Lady Phillipa's Peril: Regency Romance Suspense Series ( Book 3) (Lords of Sussex 4) (16 page)

Seeing Damien was quite overset, she forgave the brusqueness of his tone. She returned to a furious cook. ‘His lordship demands clean sheets.’

‘What’s wrong with the rags? We can’t be using our linens sheets – there’ll be blood all over them – never get the stains out. Nah these rags be good enough.’

‘Cook, they’re filthy.’

‘Filthy? Why I’ll ‘ave you know we use clean ones every day to wash all our kitchen ware, and the table.’

‘Yes, but they are now used and soiled; cook I must insist—’

‘Then you’d best be asking the housekeeper.  She be in charge of the sheets.’ 

‘Pray take me to her immediately – we have urgent need of them.’

The cook threw the soiled rags back into the basket, and summoned a kitchen maid. ‘Daisy, take my lady to Mistress Goodwin’s parlour. I don’t know what things are coming to, getting blood over clean sheets when there be plenty of rags here.’

Minutes later in the housekeeper’s parlour, Phillipa faced the formidable Mrs. Goodwin.

Her face, looking like a pickled parsnip, the housekeeper admonished her, ‘There are plenty of dusting rags in the kitchen without ruining our clean linen.

‘Pray Mrs. Goodwin, we need those sheets now; Lord Hector is near to death.’

‘Well I’d best consult with the butler on this.’

‘I insist; it will be on your head if he is deprived of those sheets.’

Raising her eyebrows, the redoubtable lady blustered. ‘I should not be taking orders from you, as you be not a member of this family. It will be on your head milady, not mine; I have had my say.’ Grumbling the housekeeper led her to the linen cupboards, and taking a key from her key ring opened them. Perusing the huge piles of folded sheets, she took three grey ones from the bottom of one of the piles. ‘These are for the servant’s quarters, so you’d best be having them.’ 

Thanking her, Phillipa fled back down to the kitchen to see Damien using up the last of bands of her petticoats.  ‘Where the hell have you been?’

‘The cook and the housekeeper were loath to part with the sheets. I was near to snatching them myself.’

‘Hmm, well I shall see about that later,’ he murmured, passing the sheets over to Horatio, who began tearing them up. He shouted for the kitchen maid to bring him tubs of boiling water and a fine meshed sieve. Looking down at Hector’s pale features he said, ‘Thank God, he’s unconscious, at least I can clean up the wounds without causing him undue pain. Now Pippa, would you go meet my valet and direct him to the kitchen. He is preparing my equipment. She smiled; this was what it must be like to serve under him in the army. His manner was brusque, his words few and to the point. 

‘Yes – yes of course.’

She ran from the kitchen, through stone corridors, and up the stairs to the landing, where she found a slim delicate looking man with sparse hair carrying four large bags.

‘Oh, I beg your pardon, are you his grace’s valet?’

‘That I am milady.’

‘Then you are to follow me.

‘Very well.’ Seeing her distress he said, ‘Fear not milady; the master is in good hands; his grace is renowned for his expertise; few die on him. But quick, we must hurry. It doesn’t do to keep him waiting.’

Entering the kitchen, she saw the maids carrying tubs of boiling water across to him. Damien busily engaged, with Hector glared at her balefully. ‘I have just sent off for more sheets; wretched housekeeper doesn’t know her back teeth from her arse.’

Phillipa’s eyebrow shot up, ‘Damien—’

‘Come on – come on – Forbes,’ he barked, ignoring her reaction.

Phillipa watched as Forbes put thyme and vinegar into a tub of steaming hot water, and allowed it to distil for a few minutes before sieving it into another tub. Seeing her puzzlement, the valet said, ‘We don’t want bits of herbs getting in the wounds now.  This concoction will prevent infection.’ He then immersed the instruments in the tub before drawing them out.

‘Now Forbes, scrub the area around him. Phillipa – Winton, wash your hands in the solution, after which I want you to hold him down whilst I cleanse the wounds.’

Phillipa submitted frowning; his orders were quick and precise but he was a most peculiar physicker indeed. He was obsessed with washing and herbs. He had not shown this side of his personality before.

Waiting only a couple of minutes, Forbes drew the utensils out and began laying them on the table. Phillipa watched, amazed at his dexterity, as he sorted them all out in neat piles.

‘Knife’ Damien rasped, upon which Forbes picked out an evil-looking short bladed instrument.

She raised her eyebrows, how on earth did he know which one? She realized then that Forbes was more than a valet, his delicate exterior manners, belied a tough man. She trembled a little, when Damien beckoned for her to join him. ‘Are you up for this m’dear?’

She nodded, fighting for composure. 

Without more ado, he uncovered the wound on Hector’s shoulder, and began trimming the jagged edges, snapping out instructions to Forbes for various instruments. Phillipa felt her body sway.  Did he think she was made of wood?

‘Come now Pippa, get hold of yourself, Hector needs your strength.’

Stifling a whimper she held onto Hector’s arm, as Damien began the delicate operation. She tried not to cry out as the blood flowed over her hands. 

Carefully, Damien treated the flesh with oil of thyme and vinegar. Lifting his head to her, he said,
‘Now, I want you to hold the edges together.’ Turning he snapped, ‘Forbes – catgut if you please.’ 

Phillipa looked up to see Forbes carefully threading a needle. She felt the bile rising in her throat and began praying. A groan from Hector made her gather her weakening courage. Looking down, she saw him open his eyes. Oh dear God, he would be in agony. 

‘Lavender and Laudanum now – now.’ Damien muttered to Forbes, who swiftly turned back to the trestle table, and within seconds handed him a small vial.

As Hector moaned loudly, Damien gently held his head, and put the medication to his mouth. ‘Come on old chap, drink this now, it will help with the pain.’ Hector turned his face away, but Damien beckoned to Forbes, who appeared at his side and in a swift movement had Hector’s mouth open, pouring the liquid down his throat. They waited for a few moments for the opiate to take effect.

As Hector slumped into unconsciousness, they moved swiftly, operating on the thigh and quickly closed the wound, whilst Hector slept on, oblivious to what was going on around him.

Feeling her body sway, Phillipa murmured, ‘Damien – that was incredible.’

‘He will recover.’ Damien said smiling. ‘But, I cannot see him travelling anywhere for the next few days. Sleep is what he needs now and plenty of it.’

‘But what of Brussels?’

‘We shall see.’ Turning to Forbes, he said, ‘Instruct the maids to clear up here, burn the sheets and scrub down the blood off the table with the herbs and vinegar.’

‘Burn the sheets?’ cook cried out from the kitchen range.  ‘We will use those for rags.’

‘You will not ma’am; they are for the fire.’

‘But my lord, I can save—’

Washing his hands in the thyme water he snapped, ‘See to it Forbes, no arguments. Now where are those footmen? We shall convey him to his bed; he is in need of plenty of rest.’ Moving closer to the valet he whispered, ‘Do not leave his side, those shots, were no accident.

Signalling for Phillipa to follow him, he said, ‘Come join me, we will talk in the garden under the oak tree; we will not be overheard there.’

As Phillipa made to follow, Venetia came running up. ‘How is he? We are overwrought with worry. The dowager has not yet arrived back.’

‘He will recover, but Damien fears there are evil doings abroad.’ Phillipa said hurriedly, ‘They are taking him to his room now. Damien instructed his valet not to leave him for one second; his life may be in peril.’

‘Dearest, you know that note you spoke of, that your life was in peril? Is it linked?’

‘Yes, it seems it was no jest or jealous lover.’ Phillipa said, her face grim.  I did tell Hector but he made light of it. But now Damien awaits me.’

Walking past the guests seated at tables shaded by huge canopies and umbrellas, Phillipa reached the privacy of the old oak tree. Damien held out his hand, as she closed her parasol and sat beside him. Smoothing the pale pink muslin skirts, she said, ‘Pray Damien, your expression is so sombre, pray what is wrong?’

‘M’dear I fear for Hector’s life.’ Seeing her startled move, he hurried to say, ‘No; he will recover this time, but he was indeed attacked today. Horatio is now questioning everyone at the hunt and their gun bearers.  However, we know t’will be of no avail. We believe every man out there today is of good character, most of them officers ready to depart to Brussels. There is no way they would try to slay a fellow officer.’

‘But there could be someone with a grudge. Maybe a wronged husband or lover?’

‘Hmm, well we shall soon know.’

Phillipa bit her lip, ‘Damien, I must mention that on my arrival here, nearly a week ago, I received a note. I found it when I went to my room to rest before dinner.’

A muscle in Damien’s jaw tightened. ‘Did you tell Hector?’

‘I took it straight to him, but he made light of it and said t’was some silly joke. I actually could not see the humour of it, in fact, it was frightening.’

‘What did the note say?’

‘It was only one line, “Marry at your peril”; the writer had a good hand, so he or she was educated.  It could not have been a servant.’

‘Did it have seal?’

‘A seal?’

‘That may well give you a clue as to who sent it, that is if they were foolish to stamp it with their own signature or herald.’

Phillipa’s face paled. Rising from her seat, she walked a few paces, plucking at an oak leaf. ‘I fear there may be someone, but I had thought of him as being a rogue but not someone who would commit murder.’

‘Pray who is that?’

‘If I tell you, you must promise me it will be between you and me.’

‘Phillipa you know I cannot promise that, if there is any suspicion that he may be the assailant, we must include Horatio and Hector himself.’

‘It is Demetrius.’ She sighed turning away to look over to the manor.

‘Demetrius? His brother?’

‘Yes. He is the bane of my life Damien,’ she said turning back to  him, her eyes lowered, ‘Always   baiting, pinching, trying to kiss me; he fair tortures me.’

‘Damn the cur. Have you not apprised Hector of his behaviour?’

‘I dare not Hector, is sweet and amiable most of the time, but you know his temper now. He will flare up if crossed and could act unwisely. Demetrius knows this, and that is why he takes advantage of me. He knows; I can hardly go to Hector without causing a skirmish, at the very least.’  

Damien rose to his feet, his fists clenched, ‘The scoundrel; I am sorely minded to whip him – call him out.’

‘Precisely – pistols at dawn. You are acting out already. Now you can see why I have not told Hector or you. You men just jump up ready for the kill.’

‘And he deserves it.’

  But he is Hector’s brother, don’t you see what it could cause, maybe a son dead, a whole family ripped apart, the  poor dowager, broken hearted?’

Glowering, he put his hands behind his back, pacing. ‘Hector must be made aware of Demetrius’s threat to his person, but I don’t see that rogue he is, he would kill his brother.’

‘For the title. He is the second son; Hector is now the Baron with a huge fortune, but Demetrius inherited only a small estate and an annuity, although that is very generous.’

‘Hmm, I see your point.’  His eyes narrowed as he looked towards the manor. ‘Egad, I have left Forbes with Hector, but where is Demetrius now? Come we must hurry.’

He began running to the manor with Phillipa some distance behind. Rushing through the large portico, and the massive hall, he raced up the stairs, two at a time. Flinging open Hector’s door, he charged in. To his relief, he saw only Forbes, in the middle of polishing his hessian boots.

‘Hah Forbes, has anyone been here to see his lordship?’

‘Err – yes my lord, only his brother, but he did not stay. He offered to sit with him, but I assured him that I had to watch for signs of any relapse. I must say between you and me my lord, although he appeared pleasant, his smile did not reach his eyes, indeed they were those of a snake, flat and deadly.’

Damien grimaced. ‘Well done, I think he is of murderous intent. If he returns you will know not to leave his lordship’s side, even if you are brought to fight him.’

Forbes pursed his lips ‘So be it, my lord.’ Patting the side of his frock coat, under which he wore a lethal dagger, he smiled coldly. ‘The rogue will not come near him.’

‘Oh and Forbes, not a word to anyone on this.’

‘Certainly my lord.’

Damien hearing a slight tap at the door, swung around to see not only Phillipa but also Lady Amaryllis, her eyes red from weeping.

‘Come in ladies, please.’ Damien stepped aside for them to enter.

‘Fear not my Lady Amaryllis, he will recover and is sleeping peacefully now.’

He looked at Phillipa, and shook his head almost imperceptibly, conveying the message with his eyes; they would speak later.

Amaryllis went to the side of the bed, softly touching Hector’s hand. ‘What a terrible accident, he could have lost his life ….’ She bent over him, weeping softly. 

‘Come now, be assured, all is well.’ Phillipa said, leading her to a chair. 

‘My heart is fairly broken.’ Amaryllis searched in her reticule for a dry handkerchief.

‘Fear not, he will be up and about in a couple of days.’ Phillipa replied, handing her a handkerchief. ‘Take this, tis unused.’

‘So he will not travel to Brussels now?’ Amaryllis asked, taking the handkerchief and wiping her cheeks of tears

‘That I know not, we must see how he fares.  They are flesh wounds, and hopefully we have averted any infection. So take courage my lady.’ Damien murmured.

‘And what of the dowager?’ Amaryllis questioned. ‘Methought we were to apprise her of the events.’ 

Damien glanced at Forbes, who bent his head, and quietly left the room.

Turning to her, Damien said, ‘Hmm, I think when Hector is awake and aware, we shall discuss it with him.’

‘When will that be?’

‘I shall awaken him to give him some broth, but then I shall ensure he has more laudanum and will sleep until the morning.’

Phillipa took a chair close to the window, the sun picking up the chestnut lights in her dark hair. ‘You know Damien; I think we have a way out of this mess.’

‘How so?’ both Damien and Amaryllis turned to her.

‘Well, if you should put about the wounds are a little more serious than they are, he would have the excuse that he is too weak to stand up for the wedding.’

‘Bravo my love – bravo.’ Damien said, a smile on his face for the first time in hours.

I think we could make something of it. In fact,’ Phillipa said, ‘do we need to tell Lady Elizabeth of anything? We can save her the anxiety of announcing we have called off the wedding. Now there is a good cause to cancel the nuptials.   In due time, we can acquaint her with our change of heart, thus averting any scandal.

‘It seems I am to marry a minx, a very clever little minx.’ Damien grinned.

Lady Amaryllis dried her tears, and clapped her hands. ‘What a relief. Now I only have to tell my mama and papa, and they will be so honoured anyway that Lord Hector wishes to marry me.’

Astonished, Phillipa looked at her. ‘Has he asked you then?’

‘Oh yes, he took me aside just before he went to the hunt, and offered me his hand. I accepted. And now this, oh dear, oh dear.’ She cried afresh. ‘To – to think only a few hours ago he danced me around the room.’

Damien glanced over to Hector, soundly sleeping. ‘I think we should discuss this in your boudoir Phillipa. I want him to rest.’ Going to the door, he summoned Forbes, still waiting patiently outside. ‘Come in man, I leave his lordship in your good care.’

Ushering the ladies out of the room, he followed them to Phillipa’s boudoir.

Lady Amaryllis sat in the high-backed Chippendale chair, whilst Phillipa took the chaise longue.

‘Does this mean you and Hector will travel alone to Brussels?’ Phillipa asked.

‘I don’t see why, there must be a way we can travel together.’

‘The twins will be so disappointed if they are unable to go to Brussels, all the eligible bachelors are out there.’ Phillipa said, rising from her seat.  ‘Why most of the mamas have taken their daughters out, knowing full well; it will be much easier to arrange the matches. I have heard the girls have as many as half a dozen offers in a night.

Damien grinned, ‘Maybe; it can still be arranged for them to travel with us. They can indeed act as chaperones. The girls will share a suite with you on the ship and the boat trip.  One can hardly frown upon that.’

‘Yes that way, we have time to sort everything out and when we return, we can just explain we have changed our minds.’

Lady Amaryllis frowned. ‘I do not know that my parents will allow me to accompany Hector unmarried. Already, they will be aghast Hector offered for my hand without approaching my papa first for his approval. However, if you were to speak to them Phillipa perhaps they may agree, especially as you will be my chaperone.’

‘Well of course, in fact, we can go and see your parents right now, and arrange things.’

Damien smiled, ‘Now it is up to Hector. Let us hope he is in agreement.’