Ruse & Romance (The Beaucroft Girls Book 1)

by Rogers, Suzanne G.

  “Where can I find him?”

  “I’ll write down the address and leave it in the kitchen.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Trench. I’m sorry this position didn’t suit you.”

  She shrugged. “It’s all right, milord. I’ve never liked cooking much, to be honest. I’m actually a laundress by trade.”

  Philip’s first order of business was to set another work crew the task of drilling a new well. Afterward, he went to the address Mrs. Trench had given him—a boarding house within walking distance of town. He waited in the parlor while Mr. Horn was summoned, and at length a tall thin man appeared. His clothes, skin, and hair were so crisp, Philip expected him to rustle as he walked.

  “Mr. Horn? I’m Lord Philip Butler, and I understand you are a very fine cook.”

  A nod. “I studied the culinary arts in Paris before working at Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair, from its inception until last year. Since then, I managed my own restaurant here in town before it was destroyed by fire.”

  Philip winced at the mention of the fire. “I’m dreadfully sorry about that. I’m addressing the issue about the well as we speak.”

  “Your presence in Grovebrook has been desperately needed. More than one soul was glad to see the back of Mr. Pratt.”

  “As was I. Mr. Horn, might you consider working for me as my cook at the manor house? Your accommodations are included, of course, and since I’m the only one in residence at the moment, your duties would be rather light.”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  A stab of disappointment. “I see. I’m sorry to have wasted your time.”

  “You misunderstand me, milord. I’m not interested in the position of cook, but I would consider the position of head butler. I’ve been in management longer than I was a cook and I’ve grown used to running things.”

  Philip’s eyebrows rose. “I am in need of a butler, but unless you and I are to starve to death, I must have a cook.”

  “If I may be so bold as to propose another candidate? Mr. McTavish was my chef at the restaurant, but after the fire he went to Leeds to seek employment. I’ll send for him forthwith. Until he arrives, I’ll gladly undertake the duties of cook as well as butler. It shouldn’t be more than a few days.”

  The weight on Philip’s shoulders lifted somewhat. “I’m very much obliged, sir.”

  He left the boarding house several minutes later, having extracted his new butler/cook’s promise to be available that afternoon. His successful employment of Mr. Horn unexpectedly brightened Philip’s mood. Despite the older man’s starchy demeanor, he exuded quiet, likable competence. In addition, Philip was looking forward to the regular presence of another human being at Constance Hall.

  When he returned home, he discovered two letters that further lightened his heart. One was a letter from Augustus, and the other was from Prudence.

  While the brougham was being loaded with Kitty’s trunks, Ivy kissed her good-bye and touched her cheek with her fingertips.

  “You haven’t filled out quite as much as I would have liked over the last week, but it can’t be helped.”

  “It wasn’t from lack of trying,” Kitty said. “I’ve never eaten so much rich food in my life.”

  “Well, take every opportunity to put on weight. No man likes a scrawny wife.”

  “Yes, Grandmama.”

  “And if there are any disagreements between you and Philip, don’t expect to run back here to me.”

  Ivy’s brief smile indicated her statement was said in jest, but Kitty was so anxious about seeing her husband again she was in no mood to laugh.

  “Yes, Grandmama.”

  She climbed into the carriage, hoping her trembling wasn’t visible to Bridget. The maid had never been the talkative sort, fortunately, so during the drive Kitty was left to her own conflicted thoughts. On the one hand she longed to see Philip…so very fervently. On the other hand, she dreaded facing him. Devising an apology seemed easy enough, but she simply couldn’t predict his reaction. I must take things as they come and pray I find the right words. Our marriage is worth fighting for, and I mustn’t let him slip away.

  The morning was beautiful, albeit a trifle warm, and the roads were good. Less than an hour later, the brougham passed a beautiful stonework and metal sign announcing the entrance to Grovebrook. To Kitty’s eye, the marker appeared to be new, and she suspected it had been built at Philip’s direction. As the carriage rolled into town, she peered out the window with keen interest. Several workmen were making repairs to various shops and buildings, and although the pretty little town showed evidence of neglect, it was clear a restoration was underway.

  As they drove through the town and across a small bridge, Kitty knew it would not be too much longer until the carriage reached the manor house. Doubts began to crop up like mushrooms after a heavy rain. Should she have sent word of her arrival beforehand? What if Philip refused to see her? Perhaps she should have asked Augustus to intervene on her behalf.

  The carriage turned off the main road and passed through a set of wrought iron gates next to a gate house. As they drove up the long curving driveway, Bridget spoke at last.

  “The manor house is lovely.”

  The tranquil and picturesque beauty of the Elizabethan structure brought a smile to Kitty’s lips. “You’re quite right. It really is lovely.”

  “Lord Philip will certainly be glad you’ve come.”

  “Yes.” Let us hope so.

  The brougham stopped in front of the entranceway, but no footmen or servants appeared. Kitty’s mouth went dry with fear as she stepped down from the carriage and rang the bell. As she waited, her gaze was drawn to the nameplate affixed to the stone facing. Constance Hall. Philip named the house after me! He cannot hate me so very much then…can he? At length, an immaculately attired butler answered the door.

  “Welcome to Constance Hall. May I ask who is calling?”

  “I’m Lady Philip. I apologize for the appalling lack of notice, but will you inform my husband I’ve arrived?”

  Philip blotted the ink on his accounting ledger, sat back, and took a deep breath. The addition of Mr. Horn to his household had proven to be a godsend. The new cook he’d recommended had arrived and settled in beautifully. In addition, Horn had procured an experienced housekeeper, Mrs. Boyle. The woman had brought a maid with her, so his skeleton staff was coming along. Horn was even interviewing footmen candidates later that afternoon. On a less happy note, his advertisement for a man of business had located few qualified candidates, and his need was becoming dire. Rents from his tenants would be soon due at the first of the month, and he had no one to collect them. If he didn’t have income, he’d be obliged to sell more furniture to stay afloat. Already, several rooms had been completely emptied.

  Horn appeared in the doorway of Philip’s study. “Excuse me, milord, but Lady Philip has arrived.”

  If the man had done a backflip, Philip could not have been more astonished. “What did you say?”

  “Your wife apologized for giving no notice. I’ve shown her into the drawing room.”

  Philip stood so abruptly, he nearly knocked over the ink pot. “Horn, I’m without a valet at the moment. H-How do I look?”

  “If I may suggest you don your jacket?”

  “Oh, yes. Yes, of course.”

  “And, if I may be allowed to retie your cravat?”

  “I’d be quite grateful.”

  With an impassive expression, the butler crossed over to render his assistance.

  “Shall I ask Mrs. Boyle to prepare rooms for Lady Philip?”

  Nonplussed, Philip was unsure how to answer. “I don’t…I don’t know if she’s planning to stay.”

  “She arrived with a large number of trunks and a lady’s maid, sir.”

  “Then, yes. Prepare the best room for her and find accommodations for her maid. Her name is, um, Bridget, I believe.”

  “Very good, milord.”

  The butler bowed and departed, leaving Philip to collect
himself. Over three weeks had passed since the wedding. Why had Kitty come here, and what did she expect of him? Well, it did no good to speculate. I never thought I would see her again, and yet here she is. His impulse was to drop to his knees and send up a prayer of thanks for his deliverance. But in the next breath, he prayed for the strength to keep Kitty at arm’s distance.

  As he opened the drawing room doors and stepped inside, several discordant notes from the corner piano reached his ears. Kitty stood when she saw him. They regarded one another for several long moments.

  “The piano is out of tune,” she said.

  “I don’t think it’s been touched for many years. I’ll have to have it looked at.”

  Another painful silence.

  “Will you be staying long?” he asked.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I said, will you be—”

  “No, I meant that I apologize.”

  When Kitty moved out from behind the piano, he was shocked at how thin she’d become. Had she been ill?

  “I was completely and utterly wrong to insinuate you had anything to do with Violet Haver,” she said.

  “You did more than insinuate.”

  “Yes, you’re right. I misspoke just now. Juliet told me she was responsible, albeit accidentally, for revealing our secret to Miss Haver. You can guess the rest. And when Papa told me you’d refused my dowry, I could have died from shame. I’d no right to accuse you of anything, Philip. I know it’s too much for you to forgive me right away, but I’d like the chance to prove myself.”

  Kitty’s arrival was stirring up his emotions, and he wasn’t exactly sure how they would ultimately sort themselves out. His initial stunned panic had given way to a bittersweet relief, but underneath it all was anger, mistrust, and a great deal of resentment.

  “Why?”

  She appeared to be taken aback. “I don’t understand.”

  “You’re a financially independent woman, Kitty. You’re free to go anywhere and do anything. Why would you come to Grovebrook and associate yourself with a man who is, as you put it, beneath you?”

  Her translucent skin grew even paler. “I deserve that.” The pooling moisture in her eyes made them gleam. “After much painful introspection, I’ve concluded you’re a far better person than I am. I’m proud to be your wife.”

  “Not good enough.”

  “I was afraid!”

  “Of what? Of me?”

  “Yes.” She averted her eyes. “Of m-marriage.”

  Her blush and expression revealed her meaning more than her words ever could.

  “But you’re not anymore?”

  She gulped. “I’m here because I love you, Philip.”

  The words seemingly hung in the air, but failed to melt the ice around his heart. Her apology seemed to be heartfelt and sincere, but after everything that had passed between them and the torture he’d endured at her hands, could he forgive and forget so easily? No. He’d given his heart away to her too soon in the recent past, and he was unwilling to let his guard down now.

  “You’ve a peculiar way of showing it.” He crossed over to the bell pull and gave it a tug. “I’ll assemble the staff and introduce you to them formally.”

  Shortly after Kitty met the staff, the butler announced lunch. Despite her lack of appetite, she vowed to finish everything set in front of her. As she and Philip were seated, she stole a glance at him. Dark smudges were visible under his eyes, but it was his change of demeanor which was the most noticeable. Before the wedding, he’d been generally sunny and cheerful. Over the course of three short weeks, he’d become guarded and wore an air of sadness like a cloak. Although she longed to hold him and kiss his melancholy away, she knew her caresses were not yet welcome. He hadn’t accepted her apology, exactly, but he had at least allowed her to make one. What came next?

  “Have you heard anything from Prudence?” she asked.

  “I had a letter several days ago. She and Kirkham are well and have been living in Scotland, but I sent a message urging them to come here. I’ve also heard from Augustus. It’s as I feared; Trestlebury has cut his daughter off financially and pronounced me unwelcome in his house.”

  “Oh, no. Poor Prudence. Does Kirkham have any prospects?”

  “Not of which I am aware.”

  Kitty cast about for another, safer topic. “As I drove through town, I noticed many improvements are underway. I assume they are your doing?”

  “Yes. I was obliged to discharge the man who had the management of Grovebrook. Among his other deficiencies, his neglect of the town was almost criminal. Unfortunately, I’m having difficulty replacing him.”

  “Have you considered offering the position to Kirkham?”

  Philip’s reserved manner slipped. “Why, no, but that would solve a very pressing problem for me. Kitty, that’s brilliant! I’ll send him an offer straightaway.” His transient smile warmed her heart. “I mustn’t get my hopes up, of course, but there’s a good chance he would accept. The position even includes a cottage for him and Prudence. Why didn’t I think of it before?”

  “You’ve had a great many things on your mind. Now that I’m here, I’d like to help in any way I can.”

  “As a matter of fact, several neighbors have left calling cards, but I haven’t had the time to respond.”

  “I’d be delighted to call on the neighbors on your behalf. I don’t have proper calling cards yet, but I wouldn’t want to wait. I’ll just write my name on one of yours until I get new ones.”

  She answered Philip’s smile with one of her own, but the gesture had the opposite effect from what she’d intended. Although he thanked her, it was as if a mask descended over his features and his manner turned cool. Although Kitty was hurt, she tried to see the silver lining in the clouds. Even if it was just for a moment, she’d managed to break through his defenses. With persistence, patience, and a little luck, she would pull the wall down between them forever. She removed her Claddagh ring and put it on the tablecloth between them.

  “I won’t yield until we’re friends again.”

  Several emotions flitted across Philip’s face as he stared at the ring. He picked it up, reached for her hand, and slid the ring back into place.

  “I wouldn’t want you to.”

  Every new day presented another opportunity for Kitty to prove herself worthy of Philip’s trust. Although the awkward silences became fewer, the gulf between them remained. Their former easy manner with one another had disappeared, and she didn’t know how to regain it. Seemingly a lifetime ago, she’d been confident in her ability with men, but now she was at a complete loss. Ivy had pushed hard to make sure she’d recovered a semblance of physical attractiveness, but Philip seemed oblivious.

  In the absence of anything else, Kitty settled for being as helpful as possible. As they strolled in the garden before dinner one evening, he mentioned his lack of a valet.

  “I would have liked to hire someone local, but nobody qualified wants the job.”

  “Why don’t you send for your previous valet?” she suggested. “I’m sure your father wouldn’t mind.”

  “You don’t suppose Henry would rail at leaving a grand estate to work for me, do you?”

  “You’re the lord of the manor now, Philip! I would imagine he would consider it a great honor.”

  As he regarded her, the tension around his eyes eased and he chuckled.

  “What?” she asked.

  “It’s just that being referred to as the lord of the manor feels…rather splendid.”

  She smiled. “I think the lord of the manor should invite Grovebrook’s mayor and his wife to dinner. It would be good politics to discuss all your changes and future plans with local leaders, don’t you suppose? You don’t want to inadvertently put anyone’s nose out of joint.”

  A look of surprise. “The thought hadn’t occurred to me.”

  “I’ll issue an invitation to dinner when I call on the mayor’s wife tomorrow afternoon. I also think I shoul
d call on the wives of your farming tenants.”

  “Why?”

  “After so many years of neglect, there may be old grievances that need to be aired out. I’ll introduce myself and hopefully smooth things over. After all, a happy tenant pays his rent promptly.”

  For the first time in a long while, Philip’s smile was unrestrained. He pulled Kitty into an embrace, but almost as quickly let her go.

  “Oh, Philip, don’t push me away. It feels so good to be in your arms again.”

  “I’m sorry. This isn’t easy for me.”

  In the next moment, he traced a path down her cheek with his fingertips. She closed her eyes, leaned into the caress, and murmured his name. Unfortunately, footsteps interrupted the moment and Philip’s hand dropped to his side.

  “I beg your pardon, milord, but dinner is served.”

  As Kitty accompanied Philip into the house, she swallowed her disappointment. She’d been almost certain he’d meant to kiss her. Although she was encouraged by the progress she’d made, perhaps it was time to play the coquette.

  From then on, it became a game how far she could go without getting caught. Her skills as a flirt came in useful, when the art of deliberately displaying an ankle or the curve of her décolletage appeared to be accidental. Her efforts seemed to be working. Their conversations were growing more intimate, and she found Philip’s gaze increasingly resting on her face. Occasionally, when he thought she wasn’t looking, she caught his eyes roaming down her body. Although they were married, it still felt as if she were engaging in something scandalous. Each night she’d wondered if he would come to her, but he hadn’t. Would Philip ever make her a proper wife?

  Chapter Eleven

  Good Company

  ONE AFTERNOON, ABOUT A MONTH after Kitty arrived, the butler announced a pair of very welcome visitors to Constance Hall. As Philip and Kitty entered the drawing room, they discovered Kirkham and Prudence in a passionate embrace. Although the two newlyweds sprang apart immediately, there was no trace of apology in their demeanor.