“There is little to do,” Charlotte agreed. “Our nearest neighbours are at Wyndham Court or at Loring Abbey. There is Brighton just west of here and not far from Wyndham is Newhaven. When we feel overly adventurous, we go to London or Brighton. Perhaps one day we may go there and see the King’s Pavilion.”
“I have no wish to become a burden. I am quite content to curl up with a book. I spend a good deal of time reading to Mama.”
“Reading is what I do most here, but I have resolved this morning to do more with myself—take up a cause of some description.”
“What would you like to do?”
“The problem is, I do not know. Every person of my acquaintance does something meaningful, like charity work, reform or politics. I have no head for politics, so I thought to see if I could join one of the ladies’ movements in Town.”
“I am certain they would be happy to have any help you could offer. There are always people in need. Even in Barbados it seemed there were always some poor beggar children.”
“They are everywhere in the slums of London. I can scarcely bear to go to certain parts. Yardley donates large sums of money and works hard in the House of Lords to improve social reform, but it never seems enough. I just need to choose what causes to take up. I have decided to take my own house in Town this Season.” Charlotte looked to see if she had scandalized her visitor, but there was no trace of reaction.
“I would dearly love to see London,” Miss Dickerson said dreamily. “However, Mama is too embarrassed to be seen in Society. She says everyone will pity her and whisper behind her back.”
“That much is very likely true. Gossip is rather synonymous with the ton.”
“I also think she wishes to spare me.”
Yes, there would be talk. Charlotte could hardly blame them.
“How did she lose the use of her legs? Was it due to illness? I am afraid I know very little of the story, myself.” It was gauche of her even to ask, but Miss Dickerson did not seem to mind.
“Are you immune to gossip?” Miss Dickerson asked with surprise.
“Not at all! I had heard Lord Brennan was killed, and that he had been the mastermind of a smuggling ring.”
“It was a horrid business,” Miss Dickerson said, closing her eyes. “My uncle David had once worked for Brennan by smuggling. Uncle David fled to the West Indies with me as a child when he feared for my life and his. When we returned from Barbados, Lord Brennan blackmailed him into doing his nefarious work again. There is much more to the story, but when Uncle David confronted Lord Brennan on the beach near the Scotland border, my mother was shot and has not been able to use her legs since. She would not have lived if Lord Craig had not been there.”
“What a horrible thing to be betrayed and shot by your own husband!”
“Indeed,” Miss Dickerson agreed sadly. “I am glad to know my mother has been spared having to listen to the gossip. I hope to keep it that way.”
“Yes, of course, Miss Dickerson. Perhaps you may visit Town with me sometime when your mother is visiting Lady Wyndham. It is not overly far and you need not leave your mother for long.”
“I would enjoy that very much. I do not care what the gossips say about me. Please do call me Letty.”
“I would be delighted, as long as you will call me Charlotte.” They exchanged smiles.
Letty stood and walked to the window. “How far does this estate reach?”
“Quite some distance. It stretches to the sea on the south, and to the north and east farther than I care to ride. The western border meets with the Duke of Loring’s estate on the northern half and the Wyndham estate to the south. There is a veterans’ home and a medical training school for orderlies and nurses between those two estates.”
“And this is only one of your brother’s properties? I am still becoming acquainted with what being a duke means.”
Charlotte nodded. “His country seat is near Birmingham. It makes Langborn seem minuscule.”
“Our plantation in Barbados was large, as well, until a storm destroyed it.”
“Is that why you returned?”
“Mostly, yes. The crops are still thriving on the land but the house has not been rebuilt. I think Uncle David longed to see England again and his family—what was left of it, anyway.”
“Do you miss it?”
“It will always be home to me, but if we had not returned I would not have known my mother.”
“You did not know your mother before?”
She shook her head. “Very little. I can see why you would be confused. My father was the old Duke of Cavenray and my mother is Lady Brennan. They eloped to Scotland, but her parents forced her to honour her arrangement to Lord Brennan. They were deeply in debt to him and he wanted Mama even though she was with child.”
Surprise must have registered on Charlotte’s face.
“If it offends you, mother and I can return home on the morrow,” Letty added hastily.
“We cannot control the circumstances of our birth, Miss Dickerson. If your brother and mother choose to recognize you, who am I to say nay? Clearly you also have the support of Lord Wyndham, Lord Craig and the Duke of Cavenray. I am quite happy to have a friend near my own age. I am either in the company of young maidens or my nieces and nephews of late—every one of them horse mad. If you have any other topic of conversation, we will become fast friends. I am considered a spinster, and being the daughter and sister of a duke permits me some licence.”
“Have you not wished to marry?”
“None who have offered, I am afraid. What of yourself, if I may be so bold? Would you like to partake in the Season, or find a husband?”
“I could not leave Mama. Even if I could, I imagine my birth would prevent most matches with those who matter in Society. Mama said the only matches I would be offered there would be of the scandalous sort.”
“You are very beautiful. With your connections, your natural birth would not matter to most. Society is very fickle. Your brother is a powerful duke, and many would not gainsay him and risk his displeasure.”
“I am not concerned about marriage. Having just found my family again, I am not ready to leave them yet.”
“For myself, I plan to declare my independence this Season. I will find out exactly how much licence the ton will allow.”
“And precisely how do you expect to do that, dear sister?” A deep, familiar voice boomed from behind.
“Benedict!” She jumped and whirled to face him.
“May I have a word?”
“What the devil is going on?” Benedict demanded as they removed to the study, the one room Charlotte rarely entered when he was not in residence. It was a dark-panelled, masculine room with brown leather furniture and the complete opposite of her taste.
“I could ask the same of you!”
“You go first.”
“The Earl of Wyndham died this morning. I found out when I arrived for my weekly tea with Elly. Lady Brennan and her daughter had just arrived from the north and felt as though they were intruding. They were about to leave.”
“Intruding at Wyndham? That is preposterous!”
“We know that, but they are not well acquainted yet. Lord Craig had sent Lady Brennan there to the medical school to try some new treatments. Did you know she was paralysed from a pistol wound inflicted by her husband?”
“I had heard. I suppose you offered for them to stay here for the time being?”
“I did. And you would have done the same.”
“Do not be so confident of my charity.” It was going to complicate everything. How was he going to keep Douglas’ presence from Charlotte with the man’s family here?
“Now, you tell me why you are here.”
“To visit my dearest sister, naturally.” He arched one of his brows.
“Naturally.”
“I hired a gamekeeper. I wanted to inform you and see how he is managing.”
She eyed him with suspicion. “We have not had a gamekee
per this past decade. Do you mean to tell me you left Jolie and the children and rode down here just to tell me you hired a servant? You could have informed me by letter or sent a groom.”
“Yes, but Jolie is in London with her maman.”
“What is going on, Benedict?” She folded her arms over her chest, looking mulish.
“Why would I not come to see how you fare, knowing you are here alone? And why do you suddenly care how I manage my properties? What has happened to my demure sister?”
“I have never been demure,” she protested. “Disinterested, perhaps. I have decided to become more independent. I wish to have my own house in Town this Season.”
“No.” His reply was deliberately curt.
“Benedict, you promised me.”
“I promised you might do so when you are no longer of marriageable age.”
She narrowed her gaze at him. “I am considered old enough to chaperone, Benedict.”
“You still have much to offer, Sister.”
“Please do not start this again.” She nearly groaned; he could tell by her expression.
“You simply have not met the right man.”
“I have been out for ten years, Benedict. Ten! I have met every eligible man in the kingdom.”
“Two more years. When you reach your thirtieth birthday I will allow you your independence if you still wish it.”
“Two more years? I must suffer two more years because you think I have not been trying hard enough to meet the right husband?” He could see she was trying to restrain her anger.
“I could arrange for you to meet some more eligible partis that do not go much into Society.”
“No, thank you,” she replied while biting on her lower lip.
Benedict held up a letter and waved it towards her. “Mother has married, Lottie. You cannot stay here alone.”
“She…married?”
He held the letter out for her to read. He watched as she took and read aloud the epistle from their mother, full of the delights of the Mediterranean and its handsome men, encouraging Charlotte to join her and find one of her own.
She snorted and shook her head. “Unbelievable. She has left me.”
Looking up, Benedict watched her with a commiserating gaze... except he could not truly understand how she felt.
“Take my offer, Lottie. It is not unreasonable for your elder brother to wish you well situated.”
“I have been living here alone without any mishap, thank you.”
“For a few weeks.”
She glared at him sideways beneath her lashes. “I want it in writing.”
“Now you question my word? I would call a man out for that!”
“You would not. After your history with duelling, you would do no such thing.”
No, but he could not allow this madness. When had his little sister become so bold? “I will have my solicitor draw up the papers if you promise to try for two more seasons, including agreeing to meet some gentleman I arrange.”
He watched her consider. “Now you add stipulations.” She paused. “As long as the meetings are not obvious as such,” she agreed grudgingly. “May I return to my company now?”
“Yes, of course. I need to pay my respects to Wyndham. I suspect Jolie will wish to as well. I will send a messenger for her.”
He also wanted to have a word with Douglas. It would be more difficult to keep him away from Charlotte when Lady Brennan and Miss Dickerson were in residence. Perhaps it was a blessing he had arrived when he did. He would just have to stay and keep an eye on events, after he went and apologized to their guest for his rudeness. He did not appreciate surprises such as this—it was simply too much of a coincidence.
After jotting a quick note to summon Jolie and the children to Langborn, then greeting Miss Dickerson, as she was being styled, he bundled himself up for a ride to greet the new gamekeeper. He was distracted as he strolled to the stables, but not before noticing the stunning black Spanish horse gracing one of the stalls. He directed the groom to move the stallion to the last bay, not that Charlotte any longer bothered to exert herself by riding. If only he could convince her to apply herself just a mite, she would have multiple gentlemen clamouring at her feet. Instead, here she was, wasting away into a spinster. And now, Douglas was here…
Benedict should have known this would all explode in his face, leaving shrapnel in impossible places. He had extended the offer to Douglas on his familial connections and to please Jolie. Unfortunately, dear George would take the opportunity to use this for his own purposes. Benedict had seen no other way but to help Douglas gain his pardon. Oh, what a tangle this was going to be! Especially since his sister had got a bee in her bonnet about taking up a cause and becoming independent! Dash it all, she already was independent, but in an acceptable way. However, she was susceptible to Douglas and would it not be a coup for him to marry Charlotte and her dowry? Would it not be his toe in the door to social acceptance?
Benedict shook his head as he pulled up before the gamekeeper's cottage. Clearly, he had not thought this over properly before he agreed to such folly. He dismounted and tied Dido to a post before allowing her to graze.
What was done was done and they could only keep going and end this as soon as possible. He knocked on the door, not quite certain how he should address Douglas. He had not been cordial at their last meeting. Unused to questioning himself, he started at the vision before him—a figure looking exactly like a crusty old gamekeeper with a bushy beard, a flannel shirt and thick wool trousers.
“Douglas?” He could not mask the surprise in his voice.
“Your Grace, I did not expect to see you here. Come in.” He stood back and held the door open.
Benedict held out his hand and gave Douglas a civil smile. “I did not recognize you.”
Douglas looked taken aback at the gesture, but gripped his hand firmly. “Excellent. Hopefully no one else will, either. May I offer you some brandy?”
Benedict inclined his head.
“Please, have a seat and tell me what I can do for you.”
Amused at this cordial reception, Benedict relaxed in one of two chairs by the fire. As Douglas handed him a drink, he continued to study the man with whom his sister was so taken. “I assume it is too early to have made progress?”
“I did as much research as possible in London on Captain Dunn and the gang, but it will take some time to insinuate myself into it. I have spent my evenings thus far at the Black Horse. The leader is aware of me and my new position here.”
“Good. So it will not be taken amiss if we are seen together. Eventually, you will overhear something.”
“Precisely. I already know enough to presume when their runs will be. I thought to observe a few and determine their style.”
“Will you approach Captain Dunn?”
“It would be better to let him approach me. I need to know what I am dealing with before I stick my neck out there. I wish the King had been more specific about the nature of nuisance they are making. Smart smugglers know to stay away from the Crown, but Brennan was greedy and arrogant.”
“An unfortunate combination. I can make some enquiries at Whitehall and with our Sovereign, if necessary.”
Douglas narrowed his gaze. “Why are you helping me?”
Plain speaking; Benedict had to admire that. “I have a vested interest. My mother and sister live here, and if this operation has become a threat, then I need to eliminate the dangers.”
Douglas made a little noise of agreement. “I will not refuse your help. Allowing me to use this cottage as a cover is a huge boon.”
“Speaking of which, there is one more detail you should know. Lady Brennan and Miss Dickerson are now staying here.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“The Earl of Wyndham passed away and they felt they were intruding.”
Douglas cursed.
“My thoughts precisely. I have decided to remain here until this is resolved. We cannot be too careful. I
had hoped to convince Charlotte to return to London with me, but she would not consider it now, with your family here.”
“I cannot say I like any of them being here myself. My sister and Letty will return to Wyndham after the funeral?”
“That is my presumption.”
“Do you not think your presence might inhibit operations?”
Benedict furrowed his brow while contemplating this possibility. “You could answer that better than I, but it is not unusual for me to visit one of my properties. We will need to warn the ladies, however.”
“I had hoped to keep things quiet. The more people here, the more my presence will be noted.”
“Where do your sister and niece believe you to be?”
The man ran his hand over his face and through his hair. “I told them part of the truth—that I had to work for my pardon and that I was looking for land to begin a stud farm. I had planned on visiting Wyndham to see his stables as well as visit my kin.”
“I assume the lovely black stallion in the stables is yours? An Andalusian? I have not seen the like at Wyndham before.”
“Aye, that’s Gulliver. I hope to use him as a seed-horse when this ordeal is done.”
“Perhaps we can make the most of our situation. I have a lovely snowy grey just outside. She is particular, but she was interested in your stallion in the stables.”
“I am certain Gulliver would be most appreciative,” Douglas chuckled.
“Excellent. I will see to it. After all, I will need something with which to occupy my time whilst here. It will be easier to explain his presence here—not that Charlotte rides any more,” he muttered.
“May I send a note to Letty? I think it would be better if she knew I was here. I had told her I would visit them at Wyndham—”
“And now that is not possible.” Benedict finished the sentence with a heavy sigh. “Yes, of course, but do you plan to explain the whole?”
“I think, perhaps, considering the changed circumstances, it would be better than her finding me by accident. If it happened at the wrong time, it could jeopardize the whole business. She can be trusted.”
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