by Peter Watt
The storm broke with a crash of lightning and heavy downpour of rain. Ian was soaked by the time he reached the estate.
*
The dining-in night held at the regimental barracks in London was a grand affair, strictly for the officers and their ladies. The candles along the table flickered, casting gentle shadows and causing the jewellery of the ladies in their best evening dresses to sparkle. Laughter and wine flowed as the different courses of food were delivered to those at the long table, where the colonel presided at one end.
Ian was positioned near the centre, opposite a couple of new lieutenants who looked admiringly upon Ian’s medals. They had not served in the Crimea, but had read much about the great battles before purchasing commissions into the regiment that had witnessed so much action. To the newly joined young officers, Ian was already a legend.
Toasts to the Queen were made, the port bottle being passed from one officer to the other along the table, and cigars passed out.
The colonel rose to give his speech, and silence fell in the room thick with cigar smoke.
‘Gentlemen and their ladies,’ he said. ‘This will be my last dining-in night as your colonel. As from the morrow, I will be resigning my commission to retire and write my memoirs. You will have a new colonel to command our glorious regiment.’
Polite protests from the officers of the regiment followed his statement, and died down when he raised his hand. ‘But I can assure you that the man to take command is not unknown to you. He served for a time with us in the Crimea, where his courage was of the highest order. I would like to introduce and welcome Colonel Jenkins, and his lady, Lady Montegue.’
All necks strained to see the couple enter the dining room. Ian was stunned when he saw Rebecca on Jenkins’ arm, as the officers rose with their glasses of port to toast their new commander. Ian remained sitting. He did not toast the appointment of the man he knew was a coward and despised by those who really knew of his incompetence. But the worst part of the evening was the sight of Rebecca on his arm. She was outstandingly beautiful in her evening dress and sparking jewellery. It had only been the day before they had stood on the hill of the stone circle, and now, here she was on the arm of the man he hated as much as Charles. Jenkins had not honour, but obviously had the money to purchase a colonelcy, and the attention of Rebecca.
Ian did not remain in the mess after the dinner but returned to his club. There, he drank himself into a stupor before one of the staff helped him reach his room.
Thirty-Five
Ian sat in Ikey’s office, opposite the imposing man.
‘I am sorry, my friend, but my people were not able to find any trace of your lady in London,’ he said with genuine sympathy in his voice.
‘Molly said that if anyone could find Jane, it would be you,’ Ian said. ‘I feel that I owe you something for trying to help me.’
‘I only expect payment for results,’ Ikey said. ‘But I would ask a favour of you, Captain Forbes.’
‘I think that would be fair,’ Ian said.
‘Lady Montegue is to have a ball at her estate next week, and my sources tell me you have been invited.’
Ian was surprised at the Jewish man’s intelligence, but also considered what he had learned from others at the Reform Club – that he had been successful in accruing a fortune, rivalling even the wealthiest of English aristocrats. It appeared the immigrant had wisely invested dubious sources of his income into respectable business enterprises. Sitting in the modest office, this was not something Ian could imagine.
‘How can my attending the ball be of assistance to you, Mr Solomon?’ Ian asked.
‘I have a daughter who is both the light of my life and a bane,’ Ikey said with a smile. ‘My princess, Ella, has come of age, but you may be aware that the English establishment has no love of us Jews. I would ask the favour that you escort my daughter to Lady Montegue’s ball. It would make her very happy, and that means it would make me very happy.’
Ian was surprised at the formidable man’s request. It was a simple thing to say yes to.
‘I will be honoured,’ Ian replied.
‘You have now made me a very happy man,’ Ikey said, standing and extending his hand to Ian. ‘I know that my daughter will be respected and treated well, Captain Forbes. You are an honourable man, and I trust you, which is something I rarely say.’
In the crushing handshake, Ian guessed that anything else towards the big man’s daughter would mean severe punishment. When Ian looked into Ikey’s eyes, he prayed that his daughter looked nothing like him.
When Ian left the office, he had one other task to perform. He took a hansom carriage to his bank, and deposited the single stone he had left in a safe box. It would always be there as insurance against the mean times that may lay ahead.
*
Dressed in his uniform, Ian rode with Peter and Alice in a fine Forbes carriage to Lady Montegue’s country manor. The evening was chilly but clear of rain and when they arrived, the great mansion was lit with lights, making it look like a fairy castle. Many carriages were already in attendance and the cream of London society were dismounting before each carriage was driven away, and another took its place before the grand steps leading to the house.
‘Oh, this is exciting.’ Alice beamed as they were helped from their carriage by footmen dressed in the attire of eighteenth-century French servants. They could hear the sweet sound of an orchestra drift to them from within the mansion.
‘I am to wait until my partner arrives,’ Ian said as Peter and Alice prepared to go inside and be announced.
‘You said nothing of a partner for the ball,’ Alice said in her surprise. ‘Is she someone that I may know?’
‘I doubt it,’ Ian replied, wondering what Ikey’s daughter would be like. All he knew was that she was nineteen years old and would be conveyed by one of his carriages to the estate.
‘Well, we will go inside,’ Peter said. ‘I must say, I am curious to meet your mysterious lady.’
‘I hope I don’t have to wait very long,’ Ian said, and Peter escorted Alice into the great house and its huge ballroom.
Ian took a cigar from a silver case and lit it as he waited for the arrival of Ella. He had hardly taken a puff when a very elegant two-horse carriage with matching greys arrived. The driver was dressed in an expensive suit but looked uncomfortable, his brawny build testing the seams of his jacket. He stepped off the driver’s seat and opened the door to assist the passenger from within.
Ian stubbed out his cigar, guessing correctly this must be Ella Solomon’s carriage.
He blinked when he saw the young lady emerge under the flickering lights of nearby lanterns and she turned to him. Ella was nothing like her father, he thought. Before him was a truly beautiful young lady with dark eyes and slightly olive skin. She smiled when she saw Ian, who instantly recognised one of the diamond-studded necklaces he had sold to Ikey strung around her slim throat. Her long dark hair was tied behind her head, and she walked towards him as if gliding on the driveway. When she was only a pace from him, she said, ‘I am very pleased that you accepted my father’s invitation to escort me to Lady Montegue’s ball, Captain Forbes.’
‘How did you know that it was I who was waiting for you?’ Ian almost mumbled, awed by her beauty.
‘I must confess that I saw you when you first met my father,’ Ella said and Ian could not detect any accent other than that of an educated English aristocrat. She immediately gave the impression of being sweet and charming. ‘Shall we make our entrance?’ Ella continued and Ian took her arm, walking her up the great stone stairs to the main entrance of the manor house.
‘Captain Forbes and Miss Ella Solomon,’ the bewigged doorman announced, when Ian gave their names.
Ian escorted Ella into the vast room, where couples swirled around the dance floor. Ian was quick to notice that many heads turned as they
passed tables to join Peter and Alice’s party, and when they did, he noticed the flicker of interest in all their eyes. On Ian’s arm was a truly beautiful young woman, wearing a fortune in diamonds and sapphires.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Miss Ella Solomon, of the London Solomons,’ Ian said, knowing his introduction would be frowned upon by some at the table. But he did not care.
‘Miss Solomon, I am Miss Alice Forbes, please take a seat by me,’ Alice said warmly. ‘I must learn who your dressmaker is. You are the most elegantly presented lady at this ball.’
Ella blushed at the compliment and sat down beside Alice while Ian took a seat beside Peter.
‘Good God, old man, where did you find a beauty like Miss Solomon?’ he asked quietly, leaning into Ian. ‘She has the certain grace and poise of a true lady.’
‘You would not believe my story if I told you,’ Ian grinned, noticing the many red uniforms of officers from his regiment watching them with envious eyes. It was then that he saw Rebecca in the company of Jenkins, resplendent in the uniform of a colonel. Rebecca’s eyes met his and for a moment, Ian experienced a feeling he could not explain. He was once again reminded of Jane, who he did not want to think was dead but had to face that possibility. And if she was dead, who could have killed her? Alice noticed Ian staring across the floor of the ballroom and gasped. ‘That lady looks as though she could be Jane Wilberforce!’ Alice said.
‘That is Lady Montegue, our hostess,’ Ian said.
‘Who is Jane Wilberforce?’ Peter asked.
‘Jane was our playmate at the country estate when we were growing up,’ Alice answered. ‘But enough of that talk. Samuel, you should request a dance with Miss Solomon before she is swept away by one of those handsome and dashing young officers of your regiment.’
Ian stood and bowed to Ella. ‘A dance, Miss Solomon?’ he asked, and she extended her hand in acceptance.
The orchestra were warming up to a waltz. Ian had taken lessons while in New South Wales as part of his training for the role of impersonating the real Samuel Forbes. They once again turned heads when they entered upon the floor. The men admiring Ella’s beauty, whilst their ladies, her jewellery.
She fitted into Ian’s arms as the music flowed, and they floated across the floor. Ian surprised himself with his unpractised expertise with the waltz, and Ella seemed to be a part of his body as they swirled with the music. It was a night of flickering candles, music and romance.
The dance ended, and Ian escorted Ella back to the table.
‘You were the most beautiful couple on the floor,’ Alice said. ‘You look as if you were meant to be together.’
Ian was confused as to why one moment he would be grieving the absence of Jane, and yet this young lady seemed to be able to bring him back from the depths of his despair over her loss. Was it that his exposure to the brutality of war that had made him a realist? It was not that Jane was forgotten, but that she had been a past dream before war had changed him forever.
‘Captain Forbes, you are yet to ask me for a dance.’ Ian immediately recognised the voice of Rebecca Montegue behind him. He turned, and he could see the smile on her face. Ian stood and introduced Rebecca to his party, seeing how impressed they were meeting this often talked about, mysterious and beautiful woman of London society. Alice frowned at Ian as if to say, how does Lady Montegue know you?
Ian excused himself and led Rebecca to the dance floor. It was another waltz and she was very good, folding into Ian’s arms as the music took them.
‘Miss Solomon is certainly a beauty,’ Rebecca said in Ian’s ear. ‘You do know of her father’s rather unsavoury reputation?’
‘Not as unsavoury as the man who is courting you,’ Ian countered with a growl.
‘Colonel Jenkins is a man who has a good pedigree and ambition,’ Rebecca said, defensively. ‘He has informed me that he despises you but, for the sake of my sister, I can assure you that your secret will always be safe with me. If it was ever revealed that you are in fact a colonial imposter, I am sure it would bring a scandal on the good name of Forbes. Your fate is in my hands, and never forget that, Captain Steele.’
‘Why should I be of any interest to a lady of your obvious standing?’ Ian asked. ‘You have everything any woman alive would envy.’
‘I am with Colonel Jenkins because he is a man with an excellent pedigree, befitting my station in life, but I envy my sister because she found true love with you. Love is not a passion one of my social standing entertains, and I often wonder what Jane saw in you. But I have no doubt your position in the regiment will bring us into contact on social occasions. Ah, the dance has ended and I think that I should join the Colonel. You are a superb dancer, Captain Steele, and from what my sister told me, also a magnificent lover.’
Ian caught a glimpse of his new commanding officer with a crystal flute of champagne in hand, glaring at him. Ian ignored him and returned to his table.
‘Do you know,’ Peter said when Ian sat down, ‘Miss Solomon has informed me that she aspires to be a surgeon. Needless to say, I have attempted to discourage her by pointing out that medicine is not a profession really suitable for young ladies – or any ladies, for that matter.’
Ian looked at Ella and read a determination in her face. He had to agree with his Canadian friend – surgery was not a profession suitable for women. It was obvious to Ian that her father could offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to a good husband of his choosing. But it would have to be a man who truly appreciated this remarkable young woman of strong opinions and high intelligence.
The evening passed, and Ian had studiously avoided his new commanding officer because he realised how hard it would have been to keep his temper in check. But this did not work, and Ian found himself confronted by a red-faced and inebriated Jenkins.
‘Captain Forbes,’ he sneered. ‘If I could have my way I would have you transferred from my regiment,’ he said. ‘You have the attitudes of a colonial lout.’
Ian was in a tight spot and glanced around to ensure that they could not be overheard. ‘For a short time, I commanded the regiment and that ensured my bond with it can never be broken. I respect your position as the new commanding officer, but that does not mean I have to like or respect the person that I know you are . . . sir.’
‘You can thank Lady Montegue for me allowing you to continue service with my regiment, Captain Forbes,’ Jenkins said with a bitter tone. ‘God knows why she should support you.’
Ian smiled, knowing that Jenkins had seen Rebecca single him out for the waltz earlier that evening. ‘Oh, Lady Montegue and I share a secret,’ he said quietly. ‘One that you are not privy to.’
Jenkins blinked, and Ian could see his words had stung the man he despised as much as Charles and Archibald Forbes. Ian had left him speechless and walked away with a smirk on his face. He wished he could see inside Jenkins’ head for the turmoil of thoughts his mysterious statement had caused.
In the early hours of the morning, Ian stood with Ella outside the great house, waiting for her carriage. He admitted to himself that it had been a wonderful and memorable evening in the company of Ella, and secretly thanked Ikey for asking the favour of him.
‘Captain Forbes,’ Ella said, looking up into his face. ‘I cannot thank you enough for being such a gentleman, and such wonderful company. Tonight has been very special for me, and I shall provide an excellent report to my father of your courteous behaviour.’
As Ian gazed into her dark eyes he had an overpowering desire to kiss her but forced the thought out of his mind. She looked so appealing. Her carriage was approaching, and Ella stood on her toes, snatching a kiss on Ian’s cheek, surprising him. Before he could respond she had quickly walked to the carriage where the driver assisted her to step inside.
Then the carriage rattled away, leaving him with the lingering feeling on his cheek of the surprise kiss.<
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‘Time to go, old boy,’ Peter said from their carriage, and Ian sauntered over to the Forbes grand conveyance. It had certainly proved a night of mixed emotions, brought on by the presence of two remarkable women. But it would be only one of them that Ian would see in the next few weeks, before the gods of war called to him once again.
*
It would be inevitable that Ian would have to confront his new commanding officer, and the call came a week after the ball at Lady Montegue’s house.
The regimental sergeant major stopped off at Ian’s company HQ office at the London barracks of the regiment to inform him that his presence was required by the colonel.
Ian marched across the parade ground to the colonel’s office and was met by the adjutant, a captain.
‘The colonel will see you,’ he said and Ian marched into his office, standing at attention after saluting. Jenkins was sitting behind a desk with little else than an ink blotter stand with a pen and a paperweight made from half a cannonball. He was signing a report and glanced up when Ian entered.
‘Captain Forbes, I feel it is time for you and I to have a talk about my opinion of you remaining with the regiment,’ Jenkins said. ‘Considering our differences in the past I would like to see you gone but Lady Montegue has, for reasons known unto herself alone, argued that you should remain. I will grudgingly admit that you have proved to be an audacious officer during the past Crimean campaign, and it seems the regiment will be presently sent to Persia to settle a bit of a mess over there. So, you will retain your company but I expect absolute loyalty from a subordinate officer, regardless of personal, unwarranted ill will that I suspect you harbour for me. Am I able to rely on your total loyalty, Captain Forbes?’
‘Regardless of my personal feelings, I can swear loyalty to you, and the regiment.’
Jenkins glanced at the page of paper on his desk and then looked up at Ian.
‘I accept your word as an officer and gentleman, and hope that we can work together to make this the finest regiment of foot in the Queen’s army. That is all, Captain Forbes, you may go.’