Historical Romance – The Best Of The Year

* * *

She had finished her breakfast and was ready to go down when Sally returned to fetch the bags and tell her that the chaise was ready and waiting. Madeline carried her own bag, as she had when they arrived here. She did not intend to let her maid wait on her as she had in the old days. In future her life would be different for she would live more simply and not as the wife of a lord. Wherever she went and whatever she did, she had changed. For years she’d lived in fear of her husband and then the shadow of the marquis’s threats had overwhelmed her, but something had changed. She would not run away again, but face whatever the future brought with fresh courage.

As she left the inn, she saw that Thomas was speaking with the gentleman she’d seen in the inn the previous night. He saw her, shook hands with Captain Mardle and came to take her bags from her.

‘I hope you will not dislike it, my lady,’ Thomas said, ‘but Captain Mardle is riding to London and asked if you would care for his escort. I said that I thought you could not object... There have been tales of highwaymen on the Heath as you approach London. Two pistols are better than one.’

‘I have no objection to the gentleman’s company,’ Madeline said. ‘It was kind of him to offer—please thank him for me.’

‘Yes, my lady. I was sure you could not object for he is a respectable gentleman.’

Madeline smiled and nodded toward the obliging gentleman and he swept off his hat to her. Thomas helped her into the chaise and the order to move off was given. Thomas and Captain Mardle followed, riding together. She looked at Sally as she settled back against the squabs.

‘Was Thomas pleased?’

‘Oh, yes, my lady. He says he shall buy his inn in London for his brother knows of one by the river and no more than five miles from his own. It is exactly what Thomas wanted, though he would have changed his plans to please me.’

‘Well, now you may please yourselves,’ Madeline said. ‘We must have a pretty gown made for your wedding and I shall think of something nice to give you.’

‘I should like something in ivory, I think,’ Sally said ‘and a velvet bonnet trimmed with silk roses to wear with it.’

‘Oh, yes, that would be charming,’ Madeline said. ‘We shall go shopping together, Sally. You must let me buy your bride clothes for I owe you so much.’

Sally blushed and demurred, but did not refuse and they spent some happy minutes speaking of various things that a young bride needed when she married. Thomas had not spoken of taking his bride on a wedding trip and it was unlikely that she would need many smart gowns, but simple dresses for everyday, underclothes and linens for her home were essential.

Madeline was determined to make her a present of cloth and linen that she would find useful in her married life and also to give her various bits and pieces for her house, beside the coin she’d already decided on. It was wonderful to have a wedding to plan and Madeline managed to put all thought of the marquis from her mind.

Now and then thoughts of Hal made her heart ache, for she ought to have been planning her own wedding soon, but she must be brave. Her letter had made her feelings clear and she doubted that Hal would pursue her. He would be hurt, but he would realise that their parting was for the best...although Madeline was no longer sure that it was. But he would receive her letter and then he would despise her for being a coward.

* * *

Hal cursed as he ran his hand over the horse’s left hind leg. It had gone lame and there was no way he could push on further now. He must lead the poor beast to the nearest inn and leave the chaise there—but perhaps he had pushed himself too hard. He was so tired that he hardly knew how to go on. His mind cast for the best solution and he recalled a posting inn he’d passed in the early light of the morning. It was perhaps half an hour behind him. Better to go back to a decent inn than go on not knowing how far he must lead the horse or what he would find there. He could breakfast there and rest for an hour before continuing his journey. It had been foolish to travel without a groom, for he could not leave the other horse and the chaise here in the road. Perhaps he could find help at the farm just ahead, for if he could leave the chaise and horses with a respectable man, he might arrange to borrow a hack and continue his journey.

Hal was debating what to do next when he saw a man riding towards him and shouted, hoping that the stranger might know of someone who could help him. Turning back to the lame horse, Hal began to release it from the traces as the man came up to him.

‘Thank God,’ a voice he knew said and he spun round to find himself facing Adam. ‘I thought you might be in London by now.’

‘Adam!’ Hal cried. ‘Your man found me and told me that Maddie has run off—whatever possessed her to do it?’

‘I fear she may have overheard us in the library. You remember I questioned your intentions...she must have thought I was against her for she left rather than bring shame on us.’

Hal swore loudly. ‘I was on my way back to Ravenscar,’ he said. ‘I thought you were searching for Madeline—what brought you this way?’

‘She hired a chaise to take her to Dover. I have asked at all the posting inns and this morning I discovered that she put up at the Hare and Hounds last night.’

‘Dover?’ Hal was puzzled. ‘Why on earth would she go there? She cannot be thinking of leaving England?’

‘I think she must have done it to put anyone off her scent,’ Adam said, ‘for I was told at the inn that the lady had left but had hired a chaise not for Dover but London.’

‘She deliberately tried to deceive us?’ Hal’s mouth set hard for this was deceitful. ‘I do not understand this, Adam. Something is not right. What can she intend?’

‘I think she is confused and distressed,’ Adam said. ‘Her letter to Jenny made it clear that she was leaving for our sakes.’

‘I must find her, Adam. She is in danger whether or not she realises it—and I must know why she has run away from me.’

‘Yes, of course. What has happened to your rig?’

‘The poor beast has gone lame. I must lead it to a posting house where it can be looked after until I can have it returned to its owner.’

‘Let me lead the lamed horse while you harness mine to the chaise and go on, Hal. I can arrange for this horse to be cared for and eventually returned to its owner—hire another horse at the posting house and leave my horse for me. I shall rest for a while and then return to Jenny, because I know she must be anxious.’

‘Are you sure?’ Hal looked doubtful for his cousin’s horse was a fine animal and unused to being between the shafts of a chaise.

‘Horace is well trained and will obey you, but treat him gently. Here, I’ll give you a hand.’

‘How far behind her were you?’ Hal asked as the cousins re-harnessed the horses. ‘I saw a chaise heading towards London some time back. Now I think about it, there were two men riding behind on horses, but I did not look at their faces for I was in too much hurry.’

‘It could not have been them for she took only her maid and Thomas.’

‘No, I dare say you are right,’ Hal said. ‘I shall return to the post house that I passed some time back. I think I shall hire a groom to drive me this time, for otherwise I may fall asleep. You should rest there before you return home, Adam.’ He clasped his cousin’s hand. ‘I am sorry Madeline has caused distress. I think she did not mean to upset anyone.’

‘I blame myself, Hal. If she heard what I said to you, she may have felt I did not welcome her in my house. I should have been kinder, but I could not forget the pain she had caused you in the past. Now I realise I was wrong to doubt her. Do not think ill of her for what she has done—go after her and tell her you care for her. It is all she needs to know, surely?’

Hal thanked him and they parted, Adam preparing to lead the horse as Hal set off at a more measured pace than before. At least he knew where Madeline was headed now. Before, he had been uncertain what had happened, but now it seemed that she meant to return to London—perhaps to her late husband’s home? She had every right to do so, of course, but she had told him she wanted nothing more than her settlement so that she could find a home of her own.

Why had she decided to return there? Hal could make nothing of her flight for it appeared to contradict all he’d believed. Adam seemed to imagine that Madeline was uncertain of Hal’s feelings, but she could not have thought he cared a jot for the marquis’s spite—could she?

He was torn between hope and anger. His cousins had taken her in and given her a comfortable place to live while she sorted out her life—why could she not have accepted their kindness instead of causing distress? Why had she chosen to run away as soon as Hal’s back was turned?

Was it possible that she cared nothing for him—that she preferred to return to her old life as Lethbridge’s widow?

Madeline must know that Hal loved her more than his life. How could she have done this knowing what distress it must cause?

Adam had reminded him that she had chosen to marry the count when she knew it would break Hal’s heart. He had dismissed the warning, excusing her and telling himself that she’d had no choice. But supposing he was wrong?

Supposing she was a cold-hearted selfish woman who thought only of herself?

No, she could not be. She was tender and warm and loving. But then why had she run away when she must know it would break his heart to lose her all over again?

Hal shook his head, feeling relieved as he saw the posting house just ahead of him. He would discover the answers to his questions only when he caught up with Madeline, but he could drive no further without resting. He would pause at the inn, change horses and eat something, and he would hire a groom to drive him so that he could sleep for a while.

He could not be that far behind Madeline if she had come from the Hare and Hounds. Half an hour to change the horses and eat, then they would be off again. With luck they could not be much more than an hour or so behind.

* * *

‘What? Damn you, Joseph. Are you certain?’ Rochdale looked at his servant hard. ‘You are sure she was bound for London and not for Dover?’

‘Quite certain, my lord. I heard her servant tell the post boys of a change of plans. They are headed for London—and for a house in Grosvenor Square—and she has a gentleman’s escort as well as her servants. He looked a military man to me.’

‘She is returning to her husband’s house?’ Rochdale cursed beneath his breath. He’d thought her alone apart from the servants and therefore defenceless. But if she had an escort, Ravenscar must have joined them on the road, which meant she was now well defended. They must have decided to dismiss his threats as worthless, and indeed, though he might cause them some trouble, there was very little he could really do other than strip them of as much of Lethbridge’s wealth as he dared. If he dropped hints that she was no better than a whore, a few eyebrows would be raised, but with Lethbridge’s reputation most ladies would simply titter behind their fans and think that in Madeline’s place they might have done the same.

It seemed he’d missed his chance to snatch her. Unless he could somehow pass them—and lie in wait for their chaise on the road. He was driving a sporting curricle and could make better speed than a hired chaise. If he could dispose of Ravenscar and the footman, he would have her at his mercy. Rochdale had heard the rumours of highwaymen on the Heath. Madeline was certain to stop for nuncheon to break her journey. If he drove at all speed he could pass them and then... A smile touched his lips. Masked, he could take advantage of the rumours and kill both Ravenscar and the footman. Their deaths would be laid at the door of the highwayman. Madeline would be truly alone then and he would have her.

‘Put my horses to,’ Rochdale ordered. ‘I shall be on my way as soon as I’ve paid my shot here.’

‘What would you wish me to do, my lord?’

‘You are going to assist me in holding up a chaise and capturing its passenger. I’ve had enough of chasing after the wench. I’ll take what I want and she shall learn to know her master.’

Joseph blenched, but did not dare to answer back. He’d known that his master was a wicked man, for he knew all the marquis’s secrets—but never before had he been asked to take part in such a desperate act. His throat felt tight with fear, for he could end at the hangman’s noose for such work as this—but if he refused his master might kill him in a rage.

There was nothing he could do but do as he was told, but he would leave the marquis’s employ and seek another master as soon as he could.

Chapter Twelve

Madeline smiled at her companion. It was late in the afternoon and they had made good time, stopping for only half an hour to eat their nuncheon while the horses were changed. Dusk was falling as they began to cross the Heath at Hampstead, but it was not yet dark and she did not think they needed to fear the highwayman who was said to haunt this place. When the shots rang out and the chaise was brought to a shuddering halt it took her so much by surprise that she was flung across the carriage into Sally’s arms.

‘Oh, my lady,’ Sally said as Madeline apologised her and they righted themselves. ‘Is it the highwayman?’ She was obviously shocked and distressed and before Madeline could stop her, she had opened the window to look out. ‘There are two of them. And—oh! I think Thomas is hurt!’

Madeline was powerless to stop her as she scrambled out of the carriage and ran to where Thomas was lying on the ground. The sound of her maid’s screaming made her follow her from the chaise. She could see two masked men, each with pistols. One of them seemed to have covered the coachman and the post boy, who accompanied him, the other man had his pistol trained on Captain Mardle.

‘Stay in the carriage, ma’am,’ Captain Mardle warned, but it was already too late. Madeline was out and making her way to Sally’s side.

‘Is he alive?’ she asked in a whisper and Sally nodded, her face very white as she replied,

‘Yes, but hurt.’

Turning towards the masked men, Madeline said. ‘We have some money and I have a few jewels. I will give them to you, but please allow us to go on our way. My companion is badly injured and needs a doctor.’

‘Your companions may go where they please when I have what I want,’ the man covering Captain Mardle with his pistol snarled. ‘Bring your jewel box and come here to me.’

‘As you wish,’ Madeline said and returned to the carriage. She reached inside and picked up her velvet muff and the box that contained her valuables, holding it by the handle at the end. Inside her muff was a small pistol with silver chasing on the butt. If she had the chance, she would shoot. Her stomach was churning as she walked towards the masked man and offered the box to him.

‘Bring the groom’s horse and mount it. I want you and the gold—the others will be free to go if you come with me. Any bother and I’ll kill them all.’

‘There will be no trouble,’ Madeline replied in a calm voice, though she was far from calm inside. She was actually seething with anger for, though he had tried to disguise his voice, she knew him. This was the man who had attempted to seduce her and, when he failed in his aim, had sent his rogues to abduct her. She turned and looked at Captain Mardle. ‘Will you help me to mount, sir, for I cannot alone.’

Captain Mardle hesitated for a moment and then dismounted, caught the bridle of Thomas’s horse and began to lead it towards her. He had almost reached her when the sound of horses being driven at speed made everyone looked towards the newcomer. In that instant, the masked man made a mistake for he turned to glance at the oncoming vehicle and, as he did so, a shot rang out. Madeline was aware that the shot had come from Captain Mardle. He was standing so close to her that she felt the breeze as the ball passed her cheek. It hit the highwayman full in the chest and he gave a cry of disbelief, then pitched sideways and fell from his horse at Madeline’s feet. She moved back, a startled cry of warning leaving her lips as the second man swung round to point his pistol at them. He seemed to hesitate, but then as someone jumped down from the newly arrived chaise and fired in his direction, he turned his horse and fled across the Heath towards a stand of trees.

Captain Mardle dropped to his knees and pulled the mask from the face of the man he’d shot. He gave a cry of astonishment and looked up at Madeline.

‘This is the Marquis of Rochdale,’ he said. ‘I thought him a common highwayman...’

‘He wanted to abduct me,’ Madeline said. ‘I must thank you for saving me, sir. This is not the first time he has attempted to harm me.’

‘I knew him for a rogue, but this...’

‘Is he dead?’ The newcomer had arrived. He glanced down at the marquis with contempt and then at Madeline, before addressing Captain Mardle. ‘It was fortunate that you were here, sir. This man was a vile seducer and has threatened this lady too many times.’

‘Indeed, I know what an evil man he was for he harmed a lady who was dear to me,’ Captain Mardle said. ‘It was my intention to demand satisfaction for it—but I never intended this.’ His face was very pale. ‘But I shall admit my fault and take the consequences.’

‘I pray you, sir, do not speak of fault,’ Madeline said. ‘All of us here will bear witness that you shot in defence of me. You will speak for Captain Mardle, will you not, Hal?’

‘Indeed I shall, sir. I am glad to meet you. In my opinion you have acted just as you ought and I am eternally grateful, as we all must be.’ He shook Captain Mardle warmly by the hand. ‘I might have arrived too late had you not acted so bravely.’

‘It was your arrival that gave me the chance for he looked to see who had come upon us and in that instant I fired.’

‘Then I am glad to have been of some use.’

There was a note in his voice that made Madeline look at him and what she saw caused her to feel as if she wanted to weep.

‘Excuse me, I must help Sally,’ Madeline said. ‘I see that Thomas has recovered consciousness. I must help her get him into the carriage for he needs a doctor.’

‘Allow me to assist him,’ Captain Mardle murmured and moved away.

Madeline stood immobile, gazing up at Hal. He looked angry, his eyes cold, his mouth set in a hard line. She hardly knew how to speak but knew that she must apologise.

‘This is all my fault,’ she whispered. ‘I should not—’

‘No,’ Hal said harshly, ‘you should not. Why did you run away like that? Without a word to me?’

‘You did not receive my letter?’

He looked at her hard. ‘Adam spoke of a letter to Jenny, but made no mention of a letter to me.’

‘Oh...’ Madeline shook her head. She could not know why Adam had not told him, but she was for the moment relieved. ‘I—I did not wish to bring shame on your friends or—or to ruin you.’

‘Was that all?’ he asked. ‘Surely you must have known what could happen? Did you not think of the risk you ran? I have been out of my mind with worry.’

‘Forgive me,’ she begged, and now there were tears on her cheeks. ‘I never meant to hurt or distress you or your friends.’

The stern line of his mouth softened a little. ‘That is what I told Adam. He blamed himself for he thought you must have overheard us talking in the library the previous night.’

Madeline turned away. ‘Yes, I did,’ she admitted. ‘I did not wish you to give up everything you cared for me when...when I am not certain I could welcome you as a wife ought.’

Hal’s hands were on her shoulders. He turned her to face him.

‘What are you saying? Do you not wish to marry me?’

‘I love you,’ Madeline whispered. ‘I am...’

‘My lady, we are waiting,’ Captain Mardle’s cry broke her thoughts. ‘Your servant needs urgent attention for he is bleeding and once more unconscious.’

‘I must go,’ Madeline said. ‘I cannot desert Sally when Thomas is hurt. They have both been so good to me.’

‘Yes, you must go with them. You go to your London house?’

‘Yes. We sent a messenger yesterday and they will be expecting us.’

‘Very well, I shall follow you, as soon as this unpleasant business has been reported to the proper authorities.’

‘Please...we must talk again?’

‘I shall come to your house, Madeline. This must be settled between us.’

‘Yes, I know,’ she whispered. ‘Forgive me.’

Leaving him to return to his own vehicle, she walked over to her chaise and was helped in by Captain Mardle, who then returned to Hal.

‘I must report this business to the nearest magistrate, sir.’

‘I shall come with you,’ Hal told him. ‘My groom will place the body in the chaise and I’ll ride Thomas’s horse. I would not have you suffer from what you did this night, sir. You saved a lady I care for from great harm. I understand that you, too, had reason to wish this devil dead—perhaps you would honour me with your confidence as we ride?’

‘He caused a lady I love to suffer shame and much distress—and he murdered a good man,’ Captain Mardle said. ‘I would have called him out, but the rogue who died this night deserved no better than he received.’

‘I perfectly agree with you,’ Hal said and smiled. ‘And that is exactly what I shall tell the magistrate.’

He mounted his horse and together they followed the chaise as it was driven back to town.

* * *

Madeline knocked and then entered the room where Thomas was lying in bed attended by Sally, who had so far refused to leave him. Madeline had changed her gown and drunk a dish of tea, though she could eat none of the cold chicken and thin bread and butter the chef had sent up to try to tempt her appetite.

Arriving at the house, she had been surprised at the warmth of her reception. Having sent a messenger on ahead, her servants were apprised of her coming. The butler and housekeeper were waiting in the hall with a full array of servants to greet her as their rightful mistress. Madeline had expected they would obey her, but had not expected to receive such warm care for her comfort. It seemed that they bore no malice for the loss of their former master and were eager to serve her.

Now, she approached the bed softly. In the light of the candles, she could see Thomas was sleeping as Sally sat beside the bed to watch over him.

‘My lady...’ Sally began.

‘No, do not get up,’ Madeline said and smiled at her. ‘I just came to see how he was and to ask if you needed anything. Why do you not let one of the maids attend him while you rest for a while?’

‘I cannot leave him yet, my lady,’ Sally said, her voice caught with tears. ‘At first I thought he was dead; then he seemed to rally but, as you know, he fainted again. Doctor Broome said it was from loss of blood. His wound was not deep for the ball merely scraped his shoulder, but we could not stop the bleeding for an age.’

‘I know,’ Madeline said and handed her a clean kerchief. ‘But Dr Broome removed the ball and said he would recover. It is merely the fever we have to watch for. I could watch over him while you have a rest—if you wished?’

‘You are kind to offer, my lady,’ Sally said, ‘but I shall not leave him until I know he is safe.’

‘Of course. I understand. You love him so very much, do you not?’

‘Very much,’ Sally said and wiped away a tear. ‘He has asked me to marry him so many times and I’ve begged him to wait—but if he lives I shall marry him as soon as it may be arranged.’

‘I am glad for you,’ Madeline said. ‘Do not lose hope, my very good friend. I believe Thomas will recover. He is a strong man and he has you. Why should he give in when he has so much to live for?’

‘Thank you.’ Sally smiled at her, and then, at a slight sound from the bed, she turned back to her patient. ‘Thomas...are you awake?’

‘Sally?’

Madeline heard his voice and touched Sally’s hand. ‘Go to him. I shall see you later. Ask for anything you need.’