Lord Ilchester's Inheritance Read online

  Gideon smiled as he remembered his time at the same prestigious school. He had also enjoyed his time there, finding the company of his peers more enjoyable than his own home. At least he did not have to rush into matrimony as his younger brother was his heir, and a perfectly good one at that. He was eight and twenty, plenty of time to think about setting up his nursery when he had passed his third decade.

  Eventually satisfied there was nothing urgent he had to do apart from get his man of business to settle the outstanding accounts, he pushed back his chair and strode to the window to survey the rolling parkland. Although the estates were prosperous, his parent had been seriously overspending and a retrenchment was necessary if they were not to fall into serious debt. Fortunately the grounds were well-maintained, the drive weed free, the Abbey, for all its great age, was in good fettle and required no urgent repairs or renewals.

  A polite tap at the door dragged him from his reverie. He returned to his desk and called a brusque instruction to enter. Foster, the estate manager stepped in, his cap in his hand. Gideon could not like the man, he had a shifty appearance, but had so far found no reason to doubt his probity.

  ‘What can I do for you, Foster? I was about to go out.’

  The man shuffled forward. ‘I was wondering, my lord, if I you wish me to make my annual visit to Canfield Hall?’

  ‘Canfield Hall? Why should you wish to go there? What interest is this place to me?’

  ‘Mr Bishop, the owner of the place, was cousin to your father, my lord. He is an elderly and infirm gentleman and you are now his closest relative. The previous Lord Ilchester sent me every year to make sure he was … well.’

  The noticeable pause between the words registered with Gideon. What the man meant was that he was sent to see if Mr Bishop was still breathing. There was more to this than the wretched man was revealing.

  ‘Thank you, Foster, there is no need to concern yourself. I shall visit Canfield Hall myself in a month or two. I had no idea there was another branch to this family, and it is high time I discovered something about it.’

  He flicked his hand and the man retreated. As soon as the door was closed Gideon went in search of his mother. She might be an extravagant parent, but he was fond of her and his brother. He wished he felt the same about his sisters.

  He found Emily and Elizabeth sitting with his mama in the garden room surrounded by yet more fashion plates and swatches of expensive materials. Neither girl got up to greet him. They were seventeen, Emily the oldest by a few minutes, and already both were beautiful. He would have to watch them carefully when they were presented to ensure they made no unsuitable connections.

  ‘Have you finished your tedious paperwork, dear brother? We were hoping you would come with us to visit Lady Redmond when we make our morning calls.’

  ‘I would rather have my teeth pulled, Emily, but I send you out with my good wishes. Mama, it is you I have come to see. What can you tell me about a Mr Bishop of Canfield Hall?’

  His mother, still a pretty woman although already in her middle age, smiled and patted the seat next to her. ‘Darling boy, I cannot believe you did not know of him. He and your papa were at daggers drawn all their lives, but your father liked to keep an eye on him. He is as rich as Croesus, came back from India with more money than he could ever spend – and as he is unmarried, and has no other living relatives, you will understand why your father took such an avid interest in his well-being.’

  Elizabeth overheard their conversation. ‘Papa said we would have the biggest dowry in the land when Mr Bishop dies. He is very old and sick so hopefully that day will come soon.’

  ‘Do not speak so disrespectfully, Elizabeth, I will not have it.’

  His sister coloured. ‘I beg your pardon, Mama, but it was what Papa always said. And although you have the title, brother, he has the wealth in the family.’

  Gideon shuddered. His sisters were more like their father than he was – and this was not to their advantage. They also had his colouring – blonde hair and grey eyes, whereas he and Henry resembled their mother, with dark hair and unusual, sky blue eyes. He decided to ignore her comments, Mama would take her to task when he had gone.

  ‘I wonder if he knows that there is a new Lord Ilchester. I should have enquired from Foster where Canfield Hall is situated. I don’t suppose that you know, do you, Mama?’

  ‘I do indeed, my love. It is no more than an hour or so across country – so your father told me. It would be perfectly possible for you to get there and back in the day.’

  ‘Thank you, Mama. I am too busy here at present, but will ride over there in the summer and introduce myself. I wonder why he and my father were at loggerheads – it will be worth the ride just to discover that.’

  He left the ladies of his family discussing the current fashions and deciding which ensembles they would order for the summer. He had already told them they must curtail their lavish spending. His inheritance was sound, and hopefully without the drain of his defunct parent’s gambling and hellraising, there should be more than enough to keep his sisters and mother fashionably attired.

  He did not stint on his own apparel, his clothes were made for him at Weston’s, as were his waistcoats and breeches. Although he was fond of his mother he had made a point of remaining on his own estate, a substantial one no more than fifty miles away, whenever his father was in residence. He visited London in the Season, but never stayed at the family town house in Grosvenor square, but took lodgings in Albemarle Street.

  As he strolled off to take his morning ride he decided that Mr Bishop deserved more respect and consideration than the annual visit from the estate manager who went solely to check that the old gentleman was still breathing.

  *

  The weeks passed and the longer she lived in Canfield Hall and the better she got to know her uncle, the happier Sapphire was with her life. The doctor had pronounced himself amazed at the difference in his patient. Uncle John could now walk with only the aid of his silver-topped cane, although he did seem to enjoy being pushed about the place in his smart bath chair.

  A dozen extra indoor staff had been appointed, all of them young and fit, and the house had been cleaned and polished until it sparkled. A team of labourers were working their way around the chambers in the central part of the house; she was sure that before the end of the summer every room would have been redecorated and refurbished.

  She smiled at her small family with satisfaction as they sat around the table eating supper together. She had soon abandoned the idea of the boys having nursery tea and she and her uncle dining informally later on. Uncle John had insisted he wished to spend every available minute with his nephews and niece and so matters had been arranged to accommodate these wishes.

  ‘Are you excited about your anniversary, boys? I cannot believe you will be five years old tomorrow – it seems only yesterday you were still in leading strings.’

  ‘I wish you would tell us what we are being given, Saffy, I shall just burst if I have to wait much longer.’ David looked from one to the other with shining eyes.

  ‘Birthday gifts must be given on a birthday, young man. You will just have to contain your impatience. It will be your big sister’s name day next month – you would not wish her to discover what we are giving her before that date, now would you?’

  ‘No, Uncle John, we wouldn’t. It is to be a very big surprise, Saffy, and you must not ask us anything about it.’

  ‘I shall be twenty years of age, almost an old maid,’ she said with a smile.

  ‘What’s an old maid, Saffy?’ David asked.

  ‘It is a young lady who has not found herself a husband, and it is fustian to refer to yourself as such, my dear girl. I have every intention of introducing you to my neighbours very soon, and you will have the pick of the county. You are a rich, beautiful and intelligent young lady and I will be fighting off your suitors with a stick.’

  The boys were delighted with this idea. ‘Will you use that stick, Uncl
e, or a different one?’ Tom said.

  ‘If a lady who is not married is called an old maid, is Uncle John called an old lad?’ David joined in.

  ‘Now you are being very silly, both of you, and it’s time for bed. Meg is waiting for you by the door. Run along now, and I shall be up to tuck you in in an hour.’

  She waited until her brothers were safely out of earshot before turning back to her uncle who was sitting, rather smugly, sipping his claret.

  ‘Uncle John, I have absolutely no intention of being paraded around the neighbourhood by you or anyone else. If the good Lord sees fit to send me someone I can fall in love with, so be it, but otherwise I am content as I am. And I can assure you, that even if I did meet a suitable gentleman and he reciprocated my feelings, unless he was prepared to live here, nothing would ever come of it. I am not going to leave you.’

  ‘But you do consent to inviting our neighbours to a garden party for your birthday, my dear? I have not entertained here for twenty years or more and I would so enjoy a small gathering and be able to introduce my niece and nephews to local society.’

  ‘In which case, I shall enjoy planning it with you. It would be wonderful to invite the locals as well, make it an annual event, perhaps? We could have stilt walkers, fire-eaters and a Punch and Judy show for the children and maybe dancing and fireworks.’

  ‘Heavens above! You have the bit between your teeth and no mistake, my dear. Let us indeed have a garden party for everyone.’ He laughed, and she was struck by the difference in the sound. His once pale, emaciated face now radiated good health and happiness. ‘I had not thought of something quite so grand. However, you’re right to wish to include my tenants and their families in our celebrations. My man of business can assist you, and the housekeeper and butler will want to be involved as well.’

  ‘I wish now that we had arranged a party for the boys, I hope they will not be disappointed with what we’ve planned.’

  ‘Disappointed? I should think not, my girl. They have a pony each and a puppy to share – what more could two little boys desire? Then you are going to teach them to swim and we shall have a picnic by the lake together.’

  ‘We have accomplished so much since I got here, and apart from the lingering smell of paint and the constant sound of hammering, we have scarcely been inconvenienced at all by the workmen doing the redecorations and refurbishments.’

  ‘I care not for such things, but am pleased to have Canfield Hall smart for your sake, my dear girl. However, I am thrilled to have young Jarvis to push me around in my magnificent bath chair. That was a stroke of genius, if I had thought of that myself I should never have gone into such a decline.’

  ‘I think you are almost ready to abandon it, Uncle John, but I shall be sad to see it go. I have never laughed so much as when I’ve watched you and the boys being trundled about the place.’

  He pushed himself to his feet waving away her offer of assistance. ‘I can manage perfectly well, thank you. The more I exercise my legs the stronger they will become, so the physician tells me. How are your driving lessons coming along? I’m not surprised that you are already an excellent horsewoman, your mother was a bruising rider.’

  ‘I am proficient with the pony and cart, and have now moved on to driving the barouche and the gig. Ned and Billy are thrilled to have charge of a stable full of prime horseflesh. Our two old carriage horses have been retired and are now living a life of luxury in the back pasture.’

  ‘Do you like the little mare I got for you?’

  ‘Starlight is everything one could wish for in a mount. Now, if you will forgive me, I must go up and read to the boys. I doubt they will sleep much tonight, they’re far too excited.’

  The next morning dawned as bright and sunny as the previous three weeks had been. Sapphire now had Jenny as her dresser and was beginning to enjoy the luxury of having her ensembles chosen for her. ‘I shall be back to change into my swimming garment after the boys have seen their ponies and puppy, and I shall wear my new primrose muslin morning dress until then. I do not wish to wear more than one petticoat.’

  ‘An excellent choice, miss, yellow complements your lovely, chestnut-coloured hair perfectly.’ Jenny held out the item designed for swimming. ‘I’m not sure this is quite decent, miss, when it is wet it will cling to your form in a most revealing way.’

  Sapphire agreed. ‘You are probably correct, but as there will be nobody to see me apart from my uncle and brothers it is of no matter.’

  ‘What about the outside men? They will be gawping from somewhere behind the hedges.’

  ‘Ned will make sure that doesn’t happen – he is as concerned for my decency as you are.’ Sapphire glanced quickly in the full-length mirror and was quite satisfied with her appearance. She too had gained weight and no longer looked like a beanpole with a mass of russet curls. Even her eyes were brighter and more green than brown nowadays.

  She had intended to collect her brothers on the way past but she could hear them running about downstairs and Uncle John was also up and about far earlier than usual. She rather thought breakfast would have to come after the visit to the stable yard.

  ‘Happy birthday, David and Thomas. It is a spectacularly beautiful day today – perfect to celebrate with a picnic and a swim. Good morning, Uncle, I had not expected to see you just yet.’

  ‘I am as eager as the boys to begin this day of celebrations. I think I should like a breath of fresh air before breaking my fast. Boys, would you be kind enough to fetch young Jarvis and my bath chair?’

  Her siblings scampered off to return moments later. ‘Can we climb in too? Having a ride with you is ever so good for a birthday treat,’ David said eagerly.

  ‘Absolutely right, young man. Now, allow me to get myself settled and then you can scramble in between my legs.’ He looked at his assistant. ‘I think I should like to perambulate to the stable yard this morning, are you feeling strong enough to push us over the cobbles?’

  ‘Fighting fit, sir, and these little chaps weigh no more than a feather.’

  The journey around to the stables was accompanied by shrieks of laughter and at one point David toppled from the bath chair much to his brother’s amusement. Undeterred he jumped to his feet and dived back on again.

  Sapphire was surprised the boys hadn’t realised there was a reason for their visit to the stables. When Jarvis pushed them through the archway even she was silenced. Standing side-by-side were two matching Exmoor ponies, immaculately turned out and with ribbons plaited through their manes and tails.

  ‘Are these for us, Saffy? Our very own pony each?’ Tom was out of the bath chair, closely followed by his brother, and was about to rush at the ponies.

  ‘Quietly now, boys, you will startle them if you are too noisy and brash,’ Uncle John said firmly.

  Immediately they obeyed and waited to be given permission to advance. ‘Come along, lads, let me introduce you to Merry and Bruno,’ Ned said and beckoned them over.

  When the puppy was brought out they were rendered speechless once again. Sapphire watched them with a full heart and thanked God for bringing her here. They decided to call the dog Silly as he was indeed a little clown. They agreed that until he was house-trained he would remain outside.

  By the time they had received their first riding lesson and returned to the house for a very belated breakfast it was almost midday – time to go to the lake and change into their swimming suits in the boathouse. There were already tables and chairs set out under a handsome willow tree, plus rugs and cushions on the grass as her brothers would be more comfortable eating their picnic there than sitting at a table.

  Meg helped the boys change into their costumes and Jenny assisted her. With the pretty mob cap covering her hair and the pantaloons down to her ankles, she was fairly sure there was less of her on view than when she was dressed normally.

  ‘I am ready now, boys, are you?’

  They appeared from behind the screen giggling and shoving each other. They l
ooked as ridiculous as she, and she felt they would have been better served to enter the lake in their birthday suits. She smiled at her thoughts and led the way to the steps at the end of the boathouse.

  ‘Now, boys, you must listen very carefully to my instructions. The water at the edge comes only up to your waist, but if you move away from there you will be out of your depth. Whilst I am teaching one of you, the other must remain close to Meg and Jenny who will be watching from the bank. Is that quite clear?’

  They nodded solemnly. She took the hand of each child and together they stepped into the water. She had expected it to be cold, but it was surprisingly pleasant. David squeezed her hand.

  ‘What if we want to… you know … relieve ourselves? Do we have to get out and go into the house?’

  ‘I am sure nobody will notice if you do not, but I have no wish to be informed.’

  They emerged into the bright sunlight and she gently steered David to the bank. ‘As David is the eldest, I shall begin my instructions with him. Why don't you hold onto the bank and kick your legs, Tom?’

  After forty riotous minutes she had lost her cap and her hair had tumbled from its pins to hang in damp cascades around her shoulders. Both boys could now do a respectable distance in doggy-paddle and she was confident that with a few further lessons they would be competent swimmers.

  ‘I am so wet, boys, I am going to swim to the centre of the lake whilst you play in the shallows.’ She struck out strongly. As she reached the centre where the water was cool and deep she turned and began to swim back concentrating on keeping her stroke even, enjoying the sensation of ploughing through the water at speed.