A Lord In Disguise Page 6

  'That sounds like a sensible idea, but you will travel post not by the common stage.'

  'I shall do no such thing, Edward. It would cost more to do so than we have been living on for an entire year. Remember what I said about extravagance.'

  He bit back his sharp retort. She was not his ward, nor indeed a genuine relation so was free to do as she pleased as long as her own parent agreed. Somehow, he rather thought Lady Bradshaw was in the habit of agreeing to everything her opinionated daughter suggested.

  *

  Penny was so excited she almost hugged him but wisely restrained. To be going to London at someone else's expense, to be given carte blanche to furnish Ravenswood was more than she could have ever expected. To think that scarcely two weeks ago she had been worrying herself sick about how they were to survive the next winter without a miracle and then he had arrived with his life-changing suggestion.

  She was at the door and then could not leave without expressing her thanks. 'Edward, I know we are benefiting you but you have literally saved us from destitution. We shall be forever in your debt.'

  His smile warmed her to her very core. 'My absolute pleasure, sweetheart, it is a mutually beneficial arrangement and as such we owe no debt of any sort to each other.'

  'I think I just heard a chaise pull up outside. I expect it is the tailor come to take your measurements. Shall we arrange to go to Ravenswood when you have finished?'

  He nodded and strode across to join her at the door. 'Let us hope that this tedious business does not take too long.' She raised an eyebrow at his tone and he chuckled. 'Do not fear, I shall be suitably excited about the thought of new garments as befits my lowly station.'

  She ran away from him and his laughter followed her. He really was irresistible when he chose to be. She had blithely agreed to go to Town on his behalf but had a feeling her mother might not be so delighted at the prospect.

  'I absolutely forbid it, Penelope Bradshaw. What are you thinking? What is he thinking? I suppose the gentlemen from a lowly background could not possibly understand that a young lady does not travel the countryside in a common stage and…'

  'Mama, you know there is little point in you telling me I cannot do anything when I have made up my mind I shall do it. It would be even more outrageous if he came with me, don't you think? Of course, dearest Mama, the matter would be solved if you came too.'

  'Travel to London? I could not do so. I can feel a palpitation coming on at the very thought. You will do as you think fit, as you always do, and I suppose that in our reduced circumstances there is little need to protect your reputation. After all, two weeks ago you were intending to be a servant yourself.'

  'I was indeed, and see how our fortunes have changed? I would not suggest that either Mattie or Beth gallivant around the place unescorted, but as I do not intend to marry, a few dents in my reputation is of little importance to me.'

  Her mother's attention was attracted to the sound of another visitor. 'Go and see who is arriving on horseback now.'

  There was no need for her to do so as her sisters burst in. 'A man has come on another huge gelding and is leading the prettiest dapple-grey mare you have ever seen. Do you think that is for us to ride?'

  'I believe so, Mattie, Edward promised he would get us a mount we could share.'

  Her mother had roused herself sufficiently to come across and see for herself. 'How kind of him, but of course he cannot know that a young lady must not ride alone. I cannot agree to any of you going out unaccompanied.'

  'In which case, Mama, we shall have to take it in turns to ride around the paddock. I've no wish to go out without Beth or Penny even with the groom beside me.'

  'I think that one of the carriage horses will also go under saddle. Why don't you go and enquire?'

  They ran off happily already deciding who would ride the mare and who the less glamorous chestnut gelding.

  'I am going to Ravenswood later, Mama, so that I have the information I need when I visit the warehouses. Why don't you peruse the latest fashion plates and see if there is a particular dress fabric I should look out for?'

  The thought of having gowns made up in the latest materials was enough to distract her mother and no more was said about the inappropriateness of her journey. She had been dwelling on the fact that there was something not quite right about the death of Lord Bentley. She could hardly write to her acquaintances and enquire as this might well draw attention to Edward. However, whilst she was in the metropolis she would somehow endeavour to visit the neighbourhood in which the Bentley family resided and make enquiries.

  When she was with Edward this afternoon she would bring up the topic and elicit as much information as she could about this family. The Season would be drawing to a close. The Bentley family would have removed themselves to their country estate after the death of the heir, which would suit her purpose splendidly. There should be a skeleton staff left in residence and it was to those she would address her enquiries.

  Just after noon she was mounted on the pretty dapple-grey mare, Misty, and Edward was astride his latest purchase. The two horses seemed firm friends already so there was no necessity to ride apart.

  'When do you intend that I go to London?'

  'As soon as I have a banker's draft in my hand you can go. I shall also ensure you have sufficient flimsies and coins for incidental purchases. Lady Bradshaw was remarkably sanguine about your proposed excursion.'

  'I promised I would purchase her some of the Indian cottons that are so fashionable at the moment. I also suggested that she accompanied me and the two things were enough to persuade her I should be perfectly safe to go on my own.' She saw his frown and hastily added. 'I shall have a manservant and my maid travelling with me so there's no need to look so cross.'

  'I am still uncomfortable with the fact that you are so careless of your reputation. What if you are seen by acquaintances? Would not your sisters suffer if you were considered beyond the pale?'

  'No, it might be considered out of the ordinary for me to go on my own but, in the unlikely event that I do meet anyone I know, they will be well aware of my circumstances and that there are in fact no gentlemen in my family who could have come with me.'

  'What about the person who inherited the title and the properties? Is he not now head of the household and are not your sisters his wards?'

  'Indeed, if he was a gentleman that would be the case and we would not be living where we are. The man is so distant a relation he can hardly be called one at all. He has half a dozen children of his own and had no interest in adding us to his household. We were given instructions to be gone before they arrived and barely had time to pack and find ourselves another home.'

  'I should be appalled at his callousness but in fact I am delighted he behaved so badly. If he hadn't then you would not be here and I would not be riding beside you.'

  For a moment she thought he was joking but then saw the sincerity in his expression. 'The only fly in the ointment, as far as I'm concerned, is that the Bradshaw title and estates are in the hands of a totally unsuitable person. I shudder to think what is happening to our people as I am quite certain he will not take care of them as we did.'

  This was the ideal opportunity to ask him questions about his family. 'Are you the only child?'

  'Unfortunately, that is true. If there were others then it would be easier for my father to bear the separation. My mother died in childbirth when I was still in leading strings. He never married again.'

  'If you do not mind me asking, why would the Bentley family intend to do you harm?'

  He gave her a brief explanation and she was mystified. 'It seems inexplicable to me that this should be continued to the present day. One would expect such behaviour several hundred years ago not in a modern society like ours.'

  'Exactly so, the continuance is not on our side I can assure you. Why do you ask?'

  'Curiosity, no more than that. The fact that Lord Bentley deliberately goaded you into fighting him ne
eds further investigation. If he intended to do you harm then why didn't he shoot you when he had the chance?'

  'I have thought about that myself. He should have selected foils as I am no swordsman and he is renowned for his ability with the blade, yet he selected pistols in which I am an expert.'

  'It makes no sense. Why would he risk his own life if what he wanted was to murder you?'

  He shook his head. 'It is a conundrum, Penny, but one you must not concern yourself with. I am resigned – no, happy with my new situation. If it wasn't for the fact that I can never see my parent again, I am forced to admit that I much prefer my new life to my old.'

  'Are the Bentley family wealthy? Do they reside in a prestigious part of Town?'

  'They have a house in Hanover Square. Enough of this conversation, sweetheart, I have put it behind me and you must do the same.'

  They were now turning into the drive of Ravenswood Hall and immediately she saw the difference. The weeds had been cleared, the grass cut and the trees pruned. There were no longer holes in the roof and all windows were sound. The place was swarming with workmen – carpenters, plasterers, labourers of every type were busy setting things to rights.

  One of the gardeners put down his rake and came to take the horses. 'We shall not be above an hour.'

  He offered his arm and she slipped her hand through it. Only as she was ascending the stairs at his side did it occur to her this might give a completely erroneous impression to any of the numerous men who were watching wide-eyed.

  'This is quite unsuitable, going in like this makes me look like the lady of the manor.' She tried to pull a hand away but his other hand came around and held it fast.

  'I've told you before, my dear, it is of no interest to me what my servants think.'

  Unless she wanted to create an unpleasant scene, she had no option but to remain at his side. He released her once they were in the central hall. This appeared to be almost ready for painting. The black and white tiled floor was pristine, the magnificent carved oak staircase that dominated the space was repaired and polished.

  She forgot her momentary annoyance with her companion and turned slowly to admire what had been accomplished. 'This is indeed a splendid hall. It needs nothing else but a coat of whitewash to be complete. With the addition of a sideboard, a few small tables, some paintings and a mirror or two it will be perfect.'

  'Do you have any family portraits we could hang as obviously I have none?'

  'We could bring nothing of value with us. Everything pertaining to my family is in Bradshaw Manor. The only good thing about that situation is that the entire estate and contents of the houses are entailed and cannot be disposed of.'

  'I assume he is a Bradshaw?'

  'The family have that name but, as I said before, the connection to our family is so tenuous as to be almost non-existent. Heaven knows where the lawyers found them.' She gathered her skirts in one hand and headed for the stairs. 'I shall now explore the attics. Are you coming with me, sir?'

  Chapter Seven

  Edward hurried after her. Not because he had any real desire to visit the attics but because he was enjoying her company too much to let her go alone. She flew up in front of him revealing her riding boots beneath her habit. Such a voluminous garment was not ideal for rummaging about in attics, but at least she was not showing any of her more interesting assets. A surge of desire ripped through him as he imagined what she might look like unclothed. Perhaps spending time unchaperoned in the attics with Penny was not such a good idea after all.

  How she found her way so easily in a house she'd never visited he had no notion, but she was along two passageways, up a second flight to the nursery floor and then finally paused for breath at the door that led to the third floor.

  'We will need illumination even though it's light. Attics are notoriously dark and filled with cobwebs.'

  'Wait here, I'll have a servant fetch some candles.'

  'There are no bells to ring up here, Edward. It will be quicker to fetch them yourself.'

  He grinned. 'I have a better idea.' He strode to the nursery stairs and yelled for someone to bring candles. His voice echoed down the empty stairwell and immediately elicited a robust reply.

  'I'll bring you some, sir, there's plenty in the bedchambers.'

  He turned to find her giggling into her handkerchief and unable to speak.

  'I know, shocking behaviour, but it worked, didn't it?'

  She spluttered and wiped her eyes before answering. 'I thought you a serious gentleman, now you have shown your true colours. You are as outrageous as I.'

  Her comment pleased him. 'If I had shouted like that when a boy I would have been thrashed. I was obliged to conform to my father's expectations and long ago learned to control any thoughts of silliness.'

  'Good grief! Are you telling me that from this point on you are going to behave as a madman?'

  There was thunder of hobnailed boots on the stairs and a beaming workman arrived with two candlesticks and four candles. He had also had the foresight to bring a tinderbox.

  'Here you are, master, missus, you'll need them in those attics.'

  The items were handed over and the man departed as nosily as he had come. His companion was no longer laughing. She had been right to be worried about them wandering about the house together. Servants gossiped and what had transpired here would be common knowledge by tomorrow. He was about to beg her pardon when yet again she surprised him.

  'I hope you don't object to having your name linked to mine? Nothing we can do about it now. Shall we go and investigate upstairs?'

  The door was stiff and he had to apply all his considerable weight to it in order to get it open. 'I doubt anyone has been up here for years. Are you quite sure you wish to proceed? There will be rodents and spiders galore.'

  'I am not overfond of mice and rats but have no objection to spiders. You may go first and hopefully any four-legged creatures lurking near the door will hide before I get there.'

  She expertly used the tinderbox and soon both candles were alight. He tucked the spares into his jacket pocket. She held one and he the other. He viewed the narrow staircase with disfavour. 'It's extremely dirty. Your pretty gown will be ruined up here.'

  'As I am to have a new wardrobe at your expense that hardly matters.'

  Her causal comment caused him to trip over the second step and drop the candlestick. 'God damn it to hell.'

  His language didn't shock her but made her laugh. 'Allow me to relight your candle, Edward. I can see you are not only mad but also clumsy and inclined to swear.'

  This was the outside of enough. He reached behind her and yanked the door shut. Two could play this teasing game. He stepped close so they were scarcely an inch apart. She was pressed hard against the closed door and from the quivering of the candle flame her hand was shaking.

  Immediately he regretted his actions and was preparing to step away and apologise when he realised she wasn't frightened, but laughing. He had always hated being a figure of fun. He forgot who he was, who she was, and gave in to his desire.

  He picked her up and crushed her against his chest. Her feet were in mid-air, her heat was making him lose all common sense. He tilted her head and he was lowering his mouth to kiss her when she spoke softly.

  'Edward, if you do this you will have crossed the line. Are you willing to take such a risk?'

  'Are you?'

  Her arms encircled his neck and her fingers buried themselves in his hair. He had his answer. Her lips were sweeter than any he had kissed and as they softened beneath his he wanted nothing more than to take what she was freely giving.

  *

  Penny wanted the kiss to go on forever. She had never experienced anything so heady, so exciting, so dangerous. Then he gently disentangled her and replaced her on her feet. He didn't apologise and she was glad of that.

  'This is a dangerous game we're playing, sweetheart, and I don't think that you quite understand the rules. Come, let us go an
d investigate up there before anything else untoward occurs.'

  It took her a few moments to recover her composure. Her candle had gone out during the embrace but he had no difficulty using the tinderbox and getting both of them burning again.

  'I'm not sure if we should apologise to each other for breaking all the rules. I am not sorry, I really enjoyed the experience.'

  He had his back to her and didn't turn as he spoke. 'You are an innocent, I am not. I'm not in the habit of seducing young ladies and do not intend to start now. I too enjoyed our kiss, but it will not be repeated. In future I shall treat you as my sister.'

  For some reason this didn't upset her, but annoyed her. She took the two steps necessary to bring her up behind him and then poked him sharply in the back. 'Don't stand there dithering. Get a move on, I have not got all day to waste looking in your attics.'

  It had the desired effect and he surged up the remaining stairs and kicked open the door at the top. There was an ominous scuttling and then silence. He moved away from the door and immediately she could see almost well enough to dispense with her candle. There were windows at either end of the space and if they had not been so grimy the area would have been flooded with sunlight.

  In the few minutes she had had to gather her thoughts she had decided she was going to pretend they had never kissed or exchanged heated words. She would treat him as she had always done and trust that he would respond in kind. She had no intention of being spoken to as he did to her younger sisters – she was a woman-grown and would not be treated like a schoolroom miss.

  He placed his candle on what looked like an oak sideboard and then pulled out his handkerchief and walked to the window and began to clean it. She had nothing to use unless she tore off a strip of petticoat and she decided to do that. He had called her ensemble pretty, in fact it was an old gown and her underpinnings were patched and worn.

  She hurried to the far end of the attic, reached down and ripped a large chunk from her petticoat. The sound was hideously loud in the silence. She had not thought this through.