A Gallant Defender, page 6
Even as she spoke she remembered how dear Dickon had seen her sitting, like an extremely large wallflower, at Almack's and known she was the one he had been looking for. Was it possible Mr Reed had also seen something in her that she could not see herself?
'I'm going upstairs to change into my work clothes, Mama. I need to get out of the house; a brisk gallop around the estate might clear my head of cobwebs.'
Perhaps she would meet Wydale and be able to cover him with mud a second time. A flicker of anticipation ran through her as she considered the remote possibility Mr Reed might also be riding and their paths might inadvertently cross.
She paused at the door. 'Oh dear, what about Doctor Smith? He'll come expecting to find me unconscious and needing his attention.' Before she received her answer there was the clatter of booted feet on the stairs and Edmund and Sarah arrived.
'Thank God, Jane said you had taken poorly. What happened? I must say you look remarkably sprightly now.'
She flushed, reluctant to admit her weakness. Mama answered for her.
'Your sister swooned when she heard some shocking news, but she's now fully recovered and I shall send another messenger to tell the doctor he's no longer required.'
'Shocking news?' Edmund paled as he was fixed by his mother's basilisk stare. He swallowed nervously and she took pity on him.
'Edmund, Mama knows everything and has come up with an excellent solution. We shan't talk about it now, but I'm sure all will be explained to you later. I have to change into my work clothes before going out. Do you wish to come with me?'
Edmund glanced through the drawing room to the bay windows which were running with water. 'Are you mad? It's tipping down out there, you will be drowned in an instant. Far better to stay in and play spillikins with Sarah.'
She sighed, she hadn't realized the rain had worsened. It would indeed be foolish to venture outside. 'Very well, I'll remain indoors until the rain lessens.' She smiled at Sarah who was staring anxiously from face to face. 'It's alright, darling, there's nothing wrong. Shall we go into the back parlour and draw some pictures?'
'I should like that, Liza. I'm quite puffed out with playing hide and go seek upstairs. Poor Jane says she will need to have a lie down.' Chatting happily she led the way into the small room on the other side of the house and Eliza followed her. She glanced back to see her mother and Edmund enter the library. She smiled – it would do him no harm to receive a bear-garden jaw. High time he faced up to his responsibilities and time that she relinquished hers.
She stopped, amazed at thinking such a thing. She had been dreading the moment when she would be obliged to hand over the running of the estate to her brother believing that she'd have no life worth living but that of a dutiful daughter, granddaughter and older sister. Even the prospect of running Hockley House didn't fill her with excitement.
How could she have suffered such a volte face in less than twenty–four hours? The image of a huge bear-like man, with smoky blue eyes and a smile that turned her insides over, slid into her mind.
Had she, after five long empty years, finally met a kindred spirit, a man who could perhaps replace the void Dickon's death had left in her life?
Sarah tugged at her hand impatiently. 'Liza, you're not listening to me. Where are the chalks and slate, I can't find them anywhere?'
The drawing things were soon unearthed in the massive oak sideboard and she was content to while away the morning helping Sarah draw pictures, whilst her mind drifted happily over interesting possibilities.
The following day her grandmother entertained Sarah whilst she, Mama and Edmund waited impatiently in the library for the arrival of Mr Firmin, the lawyer.
'I do hope his clerk was able to return from Town in time, Mama. The roads must have been awash after the rain we had yesterday.'
Her brother was staring morosely out of the window. Since his conversation with Mama the previous day he seemed to have sobered and accepted responsibility for what he'd done. He spoke no more of suicide, or running away to sea, but had spent two hours writing notes in the library of possible ways of raising money. 'It's sunny enough now, Liza. The roads should have dried out by this morning. I'm sure he'll have the news we want.'
They didn't have long to wait before there was the sound of a carriage trundling down the drive.
'It is strange, Mama, that Papa never discussed the matter with you. Are you sure he never told you about the investment he made on my behalf?'
'No, my dear. At least we can be sure he won't have put it in slaves. However much money was to be made he never invested in that loathsome trade.'
Eliza sat with her mother to one side of the desk and Edmund took his rightful place. She smiled slightly thinking how much had changed. Less than three days ago she had been galloping around the place dressed as a man and Grove House had been safe. Now she had no wish to wear anything but female attire and Wydale almost had possession of their precious home. All that stood between them and eviction was Mr Firmin and whatever his clerk had discovered in London.
'Edmund, what do you know of Mr Reed? Is he wealthy?'
'I've no idea, Liza. I imagine he has money or he couldn't dress as he does or own such a horse. I believe he has a house in Grosvenor Square as well. But he cannot be a man of real substance, or why would he fraternize with Wydale?'
Her brother was no doubt correct. Then she remembered something Mr Reed had said about his family estate when he had been pretending to be seeking out John Constable. He had mentioned the family home, Longshaw, she thought he had called it, but had also mentioned having an estate of his own.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the lawyer was announced. Mr Firmin began without preamble. 'Good morning to you all. I have the documents you require. The names of the companies inscribed thereon are very hopeful, very promising indeed.' He walked across and placed the box on the desk.
Eliza waited for her brother to move then remembered these papers were addressed to her, so she must open them. She got up and with shaking hands removed the first of the five papers. She recognized the name of a manufacturing company. She knew this was making its owners and shareholders rich beyond belief. She untied the red ribbon and flattened the paper.
Edmund lent forward eagerly. 'What does it say, Liza? Tell us at once.'
'Good Heavens! It seems I hold five hundred shares in this company. Mr Firmin, how much are they worth, do you know?'
The elderly gentleman rubbed his hands and beamed. 'My dear, Miss Fox, those shares are worth at least ten pounds apiece, that is over five thousand pounds you're holding.'
'Mama, come and open one of these, Edmund you take another. I do believe we might have the answer to our prayers right here in this box.'
Twenty minutes later they were sitting in the drawing room sipping coffee and eating slices of delicious plum cake. A weight had been lifted from her shoulders and even the lawyer was included in the celebration.
'I can hardly believe it. Your father was a clever man, Miss Fox. Five years ago these companies were no more than starting out, he would have bought the shares cheaply. He was always an astute businessman and he has left you a tidy legacy.'
'I don't see why he would believe I should disapprove of his investments.' For once Edmund was able to demonstrate he was more worldly than she.
'Child labour, Liza. They make their money by employing children and women on pathetic wages. I believe they also take children from the poorhouse and make them work a so-called apprenticeship.'
'I see. I knew children were employed in factories, but there are many Members of Parliament who are against this practice and I'm sure it will be banned eventually.' She could hardly refuse to sell her shares just because they had become valuable by the exploitation of women and children. A rough estimate of the worth of the shares was almost £25,000. Not quite enough, but perhaps Wydale could be persuaded to wait for the rest until the next quarter's rents came in.
The lawyer replaced his porcelain cup on the side table. 'Forgive me, ladies, Mr Fox, I must take my leave. As I am to sell these shares for you I must go to London and put matters in hand. How soon do you require the funds, Miss Fox?' He hadn't been told the whole, but had guessed the urgency of the matter.
'It's a debt of honour and we have three months to find the money. Will you be able to sell by then? Is'
'Yes, Miss Fox. The shares will be snapped up as soon as they're available. I'll have the money to you long before the deadline, never fear.'
Edmund rose and shook the older man's hand vigorously. 'Sir, you're a good friend to this family. I hope we can rely on your discretion?' The older man looked offended and her brother realized his mistake. 'I do apologize, sir, I'm not used to dealing with such matters. My sister has had to take control of things, but all that shall change today. I intend to stay and learn how to run the estates myself.'
Mr Firmin bowed. 'I'm glad you are, sir. You are very like your father and I'm certain Grove House will not suffer in your hands.' The door closed behind him and the three remaining occupants smiled, delighted everything had turned out so well.
'What time did Mr Reed say he would be coming, Mama?'
'He didn't specify a time, my dear. But unlike when one's in Town, I'm sure he won't leave his morning call until this afternoon.' Mama rose. 'I had better see what Grandmamma is doing. She must feel sadly neglected this morning.'
'I'm going to change into my new riding habit. When Mr Reed arrives, could you direct him down to the lake?'
She was obliged to struggle out of her day dress and into her riding habit without assistance. Eventually she had all the pieces in place and the jaunty, military-style cap firmly pinned to her head. The blue of the closely fitting jacket complemented her eyes and the gold buttons relieved the plainness of the outfit.
She had never worn this habit and neither had she ridden her father's gelding side-saddle. Should she change back into breeches? She smiled as she hurried down the stairs. Today she would rather risk a tumble than ride astride.
Chapter Eight
Eliza was unused to riding side-saddle and found it hard to maintain her balance on the restless chestnut gelding. She was beginning to fear she'd made a grave error of judgement by insisting Fred Smith saddle this particular horse.
Maybe it would have been better, as he had tactfully suggested, to have taken the quiet cob Sarah rode. Several times the chestnut shied and bucked and twice she lost her stirrup and only by grabbing a handful of his wiry mane managed to remain aloft.
Perhaps if she gave him his head, allowed him a long gallop, he would settle. She leant forward and patted his sweating neck, feeling the heat through her leather gloves.
'Calm down, old fellow, you'll have me off in a moment and I'm sure you don't wish to do that. We are the best of friends, aren't we?' The horse's ears flicked back and forth as if he understood her ramblings. The soothing words appeared to work and her mount relaxed and stopped fighting her.
'You are a good boy; now, if you're ready, shall we have a wonderful gallop down the avenue and around the lake?' She shortened her reins and settled more firmly in the saddle; her horse needed no further encouragement. He stretched his neck, lengthened his stride and was soon flying down the turf, the wind whipping tears from her eyes and the trees on either side a green blur.
She had almost reached the lake when there was a change in her horse's pace, and an added tension in his muscles. What was it now? She glanced over her shoulder and her mouth curved in a smile of welcome. Thundering behind her on a magnificent black stallion was Mr Reed, he returned her greeting and urged his mount faster, obviously hoping to overtake.
She wouldn't allow this to happen, the gelding was past his prime, but still hated to be bested. She crouched low and shouted encouragement. However hard she tried the stallion wasn't left behind. Slowly his nose appeared at her foot, then his head, and then the horse and man were beside her, matching her stride for stride. Laughing, she admitted defeat and sitting back in the saddle, exerted a slight pressure on the bit.
The old chestnut was ready to slow down, he, like her he had met his match. Flank to flank the horses dropped into an extended canter and finally to a walk.
'My word, Miss Fox, you can ride astride as good as any man, but even side-saddle you're incomparable.'
Her smile reached from ear to ear at his praise. 'I was well-taught, sir, we all were. My father was famous in the neighbourhood for his horsemanship.'
The two horses walked side by side, happy to amble along and recover from their wild gallop. This gave her the opportunity to confer more intimately.
'Miss Fox, I'm glad to see you fully recovered from your swoon of yesterday.'
She had the grace to blush. 'I'm in rude health, as you can see, Mr Reed. And I had the most amazing news this morning. My lawyer brought the documents and it appears I own shares in various manufactories valued at around twenty-five thousand pounds. He is on his way to London to arrange their sale.'
'Shall we dismount, Miss Fox? There are matters I must discuss with you and it’s hard to do so when one cannot speak directly.'
She agreed. 'Do you see over there, there's a grand folly? It has seats inside and at the rear there's somewhere to tether the horses.'
They urged the horses into a trot and soon arrived at the building that looked like a Greek temple from a distance and the marble walls reflected pink ripples in the surface of the water.
Eliza barely had time to rein in before her companion vaulted from his horse and, tossing the reins over the animal's ears, stepped round and lifted her from the saddle. Her heart skittered and her pulse raced. His warm gloved hands were around her waist as he held her close to his chest for considerably longer than was necessary.
His mouth curved as her feet were placed on the ground. 'I don't suppose your animal will stand if you toss his reins over his head?'
She shook her head. 'No, I'm certain he will not, in fact I'm sure he would take himself home.'
She reached up and led her horse to the rear of the building. She tied him to a metal ring and loosened his girth a few holes.
Mr Reed attached the rope to his horse's bridle and ran his hand down its neck. 'They are cool enough to leave, I doubt they'll come to any harm standing about whilst we talk.'
They returned to the front of building, walked up the ornate marble staircase and into the glazed room.
'I know what you're thinking, sir, this is ridiculous architecture. I can honestly say it's the only folly of any sort in which my father was involved. The building was my mother's idea, she saw a picture of something similar and wanted to have an exact replica.'
He chuckled. 'It's fortunate, my dear, that it's so far away from the house it's barely discernible. The lake holds the eye; this marble monstrosity is but a shimmering shape in the background.'
He opened the door and waited for her to enter. It didn't occur to her to protest that they were going to be closeted alone, completely unchaperoned. The time for such niceties had passed; she was safe with him.
Inside the building were marble benches on which cushions had been placed. She carefully peeled off her gloves and removed the pins from her hat aware that he was watching her every move with interest. Flustered, she dropped a pin.
'Leave it, Miss Fox. If you're quite finished fiddling about I wish to tell you something. I am on my way to visit General Rebow at Wivenhoe Park and I have left an invitation for you and your family to attend an informal supper and dance tomorrow evening. You will come, won't you?'
She was unsure. 'I don't attend such functions any more. Will there be dancing? I hate dancing, it is most lowering being obliged to stare at the top of a man's head for minutes on end.'
'Don't be a goose, my dear Miss Fox, you'll be dancing with me and I defy you to look at the top of my head without the use of a large box.'
It was some time before her giggling was under control. 'Is that why you wished to come in here? Could you not have mentioned this as we rode?' Looking up she saw something so powerful reflected in his eyes she was almost afraid. He obviously had more than conversation on his mind. She should be outraged, but instead she tilted her head to receive his kiss.
His firm lips covered hers and it was as if her bones softened. Her lips parted of their own volition. She'd never experienced anything like this, not even when Dickon had kissed her. She felt strange, restless and overheated, and wanted to press herself closer. He responded by crushing her against his chest.
Several delightful minutes later he released her and stepping away with a rueful smile, murmured softly. 'I have just treated you with total disrespect. Only betrothed couples are permitted to exchange such kisses.' He cleared his throat and turned to her his face sincere.
'I know it's far too soon, but immediately I saw you two days ago, I knew I'd found the woman I've been searching for. I thank God a tragedy prevented you from marrying your captain. Do you wish me to go down on one knee and propose, or may I ask you to do me the honour of being my wife from here?'
His eyes were laughing, but, in spite of his jesting, he was tense, not sure how she would reply.
'Thank you, Mr Reed, you have no need to kneel at my feet. I am delighted to accept your kind offer.' Relief flashed across his face. How could such a man as this have fallen so quickly in love with a plain Jane like her? 'However, sir, there are certain things you need to know before our betrothal can be made official.'
He looked shocked and she schooled her features to remain stern, not wishing him to know she was joking. 'I require any man that I marry to be able to spread a ten acre field with manure within a day; to plant a field of turnips on the next, and repair three thatched roofs and two chimneys on the third.'
Before she could move he closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms. 'You are a nonsensical baggage, my darling, and I'm going to love every moment I spend in your company.'
She sighed with pleasure. 'But, you haven't answered me, sir, I asked you a question, I must have satisfaction on all counts if I am to marry you.'
