Pride and Retribution (16 page)

‘Does Lucy know Harriet is your cousin?’ He asked softly and Evelyn shook her head.

‘And I want it to stay that way, so please don’t tell her.’ Evelyn went and sat back in the chair and Wilfred moved back to Lucy’s side. ‘Robert knows she is our cousin, but only Robert. I had asked him to try and intervene with Markham and get Harriet out from under his crushing influence, but she turned to you for help.’

Wilfred shook his head in disgust. ‘I wasn’t quick enough.’ He admitted. ‘Gossip travels too fast in London and Markham already knew she was leaving before I could spirit her away. By the time I realised what was happening she was almost a bloody corpse among a wrecked house.’

‘I know.’ Evelyn said compassionately. ‘Harriet has told me all about you and everything you have done for her and my family.’ She smiled broadly, ‘Oh! Yes! I know how you have tried to protect Lucy from Markham even as far back as last spring, so I’m grateful. You undoubtedly have prevented her from being horribly abused and I’m only sorry her father isn’t here to protect her.’ She finished sadly.

‘I knew your husband quite well, Mrs. Hastings.’ Wilfred admitted. ‘He talked about his “little pigeon” an awful lot. There are times when I think I know everything about her, when
in reality, I know her so little.’

‘Well, you’re going to get to know her very well over the rest of your life.’ Evelyn said firmly and Wilfred nodded solemnly.

*****

Lucy’s fever got worse at tea time and she became distressed with it. Tossing and turning as she writhed in the horrors of her nightmares caused by the fever seering her body. During the afternoon the wind had picked up and the storm was now raging outside. The wind howled across the chimney, making the small fire in the grate draw so fiercely it roared.

Evelyn had retired back to Bassett Hall, taking a note to Wilfred’s father, explaining events. Mrs. Herbert had finally accepted that Wilfred knew what he was doing and helped instead of hindered. Abigail couldn’t have been more helpful.

‘Abigail?’ Wilfred’s voice sounded hollow. ‘We will have to try the “kill or cure”!’

She looked at him in horror for a moment, then her eyes swivelled to Lucy and he could see the acceptance in them before she turned back. ‘It doesn’t look good, does it, My Lord?’

‘No, it doesn’t. But if I leave it to the doctor, she’ll end up with a blister scar for the rest of her life and I would like to prevent that.’ He smiled sadly. ‘Bring up the bath and as much ice cold water as they can bring.’

‘Yes, My Lord.’ Abigail whispered and bobbed a curtsey before she left the room
.

While he was alone with Lucy, Wilfred gently turned her and wrapped the sheet tightly about her body, tying the corners in a tight knot to prevent the footmen from seeing more than her normal décolletage. As Abigail arrived back, she carried in a huge pile of towels and some clean sheets. ‘I thought I should change the bed at the same time.’ She murmured as she put the stack of towels in the chair.

‘That’s a good idea, Abigail.’ Wilfred helped the footmen position the bath where he wanted it and had the buckets of icy water lined up. He spread a couple of towels inside the tin bath and then fetched Lucy, laying her carefully on the towels, with her head and shoulders resting against the end of the tub instead of flat on the bottom. Wilfred took a deep breath, murmured for God’s assistance and picked up the first bucket. At that moment Mrs. Herbert burst into the room shouting.

‘You can’t do that to Miss Lucy! I forbid it!’ she bellowed.

Wilfred lowered the bucket to the carpet and looked at the housekeeper as if she was a hoyden. ‘You would rather see her scarred for life by a blister?’ he demanded.

‘Well at least he is a doctor. What you’re doing could kill her!’ Mrs. Herbert shouted and Lucy cried out in her delirium.

‘So could a blister, Mrs. Herbert. Now you will be quiet, or I shall have you removed.’ Wilfred said harshly and he spoke in the voice he reserved for the House of Lords. Mrs. Herbert quailed under the icy expression on his face and finally capitulated with a mumbled ‘I’ll tell Mrs. Hastings all about it!’

‘You do that, Mrs. Herbert. In the meantime I intend to
save my future wife!’ He sighed. ‘You can make yourself useful and change the bed.’

Wilfred took another deep breath and picked up the bucket again. Abigail had knelt beside the tub and soothed Lucy, so she was now quiet for a moment. Wilfred slowly poured the icy water over Lucy, starting at her head, making her splutter and moving the stream over her body. He did this over and over until the tub was almost full of icy cold water and Lucy was shivering. ‘Thank you, could you give us a few minutes to get her out, dried and into bed?’ he said to the footmen, who nodded and left
to wait in the sitting room.

Wilfred quickly untied the sheet and opened it up as Abigail got out the biggest bath sheet he’d ever
seen and held it up. He lifted Lucy under her arms, like a baby and held her for Abigail to wrap the towel around her body. She quickly grabbed another towel and wrapped it about Lucy’s wet hair, and then Wilfred swept her up in his arms and carried her to the freshly made bed.  Using another dry towel, Abigail thoroughly rubbed dry Lucy’s extremities and Wilfred laid her down, loosening the towel so that Abigail could thoroughly dry her. Lucy was still shivering when Abigail finally pulled the clean top sheet over her and helped Mrs. Herbert unfold some blankets for the bed.

‘Thank you, Ladies.’ Wilfred said softly as he started to unbutton his shirt. Mrs. Herbert practically screamed in horror as Abigail sn
iggered and pushed the housekeeper to the door.

He could hear them arguing for a while as they shooed the footmen away and he knew Mrs. Herbert had taken up station in the sitting room. He quickly stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed, turning Lucy’s shivering body on her side and snuggling up behind her.

By ten o’clock her fever had broken and she was softly snoring. Her body temperature had dropped dramatically and Wilfred got up, dressed and then asked Mrs. Herbert for something simple to eat.

She huffed and puffed, but after she had seen Lucy sleeping fairly quietly, she left to get Wilfred some food. He ate in the sitting room and drank a few brandies with it. By half past eleven he was so tired that
he manoeuvred a fireside chair over to the bed and sat in it with his feet resting on the bed and dozed off.

*****

Lucy slowly opened her eyes and had her fir
st coherent thought. Her eyes immediately settled on the Earl of Buxton, looking decidedly rumpled, slumped in an easy chair and fast asleep.
How long has he been here?
She wondered and tried to think. Her last memory was of rushing out of the terrace door after Wilfred accused her of being one of Markham’s whores. She was far too exhausted to get indignant about it, right at that moment she didn’t care what he thought. She only had vague visions of seeing Wilfred or her mother and her body ached as if it had been trampled by a herd of stampeding wildebeest.

She was thirsty. She could see the water glass on the bedside table and she tried to reach for it, but she didn’t have the strength to pull herself over the bed.

‘Here, let me.’ Wilfred said softly and she saw his strong hand lift the glass down. She tried to take it, but Wilfred pushed his arm under her shoulders and lifted her, first, before he held out the glass. ‘Do you want to hold it, or shall I?’ He asked. In response, Lucy closed her fingers around the glass and tried to lift it to her lips. Fortunately, Wilfred didn’t let go of the glass and he supported it for Lucy to drink. She drank four glasses of water before she allowed him to lower her back to the mattress.

‘How long have you been here?’ Lucy asked and her voice croaked. She tried to clear her throat, but couldn’t.

‘Since I found you in the snow last night.’ He murmured. ‘Do you need the commode?’

Lucy looked up sharply. Then she looked down and peeked under the edge of the bedclothes. ‘Have you seen me without my nightgown?’ She gasped in horror.

‘Yes, I’m afraid so.’ He said gently. ‘It was necessary, believe me.’

‘Get out!’ she almost shouted. ‘You depraved beast. Get out I say!’

Abigail arrived at that moment and frowned at Lucy. ‘Miss Lucy, do you want something?’ She asked as she straightened the bedcovers.

‘Make him leave, Abigail.’ She sighed. ‘I don’t want to see him again.’

Wilfred walked slowly from the bedroom and waited in the sitting room for Abigail to arrive.

‘Why would you send him away, Miss?’ Abigail asked as she tidied the room. ‘He hasn’t had a wink
of sleep since he brought you her last evening and he’s been here looking after you.’

‘Where is my mother?’ Lucy whispered.

‘Mrs. Hastings came early this morning and left you in the Earl’s capable hands. She had to see to the guests.’ Abigail smiled. ‘He’s going to make you a fine and caring husband, Miss Lucy.’

‘Never.’ Lucy intoned. ‘I wouldn’t marry him if he was the last man on earth. He’s probably spent the whole day debauching my body.’

‘How can you say such a hateful thing!?’ Abigail blurted. ‘You have no gratitude, just like all the rest of you nobs!’ Abigail slapped her hand over her mouth as tears sprang into her eyes. She abruptly bobbed a curtsey and said ‘Excuse me, Miss Lucy. I’m afraid I have some duties in the kitchen to perform. Mrs. Herbert will be with you shortly.’ She turned on her heel and almost ran from the room, leaving Lucy all alone.

Abigail looked at Wilfred with compassion
as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. ‘I wouldn’t go back in there if I were you, My Lord. You should leave her to Mrs. Herbert.’ She bobbed a curtsey to him and muttered ‘ungrateful bitch!’ as she headed for the door.

Two minutes later Mrs. Herbert bustled into the room and frog marched Wilfred to the front door. ‘You can find your own way back to the Hall, My Lord.’ She said coldly. Jenkins drew in a sharp breath before turning to the Earl.

‘Do you need a guide back to the Hall, My Lord?’ Jenkins asked as he fetched out a large cloak. He draped it around Wilfred shoulders as he called one of the footmen to get a coat on as Wilfred nodded. Wilfred left quickly with the footman and Jenkins turned a baleful expression on Mrs. Herbert. ‘I shall be informing Mrs. Hastings about your attitude to the Earl just then and if she decides to relieve you of your post, you will be out of this house before the end of tomorrow!’ He snapped coldly. ‘Never have I heard a commoner like you talk to the son of a duke in such a fashion, and it will never happen again in this house. Do I make myself clear?’ Mrs. Herbert bristled, but as Jenkins continued to look at her coldly, she stamped her foot, spun on her heel and stormed back to the kitchen.

‘Abigail! Go and keep Miss Lucy company.’ She commanded.

‘No.’ Abigail said firmly. ‘I’ve got too much work to catch up on to waste my time with a selfish bitch like that!’ She said as she vanished through the door into the scullery.

‘But somebody has to do it?’ Mrs. Herbert yelled.

‘Then you do it, you maungy old bag!’ Abigail shouted back. ‘I’ve just spent all bloody day pampering her skinny carcass and what thanks do I get for it? I have to listen to her accuse the Earl of debauching her body while she’s ill! Ungrateful bitch!’ Abigail slammed the scullery door and went to the stables to see Billy.

Mrs. Herbert sighed and had to take the stairs again to go and see to Miss Lucy. When she arrived, Lucy was trying to walk to the commode, by pulling herself around the furniture. ‘Oh! Miss Lucy! You’ll do yourself an injury like that!’ she said and tried to help, but she didn’t have the strength to lift Lucy on her own and suddenly she wished she hadn’t made the Earl leave.
‘It’s a pity the Earl has gone.’ She murmured. ‘He would have lifted you onto the commode, like he did this morning.’

‘Don’t talk to me about that odious man!’ Lucy snapped. ‘He took advantage of me!’

‘I’m sure he didn’t, Miss.’ She said placatingly. ‘He’s a gentleman, after all.’

‘He’s a damned Rake.’ Lucy muttered with a frown as Mrs. Herbert dropped her clean nightgown over her head, making sure to keep her lips buttoned.
She was already in enough trouble and she didn’t need to make matters worse.

Chapter Ten

Wilfred arrived back at Bassett Hall just as Egerton was going to lock the doors for the night. The footman had taken him in the back door, as it was the nearest entrance to the Dower House.

Evelyn met him at the door to the hall and sighed at his expression. ‘Did you ask her?’ she asked softly and Wilfred shook his head.

‘Summarily dismissed as
a debaucher of innocent sick girls!’ He said with a certain amount of vitriol. He sighed. ‘I had to give her the “kill or cure” as she didn’t look too good at tea time. Her fever broke just before ten and she was awake and spitting vitriol by half eleven.’ He smiled wanly. ‘I would suggest you pack her personal maid off to the Dower House, because Abigail probably won’t want to do anything for her now.’

‘How do you know that?’ Evelyn asked softly as Evangeline de Lacey emerged from the drawing room.

‘Because she called Lucy “an ungrateful bitch!” her words, you understand.’ He smiled again. ‘Please don’t sack her, she’s been of enormous help today and is probably very tired.’

‘I shall have a word with her. And my daughter.’ She shook he
r head. ‘I brought her up to find the best qualities in somebody, before condemning them as the gossips do.’ She sighed. ‘I saw enough today to know what a kind and compassionate man you are, and Lucy would be stupid to turn down your proposal, when you make it.’

‘Well, I think she’s going to.’ He smiled at Evelyn. ‘I must just speak to my mother and then I’m going to sleep until lunchtime!’ He nodded as he moved away.

‘Where have you been?’ Evangeline almost demanded, but Wilfred just kissed her on the cheek.

‘Later, Mother. I’ll tell you tomorrow.’ He sauntered off up the stairs, undressed quickly and was asleep almost as soon as his head touched the pillow.

*****

Robert was in the drawing room with both of the de Lacey sisters and Howard Cuthbertson, chatting and flirting when Evelyn and Evangeline returned.

‘I think
, Robert, you will have to go to the Dower House tomorrow.’ Evelyn said thoughtfully. ‘I think your sister is going to prove that she is stupid after all.’

Both girls gasped and Robert looked up at his mother. ‘What makes you say that?’ Caroline asked inquisitively.

‘Your brother has spent the day making sure Lucy survived the rather nasty fever she picked up last evening when she ran out into the snow.’ Evelyn explained softly. ‘And all the thanks he has received for his selfless devotion, is to be called a debaucher of sick girls!’

‘The ungrateful…’ Eleanor left the rest of her indignant sentence unsaid, making Howard snort with laughter.

‘Eleanor! One day you’ll be able to finish a sentence without censure.’ He blurted and patted her hand.

‘Only if I’m in your company.’ She said hotly. ‘I’m disgusted that Wilfred should be so accused!’

‘There isn’t a kinder man in this world!’ Caroline said faithfully.

‘But, you have to admit that he has not tried to stop the gossips from feasting on his private life.’ Evangeline admitted honestly.

‘That may be so,’ Howard said defensively, ‘but a lot of the gossip is just rumour and there is no truth to it, like Harriet Saunders being his mistress.’

‘Was that the friend that got hurt?’ Eleanor asked softly and Howard turned compassionate eyes on her.

‘Yes and you don’t know what he saw that day,’ Howard said with a sigh, ‘and you don’t want to know!’

‘If she looked anything like poor Edith Parfitt,’ Caroline added, ‘I know exactly what she looked like.’ She shuddered.

‘Believe me Edith Parfitt did not incite the Duke’s ire as Harriet did. There is no comparison between the two.’ Howard said. ‘I was there with Edith Parfitt and I asked him afterwards if Harriet Saunders had looked like that and he said “in comparison, Miss Parfitt was knocked about a little”!’

Caroline paled at that quotation as she vividly recalled Edith Parfitt’s bloody hands grabbing her pristine white gown and seeing the blood on her face and body. ‘That was horrid.’ She whispered
as Robert picked up her hand to pat it and she clutched at it. He smiled softly as he left his hand in her grip.

‘Well, Wilfred has not made an offer of marriage, yet.’ Evelyn said firmly, ‘and now I doubt he will get the opportunity.’ She looked firmly at Robert. ‘You must go and see Lucy tomorrow and explain her limited options.’

‘Maybe we can sweep this under the carpet?’ Robert ventured hopefully.

‘No.’ Evelyn said firmly, her spine rigid. ‘Phyllida Allen has already expressed her disappointment that the Earl will have to marry your sister, in the most vitriolic manner, of course, at dinner. Her reputation will be non-existent by the time this house party is finished.’ She speared Robert with her hardest glare. ‘You will have to impress upon her that her second season is over, before it’s begun. She will never find a wealthy, titled husband if she turns Buxton down!’

‘But Wilfred would never deflower an innocent.’ Howard murmured.

‘We know that, Howard,’ Evangeline said gently. ‘But the
ton
will vilify him for it,’ she looked at Robert, ‘and if you wish to retain Lucy’s reputation, you will have no alternative but to call him out!’

‘I don’t really want to resort to that,’ Robert mused softly, ‘but I will if Lucy proves too stubborn.’

‘Would she rather see her brother dead than marry a man who has already compromised her?’ Caroline almost shrieked in a whisper. ‘For Wilfred is an excellent shot.’

‘Well, that is something I shall try and avoid, my dear.’ Robert rumbled deep in his chest and Caroline shivered as he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss gently to her knuckles.
Her heart threw itself against her rib-cage in an effort to burst out through her chest and dance for Robert. Her cheeks flushed delicately and her breath caught in her throat. Evelyn and Evangeline watched in fascination as Caroline’s feelings were displayed for everyone to see. Both of the mothers were well pleased at that moment.

Next morning, Wilfred actually made his way to the breakfast room before eight o’clock, to find Robert already there.

‘Good morning, Bassett.’ He said
calmly and approached the sideboard to inspect the fare on offer, smiling as he started to fill his plate with bacon, eggs, kidneys, black pudding and mushrooms.

‘Good morning, Buxton.’ Robert frowned
, flicking the paper shut. ‘I don’t think I shall ever get used to calling Earls by their title name.’ He muttered as he looked down on the breakfast the footman had laid in front of him before Buxton arrived.

‘Of course you will,’ Wilfred snorted. ‘Be thankful that you won’t have to change again.’ Wilfred sat down with his full plate and waited as the footman poured out some fresh tea for him. ‘Soon enough I shall be Dovedale and that will be even more disconcerting.’

‘Is the Duke ill?’ Robert asked solicitously.

‘No, but he is not young anymore and it only takes a fever to weaken him and he could be gone, just like your Uncle.’ Wilfred sighed and tucked into his breakfast. There was no conversation, each man concentrated on filling their bellies. Talk r
esumed after satisfying their hunger.

‘So, do you think we will be facing off tomorrow?’ Wilfred asked jovially, to take any threat out of his words.

‘Not if I can help it.’ Robert grumbled. ‘Silly little bitch!’ He sighed then. ‘I have to go and see her. Mother has insisted I explain her lack of options.’ He looked at Wilfred kindly. ‘The gossip has already started. Phyllida Allen is spitting blood that she missed out on the opportunity to catch you in a parson’s mousetrap!’ He laughed suddenly and it lit up his whole face, making it more animated than Wilfred had ever seen it. ‘Imogen is positively sulking and Christina Avery is sitting about sighing.’

‘What about Markham?’ Wilfred asked softly and Robert sobered immediately.

‘My brothers and I have been keeping an eye on him.’ Robert said stiffly. ‘He hasn’t so much as looked at your sisters yet, but he is certainly disgruntled because you were at the Dower House with Lucy.’

‘
Maybe he will offer for her.’ Wilfred murmured under his breath, but Robert heard him and his head jerked around, his eyes focusing sharply on Wilfred.

‘I wouldn’t let that man near the worst cur in the canine world, let alone my sister.’ His voice was gruff with supressed emotion. ‘I would rather face you at dawn than let him touch her!’

‘Well, let’s hope that Lucy will listen to your counsel.’ Wilfred said with a smile. He stood. ‘I have to go and see my father, now.’ Wilfred went towards the door and turned with his hand on the handle. ‘And just what are your intentions towards my sister?’

‘Honourable, I assure you.’ Robert said with a wistful smile.

Wilfred nodded. ‘Just make sure you tell my father that before we leave or he might just arrange a marriage for her with another.’ He smiled softly as he went out.

Robert went to the stable and rode over to the Dower House. Jenkins started as soon as he got in the door about the ho
usekeeper’s treatment of the Earl. Robert soothed and placated as he went through into the kitchen to find Mrs. Herbert, Abigail and the cook at the large table.

‘How is my sister, this morning?’ He asked and watched Abigail scowl, Mrs. Herbert shake her head and the cook went over to the range and put the kettle back on the heat.

‘I would say your sister is in fine fettle this morning, My Lord.’ Mrs. Herbert said evenly. ‘She has already threatened Abigail with dismissal, because she praised the Earl’s behaviour yesterday, and she has tried to dismiss me and thrown a full plate of breakfast at Jenkins.’ Mrs. Herbert sighed. ‘I believe cook will not feed her again, as it was a waste of good food.’

‘Really?’ Robert asked, dumfounded to hear his sister be so petty. ‘Are we talking about the same sister?’

‘If you wish to visit her yourself, My Lord, you will see she is almost foaming with rage.’ Mrs. Herbert said calmly.

Robert nodded calmly and went out, mounted the stairs and wondered just how stupid his sister really
was going to be. He found out when he opened her door and heard glass shatter against it.

‘GO AWAY!’ Lucy screamed. ‘I DON’T WANT TO SEE ANYBODY!’

‘What, not even me?’ Robert asked as he pushed the door open and stepped over the glass infested puddle that was soaking into the carpet. ‘Lucy you will have to refurbish Aunt Edith’s house at this rate.’

‘I don’t think I’m talking to you either!’ she spat as Robert approached the bed.

‘Why not?’ He asked. ‘Is there something that you won’t talk to me about?’ He insisted. ‘After I spilled the beans about Markham?’ He shook his head and held up his hand, palm towards her. ‘I know!’ He continued, ‘there is one rule for you and another for us!’

‘I’m not marrying him!’ she said firmly. ‘So don’t try to convince me.’

‘Really?’ Robert sat on the edge of the bed. ‘Why is that?’

‘He’s a fiend!’ She said hotly, ‘He practically raped me yesterday!’

‘Who said so?’ Robert asked calmly. ‘Did anyone witness this almost rape?’ Lucy was silent. ‘Or are you just venting your frustration at a target that can’t fight back.’

‘He can fight back.’ She said coldly. ‘He’s a man!’

‘Yes, that’s right and as another man I have to decide what to do about my responsibility to you.’ He said coldly and looked away.

‘What do you mean?’ Lucy asked in a whisper. ‘What decision?’

‘I have two choices, at the moment.’ Robert said with a sigh. ‘I can force you to marry Buxton or I can face him on the field.’ He turned doleful eyes back to his sister, ‘and I can imagine that all my chances of marrying Caroline de Lacey will go up in the smoke of my pistol, whether I kill her brother or not!’

‘That’s preposterous!’ Lucy spat, but he could see realisation beginning in her eyes.

‘So you’re telling me that you would marry a man that had just injured or killed your brother?’ Robert demanded suddenly looking more ferocious than Lucy had ever seen him. ‘I think that would be impossible for you, Lucy. You would more likely pick up your pistols and offer him to another duel, instead of a kiss!’

Lucy was quiet as she watched the expression
s flit over her brother’s face, dread being one of them. ‘Are you afraid?’ She asked in trepidation.

‘Of dying?’ He asked and as she nodded he
r head he said, ‘no. I’m not afraid of dying, I’m afraid I will lose Caroline’s affection and respect if I challenge her brother.’ He sighed deeply, ‘but you aren’t going to give me any choice, are you?’ He kissed her quickly on the forehead. ‘You would rather spend your life secluded here.’ He murmured as he stood to leave.

‘Why would I be secluded here?’ Lucy frowned at him.

‘My dear baby sister.’ Robert said patiently. ‘The scandal will reach monumental proportions once this house party is finished. You will be labelled a harlot and Buxton will be vilified as a debaucher of the innocent.’ He sighed as he reached for the door handle. ‘It’s a very nice way of you to say thank you for him saving your life.’ He looked at her as he depressed the handle, ‘and he did save your life. If you want to know exactly what he did while you were fever ridden, just ask Abigail, as she was here practically the whole time. Anyway, Betsy should be here in a while.’ Robert went out and slammed the door. He saw Abigail once more before climbing on his horse and riding cautiously back to the Hall.