A Debt From the Past (26 page)

‘James believes every child should receive a good education, whatever their abilities. Everyone has a talent of some kind, and it just has to be recognized and then expanded. It’s his passion, and opening his school for the underprivileged is his way of helping a few.’

‘It sounds a crazy idea to me, but I do hope it is a success for him.’ The grandfather stood up. ‘You coming, Dan? He’ll be anxious to hear about your talk with Gresham.’

‘You go and tell him. I’ll be up when I’ve finished my tea.’

James was resting, his head back on the pillows and his eyes closed. He didn’t move when the door opened.

‘Are you all right, my boy?’ his grandfather asked in alarm, rushing up to the bed.

‘A little tired, that’s all.’ James opened his eyes and hauled himself upright, grimacing as he moved. ‘Tell me the news.’

‘He’s really frightened now.’ Then he gave James a moment-by-moment account of their visit to Gresham. ‘He was so distracted by having this crazy old man poking through his possessions that he wasn’t paying full attention to Dan. Then that clever boy changed – you know how he can do that – and he stepped in for the kill. I’ll bet he’s a demon in court. Not only did he hand Gresham an official summons to appear at the trial, but he let him know that he wouldn’t be able to disappear this time.’

James was fully awake now. ‘You mean he told him who we are and that we know all about his past?’

‘Not in so many words, but Dan left him in no doubt that we know more than we’re saying and we intend to make him pay this time. We also hinted that you might not survive, and it could turn into a murder trial.’

‘Ah, so that’s why Dan wants me out of the way.’

‘I would say so. Don’t worry, my boy, we’ll get him this time. Dan isn’t going to let him go, whatever it takes, and he certainly isn’t going to let him do anything to harm Elizabeth.’

James nodded. ‘Dan has never told me exactly what my father asked him to do, but, like me, he won’t break a promise.’

‘It’s more than that. Haven’t you noticed?’

Frowning, James shook his head.

‘I’d say our Dan has feelings for the girl.’

‘Are you sure?’

Grandfather shrugged. ‘I could be wrong. He hides his feelings well, but I’ve noticed one or two unguarded moments.’

‘Ah, hell! I hope you’re wrong because that could be awkward.’

‘Maybe – maybe not. He won’t do anything foolish, James – you can be sure of that. Whatever his feelings, when the time comes he will probably walk away from here and never come back.’

James fell silent and turned his head to gaze out of the window, and then he looked back at his grandfather. ‘And talking about acting foolishly, I’ve been thinking over what you told me. I still believe you handled the situation badly, but I can understand your dilemma. I apologize for turning on you so savagely and refusing to listen when you tried to explain. What you did caused pain to others, but my actions were no better. I’m sorry for adding to your pain, Grandfather. I hope we can put the past behind us now.’

‘Done, my boy!’ There was a husky tone to his voice and he quickly brushed a hand over his eyes. ‘We’ve had some grand fights over the years, haven’t we?’

‘We have indeed, and I expect we will still have a few.’

They looked at each other and laughed.

‘What do you think, Mr Becks?’ Helen surveyed the finished room with critical eyes. ‘Is that deep cream colour suitable? His lordship doesn’t want the place to look stark and uninviting, but neither does he want fancy wallpaper in the rooms.’

‘It has a nice warm look about it, but if you’re doubtful, why not paint that small piece of wood over there and let his lordship see the colour before the workmen do any more rooms.’

‘That’s an excellent idea!’ Helen retrieved the wood from the corner of the room, picked up a brush and began painting it. When she had finished, she sat back on her heels and held it up. ‘Does this look the same as the colour on the walls?’

‘A very good match, my lady.’ Becks hid a smile as he studied the girl sitting on the floor.

‘Good, I’ll take it and show him now; if he approves, the workers can carry on in the morning.’

‘Be careful on your ride back. That paint is still wet.’

Helen laughed. ‘I’m already a mess, Mr Becks, and a little more paint won’t make any difference, but I’ll try to keep as much off me as possible. And I won’t gallop!’

The ride back proved more difficult than Helen had anticipated, but by the time Tom took her horse from her, she had only smudged a little on the end where she had been holding it.

‘What on earth have you got there?’ Alice exclaimed when she walked in.

‘Be careful, it’s still wet. I’ve brought this to see if James approves of the colour. How is he, Alice?’

‘He’s looking better and happier. Dan and my father are with him, and they appear to be in good spirits. And, surprisingly, James and his grandfather are not shouting at each other. In fact, I can’t remember when I have seen them so friendly together.’

‘That’s lovely.’ Helen smiled at Alice. ‘I like your father.’

‘The feeling is mutual, my dear. Locking him in his room was an inspired thing to do. He respected you for not trembling in his presence, and he thought it was great fun. But he still won’t tell Beth where he’s hidden the keys.’

‘Ah, he’s a rascal.’ Helen shook her head in amusement.

Alice laughed so much it was a few moments before she could speak. ‘He’s been called many things, but nothing as mild as rascal. Now, don’t you think you should take that up to James before you get any more paint on you, Helen?’

‘Should I interrupt them? They might have things to discuss in private.’

‘They’ll stop their planning for you.’ Alex stood up, a huge smile on his face. ‘Rascal indeed! Wait until grandfather hears that. He’ll love it.’

‘Well, if you’re sure. I can’t stand here all evening holding this sample.’

‘I’ll come with you because I want to hear what has been happening. I’ve been Elizabeth’s chaperone all day, but she’s in conference with her estate manager now. Let me carry that for you.’

‘Thank you, but I’ll manage. No point in you getting covered in paint as well.’

Alex chuckled. ‘I hope that’s an old dress you are wearing, because it isn’t going to be much use after this.’

Helen glanced down. ‘It is a mess. Never mind – it couldn’t be helped.’

When they reached the bedroom, Alex rapped once on the door and flung it open for her to enter.

‘What on earth have you got there?’ James exclaimed. ‘What have you been doing, Helen?’

‘Overseeing the finishing of the school, as you requested.’ She glanced round at the others in the room. ‘I apologize for disturbing you, but I need James to see this.’

‘A plank of wood?’ The grandfather smothered a laugh. ‘Oh, my girl, you are a delight.’

‘Not the wood.’ She held it up so James could see it clearly. ‘What do you think of this colour for the boys’ rooms? We’ve finished one, but I don’t want to continue with the rest unless you approve.’

‘So you painted a piece of wood for me?’ James was looking from the colour and then back to Helen, lingering on her soiled clothes.

‘There isn’t any other way to show you what it looks like. The workmen wanted to paint them white, but I said no to that. It took me ages to settle on the colour, but if you don’t like it, you must tell me. We can still put up wallpaper.’

‘No.’ James shook his head and studied the colour again. ‘I would say you have made an excellent choice. That colour should be quite suitable.’

‘I’m pleased. I’ll tell the men they can go ahead and do the rest of the rooms, then. Do you have a date when the furniture will be arriving?’

‘It has been promised for the day after tomorrow.’

‘My goodness, we will have to get a move on. Have you settled on a date to open the school?’

‘I have two teachers from London who will be joining the staff, and they are in the process of visiting various schools. Already eight pupils have been chosen, so we should have enough young boys to open the school in the new year.’

‘That is excellent – and exciting.’ Helen smiled at everyone. ‘If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I need to clean myself up before dinner.’

‘Helen!’ James called as she reached the door. ‘We do have workmen employed for the decorations. All you need to do is see that the work is carried out properly.’

‘I know that, and they are quite excellent, but I do need to show them what is required sometimes.’ She gave everyone a bright smile and left.

‘Damn me!’ Grandfather laughed and slapped his knee. ‘She’s thoroughly enjoying herself. A lady of breeding who doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. I’ve never come across the like before. No wonder she’s such good friends with Elizabeth, for they are both the same. They are rare creatures indeed, and they will cause a sensation in London. The young gentlemen will be queuing up to meet them. We will have them married off in no time.’

‘You won’t be able to order them around, Father,’ Alice said as she walked into the room. ‘They are strong, determined women who will not easily hand their lives over to a man. Whoever marries them will have to respect their independence. And they are not our kin.’

‘And that’s a great shame.’ He looked pointedly at his grandsons. ‘Anyone would be proud to have that kind of spirit in their family line.’

‘Father! You are interfering again.’

‘No, I’m not. I’m only saying that the girls are worthy of good marriages.’

‘We know exactly what you’re saying, Grandfather.’ Alex glared at the elderly man. ‘And you can leave me out of your crafty plans. I’ve made my choice.’

‘You could do better.’

‘Grandfather!’ James raised his voice, but there was a touch of a smile on his face. ‘You have made it clear that you think Elizabeth and Helen are lovely girls, but we will all make our own choices in life. I thought we had negotiated a truce, but if you go on like this, we will ship you back to Scotland, and think of all the fun you will be missing.’

He held up his hands. ‘I surrender. It’s hard to break the habit of a lifetime. I accept that Alex is going to marry his girl back home, and that you and Dan will grow into crusty old bachelors.’

‘Oh, you’re including me as well, are you?’ Dan remarked, shaking his head in amusement.

‘Of course I am, dear boy. You’re as good as one of the family.’

‘Really? I’m not sure if I should be pleased or frightened by that.’

The teasing tone in Dan’s voice had them all roaring with laughter.

‘Don’t make me laugh so much,’ James gasped. ‘It hurts. Why don’t you all go and get ready for dinner and leave me to rest.’

‘But I want to know how Dan got on today.’

‘Dan and Grandfather will tell you over dinner, Alex. The girls and Alice will want to hear the news as well.’

‘We most certainly do,’ Alice agreed.

‘Tell them the situation so far, Dan. They are as involved as us now and have a right to know. But don’t say anything about the personal side of the story. That’s mine to explain when Gresham has finally been dealt with.’

Beth and Helen arrived just in time for dinner. They had been so busy telling each other about their day that they had missed the bell.

They were well into the second course before Alex insisted that Dan tell them all the news.

The girls listened, enthralled by Dan’s account of the arrangements made that day and his visit to Gresham. They were all laughing about Grandfather’s antics, and the atmosphere was so relaxed Beth thought she would take a chance and ask a couple of questions.

‘It sounds as if all went well, but I am still puzzled.’

‘About what?’ Dan asked.

‘Well, how is it you appear to have some influence with the court?’

‘It’s part of my job, Elizabeth. I’m a barrister by profession.’ Dan shot a warning glance at the elderly man when he opened his mouth to add his usual remark. Grandfather smirked, picked up his glass and took a sip of wine instead of speaking. Satisfied, Dan turned his attention back to Beth.

Her surprise showed clearly on her expressive face. ‘I see. Will you be involved in the trial?’

‘Only as a witness. Henry Greenway will also be called to testify. You have another question?’

She nodded. ‘I don’t understand why Gresham threatened my buyers and then sent villains here to damage the estate. If he wanted to harm James, why didn’t he attack the school he is building?’

‘Because Gresham wants this estate, and his plan was to weaken it so he could buy it for a reduced price.’

‘What?’ Beth shot out of her chair, alarmed by this news. ‘How long have you known about this?’

‘Sit down, Elizabeth, and I’ll explain.’ Dan waited until she was seated and then continued. ‘When Gresham returned to this country and took up residence nearby, he began to see if he could get his hands on your land. He had evidently inherited a lot of money and wanted to add to his property. It seems likely he thought if he became a large property owner, then society would accept him, and that was something he greatly desired. On his return from abroad, rumours spread about him and he was shunned. While Edward was here, he refused every offer, but, after hearing of his death, Gresham renewed his efforts, as we have witnessed. Edward knew you would be vulnerable, so he made James your temporary guardian and ordered him to move in here. He also left a letter asking me to join James here. I have already explained this to your estate manager. So, you see, we both had reasons for invading your home.’

Beth was stunned, and it took a few moments to compose herself. ‘So James moved in here to investigate Gresham, and to protect me at my godfather’s request. Why didn’t he tell me?’

‘Edward didn’t want you to know in case his suspicions were unfounded; if that had been the case, you would have been worried unnecessarily.’

‘I thought he knew me better than that, but I can see now that I never really knew him very well. He was a dear man and I loved him, but I never guessed he was hiding so many secrets.’

‘He loved you also, and only did what he thought was best for you, Elizabeth.’

‘I can see that, and he was right. If he hadn’t asked you both to come here, I could have been in dire straits by now, because I would not have been able to deal with that man on my own.’ She looked at the men around the table, her eyes misted with unshed tears. ‘Thank you.’