An Introduction To The Eternal Collection Jubilee Edition (148 page)

“Eighteen months later my entire circumstances changed. My two cousins were killed fighting against Bonaparte, and my uncle, the Earl of Milborne, died. To my astonishment I found myself his heir. From being penniless and of no consequence save to you, my dear, I became a man, of wealth and the possessor of an old and honoured title. Can you imagine how much I needed you then?”

“Oh, my poor Francis! If you had only known that I was here, longing for you, aching for you, so bereft without you that after my third child was born I made no effort to take up the threads of life again. I wanted to be alone only with my memories of you. I thought I was doing what was best for Vane. My father left me some money on his death, but not enough for Vane to live in the comfort I wished for him. My only excuse for the manner in which I deceived Lord Brecon, was that in believing Vane was his son he was very happy.”

“You shall not reproach yourself, Margaret,” Lord Milborne said, “we will talk of all this later, but now, my beloved, I have to leave you.”

“Oh no, Francis!”

Lady Brecon’s protest was a cry.

“For a very short while, I assure you but I must accompany Caroline in search of Vane. He is not in the Castle at present and that again involves a story which is too long to relate to you at this moment. Besides, I think you have had enough excitement for today. Will you trust me, Margaret, to return to you with all possible speed? It is of great urgency that Caroline and I should see your son – and mine.”

“I will do anything you wish,” Lady Brecon said, “but oh, my Francis, my, very dear, do not tarry.”

“Do you imagine I will? We have so many years of separation to account for,” Lord Milborne replied.

He kissed Lady Brecon’s hands again, but she took them from his grasp and held out her arms to him. Caroline turned away so that she should not see the tenderness of the embrace between them.

Lord Milborne came from her ladyship’s room with an expression of happiness on his face which made him seem as if the years had dropped from him, and he were a young man again. But he was not too bemused to give the most efficient orders. Maria and Vane’s valet were commanded to pack with all possible speed, and a chaise was ordered for them and the luggage, while in a very short time Caroline found herself in Lord Melbourne’s coach travelling swiftly down the Dover Road. Her hand was clasped in his and it seemed to her that they were both wrapped in a radiant contentment which was beyond all verbal expression.

They made good time and stopped for luncheon at Sale Park, which was near Canterbury. Here the horses were changed while Caroline and Lord Milborne had a quick meal. Never, it seemed to Caroline, had Sale Park looked more beautiful or more welcoming. Its famous gardens were ablaze with colour. The sun shone on the mellow red bricks of the house and on its glistening, opalescent windows. White, fantailed pigeons flew over the terraced lawns, and the swans were mirrored in the silver lake.

There was, however, no time to lose and when they started off again, Caroline said with a sudden anxiety

“Vane promised me that he would wait for me at Mandrake. You do not suppose, Uncle Francis, that he would go elsewhere in some mistaken idea that he was saving me from unhappiness?”

“Wherever he goes, we will find him,” Lord Milborne said determinedly, and Caroline, looking up at his kind face, nestled a little closer to him.

“Oh, Uncle Francis, it is indeed wonderful that you are my father-in-law. I can hardly believe it possible. In fact, I am pinching myself to be quite certain I am not but dreaming.”

“I cannot imagine anyone I would rather have for my daughter,” Lord Milborne said with a smile.

“And to think that one day Sale Park will be ours - ” Caroline began impetuously. “Oh, Uncle Francis, I did not mean that – it sounds as if I was wishing you to die, but I did so detest Brecon Castle.”

“Then do not be afraid to say so,” Lord Milborne said. ‘Yes, Caroline, one day Sale Park will be Vane’s and yours and as it has over a hundred bedrooms, you will not, I hope, disdain to occupy a part of it now at any rate until you find a house that pleases you better. You need not be afraid that Margaret and I will force ourselves upon you. Indeed, I have reason to think we shall wish to be alone together as much as you and Vane desire the same.

“Oh, Uncle Francis, I would love above all things to live at Sale Park,” Caroline exclaimed.

“What is more,” Lord Milborne continued, “there is Milborne House in London and a shooting-box in Leicestershire, both of which are at the disposal of you young people. There will be many things you will want to do together, and it will be good for Vane to make some more respectable friends, indeed I shall insist upon it.”

Caroline laughed.

“They were of a truth a sorry crowd. But, Uncle Francis, you can understand what he felt and how it was impossible not to be reckless with such a horror menacing him at all times.’

“I can indeed understand,” Lord Milborne agreed.

Caroline gave a sigh of happiness.

“I feel as if all the cares in the world have fallen from my shoulders and Vane will feel the same. Let Gervase Warlingham enjoy the privilege of being Lord Brecon while he can, for no one else would wish the title, I swear ‘tis curst.”

She gave a sudden exclamation.

“Lud! I have but just thought on it. I have no idea what is Vane’s name, nor mine for that matter.”

“Vane is the Viscount Sherringham,” Lord Milborne answered, “and I have the honour to salute your ladyship.”

“It is a name to which I have this instant taken a great partiality,” Caroline said, then added in a sudden fright. “But, Uncle Francis, am I still married to Vane?”

“Indeed you are!” Lord Milborne replied smiling at her fear. “To be sure the names on the certificate of marriage will have to be altered, and I will myself see the Bishop regarding it but you are Vane’s wife both legally and in the sight of God.”

“How wonderful that sounds!”

Caroline gave a deep sigh of relief and then with her head against Lord Melbourne’s shoulder she sat in contented silence as the miles sped past. She gave a sudden cry when, an hour later, they had their first glimpse of the sea.

“We are nearly there, Uncle Francis!” she said. “Pray heaven that Vane is waiting for us and that he has not done anything foolish.”

She felt her heart beating and it was with an impatience that she could not conceal that she watched for the great roofs of Mandrake. They drove through the park, the coach drew up with a flourish in the courtyard and the front door was opened by the flunkeys in claret and silver livery. Forgetful of her bonnet which she left on the seat, of her manners, of Lord Milborne and of everything save her desire to see Vane, Caroline jumped out of the coach and ran up the steps to where the old butler whom she had known since childhood was standing.

“Where is Newman?” she asked breathlessly.

“I will send for him if it pleases your ladyship,” the butler replied. “You will find his lordship and her ladyship in the Silver drawing-room.”

“Who?” Caroline questioned, and without waiting for an answer she sped across the hall and flung open the door of the drawing-room.

To her astonishment she saw three people at the far end of the room by the fireplace, one was her father, beside him was Vane, while seated on the sofa and looking up at them was her mother, her fair hair haloed by the afternoon sun.

“Papa! Mama!”Caroline exclaimed.

She ran across the room to her husband, her face alight, her hands outstretched.

“Oh, Vane, Vane,” she cried. “I was so desperately afeared that you would not have waited for me!”

He gave her a quick glance and then to her surprise moved past her to Lord Milborne who had just appeared in the doorway. He walked up to him, his head high, his shoulders squared as if he were on parade.

“I am ready to give myself up, my lord,” he said in a clear voice.

Lord Milborne put out his hand and laid it on his shoulder.

“All is well, there is no need, my boy,” he said, then repeated in a voice that broke suddenly. ‘ – My boy.”

It was then that Caroline could restrain herself no longer. She flung herself against Vane, her words falling over themselves as they came from her excited lips.

“All is indeed well, Vane, I can scarce believe it is true! You are not Lord Brecon, you are my Lord Sherringham, and there is no longer any secret. No shadows. No horror. You need never be afraid again. It is Gervase who bears that title and stands also convicted of murder.”

Vane stared at Caroline as if she were crazed. Resolutely Lord Vulcan intervened.

“What is all this?” he asked, “for I can make neither head nor tail of it. Can you explain, Francis?”

“I can indeed,” Lord Milborne answered, “and you, Justin and Serena, must congratulate me, for I am today the happiest man in the whole world, I have found both my wife and my son.”

“Your son?” Lord Vulcan ejaculated.

“Yes, indeed,” Lord Milborne answered, “and strangely enough, I find him already wed to your daughter, Justin.”

There was an expression of stupefied astonishment on Lord Vulcan’s face and on Vane’s too, and then Lady Vulcan rose to her feet and coming to Lord Milborne, lifted her lovely face to his.

“I can not quite collect what has occurred, Francis, but as our oldest friend and indeed our dearest one, your happiness must make us happy too.”

Lord Milborne bent to kiss her cheek and then suddenly Caroline was in her mother’s arms.

“Oh Mama! Mama!” she said. “It is all so wonderful. I am so happy! I know not how to begin to tell you what has occurred. But why are you here? I thought that you and Papa were on the Continent.”

“We were indeed,” Lady Vulcan answered in her sweet voice, “but fortunately we were resting but a mile or so from Calais when Cousin Debby sent a groom to recall us because of your marriage. Oh, Caroline, you naughty child, how could you do such a thing in our absence?”

“But, Mama – ” Caroline began in a very small voice.

Lady Vulcan laughed.

“Do not be feared. We are not angry with you, not since we have met your husband, darling, for I vow that your father and I are already delighted with our son-in-law. Despite the grave things he has related to us with most estimable frankness, he is all that we ever wished for you.”

She smiled up at Vane. And Caroline, looking at him too, was aware that somehow her hand had crept into his and he was holding it so tightly that her fingers were crushed bloodless beneath his strength. At last Vane found his voice.

“Is this indeed the truth, sir?” he asked of Lord Milborne, and his voice was low and not entirely steady.

“The absolute truth,” Lord Milborne replied. “You are my son, born of your mother’s marriage with me before she wed with Lord Brecon, thinking I was dead, and you have no relation whatsoever with the Warlingham family and its tainted blood.”

“Thank God!”

The ejaculation seemed to burst from Vane’s lips. He looked down into Caroline’s eyes and then they forgot everything else save themselves. They did not hear their elders go on talking they did not see the understanding smiles which passed between Lord and Lady Vulcan and Lord Milborne they did not notice when the Marchioness, her arm through each of the older men’s, drew them tactfully through the open window on to the sunlit terrace outside.

Hand in hand, still looking into each other’s face, they stood there.

Suddenly Vane sighed deeply as if all the pent-up miseries of the past years were squeezed from his heart. Slowly he released Caroline’s hand and the grim lines of strain and tension disappeared from his face as if they had been wiped away by an invisible hand.

He stood looking at her lovely face, at the firm little chin of the girl whose courage and resolve had led him triumphantly through horrors and desolations which would have frightened most of her sex almost unto death. He looked at the beautiful sensitive mouth with its rosy lips and last of all he looked into her eyes which were soft with love and shining with that unquenchable spirit, which he knew full well would guide and light him all through his life.

And in that moment Caroline understood the change in him. Never again would she take the initiative, never again would she be able to impel and goad him into obeying her commands. Her old suzerainty had ended. She might coax, cajole and entice him, but he would be her master.

Then as she thought these things and his scrutiny brought the colour to her cheeks, making her suddenly and unexpectedly shy, Vane smiled - it was the smile of a young. and carefree man. He bowed to her and spoke for the first time since they had been alone together, his voice deep and low, yet with a hint of irrepressible laughter in it,

“Your servant, Lady Sherringham.”

The joy in her heart made Caroline feel almost light-headed and her eyes were alight with mischief as she replied,

“Indeed, sir, I doubt if I have the pleasure of your acquaintance.”

“Your ladyship must have a remarkably short memory. I seem to remember a kiss exchanged through the window of a post-chaise, a golden day snatched from eternity among the pines, a dinner alone when we drank nectar.”

Caroline raised her eyebrows.

“Lud, how strange that I, on the contrary, have but a trifling recollection of the Viscount Sherringham.”

“But you would wish to know him better, Ma’am?” Caroline pursed her lips.

“I declare - I am not quite certain. He is a handsome gentleman to be sure, but I have been warned that wolves are oft disguised in sheep’s clothing. He might be – brutal, if it pleased him.”

“So brutal indeed that once he left your ladyship alone when, with any sensibility, he should have stayed. I recall it well. Your ladyship was in the firelight. At first you wore a robe of white, but later-”

The blood flamed into Caroline’s cheeks and she raised her hands in protest.

“Stop! Stop! It is too much. You will excuse me, my lord, I would change my gown and arrange my hair.”

Still blushing, Caroline turned and sped towards the door. She had hardly reached it when Vane said quietly, but in a tone to which she must pay heed.