The Fencing Master's Daughter Page 16

  “There are a couple of letters I have drafted on your desk that require your signature, my lord. The rest of the correspondence is routine and nothing is urgent.” Julian declared continuing, “If the chevalier would like to scare up some birds this morning I could show him over the eastern woods in an hour’s time?”

  This suggestion was agreed to and Louis went to change into some older and warmer clothes. Madelaine went to put on her redingote and bonnet and fetched her muff and gloves while Edward signed the letters and glanced at the rest of the correspondence, only to agree Julian could deal with it at his convenience. By the time Madelaine once more descended the stairs Edward was waiting below wrapped in his carriage coat and holding his beaver and gloves. A light, but sturdy, coach was drawn up at the door with Charlie Griggs holding the ribbons and Timothy up beside. Two burly out-riders waited behind as Edward handed Madelaine into the chaise. The day was fine but chill as Edward tucked Madelaine in with some warm carriage rugs and a hot brick at her feet. This would be the last time Charlie drove the earl until New Year, because he was returning to London to spend Christmas with his wife and the rest of his family. However, he was leaving his nephew Timothy behind to watch over the earl.

  Edward would normally ride or drive himself to the estate’s farms, taking at most Shawcross or a groom with him. So he felt awkward visiting his tenants with so much obvious security. He doubted now that Furet had been found out over the matter of Seacliff, there would be more attempts on his life. He was not complacent about it, however, and was unprepared to risk either his own or Madelaine’s safety simply because it was inconvenient. Until Mr. Grey informed him Furet had been taken or fled the country, he would not travel outside the park without ample protection.

  They set off in good spirits and when they reached the top of Chalcombe Manor’s park’s rolling green hills, Edward had Charlie stop and pointed out the village of Chalcombe and the spire of the church of Chalcombe St. Mary not far away. Their conversation was at first desultory, but gradually they began to express their thoughts more naturally and found themselves to be much in agreement on many matters. Madelaine questioned Edward about the fields they passed and the crops grown in summer. He answered competently, thankful for having taken in so much knowledge about the estate and its farms from Shawcross and Julian. They stopped at three prosperous farms and were welcomed in to drink spiced cider and home-made cowslip wine and to eat some examples of their fine baking.

  The farmers and their families were politely in awe of the earl’s condescension in deigning to visit them, but they were even more stunned by Madelaine’s beauty. Edward soon put them at ease conversing with the farmers about their plans for the next year. Madelaine was equally comfortable talking with the farmer’s wives and their daughters about running the farms, their kitchens and dairies about which she seemed sufficiently informed for the ladies to get over their astonished admiration and for them to take her in their confidence as if they had known her forever. Edward was surprised how naturally Madelaine appeared in the role of Lady of the Manor. He had introduced her as Lady Madelaine Devereux and stated simply that she was a guest.

  The famers’ wives were quick to offer Edward and his lady refreshments and to curtsey to them both. But it was Madelaine who was proudly displayed their latest offspring and Madelaine around whom the children clustered, with fascination. Her primrose hair was much stroked by small grubby hands and she seemed to light up, when surrounded by small eager faces and wriggling bodies. Whilst Edward discussed the farms’ business with the men he could not ignore the attractive picture presented by Madelaine, the farm’s dogs at her feet and two small children on her lap, happily surrounded by the rest of the farmers’ children. Madelaine chattered away gaily to their questions without self-consciousness and it was only when the third farmer’s strapping adult sons, started to make her the object of some clumsy compliments that she became quiet and tongue-tied.

  As they drove back to Chalcombe Manor, Edward was well aware the gossip around Chalcombe would be of the imminent nuptials of himself and his exquisite bride to be. Unfortunately he was aware he could not guarantee to make that much looked forward to event a reality. He diffidently asked whether she had minded the enthusiasm of the boisterous farm children.

  “They were charming, it was a delight to see their cheerful faces,” she declared adamantly. Then she realised Edward’s next question would be whether she wished to have children herself.

  Madelaine continued, “as I do not intend to have children I must enjoy those of others. It is to no purpose, my lord for you to continue asking me to be your wife. I am deeply honoured by the distinction you have paid me in offering your name, but I shall not change my mind. I have informed you I have no desire to marry and I wish you to understand I mean it.”

  “It would be easier for me to accept your decision, if you would tell me why you have taken a disgust of the married condition. My feelings for you are deeply engaged and you must realise your continued refusal saddens me. If as you say it is not my person or character that disgusts you, could you not confide in me why you wish to remain unwed?” The earl enquired, bemused by her continued refusal.

  “You will make some lady a charming husband, but I am not a fit bride for you. Please do not press me further for I have no wish to quarrel with you. I am sorry my determination not to marry makes you miserable, for I take no pleasure in distressing you,” she responded tearfully.

  “I regret my offer of marriage displeases you. Am I such an ogre that you could not explain to me why you will not consider my suit? I have offered you my heart and all I possess in honest adoration. You reject my proposal, despite the advantages our marriage would offer you and your father. It would be plain to anyone who saw you today, that you would love children of your own yet you will not countenance my offer.” The earl went on to press his point. “I am convinced you the only possible bride, for me, so I cannot see how you could be unfit for that position. I have no need to marry for money, your birth is respectable and I love you desperately. I need nothing more for my happiness than for you to tell me one little word. I owe you my life. A debt I can never repay. If you will not make me happy by accepting my proposal then I needs seek more reason for your refusal, than such fustian as you are unfit to be my wife and you have no desire to marry.”

  Madelaine could stand no more and turned away from Edward as tears cascaded down her cheeks. She said nothing but was clearly moved by his words. She dabbed at her eyes trying to force herself to be calm. Edward pulled her towards him and held her to his chest removing her bonnet so not to crush it, letting her cry herself out, as he stroked her primrose tresses. Eventually she got herself under control and accepted the offer of the earl’s handkerchief as hers was now quite damp. Edward said nothing further as she dried her eyes holding her gently to him. He tilted her chin up so he could look at her face and she gave him a small smile, her eyelashes still glistening with traces of her tears.

  Edward bent to kiss the tears from her eyes and gently placed his lips covering the sweet rosebud of her mouth. She did not withdraw from his kiss, but her thoughts were in turmoil. His tongue brushed her lips and she responded to the caress as he gently licked her mouth and his tongue flickered between her lips. Unthinkingly she tilted her head back a little to allow him to deepen the kiss and her hands clutched the lapels of his carriage coat as his arms tightened around her. He felt her response to his kisses as he crushed her mouth beneath his. The coach swept into the drive of Chalcombe Manor and together they realised their imminent arrival and sprang apart. Madelaine hurried to tidy her hair and replace her discarded bonnet, before wiping her swollen lips and attempting to drag her racing heartbeat back to normal.

  The coach drew to a halt and Lewis rushed to assist Madelaine to alight. Edward followed her down and entered the house at her heels with a slight smile on his face. So she was not indifferent to him, he would not give up hope. Perhaps a few more kisses would persuade her m
arriage to him would be a pleasurable endeavour. His first foray into romancing his beloved had proved very satisfactory. The sweetness of her kisses had been everything he had hoped for. Now if only he could restrain the rest of his body, before he handed over his carriage coat to the waiting Jenkins who seemed mystified by his delay he could consider his plans at leisure.

  Madelaine swept upstairs hurriedly, horrified with her own behaviour. How could she have been so stupid as to respond to Edward’s kisses? She had been upset by his questions, but that was no excuse. His kisses had been so sweet and she knew Edward had understood her response and it would make it much harder to convince him, she would not be happy as his bride. Why was it always so hard to find reasons to justify a lie? Her arguments sounded hollow even to her own ears and she could not even resort to anger, because he was in the right. He deserved more honest answers from her, his generous treatment of her merited that much.

  Madelaine was abashed, Edward thought her refusal was only missishness or the difference in their estates. If only it was so. As she changed out of her redingote and washed the traces of her tears from her face she resolved to be more resolute and avoid any further opportunities for the earl to get her alone. It was not fair to give him false hope. She had heard the sincerity in his voice when he had pleaded his love for her. The depth of his feeling and yearning for her had cut her to the quick, she had felt so guilty. She had been almost tempted to tell him the truth. This visit to Chalcombe Manor was turning into the nightmare she had dreaded.

  Madelaine was worried she was not strong enough to cope with everyone’s expectations. Already Edward’s mother had been hinting at handing over the responsibility for running Edward’s houses and making suggestions for the future, that could only be understood as her trying to make Madelaine feel welcomed into the family. Everyone had been kind but she had heard the servants talking about her as the future countess. They expected the announcement of their engagement at the Christmas Ball. Everyone’s expectations would cause Edward and her considerable embarrassment when no such notice was forthcoming.

  If only Louis had not been so immovable about them visiting Chalcombe Manor, they could have carried on in the same way and eventually she would have got enough money together to open a small shop. They could have lived together quietly, eventually her looks would fade and she would receive no more offers, respectable or otherwise.

  Henri was gratified when my lord’s chief gamekeeper presented him with a fine fat buck which he had culled personally from the herd with the earl’s compliments. This animal he declared maqnifique and commenced to butcher himself. It would make a suitable dish to serve for Christmas Day after it had been hung for a few days. The gamekeeper found the kitchens a hive of activity with not a soul unoccupied. Some had been ordered to clean to M. Vallon’s satisfaction, others were peeling and chopping vegetables and preparing dishes at Henri’s direction. Despite the bustling activity there was not one scowling face and even the lowest skivvy answered Henri’s requests with “Oui Monsieur!” even if their accents were execrable.

  Henri’s English had proven sufficient to make his orders understood and his generous praise and thanks for their labour, even in French encouraged them to strive to please him. When his English failed him; he demonstrated his objectives so none could misinterpret his intention. He made it clear when cooking he should be referred to as Monsieur, but at table would answer to his name Henri. The knowledge their own meals would be cooked under Henri’s direction and his cheerful nature, were sufficient to ensure everything ran smoothly. The kitchens gradually were finally arranged and cleaned to Henri’s satisfaction. Then he instructed his crew to cleaning and re-arranging the pantry and cool rooms. Nothing was left unchecked.

  Edward’s servants were bemused by the sudden improvement in kitchen morale, especially as Mrs. Worters appeared to have no complaints at Henri ruling the roost. Mrs. Moss, the housekeeper, alone complained about Henri to Lady Chalcombe, but Milady struggled to follow her complaints.

  “No Milady, there is no unrest in the kitchen. Everyone is smiling and I’ve never seen them working so hard.”

  “Then what is the matter? If last night’s dinner was a sample of his cooking I’m very tempted to ask him to take Patrice’s place permanently,” the dowager complained.

  “It’s the goings on, ma’am. This Monsieur Vallon, he is not respectable and that hussy Martha Worters is going around with a smile on her face like the cat has got the cream,” Mrs. Moss huffed.

  “If Mrs. Worters is happy working with M. Vallon, I can’t understand why you should be getting upset,” retorted the Countess.

  “But his bed was not slept in Ma’am. It’s immoral, he was in the kitchens before anyone else and...”

  “You will mind your tongue Nell Moss, so long as M. Vallon doesn’t upset the kitchen staff you will say nothing. At last decent meals are being served and I can look forward to entertaining without being ashamed about what is put on my table. I think you must be jealous of Mrs. Worters, to slander her name in this way. We shall not speak on this matter again. You may go.”

  Henri rejoiced at the delivery of four brace of pheasants and a game bag half full of wood pigeons from the hands of his master and Julian. This was followed later in the day by a delivery of fresh fish for which Edward had sent a groom with a gig to the nearest fishing port in Markshire. The dinner menu for that evening promptly acquired the addition of sole dugléré. Henri and Mrs. Worters and the rest of kitchen staff continued to work in warm harmony, without any knowledge of the housekeeper’s offended propriety.

  Sir Anthony and Lady Wynstanley were welcomed to Chalcombe Manor by Lady Chalcombe while Edward and Madelaine were visiting his tenants and Louis and Julian were demonstrating their marksmanship. So when Julian and Louis had changed from their hunting expedition, they all sat down to a late luncheon together. Sir Bardolph and Lady Callista Purcell had not yet arrived, but were expected before dinner.

  If the rest of the staff’s conclusions as to the goings on were indistinguishable from Mrs. Moss’s, they were not going to complain. Working with a cheerful Martha Worters and a jovial M. Vallon was sufficient to still their tongues. The improved culinary fare was considered an added bonus.

  Julian learnt the gossip from the impeccable source of Jenkins, who remarked the kitchen was peaceful and apparently M. Vallon had not thrown anything at anyone.

  “I’m sure there is a ‘but’ that should follow that statement, Jenkins?” said Julian.

  “I believe Mrs. Moss is outraged because she is convinced that M. Vallon and Martha Worters are...”

  “And are they?”

  “I couldn’t say, sir. Will there be anything more you require?”

  Chapter Seventeen – Bavardage

  Julian’s parents arrived well before dusk followed by a dozen members of the local gentry who were friendly with the Charringtons. They had arrived at least an hour before dinner was to be served, at six o’clock, and were discussing a number of topics in the blue drawing room over a glass of Edward’s sherry or ratafia. Henrietta’s younger brother, Sir Bardolph Purcell, and his wife, Callista, together with their five interesting offspring, had been expected for some hours, but had not yet arrived. At half past five, Jenkins approached Edward discreetly and mentioned that Monsieur Vallon wished to know whether dinner should be delayed under the circumstances.

  Edward was reluctant to postpone the meal, if it would upset his volunteer chef and impair the fruits of his genius and he pointed this out to his butler.

  “Monsieur Vallon stated he had no problem delaying dinner and can serve the first course at his lordship’s convenience,” whispered Jenkins.

  “In which case request M. Vallon to put back dinner for half an hour, but whether or not the Purcells arrive before then, serve dinner at half past six,” Edward decreed.

  Jenkins had just sent Lewis with the message to the kitchens, when three carriages swept up the drive, depositing Sir Bardolph an
d Lady Purcell, together with their five young children, her dresser and his valet, their children’s nurse, governess and a large quantity of luggage. Lady Chalcombe was the last to descend for dinner and together with Edward welcomed her brother and his wife, as Jenkins swiftly arranged for the disposal of their luggage and for hot water to be taken immediately to their chambers. The nursery party were informed that although tea had been served an hour earlier, a second serving would be imminently arranged in the nursery suite dining-room, if they so wished.

  Edward informed Sir Bardolph and his wife that dinner had been put back by half an hour and would be served at half past six. With apologies for their delay, they hastened upstairs to dress for dinner in great haste. Edward had introduced Louis and Madelaine to his guests and they were aware their presence was a topic of great interest. Madelaine wore her pale green dress with her mother’s pearls and received several fulsome compliments from the gentlemen and two enquiries as to the name of the modiste, who had created her toile from the ladies. Madelaine decided not to admit to making her own dresses and stated she patronised Claudette’s in Mayfair, thinking it was only a small lie, for many designs sold by Claudette were her own.

  Dinner was served just as the clock struck half past six in the formal dining room, although the table was by no means full. Sir Bardolph and Lady Purcell managed to join the party as everyone found their seats. Madelaine was seated further down the table between a retired army colonel and an animated baronet’s daughter, who was looking forward to her first season. Madelaine was mindful of an undertone of interest in herself. She had briefly met Lady Sophia Wynstanley that afternoon and it was clear that lady laboured under the assumption, Edward’s proposal had been accepted and believed she was being coy, because it had yet to be officially announced. Nothing Madelaine had managed to say in reply had convinced her otherwise.

  Edward at the head of the table had already been offered congratulations on his forthcoming nuptials by a number of gentlemen and had informed them their compliments were premature. Plans for a larger shooting party were made for the following day and a number of the gentlemen who were not staying the night at the Manor engaged to return and participate.