A Suitable Husband

by Fenella Miller

  ‘I didn’t light a candle to come down, Mama,’ Edward said in a small voice.

  ‘I know you did not, love, for I thought you were a ghost drifting into my room.’

  He giggled, as she had intended. ‘Did I scare you, Mama? If I had known I would have groaned as well.’

  ‘It is as well you refrained, my dear, or it would have been my screams of terror that roused the house, not your dog, barking.’

  ‘You’re a young rascal, Master Edward,’ the housekeeper said, chuckling. ‘Fancy trying to scare your poor mama!’

  ‘I was funning, Mrs Thomas. I would never do anything to hurt her.’

  ‘Why, Master Edward, I know that. We all know no lady could have a better son.’ She shuffled her ample frame uncomfortably on the stool. ‘Can you hear anything at all out there, Master Edward? Shouting and such like?’

  Edward stepped out, trailing his blanket in the mire. ‘No, Mrs Thomas, I can hear nothing. Can I go and see what’s happening, Mama?’

  ‘No, Edward, you cannot. And pick up your blanket, it is getting dirty.’ The little boy hastily pulled the cover back round his shoulders and returned to stand beside her. Rags pressed his warm weight against his legs and licked his hand. Absently Edward scratched the dog’s head and the animal sighed happily.

  Now their fear had dissipated and they were warm the women relaxed and conversation flowed. Beth came to stand beside her mistress. ‘Do you think we will be out here long, madam?’

  ‘I have no idea, Beth. Even if they do douse the fire quickly the upper floor will be unusable. Smoke gets everywhere even when the flames have not.’

  ‘Master Edward can move downstairs; and he can take his lessons in the library, but where will we sleep, madam?’

  Sarah closed her eyes, her head hurt, and she was finding it hard to concentrate. ‘I have not considered, Beth. Thomas will have to organise things. Why not ask her?’

  Beth moved away and in the background the women discussed how they would be accommodated if their sleeping quarters had been ruined. She leant heavily against the door frame, wishing she was back in the comfort of her bed.

  ‘Mama, Mama, I can hear someone coming’ Sarah jerked back to full consciousness; yes —there were heavy footsteps crunching towards the stables. She straightened and gathered her robe tighter.

  ‘Captain Mayhew?’ She stared, not certain the smoke grimed man now approaching was, indeed, Oliver.

  There was a flash of white in the blackened face. ‘Mrs Haverstock, I’m pleased to tell you the blaze is out. It had not had time to take hold and only one room is damaged; and that not beyond repair.’

  Sarah stepped forward, holding her hands out in greeting. ‘Thank you, Captain. I am so grateful to you and the men. Rowley Court could have been lost tonight.’

  He quietly pressed her fingers and released them, leaving black smudges behind. ‘You can return to your rooms now, madam.’

  ‘And the others? How badly has smoke damaged their rooms?’

  ‘Not at all. The smoke reached only the school rooms and the nursery; and they will only require a thorough clean to be habitable again.’

  ‘Thomas, did you hear that?’ Sarah turned to her housekeeper. ‘You can all go back now. I do not expect anyone to rise early today. You must all sleep in.’

  Beaming, Thomas came forward. ‘Thank you, madam. Come along girls; it’s safe to return, thanks to the men.’

  Sarah stood aside, holding Edward’s hand, and allowed them to troop past, trailing shawls and rugs, some with bare feet and others in clogs, all eager to reclaim the warmth and comfort of their beds. They disappeared, chatting, into the night leaving the stables strangely silent behind them. Edward tugged her hand. ‘Mama, I’m cold, can we go in please?’

  Ashamed she had remained, mesmerized by the man standing quietly in front of her, she squeezed her son’s hand reassuringly. ‘Yes, love, let us go. Thank you, once again, Oliver. We will talk tomorrow about this?’

  He reached out and brushed a cobweb gently from her cheek. ‘Yes, Sarah, we will. Now, go; You’re both shivering. It’s too cold to stand here talking.’ They heard the sound of laughing and rough voices heading their way. The stable hands were returning.

  ‘Goodnight, Oliver.’ Sarah, still clutching Edward’s hand, turned and fled to the house forcing the men to jump aside as she ran past.

  ***

  When Sarah finally roused the times was almost ten o’clock. Even with the windows open the room smelled off damp material and stale smoke. She slipped out of bed, leaving Edward sleeping peacefully, his small form barely discernible under the blankets.

  She drew the hangings quickly around the bed and rang the bell. Beth appeared immediately. ‘Beth, have you been upstairs to inspect the damage? Does Edward have any clothes left to wear?’

  ‘Yes, madam. It’s only his bedroom that’s severely burnt. His dressing-room escaped the flames. Sally’s sorting out his garments: they need airing because they smell of smoke but apart from that they were undamaged.’

  ‘Excellent. Have Sally attend him here. Let him sleep until then.’ Sarah hardly noticed what she was dressed in, she wished to go upstairs and review the room for herself. ‘Is the captain here, Beth, do you know?’

  ‘Yes, madam. He’s in the study with Lord Hepworth.’

  ‘Lord Hepworth? When did he arrive? Hurry up, Beth; I must go down at once.’

  Beth tied the bow of the becoming, sash that encircled the high waist of the leaf-green, muslin gown. ‘There, madam, I have done. You look lovely if you don’t mind me saying so.’

  ‘Thank you, Beth. Please stay here until Sally arrives to look after Edward.’ Sarah stalked out, her cheeks bearing tell-tale patches of colour. Outside the study door she paused and took a moment to calm herself. This was not Hepworth’s fault. The wretched captain had overstepped his boundaries yet again and she had no wish to offend her visitor.

  The murmur of male voices was audible even through the thickness of the door. She hesitated, should she knock? Of course not! This was her study the men were in. She opened the door and stepped inside. Two heads turned as one. Pale blue eyes widened in surprise, dark grey narrowed with amusement.

  ‘Ah…Sarah, come in. You will see that I asked Lord Hepworth to attend us.’

  Sarah almost snorted and scarcely refrained from stamping her foot. ‘Why did you not wait until we had spoken?

  ‘The matter was urgent and I didn’t wish to wake you, Sarah. Would you not have sent for Lord Hepworth?’

  Sarah’s breath hissed through her clenched teeth. ‘Of course I would. How many times do I have to say this? I make the decisions here, no one else.’

  The words hung icily in the silence. Hepworth shuffled the papers spread out in front of him on the table and waited for the explosion.

  ‘Please excuse us for a moment, Lord Hepworth.’ Oliver took Sarah’s arm and guided her back into the corridor before she could protest. She opened her mouth but he shook his head. ‘No, Sarah, not here. In the library, where we can be private.’ Still holding her arm he bundled her, unceremoniously, through the door and closed it firmly behind him. Then he released her and leant against the door, arms folded, eyes glinting, blocking her escape.

  ‘Now, my dear, let me have it with both barrels. I have overstepped the mark, again, and am prepared to take my punishment.’

  Sarah almost gobbled with anger and frustration. ‘How dare you laugh at me Oliver Mayhew? Is it not enough that you make free with my home and servants?’ He smiled down at her and appeared to be bracing himself for a physical attack. ‘You are impossible! If Edward did not love you I would dismiss you this instant.’

  ‘And you, my dear, are totally captivating when you’re angry.’ Before she realized his intention he stepped forward and holding her face still, kiss
ed her, hard, on her opened lips.

  Sarah’s hands flew to the offended area and she took an involuntary step backwards, her eyes round with shock. The roar of laughter that bounced around the room so surprised her she found herself smiling in response.

  Eyes brimming they regarded each other, knowing their relationship had changed, irrevocably, but not sure quite how to deal with it. Still smiling, Sarah shook her head. ‘You should not have done that, Oliver. It was unfair.’

  ‘I know, and I most humbly apologize.’ She noticed he omitted to add he would never repeat the offence. ‘Shall we return to the study, Sarah? Lord Hepworth will be waiting.’

  ‘Yes, of course.’

  All desire to laugh abruptly left her as she walked slowly back to rejoin her guest. She got straight to the point. ‘Hepworth, last night someone tried to burn down this house.’

  ‘Yes, my dear, I know.’ He frowned and nodded gravely. ‘I am afraid it is worse than that.’

  ‘Worse?’ Sarah echoed, feeling sick.

  ‘Yes; we believe the intruder did not climb into Edward’s room by chance. He set the fire there deliberately.’

  Sarah was glad she had not broken her fast as a wave of nausea made her gag. ‘If Edward had not been with me…’ Her voice trailed away as she watched the two men, grim faced, nod. It was too awful to contemplate; her beloved son had nearly met his death in the most horrible way imaginable. Without a sound she sank into a dead faint and Oliver leapt forward to catch her.

  Chapter Eight

  ‘Mrs Haverstock? How are you feeling now?’ The questioner’s voice appeared familiar but it was not Oliver speaking. Sarah’s eyes blinked open and she saw Dr Witherspoon standing by her bed. She tried to sit up but her head spun. ‘No, lie still. There have been too many unpleasant shocks in too short a time. I should not have allowed you to rise so soon, Mrs Haverstock. I will not make the same mistake again.’

  ‘I do not remember how I got here. What happened? Have I been unconscious for long, doctor?’

  He shrugged. ‘Long enough for me to be called; an hour or so, no more.’

  Events were beginning to come back. The awful realization that someone unknown had tried to murder her son, and then the numbing darkness claiming her. ‘Oh dear! Poor Captain Mayhew; he has now carried me upstairs three times in as many days.’

  The young man smiled. ‘Exactly! This time, Mrs Haverstock, I must insist you remain in your bed until you are fully recovered.’

  ‘How long will that be?’

  ‘Several days; possibly a week. You need absolute rest — no excitement — no worries. You must leave the running of the household to your capable housekeeper and your son’s welfare to Captain Mayhew.’

  Sarah felt too weak to argue. ‘I would like to see Captain Mayhew, please. Could you send Beth to fetch him?’

  Dr Witherspoon removed himself to the window to await Oliver’s arrival. He stared at her, a slight frown upon his brow. With her complexion so pale and her frequent swoons perhaps he was worried her head injury was worse than he’d thought. Was he reconsidering his diagnosis? There was a soft tap on the door.

  Sarah smiled weakly. ‘Come in, Oliver, we need to talk.’ Her voice was quiet but the tone firm.

  Oliver raised an eyebrow towards the window and Doctor Witherspoon took the hint. ‘I will wait downstairs, Mrs Haverstock. Please do not tire my patient, Captain Mayhew. She needs no further excitement.’

  Oliver gestured impatiently with one hand but did not answer. His face was almost as pale as hers. He came forward, a tentative smile on his face. They didn’t hear the click as the door shut and they were left alone. ‘Sarah, my dear, I’m so sorry to see you unwell again.’

  ‘It is I who must apologize. Until recently I have never fainted in my life. You must think me a feeble sort of woman.’

  He drew up a chair and placed it close beside the bed. He reached out and took her cold hand. ‘You? Feeble? Never! You are the strongest woman I have ever met. You received a serious head wound a few days ago and rose from your sickbed too soon, that’s all.’

  Sarah had not the energy to remove her hand. Indeed the transfer of warmth was rather pleasant. She tried to gather her wits; there were important issues to discuss, but Oliver was sitting so close she found it hard to think.

  To her relief he released her and moved his chair away and she found she was able to breathe again without restriction. What she had to say could only be said in private. ‘Beth, leave us please.’ The girl obediently departed but her face showed her disapproval. ‘Oliver, it appears I must stay an invalid for some days.’ She paused. He nodded. ‘It is obvious that both my life, and Edward’s are at risk.’ She stopped again and closed her eyes, marshalling her thoughts. What she was going to ask the man watching her so closely was going to be difficult.

  ‘I will take care of you and Edward, Sarah, if you will give me leave.’

  Her eyes flickered open and she smiled again, relieved he had given her the opening she needed. ‘Thank you, Oliver. I wish you to take over the management of the estate as well but I fear Lord Hepworth would expect to be given that role. He will not be happy I have entrusted such authority to Edward’s tutor.’ He had his full attention; did he suspect what she was going to suggest?

  ‘If you were my affianced husband there would be no problem’

  Oliver leant forward, his expression gave nothing away. ‘You are suggesting a temporary arrangement? An engagement with no substance?’

  She nodded. Surely he had not thought he meant anything else? ‘I also wish you to live here, at Rowley Court. I will feel safer with you under the same roof. Only as my betrothed could this be considered acceptable.’

  He didn’t hesitate. ‘I think it an excellent plan, and I’m quite prepared to enter in to such an arrangement if it will make you and Edward safer.’

  ‘Yes, please do that. You realize that neither Lord nor Lady Hepworth must suspect the truth? Our liaison must appear genuine.’ Her voice faltered. She could feel her strength ebbing. ‘I wish you to be Edward’s guardian should I not recover; is that clear?’

  Oliver left his chair to kneel beside her bed. He took both her hands and squeezed them hard, jerking her awake. ‘What fustian you speak, my dear girl! You will be up and about in a few days; you’re not on your deathbed.’ The fierce certainty in his voice reassured her. ‘This contract between us need remain only until we have solved the mystery surrounding the attacks. Do you agree to this?’

  ‘I do. Thank you for your understanding, Oliver. I think it would be better if Edward believes this is a genuine arrangement too. We must tell him together, before we tell anyone else.’

  He turned and tugged the bell. Beth appeared, her expression guarded. ‘Yes, madam?’

  ‘Please fetch Edward. He will be in the library with Sally.’

  Oliver stared after her, his eyes narrowed with displeasure. ‘That girl is insolent, Sarah.’

  ‘Hush; she has been my abigail since my marriage, and has only my best interests at heart. Naturally she disapproves of us being closeted, unchaperoned, in my bedchamber. When she knows we are betrothed she will be all smiles.’

  He relaxed and grinned. ‘I do not suppose Lord Hepworth, or Dr Witherspoon, are overjoyed about this meeting, either.’

  The sound of running childish, footsteps approaching down the corridor caused Oliver to scramble to his feet. He removed the chair and stood back, at a suitable distance from the bed, his back to the window.

  Edward burst in. ‘Mama, I didn’t know you’d been taken ill.’ He ran across and flung himself, tearfully, onto the bed.

  ‘I am just a little weak, my dear, nothing worse. Dr Witherspoon thinks I got up too soon after my accident. There is nothing serious for you to worry about.’

  The small, tousled haired boy rubbed his e
yes dry with his fists. It was only then he became aware that his tutor was standing, watchful, by the window. He glanced across and risked a small smile of greeting. This was returned full measure.

  Sarah took her son’s grubby hand. ‘Edward, Oliver and I have something wonderful to tell you.’

  ‘I know! I know!’ Edward screeched, his face split by the widest smile. ‘You’re to be married? I’m right, aren’t I?’

  She felt a moment’s guilt at his delight. Was it right to deceive him, when he so obviously desired this match? Oliver stepped forward and Edward flew into his embrace.

  ‘Can I call you Papa? Must I still call you sir?’

  Oliver laughed and held the boy close, his eyes met Sarah’s and she shrugged helplessly, then nodded her agreement. ‘It’s a little premature, my boy, but as your mother’s agreeable, you have my permission to address me so, if that’s what you wish.’ He lowered the child to his feet and ruffled his hair affectionately. ‘You do realize, Edward, what else calling me Papa means?’

  Edward shook his head, unsure. ‘No, tell me.’

  ‘I am no longer solely your tutor, but have control of all your life. If you are disobedient I have the right to beat you!’ He scowled ferociously and Edward giggled.

  ‘I’m never disobedient, am I, Mama? Will you teach me how to shoot and play billiards now?’

  ‘If I must, young man. Now kiss your mother and run along. Your grandfather is in the library, he will be pleased to see you; but you may not tell him our good news. I must do that.’

  Edward held Sarah’s hand and whispered, ‘I am so pleased. I prayed he would become my papa. He will take care of us now, we will both be safe.’

  ‘We will, darling, we will. Now, do as you were bid, and go down to the library. You may come and see me later.’

  Oliver stepped up to the bed, bent down and dropped a feather light kiss on Sarah’s mouth. ‘I will leave you now, my love; I must speak to Lord Hepworth before Edward forgets his promise and gives away our secret.’ He winked as he straightened, well aware he was taking the pretence further than she wished.