Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Have I only been back at Castle Montbury for three days? It feels so much longer.

Occasionally, he loved being back at his childhood home. He realized how much he'd missed seeing Elinor and little Freddy, and he smiled to himself, knowing how much little Freddy enjoyed spending time with him. Yesterday, the child walked around the lake with him, and he remembered a small boat he had used as a child. He was determined to find it out and see if it could be renovated for Freddy.

He enjoyed being close to dogs again. His old dog had died just before he decided to spend more time in London, and he'd never replaced him. Now, in his study, blazing fire in the hearth and the prospect of a walk to the lake, he missed the company of a dog.

His thoughts drifted to the child in the woods and the injured spaniel. Ripple, his dog at his side throughout his teenage years, had been a spaniel with a roan coat, which blended into the woodland. His mother's dogs were all descended from Ripple.

Robert remembered he'd called her Ripple because she fell in the lake when she was a young pup and refused to come out. She swam and swam, finding sticks in the water, her little eyes and nose bobbing above the water. His father had called the dog Rip, but seeing the ripples all around her on the lake, he'd changed it to Ripple.

I really must locate that old boat for Freddy, he thought.

The table was piled high with estate ledgers. They didn't look like anyone had looked at them since his father died. However, the estate was doing well, the crops at Home Farm were making a tidy profit, and the dairy herd was thriving. He'd like to see more planning around which crops to plant each year and more rotation, but it was hard to find fault with Michael Morley's estate management. His father had been shrewd in his choice of steward, and his mother had trusted Morley to continue his management of the farms, moors, and woodland at Montbury.

He'd visited Morley yesterday. The steward had recovered movement in his arm and leg after the seizure, but his days as the manager of a vast estate were over. Robert needed a replacement, and preferably one who knew the local area. All he could do was assure Morley of a home for the rest of his days in his cottage and the pension due for all those years of faithful service to the estate.

A knock on the door and his sister put her head around it. "Robert, I suspect you will never leave this library. You've been stuck in here now for nearly three days. Mama is beginning to suspect you are hiding from her." She giggled and came over to look at the ledgers.

"All's well?" she asked.

"More than well. Mama has been very effective in her oversight of the estate, and Michael Morley is an excellent steward. The question is how to replace him."

"Hmm. Several of the younger staff left to work for Sir Joseph Thraxton over at Horton Hall. He's expanded his lands and offers good wages. You might be able to lure one of them back."

"That, my dear sister, is an excellent idea. There doesn't seem anyone on the estate staff who could fill Morley's shoes."

"I came to tell you that Freddy and I will be walking down to the lake, and we plan to gather fresh hawthorn leaves and see if we can find wild garlic for Cook. Why not join us and get out of this dull, fusty library?"

"You know I love a dull library. I need to give these ledgers another half hour, but after that, I might walk out to find you."

"Freddy would love that," she said. "Ah, how could I forget? There is something else."

She went over to the door leading out to the outdoor terrace and waved at someone.

"A surprise brother. Something that might keep you at Montbury."

A few seconds later, Freddy and Jackson entered the library, followed by a spaniel with an almost bluish-black coat. The dog sniffed around her and walked up to Robert, licking his hand and sitting down in front of him, looking up at him expectantly.

Elinor clapped her hands in glee. "It looks like that's settled," she said, laughing. "Mickle has found a new master."

"Elinor, I can't have a dog. I'm only here for a few days and then back to the townhouse in Mayfair."

"Well, dogs do live in London, but you can leave Mickle here. She was part of a litter, born in September at Michaelmas, hence her name. She used to follow Michael about, and I think she's missing him."

He looked down at the spaniel and ruffled the silky black ears. Freddy stood next to his mother, looking serious. "You do like Mickle, Uncle Robert?"

"Of course, Freddy. She's a lovely dog."

"Shall I take her to the stables, Your Grace?" asked Jackson.

"No, Jackson, Mickle can stay with me."

"Now, Freddy," said Elinor, "we must go on our walk, and I need to speak to the Reverend Nathaniel about a schedule for your lessons."

She bent to stroke Mickle. "I forgot to say that Mother was looking for you. We may have given her the impression that you were at the stables. Come, Freddy," she called, and they left, leaving him looking down at Mickle's wide, brown eyes, who decided to lie by the fire and wait for the next instruction.

This was so like his kind-hearted, vivacious sister, who spent her life looking for ways to make others happy.

He felt another moment of regret at how he had spoken so harshly to the young woman in the lane.

I don't even know her name. Yet she had a small child with her, and I reprimanded her for being careless in front of the boy. I shouldn't have ridden off. I could have asked if she needed help getting home.

He saw again those green eyes glinting in the sunlight. He'd hurt her with his words. She'd flinched, almost in pain when he'd told her to be more careful. She must have lived locally. Why would she be on that woodland track if she wasn't a local resident?

His heart gladdened. He'd assumed he'd never see her again, but logically, she must have lived hereabouts.

Thoughts of jade green eyes and porcelain complexion disappeared with an assertive rap on the door, and before he had time to respond, the door flew open, and there stood his mother.

Mickle stood up and walked over to her and she patted the dog absentmindedly as she entered the room.

"Mama?" Robert greeted her.

"Robert. I've been looking for you everywhere," his mother said, admonishing him.

"I've been here since early hours, Mama. I wanted to work through all the ledgers. I've almost finished," Robert explained.

"Is everything in order?" his mother enquired.

"Perfect order. We just need to find a new steward to replace Morley."

"That won't be easy. We've been lucky to have him so many years."

"Elinor tells me some of the younger staff moved to Horton estate."

"She's right. Sir Joseph is a very rich man with a successful shipping company and a sizeable estate further north. He can afford to pay higher wages," his mother expounded.

"I don't know if I've met him," admitted Robert.

"Perhaps not. He moved here about two years ago when his uncle died and left him Horton Hall, which brings me nicely to what I wanted to speak to you about. Now you've settled in, it's time for you to take up your responsibilities as a host."

"I'm sorry, Mother, you've lost me. What do you mean? I'm here to sort out a new steward, and then I'll return to London."

"That's going to take a few weeks, so you have ample time to be part of local society."

"But Mother …" Robert started to object.

His mother continued, ignoring his protests, "I've arranged a house party. It's late spring, the days are warmer, and soon, it will be the summer festival in the village. You know I always have a house party at this time of year.

"I'm prepared to live in a house full of strangers and occasionally eat supper with them, but that is as far as it goes. You know I dislike house parties; well, any social event, if I'm honest."

"Just like your father," she said in despair. "I don't know how you'll ever find a bride."

Oh no, I need to divert her from the need to marry and produce an heir, he thought in desperation. Rosalind's face floated into his thoughts, as did the misery associated with her betrayal.

Lost in his thoughts, he stopped listening to his mother until he heard a word that brought him back to reality.

"Of course, not everyone will be a stranger. Simon will be here."

He looked at her in shock. He saw that she hesitated for a moment. She must have seen the expression on his face.

"Simon?" he queried.

"Well, he is your brother. He isn't here much now he's living out at Cobbydale Park."

Simon had inherited Cobbydale Park, an estate further north.

"Can't you visit Simon at Cobbydale Park? In fact, Mama, why don't you ask Simon to host this house party there?"

"Don't be ridiculous," she retorted. "This silly feud has gone on long enough."

"Silly feud? He stole my fiancée. He may not have married her because she jilted him, too. The fact remains, though, that he took Rosalind away from me, and for that, Mama, I shall never forgive him."

"I have to believe that you will reconcile with your brother. He will visit for a few weeks, and that's settled."

Robert's stomach twisted, almost in physical pain, but he determined not to let his mother know the extent of his discomfort. He felt a rising rage.

I might not live here, but Montbury is my house. Mother has no right to invite Simon without first discussing it with me.

Years ago, they lived together at Castle Montbury. At some level, he missed his brother's company and the camaraderie there used to be between them as boys. That had ended the day Simon told him he was in love with Rosalind.

I was engaged to her. The wedding invitations had been sent out. We were within weeks of the wedding. Then, one day, Simon told me that my bride-to-be was in love with him. She didn't even have the decency to break off our betrothal herself.

I loved her. My every moment, every thought was about Rosalind and how we would build a life together here as Duke and Duchess of Montbury.

Dreams shattered, humiliation in the county, he left immediately and took up residence in the townhouse in Mayfair.

Yet his mother loved them both, and he had enough compassion to know that the feud between her sons distressed her. Let her have her party. He could tolerate Simon's presence, and if not, then he could return to London.

"Very well, Mama. You know how I feel about this, but as it is a tradition to have this house party, I won't stand in your way."

"Excellent," she said, smiling brightly. "And, of course, tomorrow we dine at Horton Hall. I accepted the invitation on your behalf."

This time, his fist thumped the top of the polished walnut table. He was immediately sorry as his hand smarted from the impact of the table.

"Please, please, don't accept any further invitations on my behalf."

"Well, if you insist," she continued. "I must say, though, that there is nothing unusual about dining out with a local family."

"Speaking of local families … Do you know a young woman late twenties, with a son of about seven or eight years old? She has jet-black hair and, I believe, lives around here somewhere." He decided not to mention those green eyes.

"Come to think of it, a young woman matched that description at St Mary's on Sunday. I didn't stop. I never linger after the service; it's far too tedious. I believe she was talking with Lady Thraxton." She looked at her son curiously before continuing. "If you like, I'll ask Lady Thraxton when we dine there tomorrow evening."

Check, he thought, but not checkmate.

Sometimes, his relationship with his mother resembled a game of chess. He parried forward on the board, and she pushed back, manipulating her pieces and usually getting to checkmate before he did.

***

Needing to escape from the house, he rode into the village, planning to return by the lake path and find his sister Elinor and Freddy on the way.

St Mary's church stood proudly in the centre of the village next to the village green. It was unusual that Castle Montbury had no private chapel, so his family always attended the services in the village. Inside the church was a side chapel with the family vault where generations of Montburys had been laid to rest. He felt a momentary sadness, thinking of his father being the last to join them. He'd died five years ago, far too young, following a short illness.

He looked down, smiling at the spaniel, trotting neatly beside the horse. Mickle had been well trained and walked beside him, sitting and waiting if he stopped to talk with anyone.

No sooner had he thought this than the spaniel took off, racing towards a gentleman walking towards them, whistling tunefully.

Robert couldn't avoid acknowledging this man as Mickle sat next to him while he patted her on the head.

"Good morning. I do apologize sir. It's the first time I've taken her out for a walk," said Robert.

"No need to apologize, sir. I know this dog well. I often met her when she was out and about with Michael Morley. I'm glad to see her again."

Robert nodded and introduced himself.

The man bowed. "I'm Sir Joseph Thraxton," he said. "From Horton Hall."

"Just the man," said Robert. "Can I buy you a tankard of ale?"

"I've time for that," replied Sir Joseph. "I believe you are dining with us tomorrow evening."

After leaving his horse at the stables around the back of the tavern, Robert made his way into the tap room and joined Sir Joseph at a table near a blazing log fire. The innkeeper brought them pints of good bitter ale, and they quickly moved from small talk to business. Sir Joseph had a shrewd head for business and was interested in the vineyard. After talking about their interests for half an hour, Robert realized he had found a shipping agent to move his wine.

When Robert explained their difficulties in finding a replacement for Mr Morley, he had an immediate suggestion.

"Jason Brown would be perfect for you at Montbury. He used to work at the castle, and if memory serves me correctly, he is Michael Morley's nephew. He's been with me for the last two years, and there's no position for him to move up to. I'll lose him soon anyway, and I know he wants to stay in this area."

For a moment, the businessman in Robert couldn't believe Sir Joseph's generosity and ease of manner. He just seemed to want his employee to progress and be happy.

"Tell you what, Montbury. I'll send him up to the castle to have a word. Would this afternoon suit? If you don't find him suitable, then I'll take him back."

Could it be that simple? Robert readily agreed.

They walked out together, and Sir Joseph accompanied Robert to the stables. A young stable lad brought out a chestnut mare. Robert was impressed with his manner and the care he took of the animal.

"Thank you, Jim," said Sir Joseph, clearly knowing the boy's name.

Robert looked at the boy, seeing the threadbare clothes, knowing that there were very few horses to look after at this tavern, and he probably made most of his income from tips when he looked after horses. He had been fortunate never to worry about where the next meal was coming from.

The boy led out his own horse, Mercury, ready for him to mount.

"That's a fine mare you have there, Sir Joseph. The horse clearly comes from a fine line of horses," Robert commented.

"Indeed, you've a good eye there for horses, Montbury."

The stable lad had obviously done a good job looking after the animals, and Robert could tell he had brushed down his horse.

"Can you ride?" he asked the boy.

"Yes, sir, and drive a cart. Pa taught me before he went off to join the duke against Boney. It's how I earn my living."

"Your father is with Wellington?"

"Yes, Your Grace, in the regiment under the Colonel, your sister's husband."

"If you're looking for extra work, then go up to the stables at the castle. Tell Mr Grayson I sent you."

"Thank you, Your Grace," said the boy, grinning at Robert.

"Here's a shilling for looking after Mercury for me," Robert added, handing the coin to the boy.

"You're a generous man, Montbury. Jim's a good lad, too. He'll do any job around your stables."

Robert nodded, mounting his horse and waving as he rode off towards the lake.

The sun shone high in the sky, and he cantered along the meadow to the lake, feeling glad to be alive. He slowed as he reached the lakeside and tethered Mercury to a tree. He'd go on foot along the lake path. After yesterday's incident, he had no desire to almost ride into anyone else.

The trees were almost in full leaf, and the woods were ablaze with bluebells and periwinkles, shining blue under the trees. It wasn't long before he heard voices.

That must be Elinor and Freddy.

He could hear a child's voice and hurried his pace. He turned a corner in the path and stopped, rooted to the spot. He recognized the boy who was playing a game of chase with Freddy.

His sister Elinor and a young lady he did not recognize stood talking to Nathaniel the parson.

Mickle raced up to Freddy, and both boys began petting the dog, who lapped up the affection and rolled over onto her back so they could tickle her tummy.

When he looked away from the boys, she stood there watching him. Those green eyes glinted in the sunshine, though her body language showed she had stiffened and was wary of him.

Of course, the last time we met, I reprimanded her for how she looked after her son. She must hate me.