‘Thank you, sir, but I will try and fix it myself. I can’t pay for it to be repaired.’
‘My son damaged it, Miss Banner. You must allow me to cover the cost of the repairs.’
‘Thank you, sir. I would be grateful.’ She had been surprised by the generous offer, and the fact that he knew her name when he must have only returned a short time ago.
‘Tell me about this kind person who gave you this lovely gift.’
‘She’s a fortune-teller.’ Chrissie smiled sadly as she remembered the happy times she had spent with Elsie and the Travellers. ‘This belonged to her mother, grandmother and even further back, I believe.’
‘And why did she give it to you?’
‘It’s a long story, sir.’
‘I have plenty of time.’ He smiled, looking relaxed and not at all angry with her.
Seeing his reaction and feeling he was genuinely interested, she began with her dad’s death, leaving nothing out.
When she came to the end of her story he shook his head. ‘You have had a difficult time, and I apologise that you have had to endure more distress in my house. I will make certain that nothing like this happens again. I know the Frenshaws and am pleased to hear that the major has returned safely, but astonished he dismissed you. That does not sound like the man I know well.’
‘He was in a poor way when he arrived home, and not himself, sir. I don’t blame him. He didn’t like a girl working as a stable lad, and he does own the estate.’
‘It is unusual, I must say.’ He smiled again.
‘I love horses, sir, and those warhorses are a real handful at times.’
‘So I believe.’ He picked up the box. ‘Now, if you will permit me, I will see the damage my son has caused is repaired.’
‘You’re not going to take her word for it, are you, Father?’ his son protested. ‘You heard her, where she comes from. She’s a Gypsy and can’t be trusted.’
‘And who told you that?’ her father demanded.
‘I heard Mother talking about it one day when she was having tea with her friends.’
He pulled a face in disgust. ‘You shouldn’t be listening to idle speculation by people who have probably never seen anyone who doesn’t belong to high society. I can see there are some family matters to sort out. Now, apologise to Miss Banner for causing her such upset.’
He pouted and looked defiant.
‘Do as I say,’ his father told him in a tone of voice only a fool would disobey.
‘I … I’m sorry I broke your box.’
‘If you are truly sorry, then I accept your apology.’
The master caught hold of his son’s shoulder, gave a slow bow to Chrissie, and left the room.
Their footsteps echoed on the wooden stairs and she listened until they faded away, then she sat on the bed hugging the crystal ball. Sir Stuart Gretham had been kind, but from what she had seen of his wife she doubted she would be as understanding. It was her adored son being disciplined, and as Nurse had said, in her eyes he could do no wrong. She bowed her head in worry. Tomorrow could see her wandering the countryside in search of work again. Oh, Dad, she cried silently, you know how I’ve always wanted to get out of London, but after all the trouble I’ve had I’m wondering if I’ve done the right thing. Perhaps I should have given up this idea of finding a permanent home in the country and stayed with the Travellers.
‘Ah, there you are.’ The nurse came into her room, and when she saw Chrissie’s stricken expression she sat beside her. ‘Are you all right? We heard all the commotion. You haven’t been dismissed, have you?’
‘Not yet, but I expect I will be in the morning.’
Nurse Benson patted her arm. ‘Let’s hope not, but in the meantime we have the children to look after.’
‘Of course.’ She tucked the crystal ball in the bed for safety and stood up. ‘Will you deal with Robert, please, and I’ll see to the two girls.’
‘He’s still with his father. Will you tell me what happened? When I heard shouting coming from your room I was on my way up to see what was going on when I heard the master telling his son to be quiet. Then I turned round and went back down, knowing he was dealing with his son.’
‘That was the boy dancing around and enjoying himself. I’ll tell you about it later.’
‘All right, my dear, you talk about it when you want to. I can see you are still very upset.’
An hour later they were free of any chores and Nurse said, ‘I’m ready for a nice cup of tea now.’
‘Me too,’ Chrissie agreed.
While making their way to the kitchen the scullery maid caught them, agog with excitement. ‘There’s been a terrible row. I’ve never heard the master raise his voice before; you know how calm and composed he always is. Robert has been crying and the mistress has taken to her bed, distraught.’
Chrissie’s heart plummeted, knowing she had been the cause of this unpleasant situation. The last thing she ever wanted to do was cause trouble for anyone, but it had happened yet again to her.
‘Did you hear what was being said?’ Nurse asked.
The maid nodded, hardly able to contain herself. ‘The master said he’s taking his son away in the morning to the same boarding school he went to, where he would be taught some discipline and good manners.’
‘Good, that’s just what he needs.’ Nurse smiled with satisfaction. ‘The boy should have gone there some time ago, but I know the mistress objected. It looks as if the master has decided it can’t be put off any longer. Anything else?’
‘The master then lowered his voice so it was hard to hear, but I think he told his wife the child had been thoroughly spoilt and was out of control, and no son of his was going to behave like that. I’m not sure, but I believe he threatened to divorce her and take the children away from her if she didn’t do as he said.’
Chrissie gasped. ‘You must be mistaken, Lilly; he would never do such a scandalous thing.’
‘You’re right,’ Nurse agreed, giving them a knowing look. ‘But he might say something like that if he wanted to make sure she obeyed him. Let’s get some sleep. We’ll find out what all this is about in the morning.’
It would be her dismissal, Chrissie was now sure.
The moment the children were up and had their breakfast – except Robert – Chrissie was called to the library. She paused at the door and took a deep breath, determined to face another dismissal with dignity, knowing she had not done anything wrong this time or the last. Once she felt composed enough she tapped on the door and entered.
The master was seated behind a large desk and rose to his feet the moment she walked in. He glanced across at his son who was sitting by the window. ‘Robert. It is polite to stand when a woman enters the room.’
The boy opened his mouth to protest that she was only a servant, but the expression on his father’s face made him change his mind and he stood up.
Stuart Gretham nodded and turned his attention to Chrissie, and smiled. ‘Your box is being repaired and will be returned to you by this evening. The craftsman assured me that you will not be able to see where it has been broken, and I believe him. He is excellent at his trade.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ This evening? So she wasn’t going to be sent on her way immediately.
‘I am taking my son to a good school noted for its discipline – in fact, I attended there myself, at the same time as Harry Frenshaw. I have called you here to let you know that the only person in this house who has the authority to dismiss you is me. I shall be away for a few days and if anyone – anyone,’ he emphasised, ‘tells you to leave, you are to ignore them.’
Chrissie didn’t know what to say, she was so shocked. She had been ready to leave, and now she was being told that no one could dismiss her but him.
‘Is that clear?’ he asked, when she didn’t answer.
‘Not really, sir,’ she admitted. ‘You can’t mean Lady Gretham as well?’
‘That does include my wife. If I return and find
you are not here I shall be very angry. However, if you decide to leave after the disgraceful way you have been treated, I ask you to wait for my return and talk to me first. Will you do that?’
‘Yes, sir.’ She let out a silent breath of relief. The thought of roaming the countryside trying to find work and a roof over her head again so soon did not fill her with pleasure.
‘Thank you. My other children like you very much and will be happy to know you are staying. Nurse also speaks very highly of you.’ A slight smile crossed his face. ‘They said you tell good stories and make them laugh. I understand you ride, so would you teach them? It is time they got used to being on a horse.’
‘I would be happy to do that, sir.’ A bright smile lit up her face. ‘But I ride bareback and in breeches.’
He tipped his head back and laughed. ‘I think we had better start with saddles for the children or they will be tumbling off the animals.’
‘Of course, sir.’
‘Come, Robert, we must be on our way. I’ll see you in a few days, Miss Banner.’
Then they were gone and she was standing in the same place, unable to believe what had just happened. She walked slowly out of the room to find Nurse waiting anxiously for her. ‘What happened?’
‘I am still here and cannot be dismissed by anyone but the master himself. What an extraordinary thing to happen.’
‘That’s wonderful news! The girls will be delighted, and so am I. You’re the best helper I’ve ever had.’
The rest of the day was relaxed, there was no sign of the mistress, and even the children appeared happier without their older brother tormenting them.
When it was time for bed, Chrissie felt almost happy. The crystal was back in the expertly repaired box, and she still had a job. She was grateful for that, but her heart was, and always would be, at the Frenshaws’ estate and her beloved horses.
Chapter Seventeen
‘What the hell do you think you are doing?’ Charles strode in to his son’s room and caught hold of him as he struggled to stand upright. ‘Get back in that bed!’
‘I can’t stay here; there’s so much to do.’
‘Everything is being taken care of, as it was while you were away fighting in that damned war. We need you fit and well, but if you try to move around too soon it will only delay your recovery. I got you back when it seemed impossible, and I don’t want to lose you now, son.’
‘I’m sorry. You are right, of course, but it’s so frustrating not being able to do anything.’ He settled back in the bed with the help of his father and grimaced. ‘I seem to be causing you nothing but grief.’
‘Indeed you are,’ he replied teasingly, ‘but none of it is your fault. Now, I want you to stop causing us trouble and regain your health and strength as soon as possible. Trust us, Harry. Everyone is working to sort out this mess. If you will give me your word that you will behave yourself and do as the doctor tells you, then I intend to leave for London this morning to see if I can find out who wants you dead.’
‘I promise to do as I’m told, but I wish I could come with you. You’ll have to be careful not to alert Edward to the fact that he is our prime suspect.’
‘I am discretion itself.’
Harry gave a snort of amusement, and then concern crossed his face again. ‘Any news of that girl?’
‘Not yet. She won’t be easy to find. If she’s joined up with the Travellers again she could be anywhere. We’ll keep looking, but I don’t hold out much hope. You have to forget about her because we might never see her again. You made a mistake, Harry, we all do, but you have to put it behind you now.’
‘I won’t accept that she can’t be found. The look I saw in her dark eyes when I sent her away is haunting me. It was as if I had ripped her world from under her feet, and I have since discovered how much she loved it here. I can’t put it behind me until I’ve seen she is all right.’
‘I understand how you feel. You acted completely out of character, but what is done is done. You have to accept that and move on.’
Harry shook his head. ‘I’ve got to right that wrong. If I’d had a good reason to dismiss her, then I wouldn’t have given it another thought, but I’ve been told just how good she was with the horses. What I did was not only unjust, it was cruel and completely unjustified. I’ve never acted like that in my life before, and it rankles. She must hate me.’
‘That may be true, but not enough to have you killed,’ Charles pointed out firmly.
‘Of course not. In my opinion the only candidate for that crime is Edward.’
‘Agreed, and I must be on my way.’ Charles stood up. ‘My main concern is to find whoever the would-be assassin is, or he could try again when he discovers you are still alive.’
‘Edward hasn’t been round to enquire about my health?’
‘Not a sign of him, but I have written to his London address to let him know that you are gravely injured and your life is in the balance. We’ve also done our best to spread the word, because the villain is probably waiting to see what happens. If I can’t discover who attacked you, then I might try to make him reveal himself by announcing that you have died. I don’t want that to be true, so for goodness’ sake stay in that bed.’
‘That’s good advice, Major, so take it.’ The doctor entered the room and studied his patient carefully. ‘What’s he been up to?’ he asked Charles.
‘I caught him out of bed and trying to stand up.’
The doctor raised his hands in exasperation. ‘I’d better have a look and see if he’s done any damage.’
‘Keep an eye on him. I will be away for a few days.’
‘I’ll see he is guarded all the time.’
Charles ignored the sound of disgust that came from his son and left the room, anxious to be on his way. He knew his son and he wasn’t going to stay in that bed a moment longer than absolutely necessary. For his safety the culprit had to be found and detained, and if it wasn’t Edward then the task was even more urgent.
He hadn’t been to the London club for quite a while and was greeted warmly when he walked in. They were all eager to talk to him and he was soon seated with a group wanting news about his son. This was just what he needed, and made it easy to slip questions into the conversation. These men knew everything that was going on and loved to gossip.
After hearing the remarks of pleasure at Harry’s safe return from the Crimea, Charles was surprised that news of the assassination attempt on his son had not yet reached these gentlemen. That left him free to turn the conversation round to his nephew.
‘Is Edward here?’ he asked.
‘Haven’t seen him yet,’ one man answered. ‘But he will probably be here later.’
‘Ah, good, I might catch him, then. I haven’t seen him for a while. What has he been doing with himself?’
‘Gambling. He likes the tables a little too much, but you already know that.’
‘I was hoping he had mended his ways. A spell in the military would do him good. Not cavalry, of course, he’s not a proficient enough horseman, but perhaps a rifle brigade.’ He pursed his lips thoughtfully. ‘Though I don’t suppose he knows one end of a gun from another.’
Some of the men laughed, but one said, ‘I believe he does. My son is a member of a shooting club and has seen him there quite often. He told me he’s a remarkably good shot.’
‘Really?’ Charles expression remained passive, showing only slight amusement. ‘He’s never mentioned it to his family and that isn’t like him. He does like to brag about any new skill he might have.’
‘I wouldn’t say it was a new thing for him. My son believes he’s been a member there for at least two years.’
‘My goodness,’ Charles exclaimed. ‘Does your son know him well?’
‘He’s only met him a couple of times, that’s all. They don’t have the same interests, you know.’
‘You mean your son doesn’t gamble.’
‘He does not, and that’s a blessing when so many yo
ung fools are losing their inheritances on the turn of the cards.’
‘A sad state of affairs, indeed.’
The subject changed to more general topics and Charles sat back to listen, satisfied that he had the information he needed. He would follow it up by visiting the club to find out exactly how good a shot his nephew was. He had to be very good to hit a moving target, and knowing his son, he doubted he was moving at anything less than a full gallop. He had to admit this news about Edward’s proficiency with a rifle had surprised and disturbed him. In his heart he had hoped the culprit was a nameless person with a grudge against Harry. It would have been so much easier to deal with emotionally, but to suspect it might be a member of your own family was very distressing.
Charles stayed the night at his club and then left early the next morning to visit the gun club. There was a chance they had not been talking about Edward, as the information had come from a young man who had only met his nephew a couple of times. It was worth following up, though, because if it was him he must be stopped, however painful that would be for Harry and himself. It saddened him to suspect his dear sister’s boy was capable of such an act, and it was a blessing his parents were no longer alive. His sister had died many years ago in childbirth, and her distraught husband had neglected his duties as a father, leaving Edward without a strict enough upbringing. He had passed away with a heart attack some ten years later, and Edward had gone to live with a relative of his father. They had been good people, but unable to control the young man who quickly became addicted to gambling.
The club was busy when he arrived and asked to be shown around, pretending to be interested in joining.
During the tour he questioned them about the different targets they had, such as instructions on how to fire at moving targets.
‘We do teach that skill here, your lordship. Many young gentlemen come here to become proficient before joining the military. Perhaps you would like to meet our instructors?’
‘I would, indeed.’
There were two of them, obviously retired soldiers, and Charles spent some time with them. They were extremely interested when he told them his son had been a cavalry officer in the Crimean War, but had survived. By now he had their full attention and asked casually, ‘I believe my nephew, Edward Danton, is a member here.’
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