Читать книгу The Complete Regency Season Collection - Кэрол Мортимер, Кэрол Мортимер - Страница 120

Chapter Nine

The final guests, Adam Cottingham and his wife and the Prestons, arrived later that day. Lucy was pleased she had already met Ralph’s cousin, for she could then give more attention to his wife when the couple were shown into the drawing room. Judith Cottingham was a colourless little woman with a habit of looking to her husband after her every utterance. Her brown hair had lost any glow it might once have had and there were no roses in her cheeks. Lucy thought she looked distinctly unhappy, and put aside her own nerves in an attempt to make her smile. She did not succeed, and was relieved when Caroline drew her away.

‘Do not trouble yourself with Judith Cottingham,’ Caro murmured when they had moved off. ‘She is such a timid little thing, and has no conversation at all.’

‘She seems very dependent upon Mr Cottingham.’

Caroline flicked a glance over her shoulder.

‘He is her sole delight—if you can call it delight.’

Lucy wanted to ask her what she meant but was distracted by the arrival of the last of the house guests, Sir James and Lady Preston and their daughter, Charlotte. The parents were an ill-assorted pair. Sir James was a solid gentleman with sharp eyes while his wife was a much paler creature, tall and very slim. Lucy thought she must have been pretty as a girl, but her beauty had faded to the palest pastel colours. However, Lucy’s eyes were drawn to the daughter. She would have recognised Charlotte as Helene’s sister even if the butler had not announced her name. She looked very much like a younger version of the portrait of Lady Adversane—the same golden hair, the same willowy figure, but she had much more animation in her countenance and had not yet outgrown the schoolgirl habit of giggling when a gentleman addressed her. Lucy observed it now, when Ralph greeted the newcomers and smiled at Charlotte, but it did not stop her feeling a little stab of something that she recognised as jealousy. What need had he to hire her when Charlotte was bidding fair to be Helene’s equal?

No time to think of that. Ralph was talking to the Prestons, holding out his hand and inviting her to join them. Lucy approached nervously. She had dressed with care for this occasion, choosing a fine cream muslin gown that was so universally fashionable no one could say it was a copy of the late Lady Adversane’s. She had also dressed her hair differently, drawing it all back save for a fringe of curls, and the rest cascading in ringlets from a topknot. Ralph had given her a long look when she had appeared, but he had made no comment. Now she hoped that any resemblance to Helene was so minor it would be overlooked. Certainly Sir James and Lady Preston greeted her in a kindly manner, although she found herself blushing when Sir James declared with what she thought forced joviality that he was delighted to meet Adversane’s fiancée.

‘It is not yet official,’ replied Ralph calmly. ‘There is no announcement. Nothing is drawn up.’

‘No, of course, of course.’ Lady Preston fluttered her fan and gave a smile that didn’t quite reach her faded blue eyes. ‘You wanted to inform the family first, is that not so, my lord? So thoughtful of you. Hasn’t he always been a most thoughtful brother-in-law, Charlotte?’

Charlotte responded with a giggle, but Ralph was already leading Lucy away, calling to Byrne to bring more refreshments for his guests.

‘There,’ he said quietly, when he had drawn her aside. ‘Your ordeal is at an end.’

She glanced up at him.

‘How did you know I was nervous?’

‘What fiancée would not be in such a situation?’

‘Oh, dear, I hope it did not show too much.’

‘Only to me.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘There is only one more couple expected today and that is Harry, whom you know, and his wife, Francesca. They are driving over from Ling Cottage to join us this evening.’

‘Then he has no excuse to be late,’ said Caroline, overhearing. ‘If he takes the shortest way.’

Lucy frowned, trying to picture the route.

‘That would be past Druids Rock, would it not?’ Even as she spoke she was aware that the very name had brought conversation around them to an end. ‘Oh, I beg your pardon, I did not intend...’

Sir James approached, smiling.

‘Pray do not think you should not speak of that place in front of us,’ he told her kindly. ‘We are quite accustomed to having lost dear Helene there, and the rock has far greater significance to the world. It is not a place to be shunned.’

‘Ah, the druids,’ said Caroline and earned a scowl from her brother.

‘No, no, my boy, do not frown her down,’ said Sir James. ‘Lady Wetherell is quite right, even though I do not think she takes it seriously.’ The smile he directed at Caroline was full of smug superiority. ‘Despite Adversane’s dependence upon empiricism and new discoveries, there is a great deal the ancients can teach us.’

‘There is no evidence that Druids Rock was ever used by any ancient order,’ retorted Ralph.

‘No written evidence, perhaps,’ replied Sir James, unabashed. ‘However, when one has studied the ancients as I have done, one can sense their presence. I shall be visiting Druids Rock to watch the sunrise at the summer solstice.’

‘As a guest you are, of course, free to go where you please,’ said Ralph.

‘Well, I shall remain in my bed, soundly asleep!’ Lady Preston gave a tinkling laugh and turned the conversation to safer channels.

More refreshments appeared; wine and ratafia, and tea for those who, according to Lord Wetherell, preferred to corrupt their insides with the pernicious brew. His wife threw him a saucy look as she drew Lucy away from Ralph and carried her off to where Ariadne was pouring tea.

‘You can relax now, my dear,’ she said when they had collected their cups and withdrawn to an empty sofa.

‘You sound just like your brother.’ Lucy laughed. ‘I admit I was a little nervous to meet Sir James and Lady Preston. I was afraid they would resent my presence.’

‘If they do it is because they wanted Ralph to offer for Charlotte.’ Caroline noted Lucy’s look of disbelief and nodded. ‘She may only be seventeen, but Sir James would like to maintain his links with Adversane.’

‘That is what Mrs Dean told me.’ Lucy sighed. ‘There is a financial incentive, I am sure.’

‘Yes, but not just that. Sir James would like to invite his friends to Druids Rock.’ She smiled. ‘Oh, we may think it a fine joke, but Sir James was one of the founder members of The Ancient Order of the Druids and he would very much like to hold a druidical ceremony at the rock. Ralph will not countenance it, although I know Helene tried to persuade him on her father’s behalf. Sir James wrote again to Ralph last summer and asked if he might bring a party to celebrate the summer solstice at Druids Rock.’

‘Celebrate?’ Lucy’s eyes widened. ‘At the place where his daughter had died only twelve months before?’

‘I know. It sounds very callous, doesn’t it? Ralph flatly refused, of course.’

Another thought was forming in Lucy’s head. She said slowly, ‘Do you think that is why Helene went there—to see the sun rise?’

‘Possibly, although she had gone there with her father a few days earlier to see the sunrise at the solstice. Midsummer, or St John’s Eve, is a very different celebration and nothing to do with Sir James and his druids. Bonfires are lit all along the valley, and Ralph always sends a side of beef to the village, that they may feast in style. And, of course, there are the theatricals at Adversane.’

Caroline looked up, smiling, as other guests approached and the conversation moved on.

* * *

The party broke up soon afterwards and everyone went off to change for dinner. When Lucy went up to her room she found the Long Gallery deserted and she took the opportunity to look at the portrait of Helene again. She looked very wistful, but had she really been so unhappy?

‘She is very beautiful, isn’t she?’

Lucy jumped. She had been so absorbed in her own thoughts that she had not heard Adam Cottingham approach. Now she looked round to find him standing at her shoulder.

‘I think she looks a little sad,’ she remarked.

‘She was.’

‘You knew her, did you not, Mr Cottingham?’ Lucy hesitated. ‘Was she not happy here?’

He stared at the painting.

‘No, she was not,’ he said at last. ‘Perhaps—but I should not say this to you.’

‘Oh, please,’ she said earnestly, ‘please tell me what you think. I would much rather things were out in the open.’ She thought sadly of her father, of his absences and her mother’s unexplained tears. ‘One cannot deal with difficulties if they are unknown.’

‘Very true, Miss Halbrook.’ He looked back at the portrait. ‘My cousin is not an easy man to live with. He can be... How should I put it? Tyrannical.’

‘Oh, surely not,’ said Lucy impulsively. ‘I know he can be a little abrupt, but surely—’

‘She was very fragile, you see. Far too meek and quiet to hold her own against Adversane.’ His glance flickered to Lucy. ‘You have the look of her.’

She blushed and disclaimed, ‘It is a mere fancy, sir.’

‘Perhaps.’ He smiled. Lucy did not know what to say, but her silence went unnoticed for Adam continued, as if he was speaking to himself. ‘Everyone loved her for her kind heart, but she was too complaisant, submissive, even. She needed to be worshipped, like a goddess. Ralph never understood that. He was impatient with her. In the end I do not think she could stand it any more.’

A sudden chill ran through Lucy.

‘No. He is not a tyrant, truly.’ She thought of the paint box. ‘He can be very kind.’

‘Kind enough, I grant you, when one adheres to his wishes.’ He added quickly, ‘Forgive me, I should not have said that. I have not seen Ralph for some time. He may well have changed, mellowed. Yes, of course. It must be so, if he has won your regard, Miss Halbrook.’

She did not know what to say but nothing was necessary. Adam gave a sad little smile, bowed and left her.

* * *

‘I’m to dress you in the blue silk again tonight, miss, with the silver stars in your hair,’ said Ruthie. ‘Lord Adversane’s orders.’

Kind enough, when one adheres to his wishes.

Lucy desperately wanted to put it to the test, to tell Ruthie to take the beautiful gown away and bring her another, but something held her back. Her eyes went to the paint box resting on top of the chest of drawers. By that one act of kindness Ralph had bought her loyalty, at least for a little longer.

Her maid had just put the finishing touches to Lucy’s hair when there was a knock at the door. Lucy remained at her dressing table while Ruthie went to answer it. Her heart began to thud against her ribs when she heard Ralph’s deep voice announcing that he had come to escort Miss Halbrook downstairs.

Lucy rose and took a last look at herself in the mirror. The sun of the past few weeks had bleached her hair, making her resemblance to Helene even more marked. Why was he doing this? Why was he putting her through this ordeal?

A simple business transaction.

The words came back to her. She had agreed to it, but had she quite understood what was involved? Resolutely, Lucy turned towards the door.

‘I am ready, my lord.’

* * *

Ralph had not come into her room but was waiting for her in the passage. His figure loomed large in the narrow corridor, a shadowy form with only the snowy linen at his neck and the frills at his wrists standing out, almost glowing in the dim light. He did not move as she went out to meet him, but subjected her to a hard stare. She felt a flicker of annoyance and put up her chin.

‘Well, my lord, do I look sufficiently like your dead wife?’

Nerves and unease added a sharp note to her voice, and she expected a blistering retort, but as she drew closer she was surprised to see an odd little smile playing about the corners of his mouth.

‘It is strange, Miss Halbrook, but when I look at you I no longer see the resemblance.’

‘Well, you may be sure your sisters saw it when I came down to dinner yesterday in this very gown.’

‘You are not wearing it for their benefit.’ He held out his arm. ‘Come along, Miss Halbrook, or we shall be late.’

That implacable note was back in his voice. She knew it would be futile to question him further and silently accompanied him down to the drawing room. The buzz of voices she could hear through the door suggested that the other guests were already gathered. As they entered, Lucy’s apprehensive gaze went immediately to Sir James and Lady Preston. Sir James merely smiled but his wife, more astute where matters of fashion were concerned, gave Lucy a long, unsmiling stare.

‘Ah, here is our host.’ Lord Wetherell greeted them cheerfully. ‘I was just describing the very superior brandy you have in your cellars, was I not, Cottingham—Cottingham?’

‘What? Oh, yes, yes.’ Adam crossed the room to address Lucy. ‘My wife is longing to become better acquainted with you, Miss Halbrook. Let me take you over to her.’

Lucy’s fingers closed on Ralph’s sleeve, as if she did not want to leave his side. Quite irrational, she told herself crossly, and hoped no one would notice. Save Ralph, of course. He could not fail to feel her clutching his arm. However, Sir James had addressed a question to him, and he merely gave her hand a pat before moving away from her. Adam led Lucy across to sit beside his wife, and he pulled up a chair to join them.

Unlike their earlier meeting, Judith Cottingham now exerted herself to be friendly. Gratified and relieved to be away from Lady Preston’s disapproving presence, Lucy responded in the same vein. The conversation covered a wide range of subjects but it was interspersed with questions. It was only natural, she thought, that they should want to know about her family and how she had met Ralph.

She answered as best she could, keeping to the history she and Ralph had agreed upon, but she could not be sorry when he interrupted them, laying one hand on her bare shoulder.

‘I am sorry to carry you away, my dear, but Harry has arrived and you have yet to meet his wife.’

His touch was very light but it sent a tingle of excitement running through her, heating her blood and rousing an ache of longing deep within. Lucy quickly stifled it, reminding herself it was all a charade to convince his houseguests.

* * *

‘Thank heaven for that,’ she murmured as they moved away. ‘I had not realised until they began asking me questions that there are so many gaps in the story we devised!’

‘I thought you were looking harassed. We need to find some time alone to make sure our stories match. Slip away and join me in my study in... Let us meet on the half-hour. That will give us time to discuss the matter and be back here well before the dinner hour.’

His tone was matter-of-fact and the suggestion was most definitely a sensible one, but the sad truth was that Lucy did not feel in the least sensible when she thought of being alone with him. She might tell herself that she struggled even to be friends with Ralph, but his presence disturbed her in a way she did not understand. Once again she had to push aside her distracting thoughts as he led her across the room to make the final introduction of the evening.

Francesca Colne was as cheerful and friendly as her husband, and Lucy was soon at her ease.

‘Lord Adversane says you live in London,’ said Mrs Colne. ‘This must be very different for you.’

‘It is, but I am enjoying it very much,’ replied Lucy.

‘And have you settled in well, Miss Halbrook?’ Harry asked her. ‘You never did come to ask me all your questions about the house.’

She returned his smile. ‘Lord Adversane answered most of them for me. And his sisters have been very good, too.’ Her glance flickered over Ralph. ‘They told me a little about you and Adversane when you were boys.’

‘Then that is something you can tell me.’ Francesca laughed.

‘I think it is best forgotten,’ Ralph growled, but the smile in his eyes gave the lie to his menacing frown.

Harry grinned.

‘Dear heaven, what on earth have they been telling you, Miss Halbrook?’

‘Nothing so very bad,’ she admitted with a chuckle. ‘The worst I heard is that Lord Adversane broke his collarbone.’

Harry laughed. ‘Yes, on Druids Rock! We were competing to see who could scale the cliff face the quickest. Ralph was in the lead but then he missed his footing and fell. However, the injury saved him from the beating that I received.’

‘Good gracious,’ exclaimed Francesca. ‘And did that stop you from doing such a foolhardy thing in future?’

‘Of course not. In fact, old Lord Adversane, Ralph’s father, was the first to encourage us to go back and try again, but this time under supervision. We climbed the rock many times after that without mishap.’ He shook his head, smiling at the memory. ‘Ralph and I were a couple of tearaways when we were boys and often found ourselves in the most outrageous scrapes!’

‘Oh?’ Lucy cast a laughing glance at Mrs Colne. ‘I am sure we should like to hear all about them.’

Ralph shook his head and after warning Harry not to sully the ladies’ ears with such nonsense he went off, leaving Mr Colne to entertain them. They were soon joined by Sir Timothy, and shortly after Lucy moved away. A glance at the ormulu clock on the mantelpiece showed her that there was some time before she needed to slip away. She noted that Ralph had already disappeared and she went over to sit with his sisters, who were engaged in a lively discussion with Judith Cottingham on the benefits of education for women. When the clock’s delicate chimes signalled the half-hour she excused herself and slipped out of the drawing room.

Lord Adversane’s study was situated at the far side of the entrance passage, just beyond the dining room. A few words with Ralph were all that was needed to make sure he did not contradict anything she had said to Adam and Judith Cottingham. There would be no need for her to stay more than a couple of minutes. She was so engrossed in her own thoughts that it was not until she reached the study door that she heard voices from within. She recognised Harold Colne’s voice, which was raised enough for his words to carry out to her with disastrous clarity.

‘I cannot remain quiet any longer, Ralph. I thought at first I was mistaken but tonight, seeing her in that gown— What are you playing at, man? And what in heaven’s name possessed you to offer for a girl who is the living image of Helene?’

Lucy jumped away from the door. There was no mistaking Mr Colne’s disapproval. If Harry, who was Ralph’s oldest friend, was uneasy about his motives, then something must surely be wrong. She retired to the Great Hall, thankful that it was for the moment deserted.

What should she do? She could pretend she had not heard Harry’s remarks, but that would not allay her own fears, which had resurfaced, stronger than ever. She put her hands to her cheeks. Had she been deceiving herself simply because she wanted to live in luxury for a few weeks, ignoring her principles because of the largess that would be hers once she had completed her contract? It was a lowering thought and crowding in close behind it came another. If Ralph had hired her merely to play his hostess then surely there was no need for her to look like Helene. She wrapped her arms about herself. Unless he was still in love with his wife’s memory.

She heard a rapid footstep, and Mr Colne appeared. He was looking troubled, but the frown vanished when he saw her.

She said quickly, ‘May I have a word with you, sir, before you return to the drawing room?’ She rushed on, knowing if she hesitated she would lose confidence. ‘Has—has Lord Adversane told you why I am here—the real reason I am here?’

He frowned for a moment, then came across the hall to her.

‘Yes,’ he said quietly. ‘Ralph has taken me into his confidence.’

‘Then you know we are not engaged. That I have been hired to play a role.’

‘I do.’

She searched his face.

‘You know him so much better than I, Mr Colne. Tell me truthfully, do you think I should cry off now from the agreement? Adversane explained it to me, you see. He told me that he needed everyone to think he had chosen another wife, to stop them all from pestering him. I quite see that such a situation would be very uncomfortable, but is this really the solution?’

She twisted her hands together while she waited anxiously for his answer.

He said carefully, ‘What does your conscience tell you?’

Lucy put her hands to her temples, saying distractedly, ‘I am no longer sure! I had convinced myself there was no impropriety, but now I am here... Do you think it is very wrong, Mr Colne?’

His cheerful countenance was clouded, and he did not answer immediately.

‘Miss Halbrook, Ralph has not been himself since Helene’s death. He is haunted by the event. If this helps him to come to terms with it, then, no, it is not wrong.’

‘Thank you, I am relieved to hear you say so.’

‘But—’

‘Yes, Mr Colne?’

He shook his head.

‘It does not matter. Are you on your way to the drawing room? Shall I escort you?’

‘Thank you, but I came out to find Lord Adversane.’

‘Then I will take you to him.’ He escorted her towards the study but as they neared the door he stopped. ‘If you are in any doubt, Miss Halbrook, if you should wish to withdraw from this pretence at any time or if you need assistance, please remember that you can come to me.’

‘Why, thank you, Mr Colne, but if, as you say, this is helping Lord—Ralph, then I am happy to continue with it.’

‘If you are sure you want to continue. I would not like you to get hurt.’

‘I am quite sure, sir.’

He gave her a searching look, as if to assure himself that she was sincere, then with a nod and a smile he knocked upon the study door and ushered her inside.

* * *

Ralph was waiting for her, his impassive countenance giving nothing away.

‘So,’ he said as the door closed upon them. ‘What have you been saying to my cousin that I need to know?’

She looked at him blankly for a moment. Harry Colne’s last words were still echoing in her head. Did Harry expect her to lose her heart to her employer?

This is merely a business arrangement. Nothing more. Concentrate, Lucy!

‘It seems so trivial now, but Mrs Cottingham asked where precisely we had first met. I did not think they would be convinced if I said we had met at the house of a mutual friend.’ She coloured a little. ‘Our social spheres are very different.’

‘So what did you tell her?’

‘That we had met at Somerset House. I remembered you said you had met my father there, and I went with him sometimes, so it is perfectly reasonable to suppose our paths might have crossed.’

‘An excellent answer.’ He came a little closer. ‘And did you tell them it was love at first sight?’

‘Of course not! I, um, I hinted that I had an interest in astronomy.’

He laughed at that.

‘Now that is dangerous ground! Your knowledge of the stars is limited to the few constellations we saw the other night.’

‘I know, but I had to say something,’ she confessed. A sudden, mischievous smile tugged at her lips. ‘Thankfully Mr and Mrs Cottingham know even less, so I was quite safe.’

‘Let us hope so.’

‘It was not a lie,’ she told him. ‘I really did find the stars interesting, and Saturn was truly magnificent. I only wish we could have seen more of the planets.’

He smiled. ‘Have you seen the orrery in the library? It is in the bay window at the far end, and easily missed if one is not looking for it. You should acquaint yourself with that, if you wish to see the way the planets orbit the sun.’

‘Thank you. Perhaps I will.’ For a moment she wondered if there was any point, since she would be leaving Adversane once the house party was over. She quickly brushed aside the depressing thought and said brightly, ‘After all, the stars will be the same wherever I am, won’t they?’

There was an infinitesimal pause before he replied.

‘Quite.’ He glanced at the clock. ‘We had best be getting back to our guests. If there is nothing else?’

‘No, nothing.’

‘Then we shall say we met at Somerset House and after that I sought you out. Agreed?’

‘Agreed, my lord.’

‘Ralph.’

‘Ralph.’

‘Good.’ He took her arm and led her out of the room. ‘You had best remain vague about any other details.’

‘How am I to do that if I am asked a direct question?’

‘You need merely blush. You look adorable when you blush.’

He uttered the words as they crossed the Great Hall, and in such an indifferent tone that it took a few moments for Lucy to realise what he had said. By that time they were entering the drawing room, and Lucy had no idea whether she looked adorable, but she knew she was certainly blushing.

At dinner Lucy was placed between Mr Cottingham and Sir Timothy Finch. Ralph’s brother-in-law enjoyed his food and Adam seemed preoccupied, so Lucy was spared too much conversation. Instead, she took the opportunity to study the other guests. It was a lively and informal occasion, although Lucy noted that Judith Cottingham, who was sitting opposite, had reverted to her quiet demeanour and said very little. Looking further along the table, Lucy observed a little stiffness between Sir James Preston and his host, but it was clear that the man was eager to bring his daughter to Ralph’s attention. Lucy thought perhaps he might have been wiser not to include Charlotte so much in his conversation, since every time he did so, she responded with a giggle that only exposed her immaturity.

* * *

‘So now you have had time to settle in, how do you like Adversane?’

Sir Timothy’s question caught Lucy off guard.

‘Lord Adversane is very, um—’

‘I meant the house,’ he interrupted her, laughing. ‘I have no doubt you are pleased with its master, since you are going to marry him. But you live in town, I believe. You must find life here very different.’

She flushed a little at her error, but his friendly manner put her at her ease and she managed to smile back at him.

‘I had many homes but all of them much closer to London, and you are correct—they were very different to Adversane,’ she returned. ‘My father was an artist, you see.’

‘Yes, Ralph told me. A case of opposites attracting each other, what? Ralph being more interested in mechanical objects than art,’ he added when he observed her blank look.

‘Now, Tim, do not be too hard on my brother,’ cried Margaret, overhearing. ‘Ralph is interested in many things, and has a real thirst for knowledge.’

‘He wants to explain all the mysteries of the world,’ put in Sir James from across the table. He gave a sad little shake of his head, indicating that he did not agree with this philosophy.

‘Adversane merely likes to know why things happen, rather than to accept them blindly,’ said Harry. ‘Surely that is a very reasonable view.’

‘Ah, but my lord will learn that not everything can be explained by man,’ replied Sir James.

Lucy glanced towards the head of the table. Ralph was in conversation with Lady Preston but he looked up at Sir James’s final statement.

‘Did I hear my name?’

‘I was saying, my boy, that logic and reason cannot be applied to all life’s mysteries. Take Druids Rock, for instance.’

‘No mystery there,’ Ralph replied. ‘The latest papers on the subject are very convincing. Hutton puts forward a logical argument for the way that rocks are formed.’

‘But not how they come to be piled up. That is the work of a great deity.’

Ralph shook his head. ‘I fear we must be content to disagree on that, Sir James.’

‘I can only hope, my boy, that age will teach you wisdom,’ said Sir James.

‘Why, I hope so, too, sir.’

‘And I hope Miss Halbrook will not be discouraged by all this talk of logic and cold reason,’ declared Lady Preston in repressive accents.

Ralph’s eyes rested on Lucy and a faint smile played about the corners of his mouth.

‘Oh, I think Miss Halbrook understands me pretty well.’

Lucy’s cheeks began to burn, and she was glad when Margaret turned the subject and everyone’s attention moved away from her. She was happy to let the conversation ebb and flow around her, quietly hoping to avoid drawing attention to herself. However, when the ladies retired she found Lady Preston at her side.

‘I am glad to see Adversane has put off his mourning, Miss Halbrook.’

Lucy thought the matron sounded anything but glad, but she murmured a response. Lady Preston followed her to a sofa, sat down beside her and proceeded to quiz her. The interrogation was subtle, but no less thorough. Remembering Ralph’s instructions, Lucy kept her answers vague where they referred to her association with him, but she saw no need to prevaricate about her family. After all, it would take very little enquiry for anyone to discover that her father had died a poor man.

‘So this is a very advantageous match for you,’ concluded Lady Preston. ‘You are very fortunate that Adversane is happy to take you without a settlement of any kind.’

Lucy was about to make an angry retort when she heard Caroline’s cheerful voice at her shoulder.

‘We think it is Ralph who is the fortunate one, ma’am, to have found a woman to make him happy. Lucy, my love, do come and try out the duet again with me....’

Caroline carried her off to the piano, saying as they went, ‘Pray do not mind Lady Preston.’

‘I do not. It must be very hard for her to see someone in her daughter’s place.’

‘It is a place she wants Charlotte to fill,’ retorted Caroline. ‘However, the child is far too young.’

‘But she is very pretty, and she will be quite beautiful in a few years.’

Caroline’s shrewd look, so like her brother’s, rested upon Lucy for a moment.

‘Ralph has been caught once by an empty-headed beauty. He will not let that happen again. This time I believe he has found real affection and I for one am very glad of it.’

Lucy felt the warm blush of embarrassment on her cheeks and was thankful that Caro had turned her attention to the piano. She wanted to tell them that it was all a pretence, that Ralph cared not one jot for her. However, she was not free to do so, and if she was honest she did not wish the pretence to end, for when it did she would have to leave Adversane, its owner and his family and she was beginning to realise how hard that would be.

The gentlemen joined them shortly after, Sir James leading the way. He was hardly inside the door when he addressed his wife in ringing accents.

‘I say, my dear, Adversane tells me the Players will be performing here on Midsummer’s Eve. Is that not good news? I am particularly fond of a good play.’

Ralph glanced around the room, watching to see how the others took the news. Adam was looking particularly solemn and went to sit with his wife. Lady Preston’s lips thinned.

‘Life must go on, I suppose,’ she muttered.

‘Indeed it must, ma’am,’ agreed Harry in his cheerful way. ‘The Ingleston Players lost a great deal of income from last year’s cancellation.’

Charlotte looked up.

‘Oh, are they are paid, then, for their trouble?’

Margaret nodded.

‘Yes, they are local people who give up their time and Adversane rewards them handsomely for coming here. The tradition started in our grandfather’s day. The library is turned into a theatre for the first part of the evening and all our neighbours are invited to attend the play. Ralph lays on a good supper for everyone, including the Players, and then afterwards the Players go back to Ingleston to enjoy the Midsummer’s Eve celebrations and the rest of us dance in the white salon until the early hours.’

‘I know.’ Charlotte nodded, her blue eyes sparkling. ‘It is indeed the most wonderful evening. Last time I was allowed to watch the play, although I did not understand it all.’

‘Thank heavens for that,’ murmured Caroline to Lucy, sitting beside her at the piano. ‘It was Vanbrugh’s The Provoked Wife. Not at all suitable for a child of fifteen!’

‘And this time you shall be allowed to dance as well, my sweet,’ announced Lady Preston, ‘It will be good practice for your come-out next year.’

‘Unless she snabbles a husband before that, eh, Adversane?’

Ralph closed his lips firmly as Sir James dug an elbow into his ribs.

Charlotte giggled.

* * *

Singing and music filled the remainder of the evening, until the arrival of the tea tray. Finding herself momentarily alone, Lucy moved to a quiet corner of the room, from where she could observe the rest of the guests.

Mr Colne followed her.

‘Am I disturbing you, Miss Halbrook?’

‘By no means.’

‘You were looking very pensive,’ he said, pulling up a chair beside her. ‘I hope you are not worrying about what we said earlier.’

‘Not at all. I was thinking how sorry I shall be to leave all this.’

Harry’s glance followed hers to where Ralph was standing with his brothers-in-law.

He said quietly, ‘If it is any comfort to you, I think your presence here has done Ralph a great deal of good. He has been looking much happier of late.’

‘That is not my doing, Mr Colne. It is because he has company.’

‘Perhaps. It has been a difficult two years for him. When Helene died he blamed himself. He is not one to share his feelings. Rather, he shut himself away with his grief and his pain. It is good to see him going into society again.’

‘And this...’ she dropped her voice ‘...this charade—my pretending to be Ralph’s fiancée. Are you sure you do not think it is...deceitful?’

The sombre look fled from Harry’s eyes and he laughed.

‘You have met his sisters and seen the way Sir James thrusts Charlotte into Ralph’s path at every turn. They are all determined to see him wed again. How much worse would it be if you were not here?’

‘And the fact that I look like Lady Adversane?’

He regarded her for a long moment.

‘Try not to let that worry you.’

She leaned a little closer.

‘But it does, Mr Colne! You see, Ralph insists that I wear identical gowns, that my hair is dressed the same as hers. I am very much afraid that he is grieving for his lost love—’

‘Ralph never loved Helene, Miss Halbrook. That is a good part of the reason he feels so guilty about her death.’ He smiled, and she found herself blushing, as if Harry Colne had discovered some secret. ‘You need have no worries on that head. Now if you will excuse me, my wife is looking tired. I must take her home.’

She watched him walk away. Perhaps she should not have voiced her concerns, but she guessed that Harry Colne knew Ralph better than anyone. If he did not believe Ralph had been in love with Helene, then it was very likely to be true.

And Lucy was surprised how much that mattered to her.

* * *

The warm, sunny weather continued and Lucy realised she was seeing Adversane at its best. The atmosphere in the house was relaxed, with the visitors left to amuse themselves for most of the day. Sir James and Lady Preston preferred to remain at the house with Ariadne after breakfast each morning, while the rest of the party went out riding. Ralph rarely accompanied them, attending to business during the mornings so that he could be free to spend the afternoons and evenings with his guests.

On the second day Caroline suggested they should all go for a walk. Lady Preston declined, and insisted that Charlotte should remain indoors at least until the midday sun had lost some of its heat. It was therefore late afternoon when the party set off, by which time Ralph had finished his business and was free to join them. Lucy was not surprised when Ariadne decided to remain at home and keep Lady Preston company, and Sir James also declared that he would prefer to spend the afternoon in the library with a good book. The others, however, congregated in the Great Hall, eager to be on their way.

‘Which way shall we go?’ asked Caroline as they stepped out of the house.

‘Oh, to Ingleston, if you please,’ cried Charlotte. ‘We drove through it on the way here, and there were such pretty shop windows that I should dearly like to browse there.’

‘So far?’ said Ralph. ‘It is nearly three miles. Are you sure you wish to walk such a distance?’

Margaret brushed aside his concerns.

‘Pho, what is three miles? We have plenty of time to be there and back before dinner. And you may treat us all to a glass of lemonade at Mrs Frobisher’s when we reach the town.’

‘We could take the route across Hobart’s Bridge,’ suggested Charlotte, pointing to the wicket gate. ‘It must be a good deal shorter.’

‘Past Druids Rock?’ asked Margaret. ‘Are you sure you want to go there, Charlotte?’

‘Oh, yes,’ she said blithely. ‘I have not been there since Helene died, but it holds no terrors for me.’ She giggled. ‘Although I confess I should not like to go there at night. It is haunted.’

‘Who told you that?’ asked Adam, frowning. ‘It is no such thing.’

‘Oh, not by Helene,’ said Charlotte quickly. ‘No, it is by spirits.’ She looked around, her blue eyes very wide. ‘The servants told me. They say that on moonlit nights you can hear the tinkle of fairy laughter at Druids Rock.’

‘That would be the packhorse bells,’ said Ralph prosaically. ‘The jaggers often cross the moors by the light of the moon.’

‘You are a spoilsport, Brother.’ Caroline laughed. ‘Don’t you know that ladies like nothing better than to be terrified by tales of hauntings and ghosts?’

‘Not when one is talking of Druids Rock,’ said Adam, repressively. ‘It does have very tragic associations.’

‘Perhaps we should walk somewhere else,’ murmured Judith Cottingham, casting an anxious look up at Adam.

‘No, no, if Miss Preston would like to go there we shall do so,’ said Margaret, putting up her parasol. ‘Come along, then, no dawdling!’

Ralph held out his arm to Lucy, saying with a smile, ‘We have our orders, it would seem.’

‘Do you mind?’ she asked, taking his arm.

‘Not in the least.’

‘I think, upon reflection that I might remain here,’ said Judith Cottingham, giving the group an apologetic smile. ‘It is still very hot.’

‘It will be cooler under the trees,’ Margaret pointed out, but Judith could not be persuaded and returned to the house.

‘Well, that is very convenient,’ declared Caroline, unabashed. ‘Now we have an equal number of gentlemen and ladies!’

They all paired off, Ralph’s sisters taking their husbands’ arms while Ralph escorted Lucy and Adam looked after Charlotte Preston. The trees lining the old ride still provided some shade, and when they emerged on the far side, a gentle breeze was sufficiently cool to make walking very pleasant.

The walk downhill to the town was accomplished in good time and it was a merry party that entered Mrs Frobisher’s store, where the grocer’s wife had set aside a room with tables and chairs for weary shoppers to refresh themselves with tea or cups of hot chocolate in winter, and barley water or delicious lemonade during the hot summer months.

It did not take long to stroll up and down the High Street, the ladies looking in the shop windows and the gentlemen falling behind to talk amongst themselves, but by the time they set off again the afternoon was well advanced.

The old road twisted its way steeply upwards through the trees to emerge high above the valley, where the path levelled out and the going was much easier. Their route took them towards the afternoon sun and as they approached Druids Rock it towered over them, shadowed and menacing. The uphill walk had separated the little party. Margaret and Sir Timothy were marching well in advance, followed by Adam Cottingham, who had given his arm to Lucy, while Ralph followed a short distance behind with Charlotte Preston, and Caroline and Lord Wetherell straggled along at the rear. As Adam and Lucy made their way around the base of Druids Rock they heard Charlotte’s youthful giggle behind them, followed quickly by Ralph’s deep laugh.

Adam smothered an oath.

‘How can he be so unconcerned?’ he muttered in a strangled undervoice. ‘I cannot—’

He broke off and Lucy turned to look at him, startled.

‘Whatever is wrong, Mr Cottingham?’

‘I beg your pardon, Miss Halbrook. Perhaps I should have kept silent, but it is unbearable. It is beyond anything that he should laugh here, where Lady Adversane died. How can he act so, knowing—?’

‘Knowing what, Mr Cottingham?’

He pressed his lips together, but then, as if the words forced themselves out against his will, he hissed, ‘Knowing that he is responsible for her death!’

‘Oh, surely not!’

She glanced over her shoulder, but Ralph and Charlotte were too far behind to have overheard. Adam continued to speak in a low, angry voice.

‘He was besotted with her, but she never loved him, never! And when his demands became too much she fled here to Druids Rock to escape him.’

‘Please, Mr Cottingham, I do not think you should say anything more. Especially not to me.’

Lucy withdrew her arm and began to walk on a little faster.

‘But don’t you see?’ Adam lengthened his stride to keep pace with her. ‘You are precisely the person I should speak to. You have the look of her. I noticed it immediately. Do you not see what is happening, Miss Halbrook? He is turning you into his dead wife.’

‘Nonsense,’ said Lucy, flushed. ‘There is some slight similarity, perhaps, but—’

‘And he is making you in her image,’ he persisted. ‘You dress your hair the way she did. And your clothes—he chose them for you, did he not?’

They had dropped down to Hobart’s Bridge and were momentarily out of sight of the rest of the party. Adam grabbed her hand, forcing her to stop.

He said urgently, ‘Miss Halbrook, I believe you are in danger here. You should go. Leave Adversane, before it is too late.’

‘Too late for what? I do not understand you, Mr Cottingham.’

But at that moment Ralph and Charlotte came into view.

‘I cannot tell you here,’ he muttered.

Lucy began to walk on.

‘I do not believe there is anything to tell,’ she said robustly. ‘Mr Cottingham, you have allowed your imagination to run away with you.’

‘Perhaps you are right, madam, but I am concerned for you. I would not like you to suffer Lady Adversane’s fate.’

‘That will not happen, sir. I am aware that some people think she killed herself because she was so unhappy, but such an action would not be in my nature.’

‘Nor was it in hers!’

They were approaching the trees, where Margaret and her husband were waiting for the rest of the party to catch up. Lucy put her hand on his arm to stop him again.

‘What are you trying to say, Mr Cottingham?’ she demanded.

‘I think,’ muttered Adam with deadly emphasis, ‘that Adversane deliberately drove her to it!’