An Ideal Companion

Ruth was about to demand the gentleman’s name when the person in question strolled boldly into the room, taking her completely by surprise in much the same way as she had done to him the previous day.

‘Why, Colonel Prentiss! This is an unexpected pleasure!’

‘A pleasure, I sincerely hope, Miss Harrington. But not unexpected, I trust? Surely you didn’t imagine I would permit you to embark on your quest unaccompanied? What a very poor opinion you must hold of me if you did!’

Although nothing could have been further from the truth, Ruth could scarce own as much without seeming forward, or causing a deal of embarrassment to herself. Moreover, she wasn’t altogether sure she had understood him correctly. So she merely asked, ‘Did I understand you to say that it is your intention to accompany me to London, sir?’

A love of history, coupled with little desire to return to clerical work after raising two sons, prompted ANNE ASHLEY to attempt writing romantic fiction. When not working on a new story she can more often than not be found—weather permitting!—pottering in her cottage garden. Other interests include reading, and a real passion for live theatre. She also very much enjoys relaxing on warm summer afternoons with her husband, watching the Somerset team playing cricket.

Previous novels by the same author:

A NOBLE MAN*

LORD EXMOUTH’S INTENTIONS*

THE RELUCTANT MARCHIONESS

TAVERN WENCH

BELOVED VIRAGO

LORD HAWKRIDGE’S SECRET

BETRAYED AND BETROTHED

A LADY OF RARE QUALITY

LADY GWENDOLEN INVESTIGATES

THE TRANSFORMATION OF MISS ASHWORTH

MISS IN A MAN’S WORLD

THE VISCOUNT’S SCANDALOUS RETURN

HIS MAKESHIFT WIFE

*part of the Regency mini-series

The Steepwood Scandal

Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

An Ideal Companion

Anne Ashley

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-472-04391-7

AN IDEAL COMPANION

© 2014 Anne Ashley

Published in Great Britain 2014

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited

Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2018-07-18

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter One

‘Oh, my dear girl, you look positively frozen! Do come over and join me by the hearth!’

After reducing the contents of the decanter containing a fine Madeira, Miss Ruth Harrington accepted the invitation. Although not inclined to imbibe so early in the day, after her walk into the market town in unusually inclement weather for the time of year, she felt the need of a little something to revive her, and so decided to join Lady Beatrice in her customary before-luncheon tipple.

As she took the chair on the opposite side of the hearth and began to sample the contents of her glass, Ruth couldn’t help reflecting, yet again, on the unusual relationship she enjoyed with the middle-aged widow seated opposite.

Seeing them together, anyone might be forgiven for imagining they were in some way related, that she was perhaps a favoured niece, or possibly some distant, much younger cousin. No one would suppose for a moment that she had come to Dunsterford Hall, almost a decade before, to take up the position of humble paid companion. Yet, not once in all the years that she had done her utmost to fulfil the duties for which she had been engaged had she felt like a servant, or, indeed, ever been treated as such.

In truth, her employer behaved to a certain extent like a thoughtful godmother, treating the girl she had rescued from a decidedly uncertain future with a kind consideration that some might have supposed bordered on love. In more recent years, though, Ruth had come to believe Lady Beatrice incapable of feeling that most tender emotion, not even to the smallest degree. Yes, she could be considerate when she chose to a favoured few. But she could also be thoughtless and intractable, thinking only of herself and her own comfort.

But little wonder, Ruth continued to reflect, when one considered her unfortunate marriage to Lord Charles Lindley, a cruel and unfeeling tyrant by any standard. No doubt any capacity she might once have had to give and receive love had long since withered.

‘You look very thoughtful, my dear,’ Lady Beatrice remarked, after raising her eyes to discover her young companion staring pensively down into the fire. ‘I was surprised to discover from Whitton, earlier, that you’d taken your customary walk this morning. It’s so uncommonly cold for the start of October. More like midwinter, I should have said.’

Only the fiercest elements had ever dissuaded Ruth from getting away from the Hall for an hour or so. It wasn’t that she disliked the place, even though it couldn’t be denied that the grey-stone house distinctly lacked any architectural merit to speak of and, worse still, always appeared to be shrouded in an atmosphere of impending doom. At least that was the impression most visitors held when turning into the driveway and catching their first glimpse of the building, surrounded as it was by tall trees that blocked out much of the natural light.

Not that Dunsterford Hall received many visitors, of course, Ruth reminded herself, at least not during the years she had dwelt beneath its slate roof. Its situation on the edge of the moor made it somewhat isolated, of course. Moreover, Lady Beatrice didn’t encourage visitors as a rule. Apart from the parson and the doctor, and two or three favoured middle-aged ladies living in the locale, very few people ever called at the house.

And that was precisely why she herself would brave all but the most inclement weather to make an almost daily visit to the small market town situated within a mile or so of the Hall. Apart from her employer, and the servants, of course, she would never see a soul, else!

‘You’re right. It is unseasonably cold,’ Ruth agreed. ‘Dan Smethers predicts snow before evening.’

Above the rim of her glass one of Lady Beatrice’s brows rose in a decidedly haughty arch. ‘And who, pray, is Master Smethers, may I ask?’

Ruth was unequal to suppressing a smile. Without doubt there was a streak of quaint snobbery running through her employer’s character, which had a tendency to surface from time to time. ‘He’s the blacksmith’s son, ma’am.’

Lady Beatrice shuddered. ‘I do wish, my dear girl, you might lose this propensity of yours for fraternising with tradespersons. It simply isn’t the done thing for a young lady of your standing to be seen hobnobbing with those from the lower orders. I shall take leave to inform you that it creates a decidedly odd impression.’

‘Ma’am, with respect, I do not think myself above anyone who works hard for a living. In truth, I feel distinctly inferior,’ Ruth responded candidly. ‘I do little enough for what I receive from you, not to mention enjoying a great many of those privileges reserved for those females much better placed in society,’ she added, raising her glass of Madeira as a prime example of precisely what she had meant.

‘There is absolutely nothing of which you need feel ashamed about your lineage,’ the widow countered. ‘Might I remind you that your paternal grandfather was none other than General Sir Mortimer Harrington, and your mother was a Worthing. No hereditary titles, of course, on either side,’ she added, the snobbery rearing its head once again. ‘Both old and worthy families, none the less. It’s a great pity your maternal grandfather had no head for business. He brought his branch of the Worthing family to the brink of ruin with his ill-judged investments. Still, you’d know all about that, I’m sure.’

Shaking her head, Lady Beatrice released her breath in a long sigh. ‘During my childhood your mother was one of my dearest friends, simply a lovely girl in both looks and nature. Had she ever been privileged to enjoy a London Season she could have had her pick of all the eligible bachelors and might have achieved a truly splendid alliance.’

Ruth acknowledged the truth of what had been said with a nod of her head. Her mother had, indeed, been quite breathtakingly lovely in her youth; the likeness painted by her own father, which took pride of place in her bedchamber, was testament enough to that.

‘I don’t recall ever hearing Mama bemoaning the fact that she was denied a Season in town, ma’am. She told me she fell in love with my father on first setting eyes upon him, as he did with her. It was so tragic he died within a year of their marriage. She never so much as looked at another man.’

‘She showed sense in that, at least!’ Lady Beatrice returned tartly, thereby strengthening Ruth’s belief that her employer had scant regard for the male sex as a whole. ‘Oh, I don’t mean to denigrate your father, my dear,’ she continued, appearing slightly shamefaced. ‘I hardly knew the man, after all. I met him only twice and must own he was the most handsome fellow I ever clapped eyes on. That said, like most members of his sex, he was utterly selfish and thoroughly feckless. Why, the instant he discovered your mother was with child, he upped and left to go off and enjoy the sights and pleasures of Italy.’

Again she gave vent to a deep sigh. ‘I do not deny he was a gifted artist—very gifted, in my humble opinion. Had he lived he might well have been recognised as such, and possibly would have made a real name for himself. And, I suppose, it was a blessing that he did leave your dear mama behind whilst he went abroad to paint, otherwise she might have succumbed to the same contagion that sadly cut short his life. But that doesn’t alter the fact that he left your mother virtually destitute. Why, even his own father disowned him—cut him off without so much as the proverbial penny, when he refused to engage in what the General considered some useful occupation.’

‘True,’ Ruth acknowledged. ‘But Grandpapa did attempt to make amends after learning of his son’s death, even though he had been very much against the marriage in the first place. It wasn’t that he disliked Mama. It was simply that he didn’t think his son was in a position to support a wife.’

‘Well, he wasn’t wrong in that! And, to be fair to the General, it was your mother who refused his help. Why, she even flatly refused to come here and live with me when I was eventually in a position to assist you both.’

‘Too proud, I suppose,’ Ruth suggested, whilst at the same time understanding her mother’s reasons for not accepting charity and being determined to support herself and her daughter. ‘Besides, as the years passed Mama became very content living at the rectory, caring for Mr Stephens. And he was very good to us in return, as indeed was Grandpapa Harrington. Remember, he did leave me something in his will.’

‘A sum that can only be attained upon marriage, or reaching the age of thirty, by which time he possibly considered you would be unlikely ever to find yourself a husband.’ Lady Beatrice showed her contempt by waving one hand in a disparaging gesture, before looking thoughtfully across the distance that separated them. ‘Well, my dear, I have seen to it that you need never marry. I didn’t intend telling you this, at least not for a while, but now the subject has arisen, I think you should know that during my most recent meeting with Pearce, my lawyer, I made fundamental adjustments to my will. Apart from bequests to servants, I named your good self my main beneficiary.’

Ruth was genuinely taken aback to learn this. ‘Ma’am, please do not think me ungrateful,’ she said, finding her voice at last, ‘but you have family. What about your sisters and their children?’

Again Lady Beatrice raised her hand in a dismissive gesture. ‘They are comfortably circumstanced. Both my sisters contracted suitable marriages, so their children’s futures are assured. Which yours is not. Besides, I have come to think of you as an adopted daughter. The money you receive from me is not a salary, but an allowance. I have never really looked upon you as merely a paid companion.’

‘No, I know you haven’t.’ Ruth could not find it within herself to be angry, or even remotely annoyed. How could she, given the lady’s most unexpected generosity? None the less, she couldn’t resist adding, ‘I shall take leave to tell you, ma’am, that you resorted to very devious means to persuade me to take up residence with you in the first place.’

‘Cleverly cunning, I should say,’ Lady Beatrice countered, appearing very well pleased with herself. ‘I feared you might have inherited your mother’s stubborn spirit and would not have agreed to reside here without being gainfully employed. And it must be said,’ she added, taking a moment to study her well-kept surroundings, ‘the house runs wonderfully smoothly nowadays and has for some few years. I’m well aware the servants all look to you for their orders, for which I’m exceedingly grateful. I’ve always found trifling domestic concerns quite wearisome. Why, I do not even need to concern myself over menus when we entertain! You see to everything so beautifully.’

Hardly taxing as they entertained so infrequently! Ruth mused, hiding a rueful smile behind the rim of her glass, before the seldom-heard sound of the door knocker being rigorously applied succeeded in capturing her attention. She rose at once to her feet. ‘Now, who can that be, I wonder? Do you wish to receive visitors, ma’am?’

‘I have little doubt it is the doctor. I shall receive him in here.’

Ruth betrayed her concern in a frown. ‘You’re not feeling unwell again, I trust?’

The bejewelled hand raising the glass to thin lips checked just for an instant. ‘I do not enjoy robust health, Ruth, and haven’t for some little time. I made that clear to you from the first,’ she at last responded, replacing her glass on the table by her chair. ‘If my heart permits, of course, I shall be here to bear you company for a good many years to come. But, who can say? If you would kindly show the doctor in, my dear.’

Ruth obeyed the command, escorting Dr Maddox into the drawing room personally, before taking herself upstairs to her bedchamber, where she discovered her most staunch supporter and ally busily returning newly laundered garments to the wardrobe.

Agatha Whitton turned as she detected the click of the door, her expression revealing anything but the friendly approval she’d always shown to the orphaned girl who had taken up residence in the house nine long years before. ‘It’s high time, Miss Ruth, you had some new clothes. Why, you’ve never so much as purchased new ribbon to trim a bonnet since I don’t know when!’

As this was no less than the truth, Ruth didn’t attempt to argue the point. It wasn’t that she couldn’t afford material for new dresses, either. Yet, she had always felt that, although not strictly speaking a servant, she ought to dress in accordance with her position in the household. After what she had learned earlier, though...

‘Yes, you’re right, Aggie. We’ll go into town this afternoon and visit the haberdashery, if Lady Bea doesn’t object.’

‘Ha! You’ll be lucky, miss! Take a look out of the window!’

Although she had received prior warning, the sight of white flakes fluttering down did take her somewhat by surprise. ‘Great heavens! I’ve never known it come this early, not in all the years I’ve resided here at the Hall.’

‘It’s unusual, true enough, but not unknown,’ Agatha revealed. ‘I remember snow in September when I was a girl.’

Ruth turned away from the window, which offered a commanding view of the moor. She loved to walk out there, admiring the changing seasonal colours across the glorious landscape. There was no denying, though, that it could turn into a bleak, inhospitable place with frightening speed, quite merciless to any unwary traveller.

‘I must confess it’s a beautiful spot, Aggie. But don’t you ever yearn to get away to visit other places in the country?’

‘Ah, bless you, miss!’ The maid’s expression once again betrayed the affection in which she held the younger woman. ‘That shows the difference between the likes of you and me. It’s in your blood, I suppose. But with me it’s different. I never expected to travel anywhere. My family has lived and died here on the edge of the moor for generations past, and most of ’em never journeyed above five miles from the place. If it hadn’t been for Mistress’s London-born abigail being unable to settle, I’d never have been offered the position of personal maid. You know as well as me, Mistress never travels far herself nowadays. It doesn’t worry me none being stuck here all year round. It’s all I’ve ever known, after all. But it’s different for you, miss,’ she went on, her voice hardening. ‘Selfish, I calls it, the way Mistress keeps you tied here, never seeing a soul, hardly. A pretty young woman like yourself ought to have been wedded long afore now.’

‘Had Mama been alive I possibly would have been,’ Ruth felt obliged to acknowledge, knowing her mother would have somehow ensured that her daughter enjoyed some form of social life—attending the odd party and local assembly once in a while. Although obliged to earn a living, her mother had always been well respected in the local community. ‘Lady Bea, of course, holds rather different views on the subject.’

Ruth wasn’t aware she had spoken her last thoughts aloud, until she raised her eyes to discover the uncompromising mask the loyal maid all too often wore when her capacity to understand and sympathise had deserted her entirely.

‘Oh, come now, Aggie, be fair!’ Ruth urged. ‘We might not have been there to witness, firsthand, what occurred, but we both have learned enough to be certain Lady Bea’s marriage was anything but blissful. It’s hardly surprising she was soured by her experiences, and avoids the company of men whenever possible. The wonder of it all is that she allows even kindly Dr Maddox anywhere near her.’

‘She does so because she likes to quack herself,’ Aggie returned, her compassion evidently very much in abeyance still. ‘Between you and me, miss, I think there’s a lot less wrong with Mistress than she’d have us all believe!’

Even though she clearly felt more sympathy towards her employer, Ruth was obliged silently to own that Lady Beatrice did call on the services of the good doctor very frequently. Seldom a week went by without seeing his battered gig turning into the driveway. All the same, she refrained from further comment and turned her attention to what was happening beyond the window, hoping that the unseasonable light flurries might remain so and be of short duration.

* * *

By mid-afternoon those hopes had been well and truly dashed, as had any chance of visiting the market town again that day. In stark contrast to the light dusting she’d observed from her bedchamber window earlier, the covering of snow was now inches thick, with drifts in places very much deeper.

As she continued to stare beyond the circle of trees in the general direction of the driveway, she was surprised to detect signs of movement just beyond the gateway. A moment later two figures on horseback, their faces well muffled against the driving snow, were slowly approaching the house, their intention clear.

Harbouring strong misgivings, Ruth turned to stare across at the hearth, where her mistress once again sat comfortably ensconced in her favourite chair, contentedly sewing before the substantial fire. The unexpected visitors were clearly male, so what reception might they receive from someone who abhorred their sex? Then, of course, there was always the distinct possibility they wouldn’t be received at all!

‘My lady, I very much suspect two unfortunate travellers are about to seek refuge under your roof.’

‘Really?’ Lady Beatrice betrayed mild surprise, but thankfully no sign of annoyance. ‘Do you happen to recognise who they are?’

‘No, ma’am. Their faces are well covered. Both are leading a separate mount, possibly carrying their belongings. Which suggests they might have travelled some distance, does it not?’

Lady Beatrice seemed to debate within herself for a second or two. ‘I suppose it is our Christian duty at least to offer sanctuary until the worst is over,’ she reluctantly acknowledged. ‘I know I may rely on you to deal with the matter. Do go and see what assistance we can render, my dear. As they are travelling on horseback, and not in a private carriage, I suspect they are persons engaged in trade. I dare say our groom could accommodate them both in his room above the stables if they are obliged to put up for the night.’

Ruth didn’t delay in going out into the hall and opened the front door in time to see the far taller traveller dismount from a sturdy bay. As he entered the relative shelter of the stone porch he almost filled the aperture, his voluminous cloak brushing against both sides of the arched entrance. A commanding figure he undeniably was, yet when he removed his hat and lowered his muffler, there was nothing remotely intimidating in the set of his features. Apart from the slightly disfiguring scar that ran from the corner of his right eye, almost reaching the base of his nose, his expression suggested strongly an agreeable disposition.

Above the strong, straight nose, a pair of searching blue eyes surveyed her with equal interest, while a well-shaped mouth was set in a pleasant smile that seemed in no way forced. ‘Forgive the intrusion, ma’am. But could my man and I beg the shelter of an outbuilding for a period for ourselves and our horses?’

His pleasantly deep and cultured voice revealed in an instant that he was an educated man. This and the fact that his clothes were of the finest quality suggested he was definitely not from the lower orders. Or engaged in trade, come to that! Ruth wasn’t at all sure this made her position in any way easier. Had he been a tradesperson she would have agreed to his request without hesitation.