The Fugitive Heiress (16 page)

“It’s not precisely what I meant, my lord. Do you know, I think I am sorry for all three of you.”

“Would you care to explain that? I don’t expect pity for incidents that occurred fifteen or more years ago.”

Catheryn had spoken without thinking and paused now to choose her words with care. “I’m not certain that I can explain, sir. I hardly knew my mother, and my father died when I was Teddy’s age. Grandpapa raised me with the help of Bert Ditchling and various housekeepers. He was a thoughtless man in many ways, but there was never a moment when I doubted he loved me. Oh, we argued and shouted at one another often and often, but it never meant anything. Your family is different. Why, Teddy told me he is barely acquainted with the rest of you! That’s a dreadful thing for a child to have to admit!”

“Did he truly say that?” The earl seemed shaken.

“Indeed he did! And I’ve watched you and your mother and sister. None of you speaks with fondness for his late lordship. In fact, I can’t recall one of you saying much of anything kind about any one of the others. I believe your mother cares for you, but she said herself she doesn’t like Tiffany much, and she hardly speaks of Teddy at all. I just wish you all could have some of what I shared with Grandpapa.”

Dambroke’s expression softened, and there was tenderness in his eyes when he spoke. “I think I begin to wish it, too,” he said gently. “But you must realize that you had something very special. If you consider the families you have met, you must see that it simply isn’t fashionable to be interested in one’s offspring, particularly when they are small. One has nursemaids, nannies, governesses, and schools to raise one’s children. A father is expected to introduce his son to his clubs and, if necessary, to explain the facts of life. A mother is expected to present her daughters to the Beau Monde as they emerge from the schoolroom and to help them find suitable husbands. Other than that….” He shrugged. “I’ll grant that there are exceptions. Lady Stanthorpe was thought to be dreadfully interfering. They went through several nannies before one was found who could tolerate her interference.”

“Well, I think she was right. I couldn’t bear to see my children only when a nanny thought it proper!”

“I believe you will be a tartar, ma’am.” He smiled again with that nearly tender look. “But I don’t mean to stand talking all night. I’m glad you’ve begun a friendship with Teddy. I’ve seen your influence with my sister and can only hope to see such beneficial results with, him as well.”

“My influence with Tiffany is small, my lord.”

He grinned. “Don’t think I didn’t detect your fine hand in that very affecting apology the other morning.”

“Apology?”

“Spreading it too thick, my dear. She came to the library the moment you returned from your ride. I never thought she’d apologize for that dress! I must congratulate you. I quite thought we should have to endure sulks for a fortnight.”

“Oh, that. But I …” Suddenly, she realized that the fine hand must have been Captain Varling’s, and this was not the time to bring that little matter to his lordship’s attention. He had enough on his plate. “I didn’t know she had actually apologized,” she ended vaguely.

“So it seems.” She thought he looked at her a bit searchingly, but he let the matter drop. “I must not keep you longer, Catheryn. Do what you can with my repulsive brother and I shall be grateful.” He was gone.

Catheryn stood where she was for a moment and was still thoughtful when finally she changed and got into bed. She had had the oddest notion while they were discussing children, when something in his expression had reminded her of that day in the library after Edmund’s first visit. But perhaps it was only the late hour and the oddity of it all that made her think he had looked at her so. Whatever it was, she thrust the thought from her mind in much the same way as she had done on that previous occasion, as reluctant to analyze his behavior as she was to examine her own sentiments. Certainly, she reflected, it would never do to refine too much upon fleeting emotions that would no doubt disappear in light of day. It would be far more practical to thank the Fates that his lordship had managed to talk himself into a better humor. She snuggled up to her pillow with a small sigh and a tiny warm feeling in her breast that would not be denied. Her last conscious thought as she drifted into sleep was that it had been a very long day.

T
HE NEXT FEW DAYS
the entire household was flung into a flurry of last-minute preparation for the countess’s ball, giving Catheryn little opportunity for private reflection. Dambroke, declaring the confusion a damned nuisance, removed himself promptly after breakfast each morning, returning only to change clothes for the evening. Catheryn scarcely noticed his absence except to be grateful for it on Teddy’s behalf. That young man, the picture of innocence at breakfast, would take himself off to the Elman schoolroom only to return later bursting with pent-up mischief. The telltale tray having been discovered the morning after the Heathcote ball, an approving staff quickly dubbed Catheryn Master Teddy’s champion and brought their complaints directly to her. By turn amused and exasperated, she did her best to cope.

Called to the kitchen by a tearful maidservant, she spent an uncomfortable half-hour trying to placate an irate Jean-Pierre. That was followed by an equally unsuccessful attempt to convince a twinklingly unrepentant Teddy that the exchange of salt for sugar was not a matter to be taken lightly by one so puffed up in his own esteem as her ladyship’s French chef. Next, she discovered, to her dismay, that the boy seemed to think that the proper way to dispose of dead rats was to put them in the beds of innocent maidservants. Mr. Ashley caught him red-handed at that revolting prank and promised to deal with the situation, but his methods must not have had much of an effect, for it was little more than an hour later that an agitated Paulson sent for Catheryn.

“I’m sure I didn’t know what to do, miss,” he said in an undertone as he guided her rapidly to the front saloon and pushed open the door. In front of the cold fireplace stood Captain Varling, his normally curly locks hanging straight and wet into his face and his blue superfine coat dripping water to the hearthstones. Catheryn stifled a grin and hurried forward.

“That wretched boy!” she exclaimed. “How did he manage this? For I’m sure that somehow he is responsible.”

“He’s responsible, all right,” growled the captain. “As to the how of it, it’s a simple child’s trick. He made a pouch of brown waxed paper, filled it with water, and launched it from an appropriately placed window.”

“Oh, just wait till I get my hands on him!”

“I’d enjoy a private moment or two with him myself.”

“I believe it, sir.” The clock on the mantlepiece caught her eye. “Good heavens! It’s after five. Dambroke will be home at any moment!”

“I look forward to seeing him,” Varling declared. “We were supposed to be dining together.”

“Oh, no! You mustn’t tell him. It will only widen the breach between them. Teddy is high-spirited and needs Dambroke’s attention, but not this way. This prank would earn him a thrashing for sure. Please, sir, you can’t really wish for that.”

“I suppose not,” he admitted with a rueful grin. “I’ve done it myself more than once and so perhaps have come by my just deserts. But I cannot dine with Dickon in this state.”

“My dear sir, you cannot even meet him in that state! We must contrive.” She rang for Morris, who suggested that the earl’s valet might help. “Of course,” she agreed. “Landon must bring him a change of clothes. He will know what is needed.” Morris nodded and would have gone, but the captain stopped him with a laugh.

“Here now, Miss Westering! You don’t seriously suggest that I dine with Dambroke wearing the man’s own coat!”

“Whyever not? You are of a size with him, are you not?”

“Aye, close enough. But he’ll know it’s his and want to know why the devil I’ve pinched it.”

“Begging your pardon, sir, but I don’t think he will.” Morris spoke in a properly deferential tone, but a gleam of pure devilment lurked in his eye. “Gentlemen dress much of a muchness to my way of thinking. Of course, my lord patronizes Weston, whilst you favor Scott, but I’ve heard him with my own ears tease you to try his tailor instead. Perhaps, if he asks, you could say you had taken his advice in that matter.”

Varling grinned. “We shall hope devoutly that he does not ask. We may be much the same size but I’ve not regained my full weight, so any coat of his will be a loose fit. He’d never believe it newly tailored, much less of Weston’s cut.”

Catheryn agreed but pointed out that it was their only chance, adding, “Teddy shall apologize for this, sir.”

“That scamp! You’ll be lucky if you find him. I hid for hours once after I made a direct hit.”

He was right. The boy was nowhere to be found, so she soon gave up the search and went to look for the countess and Tiffany, finding them in the yellow drawing room.

“Catheryn!” exclaimed Lady Dambroke. “Where have you been, child? You’ve just missed Richard and Captain Varling.” Hiding her relief, Catheryn inquired whether there was anything she could do for the countess before dinner. “No, thank you, dear. That is,” she added anxiously, “did you remind Paulson to send someone to Gilmer’s tomorrow to check on the ices?”

“Yes, ma’am. Morris will go. But you need not fret Gunter’s reputation is excellent, and I’m certain the ices will be produced at exactly the right moment. Now, if you don’t want me, I shall change for dinner.”

“I’ll come too,” Tiffany said. As they went up the stairs together, she whispered, “Mama still has the fidgets because you badgered her into inviting James Lawrence. It wasn’t necessary, Catheryn. Richard will be furious.”

“Nonsense. Here, come into my room for a moment. I want to talk to you.” She drew Tiffany inside and shut the door. “Now, I’m going to be blunt, Tiff. Are you still at all interested in Mr. Lawrence?”

The younger girl began to draw herself to her full height, but the effect was spoiled by reddening cheeks, and Catheryn’s chuckle put an end to the attempted snub. “Oh, Catheryn, you know I don’t care a snap for James anymore. I still don’t know if you were right about him, but I’m not in love with him, so it doesn’t signify.”

“Have you told him?”

“Why, he’s never asked me!”

“Well, he acts like a jealous lover. Which is why,” she added hastily over Tiffany’s rising indignation, “I got your mother to invite him. To let him see for himself.”

“See what?”

“Why, that you love another man, you idiotish child!”

“But I don’t! I mean … Catheryn, how dare you!”

The irrepressible chuckle rippled out once more. “How dare I, indeed? Anyone with something other than solid bone above the eyebrows could see what I see, if they but looked for it. You are head over ears in love with the hope of Stanthorpe, my girl. And don’t try to cozen me. I’ve seen too much.”

“That you have! Catheryn, you mustn’t say a word! He hasn’t … I mean, well, he treats me more like a sister than like one he intends to … oh, you know!”

“Indeed, but we needn’t worry about it now. First things first, which means nudging Mr. Persistent Lawrence out of the picture. And even that can wait till after dinner. I’m hungry.”

“You always are,” Tiffany laughed with a quick hug. I’m glad you ran away to us, Catheryn.”

“So am I,” Miss Westering agreed. A vision of a stern face with piercing blue eyes that could light with sudden laughter flashed through her mind, sending a flush to her cheeks. But there was no one to see, for Tiffany had gone. Scolding herself for foolishness beyond any yet displayed by her cousin, Catheryn turned her thoughts toward dinner.

Teddy did not appear at the table, but this circumstance seemed to cause neither his mother nor his sister the slightest qualm. The countess noted placidly that he had no doubt neglected, boylike, to inform them of his intention to dine across the way, but Catheryn knew he was not a guest at Lord Elman’s table. After animadverting at length on the subject of being forced to spend his mornings with a prig, a sapskull, and a tyrant, he would not willingly dine with them.

She told herself that she would not worry unless the boy failed to show up for breakfast, but at midnight, when she checked his empty bedchamber for the third time, it occurred to her that he might have been locked out. Taking her candle, she made her way downstairs, going first to the garden door. She slipped the latch and opened it to look out. Immediately, there came the sound of a hesitant step on the gravel path.

“Morris?” A mere whisper, but she recognized the source all the same and felt a surge of relief.

“Teddy! Come here this minute, you wretched boy!” There was dead silence, and her voice took on a note of dangerous calm. “Edward, come here where I can see you. I am already displeased with you, and this foolishness is not like to mend matters. Show yourself at once, sir!”

Presently, a rather sheepish Teddy emerged from the darkness. His hands and face were grimy, and there was a rent in his coat. His blue eyes pleaded with her. “Are you really very angry, Cathy?”

“I am indeed. My palms are just itching to box your ears, young man. Come here to me.”

Reluctantly, he moved closer, eyeing her warily. “Please don’t. Is Richard angry, too?”

“He doesn’t know about it. We got Captain Varling all rigged out in one of his coats before he returned. You owe the captain an apology, Teddy. It was a wicked thing to do.”

An appreciative grin lit his face. “One of Richard’s own coats, eh? But that means Landon knows.”

“He won’t say anything.”

“Maybe.” Teddy clearly wasn’t convinced. “I’ll apologize to Tony all right, and thank him, too. I never meant it to be him, you know. He was just the first one by.”

“Never mind that,” she scolded. “You are supposed to be a gentleman, and gentlemen do not behave in such a reprehensible manner. In only a few days you’ve made Jean-Pierre threaten to give notice, put the maids in an uproar, and doused Captain Varling. What will you do next!”

He traced a pattern with his shoe. “I dunno. I’m sorry, Cathy. It’s just that there ain’t much
to
do.”