Kevin accepted, and then the Earl excused himself and left the room. Kevin happily plopped down on the couch beside Wendy, saying, “The old boy is quite decent, isn’t he?”
“One might say that,” Tony replied coolly.
Kevin shot him a quick glance, but only said to Wendy, “He told me that your foot was worse and you couldn’t leave yet and invited me to be his guest here. I bloody well never thought I’d be staying in a castle!”
Tony stood. “Please excuse me. I’ve something to arrange.”
When he was gone, Kevin turned to Wendy, serious now. “All right, ducks, what’s up? I gather his nibs is keeping you here with some threat. What is it? I promise I’ll help you deal with him. And who is this other chap? He certainly doesn’t like me. Has he been bothering you? Level with me, luv. Nothing can be so bad we can’t manage it.”
Wendy felt herself very close to tears. She leaned against the welcome shoulder Kevin was offering. “Oh, Kevin, it’s such a mess! And I don’t understand what’s going on, or why Lord Richard is acting like this. I think he thinks you and I are a pair of crooks!”
“What, luv?” Kevin asked, startled.
Wendy gave him a rather incoherent summary of the events since she arrived at the castle. He listened quietly. When she had finished, he said, “I know. He told me all that.” At Wendy’s look of surprise, Kevin added, “Oh, not quite the same way, but the same idea. Except he didn’t say he suspected me, or that he believed you were guilty of stealing the bracelet. Said there’d been some accusations and he felt it best to resolve the question before you left here, ducks. I agreed and he insisted I stay, as his guest. What a bloody mess! Luv, did you have to offend an earl?”
Before she could answer, Wendy heard footsteps in the hall. It was Gwen. Speaking to Kevin, she said, “If you will come with me, I’ll show you to your room. Lord Richard felt you might like to freshen up a bit before lunch.”
“Thank you, I would,” he replied, his smile warm.
Wendy told herself she was not jealous at Kevin’s reaction to Gwen. She knew it was an automatic part of the charm he inevitably used with women. It made life much easier for him, as the women were always flattered and inclined to be courteous and helpful. Unfortunately, the same could not be said of most of the men he encountered.
Kevin followed Gwen out of the room and when they were gone, Wendy rose to seek the privacy of her room until lunch. But before she could leave, Lord Richard returned to the James Room. He greeted her in a friendly manner that seemed to belie his suspicions of that morning. “Hello, Wendy, I see Mr. Lisle has deserted you. I find him quite-interesting. Is he very angry at the change in your plans?”
Disconcerted, she replied, “Uh, no, I don’t think so. And yes-yes, he is rather special.”
Lord Richard raised an eyebrow. “I said interesting, not special, but we won’t quarrel over that. No doubt I seem an ogre to you at the moment, but truly I’m not. If you didn’t steal the bracelet, it’s in your interest to stay until the matter is resolved. I’ve already begun investigating, you know. And if you are guilty, then you can’t really blame me for treating you this way.”
More confused than ever, Wendy was unable to meet his gaze squarely. He sat on the couch next to her, amused by some secret joke. “Poor Tony!” he said. “He hasn’t the faintest notion how to deal with you. And I’m afraid he took your friend Kevin at face value.”
“You enjoy watching people squirm, don’t you?” she demanded, growing angry.
He hesitated a moment, as though unsure of how to continue. “Yes, I do. People fascinate me. And I enjoy being able to manipulate them, even if only in small ways. But I also enjoy people such as Mr. Lisle, who refuse to allow me to manipulate them.” His gaze was steady and Wendy felt herself flushing. The Earl’s voice was kindly as he said, “Perhaps you would like to rest a bit before luncheon? Come, I’ll escort you to your room.”
Gently, he helped Wendy to her feet. As they walked down the hall, she trying to control her seething emotions, he said unexpectedly, “You might like to show Kevin the rose garden after lunch. Or the orchard.” At the door of her room, he halted. “I shall have Gwen call you when lunch is served… if I can find her.”
With that cryptic remark, he inclined his head slightly, then turned and left Wendy alone. Her head beginning to spin, she closed the door and lay down. It seemed only a moment later that Gwen was knocking at the door.
Wendy was the last to reach the dining hall. Kevin met her eyes with some amusement and she realized he was probably enjoying himself. Even the threat the Earl held over her would not dim Kevin’s naturally buoyant personality-or his pleasure at finding himself the guest of an Earl. Nor did he seem to consider Tony dangerous for, as soon as they were seated, he began to bait the fellow. “It must be lovely, living a life of ease,” Kevin said.
Tony answered coolly, “Oh, I’m not sure. I always rather thought it would be a bore.”
Skeptically, Kevin retorted, “Ali, now I’ve got it! You’re one of the bloody working peers who puts in one month a year at some sort of office work.”
Lord Richard started to speak, but Tony cut him off sharply. “Actually, I’m not a peer. As for working, I’m an accountant. Full-time.”
Kevin looked him over. “You’re not going to tell me you’re his nibs’s employee!”
“You happen to see me on my yearly vacation. Richard and I are old friends. However, I do occasionally advise him professionally.”
For a moment, Kevin was silent, obviously thwarted in his planned line of attack. Wendy, wanting desperately to change the subject, asked him about various people at work. Once more at ease, Kevin repeated the latest office gossip, as he studied the other two men. Lord Richard seemed amused by all this, but Tony was puzzled and irritated. Rather soon, with a superior smile, the Earl suggested that perhaps the topic of conversation ought to be switched to something more general. Such as the prime minister’s latest speech, that is, if anyone had heard it.
Kevin was surprised. “Of course I heard it. Couldn’t you get it here?”
The Earl waved a hand airily. “Oh, the radio is on the blink at the moment.”
“Haven’t you got a telly?” Kevin’s voice was frankly shocked.
“No, actually we haven’t,” Richard replied with a smile. “We’re rather primitive here.”
“What do you do in the evenings?” Kevin demanded, feeling as though he were being laughed at.
By now Richard’s smile was a broad grin. “Oh, well, there are books to read, you know. And I’ve some very good classical records for my stereo. But I admit life is rather dull compared to London.”
Kevin was about to comment further, then glanced at Wendy. Altering his tone, he said, “Oh, if you’ve a stereo and records, that makes all the difference. I enjoy listening to music in the evenings myself.”
“Do you?” the Earl asked in a friendly fashion. “Classical?”
Kevin hesitated only a moment. “Rather. At least since Wendy began educating me.”
“Then I must let you hear my Daphne by Monteverdi,” Lord Richard continued in the same manner. “It’s quite a good production and one of Wendy’s favorites.”
Wendy was rather surprised at this comment, but she kept silent, wondering what Lord Richard was aiming at. She had never heard the opera at Trondelaine, nor had she ever mentioned it to the Earl. Certainly not as a favorite piece of music. Tony commented, “Then you might just as well play Orfeo for him also!”
Kevin looked at Tony warily, but relaxed as Lord Richard replied, “Perhaps, although certainly not the same evening.” He glanced at Kevin again. “You were about to tell us of the prime minister’s speech, I believe?”
Gratefully, Kevin seized on the topic.
Sometime later, they rose from the table. Lord Richard turned to Kevin. “I know Wendy usually works every afternoon. Perhaps I could persuade you to join Tony and myself riding?”
“I’d love to!” K
evin said enthusiastically. Then, remembering Wendy, he asked her, “You don’t mind, do you, luv?”
“Of course not,” she replied lightly. “As Lord Richard said, I usually work in the afternoons.”
The men went to their rooms to change, and Wendy to hers to gather her papers. Useless to wish Kevin had stayed with her; useless to wish he had tried to talk her out of working that afternoon. It wouldn’t have been difficult. She mustn’t think that it meant he’d rather go riding than be with her; he just assumed her work would come first.
Sighing, she balanced the papers on her free arm and went to the library. As she worked, she began to relax. The passage she had reached was a particularly beautiful one and she tried to convey a sense of its elegance in her English translation. This was one of those times when she knew she had chosen the right career.
When Gwen came to announce tea, Wendy said, “I shan’t be wanting any today, thank you. If I stop now, I’ll be unable to finish this off properly.”
“Yes, Miss Pratt,” Gwen said with an odd look.
But a few minutes later, apparently by Lord Richard’s orders, a small tray was brought to Wendy. Embarrassed, she thanked Gwen, who gave her a warm smile.
No one came to interrupt her again that afternoon, not even to remove the tea tray. Reluctantly, an hour before dinner, Wendy set aside her work and rose to go to her room. Once there, she pulled open the wardrobe, wondering what to do about a dress. She could just imagine the scene if she wore one of Lady Pellen’s dresses! Kevin just would not understand. As her eyes focused on the clothes rack, Wendy gave a deep sigh of relief. Darling Kevin had thought to bring her two long dresses, as well as a few other things. Quickly, she drew out the green, full-skirted chiffon. It was by far her favorite of the two. Her hair was soon pinned up and she headed for the James Room, eager to see Kevin again.
Tony was the only one there, however. He glanced up in surprise as she entered. “A new dress from Richard?” he queried.
She smiled and shook her head. “Not this time. Kevin brought up some of my clothes with him. It feels good to be wearing my own things again.”
He raised an eyebrow, but had no chance to comment, as Lord Richard entered the room just then. The Earl strode over to Wendy, took her shoulders, turned her completely around, then released her and stepped back. The unspoken question was obvious. She repeated what she had told Tony.
Richard drew his eyebrows together. “What is wrong with the dresses I gave you?”
Rather taken aback, she answered, “Nothing! But it seemed preferable to wear my own. And less likely to lead to misunderstandings.”
“Do you think I care about misunderstandings?” Richard demanded.
Too stunned to reply, Wendy stood still, her mouth open. The Earl turned his back on her and poured himself a glass of sherry. At the same time, Tony quietly placed a glass in her hand, concern and confusion evident on his face. Just then, Kevin entered the room. “You look gorgeous, luv,” he told Wendy.
There was an awkward silence, and Lord Richard offered him a drink. Kevin walked over to pour it himself. By the time they were all seated, it was as if the conversation between Wendy and the Earl had never taken place. Kevin was enthusiastically discussing the Earl’s stable and the latter was responding with apparent good humor.
From time to time, Tony would add a comment about the origin or parentage of a particular horse. All three men were obviously in their element. Wendy, leaning back, was content to just listen. Her emotions needed time to recover from the shock of the encounter with Lord Richard. Never would she understand the man! He had almost acted jealous.
But then, she thought bitterly, he no doubt always looked on people as property to be manipulated and used. He had said as much himself earlier. Was that what wealth did to people? She began to understand what lay behind the saying her college roommate had once told her: “It’s as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor man. So for the sake of your character, fall in love with a poor man!”
When Charles announced dinner was served, they moved to the dining hall without any interruption in the conversation. At some point, it changed to other topics and Wendy joined in. The atmosphere was relaxed and, when they rose from the table later, Lord Richard said, “We will have brandy in the music room, Charles.”
“Very good, sir.”
Wendy left the men long enough to retrieve her needlework from her room. By the time she returned to the music room, the Earl had started a Mozart record on the stereo. As Wendy relaxed over her canvas, the men sipped their brandy in silence. Then, abruptly, as the record ended, Lord Richard said, to Wendy’s amazement, “Since I am certain you and Kevin have much to talk about, Tony and I shall retire.”
Tony was on his feet immediately. “An excellent idea.”
Kevin grinned broadly as they left the room. “Milord is a bit of all right, isn’t he?”
Wendy nodded self-consciously, suspicious of the Earl’s sudden consideration. “Unless, of course, there’s a secret stairway and he intends to spy on us,” she said sourly.
Kevin began laughing. “You’re too bloody silly, luv.”
After a moment, Wendy joined in the laughter. It felt good to be able to relax in Kevin’s arms after so long. No doubt she was being silly. “I’ve missed you, luv,” she said to him.
As an answer, he kissed her. “You had me worried. I mean, his lordship has a reputation, you know. And then this Tony came asking about you.” He paused. “I understand you’ve told them we’re engaged.”
She flushed. “I-I’m sorry, Kevin. I didn’t know what else to say when he accused me of chasing him.”
“Oh, I’m not angry, ducks. In fact, I think it’s a jolly good idea. Why don’t we get engaged? I’ve even brought a ring with me.”
“Kevin,” she said hesitantly, “I-I’m not sure I’m ready for that. I mean, I need more time.”
“Why?” he demanded. “You bloody well were ready a few weeks ago! What’s changed you? Have you got your eye on the Earl? Or maybe the accountant?”
“Don’t be absurd!” Wendy flared. “I just don’t feel ready to be engaged to anyone. I’m sorry, but I need more time.”
“Okay, okay, luv. I’ll give you time. But don’t expect me to wait too long,” he warned. Then Kevin forced himself to relax. “Really, Wendy, I do understand. You have to realize I might feel a bit of impatience. But, not to worry. Just relax.”
He kissed her again, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. And for a while, they talked about mutual friends. Finally, glancing at his watch, Kevin said, “I think you’d best go get some sleep.”
Sheepishly, she conceded, “I am tired. Good night, luv.”
“Good night.”
He watched as she left the room, then his expression became thoughtful. Had she seen it, Wendy would have recognized it as his plotting expression. And she might have worried. Had he been less engrossed, Kevin might have heard a strange sound from near the fireplace. But he was too preoccupied, and the sounds-much like a panel closing and muffled footsteps-passed unnoticed.
Next morning, after breakfast, Wendy sought refuge in the library. She knew she wouldn’t get any work done, but at least she was likely to be left alone there. And she needed time to think. Lord Richard’s behavior could be simply dismissed as his usual eccentricity, but that didn’t mean she wanted to expose herself to a repetition this morning.
And her feelings for Kevin were all mixed up. Two months before, she had been thinking in terms of marriage. Had he asked then, she would almost certainly have accepted. Now-now she couldn’t see herself as his wife. Was it a fundamental change in her? Or him? Or just the strangeness of seeing him after such a long absence?
Wendy did try, more than once, to work. But by lunchtime, she knew it was definitely hopeless. Gwen brought the lunch tray, as usual, but set for two. Kevin followed her into the room. “Cheers, luv! You look like you need a rest. Remember, it is supposed to be your vacation.”
He frowned, but sat down and answered easily, “Oh, out and about, looking at the grounds. Milord lives well here.”
“Yes, he does,” she admitted. “Though he says he dislikes the castle and prefers London.”
“I would too!” Kevin grinned. “But I’d also enjoy owning a family seat like this one. His lordship has promised to take me riding again this afternoon, and show me more of his estate. Hey, luv, you ought to come.”
“I can’t. I’ve work to do and-”
“Luv, it’s Sunday and this is your vacation time,” Kevin said patiently.
“I-1-my foot. I don’t think it would be good for my foot.”
“Oh.” Kevin paused. “Right. I’d forgotten. A pity. The Earl has a marvelous stable. Well, if you can’t, you can’t.”
As Wendy stared at her plate, she was in a turmoil. He could have offered to spend the afternoon with her, quietly. Was the riding that much fun? Fortunately, Kevin was well able to carry on a conversation by himself and seemed not to notice her silence.
After lunch, when Kevin rose to change to go riding, Wendy turned to her work and pretended to be busy. Soon after that, she heard the men leave and she pushed her chair away from the desk. The castle suddenly felt too small and, with her cane, she went down the hall and out the door near her room.
It was a beautiful, sunny day, and Wendy immediately felt some of her gloom lifting. For the first time that day, she felt like smiling. Wandering toward the orchard, Wendy found a reassuring calmness about the deep green leaves. This time, she walked to a stream that Lord Richard had told her ran through the orchard. There, she sat on one of the large stones on its bank.
Wendy had no notion of how long she had been there when she heard a branch crackle nearby. She turned to find Tony approaching her. He seemed distinctly troubled. “May I sit down?” he asked.
Trondelaine Castle Page 12