Fenella J. Miller (20 page)

They left the White Hart in sombre mood. Denver led the group out of town and down a lane thickly grown with overhanging bushes. A mile along he reined in and dismounted to open an ancient gate.

       ‘In here - we have to ride through these woods and it brings us out quite close to the hall.’

They trooped through and Denver carefully closed the gate behind them. They were obliged to ride single file along this track. Denver raised his hand to indicate they should stop.

What now? Fletcher vaulted from his saddle and tossed his reins to Roberts who was riding just behind. He approached quietly. Denver was staring through the tangle of leaves. ‘What is it? What can you see?’

       ‘I think they’re looking for the groom, Mr Reed. The grounds are swarming with men and some of them are heading this way; if we don’t want to be discovered I reckon we’ll have to retreat and come back when it’s dark. These men might be employed directly by Wydale, or they might be friendly, but I doubt we can take the chance.’

       ‘Can you recognize the two killers among the men?’ Fletcher asked.

       ‘No, sir, I can’t. I didn’t get a good look at their faces, they were both of medium height, stockily built, and roughly dressed, like many of the people we’re looking at now.’

       Fletcher swore under his breath. Things were becoming more and more complicated. He had hoped to get into the house and remove the girls before the place was overrun by Wydale’s friends who would be witnesses to what he intended to do.

       ‘Denver’s right, we must go back. I don’t think we should return to Newfield; perhaps we can find somewhere not too far away where we can hole up and wait until dusk.’

       ‘There’s a charcoal burners hut, in the very heart of this wood, it’s not been used for years, but it would be ideal for us.’

It was only after the horses were unsaddled, hobbled and quietly munching on the lush grass that grew in the coppice, that he remembered about Sam.

       ‘Roberts, I think you’d better go back to the White Hart, hang about somewhere inconspicuous, then waylay my men, and the carriage, before they enter the inn’ He scowled, trying to think where he could send the coach to wait until it was needed. He looked across at Denver. ‘You know this area better than I, where should I tell my coachman to wait?’

       ‘Tell him to go to the Red Lion in the next village, it’s not much of a place, but no one will ask questions, as long as he’s prepared to pay for their silence.’

       Fletcher turned to Roberts. ‘Did you get that? Explain to my coachman where he’s to go, then bring Sam and the two men back here.’

       He withdrew his hunter from his waistcoat pocket and glanced at the time. It was already four o’clock. The sky was becoming overcast and the clouds getting thicker, with any luck darkness would fall early tonight and then he would be able to begin his assault on Winterton.

Chapter Eighteen

Eliza, Jane, and Ann took it in turns at the window, hoping to see them bringing Jethro home injured, but still alive. The two who were not watching the park were occupied with entertaining Sarah; they played endless games of hunt the thimble and spillikins until even Sarah was bored with these.

       ‘It’s getting awful dark out there, Miss Fox, no point in standing here anymore.’ Jane said mid-afternoon. ‘I reckon it’ll be dark early tonight; I expect Miss Sarah will be happy to go to bed in an hour or two.’

       ‘Sarah, would you and Jane like to find us something to eat for our supper? Remember we must eat up all the things that will perish first, leave any pies, fruit and bread until tomorrow.’

       ‘I’m not hungry, Liza, I want to go home and see Mama.’

       Eliza detected tears in her sister’s voice and knew she was trying her best to be brave. ‘Never mind, darling, I’m sure we’ll all be home safe and sound very soon. Mr Reed and Edmund will be coming to take us back.’

       ‘If we’re going home why did you ask me to hang all the clothes up? Do I need to pack them up again?’

       ‘What a good idea, Miss Sarah. Come along, let’s you and I sort out what we need for the night and put the rest back into the bags. We’ll want to be ready and not keep Mr Reed or Mr Fox waiting.’

       Eliza smiled gratefully. She was the only one who haven’t managed to have a rest during the afternoon. They had been up at dawn and she had hardly slept the night before. She was bone weary and her head ached. ‘I think, whilst you both do that, Jane, I shall have a quick doze. I expect you can be very quiet in the dressing-room can’t you, Sarah?’

Jane led the girl into the dressing room and closed the door. Eliza kicked off her slippers but left her dress in place. There was no point in getting anything else creased.

       Sheep curled up on the pillows and pulling the soft comforter over her ears. Within seconds she was fast asleep and didn’t wake until Sarah shook her gently by the shoulder an hour and a half later.

       ‘Liza, Liza, it’s time to get up. Look, I’m all ready for bed and you’re in my place.’

       Eliza felt fresh and surprisingly hungry. ‘I am so glad you’ve woken me; I could do with my super now.’ Quickly scrambling out of bed she pushed her feet back into her slippers. ‘Do you realize, Sarah, that we’re going to have to take it in turns to sleep tonight? I think you must all have the first turn because I’ve just had a lovely long nap. I shall wake one of you in the middle of the night and take your place.’

       Sarah giggled, she liked the sound of these unusual arrangements.

       Their supper was more or less the same as lunch, but tasty nonetheless. Cook had provided them with bread and cheese, scones and jam, a plum cake and various cuts of meat. There were also fruit pies and biscuits. To drink they had lemonade and buttermilk.

Eliza sniffed the jug suspiciously. ‘Do you think this is still fresh enough to drink, Jane? It’s been sitting around here for several hours.’

       ‘I stood it in a basin of cold water, miss, so I’m certain it’s as fresh as it would be coming straight from the pantry. If we finish it off tonight the lemonade will do for tomorrow morning.’

       They were all careful not to waste anything. Eliza was relieved to see there was still more than enough for breakfast, and lunch as well. She prayed they would not need it.

       ‘Are you ready for bed now, Sarah? If you go and get in I shall come and say your prayers with you. Do you wish me to tell you a story too?’

Sarah shook her head. ‘No, I’m very tired. I want Jane to lie down with me, then I shall feel safe and cosy in there. Can we draw the curtains round the bed?’

       ‘Excellent idea, then we can move around in the room and not disturb you.’

* * * *

Ann and Eliza retreated to the sitting-room and were silent, both lost in their own thoughts, when they were jerked awake by shouts and screeches of feminine laughter coming from the corridor. Eliza rose in horror. It hadn’t occurred to her that Wydale’s friends would bring their fancy women with them.

The caterwauling and yelling going on outside told her what she could expect if she
was
forced to go downstairs. She listened to the clatter and raucous laughter as the couples were escorted to their various chambers.

       ‘I’m going to change my gown, have I anything respectable, Ann?’

‘Your apricot muslin with the matching spencer has been left hanging in the closet. It seemed a shame to pack it too soon. The creases have fallen out wonderfully; you would hardly know it had been rolled up most of the day. Would you like me to help you change?’

       Eliza was about to refuse, she was quite capable of getting out of her gowns on her own. None of her garments had the rows of tiny buttons that required the assistance of a dresser. But this evening she didn’t want to be alone, she certainly didn’t want to leave Ann by herself in the sitting room just in case someone hammered on the door.

They were obliged to creep past the bed. Eliza was ready to return to her vigil feeling calmer now that she was freshly dressed, her hair brushed until it shone, silk slippers on her feet and her spencer and reticule in her hand.

       There was no sound from inside the curtains on the large tester bed. She tiptoed over and peeped through - both Sarah and her companion were sound asleep.

 It was now only a little after six, but tonight it was pitch dark. Whilst they had been busy in the dressing-room the guests had obviously gone downstairs for dinner. Eliza was sitting quietly when she heard the sound of heavy feet rapidly approaching. There was an angry bang on the external door.

‘You are expected downstairs, Miss Fox. You are already keeping us waiting for our dinner.’ Without waiting for her answer Wydale attempted to open the door. Eliza shuddered, holding her breath, but it didn’t budge. The barrier they had erected held firm.

       He threw himself against the door swearing vilely and shouting abuse. Eliza didn’t answer him, she cowered in the furthest corner, praying he would go away.

After hammering and shouting for a while it went quiet, then she heard running feet down the passageway. A moment later someone pulled the servant’s door open and she saw a shadowy figure behind the heavy furniture that hid the entrance.

       It was hard to distinguish who it was, but she thought it must have been one of Wydale’s henchmen because he didn’t speak, just pushed hard at the wooden barrier and on finding it wouldn’t move, closed the door again. Eliza heard his feet clatter back.

       ‘I think they’ve gone, miss. Are we safe now?’

       ‘I don’t know, Ann, but I doubt it. Lord Wydale will not give up so easily.’ Yes, she heard footsteps approaching and they were coming down the servant’s passageway. She braced herself, knowing that the next few minutes would decide whether she was forced to leave the sanctuary of her chambers.

       The servant’s door swung inwards and this time it was quite clear who was there. Wydale’s head and shoulders were clearly visible above the makeshift barricade. A servant was holding an oil lamp behind him sending flickering shadows across his face. Eliza saw his lips curve in the semblance of a smile, but it didn’t reassure her.

       ‘Ah well, my dear Miss Fox, I see that you are dressed and ready. As you no doubt are aware, I cannot get in so you must come out to me.’

       Eliza steadied her breathing and replied, slowly enunciating each word. ‘I have no intention of coming out, we are all safe and well in here and here we intend to stay. Mr Reed and my brother will be upon you very soon, and I should not like to be in your place when they do arrive.’

       ‘Brave words indeed, my dear Miss Fox. However, unless those gallant gentlemen bring an army with them, they shall not get in here.’

Eliza bit back her question, she didn’t wish to appear in anyway eager to talk to him. Surely when Fletcher and Edmund arrived the staff would rally to their side? With so many, they could easily overcome this hateful man and his friends.

       ‘Do not look so sanguine, Miss Fox. I have incarcerated the male staff in the wine cellar, and shall release them in the morning; whatever I wish to do tonight, I shall do it unhindered by them.’

       She felt as if she had been punched in the chest. She had to ask, she couldn’t help herself. ‘And the female staff, what of them?’

       His snarl of laughter ricocheted up and down the narrow passageway and the small hairs on the nape of her neck rose. It was the laugh of a madman. ‘The female staff? Now that is very interesting you should mention them, my dear Miss Fox.’ He leant forward and she saw his face, she did not like what was expressed there.

       ‘It’s simple, I’m offering you an ultimatum. Either you come down with me or I shall take one of the girls instead. I have no need to treat them gently - they are disposable items.’

Eliza’s eyes widened in horror as she registered the exact meaning of his statement. He was saying that they would use and abuse any one of the girls with no compunction, and that he was not guaranteeing they would survive the experience. She could not let that happen.

       ‘And if I come down, what then?’

       ‘Then you have my word as a gentleman that the girls shall remain locked in the servants hall until tomorrow morning. Now, are you coming?’

       ‘I have already eaten, and have no desire to sit through dinner watching you and your friends. If you will permit me, I shall join you in the drawing-room when dinner has finished.’

For a moment she thought he would refuse to accept her suggestion, then he nodded.

‘Very well, it is now six o’clock. I shall expect you in the drawing-room at seven thirty.’

He stepped aside and the door swung shut. The room remained full of his evil presence; it was if a miasma hung over them and it took some minutes to dissipate.       Eliza stood rigid, watching the door, wondering if it would swing open again and her nemesis would be there hoping to see her collapsed in shivering heap on the carpet.

Never! Whatever transpired, she would not give in to him. She might be forced to do things against her will, but he would not break her spirit. Inside she would remain pure whatever he did to her body.

       The moment stretched to one minute, two minutes, three and then finally she was sure he had gone. Her knees begin to buckle beneath her. An arm came around her waist and she was guided to one of the spindly chairs set by the table.

       ‘Here, you sit still a moment, catch your breath, Miss Fox. That man is the devil. You’ll not go down, of course, you can’t possibly go down. You’ll not need to, it’s dark now, and Mr Reed and the Fox will be here long before you need to go down.’

       ‘I pray that you’re correct, Ann, but I fear that you’re wrong. Didn’t you hear him say that the house was locked and bolted on the inside? If we can make these rooms impregnable, I’m sure it’s possible to do the same to the ones on the ground floor. When

Mr Fox and Mr Reed arrive they’ll be unable to gain an entrance. They’ll have to fetch the militia to break down the door and by then it will be too late.’