The Rake's Redemption (20 page)

A broken betrothal could be enough to spark a challenge by the girl’s relatives. But Judith knew John would not consider fighting for her and she couldn’t let father be drawn into a fight. As the challenged Theodore would have the choice of weapons and father could barely lift a sword let alone fence with one.

“Have you finished?” There was nothing she could say that would alter his attitude so all that was left was her to fall back on defiance. What this would mean to John and Oakenhill and father she couldn’t even think about.

“Of course it’s the money that really worries you, isn’t it Judith? Despite all your airs and graces it comes down to the money.” He was determined to taunt her and Judith could feel the hot tears waiting to surge. But she would not let herself down by weeping in front of this man. “What will John do to settle his gambling debts now? Debts of honour that a gentleman must pay or defend. Without my money he will survive less than a week. What a loss for your father, his only remaining son. Do you think the old boy will survive the shock, Judith?”

He was simply loathsome yet Judith could find no strength to break the spell Theodore was casting. Father was too weak to stand against him and John had repeatedly demonstrated how incapable he was of managing his life let alone rescuing them from the predicament he had created. There was no one for her to turn to.

“You can still save your family, Judith.” Despite herself she looked up at him to see gloating eyes watching for her response. “Oh, not as my wife. The Horsley honour must be respected, my dear. I could never take another man’s cast off for my wife. But I am still prepared to make you an offer, Judith.” 

She couldn’t drag her eyes away from his sweaty little face, so obviously revelling in his moment of triumph.

“Carte-blanche, Judith. That is my offer to you.”

Triumph was far too weak a term to describe how much Theodore Horsley was enjoying himself. To make such a offer to a lady was a gratuitous insult of the most offensive kind. No woman of pride could consider living under a man’s protection without marriage. Unless she had no other option. It meant a life shunned by society, pitied and whispered at, often the beginning of a slow slide down the social scale except for those females resolute and strong enough to extract more from the arrangement than it did from them.

“You won’t find a better offer. I can assure you of that. No man will offer you marriage once the story of your assignation circulates. And it will.”

She could have slapped his smirking, knowing face, if only her family weren’t so dependent on his largesse.

“Of course you are free to find yourself another protector, Judith. As no doubt you will some day. I must make clear that our arrangement cannot last past my marriage. Mother intends that I marry to social advantage, and she thinks that our liaison will need to terminate at that point in case it becomes an embarrassment. Though you will not find me ungenerous. So long as you have been... forthcoming.”

Sly and repulsive. And in firm control of her future. All her instinct was to defy him until she considered the cost that would bring. Judith knew she could do nothing to risk father or even John, no matter how she had to pay for that. Theodore had been cunning enough to demonstrate how little choice she really had. She was paying the price for being Thomas Stainford’s cast off right enough. Even if the case wasn’t as Theodore understood it that much was still true.

At least her new life as Theodore’s convenient meant the ruin she’d worried about so intently would be no impediment. Rather expected in fact. The bitter thought had her rallying for one last attack. “What choice do I have?”

“None, if you know what is good for you and your family. While we are being realistic I need to know how to frustrate the plot against the Volunteers.” The way he paused left no doubt he expected her to express her repentance by providing him with enough ammunition to frustrate Thomas Stainford’s malign plot to displace him at the militia’s rightful colonel. Unfortunately Judith had nothing to say.

“I know nothing, Theodore.”

“You’ll regret defying me. Have no doubt of that Judith. I’ll make you sorry for your lascivious behaviour. Oh I know you thought I didn’t matter. A cit’s pride weighs for nothing against the desires of a wanton harlot and her aristocratic lover. You’d have been happy enough to foist me off with a wife who wasn’t chaste, wouldn’t you, Judith.”

The burning light of his eyes told her there was no point in trying to interrupt or reason with him, so Judith kept her mouth shut though she was desperate to flout him and choke off his stupid diatribe. No, that was too tame, what she wanted was to grind his face into the dust.

“Well, your Viscount is just a plain mister now, jumped up lackey that he is, unable to pay for anything, let alone for your expensive family. That’s why he needs his friends at Horseguards to steal my regiment for him. I’m going now, Judith, don’t trouble to ring for your servants, I’ll see myself out. If you don’t bring yourself to me with the information I want be prepared to see what happens to your brother. Good day.”

Mrs Rogers wasn’t surprised to find Judith in floods of tears when she came back into the room. Raised voices, well, one raised voice, and snatches of disjointed ranting had left no room for the illusion that matters were going well. “My wee lamb, don’t upset yourself, he’s not worth it, the fat baboon that he is. Let me send to Master Thomas.”

“No!” Judith saw Mrs Rogers recoil and knew she had to tone down the response. “No, he‘d be no use in this.

“He’ll come, for you if he knew you needed him. And he’ll give Colonel Theodore Horsley short shift.” The housekeeper’s steadfast trust made Judith ashamed of her mixed emotions. But Thomas was not the solution to this. Not even if she could bear to see him. Maybe there was no solution she could turn to to save herself.

“Master John’s gone riding.” The look that accompanied the unasked for information told Judith that they both knew her brother would be no help.

“Quite. The exercise will help keep Thor calm.” John’s stallion was the bane of the stable lads with its over rich diet and unpredictable temper.

“You need help from someone, Miss Judith.” For Mrs Rogers that was a huge transgression, overstepping her position far beyond what she would have allowed in any other of the servants. It didn’t help Judith’s response that it was undeniably and transparently true, but she bit back the furious retort that that was her business and no one else’s.

“Thank you. I’ll manage.”

Judith could see doubt and hesitation contend with the need to accept what was clearly intended to be a dismissal before Mrs Rogers finally nodded. “Very good, Miss.”

Very good indeed. That just left her to struggle with how she could possibly convince Theodore Horsley she knew nothing of what Thomas had planned for the Volunteers. That, and how with her very limited sexual experience she could manage to fulfil whatever depraved expectations the repulsive man would have of her.

“You’ll be glad of the company I expect.” Amara Guilmor had the happy knack of assuming that her point of view was the only reasonable one. So it would be unfair not to share it with everyone she came up with. Only Thomas didn’t seem to be appreciating the honour done him as whole heartedly as he might. “Cat got your tongue, Thomas?”

“Not at all, godmother. I know better than to interrupt before you’re finished.” Thomas detected sympathy in the glances Sir Edmund and Anthony Guilmor made sure Amara didn’t see.

“What makes you think I haven’t finished?” His godmother was teasing, knowing full well that Thomas had broken off his day at the militia barracks not to welcome her but to discuss the process by which Theodore Horsley would be fully deposed and the militia transferred to useful duty. She also knew that he would expect her to raise the subject of Judith Hampton.

“Intuition.” He wasn’t about to blurt out that he expected a scolding for not having settled matters with Judith to his godmother’s satisfaction.

“I thought that was a woman’s prerogative, Thomas.” Waspish as the retort was Thomas could see the twinkle that accompanied it and resigned himself to suffering for a little while longer before his godmother worked her way to her point.

“We’ll settle the details over dinner, Thomas.” Sir Edmund Hewston had grown tired of his sister’s game fairly quickly and with a nod to her husband he made his escape. Anthony Guilmor wasn’t slow to take his cue, and after an apologetic smile at Thomas he too took himself off upstairs.

“Now we’ll have to eat early I suppose.” Amara Guilmor might have lost her audience but she wasn’t going to forego her satisfaction. “Guilmor and Edmund think of nothing but their scheme to send you to Spain with these volunteers.”

“That is their purpose in coming here, isn’t it, and not such a minor matter really when our country struggles with the tyrant?” Thomas had to put up some kind of a fight. He knew he’d lose but self respect demanded it.

“This war will be over one day Thomas, but life will go on. You need to keep that in mind. There is such a thing as being too selfless.” Was it a female trait to confuse opaque with deep?

“I would have thought achieving command of a battalion was a good example of self interest. After all I am no longer my father’s heir and have to make my way.”

“Piffle, Thomas. And don’t chop logic with me. Penwick has made a mistake and must be persuaded to correct it. I promised your mother I’d look out for both of you and this is just the kind of situation she would not have allowed to stand.” Amara Guilmor reconsidered her pronouncement for a moment. “Really, Charlotte would never have let things come to such a pass.”

As a means of sobering their conversation her reference to Charlotte Stainford worked instantly. Thomas lost any trace of the levity he’d been displaying. “Nevertheless my father has made his decision and I do not wish to be unfilial enough to question it.”

If he had any illusion that such dutiful behaviour might impress his godmother it didn’t last. “I had hoped Charles coming up here might have led to sanity. Have the two of you met?”

“Briefly once. There is no point to meeting as there is nothing to say between us. I had ordered that he was not to be received here. Of course I will defer to you in that.” Thomas knew he had no choice, he could hardly decide who Amara received in her own house.

“We both know your father acted precipitately, Thomas. It is pride that causes you to behave so protectively. Stiff necked pride that doesn’t care about the damage it causes. Charles is as ill served by this as you. He cannot be Earl.”

“Lady Guilmor, that is not for you to say.” Thomas had to protest at this criticism of his father. Even though he knew what Amara’s response would be.

“Lady Guilmor was my husband’s mother. To you I am godmother. Or godmother dear if you feel like being dutiful. And your father made a mistake, we both know it. Charles is not fit to be Earl in your place.”

Rather than reply, this time Thomas simply watched his godmother and waited for her to elucidate her remarkable conclusion.

“Well, there’s no point in standing there like a butler, my boy. What is the first requirement of an Earl?” He was saved from having to answer by her continuing with barely a pause. She clearly didn’t trust him to return the correct answer. “Siring an heir Thomas, or better still more than one. And we both know Charles isn’t going to be doing that, don’t we?”

The last thing Thomas was prepared to do was answer her. Yet he had to. “My father doesn’t know any such thing.” A pause. “Godmother.”

“More’s the pity. Maybe he needs to before he ruins his line.” Amara stopped with the satisfaction of one who knows she’s made her position completely unassailable.

“You must be tired after your trip up from London.” Thomas didn’t expect his change of subject to stick.

“How is Jonathon Hampton, Thomas?” This was hardly safer ground because Thomas knew exactly where this line of conversation would lead.

“He has been unwell I believe.”

“Then I must visit him. You should accompany me.”

“That would be inadvisable when his daughter is betrothed to Horsley. It would be impossible to call at Oakenhill without meeting her. That would be awkward.” Thomas waited for the crushing retort that was bound to punish such waffle.

“Judith, Thomas. The girl’s name is Judith. You could have had her for the asking. She would have made you a marvellous wife. Still would.”

“That’s hardly going to happen, godmother.” Amara could be tiresome when she refused to recognise reality because it digressed from her ideal. Maybe he would regret that he had missed his chance four years ago, but that time was gone and so too was the sweet, gentle girl he’d known then. To think anything else was to delude himself and give way to the desire that still held him in sway each time he saw Judith.

“I’ve known Jonathon for many years Thomas. If he’s unwell I must see him.” He should have known better than to think Amara could be turned from her purpose.

“Of course, I would never suggest otherwise. Only that I should not accompany you. My full attention must be given to the reorganisation of the Volunteers.” Would that be excuse enough for her?

“When will you be off to Spain?” Did that mean she’d dropped the visit to Oakenhill? Or at least his participation?

“As soon as the disbanding of the regiment is accomplished and the men transferred. Most of the other preparations are complete and Sir Edmund will have details of the draft I need to bring my battalion up to strength.”

“Which means you think I should order dinner instead of standing here.” Amara smiled disarmingly before she launched a final charge. “You should have taken her to Spain with you, Thomas.”

“It’s very rough for a lady.” He’d answered far too quickly, giving away how he’d turned that thought over in his mind so many times. He should have pointed out that he hadn’t even known where Judith was when his father bundled him off to look after Charles.

“I followed Guilmor to the colours and it did me no harm. On the contrary we had a great deal of excitement. Your Judith is made of the same stern stuff, Thomas.”

He dodged the rebuke by the expedient of smiling and staying silent. This was one battle he could not win. In years ahead he would hear his godmother returning to her theme long after Judith had made her wretched marriage and forgotten him. That he could not prevent except by avoiding Amara but he could school himself not to dwell on it. Judith had made her choice and it would be both dishonourable and desperate to pursue her, however much he regretted her decision.

Dinner that night was sumptuous. It was also highly unusual since Lord Guilmor directed that all the dishes be placed on the sideboards and then dismissed the servants. His butler’s scandal he overrode with a total lack of concern that any of the dishes be eaten at less than their best due to his eccentricity.

“Every servant at Trefoyle is fully trustworthy, Guilmor.” His wife wasn’t amused, an early dinner was one thing, a cold one quite another.

“Nevertheless my dear, our arrangements must be confidential and an unguarded word could be enough to scupper all the work that’s already been done.”

“Quite right. Amara this is a small sacrifice we’re asking of you.” His sister quelled, Edmund Hewston turned to Thomas. “Your status, Major. If you please.”

Both senior officers listened intently as Thomas ran through the preparedness of the men he’d been training.

“So four hundred and fifty are ready to march Thomas?” Sir Edmund Hewston sounded approving of what had been achieved.

“Yes sir, but they are still militia, not regulars.” Thomas managed to turn the objection into a question by his inflection.

“One of the reasons why our plans must be kept secret, Amara.” His sister didn’t seem over impressed to judge by the harrumph with which she greeted her brother’s explanation and the disdain with which she poured cold sauce from her fork.

“That will be resolved, Thomas. After the inspection I will read out the disbanding order for the Volunteers and announce that your battalion is recruiting. A detachment of the Provost Marshall’s men is bringing the bullion up by coach. It should have travelled with us but the damned axle broke. Still it will be here in time to give substance to the promise of the recruitment bonus. Nothing like cold hard gold to persuade men they should follow the drum.”

“You have some of the sergeants you can prime, Thomas? To start the rush to sign the enlistment papers. Good.” Lord Guilmor seemed as sanguine as his brother in law. “Now what about the officers? There must be no objections raised.”

“Horsley can be frightened into silence.” Thomas noticed the smile his two seniors exchanged and stopped.

“Sir Theodore will be offered a position as attaché in the St Petersburg embassy, Thomas. Before the inspection. That should confuse and awe him enough to dissuade him from any protest. It will be made clear to him before the parade that he is expected to acquiesce in the dissolution of the militia.” Sir Edmund smiled with the satisfaction of one whose solution can only be regarded as beyond satisfactory. “Are any other of the officers liable to be disruptive?”

“John Hampton. I relieved him of command of his company, but if Horsley is muzzled Hampton will be too. Beyond that only Captain Lacey is likely to be difficult but he is too unpopular to influence the men.”

Thomas could recognise successful intrigue when he met it. His godmother’s brother and husband had managed this carefully and with every chance of success. The end he had worked for through endless days of training was within his grasp. The thought of taking his own battalion to Spain was exhilarating. He’d make sure of its success and all those who’d rejoiced at the disgrace of his return to England would be confounded.

“Do you have a further draft for my battalion, sir?”

“A hundred and forty men will be waiting at Portsmouth to join you on embarkation, Thomas. That may not bring you up to full strength but you’ll still have one of the biggest battalions in the Peer’s army. Do you have stores, armoury, wagons? All the necessary paraphernalia you’ll need?”

“Indeed we do. The Volunteers are very well equipped with kit. All good quality too, courtesy of Sir Theodore.”

“Make sure you let me have a list of what you take. We can’t have the good Sir Theodore running crying to his political friends that you’ve made off with his property. He’ll be reimbursed, though at army standard rates. A pity if that leaves him with a loss.”

So it was set, for there was nothing else to consider. The inspection was scheduled for the day after tomorrow and within two weeks they could be in Portsmouth. And then Spain, fighting his own battalion alongside MacKenzie and the other colonels. Leaving Judith bound for the cold and ice of St Petersburg as wife to Theodore Horsley. Perhaps into danger too if the French were to renew their invasion next year. Yet that was none of his business, not any more.

“I was thinking of visiting Jonathon Hampton, Guilmor.” Amara gained her husband’s attention effortlessly. “He has been unwell. Besides being disappointed in young John. He was quite crushed by the loss of the elder boy, Jeremy, you know.”

“John will not be going to Spain, that should spare his father some worry.” Thomas knew himself the target for his godmother’s most searching gaze the moment he’d spoken.

“Is that why you relieved him of his command, Thomas?”

“No, godmother dear. He was a most incompetent officer.” He would have concluded his explanation there but felt obliged to continue in the face of Amara’s open scepticism. “He would have been a danger to his men.”

“If you say so Thomas. If you say so.”

“I have no objection to you visiting Hampton my dear, but perhaps not until the inspection is underway. The girl is Horsley’s betrothed and her brother his creature by Thomas’ reckoning.” Lord Guilmor spoke with the caution of one who is aware of the danger of gainsaying his wife. “Since there is little to do tomorrow other than ensuring the bullion is safely stowed I thought we might make a picnic of the day. A holiday to enjoy Trefoyle, Edmund.”

~

“Whose side are you on?” John Hampton wasn’t in a holiday mood despite his lack of any kind of substantive occupation. He was furious with his sister and he wasn’t concerned who knew it. In truth Judith was growing frightened of his increasing lack of control over his temper, but she wasn’t going to submit to John’s tantrum.