An Inconvenient Trilogy Part 24

He was led into a small office at the rear of a larger one. He had expected the office to be all hustle and bustle, but there was no one about. There were only a small number of Bow Street Officers, he wondered if they were on duty. He hoped they would be able to help him.

He was led into a back office. This was the office of the head of the service; he would not have spoken to anyone else. The gentleman who sat in the office was around fifty years of age. He was tall and slim, slightly stooped, as if the responsibility he held weighed heavy on his shoulders. The smile he offered in greeting though, was genuine and warm.

"Good morning Lord Halkyn, to what do we owe the pleasure?" he asked in a more gentle voice than his appearance would warrant.

"Good morning Mr Frost, thank you for this interview. I have a problem I need help with," Stephen said, sitting in the chair opposite the desk.

"That is what we are here for, my Lord," came the quiet response. Mr Frost listened while Stephen told him the story from the moment he had been pulled into the room by Charlotte, until she was safely deposited in the country. He excluded all the information about the marriage proposal. He decided it was acceptable to omit it; it had no bearing on the case.

"So, you are sure she is safe?" Mr Frost asked.

"Yes, she is now under the protection of good friends and her uncle. She should be safe, Kersal appears to only want girls who are no longer of interest to their family!" Stephen said with disgust.

"It is a sad state of affairs, but I feel Baron Kersal will have the pick of girls across the country. There are many without fortunes that are an inconvenience to their families, but at least Miss Webster was fortunate to find you," Mr Frost said, while thinking the problem through.

"I want to send a clear message out that this is not acceptable," Stephen said forcefully. "I am no angel, but I have never preyed on innocents." He pushed aside the image of Charlotte's tilted head before he kissed her. That was different; she had obviously been in total control. She had made that perfectly clear when she had refused his marriage proposal.

"Umm, I have two men who have not come into contact with the higher ranks of society; they are very good, but not well known. A few of my others may be recognisable to some of the men who frequent this household. I am willing to set one to follow Baron Kersal and see what information he can collect. The other I want you to introduce to the Baron as a friend," Mr Frost said.

"I'm not going back to that place! I will kill him if I see his weasel face again!" Stephen exploded.

Mr Frost smiled slightly at the outburst. "I'm presuming the young lady would not stand as a witness against Baron Kersal?" he asked.

"Of course not. She is an unconnected girl. Who would believe her word against Kersal's?" Stephen sneered.

"Exactly," Mr Frost agreed pleasantly. "In which case, we have to gather evidence which will ensure a conviction. You do realise the consequences for the Baron could be serious?"

"Don't worry, I won't lose courage, I hope he swings for what he is doing!" Stephen said without hesitation.

"In that case I need you to adopt Peters as your acquaintance. Introduce him; get him access to the house. Once he is accepted, there will be no need for you to continue going," Mr Frost a.s.sured him.

"Good."

"I shall send Peters around to you as soon as he is available."

"I shall await his visit. I bid you good day," Stephen said with a slight bow. He strode out of the office and walked back to his house.

When he eventually arrived home, he still had not consoled himself that he would have to go and spend time with Baron Kersal and his cronies. He did not a.n.a.lyse whether or not it was that which upset him, or the fact that he would be returning to the house in which his world had been turned upside down by Charlotte's kiss.

Walter opened the door before Stephen had knocked, as efficient as ever. He noticed the frown on Stephen's face, but made no comment.

"Walter I am out, to anyone, today and for the foreseeable future. I will only see a man named Peters when he arrives. I shall be in my study. Bring up a bottle of brandy. The good stuff, please!" Stephen said sharply, handing the butler his hat and gloves.

"As you wish my Lord. There is already a decanter of brandy in the study, my Lord," Walter informed his master, noting that mid afternoon was not the usual time his master started drinking.

"That will not be nearly enough," Stephen replied. "Bring another bottle."

"Certainly sir," Walter replied. A frown appearing only when he had turned away from his master.

Five hours later when there had been no sight or sound from the study; Walter made an excuse and entered the room to check on his employer. He had offered food earlier, but it had been turned away with disgust. Only brandy would be accepted and the butler had retreated.

Stephen was sprawled across the chair in front of the fireplace, one leg over the arm. He held the brandy decanter, no sign of a gla.s.s. His cravat and waistcoat were thrown on the floor and his boots had been kicked off, no easy task without a valet to help. The ever calm butler had to suppress a groan, something was obviously wrong; his employer had never been in such a state.

"Walter, leave me alone!" Stephen slurred, after a few moments of peering at the figure in the doorway.

"I just wanted to see if you required anything my Lord?" Walter said calmly.

"A life without women would be a start. You have my permission to get rid of them all, let's see how good your skills really are," Stephen tried to sound bitter, but his words were so slurred, they sounded pitiful.

Walter was irrationally pleased at his employer's words. He had never shown any serious interest in a woman, this could mean that he had met someone that meant something to him. Walter did not need to guess who, but played along. "Are you sure you mean all women my Lord?"

Stephen grimaced, "One b.l.o.o.d.y chit of a woman would be a start."

"I shall do my utmost to get rid of her the next time I see her." Walter wondered if he would ever see Miss Webster again. She had obviously made a huge impression on his master, if the scene in front of him was any indication of the impact she had made. The affection that he held for his master ran deep, and he really hoped that Miss Webster would return to the house one day.

"Do you know Walter she wouldn't have me? She turned me down, she has no prospects, no money, but she still turned me down flat!" Stephen said, taking a swig from the brandy bottle.

"You proposed?" Walter could not help the surprise in his voice, or it causing him to ask a question without the correct address. He did not know that Stephen had proposed to Elizabeth, as far as he was concerned, this was the first time his employer had proposed to anyone. What was even more unbelievable was that he had been turned down.

"Yes, fool that I am. Her uncle was over the moon, but oh no, that was not good enough for Miss Charlotte b.l.o.o.d.y Webster, she wanted love, and flowers, and romance!" he said bitterly.

Walter was beginning to form a picture and although he did not know all the details, some understanding of why the proposal had been refused was coming to light. "Would she perhaps change her mind, once she has had time to think about it? She perhaps needs a little time to reflect, women can be such complicated creatures, my lord," Walter said rea.s.suringly.

"She can change her mind all she likes; this fool is not going to renew any offer. No, Walter I'm going to stay as far away as I can from any female. They are nothing but trouble. I promise you this; you shall never see Miss Webster in this house again."

Walter reacted quickly, but not quickly enough to prevent the brandy bottle slipping to the floor and spilling its contents onto the rug as Stephen collapsed in a drunken stupor. As the butler rang for a footman, he had the sneaking suspicion that there was a strong possibility that he would be seeing Miss Webster again, he would definitely hope so anyway.

Chapter 11.

Charlotte had watched Stephen leave the house and heard, rather than seen, the carriage pulling away. The staff resumed their jobs and she was left alone in the hallway. She could have said yes to his proposal, perhaps she should have said yes, but she had not been able to utter the word. Was it wrong of her to want the whole of him? She might be young, but knowing that he did not love her she was under no doubt that he would hurt her if she agreed to a marriage with him. The thought of him being with another woman because he could not be faithful made her feel physically sick. If she was so affected by the mere thought of it, she refused to put herself in the position of actually living through it.

She eventually managed to walk on shaking legs to her bed chamber and lay down on the warm bed cover. She wanted to wrap herself in the cover and never come out. As much as she could not put herself in the position of an unhappy marriage, a future without Stephen in it was very bleak.

Charlotte spent the afternoon listlessly looking at the patterns of the wallpaper that hung in the room. The Chinese design looked almost comical sideways, almost comical, but not quite enough to bring a smile to her face. She was disturbed from her musings by a gentle knock on the door. She ignored it, but the door opened and Elizabeth's head appeared in the gap.

"Is there room for someone who can give no useful advice, but is worried about you?" she asked.

Charlotte smiled, despite the lump of lead that had formed in her stomach at the thought of having to make conversation. "I'm not very good company at the moment, I feel that I just want to hide away," she said quietly.

"That I do know something about," Elizabeth said, coming into the room with a huff. "That husband of mine was stupid enough to send me away before we were married, and I almost pined away for want of him."

"It sounds very romantic," Charlotte said, raising herself slightly. It was not acceptable to greet the lady of the house while lying across a bed, no matter what the circ.u.mstances.

Elizabeth pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat down. "Romantic? It was the most foolish thing either of us could have done! I can only excuse it by the fact that we were both not aware of the other's feelings."

Charlotte groaned, "Stephen is fully aware of my feelings. I am not sophisticated enough to hide them!"

"I don't think he is, or he wouldn't have gone off in such a way. Don't forget that he probably isn't the right man for you Charlotte, he has such fixed ideas about love and marriage that I would think most people who had a heart would struggle with. I think you did the right thing," Elizabeth said rea.s.suringly.

"It doesn't feel like the right thing at the moment. I just want to see him, want to talk to him, to try and convince him to give love a chance!" Charlotte said, her voice getting some of its usual strength back as she warmed to her theme.

"One thing I have learned," Elizabeth said, taking Charlotte's hands in her own. "One cannot convince someone of something if they have it fixed in their head that they are right, and that you are wrong. I tried that with Michael, but it didn't work, and for once I don't think it had anything to do with him being a stubborn beast," she smiled at Charlotte. "Stephen needs to find out that he wants to love and be loved. That is the only way you could both be happy."

"You are correct. I know you are, but it just seems unfair! Why meet a man that you fall in love with if you can't have him?" Charlotte asked.

Elizabeth tried to be tactful with her next words. "Forgive me saying this Charlotte, you are still very young. Stephen is very charming and added to that, he rescued you. Do you not think that he has been your knight in s.h.i.+ning armour, and that it is that which has influenced your feelings? Perhaps if you mixed more in Society, you may meet others that you could become attracted to?"

"I could I suppose. I don't know. I know he is a rake, he wouldn't have been at Baron Kersal's if he was an upstanding citizen, but to me he was so considerate. It was easy to forget the reputation that the girls had spoken about," Charlotte said.

"Let's arrange some entertainments," Elizabeth said, determined to remove Charlotte's focus on Stephen. "With you here I won't need to do all the work, which will make me very happy where entertaining is concerned. I do need to carry out some level of socialising before I look like a farmyard sow ready to give birth. We can show you the local families, and there are a few eligible young men, who will appreciate a beauty in their midst."

"You are very kind," Charlotte said, blus.h.i.+ng at the compliment. "Of course I will help you organise anything you wish, gladly so. You have been so kind to me, but please do not think I will be looking for a husband."

"Oh believe me, after my experience with Michael's lovely sister, trying to matchmake with every single man within ten miles, I would never inflict the same on anyone else. If you meet someone and fall in love, it will be completely because of your own efforts!" Elizabeth rea.s.sured her.

Charlotte was to discover that as much as Elizabeth disliked socialising, when she put her mind to something, she carried it out to the full. She hardly had time to miss Stephen, she was kept so busy. With the advice of Miss Fairfield, she sent out invitations, organised menus, flowers and seating plans and then had to prepare for the actual entertainments. Admittedly, the first thought in the morning was of Stephen, as was the last thought before she fell into an exhausted sleep, but during the day she was kept very busy.

Elizabeth had invited Violet and Edward to join their party and Charlotte liked Violet immediately. She could hardly believe that the exuberant woman was the sister of the far more serious Lord Dunham.

Violet entered the morning room during the second week of events. "Yet another bouquet of beautiful flowers has been delivered. I wonder who they can be for?" she asked as she handed them to Charlotte. "Is that the third this morning?" she teased.

Charlotte smiled, but a blush burned her cheeks. "They shouldn't send them to me, Elizabeth is the lady of the house," she said, reading the card and blus.h.i.+ng even further.

"Yes, but she isn't unmarried and doesn't have beautiful golden curls and a pretty face to match," Violet said, laughing at Charlotte's discomfort. "Do you think they will resort to duelling for your affections?"

Charlotte laughed at Violet's words, "I doubt it!" she giggled. Receiving the bouquets was flattering, but the gentlemen involved did not come anywhere near to affecting her heart.

"Well at least your dance card at the ball tomorrow will be full. That is always a bonus for a young lady," Violet said matter of fact.

"I'm quite nervous, it is my first ball and I would hate to look inexperienced," Charlotte replied, a frown developing.

"You have conducted yourself splendidly over the last two weeks. You shall have no problems tomorrow. In fact, if you haven't received at least one proposal that you wish to accept I shall be very surprised, and disappointed," Violet said, ever the hopeful matchmaker.

Charlotte laughed, "Elizabeth was right to warn me that you would be looking for a husband for me. There is no one I wish to marry." She could have added the word 'here' to the sentence and it would have been more truthful. There was a man she wanted to marry, but it was just not possible.

"Ah well, it was worth a try," Violet said resignedly. "But, it does enable me to make an offer to you. We shall be leaving for town in a week and would hope that you would accompany us. I've missed having some company in the house and having a young girl to take to the entertainments is far better than taking Edward. Would you be interested in joining us for a visit?"

Charlotte was surprised by the offer and a little overwhelmed, she had received so much kindness from this group of people who were strangers to her. Far more kindness and consideration than she had received from her uncle over the years, although he had claimed to have done the best he could.

"It is a very kind offer and I would love to accept, but would Elizabeth not need me to stay here? I would hate to leave her as the baby's arrival approaches. Also, there is the chance of b.u.mping into Baron Kersal." Charlotte admitted to herself that the thought of being in London and meeting Stephen again had made her stomach flutter.

"There is lots of time for a visit to London and then you can return here before the baby is born. Elizabeth has Michael, Miss Fairfield and all the staff to fuss over her. She will want you to experience London, I am sure of that. She may have hated it herself, but that is because she loves the freedom the country can give her, I have the suspicion that you would enjoy the parties more," Violet said, remembering the persuasion that had to be applied to keep Elizabeth in London.

"With regards to the Baron, he would not dare to approach you once it was known that you were a friend of Lord Dunham, and staying with Edward and myself. You said he targeted girls who had no connections. It will be made very clear to everyone that you are protected and under our care. My husband may be a mild mannered man, but he is no push over. He will make sure everyone knows that you are important to us."

Charlotte had agreed to Violet and Edward knowing why she was staying with Elizabeth. Although she was embarra.s.sed about her foolish behaviour, she was also practical with regards to keeping it from certain people. She did not believe in telling lies to cover her foolishness. By them knowing of her actions, it seemed that she would be able to enjoy a pleasure that was previously out of her reach.

"In that case I would love to come," Charlotte said with a smile.

Elizabeth was all for the scheme when the pair approached her. "Oh it will be just the thing!" she said. "You will love it in London."

"You didn't!" Charlotte said with a smirk.

Elizabeth laughed, "I know, that's because I'm happiest in a field. You will enjoy the dancing and it will give you chance to receive even more bouquets."

"I shall warn the housekeeper to prepare the vases!" Violet said with a good natured groan.

Chapter 12.

Two weeks had pa.s.sed since Stephen had visited Bow Street. He was sick of waiting for a visit from the elusive Mr Peters, but had received a note from Mr Frost, explaining that Peters had been delayed on another case. He a.s.sured Stephen that when he did arrive things would progress quickly, as he already had his other officer following Baron Kersal. Stephen was annoyed, but there was nothing he could do, so he refused to see anyone, isolated himself in his study and drank brandy.

During the third week, Stephen had finished his evening meal when Walter came in to announce that a Mr Peters was waiting to speak to him. Stephen's head had felt as if it had been kicked to Brighton and back before being placed back on his shoulders, but he could not turn the officer away. He joined him in his study.

"Good evening, my Lord," Mr Peters said.

"Good evening," Stephan replied. His tone was not unfriendly, but he wanted the business over and done with. "I hope you are here to sort this mess out."

"I will try," Mr Peters replied. He was a young man, dark haired, tall, slim and dressed fas.h.i.+onably, although not expensively. To any outsider he looked like a gentleman, but anyone looking closely at his eyes, would see a hardened, world weary expression, that no cosseted gentleman would ever have. His age did not reflect the sights that he had seen in the city. "I have been told the details of the case, but I would appreciate going over them again with you."

Stephen sighed. He did not need any more reminders of Charlotte than he already had, but he was determined to exact revenge for her sake, he was a man of his word, if nothing else. He commenced his story once more. Mr Peters listened, firing questions occasionally that resulted in Stephen going into great detail of what went on in the house.

"We need to speak to one of the girls," Mr Peters said. "Are you aware of any that would be willing to help?"

"They were sympathetic to Miss Webster, so she said," Stephen replied thinking over what Charlotte had told him. "They pointed me out to her as someone who might help her. They said that I was considerate, G.o.d help them if I was the best of the bunch!" He said self-depreciatively.

Mr Peters made no response to the comment, but kept the conversation on the matter in hand. "So, there was no one in particular?"

"She mentioned a girl named Laura, I think it was," Stephen said trying to recall exactly what Charlotte had relayed. "I think she was the one who took her under her wing first of all. Yes, it was Laura. She was in the carriage when Charlotte was taken, but I think she was there by force herself. I don't know the girl myself. Well, I may have done, but I don't link her name to a face. It's what single men do, Mr Peters," Stephen said defensively, feeling that he had to excuse his behaviour in front of someone who he suspected had never visited such a place for pleasure.

Mr Peters ignored the comment. "We shall see if Laura is available tonight. We both need to speak to her."

"Tonight? I wasn't intending visiting anywhere tonight," Stephen said. His head was pounding, the last thing he needed was to go and drink, and pretend to be merry with Baron Kersal when all he wanted to do was crawl into bed.