Wendy Soliman (13 page)

“Luc!”

Felix crossed the room in two strides and embraced a gentleman even taller than himself, one who was at least as handsome as Felix and who seemed equally self-assured.

“Good God, Felix!” The gentleman released Felix and stared at him in open astonishment. “What in the name of Hades are you wearing?”

Saskia smothered a smile. Up until now Felix had been the best-dressed gentleman she’d ever encountered, causing her to wonder what Perkins could have meant by his jibe the evening before. Now she understood: compared to Lord Deverill’s attire, Felix looked third-rate. Saskia’s smile faded as she comprehended the truth. What she had previously considered to be a gap between their respective statuses now appeared more like an unbridgeable chasm.

“Ah, Clarissa.” A tall lady of exceptional beauty, dressed simply in pink sprigged muslin, stepped forward to embrace Felix.

Greetings completed, as one the tableau turned to look at Saskia. Felix moved back to her side and placed her hand on his sleeve.

“The Earl and Countess of Newbury, may I present Mrs. Eden.”

Saskia curtseyed and watched the earl’s eyebrows disappear in what she supposed must be surprise, and she was gratified to realize, a degree of appreciation as well. Casting a curious glance at Felix, Luc raised her from her curtsey, took both of her hands in his and assured her that he was charmed to make her acquaintance.

“Mrs. Eden,” the countess said, stepping up in her turn, “how lovely to meet you. Do come and sit over here by the fire.”

Saskia was fussed over by the earl and his countess, who succeeded in putting her at ease without appearing to try. Felix had told her that they were charming people, not given to airs, and had hinted that Clarissa’s background was as ordinary as her own. Saskia had not, until now, believed him.

When they were all seated, Felix asked Luc what brought them to Weymouth.

“Your mother.”

Felix looked shocked. “My mother? What has she done now?”

“The unseasonably warm weather persuaded many families to leave town early, your mother amongst them. It seems she’s anxious to win the race to be the first hostess to hold a summer house party. We received our invitation about the same time as I received your letter. Your mother is most insistent that we attend, so here we are.”

Felix’s heart sank. This could only mean one thing. His mother had always been less than enthusiastic about his friendship with Luc. The fact that she so ardently sought his company now could only mean that she hoped Luc’s attendance at her party would ensure that Felix was there. That Maria Denby would also be in attendance wasn’t in doubt.

Felix sighed. “I see.”

“Thought you would,” Luc said cheerfully.

“But that still doesn’t explain the detour to Weymouth. Bit out of your way isn’t it?”

“Ah, but I was intrigued by your request to check into the background of a country school-master.” Luc’s black eyes came alight with interest as they regarded Saskia, curiosity clearly getting the better of him. “Now, come on, Felix, out with it. What are you up to that requires you to dress so appallingly? Not,” he added with amusement and a wickedly suggestive smile in Saskia’s direction, “that the involvement of a beautiful lady surprises me.”

“Oh, ignore them, Mrs. Eden.” Clarissa glared at her husband. “These two are always the same when they are in one another’s company.”

Saskia couldn’t prevent herself from blushing beneath the force of Luc’s extravagant compliment. The predatory look in his eye reminded her of her aunt’s words on the subject of Luc and Felix the previous evening. An avid reader of the social columns, she was able to inform her niece that before Luc’s marriage he and Felix were renowned within the
ton
for their escapades. Many a matron had long since given up hope of securing either of them for their daughters. It was only when Luc fell captive to the beguiling Clarissa that they began to entertain hopes of Felix following suit. Saskia could already tell from their ease with one another, not to mention the impressively handsome figure they cut, that the stories were very likely true. It served to remind her also that any hopes she herself might briefly have entertained in respect to Felix were unrealistic. It was a timely reminder, and she vowed anew that she would come out of it all with her dignity intact and her true feelings under close guard.

Felix had told Luc nothing of his reasons for being in the area in his correspondence, but did so now, omitting all mention of Saskia’s reason for leaving her father’s house.

“Oh, my poor Mrs. Eden!” Clarissa clutched Saskia’s hand. “Do please assure me that Felix didn’t actually believe you capable of involvement in such a despicable business?”

“Not once I’d met her I didn’t,” Felix said, looking distinctly uncomfortable.

“Huh, nevertheless! Have you forgiven him yet, Mrs. Eden?”

“I have yet to decide.”

“Well, he deserves to be kept waiting.” She levelled a stern gaze upon him. “Felix, how could you?”

He smiled engagingly at Clarissa, but it appeared to cut no ice with her. Saskia wondered if one became immune to such charm when exposed to it on a continual basis.

“That does not explain the school teacher,” Luc said.

Felix explained about the twins and Fothergill’s residence at Riverside House.

“Hum, well his cruelty doesn’t surprise me. He was dismissed from his previous post for excessive use of the cane and for drunkenness. He will never get another position at a decent establishment.”

Saskia’s face turned ashen. “Whatever have I exposed my poor children to?”

Felix covered her hand with his and squeezed it. “One way or another you’ll soon be rid of him.”

“What action shall you now take, Felix?” Luc asked.

“Saskia will call upon her father tomorrow with my request for an introduction.”

“Are you sure you wish to do that?” Clarissa asked anxiously.

“Perfectly sure,” Saskia said, amazed that her voice sounded so even and full of resolve. “And it won’t be tomorrow since I dislike procrastination. We shall return to Riverside House for luncheon and then, this afternoon, I will make the call.”

“Are you sure?” Felix appeared genuinely alarmed by her decision.

“Perfectly sure. My mind is quite made up on the matter.”

Felix sighed. “Then in that case, I shall drive you there.”

“There’s no need.”

“Do you imagine that I’d allow you to go alone?” he asked quietly. With a swift change of subject, to ensure the last word on the matter was his, he turned to Luc. “Since you are to travel to Western Hall tomorrow, Luc, may I ask a favour of you?”

“Of course.”

“Will you take Mrs. Eden and the twins with you?”

“It will be my pleasure.”

“What? Hold on a moment!” Saskia leapt from her seat. “What are you suggesting?”

“Saskia, listen to me.” He guided her to the other side of the room where they could converse in a low tone without being overheard. “Once I’ve set the ball in motion then nothing can stop the ensuing events. Your father will be desperate. He’s unlikely to harm you when you simply call upon him and request that he sees me, but when he knows he’s been exposed for the villain he is and that he can…” Felix paused. “Well, when he understands that he can look forward to a long gaol sentence at the very least, to say nothing of social ruin and public disgrace, he will use any weapon at his disposal to avoid that fate. A desperate man will do anything, even use his own daughter and grandchildren to hide behind, if necessary.”

“But, Felix, what — ”

“Despite your poor opinion of me, I couldn’t confront him if I thought my actions would endanger you or the twins in any way. And, if something goes wrong and he escapes, he’ll know that you were a party to the scheme. He doesn’t strike me as to the sort who would allow such treachery to go unavenged.”

“Felix is right, Mrs. Eden.” Luc had obviously overheard their conversation, in spite of the fact that it had been conducted in an undertone. “But, Felix, perhaps Simms could escort the ladies and children to Western Hall. Surely you would wish me to stay and stand with you?”

“No, Luc, your sudden appearance would only complicate matters, and I suspect your identity wouldn’t remain a secret for long. After all, you’re registered here openly — and besides,” he added flippantly, casting an envious glance over Luc’s superbly cut coat, “you’re not in possession of the correct attire to play the part convincingly.”

“Touche!” Luc grinned at his friend. “Yes, all right, I take your point; with her permission I’ll be glad to escort Mrs. Eden and her children to Western Hall.”

“Saskia?” Felix looked at her expectantly. She hadn’t, as yet, agreed to the scheme.

“I’m not sure.”

“Think of the twins.”

She glowered at him. “You don’t fight fair,” she said.

“Not when there is so much at stake.”

With another slight hesitation she nodded. “Very well.”

“Just one thing,” Luc said. “If this Fothergill is in the pay of Mrs. Eden’s father and also teaches her children, surely he will report their disappearance to Barker immediately.”

“Yes, but I’ll forestall him by telling Barker as soon as I’ve agreed to do business with him that my concern for Saskia and the twins prompted me to send them away during our negotiations. I’ll play the love struck buffoon who doesn’t wish to appear before his lady love in a bad light.”

“I dare say the role must come as second nature to you,” Saskia said acerbically, turning away to hide the hurt that she suspected was reflected in her eyes.

“Is there anywhere that you and the children could reasonably be expected to travel to without exciting his curiosity?” Felix asked.

“You can inform my father that we have gone to Aunt Serena’s late husband’s sister in Norfolk. We’ve visited them on one previous occasion.”

“Right, Norfolk it is, then.”

“There is just one other matter of immediate concern. Will the earl and countess mind my descending upon them uninvited, with two boisterous children in tow?”

“You are not uninvited, Saskia,” Felix said, his voice touching her like a velvet caress. “I’ve invited you, and my father will be delighted to receive you.”

“Good.” Luc stood up and stretched. “At least one matter has been decided. Now, I — ”

A door to an adjoining room opened, and a little girl of about Amy’s age entered, a large black shaggy mongrel limping at her heels. “Papa, I…” Her eyes rested upon Felix and she screeched in delight. “Uncle Felix!” The child flew across the room, straight into his outstretched arms.

“Hello, sweetheart.” Felix lifted her in the air and swung her round.

Saskia watched Felix as he placed the little girl back on the floor and crouched down to talk to her as naturally as he did to the twins, focusing all his attention on what she had to say to him.

M
AINTAINING
L
ESS
T
HAN
H
ALF
of his concentration on his cattle, Felix constantly stole glances at Saskia as he drove her to Southview Manor that afternoon. Her face was devoid of all colour, but there was a steely glint of determination in her eye. Her rigidly erect posture lent proof to her resolve, but she was unable to conceal the full extent of her tension — tension so intense her hands were shaking. Felix covered them both with one of his own, attempting to infuse some of his own strength into her.

“Ready?” he asked, as they approached Southview Manor.

“Yes, I am prepared.”

“There’s still time to change your mind. I wish that you’d let me find another way.”

“No, I have to do this.” She turned to look at him. “Don’t you see, if I don’t face up to him now, I might never find the resolve to do so again.”

Felix sighed, admiring her courage, understanding her need. “Very well,” he said.

Halting the horses, he leaned across and slid an arm around her shoulders. She looked up at him, a curious expression in her eyes, just at the moment when he dropped his head and covered her lips with his own. He felt her stiffen, unwilling to meet his embrace at first, but Felix persevered, determined to elicit some sort of response from her, even if it was a slap round the face. Eventually her lips softened beneath his. Her eyelids fluttered closed, and she returned his kiss with such tentative sweetness it stirred his blood and aroused his protective instincts to unheralded heights.

“I’ll return in an hour. If you don’t appear immediately, then I won’t hesitate to come in search of you, and Smithers has several of his men secreted about the area, so you’re not alone.”

“Yes, and I take comfort from that.” She sighed and settled herself against his shoulder, luxuriating in the security it offered her for one precious moment, all antipathy toward him temporarily suspended. With super-human effort, she lifted her head and prepared to leave the curricle. Felix alighted and assisted her to the ground, kissing the hand he held in his.

“God speed, m’dear.”

Saskia walked away from him and didn’t look back, as she entered her father’s driveway for the first time in six years. The maid who opened the door was unknown to her and politely asked Saskia her business.

“I am Mrs. Eden. Is my father at home?”

The maid looked nonplussed, her eyes bulging with suppressed excitement as she absorbed the enormity of Saskia’s unexpected appearance. She’d have a fine tale to relate in the servants’ hall later. “I’ll see if the master’s home, madam. Would you wait in here?” She opened the door to the morning room.

Saskia looked about a room that hadn’t changed much in six years, but it seemed strange to be here as a guest. She shivered, her nervousness reflected in the rapid beating of her heart. What if her father was not at home, or chose not to see her? They hadn’t considered either of those possibilities. Her fears were unfounded. The maid returned almost immediately and invited her to join her father in his study. As she entered, her father rose slowly from behind his desk, regarding her in silence as she walked toward him, none of the hostility that had accompanied their last meeting apparent in his demeanour. She stopped several paces away and returned his gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated into dropping her eyes first.

Her father had changed little. He had perhaps gained a little weight, his handsome face now sporting the beginnings of heavy jowls, his waistline a little thicker, just beginning to run to fat. But he still had that inexplicable air of authority about him which he’d used in the past to bend her to his will, playing on her deep-rooted sense of duty. She vowed that it wouldn’t happen today, though, knowing that if she showed the slightest sign of fear he would detect it and she’d be lost.

“Good afternoon, Father.” She was astonished at her level, confident tone of voice.

“Saskia. So you’ve come to your senses at last.”

“As you see.”

“You look well, m’dear.”

His eye roved over her smart new travelling gown with obvious approval, and Saskia was grateful now that Felix had forced her to accept it. He’d been right about that, just as he was right about so much else. She deliberately allowed a small silence to ensue before responding to her father, something she would never have dared to do in the past.

“Thank you, I’m in perfectly good health.”

Her father moved round his desk, ushering her to a large wing chair on one side of his fire, taking the one opposite for himself. Saskia perched elegantly on the edge of her seat, her head turned slightly to one side so that she was obliged to look at him through the protection of the plume on her bonnet, making it impossible for him to read her expression.

“And how are my grandchildren?”

“My children are in the best of health, I thank you.”

“And so, my dear, to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure? Dare I hope that you’ve come to your senses at last, and wish to return home?”

“Indeed not, father. I’m most comfortably settled with Aunt Serena.”

When he was unable to prevent himself from scowling at her defiance, Saskia understood just how much it must be costing him to maintain an amiable visage.

“Then — ”

The time had come to make her request. Saskia had decided that she would not beg or plead, knowing it would put her at a disadvantage. She’d surprised her father with her visit and currently held the upper hand. It was a position she didn’t intend to cede. She spoke, now, in a brisk tone.

“We have a new guest at Riverside House who has attracted my attention.”

“Indeed?” Her father’s bland expression gave nothing away.

“He wishes to be introduced to you.”

“And why would he wish that?”

“A matter of mutually beneficial business, so I’m given to understand.”

“This new guest must have made quite an impression upon you, Saskia, if you’re willing to break your insolent silence at his behest.”

Saskia forced herself to remain calm, knowing it would be a grave miscalculation if she were to rise to his bait. “He’s a gentleman, Father. A handsome and well-connected gentleman, with charming manners.”

“Is he, indeed?” Her father quirked one bushy eyebrow. “Well, perhaps that explains it. He’s an excellent dancer too by all accounts.” Saskia remained demurely silent. “You’ve become very striking with maturity, Saskia. You look more like your mother every day.”

His voice trailed away. Saskia allowed the silence to stretch between, determined not to be the one to break it.

“Does your gentleman have a name?”

“Mr. Felix Beaumont, and he resides in Bristol.” Saskia paused. “He advises me that he is commissioned to undertake business on behalf of the Marquis Rydon, amongst others, although I’m ignorant as to the nature of that business.”

“Just as you should be.” Her father gave a nod of approval, just as she’d known he would. It was all Saskia could manage not to smile. He leaned back in his chair and regarded her with a contemplative expression. “And why would I wish to discuss business with someone I don’t know? What would I have to gain from such a situation?”

“I know not, Father.” Saskia lifted her shoulders. “Obviously that’s a question only you can answer. Mr. Beaumont considers our meeting to be a fortunate coincidence, since he came to this part of the country on purpose to seek you out. He intended to call upon you and make himself known, but when he discovered our relationship he simply requested that I facilitate the introduction. I didn’t wish him to know that we are estranged,” she added with deliberate hesitancy. “But no matter, Father.” She stood up. “If you would rather not acknowledge him, I shall leave him to find his own way to you.”

“Not so fast, Saskia. You’ve changed, m’dear. You are far more self-possessed than used to be the case.” He smiled. “You’ve developed something of your mother’s impatient nature as well.”

Saskia bit back the retort that sprang to her lips, and contented herself with a casual inclination of her head.

“What do I stand to gain from all of this?” he repeated and this time she realized he wasn’t referring to business acquisitions. There was a hunger, a glimmer of hopefulness in his eye, which he didn’t trouble to hide from her.

“My gratitude, Father,” she said softly.

“Is that all?”

“For now.” She paused. “I really do admire Mr. Beaumont.” Her implication could not have been plainer, or more honestly expressed.

“And if I see him, will you in return bring my grandchildren to visit me?”

Saskia blanched. So, Felix had been right about that too. He’d anticipated that her father would use the opportunity to force his way back into their lives, and had arranged it so that they wouldn’t be in the locality in the immediate future. She felt a sudden rush of gratitude for his foresight.

“When you have conducted your business, if you still wish it, I will do so.”

“I’ve wished for little else these past six years. Now then — ”

The door flew open. “Papa, I, oh…Saskia, is that you?”

“Hello, Elsbeth.”

“I didn’t know you were here. I must say I admire your nerve after all the upset you’ve caused dear Papa.”

She scowled at Saskia as she sat on the arm of Barker’s chair, seemingly intent upon making a territorial claim in front of the prodigal daughter. He was having none of it, though, and pushed her away, not even bothering to glance in her direction.

“Get out, Elsbeth.”

“But, Papa — ”

“Go!” he roared, so loudly that she fled the room, bestowing a glare of pure vitriol on Saskia as she did so.

“Your Mr. Beaumont may come to dinner tomorrow evening, Saskia,” said her father, “provided that you also come.”

Come herself? She’d not bargained for that, but covered her confusion by dipping her head and taking refuge behind the plume. “Very well, Father.” She stood and smoothed down her skirts. “Thank you.”

“Saskia.” His voice stopped her as she moved toward the door. “Welcome home, my dear. You can have little idea how much I’ve missed you.”

His possessive tone sent shivers down her spine and she fled from the house, not noticing Johnson standing in the shadows in the hallway, watching her with hunger in his eyes.

Felix stepped forward and caught Saskia as she left her father’s drive, almost at a run. She fell into his arms, her eyes blinded by tears, shaking and apparently incapable of supporting herself. Felix closed his arms around her, physically lifted her into his curricle, and drove off at a cracking pace, leaving Southview Manor behind them in a matter of minutes. As soon as he was sure they were out of sight of her father’s house, he brought the carriage to a halt on a lonely stretch of coast road, and pulled her close.

“Was it so very terrible?” he asked.

“No, it wasn’t that bad.” He could tell she was lying. “He was surprised to see me, but couldn’t hide his pleasure, because he thought I’d given in at last.”

“Yes, we anticipated that.”

“He’s invited us both to dine tomorrow evening.”

“Both of us?” Felix jerked upright. “That I hadn’t anticipated.”

“No, nor I.”

“Well, it’s of no consequence, since I won’t put you through that. You’ve more than played your part. I’ll find another way.”

“Oh no, we can’t stop now.”

“Look at you,” he said gently. “You’re trembling all over. You have been more than courageous, but enough is enough.”

“No really, I’m fine!”

But she was unable to suppress a racking sob. Felix suspected that his concern did what her father’s subtle threats had been unable to achieve, and shattered the remnants of her self-control. He pulled her closer, stroked her back, and whispered soothing endearments as she sobbed against his shoulder.

And then, without warning, Saskia wasn’t crying any more. Instead she was kissing Felix as greedily as he was kissing her. Felix wasn’t sure if it was wise for her to exorcise her demons in a manner that she might later regret, but was powerless to reject her. His body felt as though it was melting into hers. He was unsure where hers ended and his began. Neither of them was in control. If he didn’t stop this now he would be unable to do so.