A Debt From the Past (27 page)

‘We are only doing a favour for a man we all admired and respected.’ Dan turned his attention to Helen. ‘We are also deeply sorry that we were not in time to save your father and your estate. Edward was devastated about that.’

‘What do you mean?’ Helen had turned quite pale. ‘My father gambled everything away. You could not have done anything about his losses.’

‘That is true, but we could have stopped Gresham from calling in the markers he had purchased from others. The fact that he made such a large demand all at once was more than your father could handle.’

Helen shook her head, confused. ‘I don’t understand. I repaid everyone, but Gresham was not among them. The largest payment was to a man by the name of Walton. I never saw him, but most of them sent a representative to collect.’

‘He would have done the same, Helen, in order to keep his involvement a secret. When Edward found out what had happened to you, he asked me to investigate, and it didn’t take me long to uncover Gresham’s part in the tragedy. The name he had been using was Walton. That also confirmed our suspicions that he was the man we had been trying to trace for another crime years ago. The need to protect the Langton estate then became urgent, because that man now had far more money and he wanted this desirable land with a passion.’

‘Oh, my –’ Helen grasped Beth’s hand – ‘what would we have done if James and Dan hadn’t taken over here?’

‘We would have found ourselves in a very sorry position. I need to apologize to everyone, and especially to James for the way I have treated him.’

James was alone when Beth went to see him, and she entered the room hesitantly, not sure what to say to him. He looked tired and strained as if in some discomfort from his wounds.

‘I beg your pardon for interrupting your rest,’ she said, standing just inside the door, ‘but I need to speak to you alone. May I come in?’

He pulled himself upright and grimaced. ‘That sounds ominous, Elizabeth. Has Grandfather been up to mischief again, or is it something I have done?’

‘Oh, no, neither of you has done anything to upset me. I am the one who has behaved badly, and I must apologize. Dan told us what Gresham has been doing, and how my godfather asked both of you to come here to protect me and the estate. I hope you will accept my apologies for the hostile way I treated you. I am very sorry, and I thank you for what you have done. You put your own life in danger, and ...’ The words tailed off, and Beth swallowed back the emotion clogging her throat.

‘You have no need to apologize, Elizabeth. My approach at first was ill-advised. I arrived expecting a meek country girl who would bow to a firm hand and stay in the background out of all harm.’ James shook his head and said wryly, ‘How wrong I was. I found an intelligent young lady who was prepared to fight for her independence – two young ladies, in fact. That was surprising, but admirable. You have nothing to apologize for, Elizabeth.’

She smiled with relief. ‘That is gracious of you.’

‘Not at all. Dan urged me to explain these things to you and Helen, but I refused at the time. He was right, of course.’

‘I wish you had told us of the danger facing the Langton estate. We would have helped you in any way we could.’ When James rested his head back and sighed deeply, Beth moved towards the bed, concerned. ‘I have exhausted you. Are you in pain? Shall I send for Doctor Gregson?’

‘He’s already called today and declared that I am healing well. I find this inactivity frustrating, that’s all.’ He turned his head to look at her. ‘There is something you can do for me, though.’

‘Just tell me.’

‘When I am back on my feet again and the trial of those villains is over, will you and Helen go to London with Alice? I know you are not very enthusiastic about it, but I want you both to have the opportunity to mix in society for a while.’

‘Do you still want us to do that? I thought it was merely a ploy to get us away from here. It is not necessary now, surely?’

‘You are both attractive young women, and I feel it is right you should have this chance.’ He smiled. ‘It means a lot to me, and Alice has been looking forward to showing you and Helen off to London society. Will you go – to please us?’

Sensing that this really was important to James, Beth nodded and grinned. ‘I suppose we can’t let all those clothes you made us purchase go to waste, but neither of us has any interest in seeking a husband in that way. From what I have heard, it is nothing more than a market where the young men seek out a suitable filly. We will not demean ourselves in that way. Is that understood?’

‘Perfectly,’ he laughed. ‘But you will enjoy the dancing and social gatherings, won’t you?’

‘The dancing, maybe, but I shall reserve my judgement on the social gatherings.’

‘Alice is going to enjoy every function you attend, and so is Grandfather, for I believe he has appointed himself as your protector.’

‘That should be fun! Now, I must leave you to rest. Thank you for allowing me to talk to you.’

‘It’s always a pleasure, Elizabeth. Would you ask Helen to come and see me? I have something to discuss with her about the school.’

‘All right, but you can rest assured she is doing an excellent job for you. I had a quick look round today and everything is beginning to look good. The finish should be pleasing and practical, but not too overwhelming for your pupils.’

‘I can’t wait to see it.’

‘I do not think that will be long,’ she said wryly, knowing how difficult it was for this vital man to be tied to a bed for any length of time.

Beth went straight back to her sitting room where she knew Alice and Helen would be waiting.

‘Is everything all right, my dear?’ Alice asked the moment she walked in.

‘He was very understanding and insisted that I had no reason to apologize.’

‘And you didn’t. Your reaction to finding an unknown guardian thrust upon you was perfectly reasonable. James could have handled it better.’

‘That’s what he said.’ Beth sat down and sighed deeply. ‘He looks very tired and drawn, Alice. He insists he is fine, but do you think I should call the doctor again, just as a precaution?’

‘I’ll go and stay with him for the night. If I think he needs the physician at any time, I will send for him.’

‘You are not getting much sleep, Alice,’ Helen told her. ‘I would be happy to watch for a few hours.’

‘And so would I,’ Beth said.

‘Thank you.’ Alice smiled at both the girls. ‘But I am quite used to sleepless nights with my boys.’

‘Alice, may I ask you something?’

‘Of course, Beth. What is puzzling you?’

‘No one has ever explained what your relationship is to Alex and James. You always refer to them as your boys, but we know you are not the mother of James, and Alex does not have the same name as you. They both address you as Alice.’

‘Alex is the son of my brother, Alexander; both his parents died when he was six years old. And James is the son of my sister, Gertrude. She was never strong following his birth and died after a long illness when he was ten. I took them both into my home, but I never tried to take the place of their mothers, and it was agreed from the start that they would call me Alice.’ She smiled, affection showing in her eyes. ‘But I couldn’t love them more if they were my own flesh and blood.’

‘That’s very clear,’ Helen remarked, ‘but you do appear to have had a great deal of tragedy in your family.’

She nodded. ‘Unfortunately, that is true. We have had a lot of sorrow in our lives, as have the two of you, and the sooner this wretched business is over, the happier we shall all be.’

‘Let us hope it is soon,’ Beth agreed. She gave a mischievous smile. ‘James wants us still to go to London once he is on his feet and Gresham is no longer a danger to any of us. I told him we would, but we would not demean ourselves by choosing a husband at frivolous social gatherings.’

‘We shall see,’ Alice laughed. ‘And I am delighted I shall have the chance to show off two such beautiful and charming young ladies. I must go and tell Father the good news.’

When they were alone, Beth turned to her friend. ‘I hope you didn’t mind me agreeing to this ridiculous idea of us joining the social scene, but it does seem important to James. As he has done so much for us, I didn’t feel I could refuse.’

‘I would have done the same, and I am quite looking forward to spending time in London. Did you notice how pleased Alice was?’

Beth laughed quietly. ‘I did. With Grandfather joining us, it should be a lively time. He appears to have adopted us.’

‘I expect he thinks we are in need of a father figure with a firm guiding hand.’

‘Then I am afraid he will find us quite uncontrollable,’ Beth said, laughing. ‘Oh, I nearly forgot: James would like to see you, Helen. Something to do with the school, I believe, but don’t let him exhaust himself too much.’

‘I won’t stay long.’

When her friend had gone, Beth checked the teapot and found it cold. Rather than call for a fresh pot, she picked up the tray and headed for the kitchen.

‘Miss Langton!’ Cook exclaimed, taking the tray from her. ‘Why didn’t you ring for us to collect this?’

‘I thought I would bring it myself.’ She looked around the crowded kitchen and smiled. This was a warm, friendly meeting place for everyone, and Mrs Howard encouraged them all to come and sample her little treats, as she called them. ‘May I join you?’

Alex pulled out a chair for her. ‘We would be delighted to have your company, Elizabeth. Dan and I are having an interesting talk with Tom and Charlie, and enjoying Mrs Howard’s excellent biscuits.’

‘Where is your grandfather?’

‘He’s just gone to see James, so we don’t think he is up to any mischief at the moment.’ There was a glint of amusement in Alex’s eyes. ‘Has he given you back the keys to his room yet?’

‘No, and we haven’t been able to discover where he’s hidden them.’

The two young boys stifled giggles, having heard the full story of the elderly man’s antics.

Beth took a biscuit from the plate, sipped her tea and then turned her attention to the boys. ‘Have you been reading your book, Tom?’

‘Yes, Miss Langton, and I’ve learnt ever such a lot already. I now look at the horses and know where all the muscles and tendons are, and how they’re made. I’m able to do more for them, and they’re happy about that.’

‘I’m sure they are.’ Beth never ceased to marvel at the rapport the young boy had with the animals. And it didn’t stop at horses; she had seen the farm dogs and cats go to him when they were hurt, as if they knew he could help. James was right to encourage him. It was a rare talent indeed.

‘His lordship talks to me when he can.’ Tom bounced around on his chair in excitement. ‘He’s ever so kind, and Charlie’s going to his school next year, aren’t you, Charlie?’

Charlie nodded and glanced anxiously at Alex.

‘Ah, yes, we haven’t told you about this yet, Elizabeth. When the school opens, Charlie will be attending full-time, but we’ve been able to engage a local man to tend the pigs. He’s been on a pig farm fifty miles from here but has had to return to look after his ailing mother. He has a wife and two small children, so they will be happy to move into the cottage we built. He’s a good man and knows pigs, but we’ve told him that the final decision rests with you. The family’s name is Anderson. Would you like to see him?’

‘No, Alex, that won’t be necessary. I know Mrs Anderson, and if you are happy that he will be suitable, then you can go ahead and employ him. I’ll see them when they move into the cottage.’ Beth then smiled at Charlie’s relieved face. He had clearly thought she might refuse to let him go. ‘Congratulations, Charlie. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you.’

His face lit up with a broad smile. ‘I know it is, Miss Langton, and thank you for not minding about me leaving the pigs.’

‘I wouldn’t dream of stopping you from taking the chance of an excellent education. When something good like this comes along, it would be very foolish to turn our backs on it. I’m sure you’ll make us all proud of you.’

‘I’ll do my best. I like learning, and I might even be able to become a barrister like Mr Edgemont.’ He cast Dan an admiring glance.

‘That is something to reach for,’ Dan told him, ‘but whatever you decide to do later in life, Charlie, make sure it’s something you enjoy.’

‘I will, sir.’ The boy nodded vigorously.

‘And now I think it’s time you boys were in your beds,’ Cook told them firmly.

Alex stood up at once. ‘I agree. Come on, Charlie, I’ll take you home.’

It took a little more urging to make Tom go to his room, but he was an obedient boy and left, if reluctantly.

‘Do you think we will have any more trouble from Gresham?’ Beth asked Dan when they were the only two left at the table.

‘I really can’t answer that, Elizabeth, but don’t worry; he is being watched day and night. He won’t be able to do anything without me knowing.’

‘That is a comfort. Do you have any idea when the trial of those men will begin?’

‘Not yet.’

‘I wish it was all over. It’s going to be a worrying week or two.’ Beth looked at Dan imploringly. ‘Or will it be longer than that?’

‘That is another question I don’t have an answer for. I won’t lie to you: we have a difficult time ahead of us.’

‘What the hell is happening?’ James spun round to face Dan. ‘How much longer is this going to last?’

‘Stop pacing. And should you be up?’

‘Stop evading the questions – heaven knows you’re good at that! Another day like this and I’ll be out of my mind. Tell me the damned news!’

‘The two men have been convicted of attempted murder, but Gresham goes free. You know that when we caught them, they told me Gresham had employed them, but in court they refused to implicate him, and, without solid proof, it wasn’t possible to prove his involvement.’

The stream of bad language coming from his friend made Dan grimace. ‘I didn’t think you knew language like that. Calm down, James, and, for goodness’ sake, sit! I did explain that this was a real possibility, and Gresham is feeling jubilant at the moment. Something has come to my notice, however, but I need to investigate it thoroughly before taking action. If it turns out to be true, then I’m going to rock the comfortable world he’s built up for himself. Do you still want his land to expand your school?’