Secret Heiress (23 page)

‘You are quite right,' Kettleton said and replaced the pistol. The carriage had gathered speed. ‘I shall not need this. If you jump now you will certainly suffer an unpleasant injury. Your death would be unnecessary. I have something far more interesting for you in mind. A pretty face like yours can be worth a deal of money. I shall probably sell you to the highest bidder, though I may sample your wares before I pass you on to certain of my friends.'

‘You are disgusting,' Eliza said. She sat back in her seat again. ‘What do you intend to do to Lord Seaton?'

‘I shall send him a ransom note; when he comes looking, I shall kill him—or one of the rogues I employ will do it for me.'

Eliza closed her eyes. How could she have been such a fool? Daniel would certainly come looking for her and then he would die. She would not give in so tamely, but it might be better to let her abductor believe she was too frightened to resist further. She took out a kerchief and began to weep noisily into it.

‘For goodness' sake…' Kettleton said testily. ‘Thank God we're here.'

The carriage was drawing to a close. He had his leg stuck out across the door, giving her no chance to give him the slip. When the door was opened from the outside, he jumped down and then ordered her to get out. Eliza took her time and then pretended to slip, falling into his arms. Her hand went to his pocket and she pulled out the pistol he had threatened her with earlier.

‘Put that down, you stupid little fool,' Kettleton growled. ‘I'll teach you to threaten me.'

Eliza took a step backwards. ‘If you come near me, I shall shoot you,' she warned. ‘Do not think I shall fear to do it, sir. I am quite indifferent to any harm you might sustain.'

‘Damn you…' Kettle made a lunge at her, trying to grab the pistol. Eliza screamed and the pistol went off without her knowing quite how. She watched in horror as he fell back, a dark tide of crimson seeping from the hole in his chest. ‘You little bitch…' He stared at her, then sank to his knees and fell forwards on to his face.

Eliza was aware of his coachman and two others. They were all staring at her. She was terrified that one of them would shoot her, but they seemed stunned, and then she heard the sound of running feet and shouting. Suddenly about six men burst from the trees and came rushing towards her. There was some yelling as
Kettleton's rogues realised they were under attack and all three took flight.

‘Eliza…' Daniel's face looked misty as he moved towards her. ‘Are you all right? I heard the shot and feared…'

‘Daniel. I think I've killed him ‘ Eliza gave a little sob, took two steps towards him and fainted.

E
liza woke to find herself lying in a soft comfortable bed in a room she had never seen before in her life. She sat up in alarm. Where was she? She had been abducted—twice—but then…a shudder took her as she recalled the terrible scene outside Sir Henry Kettleton's house. He had threatened to kill Daniel and…she shivered as she remembered his plans for her and what had happened afterwards. She had taken his own pistol and shot him. Then Daniel had come.

Eliza could not remember anything more. She thought she had fainted and the rest was hazy. Vague memories of being carried to a carriage and driven somewhere drifted though her mind, but it was all very faint, lost in mist. Her head was aching a little and she realised she had probably fainted because she had eaten hardly anything for days. She was about to try to get up when the bedroom door opened and someone entered carrying a tray. When she saw who it was, she gave a glad cry.

‘Betty,' she said, ‘how glad I am to see you. Where am I?'

‘You are in the earl's house,' Betty said. ‘Lord Seaton brought you here early this morning and the doctor gave you something to make you sleep. He said to let you rest until noon and then bring a light nourishing lunch. There is soup and a little chicken with some fresh bread and butter if you should fancy it, my love?'

‘I am very hungry,' Eliza said. ‘All those men gave me the whole time was one piece of bread and some water.'

‘The rogues!' Betty looked angry. ‘The earl has them in prison now, my love—and their master will join them if he survives long enough. They are all for the hangman's noose.'

‘I did not kill Sir Henry, then? I thought he was dead…all that blood…' Eliza shivered. ‘It was horrid, Betty—but what else could I do? He said he was going to kill Lord Seaton and send me to a house of ill repute.'

‘He never was?' Betty was shocked. ‘If I had heard him say it, I should have killed him myself.' She set the tray on Eliza's lap and smiled encouragingly as she began to eat her soup. ‘That's right, my love. Lord Seaton has business with the magistrate for there has been more wicked things going on than we dreamed. He told me to say he would be back this evening and will visit you then.'

‘I shall get up when I've eaten,' Eliza said. ‘If someone will bring me some hot water and some fresh clothes. I feel as if I have not washed for a month.'

‘The doctor advised you rest,' Betty told her. ‘But I shall bring the water and some of your clothes that you left behind, and then you may get up if you feel able.'

Eliza thanked her and Betty left her to have her
meal in peace. The soup was delicious and restorative and the chicken was moist and tender. Eliza ate her fill and pushed the tray away just as Betty returned with the water, followed by a maid with some of the clothes she had left behind when she went to work for Lady Sarah.

The thought of her mother brought the sting of tears to her eyes. Did she still think that Eliza was a liar and an impostor?

There was no point in distressing herself. Eliza knew that she might have more to worry her than the accusation of being a thief. She had shot Sir Henry Kettleton as they struggled for the pistol. No one else had heard his threats to her—would she be believed when she told her story to the magistrate?

Daniel would believe her. As yet, she did not understand how he had happened to be at Sir Henry's estate last evening, but somehow he must have discovered what was going on and come in search of her. Perhaps he had some proof that would reveal her abductor for the rogue he was?

 

Daniel saw his uncle waiting for him as he entered the house. The earl beckoned him into a small parlour, looking anxious.

‘What news, Daniel? Is all settled?'

‘Yes, sir.' Daniel looked grim. ‘It is not certain if Kettleton will live above a few days, but it may be as well if he does not. He will certainly be hung for his crimes. His rogues have confessed it all. You were right to suspect that Marcus was concerned in the affair, but not of his own free will. He owed Kettleton more than ten thousand pounds and was blackmailed into helping him entice a couple of young women to his house. He
thought it would just be some sport for friends, but when he realised what was actually happening to the girls he refused to bring any more young women. Kettleton was furious and threatened him. It is fairly certain, though not proved, that he was behind my cousin's murder.'

‘I need no further proof,' the earl said and sighed heavily. ‘Marcus should have come to me if he could not meet his debts—but we shall not dwell on the past. I wish to thank you for all you have done.'

‘Jed Bailey and Molly have been found safe and well. They went off like that because they both knew too much and were afraid of Kettleton. I am sure they will return now that he is safely under lock and key.'

‘So all is settled.' The earl was silent for a moment, then, ‘I understand you mean to marry Miss Bancroft?'

‘Yes, if she will still have me. I love her and I think we shall be happy together.'

‘I shall settle the estate at Peterborough on you, Daniel,' the earl said. ‘It was your cousin's and came to him through his mother's family, though under a trust and at my direction until he was thirty. It is not entailed and therefore I may do with it as I wish, since it was to pass to me should anything happen to my son as my wife had no remaining family. I think you will not want to live there and you may sell it with my blessing. It is probably worth nearly twenty thousand pounds. Marcus spoke of raising a mortgage on it. I objected to his intention, refusing my permission, but had he told me why he needed the money I should have understood.'

‘I dare say he was ashamed, sir. You must not blame yourself for any of this unfortunate business. ‘ Daniel was thoughtful for a moment, then, ‘I do not know how to thank you for your gift. I should indeed wish to sell.
I have some debts, which such a sum will amply cover. How did you know I was in debt?'

‘I guessed it when my agent told me you had had your estate valued. You should have told me. I would have lent you the money.'

‘I did not wish to ask. I meant to sell and take up a life in the army.'

‘I prefer that you keep your estate, Daniel. I shall be needing your help and advice more as the years pass. If it was within my power, I would leave everything to you—but I must think of my daughter's sons. However, the Peterborough estate will become yours on the day of your wedding.'

‘You are generous, sir.'

‘We shall say no more of it. Go and find Miss Bancroft. I believe she is sitting in the front parlour, which was your aunt's favourite.'

‘Eliza has got up?' Daniel frowned. ‘I shall go to her at once.'

He walked swiftly in the direction of the small parlour, which, in summer, caught the last of the evening sun. It was quite dull that evening and a fire had been lit. Eliza was standing at the window, gazing out.

‘Eliza…' She turned at his voice, her face lighting with pleasure. ‘Should you not be resting?'

‘Please do not scold me,' Eliza said and came to him with outstretched hands. ‘I feel much better. I am not ill, you know. I think I fainted because I was hungry…though the sight of the blood…' A little shiver went through her. ‘Is he still alive?'

‘Kettleton is not dead, though he might prefer it to imprisonment and a hanging,' Daniel said and looked grim. ‘You have nothing with which to reproach yourself, Eliza. Indeed, Mr Justice Rawlings praised you for
your courage and helping to bring a wicked villain to book. He was aware that something unpleasant was happening, for at least ten young women had disappeared in the district over the past two years.'

‘How awful. Kettleton must be evil indeed.'

‘Yes, I believe he is. We are certain that he either killed or had my cousin murdered. Believe me, my dearest, you need have no feelings of guilt.'

‘He intended me for his whorehouse,' Eliza said. ‘However, the main reason for my abduction was to lure you to your death. I had already escaped once, but he tricked me into his carriage. He threatened me with his pistol and when he tried to pull me from the carriage I fell against him and took the pistol. He tried to grab it from me and…I fired.'

‘It went off by accident, which is what I told the magistrate,' Daniel moved in closer, looking down at her with love in his eyes. ‘There were three witnesses, all of whom agreed to testify against a man they feared. It would seem that they were all coerced one way or the other into working for him—or that is what they would have us believe. I am not sure it will save them, but that is for the law to decide, not us.'

‘I am glad it is over,' Eliza said and sighed with relief. ‘But you do not know what happened before I was abducted…at Lady Sarah's house.'

‘Certainly I know,' Daniel said. His arms went around her waist and he bent his head to kiss her softly on the lips. ‘Lady Sarah told me her son falsely accused you of theft. When I left her, she was being comforted by Cheadle, who, as far as my understanding goes, intends to take care of her. She did not believe you would rob her, dearest. Her main concern was that I should find you. You must know that she cares for you deeply.'

‘Yes, I thought so, but for a moment she seemed to doubt me.' Eliza blinked back foolish tears. ‘Then you still wish to marry me? You are not afraid of the scandal?'

‘What scandal? My uncle insists that the wedding be here, Eliza. You will be able to invite your friends and I shall invite those I particularly like, though I think we shall not want a large wedding.'

‘Oh, Daniel…' Eliza looked up at him, her lips soft and inviting as he lowered his head to kiss her. ‘I cannot believe that it has all turned out so well. It seems too much like a dream.'

‘We are neither of us dreaming, my love, and, because of my uncle's generosity to me, we shall have a home. He has given me a substantial estate, which I shall sell and pay my debts.'

‘Oh, Daniel…' Eliza's face glowed as she looked up at him. ‘I am so happy…'

‘I love you so much, my dearest. When I thought you lost it was unbearable. I am determined never to let you out of my sight again. We shall have the banns called in church this Sunday,' Daniel said. ‘I shall make the arrangements for the wedding and you must find someone to sew your bride gown. Would you prefer to stay here or lodge with Betty until the wedding?'

‘The earl has been extremely kind, but I think I should go to Betty's until the wedding. It will be quite safe now that your enemy has been placed under lock and key—and I know she will enjoy having me there. I shall buy material in Norwich and Betty will help me make a new gown.'

‘You must do exactly as you wish,' Daniel told her, his fingers trailing lovingly down her cheek. ‘I shall spend every day with you until the wedding, and for
the rest of our lives. We shall have a short honeymoon in Paris and you may buy most of your bride clothes there.'

‘I shall not need so very many.'

Daniel kissed the end of her nose. ‘You will allow your husband to be the judge of that,' he said, but his eyes were filled with laughter. ‘I shall have several thousand guineas left after the sale of my new property, Eliza, and I intend to spend a fair portion on you.'

‘We shall see,' she said and smiled. ‘Have you written to Lady Sarah? I would not have her worried for my sake.'

‘I wrote to Cheadle at her address and he will break the news to her. I am certain he will make sure she is not too distressed.'

‘Then it seems we have nothing to do but look forward to our wedding.' Eliza reached up to kiss him. ‘I do love you so very much.'

‘And I love you, my darling.' Daniel took her hand. ‘Shall we go and tell my uncle the good news?'

 

It was three days later that Eliza returned from Norwich, whence Daniel had driven her in his curricle to buy certain things she needed, to discover a carriage at Betty's door. They both recognised the crest immediately.

‘I think your father must be waiting for you,' Daniel said and saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes. ‘Do not be anxious, my love. I shall be with you and I assure you he will say nothing to upset you.'

‘I do not fear him,' Eliza said. ‘I am merely anxious that Lady— Mama…' she cried as the cottage door opened and Lady Sarah came out to her.

‘Eliza, my love,' her mother said and rushed to
embrace her. ‘I told Cheadle I must come to you and he was so good as to oblige me. I was so anxious that I could not wait another day—and so here we are.'

‘I am glad to see you, but where are you staying?'

‘I dare say my uncle would be glad to offer Lady Sarah and the marquis a room,' Daniel said. ‘Shall we go inside and talk about it?'

They trouped inside and Betty ushered them through to the parlour, where Mr Wright was looking slightly ill at ease as he attempted to make conversation with the Marquis of Cheadle. He rose to his feet as the others entered.

‘I'll leave you now, sir. I'm glad to have made your acquaintance.'

‘Remember that you may come to me if you ever wish for a change of situation. I am deeply aware of my obligation, Mr Wright.'

Cheadle rose to his feet. His gaze went to Eliza and Daniel and he nodded his head. ‘Well, I hear it is all settled. You are to be married. I congratulate you, Seaton. Eliza will make you an excellent wife—and she will not be without a dowry. I have decided to give her the same as I gave Marianne, which is twenty thousand pounds.'

‘Cheadle, that is handsome of you,' Lady Sarah said and smiled approvingly. ‘I shall give Eliza five thousand, as I always planned to give my daughter when I found her.'

‘Are you sure, Mama?' Eliza asked her with an anxious look. ‘Will Lord Manners not object?'

‘It matters not if he does,' her mother replied, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. ‘Cheadle and I have some news of our own. We shall remain in England until both you and Marianne are wed, and until then we shall make no
announcements—but after that we are to travel to Italy and perhaps Spain or France. Cheadle has parted from Lady Cheadle, and she has agreed to a settlement. There may be a divorce one day, but we are both old enough to pay that no mind.' She looked at Eliza in an oddly shy way. ‘You will not be ashamed of your mother for becoming a kept woman?'