CHAPTER SEVEN

Daniel watched from the window as Miss Hawthorne’s carriage disappeared round the curve of the drive. Then he dropped into a chair and communed silently with the ceiling.

He’d say no, of course. The only reason he hadn’t already done so was that he’d been incapable of turning down that seven hundred pound carrot – a fact that left him feeling more than a little disgusted with himself. Was this what he was reduced to? Selling his word with scarcely a second thought? What was next? Selling himself? She clearly thought she could buy him if the price was right.

God , he thought, shuddering. I hope not. I was so bloody determined not to marry for money – and that was when there was a chance the prospective bride might have been a woman I actually liked . On the rare occasions I’m not indifferent to Anna Hawthorne it’s because she sets my teeth on edge. Marriage between us would be a disaster . Why doesn’t she see that? What is it about me that she thinks is so perfectly tailor-made to suit her purposes? She doesn’t know me. All she’s seen is that I’m struggling to keep my head above water instead of meekly drowning. And what’s so impressive about that? A dog would do the same. So what is it she really wants?

It could be the title, he supposed. That was usually how an impoverished gentleman won an heiress. He got money and she acquired status. A good deal all round. But Miss Hawthorne didn’t care about the title If she did, she’d be distancing herself from the manufactory, not insisting on running it. Which left what? Him, personally? Again, he thought that unlikely. True, he’d never had any difficulty attracting women … but, unless he was completely mistaken, this woman didn’t have a susceptible bone in her body.

She claims to want a partner but, whether she likes it or not, what she’s actually buying is a husband. And is this truly about those so-called freedoms she mentioned? Or is there something I’m missing? Because the only thing I’m certain of right now is that, amongst other things, she’s knocked me sideways.

His gaze strayed to the decanter on the other side of the room. He felt like getting drunk … and might have given in to the temptation had there been sufficient brandy left to do the job. Since there wasn’t, he told himself to stop behaving as if he’d received a death sentence and start figuring out how to make the best use of three thousand pounds.

There were so many things he’d like to do – fourteen estate cottages in need of imminent repair, for example. But it made sense to get rid of the quarterly interest charges by paying off the remaining two-and-a-half-thousand pound loan to Henderson afraid that he’d end up being swayed by what he’d gain – namely, escape from the nightmare of the last six months. If he’d found himself incapable of refusing seven hundred pounds, what was he going to do when a further five thousand was dangled in front of him?

***

It might have comforted Daniel just a little had he known that, staring sightlessly through the carriage window, Anna was also feeling ashamed of herself. He was desperate. She’d known that and taken ruthless advantage of it – a fact of which he’d be well aware. He’d probably despise her for it and also himself a little for accepting what he recognised as a bribe. This alone didn’t bode well for their future relationship in the unlikely event that he accepted her proposal.

But what else could she have done? If he had been desperate so, in a quite different sense, had she. Overwhelmed by feelings she scarcely understood but couldn’t withstand, she had found herself unable to walk away without taking a tiny sliver of hope with her. Another woman in her position … one with beauty and charm … would have used those advantages equally ruthlessly. All she had was money – so she’d used that. And fortunately, money was what Lord Reculver needed most. Less fortunate was that his lordship was now probably wondering if she made a habit of handing out bribes in order to get what she wanted. She didn’t, of course – but why should he believe that? And the bribe hadn’t been her only mistake, had it?

Her father had always taught her to be direct. Cards on the table and straight to the point , he used to say. And since plain speaking came more easily to her than subtlety, it was what she always did – today being no exception. But infuriating the viscount by listing all the areas for which he needed money he didn’t have had probably not been the best idea.

She suppressed a groan. He was going to say no, wasn’t he? He’d probably already decided and dismissed the matter out of hand. What else could she expect? There was absolutely nothing in her behaviour during the entire course of their conversation that he would have found remotely pleasant – let alone endearing. He’d say no. And the sooner she made herself accept that, the better.

Well, there was nothing to be done about any of it now. All she could do was move forward. She would instruct Mr Landry to pay Lord Reculver’s three thousand pounds in cash, as promised; and she would visit the manufactory and tell Mr Lowe that he could send whomever he thought necessary to pack and remove the Reculver collection as soon as the purchase had been completed. Then, there would be little else to do but wait.

***

She had forgotten one thing but had barely removed her hat when her mother reminded her of it.

‘You said you’d be back yesterday. Why weren’t you?’ she asked. And without waiting for a reply, ‘Not that it makes any difference. But thank goodness you’re here now. Madam Lavalle sent a note regarding your evening gowns. If they’re to be ready in time for next week, you need to go for a fitting immediately.’

‘Next week?’ asked Anna vaguely. After hours in the carriage, she wanted nothing more than a cup of tea and a few moments of tranquillity. ‘What about it?’

‘The Anstruther house-party!’ said Mrs Hawthorne, throwing up her hands in despair. ‘Do you remember nothing that isn’t to do with the manufactory?’

‘I hadn’t forgotten the party – only that it’s so soon. But I’ll go to Lavalle’s tomorrow and make an appointment if Madame hasn’t time for me immediately.’ In fact, she could kill three birds with one stone; the dressmaker, Mr Landry and Hawthorne’s. Then, not really expecting Mama to be interested, she said, ‘I have made arrangements to purchase the late viscount’s scent bottles. It is quite a remarkable collect —’

‘The late viscount? He’s dead?’

Anna felt an uncharacteristic temptation to say, One would hope so, since they’ve buried him. But confined herself to, ‘Yes. His son now holds the title.’

Her mother’s gaze sharpened. ‘Son?’

‘Yes.’

‘Married?’

‘No.’

‘Then I hope you were properly chaperoned?’

Cynically, Anna suspected that the opposite was probably true. If it was, Mama would see a way of possibly getting the titled son-in-law she’d always wanted.

‘Very much so. By his mother and sister – and the fact that the family is still in mourning. Interestingly, Miss Shelbourne and I were at Miss Winslow’s together – although we were scarcely acquainted, since she is much younger than I.’ Coming to her feet and managing a smile, she added, ‘Forgive me, Mama, but I’m quite tired and must wash and change before dinner – so perhaps any further questions can wait until then?’

***

On the following morning, Madame Lavalle greeted her pleasantly, said that of course she had time for Miss Hawthorne and led the way to the fitting rooms. Anna approved the largely finished gowns, one a deep blue figured silk and the other, an embroidered eau-de-nil taffeta, both in her preferred robe à l’Anglaise style with a minimum of trimming. Mother would sniff and call them plain but Anna disliked unnecessary fussiness. Madame did what was necessary in order to make the final adjustments and promised to deliver the dresses in two days’ time.

Anna’s second call of the morning was at Mr Landry’s small office in Greyfriars. She knew he would have preferred to wait on her at home but this wasn’t a meeting that Anna wanted to risk Mama overhearing any part of.

When she gave the lawyer her instructions, his reaction was precisely as she’d expected.

‘Three thousand pounds, Miss Hawthorne? In cash? That is most irregular.’

‘Perhaps so. But it is what Lord Reculver has requested.’

‘May one ask why?’

‘No,’ she said pleasantly. ‘One may not. I realise it isn’t how you would normally conduct such a transaction and that there are certain difficulties involved. But they are not insurmountable, sir. You can use a reputable courier or you can deliver the money to his lordship yourself. If the latter, I’m sure I don’t need to suggest that you travel during daylight hours and hire a couple of outriders.’

‘No, indeed! But – ’

‘There are no buts, Mr Landry. Lord Reculver and I have an agreement. See to it, please – preferably as soon as possible – and inform both myself and Mr Lowe when the transaction is complete. But now I’m afraid I have another appointment and must go. Good day, sir.’

She had deliberately left the manufactory until last, aware that – since the Reculver collection wouldn’t be the only subject she and Mr Lowe needed to discuss – their meeting would be a relatively long one.

Smiling a little, Nathaniel Lowe said, ‘Mrs Thompson says you got it.’

‘Yes. I knew you would ask so I gave her permission to tell you.’ Beaming back at him, Anna said, ‘It’s wonderful! All of it laid out together is nothing less than spectacular. If you can spare the time, go with the packing team and see it for yourself – because it will be a while before we have a suitable room prepared in which to house it and therefore no point in un packing it until we do. But, leaving that aside, I should tell you that things were not as we expected. The Viscount Reculver we knew died six months ago and has been succeeded by his son.’

He winced. ‘That must have been awkward.’

‘A little. But I explained to the current viscount that we were unaware of his father’s passing and said what was proper on Hawthorne’s behalf.’ Since the acquisition was a private one, Anna knew that Mr Lowe wouldn’t ask what it had cost but she decided to tell him anyway. ‘I paid two thousand, three hundred for it. A little higher than we anticipated but well worth it – as I think you’ll agree when you’ve seen it. Furthermore, I believe we were mistaken in our assumption that the pieces would achieve a larger figure if sold separately at auction. I suspect that, if offered as a whole and properly advertised, Sir Roland Maudsley, Baron Alderwood and Mr Paxton would be fighting each other for it.’

‘Ah. It’s as good as that?’

‘Better, in my opinion. There’s just one other thing I ought to tell you. As we might have deduced, the late viscount bought the pieces as gifts for his wife – now, of course, his widow. Understandably, she is very reluctant to part with them and so, to ease the process, I suggested that she keep two of the scent bottles – the first and the last ones her husband bought – which is why they’re no longer on the original list.’ She grimaced slightly. ‘Unfortunately, one of them was the Music Lesson . But there’s always a chance we might find a replacement for that elsewhere.’

‘Not a very big one,’ muttered Mr Lowe. And then, ‘You got my letter about Mr Harvill?’

The grimace became a scowl. ‘I did. What exactly happened?’

‘He marched in without warning and demanded to see you. I told him you weren’t here and asked him to state his business. He refused – in words I won’t repeat. He’s not a pleasant fellow, Miss Anna. He’s the rude, bullying sort; the sort who thinks if he says something loud enough and often enough, he’ll get what he wants. He’s not somebody you should be having anything to do with. But until the penny eventually drops that Hawthorne’s isn’t for sale, not to him nor anyone else, he’ll keep coming back.’

‘Let’s hope not. But if he does and asks for me again, tell him I have better uses for my time than to waste it repeating myself.’

Mr Lowe nodded. Then he said slowly, ‘I got the impression he didn’t know where you live – and there’s nobody here who’d tell him. But I reckon he can find out elsewhere easily enough. The Hawthorne name is well known in Worcester. Any of the shops or tradesmen you buy from know where to find you – and so might Harvill by now. So I think it would be a good idea to have a word with your butler … just in case.’

‘Yes. I will.’ She paused, then added, ‘But I don’t understand why Mr Harvill is so set on buying Hawthorne’s. His business is glass, after all. And though I realise the window tax is something of a blight on it, if he wants to diversify and has set his heart on a pottery there are at least three small ones in or around Stoke-on-Trent that he could probably snap up tomorrow. So why isn’t he going after them rather than us?’

‘We’re successful and they aren’t?’ suggested Mr Lowe. ‘Or in Stoke, he’d be in competition with Wedgwood and Spode?’

‘And here he’d be competing with Worcester Porcelain – as are we.’ Anna shook her head. ‘I can’t help wondering if there’s something more. Aside from loud, brash and persistent, what else do we know about Harvill?’

‘Apart from the money and the glass manufactory, not very much. Do you want me to make a few enquiries?’

‘It wouldn’t do any harm. With luck, he’ll set his sights elsewhere. But if he doesn’t, any information might prove useful.’

***

At Reculver Court, four days after the departure of Miss Hawthorne, Daniel’s spirits received a boost in the form of an unexpected visitor.

‘Is his lordship at home?’ asked the new arrival, stripping off his gloves.

Flynn bowed and permitted himself a smile.

‘He is in the library, my lord. And will be very pleased to see you, I’m sure.’

‘Pleased enough to put up with me for a couple of nights, I hope. But don’t stand on ceremony, Flynn. I know the way and will announce myself.’

Another bow. ‘Very good, my lord.’

Half-way through totalling a column of figures, Daniel didn’t immediately look up when the door opened so the first he knew of his surprise guest was when the gentleman said, ‘I’ve been travelling for five days, Daniel. The least you could do is say hello.’

At the first words, Daniel’s head jerked up and his quill stabbed the paper, spraying ink across it. Tossing the pen down, he rose saying incredulously, ‘Benedict? Good God! I didn’t think you’d get away from Scotland before September at the earliest.’

‘Neither did I.’ Lord Benedict Hawkridge strolled across, hand outstretched. ‘How are you? Better than when I saw you last, I hope?’

‘Somewhat.’ Grinning, Daniel gripped his friend’s hand. ‘And you?’

‘Well enough. The weather in Stirling was better than usual and the company isn’t bad once one gets used to the accent. But Vere really needs to get up there himself from time to time. The tenants expect it.’ Dropping into a chair and seeing Daniel crossing to pull the bell, he added, ‘Flynn knows I’m here and will be having my bags brought in by now, so I doubt he’ll need telling to bring some wine.’

Daniel halted and turned back. ‘You’re staying?’

‘For a couple of nights if you’ll have me.’

‘Don’t be an ass. Stay as long as you like – I’ll welcome the company.’

Benedict shot him a narrow glance. ‘Have you seen the others?’

‘Anthony drops in from time to time, full of encouragement and useful advice – some of which I’ve been able to put into practice.’

‘There’s little Anthony doesn’t know about estate management,’ observed Benedict. ‘It’s as if he was born knowing what you and I are having to learn from scratch – you, here and I, in Scotland. But what of Kit? Have you seen him recently?’

‘No, although he writes regularly. The nearer Sophie’s confinement gets, the more reluctant he is to stir from Hazelmere.’

‘Well, you can’t blame him for that.’

‘I don’t,’ said Daniel. And with the ghost of a laugh, ‘In his position, the thought of what lies ahead would probably turn me into a gibbering idiot.’

‘Me, too. Which is somewhat humbling when it wouldn’t be us doing the work.’

There was a tap at the door and Flynn entered bearing a tray with wine and glasses. When the door closed behind him, Benedict said idly, ‘Have you ever met a woman you thought of marrying?’

‘No.’ For obvious reasons, this was a road Daniel preferred to avoid. ‘You?’

‘No. A good many who have fascinated me for a while and a handful I’ve truly liked … but so far, no one I could imagine spending the rest of my days with.’

Daniel had said nothing to his mother or sister about Miss Hawthorne’s extraordinary proposal and didn’t intend telling Benedict either. But he realised that he wasn’t going to get away with simply not mentioning her at all. If he didn’t, Mama certainly would because of that virtually non-existent thread of kinship – and Benedict would find it odd that he’d said nothing. So he opened his mouth to change the subject … but was interrupted by a tap at the door and the reappearance of Flynn.

‘I beg your pardon, my lord, but a Mr Landry is here to see you. He has apparently travelled from Worcester and believes that you may have been expecting him.’

I am expecting him – just not bloody now! thought Daniel edgily. But said, ‘Forgive me, Benedict. I have to see this fellow but it needn’t take long and – ’

‘Take as long as you need,’ responded his lordship, coming to his feet. ‘If Flynn will show me to my room and have water sent up, I’d like to remove the dust of the road before inflicting myself on the ladies.’

‘Thank you. Flynn, take care of Lord Benedict and show Mr Landry in here, please.’

Alone and damning the lamentable timing, Daniel hoped Landry had taken a room at the village tavern. What he most definitely didn’t need was to have him as an overnight guest.

A small, spare man with spectacles and clutching a leather case, Mr Landry bowed politely but allowed a note of disapproval to touch his voice when, coming directly to the point, he said, ‘Miss Hawthorne was adamant that your lordship required payment in cash – and as soon as possible. So here I am.’

‘So you are,’ agreed Daniel. ‘Shall I ring for tea? Or, since this is clearly inconveniencing you, perhaps you’d prefer to deal with the matter as speedily as possible.’

‘The latter, sir.’ Placing the case on a table, he unlatched it and withdrew three neat bundles of banknotes. ‘These,’ he said, ‘each contain one thousand pounds. Does your lordship wish to count it?’

‘Hardly. That would be adding insult to inconvenience, wouldn’t it? But I imagine you require a receipt?’

‘If your lordship would be good enough to furnish me with one.’

‘My lordship is happy to do so.’ Daniel walked to his desk, took up a sheet of headed notepaper and wrote, Received with thanks, the sum of three thousand pounds. Then he signed it and passed it to the lawyer, saying, ‘Thank you, Mr Landry – and please thank Miss Hawthorne for settling the matter so promptly. I did not, in fact, ask her to deal with this immediately she returned home, neither did I expect it. But perhaps I should have done – since I have never met such an efficient lady.’

‘She is that,’ agreed Landry in a tone which clearly said, That’s one way of putting it .

‘But perhaps you will tell her that I am glad to know she reached home safely.’

‘Certainly, my lord.’ He latched the case and picked it up. ‘And now, if you have no other instructions for me, I shall take my leave. I have reserved a chamber at the White Hart in Tewkesbury and would like to get there in good time for dinner.’

‘Of course.’ Faintly regretting his earlier surliness, Daniel held out his hand. ‘Have a safe journey, Mr Landry – and thank you.’

When the lawyer had gone, he stared at the parcels of money for several moments before drawing a long breath and putting them out of sight in a drawer. Then he sat down and tried to decide whether his next move ought to be telling Benedict he’d been reduced to selling things or asking his mother to be careful what she said about Anna Hawthorne. In the end, he did neither and, instead, had Flynn inform his mother and sister of their guest’s arrival, confident that this would result in both of them taking extra pains – and therefore extra time – with their appearance.

***

If Lord Benedict was surprised to learn that a distant Hawkridge connection owned a porcelain manufactory, he hid it well, merely remarking that he and his brothers had lost track of their remote and extremely numerous relatives years ago.

‘I told Mother you’d say that – but don’t be surprised if she still makes a great deal of it. For reasons that escape me, who is related to whom is a passion with her.’

‘Well, everyone needs a pastime of sorts, don’t they?’ said Benedict absently as he continued to stare at the array of scent bottles covering the formal dining-table. And then, differently, ‘Seriously, though … don’t struggle on alone, Dan. You have friends. Let us help a little now and again.’

‘I already owe Kit five thousand,’ returned Daniel tightly. And, gesturing to the table, ‘Mr Landry came to deliver the money for this. If it was sufficient – and if I didn’t need it more elsewhere – I’d use it to repay at least part of that. As it is, I thank you for the offer. But I don’t see the point of settling one debt by creating another. Doing that is largely what created this mess in the first place.’

‘I can’t argue with that.’ Following Daniel back to the drawing-room, he said, ‘Did you ever find out what your father’s original loan was for?’

‘No. I don’t suppose we ever will. My best guess is that he invested in some non-existent scheme or other but I’ve no idea what. There must have been documents relating to it, but God knows what Father did with them. I’ve searched everywhere.’ Back in the drawing-room and deciding to change the subject, Daniel poured sherry and said, ‘If you’re wondering what is keeping Mama and Becky, the fault is yours.’

‘ Mine? Why?’

‘You’re here.’ And handing Benedict a glass, ‘The only other company they’ve had recently was Miss Hawthorne – whose conversation revolves solely around her manufactory. Also, you’re better-looking. Or so Becky thinks.’

Benedict laughed and was about to utter something rude in retaliation when the door opened to admit the ladies. Coming immediately to his feet to bow over the Dowager’s fingers, he said, ‘I hope you will forgive me for dropping in upon you without warning, my lady, but the temptation was too great to resist.’

Dismissing this with a smile and an airy wave of one hand, she said, ‘It is always a pleasure, Lord Benedict. You know that you are welcome here at any time.’

‘You’re very kind, ma’am.’ And turning his own smile on Rebecca, ‘And Miss Shelbourne. I’d ask how you are, were you not looking particularly charming this evening, thus making the question redundant.’

Daniel might have looked forward to teasing him about spreading the butter too thick if it hadn’t happened to be true. For the first time since their father’s death, Mama had allowed Rebecca to abandon black in favour of pale grey watered taffeta and it suited her – as did the tinge of colour rising to her cheeks. Unfortunately, what he’d hinted to Benedict earlier was also true; his sister was no less susceptible to his friend’s magnetic good looks than were the ladies in London. Sighing inwardly, Daniel made a mental note to tell Becky not to get her hopes up and ask Benedict to be a bit less lavish with his compliments.

Benedict’s sojourn in Scotland occupied most of the talk before Flynn summoned them to table and for a little while after it. But eventually, as Daniel had known was inevitable, his mother introduced Anna Hawthorne’s name into the conversation by explaining to Benedict why they were dining in the breakfast parlour.

‘No need to apologise, ma’am,’ he replied easily. ‘Daniel has already shown me the scale of the problem. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.’

‘That’s a tactful way of putting it,’ murmured Daniel into his chicken fricassee.

Rebecca turned a choke of laughter into a cough and Benedict winked at her from the other side of the table … something else Daniel decided he’d speak to him about. For now, however, he tried to change the subject by asking after Belhaven and Lord Oscar.

It didn’t work. The Dowager allowed Benedict to reply that, as far as he knew, they were both well and then said, ‘When Daniel showed you my collection, did he mention that Miss Hawthorne – the lady who is buying it – is a distant relative of yours?’

‘He did indeed. But we have a lot of those – too many to count, I’m afraid.’

‘But a lady , owning and running a porcelain manufactory – and very successfully too, it seems! Aren’t you curious?’

‘I’m sorry to disappoint you, ma’am – but no, not really. Should I be?’

‘No,’ said Daniel. ‘She wasn’t curious about you either.’

Benedict laughed. ‘Good for her.’

‘She’s going to make my bottles the centrepiece of an exhibition of her late father’s work and with a card saying By Courtesy of the Dowager Viscountess Reculver ,’ her ladyship persisted. ‘Does that not show great delicacy of feeling?’

‘Leave it, Mama,’ begged Rebecca. ‘Lord Benedict is no more interested in Miss Hawthorne than anyone would be in a relative they’ve not only never met but never even heard of before.’ And, shyly, to Benedict, ‘Will you be in London during the Season, my lord?’

‘That is more than likely,’ he replied. ‘And will I see you there?’

Darting a glance at Daniel, she said, ‘I hope so.’

‘Then I’ll look forward to dancing with you.’ And not only catching but also understanding the look in Daniel’s eyes, he added, ‘If I can beat a path through all your brother’s other friends, that is.’

***

Later, when they were alone, Benedict said bluntly, ‘ Will she have her Season, Daniel?’

‘If it can possibly be managed, yes. Both Sophie and Anthony’s cousin, Drusilla Colwich, have invited Mama and Becky to stay with them, so that is one problem taken care of. Everything else is in the lap of the gods. But there’s not much I can do about that unless …’ He stopped, shaking his head.

Benedict eyed him shrewdly. ‘Unless what?’ And when no answer was forthcoming, ‘Daniel?’

Daniel gave a short, bitter laugh.

‘Unless I accept an offer for the only saleable commodity I have left.’ Drawing a harsh breath, he added, ‘I should accept it because it could fix everything else. But I can’t … I don’t think I can make myself do it. And no. I won’t discuss it further.’

It was a long time before Benedict spoke. Finally, he said, ‘How long do you have in which to decide?’

‘Another three weeks.’

‘In that case, walk away from it for a while. When I leave here, I’ll be visiting Kit and Sophie. Come with me.’

Light flared in the hazel eyes, then dimmed.

‘I can’t. Now the scent bottles have been paid for, there will be people coming to collect them – and sooner rather than later, I suspect. I’ll have to be here for that.’

‘Fine. I’ll stay until that’s been done. Then we’ll leave. Yes?’

There was another lengthy silence. And then, his voice cracking, Daniel said, ‘Yes. Oh God, Ben. Yes. And thank you.’

~**~**~