Sixteen
Kelynen was trying to coax Gabriel into allowing her to bring the overnight guests to his room.
‘I’m sure your family are interesting and charming, but please, Kelynen, allow me my privacy.’ With Caterina’s shawl round his shoulders, he was sitting at his dressing table, the grooming items pushed aside, where he was writing music, his violin resting on his lap. Digory was snoozing on the bed.
She was pleased he had not ordered the curtains to be drawn, shutting out the fading evening light. He seemed to be gaining in strength by the hour, able to eat more with each meal. His bearing was firmer, his voice was stronger and he was no longer so strangely colourless. She had feared he had ruined his health permanently, would always remain weak, but it seemed he had a tough constitution and a quiet determination.
‘Please reconsider. Luke and Livvy would so like to meet you. Luke has brought his newly acquired fiancée with him. Sophie Carew and my brother-in-law, the Reverend Timothy Lanyon, are wholly considerate. No one will overwhelm you, you have my word.’
‘Please, I’d rather not be disturbed.’
‘Of course.’ His threatened posture visibly relaxed and she felt bad for pressing him. Gabriel had that effect. He was so pleasant, grateful and uncomplaining, so peaceful at times, and he also gave peace. She felt guilty for leaving him for so long that afternoon and apologized.
‘I take no issue with you, Kelynen. You are entitled to your freedom.’
‘Freedom is very important to you. Are you enjoying being back here among your family?’
‘I don’t remember my previous time here at all.’ His answer was offhand.
‘Don’t you like Chenhalls?’
He met her enquiring gaze with one of resignation. ‘No one likes living here.’
‘No one?’ She couldn’t see how anyone could remain unaffected by the house’s splendour and sense of history, the beauty and peace of the sunken garden, the wildness of the coast. ‘I find that hard to believe.’
‘Kelynen, I hate it here. Only your companionship makes it bearable. Josiah cannot wait to leave for good. In fact he’s going away very soon. There’s no future for him here. I’ve asked him to travel with me to Vienna and live with me awhile, but he says he has his own plans. My uncle never wanted Chenhalls. He finds the responsibilities stultifying. He’s always wished my father were the elder brother. He only finds it tolerable here when he’s involved in a smuggling run or some similar excitement. It’s the curse of the Tremaynes to never feel settled, to never find lasting happiness. It’s the madness we are said to possess.’
Something in his direct, fathomless gaze made her shiver. ‘I don’t understand why anyone is not charmed by Chenhalls. I have a great fondness for it. Perhaps the isolation is a factor in this disturbance you say is felt, but it isn’t the case that one has to live here all the time. Sir Rafe spends time at his town house in Truro. He travels regularly up to London, and further abroad when he can.’
Gabriel’s expression became apologetic. ‘I fear I’ve disappointed, or perhaps even offended you, Kelynen.’
‘Of course I’m not offended. I’m honoured that you feel you can share your thoughts and feelings with me.’
‘You are a good friend to me, Kelynen.’
‘Perhaps before you leave, when you are completely well, you might consider meeting all of my family. I’d like that so much.’
He smiled and his eyes shone a brilliant blue. ‘Then I think I’d like that too, perhaps soon. When I look more presentable. I took my first look in a mirror today. I was horrified to see how close I must have come to starvation. I was a ghoul. How horrified you must have felt at our first encounter.’
He laughed at his own humour, a pleasant, husky sound, and Kelynen smiled and looked at him closely. His looks were improving. She was pleased for him. He had a fine, kind face to go with his fine, kind personality. When he returned to Vienna he should surely find someone new to love. Perhaps before he left he would confide in her about his lost love; she had not changed her mind about the reason for his illness. Perhaps she and Rafe could visit him there. She would like to keep in touch with Gabriel, and she would like to travel. ‘Promise me you’ll always take care of yourself, Gabriel.’
‘I gladly give you my word, Kelynen. I owe you that. Enjoy the evening. You look beautiful, by the way. Stunning. You always do. And if I may say so, you look different. Vivacious and full of joy.’
Like someone in love, with hopes for the future, he pondered after she had gone. He had agreed with Josiah a little earlier about having reservations over the proposed match between Kelynen and their uncle, but as she was so impressed by Chenhalls, hopefully, if it went ahead, it would be a happy union.
He looked down at the score sheet. His mind had remained clear all day and he had made good progress. By the time he was fully recovered the ballet should be finished. He had thought to look for a suitable dancer to perform it, but Caterina would have hated that. It was hers and should remain hers alone. Instead he would bury the music in the grounds of their apartment as an act of tribute to her, the last thing he would do for her. Then he would continue with his life, perhaps move away, start anew, something he felt he might actually be able to do now, thanks to the tender-hearted young woman who had not only saved his life, but saved him from himself.
Kelynen checked her appearance before going downstairs. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and saw what Gabriel had seen. Her fair hair, golden in the candlelight, was carefully dressed under a silk, jewelled turban, and her figure was feminine and perfect in duck-egg-blue satin and white encrusted lace. Her dark eyes were shining, her complexion soft and pretty.
How had she managed to hide from Gabriel her state of agitation? Rafe had not yet had the chance to talk to Luke. Luke had spent only enough time in his room to change out of his travelling clothes before hurrying to Sophie, to walk with her round the gardens, and afterward he had not left her side. Rafe had decided to talk to Luke after supper. It would afford a better opportunity, he had said, after Luke had seen what he and Chenhalls could offer her, after Luke had feasted and drunk a good deal of fine wines, when he would be satiated, content.
There should be – she crossed her fingers – no problems in Rafe securing agreement from Luke over his intentions and in getting Luke to write to their father, recommending him. But she was worried about something else, something fearfully personal.
When Livvy and Timothy had finally reappeared for afternoon tea, it had been obvious from their glowing eyes, rosy faces and affectionate interactions that they had become reconciled and had been intimate. Kelynen now stared into the glass and touched her face – her cheeks were burning. Would the others be able to tell she had done the very same thing that morning? While Timothy had led Livvy to a chair, his chest thrust out manfully, their fingers reluctant to relinquish their touch, Rafe and Josiah had exchanged knowing looks. Luke, abandoning his adoration of Sophie for an instant, had grinned to himself. Sophie had glanced down demurely. They all knew about love-making – although Kelynen wasn’t sure if Sophie, having had an elderly husband, was much experienced – and they were all able to pick up evidence of a sexual encounter.
But this was silly. Surely she was being anxious for nothing. If Luke had thought for a moment she had been seduced he would have raged at Rafe, perhaps even challenged him to a duel, and he would have dragged her out of Chenhalls. On the other hand, he would have to demand that Rafe do the decent thing and marry her. So she could not lose. She had allowed Rafe to have his way, sweeping aside her former belief that a woman should only succumb on her wedding night. Her mother, Livvy, Jessica and Sophie, she presumed, had been virgins until then. It had never occurred to her that if she married she would not be pure. Rafe’s demands had shocked her and delighted her, overwhelming her in mind, body and soul. She was no longer spotless, but it didn’t matter. Marriage would bring her back into a state of grace. If Rafe made intimate approaches to her aga
in, she would ask him to wait until after the wedding ceremony. And he would happily comply, of that she was sure. She knew Rafe and trusted him. He was a loving, attentive, physical-minded man, but also wonderfully considerate.
She would soon be married, so there was no need to stay here cogitating and worrying and feeling guilty. After all, there were as many women who gave themselves to the men they loved, or merely to seek pleasure, as were those who did not. Swaying in front of the mirror, confident she was looking her best – indeed, quite stunning, as Gabriel had said – she picked up her fan and went downstairs, slowly, sedately. The mistress of the house. The future Lady Tremayne.
The meal went well around the great banqueting table. Everyone was in good spirits and for once Lady Portia stayed down until ten o’clock, amusing the company with her frank banter. Most of the conversation centred on Luke’s forthcoming nuptials.
‘Where will you live?’ Lady Portia asked, vigorously employing a toothpick between her few yellowed teeth. ‘Pengarron Manor or your own property? Poltissey, you say?’
‘Polgissey, milady,’ Luke replied. ‘We intend to reside there until I come into my inheritance. It will be the perfect place for our little ward to grow up in.’
‘Ward?’ Rafe raised his brows after glancing at Josiah.
‘We are to adopt a child,’ Luke said.
‘A child?’ Lady Portia had not heard the facts clearly. ‘Already? Then you had better make haste in taking her to the church, young man!’
Luke smiled graciously at the old lady, and Livvy, who had consumed an enormous amount of wine, giggled behind her hand. Sophie blushed and drew in her lips. ‘It’s my sister’s child,’ she explained tightly. ‘Mr Pengarron and I are to adopt her.’
‘Oh, an orphan.’ Lady Portia nodded, finally dislodging a piece of minted lamb from a lower back tooth. ‘Very noble of you, I must say, young lady. Mrs Carew, that’s your name, isn’t it? Carew… Carew… Are you the young thing that was wed to old Wilmot? That old fool! Good lord. No children of your own, I’ll warrant. Wilmot Carew was hardly capable of mounting a crippled pony!’
Sophie gasped, her colour deepening. Livvy rammed a fist to her mouth in an unsuccessful bid to stop laughing aloud. Timothy shushed her but was too happy to take the indiscretion seriously. Kelynen stared at Rafe, willing him to do something before Luke was offended and declared he and Sophie were leaving, but Rafe was already signalling to Jayna Hayes to escort his sister away.
‘Really, m’dear,’ he said jovially, ‘it’s long past your time to retire.’
After Lady Portia’s removal he looked with chivalry at Sophie. ‘Mrs Carew, I do beg your forgiveness. My sister is getting quite senile.’ To the whole company, he said, ‘Now we are finished eating, may I suggest we move off to the summer parlour where we may play cards or pursue other entertainments. Mr Pengarron, would you be kind enough to allow me a private word?’
Nettled over Sophie’s embarrassment, while secretly rejoicing over the hint that she may still be a virgin, Luke was gazing protectively at her. ‘I really have no wish to talk business tonight, Sir Rafe. Could we not delay until tomorrow? I hear you have a splendid music room. Mrs Carew is much accomplished on the spinet. She has already agreed to play something for us, and Kelynen has a sweet voice. Perhaps a musical end to the evening?’
‘As you please,’ Rafe capitulated graciously. He took Kelynen’s arm, mouthing to her, ‘Worry not, beloved. We shall prevail,’ and led the way.
The music room had plain walls and long windows and an unusually high ceiling, even for a grand house, to aid the acoustics. As if a recital might be given at any moment, comfortable chairs were set around three sides of a raised polished wood dais, on which were set a number of gleaming instruments.
‘It’s a pity you couldn’t persuade your nephew to play something for us, Rafe,’ Timothy said. He was keeping Livvy close at his side. ‘I’d be most interested to meet him.’
‘Gabriel is still too weak for such an occasion and unfortunately tempting him into a social life is a lost cause. I don’t think even dear Kelynen could accomplish that.’
The windows were open, and suddenly music – beautiful, lyrical, redolent of winter shores and of tempestuous seas – rose and spun through the dark spring air. Just prior to that, Kelynen had dragged Luke away from Sophie and asked him, ‘Well, what do you think of Chenhalls? Is it not splendid?’ But now they, like the others, were transfixed, not moving and hardly breathing until several moments after the last lingering, haunting note.
‘Gabriel Tremayne is indeed a master of the violin,’ Luke said. ‘I would like to hear more of his music.’
‘He’s played for the King, you know. Now he plays and composes for Emperor Joseph.’ Kelynen smiled, blessing Gabriel. This could only help her and Rafe’s cause.
‘It’s a good thing you were here to save the destruction of so great a talent. The house? It is somewhat portentous. You look exceptionally well, little sister. The air here agrees with you, or is it perhaps that you’ve found something or someone even more pleasing? I’ve not noticed a rapport between you and Josiah, I’m pleased to say; the fellow has nothing to recommend him. Does Gabriel mean something to you? Is that why you’re so keen to stay on and see him fully recuperated?’
‘Gabriel has a certain charm but he does not move me in that way. Luke, could you not speak to Rafe tonight?’
‘Kelynen, dearheart, don’t tell me you’re becoming concerned in the business affairs of this estate? No, that could not be so. The Tremaynes don’t allow women such an indulgence. In fact, they positively abhor it, from what I know about them. Now, Sophie and I, in view of her widowhood, are planning a small private wedding, but she wants you to be her maid of honour. I’ve given no mind to weddings before. I’ve written to Father and Mama, of course, but they won’t be home in time to help with the arrangements. You’ll have to tell me what I should know. I don’t want to appear brash.’
Kelynen hoped to be able to talk about her own future tomorrow. Her parents might be interrupting their stay in the fashionable spa town to attend two weddings. She was disappointed to have Rafe’s own declaration reinforced that he did not approve of women being involved with business, but that could be said for almost every husband, and there were many other things she could do – charities she could set up and the like.
His headache now at unbearable proportions, Josiah longed to retire. But he was anxious to discover if Sophie Carew was worried over the whereabouts of her sister and was making enquiries, and so he invited her to take her place at the spinet. ‘If I may say so, it’s noble of you to take on your sister’s child, Mrs Carew,’ he whispered, his speech slurred.
Sophie had only just comprehended his words. She did not like him standing so close. His breath smelled odd, and although he had imbibed little at the table, he appeared to be inebriated. Sir Rafe was passing him hard looks and was, she hoped, about to dismiss another of his wretched relatives. ‘She will be a blessing to Mr Pengarron and me, Mr Tremayne.’
‘It is my own sad experience to be orphaned so young. I take it this is the case?’
‘It is not.’ Sophie stepped back with music sheets in her hand. ‘Misfortune has decreed my sister is unable to bring up the child herself.’
‘Misfortune? What sort of misfortune?’ Pray God, this hard, frigid woman was not suspicious over Adelaide’s safety.
Sophie was disturbed by the insistence in his tone. Throughout the evening she had been aware of the strange covert looks he had given her. The man was a degenerate reprobate if he was seeking to pursue her in the presence of her fiancé. ‘Mr Tremayne, why all this interest in my sister and her child?’ She glared at him and his eyes narrowed as bright colour flowed up his face. ‘Unless… unless you are my sister’s lover. Are you?’
Fear made him shoot out a hand and he gripped her arm, hurting her. ‘You’d be unwise to utter another word on similar lines.’
Luke looked across to see if Sop
hie was ready to begin playing. He saw her grimace of pain. Saw Josiah Tremayne sullying her with his hand. He shot to her rescue, thrusting the culprit aside viciously. ‘How dare you, Tremayne! I’ll call you out at dawn for this.’
Rafe was there in an instant. ‘What’s going on? Josiah?’
‘I’ll tell you what happened, Sir Rafe. Your damnable nephew was making approaches to Mrs Carew. I’ll tear his heart out! Sophie, beloved.’ Luke encircled her trembling body in his arms.
‘I’m sure we can settle this without further unpleasantness,’ Rafe said, firm and apologetic. He glared at Josiah with a look that conveyed he must be careful what he said. ‘Josiah, would you care to explain?’
Holding her breath, Kelynen stared at Sophie with something akin to hostility. Why did Luke have to bring her here? Surely, in her stuffiness, Sophie had been mistaken? Josiah had been quiet all evening, and he had never as much as breathed wrongly while in her own presence. If there were trouble, Luke would not be receptive to Rafe’s request for her hand.
‘It’s him, Luke,’ Sophie whimpered.
‘What do you mean, Sophie?’
‘He’s the father of Adelaide’s child. He was asking me questions, lots of questions, and when I became suspicious he threatened me.’
Josiah was finding it difficult to stand up now. It was an effort to speak in his usual calm and polite manner. ‘Yes, I admit it was I who sired Adelaide Trevingey’s baby, but I’ve not seen her for months. She went out of my house one day and I haven’t seen her since. I believe she was already interested in another man. I’m ashamed of my conduct towards you, Mrs Carew. Madam, you have my full and humblest apologies. I was taken by surprise by your frank question. Before, I was only concerned about the child and Adelaide. I take it she is well?’
‘Adelaide has disappeared.’ Luke still looked as if he wanted to place angry hands on the other man. ‘Can you shed any light on that for us?’
‘Oh dear, then she really did do what she had always intended. To venture to one of the big cities, without informing her sister of her whereabouts. I can only hope she has settled.’ A gifted, convincing liar, Josiah had long ago thought up this explanation. If Adelaide’s murder was ever discovered, Mordecai Lambourne could take sole blame. The mine captain was known as being habitually rough with women and his word was unlikely to be believed against any evidence supplied by himself and Sir Rafe.
Pengarron Rivalry Page 14