A Most Unusual Governess (7 page)

You think there's a danger of a revolt?' asked Dom uneasily.

'Not at the moment, no. At the moment, the army is in England and it can stop any trouble before it gets out of hand. But if the army was to go back to the Continent... '

'But why would it do that?' asked Dominic with a frown. We've beaten Napoleon. He's imprisoned on Elba. The war's over, and we won.'

James was sombre. 'Against a man like Napoleon, I'm not sure it's ever possible to really win. As he said himself, he's one of those men who triumphs or dies.'

You think... ' Dom looked worried. You think Napoleon might escape? And start the war all over again?'

'I think it's possible, yes.'

'And if he does, the army will go back to the Continent and the radicals will have free reign at home?' asked Dominic anxiously.

It's not a certainty,' said James, seeing his friend's worried face.
‘B
ut the radicals won't be sorry if Napoleon escapes. It will suit their purpose very well. In fact, we have reason to believe there are radical agitators in Kent, conspiring with Napoleon's supporters to bring about that end.'

'I suppose it would be easy for them to keep in touch from here,' Dom admitted. There are so many coves that a small boat could easily put out undetected. The radicals could keep in constant contact with Napoleon's friends.'

Timing their own revolt to coincide with Napoleon's escape. It's no more than a theory, a possibility, but with so much unrest in the country we have to take such possibilities into account.'

We? You mean you, don't you? You and the army. You haven't really left.'

I’ve
sold my commission, but when help is needed, I offer it. I m on the spot, Dom. I can t refuse. And that's where you come in. I need to know if there have been any new people in the neighbourhood recently. Anyone who might be a radical.'

'No,' said Dominic definitely.

James gave a grim smile. 'Anyone at all? And don't forget, they wouldn't be likely to advertise the fact.'

'No, I suppose not.' Dominic thought for a moment. There are a few new people in the neighbourhood. There's the Reverend Mr Walker, but somehow I can't see him being mixed up in anything underhand.'

'A clergyman,' said James, nodding thoughtfully. 'It would be a good cover. Anyone else?'

Dominic pursed his lips. There are the Wilberforces. They're renting the Forbes's estate. Forbes took some big losses at the gambling tables and was forced to let the house and fifty acres because of his debts . But I can't see them being involved. Mr Wilberforce collects butterflies, and his sister is involved in charitable works. Then there's Charles Masterson. He's not strictly new but, like you, he's been in the army and has only just returned.'

'If his sympathies are with those who want change, then he could be a possible candidate,' said James. Is that all?'

That's about it,' said Dominic. 'Except... '

'Except?' prompted James.

Well, there is just one other person who's new to the neighbourhood.'

'And that is?'

Dominic hesitated. But James had asked for the names of anyone new to the neighbourhood. His eyes drifted to the window. Well... your governess.'

'Miss Davenport?'

James looked out of the window. Dominic was right, Miss Davenport was new to the neighbourhood, and what a perfect cover it would be, for the radicals to send a pretty young woman into the household of a respected landowner.

'Of course, I know you'd never hire a radical,' said Dom. 'But you said you wanted to know about anyone who was new to the area, and Miss Davenport has only recently arrived.'

James pulled his eyes away from Sarah with difficulty. They had gone to her once more, but the scene no longer seemed so bright: a cloud had gone over the sun.

He turned his attention back to his friend. 1 think 111 hold a dinner party, Dom, to welcome my new neighbours to the area. Or better yet, an afternoon's boating. It will give me a chance to talk to them and sound out their beliefs. They won't give themselves away easily, but it's a rare man - or woman - who can talk for any length of time without making a single slip.'

'Can't it wait for the house party?' asked Dominic.

'No. I'd rather have a look at my new neighbours first, without the distraction of a house full of

guests. By the time the house party comes round, I hope to have discovered who the radicals are.'

* * * *

Sarah was enjoying her game with the children. She had had very little exercise as a companion, but she was making up for it now! The boys were lively and energetic, and even Lucy kept her on her toes. Having spent the last ten minutes playing chase she was laughing and breathless, and was thankful when the stable clock struck twelve.

She gathered up her belongings - her battered bonnet and her needlework — and called the children over to her. Time to go in, children.'

'Aw!' said Peter, kicking the grass. 'Can't we stay out just a little bit longer?'

'Please,' said William, wheedling, whilst Lucy hopped up and down hopefully.

But Sarah was firm. 'No. Luncheon will be almost ready. Come on, in we go.'

'Are you going into the village this afternoon?' asked Lucy, skipping along by Sarah's side as they went back to the house.

1 haven't decided yet but yes, I think I might.'

It was Sarah's afternoon off, and she had the luxury of deciding what to do with the time. Much as she loved the children, it would be nice to do something for herself.

If you do, you must remember to say hello to my duck. He's always on the duck pond in the middle of the green. He's only got one leg, so he needs cheering up.'

Sarah smiled. Lucy's active imagination had already conjured up several interesting stories about George the one-legged duck, and Sarah promised to speak to this interesting personage if she did indeed go into the village.

As she neared the house she saw Lord Randall coming towards them. He was looking at her with a frown, as though he was trying to find the answer to some question that was troubling him written on her face. But it probably had nothing to do with her, she told herself a minute later. It was probably just some problem with the estate.

'Miss Davenport,' he said as he joined them. 'I'd like a word with you, if I may?'

'Of course,' said Sarah. 'Run along, children, nurse will be waiting for you. And don't forget to wash your hands.'

The children took their leave and went into the house, where Lucy's nurse would supervise their lunch.

'Shall we?' asked Lord Randall, indicating the path that led to a charming gazebo. 1 won't keep you long,' he said as they strolled along, the heady perfume of the beautiful blooms beside the path filling the air. 1 know your time off must be precious. The children are enjoyable company, but they're also hard work. Have you decided what to do with your afternoon yet?'

'I thought I might walk down to the village.
I’ve
kept meaning to visit it but somehow I haven't managed it yet. There are a number of purchases I'd like to make, and I've promised to say hello to Lucy's one-legged duck.'

He looked at her enquiringly.

'Lucy has adopted a one-legged duck. Apparently, he can be found on the duck pond and, because of his infirmity, he needs cheering up.'

He laughed. 'Lucy is quite a character,' he said. 'You've really brought out the best in her. Do you know how to get to the village?' he asked.

1 think so. I was asking Mrs Smith for directions this morning. I turn left when I get out of the gates, don't I? And then just follow the road?'

*You can do. But after you've turned left and followed the road a short distance you have a choice of ways. If you keep to the road then it's just straight on until you get there. But you can climb over a stile just before you reach the milestone and go the rest of the way on a narrow footpath through the fields if you prefer. It's shaded by hedgerows and will keep you out of the sun. And it will cut a mile off the walk.'

'I might try that, particularly on the way back.'

'But that was not what I wanted to talk to you about, he said as they went into the gazebo. It was a charming octagonal building commanding a view down to the Watermead lake. A wooden seat ran round the interior of the building, and the walls were open above it, to provide glassless windows; a delightful feature on a summer's day.

'Miss Davenport,' he said, sitting opposite her, there is a matter on which I would like your advice.'

She put down her battered bonnet and gave him her attention.

He was looking more handsome than ever. Despite the apparent carelessness of his dress his presence was so strong that no one would have doubted who he was for a moment. He was very definitely the lord and master of the estate. And he was devastatingly handsome. Sarah tried to keep her mind on what he was saying, but his shirt was awry, revealing his tanned neck and an inch of tanned chest, and she found it distracting. She fixed her eyes on his face, focusing on the proud features: the high cheekbones, the black eyes and strong, full mouth; but her eyes wanted to wander downwards and trace the lines of his broad chest.

Why did she feel this way? she wondered. She had never had such disturbing thoughts about a man before. It would have been bad enough if she had had them about someone attainable. To have them about a man as proud as Lord Randall was not only disturbing, it was futile. She knew well that, although she was a gentleman's daughter, he did not consider her his equal, and there was talk in the servants' quarters that he was soon to be engaged - to someone of his own level in life, of course.

'Miss Davenport,' he said, 1 am planning to host a boating afternoon so that I can meet my new neighbours and welcome them to Kent. There is a Mr Wilberforce and his sister, who are renting the old Forbes estate.'

He looked at her intently, as though he thought she might know the names, but she did not recognise them, and she did not understand the air of tension there was about him. It was subtly different to the tension that had marked their previous encounters, more hostile. It was as though he suspected her of something, although what it could be she did not know. He was like a hawk, watching her intently.

1 will also be inviting the Reverend Mr Walker. Also a Mr Masterson.'

As he did not continue, Sarah said, That sounds like a good idea, but I don t see why you need my advice.'

He leant forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and opened his mouth, but then appeared to think better of what he had been going to say and she was sure that he changed it.

'I need to know whether you think William is old enough to join us for the boating afternoon,' he said. 'He has spent the last year in the schoolroom, and I think a change would do him good.'

'I think he is,' she said. 'He needs to know how to behave in polite society and yes, I think a small private boating party on his own estate would be a good occasion for him to learn.'

'Good. Then he will attend.'

What about Peter?' she asked.

James shook his head. 'Peter is too young.'

'I don't think he is,' she challenged him. This would be a good opportunity for him to see how adults behave in company. In fact Peter, being the more high spirited of the two boys, probably needs the civilising influence of society more than his brother.'

You think that society has a civilising influence?' he asked.

She was surprised at the intensity of his tone, and they way his eyes were burning into her.

'At its best, yes,' she said.

'And at its worst?' he asked, his eyes narrowing, as though wanting to know what she felt about the ills that lurked just beyond the gates of the Grange: greedy MPs, rioters and princes who grew fat on the taxes of the poor.

'At its worst, society encourages all manner of evils,' said Sarah. Drunkenness, gambling, and worse.'

There are a lot of problems to be faced in life,' he said with studied calm. Do you ever think we would be better to sweep the whole thing away and start again?'

She was startled, for that was not the way her thoughts had been tending.

'Like the French?' she asked.

He nodded, and she was aware of him watching her closely.

She shook her head. 'No. There are a lot of problems to be faced in life, but I don't think a revolution can sweep them all away.'

You don't think it s worth a try?

'Like the radicals, you mean?'

Yes,' he remarked. 'Like the radicals.'

'No. I don't think so,' she said. The French tried, and only made matters worse. Besides, vices like drinking and gambling will always raise their heads. We can't protect the boys from them by sweeping them away. Instead, we have to teach them that gambling and drunkenness lead to a bad end, and hope that they are sensible enough to understand. Nothing in life is ever simple, after all, no matter who is in power.'

'No. Nothing in life is ever simple,' he said, and suddenly the air between them was charged again, sizzling with a powerful force like caged lightning.