Haggard (11 page)

'The previous tenant was a lady,' Mistress Broughton explained. 'Through here, sir, you will find the privy and bath chamber . . .'

'Bath chamber?'

'Of course, sir, Her Grace insists upon them in all of her houses.'

Haggard stood in the smaller doorway, gazed at the large tin tub. 'Her Grace?'

The house is part of the property of the Duchess of Devonshire, sir. Now, then, sir, if this is suitable, we shall find a room for the, ah . . . the young lady.'

The young lady will share this room,' Haggard said.

Mistress Broughton again frowned. 'Oh, well, sir, I am afraid that Her Grace . .

'Have I, or have I not, paid rent for this building, Cummings?' Haggard demanded.

'Well, of course you have, Mr. Haggard. For one month.'

Therefore for one month, Mistress Broughton, the building belongs to me, saving only I do not attempt to burn it down or damage the furnishings. I have no intention of doing either of those things. For the rest, you will be pleased to humour me.'

Mistress Broughton's mouth opened and closed again. She looked at Cummings.

'Yes, well, a nursery. That is what we need,' Cummings decided. 'A room to use as a nursery. Close by. Come along young fellow, let us find you a nice room.' He grasped Roger's hand and hurried off.

Mistress Broughton remained standing in the centre of the floor for a few moments longer, then she also turned and left. Emma licked her lips. 'Mr. Haggard . . .' 'Would you have a room of your own?'

'By no means, sir. But I'd not antagonise the servants, either. Mistress Broughton now . . . she is very angry.'

'But she
is
a servant, Emma. I am really not going to be put out by her anger.'

Emma bit her lip, but thought better of whatever she had been going to say. Haggard threw back the curtains at the windows, looked down at the lawn and the rose garden, where Alice and Charlie were already running up and down in delight at having been let off the ship.

' 'This is actually a very pleasant place,' he said. 'Is Derleth Hall anything like it?'

'Well . . . it is a little older,' Emma said, cautiously.

'And larger?'

'Oh, yes, Mr. Haggard, much larger.'

'I look forward to seeing it.' He drew the drapes from around the bed, sat on it. 'Soft enough. Come here.' She crossed the floor, hesitantly. 'Are you happy to be here?' She sat beside him. 'Oh, yes, Mr. Haggard.' 'Then undress and love me.' 'But Mr. Haggard, the doors are open. 'We never closed any doors at Haggard's Penn.' 'Yes. But Mr. Haggard . . .'

'Come along, sweetheart. Don't change on me. Or we'll catch the next packet back to Bridgetown.' -

Emma stood up, took off her hat and cloak, turned at a soft sound. Someone had closed the outer door.

The dining table was no more than a quarter of the size of that at Haggard's, and their places had been set, one at each end. Hardy the butler took up his position by the doorway, the footmen brought in the consomme and the saddle of lamb, the pork chops and the apple tarts, the roasted venison and the mulled red wine.

'Are we supposed to eat all of this?' Haggard demanded.

'Only what you feel like, Mr. Haggard,' Emma explained. . 'And what will happen to the rest?'

‘I
t will go to the servants.'

Haggard drank some wine. Hardy had been scandalised when he had ordered supper for eight o'clock. The more normal hour, Mr. Haggard,' he had explained, "is ten.'

‘I
had a light dinner,' Haggard told him. 'And Hardy, I like to eat when I am hungry.'

'Of course, sir,' Hardy had agreed, suppressing a sigh. No doubt he and Mistress Broughton had spent a profitable afternoon gossiping, but in any event they had had enough on their plate finding rooms for the slaves, and indeed in gazing at the black people with mingled distaste and alarm.

'Slaves, indeed,' Mistress Broughton had commented. 'We don't hold with such things in England, that we don't.'

While the Negroes had gazed around themselves in amazement, and huddled close to the great fire blazing in the pantry.

They'll get used to it,' Haggard said. 'As no doubt will I.' He raised his glass. 'A toast, my darling. To us. I can hardly believe we are here. And I will tell you this, it is a deal stranger than I had suspected.'

He was feeling pleasantly relaxed, after a long afternoon closeted with Cummings, who had been anxious to discuss the state of consols, the average price per ton of sugar, the details of the property transaction in Derbyshire, and the fitting out of Roger for attendance at Eton—he was due there in the New Year. There was far greater feeling of control over his money here in England than there had ever been in the West Indies. Now he just wanted to enjoy his evening. Emma had never looked more lovely, as she had never been more loving—there could be absolutely no doubt now that she had not realised her term of indenture was completed.

She wore her best gown and her pearls, because he had asked her to, as he had himself put on his black tail suit with the white pique waistcoat. 'For as we are here,' he said, 'we may as well see something of the place. Hardy, what can a man do with his evenings in London Town?'

'Well, sir . . .' Hardy stood stiffly to attention. 'An unattached gentleman might go to White's or Boodles.'

'What in the name of God are those?'

They are gentlemen's clubs, Mr. Haggard. But you would have to be a member.'

'And I am not yet one,' Haggard pointed out.

‘I
ndeed, sir. Not yet,' Hardy said, his tone suggesting he would be very surprised if Haggard ever achieved such eminence.

'Nor am I unattached,' Haggard pointed out.

'Indeed, sir. Well, of course, the season is over, and most of the gentlemen are away shooting, to be sure, with their ladies.'

'Shooting? There are wild beasts in England?'

'Birds, Mr. Haggard. Game birds. Pheasant and ah . . . partridge. But for those confined to town, sir, by the calls of business or political matters, well, there is the theatre.'

'Oh, Mr. Haggard,' Emma said. 'I have never been to a theatre.'

'Neither have I,' Haggard said. 'And I did not travel four thousand miles to be bored.'

'Well, sir,' Hardy ventured. There is always Almack's.'

'Which is?'

'Reception rooms, sir. But . . .' 'Yes?'

'Well, sir, you would have to be introduced. By another gentleman, you understand, or a lady.'

'What nonsense. I am John Haggard. Have my carriage prepared. Miss Dearborn and I will have a look at this place. Shall we not, Emma?
’

That would be splendid, Mr. Haggard. I have heard of Almack's. It is the place to be seen.'

'And that can be no bad thing. Well, Hardy?'

Hardy raised his eyes in despair, if I may advise, Mr. Haggard . . .'

'Hardy, one of my rules is, never to take advice, and certainly not from my butler. Prepare the carriage.'

'Yes, sir, Mr. Haggard.' Hardy snapped his fingers, and a footman sprang forward,
‘I
had merely supposed Miss Dearborn might be tired,' he said, changing his tactics.

'Miss Dearborn has spent the past two months cooped up on board a small vessel, like myself, and is as anxious as I am for some exercise.'

Hardy looked scandalised. 'Of course, sir,' he said, and withdrew.

‘I
can't dance,' Emma said. 'I don't know how.' 'I'll teach you,' Haggard said. 'And we'll let the nobs have a look at us.'

'Your card, sir?' requested the major-domo. He wore a green jacket decorated with gold braid and made a very splendid figure. Behind him were a dozen footmen, similarly dressed, with white wigs and highly polished leather shoes, knee breeches and white stockings. The lobby in which they stood was floored in marble on which their heels clicked disconcertingly, while the ceiling rose a good thirty feet above their heads; it served also as a ceiling for the first floor, which loomed above them behind marble balustrades, and was reached by a ceremonial staircase.

‘I
have no card,' Haggard said, refusing to allow himself to be overawed. 'You may announce me. John Haggard, of Barbados, and Miss Emma Dearborn.'

'No card, sir?' The major-domo's face froze. 'Have you attended Almack's before, sir?'

'Of course I have not,' Haggard said. 'I only landed in this confounded country this afternoon. Nor am I used to being kept waiting in antechambers. You'll step aside.'

He moved towards the great staircase, but the major-domo stepped in front of him.
‘I
am afraid, sir, that it is impossible to admit you.'

'Eh?'

'I have my instructions, sir, from the Duchess of Devonshire.'

The Duchess of Devonshire? Why, you dolt, I am a tenant of hers. If you will be good enough to inform her that I am here . . .'

'Her Grace is not attending thi
s evening, sir. No doubt, when y
ou return, you will bring an invitation from her, and then I may admit you. I should also point out, sir, that you are improperly dressed. Gentlemen are not admitted unless they are wearing wigs.'

'By God,' Haggard shouted. 'You impudent rogue. I've a mind to slit your nose for you, sir. By God, sir . . .'

'Mr. Haggard, I beg of you,' Emma whispered, clutching his arm. 'Let us begone.'

'Begone?' Haggard demanded. 'Begone. Why, I'll . . .'He stared at the young man just descending the stairs toward them.

'My cloak, Martin,' said the man. 'Is my gig waiting?'

'Of course, Mr. Addison.' Martin gave a shallow bow, and accepted a folded piece of paper.

Mr. Addison gave Haggard and Emma a brief glance, went to the door.

'Mr. Haggard,' Emma begged, still dragging on his arm.

'You, sir,' Haggard said, pointing with his stick.

Addison half turned, looked at the stick, rather than the man. 'Are you addressing me. sir?'

There is no one else present,' Haggard pointed out. 'I have just been refused admittance to this rout.'

'Indeed, sir? Now there is a surprise.'

The sarcasm was lost on Haggard's anger. 'And I am about to pull this fellow's ears for him. Can you give me a reason why I should not?'

'Because he would very likely break your head for you, sir,' Addison suggested.

'By God,' Haggard said. 'Does all London seek to provoke me?"

Addison allowed himself a smile, and this time he inspected Emma, to his obvious satisfaction, indeed, sir, I am sure the city does not. Especially as I can perceive, both from your complexion and your speech, that you are a stranger to our fair land. You'll take a glass sir, with your charming companion."

'A glass? Upstairs?'

'Ah, no. I'm afraid that will not be possible. At my rooms, perhaps.' He held out his hand. 'Henry Addison, at your service.' 'John Haggard. And this is . . .'

'Haggard?' Addison's brows drew together in a frown, and then as hastily cleared, while his smile broadened. 'Of Barbados.'

That is so, sir. I have not had the pleasure, I am sure.'

The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Haggard.' Addison seized Haggard's hand between both of his. 'We had heard, sir, oh indeed, Cummings spread it about, that you were returning to take your place in the forefront of affairs. Derleth, is it?'

‘I
have purchased the manor, yes,' Haggard said. 'But I am not sure I understand
..."

'Forgive me,' Addison said. 'Madam?'

'Miss Dearborn.'

'Dear Miss Dearborn.' He seized Emma's hand in tum and kissed it. 'You will sup with me. I insist. We have much to discuss. Much.'

'Sup?' Haggard inquired. 'But we have already . . .'

Emma pinched his arm. 'We should very much like to sup with you, Mr. Addison.'

'You'll excuse old Martin, of course.' Henry Addison leaned back and lit a cheroot, smiling at Emma. The fact is, he is completely under the thumb of dear Georgiana.'

'Georgiana?' Haggard inquired.

The Duchess of Devonshire, don't you know?'

'My landlady.'

'Indeed? We shall have to obtain you an invitation to one of her soirees, as soon as she returns to town, and then all doors will be open to you.'

'Yet you say everyone knew of my coming.'

'Well, perhaps not everyone. But to anyone with a political bent it was important. Why, John Haggard, of Haggard's Penn, we'll have had no more illustrious West Indian, if you'll pardon the expression, in recent times. The fact is, Haggard, 'tis the colour of your politics that interests me. You'll know Derleth carries a seat?'

'That is why I chose it.'

'Aha. We had supposed as much. And you'll know further that Billy Pitt plans to go to the country before the end of the year?'

'You will have to instruct me in English politics.'

'Aye, well, it is necessary to increase our majority. There are great things afoot. Oh, aye, great things.' Addison leaned forward. 'So how now. Haggard? Do you vote Whig or Tory?'

'I doubt I understand the difference,' Haggard confessed. 'But I will tell you this, Addison, I am a slave owner. I do not hold with ill treatment of the unhappy devils. But I understand that my prosperity is based upon them. Now you tell me straight, with all this talk in the air, with the names of Wilberforce and Clarkson echoing from one end of the West Indies to the next, how stands the Tory party?'

That is simple. To us a man's property is inviolable, and slavery, however undesirable in the principle, is, as you say, an essential part of the economy of the wealthiest part of the British Empire, sir, to wit your own sunlit islands. Nor can we believe that such prosperity can be other than impaired by outlawing the trade.'

'Well said, sir,' Haggard agreed. Then I am your man.'

Then, sir, as time is pressing, as I have said, the sooner you are to Derbyshire and in possession of your seat the better. For depend upon it, there will have to be an election, and by Christmas. We wish you to be returned for Derleth, sir. None other.'

'Here is my hand and my promise,' Haggard said.

'And I will see to the matter of some proper introductions for yourself and Miss Dearborn. Oh, dear me, the poor young lady appears to be asleep."

‘I
t has been an exhausting day,' Haggard agreed. 'And for me also. I must away to my bed.'

'Perhaps you'll permit me to escort Miss Dearborn to her lodging?'

Haggard gave a short laugh. 'Away with you. She lodges with me.'

Addison frowned at him. 'Here? In London?' 'Until we can move ourselves to Derby.'

'But . . .' His frown deepened. 'Dearborn. Dearborn. There is a family of that name in Devon.'

'She has no family, Addison. She was, and I will tell you this in confidence, indentured labour. But the mother of my younger children. I am a lucky man.'

Addison slowly subsided back into his chair, produced a silk handkerchief, and wiped his brow, indentured labour? And you sought to introduce her to Almack's?'

Haggard's turn to frown. Tis but a dance hall, is it not?'

'A dance hall. Ye gods. It is the very centre of London society. What Georgiana would say . . .' He leaned forward again, lowered his voice. 'You have no intention of marrying the young woman?'

'None at all.'

Thank God for that. But you are deeply enamoured of her.'

‘I
'm damned if I see where you have the right to ask me such impertinent questions.'

'Believe me. Haggard, I'd not give offence. But 'tis important. London is not Barbados. No, indeed. I perceive in you a man of talent, sir. I already know you to be a man of wealth. And I can also discern in you a man of character, a man of determination, a man of decision. Why, sir, to such a paragon the world itself is almost too small a field for conquest. I would wager all London will lie at your feet, sir. But not if you insult the sensibilities of the ladies who rule us.'

'By God, sir, I've a mind to take offence, at that,' Haggard said. 'Will you pretend to me that no man in London keeps a mistress?'

Then they would hardly be men,' Addison pointed out. 'But they are discreet, sir. Discreet. And
should
they desire to make a display of it, they choose their mistresses from their own society. Now, sir, hear me out. We of the Tory Party need you, and we will honour you, and promote you, should you only make it possible for us to do so. Love your delightful indenture, by all means. But do so at Derleth. I beg of you. And leave her there when you come to town.' He threw himself back in his chair and mopped his brow.

'Do you know,' Haggard confessed. 'I had thought to have left such backbiting behind me? I had supposed London society as free as air.'

'I wish it were, Haggard. I wish it were.'

'Aye, well, no doubt you have given me good advice. And to say the truth, I have not been greatly impressed by what I have seen of this city of yours. It was Cummings' idea that I should spend some time here. I will leave for Derleth in the morning.'

'And when you come back, you will be one of us.'

'Oh, indeed,' Haggard said. 'When I come back I will know more of this land, you may be sure of that.'

There.' Emma said, rolling down the window of the berlin to point. If she had guessed the reason for their abrupt departure from town she had not revealed it, had bubbled with enthusiastic gaiety all the three days they had spent on the road, despite the fact that the previous morning she had begun sneezing and was now suffering from a streaming cold.

'A pretty picture, Mr. Haggard,' Cummings said. And if he had certainly guessed the reason behind Haggard's decision to abandon the city, he had been wise enough to keep it to himself.