The Cavendon Women (7 page)

“Here I am!” DeLacy cried, sounding more cheerful, and swinging around, she went on, “If you could do the buttons for me, Miles. Then all I have to do is put on a string of pearls, and earrings, and I'm ready.”

He did as she asked, saying as he did, “You look beautiful and the dress is lovely. I think you and Cecily should make up, by the way, become friends again.”

“I've tried. Many times, even asked her aunt Dorothy to let me buy clothes there. But I've been rejected every time. They just don't give an inch.”

“Maybe Ceci will relent, if I ask her,” Miles murmured, fastening the last button. “I'll talk to her later today.”

“She's here!” DeLacy exclaimed as she turned around to face him, surprise in her eyes. “And she's talking to
you
?” DeLacy was astonished.

“Yes, actually, she is,” Miles answered carefully.

“I can't believe it! I thought she would never speak to you again. Why didn't you tell me she was going to be here?”

Miles sighed. “I've been far too busy, I wasn't keeping it from you. But please, Lacy, hurry up. We mustn't keep Papa waiting.”

“Just another second, and do let's go downstairs together. I won't be a moment.” As DeLacy spoke she hurried over to her dressing table, took out a string of pearls, put them on, began to look for her earrings that matched.

Miles said, “I shall talk to Cecily later this afternoon, and perhaps I can persuade her to relent, now that six years have passed. Perhaps she'll agree to a rapprochement. Do you want me to do that?”

“Yes, I do, Miles, as long as there are no recriminations, or anything like that … I mean the placing of blame, I've been blamed enough of late.”

“By Simon, you mean?” her brother asked, looking across the bedroom at her.

“Oh yes, and yes, and
yes!
Long ago, I discovered he loves to whine. And he's doing it now, moaning and groaning that the failure of our marriage is all my fault.”

“Is it?” he asked.

DeLacy swung around to face him, shaking her head. “Maybe. Or maybe it's his … to tell you the truth it's nobody's fault. It just happened … it's the way it is. And I know I can't remarry him, as he wants me to. I simply can't, Miles.”

“You don't have to protest to me. I know exactly what you mean. When a relationship doesn't work it's hell on earth.”

*   *   *

Although Miles had told DeLacy she looked beautiful, he was nonetheless worried about her. She was much thinner, and had a gauntness about her. Yes, her face was still delicate, beautifully proportioned, but her shorter hair did not really suit her. He was not particularly enamored of these sleek, cropped hairdos, found them masculine. He thought he could get Cecily to become Lacy's friend again, and she would influence his sister. As they walked downstairs together, he made up his mind to help DeLacy through this difficult period of her life. Fragile though she was at this moment, he knew she was strong. After all, she was an Ingham.

 

Ten

The library door was closed, but Hanson opened it without even knocking, and walked in. The earl was expecting him.

Charles Ingham was sitting at his desk. He looked up and nodded at the sight of the butler. “I'm assuming all my daughters and sisters have arrived, Hanson?”

“That is so, m'lord,” Hanson answered, walking forward. “The young ladies are in their rooms, and I have spoken to Lady Gwendolyn. I told her tea will be at four-thirty today, and I've given the same information to Lady Vanessa, as you requested. She is also in her suite. Apparently Lady Lavinia was with Lady Gwendolyn when I telephoned, and the message was relayed to her, your lordship.”

“Thank you, Hanson. As I told you earlier, I don't want to be disturbed once my children have come down.”

Hanson said, “I understand, Lord Mowbray.” There was a momentary pause, then Hanson murmured, with a slight twinkle in his eye, “I could stand guard outside, m'lord, if you so wish.”

Charles burst out laughing. “I don't think that will be necessary, but thank you for offering.”

The butler inclined his head and excused himself. Charles rose, and walked across to the hearth, where he stood with his back to the fire, thinking about his children. He had no qualms about what he was about to tell them. He was quite certain they would understand; his plans made good sense. His daughters were intelligent, cared about his well-being, and trusted his judgment. Miles already knew, as did Daphne. As for the world at large, he had long realized he didn't care about what strangers thought.

Daphne was the first to arrive, with Hugo. When she joined him by the fireside, she said, “I have told Hugo about the missing jewels, Papa, and he will accompany me to London when I visit Mama.”

Hugo said, “I couldn't possibly allow her to go to Felicity's house alone, Charles, and I'm sure you agree. Lawrence Pierce could easily be there.”

“You're correct, Hugo, you should be present. From what I hear from my friends, Pierce is quite a bounder. And incidentally, I do believe Miles should accompany you. After all, he is my heir…” Charles stopped as the door burst open.

“Here I am, Papa!” Dulcie cried in her usual flamboyant way, floating toward her father in a cloud of pale blue silk.

Charles embraced her. “Like Daphne, you look beautiful, Dulcie.” A smile tugged at his mouth. “You're both wearing blue. And taking a huge chance. Aunt Gwendolyn will tease you unmercifully about wearing frocks to match your eyes.”

“She will,” Dulcie agreed. “But we don't care, do we, Daphers? We love blue, it suits us, and anyway she wears blue as well. Because she has the same blue eyes. It's a family distinction.”

Daphne laughed, and went and sat on the sofa, where Hugo joined her.

A moment later, the door burst open again and Diedre, DeLacy, and Miles came in together in a mad rush. “I hope we're not late, Papa.” Diedre hurried forward, with DeLacy right behind her; Miles closed the door and joined his sisters.

Charles greeted them, and was relieved to see that Diedre had chosen pink and DeLacy was in a pale gray frock. No doubt they remembered how their great-aunt frequently made fun of them. Even though she was now in her mid-eighties, she was full of life, and mischief.

Charles let his eyes rest on his children for a moment, admiringly so, and then he gave them a warm smile.

“It's really wonderful to have you here together … I should have done this before, had a family reunion. But, as you know, we've had our hands full, keeping Cavendon on an even keel. And it
is
safe, by the way, thanks to good management, wise counsel from Hugo, and innovations created by Miles. And also a great deal of prudence on Daphne's part in the running of the house. Anyway, I know we're going to have a truly happy few days together…”

Pausing, Charles moved away from the fireplace, sat down in a chair. Leaning back, making himself comfortable, he went on, “I have several things to tell you. But first, let me explain that I am well, truly recovered from the heart attack I had last year. Dr. Laird has given me a great bill of health. He says I'm fit, and that I can lead a normal life. Which is tremendous news.”

“It is indeed, Papa!” Dulcie began to clap her hands, glanced around, and her siblings joined in, clapping with her, smiling and laughing together. They loved their father, and all of them remembered how he had taken care of them after Felicity had run off to be with her lover in London. Twelve years ago now. He had been the true constant in their lives.

Charles still had a smile on his face when he continued speaking. “On Sunday afternoon, once lunch is over, I will be leaving Cavendon. I've decided that now is the right time to take a holiday. Just for a few weeks, but it will be a welcome respite—”

“What a wonderful idea!” DeLacy cut in. “It
will
do you good, Papa—”

“Where are you going?” Dulcie asked, interrupting her sister. “Somewhere lovely, I hope.”

“I'm going to Switzerland,” Charles said, his keen eyes roaming over them once more. “To Zurich, to be exact. Hugo has very kindly offered me his villa, and for as long as I want.”

“What a treat.” Diedre smiled at her father lovingly, and then a thought suddenly occurred to her. She went on swiftly, “You'll be by yourself, and you might feel lonely, Papa. Would you like one of us to accompany you?”

Charles shook his head. “Thank you, Diedre, for such a kind thought. I would like all of you to know that I won't be alone. You see, I'm getting married. The holiday is actually my honeymoon.”

Three pairs of blue eyes, wide with shock, were staring at him. Diedre, DeLacy, and Dulcie were speechless, unable to say anything for a few seconds, taken by surprise as they were.

Daphne stood up, and said, “I think congratulations are in order, don't you?” She eyed her sisters, her own face wreathed in smiles of happiness for her father. “Congratulations,” they all said in unison.

“You haven't told us who the bride is, Papa.” Diedre stared at her father, a quizzical look on her face. “Do we know her?”

“Of course you do,” Miles said, walking over to join Daphne in front of the fire. “Very well, in fact.”

Charles also stood. “It's Charlotte. I'm going to marry Charlotte Swann. Whom I love and cherish and wish to spend the rest of my life with.”

There was a sudden excited rush toward him.

As usual, Dulcie was the first to spring forward and into his arms, followed by DeLacy and Diedre. Within seconds, three of his daughters were hugging him so hard he was almost knocked over.

“Goodness me!” Charles cried. “That's a truly genuine endorsement, if ever I've seen one.”

Diedre exclaimed, “She's been like a mother to us, Papa, and she's certainly held this family together for years. I'm very, very happy for you.”

“So am I,” DeLacy said, meaning this as much as Diedre did.

“I'm so happy for you and for Charlotte, Papa. I don't know what I would have done without her when I was little,” Dulcie announced. “She gave me so much motherly love.”

“I know, darling,” Charles murmured. “She's always been loyal, and she gave love to each and every one of us.”

After a few minutes, when everything had calmed down, it was Diedre who looked across at Daphne and then at Miles. She said softly, “You both already knew, didn't you?”

They nodded, and Miles explained. “I had to know, because I'm the heir, and I have to understand all of my father's actions. Daphne had to be told, because it was she who had to plan the wedding.”

“I understand,” Diedre said in an even voice, not at all jealous or put out that two of her younger siblings had known before she had. She was fully aware she had been sadly absent from Cavendon, and for quite some time, and so she didn't really know what had been going on over the years.

“When are you getting married, Papa?” Dulcie asked as she hovered next to him near the fire.

“On Sunday morning,” he answered. “Tomorrow evening will be … our engagement party…” He paused, then finished, “On Sunday morning, Charlotte and I will be married in the church here on the estate. There will be a buffet luncheon for the Inghams and the Swanns, and then we shall depart for London, en route to Zurich.”

After chatting about the marriage ceremony, and the buffet lunch, it was DeLacy who suddenly asked worriedly, “Papa, does Great-Aunt Gwendolyn know? And what about Aunt Lavinia and Aunt Vanessa? Have you confided in them?”

Charles shook his head. “They don't know, not yet. I'm going to tell them in a short while, when we have afternoon tea. You see, I felt it was only correct to explain everything to my children first. But in all honesty, I don't need anyone's approval, as you well know. I am a grown man, fifty-seven years old. I can do as I wish. I told you first, because you have a right to know. And I am going to tell them as a matter of courtesy.”

Diedre said quietly, “Great-Aunt Gwendolyn might say you're stepping out of your class, and—”

“I don't care what she thinks, or anyone else!” Charles interrupted somewhat peremptorily. “It's my life, and I shall live it as I see fit. I thrive when I'm with Charlotte. I shrivel up when I'm without her. I want to be happy in these last years of my life.”

“The world has changed, Diedre,” Miles interjected. “Sadly, so many aristocratic families are going down, because of the heavy taxes imposed on us by the government. And for many other reasons. I don't believe anyone we know is going to pay much attention to what you do, Papa, with all due respect. They're all bound up in their own ghastly problems, and trying to survive the best way they can.”

“Well said,” Hugo agreed. “No one can live their lives by what the world thinks. Charles must do as he wishes.”

“Can I be a bridesmaid?” Dulcie asked, throwing her father an engaging look.

He smiled then looked across at Daphne, a brow lifting.

Daphne addressed her sisters when she said, “Yes, Dulcie, you can, and you, too, DeLacy, and you, Diedre. I shall be matron of honor, since I'm a married woman.”

“We don't have bridesmaids' frocks,” Dulcie murmured, making a moue.

“I thought the three of you could wear something really summery and pretty,” Daphne answered. “As for me, I shall be wearing blue.”

Her sisters began to laugh, and Diedre said, “And so shall we. None of us are short of blue dresses, so at least we'll match each other. Oh, how wonderful … a wedding at Cavendon.”

 

Eleven

As Cecily turned the bend on the dirt road she saw Genevra sitting in her usual spot on the drystone wall. She waved.

The Romany girl waved back, jumped off the wall, and stood waiting for her.