Death Comes to London (30 page)

“Has the earl been informed of what has happened?” The Earl of Clavelly sat forward, his hands folded together on his desk. His resemblance to his younger brother, the rector of Kurland St. Mary, was far more noticeable when he wasn’t smiling.

“I believe he knows about the dowager’s death, but I doubt the countess has had the opportunity to write to tell him that both his sons have died.” Robert sighed. “I can’t believe that Broughton survived ten years of war, and then decided to do
this.
”

“I understand he was in considerable debt.”

“That’s correct, my lord. From what I’ve been able to ascertain, he invested a lot of money in making the right impression on the scientific community, family money that wasn’t actually his to use. When he ran out of ready cash, he chose to gamble with his grandmother’s remaining capital and matters simply went from bad to worse.”

In order to safeguard the Countess of Broughton from gossip, he and Andrew had decided not to mention the more bizarre aspects of Broughton’s attempts at experimentation and focus instead on his need to gain control of his grandmother’s fortune to pay his debts.

“Perhaps, as a family friend, you might write to the earl and deliver the bad news. I’m sure the countess would appreciate it.”

“I’ll certainly do that, my lord, but as the earl is currently at sea, I have no notion of where such a letter should be delivered to him. I assume I could have it sent to the shipping company and ask them to help.” He paused. “I’m also not sure how much to reveal. Such news might be better delivered in person.”

“I’d stick to the basic fact, Kurland, that two men are dead. If his lordship wishes to learn the full story, I’m certain you’ll make sure to be on hand to provide him with it.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The Earl of Clavelly drew in a breath and looked Robert right in the eye. “I do not appreciate my nieces’ names being dragged into such a scandal. I would appreciate your assurance that if you must speak publicly on this matter, you will do everything in your power to refrain from mentioning that they were there when Lieutenant Broughton killed himself.” The earl shuddered. “To allow such delicate females to witness such a thing was very poor form on your part, Kurland, very poor form indeed.”

“I could hardly keep them away, sir, seeing as Miss Anna Harrington was integral to the success of unmasking Broughton, and Miss Harrington was the originator of the entire scheme.”

The earl scowled. “Your explanation is unacceptable. You should’ve thought of another way to deal with the issue without involving my nieces.”

Robert knew it was pointless to argue. The earl’s view would be shared by everyone in polite society and could damage the Harringtons’ marital prospects. In his opinion, that was ridiculous, but unfortunately it was also true.

“I understand your position, my lord, and I sincerely apologize for any distress the incident caused to Miss Harrington, Mrs. Giffin, or Miss Anna Harrington. I will, of course, be offering them my apologies in person.”

The earl looked down at the items on his desk and rearranged his pens in a straight line. “I believe you are to receive a title, Major Kurland.”

“That is correct. I’ve been made a baronet.”

“I wish to congratulate you on such an honor.”

“Thank you, sir,” Robert said cautiously.

“And I also wish you to know that having such a rank would make you an acceptable husband for the granddaughter of an earl.”

“I beg your pardon?”

The earl sighed. “Let me be frank with you, Major Kurland. Your interest in my niece has not gone unnoticed either by our family or society.”

“Which niece would that be, my lord?”

“Don’t be coy, Major. You know I am referring to Lucy. I understand from my wife that she has been of great help to you in Kurland St. Mary in the past.”

“Yes, but—”

“A man in your position should be thinking about marrying and setting up his nursery. Lucy would make you an admirable wife. You have an honorable name and, more importantly, a title to pass on now.”

“That’s true, but I’m scarcely in my dotage. I have plenty of time to make a decision of such magnitude.”

The earl’s eyebrows drew together. “Are you suggesting you were merely
trifling
with my niece’s affections?”

Robert sat up straight. “Good Lord, no, sir.”

“Then one can assume that you will be setting your affairs in order and speaking to her father in the very near future.” The earl sat back. “Unfortunately, Lucy isn’t my daughter, or I’d be expecting an offer for her hand in marriage from you this very day.”

“You would?” Robert asked.

He knew that he was being led through a maze constructed by society to trap a man into marriage. It had happened to him once before with Miss Chingford, and he’d be damned if he let it happen again. But how to extricate himself without hurting Miss Harrington’s feelings? Good God, was she
expecting
a proposal of marriage from him? He remembered the feel of her in his arms, his sense that she fitted perfectly against him and that he didn’t want to let her go. He’d been a fool to expect the
ton
to accept that he could just be friends with an unmarried woman.

Perhaps he’d even been fooling himself....

He rose from his chair. “I’ll think on this matter, my lord, and when I have reached a decision I will, of course, consult with Miss Harrington’s father.”

“I am very pleased to hear it.” The earl looked up at him. “And, as you are proving so amenable, there is another favor I require of you. Mrs. Giffin and Lucy have decided to return to Kurland St. Mary. I understand that you are leaving, too. Are you going on horseback?”

“No, my lord. I intend to travel by carriage.”

“Good, then you will be able to take them up with you, and offer them your protection on their journey.”

Robert saluted and accepted his fate. “I would be delighted to be of assistance, my lord.”

Lucy sat on Anna’s bed, her hand clasped in her sister’s.

“But I don’t understand why you have to leave me here all alone, Lucy.”

“You are scarcely alone, Anna. You have the Clavelly family to support you through the rest of the Season.”

“But it isn’t the same as having you here.”

Lucy held her sister’s gaze. “You said that you wanted to be independent. Here is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy all the benefits of society without worrying about anyone but yourself.”

“But it seems so
selfish.
”

“Why? Because I prefer to go home?” Lucy sighed. “I don’t enjoy it here. I’m bored pretending to be a young lady at home who isn’t expected to have two thoughts in her head. I’m far too used to running a household, caring for the sick and poor, and generally managing people. I miss Kurland St. Mary. I miss making a difference in people’s lives.”

“But if you persevered and found the right man—”

“I don’t think I will, Anna. Not in London, anyway.” Lucy smiled. “And I can be far more useful helping Sophia to arrange her wedding in the village while Mrs. Hathaway completes all the necessary tasks in London. Sophia and Mr. Stanford want to marry fairly quickly.”

Anna squeezed her hand. “You are being very brave about Mr. Stanford.”

“I do admit that at one point I imagined that Mr. Stanford would make me a good husband, but once I realized he spent his entire year in London, I found myself doubting my decision.” She shrugged. “And he and Sophia are so openly in love that I can only wish them the best. I suspect they will be very happy together.”

“While you waste away at the rectory doing Father’s bidding.”

“I’ll hardly waste away. There is always so much to do there. At least I won’t be bored. And, with Anthony and the twins away, I have more opportunities to visit our neighbors and reacquaint myself with the local gentry.” She kissed Anna’s cheek. “Don’t worry about me, love. I’ll be fine. I’ve gained a new appreciation for my unique position in the village and will not allow Father to stop me from making the best of it anymore. Just promise me that you will enjoy the rest of the Season and find a veritable prince to marry.”

Anna held both Lucy’s hands and looked apprehensively at her. “Are you quite sure about this?”

“Yes.” Lucy smiled at her sister. “I am.”

“Then you won’t be too pleased by what is happening downstairs right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Uncle David asked Major Kurland to call on him this morning.”

“To explain about the Broughton murders?”

“Yes, but also to quiz the major about his intentions toward you.”

Lucy shot to her feet. “He wouldn’t do that—would he?”

“From the discussion I accidentally overheard yesterday evening, it was very much on his mind even before Aunt Jane insisted he bring the matter up with the major today.”

“Oh, no.” Lucy groaned. “This is a disaster.” She paced the hearthrug. “What if Major Kurland is forced into making an offer for my hand? He’ll never forgive me.”

“Why would he need to be
forced?
You must stop devaluing yourself, Lucy. He would be lucky to have you!”

“You don’t understand. From what he’s told me, he was pushed into offering for Miss Chingford by the machinations of her and her mother. I am quite certain he will never allow himself to be put in that position again. It makes everything so
awkward.
I wish my uncle hadn’t interfered.”

Anna gave an inelegant snort. “You were hoping Major Kurland would make you an offer all by himself?”

“I—” Lucy let out her breath. “No, not at all. I have never met a man less in the mood to be married than Major Kurland.” She eyed the door. “Should I go down and try and intervene?”

“No,” Anna said firmly. “If you believe Major Kurland will balk at being forced into marrying you, then let him fight his own battles.”

“You are right. After his last experience, I doubt he’ll be amenable to being coerced into matrimony again. And, as Uncle David is not our father, he can only bring the matter to Major Kurland’s attention and not insist.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about, do you, love?”

Lucy shook her head. “No, nothing at all.”

Sophia Giffin glanced from Robert to Miss Harrington and smiled encouragingly.

“It was very good of Major Kurland to offer to escort us home, wasn’t it, Lucy?”

“Indeed.”

Miss Harrington continued to look out of the window as if she expected their carriage to be set upon and robbed by highwaymen at any moment. In the three hours they’d been traveling, she’d steadfastly ignored all of Robert’s efforts to engage her in conversation. He was beginning to feel rather irritated.

“We’ll stop for refreshments at Brentwood and change the horses and have dinner at the Queen’s Head in Chelmsford. If the weather holds, we should be back in Kurland St. Mary before midnight,” Robert said.

“Thank you, Major,” Mrs. Giffin answered him. “I must confess that I am looking forward to seeing my home. My mother will close up our rented house and join me in a few days and then we will start planning the wedding.”

“I am delighted to hear it, Mrs. Giffin. I have no doubt that you will make Andrew very happy.” He smiled at her. “I have a new land agent
and
a new valet awaiting me at Kurland Hall and I’m equally glad to be returning home.”

He glanced over at Miss Harrington, who had not contributed to the conversation. “Do you wish to stay with Mrs. Giffin at Hathaway Hall, Miss Harrington, or shall I leave you at the rectory?”

She didn’t turn around. “My father won’t be expecting me, so I’ll stay with Sophia, thank you, Major.”

“If you wish, Miss Harrington, I could stop at the rectory on my way home and let your father know your whereabouts.”

She swiveled her head to look at him, her expression alarmed. “Please don’t put yourself out on my behalf, Major. There is no need for you to speak to my father at
all.
”

He frowned at that, but let the matter rest as the horses slowed to descend the hill that would bring them into Brentwood. When the carriage finally stopped and the steps were let down, he alighted and helped the ladies out.

“Please go ahead. I’ve engaged a private parlor and ordered a luncheon, Mrs. Giffin.”

“How kind of you, Major.”

The two ladies went in through the door of the inn and Robert followed, leaving his groom to take the horses around to the mews. The second carriage containing Foley, the baggage, and Mrs. Giffin’s maid came through the archway into the stable yard. Robert spent a moment directing the staff around to the kitchens to secure themselves a hot meal. Then he went slowly into the inn, stretching his legs after the all-too-familiar discomfort of traveling on bad roads in a constricted space. He had to conquer his fear and ride again, or he’d end up never going anywhere.

After speaking briefly to the landlord, he made his way to the private room he’d asked for, and went inside to find Miss Harrington standing by the window staring out into the stable yard.

She had taken off her bonnet and was in the process of unbuttoning her pelisse. Her brown hair was braided into a severe coronet on the top of her head without a curl left free to soften her features. It was completely unlike the more fashionable style she’d adopted in London, but he preferred it. She jumped when she saw him and pressed her gloved hand to her bosom.