Trondelaine Castle

by April Lynn Kihlstrom

  The reply was quiet, but the voice was firm. “Perhaps I wished to tease Tony for his impertinence. Perhaps I was simply amusing myself. But I frankly am concerned about your foot. You look a bit gray.” In her room, he set Wendy down. “Now go and wash up. I want to see that you really are all right. If not, I shall call Roger at once.”

  He waited while she did as he ordered. There was little Wendy could do about the dust on her clothes, but when she emerged from the bathroom, Wendy looked distinctly less pale. A cup of tea was waiting for her. “When you’ve finished that,” Lord Richard said, “and I’m satisfied your foot has not been reinjured, I’ll leave you. Tell me, did you enjoy exploring?”

  “Oh, yes!” she said, a little too hastily. “Particularly the garret with the old trunks and so on.”

  “How did you discover the staircase to my room?” he asked, puzzled.

  Suddenly aware again of the dressing gown, Wendy blushed and said, “But I didn’t know it led to your room! I-I just saw a door standing open… and stairs-I couldn’t resist.”

  Richard chuckled. “I wonder if that ever happened with maid servants? You have now seen the secret which has been passed from Earl to heir for centuries. And which the women of the family never knew about. Though, to my knowledge, it has not been used in three generations, at least.” He paused and nodded approvingly. “You look quite yourself again. The foot?”

  “Fine.”

  “Good. I shall leave you, then. Tony’s imagination must be quite active right now.”

  As the door closed behind Lord Richard, Wendy found herself caught up by the memory of the feel of his arms about her, and his deep, masculine smell as he carried her down the stairs. Angrily, she shook her head to dismiss these irrelevant sensations. There was no future in romantic feelings, for the Earl. He was young, handsome, wealthy, and unattached. And very masculine. But all of that could not make up for his insensitivity about others and rudeness toward everyone. She must not allow herself to be beguiled.

  After changing her clothes, Wendy went to the library to work. Neither Lord Richard nor Tony were there, so she was able to work undisturbed. Naturally, at Trondelaine, such a state of affairs could not last long. First, it was Gwen with lunch and news that there was trouble in the servants’ quarters. “Why?” Wendy asked, aware it was expected of her.

  “Well, Miss Pratt,” Gwen began confidentially, “it’s that Lady Sylvia. Lost her bracelet and the master asked if we’d seen it and to watch for it. ‘Course we said we’d give it to him as soon as we found it. But we didn’t find it. Then today Mr. Tony asked Mr. Keith-that’s the butler-about it. Hinted maybe someone took it on purpose. Well! Mr. Keith told Mr. Tony that was impossible and then withdrew. But in the kitchen, he said quite a bit more, I can tell you!”

  Wendy smiled wryly. “Lacks tact, doesn’t he? Tony, I mean. I wouldn’t worry about it, Gwen. I’m sure no one else doubts the honesty of any of you.”

  Gwen nodded. “That’s true. When the master heard what Mr. Tony had said, he said the same as you. And he promised to speak to Mr. Tony. Well, Miss Pratt, I’d best get back to the kitchen. It’s just that we’re all a bit upset.”

  Wendy nodded sympathetically and, when the maid had gone, considered the matter again. She really did believe the servants honest. And she felt it certainly had not been Tony’s place to speak to Charles in such a manner. Particularly on a Friday when the staff was so busy. Suppose they had been too upset to work? What would Richard have done with the tour group due this evening?

  Such thoughts did not long distract Wendy from her work, however. She was deep in it when the phone rang. She ignored the phone, knowing Richard or one of the servants would answer it. Gwen quickly appeared for that purpose. To Wendy’s surprise, she said, “It’s for you, Miss Pratt.”

  Wendy nodded and took the phone. “Thank you, Gwen. Hello?”

  Kevin’s impatient voice answered her. “Cheers, luv! How are you?”

  “Oh, better,” she said. “I’m off crutches and I’m using a cane.”

  “Great!” Kevin’s voice was warm with approval. “Then I’ll come to the castle tomorrow to collect you.”

  “What?”

  The voice was carefully patient as it answered, “Don’t say you’ve forgotten, luv? Our vacations start tomorrow. We were due to go to Scarborough for a week, remember?”

  Yes, now she remembered it. They had been planning the trip for some time. Even the hotel reservations were made. And they had been difficult to get. As it was, Kevin and Wendy would be in different hotels. Quickly, she said, “Of course, I remember. What time will you be here?”

  “About noon, luv!” he said happily. “You know, for a moment I thought you would say you couldn’t leave there.”

  “What a silly notion!” Wendy laughed. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Cheers!”

  Slowly, Wendy set down the phone. The decision made, she felt relieved to know she was leaving Trondelaine. And to know she would soon be with Kevin again. At tea, she would have to tell Lord Richard she was leaving. Meanwhile, she’d best accomplish as much work as possible. With a sigh, she picked up the manuscript and began to work.

  Hardly an hour later, Tony entered the library. He seemed agitated, but for some time carefully ignored Wendy. Instead, he pulled books out, glanced at a few pages, and replaced the books on the shelves. At last, unable to work under such conditions, Wendy set down her pen and turned to look at him. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  Still he hesitated. Then, abruptly, he sat in the chair next to Wendy’s desk. “It wasn’t an accident, this morning, was it?” he asked.

  For a moment, Wendy stared at him, not understanding what he meant. Then she smiled, knowing precisely how Mr. Charles Keith must have felt a few hours earlier. Only, she could fight back. She continued to merely smile however. Exasperated, Tony demanded, “Why? What do you expect from being his mistress? You must know he won’t marry you.”

  “Have you ever considered money?” she asked, unable to resist baiting him.

  Tony’s face darkened. “I find that hard to believe.”

  “Ali, but then you don’t know me very well, do you?” Wendy pointed out. “You don’t know what I would or wouldn’t do. Or why.” As he stared at her, Wendy felt a kind of exhilaration at being able to strike out at someone. In an innocent voice she said, “I admit nothing. I have no designs on Richard. Have you forgotten? I’m engaged.”

  “You forget that I know you’re not!” he retorted.

  “Look,” she said, her temper growing short, “I still don’t see that it’s any of your concern. He’s already made it clear he has no intention of marrying Sylvia, whether I’m around or not.”

  He sighed. “No, I suppose you wouldn’t see.” He stood. “You know, you’re the one I’m concerned about. You’ll be hurt more than Richard by all this.”

  Wendy disdained to answer and very pointedly turned back to her work. A moment later, she heard the library door close and she allowed herself a brief smile. She supposed he meant well, but heaven preserve her from all meddling busybodies!

  Following the usual Friday schedule, they dined in their rooms. But at nine-thirty they met in the music room for brandy. Tony had apparently irritated Lord Richard by talking much as he had to Wendy, for when she reached the music room, Lord Richard was unusually pleasant and attentive. Tony was already there and he nodded as she entered. But he remained standing by the fireplace as the Earl seated himself next to Wendy.

  Brahms played softly in the background. Tony seemed deep in thought and, for a moment, Wendy felt a pang of regret. He was irritating, and yet he was also one of the gentlest, kindest people she had ever met. When he wasn’t busy defending someone, that is. Had she been the naive, young woman led astray by temptation that he thought she was, she might well have needed such frank advice as he had tried to give.

  But suddenly Wendy stiffened. That was the point. She wasn’t what he thought and had he even onc
e listened when she tried to talk honestly with him, Tony would have known he had misjudged her. She concentrated on Lord Richard, laughing with him over an anecdote he was just finishing. Casually, Richard drew Tony into the conversation, and soon, the accountant was smiling as well.

  Wendy declined a second brandy, but the men did not. Lord Richard was in an excellent mood and Wendy decided that it was a good moment to reveal her plans. She had not had the chance at teatime since he had not put in an appearance then. “By the way, Lord Richard,” she said quietly, “I must leave tomorrow.”

  Carefully, the Earl set down his glass and turned to her. “Oh?” The tone was ominous.

  She glanced quickly at Tony, for once grateful for his presence since it might prevent a scene. “Yes, Kevin, my fiance, is coming at noon tomorrow, to pick me up. We’re-we’re going on a trip. We made the plans sometime ago, you see.”

  “No, I don’t see,” he retorted bluntly. “You’ll stay until I say you can leave.”

  “But-”

  Tony cut off her protest. “Richard, aren’t you being absurd? If she wants to leave, let her.”

  “No!”

  “Well, I’m leaving tomorrow,” Wendy said quietly.

  “We shall see.” The Earl’s voice was grim.

  Wendy stood up, swallowing hard. “Yes, we shall see. Good evening, gentlemen.”

  With as much dignity as she could manage, Wendy retreated to her room, the long velvet skirt swirling about her ankles. Somehow, everything had gone wrong. Why on earth should he care if she left?

  Wendy woke early, anxious to be gone-and nervous. A shower calmed her and she was combing out her hair when Gwen arrived with breakfast. Casually, Wendy asked, “Is the Earl about? Or Tony?”

  “No, Miss Pratt,” Gwen answered promptly. “They’ve both gone out riding and shan’t be back within the hour.”

  “Thank you, Gwen.”

  As soon as she was alone, Wendy began to eat quickly. That over with, she moved to the library and began collecting all her notes, papers, and pens. She only hoped Lord Richard would be too preoccupied to notice when he returned from riding. She didn’t want another scene before she left.

  Once Gwen had removed the breakfast tray, Wendy began to pack. She pulled out clothes and folded them on the bed, her back to the door. Even with the clumsiness of having to use a cane, the task required little time. Her pile of clothes was quite small, even counting those Kevin had sent up. Kevin. How happy she would be to see Kevin again!

  That stage completed, Wendy pulled out her two suitcases, one at a time. She glanced wryly at her cane, too grateful to be off crutches to really mind. Later, she would have to somehow return the cane to the doctor. Wendy paused a moment and glanced at the three long dresses still hanging in the wardrobe. They were lovely, but it gave her a sense of freedom to be leaving them behind.

  She packed the large suitcase first, leaving it on the floor. When that was done, Wendy lifted her small case onto the bed and opened it. And sat staring at the open case. For inside was an emerald bracelet. After a moment, she lifted it out and held it up, still rather stunned. Then came the angry voice from the doorway. “So that’s where Sylvia’s bracelet has been! I might have guessed you were the thief!”

  Wendy turned sharply as Tony strode into the room, his face dark with anger and something else. He grabbed the bracelet from her and looked at it carefully. “Yes, it’s Sylvia’s,” he said bitterly, with a trace of sadness in his voice. “I think we’d better talk with Richard. You’re packing, I see. Perhaps he’d best go through your things to see what else you’ve stolen.”

  “I didn’t steal it!” Wendy burst out.

  “No? It walked into your room, I suppose, and climbed into your case? Come along-we’re going to talk with Richard.”

  Clenching her teeth, Wendy rose. Tony tried to take her arm, but she shook him off, saying, “You needn’t worry. I can’t run away.”

  Silently, they proceeded to the library. Richard looked up as they entered. Seeing the two angry faces, he demanded, “What’s wrong? You first Tony.”

  As calmly he could, Tony explained. “I noticed all her papers were gone from her desk in here, so I guessed she was planning to pop off in spite of you. Frankly, I went to offer her my support, distract you, if necessary, so that she could leave. When I reached her room, the door was slightly ajar.”

  He hesitated, then continued quickly, “I opened it quietly on impulse, and saw her holding up a bracelet, examining it. An emerald bracelet.” He held out the object and the Earl took it. Striving to keep calm, Tony went on, “In fact, Sylvia’s bracelet. I’d recognize it anywhere since I gave it to her.”

  “So?”

  “Well, but it’s obvious she stole it!” Tony spluttered.

  Richard merely raised an eyebrow at Wendy, who said defiantly, “I found it in my valise. I don’t know how or when it was put there, or why. But I did not steal that bracelet.”

  “No, it just walked to your room and climbed into your case!” Tony sneered. “Look, who would have put it there? A servant? Why? One of us? Hardly! Richard, I’m afraid you’ll have to call the authorities.”

  “I’m not so sure,” Richard replied blandly. “The bracelet has been recovered and possibly Sylvia will not choose to press charges. And, at the moment, I would rather not have one of my house guests arrested.”

  Wendy relaxed somewhat, but she was well aware that she stood convicted in the eyes of both men. Lord Richard looked at her squarely and said, “I believe Miss Pratt will choose to prolong her stay after all. If not, I should have to agree, Tony, and insist on an arrest. So you will stay, won’t you, Wendy? 1 shall be happy to explain to your-er-fiance. And I shall speak with Sylvia as to her wishes in the matter. Now I suggest you go back to your room and unpack.”

  Feeling rather sick, she nodded and turned to go. This time the Earl had made a threat that could not be so easily dismissed. Behind her, Tony was arguing, “I don’t understand, Richard. If you won’t press charges, and I know that decision rests more with you than with Sylvia, why won’t you let that girl leave and be done with it?”

  Richard’s reply was a mocking one, and came as Wendy closed the library door behind her. “Ali, but Tony! What an absurd suggestion. Why should I hasten to rid myself of such an attractive young lady? And is my influence over Sylvia truly so great?”

  Wendy was grateful she could hear no more. Back in her room, she slowly unpacked, feeling inexpressibly weary. She felt like a pawn in a chess game, unable to control even the smallest move of her future. How she wished that she could leave this hateful castle! But with two aristocrats arrayed against her, she would have no chance in court. And who knew what Sylvia would say, if it came to that?

  Shortly before noon, Gwen came to summon her to the James Room. Tony and Lord Richard were already there. Only the Earl met her defiant gaze. He was as cool as ever. “I thought it best that we receive your fiance here,” he explained. Then, indicating the bar, he added, “Care for anything?”

  She shook her head and sat on the sofa stiffly. Tony was seated in a chair opposite her. He, also, was without a drink. The silence lengthened, but no one made an effort to end it.

  Punctually, at noon, Wendy heard a familiar voice in the hallway, saying, “The old boy does well for himself, doesn’t he? Is his nibs stiff on protocol?”

  Wendy winced, knowing the others must have heard as well. But then, Kevin had never been strong on tact. Charles escorted him into the James Room, bowed, and left, his face impassive. Kevin seemed surprised to see three people there. Immediately, Lord Richard came to his aid. “You are Kevin Lisle, I presume. This is Tony Wellscourt and I am Richard Pellen.”

  Tony nodded as his name was spoken. Then Kevin said, “Cheers, everyone. Well, luv, are you packed?” he asked Wendy.

  Before she could answer, Lord Richard broke in smoothly, “I’m afraid there is a slight complication. If you will come with me to the library, I would be happy to expl
ain the situation.”

  Kevin shot a puzzled look at Wendy, who nodded miserably. He turned to the Earl, “After you, milord.”

  Silently, the two men left the room. When they were gone, Tony commented, “I’m not surprised you prefer the Earl.”

  “Now look here-”

  “Not that Mr. Lisle is unattractive,” Tony continued calmly. “But somehow he lacks the elan of an Earl, I should think. And the wealth.”

  “You really enjoy being obnoxious, don’t you?” she demanded. “If I’m so set on the Earl, why was I planning to leave today?”

  “How should I know what your schemes entail?” he asked. Then, abruptly, he was serious. “No, frankly, I don’t enjoy being obnoxious. I would much rather hold pleasant conversations. And I very much wish we had met under conditions where I could hold such conversations with you. But, unfortunately, I can’t forget what has happened. Mind you, I’ve tried telling myself I misjudged you. But every time I almost have myself convinced, something occurs to set me straight again.”

  He fell silent, looking as unhappy as Wendy felt. She bit her lip, regretting the impulse that had made her bait him every so often. But it hadn’t seemed to matter then. Now somehow it did. Instinctively, softly, she said, “Tony, I-”

  Lord Richard’s voice cut her off. “Well, I have good news. Kevin has agreed to spend the week with us.”

  As the two men entered the room, both Wendy and Tony looked at them in astonishment. Kevin was smiling and the Earl had a devilish grin. To Kevin he added, “I’ll have Charles deliver your bags to your room. Wendy is on this floor. You will be on the one above. One must observe the proprieties, you understand.”

  The last was said with an ironic glance at Wendy. She sank lower into the couch. Kevin then said, “One of the bags is Wendy’s. I thought you might need a few more things, luv.”

  “Thanks, Kevin,” she quavered.

  “A drink?” the Earl asked him jovially.