Lady Ellingham and the Theft of the Stansfield Necklace: A Regency Romance (11 page)

      Felicity was non-committal.
Alex had called on Richard the week before and invited them to stop over for a
few days on their way home.  There was good fox hunting and shooting to be had
and he was sure Richard would enjoy a little distraction before he returned
home to the responsibilities of the Earldom, and after much discussion they
realised that they only lived about 40 miles apart. Alex had left the city
three days ago to prepare for their arrival.

       Felicity very much
wanted to go but she had not quite got over her discomfiture after their
meeting in Hyde Park and felt a little awkward.  In the few short weeks of the
little season, Alex and Richard had become firm friends and Alex had even
managed to win over the initial reservations of their mother.  Lady Ellingham
was chatting gaily, ‘I am so looking forward to it.  Since I have come to know
the Marquis a little better, I find him nothing as people paint him. He has
been nothing but a gentleman and I am quite in charity with him.’

      ‘I think he enjoys his
notoriety mama,’ Felicity replied, ‘and,’ she added purposefully, ‘one cannot
but wonder how he got it!’

 ‘Nonsense Flick! If there were
any harm in the man, Richard would have flatly refused his hospitality. Richard
would never have allowed him within two yards of this family and no matter what
you think about Richard, he is a good judge of character, a better judge than
you are my dear. What is more I think the Marquis has a tendre for you.  Do you
like him Flick?’

      Felicity tried to
sound indifferent. ‘I like him well enough mama.  I think we will enjoy our
stay and I am looking forward to meeting his grandmamma. I have heard so much
about her.’ Felicity could not be quite sure that is this case Richard was a
good judge of character for he certainly knew nothing of Alex’s behaviour on
the doorstep at Green Street or of the stolen kiss in the park.

      The countess walked
over to the wardrobe.  Felicity had left a few things behind, mostly summer garments
that she would not need. She pulled out the grey pelisse. ‘Why Felicity you
have not packed this beautiful coat, it will be lovely and warm during the
winter months in Yorkshire.’

      ‘No mama,’ she
replied, ‘I do not like it and it does not suit me.’ Lady Ellingham beamed, ‘In
that case I will have it.  I never did get that Pelisse ordered the day we went
to Regent Street and that ruffian knocked you to the ground.’

      Felicity was sharp,
‘No mama you cannot have it.’ Her mother looked surprised, ‘but Flick if you do
not want it, why this is the very thing for me. It is not like you to be so
ungenerous.’

      Felicity, realising
how abrupt she had been, softened. ‘Why mama, you and I have the same
colouring.  If it does not suit me, it will not suit you. What is more it is
far too long. Really mama no, believe me, it will not do for you!’ The Countess
sighed and not quite convinced put the pelisse back in the wardrobe, ‘Ah well
if you think so Flick. It is a shame; it is a beautifully warm pelisse.’

      Flick sighed with
relief.  She never wanted to see the horrid thing again, and to have it paraded
as a constant reminder of her confrontation with Alex would be just too much. 
What if Alex saw her mother in the pelisse? He may even get the false
impression that her mother somehow had something to do with the chronicle of
the Stansfield necklace.

      Two footmen came to
collect Felicity’s trunk. All that was left to do was to cover the furniture in
Holland covers, remove the knocker from the door and then they would all be
ready to leave.  Sarah her personal maid and Richard’s Valet William were to
accompany them but rest of the servants were to return To Lealholme Manor to
prepare for their eventual return.

      It took three days to
reach Stansfield Park, which was situated midway between Harrogate and
Knaresborough, a journey of approximately 190 miles. They arrived at 4pm on the
third day. The Butler called for the housekeeper to attend to Sarah and William’s
comfort and then ushered the family into the drawing room where they expected
to meet with Alex and his father the Duke of Stansfield.  However, neither Alex
or the Duke were there and they were greeted by a jovial old Lady with startling
blue eyes who introduced herself as Alex’s grandmother.

      Felicity immediately
recognised her as the Lady she had seen in the portrait in Green Street. She
was old now and her black hair had turned to lily white. Her skin was lined but
she still had the same elegant bone structure and features she could recognise,
including the vibrant blue eyes. The Dowager Duchess gave them a broad smile.
‘Please forgive me if I do not stand up, by bones hurt so and it can sometimes
be debilitating.’ She gestured to a seat. ‘Please sit down; you must have had a
long journey.  It is not quite dinner time but I will call for something to
tide you over.’ The Dowager gave the butler some instructions and he went off
to arrange some refreshments.

      ‘You must forgive the
Duke and my grandson for not being here to greet you,’ she continued, ‘but they
have been called out on some urgent estate business. They were hoping to be
back in time but you are earlier than expected. Anyway now you have arrived we
will endeavour to make you comfortable.’ She paused for a moment, ‘Forgive me,’
she smiled, ‘I do rabbit on.  I am Lady Elise Sheraton the Dowager Duchess. It
is so refreshing to have company and I have been so looking forward to your arrival
these last three days since Alex told us we could expect you.’

      They made their
introductions and Lady Stansfield gave Felicity a perceptive look with a hint
of a twinkle in her eye.  If she knew her grandson well, his interests in this
young Lady were more than he had cared to mention.  The Dowager was as sharp as
a needle and she had worked out within seconds of meeting Lady Felicity
Ellingham that she was the main reason for this welcome visit.  He was a sly
young fox that grandson of hers and very much like his papa used to be.  Her
liking was instant and the Dowager approved.

      After an hour’s chat
with tea and some light refreshment Alex and his father had still not returned
so they were shown to their rooms where they could wash and brush up for
dinner.  They kept country hours at Stansfield Park but the Dowager delayed
dinner until eight to allow for her errant son’s return.  Lady Stansfield’s
timing had been perfect, for prompt at 7.30 the whole party collected in the
parlour to meet before dinner.  The butler arrived in good time to show the
guests their way and it was not long before the party was united.

      Felicity noticed that
Alex looked very much like his father with the dark hair and deep brown eyes,
only the Duke was a couple of inches smaller and his hair was greying at the
temples.  She noticed also, that they were similar in their mannerisms, Alex
mirroring his father’s confident gait as they entered the room.

       It suddenly struck
her that someone was missing.  Where was his mother? Alex had never spoken of
his mother and she was suddenly conspicuous by her absence. It would be rude to
ask him about her but no doubt, she may find out within the course of time. The
Duke was friendly and greeted his son’s friends hospitably.

      It was more by
accident than design that the party was even, with three ladies and three gentlemen
present. Lady Stansfield had wisely chosen the smaller dining room with the
smaller table, making for a cosier and more convivial atmosphere. The Duke who
seemed quite taken with the Countess escorted Lady Sophia Ellingham into
dinner, Felicity took the Marquis’s arm and Richard was delighted to accompany
the Dowager Duchess. Richard had discovered in their short acquaintance that
the Dowager had a deliciously mischievous sense of humour and was a remarkable
companion.   

      The next morning they
met in the same dining room for breakfast.  Alex suggested that they take the
horses and he would show them about the estate.  The Countess however was quite
tired from the journey the day before and offered to stay home to keep the
Dowager Duchess company. The two ladies were now on first name terms and quite
comfortable with each other.  The Duke unfortunately had to see his man of
business again.  The dreadful summer, cold and constant rain had caused much
hardship amongst his tenants.  The crops had been poor and they were in need of
financial and practical assistance if they were not to starve.  The Duke was a
good landlord and had ploughed in much of his own resources to ensure his
tenants were warm and well fed.

      He promised however,
that tomorrow he would have time to spare and would accompany the party on an
outing if the weather permitted. The Duke enquired if Richard had experienced
the same problems on his own estate in Richmond.  Richard had of course, but he
had left his Steward in charge so that he could accompany his mother and sister
to London for the little season. The man had been employed by his father
fifteen years ago and was extremely reliable, so Richard had a little more
freedom to discharge other responsibilities.

      So on the very
first morning it was only Alex, Richard and Felicity who ventured out. It was a
cold crisp day and the sun, although low in the sky made a rare appearance.  Felicity
was cantering on ahead when abruptly she stopped.  Richard and Alex backed up
suddenly behind her and Richard cursed. ‘Really Flick, do you have to stop so
unexpectedly?’ She raised a finger to her lips, ‘Shhh,’ she whispered,
remaining very still, ‘Do you hear that?’

      The two men
strained their ears to listen but could hear nothing.  They looked at Felicity,
she was concentrating trying to work out the direction of the sound, and then
all of a sudden she swiftly turned and careered off toward the riverbank.

      Richard groaned
and looked at Alex, ‘For goodness sake, what now,’ he muttered.  There was
nothing for it but to follow in her wake. Felicity reached the riverbank to
discover the source of the high-pitched noise.  A little dog was struggling in
the river and whining piteously.  It seemed to sense her presence and turned
its head with large beseeching eyes. The animal seemed to have something around
its neck and was struggling to raise its head.  Felicity looked round for a
branch or a stick to try to hook it in but there was nothing to hand.  She
would have to be quick, the dog, although struggling valiantly was tiring and
its head kept going under.  There was only one thing for it.  She threw off her
riding habit and hat, kicked off her shoes and jumped in.  The river was not
deep in this particular place but because of the exceptional amount of rain, it
had swollen considerably and was flowing quite rapidly and she found herself
struggling against the current.

      Richard and Alex
arrived just as she jumped into the river.  Richard shouted, ‘Flick No!’ but it
was too late; she was in to her chest and began swimming toward the pitiful
creature.  Felicity reached out and grabbed the dog by the scruff of its neck
‘It’s all right little fellow,’ she said consolingly, ‘you are going to be just
fine,’ She arrived at a point where she could stand up.  The water was up to
her waist and she handed the little dog up to Richard. Richard dropped the dog
on the riverbank and reached out to grab his sister’s hand and heave her out of
the water.

      Alex had remained
on his horse and was leaning over watching the proceedings with slight
amusement. Everything was obviously under control and he would just get in the
way if he tried to assist. Richard had hauled Felicity out of the river and she
was standing there dripping in her chemise.  The soaking garment clung to her,
revealing every curve of her body.  Alex could not help but notice and watched
on in some appreciation.  It would be quite a shame to deprive his eyes of such
an agreeable sight by prematurely bringing it to her attention.

      Felicity had not yet
come to the realisation that she was not quite decent for she was distracted by
the predicament of the little dog.  It had a rope around its neck and on the
end of the rope was a boulder. Felicity cried out, ‘Oh how wicked, how could
anyone do such a thing to an adorable, helpless little dog?’

      Alex interrupted,
‘possibly one of my father’s tenants. They have had trouble feeding themselves
this year, with the crops being so poor, never mind feeding a dog.’

      Felicity looked a
little mollified but retorted, ‘Even so there could be kinder ways to dispatch
a little dog other than throwing him in the river with a boulder around his
neck.’

      Alex agreed, ‘Yes
a bullet in the brain perhaps, but not everyone likes to do the deed at such
close quarters, it can be rather messy.’

      By this time,
Richard realised Flick was quite revealing all and reached for her riding
habit. ‘For God’s sake Flick, put this back on, you will catch your death.’ Flick
looked down at her shift and noticing for the first time her apparel, blushed
with embarrassment. ‘Turn around she demanded,’ as she quickly donned her
clothes.  Alex smiled; it was rather late for modesty.  He had been enjoying
the delightful spectacle for the last five minutes. He sighed however and
reluctantly did as he was bid.

      Once she was dressed,
Felicity bent down to pick up the little dog that was whimpering at her feet
and looking at her with adoring eyes. ‘For pities sake Richard, get this stone
off from around its neck.’  Richard reached into his saddlebag for a knife and
deftly cut the rope. The little dog knew he was trying to help and licked his
hands.  Richard however was grave and quite humourless. ‘Just because I am freeing
his bonds does not mean that I am not angry with you Flick.  I cannot believe
you risked your life jumping into a swollen river for the sake of a dog.  A dog
for goodness sake! Are you completely out of your mind? It is a good job it is
not such a deep river for it is flowing quite fast,’