Fenella Miller (4 page)

Emily’s woeful expression and tearful eyes made Marianne feel ungrateful.

‘Mama had thought you would like to be with me, that we could become friends that way. It is no trouble for me to share my rooms, I do assure you.’ The girl brushed her tears away. ‘I will sleep elsewhere tonight, Miss Devenish, and not disturb you. Tomorrow we will make a different arrangement, more suitable to your tastes.’ She dropped a formal courtesy. ‘I will bid you goodnight, Miss Devenish.’

Marianne returned the gesture. ‘Goodnight, Miss Grierson.’

* * * *

Far too late to apologize—the damage was done. She had needlessly upset Miss Grierson who had volunteered to share her apartments out of kindness. Feeling wretched, for she had so wished to please her new family, Marianne retraced her steps and was relieved to find the parlour and bedchamber empty, apart from her maid.

‘Jane, I have behaved disgracefully. I upset poor Miss Grierson for no reason.’

‘Oh dear, and she is such a kind soul, no malice in her anywhere. It’s not like you to speak harshly to anyone.’

‘I told her I did not wish to share with her, that I wanted an apartment of my own.’

Jane nodded unsurprised. ‘Well, if that’s all, I should not fret. You’re not used to sharing, and no more should you. For by right you should have the best rooms in the Hall.’

‘It was not for that reason that I spoke. It is her chatter. I can’t live with that. I have grown up in solitude and I prefer to keep it that way.’

‘Don’t you like Miss Grierson?’

Marianne smiled. ‘She is a dear girl but her understanding is not great and she never stops talking.’ She stifled a yawn. She almost told Jane what she had overheard but decided it would be unfair to pass on what was purely conjecture. Time enough to discuss her fears when she was certain Charles and Edward were actually involved in something illegal.

‘Is your cottage satisfactory, Jane? Will you and John be happy there?’

‘It’s a deal more comfortable than the room we shared at Upton Manor. With a lick of whitewash and a few gee-gaws it will be a palace. The lads are happy too. The room they have is large and has furniture and shelves aplenty.’

‘That is excellent news. I shall not require you any more this evening. Come to me as usual at eight o’clock. Goodnight, Jane.’

‘Goodnight, Miss Marianne.’

* * * *

Unable to settle, Marianne curled up on the wide, padded window seat and scanned the landscape she could see from her window. The room was at the side of the house and overlooked the stables and a range of barns, and even these appeared charming in the silver light.

She rested her cheek against the coolness of the glass and closed her eyes thinking how her life had changed. She had brothers and sisters and had acquired a guardian, and not the one her grandmother had intended. Her brow creased as she considered Sir Theodore Devenish. Her initial impression of his intelligence was not favourable, but after careful consideration she was not sure she had assessed him correctly.

In spite of his languid air and affected manners his physique was that of an athlete and his dark blue eyes had held a glimmer of something she could not quantify. She knew little of respectable gentlemen; her only experience of men had been the unsavoury characters who had courted her during her short stay in Bath.

She shivered, the cotton nightdress kindly lent to her by Emily, was too thin to protect her from the night air. May was three quarters gone but so close to the North Sea the month still had a nip to it. Snuggled under the comforter, she forced her limbs to relax, willing sleep to overtake her. She heard footsteps outside on the cobbles but decided not to climb out and investigate.

Chapter Four

The rattle of the window curtains dragged Marianne from her slumbers.

‘Good morning, Miss Marianne; it’s a lovely day, not a cloud in the sky.’

‘Good morning, Jane. Must you be so cheerful? I am in low spirits this morning. I am going to find it hard to behave as I ought.’

Jane hurried across. ‘Now, don’t fret, miss. You’ll soon be comfortable in company. And you’d be surprised how much is forgiven of an heiress.’

‘I am not used to that either—I had no notion that there was any money for we lived so frugally at Upton.’

Jane clucked her disapproval. ‘It was a disgrace, if you will forgive me for saying so, miss, that you were kept in seclusion when there were funds aplenty for parties and gowns galore.’

‘But if I am not to attract unwanted attention or let Sir James know my whereabouts, should I not remain at home, not go out at all?’

‘I expect you’re right. It’s a pity that you have such distinctive looks, miss. Not many young women are blessed with corn coloured curls, sky blue eyes and a perfect form to match.’

‘You exaggerate, Jane, but I thank you for the compliments. It is not my intention to parade in extravagant gowns. I have asked Mrs Dawkins to ensure everything is plain, high neck and long-sleeved. Emily seemed to think pastels and white were the only acceptable colours, but I thought that as I am not going to be attending functions I could have what I wanted.’

Jane looked unconvinced. ‘Colours are considered unsuitable for girls your age, miss, so it might be best if you refuse as many invitations to make morning calls as you can, at least until you are more sure of yourself and can carry them off.’

‘I will do that willingly. But I am a guest here and I will be obliged to attend some functions with Lady Grierson and Emily. After all Sir Theodore has dipped deep into my funds to finance our new clothes. He will expect us to wear them, will he not?’

Jane handed a cup of chocolate to her young mistress. ‘Time enough to worry, I suppose, when they arrive. Neither Lady Grierson nor Sir Theodore can expect you to go out in public until then.’

‘Do you know when breakfast is served here? I should hate to miss it; I ate little at dinner yesterday and did not go in for supper.’

‘At ten o’clock, I expect, like most places. You have plenty of time. I have sponged and pressed your gown and your habit is also ready.’

‘I will wear my habit. Sultan has not been ridden since we arrived at Bentley Hall. He will be eager to stretch his legs.’

* * * *

The stable yard was a hum of activity. Enquiring heads hung over stable doors enjoying the bustle. Marianne stepped carefully round the piles of steaming horse dung searching for her own mount. She saw Tom before she spotted Sultan.

‘Mornin’, Miss Devenish, was you hoping to ride Sultan?’

‘Yes, Tom, I was. Is something amiss with him?’

‘He’s lame in his off-hind, miss. Nothing serious, a trifle overheated, that’s all. I’ve turned him out in the paddock to graze.’ Seeing her disappointment he hastily continued. ‘All the others are sound though. Shall I saddle up Jason for you? John’s not ridden him today.’

‘Will you accompany me, Tom? And perhaps one of the Frating grooms could come as well to give us directions? I should like to discover more about this place.’

Fifteen minutes passed before the horses were saddled. Jason, as content under a side saddle as any other, waited patiently for Marianne to be tossed aboard. The young groom appointed to be their guide, Sam, led the way.

The park was small but verdant and offered several opportunities for a gallop, and the fields were bordered by fences ideal for jumping.

‘Tom, look at that—there’s a gap there big enough to drive a cart through.’

‘I see, Miss Devenish. Good thing there are no cattle grazing here. There’s a lot needs doing on this estate but the staff are well fed and happy, it’s only the land and buildings that need attention.’

Marianne reined in, gazing with pleasure across the open fields. ‘I like it here, Tom. The landscape is not dramatic but the trees are handsome and the fields in good heart.’ She turned, to Sam, waiting just ahead. ‘Where does that lane lead to, Sam?’

‘Down to the village, Miss Devenish. Do you wish to take it?’

‘Not now. I believe we have been out long enough. I have to change before breakfast and I do not wish to be late.’

* * * *

A handsome chestnut stallion was being led into the cobbled yard as they clattered back. Sam grinned. ‘That’s Sir Theodore’s mount; I’d know him anywhere, for he visited Lord Grierson as soon as he arrived in Great Bentley. That horse is a mad devil. I doubt as any other man in England could ride him without breaking his neck.’

Too surprised by his remarks to answer Marianne dropped easily from the saddle and with a quick wave of thanks almost ran back to the house. She wasn’t sure if she was more taken aback by her foppish guardian being such a bruising rider or that he had dragged himself out of bed before noon. She entered by a side door, previously pointed out to her, and raced up the stairs and burst into her small drawing-room.

‘Good heavens, miss, is something wrong? You fare startled me,’ Jane exclaimed.

‘My guardian is here. Imagine—before we have taken breakfast! What can he be thinking of?’ She headed for the bedchamber intending to change out of her habit.

‘I should stay in that, miss. It is the one decent garment you own. It’s a blessing Lady Frasier never minded you spending money on anything related to horses.’

‘And I would not have my Sultan either, if she had not done so.’

She waited whilst Jane quickly sponged off the dust and grime accumulated from the ride. ‘There, you’ll do. The military cut and dark green material suit you. Have you asked to have your new habit made in the same style?’

Marianne shrugged. ‘I have no idea. I left it entirely up to Mrs Dawkins. As long as she avoids pastel colours and white, I have given her a free hand.’

Jane sniffed. ‘Well, we must hope her taste is good and you don’t end up decked out like a village maiden.’

‘No fear of that, Jane. I also made it abundantly clear I wish there to be, no frills, ruches or an excess of ribbons. Now—am I ready?’

‘You will do. Try not to run downstairs—remember you’re a guest here.’

A footman escorted her to the breakfast parlour, a spacious room positioned on the south side of the house, thus getting the full benefit of the morning sun. The room was empty. It had just struck ten—where was everyone? Or more to the point, where was Sir Theodore? She turned to the footman.

‘I believe Sir Theodore is visiting? Could you direct me to him please?’

‘Certainly, Miss Devenish. He is in the library with Lord Grierson.’

Marianne paused. Should she disturb them? She was not sure of the correct etiquette. The young man saw her hesitation and guessed its cause.

‘Lord Grierson and Sir Theodore enquired as to your whereabouts, Miss Devenish,’ he told her helpfully.

‘In that case, take me to the library please.’ She knew, for her mother had told her so, that in the grandest households the occupants would not dream of thanking a servant, but she preferred to treat them with respect.

The footman held the door open and she stepped in, remembering to curtsy politely in the general direction of the two gentlemen standing conversing by the window.

‘Come in, my dear child, we have been hoping you would join us,’ Lord Grierson waved a hand in greeting.

Sir Theodore stepped forward, his expression open but his eyes watchful. ‘Good morning, Miss Marianne, did you enjoy your ride?’

‘Yes, thank you, sir. It is a pretty place you have here, Lord Grierson.’

‘I am glad you approve, my dear. Now, your guardian has some private matters to discuss with you, so I shall leave you together.’

Before she could protest that she did not wish to be left unchaperoned, he disappeared. Devenish strolled over and opened the door, wide, before returning to his place by the window.

‘How are you settling in? Is everything here to your liking?’

‘Yes, sir; I am to have my own apartments and my staff are well accommodated. I have no complaints.’

‘Excellent! It would be just too tedious if I had to find you somewhere else to reside.’ He stifled a yawn and admired his reflection, for a moment, in the handsome mirror hung above the empty grate.

‘I apologize if I am boring you. I have not yet learned to make small talk,’ she said sweetly. She caught a glimpse of something flicker in his eyes and wondered if her assessment of his intelligence was possibly incorrect.

‘Bore me? No, never, my dear girl. It is merely that I left my bed too soon as I was determined to see you are comfortable. I could not sleep for worrying.’

This was stretching credulity too far—he did not appear a man overburdened with cares of any sort. She bobbed a curtsy.

‘Thank you, sir. I am sure I appreciate your concern. But I can promise you I am happy here and have no need of your assistance.’ She left unsaid the fact that she preferred it to stay that way but the implication was clear.

‘Well, my dear, I am afraid you will have to get used to my appearance. I shall not shirk my responsibilities. I intend, soon as you have received your new wardrobe, to escort you about the place, let everyone know that I am your guardian. A mere shabster could do no less.’

She recovered quickly from her horror at this statement and pinned on a smile of false delight. ‘I had no idea that you intended to be such an attentive guardian, sir. I shall look forward to your frequent visits. But, alas, it could be some time before I am appropriately dressed and can leave the house.’ She dropped her eyes demurely before continuing. ‘I am certain that you would not wish to be seen out with a dowd upon your arm. You are, as anyone can see, a man in the first stare of fashion.’

‘That habit is quite fetching, my dear, nothing wrong with it at all. I shall escort you on your morning ride until your gowns are ready.’

Did she detect a slight crispness to his tone, or did she imagine it? ‘That will be delightful, but my horse, Sultan, is lame at the moment so I shall not be riding again until he is sound.’ The fact that she had just ridden out quite happily on a different mount escaped neither of them.

* * * *

Theo barely curbed his strong desire to step forward and shake his ward, violently. If he continued this conversation any longer he would be unable to restrain himself. He did not enjoy being made a fool of by a slip of the girl, however delectable. He summoned up his most simpering smile and bowed, with exaggerated courtesy.