Dear Deceiver

‘I understand that, my lord. The man I was to marry died of fever four years ago. There has been no one since then, but, as you know, I do have a brother.’

‘I see. He is not yet suited?’

‘Oh, Dominic, do find something for Miss Woodhill’s brother,’ Lucy put in. ‘I do so want her to come to us.’

‘Lucy,’ he said patiently. ‘You know how careful we have to be over—’

‘Oh, my lord, I did not mean…’ Emma said. ‘I was not…’ She stopped and began again. ‘Teddy has been educated to good degree; he is not looking for domestic work. He has gone to India House and will doubtless be given employment there.’

‘Of course. Your father’s name will be known to them.’

‘Yes,’ she said, wishing the ground would swallow her. This was becoming harder and harder, but once started on the deception, there was no way she could stop it without confessing all. And she could not do it. Teddy was relying on her.

‘As for wages,’ he went on. ‘What do you say to fifty pounds a year and all found?’

Emma had no way of knowing that this was more than generous and did a quick conversion to rupees, which was a futile exercise because standards were so different in India. On the other hand, she would be living in and, as pin money, it would do very well. The only trouble was that if Teddy did not find a post where he could live in, she would have to pay for his lodgings. ‘I would prefer to be paid monthly, my lord,’ she said.

‘Very well, monthly it shall be.’ He smiled and held out his hand. ‘Let us shake hands on the deal and you may start as soon as you wish, then you will have time to become accustomed to your duties before the Season begins in earnest.’

Emma found her hand clasped in a cool, dry grip and found herself thinking what an uncommonly attractive man he was, not only physically, but in temperament. His smile made her feel as though she was of some consequence; he treated her like an equal even when he had no cause to think of her as anything but a servant. She hated herself for deceiving him and didn’t know how she was going to survive seeing him every day and living a lie.

Perhaps he would be busy, out and about doing masculine, bachelor things, and she would not need to see much of him. Why did that thought sadden her? ‘Thank you, my lord,’ she said, retrieving her hand. ‘I will start the day after tomorrow, if I may.’

‘Oh, I am so pleased,’ Lucy exclaimed, as Dominic went over to the secretaire and opened a drawer. ‘I shall look forward to seeing you then.’

‘You will need this.’ Dominic came forward, offering a small bag which Emma realised contained coins.

‘My lord?’ she queried doubtfully. ‘I have earned nothing yet.’

‘It is customary, Miss Woodhill, to give a small advance for clothes and suchlike.’ He gave Lucy a warning look to stop her contradicting him. ‘You know better than I what you need.’

Emma wondered if he were criticising her dress, but she was in no position to be disdainful of an advance. She accepted gratefully and took her leave, hardly noticing the young man who was at that moment approaching the house. She had done it! She had a job and somewhere to live, and she only hoped that his lordship never found out the truth. Somehow she knew he would be more hurt than angry and she never wanted to hurt him. She would have to work hard, learn her job and be a true friend to Miss Besthorpe.

Her reverie was brought to a startling end by a commotion in the street. A chimney boy, black as Satan and carrying a bundle of brushes on his shoulder, had turned suddenly towards one of the houses and his pole had come into contact with the rump of a horse which had been hitched to a tree outside the Marquis’s gate. The startled animal bolted, to the accompaniment of screams and shouts from passers-by, which only served to increase its terror. Its owner, who had been taking the steps, two at a time, up to Lord Besthorpe’s door, turned to run after it. Emma sprang back out of his way as he brushed past her, just as someone darted out from nowhere and grabbed the runaway’s reins.

In that moment she realised, with a shock, that it was her brother and he was being dragged along the road, while everyone in the vicinity stood and stared. But he clung on manfully and brought the horse to a shuddering halt. He was standing with his head up against the horse’s, murmuring soothingly to it, when its owner came up to him. Emma hurried to join them.

‘I’m obliged to you, young shaver,’ the man was saying and Emma realised it was the man who had been with Lord Besthorpe at Grillons the evening they arrived in London. There was no mistaking his red-gold locks. ‘That was a spunky thing to do. Nelson could have caused no end of a furore with the traffic. He might done untold damage, not to mention injuring himself.’

‘He is still very agitated,’ Teddy said, patting the stallion’s neck. ‘It is hardly to be wondered at—such an out-and-out thoroughbred is bound to be spirited.’ The horse whinnied with pleasure at the fondling and soft voice of the young man. ‘See, he knows, doesn’t he? I wonder you subject him to the city traffic, sir.’

‘Impudent young bratling!’

‘Teddy, do mind your manners,’ Emma put in. She turned to the horse’s owner. ‘I am sorry for my brother’s rudeness, sir. I am afraid he was always more outspoken than was good for him. He meant no criticism.’

’emma, I do not need you to speak for me, much less tell what is in my mind,’ Teddy said. ‘A man who subjects a horse like that to the noise and bustle of city streets don’t deserve to own such a one.’

Emma was horrified, but the man started to laugh and he kept on laughing, until Teddy’s own mouth twitched and Emma found herself smiling.

‘You obviously know your horses, young man. Where did you learn about them?’

‘In India. We take care of our horses there.’

‘So we do in England.’ He smiled. ‘I do not customarily ride race horses in town and you were quite right to chide me, but, you see, I have only half an hour ago purchased him at Tattersall’s and could not resist the opportunity to ride him home.’

‘I beg pardon, sir,’ Teddy said. ‘I should not have been so quick to criticise without knowing the whole, but…’

‘No, you should not.’ He took the reins from Teddy’s hand and patted the horse. ‘But I am obliged to you for stopping him.’ He felt in his pocket for a coin with which to reward the boy.

‘I’ve seen you before,’ Teddy said, reluctant to let the beautiful animal go and ignoring the proffered half-crown. ‘You were at Grillons the other night with…’ He stopped suddenly confused, when he saw the man he had referred to as a Corinthian striding towards them.

‘I heard the commotion,’ he said. ‘Bertie, what’s amiss?’

‘I was on my way to see you, wanted to show off my latest purchase, tied him to a tree. Trouble was he was spooked by a chimney boy and this young shaver, not only stopped him, but afforded me a lecture on how I should look after him.’

Dominic smiled. ‘And you disliked that, I do not doubt.’ He walked slowly round the animal, now standing patiently at the side of the road. ‘He’s a beauty, isn’t he?’

‘Top of the trees. I bought him for stud, but I think I might give him a race or two. You should have seen him gallop down the road. Scattered everyone, except the lad.’

Dominic turned towards Teddy. ‘Mr Woodhill, I am happy to make your acquaintance.’

‘Oh, I am sorry,’ Emma put in, suddenly remembering her manners. ‘Lord Besthorpe, allow me to present my brother, Edward. Teddy, this is the Marquis of Cavenham.’

‘Marquis?’ Teddy’s expression was almost comical. ‘I say, Em, that’s a turn-up, ain’t it?’

‘What is?’ demanded the owner of the horse.

‘Why, that we should have bumped into his lordship three times in less than a se’ennight,’ Teddy said. ‘First on board the ship from India, then at Grillons. And I said to Em…’A look from Emma silenced him, for she was sure he was going to say something indiscreet.

‘Teddy, his lordship has been kind enough to give me a position in his household.’

‘Has he? Oh, that’s capital!’

‘Are you looking for work, young man?’ The query came from the man Dominic had addressed at Bertie.

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Are you as good with horses as you say you are?’

‘Course I am. Ask my sister.’

‘Then I’ll give you a trial in my stables.’

‘A stable lad!’ said Teddy in tones of contempt. ‘I ain’t so sure…’

‘Teddy, don’t be so ungrateful!’ Emma remonstrated.

‘Mr Cosgrove doesn’t have your ordinary kind of stable,’ Dominic put in. ‘He’s one of the country’s foremost racehorse owners and breeders.’

‘There’s more like this one?’ Teddy queried, patting Nelson’s shining black neck.

‘Yes, several,’ Bertie said. ‘You’d have to come down to Newmarket and live in with the other lads. If you come up to the mark, you’d be able to exercise the horses of a morning.’

‘That’s no problem at all,’ Emma put in before Teddy should be foolish enough to turn down the offer. ‘He really is exceptionally good with horses. Why, I’ve known him break the most skittish pony and had him trotting around as docile as you please in no time at all.’

‘Let us go back indoors to discuss it over a glass of something,’ Dominic suggested. ‘We can hardly do business on the road.’

So they all went back inside and the details were arranged to everyone’s satisfaction over claret wine for the men and ratafia for the ladies, as Lucy soon joined them. By the time they left, Emma and Teddy felt as if they had known the Marquis and his friend, Mr Cosgrove, all their lives.

‘There’s a turn-up and no mistake,’ Teddy said, as they made their way home, having been persuaded to take nuncheon at Bedford Row. ‘It’s fate, that’s what it is.’

‘What is?’

‘Why, meeting Lord Besthorpe again. I knew he was top of the trees when I first set eyes on him at Grillons. And to think you saw him before that and never said a word.’

‘Why should I? We simply passed each other when I was disembarking and he was coming on board.’

‘But he took the trouble to discover your name, didn’t he? It must have been more than that.’

‘Well, it wasn’t,’ she said, thoroughly annoyed with him. ‘Now, if you please, we will not say another word about the gentleman.’

‘I think he’s a real out-and-outer,’ he continued, ignoring her plea to drop the subject. ‘Now you are likely to see him every day, he cannot help but notice you.’

‘Teddy, if you do not hold your tongue this very minute, I shall never speak to you again.’

He laughed and skipped out of the way of her upraised hand. Not that she would have struck him; it was a meaningless threat. ‘Had you forgot I am going to Newmarket tomorrow?’ he said. ‘You will not be able to speak to me for a long time.’

It was perfectly true and the reminder saddened her. Because their father had frequently been away from home, they had fallen on each other’s company more than most siblings, which perhaps accounted for Emma’s ability in what might be considered masculine pursuits like shooting, fishing and riding hard. Only when Teddy was at school had they been parted. But he was right to say that he was no longer a child and must make his own way. She must learn not to mind.

‘I am going to spend the rest of the afternoon shopping,’ she said. ‘Do you need anything?’

‘No, thank you. Nor do I wish to be dragged round town looking at fripperies. I am going to Bullock’s Museum to see Napoleon’s coach. I believe there are other memorabilia from the Waterloo battlefield. Very gory, some of it. I shall see you this evening.’ And with that he sauntered off, leaving her to make her own way to Pantheon’s Bazaar.

A visit to that establishment had been suggested to her by Lucy when she had ventured to ask where she could buy ready-to wear clothes at a reasonable price. The name made her think of India, but the emporium, when she found it, was nothing like an Indian market, for it was a large store.

She spent some time wandering through its departments bewildered by the array of garments and accessories for sale and carefully enquiring the price of everything. The Marquis’s advance had been generous but she was determined not to spend it all at once. One good day gown and something for evenings should suffice, together with a pelisse, a good pair of half-boots, and a bonnet and gloves. These, together with the clothes she had brought from India would, she decided, make up an adequate wardrobe. After all, she would not be going on the town herself. When it came to choosing style and colour, she found herself wondering what Lord Besthorpe would prefer, which was very silly and did not help her make up her mind.

In the end she chose a round gown for day in a green and cream striped jaconet with a cream lace pelerine collar and puffed sleeves. The evening gown was more difficult; there was a bewildering display of materials: silk, satin, net, gauze, some of it almost transparent and in every colour imaginable, trimmed with beads, pearls, ribbons and feathers. The temptation to buy one of these gorgeous creations would have been almost impossible to resist if they had not been above her means.

She was not a giddy schoolgirl going to her first ball, she told herself, she was a mature woman who was expected to watch over the morals and well-being of her young charge. She must blend into the background. On the other hand, she must not be a dowd for that would reflect badly on the Marquis. She must be a credit to him.

She had been excessively cross with Teddy for his teasing, but that did not alter the fact that his lordship’s good opinion was very important to her. He had believed every fib she told him, and that made her feel distinctly unworthy. It behoved her to prove to his and her own satisfaction that she deserved the chance he was giving her.

The shop assistant was looking at her with a degree of impatience and there were others jostling behind her, clamouring for attention. She seized upon an open gown of amber crepe over a pale lemon satin slip. It had short puff sleeves and was decorated under the bosom with a cluster of silk primroses and floating velvet ribbons.

After that, buying accessories was a simple matter and having given instructions for her purchases to be delivered to Bedford Row, she made her way back to her lodgings for a last meal with Teddy. Tomorrow was the beginning of a new life. Whether it would be difficult or easy, happy or sad, she had no way of knowing, but whatever it was, she was determined to meet its challenge with good humour and fortitude.

Chapter Three

Emma had expected to find her accommodation a little spartan, probably at the top of the house where the other servants lived, but that was not so. Lucy insisted on having her close to hand and Emma was given a room on the second floor, just along the corridor from Lucy’s suite of bedroom and sitting-room. It was large and well-furnished though, like the rest of the house, a little shabby. She didn’t mind that; it made it all the more cosy.

She also discovered she was not to eat in the kitchen but with the family, as well as to go out and about everywhere with her charge, even when his lordship himself was to be in attendance, which he was during the first few days. It did nothing for her peace of mind to have him in such close proximity but she supposed it was only natural that he would wish to satisfy himself that his beloved sister was in good hands and that he need have no qualms about his new employee.

He was always elegantly, though not extravagantly dressed, always courteous and good-natured, but he never gave the impression of weakness. Physically he was a powerful man with a temperament to match; he knew what he wanted and was determined to have it, while remaining fair to everyone from his sister down to the potboy in the kitchen. Emma did not need to be told that his servants respected and loved him; it showed itself in their cheerful willingness to do the work allotted to them.

He could also be implacable and she made up her mind she would do her utmost not to put him to the test. So she studied her book of etiquette and borrowed others from the library, learned how to dress her charge for every given occasion, to mend her clothes and arrange her hair, so that he would have no cause for complaint.

If he ever found out the reference she had given him was a forgery…no, not a forgery exactly but written to deceive, she would be bundled out of the house in minutes, and without a character. She had not been long at Bedford Row before she discovered exactly what that unpleasant phrase meant, when she learned that one of the kitchen maids had recently been turned off for impertinence to a guest.

‘I’m sure I don’t blame her,’ Lucy told Emma. They were eating en famille and Lucy had been beguiling her with tales of recent happenings. ‘Lady Clarence is insufferably top-lofty and to complain the soup was cold when she had let it sit in front of her a full ten minutes while she bored everyone with the tale of how her bran-faced daughter had engaged the attention of the Prince Regent, which I, for one, do not credit, was too much. I had as lief sent her off without her dinner as punish poor Rose.’

‘Rudeness is something I will not tolerate,’ Dominic put in mildly. ‘Not even when it appears justified. If I had not acted at once, it would have been the talk of the ton that I am unable to control my servants. And from that it would be a short step to saying the whole household is dissolute. What do you suppose that would do for your come-out and your chances of marriage?’

Lucy conceded that he might be right, but the unfairness rankled. ‘I should hope you will wait until the fuss has died down and re-engage her,’ she said, to which Dominic laughed and said she must leave justice to him, an enigmatic answer which convinced Emma more than ever that he must not find out that she had lied to him. The very thought of it made her go hot with shame.

A dozen times a day she had to tell herself that her deception was a necessary evil which would end as soon as the unfairness of her father’s exile was proved, though how that was to be done, she had no idea. Teddy had said that being given employment in Newmarket, close to the Mountforest family home, had been the hand of fate. He would soon uncover the truth and clear their father’s name. Once that was done their uncle would have to acknowledge them and provide them with whatever legacy had been due to their father.

When that happened, she would be able to tell Lord Besthorpe the truth. It was important to her that he should understand and forgive. Very important. She needed his good opinion of her. Already he occupied a tight little corner in her heart, though she would never have admitted it to anyone but her own secret self. At the moment she was content just to be in his house, seeing him, talking to him, looking after his sister.

Lucy herself was a delight. Although anxious to please, she was far from a milksop, having very decided views on a great many subjects and often so determined to have her own way, she came head to head with her brother. It was never acrimonious and very soon one or the other would give way or a compromise would be reached which satisfied them both.

Emma stayed on the sidelines during these exchanges, watching with amusement and marvelling at the way each thought they were manipulating the other, saying nothing unless appealed to and then choosing her words with care.

‘Oh, he can be so pompous when he chooses,’ Lucy said one day when the two young ladies were sitting over some crewel work in Lucy’s sitting-room. ‘I did so want to go to Madame Tussaud’s today. And I want to show you the town.’

‘But his lordship is otherwise engaged, Lucy, and we have no escort.’

‘Pooh to that. We can escort each other. What harm can we come to? There will be plenty of people about. And if Dominic would only allow us to take the carriage, we would have Nobbs to protect us.’

‘That is not the same thing and you know it.’

Lucy put her sewing down in exasperation. ‘What did your previous employer do when she wanted to go out? I’ll lay a guinea to a groat she took you for company and didn’t wait for her brother to accompany her.’

Emma laughed, though she had a twinge of conscience every time her past was mentioned. ‘No, her brother was a schoolboy. And it was different in India.’

‘How? Were there no villains?’

‘There were as many there as in England, I do not doubt, but that is nothing to the point. His lordship has taken the carriage, as well you know, and he has made his wishes very clear. I am afraid, this time, you must own yourself defeated, unless you want him to call me to account for allowing you to disobey him. He would very likely dismiss me.’

‘Oh, no, dear Emma, I could not bear that,’ Lucy said. ‘But I am tired of sewing and it is such a lovely day.’

This was perfectly true. Emma was beginning to revise her first impressions of England as a cold, dismal place. The sky was a pale blue laced with fleecy white clouds; the atmosphere, while not warm, was balmy and the trees, no longer soot-laden, were bursting forth in a delicate pale green. Lucy was right; it was a day for being out of doors.

‘Then let us walk in the park instead,’ she said. ‘I can see no harm in that.’

Fifteen minutes later they were entering Hyde Park by the Stanhope Gate. Lucy was becomingly clad in a lilac sarcenet walking dress with a matching pelisse in a darker tone of the same colour. Her chip bonnet was trimmed with violets and tied beneath one ear with velvet ribbon. She was charmingly attractive and openly enjoyed the looks of admiration she received while not being in the least conceited.

Beneath her green pelisse Emma wore the green and cream striped round gown she had purchased at the Pantheon and which she had been saving for just such an occasion. Her cottager hat, bought because it would be easy to change its decoration and even its shape to make it look different every time she wore it, was on this occasion trimmed with coloured ribbons in shades of green, cream and buff. It was neat and tidy rather than elegant and she tried very hard not to be envious of her companion; if it were not for Lucy she might be in very much worse straits. That her antecedents were as high as Lucy’s must not be allowed to count.

Arm in arm, they proceeded down the path, with Lucy smiling and greeting every other person they met, including the redoubtable Lady Clarence who was bowling by in a barouche, clad in a purple satin outfit and a matching turban covered in sweeping green feathers. Seeing the two girls, she called out to her driver to stop the carriage. When it had come to a halt, her ladyship lifted her quizzing glass to peer at them both, as if wanting to make quite sure her eyes were not deceiving her.

Lucy curtsied. ‘Good afternoon, Lady Clarence,’ she said. ‘May I present Miss Emma Woodhill who has lately come to stay with us. Emma, this is Lady Clarence.’

Emma was subjected to a minute scrutiny, during which she felt as transparent as glass, but she would not be intimidated. ‘Good afternoon, my lady,’ she said, affording her ladyship a token bending of the knee. ‘It is a beautiful day for an outing, is it not?’

The lady was affronted enough at having to suffer an introduction to someone who was so obviously not Quality, but to be addressed directly by that person was the outside of enough. Addressing her remarks to Lucy, she admitted that yes, it was a fine day, but she found the wind rather chilly, especially now she had stopped. Without further conversation she ordered her coachman to proceed.

‘Phew, I thought she was about to quiz us about where we were going,’ Lucy said, totally unaware of her faux pas. ‘I would not put it beyond her to think we had an assignation, though what it has to do with her, I do not know. And why did she stare at you so particularly, I should like to know. You do not have two heads.’

‘Perhaps I am a curiosity,’ Emma said, very conscious of her tanned complexion, though it was beginning to fade. ‘Like the exhibits at Bullock’s.’