A Lady Of Rare Quality

‘Unlikely,’ his lordship agreed. ‘Only a fool would attempt travelling any distance before a significant thaw.’

‘And with luck that will not be too long in coming,’ Annis put in quickly before his lordship, unintentionally or otherwise, could dampen poor Louise’s spirits further. ‘Then at least you will not be confined to the house, and will no doubt enjoy a good gallop across the park.’

She could see at once by Louise’s crestfallen expression that she had blundered, even before the girl admitted, ‘I don’t ride. I—I don’t like horses.’

‘I’m afraid our cousin suffered a bad fall a year or so ago, and broke her collar bone,’ Sarah explained. ‘As a result she is somewhat nervous round horses now.’

‘Very understandable,’ Annis hurriedly sympathised, thereby successfully recapturing Louise’s attention before the girl could observe the look of impatience that momentarily flickered over his lordship’s features.

Annis strongly suspected he was one of those people who had little sympathy for anyone who made no attempt to overcome his or her fears, and to a certain extent she agreed with this viewpoint. Yet at the same time she could appreciate Louise’s wariness, and decided to voice her further support.

‘Horses, of course, even the most well behaved among them, can be notoriously unpredictable creatures—forever twitching and snorting when one least expects it. And if that isn’t bad enough, you then get the biters and those that do their level best to tread on the toes of the unwary. Worst of all are the kickers!’

Annis wasn’t at all surprised to have retained Louise’s full attention. Evidently the girl wasn’t accustomed to having someone speaking out on her behalf, and she continued to stare across the table in a mixture of gratitude and reverence. Sarah, perhaps finding it a pleasant change not having to seek out topics to keep the dinnertime conversation going, was lending more than a polite ear. His lordship’s gaze too was firmly fixed in Annis’s direction, though there was unmistakably more than just a hint of a suspicious gleam flickering in that razor-sharp stare of his—a suggestion, possibly, of staunch disapproval.

Undeterred by what she strongly suspected might be one listener’s disapprobation, Annis warmed to the subject. ‘My late grandfather once owned a notorious kicker, a beautiful grey hunter, fearless, but downright ruthless to any hapless soul who happened to approach him from the rear. Of course Grandpapa, being Grandpapa, didn’t waste an opportunity to make use of the creature’s failing. I recall quite clearly that morning, and I couldn’t have been more than ten years old at the time, when a close neighbour by the name of McGregor came to call. Being aware of his neighbour’s avaricious tendencies, Grandpapa easily tempted him by tossing a shiny golden guinea down in the line of fire, as it were. To this day I still don’t know how the poor man avoided ending head first in the water trough.’

‘Your grandsire would appear to have been something of a jester, Miss Milbank,’ his lordship remarked drily, after his sister’s ladylike attempts to stifle her chuckles and his cousin’s more open merriment had faded.

‘He could be an out-and-out rascal when it suited his purposes, sir,’ Annis revealed, with total honesty. ‘At the age of fourteen he took it upon himself to run away from school and spent months going about the country from fair to fair with a band of travelling entertainers, would you believe?’

‘Good heavens!’ Sarah exclaimed, appearing genuinely shocked. ‘What on earth possessed him to do such a thing? Anything might have befallen him.’

Annis shrugged. ‘I suspect much did. He always swore he learned more in those few months than at any other time in his life. And, of course, to a certain extent running away served his purpose.

‘His father was intent on him pursuing a career in the church,’ she went on to explain, when his lordship raised one black brow, a clear indication that he was curious to discover more himself now. ‘It was a nonsensical notion, for a more inappropriate person to take holy orders would have been difficult to find. When eventually he was tracked down, his father and mother were so overjoyed to have him safely back in the bosom of the family that they allowed him his way and agreed to his joining the navy, providing he finished his education first. Sadly for Grandpapa, his dream of a career at sea was destined never to be realised. Fate intervened. His elder brother died in a smallpox outbreak, and Grandfather was then groomed to step into his father’s shoes, and inherit the property. He became a considerable landowner who, to do him justice, took his responsibilities very seriously. All the same, he never forgot what he learned during those few months he spent with horse-traders, gypsies and entertainers.

‘In fact, after dinner,’ she added, addressing herself once again directly to Louise, ‘I shall endeavour to entertain you by revealing a little something he learned during that period of unholy adventure.’

Whether it was simply because Louise found dining in his lordship’s presence something of an ordeal, or she was genuinely eager to discover precisely what it was the late Josiah Milbank in his reprehensible youth had been taught by fairground folk that induced her not to delay in finishing her meal was difficult to judge. Nevertheless, it seemed to Annis that in no time at all she was returning to the small parlour with the ladies of the house. Surprisingly enough, the master himself was not far behind them, though whether this attentiveness on his part was prompted by a determination to prove himself the perfect host even to an uninvited guest, or a desire to keep a watchful eye on proceedings, was equally impossible to judge.

Once the tea things had been removed, Dunster, always on hand to cater for every need, was not slow to provide Annis with the items she requested; and although she might have wished that the three dainty porcelain vessels he placed down on the table in order for her to perform her trick might not have appeared quite so expensive or delicate, it wasn’t long before she was concentrating hard and inducing the ladies of the house to part with their money.

‘A perfect example of the quickness of the hand deceiving the eye,’ his lordship drawled, after watching the pile of coins at Annis’s elbow growing steadily taller. ‘Or is it simply a case of fools and their money, etcetera?’ he added, if not looking precisely amused by proceedings, at least not appearing wholly disapproving.

Annis raised the porcelain cup in her right hand to reveal the tiny pebble, which resulted in both Sarah and Louise having once again to dip into their purses for pennies to add to the pile on the corner of the table. ‘Don’t be too disheartened, ladies,’ she said cheerily. ‘It’s all in a good cause, remember? I am relying on you to place my winnings in the poor box. There may be no sign of a thaw yet, but I very much doubt I shall still be here to perform the deed myself after church on Sunday.’

Receiving no response, Annis raised her eyes in time to see Sarah’s smile fade and to discover Louise looking downright crestfallen. It was rather flattering to think that neither lady was eager for her departure. His lordship’s thoughts on the matter of her leaving, on the other hand, were impossible to gauge. His expression remained as impassive as ever, as he continued to regard her steadily from beneath half-closed lids.

‘Do you not care to try your luck, sir?’ she invited, but he was not to be tempted.

‘I do not object to games of chance, Miss Milbank,’ he freely admitted. ‘But I am not so gullible as to partake in those where there is not the remotest possibility of winning. A game or two of picquet is a different matter entirely, however.’

His lordship watched a dimple appear in response to this challenge, before a perfectly sculptured feminine mouth curled into the most natural, roguish smile he had ever seen in his life.

‘You amaze me, sir! Dare you risk challenging a person who from the cradle has been tutored by a master of deception, and who is possibly conversant with at least a dozen ways to cheat at cards?’

His lordship’s response to this deliberate provocation was merely to rise to his feet and saunter across to the gaming-table, from which he drew out a fresh pack of cards, before gesturing with one shapely hand, inviting her to join him.

After a moment’s indecision Annis obliged, though she had little doubt he had definite reasons for singling her out for particular attention. That he was intent on putting her through some kind of test seemed the most obvious conclusion to draw. This was borne out when he quickly suggested a change of game, one involving a deal more skill.

It swiftly became obvious, too, that he was no mean player himself, skilled and, more importantly, remarkably controlled. Moderate sums of money certainly changed hands at frequent intervals, and by the time the evening was fast drawing to a close honours were more or less evenly divided.

‘My compliments, Miss Milbank. You have proved a worthy opponent,’ he announced, forestalling her as she made to rise in order to return to the ladies before finally retiring for the night.

He regarded her in silence for a moment, with just a suspicion of a twitching smile. ‘Given what you’ve revealed about your grandfather this evening, and your evident close bond with the aforementioned worthy gentleman, I should have been astonished if you hadn’t received a deal of instruction in how to fleece your fellow man,’ he surprised her by saying, thereby finally responding to the provocative remark she had voiced earlier. ‘And I should be equally astonished if you were ever to indulge in the reprehensible practice yourself for personal gain.’

‘How well you know me already, sir!’ Annis responded, raising her eyes to discover his lordship quite openly smiling now.

The sight was so unexpected that it caught her completely off guard, and although she would never have indulged in flights of fancy by admitting to a quickening of breath, or a suddenly increased pulse rate, she certainly felt something within her stir, a sensation that was totally novel and therefore impossible to define.

His lordship might never number among the most handsome men she had ever met, but his smile went some way in placing him among those that were quite out of the common way, she swiftly decided. And, she suspected too, not easily forgotten.

Chapter Four

I t was after spending a third night luxuriating in the comfort of a four-poster bed that Annis woke to discover clear evidence that the thaw had at some point during the night well and truly set in.

She was in no way surprised to detect the gentle tinkle-tinkle of water running along the guttering, or to see droplets of melted snow following each other in rapid succession down the panes of glass on her bedchamber windows, for Dr Prentiss, having braved the elements and safely negotiated the numerous snowdrifts, had managed to pay a belated call the previous afternoon. After a brief and favourable examination of his lordship, he had joined the ladies in the parlour, and had assured one and all that he had detected a definite rise in temperature during his journey to the Manor, and had declared he’d be surprised if there wasn’t a thaw before too long.

Although disinclined to make snap judgements about people, Annis had made up her mind long before he had left the house that she rather liked the good doctor. Conscientious, and possessed of a gentle reassuring manner that could not help but put the most nervous patient swiftly at ease, Dr Prentiss had put her forcibly in mind of her own father. Consequently his accurate prediction on the weather came as no surprise. What did rather astonish her, though, was the disappointment she was now experiencing at having no valid reason for remaining at the Manor.

‘Ah, Dish!’ she announced, turning her head as the door opened to discover her loyal maid-cum-companion entering the room. ‘Time to pack our belongings, I think.’

‘Can’t see any reason not to set out for the town this morning, miss,’ Disher responded, after depositing the pitcher of hot water on the washstand. ‘According to one of the stable-lads, the roads are all clear, or clear enough for travel, at any rate.’

‘That is good news,’ Annis replied, lying quite convincingly. She had no intention of revealing how disappointed she felt at the prospect of leaving the Manor, especially as the reason for the unexpected swell of malcontent continued to allude her.

‘Do you want me to ring for your breakfast tray, miss?’

‘I’d much prefer to break my fast in the parlour,’ Annis admitted. ‘However, given the fact that I’ve been assured his lordship prefers his own company for the first meal of the day, it might be as well to pander to his whims, especially as I find myself obliged to take advantage of his generosity still further by begging the use of a carriage to convey us to town.’

‘Do you imagine there’s a chance he might refuse?’

‘Had you asked me that very question directly after I’d perused the blunt letter he’d written to Lady Pelham, Dish, I would have been inclined to suggest there was a very strong possibility he might do precisely that. Now, however, I can safely say, “Certainly not”, with total conviction.’

Absently plucking at the bed covers, Annis began to consider his lordship’s character still further. ‘I should imagine only those select few who number among his closest friends are privileged to know his lordship really well. Notwithstanding, if I’ve discovered anything during our enforced stay here, it’s that Viscount Greythorpe is far from the austere, humourless being one might imagine him to be at first sight. He’s certainly an intelligent man who, I suspect, rarely acts without due consideration. I think, too, that anyone would be extremely foolish to underestimate him; it would come as no great surprise to me, either, to discover that he could be quite ruthless if crossed. First and foremost though, Dish, his lordship is a gentleman, born and bred. He would never see a lady stranded, or turn away without offering his support. Ergo, I harbour no fears that we shall find ourselves obliged to walk to the posting-house in town later this morning.’

Although firmly convinced that her reading of his lordship’s character was accurate, as far as was reasonably possible to judge on so short an acquaintance, Annis wasn’t unduly surprised to be the recipient of that severe frown of his, when she had the temerity to sweep into his private sanctum, unannounced, a little over an hour later. After all, he was essentially a very private man who, if his daily routine was any indication, preferred to spend much of his time alone. Personally she saw nothing amiss with this preference for his own company and, as a guest in his house, would never have dreamt of interrupting at a time when he was clearly working had the need to do so not been absolutely necessary.

‘Forgive the intrusion, my lord,’ she said, boldly slipping into the chair on the opposite side of his desk, after he had belatedly risen to his feet, acknowledging her arrival with the briefest of nods. ‘But, as I’m sure you’ll appreciate, given the favourable change in the weather, I didn’t wish to delay in speaking with you this morning.’

For answer his lordship merely reseated himself, before placing the letter he had been perusing to one side, and paying her the common courtesy of at least favouring her with his full attention, even if his expression remained serious, and not wholly welcoming.

‘Loath though I am to do so, sir, I must beg another favour by requesting the use of a carriage to convey me and my maid to the local town, as there is no reason now for us to remain, and I refuse to take advantage of your kind hospitality further by outstaying the gracious welcome you and your sister have extended thus far to a complete stranger.’

‘There is absolutely no likelihood of your outstaying your welcome,’ his lordship surprised her by responding, before confounding her further by adding, ‘But is not your request of a carriage a little—how shall I put it—precipitate? You had a purpose in coming here, Miss Milbank,’ he reminded her, when she made no attempt whatsoever to conceal her puzzlement. ‘You’ll forgive my saying so, but your attitude this morning is inclined to give the impression that you imagine you’ve been wholly successful in your endeavours, and that I shall be happy to acquiesce to Lady Pelham’s wishes on the matter of my half-sister?’

Annis couldn’t help but admire his directness, and his quite remarkable perspicacity. If the truth were known, she supposed she had been a little presumptuous. Having quickly come to the conclusion that he was in no way an unreasonable person, she supposed she had, indeed, taken it for granted that he would oblige Lady Pelham in this instance by not exerting his authority.

‘Seemingly, sir, I have assumed too much in believing just that,’ she admitted, acknowledging the truth of the accusation without preamble. ‘However, if this is not the case, I cannot imagine there is anything further I can do to make you change your mind, so my remaining cannot possibly serve any useful purpose to either of us.’

‘You err, child,’ he returned swiftly. ‘Your remaining would serve a very useful purpose indeed.’

Startled though she was by the admission, Annis didn’t fail to observe the same odd smile briefly pulling at one corner of his mouth as she had glimpsed on several occasions during the past two evenings, when they had been playing cards together. Whether or not his evident amusement this time had been engendered by her inability to conceal her bewilderment, she had no way of knowing. Notwithstanding, she decided to leave him in no doubt on that score.

‘I am totally at a loss to understand why you should think so, sir.’

His immediate response was to rise to his feet and take up the exact stance by the window that he had adopted during their former meeting in the room. He was undeniably an impressive figure in both height and breadth, and yet surprisingly enough Annis had never found him in any way intimidating. In fact, the opposite was true. The Viscount exuded a quiet dignity that she found oddly comforting and unerringly familiar, because it brought forcibly to mind that special aura she had never failed to detect whenever her late mother had entered a room.

‘Firstly permit me to deal with the matter of my half-sister. I shall not pretend to be overjoyed about the current situation,’ he began slowly, as though choosing each word with extreme care. ‘Nor can I bring myself to wholeheartedly approve of the way Lady Pelham hopes to deal with the matter of my sister’s foolish infatuation. None the less, I do fully appreciate that she believes she is acting in the girl’s best interests. It is beyond question too that her knowledge of Helen’s character is second to none. Consequently, I am prepared not to interfere at this juncture.’

Annis felt a wave of relief wash over her. ‘You will not regret your decision, sir.’

‘I sincerely trust you prove to be right,’ he returned almost brusquely, as he resumed his seat at the desk, his eyes never wavering from hers for an instant. ‘But so that we do not misunderstand each other, I shall speak plainly. Unlike yourself, I am not well acquainted with Lady Pelham. I have never heard anything to the lady’s discredit. In fact, the opposite is true. Common report would have me believe that, having been a widow for many years, she is positively shrouded in respectability. Even so, she would be a rare being indeed if she was without flaw. Therefore I cannot help wondering if this disinclination on her part to pay an extended visit here at this time stems solely from the honest belief that she is acting in her niece’s best interests. It could also be an attempt on her part to continue caring for Helen without outside interference.’

Annis could quite appreciate these reservations, and did not hesitate to offer what reassurance she could, while maintaining the absolute truth. ‘If you are asking me whether or not Lady Pelham resents the fact that you are Helen’s legal guardian, then all I can tell you is that she never admitted as much to me at any time during my recent stay with her. The overall impression I gained was that she welcomes this interest you are taking in your sister.’

His lordship’s regard had never been more keen. ‘Does Helen herself know the extent of my authority over her?’

Annis could see no benefit in attempting to conceal the truth, and so shook her head. ‘To be honest, sir, it came as a mighty shock to me, so I can only imagine how Helen herself will feel when she learns. But let me assure you that Lady Pelham has not deliberately concealed the truth from her. It was simply that it never crossed her mind to suppose that you would behave any differently than your father, so the matter of your guardianship was never really an issue. Given the stance you have adopted, though, my lord, she fully intends to tell Helen. But she will choose her moment with care.’

Again his look was intense, as he said, ‘Clearly you hold your godmother in high regard, Miss Milbank.’

‘Indeed I do,’ she didn’t hesitate to affirm. ‘She is without doubt the most level-headed female of my acquaintance. Furthermore, I know her to be a person of her word. She fully intends to bring Helen here at the end of March in order that you may become acquainted in advance of the party.’

When he merely regarded her in silence, Annis thought he must consider the interview at an end, and was about to rise to her feet when he forestalled her by saying, ‘You, I believe, have been honest with me, Miss Milbank, so I shall be equally frank. I have several reasons for wishing to become acquainted with my half-sister, not least of which is the benefit, I believe, a closer relationship will eventually bring to Sarah. It cannot have escaped your notice,’ he continued in response to her questioning look, ‘that my elder sister is essentially a very private person, very much the introvert. I thought a period of several weeks in which to become better acquainted before the rest of the family descends upon us could only be beneficial to them both.’

A sigh escaped him as he lowered his eyes to study the heavy signet ring on his right hand. ‘However, I cannot in all honesty say that having our young cousin to stay during these past weeks has turned out to be the overwhelming success I had hoped. I do not think you need me to tell you that my sister and cousin have little in common, and although Sarah is genuinely fond of Louise, she finds entertaining the girl something of a trial on occasions, so perhaps I was foolish to suppose that she might find much in common with Helen.’

‘Given that they were kept apart through no fault of their own, it would be nice to think that eventually they will rub along together reasonably well,’ Annis said, feeling that some response from her was required. ‘It will take time, I should imagine, for any deep sisterly bond to develop, however.’

‘Quite so, Miss Milbank! And time, sadly, is not on my side.’ Once again she became the sole object of that most strikingly direct violet-eyed gaze. ‘But Providence, it would seem, most definitely is. She chose to bring to my door someone who is…’ here his lordship paused to shake his head, and for the first time ever in her presence to smile broadly in what seemed to be genuine, wry amusement ‘…blessed with an innate ability to communicate with people on their own level, and make them feel almost instantly less inhibited. No one could have failed to notice that your presence here, Miss Milbank, has been nothing other than highly beneficial. You have, in the most natural manner possible, bridged the divide between my sister and our cousin, which has resulted in a far more relaxed atmosphere prevailing.’

Annis could never recall being complimented in quite the same way before, and while she felt extremely flattered, she had the feeling she had yet to hear the reason for the unexpected praise.

The Viscount chose not to keep her in ignorance for very long. ‘If at all possible, I should very much like to maintain that atmosphere,’ he continued, ‘most especially for Sarah’s sake. She will have much to occupy her during the weeks ahead, with all the preparations for our grandmother’s birthday celebration. So, as I’m sure you can appreciate, having someone on hand to help entertain Louise would lighten her load considerably.’