Aaron walked the short distance to Lansdown Crescent. If he stopped to hail a coach or a sedan chair, it would cost time, and it was time he didn’t have. He had to speak with Emma urgently, and depending on her decision, either cancel the wedding or march her down the aisle, straight to the altar, and tie the knot. He needed her money. He needed the dowry she would provide…and it hurt his pride to ask for it. He felt beholden.
He would much rather be in a position to say be damned to the wherewithal and simply marry her for herself, without the need for what she could bring to the union. But he couldn’t. Her money was essential to his plans.
Emma had intelligence, kindness, and compassion, and he would be a fool not to know she would make someone a wonderful wife. It was just so awkward asking her to marry him for the sake of Windhurst Hall. But if she was willing to help, that was all that mattered…for now.
Arriving at the Brentry’s house, Aaron was shown directly into the library. His gaze drifted to the window and then to the street below. A superb view was to be had that stretched across the city of Bath to the rolling hills beyond, and Aaron could understand why a merchant of means would want to live at Lansdown Crescent.
The room was spacious, and the décor had a lavish oriental twist to it. Recently influenced by the prince regent, fashion had swayed to blue porcelain and Persian rugs, and the library within the Brentry household had been designed accordingly.
Mr. Brentry was seated at his desk, and he laid down the journal he’d been reading, and said, “I’m afraid my daughter isn’t home at present. But that’s of no consequence. Take a seat, my boy. It’s good that you’ve called to see us, and Emma’s absence means that you and I have time to speak, alone. I’ve a mind to get to know you a little better. After all, you’re soon to become family. How have things been with you? All set for the big day?”
Aaron shook his head and walked to the large window.
“I had hoped to see Emma before speaking with you, sir. It’s a matter of some importance.”
“And what can be of such importance that you won’t even take a moment to sit with your soon-to-be father-in-law? Be seated and have something to drink. Will you not take a glass of sherry? Or perhaps I can offer a glass of fine Madeira. It’s been in my cellar ten years or more. It was laid down when―”
“No thank you, sir. Nothing for me.”
“Then take a seat and tell me what’s troubling you. For I can tell by that frown upon your brow that something is indeed distressing you.”
Aaron sat across from Mr. Brentry.
Hoping Emma’s wroth would not descend upon his head once she discovered what he was about to impart, he broadly outlined the facts to Mr. Brentry. He explained that after some consideration, and knowing Emma was keen to wed and was not averse to a marriage of convenience, he’d accepted her suggestion that they should marry, and sort of proposed.
“Emma offered her dowry so I could pay off my cousin’s debt and regain my home. Only Windhurst Hall is no longer in the clutches of Cuthbert Williams. The promissory note has now been transferred to Lord Stratton.”
“That puts a different light on things,” Mr. Brentry said. “I had thought Lord Stratton to be a true gentleman. But this tale you’ve told smacks of wrongdoing. Why would Stratton go out of his way to get that note? Something fishy is going on here, my boy.”
“Yes, sir. So now you know why I wish to speak with Emma. I need to know what she would like me to do. Realizing I might not be able to get Windhurst Hall back, I’m quite prepared to call off our wedding. It will leave her free to find a more suitable husband. Someone who can offer her a good foundation upon which to build a marriage.”
“My Emma is no fool. If she saw potential in you as a husband and will have you as you are, penniless and without a roof over your head, then that’s fine by me. Emma knows her own mind, and once she has made a decision, there’s no stopping her. I’d advise you not to try wriggling out of this union.”
“But―”
“How much is it you need? In the morning I shall call upon my bank and see that a banker’s draft is made out to you and the money transferred.”
“But I wouldn’t want you to―”
“There will be no need for you to pay me back. I see the money not as a loan, but as an investment for the future. Windhurst Hall will become my daughter’s home, and all being well, also the home of my grandchildren. One day they will inherit it. The house will be kept in the family, and that’s all the assurance I need. A sound investment if I say so myself.”
“You are too generous, sir. But I’m not sure Emma will agree to such a scheme. She might not allow me to take advantage of your generous offer. I believe she is set in her ways, and I know she would not wish you to―”
“You’re right. It seems you’ve come to know my daughter very well. She’s her own mistress and wouldn’t appreciate her father meddling in her husband’s affairs. We’ll just have to wait and see what she permits us to do. And between you and me, I suggest we find a way of making her think it was her idea that I’m to lend you the money. For in Emma’s eyes, a loan it will be. Emma is very like her mother in that respect. My wife ruled me with a rod of iron, and I thanked her for it. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without my dear Isabella telling me what to do.”
There came a knock on the library door and a footman, with some hesitation, entered.
The footman bowed in Mr. Brentry’s direction. “Mrs. Walker would like a word with you, sir. She says it’s most urgent and concerns Miss Brentry.”
Mr. Brentry sat bolt upright in his chair.
“Show her in at once, man. Show her in.” Mr. Brentry then turned to Aaron. There was a worried frown upon his brow. “Something must be wrong. As a rule, my servants never trouble me. My steward or my daughter gives the household their instructions, and I’m never bothered with the day-to-day running of my home. Something must be terribly amiss for them to come pestering me.”
Aaron stood and was on the alert. If Mr. Brentry was concerned, then so too was he.
A woman entered. She was of senior years and dressed in a black gown with a white apron tied at the waist. A white laced cap covered her hair. A large keyring with a number of keys attached were secured to her person around her waist by a chain. It was clear Mrs. Walker was Mr. Brentry’s housekeeper.
“What is it?” Mr. Brentry asked the woman.
“I know it ain’t my place to bother you, Mr. Brentry, sir. But being as it concerns Miss Emma, I thought you’d want to know.”
“Know what?” asked Mr. Brentry and Aaron simultaneously.
“It’s Gresham.”
“What about my coachman?”
“He’s just got back from collecting Miss Emma from Lady Bridgeworth’s house, only she weren’t there. Lady Bridgeworth said Miss Emma had walked off in the direction of Pulteney Bridge. And then Gresham said he thought he’d seen Miss Emma near The Paragon, but he couldn’t be sure. Only it couldn’t have been her ’cause she was getting into a carriage with someone that looked like his lordship. Gresham did mention his lordship’s name, only I can’t remember it. I’m thinking that it began with an S.”
“Stratton? Lord Stratton?” asked Aaron.
“Yes, that’s it. Lord Stratton. Anyway, Miss Emma ain’t returned and…”
“And?” Mr. Brentry was now standing with his hand rested on the back of his chair, as if seeking support.
“Gresham said he were off to the stables to saddle a couple of horses, in case you be wanting to chase after her. He’s going to bring ’um around to the front of the house.”
“Is anything missing from Miss Brentry’s room?” Aaron ran his fingers hurriedly through his hair. “Has she packed a portmanteau or a hat box? Are her clothes still there?”
Aaron’s stomach knotted. Instinctively, he knew something was wrong. It didn’t add up. Emma would never willingly seek contact with Lord Stratton. Not after the rough dealings she’d had with him in the garden.
Mrs. Walker wrung her hands. “I’ve checked Miss Emma’s room and all that seems to be missing are the clothes she’s wearing. She’s not run away if that’s what you’re thinking. And I doubt there’s been an elopement, even though everyone knows his lordship was smitten with her.”
Mr. Brentry looked across at Aaron. Seeing Mr. Brentry’s distress, and the desperate, urgent appeal in his eyes, Aaron knew what had to be done.
“If I may have the use of your horse, sir?”
Mr. Brentry frowned thoughtfully then shook his head. “No, don’t take a horse. Have Gresham prepare the barouche. You will need it if you are to bring my Emma home.”
“Very well, sir. As soon as the carriage is ready, I will go to Lord Stratton’s house and make enquiries. Someone there will know if his lordship’s from home and where he can be found. I have to know if Emma willingly accompanied him or if she was forced into the carriage. If Gresham’s suspicions are correct and Emma is indeed with Lord Stratton, I will follow and ensure she is brought home. You have my word that I shall not sleep until she is safely returned to your door.”