The Scandalous Lord Lanchester
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The moon was high overhead, shedding a bright silver light over the gardens. Something caught his eye in the shrubbery—a flash of white. A man’s shirt, perhaps? Whoever it was seemed to be hiding … watching the house. Was there someone out there skulking in the bushes?
If some rogue was hoping to break in and steal valuables, he was going to be in for a shock. His instincts alerted to danger, Andrew dressed quickly. This needed investigation.
He left through a window at the back of the villa and made his way round to the front gardens, keeping close to the wall and in deep shadow. He was alert, his finger on the trigger of his concealed pistol, but even after his years of training in the army, he was not aware of the man behind him until the last moment. Someone lunged at him as he turned and grabbed for his arm. They struggled for a few moments and Andrew’s pistol fired into the air. The next moment he heard a shout from the house and the door opened.
‘Andrew—are you out there?’
Hearing Grainger’s voice, the assailant suddenly shoved Andrew backwards, causing him to stumble and fall. Before he was on his feet again the shadow had run off, disappearing into the darkness. Andrew fired another shot in the direction he’d gone, hoping to scare him. He heard a faint curse and then nothing more.
‘I’m over here, Grainger,’ he called. ‘There was someone lurking in the bushes. I came out to investigate and we fought. My pistol went off—unfortunately, it was pointing in the air and not at him. I may have winged him with the second shot, though.’
Grainger was dressed in breeches and shirt and had clearly not been to bed. He had a pistol in his hand as he came to join Andrew.
‘It may be just as well,’ he said. ‘If you’d killed him, we should have had trouble with the authorities. Did you catch a sight of his face? Could you identify him?’
‘No, I caught a glimpse of him, nothing more. He was acting in a furtive manner and I feared someone might be trying to break in and rob us while we slept.’
‘You were not sleeping?’
‘No. I had something on my mind.’
‘Does it concern Lieutenant Gordon?’
‘It might. Why do you ask?’
Grainger hesitated, then, ‘I wasn’t quite truthful earlier. At one time I was on terms with him, but then I realised that he was a rogue—and a thief. I caught him stealing from a fellow officer’s kit.’
‘You did not report him?’
‘No …’ Grainger looked uncomfortable. ‘I ought to have done so—but he was supposed to be courting a young lady I know. She is my cousin on my father’s side. Gordon had asked her to marry him and she had promised she would when she was eighteen. If I’d accused him of being a thief, it would have broken Thelma’s heart.’
‘She must have suffered when he left the army and disappeared?’
‘Yes, she went into a decline. For a time we thought she might die, but thankfully, she is recovering at last. My aunt told me she is thinking of marriage to a decent man this time.’
‘I am glad to hear it. So, you have no idea where Gordon is now then?’
‘If I had, I should find him and thrash him.’ Grainger frowned, but his eyes did not quite meet Andrew’s. He had a feeling that he had not been told the whole story. ‘Did you come out here to find him? Is that why you are here?’
‘It was one of my reasons for coming out.’
‘The other … Forgive me, was the other reason Lady Fanshawe?’
‘Why do you ask?’
Grainger shook his head. ‘She is beautiful, but I hardly know her. I dare say she would not look at me.’
Andrew would have answered him, but at that moment Lady Jenkins called to them from the house.
‘The shots must have wakened your aunt. Go and reassure her, Grainger. I shall take another walk about the grounds, make certain there is no one lurking. We shall continue our conversation another time.’
Andrew frowned as Grainger went off to soothe his aunt’s fears. It was clear to him that the young officer liked Mariah. As yet it was no more than that, but it might become more in time. As far as Andrew knew, Grainger would be a good match for her. His background was adequate and he had prospects. He did not have to marry money because his aunt and uncle were very wealthy and had already named him as their heir. Mariah could do worse than marry Grainger.
‘A picnic,’ Sylvia said the next morning when Mariah entered the salon. ‘Lady Jenkins has invited us for tomorrow afternoon. She has arranged it on the lake shore and there will be boats to take us out on the lake should we wish it.’
‘That sounds pleasant,’ Mariah said. ‘I believe I should like to go out on the lake. It is cooler and the weather has been very warm of late.’
‘Yes, it has …’ Sylvia looked at her, noticing faint shadows beneath her eyes. ‘Has it been keeping you awake? If so, I can arrange for a net over your bed so that you may have the window open.’
‘No, I do not think the heat kept me awake,’ Mariah told her. ‘I slept later, but I must admit I was restless for a time.’
‘Were you thinking of Lord Lanchester?’
‘Yes, for a while.’ Mariah laughed. ‘Is it not foolish of me? I do not think he has any intention of asking me to marry him, therefore I must look elsewhere if I am to find a husband before we leave Italy.’
‘You are not serious in your intention?’
‘Why not? I may have met a gentleman I rather like.’
Sylvia questioned her with her eyes. In her early thirties, she was a pretty woman, good-natured and much loved by her doting husband. The fact that she had not as yet given him an heir seemed not to bother him one bit, though Mariah suspected it was a source of some distress to her friend.
‘I must suppose you to mean Lieutenant Grainger? He certainly has prospects, Mariah—if you care about such things.’
‘Money is immaterial. I have far more than I need.’
‘Can one ever have too much?’ Sylvia asked and laughed.
‘No, but I have enough. I want something more from my marriage—excitement, laughter, respect and children.’
Sylvia frowned. ‘And love? You say nothing of it, but I suspect it means more to you than you will admit? Did the lieutenant give you reason to hope?’
‘He was polite, friendly, but not overly attentive. I think his aunt would like him to make a push for my notice. She knows of my fortune and thinks me an excellent catch for her nephew, but he is more circumspect in his approach. He has given me no sign as yet. I do not think him a fortune hunter—which counts in his favour.’
Sylvia shook her head as she saw the speculative look in Mariah’s eyes. ‘I believe you are serious. You will really accept a proposal of marriage from him if he asks?’
‘I might,’ Mariah replied innocently, then gurgled with laughter. ‘Or I might decide that an affair would suit me better. I am not sure whether he would suit me as a lover …’ She tipped her head to one side, a sparkle in her eyes. ‘It would be exciting to have an affair, do you not think so?’
‘Now I know you are misbehaving,’ her friend said with a shake of her head. ‘You do so love to tease, dearest. I know you too well to believe you serious, but others might not. Be a little careful, Mariah. I should not like to see you hurt.’
‘As yet I have met no one who is anxious to engage me in a clandestine affair,’ Maria admitted ruefully. ‘Most seem interested in getting a ring on my finger for the sake of controlling Winston’s fortune.’
‘Well, your unpleasant experience has given you a terrible shock,’ Sylvia sympathised, ‘but you must not think everyone the same. If you were to receive a proposal from someone you could like sufficiently, it might be the best thing for you. After all, business is a chore—why not leave it to a man you may trust? He would, of course, secure a generous settlement on you.’
‘Yes, I believe marriage might suit me best,’ Mariah conceded and turned away for fear her friend should see too much.
It was time she lost her virginity. Mariah had made up her mind that she would either marry or take a lover. Sylvia had been shocked, but many married ladies had clandestine affairs—why shouldn’t she? At least she would not wake up one day to discover that her husband cared nothing for her and had run through her fortune at the card table.
That would be humiliating and something that she did not think she could accept. Rather an affair with a man who admired and excited her that she could end when she chose than marriage with a man who wanted only her money. Yet she was tired of living alone. She could not always be in the company of friends and there were many lonely hours, often in the dark reaches of the night when she could not sleep and longed for someone she could talk to as a friend.
Andrew Lanchester would never treat her so badly. Were he to offer for her she would marry him, even if he was not madly in love with her. He would be honest, generous and considerate. All the qualities she needed. The provoking man! Why could he not oblige her?
What she truly needed was for Andrew to care for her. She might think of marrying others in an idle moment, but in her heart there was only one she wanted.
Why would he not tell her he cared and ask her to marry him?
Chapter Three
It was yet another perfect day by the lake. In the warm sunshine the water looked impossibly blue and at times the sunbeams seemed to dance on the surface like a shower of diamonds. Mariah looked around her. Theirs was not the only party to take advantage of the coolness to be found by the lakeside and several ladies and gentlemen strolled arm in arm. Out on the lake itself there were various kinds of small boats: some being rowed by eager amateurs, as well as those plied by professionals eager for trade.
‘My nephew was so distressed to miss the picnic,’ Lady Jenkins said, taking a seat next to Mariah. ‘He met with an accident while out walking this morning and was obliged to visit the doctor.’
‘I am sorry to hear that.’ Mariah looked at her in genuine concern. ‘Did Lieutenant Grainger suffer a fall?’
‘That is the most distressing thing about the whole affair,’ Lady Jenkins said, lowering her voice. ‘He begged me not to make a fuss. I was all for sending for the authorities, but he would not have it.’
‘I fear I do not understand your meaning?’ Mariah arched her fine brows.
‘It is quite shocking. Peter was set upon by ruffians, my dear. He says there must have been two of them for they knocked him to the ground and kicked him. He fought back and they ran off, but he has suffered some injuries and was feeling unwell when we left him this morning.’
‘Oh, what a shame,’ Mariah said with ready sympathy. ‘That is a great deal too bad. In the isolation of the hills one has to take care, for there may occasionally be bandits who will attack an unwary traveller, but here at the lakes—I have not heard of such a thing before.’
‘It has made me uneasy,’ Lady Jenkins agreed. ‘I have almost decided to cut short our visit here and move on to Venice.’
‘That would be a pity,’ Mariah said. ‘Though Venice is beautiful, of course, but … perhaps it might be best to speak to the authorities. If there are thieves in the area, they ought to be apprehended.’
‘It is most odd. Peter says he was not robbed, simply knocked to the ground, beaten—and then abandoned.’
‘How very strange.’
‘Yes, I thought so. One would almost suppose him to have an enemy, but he will not hear of it—and he would not wish me to speak of the affair, but I wanted you to know why he had cried off. I know he was looking forward to seeing you again so very much.’
‘It is a shame, of course. However, I am sure we shall meet again soon—unless you feel compelled to leave for Venice immediately?’
Smiling, Mariah rose from her seat, nodded to her hostess and walked slowly towards Andrew, who was standing with Sylvia at the edge of the lake, watching some children playing with a ball.
‘It is a perfect day for being on the water, is it not?’ she asked, then, frowning, ‘Have you heard about the attack on Lieutenant Grainger? Lady Jenkins is quite distressed.’
‘Yes, of course. Lady Jenkins was good enough to invite me to stay with them.’
‘I had not realised that,’ Mariah said. ‘I might have invited you to stay with us.’
‘Had I not already accepted Lady Jenkins’s invitation I should have been happy to do so. I am pleased to tell you that Grainger’s pride is more bruised than his arm, though he wears it in a sling for a slight sprain and was advised to rest.’
‘What is that?’ Sylvia asked. ‘Lady Jenkins told me he sent his apologies, but nothing more.’
‘I dare say he would rather not make a fuss—but apparently he was attacked while out walking early this morning. Some ruffians knocked him to the ground and beat him, then suddenly ran off.’
‘Was he robbed?’ Sylvia looked alarmed.
‘I think not. It was a senseless attack for no reason—unless Lieutenant Grainger has an enemy, of course.’
‘That is so shocking,’ Sylvia said and looked at Andrew. ‘I have not heard of such a thing happening here before—have you?’
‘It is rare, I think,’ Andrew replied. He hesitated, as if he would say more, then changed his mind. ‘He was walking in an isolated area, I believe. You must be safe enough here amongst so many.’
‘Yes, but still …’ Sylvia shook her head in distress. ‘It is disturbing none the less.’
‘Yes, it is a little,’ Mariah said. ‘Lieutenant Grainger was obliged to seek the services of a doctor. Lady Jenkins is distressed and thinks of removing to Venice sooner than she had planned.’
‘I do not blame her,’ Sylvia said. ‘Such things make one uncomfortable. I shall speak to Hubert later. We are engaged to Count Paolo later this week at his home in Milan. He is holding a masked ball in our honour, as you know, Mariah—but after that I, too, may think of repairing to Venice sooner than we had planned.’
‘I should not let one incident overset you, ma’am,’ Andrew said. ‘I dare say it may have been some louts who’d overimbibed and thought to take their opportunity. Such things happen anywhere at any time, you know. Even in London there was a time when the Mohawks, marauding louts, some of them meant to be gentlemen, made the streets unsafe because of their drunken behaviour. I am certain both you and Mariah are safe enough, providing you do not walk alone at night—or in isolated places during the day.’
‘Mariah walks alone sometimes during the day.’ Sylvia looked at her anxiously. ‘I think you should be more careful in future, dearest. If there are unscrupulous rogues about, you must wait until you have an escort.’
‘I was thinking of walking to the far shore,’ Mariah said and turned her bright gaze on Andrew. ‘Would you oblige me, sir?’
‘Yes, of course, if you wish it,’ Andrew said and turned to Sylvia. ‘You will excuse us, ma’am—unless you wish to accompany us?’
‘It would be too far for me,’ Sylvia replied. ‘Besides, Lady Jenkins spoke of taking a trip on the water and I think I should like to go, too. Enjoy yourselves, but please do not wear yourself out, Mariah. Remember that we leave for Milan in the morning.’
‘I shall not be in the least tired. I have far too much energy. If I do not use some of it, I cannot rest at night.’
Mariah took Andrew’s arm and they set out together, admiring various aspects of the scenery. She enjoyed the feeling of being close to him, her heart beating a little faster than normal. Not until some minutes had passed and they had seen no one else for a while did Mariah speak of what was on her mind.
‘I have decided I must marry soon,’ she announced and felt Andrew’s little start of surprise. He glanced at her and she lifted her fine eyebrows, giving him a provocative look. ‘I hope to announce my engagement on my return to England or perhaps before we reach Paris.’
He arched one eyebrow. ‘Am I to wish you happy? May I know the name of the fortunate gentleman?’
‘Oh, I have not yet decided who I shall marry,’ Mariah said with an innocent air. ‘I need a husband, Andrew. I am tired of being a widow and wish for the comforts of marriage. Tell me, what do you know of Lieutenant Grainger? I should like your opinion of his character and whether you think he would make me a suitable husband.’
‘Has he spoken to you?’ Andrew’s gaze narrowed.
‘Not in so many words,’ Mariah said and dimpled naughtily. ‘Lieutenant Grainger has been very complimentary and his aunt tells me he was devastated that he had to cry off today. I dare say a little encouragement from me might bring him to the point—but you shall guide me.’
‘Does it have to be so immediate?’ Andrew asked, a hint of impatience in his tone. ‘Why the hurry, Mariah? Do you feel yourself in danger of being abducted again?’
‘Oh, no,’ she said airily. ‘No, it is simply that I wish to be married again. I want someone I can rely on, a strong arm to support me—the kind of companionship that comes from living with a man.’
‘Are you sure you are not reacting to that unfortunate business at home?’
‘I do not think so,’ Mariah said, considering. ‘Yes, I was in some distress for a few days after the event. I was unfortunately unwell while I stayed with Jane and you, Andrew, and I did feel vulnerable for a time, but I have recovered from that now, I assure you.’
‘When we met the other morning at your friend’s villa, you seemed to be in some distress,’ Andrew said thoughtfully.
‘Was I? Yes, perhaps.’ Mariah sighed. ‘I still feel sad when I think of my late husband. Contrary to most people’s belief, I loved Winston—perhaps not in the way I might love a younger man, but I was certainly very fond of him. I do miss him still.’
‘Why did you marry him?’
‘Partly because he asked when I was feeling piqued. You know Justin Avonlea asked me to marry him because his father had lost much of my fortune? I was annoyed because I knew he did not care for me—and there were other reasons. However, I was happy in my short marriage and I have become bored with being a widow.’
‘Might you not regret it if you married simply because you are bored with your present life?’
‘Perhaps.’ Her eyes sparkled with mischief. ‘What else would you advise—should I take a lover, perhaps? Can you find me a suitable candidate who would oblige me without demanding too much?’
‘I think you have a wicked tongue, Mariah.’ Andrew gave a reluctant laugh. ‘It is as well that I know you are jesting.’
‘Am I? Are you perfectly sure? You do not know me that well, Andrew,’ Mariah teased. ‘I should like to know your true opinion of my character. Do tell, Andrew! Am I a wicked flirt? No better than I ought to be?’ She tipped her head to one side, a challenge in her eyes and her lips slightly parted. ‘Or am I a featherbrained goose?’
‘You do not need me to answer that. If I were a vain man, I might think you were deliberately provoking me.’
‘Perhaps I am.’ Mariah tipped her head to one side. ‘Yet I fear it is beyond me. You, my best of friends, are far too sensible to be turned from your purpose by such a flighty jade as I.’
‘Had I not other things on my mind I might take you at your word, Mariah.’
‘Indeed? I have sensed something, Andrew. Will you not tell me? If it is a matter of money, I might …’ She faltered as he frowned. ‘No? Yet I suspect something is bothering you—can you not unburden yourself to a friend?’
‘My problem is mine to solve, Mariah. I fear if you look for a proposal from me I cannot oblige, much as I might wish things otherwise.’
‘That is plain speaking,’ Mariah said, laughing to hide the sudden strike of pain. ‘What a shocking disappointment! So, if you are not on the marriage market, for the moment that leaves Lieutenant Grainger … I ask you in all seriousness, what is your opinion of that gentleman? You did say you would help me to make a good selection when last we spoke of marriage.’
‘I could not advise you on the merits or otherwise of that particular gentleman, Mariah. If you are serious, I will enquire into his prospects and his background. Indeed, he seems respectable enough—but I am not certain he would suit you. You might find him a little worthy.’
‘Damning indeed! Worthy? How dull, Andrew. While I would not wish for a black sheep, a slightly grey one might do well enough,’ Mariah said, her fingers pressing lightly on his arm. Why could the foolish man not tell her what was troubling him? Any other man would seize the opportunity she’d given him to flirt and steal a kiss. ‘Can you not think of someone you might recommend, Andrew? Will you not save me from taking the next fortune hunter that crosses my path?’
‘Are you playing a game with me?’ Andrew stopped walking, turning to look into her eyes. ‘If this is your idea of amusement, we may banter and then forget it—but if you are in earnest I shall give the matter some serious thought. However, I think you must give yourself a little more time.’
Mariah pouted. ‘Must I? Very well, I am prepared to wait a few months longer if I must, but please take me seriously. If you cannot help me, I may have to decide for myself—and then I might make a mistake. How would you feel with that on your conscience? I am a lonely widow at the mercy of unscrupulous men—and I asked you for help. Ignore me at your peril.’
A gleam of amusement sprang up in his eyes and for a moment she felt he was close to taking hold of her and giving her a good shake.
‘You deserve a spanking, Mariah.’
‘You wouldn’t dare …’
‘Do not be too certain.’
Mariah laughed. ‘Very well, I shall not tease you, Andrew—but I am serious. I believe I shall not be happy until I find a husband I can admire and like.’
‘You are serious now, I think.’
‘Yes—and I need your help. Truly I do.’
‘Very well. Give me two months after we all return to England, Mariah. If I cannot come up with a suggestion that suits you in that time …’ He shook his head, a reluctant smile in his eyes. ‘You are a minx, Lady Fanshawe. I wish I might speak freely …’ He saw the question in her eyes. ‘My hands are tied for the moment.
Come, can you truly not wait a little longer to find a husband who will love and care for you?’
‘If he was the right man, I would wait for ever,’ Mariah said and for once she was not laughing. Her heart raced. Surely he must know what was in her mind? She could not be plainer. ‘Do you think I might find love, Andrew? I have sometimes thought that I must be unlovable since no one seems to care for anything but my fortune.’
‘Ridiculous,’ he replied, a frown creasing his brow. ‘You must know you are beautiful and charming. I dare say most men fall in love with you—but some are in desperate need of your fortune. Others are gamblers and you could not trust them even if they cared for you. However, I dare say there are at least twenty gentlemen I could bring to mind once we are in London.’
‘Then you advise me to wait?’ Mariah nodded. ‘Well, I dare say I should need time to choose my bride clothes and have them made. Very well, I shall take your advice, my good friend.’
‘Is there anything else your ladyship requires me to pack?’
‘No, I do not think so …’
Mariah sighed as her gaze fell on the small trunk, which was to accompany them on their visit to Milan. They would stay at the count’s large house in Milan for two nights before returning to his villa to complete their stay in Italy. In less than three weeks they would remove to Venice for a few days before leaving for France. Sylvia wished to spend a little time shopping in Paris and after that they would return home to England.
What was she supposed to do with her life then? Lucinda had said she would be welcome to make her home with her and Justin, but though Mariah would be happy to visit for a while, she needed her own home. She had paid brief visits to the country house Winston had left her, but it was too grand and impersonal. Of course she could fill it with friends, but she did not think it would suit her to live always in the country—at least, it might be bearable if she were married. As a widow she would do better in London or Bath. No! Bath was full of old tabbies who had nothing better to do than drink the foul waters and whisper behind their fans about the latest on dit in London.