The Rake's Redemption (5 page)

“A question of experience. Without knowledge of battle officers cannot know if their men are prepared.” He must have seen the disbelief loitering in her eyes. “The militia can be adequately trained in time.”

“And you are going to train them during your convalescence?” The emphasis she put on the last word of the question was enough to cause her father to raise his eyebrows. “That might be arduous for you, Major. During the winter.”

“My duty, Judith.” His reply held all the satisfaction of the righteous, and left her scrabbling for a riposte. In those smiling eyes she could almost read the message that it would be better for her not to retaliate.

“Sir Theodore will no doubt be grateful for your experience, Major. Do you think he may find a place for you amongst his officers?” Four years of anger wouldn’t allow him the victory.

“I fear I may have upset Sir Theodore with my requirements, Judith.” He kept smiling, but there was a tiredness there now as if their game had passed over into boredom. “In any event I intend to return to Spain when my task here is complete.”

So the danger was not past for him, and Judith felt a twinge of guilt for the way he had given her father relief over John. “I’m sure Sir Theodore will realise how well served he is by your advice, Major.” It sounded a very lame peace offer.

“I fear Sir Theodore may take time to see that. But I am delighted by your perspicacity, Judith.” His tone was lighter, the fun returned to it. Surely he didn’t think he could tease her?

“Sir Theodore is a practical man. He will be guided by the results he sees.” Her father’s intervention served to end the match, leaving Judith annoyed not to have the final word. She had no idea whether the beaver baronet had the ability to tell a trained soldier from a hayfork. The only behaviour she had ever seen from him was obliging his mother in the demands of polite society.

“My lord. Might I crave a private word with Judith?” The formality of the words stunned her, but her father’s nonchalant acceptance was the coup de grace. He might have been expecting the request. Judith found herself alone with Thomas before she’d the time to gather her wits.

“My lord?” Not particularly inspired as a gambit, but it would have taken crass insensitivity for him not to hear the wealth of warning contained in the two words.

“Judith, there is much between us.” Oddly, he injected a note of inevitability into what should have been a question. “I was pleased to find you were here.”

“Where else should I be, Thomas?” She needed to keep her feelings buried in ice. If he intended to speak as though no time had passed she could not let anger run her.

“I need to speak plainly to you.” His tone was pitched calm and low, and the intensity in his voice was almost frightening.

“Nothing prevents you, Thomas, and there is nothing between us.” She paused to see if he would argue the flat contradiction. “There cannot be.”

He nodded as if reflecting, then lifted his head to meet her defiant eyes. “Yet I have a duty to you, Judith. I am bound in honour to offer you marriage.”

“Offer me marriage!” It would have been easy to rave. Because of his preposterous nonsense there was only a cold void where her heart and stomach and lungs should have been. Yet she had to stop this before she made the mistake of letting herself consider his offer. Of all he might have said, to tell her that he was bound by honour. That he had a duty to her! “Mistaken. You are mistaken, my lord.”

“Judith. It is no mistake. We both know that. The mistake was before.” He was watching her carefully as he spoke, untouched by the venom of her response.

“There was a mistake made before, Thomas. There will not be one made now. You have your answer. Your rejection. You have made your duty bound offer, and now you can go.” It took all of her strength to stop her voice rising, and not to wish him to hell, but she wouldn’t turn her back or lower her eyes.

The door opened to complete her dismay. “Judith, Sir Roger and Frederick are here.” Her father gave a fine impression of tiptoeing across sharp nails as he came into his own drawing room. “Viscount Alsbury, I’m sorry to interrupt you..”

“Thank you, my lord, my call is concluded.” Thomas’ response was exactly as good manners demanded, with nothing in his voice to betray that he had just been contemptuously rejected. In her father’s eyes Judith could see a question framed. Fine. If he had had any inkling of what Thomas Stainford had wanted to discuss with her then it served him right. He could remain curious while the Duthfords concluded the half hour call they had driven twenty miles to make out of friendliness.

No, he had to remain unenlightened for ever if he wasn’t to surmise the reason for Thomas’ offer.

“Sir Roger, Frederick.” She sailed across the room like a galleon to greet the new arrivals, pausing in her fulsome welcome to introduce Thomas as an afterthought. Even so Frederick Duthford had a jealous huff on his face till Lord Hampton explained that Thomas was a friend of his son returned wounded from the Peninsula. Judith couldn’t help herself but to compare them to two dogs snarling over a bone.

“Frederick has paid me particular attention since we met at Countess Forfar’s ball, Viscount Alsbury. He is an excellent dancer and the cleverest whist partner.” Frederick Duthford looked ready to swoon at the beatific smile he received and Sir Roger, while more wary, had a happy grin at the turn events were taking. Only her father had the look of someone who disapproved.

“How pleasing. I must bid you good day, Miss Hampton.” His eyes took in the rest of the company. “Lord Hampton, Sir Roger, Mr Duthford.” Thomas’ bow was delivered with creditable aplomb, but in the circumstances Judith felt no compunction in ignoring it. Frederick Duthford certainly approved of her reserve. She felt quite guilty at his growing disappointment when her manner to him ran down after Thomas had left. So guilty that she even joined her father in waving goodbye to their guests as they set out on their long return journey.

“Not well done, Judith.” Father could be insensitive, but this bordered on crass.

“Thomas Stainford deserved anything I said, father. He is a most insolent man.” It didn’t sound convincing, and she could see that father was unimpressed. Why could he not see that Thomas was unbearable in his conceit? To offer her marriage after four years because it was his duty. And not abashed at all about it. Standing there as if she should be grateful.

“I meant your use of Frederick Duthford, Judith. If he had offended then perhaps, but his only fault is a fondness for you.”

“Yes, father.” Judith felt her father’s disapproval flowing freely. And she knew it was warranted. “I shall be careful to cosset him next time we meet.”

“I think not, Judith. The best thing would be polite courtesy. Do you not think?”

“Yes, father.” Why was she the one in trouble when Thomas had behaved so abominably?

“Alsbury seemed composed for a convalescent, Judith. Though a touch of the pallid about him. What did you think, my dear?”

“He was a touch pallid, yes. His scar was well healed.” Though Thomas had seemed far from robust, it was difficult to see how he could still be suffering from an injury which was so obviously healed.

“Pallid or not, I’m sure he will whip the Volunteers into shape, Judith. May even do young John some good.” Jonathon Hampton’s voice was reflective. “And he could be useful in persuading the lad to forget about Spain.”

“You won’t let John go, will you, father?” Judith could feel weights bearing down on her from all directions, threatening to overwhelm her.

“I think it’s unlikely, my dear. John may be attracted to glory and fanfare, but not to the reality of soldiering. If Thomas can dissuade him then all the better. But please don’t distress yourself on that account.” The emphasis on the word
that
almost caused her to ask on what account she should distress herself, but she let the moment slide. To ask would have tipped her into tears.

“Well, we have received Thomas, dear. I will tell John not to encourage the friendship. You will not need to receive him again, Judith.”

“Thank you, father. but I do not know why you should be concerned.” Judith couldn’t look her father in the face as she spoke, and she was grateful that he had nodded and left the room before her tears broke.

“See that it is done, Colonel. If you please.” The East Mercian Volunteers were punctilious in their respect for the military courtesies in a way no fighting battalion ever would be. Still Thomas had no trouble in recalling the correct style from his days as a young lieutenant, and if that were the extent of their peculiarities it would have been a light price. Unfortunately it was not.

The
‘Loyals’
as it pleased Sir Theodore and his officers to call the regiment were lazy, untrained and slow. Worse, their commanding officer did not know it or chose not to acknowledge it, Thomas could not make up his mind which. Sir Theodore was affable, friendly and seemed incapable of absorbing the need for change. He had been quite open in acknowledging his intent to take his fencible regiment to war in contravention of the terms under which the men had enlisted. In Sir Theodore’s world such difficulties could be dealt with by bribery.
‘Government pays a bounty to men transferring to the regulars, Alsbury, and I can top that up if needs be. Persuading the cattle should not be a problem.’
 

The minor problem that his force would be torn to shreds by the first French troops it encountered hadn’t occurred to him. In Theodore Horsley’s mind that came a long way behind the problem of keeping the men’s coats clean for the second review he planned to hold to overcome the shortcomings revealed before Sir Edmund Hewston. So Thomas’ demands for musket drill and forced marches were as unwelcome as they were insistent. Finally Thomas had no alternative but to explain to Sir Theodore what the orders to both of them from Sir Edmund actually meant. In the most courteous and proper language of course.

Thomas shook his head as he walked away from a furious Sir Theodore. Detachment was the key to this problem. Just as it was with Judith. He’d done his duty, offered her marriage as he was bound to. He no longer had any reason to reproach himself. Given her attitude to him, he ought to be relieved that she’d turned him down.

But there were months before he could embark for Spain and they were bound to meet. So it was forgivable enough to wonder if the Stainford charm couldn’t be put to use. Even if there were little trace left of the sweet girl Judith had been, she was a fine woman. Her fiery passion was still there in the disdain and anger she showed so readily. Meantime there was a battalion to train.

“The man’s a gabster with his do this, do that, John. Far too above himself. It’s my regiment after all. Raised and paid for.” Theodore Horsley paused to draw breath. “I know some people in Horseguards too.”

“You should speak to them then, Theo. The noble Viscount has his eye on the regiment, nothing surer. Far preferable if you can put the boot quite on the other leg.” John Hampton paused too, but he never got his opportunity to resume for Theodore Horsley obviously felt his need to speak was the greater.

“I’ll not let him make a cake of me, Hampton. Damned if I will.” Horsley caught himself and instead of venting his temper further turned to John Hampton with a question. “You knew him before this didn’t you, Hampton?”

“A long time ago, Theo.” Whether or not the question was meant as an accusation John Hampton clearly heard it as such. “We went to the same school.”

“Then you can help me, Hampton. With what you know of the young pup. Well inlaid is he?”

“The family is, Theo. Landed beyond limit. I expect Stainford is in funds from his father. You know he’s staying at his godmother’s place, Trefoyle. Lady Amara Guilmor knows everyone and admits precious few. Judith is thick with her though. If you’d like an invitation to the famous Trefoyle spring ball. Unless you’ve already been invited?”

“Are you trying to be troubling, Hampton? You know perfectly well I’ve had no such thing from Lady Guilmor. What I have had are people asking me if you’re good for your debts.” That killed the conversation fairly effectively with John Hampton left twisting in the wind. “Well? As your colonel what should I tell them?”

“It takes time, Theo. I’ve had a run of bad luck.” John Hampton must have realised how inadequate his reply sounded for he went on to volunteer some information. “There was a todo a couple of years back about a Spanish Marqués who called Stainford out over his wife. Got killed for his trouble. Though they say he marked Stainford’s face for him.”

“Maybe I can be of service by assuring those who ask that all you need is time to organise your affairs, John.” Theodore Horsley waited just long enough for some semblance of confidence to return to John Hampton. “If you can be of more use to me. Why is Stainford here now? Been fishing in Spanish waters again has he? Or just a fancy for a safer billet?”

“I’ll try Theo. Stainford is less than confiding.”

“But you were friends once John. And I need to know what Stainford’s game is. So I must be able to count on you.” It was the kind of remark that didn’t expect an answer and John Hampton could only nod his head without the first idea how he was supposed to fulfil his task .

“You know John, that sister of yours is a rare find, a diamond of the first water. Mother is always commenting that I need to marry for connections. I could do far worse. You could put in a word for me, my boy. After all I am helping you with those creditors.”

~

All through their childhood John Hampton had struggled to fool his sister. So he shouldn’t have been surprised when his offer to join her on her morning ride was greeted with mistrust and a snort of laughter. “Are you sure Thor is up to it, John? He’s looking a bit slack these days. Carrying your weight he might find it difficult to keep up with me.”

His ready protest and awkward jocularity only convinced Judith that her brother was somehow trying to gammon her. It wasn’t until he accompanied her to the stables next morning that she was prepared to accept that he actually intended to ride with her. The morning was crisp, frosty but sunny, and normally she would have revelled in the sting of the sharp air on her face. Except this morning she couldn’t rid herself of her suspicions.

“Shall we take the Bosford track, John?” Judith asked the question as a courtesy with no intention of changing her intended route, but John’s quick agreement still took her by surprise. As did his consideration in keeping Thor from his usual crowding and barging of her gelding. His conversation was limited certainly, a desultory commentary on the weather, and ready concurrence with her opinions on the estate, but he seemed to be trying to make himself agreeable.

Finally her patience gave out. “Well, what is it?”

“Sis?” The attempt at innocence wouldn’t have fooled a child, let alone Judith, but John’s vapid smile stayed fixed, forcing her to ask again.

“What is it you want, John? Or have you something to confess?” Exasperation made her tone too sharp. Judith might be two years younger than her brother, but she’d never felt anything but responsible for him.

“Neither, Judith.” He was still smiling, when his normal response to such abrupt questions would have been unrestrained warfare.

“Then I am honoured to have your company this morning for no reason other than fraternal affection. How unusual.” Judith decided she was sounding regrettably arch. “I want to take a look at Okey spinney, John. Brewson says there might have been poachers after the deer.”

The spinney showed no disturbance or sign of any poachers, but any reassurance Judith took was lost in the face of her brother’s forbearance when she insisted on dismounting to inspect the woodland. He even dismounted himself to help her remount.

“You’re far cannier than any steward, Jude.” The words as they started off again carried no obvious insincerity, and for a moment Judith believed the compliment. Before she reprimanded herself for such credulity. “I’m glad Oakenhill will be in safe hands while I’m in Spain.”

Judith slowed Sherbery to a walk at the certainty in his voice and John fell in beside her, curbing Thor without compunction when the big stallion showed restiveness at the pace.

“You still intend to transfer to the regulars?”

“No, I will go with my company when Sir Theodore converts the militia to a line regiment, Judith.” He spoke of it so easily without a thought for how his absence would make father distraught. So much for the relief her father had taken from Thomas’ comment that there was ample work for John in England with the militia. Why was she naive enough to place any credence in that man?

“Actually, Theo was saying how he admired you, Judith.” His voice was so tentative that her stomach sank. All of his errors and disasters had been preceded by this little boy voice. “He’s quite the catch you know, Jude. There’s an awful lot of money, and his father sold all the sugar plantations. so that he’s not really in trade anymore.”

“Would it matter if he were, John? To someone who has the soul of a cit.” His blankness told her he had missed that these were his own words flung back at him.

“Well there’s no getting away from the fact that the family is new, Judith. And Lady Florinda is a little, 'em, anxious. But Theo is a damn fine chap. Rides a little heavy maybe. But generous. Can afford to be too.” He stopped with the air of one who realises he is gabbling without getting any closer to his point.

“What is it you’re driving at, John?” Her apprehension was being steadily replaced by irritation. Her morning rides were the best part of her day, and this one was declining beyond redemption.

“Just that Theo was saying how much he admired you.” He’d stopped short, giving every impression of unease.

“So you were discussing me in the mess, were you?” Judith could see no reason to make things easier for her brother, and she enjoyed his response to the outrageous suggestion.

“Good lord no. I’d never. And Theo is a gentleman, even if.. new. No, a private word. He feels you do not care for him. At all.”

“So he asked you to plead for him?” All that was left to salvage was the amusement of pillorying John.

“Just to point out just what a fine match he is. It’s not as if there are too many contenders. You’ve seen them all off, and Thomas isn’t interested. Been here nearly a week and only one call. Wouldn’t advise you to have him if he were anyway. He’s nothing more than a toy box soldier now. Theo’s getting damn fed up with him and his drill and musketry practice. Doesn’t think about the cost of cartridges, you know.” He stopped and peered hopefully across at her. “Well?”

“Well what, dear brother?” Her tone was warning enough for John to shift uncertainly in his saddle.

“I was only trying to be helpful, Judith.” His tone was all injured innocence as he continued to dig his grave. “Theodore values lineage you know.”

“Just as I value my dignity.”

“It would be an advantageous match, Judith.” The cold note was back in her brother’s voice even before his next remark. “Unless you’re set on becoming an ape leader?”

Instead of reacting Judith favoured her brother with the sweetest smile she could dredge up. “But Oakenhill needs me, John. While you’re in Spain. Now if you’re ready I think the horses need some serious exercise.” Sherbery responded with a will to her heel, but John didn’t follow and when she looked back he raised his arm in a mocking farewell before turning for home.

Twenty minutes of galloping took the edge off her anger. It was only as she eased the steaming Sherbery to a canter that it occurred to Judith that she was alone with neither brother nor groom. Less than wise if there were poachers about. Even if there weren’t her reputation could suffer. That thought brought a wry smile. She’d passed beyond good ton long ago, thanks to Thomas Stainford. John was at least accurate in his assessment of Thomas’ intentions. Since his startling offer she’d seen nothing of Thomas Stainford.

Four years ago nothing would have stopped Thomas riding to her, or she to him. At least that was what she’d thought. Now all that was between them was a duty bound offer. The gallop had brought her to the edge of Trefoyle land, and it would have been simple to turn Sherbery for Amara’s house. Instead she set herself to hack along the boundary, carrying out a check of the fences. It was far too fine a morning to head tamely home, even when there was a pile of business to attend to.

~

When she did come home it was with the despairing thought of everything she had to do. Even the beauty of the Oakenhill sandstone in the winter sun did nothing to soothe her. Instead of pausing to admire the old house she pushed Sherbery on towards the stables, determined to waste no more time this morning. The coach by the washhouse door was familiar, but it took a moment for her to realise whose it was.

Old houses are built to endure, with solid wooden doors and sturdy stone walls. Oakenhill had stood the test of time, serving generations of the Hampton family, but it came close to its nemesis that day. Old houses might be sturdy, but they are not quiet when doors are being slammed. Lord Hampton and the Countess of Tresham knew Judith was on her way long before they heard Bridges’ despairing voice announcing that they were in the library.

“Aunt Matilde, what a delightful surprise. Father, you should have told me.” If Judith considered that she had kept her tone to the acceptable side of civil, then one look at her aunt’s face was enough to disabuse her.

“Judith, my dear. Are you quite well?” Matilde Sinclair, nee Hampton, had quite as much of the female family spirit as her niece, and showed none of the apprehension that marked her brother’s reaction to Judith’s dramatic entrance. “My note must have gone astray. But it is a delight to see you.”