Читать книгу The Complete Regency Season Collection - Кэрол Мортимер, Кэрол Мортимер - Страница 122
ОглавлениеByrne was waiting for them, his countenance even more wooden than usual.
‘I have taken the liberty of sending water up to the rooms, my lord.’
Ralph resisted the temptation to put his hand up to his neck cloth as he saw the butler’s eyes slide up to it, then on to Lucy’s dishevelled appearance. He was relieved when Ariadne came bustling over.
‘Oh, my heavens, I saw you coming across the lawn. Lucy, my dear, your gown—!’
‘We were caught out in the storm,’ Ralph explained. ‘We took shelter at Druids Rock, but not before Miss Halbrook suffered a drenching. Perhaps, Cousin, you would be good enough to take her to her room?’
‘Yes, yes, of course. Come along, my love.’
He said, as he accompanied them across the hall, ‘Did anyone else observe our return?’
‘No, I do not think so. Everyone is in the library or the drawing room. I had gone upstairs to fetch my book and saw you from the staircase landing.’
Lucy put a hand up to her wet hair.
‘I must look quite frightful.’
Her voice shook a little and Ralph wanted to gather her in his arms again, but Ariadne was bustling around her like a mother hen.
‘You will feel much better once we have found you some dry clothes.’ She took Lucy’s arm as they began to mount the stairs, sparing no more than an impatient look for Ralph.
‘There is no need for you to tarry here, Adversane, I will look after Lucy. You should run on to your own room. The sooner you have changed the sooner you can look after your guests.’
* * *
Lucy watched him take the stairs two at a time. His short, dark hair was already dry. A change of clothes and no one would know he had been caught in the rain. For herself, she knew she would be going down to dinner with her curls still damp.
Mrs Dean accompanied her into the dressing room, where Ruthie was overseeing the filling of a hip-bath.
‘We should put a little elderflower oil in the water. It is very good for aches and chills. I have some in my room.’
‘Oh, would you fetch it, please, Ariadne? I am sure it will help.’ Lucy gave the widow a tiny smile. ‘Ruthie will look after me now.’
Having sent the widow bustling away, Lucy went back to her bedroom to undress. She assured Ruthie she could manage quite well on her own and ordered the maid to make sure the servants did not spill the bathwater.
* * *
‘There, Miss, you looks quite respectable again.’
There was no guile in the maid’s open countenance; she thought merely that her mistress had been caught in the heavy rainstorm which had quite ruined her gown. The thin muslin was muddy and too badly damaged to repair. It had been thrown away, bundled up with the undergarments that bore the tell-tale signs of Lucy’s lost virginity. She was now ready to go down to dinner, dressed in green silk and the only evidence of her soaking was her damp hair.
She was a little apprehensive about entering the drawing room, and Caroline’s cheerful greeting informed her that her escapade had not gone unnoticed.
‘So, Lucy, my brother had to rescue you from the storm.’
Ariadne shook her head and murmured, ‘So foolhardy to go out at all in such weather.’
‘Miss Halbrook is not used to the sudden violence of our northern weather.’ Ralph was holding out his hand to her and smiling. ‘I hope her experience today will not give her a dislike of Adversane.’
Lucy read the message in his eyes and tried desperately not to blush. She risked sending him a message of her own.
‘Quite the contrary, my lord.’
‘Ralph,’ he reminded her. He pulled her hand onto his arm and led her across to Ariadne. ‘But you see, Cousin, she is looking even more radiant, so there’s no harm done.’
‘I sincerely hope not.’
The words were uttered so quietly that only Lucy heard them as she sat down beside Mrs Dean.
‘But why did you go out at all?’ asked Charlotte. ‘Mama said you were painting in the morning room, only you were not there when I went to find you to tell you that we were going to play charades.’
‘I wanted a little air,’ Lucy replied. ‘I did not realise I had wandered so far...’
Margaret chuckled. ‘Giving Ralph the opportunity to play Sir Galahad.’
‘And you took shelter at Druids Rock,’ stated Adam.
‘Yes.’ Lucy knew he was watching her closely and hoped she sounded nonchalant.
‘Remarkable place, Druids Rock,’ added Sir James. ‘I am glad the storm has passed, for I want to go there to see the dawn tomorrow.’ He looked around, beaming. ‘Summer solstice, you know. Perhaps some of you would like to join me?’
‘With Midsummer’s Eve looming?’ Judith Cottingham shook her head. ‘I for one will be resting and building up my strength for that.’
There was a general murmur of agreement and Ralph said, ‘You are welcome to go, of course, Preston, but I doubt you will find anyone to accompany you.’
‘Of course I would not expect you to go there, Adversane, but I am not unhopeful... Charlotte, my dear, what about you?’
His daughter wrinkled her pretty nose. ‘Not I, Papa! I am not like Helene, slipping off to Druids Rock whenever she could get away. She must truly have thought it had magic powers, since she was always going there.’
Lucy felt the change immediately. There was a tension in the air and everyone was looking uncomfortable. Ralph was frowning and Lady Preston hissed at her daughter, who merely shrugged her shoulders.
‘Why must I not mention her? After two years we should be able to talk of my sister without so much constraint. I thought that was why Lord Adversane had invited us here.’
‘You are quite right, Miss Preston,’ replied Ralph. ‘The past is done, but I am afraid it still haunts some of us.’
Byrne came in to announce that dinner was ready and Lucy was aware of a definite feeling of relief as they all made their way to the dining room. With only three days to go until Midsummer’s Eve, the play was the natural topic of conversation once everyone was seated.
‘What are they performing this year?’ asked Caroline.
Ralph helped himself from a dish of chicken before him and did not look up as he answered.
‘The Provoked Wife.’
‘But that’s—’
Sir Timothy’s exclamation was cut short, Lucy suspected by a kick under the table from Caroline, who was sitting beside him.
‘Yes,’ said Ralph carefully. ‘It is the same play they performed two years ago.’
‘So everything is to be as it was before,’ murmured Judith Cottingham.
‘With one exception,’ put in Lady Preston. She fixed her pale eyes upon Lucy. ‘You have no Lady Adversane.’
‘True, but I do have a fiancée,’ Ralph replied coolly. ‘I shall use the occasion to announce our formal betrothal.’
Ariadne’s fork clattered onto her plate.
‘That is not what was planned, Cousin.’
‘Plans change.’ Ralph was looking at Lucy, a little smile playing about the corners of his mouth. ‘Well, my love? Would you object to it?’
Before she could reply, Adam brought his hand crashing down upon the table.
‘Dash it all, Adversane, this is not the time or the place to ask such a question. You put Miss Halbrook in a most awkward position. If she has any objections do you think she would voice them here, in front of everyone?’
Lucy shook her head. ‘Truly, I—’
Ralph put up his hand to silence her, his eyes solemn.
‘Adam is quite right, my dear. You should consider well before giving me your answer.’
Lucy did not want to consider. She knew what she wanted, but Ralph’s announcement had caused so much consternation that she dare not say so. Instead, she kept her peace and Lord Wetherell adroitly changed the subject.
* * *
No more was said of the engagement during dinner, but afterwards it seemed everyone had an opinion to share with Lucy. As the ladies made their way across to the drawing room, Lady Preston came alongside her.
‘I advise you to think very carefully before you commit yourself to Lord Adversane’s proposal, Miss Halbrook. Once the betrothal is made public there can be no going back.’
‘I am aware of that, ma’am.’
‘Are you?’ Lady Preston put her hand on her arm and gave her a pitying smile. ‘Are you truly ready to tie yourself to a man who can never love you?’
Lucy put up her chin. ‘You are mistaken.’
Had Ralph not proved this very day how much he loved her? As if she were reading her thoughts, Lady Preston curled her lip.
‘You are very young, my dear, and do not yet know the difference between a man’s lust and true, lasting affection.’
Lucy responded with nothing more than a shake of her head as they entered the drawing room, but no sooner had she moved away from Lady Preston than Margaret and Caroline came up to her.
‘Has her ladyship been trying to dissuade you, Lucy? Pay her no heed. She wants Adversane for her daughter.’
‘I know that, Caro, but—’
Margaret patted her arm. ‘If Ralph wants you, he will have you.’
‘Meg’s right,’ added Caroline. ‘Do you not yet know that my brother is not to be gainsaid?’
Their words did not give the reassurance Lucy wanted. She declined their invitation to join them at the piano, preferring to sit a little way apart and collect her thoughts. She was not allowed to do so for long.
‘You are looking a little fatigued, Miss Halbrook.’ Judith Cottingham sat down beside her. ‘I am not at all surprised. I find Caroline and Margaret’s company quite as exhausting as their brother’s. They must always be on the go, always doing something. And so strong-willed, too.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘My husband says they have none of them any concern for anyone’s feelings but their own.’
‘I have not found that to be so,’ said Lucy.
‘Perhaps that is because you are naturally complaisant.’
‘I do not think—’
Judith caught her arm, saying in an urgent undervoice, ‘Have a care what you are about, Miss Halbrook. This is not a happy house. It is full of shadows and secrets.’
‘Mayhap I can make it happier.’
‘No. You look too much like Helene.’
‘A little, perhaps, but—’
The grip on her arm became almost painful.
‘You should not stay here,’ Judith hissed. ‘You should leave before he destroys you, too.’
Lucy drew back, startled. Mrs Cottingham put up her hand and shook her head, a frightened look on her face. ‘Forgive me. Please, I beg you, forget that I said anything.’
She hurried away, leaving Lucy to stare after her. She had thought Judith Cottingham a meek, colourless little woman, so her sudden outburst had been all the more alarming. What did she mean? Was she warning her against Ralph? She looked around. If only he would come in. She needed the reassurance of his presence, but a glance at the clock told her not to expect the gentlemen for another half-hour at least.
Restlessly, she went over to the windows, throwing them open so that she could stroll out onto the terrace, but even there she was not alone for long.
‘Such a lovely evening now, after the earlier rain.’ Ariadne came to stand beside Lucy, looking out over the gardens. ‘Ralph’s decision to announce your engagement—does it have anything to do with your being caught out in the storm together today? My dear, I do not mean to pry, but I am anxious for you. This is a very long way from his original plan.’
Lucy hesitated, collecting her thoughts.
‘I am aware how it must look to you, ma’am, but since I have been here, since I have become acquainted with Lord Adversane—’
‘You have fallen in love with him?’
Lucy gave her a grateful smile. ‘I have. I cannot tell you how much I—’
‘Then pray do not,’ exclaimed Ariadne, consternation shadowing her kind face. ‘Oh, my dear Lucy, I would like nothing better, but...’ She took her hands. ‘Are you sure Ralph returns your affection? But of course you are. How could I doubt it?’
‘You are not happy about it.’
‘I cannot deny I am concerned, Lucy. You have known my cousin for such a short time, and you are so very young—’
‘I am four-and-twenty, Ariadne.’
‘Very well, you are not a child, but all the same, this is so very sudden. Would it not be better to wait a little longer, just to be sure?’
Lucy pulled her hands free and gave a little cry of frustration.
‘Oh, why is everyone so concerned that I do not know my own heart?’
She turned away, blinking back the hot tears that threatened to fall. After a moment Ariadne squeezed her arm.
‘Oh, my dear, it is not your heart that I doubt.’
Lucy heard the older woman’s sigh and then she was alone. The joy and happiness she had felt earlier had quite disappeared. Was everyone against her marrying Ralph? No, Caroline and Margaret were pleased for her, weren’t they? What was it Margaret had said?
If Ralph wants you, he will have you.
There was nothing lover-like about that—it was more a statement of possession. As the threat of tears subsided, Lucy gazed out across the gardens, watching the shadows lengthen. This was Adversane land, as far as one could see. Ralph was offering to make her mistress of all this and more, but she knew it was not enough. She wanted none of it if she could not have his love, as well.
‘So here you are.’
That deep, dear voice had her spinning round, reaching out for him. Without hesitating, Ralph took her in his arms. He kissed her, melting her doubts like snow in the sunlight.
‘I would like to carry you upstairs right now.’ He murmured the words against her skin as his lips nibbled her ear, making her shiver with delight. ‘Yet I suppose we must be circumspect, at least while we have visitors at Adversane. It will not be easy for me to keep away from you.’
She put her hands against his chest and looked up at him.
‘Do you truly wish to marry me, Ralph?’
His brows went up.
‘What is this? What have my family been saying to you?
She dropped her eyes to his neck cloth, but the precision of those intricate folds only reminded her of how she had struggled to tear it off earlier. The thought brought the hot blood surging through her once more. He pulled her close again, murmuring between kisses.
‘They all think we have been betrothed for the past year. Surely they cannot think it is too soon?’
‘No, but Ariadne knows the truth and she is most concerned.’
‘She will come round when she sees how I love you.’
‘Do you, Ralph? Do you truly love me?’
He met her glance with a glinting smile. ‘Can you doubt it?’
She shook her head. When he was so close, holding her like this, she did not doubt it at all.
‘Then unless you have any objections we will announce our betrothal after the play, and then in a week or so I shall take you to London to inform your family. Would you wish to be married there, or shall we give my tenants the privilege of seeing you become my bride at the parish church in Adversane? It is your choice, although Hopkins will be most disappointed if he is not to perform the ceremony—’
‘Stop, stop.’ Laughing, she put a hand up to his lips. ‘This is all too much, my—Ralph. We can decide upon such details later.’
He kissed her fingers. ‘You are right. One thing at a time.’ He raised his head, listening. ‘And if I am not mistaken, Byrne has brought in the tea tray. I suppose we must go and join the others.’
After another swift kiss he took her inside. She knew her eyes were shining with pleasure and her happiness was not in the least dimmed by the arctic glare Lady Preston cast in her direction, nor by Judith Cottingham’s frowning look.
She helped Mrs Dean to serve the tea, then took her own cup to a quiet corner, content to be alone with her own thoughts. However, she was soon joined by Adam Cottingham. She managed to greet him with a smile.
‘You are to be congratulated,’ he remarked, sitting down beside her. ‘I do not know when I last saw Adversane so happy.’
Lucy looked across the room to where Ralph was talking with his brothers-in-law.
‘Do you think that is because of me, Mr Cottingham?’
‘Undoubtedly.’
‘Then I, too, am content.’
Adam put his cup down, frowning. ‘You should not be.’ He directed a solemn look at her. ‘I would beg you to have a care, Miss Halbrook.’
‘You have said as much before, sir, but I believe you are mistaken.’
‘You do not understand. I cannot speak here. Meet me at nine o’clock tomorrow morning. In the shrubbery, where we will not be overheard.’
She sat up very straight.
‘I do not think that is wise, sir. I beg you will say what you have to here, now.’
He gave a quick shake of his head.
‘I cannot, Adversane is watching us. But believe me when I say that you need to know this.’ He rose. ‘Tomorrow morning, Miss Halbrook.’
She watched him walk away and half expected Ralph to ask her what they had been talking of, but the party was breaking up. Adam collected his wife and retired, followed shortly by Caroline and Lord Wetherell. Lady Preston declared loudly that Charlotte needed to rest.
‘The next few days are important if you are to look your best for Midsummer’s Eve.’ She turned to her husband. ‘And you, sir, you will need some sleep if you are to walk to Druids Rock to see the sunrise.’
Sir James chuckled. ‘Well, I did think I might sit in the library and read by the light of one of Adversane’s new-fangled lamps. After all, it is hardly worth going to bed—the nights are so short.’
‘By all means, if that is what you wish,’ said Ralph mildly.
Lady Preston was adamant, however, and carried both her daughter and her husband away.
Sir Timothy grinned.
‘We know who rules the roost in that household! If you do not object, Adversane, I shall step out onto the terrace to smoke a cigar before I retire.’ He held out his hand to his wife. ‘Are you coming, Meg?’
She went willingly, leaving only Lucy, Ralph and Ariadne in the drawing room. Mrs Dean rose, smothering a yawn.
‘I shall go to bed, too,’ she said. ‘Shall you come with me, Lucy?’
Lucy began to follow her to the door, until Ralph detained her.
‘You go on up, Cousin. I will escort Lucy upstairs in a moment.’ Ralph added, when she hesitated. ‘It is customary to allow engaged couples a little time alone.’
Ariadne’s eyes narrowed.
‘And that is a crow I meant to pick with you, Adversane. About your betrothal. When did—?’
‘Yes, yes, but not tonight, it is far too late to explain it all.’ Ralph shepherded his cousin to the door. ‘Goodnight, Ariadne.’
When at last she had retired, he closed the door and stood for a moment with his back to it, regarding Lucy.
‘I thought I should never get you to myself.’
He took her hand and pulled her down beside him on one of the sofas. Lucy made a half-hearted protest, reminding him that Sir Timothy and Lady Finch were still on the terrace.
‘What of it?’ he muttered. ‘They will not come in for a while yet.’
He began nibbling her ear, causing such pleasurable sensations to course through her body that she forgot everything but the sheer pleasure of being in his arms. Her bones were liquefying, even before he moved his attention to her mouth. She returned his kiss, running her hands through his hair and turning her body into his, pressing against him as the familiar longing raged through her blood.
‘Enough,’ he muttered at last. ‘Enough, or I shall have to take you all over again.’
Reluctantly, she let him pull her to her feet.
‘I fear I must be sadly wanton,’ she said, sighing, ‘for there is nothing I would like more.’
‘Not until I have made an honest woman of you.’ He drew her into his arms, and they shared another long, lingering kiss. ‘But, by heaven, I am tempted to purchase a special licence to do it!’
A gurgle of laughter escaped her as she relished her power over him. They went out of the drawing room and up the grand staircase hand in hand.
‘I have business in Halifax tomorrow morning with Colne. Come with us,’ he urged her. ‘It should not take long, and the scenery is magnificent. You might bring your sketchpad.’
‘I should love to come with you, but Mrs Sutton is bringing the scarlet gown.’ She stopped. ‘I could send her word not to come.’
Even in the dim light she saw the shadow cross his face.
‘No, you need the gown for Midsummer’s Eve, so you must see Mrs Sutton tomorrow. I shall take you to Halifax another time.’
They were on the stairs, and she stepped up onto the next tread so that her eyes were level with his.
‘But why, Ralph? I have more than enough dresses—’
‘But that is the one to wear for the play. There is something I must know.’
‘If you are still in love with Helene, perhaps?’
The hard, distant look left him then. He cupped her face in his hands.
‘No, I promise you it is not that.’ Gently, he kissed her lips. ‘I must ask you to trust me, just a little longer. Will you do that?’
‘But I do not understand, Ralph. Why—?’
‘I will explain everything on Midsummer’s Day, I promise you.’ He gazed deep into her eyes. ‘Can you do that, Lucy? Can you trust me for just a little longer?’
‘Of course, but—’
He put his fingers against her lips.
‘No buts, my love. Trust me.’
* * *
He loves me, I am sure of it.
Lucy repeated the words to herself as Ruthie undressed her, but when she had blown out the candle and lay alone in the darkness, she questioned why, if she was to trust Ralph, he would not trust her with his reasons.
Unbidden, a memory came back to her. She was standing beside Mama on the pavement while the landlord piled their belongings around them.
‘I don’t understand, Mama. Why didn’t you tell me?’
It was only then, while they waited for Uncle Edgeworth to send his carriage to collect them, that Mama had told her the truth. Only then that she had trusted her daughter enough to share the pain that she had endured during those final years, shielding Lucy, telling her Papa was away painting while in fact he was gambling and drinking himself into a pauper’s grave.
Lucy turned her face to the pillow. Was it always to be thus, that those she loved most would not trust her?
* * *
The problem still nagged at her when she awoke the next day. She had arranged to go out with Caroline and Margaret after breakfast, and Ruthie had laid out her riding habit in readiness. As Lucy made her way downstairs she saw that it wanted but a few minutes to nine, the time Adam had suggested she meet him in the shrubbery. She had fully intended to stay away, certain that she did not want to hear what he had to say, but now instead of going to breakfast she made her way out to the gardens. Adam was Ralph’s cousin; he had known him all his life. Perhaps talking to him might help her to understand why Ralph would not confide in her.
She found Adam waiting for her at the entrance to the shrubbery. As she approached, he held his arm out to her.
‘Good morning, Miss Halbrook. It is such a lovely day no one will wonder at us strolling here, if we should be seen.’
After the briefest hesitation she stepped up beside him, placing her fingers on his sleeve.
‘Sir James will have witnessed a beautiful sunrise this morning.’
It was all she could think of to say. Now she was here she could not bring herself to ask him about Ralph. That would be too disloyal.
‘I am surprised he can go there, knowing it is where his daughter...where his daughter ended her life.’
Lucy said gently, ‘But I understand it was also one of her favourite places.’
‘Oh, yes.’
Adam said no more, and she looked at him. He was frowning, lost in his own thoughts, and she felt a flicker of impatience.
‘Mr Cottingham, I—’
‘You will be wondering what it is I wanted to say to you.’ He interrupted her. ‘I warned you to be on your guard, Miss Halbrook. My cousin is a passionate man.’
Lucy flushed.
‘That is not a crime.’
‘No, when it is under regulation. But...Adversane’s temper is ungovernable.’
‘I have seen no sign of it.’
‘But how long have you known him? I mean really known him, not merely meeting him in company.’
She put up her chin.
‘I think I know him quite well. He is a strong character, of course, but—’
‘Strong! Oh, yes,’ he said bitterly. ‘Adversane must have his way in all things!’ He fell silent, as if fighting with himself. At last he spoke again, his voice unsteady with suppressed anger. ‘It was always thus. As heir to Adversane he was denied nothing—imagine what that did for a temper that was naturally autocratic. He grew up demanding that everyone bend to his will.’
‘I do not believe that.’
‘Oh, he hides it well, dressing up his demands as requests, but he will allow nothing to stand in his way.’
If Ralph wants you, he will have you.
Lucy tried to shut out Margaret’s words.
‘But he is well respected. I hear nothing but praise for him when I go out—’
‘Hah! Money and power will buy you many friends, Miss Halbrook.’
‘No, it is genuine, I am sure—’
But he was not listening to her.
‘Ralph and Helene should never have married,’ he said, scowling. ‘She was an angel. Everyone says so. Everyone loved her. She was too good, too kind for that monster—’
Lucy pulled her arm away.
‘Enough,’ she said angrily. ‘I will not have you talk of Adversane like that!’
She began to hurry away from him, but he followed her.
‘He took Helene for his wife, frightened her with his passion and his harsh words, so much so that in the end she was desperate to get away from him. That is why she ran to Druids Rock on the night of the ball.’
‘You cannot blame Ralph for her accident.’
‘It was no accident.’ Lucy stopped and he continued in a low voice, ‘She went to Druids Rock to end everything, and it was because of my cousin.’
She shook her head and said again, ‘You cannot blame Ralph.’
‘Who else should I blame? He was her husband. He should have cherished her, loved her.’
‘I am sure he did, in his way.’ She looked up suddenly. ‘But how do you know so much of this?’
‘I?’ he said, startled. ‘Why, I am Adversane’s cousin. I spent a great deal of time here. I observed him and his wife. Perhaps I saw too much.’
‘I am not sure you should be telling me this, Mr Cottingham.’
‘But I am concerned for you.’
‘Thank you, but I can look after myself.’ They had reached the entrance to the shrubbery, but as she went to leave he caught her arm.
‘I am sure you can, ma’am, but you know he is trying to change you.’ He came closer. ‘She was beautiful, but when she did not live up to his ideal he drove her to her death. Now he is trying to mould you into her image!’
‘No!’ Lucy shook him off. ‘Good day to you, Mr Cottingham.’
It was preposterous. Outrageous. She would not believe it. She had been a fool to listen to him. Lucy hurried into the house, glad that Adam did not follow her. Margaret and Caroline were already at breakfast with their husbands and they all looked up as she entered.
Margaret paused, her coffee cup halfway to her mouth.
‘My dear, you are looking very pale. Are you unwell?’
Lucy stopped just inside the door.
‘I hardly know.’ She felt a little dazed.
‘Missing Ralph, no doubt.’
Margaret frowned at her sister. ‘Be quiet, Caro. Lucy, you do not look at all well. Let me take you to your room.’
Lucy waved her back into her seat.
‘No, thank you, I can manage. But I will go and lie down.’
‘Good idea,’ agreed Sir Timothy. ‘I think it is too hot for riding. In fact, I am trying to persuade the ladies not to go.’
‘Pho, as if we should listen to you, Timothy! Meg and I will not melt because of a little sunshine...’
Lucy left them to their banter. She would stay quietly in her room for a while until she could organise her chaotic thoughts. Not that she believed a word that Adam Cottingham had said, but meeting with him had not helped her at all. It was her own fault, of course. She had encouraged him to be open with her and now she could hardly blame him for voicing his opinions. She entered her bedchamber and was surprised to see the dressing room door was open. Someone was moving around inside. Ruthie should have gone downstairs to her own breakfast by now. Lucy crossed the room, intent upon sending the maid away.
‘Oh.’ She stopped, frowning, when she found herself confronting not her maid, but a complete stranger.
Before her stood a thin, grey-haired woman, soberly dressed as befitted an upper servant. Lucy’s brow cleared.
‘Miss Crimplesham, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, ma’am.’ The woman dipped a reluctant curtsey but made no attempt to leave. Her face was blotched, as if she had been crying.
Lucy said gently, ‘I have no doubt you are very familiar with these rooms, but you are Miss Preston’s dresser now, and she is in the guest wing.’
‘It’s all the same.’
Lucy frowned. ‘I beg your pardon?’
‘Nothing’s changed.’ Miss Crimplesham turned back to the gowns hanging on the pegs along one wall. She began to pull out the skirts, one after the other. ‘All these dresses, all identical to those worn by my lady. The quality is not the same, of course—my lady always had her gowns made by the best modistes in Harrogate and London. And they are bigger, too. Slender as a reed was Miss Helene. You’ve the look of her, but you’re not as beautiful as my mistress. Lord Adversane always said she was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. She could have been so happy, if it hadn’t been for that man.’
Lucy drew herself up.
‘That is quite enough, Crimplesham. I think you should go now.’
She injected as much quiet firmness into her voice as she could, and was relieved when the dresser swept past her and out of the room. Alone at last, Lucy sank down upon her dressing stool. She was trembling and she wrapped her arms about herself. What did it all mean? Was there some sort of plot to turn her against Ralph?
She shook her head, putting her hands to her temples. No, she did not believe Miss Crimplesham was party to any conspiracy. The poor woman was merely disturbed by grief, but coming so soon after her encounter with Adam Cottingham, Lucy found herself wondering if she was wise to trust Ralph.
Perhaps he, too, was so grief-stricken that he wanted to recreate his lost love. That would explain why he had chosen her, why he insisted she wear gowns identical to those worn by his wife. Lucy did not want to believe it, but what other reason could there be?
‘There must be another reason,’ she told herself. ‘There has to be.’
But no matter how much she thought about it, no other explanation presented itself.
