection of his eldest to stand and Thomas was truly to be deprived of his birthright. Not that it was any business of hers, but Judith couldn’t help the wave of sympathy she felt. It seemed so unfair that a scheming little hussy like Jane Fox could create such havoc because she had married one brother and still wanted the other.

  “I’m glad Charles has returned safe from the war, Amara. Too many have not. Your news will be of great import at Penwick.” Judith could only hope the Earl made sure his steward kept the reins of the estate out of Charles’ hands. Otherwise every tenant would have their rents reduced and their barns filled with the home farm’s hay. Charles was too amenable by half to run a great estate successfully.

  “The poor man, to be so betrayed.” Florinda Horsley had found something to take away the taste of her mistake and she intended to savour it. “His wife and his brother. She is a simple little thing, so Theodore said, and pretty.”

  Judith said nothing. She couldn’t imagine how Sir Theodore and Jane Stainford had met, but his verdict didn’t bear witness to very adroit judgement. Amara wasn’t as restrained.

  “Simple is as simple thinks.”

  Florinda Horsley flinched at the barbed words but there was nothing substantive for her to object to. She must have concluded that it wasn’t worth the candle to start an argument with an opponent who gave every impression of ready aggression. At any rate she drew her stay towards an end.

  “I’m so glad to have seen you after your ordeal with the coach, Judith. If there is anything Theodore can do you simply must say.”

  Judith’s response was straightforward relief that one of her visitors seemed on the verge of departure before her patience broke and she screamed at the pair of them to stop skirmishing and give her peace. When Amara indicated her readiness to depart too Judith made no objection and escorted the pair to their carriages. All the time they reminded her of nothing so much as a pair of wary dogs circling each other looking for a chance to attack. As she waved the carriages off Judith felt a profound sense of release, the rest of the
day couldn’t possibly be as vexatious. Apart from one thing she simply had to do.

  Mrs Rogers was still by the bedside and Judith waved her to stay when the housekeeper went to get up. “There’s no reason for you not to hear this, Mrs Rogers. Father, you need to know that Sir Theodore will do me for a husband. That is my choice and whatever you may think of him I am old enough to know my own mind. John’s debts will be settled and Oakenhill saved. Tomkin will have to go since he’s not up to the job, but you and I will select a new steward together. I will tell Sir Theodore that whether he likes it or not.”

  Brave words but nothing that could not be managed. The next matter was less certain. “Father, John must be stopped from gambling away more money, and you must recover your strength without worrying about me.” The approval in Mrs Rogers’ eyes was balm to an unsettled soul and Judith left her father’s bedside with the urge to toss her head in defiance of a world that didn’t deal a fair hand but nevertheless could be dealt with if you were resolute enough.

  Now she had only Theodore’s wretched tea party to face. Still, catering to the social pretensions of the officers’ wives and ladies was a harmless enough way to spend an afternoon, if a deadly boring one.

  ~

  But it turned out to be not just the regiment’s officers and their females. Sir Theodore seemed to have invited half the county and arranged a buffet that would have graced a ducal ball. Beyond that he had arranged nothing in the way of displays or parades, doubtless reluctant to cross Major Stainford again after the debacle of the last review he had arranged

  Judith found herself run ragged trying to sooth and calm the ruffled: from Anne Lacey who chattered continually and then wondered why no one was listening, to Sarah Farrar who abandoned her timorous attempts to join conversations when she was overridden every time she opened her mouth.

  Without any arranged entertainment there was a continual temptation for the more adventurous of the guests to manufacture their own fun. Thus the rector’s wife was receiving rather too much attention from John and one of his more loathsome cronies, Lieutenant Hector Dundas, a sweaty, red faced young man whose flesh strained the seams of his tunic. The lady had an unfortunate proclivity for low cut fronts to her gowns but that was no excuse for their behaviour. As Judith walked across to intervene she could hear an entirely inappropriate conversation.