Chapter 17

Chapter 17

His mother surprised them the next day with a spontaneous soiree. The dowager duchess declared that there was enough talent in their little house party to provide an evening of entertainment.

Instead of a formal dinner, his mother arranged a hot finger buffet in the music room. "I must be more modern," his mother said to his and Elinor's mutual surprise. "I enjoyed that open-air picnic yesterday with such an informal ambiance. So I asked Monsieur Charente to devise a similar menu but with hot food.

"He liked the idea. I was surprised, but it seems Queen Marie Antoinette liked this sort of event. Poor woman ... I still can't believe that she lost her head to Madame Guillotine. Anyway, she has bequeathed us a hot picnic or finger buffet, as I'm calling it. If we like it, then I suggest we have one at the summer ball, instead of a fusty musty formal dinner that takes hours. We'll have much more time for dancing."

"Mama, you astound me," said Elinor. "But I agree with everything you say. Fusty musty is an expression I shall begin to use myself immediately."

"I'm also impressed," said Robert. "Although in the middle of that speech, I did wonder if you would ever stop to draw breath," he added, laughing.

"Dreadful boy," she replied, laughing back and wrapping him on the knuckles with her fan.

"Ouch," he cried. "Am I banished to dine with Nanny in the nursery? I suspect she is eating mutton and dumplings tonight."

"I've invited the Thraxtons and the Reverend Colbrooke to join us," his mother added. "I promised them an evening here, and all the county will be at the ball. It's short notice, so they may not be able to attend."

"That's a lovely idea," commented Elinor.

"There is an ulterior motive in my actions. I know Miss Emma Thraxton is a gifted soprano, and I'm told her cousin Lady Farrington is a harpist. I've asked for the harp in the music room to be tuned. You can probably hear it if you listen carefully."

He'd felt a sudden restlessness at hearing Lady Arabella Farrington's name, and he'd stood up and turned around the room before standing behind a velvet-covered chair, his hands gripping the back, staring into the fire.

"And the Reverend Colbrooke has a good strong baritone voice," added Emma, and he saw her glancing curiously in his direction.

In a few hours, the owner of the sparkling jade eyes, who haunted his dreams, would be here in the castle, playing the harp to entertain his mother's guests.

***

That evening, the modern hot food arranged on the sideboard proved to be a success. None of the ladies had an incident spilling food onto their silk dresses. His mother confided to Robert that Monsieur Charente had made sure the food didn't drip sauce.

"I think we can judge this a success," she told him. "I'll tell Elinor we can do the same with food at the summer ball. I've always felt a sit-down supper wastes time and we pay so much for the orchestra. Let's keep dancing."

Robert's eyes were drawn to Arabella, who stood with his sister, looking charming in a silvery grey gown with matching sparkles sprinkled in her hair. This was an elegant Lady Farrington, very different to the young mother at the picnic yesterday in her serviceable Dimity gown.

He remembered her tangled in the fishing line and how he had felt the same jolt of energy racing through his body as he helped her escape from the tangle. The same had happened again as he'd helped her into the pony trap. They had a definite connection, and he felt it strengthen each time they met.

He hoped there might be an incident where they collided and fell into each other's arms during the soiree. He laughed out loud, and his mother asked him what he was laughing at.

"Oh, just imagining their faces when I sing a sea shanty," he told her.

"I'll add it to the program," she said, with a wicked glint in her eye. "And while you are there, I am going to say that when we have the dancing, you must ask Rosalind to dance."

"Absolutely not!" he said, in a voice of iron rigidity even as he continued smiling.

He heard his mother sigh. "If you don't offer to dance with your brother's fiancée, then consider the impression it will give the others. People will talk."

"I do not care about keeping up appearances for the sake of others," Robert remarked.

"I am your mother, and I insist that you dance," she declared.

"Oh, I shall dance, but not with Rosalind. Nothing you can say will change my mind." He paused and then forged ahead. "I cannot discuss it with you, certainly not here, but do not trust that woman. She is, in my opinion, pure poison. I speak from recent experience, Mama, and make of that comment what you will."

"Robert …"

He smiled through gritted teeth. "Enjoy the evening, Mama. You have done a truly wonderful job with this gathering. We've got a programme of beautiful music, possibly followed by impromptu dancing. You should be proud. We're all proud of you." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

I need to say what I really think more of the time, he thought. I've been pretending to be someone else for years, just to uphold the family name. I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Now, it's time for me to forge the life I want here at Castle Montbury.

His mother gestured to Mr Chalston for the candelabras to be lighted. She wanted the music room to glow with soft light.

The evening's entertainment was sublime. Lady Sutton and her daughter Miss Anne sang a surprisingly competent comic duet, with all the guests rolling with laughter.

Emma Thraxton and the Reverend Colbrooke sang a duet that had such pathos it brought tears to the eyes of the listeners, and caused some comment about how they must surely be a perfect match.

He acquiesced in singing the sea shanty his mother insisted was in the programme and covered his shortcomings by encouraging the audience to join in and sing along with him.

Rosalind was, perhaps, the star turn of the evening with a spectacular aria from Dido and Aeneas by Purcell. Who wouldn't turn around on the way out of Hades to see the owner of that beautiful contralto voice?

To form a quiet bridge between the entertainment and the dancing, his mother asked Arabella to play the harp. She stepped forward, music in hand, and headed towards the harp. She stumbled on the way to the front, and Robert wondered if Rosalind's daintily clad foot had caused her to trip a little.

He caught sight of a momentary look of triumph on Rosalind's face and felt anger rising. Surely, she couldn't have fixated on Arabella. He remembered her chilling words in the library when she had told him she thought there was someone else.

He hadn't denied it. There was someone else in the shadows of his life. There was the possibility of romance and joy in the future. At the moment, that's all it was: a possibility of love. He couldn't deny the connection with Arabella, but it was too early to be sure what was happening between them.

He saw the look of panic on Arabella's face as she reached the front, embarrassed by her fall. The least he could do was offer her his protection and he stepped forward, the helpful host, and bowed before her.

"Let me turn the pages for you," he offered, moving the stool closer to the harp so she could sit and find her position ready to play the instrument.

"Thank you. I usually play the Welsh harp. They are much smaller. I am a little nervous," she whispered.

"It will be fine," he assured her. "Imagine you are playing for me, and I am the only person in the room."

Her hands checked the tuning, and her fingers began to explore the strings and become familiar with the instrument.

Then, the room filled with heavenly music as her fingers raced across the harp. He watched her focused concentration, at one with the instrument, and he saw the faces in the room entranced by her performance.

After a couple of pieces, she looked up, smiled at the group, and asked if there were any special songs they wished her to play.

"The Ash Grove," called Mrs Lloyd.

"Sumer Is Icumen In," requested Lady Hanslope, and they all sang in unison.

The applause at the end was rapturous. His mother smiled at him across the room. He nodded back. She had done the right thing inviting the party from Horton Hall. They had lifted the evening almost to a professional level.

After a short break, the furniture was moved to ready the room for dancing. His mother and Lady Thraxton had offered to play a selection of reels and folk dances suitable for the smaller music room.

As the first reel began, he found his mother at his side, accompanied by Rosalind and his brother Simon.

"I've told Rosalind that you will be happy to dance the next reel with her," his mother said, smiling, always keen to prevail and get her own way.

He'd been convinced that he'd finally got the message through in their conversation earlier that he would not dance with his future sister-in-law. He remembered the feeling of lightness when he had been honest and refused to comply with the request.

He nodded curtly. "I must apologize, Your Grace, as I think perhaps there have been some mixed messages here. There is too much history between us for me to partner you on the dance floor. I find I am called away to urgent business but hope to return presently." He smiled first at his mother and then at Rosalind. "I'm sure my brother will stand in my place and dance with you."

He left the room seething with rage and needing to find some fresh air, he went to the outside terrace.

He caught his breath at the sight of an ethereal figure dressed in a silvery gown that shone in the moonlight.

He knew instantly from the position of her shoulders that she must be distressed about something. Should he leave her to solitude or make his presence known? While he was still mulling over what to do, she turned and saw him. He saw her body stiffen with surprise.

He didn't want to cause her further distress, so he bowed formally. "Lady Farrington. You are taking the air on the terrace?"

He moved towards her. "I sense you might wish to be alone. I can leave."

She smiled at him, and his heart melted. "No, I'd be glad of the company. I did feel a little melancholy."

"Your playing was sublime," he complimented her.

"I play well. That's all I claim. I enjoy playing the harp, or I used to enjoy playing it," she replied.

"It brought back memories?" he asked.

"I haven't played at a soiree since my husband, Edward, died. I often played for evening gatherings at Farrington Hall. We loved music."

"He would want you to play. Your talent should not be hidden," Robert told her.

"I know. I just felt a little overcome and thought the cool air would help."

He reached out and touched her hand, ungloved after playing the harp. The shock of tingling energy almost made him stand back. He saw Arabella's eyes widen and knew she had felt something similar.

"Come," he said, leading her gently to a stone bench at the edge of the terrace. "I can be a good listener. There is something more on your mind tonight."

"I suppose it does no harm to tell you. When Edward died, his will left me in day-to-day charge of our son. However, due to the usual complications, he had to name a man to stand as co-guardian, and the obvious choice was his cousin Christopher Farrington."

"I've heard of him in London circles," said Robert. "He has a reputation for recklessness at the card tables."

"That would not surprise me. It might even explain his behaviour towards us."

"He has caused problems?"

"Oh yes. It began soon after Edward died. He began to make insinuations that I did not care for my son properly and he ought to have full guardianship. Although he has oversight of the accounts, he is unable to access the funds without a specific request from me, and we both have to sign off the withdrawal," explained Arabella

"An unusual agreement," noted Robert.

"Yes, Edward wanted me to have full influence and oversight over Henry's life. This agreement was the closest he could get to my having sole guardianship. If he'd chosen someone like Sir Joseph Thraxton, it could have worked well. As it is, we have had to scrimp and save as Christopher refused to sign off on household expenses."

"I see."

"What's more, he then informed me that he and his wife Violet would move into my home at Farrington Hall. At the same time, I began to receive letters from his solicitor, a Mr Yarborough, asking for information about various incidents where Henry had been hurt."

Robert nodded for her to continue.

"Henry is, as you've seen, an adventurous boy. He's curious about the world and probably gets into more scrapes than the average boy his age. I began to suspect that Christopher Farrington had paid informants in my household. I knew it would be intolerable to live in the same household with him and that I would no doubt be proved an unfit mother within days. So, my mother's cousin, Lady Grace Thraxton, offered us a home here."

She paused, and he saw the tears streaming down her face as she told the story. He reached out and covered her hand with his.

"We escaped from my own home under cover of darkness. I knew Christopher would find us, but I wanted to put some distance between us."

"You're happy here? Surely the worst is over now?" Robert said hopefully.

"If only that were the case. I've received regular letters from Mr Yarborough and now the court in London, asking for specific information about any escapades that Henry has been involved in. The latest cites the incident where you took that fall from your horse. I'm seen as a negligent mother, and I'm told the court will decide in days, which will take Henry away from me."

He pressed her hand with his, trying to give her strength and warmth.

"Anyone can see you are a perfect mother, and Henry is a very gifted and individual little boy. The allegations about what happened here are completely false." He paused. "You think he may have spies here in the neighbourhood?"

"It's the only explanation. Judd, my coachman, who brought me here from Farrington Hall, told me that a man had been asking questions at the Beehive Tavern and offering money for information. Most villagers would have no truck with the man, but he may have eventually found someone to take his coin."

"You have friends here. I have influence, and so does Sir Joseph. We won't let them take Henry away from you," Robert reassured her, looking at her tenderly, wishing she could absorb some of his strength.

He reached out and put his hand on her arm to reinforce that this was a genuine pledge of support.

"If the court dictates that Henry must go to live with Christopher Farrington and Violet, then there will be little I can do. I could appeal, but I'm a woman, and we know that means I have few rights in legal terms," she said in frustration.

He knew she was right but wasn't going to agree. "Would you let me see the letters and speak with Sir Joseph about this matter?" Robert asked gently.

She nodded. "I would be grateful for any aid you can give me."

She is being brave, but I can hear the catch in her voice.

"I am a peer of the realm, and that means something in London circles," Robert assured her.

He helped her to her feet and gently put his hand under her chin, raising her eyes to his.

"Lady Arabella Farrington, we will face this challenge of Christopher Farrington together."

Oh, those eyes, with that halo of dark hair. I don't want to take my hand away from her chin.

He gently stroked his fingers across her chin, gazing intently at her.

I should say something, he thought desperately. I just don't know what. He let his instinct take over as he spoke gently so she would not move away.

"There is something between us, something developing and growing stronger, and I don't know where it is taking us, but I'm rather enjoying the journey. Let's follow this pathway for now."

He heard her gasp and felt her breath on his face. He took a finger and gently moved it down her cheek.

"It's all a little strange," came her reply.

I'm listening to her words, and I'll support her all I can. It would help if I wasn't distracted every time I look at her. I'm entranced by her face and the way she moves her body when she is angry. I know she will fight passionately to keep her son with her and that force that flows out from her.

He felt regret as he moved his hand away from her face.

Have I gone a step too far on that journey? I must work on being more restrained when we're so close together.

What am I becoming involved in? A legal case? A courtship? he wondered in a moment of trepidation.

Then suddenly, he knew with certainty that it didn't matter. He was on this journey, and he had been on this path from the moment they had exchanged those heated words on the woodland track. He didn't want to turn back.

He looked at her with a gentle expression, wanting her to feel some of his conviction and certainty that they could fend off the legal challenge.

"You're not alone. We will face this together. I'll use every power at my disposal to defend your guardianship against these ridiculous allegations. And remember," he added, smiling openly, "my sister and my mother will add their weight to mine. I somehow suspect the force of a peer of the realm is nothing compared to the power of the Dowager Duchess of Montbury."

He felt a glow of happiness when he heard Arabella laugh. He offered her his arm and tucked her hand under his. The excitement of the touch was there, but he pushed it down and focused on what he needed to say.

"There is something about this whole business which is very strange. I suspect Mr Christopher Farrington of behaving despicably. There is dishonesty here, but I need to know more to work out what he is scheming," he told Arabella.

"I'd never even considered that possibility," she said, with horror, her grip tightening on his arm. "It makes perfect sense in many ways. How could he, though? How could anyone scheme so ruthlessly to get control of a little boy?"

"It's a distinct possibility, but you need to put it aside and rejoin the others."

He led Arabella back to the music room. "Let's dance and forget our troubles," he suggested as they entered the room. "I intend to shock the company and dance with you twice and then leave the gathering," he told her with a look of mischief.

As they moved onto the dance floor, his mother began to play a slower folk song, a tale of love and loss, and they joined the couples, weaving in and out of a circular pattern before twirling around in their partners' arms.

Robert felt the closeness as he guided Arabella through the steps of the dance, absorbed by a strange recognition that this was the only place he wanted to be.

He then danced a reel with Arabella and felt joy at the flushed excitement in her face as they twirled around the floor. They finished breathless as she almost collapsed into his arms.

"I could dance with you all night," he whispered. "But then we really will cause people to talk. So I must leave you and hope to see you again another day. By the way, I forgot to ask, did you take the boat out today with my sister?"

"No, your sister wanted to help your mother prepare for this unexpected soiree, so we decided to defer to another day. I'm keen to see that island in the middle of the lake, but I don't think Elinor and I will make it that far on our first attempt."

***

As he sat in his library after all the guests had left, or gone to bed, he set his mind to what he could do to help Arabella and Henry. Christopher Farrington had spies paid to give him information. He could certainly arrange for investigators to find out more about Farrington's actions and make enquiries at the London Court. He knew there must be something illegal here. Farrington's desperation to get his hands on the little viscount's fortune was clear to see.

Even if the courts had been fed information that misrepresented Arabella, they could produce counter-evidence. He would, if necessary, travel to the court and refute the allegation that she had been negligent the day he fell from Hector.

He would not stand by and see Henry parted from his mother.