CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

During the course of the next few days events moved on apace, mostly by letter.

A note from Sir Philip Weaver informed Daniel that Harold Grimshaw had been transferred to Gloucester gaol and his case would be heard five days’ hence.

Upon learning that their client was now being charged with trespassing on Lord Reculver’s house and grounds, Mr Grimshaw’s lawyers informed Mr Longhope that they no longer felt able to represent him in the matter of criminal extortion and had advised him accordingly.

Mr Longhope told Daniel that, this being so, there was a strong possibility that, if the case were ever to be brought, it would go through uncontested. Daniel replied with instructions that, regardless of this, Grimshaw should be notified that the case against him for extortion would still proceed.

After much discussion and debate with the dowager, Anna sent out cards for Daniel’s birthday party – first to those who would be house-guests and then to near neighbours for celebrations to be held on the day itself. Acceptances from Christian, Benedict, Anthony and even Gerald came back by return and others followed more slowly. Nobody refused.

William wrote congratulating Daniel on having victory within his grasp and said how much more pleasant the house was now that his ‘uncle’ was no longer in it. In a postscript, he added, Although the measures you set in place for mother’s protection and my own weren’t called upon, I’m grateful to you for the thought. If possible, I would like to express my thanks in person. Perhaps we might meet – just the two of us – at some mutually convenient location? I know better than to come to your home .

Showing this to Anna, Daniel said slowly, ‘But why shouldn’t he come here? If Mama and Rebecca don’t want to see him, they don’t have to. And you wouldn’t mind, would you?’

‘Of course not. But just the two of us is clear enough. He wants the opportunity to get to know you better.’

‘I took that to mean he won’t be bringing his mother.’

‘As well it might. But if he comes here, every servant who sees him will know who he is.’

‘Ah. And Rebecca will have a fit?’

‘Very possibly.’

‘Point taken. I’ll suggest a tavern somewhere midway between us. But I’m going to tell him there’s only one reason he can’t come here – and explain what it is.’

***

The week flew by and the day of Grimshaw’s hearing arrived. Although they tried to pretend otherwise, everyone at Reculver – from Anna down to the kitchen maid – was on edge. Daniel, of course, wasn’t there, being required in court to give evidence.

The dowager said, ‘When will we know?’ or ‘Why haven’t we heard?’ five times an hour. By two in the afternoon and gritting her teeth until they ached, Anna claimed there were important business matters requiring her attention and fled to her office where she had to stop herself locking the door.

Returning at a little after four, Daniel grinned at Flynn and said cheerfully, ‘You haven’t seen me. My wife hiding in her office, is she?’

Flynn agreed that she was. Daniel strode through the library to Anna’s room, shut the door behind him and locked it. Then, opening his arms to her, he said, ‘It’s done. He was found guilty and is currently beginning a six week sentence in Gloucester gaol.’

She flung herself on him, laughing with relief. His arms closed about her and, lifting her off her feet, he spun round saying, ‘We’re finally free . I can scarcely believe it.’

‘Neither can I,’ she whispered, hugging him. ‘We should celebrate.’

‘My thoughts exactly.’ He kissed her with undisguised intent, then stepped back to strip off his coat.

Anna also stepped back, still laughing but with a note of suspicion.

‘What are you doing?’

‘What does it look like?’

He reached for her again only to be foiled when she stepped nimbly away saying as severely as she was able, ‘Is this always your first thought?’

‘No. Often perhaps. But not always. Come here.’

Shaking her head, she protested, ‘Daniel, we can’t .’

‘Why not? You’re here; I’m here; the door is locked; there’s a sofa. And I can be very adaptable. Let me prove it.’

‘No.’ She batted his hands away. ‘Prove it later, by all means. But your mother and sister are somewhere nearby fretting and –’

‘They won’t know I’m back. I told Flynn he hadn’t seen me.’

‘And any minute now one or other of them will knock at my door, lift the latch and wonder why they can’t get in.’ And seeing that he had started undoing the buttons of his vest, ‘Will you stop taking your clothes off? We can’t make love now! ’

The sense of what she was saying had made its impression some minutes ago but Daniel hadn’t been able to resist teasing her. Now, his hands stilled and he muttered sulkily, ‘You’re no fun.’

‘None at all,’ agreed Anna calmly as she set about refastening his buttons. ‘But you’ve known that all along. And at times, it’s just as well – since you are often completely atrocious.’

He laughed, dropped a kiss on her hair and picked up his coat.

‘That’s fair, I suppose. Perhaps we’d better go and break the good news. Flynn will do his best to cover my tracks but I’m not sure how long he’ll manage it. And don’t tell me I shouldn’t have asked him. I know that. But I just wanted a few minutes alone with you first.’

***

Discovering the butler hovering outside the library door, Daniel said, ‘I am now officially home, Flynn. Are the ladies in the drawing-room?’

‘Yes, my lord. May I ask if all went well today?’

‘It couldn’t have gone better. In fact, it’s cause to bring out the champagne …and please also see that ale is served below stairs for the staff, many of whom have been put to some extra trouble recently.’

‘Thank you, my lord. I’m sure that will be greatly appreciated.’

Inside the drawing-room, the dowager held a piece of embroidery she wasn’t working on while Rebecca stared through the window into the garden. Both turned when the door opened and, as one, said, ‘Well?’

Daniel grinned and, in as few words as possible, told them.

‘Thank heavens!’ said his mother. ‘So that wretched man will go to prison?’

‘He’s already there. And I have every hope that the six weeks for trespass will make him eager not to risk a longer sentence for blackmail.’

‘He didn’t say anything about Papa or William?’ asked Rebecca anxiously.

‘Not a word,’ Daniel assured her. ‘We have won the war … and Flynn is on his way with champagne so we can celebrate the peace.’

A little later, when a toast to the successful vanquishing of Harold Grimshaw had been made and drunk – and more to test the reactions of the other ladies than anything else – Anna said, ‘This will also be welcome news to William and his mother – not least because it has been achieved with less unpleasantness for them than we thought might be the case.’

‘True,’ nodded Daniel. ‘I’ve already told Longhope to continue regarding them as clients for the time being. And I asked him if it’s possible to replace Grimshaw’s name with William’s on the deeds to their house, as would have been Father’s wish. He seems to think making it look as though William has bought the house may do the trick – even without Grimshaw’s signature or consent.’ He shrugged and added wryly, ‘That was when I said I’d rather not hear any more on the grounds that it might incriminate me.’

‘Would it?’ asked his mother.

‘Only if my name appeared in writing anywhere.’ A sudden smile. ‘I am learning that Longhope is rather better at what he does than I had previously thought.’

‘Excellent,’ murmured Anna.

‘Yes. I knew you’d like that.’ And to his mother and sister, ‘As for William … he has written asking if he and I can meet – immediately adding that he knows he can’t come here. I have replied telling him that he would be welcome to do so but, in view of the family resemblance, he can only do it with the aid of a wig, false nose and glasses.’

Anna laughed. ‘You didn’t really say that, did you?’

‘Yes. Why not? But on the assumption he’d rather not come in disguise, I’ve suggested the Feathers at Winstone instead.’ And seeing both his mother and sister open their mouths to speak, he added pleasantly, ‘I’m telling you this, not raising it for discussion. It is William’s testimony as much as mine which would put Grimshaw behind bars for extortion if I were to let this go to court. That is more than adequate recompense for anything I can do for him.’ He stood up, smiling blandly. ‘More champagne anyone? And who is going to tell me exactly what is being planned for this birthday party of mine?’

***

Daily life having regained a normality it hadn’t had for a while, Anna and the dowager were able to concentrate on the refurbishment of the bedchambers in the guest wing prior to Daniel’s birthday. There were six of these, all well proportioned and each having a small dressing-room. Three were allocated to Lord Benedict, Baron Wendover and Mr Sandhurst and two others to Lord and Lady Hazelmere who would have their baby son with them. Anna suggested leaving the sixth vacant in case of unforeseen circumstances. Then, with five weeks at their disposal, new hangings were ordered and a small army of men armed with paintbrushes swung into immediate action.

‘Is this really necessary?’ Daniel asked Anna. ‘With the exception of Sophia, my friends have all stayed here before without finding their accommodation lacking.’

‘And would again, I’m sure,’ agreed Anna. ‘But their visit is a splendid excuse to redecorate the bedchambers and I’ve no intention of wasting it. So leave us to it, please. And if you’re short of something to do, make sure the stables are up to scratch.’

He shook his head and laughed. ‘Yes, ma’am!’

***

The day on which he had arranged to meet William was cloudy but dry so he elected to ride to Winstone, rather than take the carriage. En route, he took the opportunity to call at one of the outlying farms and, upon receiving an affirmative answer to the enquiry he’d made a couple of weeks before, told Mr Roper to proceed. Then he continued on his way, whistling.

Arriving at the Feathers a little early, he asked for a private parlour and wine and told the landlord that he was expecting a guest and that they would order food in due course.

William was also early and entered the parlour looking faintly apprehensive. This changed when Daniel rose smiling, hand outstretched and said, ‘Welcome. I’m glad you suggested this. We ought to know each other. And we’ve something to celebrate.’

‘So it seems. Your note said he’d been sentenced to six weeks?’

‘Starting immediately,’ agreed Daniel, gesturing to a chair and turning away to pour wine. ‘All being well, by the time those weeks are up, he’ll take to the hills rather than risk receiving a longer sentence for blackmail.’

Accepting the glass he was offered, William raised it, saying, ‘I’ll drink to that.’

‘As will I. How is your mother?’

‘Happier, I think, than I’ve ever seen her. Our home is a different place these days. And speaking of home, did he really make his way inside yours?’

‘Yes. And wanted me to know it.’ Daniel told him about the figurines and the open terrace doors but added, ‘I couldn’t have proved that had not the stolen key been found on him. That and being caught in my garden rather sealed his fate.’

William laughed and then, growing serious again, ‘But I ought to be asking how your mother is. I understand he was talking to her?’

‘He was. Having, as I thought, a fair idea of what he’d have been telling her, I expected her to be distraught.’

‘She wasn’t?’

‘No.’ Daniel drained half his glass. ‘As it turns out, she’s known about you since you were a year old.’

‘ What? How?’

‘Father told her.’

William’s jaw went slack. He said weakly, ‘You’re not joking, are you?’

‘No.’

‘But … but he went on paying. All that money, year after year. Why?’

‘According to Mother, because he didn’t want me to know. And if there’s any sense in that, I can’t see it. Can you?’

‘No. None at all.’ William fell silent for a few moments. ‘Do you think he might have been …’

‘Mildly insane? The idea has crossed my mind. Something else I’ve wondered is what Grimshaw did with the money? He didn’t live like a wealthy man. So where did it go?’

‘Aside from the purchase of the house, down the drain – or it might as well have done,’ replied William. ‘I doubt we’ll ever know how much his lordship paid him over the years, mostly a hundred here and a couple of hundred there, I’d guess … but I’ve a shrewd idea of what became of it.’

‘Go on.’

‘Harold isn’t a gamester but he loves speculation and somehow or other, he wormed his way into an investment group. Wealthy men he wanted to be his friends – which made it a case of keeping up with them. So he bought shares in things he heard them talking about – such as cargoes of this and that or the hind legs of a racehorse.’ William shrugged. ‘The others might have made money but I don’t think Harold ever did. He may have been lucky from time to time but mostly he wasn’t. Ships sank and horses went lame … but that didn’t stop him. He just moved on to the next scheme and the one after that.’ He shrugged. ‘And – and it was our Father’s money that funded them all.’

Daniel cursed under his breath. Then, drawing a long breath, he said, ‘All right. Enough of that, do you think?’

‘Since it doesn’t change anything, yes.’

Nodding, Daniel reached for the wine bottle and re-filled both glasses. ‘Agreed. And if we’re going to get to know each other, we should talk about ourselves instead. My younger days are exactly what you’d expect; Eton, then Oxford followed by years mostly spent in London.’

‘No grand tour?’ asked William.

‘No. There was no money for it. But a couple of years ago I spent several months traipsing around Turkey searching for a lost friend.’

‘Did you find him?’

‘We did. But that’s a tale for another day. What about you?’

William shrugged. ‘The village school, followed by grammar school in Cheltenham. After that, I was articled at Fairburn and Grant. They’ve been good to me – given me time to study and take the examinations; and, as I told you, I was promoted to senior clerk a few months ago – something that I hadn’t expected to happen for years yet.’

Daniel regarded him thoughtfully. ‘Is there any chance of a future partnership?’

‘Perhaps. But … well, you probably know how that works.’

‘You have to buy your way in? Yes.’ He paused. ‘I could help with that.’

‘That’s … good of you. But I think I’ve taken enough help from you already – albeit indirectly.’

‘Even so. However, there’s no point in discussing – or arguing – about this further until the opportunity arises. Just let me know if and when it does. Upon which note,’ he said rising and pulling the bell for the innkeeper, ‘shall we order food?’

A little later over substantial portions of beef and onion pie, William said hesitantly, ‘My mother asked if you would give her warmest regards and thanks to Lady Reculver for her kindness the day we all met.’

‘Of course. Anna would wish me to return the same, I’m sure.’

‘She … forgive me if this sounds impertinent … she seems a remarkable lady.’

‘She is,’ said Daniel. ‘And it’s not impertinent at all. I’m fortunate – and don’t mind admitting it. May I ask if there is a young lady in your life?’

‘No. I won’t be contemplating marriage for some time yet. I could afford a wife but I’m not ready for the responsibility of children. And even if that wasn’t true, I intend to enjoy my freedom for a few more years.’

‘I felt that way at your age. But as an old married man of almost thirty, I’m finding that marriage has its compensations. Amongst other things, Anna keeps my mother and sister happily occupied elsewhere. Ah.’ He stopped. ‘I suppose you guessed that your likeness to Rebecca is the reason I can’t invite you to the house? I saw it straight away, so I imagine my household staff would, too. Otherwise – ’

‘You don’t need to explain. I understand.’

Daniel shook his head. ‘Not entirely, you don’t. If it wasn’t for Becky, I wouldn’t worry about potential gossip. But she’s finally making her long-delayed debut in the spring and is afraid of anything happening to spoil it. In a sense, it’s a pity because, when she’s got used to the idea of having another brother, I suspect she’ll want to meet you.’

‘As I would her,’ said William. ‘It’s odd knowing I have a half-sister who looks so much like me. A bit unnerving, actually. What if we were to come face to face in the street?’

‘Possible but unlikely. However, we can probably resolve that, given time.’ He stood up and stretched. ‘Shall we share another bottle of wine?’

‘Why not? This is a rare treat for me so I’m inclined to make the most of it.’

***

While Daniel was out, Flynn informed Anna that her presence was required in the kitchen. This was unusual but not completely unheard of, so she didn’t bother to ask him what was amiss but merely laid down her pen and made her way downstairs. Inside the kitchen, everyone from Cook to the scullery maid were clustered, laughing and cooing, about someone – or something – she couldn’t see. Then, belatedly recognising her presence, they fell silent and stepped back to reveal Mr Roper of Heath Farm … and, in his arms, a squirming bundle of black and white fur.

Anna blinked. ‘Mr Roper? I don’t quite understand. What …?’

The tubby little fellow beamed at her.

‘His lordship earmarked him a month since but said to hold on to him till he was twelve weeks.’ He held the puppy out, giving Anna no choice but to take him. ‘He – his lordship, that is – must’ve been counting ’cause he came this morning, spot on to the day, and said it was all right to bring him to you now.’

Anna, her arms full of warm, wriggling puppy and her chin being licked by a raspy pink tongue, said stupidly, ‘He’s for me?’

‘Yes, m’lady. His lordship said you’d never had a dog but you’d like one. So when I told him my Bess – that’s my best sheepdog – was in pup, he said to let him know when the litter was born. Came right off to see them, he did, and he picked this’n.’ He grinned at her. ‘Lively little fellow, he is. Clever too, I reckon, for all he’s funny looking. Still, as his lordship said, looks aren’t everything.’ He reached for his hat. ‘Well, I’d best be off.Doubt you’ll have any problems with the little ’un but if you do, you know where to find me.’

And, with an affable nod, he turned and left.

Anna looked down at her new pet. He was a singularly mismatched little animal, the fur of his left ear and around his right eye being white and the other sides, black. She felt laughter bubbling up, fairly sure that Daniel had deliberately chosen the most comical-looking one of the litter. And then, seconds later, tears were pricking at her eyes because he’d remembered an off-hand remark she’d once made and fulfilled a long-forgotten wish. She laid her face against the little animal’s neck and blew into his fur. He gave a little yip and wriggled about until he could lick her face. Anna was already in love.

***

Daniel arrived home later than he had originally intended to learn that, for once, his wife was not to be found in her office.

‘Ah. Roper came, did he?’

‘He did, my lord.’ Flynn relieved Daniel of his hat and gloves. ‘I believe her ladyship and Miss Rebecca are playing with the dog in the drawing-room.’

‘And my mother?’

‘In her rooms, my lord. She is … less enamoured of the new arrival.’

‘No surprise there,’ murmured Daniel.

He found Anna and Rebecca sitting on the drawing-room floor, entertaining the puppy by rolling a ball back and forth between. Shutting the door and leaning against it, he opened his mouth to speak but, before he could get a word out, Anna scrambled to her feet and hurled herself on his chest, saying, ‘Thank you – oh, thank you! I love him!’

‘Already?’ managed Daniel, despite being semi-strangled.

‘Already,’ she agreed positively. ‘And I promise he won’t be a nuisance.’

He gave a snort of laughter. ‘Don’t. He’s a puppy, so he will be most definitely be a nuisance from time to time. But he’ll grow out of it.’

‘Oh.’ She released him and stepped back. ‘You know about puppies?’

‘Of course he does,’ said Rebecca, getting up from the floor. ‘Just because there haven’t been any dogs here recently doesn’t mean there never have been. There used always to be two or three of them … hounds or spaniels, mostly. But the last one died a little while before Papa did. I’ve missed them.’

‘So have I,’ admitted Daniel, watching the pup plough an erratic course to his feet, sniff his boots and manage something resembling a bark. Dropping to one knee, he offered his hand. Another sniff, a lick and then an enthusiastic attempt to bite his fingers. ‘Well, Anna? What are you going to call him? And don’t tell me you haven’t already decided.’

She sighed, smiled at him and scooped the puppy up into her arms, still a little emotionally overcome.

‘Scamp,’ she said. ‘I’d like to call him Scamp.’

Daniel laughed. ‘That sounds about right. Almost a prediction, in fact. Scamp, it is.’

***

It wasn’t until later when they were alone that Anna had the opportunity to say shyly, ‘I can’t believe you remembered what I said about always wanting a dog but Mama refusing to have animals in the house. It was just a passing remark, made weeks ago.’

Daniel shrugged, as if it was of little consequence.

‘Perhaps. But it reminded me that this house isn’t the same without dogs in it and that you deserved to have one of your own before we acquire any others. However, I wanted it to be a real dog with some intelligence – not one of these pocket-sized things – so I had to wait until the right opportunity came up.’ He gave one of Scamp’s ears a gentle tug and let the pup gnaw on his fingers again. ‘Roper’s sheepdogs have always been excellent examples of their breed – and this little chap’s sire and dam are no exception.’ He paused and added tentatively, ‘Do you really like him? You wouldn’t rather have a lapdog? Because if so, I can – ’

‘No! Scamp’s perfect and I wouldn’t change him for anything,’ said Anna, watching her new pet trot off to explore their private parlour. ‘But you’ll have to tell me how to look after him properly.’

‘As yet, there are really only two things you need to know. Until he gets used to his teeth, chewing will be his favourite occupation. Give him things he’s allowed to destroy and keep anything he isn’t – such as your shoes, for example – out of his reach. And secondly, teach him two words. His name so he’ll start to come when he’s called; and ‘No’, so he learns what is acceptable behaviour and what isn’t. That’s it, really. Has Mrs Dawson hunted out the old dog baskets yet?’

Anna nodded. ‘And old blankets. There’s one in my office and another in the bed—’

‘No,’ said Daniel firmly before she could complete the word. ‘He is not sleeping in your bedchamber – or mine, either.’

‘But – ’

‘ No , Anna. I draw a line at having him in bed with us – which is what would happen. In here, if you must. But not in the bedrooms. We’ll start as we mean to go on, please.’

***

So they did. Anna settled Scamp into his cosy basket, gave him an old slipper for company and waited until he curled up and went to sleep. Then she crept off to her own bed, cuddled up to Daniel and, hearing no sounds from the parlour, fell asleep herself.

Peace reigned for perhaps an hour before pitiful little cries and a paw scratching at the bedchamber door woke her. She resisted as long as she could and then, since Daniel slept on, she slid out of bed, donned her chamber-robe and crept into the parlour where Scamp instantly leapt upon her in undisguised delight.

It was perhaps a further half-hour before the bedroom door opened on Daniel, wrapped in his banyan and carrying a lighted candle. Placing the candle on a table, he gazed wordlessly on the sight of his wife, huddled in a shawl and half-dozing on the sofa by the dying fire with Scamp curled up in her lap.

Daniel took in the tableau over folded arms. The dog sat up and looked back at him. Then, clearly deciding that it was Just Him and Nothing To Worry About , gave Anna’s hand a proprietary lick and settled back to sleep.

A minute or so later, Anna also opened her eyes and said, ‘Oh. Daniel.’

‘Yes. Was I not clear about ‘starting as we mean to go on’?’ he asked quietly.

‘Yes.’ In the shadowy light, she couldn’t tell if there was a hint of amusement in his face but suspected that there wasn’t. ‘But – ’

‘It included you sleeping in your bed and Scamp sleeping in his,’ said Daniel, as if she hadn’t spoken. ‘It did not include him sleeping on your lap while you slept on the sofa. But now we’ve clarified that point, please put him back where he belongs and come to bed.’

‘It’s just for tonight. He’s in a strange place without his brothers and sisters – ’

‘And you’ll be saying the same tomorrow night and the next one if you give way now. Dogs are creatures of habit, Anna. And this,’ he gestured towards Scamp, ‘isn’t one we want him to learn since, aside from anything else, he won’t always be this size. Now … please do as I asked so we can all get some sleep.’

And he walked back to the bedroom, telling himself that he was not at all envious of his wife’s affection for a dog she’d known less than twenty-four hours. The idea was ludicrous. Of course it was.

~** ~**~