The Duke's Deception Page 11

  ‘Marianne, I am in a devil of a fix. Can I ask your advice? Although you’re the same age as Emily I feel you’re more of an adult than she will ever be.’

  She wasn’t sure if this was a compliment. ‘I’m going to the paddock to give Sultan some carrots. Come with me and you can tell me your problems as we go. I promise I’ll help if I can.’

  They walked in silence. After a while Edward found the courage to explain. ‘It’s like this. Charles and I…’ he stopped.

  ‘Go on, what about you and Charles?’ Marianne already had a shrewd idea what was coming but wished to see if he had the pluck to tell her himself.

  ‘Charles and I are free traders.’

  ‘I know you are, I overheard you discussing it on the first night I was here.’

  ‘But… but you didn’t report us or even tell Papa?’

  ‘No, I decided I would wait until I had proof positive. And then Charles had his accident and I had all but forgotten about it.’

  ‘You’re pluck to the backbone, Marianne; I knew it the moment I set eyes on you. So you will help me? With Charles knocked up I’m in desperate straits because I can’t deliver the goods on my own. There are two donkeys you see…’

  ‘Have you run mad? I did not say I would join you, Edward. I merely remarked that I knew what you and Charles were about and I had decided not to inform on you.’

  In his agitation Edward seized her arm. ‘But you must assist me. I cannot manage by myself and I have no one else to turn to.’ His shoulders slumped. ‘It’s all up for us; the goods have to be delivered before a specified day.’

  Marianne removed his fingers from her arm. ‘Think about it and you will see you are being ridiculous. It is one thing to condone your activities, quite another to participate.’

  ‘But we’re not regular smugglers, you know,’ he confided. ‘Not like those villains we met in Badgers Wood. We only collect the goods in Thorrington Creek and hide them until we get a message and then deliver them to Colchester.’

  She almost laughed at his naive explanation. ‘You don’t have to sail to France to be a smuggler, Edward. Handling the goods is enough to get you transported.’

  ‘You don’t fully appreciate what we do, let me explain how this all began. An émigré, the Duc de Verance, was staying at Bromley Hall and he asked Charles if he knew how he could get letters delivered to his family in France.’ He waited to see if she was following his story.

  ‘Go on, I am listening.’

  ‘Well, the long and short of it is this, Charles had been out with Black Jack, cutting up a lark you know, and offered to give the letters to him. That is how it all started. Charles doing the Duke a favour was all.’

  ‘The letters I can understand, no one could object to that, but the contraband?’

  He shrugged. ‘Our financial situation here was desperate. When grandfather modernised the Hall he overspent dreadfully and left the family in debt. We were unable to even pay the bills.’ The misery of his face began to convince her.

  ‘So when a smuggler offered Charles large sums of money to deliver goods he agreed in order to help the family?’

  The boy nodded. ‘That was when I got involved; Charles needed me to lead the second donkey. He has been putting the money directly into the housekeeping chest. I don’t know if my parents even noticed their debts were less pressing than before.

  ‘This will be the last time, I promise you. I have to see Charles, get him to write a note to Black Jack and to the Duke then it’s finished. But if the goods remain undelivered, hidden where they are, we’re at risk from the excise men and the smugglers.’

  ‘Let me think about it, Edward. It’s a lot you are asking of me.’

  Sultan greeted her with such enthusiasm it temporarily diverted her attention from the dilemma Edward had placed her in. If she didn’t help then both Charles and Edward could be exposed and transported or worse. The family would be ruined financially and socially. Charles, as he was would not survive incarceration. Her refusal to assist might be signing his death warrant.

  But if they were caught, what then? She would be ruined as well, her secret exposed and her life effectively over.But she had far less to lose than her adopted family. She would do it. She had no choice. Then an answer to their problem occurred to her.

  ‘Edward, why can’t we ask Billy or Tom to accompany you? They would be more use than I and they are utterly loyal. They would never reveal your secret.’

  He was shocked. ‘Good God, Marianne! One cannot ask servants to put their lives at risk, it won’t do. If you’re not able to help me then I must manage alone. Don’t feel badly, I fully understand. I shouldn’t have asked you.’ He hung his head in despair.

  ‘I will do it, Edward. Don’t look so wretched. You will need to find me some of your old clothes, I cannot do as you ask dressed as a girl. Now explain what I have to do. I wish to fully understand what’s involved.’

  He spread his arms preparing to envelop her in a bear hug but sensing her slight recoil refrained. ‘Thank you, Marianne, I’ll never forget this. The procedure’s quite straightforward. We ride to Thorrington Creek, leave the horses there, load the donkeys, lead them to a point outside Colchester where we unload, collect any letters from the duke and reverse the procedure. See, simple?’

  She was horrified by his account. ‘But Colchester is almost six miles away, are you saying I have to walk that distance twice whilst leading a wretched donkey?’

  He grinned. ‘It’s not as bad as that. We ride the donkeys back; they will be unburdened on the return. It’s a lark. You’ll be amazed how swiftly a donkey can trot when headed for its stable.’

  Reluctantly she found herself grinning back. ‘You’re beginning to convince me I should enjoy this escapade. I can hardly wait for the experience of riding bare back on a bolting donkey in the middle of the night.’

  They agreed nothing further could be arranged until Charles was spoken to the next day. Back in her room Marianne was glad John had not yet returned. If he was home she wouldn’t even be contemplating helping Edward.

  Marianne set out on her morning ride to Thorrington Creek accompanied by Emily and Edward. Sultan, ecstatic to be out and about once more showed his exuberance with a series of fly-kicks and bucks. Laughing, her hat awry she settled him down. ‘Silly fellow. You shall have your gallop in a moment.’

  Thorrington Creek with the tide in sparkled invitingly in the sunlight. The three dismounted, and leaving Sam and Billy to hold the horses, they strolled companionably along the tussocky shoreline. Emily was full of high spirits.

  ‘To think dearest Arabella will become a sister to us, Marianne.’ Her pretty face fell. ‘But where will they live? There is not room at Frating Hall and I know Charles will not wish to reside with his in-laws.’

  ‘Time enough to consider that when they are officially betrothed, Emily. I am just happy Arabella has finally come to her senses and realized how she feels about Charles.’

  The sudden braying of donkeys from behind a hedge caused Edward to step unwarily and he vanished into the murky tidal creek. Spluttering and coughing he sat up, water streaming from his face. Emily and Marianne were clutching each other for support and unable to offer him any assistance. He slopped his way to the edge and scrambled out to stand, scowling and dripping, in front of the helplessly giggling girls.

  ‘I am all wet,’ he announced plaintively, ‘and my boots are full of water.’

  Marianne wiped her streaming eyes. ‘They would be as you have just fallen in the creek.’ Then she and Emily collapsed in a further fit of giggles.

  ‘There is no talking to you two. I’m going home.’ He stomped off his departure accompanied by interesting squelching noises which sent them into fresh peals of mirth.

  Marianne watched him scramble on to his horse and for a moment thought he would complete his ignominy by disappearing over the other side. Luckily Billy, fighting to hide his grin, caught Edward’s boot and hauled d him back into the sadd
le.

  ‘Oh dear, we should not have laughed but it was so funny,’ Emily said. ‘His expression as he vanished under the water.’ They burst into fresh peals of laughter and it was some time before they were sufficiently composed to resume their journey.

  At Frating Hall it was all bustle and excitement. News had just arrived from Great Bentley that Charles had been declared well enough to be moved and was to be transported home. The housekeeper was busily directing servants to prepare a seldom used summer parlour into a temporary sickroom. The room which opened on to the flagstone terrace would allow the invalid to be carried outside to enjoy the fresh air. Marianne and Emily were happy to offer their assistance to ensure the preparations were completed in time.

  Later as she hid in the library she recalled Edward’s plan to speak to his brother. He would be able to do this now which meant that her adventure might take place that very night. As Jane was convinced her husband would return the next day Marianne was relieved her excursion into free trading would be completed before John could return and put a stop to it.

  Chapter Twelve

  The arrival of Charles and Lady Grierson in the carriage and Lord Grierson on horseback meant Edward had to come out of the dismals and, freshly changed, come down and greet his brother.

  ‘How are you Charles? You don’t look too bad for a man who almost kicked the bucket.’

  Charles, his face noticeably thinner and a clean white bandage covering his head, appeared remarkably cheerful. ‘I would do it all again even to losing my poor old Bess, if it meant I would finally have my darling Arabella.’

  ‘I do believe you mean it! To prefer a lady to a horse? I hope I never get so weak in the noggin.’

  ‘That’s quite enough from you two,’ Lady Grierson said firmly. ‘Charles is far too weak for such badinage.’

  Four young men carried the injured party into his new quarters and Mary, Lady Grierson’s dresser, was left to settle him in. Dr Jones called and declared himself satisfied with his patient’s progress although naturally his opinion was not treated with quite as much respect as formerly.

  Lady Grierson called Emily and Marianne to the small withdrawing room later that afternoon. ‘My dears, come and sit down there is so much we have to discuss.’ She waited until they were comfortable before continuing. ‘Papa begs your forgiveness but he has decided to postpone all thought of a soiree for the present. It will be several weeks before Charles is able to walk about and until then we shall not entertain at all.’ She smiled kindly at Marianne. ‘Of course, dear Sir Theodore is like one of the family, he is welcome at Frating Hall at any time.’

  ‘Thank you, Mama, I’m sure he will appreciate having the freedom of the house. Did you find him much changed whilst you were staying at Bentley Hall?’

  ‘Changed, my love? Whatever do you mean?’

  ‘More - more of a Corinthian - less of a dandy.’

  ‘I see, yes, he certainly showed more interest in what was going on around him than before. He is a good-hearted sort of young man but I fear he will revert to type as soon as he’s on his own again. He’s naturally indolent you know.’ Lady Grierson’s brow wrinkled. ‘I do hope you are not unwell, my love, that is a nasty cough you have.’

  Marianne regained her composure and replaced her handkerchief in her reticule. ‘It was something in my throat, a speck of dust, nothing else.’

  Emily sighed noisily. ‘It’s such a shame we will not have the opportunity to wear our new evening gowns.’ She rallied as she recalled Arabella’s promise. ‘But at least we have a summer ball to look forward to at Bromley Hall.’

  ‘I’m hoping it will be to celebrate rather more than Arabella’s name day,’ Lady Grierson said archly. ‘Whatever Lady Hawksmith’s objections I’m certain true love will prevail in the end.’

  ‘But, Mama, Charles cannot marry Arabella because he has nowhere to live and no money to support her.’

  ‘That’s a mere bagatelle, Emily my love. Your papa and Lord Hawksmith will come to some arrangement.’

  Marianne smiled wryly, guessing that it might be the interest from her funds that would be part of the bargain.

  ‘Papa and I will be dining at Bromley Hall tonight, a note arrived earlier inviting us. I am sure it’s to discuss dear Charles and Arabella.’

  ‘Then shall we dine upstairs, Emily? We can ask Edward to join us.’

  From the library Marianne heard the carriage depart an hour or so later. It must be time for her to go as supper was being served in Emily’s sitting-room at five o’clock. She was returning her book to the shelf when the door opened and Edward peered round.

  ‘May I come in, Marianne? I promise I’ve quite recovered from my twitty mood.’

  She smiled. ‘Yes, do, but I was just leaving; supper will be arriving upstairs at any moment.’

  ‘I know. I needed to speak to you first. I’ve seen Charles,’ he tapped his waistcoat pocket. ‘I have the letter to leave for Black Jack. It’s overcast tonight so if you’re willing - we will go.’

  ‘The sooner the better. I wish to get it over with. I’ll not be happy until you’ve severed this unsavoury connection.’

  ‘Excellent. We have to leave before the parents return. Can you be ready as soon as it’s full dark?’

  ‘I can, if you remember to send me something suitable to wear. A cap will be necessary as well for I don’t wish to be recognized if we’re seen.’

  ‘What about your maid? I can hardly pass the boys clothes to her.’

  ‘Sort them out and bring them straight to my parlour. I’ll give Jane the evening off. John’s due to return tomorrow so she will wish to prepare for his homecoming.’

  Later that night Marianne dressed in her borrowed clothes and crept like a thief through the house to exit via a little used sided door.

  Edward was waiting under the overhanging trees with Sultan and his own mount. She almost missed him in the darkness.

  ‘You look splendid, Marianne, just like my younger brother. Do you need a leg up?’

  ‘No, dressed like this I can manage easily.’

  They rode silently down the dark paths avoiding the more frequented highways and byways. They took the smugglers tracks that night. Edward knew the shortest route and they were soon at Thorrington Creek.

  ‘You unsaddle the horses and turn them out in the paddock whilst I catch the donkeys,’ Edward whispered, his voice sounding over loud in the darkness.

  ‘Do you need assistance loading them?’

  ‘The goods are not here. Good God! The excise men search down here regularly. The donkeys belong to the mill owner; it’s his paddock. He doesn’t object to us borrowing them once a month in return for a keg of cognac. But the customs are always suspicious of donkeys kept so close to the water.’

  At his casual mention of customs men her bravura evaporated. This was not a jolly escapade at all but a real-life nightmare fraught with unseen dangers and unbearable risks.

  ‘Marianne, hurry up, we don’t have time to delay.’ She had to continue - far too late to back out. The horses wandered off quite happy to graze in the paddock together. She heard the soft pad of unshod hooves and Edward arrived beside her leading two large, friendly donkeys. He handed the reins of the smaller one to her.

  ‘This is Bobbin. Jump up quickly, we have to get to the hideaway.’

  Riding astride a donkey with her legs dangling, a blanket the only saddle, was a strange experience. She urged her mount alongside his in order to whisper a question.

  ‘How far is it before we load them?’

  ‘Not far— now quiet we must talk no more than necessary.’

  Bobbin walked along in the rear unbothered by the darkness. Marianne found his gait odd after the long stride of her gelding but adjusted rapidly and was beginning to enjoy the ride when Edward reined in and dismounted.

  He vanished into the hedge pulling, Thread, his mount, behind him. Marianne did the same, finding herself outside a ramshackle hut well-disguised by a wic
kerwork of brushwood. Obviously the contraband was inside. Without a lantern it was hard to load the animals but Edward, an expert at such tasks, did most of the work. Thirty minutes later the donkeys were laden, the shed once more invisible under its blanket of branches, and they were ready to leave.

  ‘Follow me, don’t speak. If you hear anyone coming put your hand over Bobbin’s muzzle. He knows that means to be silent. It’s a long walk and the part that carries the most risk as we are actually in possession of illegal goods.’

  Their progress was slow and Marianne jumped at every snapping twig and hooting owl. They were following a well-trodden but secret path. Eventually at around midnight Edward waved her to a halt. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark and she could see quite well.

  ‘We’re here, see the dark shape - it’s a disused mill. We unload the donkeys in there.’

  ‘Will there be anyone there to meet us? I don’t wish to be seen even by a smuggler.’

  ‘No, I leave the stuff and collect any letters and the money from a hidey-hole in the wall.’

  Her heart was pounding. Marianne led Bobbin across the open space expecting at any moment a gun would fire and excise men would erupt from the circle of trees and arrest them.

  Fortunately the area was empty, the mill house too. Unloading was quicker work and soon the oil-skin wrapped goods, silks and small barrels of best cognac had been dropped into a ready-made hole in the floor.

  Edward replaced the floorboards and the pile of old sacks and told Marianne to take the donkeys outside. ‘I just have to put in the letters for the duke, collect my money and any correspondence to be sent to France and then we’re done here.’

  Both donkeys seemed to sense their part was almost over and she had no difficulty leading them outside. A sudden flurry of wings in the trees sent her pulse racing. Were they discovered? In her panic she forgot to whisper.

  ‘Edward, there’s someone coming, something has disturbed the pigeons.’