Chapter Ten

In his study, Josh Yardley faced his daughter and her governess over the expanse of his desk. He frowned and steepled his fingers together as he considered the faces in front of him. On his desk was a note from Sir Ivor Stafford which was cryptic in the extreme. Josh had always considered himself to be up with the play, but this time he was damned if he knew what Stafford was playing at.

It was a highly unusual situation. And Stafford was a complex man. What lay beneath his oh-so-polite invitation to both ladies to stay for a week at Stafford House ‘to assist in the recovery of Miss Marshfield’s brother’? Had it been anyone else he would have assumed that Stafford was lusting after either Caroline or Miss Marshfield. Yet Stafford was an honorable man. Josh knew that from experience. He knew that if Ivor Stafford had wanted to pay his addresses to either young woman, he would have followed formal procedures.

But this was the second week of Caroline’s coming-out. Surely Stafford realized Caroline’s social calendar was full to the brim at the moment?

As far as Helena Marshfield went…now that her brother had returned, officially she was young Sir Robert’s responsibility. But Josh rather wanted to keep his trump card. He smiled to himself. How horrified Miss Marshfield would be if she knew how he had scored over his business associates and friends just having her as his daughters’ companion. She was a lady of quality through and through, and no amount of misfortune could hide that. It wasn’t just his daughters who had learned from her. He, too, had found some of her gentle advice invaluable. And he fully intended that she would remain under his aegis as long as possible. It wasn’t that he wanted to rub noses with the ton, exactly—well, not much. But he wouldn’t mind a knighthood for services to the business world. That wouldn’t go amiss. The Marshfields and Sir Ivor Stafford could help there.

Also, there was the other thing, the worrying one of national importance in which he was involved. He had not set out to work for the Committee with the aim of doing anything more than to assist with the centralization of the control of the Army, lending a layman’s opinion here and there. But when treason reared its ugly head, he’d felt he had no option but to continue with a more wide-ranging portfolio. So as the French marched inexorably over Europe he had found himself assisting in more and more complex investigations. At that stage he’d given no thought to his political aspirations, but now perhaps…

He shook himself out of his reverie, realizing that the two faces on the other side of his desk had grown anxious.

“Caroline, my dear, this is most irregular. I believe there are many invitation cards awaiting your consent. Do you really wish to accompany Miss Marshfield to Stafford House? If you do not wish it, we can make other arrangements.”

“Papa, I would far rather accompany Helena than attend parties. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t like…well…” Caroline trailed off helplessly.

“You haven’t disappointed me, my dear, and I don’t suppose you ever will. But I require a note from you every day to let me know how you are going on. Perhaps I shall come to see you if Sir Ivor permits.”

Caroline and Helena were aware that the person who would suffer most from their abandonment would be Mrs. Yardley. She would have to bestir herself to accompany Ariadne on her many social outings, whilst at the same time endeavor to control the worst of Ariadne’s tantrums. Also, she would have to reassume responsibility for the ordering of the household, something she had not done since Helena’s advent.

“Poor Mama,” Caroline said feelingly.

“Yes. I feel bad about this,” Helena responded. “I only hope that some of Ariadne’s social engagements do not need a chaperone so that your mama gets some time to rest.”

But Robert came first with Helena and always would.

When they talked to Mrs. Yardley, they found her husband had already apprised her of their plans. She seemed to be resigned to her fate.

“Oh, my dears, I will miss you so. Won’t Ariadne be mad as fire when she finds out where you’re both going though? Oh dear.”

But Ariadne was not angry. She was smugly preoccupied. She had made a new conquest. She would not discuss it with Caroline or Helena and was so secretive that Helena became worried, aware that Mrs. Yardley may not have the inclination to urge Ariadne to toe the line should an eligible parti be on the horizon.

“Ariadne, please behave circumspectly whilst I am not by,” Helena begged her. “Remember how important it is to your matrimonial chances to preserve an unexceptional demeanor. Promise me?”

Ariadne just nodded casually. “Don’t worry, Helena. I can say nothing to Mama or Papa yet, but I think a certain person means to approach Papa shortly. Just wait, Caroline, till you see who wishes to marry me!” And off she flitted, not caring at all that her sister and her companion were going away. She had obviously given no thought as to who her chaperone would be. Helena prayed that Mrs. Yardley was able to cope.

Resolutely she cast Ariadne from her mind and directed Caroline and Betsy with the packing. “It seems strange to be packing a bandbox to go such a short distance away, doesn’t it?” Caroline said.

Stolid old John Coachman agreed. “Don’t seem right you young ladies leaving us. But I’m sure you’ll soon have Sir Robert hale and hearty again, Miss Marshfield.”

“Thank you, John.” Somehow servants always knew every detail of their employers’ movements.

When the carriage drew up in Eaton Square, John Coachman had little to do. Helpers materialized from everywhere. A groom held the horses’ heads. Timms placed a footstool on the cobblestones and assisted the ladies from the carriage. Two footmen bustled to extricate the bandboxes and carpet bags from the carriage. Mrs. Annerwith awaited them in the foyer and showed them to their rooms. Caroline was most impressed. Helena was amused. How did Caroline think a large home was run? It would do Caroline no harm at all to be at Stafford House where the influence of quality rather than quantity was the order of the day. It may possibly give her some ideas as to how to run her own household one day.

Of course, the lowering thought was that this might well be Caroline’s household one day, or even the household of her sister. But Helena pushed away any gloomy thoughts. She was happy to be with Robert again and happy to be staying here. This house had an agreeable atmosphere. She loved its architecture and wall hangings. It was pleasant to find that the household servants in this establishment were happy, anxious to please and very efficient. She marveled that by the time she had got back from exploring Caroline’s bedroom and had helped her shake out her dresses, her own clothing was neatly disposed of in various drawers and a large nosegay of flowers had mysteriously appeared by her bedside.

For the first time in years, Helena felt at home. She felt welcome. She was not paid to be of use to someone as she was in the Yardley household; she was a guest here. It was such a relief not to have to act as arbiter between Stalley and Cook or to hide Ariadne’s indiscretions from Betsy and Katy. She smiled to herself, remembering that Marshfield Manor had had just the same well-run, peaceful ambiance. Nobody could possibly accuse the Yardley household of being peaceful!

A brass can of water stood on the water stand, and as well as the flowers on her bedside table, a small silver filigree bowl sitting on the mantelpiece over the fireplace contained marzipan fruits. Helena wandered over to the window and saw she had been given a room that looked out over a small flower garden. Most town houses had very little in the way of gardens, yet some of these older established homes in Eaton Square were renowned for their larger allotments which had enough room for small gardens and gazebos.

Mrs. Annerwith tapped on the door. “Is there anything I can get for you, Miss Marshfield?”

Helena straightened up from examining a patch on her best dress. “How kind of you, Mrs. Annerwith. I shall see my brother and let him know that Miss Caroline would like to meet him. I had best forewarn him in case he doesn’t want to meet strangers at the moment.”

Helena peeped around Robert’s half-open door and saw that Sir Ivor and Robert were chatting seriously. They had a map spread over the bedcover and Robert seemed to be showing Sir Ivor various details on it. They both looked up as she tapped on the door, and Sir Ivor stood.

“Good day, Miss Marshfield. You will want to be with your brother. I shall leave you both now.” He turned to Robert. “Perhaps we can continue our talk later this afternoon?”

To Helena’s surprise, he seemed anxious to leave the room. She gained the impression that he found her presence chafing, that she annoyed him in some way. Perhaps she had interrupted something important? Well, he had invited her here! She raised her chin.

“Caroline is with Mrs. Annerwith. I’m sure you would like to greet her,” she said.

Ivor Stafford’s eyebrows rose. He was unused to being chastised in his own house, or anywhere else for that matter. What had got into Helena? She was frowning at him. She almost sounded as if she were throwing young Caroline at his feet. He certainly hoped not. He very much wanted a certain woman, but it wasn’t little Caroline Yardley. His taste ran to a stronger female with an annoying habit of self-abnegation.

Perhaps Helena was jealous of the rapport between himself and Robert. He and Robert Marshfield had quickly established a friendship and were happily conversing on all manner of subjects. But he wouldn’t have thought Helena Marshfield was that petty.

In his salad days Ivor had rather prided himself on being able to understand most women, but of course he hadn’t met Helena Marshfield then. He was never quite sure how she was going to react in any given circumstance. The real Helena was hidden under a number of layers, and it all depended on which layer you unpeeled as to which facet of her personality was revealed. She was an enigma. Sometimes she appeared to challenge him as she did now. Whoever became leg-shackled to her was in for an interesting time. He grinned reflectively. He had better go and welcome Caroline Yardley as he had been ordered to do. There was no doubt that ‘Miss Marshfield the autocratic governess’ was the part of Helena’s personality which was to the fore today. But he admired her for not mincing matters. With the exception of his family, most women he knew would have swallowed such a lapse of manners on his part and cloaked it with a smile. Then they’d make him pay, possibly financially, a little game understood by both sides. Helena Marshfield did not play games.

But Helena had eyes only for her brother. She hurried to Robert’s side, and Ivor knew she had already forgotten him.

Helena smiled at Robert, pleased to see that he looked much more alert today. “My dear, how are you this morning? You are looking so much better.”

“Yes, that surgeon might not be a gentleman’s idea of a sympathetic doctor, but for someone straight out of the army he is a breath of fresh air. Told me exactly what to expect. I feel certain of recovery now.”

“Mmm, he’s certainly bluff, isn’t he?”

Robert grinned. “Is that what you call it?”

Helena laughed. “He’s quite the actor. But yes, he engenders confidence. Now, what can I do to make you more comfortable?” But Sir Ivor’s staff had already seen that Robert was made as comfortable as possible, and Helena found that her main task was simply to entertain him.

When Caroline was introduced to Robert, she blushed and lowered her eyes as he took her hand in his. Helena noted that a tinge of color stole into her brother’s pale face as he stared intently at Caroline. In only a few minutes the two of them were chattering away happily, making Helena feel quite de trop.

For the rest of the week, Caroline opted to spend hours at Robert’s bedside, listening to carefully censored stories of his travels with the army, playing backgammon with him, and unraveling acrostics. He seemed to prefer her awkward ministrations to those of his sister, and Helena began to worry, much to Ivor Stafford’s amusement. He advised her to wait and see before she got upset.

“But sir, only think! Mr. Yardley will be very annoyed if an attachment should spring up between the two of them. What shall I do?” she asked as they stood in the window embrasure in Robert’s room.

“I don’t think you should do anything. If the attraction does not run its course and becomes permanent, there is nothing for you to do. And should a temporary flirtation assist with Robert’s convalescence, then that is good. Why do you think Josh Yardley will be angry?”

“You know very well that he is hoping for his daughters to make good marriages. Although Robert is the best of brothers, I hardly think Mr. Yardley would be likely to see his suit as favorable. Not when the Yardleys have their sights set on the nobility for their daughters.”

“Robert is the nobility. So are you, Miss Marshfield. I wish you would stop this ridiculous modesty. As soon as I am able, because there are several other people to be taken into consideration here, I wish to put a proposition to Robert which I hope will ensure his future. But I cannot at this stage—”

“What are you two whispering about?” Robert demanded. “Look, Helena, Caroline has just beaten me at backgammon for the third time. It is too bad of her, don’t you think?”

Smiling, Helena turned, wondering what Sir Ivor had been going to say.

It was nearly two years since she had last spent time with Robert, and in those years he had seen atrocities of war and had had the comradeship of people from all over the world. He had grown away from her to a certain degree. So she trod carefully.

Sir Ivor suggested to Caroline that she might like a walk in the garden, leaving Robert and Helena alone at last. Robert wasted no time in asking her if she did not find Caroline a delightful companion.

Helena grabbed the opening. “Yes, she is a darling. Such a lovely nature. Her parents have high hopes for her.”

“Do they look for an ambitious marriage for her?” he asked bluntly.

She hesitated. “I suspect they are looking for a title at least. I am not sure how high they are looking. But you will meet Mr. Yardley tomorrow, I believe. Perhaps you will be able to elicit further information from him.”

He grasped her arm. “Stay with me, Ellie. Ned and Tally are calling this afternoon, and I want to see you alone for a little while.” He hesitated. “Are you not happy that Caroline and I deal so famously together? Sometimes I see you frown.”

“Oh Robert…I don’t know. It’s just that Caroline is the first young woman you’ve met since returning to England. She is helping you to recuperate and under such circumstances perhaps you make too much of…” She trailed away helplessly.

His jaw set in the way she knew so well from childhood.

“Ellie, it may not have occurred to you, but since being on the town and in the army, I have met literally scores of young women, some of whom I’ve…well, formed quite close relationships with. And of all the young women I’ve known, Caroline is…” He shrugged, unable to express himself. “If her father should warn me off, of course I’ll toe the line, but if he should show willing, then I plan to press my suit. There. What do you say?”

“I say that it is all very sudden but if it should be acceptable to the Yardleys, I would be thrilled! I know you will not declare yourself to Caroline without her father’s consent, but I do so hope that you will not have to face—”

“So do I. It doesn’t bear thinking of. In the meantime, I shall just treat her as another sister.”

Helena smiled; her fingers surreptitiously crossed in her lap.

That afternoon when Tally Wishart and Ned Stafford called on him, Robert spent a roisterous afternoon considering he was still very much an invalid. Caroline and Helena were invited to share the goings-on. The ladies giggled at some of the tales of university exploits which they were sure had been embroidered for their benefit.

“Do you remember the spider race in the Square when the dean came over and asked us what was going on?” Tally reminisced.

“Spider race?” Helena asked.

“Yes. You get some spiders and tickle them along with pens when they slacken off. It’s fun!”

“Ugh.” Caroline grimaced.

“Oh, it’s not so bad. Better than cockroach racing anyhow.”

“Oh!” Both ladies were horrified.

“I made a lot of money from that,” Robert said.

“Robert, you didn’t bet on the races, did you?”

“Of course we did, Ellie. Nothing much else to do in our spare time. I had a brilliant spider. Kept him in a box. Called him Nor’east because he’d only run in one direction. Unfortunately, after the main race the dean trod on him and killed him. Poor old Nor’east.”

Helena looked speakingly at Caroline, and they both shuddered.

Helena reflected that it had done Caroline a lot of good to spend time with an undemanding group of young men such as this, far more so than the rout-parties and dances that were on her social agenda. If she had had a couple of brothers her initial stiffness would not have been apparent, but Tally and Ned were the kindest of young men and soon had Caroline fascinated by their tales of derring-do. And if Robert gave the impression of a dog guarding a bone, well…Helena had to admit that Caroline evinced no opposition to his attitude; indeed, she rewarded him from time to time with shy smiles.

Helena secretly wished that Ivor Stafford would look at her the way Robert did when Caroline entered the room. But for the past few days Sir Ivor seemed to have withdrawn into a shell. He treated Caroline as a favorite sister, was friendly with Robert, but with Helena he kept his distance. She came to the unpalatable conclusion that either she had offended him in some way, or else he was no longer interested in pursuing a flirtation with her. Perhaps he had other fish to fry.

On their second morning at Stafford House, he had provided her with a delightful little mount, a sorrel mare that was kept in London for his sisters when they visited. Mrs. Annerwith had unearthed Miss Stafford’s riding-dress for her, and she had accompanied Sir Ivor on a gentle ride through Hyde Park. She was thrilled to be on horseback once more, even though the stately trot down Rotten Row could scarcely be called a challenge. She caught the passing glances given them by other riders and pedestrians and realized that no one seemed particularly interested in them.

However, on the third morning, a couple of Sir Ivor’s friends accosted them and requested to be introduced to Helena. It was from then on that he had behaved toward her with a polite, distant air. She realized he was embarrassed to be seen in public with a governess, the daughter of a man who had disgraced his family so publicly. She was mortified that his kindness should have caused him embarrassment.

“Sir Ivor, could you spare me a moment?” she asked him nervously later that day.

“Of course, Miss Marshfield. Come into the library.” He smiled down at her and without thinking she responded with a shy smile. Then she hastily brought herself up short and took a deep breath, praying that this would come out right. “Sir Ivor, I am much obliged to you for your many kindnesses to Robert and myself. However—”

“Haven’t we already covered this topic?” he inquired in a bored voice.

“However,” she persisted, “you do not need to spend your spare time accompanying me on…well, accompanying me anywhere. I must not take up any more of your time. But thank you.” She stood, trembling, hoping her pride would see her as far as the door at least.

“I see.” His voice was cold, uninterested. In some way she had offended him. But there was nothing further to be done. There. Honor was satisfied.

From then on, she saw very little of him. Josh Yardley came to visit and expressed himself well pleased that Caroline was enjoying herself at Stafford House. Under the circumstances, Sir Ivor was left with no option but to extend his invitations to both Caroline and Helena.

A smug little smile played about Mr. Yardley’s mouth as he said, “Well, that is up to Caroline and Miss Marshfield. Should you like to stay for a few more days, my dear?” he asked his daughter.

Caroline nodded, and her sweet smile sparkled.

Mr. Yardley was then introduced to Robert, a meeting from which Sir Ivor absented himself as several other gentlemen had arrived to see him. The Yardleys and Marshfields were getting on famously when Timms requested Josh Yardley’s attendance in the library. Standing beside the bed, Yardley held out his hand to Robert.

“Well, Sir Robert, I’m pleased to have met you at last. It’s possible that the Committee meeting being convened downstairs may adjourn to your bedside. We have some questions to ask you about your experiences on the Peninsula. Your comments may be useful in our planning for next year.”

Robert seemed to understand what Mr. Yardley was referring to. “Anything I can do to help, I will,” he assured Josh Yardley.

When Yardley had left and Caroline had gone to pen a note to her mother, Robert said to Helena. “Yardley is a good sort of a man. He certainly has a strong grasp on the difficulties of provisioning an army waging war far beyond its own shores. Many civilians do not understand how impossible it is to have a wagon train strung out for miles, while the main army waits days for the commissariat to arrive. Things like horseshoes and nails can hold up the advance for weeks.”

“I suspect his business background has helped him there. But he is quick to pick up new ideas too.”

“Yes. I can understand why he is on the Special Advisory Committee.”

“What Special Committee?”

He looked puzzled. “I thought you had guessed that he and Sir Ivor and another couple of fellows have been making inquiries at this end regarding the preparedness of troops for the Peninsula War. Apparently the other two Committee members are from the Horse Guards and the War Office. But this is very hush-hush, Helena. Please don’t repeat it.”

“As if I would!”

“No, under normal circumstances you would not. But the very walls have ears, and the problem is that Boney has many spies right here in England, and so far some of them have been successful. The Prince Regent has requested that any English-born spies be winkled out. He is especially sensitive since one of his lady friends was accused of passing information to the enemy. Although he himself was cleared of any wrongdoing, apparently it brought home to him how important it is that we stop this languid attitude with regard to the war. The citizens must understand that information carelessly passed on here can be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of soldiers over there.”

“Are they asking you to join this Committee?”

“They have.”

“Robert, I’m so proud of you! A Special Committee reporting to the Prince of Wales! And you have only just returned to England.”

He grinned at her exuberance. “Until the Regent talks to me, I’m afraid the position is an unpaid one. But he has said he wishes to see me. The Horse Guards will make arrangements for me to sell out. But we must wait and see. In the meantime, I am awaiting delivery from the War Office of some questions from Arthur Wellesley who is apparently going to the Peninsula next month to take over from Cradock.”

None of this made much sense to Helena who knew only vaguely where the Horse Guards were and had never heard of Cradock, although she had heard of Wellesley’s excellent service record in India. Being a loving sister, she smiled at Robert’s enthusiasm and hoped passionately that this would set Robert on the road to a speedy recovery and a rewarding career.

A tap on the door interrupted them. “Excuse me, Miss Marshfield, tea and cake is being set up in the small withdrawing-room for you.” Helena was puzzled. She saw no reason why Timms should not deliver the tea things to Robert’s room as usual, but this was not her house to order about, so she rose and followed the butler. She was joined by Caroline who was puzzled and a little indignant at being herded out of the library. She looked at Helena, her eyebrows raised.

“Do you think Sir Ivor’s servants have been complaining about running up and down stairs with refreshments for us?” she asked Helena.

“My dear, I don’t know. I feel distinctly like a naughty child being kept out of the way. Did you finish your note to your mama?”

“Yes. I told her we will go to see her tomorrow, if that is fine with you?”

“Yes, and perhaps I could escort Ariadne somewhere to give you some time alone with your mama. She must be quite er…fatigued with all Ariadne’s social jobations by now.”

Caroline laughed. “Poor Mama!”

Helena held up her hand. “Hush. What is that?” There was the thud of several pairs of booted feet climbing the staircase outside the withdrawing-room.

“It must be Papa’s meeting. They are all going upstairs.”

“I think they are going up to meet with Robert. How exciting!”

Caroline was surprised and confused. “Why do they wish to meet Robert?”

And it was brought home to Helena just how easy it was to betray your country. A careless word at the wrong time could lead to appalling repercussions. She made a hasty recovery. “I mean it will be exciting for Robert to be able to discuss business for a change. He must be getting bored with our company by now. He was greatly taken with your papa.”

“I’m so glad. It is extremely important that Robert and Papa deal well together,” Caroline said earnestly, then blushed hotly.

Helena took Caroline’s hand, praying she would say the right thing. “Caroline, I have been meaning to talk to you about this. Do you realize that Robert has no means of supporting a wife? Your parents are determined you shall make a good marriage. I would not be doing my duty if I didn’t warn you that they might not look kindly on Robert’s suit. As a friend, I beg you not to set yourself up for a dreadful disappointment.”

“Papa would not be so cruel!”

“My dear, many fathers would order you to keep away from Robert or make it impossible for you to meet him again. You and I have been fortunate to have indulgent fathers who have not set harsh parameters on our choices. Forgive me for such plain speaking, but I cannot let you go further without warning you. It is difficult for me because I love my brother and cannot conceive how any father cannot see his true worth. But I am not a man with a marriageable daughter so I have no notion what may happen.”

Caroline was silent for a while as she sipped her tea. Then she said, “Papa is very astute. I am sure he will see Robert’s true worth. And Robert has already set about selling his company since he cannot return to fight.”

It was true that a purchaser would be easy to find as there were many young men determined to show their mettle on the Peninsula. With the prospect of this war lasting some considerable time, a man stood a good chance of promotion and advancement up through the ranks.

They could hear much laughing and calling out on the floor above them which gradually quieted down to a steady rumble of masculine voices.

When the ladies had finished their tea, Helena moved toward the door saying jestingly, “Now that we have had our tea, I presume Timms will allow us to go about our business.” But she was stunned to find when she turned the doorknob, that the door had been locked from outside. They were locked in!