by Pat Herbert
“She will have to go to the workhouse like other women in her plight.”
“But I can’t let that happen. I will get another position. There are other banks.”
“I don’t think you will find it all that easy,” said Richard, relenting a little. “Word gets around.”
“Then what am I to do? And, more to the point, what is Olivia to do? I got her into this plight, I must find a way of helping her, of looking after her.”
“I believe you genuinely love this woman, Humphrey,” said Richard almost kindly, “and that is why I intend to help you.”
Humphrey’s face lightened. “You will? I am deeply grateful...”
Jonah held up his hand. “Don’t be too grateful, Humphrey. There is a condition attached.”
“Anything,” he said greedily. He was a drowning man clutching at a straw.
“You will not, I repeat not, see this woman ever again.”
Humphrey’s expression changed at once. The brief light of hope disappeared from his eyes. “I – I don’t know if I can do that.”
“The choice is yours. You can either sever all connections with her or go to the devil with her. Which is it to be?”
Humphrey stared hopelessly at his brother-in-law but didn’t speak.
“I will pay for her confinement and will continue to pay the rent on her flat until that time. When the baby is born, I will decide how to proceed. That is my prerogative. Do you understand?” Richard stared unblinkingly into the other man’s eyes.
“It is very generous of you, Richard.”
“Not generous at all. I just don’t want Hannah’s money to be spent on this. She has been humiliated enough. I will make sure she knows that I am paying what is necessary from now on. Now, do we have an understanding?”
Humphrey had little choice but to agree.
Chapter Twelve
October 1894
Olivia, living alone in her Regent’s Park flat, did not have the luxury of a maidservant to answer the door when she received a visitor. She had to make her way down a long flight of stairs and open the door herself. A task she never really minded when she knew that the visitor was Humphrey, but it was a chore if she had to meet tradesmen and other lesser mortals. Especially now she was carrying so much extra weight.
Feeling rather tired today, she almost ignored the doorbell but, after the third ring, she decided to answer it. Part of her was glad she had, for here was obviously a gentleman; a stranger, but a respectable one and, to her practised eye, a wealthy one. Another part of her wasn’t so glad, as her condition was now very obvious to anyone who didn’t have a problem with their eyesight.
The gentleman raised his hat politely. “Good afternoon,” he said. “Please forgive this intrusion, but do I have the pleasure of addressing Mrs Ayrton-Williams?”
“Well?” She stood on the doorstep, barring his entrance. “To what do I owe this visit? Who are you?”
“My name is Richard Latimer. Does that mean anything to you?”
Olivia searched her mind. She had a vague feeling she’d heard the name somewhere before. “No. Should it?”
“Humphrey Downing is my brother-in-law,” he enlightened her.
“Oh, I see,” she said, somewhat disconcerted. “You had better come in then.”
He followed her up the stairs to her flat and looked around at the elegant furnishings and décor. “Well,” he declared, “this is all very nice, I must say.”
“Can you please say what you have come to say,” said Olivia curtly, her cheek flushed with embarrassment as well as annoyance. Her emerald eyes were glittering dangerously. “I have no doubt you have come to gloat.”
“That isn’t why I’m here,” he replied, stepping closer to her. “You are too beautiful for that.”
He was beginning to enjoy himself. Humphrey, with all his faults, at least had good taste in women. Despite himself, he began to feel stirrings of something inside him which he didn’t quite trust.
“Please don’t try flummery on me, sir,” said Olivia loftily. “What do you want?”
“Just a moment of your precious time, that is all,” he said, stalling. He hadn’t been prepared for her breath-taking beauty, and he found himself prevaricating. In fact, he had almost forgotten why he had come at all. For the moment, at least.
“If you do not state your business immediately, I must ask you to leave – nay, order you to leave.”
Now a little more in command of himself, Richard smiled at her. All right, my pretty miss, he thought, bluster all you want. I’m about to burst your bubble and soon you will be eating out of my hand.
He sat down without waiting to be asked, aware that the invitation to stay was unlikely to come now that he had obviously got on her wrong side. “I beg your pardon for sitting before a lady,” he said, “but I have come a long way and am a little fatigued. It would be a kindness if you would offer me some refreshment.”
“If you do not leave at once I will fetch a policeman,” said Olivia, ignoring his request.
“I think that would be ill-advised,” he said, the smile still playing on his lips. “You see, I have come to help you, and I wouldn’t be able to do that if I was locked in a prison cell. Now, would I?”
“You are insufferable, sir,” declared Olivia, sitting down, suddenly exhausted. Curiosity was now taking over from her anger. “Why – why would you want to help me? Anyway, I don’t need anyone’s help. I can manage perfectly well. Look around this flat. Do I look like a pauper?”
Richard raised an eyebrow and grinned sardonically. My God, he thought, she is beautiful. He had come to see her with the sole purpose of telling her that he himself would, from now on, be responsible for paying her rent and ensuring she had all she needed, at least until the baby was born. But now, as he looked at her, he began to understand how Humphrey had got himself so entangled. He had never approved of keeping mistresses; in fact, he had always been rather a prude on the subject. But this was no ordinary woman. As well as being beautiful, if a trifle plump at the moment, which was only to be expected; she also possessed a fiery temper. This he admired in a woman. He often wished his Beatrice showed a little more passion sometimes.
He continued to smile as he brought himself out of his reverie. “I would say you look very much like a woman who has all she wants.”
“Then I do not see how you can help me further. I thank you, but there is no necessity for your concern. Now, if you wouldn’t mind leaving. I am expecting another visitor.”
“I’m sorry to tell you he will not be coming.”
There was an awkward pause while Olivia assimilated this fact. “What do you mean?” she said finally.
“Not today or any other day,” said Richard. “But you need have no worries. I will be your benefactor and protector from now on.”
Olivia was thinking fast. It wasn’t such an awful prospect, at that. This man was a handsome devil, every bit as good looking as Humphrey, and no doubt just as rich, if not more so. It wouldn’t be such a bad bargain, after all
“Can I ask why?”
Although she had already decided that one handsome protector was as good as another, she was still curious to know what had brought about this change. Richard enlightened her.
“You don’t shock me,” she said quietly. “I suppose it was only to be expected.”
“However, you have shocked me,” said Richard, suddenly remembering this woman was dangerous. “I know all about your attempts at persuading Humphrey to get rid of his wife – my sister.”
She seemed unabashed. “It was none of my doing,” she lied blandly. “He said he couldn’t bear to live without me and was prepared to go to any lengths – “
“Hold your tongue!” exclaimed Richard, realising just how dangerous she was. He knew he was already deeply attracted to her and that, he also knew, was where the danger lay. “I know my brother-in-law and he has assured me he never intended to harm Hannah in any way.”
Richard felt a strange
loyalty towards Humphrey at that moment. After all, wasn’t he just as vulnerable to the charms of this wicked woman? He could hardly blame his brother-in-law for what he would do himself, given half the chance.
Olivia cast her eyes down at her feet and looked the picture of innocence. “You can believe what you like,” she challenged him. “You will never know for sure, will you?”
“Very well,” said Richard sternly. “As long as we understand each other. No more lies or I will withdraw my offer of help, and you will be destitute within a few weeks. I do not believe you want to end up in the poor house.”
She knew she was beaten. “I always suspected he was weak,” she said. “He told me many times he was going to have her committed to an asylum, but I knew he never would. I’m sorry,” she added, seeing the look on Richard’s face. “And I’m glad that he didn’t succeed now.”
Richard stood up, preparing to depart. “Never mind all that now,” he mumbled, pulling on his kid gloves. “I will make sure you want for nothing. I will visit you once a week to ensure you are well and that you have everything you need. I will also hire a maidservant to look after you. After the baby is born, we will then decide what will become of you – and it.”
Olivia smiled. It looked as if she had landed the right way up, after all.
Chapter Thirteen
December 1894
For almost three months Jonah had been happy to continue his surveillance of Olivia Ayrton-Williams under Richard’s instructions. Keeping his eye on such a pretty lady and getting paid for it: what more could one ask for?
Richard had told him he was looking after Olivia’s interests now, and that Humphrey Downing was banned from going anywhere near her. So, Jonah was needed to ensure that Downing didn’t disobey this order. It meant many hours of watching and waiting, but the money was good, more than good. He had never eaten or drunk so well in his life. His job was a precarious one at best: feast or famine, he never could predict which. He could go weeks, even months, without a case, so Richard’s regular pay was a godsend.
Jonah was a bachelor through necessity more than any other reason, the nature of his work keeping him away from home for hours on end, day and night. He knew no wife would put up with such irregular hours, but they suited him, and he enjoyed being his own boss.
Winter was making itself felt through his thin coat today as he stood in his usual spot opposite Olivia’s flat. Snow was falling on his hat and slithering down past his collar, making him feel uncomfortable as well as cold. It was two days after Christmas, and he was sad when he thought of his bare mantelpiece, devoid of any seasonal greetings, bringing it home to him his lack of friends. Still, he consoled himself; you couldn’t afford to have friends in his line of work.
As he stood there, getting colder and colder, he wondered how Olivia was getting on. Her confinement must be near, he thought, for he hadn’t seen her leave her flat for several days now. He fervently hoped it would all go smoothly, and she wouldn’t suffer too much. Jonah was the kindest-hearted of men when it came to women.
Olivia had long since noticed the strange-looking man who followed her at a distance wherever she went. Richard had told her who he was and why he was doing it and was unapologetic when she objected. The threat of the poor house, however, was enough to silence her on the subject. She smiled now as she observed Jonah from the window and felt a little sorry for him. The snow had turned into a blizzard, and he looked frozen to the spot. She could see the coat he was wearing was old and threadbare, and she could bet his scruffy boots let in the water.
She felt the baby stir as she retired from the window and sat down by the fire. Richard was due to come and see her in a few hours, and in the meantime, she had little to do but await his arrival. She picked up her sampler but didn’t feel inclined to get on with it. She then reached for the book she was trying to read but gave up after a few pages. That Little Nell was too good to be true; she got on her nerves.
Maybe she should have some tea. It would be something to do. She was about to ask Alice to make it when she had a thought. Why not invite that funny little man to join her? Give him some tea to warm him. He’d like that, and he might afford her some amusement into the bargain. Anything to relieve the boredom, she thought.
“Alice,” she called out.
Alice was there in a moment. It was a small flat, and the kitchen, where she had her domain, was just across the hall.
“Yes, m’m? Are you all right? Shall I fetch the doctor, m’m?”
“No, no, Alice, I am quite well. I’d like you to make some tea. Also, can you go down and ask that man across the street, the one with a pile of snow on his hat, to come in?”
“A man, m’m? Where, m’m?”
Olivia directed her to the window. “Do you see him?”
“Ooh, he looks ever so queer. Should you let him in? Mr Richard wouldn’t like it, m’m.”
Olivia privately didn’t give a fig if ‘Mr Richard’ liked it or not. Although she was grateful to him in many ways, and even felt something akin to liking for him, she wasn’t about to let him dictate to her what she should or should not do. Besides, Richard had set that strange fellow onto her in the first place, so it was his own fault. Woe betide him if anything untoward happened if she took the fellow into her home. But she could see the man was harmless, and he looked intelligent and amusing. Samplers and books had their place but were no substitute for human company, of whatever sort.
“Don’t worry, he’s there because Mr Richard put him there. Go and fetch him.”
Alice wasn’t convinced but knew better than to argue with her. She had been on the receiving end of her bitter tongue on several occasions already and, when she was in that mood, Olivia frightened her a little. She was a kind mistress on the whole, but she had a temper on her, that was for sure.
Jonah tried to hide behind a tree as he saw the little maid emerge from the building where Olivia lived and make her unsure way over to him. What should he do, he wondered. He was thin, but not so thin he could disappear completely behind the larch tree. There was no doubt: she was coming to speak to him.
She dropped him a curtsey as if he was someone important. This had never happened to him before.
“Sir,” she said, “my mistress wants you to come inside and have some tea.”
“What?” Jonah’s hat nearly sprang off his head as he jerked back in surprise. He grabbed it with both hands, the snow which had accumulated on its crown scattering all over his coat.
Alice prepared to repeat her message, but Jonah stopped her. “I believe you are mistaken, my dear young lady,” he said, “I am unknown to your mistress – er – whoever she is.”
Alice sighed. “She knows you. You are invited. So, are you coming in or not?”
He couldn’t believe his luck. “If you’re sure it’s me she means…” he said, hesitating.
Alice tutted. “She said to bring the man in the street in for a cup of tea. I can’t see no other man, can you?”
On such a wintry day, with everything covered in snow, it would have been hard to miss anyone else standing about. There was no one. Only Jonah Longbody.
“Then, lead the way,” he said.
Entering the parlour with some trepidation, he saw Olivia seated by the fire and, miracle of miracles, she was smiling at him. He must have died and gone to heaven, he thought.
“I believe we haven’t been introduced,” she began, holding out a soft white hand to him.
He took it nervously and looked into her magnetic emerald eyes. Close to, she was even more beautiful. Her condition suited her; there was no doubt of that.
“I – I – no, that is, Jonah Longbody at your service, Madam.”
“We won’t stand on ceremony, please be seated.”
She watched him with secret amusement as he hitched up his trousers by the knees and sat carefully on the edge of one of the Regency chairs furthest away from the fire and herself.
“Come now,�
� she smiled. “You must be freezing. Do sit nearer the fire and warm yourself.”
“Er, thank you,” he said, getting up and going over to the armchair opposite her.
“We’ll have tea now, Alice,” she said, “and some of those scones from yesterday.”
“Now, Mr Longbody,” Olivia continued, “haven’t I seen you somewhere before?”
Jonah started to feel nervous again, fearing Olivia, far from offering him tea, was about to tell him off. “I – I don’t believe so, Madam,” he said.
Olivia smiled. “I know so,” she said, “but, don’t worry. It’s Mr Latimer who’s set you onto me, isn’t that so?”
Jonah could see there was no point in denying it. “Well, I am being retained by him, but with the best of motives, I’m sure. He is just concerned for your welfare, that is all.”
“That is utter balderdash!” declared Olivia, in a most unladylike manner. “But it doesn’t signify. You are welcome to come in out of the cold and take afternoon tea with me.”
He smiled his toothy grin and seemed to visibly relax. Olivia continued to study him and found she began to like him, despite his unprepossessing appearance. He might not be the most handsome man in the world, but what had handsome men ever done for her? She was about to give birth to a child she didn’t want, that’s what they had done for her.
“I am very honoured, Madam,” he said, as he took the scone offered to him by his hostess. “You are most kind.”
“Kindness has nothing to do with it, although I could see you looked very cold standing out there all those hours. And in this wretched snow. I find I can’t get out very much now for fear of slipping. What I need is some stimulating company and intelligent conversation.”
“I’m – not very interesting,” he pointed out, alarmed. “I don’t have any conversation to speak of, and I’m no scholar.”
“Never mind, you will do,” she said, smiling.
“I will try to give satisfaction,” he said, sipping the welcome tea.