At the Highwayman's Pleasure (22 page)

BOOK: At the Highwayman's Pleasure
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Charity looked at the two men, her father with his barely controlled fury and Ross who was gazing through her as if she was a stranger. She knew how much her father would like to keep her there, under his control, but Ross had given her a way out.

If she wished to take it.

‘Not just yet. There is something I should like to discuss with you, Magistrate. In private.’

She heard the violent hiss of Ross’s breath.

‘Madam, go. I have had enough of your prating sympathy. Return to Allingford,
immediately
.’

Charity forced herself to ignore him and the pain she knew lay behind his harsh words. She concentrated upon the arrested look in her father’s eye.

‘This is a
personal
matter, sir. It requires...discretion.’

‘Very well, we will go to the house.’ Phineas spoke over his shoulder to the men behind him. ‘Keldy, Hutton, I will speak to you later. Constable, lock up the prisoner when we leave and make sure you do not allow him any more visitors, do you understand?’

‘No!’ Ross jumped up. ‘One more word alone with the lady—I would send a message to Sir Mark—!’

‘Too late,’ declared Phineas. He paused, his cold eyes shifting between Ross and Charity, and a cruel smile lifted his lip. ‘Much too late, I fear, Durden. I think the game is now going very much my way.’ He turned to Charity. ‘Madam, shall we go?’

She ignored his outstretched arm and walked out of the lock-up. It was an effort not to look back at Ross and it took every ounce of her resolve to make her feet walk across the square to the grand house that Phineas now owned. She felt very much as if she was walking into a lion’s den.

* * *

Phineas ushered her into the drawing room, where Hannah was reclining on a couch, an open book in her hands.

‘My dear, we have a visitor.’

Hannah sat up quickly, her eyes narrowing.

‘So she did go to see him. Like a bitch in heat.’

Charity felt a sudden flash of anger and turned to Phineas. ‘What I wish to discuss with you is best done in private.’

‘What is this?’ he demanded with feigned amazement. ‘After you made such an effort to come and see my lady wife the other day, professing yourself repentant and wanting to make amends. Perhaps you would like to tell us what you were hoping to achieve by that?’ Charity remained silent and he continued, ‘But I have no secrets from my wife, especially in this matter. I think you are about to plead for Durden’s life and, since his capture was in no small measure due to my dear lady, I think she has every right to hear you.’

‘Oh, yes.’ Hannah’s malicious smile grew when she saw Charity’s brows rise in surprise. ‘I was in the audience at your last performance—dear Phineas is so busy these days that I had arranged the visit myself—and I would not have mentioned it to him, had I not seen something so alarming that I just could not keep it to myself.

‘That kiss, my dear, when you were making your curtsy. I had seen Mr Durden in the audience, and it was quite clear to me that you were directing your salute to him and him alone.’ She tittered. ‘Heavens, my dear, as I said to your father when I returned, you might as well have pinned your heart to your sleeve!’

Charity drew herself up. ‘And why should I not?’

‘Because the fellow is a damned scoundrel,’ retorted Phineas. ‘When Hannah told me about your shameless behaviour I realised how it was. Why, I’d wager that your visit here to see Hannah was at his instigation, trying to find some way to get his money back, I don’t doubt.’

‘So you admit you took his prize money.’ Charity fixed her eyes upon Hannah, thankful that they had no idea of the real reason for her visit.

‘A lovesick fool and his money are soon parted,’ Phineas sneered. ‘And now we have him safely locked away. He will stand trial for highway robbery.’

Charity shook her head. ‘You have no proof of any of this.’

‘I shall find sufficient proof to hang the fellow, you mark my words.’

And he would, she knew it. What he could not prove he would fabricate and Ross would hang. She schooled her face to show none of the dismay she was feeling.

‘Let me save you the trouble of perjuring yourself and damning your soul,’ she said, meeting his eyes with a steady gaze. ‘I will make you a trade. Let Ross Durden go and I will return to the fold as your dutiful daughter.’

Hannah jumped to her feet, saying, ‘What sort of bargain is that? Phineas could keep you here now and still hang Durden.’

Charity shot her a contemptuous glance. ‘I came here at Sir Mark Beverley’s behest.’ She repeated Ross’s lie. ‘You could hold me here against my will, but would you want Sir Mark to come looking for me?’

‘She is right, my dear wife. This must be carefully handled.’

Hannah came up to her husband, saying in a wheedling voice, ‘But, Phineas, you promised me Ross Durden would hang.’

‘So ruining his career by your trumped-up blasphemy charges was not enough for you.’ Charity’s lip curled. ‘It appears Congreve is right: “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor Hell a fury like a woman scorn’d”.’

‘I never loved him. He was a means to an end. I intended to better myself.’

‘By stealing his money and running his estate into the ground.’

‘Estate, hah! A crumbling ruin and a few poor farms. I knew I could do better than that!’

‘So you married a ranting preacher turned magistrate.’

‘Enough,’ roared Phineas. ‘This is getting us nowhere.’

Charity shrugged. ‘Your wife insists you hang Ross Durden. Very well, try if you can do so. He is not without friends and this is no blasphemy case to rest upon the verdict of a magistrate and a couple dubious witnesses.’ She turned to go. ‘All pretence is at an end now. I am going back to Allingford, where I shall spare no pains in future to make it known you are my father—’

‘Wait.’ As she reached the door Phineas called to her, ‘If I let Durden go, you would give up the stage and return here? You would announce that you repented of your wickedness?’

A cold iron hand squeezed her heart. This was the point of no return.

 

Chapter Eleven

‘P
ut yer coat on, Mr Durden. Magistrate wants to see you.’

The constable stood by the open door, a second, burly individual at his shoulder, clearly on hand to prevent the prisoner escaping. Not that Ross had any such thought. Since Charity had walked out with Phineas he had been prey to the very worst apprehension and conjecture. She had gone off with the magistrate, determined to buy his freedom, and now he would discover just what price she was paying. The lock-up was cool, and as he stepped outside Ross paused for a moment, feeling the hot sun on his shoulders and blinking in the strong light.

He turned towards the inn where the magistrate held his court, and was surprised when the constable gripped his arm.

‘Not that way. Justice Weston will see you in his house.’

* * *

Phineas was in the study, sitting behind his desk with Hannah and Charity occupying chairs on either side of him. Ross was not surprised to see Hannah was present, gloating over his disgrace, no doubt. However, he gave her no more than a cursory glance before turning his attention to Charity. She was very pale, but composed, and the fact that she would not look at him only increased his fears for her.

‘Take off those chains, Constable,’ Phineas ordered. ‘You are free to go, Durden.’

‘Not until I know the price of my freedom.’ Ross did not move, save to rub his sore wrists once the manacles were removed.

Phineas scowled, but commanded the constable and his assistant to wait in the hall.

As the door closed Hannah said sweetly, ‘Your lover has bought your freedom, Ross.’

‘Then put me back in the lock-up. I will take my chances in court.’

‘I’m afraid that is not possible,’ replied Phineas. ‘My...daughter has decided to repent her wicked ways, in return for your liberty.’

Ross fixed his eyes on Charity, sitting pale and silent, her eyes lowered.

‘What have you done?’ he asked her, his throat dry with fear. ‘What have you promised them?’

Phineas rapped on the desk. ‘Do you hear me, Durden? Your horse is even now being fetched to the back door and you are free to go.’

‘Not that it will do you much good,’ murmured Hannah. ‘The charge still stands against you and you will be arrested if you are caught. And hanged, you may be sure of that.’

‘However,’ Phineas continued, ‘I have agreed to give you twenty-four hours to make your arrangements and get out of the area.’

‘At what price?’ he demanded. ‘For God’s sake, tell me what she has agreed to.’

‘Of course, you should know,’ Hannah purred, like a cat over a bowl of cream. ‘My stepdaughter has seen the error of her ways. She wants her father’s forgiveness, isn’t that so, my dear?’ Charity said nothing and Hannah continued. ‘She will give up the stage and make her life here with us. You used to tell me, Ross, that one volunteer is worth ten pressed men. Charity will become a servant to Phineas and me for seven years.’

‘No!’

‘But yes,’ said Phineas, and Ross’s fists clenched at his smug tone. ‘And just to make sure she does not change her mind, she will sign a contract to that effect. I am sure that will be time enough for me to teach my errant daughter the ways of the Lord.’

‘I’ll be damned if I let that happen,’ declared Ross. He held out his hand. ‘Charity, come with me now. Let me take you back to Allingford—’

Phineas snarled. ‘My daughter may leave this house, Durden, but if you try to accompany her I will have you shot as an escaped felon.’

‘He will leave here alone.’ Charity spoke softly, but with conviction, her words falling into the tense silence. ‘I have given you my word, Phineas, and I will adhere to it, as long as you keep to your side of the bargain. Perhaps...’ She rose. ‘Perhaps you will allow me a few moments alone with Mr Durden.’

Hannah gave an exasperated cry. ‘Ungrateful hussy, how much more do you expect your father to grant you?’

Charity turned on her. ‘You will have seven years of my
gratitude
, madam. Is that not enough?’

‘Still so proud, still so insolent,’ declared Phineas, shaking his head. ‘Say your goodbyes here and now, madam, or not at all.’

Ross watched them in silence, afraid that whatever he might say would only make things worse for Charity. He was still raging inside. Quickly he assessed the situation, wanting to sweep her up and carry her out of the house. Phineas and Hannah would have to be overcome, then there were at least two men in the hall. High odds against a successful escape, but not impossible.

Charity came towards him and he reached for her hands, pulling her close as he lifted them to his mouth.

‘Come with me,’ he whispered.

She gave a slight shake of her head, moving closer so that only he would hear her whisper.

‘I am giving you time to find the evidence against Phineas. Pray God it will not take long—’

Phineas came towards them, saying angrily, ‘Enough of that. What are you saying to him?’

He dragged her away. Ross’s fists came up, but a word and a look from Charity kept him from attacking the magistrate.

‘Your horse is at the back gate,’ said Hannah, glancing out of the window. ‘Go now, while you still can.’

‘Yes, go, and quickly,’ begged Charity. She gave him a last, wavering smile and her lips moved silently over her final words.

I love you.

Phineas opened the door. ‘Rigg shall escort you to the yard.’

The constable and his assistant came in and grabbed Ross by his arms.

‘I will be back for you, Charity,’ he said as they marched him out of the door.

Phineas laughed. ‘An empty promise. If you show your face in Beringham again, sir, I will have you arrested for highway robbery. Oh, and, Durden—my offer to buy Wheelston still stands. Perhaps you would like to sign it over to me now. That will give you a little money to take away with you.’

From the doorway Ross stared at him, his lip lifting in contempt.

‘I would rather it was forfeit to the Crown.’

‘And so it will be, now that you are an outlaw. No matter, I think I have sufficient standing with my fellows to make sure I can get it eventually. Take him away!’

* * *

Phineas closed the door and as silence fell over the room, Charity moved to the window. It was a moment before Ross appeared, but then all too soon he had crossed the yard, mounted his horse and was gone.

There was a rustle of papers behind her.

‘Time for you to carry out your part of the bargain,’ declared Hannah. ‘Come here and sign this.’ She added with evident satisfaction, ‘It is the indenture for seven years’ employment.’

Charity came slowly towards the desk. She signed her name on the paper, and when the constable and his assistant came back Phineas called upon them to witness it before sending them on their way.

‘There, it is done,’ declared Phineas. ‘You are mine now, daughter. This is the Lord’s will. I had given up on your soul, but clearly He thinks you may still be saved.’

Charity ignored his gloating voice and glanced out of the window. The sun was still high and Ross would have plenty of time to get away. She knew Phineas would keep his word over this at least. His plans for her required her co-operation. She was to humble herself—nothing less than her total humiliation would appease her father.

Oh, Ross, please God your naval friends find damning evidence against Phineas and you can rescue me very soon!

‘And don’t look for Durden to come back for you,’ sneered Phineas, watching her. ‘His fine words count for nothing. He is a blaggard. He will most likely go off to sea and never be heard of again. But mark me, daughter, if he does come back then I shall make sure he hangs.’

‘Our bargain was that you would let him go free,’ said Charity. ‘If you do anything to harm him, I shall make sure that everyone knows what has gone on here today—do not forget how popular I am, Phineas.’

‘But not for long. You are the audience’s favourite at the moment, but how long do you think that will last, a year, two? Pah! They will have forgotten you by the winter. Then no one will give tuppence for your accusations.’ He continued softly, ‘And I think it is time you started calling me Father, don’t you?’

‘Never!’

He laughed. ‘No, perhaps it is a little late for that. Then it must be “sir”. What think you, madam wife?’

‘She should call you “master”,’ declared Hannah. ‘After all, she is nothing more than a servant now and should be treated as such. I shall have an attic room prepared for her. With a lock on the door, in case she thinks to give us the slip in the night.’

‘I have given you my word,’ said Charity coldly.

‘And you have signed yourself over to me,’ added Phineas, holding up the paper. ‘I think now perhaps you should write a little note to Sir Mark, explaining that you have seen the error of your ways and decided to come home to your loving father and stepmama.’

She shuddered at the thought, but she sat down at the desk and pulled a sheet of paper towards her.

‘I should write to Hywel Jenkin, too,’ she said. ‘He will need to cancel my benefit night at the end of the week.’

‘Benefit night?’ said Hannah. ‘What is that?’

‘It was a special performance he was going to put on, where all the proceeds would come to me.’

‘Well, you are giving up the stage,’ Phineas told her. ‘Your days as a symbol of lust and wantonness are over. From now on it will be a plain gown, and as for your hair—’ He reached into a drawer and pulled out a large pair of scissors.

Charity’s blood ran cold as he advanced towards her. Hannah laid a hand on his arm.

‘Wait, my dear, let us not be too hasty. This...benefit night, how much does it make?’

‘What?’ Charity could not take her eyes from the shears clasped in her father’s hand. ‘Oh, it varies. A full house could bring in several hundred pounds.’

‘Husband, I think we should let little Charity perform her benefit, do not you?’

Phineas shook her off.

‘The theatre is an abomination,’ he raged. ‘It is a den of vice and iniquity. My daughter shall never again—’

‘Yes, that is all very well,’ replied Hannah tartly, ‘But the proceeds would go some way to pay for the cost of keeping her here.’ She paused. ‘She might also announce to the audience her retirement and repentance for her wicked life. Think of that, Phineas, a public admission of her sin. All of Allingford would know of it, and a goodly proportion of Beringham people would be there, too, I have no doubt.’

Charity felt sick at the very idea, but she was watching Phineas put the scissors back in the drawer.

‘Yes,’ he said slowly. ‘A very public renunciation of the theatre, from its principal player. I shall write your farewell speech—’

‘You shall not!’ retorted Charity angrily.

‘Very well, I shall oversee it,’ he conceded, ‘but you will include a few lines of my choosing. And before you refuse, madam, reflect that it will give Durden more time before I levy hue and cry against him.’

Charity bit back a furious retort. A few extra days could make all the difference. At best it would give Ross’s friends time to act upon the letter she had written out. At worst, Ross could be safely out of the country by then.

* * *

‘Well, my dear, this is it. Your final performance.’

The curtain had just gone up and Hywel was standing in the wings with Charity. The past few days had been agonising. Phineas had allowed her to return to Allingford to rehearse and put her affairs in order. There had been no news of Ross and, although she did not believe he would desert her, Phineas’s declaration that he would save himself and leave her to her fate remained at the back of her mind. After all, even if Phineas was charged with treason, Ross would still have to stand trial for highway robbery, if he came back.

When she had told Hywel she was giving up the stage and putting him in charge of all her properties and her money, he had been so astounded that she had ended by telling him everything.

‘At most it will only be for seven years,’ she said, trying to make light of it. ‘I should be thankful that neither my father nor his greedy wife considered that I might have funds of my own, or they would have made me sign those over to them, as well as making me their servant.’

‘If you think Phineas Weston is a spy, you should take your information to Sir Mark Beverley,’ he had told her furiously. ‘There is no need to put yourself through this.’

‘He could not act on the contents of one letter, which is not even in my possession,’ she explained. ‘And although the evidence against Ross is equally insubstantial—more so, in fact—Phineas would make sure he was hanged. I could not allow that.’

Now, as she heard the familiar opening lines and prepared to make her appearance on the stage, Hywel squeezed her fingers and gave her a pitying smile.

‘You are giving up all this for a highwayman?’ he murmured. ‘We should be repeating Mr Dryden’s tragedy tonight.’

‘All For Love or the World Well Lost?’
Even through her sadness Charity managed a smile. ‘Not at all,’ she said, holding her head high. ‘I shall leave my audience with the memory of laughter, not tears.’

* * *

The cheers, shouts and stamping would not stop. Charity made her curtsy again and again, and she brought back the rest of the cast to share the applause, but in the end she was left alone, centre stage, to say goodbye. She looked past the limelight and saw the flash and glitter of a bejewelled costume in the box nearest the stage. She knew it was Hannah, overdressed for the occasion as usual. She and Phineas had insisted upon coming to Allingford to watch her humiliation. Well, this was her world. Phineas might control her words, but not their delivery. She straightened her shoulders. Nothing she did now would help Ross. She could only pray that he was safe.

She began by thanking Mr Jenkin and her friends in the theatre. Then she expressed her gratitude to the people of Allingford for their kindness and generosity.

‘And those of Beringham, too!’ shouted someone from the benches.

‘Of course.’ She smiled. ‘You have made my time here such a pleasure and I shall remember you always. Because this is to be my last performance.’

BOOK: At the Highwayman's Pleasure
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