Fenella J. Miller (5 page)

“Allow me to introduce you. The remainder of the house party are involved with some kind of playacting. We are the remnants who do not enjoy such pastimes.” He proceeded to name the others and Miss Baverstock curtsied politely to each.

He could not help contrasting this tall, plain girl with the two beautiful Hartford girls. However, there was something about her that wrung his heartstrings, made him want to protect her. Although she was of far stronger character than Eleanor, she had a vulnerability about her the other girl did not.

She proceeded to organise them ruthlessly. Within half an hour, the first garland was ready to be carried into the entrance hall and all the participants in the exercise were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Four young footmen had been summoned to carry the object.

“I must supervise the positioning of this. Can I trust the rest of you to continue with your tasks without slacking in my absence?”

The two young ladies and the other gentlemen sang out their agreement. “Miss Baverstock, you are a hard taskmaster, but are your servants not to have refreshments?”

“Of course, Miss Culley, but not until we have completed the decorations for the vestibule.” Her extraordinary violet eyes were sparkling with mischief; she was almost pretty when she was animated.

“I demand we stop for afternoon tea as soon as you return. This is not negotiable; your workers will lay down their tools if they are denied sustenance.”

“In which case, Sir James, I suggest you ring the bell above your head and order what you require. However, I think we cannot join the others in our current dishevelment. Would you care to take tea in the study? I lit a fire earlier, it will be far warmer there then it is in here.”

He bowed and grabbed the bell strap. Unfortunately, his tug was too vigorous and the strap came away, covering him in plaster. Her laughter at his predicament was worth the discomfort of having half the ceiling down his neck.

“Oh, dear! How unfortunate, I do believe that now, Sir James, I cannot even allow you into the study.” He could hear her laughing as she directed the footmen carrying the first of the garlands.

Somehow, he thought this girl didn’t have cause to laugh very often.

The greenery, interwoven with red and green ribbon, looked stunning draped across the mantel. All it needed to be complete were the fat yellow candles pushed in amongst it. “George, will you hang this wreath of holly above the fireplace? Bill, please climb up the stepladder and attach the bunch of mistletoe to the central chandelier.”

There were several smaller garlands to drape along the windowsills, and arrangements of silver and gold painted fir cones, interspersed with ribbons, to put out on the various pieces of furniture. As she prepared to collect the other items Sir James arrived, still liberally covered with plaster and without his jacket, carrying one of the swags. He was followed closely by the other guests with the remaining decorations.

“Miss Baverstock, where would you like these things placed?”

She could hardly tell him she was forbidden to fraternise with the guests or that at any moment Amelia might appear and carry tales to Lady Hartford. “You are all so kind. The garlands are for the windowsills, the baskets of fir cones are to go on the sideboards and tables.”

Amidst much hilarity, her assistants did as she bid. She flinched every time she heard a voice from the drawing room. Sir James must have observed her nervousness for he came across and drew her to one side where they could not be overheard.

“Miss Baverstock, you must not worry about being taken to task. I can assure you that whilst I am here I shall make it my business — ”

“Oh no, sir, you must not bother yourself on my behalf. It will just cause unpleasantness. Lady Hartford is already annoyed with you for sending up your gifts. I don’t wish to upset her further.”

“I have broad shoulders, my dear, so please allow me to stand between you.”

For some reason she found herself pouring out all that had transpired that day and his face changed from friendly to ferocious. She wished she’d held her tongue; now she had offended him as well by her tale bearing.

“That is outrageous; you have as much right to mingle with the guests as the Hartfords. And to threaten you in that way is inexcusable. I insist that you dine with us tonight. I can promise you will not be slighted.”

Her distress over her interview with her ladyship evaporated beneath his concern. “I prefer to dine in my own chambers, thank you, Sir James. But in future I shall certainly make sure I am around during the day to join in the festivities.”

“You are coming to the ball, are you not? You will not hide upstairs when that is taking place?”

When he smiled at her she felt anything was possible. “I am so looking forward to it. Do you know I have never been to a formal dance of any sort. To attend such a grand occasion will be truly wonderful.”

“I trust that you have not been given the task of decorating the ballroom as well as the other chambers.”

“Of course not, that is a duty given to Mrs. Blake and Mr. Foster. They are much better suited to such an assignment than I.” She stepped back to admire their work and was delighted by the charming effect she had created. “Thank you all so much for helping me. I shall fully understand if you do not wish to continue after tea as you have done more than enough already.”

Miss Culley, a diminutive young lady with russet curls and an impish smile, impulsively threw her arms around her. “Miss Baverstock, I declare I’ve never had so much fun in all my life as I’ve had this afternoon. I, for one, shall continue until the whole house looks as beautiful as this grand space.”

“Please, won’t you call me Elizabeth? I believe we are already firm friends.”

“And you must call me Sarah. Come along everyone. I can smell tea and hot scones somewhere down this passageway.”

Sir James stepped up and offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you to the study, Miss Baverstock.” He grinned down at her. “Or rather, would you escort me, as I have no notion where to find this chamber.”

C
OOK
H
AD
E
XCELLED
H
ERSELF
. Not only was there tea
and
coffee, but also a substantial plate of warm scones, a bowl of thickly whipped cream and strawberry conserve. Elizabeth was pleased her new friends had been treated to one of Cook’s specialities. Two smiling parlour maids were there to serve them.

Soon they were all sitting around comfortably; Mr. Miller and Mr. Crew perched on the window seats, Sarah and Mrs. Miller were seated in the battered armchairs whilst she and Sir James sat in splendid isolation at the huge desk. For a considerable time, one could only hear the sound of contented munching.

“Absolutely delicious, Miss Baverstock,” Mr. Miller said wiping his sticky fingers on a clean linen napkin. “Normally I’m not one for sweet things, as my dear wife will agree. However, if these scrumptious morsels appear again I shall certainly be first in line.”

Judging by the size of his waist, Mr. Miller was not being strictly truthful. Smiling Elizabeth drained her teacup. “I’m so glad I took the time to clean this room earlier; otherwise there would have been a layer of dust to add to your white coating, Sir James.” She ran her finger over the carved surface of the desk and shook her head. “Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to polish this monstrosity.”

“Ah! I had wondered why I was sharing foot space with a box of cleaning materials.” Without warning, he vanished under the desk to reappear with the wooden box. “Come along, ladies and gentlemen, our domestic chores are not complete. We must polish this desk before we return to the flower room.”

Elizabeth leapt to her feet in consternation. This would not do; for her to be engaged in a servant’s duties was one thing, but quite another for the guests. Arranging Christmas greenery was quite acceptable, but polishing a desk was not. “Please, there is no need. No one uses this room, indeed I don’t think I’ve been in here more than a couple of times since…since my grandfather passed over.”

Sir James had other ideas. He was rather a highhanded gentleman with a tendency to take command quite unnecessarily. “If you have completed your repast, I suggest Miss Culley remains behind with Miss Baverstock and myself to complete this duty. The rest of you have a dozen more garlands to make.”

Sarah smiled and pointed to the mistletoe. “I do hope you intend to put bunches of
that
in the ballroom as well as the hall?”

“I had not thought of it. The decoration of that chamber is being completed by the staff. However, Sarah, I’m sure if you tie a bunch with red ribbon and take it along the mistletoe will be put up for you.”

The others trooped out leaving her alone with Sarah and Sir James. How strange he showed no inclination to join Eleanor in the drawing-room. If he was intending to make her an offer, surely he should be at
her
side?

She handed out a soft cloth to each of them and placed the polish where they could all dip in. “This is a horrible thing to polish because it has so many bumps and lumps and curly bits, I think that’s why none of the staff come in here, they know it will take them hours to complete
this
task.”

They worked happily whilst chatting about the forthcoming ball. Sarah informed them the pantomime was to be presented by a small group of guests. The ensemble was to be led by Amelia and Eleanor as the female leads and the two Bloomfield gentlemen as the heroes. Elizabeth was surprised that Eleanor was prepared to perform; the girl was normally too shy to push herself in the public eye. However, this was a good sign. Sir James would much prefer a wife who was not timid.

Good grief! She scarcely knew the gentleman and here she was thinking she understood him sufficiently to predict kind of young lady he would wish to marry.

They were so engrossed in their polishing that none of them heard the door open but all three jerked around in shock when Lady Hartford screeched. “Sir James, Miss Culley, I can’t believe my eyes. I’m mortified to find to my guests doing such a task. I shall never live down the shame. Elizabeth, how could you? Go at once to your chamber! Lord Hartford is waiting to speak to you.”

Elizabeth dropped the polishing rag as if it burnt her fingers. Without looking to see how her disgrace was viewed by the others, she ran from the room. She prayed his lordship was not actually upstairs and that this was merely a ploy to remove her from circulation. As she fled through the house she kept her eyes lowered, not wishing to see the disgust in the eyes of the guests she passed.

She was breathless when she arrived at the schoolroom. A pair of stony-faced footmen were waiting by the door. These were recently employed, their loyalty firmly with the present Lord Hartford. Determined not to seem perturbed by being sent to her room like a recalcitrant child, she stared at them frostily and stalked past. To her horror, the room was not empty as she had hoped.

“Well, miss, this is a fine way to repay my generosity, I must say. When her ladyship informed me that first you had disobeyed her direct instructions and then had the temerity to get my daughter’s intended involved in your menial work, I thought she was exaggerating.” He puffed out his cheeks, swelling before her like a barnyard fowl. He certainly was dressed as gaudily as a cockerel, and with his rubicund complexion and bald pate, he was not a man who impressed one with his elegance and gentility.

Keeping this image in her mind made it easier for her to remain calm and not show how frightened she really was. “Amelia abandoned the decorations, my lord. I had no option but to go down and finish the job myself. I did not invite any of your guests to join me; they were already in the flower room when I arrived.”

“Do not attempt to excuse yourself, my girl, and try to place the blame on Amelia. I suppose that Sir James offered to polish the furniture as well? No doubt he occupies his leisure hours in such pastimes at Brackenfield?”

There was no point arguing with him. She must accept whatever punishment he offered. She held his gaze and was pleased to see him flush. “I beg your pardon, my lord, if doing my duty has somehow offended you.”

His fists clenched and for an awful moment she thought he was going to strike her, then he stepped back, shaking his head. “As my dear wife tells me you are leaving very soon I shall not give you the beating you richly deserve. However, you will remain locked in your chambers until the time comes for your departure.” He looked around the room, taking in the flowers and fruit, the brightly burning fires and abundance of fuel. “There will be no more logs or coal sent up, and as you have more than enough to eat already, there shall only be bread and water in future.”

He sneered triumphantly as he reached the door. “If you set foot from this chamber six of the oldest servants will be sent packing, without reference or payment. Also if you have any further contact with
any
of the guests, expect a further six to be tramping through the snow.”

Somehow, she remained resolute and continued to stare at him disdainfully, but no sooner had the door closed behind him than the cruelty of his decision overwhelmed her. Perhaps he was hoping she would pack her bags and run away today rather than be treated like a prisoner in an institution. He would not get that satisfaction. She would leave on the appointed day with her head held high.

James was shocked to the core by Lady Hartford’s outburst. In that moment, he came to a momentous decision — he could not possibly associate himself with this family. To have this appalling, vulgar woman as his mother-in-law would be quite impossible. A weight lifted from his shoulders. He had he felt no more than a mild affection for Eleanor and this was not nearly enough on which to base a lifelong union.

“Lady Hartford, Miss Culley and I insisted we help Miss Baverstock. If someone of her impeccable pedigree does not turn her back on domestic chores, then who are we to cavil?” He fully intended to explain how far this objectionable woman fell beyond the pale by her behaviour. God’s teeth! The pernicious creature had said Lord Hartford was waiting to speak to Elizabeth.

He threw down his cloth and stepped around the objectionable harridan, then bolted for the stairs. If that man raised a finger to Elizabeth he would take his crop to him. He arrived on the nursery floor as his lordship stepped out. The portly man recoiled and the colour drained from his face.

“Sir James…I cannot imagine what brings you up here.”

“Can you not, my lord? Remain where you are, I wish to speak to Miss Baverstock in your presence.”

“If you insist. I shall not stand in your way.”

James rapped on the door and heard light footsteps approaching. The door was opened a fraction and face he scarcely recognized appeared in the gap. What had been done to this girl? Her beautiful eyes were tear-filled and her face chalk white. “My dear, I gave you my word I would protect you from harm. You must tell me at once if this…this person has hurt you.”

She shook her head vigorously. “No, his lordship has done nothing untoward. I should not have involved you in my tasks. I beg your pardon for doing so. I shall be remaining in my chambers until after the Christmas festivities. Please do not contact me again under any circumstances.”

The door snapped shut and she was gone. He turned, prepared to shake the truth out of his lordship but he was alone on the landing. Whilst his attention had been elsewhere the coward had sloped off, taking his two bodyguards with him. There was nothing he could do up here. Miss Baverstock had made her feelings plain. Hartford must have some hold over her and he would do nothing further aggravate the situation.

However, there was one thing he
could
do and that was search that extraordinary desk. He would look for secret hiding places. There was a remote possibility the missing will would prove to be hidden in there. As he no longer intended to offer for Eleanor, what he should do was pack his bags and drive away. He rested his hand on the door. He couldn’t leave until he was sure Elizabeth was safe.

His eyes widened. Heavens above! It could not be so. Surely he was not developing
feelings
for this unfortunate young lady? He was tempted to insist she open the door. He wanted to speak to her again and then remove that hideous cap and apron and see her as she really was.

No, better not. If he could discover the missing document, he was certain it would prove she was not the penniless dependent everyone thought. He took the stairs two at a time; the sooner he started his search, the better.

Elizabeth decided it would make more sense to just keep her bedchamber warm. With luck, there would be enough fuel for the fire in there to last until she left. After discarding her cap and apron she busied herself transferring the log baskets and coal scuttles. This task completed, she carried in the flowers and fruit basket. How fortunate she had filled herself up with scones and jam. She would not feel hungry again until tomorrow.

She dragged an armchair and table through and then removed the rag rug that covered the centre of the room. Keeping active gave her less time to think and to contemplate her miserable future. Two hours later, her bedchamber was transformed. All her books, writing materials and watercolour equipment were safely installed on shelves. The flowers were standing proudly on the small octagonal table by the window and the fruit stored in her dressing room, which was far cooler than her bedchamber.

She would keep herself occupied painting the view from the window and filling in her journal. Then she had several novels to read and her needlepoint to finish. The time would fly by. Before she knew it, Christmas would be over and she could start her new life.

By suppertime, when not even bread and water had been brought to her, her optimism was fading. Without water to drink, she would not survive her incarceration. There were several oranges in the basket but these would not provide her with the liquid she required.

Deciding time would pass more quickly when she was asleep, she readied herself for bed. Her nightgown was warming nicely by the fire. She had only to remove her undergarments and slip it on and she would be done. Quite unexpectedly, her dressing room door opened and Mrs. Blake, plus three maids, bustled in.