Читать книгу More Than a Governess - Sarah Mallory - Страница 13

‘So you are taking the children back to Lancashire,’ said Sir Richard.

‘Blackthorpe Hall is their home, and mine, too.’ Major Collingham tossed off his wine and walked to the side-table. ‘I have hardly been there since their mother died. There is much to be done.’ He held up the decanter and Sir Richard came over with his empty glass.

‘And you plan to marry that neighbour of yours—the widow?’

‘Lady Frances. Yes. She was in town with her father a few weeks ago. Nothing was said, of course, but much was hinted at.’

Sir Richard grimaced.

‘Too cold for my taste, old friend. I cannot ever recall seeing a spark of warmth in her.’

Damon shrugged. ‘She will make the girls a good mother. That is all I want.’

Sir Richard sipped his wine, saying nothing. The Major eyed him for a moment, then set down his glass with a snap.

‘Damnation, man, say what is on your mind.’

‘If I did that, my friend, you would call me out.’

‘You think I am making a mistake?’

Sir Richard looked down at the toe of one gleaming Hessian as he traced the pattern on the carpet. ‘I do not think Lady Frances will make you happy.’

‘I am five-and-thirty, Richard, past the age of romantic notions. So, too, is Frances. I want a mother for my children, nothing more.’ He paused, then said with some difficulty, ‘I loved Harriet. To lose her was—agony. I have no wish to go through such pain again. Frances and I understand each other—we have been neighbours for many years. She will bring up the girls and look after my house, leaving me free to get on with the business of running the estate. We shall be very comfortable.’

‘Then I wish you happy. And you have found a governess to look after the children. How did you manage that so quickly?’

‘Miss Wrenn is related to Pettigrew, the lawyer dealing with my cousin Willoughby’s affairs—you will remember he made me trustee before he died. Miss Wrenn and I struck a bargain—she is contracted to me until September, which will give me time to arrange matters in Lancashire.’

‘There were other children in the Wrenn family, as I recall.’

‘Aye. Two. They are travelling with us.’

‘The devil they are!’ Sir Richard laughed. ‘What has come over you, Damon? I thought you didn’t like children above half!’

‘Nor do I.’ He scowled. ‘You may take that look out of your eye, Rick, I’m not going soft in the head, if that’s what you are thinking. They would have to follow their sister at some stage, so it seemed expedient to take them with us. They will be company for my own girls.’

‘True, and Miss Wrenn will be looking after them, will she not? I doubt they will bother you.’

‘That is my hope. You knew her father, you said?’

‘Aye. He spent some years in France as a young man and his knowledge of the country and language was quite exceptional. In my work for the government, I often have need for someone to decipher the notes we intercept from French spies. Wrenn was one of the best.’

The Major studied his wine glass. ‘And how well do you know his daughter?’

‘We met once or twice, when I called on her father. That is all.’ Sir Richard laughed. ‘You need not worry, Damon. She was never one of my intrigues. Her reputation was—and is, I am sure—spotless.’ He bent his shrewd gaze upon his host. ‘Perhaps you have an interest there yourself?’

Damon thought of the little governess in her dull clothes with her soft brown hair braided so modestly around her head. ‘Not my line at all, my friend. She might be quite pretty, if she were dressed up.’ He sipped his wine, imagining the girl in an evening gown. Silk, he thought. It would cling to her slender body. And emerald green, to match her eyes, eyes that could suddenly gleam with mischief. He gave himself a little mental shake. ‘No, I’ve no interest there, Rick. It has never been my way to tamper with innocents, or raise false hopes.’

‘No, your taste has always been for more dashing beauties, eh, Devil Collingham?’

Damon laughed. ‘Will I never live down that damned Brussels party?’

‘It would appear not, my friend. The stories grow more outrageous every time they are retold.’

Damon shook his head. ‘We were at war and a little reckless. Who wants such stories now? The war ended over a year ago.’

‘But it pleases the ladies to remember. And it seems you did please ’em, Damon, the married ones, at least.’

‘Safer that way.’ The Major raised his glass. ‘They know I don’t offer ’em marriage. A flirtation, a little pleasure on both sides, then we go our separate ways.’

‘Like Lady Ormiston? You were very close when you came home for the Peace Celebrations in ’fourteen.’

‘That affair lasted only as long as the peace,’ said Damon, his lip curling. ‘Veronique is indeed a beauty, but she has a heart of stone.’

‘You make a fine pair, then,’ retorted Sir Richard, smiling faintly. ‘Ormiston is still playing least in sight. It seems he prefers his Scottish acres to living with his wife. I believe she has young Leeson paying court to her now; they say he’s besotted.’

‘Silly young fool.’ The Major lifted the decanter again. ‘We might as well finish this off before we go into dinner. For God’s sake, sit down, man, and you can tell me the real reason you are here.’

Sir Richard lowered himself into an armchair on one side of the empty fireplace. ‘I am chasing diamonds, dear boy.’

‘The devil you are! Is that what brings you back to England?’

‘Yes. Bonaparte’s followers have been trying to raise a force to free him from St Helena. From the letters we have intercepted we know that the Princess Borghese donated a pair of diamond earrings to the cause.’

The Major raised his black brows. ‘Bonaparte’s sister? How was she persuaded to part with them?’

‘No idea, my friend. Her passion for jewels is legendary—the Emperor himself acquired these stones in Egypt and had them made up into ear-drops for the princess. Perhaps she wanted to make a gesture of sisterly devotion.’

‘Then it would be her first! More likely one of her other—ah—admirers persuaded her to be generous.’

‘One of her lovers, you mean? Possibly. In any event, the diamonds were sent from Italy to Paris. We arrested a number of conspirators, but the gems had already been moved on.’

‘Did you identify the courier?’

‘No. We caught one or two suspects at the coast, but it seems the diamonds were hidden in rolls of cloth bound for London. We have traced the consignment and are going through all the delivery papers and bills of exchange, but that is slow work. I am investigating other possibilities.’ He crossed one elegantly shod foot over the other. ‘One thing is certain: the diamonds have not been sold. I have my contacts in the markets and there is not a whisper of such fine stones being available.’

‘What is their value?’

‘Enough to buy and fit out a ship to take Bonaparte off St Helena.’ He studied his wine glass. ‘I was going to ask you to help me track them down.’

‘Alas, Rick, I am leaving town on Friday. Besides, I am no longer in the army.’

‘True, but you do have an uncanny ability to ferret out information. Oh, never fear, I have some very clever fellows looking for these gems, so I shall find ’em.’ He finished his wine. ‘Now, you had best take me to meet the lovely Louisa, since I am joining you for my dinner.’

Nurse and the children were gathered in the schoolroom when Juliana went in, and she found herself facing a row of expectant faces.

‘Tomorrow,’ she announced, ‘we are going shopping. We shall make a list of everything we need for the schoolroom; we seem to be especially deficient of books.’ She saw their horrified looks and burst out laughing. ‘Do not look so shocked, it will not be so bad, I promise you.’ She swept Amy up into her arms. ‘There will be plenty of time for playing games, too.’

‘Miss Sevenoaks said games were for babies,’ scoffed Gwendoline.

‘Then I pity her pupils,’ chuckled Juliana. She looked around as the door opened.

A young man walked in. Despite his light brown hair he was so much a younger version of her employer that Juliana guessed immediately his identity. His first words confirmed it.

‘My father said I should come up and make myself known to you. I am Giles Collingham.’

Juliana immediately brought her brother and sister forward to be introduced.

‘You have been with your friends today, I understand?’

‘Yes, which is why Papa has said I should join you for dinner, and get to know you, since we will be travelling together.’

‘Oh, poor you.’ Juliana gave him a sympathetic smile. ‘How dull for you to be consigned to the schoolroom.’

Giles coloured a little. ‘Yes, well, it is not so bad, you know.’

‘I am sure you would prefer to be dining with Papa when you know who is with him,’ put in Gwendoline as they took their places for dinner. She cast a quick, triumphant look around the table. ‘Sir Richard Mondwyck! Nelly told me he walked in, bold as brass, and directed Fraser to set another place for him.’

Nurse tutted. ‘Now, Miss Gwendoline, you should not be listening to servants’ gossip, nor repeating it, neither.’

‘I’ll wager Aunt Louisa will be in high dudgeon,’ grinned Giles, ignoring Nurse’s mild strictures.

‘Oh, he will turn her up sweet,’ returned his sister, giggling. ‘She thinks he is a charmer.’

‘Enough, if you please,’ said Juliana firmly. ‘Such talk shows little respect for your aunt or your father’s guest.’

Giles flushed and Gwendoline scowled across the table at her governess.

Wilhelmina looked up. ‘Sir Richard was in the Peninsula with Papa, was he not, Giles? But he was only a mister then.’

‘He was knighted last year, for services to the country,’ said Giles. ‘Father says he is an intelligence officer, collecting information against our enemies.’

‘A spy!’ Gwendoline’s eyes grew round.

‘If he is, then it is perhaps best we do not talk of it,’ responded Juliana. ‘Wilhelmina, shall I help you with your napkin?’

Juliana thought back to Sir Richard’s visits to her father, the bound notebooks and closeted meetings. Suddenly, it all seemed to make sense.

While the soup was being served there was a sudden clatter to Juliana’s right, where Wilhelmina was sitting.

‘Oh, dear, Minna,’ said Nurse. ‘You have dropped your spoon.’

‘I’ll get it!’ Gwendoline was out of her seat and racing around the table.

‘Gwendoline, there is no need,’ Nurse expostulated mildly. ‘Really, dear, do stop waving your arms, your napkin is almost in Miss Wrenn’s face.’

With mumbled apologies Gwendoline returned to her place. Juliana picked up her spoon, but as she was about to dip it into her soup she stopped. There, in the middle of her bowl, was a small, black beetle.

She heard Wilhelmina stifle a giggle. Across the table, Gwendoline was addressing herself to her food, a picture of innocence. Juliana put down her spoon and began to talk to Nurse on some unexceptional topic until the soup bowls were removed and she could help herself to one of the other dishes on the table.

As soon as the meal was over, Giles excused himself and went downstairs, but Juliana waited until she received word that the gentlemen had joined Lady Varley in the drawing room. Nurse promised to take care of Thomas and Amy, and Juliana glanced at her two charges to make sure they were looking neat and tidy.

‘Very well, shall we go?’

As they went down the stairs, Juliana let Wilhelmina run on ahead while she moved a little closer to Gwendoline.

‘That was a very neat trick you played at dinner—no, please do not deny it. Where did you find the beetle, in the schoolroom?’

Gwendoline tossed her head. ‘Yes, if you must know.’

‘Well, let me warn you, Gwendoline, that I will not be put off by your tricks or stratagems. Your papa has engaged me until the end of September and I do not intend to give up this position, however unpleasant you try to make it.’ She glanced down at the mutinous little face beside her. ‘Please try to make the best of it, Gwendoline—the time will pass much quicker if we work together. And remember that I have a younger brother and sister, so I have a few tricks of my own.’ She lowered her voice, ‘Beware how you get into bed tonight!’ She laughed at Gwendoline’s quick, alarmed glance and patted the girl’s arm. ‘Come, Gwendoline, cry friends with me; I am not an ogre, I promise you.’

They had reached the drawing room and Juliana took Wilhelmina’s hand. The footman threw open the door and, with a bright smile pinned in place, Juliana escorted her charges into the room.

Lady Varley greeted the schoolroom party with regal graciousness and called the children to her. Juliana would have taken a seat in one corner of the room, but Major Collingham beckoned her forward.

‘So you have spent your first day with my girls, Miss Wrenn.’ He led her to a chair next to Sir Richard. ‘I hope they have been no trouble?’

She saw Gwendoline look up quickly, and gave her a reassuring smile. ‘I think we are in a great way to understanding each other, Major.’

Even if she had not made peace with Gwendoline, it was, she hoped, a truce.

‘And you are to accompany the family to Blackthorpe Hall, Miss Wrenn,’ said Sir Richard. ‘I hope you have a strong constitution. Collingham here likes to travel at a fearsome pace.’

‘The children’s needs will dictate our progress,’ returned Juliana calmly.

‘I have already allowed for it,’ nodded the Major. ‘Brasher has written to the hotels where we shall stay. He will go on ahead with Benns to check the accommodation personally, and they will then travel on to Blackthorpe.’

Lady Varley looked up. ‘You are sending your valet on ahead, Damon? Is that wise?’

‘My dear Louisa, I am quite capable of dressing and shaving myself, you know,’ retorted the Major. ‘Besides, we shall only be on the road for three nights.’

Sir Richard grinned. ‘Everything organised with the efficiency of a military operation,’ he said. ‘I hope you are impressed, Miss Wrenn?’

‘I shall be impressed if we carry it off.’

Juliana found herself subjected to the Major’s steely gaze.

‘Do you doubt my planning, then?’

‘No, sir. I am sure your planning is impeccable, but it is not wise to rely too heavily upon plans and timetables where children are involved.’

‘Very true,’ put in Lady Varley. ‘I know from my own little ones that they are the most delightfully unpredictable creatures.’

‘Good Gad, Miss Wrenn, do you follow Rousseau’s philosophy for the education of children?’ cried Sir Richard gaily.

‘Certainly, I believe they should be allowed to express themselves, and have room to play.’ She felt a flush stealing into her cheeks and she added quickly, ‘Not that I expect such considerations to affect our journey.’

‘I am very glad to hear it,’ growled her employer.

‘However,’ she continued, ‘the children are very young, and if they need to stop a little more frequently I shall not hesitate to bring it to your attention, Major. But it is by no means certain; they may prove themselves to be excellent travellers.’

Major Collingham stepped closer, frowning down at her. ‘Let me make myself plain, Miss Wrenn. The journey is set. It is up to you to ensure my girls are looked after at each stage. Keep them amused, by all means, but you will not bother me with trifling concerns.’

She gave him back look for look, refusing to be intimidated by his menacing tone. ‘Of course not, sir. I should not dream of troubling you with trifles.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘But?’ he said. ‘I feel sure you are about to add a rider to that last remark.’

Juliana regarded him with an innocent stare. ‘We are both concerned with the children’s welfare, Major. If that is in question, then of course I will bring it to your attention.’

‘By Gad, Damon, she’s got you there,’ murmured Sir Richard. ‘But you have the right of it, Miss Wrenn. Damon will like nothing better than to know his children are being cared for.’

One glance at the Major’s tight-lipped face convinced Juliana that at that moment he would like nothing better than to strangle her. With a curt nod he moved away and began to converse with his sister.

Juliana turned to Sir Richard. ‘Oh dear,’ she said ruefully. ‘Do you think I shall be turned off before we even leave London?’

‘Not a bit of it!’ he reassured her. ‘Damon would be the first to tell you he knows nothing about children. He will welcome your advice, despite his frowns. He is not nearly so harsh as he would have us believe.’

As there was no one to overhear them, she murmured, ‘Not really the devil he is named, perhaps?’

‘Oh, so you’ve heard that tale, have you? Well, you may rest easy, Miss Wrenn. Collingham is a true gentleman. As a member of his household you fall under his protection, and he’ll take dashed good care of you, take my word for it.’