A Debt From the Past (17 page)

Beth knelt on the floor beside the distraught woman. ‘You must be brave for their sake. Whatever is going on, they need your support, especially James, for he appears to have taken a heavy burden on his shoulders.’

Alice looked at her in astonishment. ‘Does this mean that you don’t believe him to be a villain?’

‘I have yet to decide, but I have seen he has a great affection for you, and I’m sure he would not let anything untoward happen to you or Alex. Will you tell me just one thing?’ Beth asked.

‘If I can.’

‘Is James in danger of being sent to gaol?’

Alice let out a ragged sigh. ‘He is not a criminal, though he is dicing with the law, but he sees no way around it. The only comfort I have is that Daniel is here. Although some things he is involved in are dubious, I do know for certain that he is on the side of the law.’

‘Oh.’ She was startled by this piece of information. ‘Is he a lawyer?’

‘He is connected to the law, and he also does some work for the police and the government at times, and that is all I can tell you.’

Beth nodded. ‘If that is the case, then I think we must trust him to make sure this business doesn’t get out of hand. We can do nothing but wait, and I believe we would all be comforted by your presence.’

At that moment Helen showed Alex in. For once, his ready smile was not present. ‘Don’t leave, Alice.’

She straightened up. ‘Beth has persuaded me to stay. She has made me realize that my place is here – and we do have a season to prepare for.’

The smile was back, and he spun her round as if she were a girl. ‘It will be all right; you’ll see. Dan will not let anything bad happen to any of us.’

‘I know, Alex, but what about James? Will he heed Daniel’s advice?’

‘He is aware of the risks, but he has waited a long time for this moment and is prepared for whatever happens.’ He smiled gently. ‘We cannot deny him this chance, for he will never rest easy until it is done. What that man has done must not go unpunished.’

‘But it was such a long time ago, and I had hoped that it would stay buried. However, I feared this day would eventually come. Will you be safe in that remote cottage?’

‘I am moving back into the house again.’

‘The servants’ quarters?’

‘No, I must stay close to you, Elizabeth and Helen, James says.’

‘That will be a comfort.’ Alice smiled at Beth and Helen. ‘Will it not, my dears?’

‘Indeed it will,’ Beth answered, though she knew the only way she would feel safe again would be if James left. ‘What about those animals?’ she asked, giving a delicate shudder. ‘Who will look after them?’

‘Young Charlie has taken a great interest and he is to care for them.’ Alex gave an impish grin. ‘He thinks they are beautiful and is most eager to take on the task.’

‘My goodness, he has a strange notion of beauty,’ she declared.

That broke the tension and they all started to laugh – even Helen, who was now happy to be herself once again. It was as if the mystery and hint of danger had woken her up and revealed the brave, steadfast friend Beth had always known. It was clear now that her friend had been playing the role of companion, but she had never lost her dignity and poise. After all she had been through, this could not have been easy, and it showed what a truly remarkable person she was. Beth was grateful to have Helen by her side and prayed she could show as much courage.

‘Ah, it is good to hear laughter.’ James looked in through the open door and smiled. ‘Are you staying, Alice?’

‘Yes, James. Beth has been very persuasive.’

He gave a slight bow to Beth. ‘Thank you.’

‘As I have become embroiled in this mystery, I would appreciate knowing if I am to lose everything. I believe you owe me that much explanation.’

He studied her for a moment and then sighed. ‘I have already tried to assure you that you will not lose the estate, whatever the outcome of our investigation. If we fail, though, your reputation could suffer because of your association to me.’

Beth shrugged. ‘That I can live with.’

‘Do not dismiss it so lightly, Elizabeth, for it is a hard way to live.’ He gave Helen a surprisingly fond glance. ‘As Lady Helen has discovered.’

‘That is true,’ Helen agreed, returning his smile. ‘May I ask why you have not tried to keep this investigation of yours away from Beth?’

‘I had no choice. It was the only way I could get close to Gresham without arousing suspicion, and carry out my father’s wishes.’

‘I believe he is already curious about your identity,’ Beth told him.

‘He may have his suspicions, but I don’t believe he is really sure I am who I am claiming to be, or if I am really here.’

James appeared relaxed and untroubled, but when Beth looked closely, she could see the lines of strain around his eyes.

‘Miss Langton?’ Jenkins appeared. ‘Sir Peter Gresham and his sister have called to see you.’

‘Help!’ Alex exclaimed. ‘Let us get out of here, James. Where’s Dan? He mustn’t be seen, either.’

‘He won’t return until later tonight.’

Beth watched them hurry away and turned to Alice. ‘Will you join us?’

‘No, my dear. Tell them I am still indisposed.’

‘Very well. Will you come with me, Helen, for I have no wish to see them on my own?’

‘Of course.’

‘How kind of you to visit again so soon,’ Beth said as they entered the drawing room, hoping her smile looked as welcoming as the one Helen was managing. ‘You will take tea, or perhaps something stronger for you, sir?’

‘Tea will be fine.’ He glanced at the closed door. ‘We were concerned for Lady Trenchard’s health. Is she not joining us?’

‘She sends her sincere apologies, but she is still unwell,’ Helen told them.

‘I do hope it isn’t anything serious?’ The sister settled herself comfortably, not looking at all sincere about Alice’s health.

‘A slight chill.’ Beth smiled at the maid who had just wheeled in the trolley of refreshments. ‘Thank you, Jenny; we will look after ourselves.’

‘Very good, Miss Langton.’

Beth busied herself pouring the tea while Helen handed round the sandwiches.

‘Is Lord Sharland not joining us, either?’

‘He is away at the moment. He will be sorry to have missed you again.’

‘He doesn’t appear to be around much.’ Sir Peter’s smile was forced as he glanced towards his sister. ‘We shall have to call him the elusive guardian, eh, Dorinda?’

‘Indeed we shall, Peter. I would not have expected a guardian to leave you to run this very large estate on your own, Miss Langton.’

It was on the tip of Beth’s tongue to tell them to mind their own business, when Helen saved her from being rude.

‘He doesn’t need to do much. Beth has been trained by her father in all aspects of running the estate, and, with the help of an excellent manager, there is little for his lordship to do.’

Sir Peter Gresham studied Helen. ‘And what about you, Lady Helen? How do you occupy your time?’

‘I help by keeping the accounts,’ she told him, her gaze unfaltering and defiant. ‘As I am sure you are aware, I am quite expert at sorting out money.’

When their two visitors didn’t answer, Beth could have laughed out loud. By referring to her father’s debts, Helen had just put the Greshams firmly in their place, leaving them at a loss for a reply. If they had sought to make her uncomfortable by using her correct title, and thereby showing that they knew about her family scandal, then they had failed.

Changing the subject, Beth talked about the masked ball, and that filled the next half an hour. When their visitors finally took their leave, the friends heaved a sigh of relief, agreeing that Sir Peter and his sister were rude and not at all likeable.

‘Where is James?’ Beth asked Alice at dinner that evening.

‘He has had to go to London and may be away for a few days.’

‘And has Alex gone with him?’

‘No,’ she sipped her wine. ‘One of the sows is about to produce, and he wanted to be present.’

Beth nodded. ‘That should keep him out of trouble.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I just thought that it would be better for him to remain here in case James is going to hold up another coach.’ Beth was pleased when she saw Alice smile, for she was looking strained. The only one who did not seem to be concerned was Alex; he appeared to have complete trust in James. Beth wished she had!

‘No, Beth, he has told us he will not do that again, and he never breaks his word, thank heavens.’

‘That is an admirable trait.’ She knew it was useless to probe further.

‘Did you enjoy tea with the Greshams?’ Alice changed the subject.

Beth grimaced. ‘It was not pleasant, for it was quite a task to keep the conversation going so they would not ask probing questions. I must confess that I don’t care for either of them.’

‘No, they are not the most endearing people. Did they say why they had called so soon after the ball?’

‘They were concerned for your health,’ Beth told her.

Alice snorted in disbelief. ‘More likely they were trying to meet James. They must be getting quite desperate to see him. I don’t believe he knows that James was born, and to have a son of Edward turn up must be causing him a great deal of worry. If Gresham is the man who caused our family so much trouble and heartache, then he must be nervous to find us so close to him.’

‘Yes, they did ask after him and were not pleased to find him absent once more.’ Beth smiled wryly. ‘They are calling him my elusive guardian.’

‘James could not hope to remain undiscovered for much longer. I believe Gresham will now keep turning up until he actually sees James.’

‘From what you say, he hasn’t met him before and therefore would not be able to recognize him.’

‘No, but James doesn’t want to take that chance.’ Alice rose to her feet. ‘Forgive me, Beth, but I have a dreadful headache and think it best if I retire.’

‘Of course. Is there anything I can get you?’

‘No, my dear. I just need to rest. The worry these boys are causing me is quite debilitating.’

They watched the lady leave the room. Beth pursed her lips. ‘Well, another snippet of information, but it doesn’t get us much nearer to the truth, does it?’

‘I’m afraid not,’ Helen agreed.

There was no sign of Alice at breakfast the next morning, and Beth thought it best to let her sleep on, but Alex arrived, full of smiles.

‘You have eight beautiful piglets, Elizabeth,’ he told her. ‘Would you like to see them?’

She looked at him in horror. ‘No, thank you!’

He chuckled. ‘I know you have an aversion to the animals, but they really are quite adorable when first born. I am sure you would change your mind if you saw them. I’ll take you now, if you want.’

‘I shall decline your kind offer,’ Beth told him, fighting to keep from grinning at his enthusiasm.

‘Ah, you don’t know what you are missing.’ He consumed a hurried breakfast, and then he was up from the table and rushing to get back to his new babies.

As James was away, Beth decided to tour the estate and see how things were going, avoiding the pigs, of course, but Helen declared that she would love to see the piglets. Beth stayed well out of the way while her friend saw the new arrivals.

‘They are adorable,’ Helen declared, smiling when she returned.

‘That is not a word I would use.’ Beth pulled a face, making Helen laugh as they continued their ride.

Two hours later Elizabeth was well pleased with what they had seen. James had made quite a few changes, but everything was running smoothly, and Beth had to admit that he was taking good care of the estate and its workers. She had encountered only respect for him, and all the earlier worries seemed to have disappeared as they had come to know him. She really did hope he was not a criminal.

Helen tipped her head to one side and studied her friend intently. ‘I believe you can put the worry of the estate out of your mind, Beth. All is in order, and he clearly knows what he’s doing.’

‘It does appear that way, and I do admit that it is occasionally pleasant not to have the burden of the day-to-day running of the estate on my shoulders. But I would dearly love to be free of this uncertainty about him.’

‘Well, it is a pleasant day, so why don’t we ride out to the Sharland mansion and see what is going on there. We may discover a little more about him.’

‘That’s a splendid idea! I would like to see what changes he is making.’

The young women turned their mounts and set off at a canter, smiling in anticipation.

They reached their destination, glowing and laughing after an invigorating ride.

The place was a hive of activity, with workmen everywhere, and when Becks and a hand they didn’t know hurried to help them dismount and take charge of their horses, Beth exclaimed, ‘My goodness! It looks as if extensive changes are being made here.’

‘Water is being piped into the house, Miss Elizabeth,’ Becks told her. ‘It is quite a task, but his lordship insists that every bedroom has a sink with running water.’

‘Really? May we have a look? We will not get in anyone’s way.’

‘I expect that would be all right, but it would be best to ask Lord Sharland’s permission first.’

‘Is he here?’ Helen asked. ‘We thought he was away.’

‘He arrived here at early light, my lady. He’s round the back.’

‘Then we shall do as you say. Thank you, Becks.’ Helen took hold of Beth’s arm. ‘I can’t wait to see what is being planned for this school.’

When they reached the other side of the house, they both stopped in astonishment at the scene in front of them. A small field where men were working was a sea of mud, full of strange machinery, and right in the middle of it was James. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he was pulling on a rope attached to a large pipe. And he was covered in mud!

‘Oh my!’ Beth clapped her hand over her mouth, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Helen was openly laughing and called out, ‘You look as if you need more help, Lord Sharland.’

Only when the pipe was lowered into place did James turn. ‘Are you offering, Lady Helen?’

‘Oh, no, but I could go and find more men, if you wish.’