A Debt From the Past (28 page)

Nodding, James eased himself into an armchair. ‘It would be useful, but most of all I want Gresham to pay for his sins, past and present. I don’t just want his world rocked, Dan; I want it torn apart.’

‘Then I hope the information I have received from one of my associates is correct.’

At that moment the door burst open and Grandfather, Alex and the estate manager erupted into the room.

‘Tom told us you were back at last and that the trial was over. That boy seems to know more of what is happening than we do.’ Alex took one look at James’s furious expression. ‘Ah, it doesn’t look as if the news is good.’

‘Good or bad, tell us, my boy,’ Grandfather demanded.

Dan explained, and the disappointment was felt by them all.

Henry Greenway shook his head. ‘I’ll alert everyone on the estate to be vigilant in case he starts to cause trouble again.’

‘And we mustn’t let our girls go around unescorted. He could decide to take out his revenge on them. Can’t have that!’

‘The problem will be getting Elizabeth and Helen to agree, Grandfather. They are used to roaming free without asking anyone.’ James ran a hand over his eyes. ‘Anyway, Dan might have a way to deal with that evil man once and for all.’

Chairs were hastily pulled into a circle. All eyes focused on Dan, waiting expectantly.

‘So, what are we going to do?’ the elderly man asked when Dan remained silent.

‘
We
are not going to do anything. I’ll manage him on my own.’

There was a roar of protest, and James was on his feet again. ‘You’ve kept me cooped up right through the trial – for no good reason, as it has turned out. I am not being left out of this, Dan, so you can forget about working on your own.’

‘With respect, sir,’ Henry Greenway declared, ‘if Miss Langton and her estate are in danger, then I must insist on being involved in anything to do with this estate.’

‘The same applies to us.’ Alex pointed to himself and his grandfather.

Dan raised his eyes to the ceiling. After taking a deep breath, he looked back at the men in the room, noting their stubborn expressions. ‘You’ll only get in the way. It would be better and safer for all concerned if you let me deal with this myself.’

‘No!’ The men all spoke as one voice.

‘It’s like this, my boy, I know you are only thinking of our safety, but you can’t exclude any of us. This isn’t only a family business now; it’s reaching out to touch these lovely, innocent girls, and I won’t stand by and see them hurt. We’ll let you do what you do best without hindering you, but you have got to let us stand with you. Let this evil villain see what he’s up against.’

‘Grandfather’s right.’ Alex leant forward, elbows resting on his knees. ‘We’ll follow your orders, but let us help.’

Walking over to the window, Dan gazed out, silent. After a moment he faced them again. ‘All right. I understand your concerns. Gresham is unpredictable, Henry, so it will be your job to see the girls and Lady Trenchard are protected at all times. I don’t care how much they protest; I need you to see they are escorted wherever they go.’

‘I’ll do that, sir.’

Dan flicked open his pocket watch. ‘I must leave now or I’ll miss my train to London. I hope the answer to all this is to be found there.’

‘You’re leaving now? But what are we to do while you’re away?’

‘Behave yourself,’ Dan told Grandfather. ‘Stay away from Gresham and remain vigilant. A few quiet days should lull him into feeling safe, and then, if I find what we need, we’ll go after him.’

‘Are you going to tell us what information you have received, Dan?’

‘I’ll tell you when I’m sure, James. No point in raising your hopes when it might not come to anything.’

‘And you’re afraid we might confront Gresham too soon.’

Dan nodded to Alex, already heading for the door. ‘I wouldn’t put it past your grandfather to become impatient, so it’s best if you don’t know yet.’

‘Anyone would think that boy doesn’t trust me,’ Grandfather grumbled. ‘He never tells us a damned thing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is going to look into the name of Walton.’

‘Oh, that will just be a name Gresham decided to use for his illegal activities.’

Alex shrugged. ‘Probably, James, but we must trust Dan. Let’s hope he discovers something we can use to finish this blasted man. You are going to be living here once the school is open, and this is where the girls belong, so if Gresham is still around, none of you will be safe.’

‘Aye, that’s true,’ Grandfather agreed, his expression grim. ‘One way or another, he’s got to be stopped.’

‘Legally, Grandfather,’ James warned.

The next morning the girls were surprised to see James already in the breakfast room and dressed for riding.

‘I’m coming with you today, Helen, and you can show me what has been done at the school during the last week.’

‘Has the doctor said you are fit to ride?’ she asked.

‘Of course he hasn’t, but it’s a waste of breath trying to stop him, Helen. I’ve argued with him until I have exhausted myself.’

‘Well, if you’ve failed, Alice, I won’t say another word.’

‘I’m coming with you as well, because he’s too heavy for you to manage on your own if he collapses.’

James glared at Alice and Helen. ‘Will you two stop this nonsense? I am quite fit enough for a gentle ride to the school. It isn’t far and the fresh air will do me good.’

‘You make sure it is a gentle ride, my boy.’ Grandfather sat down with a plate full of his choice from the many silver dishes. ‘And I’ve arranged for Stanley the footman to stay with you all day. I hope that’s all right with you, Elizabeth? He’s a capable lad.’

‘Er ... yes, if you think it necessary.’

‘It is, my dear. That leaves Alex and me to be your escort for the day.’

The girls shot each other a startled glance.

‘What’s going on?’ Beth demanded. ‘Where’s Dan?’

‘He’s gone to London, and his instructions are to behave ourselves and be vigilant,’ the elderly man told them dryly. ‘So that’s what we’re doing.’

‘It’s sensible, Beth,’ Helen told her. ‘We don’t want anyone else to be hurt.’

‘No, of course we don’t.’ She sighed. ‘And if Dan thinks we should take these precautions, then I’m not about to dismiss his advice.’

‘Sensible girl.’ Grandfather was on his feet, his breakfast only half finished. ‘Let’s get on with the day, then.’

Helen watched anxiously as James swung himself into the saddle without his usual fluid grace. No matter how he protested that he was fully recovered, he was clearly still suffering some discomfort.

They set off at a walking pace, and Helen was pleased to note that Stanley was right behind and armed. There was a rifle on the saddle, and she could see a pistol in his jacket. Whatever Dan had told the men last night, it was obvious they weren’t going to give Gresham a chance to catch them unawares.

Although it was still early in the morning when they reached the school, the men were already working hard as more furniture was being delivered.

‘I wasn’t expecting that until tomorrow,’ Helen exclaimed, dismounting quickly and almost running into the school, giving orders as she moved through the workers. ‘When did this arrive?’ she asked Mr Becks.

‘An hour ago, my lady.’ He smiled, rubbing his hands together with pleasure. ‘The boys’ rooms are completely furnished now, and so is the library. I’ve checked the consignment, and it contains all the tables and chairs for the dining room. What we need now are the linens and kitchen utensils. We haven’t touched the master’s quarters yet. His lordship has still to decide on the furnishings there, but he should be delighted when he sees the progress we’ve made in a week.’

‘I can’t wait to inspect it.’

Becks swung round. ‘Your lordship! How good to see you on your feet again. Thank you so much for giving our Charlie a place in your splendid school.’

‘He’s earned that place and deserves it. He’s a bright boy and shows promise.’ James was turning and looking everywhere as he spoke, his expression unreadable. ‘Helen, show me what has been done to the rooms upstairs.’

His inspection was carried out in silence, giving Helen no indication of his opinion. She was tense, desperately wanting him to like what she had done while he had been unable to come here.

When they had been in every room, checked every cupboard and chair and the suitability of every piece of furniture, they walked on to the landing. James gazed at the activity below him and finally said, ‘You have worked miracles, Helen. I couldn’t have done better myself. Thank you.’

Relief swept through her and she began to breathe more easily. ‘I’ve loved doing it.’

He turned his head and smiled. ‘That’s good because I am going to ask you if you would continue for a while. There is still a lot to do and I need the help.’

‘I would be delighted to, James.’ She drew in a silent breath and hesitated.

‘You have a question?’

‘You are well aware of my situation, and I will eventually have to find some way to support myself. I can’t stay with Beth for the rest of my life, so if there should be a position in your school for a woman, would you consider me for the post? I don’t care what it is. I’ll do anything.’

He studied her thoughtfully and nodded. ‘I’ll consider it, Helen, but I can’t make any promises.’

‘I understand.’ She hid her disappointment. It had been foolish to hope he would be able to offer her a job at the school, but her future was a concern, and it would have been a perfect solution to her problem. His vision for the school excited her, and she loved being here. And it would have kept her near James, but that was another foolish idea!

The same routine was followed for the next two days without a sign of trouble. Being involved in the final stages of the school, James seemed to regain much of his former vigour and vitality.

Christmas was now only two months away, and James was planning to have a huge celebration before then to declare the school officially open. Alice, Alex and Grandfather intended to be present for that, and if Gresham had been dealt with by then, they would be returning to their home in Scotland for Christmas.

Beth and Helen understood their desire to leave, but they were going to miss them so much. Then, in early March, Beth would reach her twenty-first birthday and James would no longer be her guardian. Although he would still be in the area, she doubted that she would ever see much of him again, and Dan would also disappear from their lives.

The girls were discussing this at the end of another busy day, neither of them happy about the prospect of finding themselves alone again. In the past they had never found this isolation troubling or unusual, but things had changed now.
They
had changed.

‘I have become accustomed to having the house full of people.’ Beth sighed. ‘I find myself fond of all of them.’

‘Yes,’ Helen agreed. ‘It is going to be hard to see them leave, and you know, Beth, that I will then have to think about my future. I shall have to seek a position somewhere in order to support myself.’

‘I know you need to feel independent, but you can stay here for the rest of your life. I would be happy to have you with me.’

‘That’s more than generous of you, but I would not be happy taking advantage of our friendship. If our situations were reversed, can you tell me you would not feel the same?’

‘You know we are too much alike, and I would indeed feel the same, but the thought makes me sad.’

‘We must not be sad, because we have a few weeks to join the London social scene with Alice and Grandfather. That should be an enjoyable experience. After that, the future will be what it will be.’

‘You are right! We will enjoy the short time we all have left together and let the future take care of itself!’

‘I wonder when Dan will return,’ Beth said at breakfast. ‘This will be the third day he has been away. Did he say his business would take this long?’

‘He didn’t know,’ Alex replied before rushing over to the window at the sound of a horse clattering to a halt. ‘Ah, this could be news.’

Before any of them could reach the door, it opened, and the butler ushered in a travel-stained man. ‘This gentleman insists on seeing you at once, Lord Sharland.’

‘I have a message from Mr Edgemont. He asks that you meet him at the Gresham house as soon as you can.’

‘We’ll leave at once. Jenkins, will you ask Tom to saddle our horses, please.’

Jenkins nodded and left immediately.

‘You appear to have ridden hard,’ Beth said to the messenger. ‘Will you rest a moment and take refreshments?’

‘No, thank you kindly, miss, but I must be on my way again.’ He bowed slightly, turned and left with the men right behind him.

‘That man was a soldier.’ Beth looked at her friend, a deep frown on her face. ‘What have the military to do with this?’

Helen shook her head, perplexed. ‘It is a mystery.’

‘Do you know who that man was?’ Beth asked Jenkins, who had just returned to the breakfast room.

‘He did not give his name, Miss Langton. Do you intend to ride out today? If so, Stanley will escort you.’

‘I am not sure what we should do. What do you think, Helen? Should we stay here in case we are needed, or go about our day as usual?’

‘There is still rather a lot to do at the school.’

The sound of running feet caught their attention. After a quick rap on the door, it swung open and Tom ran in, skidding to a halt, flushed with excitement. He gave a slight bow to Helen. ‘His lordship told me to come at once. He said if you are going to the school today, I was to be your escort, my lady. Are you going?’ he asked hopefully.

‘You might as well,’ Beth told her friend. ‘We will only become anxious if we stay here with nothing to occupy us.’

Tom was fidgeting from one foot to the other. ‘We don’t need to worry about the gentlemen. There’s a whole crowd of them. Mr Edgemont rode in briefly and he had a lot of soldiers with him. No one’s going to mess with them.’

Beth groaned. ‘I do wish they had stopped long enough to explain what was happening.’

‘It wouldn’t have entered their minds to do so, especially the men of my family.’