Secret Heiress (16 page)

‘The challenge has been issued and accepted. Neither of us can withdraw. Besides, there are things between
us…' Daniel frowned. ‘My uncle believed that Cheadle had some part in his son's death. I dare say that coloured my opinion of him and I may have allowed it to lead me astray. I am satisfied that Cheadle was not concerned in the affair. It is true that my cousin's death was almost certainly not an accident. My agent, Mr Smith, as he calls himself for professional reasons, is investigating something, which will I believe lead us to the culprits.'

‘Cheadle is no angel,' Jack said thoughtfully. ‘I would never try to paint him as blameless, but he is the father of the girl I wish to marry. It is dashed awkward, Daniel. I can hardly ask him for his daughter's hand and then be present when you try to blow his brains out.'

‘You do not imagine I shall shoot to kill?' Daniel raised his brows. ‘If it is awkward for you, Jack, I will ask someone else—perhaps Thatcher or Smythe…'

‘Damn it, I never said I wouldn't stand with you,' Jack said, looking affronted. ‘Of course I shall oblige you. I must just hope that Cheadle understands there is nothing personal.'

‘I dare say I shall fire in the air,' Daniel said. ‘I was furious when I threw the challenge, but since then…I have a suspicion that we might be in a similar boat, my friend.'

‘What do you mean?' Jack frowned. ‘You are not thinking of Lady Marianne?'

‘Good lord, no,' Daniel said and grinned. ‘She is a lovely girl, but not for me. It is no good looking at me like that, Jack. I'm not absolutely sure of my facts as yet, and even if I were I couldn't tell you.'

Jack frowned, then nodded. ‘I thought you rather liked Miss Bancroft. If there is any truth in the rumours about her and Lady Sarah, she must also have a father…?'

‘You are surmising, as I am for the moment,' Daniel said. ‘But I mean to get to the bottom of the mystery very soon.'

‘Then why go through with this stupid duel?'

‘Because I cannot withdraw,' Daniel said with a wry laugh. ‘Do not worry. I shall fire in the air and I imagine he will do the same.'

‘Well, I still think it would be better if the stupid affair was resolved peaceably, but if you are determined…'

‘I think there is no alternative,' Daniel said, looking grim. ‘I must just hope that it can be resolved between us like gentlemen.'

E
liza saw him at once as soon as they entered the room where Lady Austin was holding her soirée. He was standing with a small group of ladies and gentlemen, none of whom was known to Eliza. She met his eyes for a fleeting moment and saw his quick frown. Daniel's appearance at an affair of this sort was a little surprising—she would not have thought he would enjoy such an evening. When he left his friends and approached her a little later, he told her that he was looking forward to hearing the Italian tenor who was to perform for them.

‘I cannot stay long, but I hope to hear Signor Rinaldi sing an aria or two,' he said. ‘Do you enjoy opera, Eliza?'

‘I enjoy all kinds of music, sir,' she replied, her heart fluttering. When he looked at her so intently, she felt all her good intentions slipping away. Was it possible that he didn't think the worst of her? ‘I think we should take our seats for the music is beginning.'

‘Yes, of course. Pray let me find a seat for you, Eliza—and Lady Sarah.'

‘Yes… Oh, I believe she is sitting with friends. Perhaps we should sit here at the back. I think all the front seats are taken.'

‘I do not need to see him only to hear his voice.'

‘Yes. I have heard that it is remarkable—' Eliza began, but he leaned forwards and put a finger to her lips as the first notes sounded. Her heart pounded as she gazed into his eyes and for a moment she almost thought he was going to kiss her, but of course he would not in public.

She made a supreme effort and withdrew her gaze, staring at the back of a lady's head. She was wearing a huge concoction of lace and flowers, which completely blocked Eliza's view of the guest of honour. However, she soon discovered that Daniel was right. She did not need to see to appreciate the beauty of Signor Rinaldi's powerful voice.

The music was so moving that she felt tears sting her eyes and she gulped. The emotions she had been trying to control for some time welled up in her as the foolish tears slipped down her cheeks. Then she felt his hand cover hers. She glanced at him and his smile was so tender that she gasped.

‘Yes, he had that effect on me the first time,' Daniel whispered. ‘Magnificent is the word that comes to mind.'

Eliza nodded wordlessly. He offered her a spotless white kerchief, which she dabbed to her eyes and then used to blow her nose.

‘I shall return it washed,' she whispered and he nodded, continuing to hold her free hand.

Eliza liked the comfort it gave her, though as the
first aria drew to an end he removed his hand in order to applaud. Afterwards, she almost wished he hadn't, though he had stood to applaud, as some of the other guests had.

‘I must leave now,' he said to Eliza as there were calls for more from the tenor. ‘I am not sure that I shall be able to keep my appointment to ride in the morning, but I will be there if I can.'

Eliza turned her head to watch as he walked from the room. How very strange! What had he meant by that remark?

She turned her head to watch him leave. He glanced back at her and the look in his eyes made her heart stop and then race on.

What could possibly stop him from keeping his appointment if he wished? Maybe he still had doubts about her, after all. Their conversation had been polite, though when he'd held her hand and then later smiled at her so tenderly she could have sworn that there was something deeper between them. What should she believe?

 

Eliza dressed the next morning in the riding habit Lady Sarah had given her. She was downstairs in the parlour at nine and sat there waiting patiently until a quarter to noon, when she went upstairs to change into a more suitable gown.

Why had Daniel not kept his appointment to go riding? Had he not been so attentive and kind the previous evening she would have thought he was still angry with her. However, he had all but made love to her at Lady Austin's soirée. It was perhaps foolish of her to have taken such pleasure in the attentions he had paid
her, but a part of her did not want to think he had broken his appointment deliberately.

Still, it was Lady Sarah's last At Home day in Bath. Eliza could not leave her alone and even if she had it would not have been proper for her to go to Daniel's lodgings. However, she could not help feeling that something was wrong, and sat down at the writing desk to pen a polite note of enquiry, which she asked one of the footmen to deliver for her at the hotel where she knew Daniel to be staying.

After that, she was kept busy entertaining friends who called. She looked for the footman who had delivered her note, but did not see him. When she asked, she was told that it was Frederick's night off.

Eliza was forced to put her anxiety behind her. She dressed for the evening and wrapped the small book of poems she had managed to purchase for a betrothal present for Kate by walking quickly to the corner bookshop and back after their guests had gone.

Lady Sarah had wrapped the pendant she intended to give Kate, and they left for the evening at just before seven.

 

Eliza greeted Kate with a kiss. Her happiness shone out of her as she stood by Mr Thatcher's side.

‘I would have told
you,
' she said to Eliza as she kissed her. ‘But Mama particularly asked me not to tell anyone until the end of our stay in Bath. I think she thought I might change my mind, but of course I did no such thing.'

‘I guessed there was something when you bid Mr Thatcher to dance with me, but I did not guess your secret,' Eliza said. ‘I like him very much and I believe you have chosen well.'

‘I am glad you like him,' Kate said and kissed her on the cheek. ‘I want us to be friends always. Henry said that if ever you needed a home you would be welcome to stay with us.'

‘How kind of you both,' Eliza said. ‘Lady Sarah wants me to make my home with her and I shall. I am so very fond of her.'

‘I think she loves you,' Kate said, hesitated as if she would say more, then shook her head. She was forced to let Eliza move on as more guests arrived.

Eliza went into the large reception room. Footmen were circulating with trays of champagne and tiny morsels to tempt the appetite before supper. Accepting a glass, she looked about her hopefully but there was no sign of Daniel Seaton. She was sure that Kate would have invited him and thought it strange he was not there, particularly as she saw Mr Hastings. He was standing with another gentleman and some ladies, but left them to greet a newcomer.

Eliza saw him go up to Marianne Cheadle and talk to her urgently. Marianne seemed distressed, for she shook her head and walked away, leaving the gentleman staring after her. Seeing Marianne make her way out on to the balcony, Eliza went after her.

‘Marianne—is something the matter?'

Marianne turned to her with tears in her eyes. ‘Eliza—it is all so awful! I spoke to Papa, as you suggested, and he promised to think about it. He even said that Mr Hastings could approach him, but now it has all gone wrong. ‘

‘What happened?' Eliza asked and a chill ran down her spine. ‘Please, do tell me.'

‘Papa fought a stupid duel with Lord Seaton,' Mari
anne blurted out. ‘Jack was Lord Seaton's second and…now my father will not see him.'

‘A duel?' Eliza felt cold all over. ‘Was anyone hurt?'

‘I do not know. Papa would not say. He was angry and went out again without speaking to me or Mama. She has no idea what happened or she would not have allowed me to come this evening.'

‘This is terrible,' Eliza said and pressed her hand. ‘I am so sorry. It must be upsetting for you, but I dare say your father will relent in time.'

‘He said we are going home the day after tomorrow,' Marianne said, tears in her eyes. ‘I shall not go. I have told Jack we must elope tomorrow if he loves me. He said we must not, but I shall insist.'

‘Marianne, you really ought not.'

‘You do not know Papa. He is very angry.' Marianne blinked back her tears. ‘I tried it your way, but now I shall have no choice but to elope. It will just serve Papa right. Why did he want to fight a stupid duel anyway?'

Eliza shook her head. She was feeling a little sick inside, because she was afraid that the duel might be because of what Daniel had seen that night at his daughter's dance.

As Jack came out on to the balcony, Eliza gave him a speaking look and went into the reception room. She was joined by Kate, who asked if something was wrong and why she was frowning.

‘Oh, nothing very much,' Eliza said and smiled at her. ‘Tell me how long you have known Mr Thatcher and what made you fall in love with him?'

The subject was turned instantly. Kate began to sing the praises of her fiancé and Eliza did her best to say
the right things at the right moment. She was terrified that something bad had happened to Daniel Seaton, but could not mention the duel or say anything that would taint her friend's happiness.

Was Daniel alone and in pain? Surely he was not dead? They would have heard by now.

Her heart thumped painfully as she feared the worst and then dismissed it. She would find out in the morning, but for now she must behave as if nothing were wrong for Kate's sake.

Eliza did not notice either Jack or Marianne return to the room as the evening wore on and wondered where they had gone. Surely Jack had not been reckless enough to give into the pleading of the girl he loved?

When Lady Cheadle came up to her later and asked if she had seen Marianne, she denied it.

‘I have searched everywhere. No one has seen her for hours.'

‘I was speaking to her earlier. I believe she had a headache. Perhaps she went home?' Eliza crossed her fingers, feeling uncomfortable.

‘Without consulting me?' Lady Cheadle looked angry. ‘My daughter has better manners than you seem to imagine, Miss Bancroft.' The lady frowned at her. ‘Unless you have been putting ideas into her head?'

‘No, not at all,' Eliza denied. ‘I am sorry, but it might be better not to make a fuss. You may find her at home.'

‘Indeed? It seems to me that you know more of this than you will say, miss. The marquis will have something to say on the matter. You have not heard the last of this, believe me.'

‘Forgive me, but whatever Marianne may have done, she did not do it on my advice.'

‘You have not heard the last of this, Miss Bancroft. If Marianne is not at home with a headache, you may expect a visit from my husband.'

‘As you wish, ma'am,' Eliza said. ‘I truly hope you will find her in bed at home.'

Eliza sighed as the woman left. She had enough problems without being accused of something she had not done.

Lady Sarah came up to her a moment later. She looked puzzled.

‘Lady Cheadle seemed angry, Eliza. Is something wrong?'

‘She could not find her daughter and thought I might know where she was.'

‘Do you?'

‘I am not sure,' Eliza replied. ‘I may not tell you, Lady Sarah. Marianne spoke to me in confidence yesterday and this evening. I advised patience, but I fear she may have been reckless.'

‘I do hope she has not done anything foolish, my dear. Say goodnight to Kate, Eliza. You may not see her again for a while. I dare say she will be busy before they leave.'

Eliza obeyed. Kate hugged her and said she would keep in touch, and then they were out in the carriage and driving home.

 

Eliza saw Lady Sarah comfortably settled and then went to her own room. She found a note lying on her dressing table and tore it open. It had come from the footman she had asked to deliver her note earlier that day. He had returned from a visit to his family and informed her in a note that the gentleman in question was injured,
The doctor told me the wound was not fatal, but there might be a fever. I thought you would wish to know,
he had written.

Eliza scanned the rest of the note. It told her very little, except that Daniel was hurt. She glanced at the clock beside her bed. The hour was late, past eleven, but she knew she could not rest without finding out more.

Slipping out of her evening gown, Eliza dressed in a plain grey gown and a dark pelisse. She could easily walk to the hotel where Daniel was staying and it would take but a moment to enquire about his condition.

She did not wait to leave a note for Lady Sarah, because she would be home again before anyone knew she was gone. Leaving by a side door, she pocketed the key so that she could return without disturbing anyone.

Her heart was racing as she walked swiftly through dark streets. The hotel was partially in darkness, but inside the porter was dozing in his chair. He woke with a start as she approached him and sprang to his feet.

‘I've been waiting for you all day, miss,' he said accusingly. ‘The physician said he would send a nurse for the gentleman, but you're late.'

Eliza's heart thudded. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him of his error but if Daniel needed a nurse she could not simply walk away.

‘I had another patient,' she said in a low voice. ‘Please take me to him.'

‘You'll need this, then.' He thrust a chamberstick with a lighted candle at her.

Following the porter, who continued to mutter and grumble all the way, Eliza was feeling so nervous that her nails dug into the palms of her hands. At last he stopped outside a door, unlocked it and gestured for her
to go in. Eliza did so. The room was almost in darkness, though some light entered through the open curtains. She went to the dressing chest and lit the candle from the one she was carrying. With two candles there was sufficient light to see the man lying in the bed. She approached with some trepidation, looking down at Daniel in concern. At once she saw that he was sweating, his face flushed. It was obvious that he had a fever.

‘Oh, my poor love,' Eliza said as she saw that he was heavily bandaged over his shoulder. ‘What did that wicked devil do to you?'

Eliza felt the sting of tears. She glanced about her and saw a jug and bowl on the washstand. She went across to it and poured some water into the bowl, carrying it back to the bed. Setting it down on the table by the bed, she saw a neckcloth lying near by. She dipped it in the cool water and began to bathe Daniel's head. She soothed the cloth down over his arms and hands, hesitating before turning the covers back to his waist. Wringing the cloth out once more, she began to wipe the sweat from Daniel's body.