Authors: Lynn Collum
The Captain (16 page)
His brows rose but his manner was polite. “I should be delighted. Will the captain be joining us?”
Her cheeks warmed. She was certain that Weems must think it strange that she would have need of such knowledge, but he would fully understand once everything had been revealed. “He has business to attend at his father's estate.” Then Jacinda remembered her promise to the captain and the two names he'd given her at breakfast. James, the second footman, or Tobias, the under groom, were the two who would accompany her at any time. The groom would be the more fitting for this outing.
“Would you please ask Tobias to accompany us? After our inspection, I wish to go into town.” She had no intention of going to town but it was easier to say she was than to explain the groom's presence.
“Tobias it shall be, ma'am.” The steward put the rolled-up drawing with several other rolls in a cabinet. “I have some less expensive suggestions I should like to put forward when you are ready.”
She laughed and held up her hand. “Wait until we are outdoors, then you can explain more fully. I shall go and change and meet you at the stables in fifteen minutes.”
“Very good, ma'am.”
As Jacinda made her way upstairs, an excitement she had never before known coursed through her. She would be out on a horse, on her own estate, making a difference.
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Returning from Rowland Park, Drew handed his hat and riding gloves to the butler. “Where is my wife, Stritch?”
“Out inspecting the estate with Weems, sir. She promised to return in time to have a light luncheon with the family at one.”
The captain frowned. There could be little danger with the steward and an unplanned ride. Still, he was worried. “And the other members of the household, are they at home?”
A knowing look flashed on the butler's face. “Mr. Devere is in Wells, Mrs. Tyne and her mother are walking in the garden, and Mrs. Markham is in her room, sir.”
“Thank you, Stritch.” All who might wish to harm Jacinda seemed to be fully occupied, which made him feel better. “Inform me at once when my wife returns.”
Drew started for the library, then stopped, “Would you have James come to me at once?”
The butler's brows rose. “Is there something I can do for you, sir?”
Afraid he might have gotten the old man's nose out of joint, Drew smiled. “ 'Tis just an errand I need run and a footman is best suited to that.” He would have the servant make certain Jacinda had Tobias with her.
The butler nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. He disappeared down the hall.
Drew made his way to the library, then smiled when he saw the stack of ledgers Jacinda had left open. Obviously she was taking her new task seriously, which was a good thing. Still, he wished she'd waited until he'd returned so that he could have ridden with her.
He settled into the chair and his thoughts turned to his visit to Rowland Park. The baron was showing progress; even the doctor was pleased. His father had actually summoned the new bailiff to his chambers to go over some of the changes Drew had given Mr. Berwick, his new steward, before they'd departed for London. Surprisingly, Lord Rowland had made few alterations to the orders. It was a good sign the old gentleman was once again taking an interest in things around him. The baron's valet had told Drew his father had requested to sit in a chair the day the bailiff visited. At this rate, Drew hoped to have his father walking by September.
A shout rang out in the hall. Its ominous timbre made a chill grip Drew. He yanked the library door open to the sight of the burly groom, Tobias, carrying Jacinda in his arms. Her face was a deathly white hue, her hat was gone and her riding habit was covered in dirt stains. Young Ben trailed behind the groom, his face so grimly set Drew almost didn't recognize him. Weems hesitated at the front door, clearly uncertain as to whether to enter or leave matters in their hands. He held Jacinda's hat in his hand.
Drew went straight to Tobias. “Give her to me, lad. Go at once for the doctor.”
Jacinda slid her arms round Drew's neck , but she protested, “I don't need a doctor. 'Twas only a slight tumble from my horse. I'm only a bit shaken.”
“How did this happen?” Drew looked to Weems for an explanation.
“It was an accident, Captain. We took the path along the back of the property. Someone was hunting in the next estate and a single shot flushed a covey of quail out of the bushes. The birds spooked her horse. There was nothing anyone could have done to prevent it, sir.”
“He's right.” Jacinda said, “If you put me down, I shall show you I can walk.”
“Nonsense,” Drew's grip tightened and he headed up the stairs. “Not until the doctor has seen you. Stritch,” he called over his shoulder. “Send Mrs. Morrow's maid to her.”
For a few minutes Drew and Jacinda were in the upper hall alone as he strode towards her room. “Are you certain it was an accident? Someone fired a gun nearby where you were riding!”
She lifted her head from his shoulder. “It was on the other side of the creek, I believe. I have heard enough gunfire to know the shot came from a good distance away. No, it was more my rusty riding skills than any bad intent. Although I must admit, I've not seen that many quail in a covey in my life. I fear I have been in the city too long.”
In her apartments, Drew lay her upon the bed. She reached to rubbed at her ankle then seeing the look on his face said, “I know what you are thinking but it truly was just an accident.”
Before he could comment, Martha arrived and began to fuss around her mistress. He gave the maid instructions to dress his wife for bed even while the lady protested.
Some fifteen minutes later the village physician, Dr. Fleetwood, arrived and, after a short visit with her, pronounced Mrs. Morrow to have suffered only a few minor bumps and bruises. He suggested she stay in bed for the remainder of the day.
Drew urged her to do as the doctor ordered, asked Martha to stay with her mistress all afternoon, then escorted Fleetwood to the door with profound thanks. There he found Ben waiting in the hall for him. “May I speak you with a moment, sir?
Not wanting to be overheard, they retired to the library for their conversation.
“It was no accident, Captain.” Ben picked up Jacinda's black high-crown beaver hat from the desk. He put his hand inside the dome and poked his finger through a small hole that was hidden under the green ostrich feather that trimmed the stylish hat.
Someone had already made another attempt on Jacinda's life. The thought upset him so, he didn't say a thing, only walked to the window and looked out at the sunlit gardens that had seemed so welcoming. He'd thought her safe with the steward, but it seemed there would be danger everywhere until they unmasked the villain who wished to harm her.
Ben moved to stand beside the gentleman. “I shouldn't have gone down to the stables after breakfast like Jack urged me. I got distracted by the grooms who took me to the lower pasture to see the new foals and she went off with that steward. I should have been more vigilant.”
Drew put a hand on the boy's shoulder. “We both got distracted with other things, but we must make certain it doesn't happen again.” He sighed and crossed his arms. “What we need is a plan.”
“Plan, sir? What kind of plan?”
“I don't know, but hopefully something will come to me. Until then we must make certain that one of us is with her whenever she steps outside this house.”
The lad folded his arms in front of him just like Drew had. “You can count on me, Captain. I know if not for Jack, er, I mean, Jacinda, I'd be in some parish orphanage or worse, living in the rookeries of London, poor, hungry, and illiterate.”
The boy barely came to Drew's shoulder, but in a fight Drew would give him good odds of winning. What he lacked in stature, he more than made up for in courage. Still he was just a lad, and Drew didn't want to put too much responsibility on him. There was also the problem of Jacinda being too cursedly independent for her own good. She'd spent too many years on her own to bend willingly to his wishes. “We must be careful that she doesn't suspect we are watching over her. I think I can be certain she would demand we not treat her like a porcelain doll.”
“Bloody hell, sir, she'd wear my guts for garters if she thought I doubted she could take care of herself.” He suddenly covered his mouth. “You won't tell her I said âbloody hell,' will you? She hates when I swear.”
Drew shook his head, suppressing a smile. “I won't tell her this conversation even took place.” He clapped the boy on the shoulder and asked if he wanted a riding lesson since Jacinda would be in her room under the watchful gaze of her maid all afternoon.
“Would I?” Ben dashed for the door, then stopped with his hand on the knob. Guiltily he looked back at the captain. “I don't think I should be having fun what with everything that's happened.”
“We must keep up normal pretenses, my boy. Jacinda is safe for now. As to the riding, you must learn now that you live in the country. She's likely to be on horseback a great deal what with estate matters and how will you keep her in sight if you cannot ride? Beside, would she not want you to enjoy yourself?”
Ben's dark eyes were troubled. “That she would, sir.” But there was less eagerness as he departed.
Drew rose late the following morning. He'd found himself unable to sleep due to his worries about the wisdom of returning Jacinda to Chettwood. An attempt on her life so soon made him uncomfortable. Someone was determined. He weighed the options of taking her back to London, but in truth, she would be no safer there now that everyone knew her to be alive. Whoever wished her harm could send his henchmen there as easily as here. Near dawn he finally settled on the matter: they must make their stand here at Chettwood, where he could keep a better watch over her.
After James helped him dress, he went straight to Jacinda's room, hoping to find her taking it easy after her mishap. Unfortunately he was too late. Her maid informed him that her mistress had risen early.
“Her intention was to walk in the garden this morning, sir. 'Tis such a beautiful day.” Martha gestured at the blue skies visible through the windows.
He swore under his breath. Why must she wander about in the open? A part of him didn't believe that even her enemy would be so foolish as to attack her in her own gardens, but yesterday's attempt was a sign that whoever wanted the Blanchett fortune was getting impatient.
His rapid footfalls echoed through the halls as he hurried down the stairs to the great room. She'd mentioned her mother's rose garden the first night and her desire to see how it fared, so he made his way to an alcove in the back hall that looked out over that garden. The small, sheltered area with large hew hedges surrounding three sides created an intimate atmosphere despite being outdoors. Relief filled him as he spied her with Ben, who held a basket while she cut roses. They were chatting and laughing, clearly unfazed by yesterday's events.
He savored her beauty in the fine morning mist. She looked like some delicate wood nymph come to life in a simple yellow muslin gown that ruffed in the breeze. The garment molded to a figure that had grown more alluring with the added pounds of a better diet, yet he thought his hands could still encompass her small waist. She'd cast aside her large gypsy bonnet onto a nearby stone bench and the sun glinted on her golden brown curls, creating a halo effect. His first instinct was to go to her. But he stayed the impulse. He didn't want to raise her suspicions by being overprotective. She was safe enough where she was in the little walled space.
With little to occupy him here, he settled on the bench seat at the window. He'd spent much of his free time at Chettwood searching for the will Mr. Wilkins mentioned, but had found nothing. Yet, if the solicitor's theory were true there had to be a new will. Where could it be? And who would it benefit? Giles Devere? Prudence Tyne? Mrs. Devere?
Drew had made a habit of watching the young gentleman. But Jacinda's cousin seemed more interested in meeting his friends in Wells than in what she was doing. He barely engaged her in conversation when they were together. Even Mrs. Devere and her daughter showed only polite interest in Jacinda's affairs. The answer to the mystery of Blanchett's death only seemed to slip further from his grasp with each passing day.
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