Secret Heiress (12 page)

They reached Bedford in the early afternoon and stopped to change horses and have a light luncheon. As Caroline entered the inn the host came up to her, wiping his hands on his apron and bowing.

“Welcome to the White Hart, my lady,” he said. “And what might you be wanting?”

“It is not my lady, it is miss,” said Caroline with a smile. “And I should like a light luncheon. Is there a private parlor?”

“Well, yes and no,” said the innkeeper.

“Yes and no?” said Caroline. “That is curious indeed.”

“What I mean, my lady—miss—is that we have a private parlor but it is occupied at present.”

“Then it is not available to me,” said Caroline patiently. “We shall have to stop elsewhere.”

“Oh, no,” said the innkeeper, not at all anxious to lose custom of the sort which did not often come his way. “The room is occupied by a very young lady who came in alone. The missus, being a soft ‘un, didn't want to leave her out here. I'm sure she wouldn't mind sharing the room.”

“Very well,” said Caroline. “Show me to the parlor and bring a light meal to me there.”

“Right, miss,” said the host. “If you'll just follow me this way . . .”

When they reached the parlor the host knocked on the door and opened it. The girl's back was to him as she looked out the window.

“Begging your pardon, miss, but here's a lady to share the parlor with you if you don't mind.”

Caroline stepped forward. As she did the girl turned around.

“Miss Chedworth!” exclaimed Caroline. “What are you doing here?”

The girl, already pale, had turned white when she saw who stood in the doorway.

“Miss Chessington!” she bleated.

Caroline, conscious of the interested ears of the innkeeper, said, “What a delightful coincidence! As you can see, Miss Chedworth and I are quite old friends. If you will excuse us, we have much to catch up on.” She nodded dismissal to him.

The host moved to the door reluctantly. “Will you still be wanting the food?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you,” said Caroline. “Also, I think some ratafia would be welcome. Miss Chedworth appears a bit worn.”

“Yes, miss,” said the host. Caroline closed the door behind him.

“Miss Chedworth,” she said when she was certain the innkeeper was out of hearing, “I know I have no claim over you, but I hope you will tell me what you are doing here unattended. If something is wrong I should like to help.”

“Oh, Miss Chessington—” began Arabella. There was a knock on the door and the innkeeper entered with a tray on which there was cold meat, salad, two glasses of ratafia, and some fruit.

“Thank you,” said Caroline, nodding dismissal.

“The missus says to please excuse the meal not being fancy-like as she ‘adn't much time to prepare.”

“It looks more than adequate,” said Caroline. “Please thank her for me.” This time the gesture of dismissal was more pronounced and the landlord took the hint.

“Please have something to eat, Miss Chedworth,” said Caroline. She suspected that at least part of Arabella's tears were brought on by a lack of food.

“Oh, I couldn't eat anything,” said Arabella.

“But you must,” said Caroline. “If I eat alone I shall feel as if I am a pig. I am from the country and know that they are dirty creatures. I should not like to be one!”

In spite of her woes, Arabella giggled and took the plate Caroline handed her. For a few minutes she said nothing, for she was, in fact, hungry and had had to miss breakfast in her flight. When she had eaten all she could, she looked at Caroline expectantly.

“And now, Miss Chedworth, you must tell me how you come to be here,” said Caroline.

“Please, Miss Chessington, call me Arabella,” she said.

“And you may call me Caroline,” said Caroline.

“Very well, Miss . . . Caroline,” said Arabella. “I feel that you will be my friend—and I fear that I have no other.” There was a sob in her voice as she finished the sentence.

“I am certain that is not true,” said Caroline.

“But it is,” said Arabella, “for I am being forced to marry Lord Warriner against my will and there is nothing anyone can do. Not even Giles Kendal can persuade my parents! That is why I have run away to become a governess until Jeremy and I can be together.” She added defiantly, “I shall never go back to London!”

Her short time in London had acquainted Caroline with Lord Warriner by sight and she was surprised by Arabella's revelation.

“Lord Warriner!” she exclaimed. “I can quite understand your feelings. It would indeed be difficult to marry a man one finds so distasteful,” declared Caroline.

“That is how I felt,” said Arabella, “but I could not say so. Mama told me it was my duty because Lord Warriner is quite wealthy and my come-out has been so costly. When I marry, though, it will be for love and not wealth. I care nothing for wealth!”

“Is there some gentleman in particular for whom you have a tendre?” asked Caroline, trying to gauge the situation.

“Oh, yes,” said Arabella, blushing. “I have met the most romantic man. He is so handsome and charming; all that Lord Warriner is not. And he is a poet, although as yet he is not appreciated as Lord Byron is, although he is much better. Mama says he is not at all suitable because he is a younger son and has no expectations. But that cannot be true. He is, after all, a Tarkington, the son of an earl.”

“He sounds a veritable paragon,” said Caroline dryly. “May one ask how old he is?”

“Jeremy is nineteen, almost twenty, but he is mature and wise. He is at Cambridge, you know. He agrees with me that love is more important in marriage than wealth,” said Arabella.

“Does your mama know how you both feel?” asked Caroline.

“No. How could I tell her, when she went on and on about Lord Warriner and what an advantageous match it was. She does not suspect my true feelings,” said Arabella tragically.

“Does Jeremy know that you have run away?”

“I wrote to him before I left.”

Caroline thought for a moment as to the best way to dissuade Arabella from her present plan. She decided to convince Arabella to return with her to London. In the meantime, she would contact the Chedworths to let them know that Arabella was safe.

“Perhaps I can help you, Arabella,” she said.

“But Caroline, what can you do? Mama will never listen. That is why I must become a governess. Mama will never think to look for me as a governess.”

“I am certain you would not like the life of a governess,” said Caroline. “From what I have seen, they lead very dull lives, and cannot marry, so you could not support Jeremy. It would not do for you at all. We shall have to think of something else.”

Arabella, who had cheered during the discussion of Lord Warriner's shortcomings, sighed at Caroline's words. “I fear there is nothing to be done,” said Arabella. “I told Giles—Mr. Kendal—what had happened and he said he would help me. But there was no time to wait for him.”

“Then Mr. Kendal knows of your plans,” said Caroline.

“I sent a note to him to be delivered this morning,” said Arabella, “But I did not tell him where I was going.”

“I am certain he will look for you,” said Caroline.

“I will not return to London!” Arabella again proclaimed.

“You may stay with me until your parents have reconsidered,” said Caroline soothingly. “I do not think you must begin your search for employment immediately. However,” she repeated, “you should return with me to London so that we may discuss this with your parents.”

“No, no, I will not return to London! They do not understand how I feel. If I return to London, all will be lost!” Arabella seemed about to succumb to a fit of hysteria.

Caroline reconsidered her plans quickly. “Then perhaps it will be better if you accompany me home. I am returning to Brampton.”

“Brampton?” asked Arabella, her thoughts diverted.

“Brampton Hall,” replied Caroline. “It is my home in Lancashire.”

“You have a home in Lancashire?” asked Arabella. “But I did not think . . . that is . . .”

“You did not think of my circumstances,” said Caroline with a laugh. “But I am quite an heiress. I inherited Brampton when my parents died.”

“You did not seem so wealthy in London,” said Arabella naïvely.

“No, I was hiding my wealth to see if I could find someone who would love me for myself. It did not work.”

“I thought heiresses wanted everyone to know they were rich so people would want to marry them,” said Arabella.

“Oh, many people wished to marry me,” said Caroline. “At least they wished to marry my money and were willing to settle for me. I wanted something more.”

“Did Giles know you were an heiress?” asked Arabella shyly.

“No, he did not,” replied Caroline. “Mr. Kendal's friendship was genuine. But that is not helping us with your problem. I believe I shall send a letter to your parents, telling them that you are with me.”

“Oh, no!” exclaimed Arabella.

“No matter how poorly you may feel that they have treated you, Arabella, I am certain they will be very worried if they have no word. I shall try to persuade them that if they continue to press Lord Warriner's suit on you that it will become known that your affections are engaged elsewhere. Neither your parents nor Lord Warriner would desire such a loveless match or such unfortunate publicity. I am certain Mr. Kendal would agree.” She stood up and rang for the innkeeper.

“Have you some writing paper and a pen?” she asked when he appeared.

“Yes, miss, I'll get some right away.”

While he was gone, Caroline turned to Arabella and asked, “Where is your baggage?”

“I have only one bandbox,” she said. “I dared not take more with me.”

“Of course not,” said Caroline. “How foolish of me. Everyone knows governesses have no need of fancy clothes.”

Arabella laughed. “Miss Chessington—Caroline—you do say the drollest things.”

“I do remember my own governess scolding me for my shocking levity. Alas, I was hopeless!”

The innkeeper had returned with the writing utensils, which he placed on the table. Caroline sat down to compose a letter to Mrs. Chedworth. She wrote,

Dear Ma'am:

This is to inform you that Arabella is a guest in my house in Lancashire. I encountered her, unharmed, at an inn on the London Road, and felt it best that she come with me as she refused to return to London. She is apparently fearful that upon her return she will be forced into a marriage which she finds distasteful.

Whilst my position in this matter is rather irregular, may I suggest that your permitting Arabella to visit with me for a while will help avoid rumor and suspicion of a type which would be most unwelcome.

I may be reached at Brampton Hall, Lancashire.

I remain, respectfully,

Caroline Chessington

Caroline quickly reread the letter and sealed it. Then she penned a note to Giles Kendal, explaining the situation to him.

“I think we are ready to go, Arabella,” she said. “The carriage must be ready.”

They found Sarah already waiting at the carriage. Before entering it, Caroline handed the two notes to the innkeeper. “Please see that these are posted to London as soon as possible,” she said.

“Right you are, miss,” he replied.

“Sarah, this is Miss Chedworth, who will be returning to Brampton with us to visit.”

“Yes, Miss Caroline,” she replied, her lips pursed in evident disapproval of a young female traveling with a single bandbox and no maid.

“Miss Chedworth's maid inexcusably deserted her and she has been left stranded, Sarah. How fortunate that we stopped at this particular inn.”

“Yes, Miss Caroline,” said Sarah, apparently mollified and not wishing to annoy her mistress.

“I knew you would understand,” said Caroline. As she settled first Arabella and then herself into the carriage, she paid no heed to the stage which had just arrived, nor to the traveler who was regarding them with interest. In fact, she did not see Adrian Bradford at all.

When Giles arrived at the Tarkington residence he discovered Jeremy recovering from a slight indisposition. Upon reading Arabella's note and hearing Giles's plan for them to follow her and bring her back to London, Jeremy exclaimed, “Oh, my poor darling Arabella! Alone . . . unguarded . . . we must be off immediately. I will save her!”

“Good God!” exclaimed Giles. “Is that how you talk to her?”

“I love her,” said Jeremy reverently. “She shall not marry Lord Warriner!”

“At last we agree,” said Giles. “And now I believe we should—” He was not to finish the sentence.

“Mr. Kendal!” said Jeremy, interrupting. “Arabella will not return against her will. I shall see to that!”

“Careful, Tarkington,” said Giles. “Remember, I stand your friend. I shall act in good faith. If Arabella will return, I shall endeavor to see that she is not forced to marry Lord Warriner.”

“Sir!” exclaimed Jeremy. “You are truly—”

“If we do not leave soon,” said Giles, interrupting in his turn, “Arabella may yet find a position as a governess.”

They were soon on their way.

Giles Kendal and Jeremy Tarkington arrived in Bedford in midafternoon. Giles was familiar with an inn there, the White Hart, and decided to stop to ask if Arabella had been seen. When the host came out to greet him, he asked if Arabella had been there.

“I am looking for a girl, little more than a schoolgirl. I believe she is traveling alone, for her maid was taken ill. She is blonde and extremely pretty—and young. Naturally her parents are most concerned about her and have asked me to find her.”

“Well, sir,” said the innkeeper, rubbing his chin, “there was a female here as answers that description. Left here several hours ago with the other lady.”

“The other lady?” asked Giles. “I am certain she is traveling alone.”

“Well, she came alone on the stage,” replied the innkeeper. “My missus put ‘er in the private parlor, not wanting the young lady to mix with some of the rough ‘uns. Then when the other lady came in asking for a private parlor, I showed ‘er to the same one. Seemed like they knew each other.”

Giles was completely baffled. “Do you know the other lady's name?” he asked.

The innkeeper rubbed his chin. “Well, sir, she said her name—it were something like Cherrington or Chessingham or something like that.”

“Could it have been Chessington?” asked Giles slowly.

“Chessington,” repeated the innkeeper. “I believe that was it.”

“How on earth did she come to be here?” said Giles aloud. “Was she alone?” he asked the innkeeper.

“She come in a carriage and had a maid with her,” was the reply.

“Where could she have been going?” asked Giles.

“I dunno that, but p'raps the letter would say,” said the innkeeper.

“The letter?” asked Giles. “What letter?”

“The lady left two letters to be delivered to Lunnon on the next stage. Would you be wantin' to see ‘em?”

“Yes, yes, I would,” said Giles. “Bring them here, please.”

“Yes, sir, right away.” The innkeeper returned shortly with the letters and was suitably rewarded.

Giles examined the first address: Mrs. Chedworth. And it certainly was from Caroline Chessington. The second letter, to his surprise, was addressed to him. He opened it quickly.

Dear Mr. Kendal,

Whilst on my way to my home in Lancashire, I encountered Arabella Chedworth, traveling alone. She had run away to avoid a marriage to Lord Warriner and was determined to become a governess. I dissuaded her temporarily from that goal and persuaded her to accompany me to Brampton Hall. She was unwilling to return to London, so I saw no other alternative.

I have sent a letter to her mother explaining the situation and depend on you to convince her that forcing Arabella's return to marry Lord Warriner would be unfortunate.

I remain, yours sincerely,

Caroline Chessington

For a moment, Giles was too stunned to do anything but stare at the paper. He quickly reread the letter. Who did she think she was, interfering in matters that were no concern of hers! Unfortunate! Who is she to decide such matters? As if anyone would be interested in what Miss Chessington had to say. And what was this Brampton Hall? Pretty fancy for Miss Chessington, who took a house on Woburn Square.

The innkeeper cleared his throat and returned Giles to the present.

“Will there be anything else, sir?” he asked. “I have me work to do.”

“No, nothing else,” said Giles. “I need not open this letter.” On the outside he penned a brief message: “Am following—G.K.” and handed it back to the innkeeper. “Pray forward this as you were asked. And have my carriage readied. I shall be leaving at once.”

“Right you are, sir,” said the innkeeper. He saw no need to mention that this was not the first request he'd had for information about the lady, nor that the other gentleman had left shortly after the ladies. There was no need to upset the Quality. So he said nothing, and in a short time, Giles and Jeremy were on their way.