A Debt From the Past (10 page)

She was halfway to the desk when the door opened slightly, making Beth jump violently. When she saw Helen’s face peering in, she let out a breath of relief. ‘Oh, you gave me a fright. I thought he had come back.’

‘No.’ Helen eased into the room. ‘He has gone upstairs to his rooms. I went to the kitchens to make us a hot drink. I was just coming back when I saw him return. I hid, hoping you had done the same.’

‘I did.’ Beth opened the drawer of the desk, pulled out the box and saw that it now contained two pistols.

‘Oh, he has returned it,’ Helen whispered.

Beth picked up the pistol and smelt it. ‘It does not appear to have been used, so that is something to be grateful for.’

‘Indeed,’ Helen agreed. ‘We don’t want to find we have a murderer under our roof.’

‘No, we do not ...’ Beth hesitated. ‘But what
do
we have residing with us? I am beginning to wonder if young Tom might have told us the truth after all.’

James Sharland and Mr Edgemont were already at breakfast when Beth and Helen arrived. They rose to their feet and gave elegant bows.

‘Good morning. I trust you slept well?’

‘Yes, thank you.’ Beth stifled a yawn; it had been half past four in the morning when she had finally made it to her bed again. ‘I hope you had a comfortable and undisturbed night?’

‘I cannot speak for Dan as he only arrived an hour ago, but I did not wake up once.’ He smiled and sat down again.

How she managed to stop herself from challenging this statement she did not know, for she knew that he had not slept at all last night. But no one would ever have known because he looked fresh and rested.

‘Forgive me for still wearing my riding clothes at your table, Miss Langton, but I have not had time to change yet.’ Daniel gave her a charming smile.

She returned his friendly smile. ‘There is nothing to forgive, Mr Edgemont. You must be very hungry after your ride.’

‘Indeed.’

Helen was studying her eggs as if they were the most interesting objects she had ever seen. She remained silent, but Beth knew that she listened intently to anything that was said.

Jenkins came in and held a silver tray out to her. She took the heavily gilded card and gasped when she read it.

‘My goodness! Sir Peter Gresham is to hold a masked ball – and we have been invited.’

‘You sound surprised. Is it unusual for you to be invited to social functions?’ his lordship asked wryly.

She glowered at him. ‘No, it is not, but I have never known them do such a thing.’ She turned to Jenkins. ‘Who brought this?’

‘One of his footmen, and he was agog with excitement. It seems there were strange happenings last night.’

‘Really? Do tell me,’ Beth said with an innocent smile.

‘He said that they nearly caught someone trying to break into the house, but after the burglary at their London home, the Greshams have more men patrolling the ground now.’

‘Was anyone hurt?’ Beth asked, resisting the temptation to glance knowingly at her friend.

‘No, but the footman said they caught a glimpse of him and he looked fierce enough to kill if cornered.’ Beth heard Helen cough and did not dare to look at her friend. If this had been James Sharland, then he was playing a very dangerous game indeed!

Helen cleared her throat. ‘Did he have any idea what the villain could have been after?’ she asked.

‘No. As he did not gain entry to the house, they have no way of knowing. They assumed he was a common thief after valuables.’

There was a brief splutter from the other end of the table, which was quickly turned into a cough.

The butler gave up trying to remain serious and let a grin spread. ‘I think the incident has grown with each telling and probably bears little resemblance to the truth now. I expect they just saw a shadow in the grounds and thought it was an interloper. They were probably chasing a fox or some other animal.’

‘I am sure you are right.’ She looked pointedly at James as he helped himself to another plate of bacon and kidneys.

‘And what do you think of this scoundrel?’ she asked pointedly.

‘A strange episode, but it doesn’t seem as if any harm was done. Just someone having a little fun after imbibing too much brandy, I expect.’

She persisted with her questions. ‘Let us assume it was a genuine burglary; what do you think he was after?’

His lordship looked at her with a puzzled expression. ‘How would I know?’

‘How indeed.’
But I’m sure you do know,
she thought silently,
for I saw you skulking off last night with one of Father’s guns, and it would not take a genius to deduce that you were the burglar.
Keeping these thoughts to herself, she smiled sweetly at him and then turned to Jenkins. ‘Is the footman waiting for a reply?’

‘No, Miss Langton.’ He bowed and left the room.

She picked up the invitation again. ‘A masked ball. How very intriguing.’

‘May I see the card?’ His lordship held out his hand.

Helen took the card from Beth, got to her feet and took it up to him. She returned to her chair, never once looking at anyone, but Beth could see she was having a struggle to keep her features composed and not give away that they knew anything.

‘Ah, but I cannot go.’ Beth sighed in disappointment. ‘And I am surprised they even sent it, since we are in mourning.’

James tapped the card on his fingers and gazed thoughtfully into space. ‘But you said that your father forbade you to go into deep mourning, and I am sure Edward would have agreed with that also.’

Her head shot up. He had referred to his father as Edward. Was that a slip of the tongue? How she longed to discover the real identity of her mysterious guardian, for she was still not convinced he was who he said he was.

‘I believe we should accept. If you went all in black, you would be unrecognizable.’

‘Ah, but you said I would look dreadful in black, and, anyway, I should be unmasked at midnight,’ she pointed out.

‘Not if you leave before then.’ He raised a brow in query. ‘I think you would enjoy that – am I not right?’

‘You are correct,’ she admitted. ‘I am curious to see the Gresham home because I don’t believe anyone has been allowed past the entrance hall before.’

‘Then you shall go.’

‘Will you accompany me, my lord?’ Her mouth curled at the corners. ‘All in black?’

‘If I come, Elizabeth, you will not recognize me.’ He stood up, and both men strode from the room.

‘Aha!’ Helen whispered. ‘I think we can guess who the robber was.’

‘Of course he was, but what could he want so desperately?’

‘It is very perplexing.’

‘I agree. Come, Helen, we shall send an acceptance to Sir Peter and then call on Lady Sharland.’

‘So what did you find out from your escapade?’ Dan sat down and gave his friend an exasperated look.

‘Nothing. I did not get near enough to the house to break in. I never expected to. My intention was to shake up a few people.’

‘Humph! You’ve certainly succeeded. Are you telling me you risked gaol just for that?’

James sat forward, frustration showing on his face. ‘I haven’t got time to be subtle, so I’m shaking the tree to see what falls out. Have you discovered anything of use?’

‘You mean, apart from finding out that I can’t take my eyes off you for a moment?’

‘You would have done the same thing, Dan, and don’t try to pretend you wouldn’t.’

‘Probably, but I’m more experienced in things like that. Please wait until I’m around before you try anything as dangerous as that again.’

James nodded. ‘Get on with it, Dan.’

His friend removed a small notebook from his inside pocket and flicked open the pages, reading silently for a moment. Then he looked up. ‘Well, as you suspected, I’m sure Gresham is our man. He has a nasty reputation, and it is rumoured that he has extracted money from some prominent men who wish certain things to be kept secret. He is shunned by London society, and many believe he is seeking a way to be accepted again. Marriage would be his best way.’

‘Ah.’ James smiled in relief. ‘That should rule out Elizabeth. Although she comes from a good family, she doesn’t have a title, and that’s the kind of prestige he would want.’

‘But there is another lady in this house who does have a title. The so-called companion is really Lady Helen Martha Denton.’

There was a moment of silence as this startling piece of news was assimilated, and then James surged to his feet. ‘What the hell is she doing pretending to be Elizabeth’s companion?’

‘I had a long talk with someone who knew the family well. It seems that after Helen’s mother died some two years ago, Lord Denton started gambling to ease his grief, and it’s the old story, I’m afraid. He lost everything he owned and shot himself in shame, leaving huge debts. His daughter set about paying off everything he owed, not satisfied until every farthing had been repaid. When she had finished, she was destitute. Helen and Elizabeth have been friends from childhood, and Elizabeth took Helen in to live here. Lord Edward wanted to give her an allowance, but the girl has her pride and insisted that she be taken on as a servant so she could earn her keep. Lord Edward and Elizabeth were horrified by such a thought but finally agreed that Helen become Elizabeth’s companion. Evidently, Helen refuses to use her title and is fiercely loyal in her role as companion.’

‘Dear Lord.’ James was shaking his head. ‘She appears such a timid creature, but that is just an act as well, isn’t it?’

‘Yes, I do believe so. She showed great strength of character in the way she insisted on repaying all of her father’s debts.’ Dan gazed into space for a while and then said, ‘Why don’t you take her into your confidence, James? I have a feeling she could be helpful.’

‘I dare not at the moment, but I’ll try to get to know her better, and then we’ll see.’ James glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if the ladies visited Grandmother again, so I believe we should do the same.’

‘How good of you to call again so soon.’ Lady Sharland held her hand out to greet Beth.

‘I trust you are well?’ She gave the lady’s hand a gentle squeeze and sat down opposite her.

‘I am in fine fettle.’ She beamed. ‘As you can see.’

‘Indeed, you look in the best of spirits.’

‘I am, I am.’ She turned her head to look at the tall man striding into the room. ‘And here is the reason for my happiness.’

James Sharland bent to kiss the elderly lady on the cheek.

‘I do declare that I am being quite spoilt today. We must all have tea together.’ She rang the bell to summon refreshments and then caught hold of his lordship’s hand. ‘All is well, James?’ she asked, a worried frown creasing her brow.

‘Of course.’ He stooped down in front of her and smiled warmly.

‘Is Daniel coming soon?’ she asked in a whisper.

‘I’m already here, Grandmother Sharland.’ Dan also entered the room and kissed the lady’s cheek.

‘Oh, I’m so relieved you two boys are together again.’ Lady Sharland’s eyes clouded with tears. ‘You will not be in any danger?’

‘What a notion! Opening a school is not dangerous, Grandmother, though Dan believes otherwise.’ James laughed and leant forward to say something in her ear.

He spoke too quietly that time for Beth to hear, but she couldn’t help wondering what he had said because Lady Sharland was nodding vigorously. Beth could not take her eyes off the scene being played out. His lordship was displaying great affection for the elderly lady, and it was abundantly clear that she adored him. But why was she concerned about him being in danger? Did she know that he was creeping around at night with a pistol?

The refreshments arrived and further speculation would have to wait.

‘James tells me that he is to arrange a season for you,’ she said to Beth, looking quite excited at the prospect. ‘I wish I were still young enough to accompany you, but you will like your chaperone – she is of the finest character.’

Beth glared at his lordship. ‘I was not aware that arrangements were so far forward?’

‘Oh, James.’ Lady Sharland was looking from Beth to his lordship in a most agitated manner. ‘Have I said something I shouldn’t?’

He was immediately on his feet again, a comforting hand on her shoulder. ‘Don’t distress yourself. We haven’t got round to discussing details yet, and, to be truthful, Elizabeth does not appear enamoured with the idea.’

‘But you will love it, my dear.’ Her expression had turned to one of longing. ‘It is such fun to have all the young men hanging on your every word and fighting to secure the next dance.’

Beth could not imagine anything more dreadful, but she smiled. ‘I am sure you are right, but I have been so busy running the estate that I have quite got out of the habit of being sociable.’

‘I know, my dear. You have had a hard time, but you must put all that behind you now. James will take the burden of responsibility from you.’

Ah, but what else will he take from me?
she wondered, as worry gripped her again.
He could do a great deal of harm in a year ...

‘You leave everything to James; he will see you have a come-out to remember. I cannot imagine what your father and my son were thinking of, allowing you to remain at home and do work better suited to a man. They should have found you a husband long ago.’

Lady Sharland smiled at the man sitting opposite; he looked relaxed and slightly amused. ‘Never mind; James will put everything to rights.’

Not while I have breath left in my body!
Beth fumed. If he thought he was going to take away her home and have dominion over her life, then he was in for a very great fight!

‘Helen should also be included in the social round.’ James looked over at the girl who was sitting in the background as usual. He smiled.

Helen was clearly horrified, but Beth was smiling broadly. ‘What a splendid idea, for I would not be able to endure the tedium of endless functions without you beside me, Helen.’

‘Oh, I could not.’ A look of determination crossed her face. ‘It would not be proper.’

‘Nonsense.’ James swept away the denial. ‘The matter is settled.’