The Forgotten Family (28 page)

‘Then I’ll keep on proposing until she agrees to become my wife.’ James chuckled. ‘I might receive a battering in the process. This wasn’t what I had planned, or even wanted to happen, but I think I fell in love with her the first time I met
her, only I’ve been reluctant to admit it to myself. However, I now know that she is the only one I will ever want, so she will not be able to get rid of me.’

Augusta couldn’t hide her pleasure at this turn of events. ‘It’s going to be a very interesting Christmas.’

‘Will this be enough, Ellie?’ Ted was hardly visible under the boughs of holly he was carrying.

She jumped down from the chair she had been standing on and laughed in delight. ‘Where did you find all that?’

Her brother dropped his burden by the fireplace and plucked off prickly leaves clinging to his jacket. ‘There’s loads of it in the wood and it’s covered with berries.’

‘Wonderful, Ted. Are you going to decorate your house as well?’

‘I’ve left that job to Dorothy.’ Ted hesitated for a moment, and then said, ‘Pearl, Dave, little Jimmy and Jack are staying for Christmas. I’ve also invited Mum and Dad to join us. I thought this would be a chance for us all to get together and, hopefully, put the past behind us.’

Ellie stopped sorting out the holly and glanced up in surprise. ‘Are they coming?’

Ted nodded. ‘Jack’s bringing them.’

‘Oh, I’m so pleased. But where are you going to put everyone?’

‘Well, Dorothy’s parents are coming as well, so I can put them up and Mum and Dad. Your Uncle Henry said Pearl and Dave can use the room over the stables. You know the one I had when I first arrived here?’ He grimaced at the thought of that time. ‘God, what a mess I was in.’

‘You’re fine now, Ted.’ Ellie spoke gently, knowing her brother recalled that time with shame.

‘Thanks to all of you. Now, where was I? Oh, yes, Jack’s staying with Stan at the gatehouse. Maggie will be here, of course, but Stan will bring her to The Orchards on Christmas Day.’

Ellie’s smile faded as she realised that her other family were all going to be together for the first time in years, and she would not be a part of that gathering. Her place was with her father as his hostess. ‘May I come and see everyone on Boxing Day? I’ll have gifts to hand out.’

Her father strode into the room. ‘You won’t need to go to Ted’s, Eleanor. On Boxing Day we’ll open the ballroom and give a party for the estate workers and their families. Ted and Stanley can bring all their guests here and we’ll make it a celebration to mark their engagements to Dorothy and Maggie.’

‘What a wonderful idea!’ Ellie was ecstatic. ‘This is going to be a lovely Christmas.’

‘That’s very kind of you, sir.’ Ted looked quite overcome
by the honour. ‘In that case we’ll need more holly. I noticed a tree just by the gates.’

As her brother left the room, Ellie glanced up at her mother’s portrait. Mary had been gone over a year now, but she still missed her, and so did her father.

He came and stood beside her, draping an arm around her shoulders. ‘She would have approved of what we’ve done, Eleanor.’

‘Yes, I do believe she would.’ Ellie swallowed to ease the tight constriction in her throat. ‘I wish she could see how things are working out.’

Albert’s sigh was deep. ‘I’m sure she is still watching over you. She loved you so very much.’

‘She loved us both, and would only want us to be happy.’

‘Then we won’t disappoint her. When we set out to find the Bonners it was like dropping a pebble into a pond and watching the ripples spread out in a continually widening circle. So many lives have been touched and changed – and all for the best.’

‘And in ways we could never have anticipated.’ Ellie’s eyes lit up with a glint of devilment. ‘We would never have met Mrs Montague and James if we hadn’t been searching for Maggie. She’s a charming and, I suspect, a very wise woman, isn’t she, Father?’

‘I agree. I believe Joshua is quite taken with her.’

‘Oh, Father.’ Ellie laughed at the suggestion. ‘Uncle Joshua’s a confirmed bachelor and likes it that way. I couldn’t imagine him sharing his chaotic life with anyone.’

‘Perhaps you’re right.’ Albert changed the subject. ‘Our guests will be arriving soon. Are the rooms ready?’

‘Everything has been prepared – except for one thing.’

‘And what is that?’

‘The Christmas tree.’ Ellie shook her head in mock dismay. ‘How many times have I asked you to find me one?’

Albert gazed into space for a moment. ‘Twice?’

‘More than that. I’ve asked every day for the past week.’

He chuckled. ‘Don’t worry. Ted has located a fine specimen, but we’re waiting for James to arrive. It will take the three of us to cut it down and bring it here.’

Ellie beamed. She knew her father could ask the estate workers to carry out this task, but it was something he had insisted on doing for as long as she could remember.

‘Is it big?’

‘Huge.’ Albert studied the height of the drawing room ceiling just as Ted returned with more holly. ‘Do you think we’ll get that tree in here, Ted?’

Ted also looked up, assessing the space reserved for the tree. ‘Just about, but we could always find a smaller specimen if you’re doubtful.’

‘Don’t you dare!’ Ellie ordered. ‘I want the biggest one you can squeeze in, and we’ll also need another one for the ballroom.’

Albert gave a theatrical groan. ‘We’ll have to take two large carts and sturdy horses if we are to transport everything Eleanor wants.’

The teasing was interrupted by the sound of approaching carriages. For the next hour Ellie had to leave all thoughts of decorating while she settled their guests in the rooms.

James swung the axe at the base of the tree, relishing the physical labour. While his father had been alive, James had taken an active part in running the estate. He had preferred to pitch in with the work, no matter how hard, rather than stand around issuing orders. He knew the estate workers had respected him for that, and many had been genuinely sorry when Giles relegated him to the sidelines. Still, that was in the past. The future was ahead of him, and it would be what he made of it. As long as Ellie was a part of that future he knew he could face anything. He could even dismiss the dream of owning an estate of his own. He was horrified and rather ashamed at his past plans. By marrying for gain and not love would only have led to a life of misery. No amount of land was worth that.

‘Nearly there, James,’ Ted called as he tightened his grip on the rope he and Albert were holding to stop the tree crashing to the ground. The last thing they wanted to do was to damage this perfect specimen.

After one more swing of the axe, the tree began to topple. James dropped the axe and caught the rope as well. When the tree had been gently lowered to the ground the three men grunted in satisfaction.

Albert wiped his brow. ‘All we have to do now is get it back to the house. While we’re here we might as well find smaller ones for Ted, Stanley and the ballroom.’

‘Better not make the one for the ballroom too small, sir, or Ellie will never let us hear the last of it.’

Albert raised his eyes to the sky. ‘Heaven forbid, Ted.’

As James watched them laugh, he felt excitement race through him. Life with Ellie would never be dull. He would
seek her father’s permission at the earliest opportunity. James doubted he would get his blessing very easily, but he would just have to convince Mr Warrender of his sincerity. He was pleased that Ellie’s father had made it clear that anyone marrying his daughter would never own the estate. There would be no misunderstanding about his motives, or any suspicion that he might be marrying for gain and not love.

James was under no illusions about the task facing him. If he got past her father, he suspected that Ellie would be even more difficult. But he was prepared to fight for what he wanted. And that was Ellie!

The following morning, Ellie and Augusta were busy decorating the trees. When James saw Mr Warrender go into his study, he followed. Bracing himself for what he expected to be a difficult meeting, James knocked on the door and then walked in. ‘May I speak with you, sir. It’s important.’

‘Of course.’ Albert indicated a chair. ‘Please sit down.’

‘I’d rather stand, sir.’ James stood in front of the desk, his feet planted slightly apart to steady himself.

Albert studied him through narrowed eyes. ‘This sounds serious.’

‘Yes, sir.’ He grimaced slightly. ‘And I would like to be on my feet in case I need to make a hasty retreat.’

‘Now I am intrigued.’ Albert leant back and crossed his arms. ‘What have you done to incur my wrath?’

‘Nothing – yet, but I suspect I’m about to.’

‘Let’s hear it then, shall we?’

‘I’m asking for your permission to court your daughter, sir. I want to marry her.’ James held his breath and waited for the eruption … but it didn’t happen. Ellie’s father had remained seated, his amber eyes unblinking as they held James’s. This he found unnerving. Anger and outright refusal he had expected, not this silent scrutiny.

Finally Albert spoke, his voice quiet, but there was no mistaking the steel in his tone. ‘Have you spoken to my daughter about this?’

‘No, sir, I’ve come to you first.’

‘Very wise. And what if I won’t give my permission?’

‘Then I shall keep asking until you change your mind.’ James silently prayed that this hadn’t sounded too presumptuous. ‘I love her, sir, and want to spend the rest of my life looking after her.’

‘She isn’t easy to look after. Do you believe yourself to be equal to the task?’

James was about to answer in the affirmative, but stopped himself just in time. ‘I can’t answer that. All I can promise is that I will do my utmost to make her happy.’

‘And what is your financial position?’

‘My father didn’t leave me any property, but I have a substantial income. Enough to keep your daughter in comfort for the rest of her life.’ James was beginning to wish for this interview to come to an end. He was not sure of Mr Warrender in this quiet mood, and he couldn’t tell which way he was going to go next. It was more than nerve-wracking.

The questions continued. ‘What makes you think my daughter will accept you?’

‘I doubt that she will – at first.’ When Ellie’s father
waved him into a chair he sat down this time with relief.

‘You are, of course, aware that this estate will never come to you.’

‘I don’t care about that, sir.’ James had never taken much notice of the strange colour of Mr Warrender’s eyes, but with them fixed firmly on his, he felt as if he was being dissected. He tried not to shift uncomfortably in his seat. His heart was thumping. He hadn’t been immediately rejected. Did he have a chance?

‘What about the Bonners? They mean a great deal to Eleanor and will always be a part of her life now. Could you accept them into your family? If not, you don’t have any place in my daughter’s life.’ Albert leant forward. ‘If you have the slightest unease about Eleanor’s humble beginnings then walk away now, James.’

‘I can’t do that, sir.’ James sensed that only the absolute truth would do. ‘I admit that I was unsure about the Bonners at first, but I was wrong. They’re obviously prepared to work hard and make their own way in life. They love their sister and have shown no thought of personal gain because a wealthy family has brought her up. I respect them. All except the one I haven’t met, but he is back in gaol.’

‘There is one more we haven’t found. What if he should turn up one day and be as bad as Tommy?’

‘That is something we’ll have to deal with – if it happens.’

Albert nodded, as if satisfied with the answers he had received. ‘I will give you permission to see if you can win Eleanor—’

James leapt to his feet, hardly able to believe his ears. ‘Oh, thank you, sir!’

‘Not so fast.’ Albert also stood and came round the desk to James. ‘I have conditions. If my daughter refuses you three times then you will give up. Is that understood?’

‘Yes, sir.’ James wasn’t happy with the time limit, but he had gained more than he’d dreamt possible.

‘Good.’ Albert stepped closer. ‘And you will behave yourself, young man. If I discover that you have taken advantage of my daughter’s innocence, you will live to regret it.’

James didn’t doubt that for one moment. He didn’t believe that Ellie’s father made idle threats. ‘You have my word.’

For the first time since James had entered the room, Albert smiled. ‘I don’t think you have a chance.’

‘What if you’re wrong?’ James relaxed enough to return the smile. ‘Will you accept me as your son-in-law?’

‘If that’s what my daughter wants, then I will.’ Albert pursed his lip as he looked at James. ‘But there’s someone else’s permission you need to gain.’

‘Nanny,’ James said.

Albert nodded.

James left the room with a sigh of relief. Mr Warrender had been totally reasonable. Now he had to face the next hurdle.

He knocked on the door, almost as nervous about this interview as he had been with Ellie’s father. When he heard her call for him to come in, he opened the door. ‘Hello Nanny, can I have a word with you?’

‘Of course. Sit down,’ she ordered. ‘I suppose you want to see how I feel about you asking Eleanor to be your wife?’

‘How did you know?’ James was amazed.

‘Don’t look so surprised. I know everything going on concerning my girl – and I’ve seen the glint in your eyes when you’ve looked at her just lately.’

James sat down and let out a deep breath. ‘Mr Warrender said I must seek your permission as well as his.’

‘So you have his permission?’ Nanny’s gaze was unflinching as she studied James.

‘Well, in a way.’ James then explained about Mr Warrender’s conditions, making Nanny grunt and nod in approval. ‘I will abide by his rules, but I also need your approval.’

‘You have it. I believe you would make her a suitable husband.’

‘Thank you. Do you think she will accept me?’

‘Ah, now, that’s for you to find out, young man.’

Standing up, James nodded and left the room. If anyone had any idea about how Ellie felt about him, then Nanny would have known, but she wasn’t saying anything. He was on his own now, but it was comforting to have the approval of the two most important people in Ellie’s life.

Now all he had to do was make Ellie fall in love with him. And he knew this was going to be the most difficult challenge he had ever faced.