‘Your father was a member of the shooting party?’
‘Yes, and it was during the course of it that the subject of the debt first arose. Father swore to me that he’d known nothing about it before then. Anyway, after the accident there were mumblings, and Father decided that it would be as good a time as any to retire to our estate in America until the dust settled. I thought it unwise and tried to talk him out of it.’
‘Because it implied a guilty conscience?’
‘I thought so then, and still do, even though I am convinced of his innocence.’ He sent her a bleak smile. ‘If one believes in retribution, then it was certainly meted out to my father. And my mother, too. They died horrible deaths.’ He closed his eyes. ‘Sometimes I wake at night imagining their terror when the water sucked them down and filled their lungs…’ He shook his head. ‘How very weak you must think me.’
‘I think nothing of the sort. They died five years ago, not long after you graduated, when you were still dealing with the devastating loss of Archie Hardwick. Then this. Poor Luke.’ She sighed. ‘Who else knows the truth about the supposed debt and your father’s possible implications in the man’s death?’
‘Other than the people at that shooting party—most of whom apparently didn’t believe it—only Paul. I haven’t even told Archie and Alvin. It seemed too personal, too shameful, somehow. Paul came here with me as soon as I graduated. He was my valet then, and also one of my best friends. When Father left me in charge, Paul just grew into his position. Now I don’t know how I would manage without him. He is very perceptive, gives me sound advice and a kick up the backside whenever it’s required. He predicted that you would immediately offer to give notice.’
Flora gave a wry smile. ‘And he probably thinks that I should.’
‘Not at all. Besides, I want you here and will not have you chased away through blackmail and intimidation.’
‘My father implies that he knows the truth about a scandal that never was. A scandal he cannot prove. Both parties are dead and there is nothing in writing to support his claims. Even if he has found someone who was at both the original house party and the subsequent shooting party, it’s all no more than speculation. Besides, no one will take Papa’s side against yours. Not if they have the sense they were born with.’
‘Even so, society will enjoy the scandal if we allow matters to get that far.’
Flora sat forward. ‘What do you have in mind?’
‘We cannot possibly refute his allegations, as we have no more proof than he does. So we would be better advised to discover why he wants you back so badly.’
Flora took a moment to consider the suggestion. ‘I cannot pretend that my curiosity is not piqued, but how would we go about it?’
‘I have resources that your father can only dream about.’ Luke regarded her with an assessing expression. ‘I cannot help thinking that it has something to do with your reaching your majority and achieving independence from your family. Are you expecting an inheritance of any sort?’
Flora waved the suggestion aside. ‘Nothing that would interest my father, I am absolutely sure of it. My grandmother mentioned something to me when she was dying. Something about understanding her better when I came of age. I took it to mean that she was leaving me her books.’ Flora lifted a shoulder. ‘They would be precious to me, but they are of no monetary value. Grandmamma and I got along very well. We were united in our opposition to my father, I suppose, although I didn’t realise it at the time. Papa made no secret of the fact that his mother embarrassed him, simply because she had the gift of second sight and saw no reason to conceal the fact.’
‘The gift that you have inherited.’
Flora elevated both brows. ‘You believe it now?’
He sent her a teasing smile. ‘I wouldn’t go quite that far, but I know you believe it, and that it was a cause of friction between your father and yourself, if only because any gateway to the hereafter that bypasses the clergy weakens the church’s control and influence. If, for the sake of argument, your grandmother has left something in writing that will reflect badly upon him and his career ambitions, it stands to reason that he would want to have possession of it.’
‘But he would not, even if I were to return home. I wouldn’t surrender my grandmother’s possessions to him for any consideration; not when I know she went to so much trouble to ensure that they didn’t fall into his hands.’ She furled her brow. ‘I don’t think that can be the reason. And even if it is, it fails to explain his determination to see me married to Mr Bolton, or that gentleman’s desire to have me when he is aware that his feelings are not reciprocated.’
‘It seems to me that your grandmother’s attorney would be the best place to commence our search for answers.’
‘Our search?’
‘Certainly.’ He leaned forward, elbows on his thighs, and their faces almost touched. Flora hardly breathed, certain he was about to kiss her as he had once before. But with a sigh he sat back again, and the moment passed. ‘I have a vested interest in getting to the truth.’
‘Ah, of course.’ Flora hoped her disappointment did not show in her expression. Just for a fleeting moment, she thought he had offered to help her simply because he wanted to. Naturally, his main concern was the reputation of his family. And rightly so. ‘Farthingale in Salisbury dealt with my grandmother’s affairs.’
‘Do they know that you are now employed here?’
‘Actually no.’ Flora plucked at her lower lip with her index finger. ‘I had not thought to tell them.’
‘So any correspondence regarding your grandmother’s affairs would have gone to your father’s address?’
She nodded, reaching down to scratch Romulus’s ears. ‘And Papa would not be above opening and reading it, even if it was addressed to me.’
‘Then we shall call and see them tomorrow.’
Flora shook her head. ‘I cannot travel to Salisbury with you unchaperoned. Tongues will wag.’
‘Blast! Of course you can’t.’
‘I would prefer not to go back there at all.’ She shuddered at the prospect. ‘Besides, I would have to explain my absence to her ladyship, and I doubt whether you want her to know the truth. It would not be beneficial for her health. She is still mourning the loss of her son in her own way, and would be upset if even the slightest question was cast over his integrity.’ Flora gave him a sharp look. ‘I assume she heard nothing of the rumours at the time.’
‘Not as far as I am aware. One never quite knows with Grandmamma. Anyway, I am glad that one of us is thinking coherently. And I owe you my thanks.’
‘For thinking of your grandmother’s finer feelings?’ Flora shrugged. ‘No thanks are necessary. Her wellbeing is vitally important to me.’
‘Not just for that, but also for never once asking if my father really did renege on a debt of honour. Most people would not have been able to resist questioning his integrity.’
Flora smiled. ‘You should know by now that I am not most people. I despise being predictable.’ She smoothed down the skirts of her serviceable day gown. ‘I never knew your father, it’s true, but I am well acquainted with his lady mother and all his children, not one of whom has a dishonourable bone in his or her body.’ She shook her head decisively. ‘No. Whatever the reason for the gentleman’s extraordinary claim, I am satisfied that your father’s behaviour was not at fault.’
‘He gave me his assurance that it was not, and I accepted his word. That was almost the last conversation we had.’ He stared off into the distance. ‘I should have been at that house party, you know. It took place just after we sat our finals at Oxford. I had agreed to go, but then the business with Archie happened. We thought our best friend was dead and I was in no mood for being civil to anyone.’ Luke scrubbed a hand down his face. ‘I have often wondered if my sending last minute regrets was the root cause of Redfern’s dissatisfaction.’
‘Redfern being the man who accused your father. Did he happen to have daughte
rs?’
‘Perceptive as ever.’ Luke sent her a droll look. ‘Lucy Redfern and I are of similar age, our paths frequently crossed during our adolescence, and we got along well enough. The Redferns live just the other side of Swindon and our two families have always been intimate. Redfern was a viscount, entirely respectable, and with ambitions for his children to marry well. Perhaps I unwittingly gave Lucy the wrong impression.’
‘You imagine she expected you to propose the moment you graduated?’
‘The possibly has occurred to me in the light of subsequent events, but I can assure you that was not my intention, and I hope I never gave her reason to suppose otherwise.’
‘If she thought you had reached an understanding and shared her expectations with her parents, her mother probably couldn’t help dropping hints to her friends, such is the nature of ambitious mothers everywhere. Your subsequent non-appearance at the house party would have seemed like a public humiliation to a protective father. I can quite see that. But to attempt such an ungentlemanly form of revenge when no assurances had been given...’ Flora sent Luke a look of majestic indignation and shook her head, dislodging more wayward curls in the process. She must look a fright, she thought absently, but if Luke noticed he was too well mannered to remark upon her lack of grooming. ‘Would he really go to such extremes?’
‘Well, there you have me. Lucy married a local gentleman six months later, but her husband has business on the continent and is not often in England. I can’t recall the last time I saw her, but I think she and Mary are friendly.’
‘Well then, it seems we can be of service to one another. If you visit my grandmother’s attorney on my behalf, I will suggest to Mary that she and I visit her friend Lucy…’
‘Mrs Lucy Arnold, as she is now.’
‘Then Mary and I will visit Mrs Arnold and issue her with an invitation to Mary’s birthday party in person. I am sure that Mary would like her to attend, and since it’s such short notice it seems reasonable to hand deliver the invitation.’
‘And you think you will be able to discover something about the circumstances surrounding her father’s death through the employment of your gift?’
‘You see?’ Flora sent him a beaming smile. ‘You managed to make that suggestion without adopting a derogatory tone. I shall make a convert of you yet.’
‘Write me an introductory note to your attorney, minx, and I shall pay a visit to him tomorrow.’
Smiling, Flora sat down at Luke’s desk and wrote the required note.
Chapter Four
Mary sat at the escritoire by the window in her private sitting room. She tapped the quill she held against her chin, thought for a moment and then added a name to the list in front of her. She gave a little start as the door opened, then smiled as Flora entered the room.
‘I hope I am not disturbing you.’
‘Not in the least. I looked for you earlier, but Paul told me you were with Luke.’ Mary tilted her head, disturbed by a sudden gust of wind rattling the window pane. ‘I hope there is nothing wrong with Grandmamma. Well, nothing more than her usual idiosyncrasies. She seemed on excellent form last night.’
‘Don’t worry about her. She is still her usual argumentative self.’
‘That’s a relief.’ Mary gave Flora a considering look, curious to know what possible reason she could have had to spend so long alone with Luke if there was nothing wrong with Grandmamma. But Flora offered no explanation, and Mary didn’t know how to ask without seeming intrusive.
‘What are you doing?’ Flora sat beside Mary and peered over her shoulder.
‘Wondering who to invite to my party. I want it to remain intimate, without offending any of our close acquaintances.’ She put her pen aside. ‘I would like your advice, which is why I came looking for you.’
‘Then by all means let me help. Besides, I am keen to hear all the particulars of the gentleman who has captured your interest.’
Mary blushed, her attention focused on the view beyond her window as a tree directly in her line of vision shed leaves that had turned a glorious shade of russet gold. She watched as they tumbled to the ground and were bowled along by the wind.
‘I am equally impatient to tell you all about Captain Redfern.’
‘Redfern?’ Flora’s body jerked upright.
‘Yes. Are you acquainted with the captain?’ Mary wrinkled her brow. ‘You appeared concerned by the mention of his name. Do you know something to his detriment?’
‘No to both questions. It is just that I have heard his family mentioned somewhere, and quite recently. It seemed coincidental, that’s all.’
‘This family and the Redferns have always been close. You may have heard me refer to Lucy, my particular friend, although she is Mrs Arnold now. There was talk some years ago of her and Luke…anyway, I think Lucy had hopes in that regard. Not that she ever mentioned anything to me, but there is just something even now about the regret I see in her eyes whenever Luke’s name crops up in conversation. I’m not sure what happened between them back then, since I was still in the schoolroom.’ Mary put her pen down and gave Flora her full attention. ‘If there was a mutual interest it never came to anything, since Luke had not long finished at Oxford and was not ready to settle down, I would imagine. Besides, his best friend, Archie Hardwick, died in an accident at about that time and Luke was beside himself with grief. Then Mama and Papa died too, so naturally there was no question of Luke pursuing any romantic interest, even if one had existed.’
‘If I had been in love and was reasonably assured that my affections were returned, then I would have waited out his period of mourning,’ Flora replied reflectively. ‘I do not mean to criticise your friend, since I know neither her nor the exact circumstances, but it seems to me as though she showed a certain lack of constancy.’ Flora shrugged. ‘Or then again, perhaps Mr Arnold swept Lucy off her feet. I am told that such things happen, although I do not speak from experience.’
‘Perhaps Lucy had waited for Luke. She is only a few months younger than him. I imagine she assumed he would propose the moment he completed his studies, but I am equally sure that Luke would have given her no such undertaking.’
‘As am I. Your brother has his faults, like the rest of us, but he is a gentleman to his fingertips, and if he gave his word—especially about something so important—then he would not have broken it.’
Mary’s soft heart quailed. She tended to agree that Luke would not renege on a promise freely given, but if Lucy had misunderstood him, or assumed too much, it stood to reason that she would feel disappointed. ‘Poor Lucy. She is remarkably pretty and was besieged with attention when she came out, but if Luke disappointed her, she was likely concerned about becoming an ape leader. We shall never know, and I couldn’t possibly ask. But I do know that Lucy claims to be perfectly content in her marriage. She already has two children, so I expect it’s true.’
Flora smiled at Mary’s naivety. ‘Anyway, enough of your friend’s disappointments. Let us talk of pleasanter matters. You met your Lucy’s brother, this Captain Redfern, during your stay with Emma and took your own turn to be swept off your feet, I suspect. In which case, I am delighted for you, although confess to being surprised that you were not already acquainted with the captain, given that the families are so intimate. But then again, I don’t recall them dining here during my time. Were the Arnolds at Emma’s wedding, or at Charlie’s? I don’t recall seeing their names on the guest lists.’
‘No, they travel a lot while Mr Arnold establishes his business interests in France. They have only recently settled back in England. Well, Lucy has. Mr Arnold is still away much of the time.’
‘Ah, that would account for it.’ Flora leaned her folded arms on the table and sent Mary an encouraging look. ‘Now, I want to hear all about Captain Redfern.’
‘And you shall. I have been itching to talk to you about him.’ Mary offered Flora a conspiratorial grin. ‘Fergus Redfern is the youngest of four brothers. He is only ju
st twenty-two. He was away at school, then instead of university he purchased a commission, keen to fight for Queen and country, like so many foolish young men who dream of covering themselves with glory.’
‘It is not uncommon for younger sons to take the King’s shilling,’ Flora remarked, smiling as she watched Zeus through the window, attempting to catch the falling leaves as the wind sent them swirling back up into the air again.
‘He has just returned from Afghanistan; Captain Redfern, that is. He was wounded and is furious not to have played his part in the British victory at Kandahar as a consequence.’
‘Whereas you are secretly pleased that he was not exposed to the brutality of that conflict. The British forces may have won, but at what cost to their troops? We females have enough common sense to be aware that there is nothing glorious about war.’
‘Quite. He was wounded quite badly and has been left with a scar on his face and a permanent limp. The scar makes him look like a tragic hero.’ Mary sighed dramatically. ‘He will have to resign his commission, I expect. Lame soldiers are no good to anyone.’
‘You are quite romantically inclined towards your captain. I can see that. What will he do with himself now? Does he have independent means?’
‘I’m not sure. He hasn’t said what his plans are.’ Mary bit her lip. ‘You imagine, I suppose, that if he likes me he does so only for my money.’
‘Not if he has the sense to see you for who you are.’ Flora squeezed Mary’s hand. ‘However, I look forward to meeting him and seeing you together so that I can make my own decision.’
‘I thought I would recognise fortune hunters after what happened in the spring.’
‘Ah yes. Peter Carlton. He was a soldier too. I had forgotten that. He pursued you for your fortune, and me because he thought he could get away with compromising a penniless companion. Odious man!’ Flora shuddered. ‘But take heart, Mary, just because you are attracted to men in red coats, it does not necessarily follow that they are all bounders.’
A Sense of Misgiving (Perceptions Book 3) Page 5