“Sit down please Francesca. May I ask you an unpleasant question about Mallinder?”
“Yes if you wish, but it is all so long ago. I have moved on and Mark and I are hoping to wed in the spring. He doesn’t care about my scars and says we will have beautiful children who look just like me.”
“Mallinder recently tried to compromise the girl I wish to marry. I stopped him and blacked his eyes and broke his nose for him. I wish I had killed him years ago. I did look for him after he abused you, but he disappeared for a time. He only re-emerged after I left the country. She said she was surprised, he was not aroused while he was trying to tear off her dress. Did he have to hit you to get aroused?”
“To start with, he only used a little pain. He would twist my nipples or do something else nasty that hurt which didn’t leave marks, but it gradually got worse. I don’t think he could get excited without hurting me. He always blamed me for his failure, said it was because I was ugly or not woman enough to satisfy him.”
“You have always been a lovely woman and were a pleasure to bed. If Mallinder couldn’t please you, then that was his problem not yours. Thank you Francesca, I know it was unpleasant to look back on that dreadful time. Did you ever think he might have been a molly?”
“I did wonder if he might be. He looked at the pretty boys as well as other women. He prefers his women slender and rather flat like me.”
“Miss Lambert is a pocket Venus, with very female curves. He might find her a bit off putting then. Thank you Francesca, Miranda. Father, are you intending to stay? Shall I send the carriage for you at any particular hour?”
***
The next morning Alicia rose early to watch from the kitchen door as Randall appeared grinning in her green riding habit over his own light-weight riding boots. He wore a light brown wig which almost matched Alicia’s hair under her riding bonnet with a very thick black veil that made recognition of his face difficult. Greenways led out Yellow Star and held her as Randall was boosted to the side-saddle. He adjusted his position as if he was used to riding side-saddle and waited whilst Greenways mounted his horse and they rode out together appearing to be conversing with each other. Alicia noticed two pistol holsters had been attached to the saddle, but they were mostly obscured by Randall’s skirts.
They rode off together towards Green Park and now all Alicia could do was wait for news of whether they would succeed in their mission. Randall seemed very small to be entrusted to such a dangerous endeavour. Even though she knew Sebastian had arranged for supporters to assist with Mallinder’s capture, she was fearful for the gallant Randall. Sebastian had not informed Grey of his intentions as he knew that gentleman was still hoping to secure evidence against Mallinder’s protectors. He had armed four ex-soldiers and intended to lay in wait with them before Mallinder arrived in Green Park.
Greenways returned with Randall two hours later. Both of them were grim faced. Greenways entered the house.
“Miss Alicia, the note suggesting an assignation was definitely an abduction attempt. Two men dragged Randall from the horse, but he shot one of them at point blank range. That man is still alive, but is not expected to last the night. My lord’s men captured both men and the driver of a closed carriage which was parked near. I saw Major Mallinder flee on horse-back but one of the Marquis’ men got off a shot from a musket at the dastardly coward. I saw him slump in his saddle bleeding as he rode away. We followed him into the town, but he managed to escape, by riding at a reckless gallop.” Greenways declared.
“I am sorry to hear that he escaped Greenways, is Randall all right?” Alicia had asked concerned for the little man.
“He’s fine although your riding habit is filthy, because he grappled with the men in the mud. His lordship stayed with his men to escort their captives to Newgate and lay evidence against them. His lordship asked me to tell you that he would call when he had dealt with the authorities. He said to apologize on his behalf and inform you he owes you a new riding outfit, Miss,” Greenways related.
“Thank you for helping out Greenways, I am sorry Mallinder has not been taken, but I suppose we can hope his injury will keep him indisposed for some months. Perhaps he will be found soon. It would be a relief to be able to finish the little season, knowing there is no need to look out for Major Mallinder trying to accost me. At least when this news becomes known, he will not be welcome in London society. I suppose we must continue to watch for trouble, Greenways,” Alicia said trying not to be upset by the news Mallinder remained free.
“I think that is all we can do until the blackguard is taken, Miss. I wondered what plans you had made for Christmas. I gather the Wynstanleys intend to go Chalcombe Manor for the festivities, will you be going with them, Miss?” Her stalwart supporter asked.
“I was invited by Lady Madelaine and his lordship tried to persuade me to stay with him and the Duke at Langsdown Castle, but I felt that would be improper as we are only engaged. I intend to go to Aylesbury to stay with Lady Maud. I have asked her whether Grace and Phoebe could stay too. I miss the girls and Lady Maud so I hope we can spend a quiet Christmas together,” she said.
“An excellent plan Miss, how do you plan to get your sisters to Aylesbury from Bath, Miss? They will be frightened travelling on the mail among strangers,” he asked.
“I thought you might go down on the mail with Sally to collect them. They’d feel safe with both of you as they know you so well. His lordship intends to escort me to Aylesbury with his retainers, before he travels on to the Castle. I will of course take another maid with me for propriety’s sake.”
“I don’t like leaving you Miss, but I think you will be safe with the Marquis,” Greenways declared before bowing himself out.
Sebastian presented himself at the Wynstanleys later that afternoon and was shown into the drawing room, where Alicia was trying to concentrate on a mathematics theory by Adrien-Marie Legendre, which had been published in Paris in 1798. Unfortunately the book ‘Essai sur la théorie des nombres’ was in the original French and she found it slow going.
“Alicia, it is wonderful to see you. I’ve really come to report that the men we have captured are now safely in Newgate prison and that I have laid evidence against Mallinder. A warrant for his arrest has been sworn, but I fear the bird has flown.” Sebastian said covering her hands with kisses. They had left the door open, but the servants had moved away not wishing to pry.
“Yes, Greenways told me what had happened and that you were delivering the felons to jail. So there is not much hope of catching Mallinder, you believe, Sebastian?”
“I fear not. Now that you have accepted my proposal of marriage I think you should select an engagement ring. I really do not want to wait too long before we marry. I want you where I can keep you safe from the likes of Mallinder, at my side. So if we send the notices to the papers in the New Year and have the banns read, we could marry at the end of January,” Sebastian suggested.
“It seems very quick Sebastian, won’t people think that it is rather hasty, to marry that soon?”
Alicia had protested. Sebastian had glanced at the open door and then moved closer, taking her in his arms and kissing her passionately. After a few more of Sebastian’s kisses she had agreed to the banns being read and for the notices of their engagement to be arranged, in the New Year, so they would be able to marry at the end of January. It took a little longer for Sebastian to persuade her to select an engagement ring on the following day, but Sebastian could be very persuasive when he wanted to be.
When Sebastian returned to Langsdown House, he intended to see Alicia later at a dinner held by the McKinlays. He arrived to discover Langsdown House’s entrance hall in chaos as a dark haired, swarthy skinned gentleman, attempted to instruct two of his own servants in unloading a pile of luggage in Portuguese. Meanwhile the Duke, his butler and several footmen looked on in astonishment. Standing at one side were two small dark haired boys looking very frightened.
Sebastian attempted to deal wi
th the problem addressing the gentleman as “Carlos” in Portuguese. Finally noticing Sebastian, he told him in that language the reason for his arrival. The gist of it was that their father, who as he was Josefina’s brother, was also her father had found her a husband, but he did not want to take the boys. Whilst they were talking, the boys ran to Sebastian and clung to him, crying “Uncle Sebastian.” He stroked the boys’ curls as he listened to Carlos’ explanation. Carlos had been dispatched to deliver them to Sebastian’s keeping and the luggage was theirs. Josefina was apparently heartbroken to lose the boys but had agreed to the match. Carlos having checked everything had been unloaded; bowed stiffly to Sebastian and bent to kiss the boys goodbye. He ruffled their hair and instructed them to be good. Then Carlos swept out and departed with his carriage and servants.
Sebastian led the boys over to their grandfather and introduced them and they made their bows. The Duke unbent to welcome his grandsons and stated they were welcome to live with him.
“But what is to be done with them now, Sebastian? The nursery suite hasn’t been occupied since you and Peter were at school. There’s no nursery maid or tutor for them.”
“I can find a maid and tutor for them in a couple of days, but for the next couple of nights, perhaps the Wynstanleys will take them. They have two boys a little older in town with them.”
Sebastian requested a carriage and asked the boys to locate their travelling bags. Then ordered the servants to take the rest of their luggage to the nursery suite and have it put into good order and redecorated at once. The carriage arrived, Sebastian and the boys accompanied, by one of the maids headed for the Wynstanley’s town house. Their butler ushered the Marquis, his nephews and the maid into the drawing room and sent a message to Sir Anthony.
Sir Anthony arrived downstairs having finished dressing for the dinner at the McKinlays. He took one look at the boys and noticed the resemblance between them and their uncle and promptly jumped to the wrong conclusion.
“I’m terribly sorry Sir Anthony, to impose on you like this. But their uncle Carlos dumped Juan and Jorge on me an hour ago and the nursery is not set up at Langsdown House. Would it be possible for them to stay with your boys for a couple of nights, until I can get organised. They speak good English.”
“You might think it acceptable Farndon, to foist your brats on to Alicia when your engagement is not even announced. But I do not!”
Juan and Jorge clung to Sebastian frightened by the strange man’s anger. Sebastian bent and picked Jorge up and comforted him. Alicia entered dressed for the dinner party having heard what Sir Anthony had said. She smiled at the boys.
“They are not Sebastian’s sons, Sir Anthony. They are his nephews. Sebastian told me all about them. Isn’t it wonderful they have come to stay? Would it really be too much trouble to put them up until Sebastian gets everything organised for them?”
“Nephews? They are Peter Vernon’s sons?”
“Yes, I’ve been supporting them and their mother in Portugal, but apparently her father has arranged a husband for her and he wouldn’t take the boys. I wanted to bring them all to England and get the boys educated, but she wasn’t prepared to come.”
“Very good of you to do so under the circumstances. I’m sorry at misunderstanding the situation. The resemblance is very strong. A couple of nights, I don’t think that would be a problem. William and Henry will enjoy their company.”
Sebastian put Jorge down, but retained hold of both boys’ hands.
“I’ll take them up to the nursery, Sir Anthony. Sebastian you had better get home and change. Even you can’t get ready in this time. We will warn the McKinlays you and your father may be a little late. Come along Jorge and Juan. Sir Anthony, could you send someone up with their bags please?” Alicia said sweetly.
Sebastian and the maid boarded the carriage which returned for Langsdown House. Alicia took the boys’ hands and led them up the stairs. The boys seemed relieved their travelling was over for the night and they had beds to go to. The Wynstanley boys, William, who was nine and Henry, who was nearly eight, were still up. It didn’t take long before the nursery staff had organised another bedroom for the two boys to share and got out their night clothes. Trays of supper were sent up for them although they ate little. Alicia said good night to the boys, but promised to see them in the morning. She made her way back downstairs to find Sir Anthony had informed Lady Sophia of their unexpected guests. Then ready to set out they boarded their carriage for the short journey to the McKinlays’ town house.
The Vernons were fifteen minutes late for the appointed time of arrival at the McKinlays, but by then Lady McKinlay had been advised that they would be a little late and had put back dinner by half an hour.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The following morning Alicia visited the nursery where all four boys had just finished breakfast and were clearly getting on well together. Sebastian arrived upstairs accompanied by one of his father’s footmen. He instructed the nursery maids to get all four boys ready to go out, he was taking them to his tailor.
“All of us?” asked William amazed at this treat.
“Well Juan and Jorge need to be dressed appropriately and your father is generously putting them up. It seems fair to get you both a suit of clothes for best as a form of recompense.”
“You can’t take four small boys to Weston’s. He’ll have a fit,” Alicia laughed.
“I have already arranged it with Weston. He seemed to understand perfectly that I expected him to dress my nephews, if he didn’t wish to see me dressed by Scott’s in future.”
“That was very high-handed of you, Sebastian. Of course he would hate to lose your custom. You are such a good advertisement for him. You are a veritable pattern-card.”
“I don’t see why he should quibble. All four boys are good-looking lads and in good proportions. He enjoys taking my money. I pay on time, unlike most of the ton.”
“I can’t take you to my tailor’s, Alicia, but I intend to take the boys out to the British Museum afterwards and then for tea at the Pulteney. You could join us if you think four boys and a footman are acceptable chaperones? I have borrowed Lady Henderson’s barouche as none of my father’s carriages would take so many. We could pick you up at one thirty?”
“You’ll never cope with four boys and only one footman.”
“Oh I think I will. If they misbehave I will drop them straight back here. Children usually understand I mean what I say,” Sebastian said loudly enough for the boys now dressed in their outdoor clothes to hear.
Surprisingly when the barouche arrived back at the Wynstanleys laden with a large number of packages, all the boys seemed to be behaving impeccably. Sebastian looked as unruffled as usual. Most of the packages were unloaded, before Alicia got in to sit next to Sebastian and they set off once more. Their first destination was Gunter’s where lunch was ready to be served to them. At least one gossip reported seeing the Marquis of Farndon together with Miss Lambert and four small boys, two of whom were very definitely Vernons. The gossip immediately reached the incorrect conclusion and it was around the town before Stephen McKinlay heard it and informed one rumour monger, the boys were Peter Vernon’s not Sebastian’s. The young blood sneered at that information saying it was easy to put the blame on a dead man.
“Don’t be a complete idiot, Eddie. The oldest boy is nearly seven. Sebastian never left England until seven years ago. Do the maths! The boys speak Portuguese and English, where was Peter eight years ago?”
The true story took longer to circulate than the false one, as it was less interesting. Eventually most of society accepted the boys were Sebastian’s nephews, not his sons. Sebastian when accosted by one friend later that day, said he would acknowledge them, if they were his and called Juan over.
“Juan, tell this gentleman who your father was, he thinks you’re my son.”
“Colonel Peter Vernon was my father of course, Uncle Sebastian. Not that you wouldn’t have been a nice father.”<
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“And I would have been proud to have you and Jorge as sons, but you are equally good nephews.”
Later when four tired happy and over-full little boys had been returned to the Wynstanley nursery, Sebastian took a glass of sherry with Sir Anthony and Alicia in the library.
“I should have expected everyone would assume they were mine. I’m sorry Alicia if it embarrassed you.”
“I wouldn’t have minded if they had been yours. I would not have snubbed them.”
“I would have minded. I’d have married Josefina if I’d got her with child. Josefina is a charming lady. I was furious with Peter for treating her so cavalierly. Juan should be the heir, not me. Peter’s sons have to live with the stigma. All I can do is give them a decent upbringing and settle some money on them.” Sebastian continued on.
“Sir Anthony, I am interviewing tutors tomorrow and have already found a suitable nursery maid. The suite has had decorators in all day and should be fit for habitation by the following evening so I will then be able to relieve you of the responsibility. May I thank you for helping out at such short notice.”
“Glad we could help,” muttered Sir Anthony.
“Are you sure you have no children, Sebastian? You had a lot of mistresses,” Alicia questioned.
“Definitely none in England and I know of none on the continent. I did get a girl pregnant when I was barely eighteen. She was a tradesman’s daughter, but I wanted to marry her. I was not her first. We were underage so at the end of term at Cambridge, we were going to run to Gretna. Father would have disowned me. She lost the child, I suspected deliberately.”
“Next I knew she’d found herself a richer protector. It took six months before I realised how lucky I was to have escaped. Marriage to a younger son who’d been disinherited, wouldn’t have suited her. I think she was hoping my father would buy her off. Then I had to deal with the problem of Peter’s daughter Emily, which made me more responsible.”
“Peter has another child as well?” asked Sir Anthony somewhat shocked.
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