Читать книгу A Lady Of Rare Quality - ANNE ASHLEY, Anne Ashley - Страница 9

I t was after spending a third night luxuriating in the comfort of a four-poster bed that Annis woke to discover clear evidence that the thaw had at some point during the night well and truly set in.

She was in no way surprised to detect the gentle tinkle-tinkle of water running along the guttering, or to see droplets of melted snow following each other in rapid succession down the panes of glass on her bedchamber windows, for Dr Prentiss, having braved the elements and safely negotiated the numerous snowdrifts, had managed to pay a belated call the previous afternoon. After a brief and favourable examination of his lordship, he had joined the ladies in the parlour, and had assured one and all that he had detected a definite rise in temperature during his journey to the Manor, and had declared he’d be surprised if there wasn’t a thaw before too long.

Although disinclined to make snap judgements about people, Annis had made up her mind long before he had left the house that she rather liked the good doctor. Conscientious, and possessed of a gentle reassuring manner that could not help but put the most nervous patient swiftly at ease, Dr Prentiss had put her forcibly in mind of her own father. Consequently his accurate prediction on the weather came as no surprise. What did rather astonish her, though, was the disappointment she was now experiencing at having no valid reason for remaining at the Manor.

‘Ah, Dish!’ she announced, turning her head as the door opened to discover her loyal maid-cum-companion entering the room. ‘Time to pack our belongings, I think.’

‘Can’t see any reason not to set out for the town this morning, miss,’ Disher responded, after depositing the pitcher of hot water on the washstand. ‘According to one of the stable-lads, the roads are all clear, or clear enough for travel, at any rate.’

‘That is good news,’ Annis replied, lying quite convincingly. She had no intention of revealing how disappointed she felt at the prospect of leaving the Manor, especially as the reason for the unexpected swell of malcontent continued to allude her.

‘Do you want me to ring for your breakfast tray, miss?’

‘I’d much prefer to break my fast in the parlour,’ Annis admitted. ‘However, given the fact that I’ve been assured his lordship prefers his own company for the first meal of the day, it might be as well to pander to his whims, especially as I find myself obliged to take advantage of his generosity still further by begging the use of a carriage to convey us to town.’

‘Do you imagine there’s a chance he might refuse?’

‘Had you asked me that very question directly after I’d perused the blunt letter he’d written to Lady Pelham, Dish, I would have been inclined to suggest there was a very strong possibility he might do precisely that. Now, however, I can safely say, “Certainly not”, with total conviction.’

Absently plucking at the bed covers, Annis began to consider his lordship’s character still further. ‘I should imagine only those select few who number among his closest friends are privileged to know his lordship really well. Notwithstanding, if I’ve discovered anything during our enforced stay here, it’s that Viscount Greythorpe is far from the austere, humourless being one might imagine him to be at first sight. He’s certainly an intelligent man who, I suspect, rarely acts without due consideration. I think, too, that anyone would be extremely foolish to underestimate him; it would come as no great surprise to me, either, to discover that he could be quite ruthless if crossed. First and foremost though, Dish, his lordship is a gentleman, born and bred. He would never see a lady stranded, or turn away without offering his support. Ergo, I harbour no fears that we shall find ourselves obliged to walk to the posting-house in town later this morning.’

Although firmly convinced that her reading of his lordship’s character was accurate, as far as was reasonably possible to judge on so short an acquaintance, Annis wasn’t unduly surprised to be the recipient of that severe frown of his, when she had the temerity to sweep into his private sanctum, unannounced, a little over an hour later. After all, he was essentially a very private man who, if his daily routine was any indication, preferred to spend much of his time alone. Personally she saw nothing amiss with this preference for his own company and, as a guest in his house, would never have dreamt of interrupting at a time when he was clearly working had the need to do so not been absolutely necessary.

‘Forgive the intrusion, my lord,’ she said, boldly slipping into the chair on the opposite side of his desk, after he had belatedly risen to his feet, acknowledging her arrival with the briefest of nods. ‘But, as I’m sure you’ll appreciate, given the favourable change in the weather, I didn’t wish to delay in speaking with you this morning.’

For answer his lordship merely reseated himself, before placing the letter he had been perusing to one side, and paying her the common courtesy of at least favouring her with his full attention, even if his expression remained serious, and not wholly welcoming.

‘Loath though I am to do so, sir, I must beg another favour by requesting the use of a carriage to convey me and my maid to the local town, as there is no reason now for us to remain, and I refuse to take advantage of your kind hospitality further by outstaying the gracious welcome you and your sister have extended thus far to a complete stranger.’

‘There is absolutely no likelihood of your outstaying your welcome,’ his lordship surprised her by responding, before confounding her further by adding, ‘But is not your request of a carriage a little—how shall I put it—precipitate? You had a purpose in coming here, Miss Milbank,’ he reminded her, when she made no attempt whatsoever to conceal her puzzlement. ‘You’ll forgive my saying so, but your attitude this morning is inclined to give the impression that you imagine you’ve been wholly successful in your endeavours, and that I shall be happy to acquiesce to Lady Pelham’s wishes on the matter of my half-sister?’

Annis couldn’t help but admire his directness, and his quite remarkable perspicacity. If the truth were known, she supposed she had been a little presumptuous. Having quickly come to the conclusion that he was in no way an unreasonable person, she supposed she had, indeed, taken it for granted that he would oblige Lady Pelham in this instance by not exerting his authority.

‘Seemingly, sir, I have assumed too much in believing just that,’ she admitted, acknowledging the truth of the accusation without preamble. ‘However, if this is not the case, I cannot imagine there is anything further I can do to make you change your mind, so my remaining cannot possibly serve any useful purpose to either of us.’

‘You err, child,’ he returned swiftly. ‘Your remaining would serve a very useful purpose indeed.’

Startled though she was by the admission, Annis didn’t fail to observe the same odd smile briefly pulling at one corner of his mouth as she had glimpsed on several occasions during the past two evenings, when they had been playing cards together. Whether or not his evident amusement this time had been engendered by her inability to conceal her bewilderment, she had no way of knowing. Notwithstanding, she decided to leave him in no doubt on that score.

‘I am totally at a loss to understand why you should think so, sir.’

His immediate response was to rise to his feet and take up the exact stance by the window that he had adopted during their former meeting in the room. He was undeniably an impressive figure in both height and breadth, and yet surprisingly enough Annis had never found him in any way intimidating. In fact, the opposite was true. The Viscount exuded a quiet dignity that she found oddly comforting and unerringly familiar, because it brought forcibly to mind that special aura she had never failed to detect whenever her late mother had entered a room.

‘Firstly permit me to deal with the matter of my half-sister. I shall not pretend to be overjoyed about the current situation,’ he began slowly, as though choosing each word with extreme care. ‘Nor can I bring myself to wholeheartedly approve of the way Lady Pelham hopes to deal with the matter of my sister’s foolish infatuation. None the less, I do fully appreciate that she believes she is acting in the girl’s best interests. It is beyond question too that her knowledge of Helen’s character is second to none. Consequently, I am prepared not to interfere at this juncture.’

Annis felt a wave of relief wash over her. ‘You will not regret your decision, sir.’

‘I sincerely trust you prove to be right,’ he returned almost brusquely, as he resumed his seat at the desk, his eyes never wavering from hers for an instant. ‘But so that we do not misunderstand each other, I shall speak plainly. Unlike yourself, I am not well acquainted with Lady Pelham. I have never heard anything to the lady’s discredit. In fact, the opposite is true. Common report would have me believe that, having been a widow for many years, she is positively shrouded in respectability. Even so, she would be a rare being indeed if she was without flaw. Therefore I cannot help wondering if this disinclination on her part to pay an extended visit here at this time stems solely from the honest belief that she is acting in her niece’s best interests. It could also be an attempt on her part to continue caring for Helen without outside interference.’

Annis could quite appreciate these reservations, and did not hesitate to offer what reassurance she could, while maintaining the absolute truth. ‘If you are asking me whether or not Lady Pelham resents the fact that you are Helen’s legal guardian, then all I can tell you is that she never admitted as much to me at any time during my recent stay with her. The overall impression I gained was that she welcomes this interest you are taking in your sister.’

His lordship’s regard had never been more keen. ‘Does Helen herself know the extent of my authority over her?’

Annis could see no benefit in attempting to conceal the truth, and so shook her head. ‘To be honest, sir, it came as a mighty shock to me, so I can only imagine how Helen herself will feel when she learns. But let me assure you that Lady Pelham has not deliberately concealed the truth from her. It was simply that it never crossed her mind to suppose that you would behave any differently than your father, so the matter of your guardianship was never really an issue. Given the stance you have adopted, though, my lord, she fully intends to tell Helen. But she will choose her moment with care.’

Again his look was intense, as he said, ‘Clearly you hold your godmother in high regard, Miss Milbank.’

‘Indeed I do,’ she didn’t hesitate to affirm. ‘She is without doubt the most level-headed female of my acquaintance. Furthermore, I know her to be a person of her word. She fully intends to bring Helen here at the end of March in order that you may become acquainted in advance of the party.’

When he merely regarded her in silence, Annis thought he must consider the interview at an end, and was about to rise to her feet when he forestalled her by saying, ‘You, I believe, have been honest with me, Miss Milbank, so I shall be equally frank. I have several reasons for wishing to become acquainted with my half-sister, not least of which is the benefit, I believe, a closer relationship will eventually bring to Sarah. It cannot have escaped your notice,’ he continued in response to her questioning look, ‘that my elder sister is essentially a very private person, very much the introvert. I thought a period of several weeks in which to become better acquainted before the rest of the family descends upon us could only be beneficial to them both.’

A sigh escaped him as he lowered his eyes to study the heavy signet ring on his right hand. ‘However, I cannot in all honesty say that having our young cousin to stay during these past weeks has turned out to be the overwhelming success I had hoped. I do not think you need me to tell you that my sister and cousin have little in common, and although Sarah is genuinely fond of Louise, she finds entertaining the girl something of a trial on occasions, so perhaps I was foolish to suppose that she might find much in common with Helen.’

‘Given that they were kept apart through no fault of their own, it would be nice to think that eventually they will rub along together reasonably well,’ Annis said, feeling that some response from her was required. ‘It will take time, I should imagine, for any deep sisterly bond to develop, however.’

‘Quite so, Miss Milbank! And time, sadly, is not on my side.’ Once again she became the sole object of that most strikingly direct violet-eyed gaze. ‘But Providence, it would seem, most definitely is. She chose to bring to my door someone who is…’ here his lordship paused to shake his head, and for the first time ever in her presence to smile broadly in what seemed to be genuine, wry amusement ‘…blessed with an innate ability to communicate with people on their own level, and make them feel almost instantly less inhibited. No one could have failed to notice that your presence here, Miss Milbank, has been nothing other than highly beneficial. You have, in the most natural manner possible, bridged the divide between my sister and our cousin, which has resulted in a far more relaxed atmosphere prevailing.’

Annis could never recall being complimented in quite the same way before, and while she felt extremely flattered, she had the feeling she had yet to hear the reason for the unexpected praise.

The Viscount chose not to keep her in ignorance for very long. ‘If at all possible, I should very much like to maintain that atmosphere,’ he continued, ‘most especially for Sarah’s sake. She will have much to occupy her during the weeks ahead, with all the preparations for our grandmother’s birthday celebration. So, as I’m sure you can appreciate, having someone on hand to help entertain Louise would lighten her load considerably.’

Once again his lordship smiled, more broadly than he had done before. ‘Not perhaps the most gracious invitation you have ever received, Miss Milbank. But I wish to be as honest with you as you have been with me. My invitation is not merely a gesture of politeness on my part. I do have quite definite reasons for wishing you to remain. Furthermore, I do not want you to harbour the notion that I am seeking some sort of quid pro quo. Nothing could be further from my mind. Be assured that whatever your decision, my resolve not to insist on Helen’s staying with us during these next few weeks will stand.’

Annis continued to hold his gaze across the desk, until he unexpectedly rose to his feet and returned to the window to stare out at what she suspected was for him a favourite view of the estate. She was not quite certain whether it was altogether sensible for her to remain, at least not for the prolonged stay he was proposing. Yet, at the same time, she couldn’t immediately understand why she should suddenly be plagued by uncertainty, when only a short time before she had been desperately striving to quell the swell of disappointment at having no valid reason for remaining at the Manor. It was so unlike her to be so contrary, not knowing her own mind.

He began speaking again, and she paid him the common courtesy of concentrating on what he had to say. ‘I do appreciate, Miss Milbank, that you might have commitments back in Leicestershire that make it impossible for you to extend your visit, so I shall not press you. Will you at least do me the honour of taking a day or two to think it over. In the meantime, I shall deal with the matter of the expenses you may have incurred at the inn, and ensure the rest of your belongings are collected and brought here without delay. It is the very least I can do in return for the service you rendered me on your arrival.’

Receiving no response, the Viscount turned in time to catch a surprisingly arresting look in what he had considered from the first to be wonderfully clear and strikingly lovely grey-green eyes.

‘Receiving no outright refusal leads me to hope that I may at least look forward to your company for at least a further week, perhaps?’

‘Until then, sir, certainly,’ Annis finally agreed, drawing her eyes away from the imaginary spot on the wall directly above his left shoulder. ‘It will at least grant me the opportunity to attempt to satisfy what some have stigmatised as my insatiable curiosity.’

His lordship didn’t attempt to curb his. ‘I think I must ask you to explain, Miss Milbank.’

‘I shall make a point, sir, of returning to the place where I came upon you three days ago. It’s just possible I might uncover something that would offer a clue as to the identity of your attacker.’

His lordship shrugged, betraying his distinct lack of concern. ‘I should imagine we have seen the last of the fellow. None the less, if you are intent on investigating, I shall escort you. In fact, I insist upon it, Miss Milbank, in the unlikely event that the rogue is lingering in the locale. Could you be ready to accompany me out in—say—an hour? We could travel in my phaeton. Or would you find an open carriage too cold at this time of year?’

‘On the contrary—ideal, sir!’ she didn’t hesitate to assure him, as she rose from the chair. ‘It shall enable me to see more of the countryside.’

Annis didn’t delay in returning to the bedchamber. Nor did she delay in revealing her revised plans to her faithful maid.

‘Staying, miss…? Whatever for?’ Disher demanded, exercising all the familiarity permitted to a lifelong, devoted servant. ‘I mind you were set against the whole idea of coming here in the first place. I would have thought you’d have been glad to be gone.’

‘Yes, and so should I. But the truth of the matter is, Dish, when I awoke this morning, and discovered I had no valid reason for not packing my bags and leaving, I felt hugely disappointed,’ Annis admitted, prepared now to reveal at least some, if not all, of the contrasting feelings she had been experiencing that morning.

She took a moment to stare about the room that, she had been reliably informed, was one of the best guest bedchambers in the house. And she could well believe it! The quality of the chintz curtains and matching bed hangings was unmistakable; the various pieces of walnut furniture dotted about the room had been produced by the finest craftsmen; and the wall and floor coverings had been selected without the least consideration for expense.

‘Look about you, Dish,’ she urged. ‘This bedchamber must be four times the size of the one I use back home, and yet I feel not a whit out of place here. Almost from the moment I set foot inside Greythorpe Manor, I have felt inordinately comfortable in my surroundings, even in those sumptuously furnished rooms that are used only on special occasions. I simply do not understand it!’ She shook her head, genuinely puzzled. ‘I know that I’m the daughter of a gentleman, and have been accustomed to command most every comfort throughout my life. And I am fully aware that there is a great deal of difference between comfort and out-and-out luxury, Dish, and yet I feel completely at ease here… It’s almost as if it’s…it’s my own home.’

The maid shrugged. ‘Well, that’s in no way surprising, Miss Annis, if you take a moment to consider. You’re your mother’s daughter, after all. It’s in your blood to appreciate the finer things in life. There’s no denying this is a very elegant house. But it cannot compare with the mansion your sainted mother grew up in, at least not in size. Tavistoke Court must be almost three times the size of this place, miss.’

‘I’ll need to take your word for that, Dish, because it’s unlikely I’ll ever receive an invitation to visit that particular grandiose dwelling,’ Annis returned, before she paused to consider for a moment. ‘And, to be truthful, I suppose rank curiosity was responsible in part for my agreeing to come here on Godmama’s behalf. I wanted to more than just glimpse the kind of house Mama grew up in. Of course I never imagined I would be granted the opportunity to sample such luxury for so many days.’

An element of concern was easily discernible in the maid’s homely features. ‘That’s understandable, miss. But it wouldn’t do for you to become too comfortable with this way of life.’

Annis didn’t pretend to misunderstand. ‘Don’t worry, Dish, I’m too much of a realist even to attempt to delude myself. His lordship’s reasons for wishing me to stay are honourable enough, if not wholly flattering, as he himself was the first to admit. He believes my presence will be beneficial to the ladies of the house. He has no interest in me, personally.’

Disher, however, was not altogether convinced that her engaging young mistress, who had proved to be an exceptionally good judge of character in recent years, not to mention uncannily accurate in her predictions, was correct in her judgement about everything.

The loyal maid was by no means the only servant inclined to ponder that day over his lordship’s actions. An hour later the head groom, Wilks, began to do just that when he caught his first sight of the young woman who had taken care of the Viscount in his time of need. This action alone would have ensured that Wilks regarded Miss Milbank in a favourable light; and he was forced to own, as he watched her trip lightly across the stable-yard, that she was a pretty enough young woman whose voluminous fur-lined cloak, he suspected, hid a trim, shapely figure. All the same, she was hardly in his lordship’s usual style!

Wilks, like Dunster, was a devoted servant. He had worked for the Greythorpe family most all his life, and had sat the present holder of the title on his very first pony. Compared to the other servants of long standing, Wilks possibly knew his lordship’s ways better than most, and had undoubtedly forged the closest bond with the present master of Greythorpe Manor. He invariably travelled with him whenever the Viscount took it into his head to visit the capital, so he had seen often enough the type of female who found favour in his lordship’s eyes.

Undoubtedly the Viscount’s tastes ran to golden-haired lovelies. His mistresses, and there had been several over the years, had all been acknowledged beauties. Even his flirts, those ladies who might or might not have shared his bed, but who had been his chosen companions at the theatre and at leading social events, had all been sophisticated ladies of rank and style, not innocent young females who might easily misunderstand the reasons why they had been singled out for particular attention.

And that, if what the most recent household gossip to reach the realm of the stables was to be believed, was the truth of the matter, Wilks reflected, nimbly jumping up on the perch at the back of the phaeton, a moment after his lordship had taken up the reins. Astonishingly enough, it was none other than the Viscount himself who had wished Miss Milbank to extend her stay with the family.