Pascale Duguay (18 page)

“Oh, but I am certain that such a well-looking boy like you would never get into any sort of trouble!” said Lady Westbury.

“I think it is on account of me letting the bull out of Farmer Tom’s pen and it destroying a good deal of his cabbage crop. He was chasing me, you understand, the bull I mean, and to get to safety, I had to run across the cabbage patch.”

Patience could not refrain from laughing. “That is too bad of you, Jessup. But I can quite see that you had no choice but to run across the cabbage patch since I am sure the nearest place to safety happened to be that way.”

“Exactly!” agreed Jessup, obviously glad to have his side of the matter understood so well.

Lady Rutherford prayed Jessup to sit up front with the driver while she was assisted into the barouche by a footman.

“I am glad you do not seem to mind the intrusion,” said Lady Rutherford in a low voice. “I would not have thought this of Julius, but he seems to have become quite attached to the boy even though he is only the son of one of our tenants. Julius asked me to bring him along as he thought he could really use an outing but did not dare allow him anywhere near that poor Farmer Tom. He deemed it must still be too fresh in the man’s mind as it happened just before you left for London.”

“Of course not,” said Lady Westbury.

Patience, who could tell the story of the bull seemed to have daunted her aunt as much as Lady Rutherford, tried to reassure both ladies. “I will enjoy keeping an eye on Jessup. He and I are on very good terms.”

“Julius thought that the boy could make himself useful by assisting the servants with the laying out of the picnic.” Lady Rutherford’s doubts were mirrored in her companions’ eyes and all three ladies burst out laughing.

“I think it has been too long since Julius was a lad himself. He seems to have forgotten what it is like to be one,” continued Lady Rutherford. “We had better hope there are no bulls in the park or any other creature of the kind to catch Jessup’s interest.”

The drive to Richmond was soon accomplished. Several persons from their party had already arrived. Blankets had been spread on the ground but for now most preferred to stroll about the grounds.

Philip approached Patience, a sheepish look on his face. As he saw her take an involuntary step backward he made haste to reassure her. “Please do not be alarmed. I only wish to apologize. I know you must be vexed with me, but I hope you will believe me when I say that I am fully aware of my stupidity and selfishness in the matter.”

“I am most glad to hear it! Does that mean you will not attempt to molest me anymore?” Patience could not help asking. She hid her smile when he blushed to the roots of his blond hair.

“Certainly not! As you may have guessed by now, my heart has always belonged to Miss Arlington. Although that lady was not impartial to me, she had many doubts about my suitability as a husband. And correctly so, unfortunately! When she settled on Julius I was mad with jealousy. Then you came onto the scene, and I thought my way was clear. But it was not to be that easy. Miss Arlington had no more faith in my character than before. I recklessly decided to make her jealous by attempting to win your heart. It may have succeeded in making her jealous, but not in making her see my suitability, I’m afraid.”

“What if I had accepted your offer of marriage?”

“Oh, I was certain you would refuse. Your feelings for Julius are quite obvious, you know. You may pretend to fight like cats and dogs, but from the first I could see plainly how the land lies. I must confess I took a certain pleasure in making Julius jealous. It was a sort of payback for what I had to endure when watching him and Miss Arlington making up to each other when both were quite aware of my feelings. But now that I am in a fair way to winning Miss Arlington’s heart, I am quite in charity with him.”

Patience impulsively held out her hands to him. “I am so glad to hear you say these words. I know your cousin has been made very unhappy with the situation. I am sure he is looking forward to renewing the close bond that existed between you before Miss Arlington or I ever came onto the scene.”

“As to that, we will have to wait and see. Where is the old dog?”

“He has gone to Hawkridge. Some urgent matter awaited him apparently.” Patience was suddenly aware of someone at her elbow. “Jessup? Do you want something?”

“No, Miss Patty. Just wondering if you might be needing my assistance.”

Philip chuckled. “Julius does not let you go out unattended anymore! I will leave you then. I see that Miss Arlington has arrived. I was hoping for a word with her as well.”

Philip bowed before heading toward the new arrivals. Patience noticed the flush on Miss Arlington’s face as Philip kissed her hand. She was heartily glad for that new turn of events. It would give the both of them something better to think about than trying to break up her betrothal.

Patience soon found that she could not take two steps without bumping into Jessup. “You know, there really isn’t any need for you to be following me about like this.”A suspicion suddenly crossed her mind. “Did Lord Rutherford ask you to keep an eye on me?”

Jessup looked down at the toes of his now slightly-muddied shoes. “He wants me to make sure no one sets off with you, Miss Patty.”

“In broad daylight and surrounded by my friends? Surely the Earl is overreacting?”

“Just following orders, Miss Patty.”

Another thought occurred to her. “Did he say why he thought someone might try to set off with me?”

Jessup shook his head. “I did not think to ask.”

Why was Julius concerned, she wondered? Did he know more than he had let on? Had he found out about the will and her father’s mad scheme? At least her father was nowhere in sight today. If she had learned anything so far it was that he did not like to strike in broad daylight. Hopefully he had come to his senses since his last effort and would not renew the attempt, especially here while Julius was too far away to be of any help. A chill suddenly assailed her making goose bumps appear on her arms.

“I see the food has been laid out. You must be hungry. Let us see if we can get you some food from the servants’ blankets over there.”

Jessup heartily agreed to this and they set off for the blankets.

Patience settled down next to her aunt and soon forgot her earlier misgivings as she partook of the numerous cold dishes and joined in the joyous banter floating all around her. After the meal, some of the more adventurous gentlemen set up an impromptu game of cricket while the others sat back and encouraged the players with their cheers. A young gentleman decided to brave Jessup’s hard stare as the boy stood guard a little away from her blanket and came to speak to her.

“I hope you do not mind if I join you, Miss Bingham? My name is Richard Williams. I am the grandson of General Williams.”

“Please sit down. I believe I met your grandfather at my engagement ball. How is he faring?”

“He is doing very well, especially since you gave him that herbal recipe for his gout. He has asked me to thank you should I come upon you today.”

“How kind of him. Please give him my regards.”

“I hope you will not find me bold, but I was wondering if you knew of any herbal remedies for the migraine. It is for my mother. She often suffers from such an ailment.”

“I am always glad to help.” Patience embarked on a lengthy discussion concerning the of merits various herbs to soothe headaches. During this discourse, Jessup had settled back against a tree trunk. His eyes grew heavy and he could soon be heard to snore gently.

After they had discussed the subject at length, Mr. Williams said, “I find I am not used to sitting on the ground for so long. I need to stretch my legs. Would you care to accompany me for a stroll, Miss Bingham?”

“I would love to but…” She glanced at Jessup uncertainly.

“Do not worry. The lad won’t come to any harm in our short absence.”

“I am more worried that he should cause harm to someone else! He is such an unpredictable boy.”

“With the amount of food he has ingested at lunch, I would be surprised if he did not sleep the rest of the afternoon away.”

“I think you have a point! Then let us be off.” Patience took Mr. Williams proffered arm and they set off toward the pond.

They had not been walking for more than a few minutes when someone suddenly jumped from behind a bush, blocking their way. The individual had a scarf around his face, a low-brimmed hat shielding his eyes, and a pistol in one hand. With the other, he motioned them forward.

“Hand over the lady and be quick about it.”

Patience, realizing that this was not one of Jessup’s pranks, looked quickly about her to seek a possible source of help. But they were conveniently hidden from the others by a grove of trees.

“I will not go with you! Now let us go this instant!”

“Quiet, girl, and do as I say!” the man hissed. “Would you like to see your young swain here lying in his own blood?”

Patience was immediately silenced. It was one thing for her to stand up to this rascal, but quite another to put someone else’s life in danger.

“All right, I will go with you, but you must promise not to harm this gentleman.”

“I promise,” growled the man. “Now get in!”

Patience felt a damp hand covering her own and turned to look at Mr. Williams. “I am so sorry. Please forgive me,” he uttered in a low voice. Something in his pleading eyes told her there was more to this than she had first imagined.

She nodded and stepped away from Mr. Williams to enter the carriage. When she looked out the window, she was just in time to see Mr. Williams crumble to the ground from a vicious hit to the head from the butt of her assailant’s pistol.

Patience let out a cry of dismay.

“How dare you! You promised not to harm him!”

The man jumped in and sat opposite her. “Couldn’t trust the fellow. Too soft-hearted by half. Would have run off and given us away in a trice.”

Patience suddenly realized that they were not alone in the carriage as another voice called for the coachman to get a move on and take them to the nearest church.

“Ah but in the end, he did accomplish the deed, didn’t he? I told you he would.”

“Papa! What is this all about?”

“Carlton here missed you terribly, darling.”

Both men guffawed at that. As the man took off hat and scarf, Patience saw that it was indeed Lord Carlton.

“I know all about the dowry. I will not allow the two of you to get your hands on it. You might as well let me down now.”

“I do not think so, daughter. We will reach the church very shortly. I expect you to comply quietly.”

“You certainly cannot imagine that I will say yes when the time comes for me to pronounce my vows!”

“Actually, I do.” The two men laughed over the pun. “You see, should you not respond by the affirmative, you will be putting your Earl in great danger.”

Patience stiffened. “What have you done with him?”

“Nothing yet! The Earl was good enough to comply with a missive I wrote stating he should return to his estate to attend some urgent business. But I had a couple of ruffians watching him. They had orders to waylay him on a stretch of deserted road. By now he should be comfortably ensconced in a little make-shift prison. One word from me, and he will be no more.”

Patience’s heart seemed to freeze inside her chest.

“So what will it be? Will you marry our very good friend, Lord Carlton?”

Patience, too stunned to speak, slowly nodded in acquiescence.

“Good girl. I knew you would come around.”

As soon as the coach had taken off, Jessup came out of his hiding place and rushed back toward the picnickers. It was a good thing he had woken up just in time to see Miss Patty leave with that boring fellow who could talk of nothing but herbs and illnesses. He came to a stop in front of Lady Westbury and Lady Rutherford sitting in the shade of a tree. He had run so fast he could barely utter the words that struggled to get out of his mouth.

Lady Westbury looked up. “Jessup, what is the matter? Did you get yourself into an awful scrape again?”

Jessup shook his head violently. “It’s Miss Patty! Someone took her away!”

“If you are talking about young Williams, it is perfectly all right. I saw them going for a stroll. No harm in that. He can be counted on to act the perfect gentleman, I am sure.”

“No, you don’t understand! Mr. Williams was knocked over the head, and a coach took Miss Patty away!”

The two ladies let out horrified shrieks.

“What is the meaning of all this?” Philip, attracted by the commotion, approached with Miss Arlington in tow.

“Jessup, tell him your story!” ordered Lady Rutherford.

Jessup complied.

“We better go see for ourselves. Come Jessup, lead the way.” The two rushed off to the site of the crime while the three ladies followed as best they could. When they finally caught up, they found Philip bending over the inert form of Mr. Williams.

“Is he dead?” asked Miss Arlington peering cautiously over Philip’s shoulder.

“No. But he has a nasty bump at the back of his head.” Philip looked at Jessup. “Which way did the coach go?”

“That way,” he said, pointing north. “I also heard one of the fellows inside the carriage ordering the driver to head for the nearest church.”

“Good boy! We’ll take my carriage and go after them. Ladies, I suggest you go back to find help for this man.”

“I am going with you!” Miss Arlington said, grabbing Philip’s arm in a firm grasp.

“It might be dangerous. You should stay here.”

Miss Arlington tapped a dainty foot onto the grass. “I insist. Miss Bingham might need the assistance of a female. If her father is behind all this, as he most surely is, then I definitely wish to be present.”

The other two ladies set off a similar cry. Philip tried again but was no match for their combined efforts.

“Let us go quickly then. We will send the first person we meet to look after Williams.”

Luckily, a couple strolled onto the scene just at that moment. Williams was left in their care and the party made its way to Lady Westbury’s barouche. Lady Rutherford was sadly out of breath by this time and had to be assisted inside the vehicle by both her groom and Philip. Lady Westbury sat next to her. Opening her fan, she set it in motion attempting to revive her friend as best she could. Miss Arlington chose to join Philip in his phaeton. They led the way and set off at a spanking pace causing many heads to turn in their wake.

Patience reached the church much too soon in her opinion. Her thoughts were all in a jumble. No matter how she looked at the situation, she had not been able to come up with an alternative plan. She had seriously considered wrestling the gun away from Sir Rupert, but that man had been wise enough to keep it well away from her. She entered the church flanked by both men, the gun having been hidden in Sir Rupert’s greatcoat pocket — the pocket furthest from her reach she noticed sadly. The church was empty except for a hooded figure bowed in prayer in one corner near the back entrance. As they walked past him, Patience coughed loudly to catch his attention. She doubted that he could overpower her two captors, but he might be induced to get some help. It was to no avail however. The man’s head remained bowed, and he did not even stir.

They found the clergyman in a back room, attending to some business. He was an old and stooped little man who did not look as if he had the strength to wrestle a fly. Did clergymen even know how to wrestle? Patience shook her head. It was amazing the silly thoughts that could cross one’s mind when one was labouring under great stress.

The clergyman looked up from his work and greeted them with a beatific smile. “Good afternoon. I’m Mr. Findley. How may I help you?”

Lord Bingham took the lead. “We have come for a wedding. We are hoping you are available to perform the office now.”

“I am always available to join loving souls into holy matrimony. You have a licence, I imagine?”

“Yes, here it is.” Lord Bingham reached into his breast pocket and took out a folded sheet of paper.

The vicar took it, and after balancing his spectacles on his nose, examined the document carefully.

“All seems to be in order.”

Patience felt her hopes dwindling away as she watched the old man slowly get to his feet. He walked up to her and took her agitated hands between his knobbly fingers. “You seem a little nervous. Do not worry so. The good Lord always looks after his children.”

Patience noticed the twinkle in his faded blue eyes, and realized he seemed to have stressed the word Lord. Was the man sending her a message or was she so desperate that she saw signs where none existed? Now was not the time to be making up stories in her head. She needed to keep her mind focused if she wanted to find a way out of this farce of a marriage.

The Reverend Findley led them back inside the church. All was as it had been when they had first entered it. When he stopped in front of the altar Patience blurted, “Mr. Findley, I must speak with my father alone for a moment.”

He gave an understanding smile and gestured for them to go toward the back of the church where the hooded figure still sat in prayer. Patience caught Sir Rupert’s angry frown, and she had the absurd urge to stick out her tongue at him. She refrained from doing so however. This was her last chance. She must not bungle it. She glanced at the hooded figure as she passed him. She could not see his face as it was bent low over his chest. He now gave off the expression of someone deep in sleep. She definitely would not get any help from that quarter.

“That is far enough,” her father said as they reached the last pew. “Remember, I don’t want any of your fiddle-faddle. If you try anything foolish, your Earl is dead.”

“Papa, what exactly is the deal you struck with Sir Rupert?” asked Patience, getting directly to the point.

“Why, upon your marriage Carlton will fork over half of your inheritance.”

“Did it ever occur to you that I might have given you the half of it had you merely asked me?”

“No, actually. But now that I think about it since you feel so strongly about my gambling, where would be the point in that?”

“I can tell you this much: had you given me the choice between marrying Sir Rupert and giving you half the money, I would have chosen the latter.”

“That is easy for you to say now, but what would have stopped you from backing out of the deal?”