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Madeleine smiled sweetly and said, ‘I listen to the servants. They know everything.’
‘Well, I suppose it’s worth an early visit to that godforsaken stew just to curry favour with the old bird. How is she?’
‘She’s weak in body but as shrewd as ever in mind.’
‘I suppose not long for this world?’
‘If it were solely up to her power of will, she’d outlive us all.’
Edwin Lockhart walked towards the door and looked back at her. ‘Thanks, Maddie. I’ll try to buy a pineapple so you can take it on your next visit. When do you go?’
‘In two days’ time. In the afternoon. I think you would please her greatly. Now she’s confined to bed, these luxuries delight her more than you may think.’
* * *
Over a hundred miles away in Hartfield Castle, the Earls of Purfoy’s ancestral seat, there was consternation. One of Mr Shilton’s closest friends, Raven Purfoy, had received a letter from Brook Street in London.
My dear Rav,
I trust this finds you and your Countess well. I wanted you to know from me of my Betrothal to Miss Hester Payton of South Audley Street. I have written separately to Alick and Corinna.
I know that you and Eliza will wish me every Happiness as I do you.
In hopes of Seeing you soon.
Your old friend, Ferdy
Lord Purfoy swore softly under his breath.
Across the breakfast table, his wife looked up from the racing results in the Sporting News. ‘What is it that agitates my lord?’ Eliza’s eyes were mischievous.
‘This missive is from Ferdy. He’s getting married.’ He tossed the letter across to her. ‘And this is the first we hear of it. I don’t like the sound of this, Eliza.’
‘What worries you? That he hasn’t asked your advice?’
Raven Purfoy had leapt to his feet and paced to the window, his handsome face frowning as he gazed out on the castle walls, golden in the morning light. ‘No! Well, yes! I do think it odd that Ferdy has not spoken to me, or indeed Alick, from whom I would have heard something on the matter. But mostly I’m concerned that a mutual friend, Lord Flambard, might be involved.’
‘Who is he, Rav? I’ve never heard you speak of him.’
‘Perhaps because he was away, ten years in exile. Max Flambard was at school with us and he and I were Ferdy’s Praetorian Guard. Because of the way he looked and his pacific nature, the angelic boy attracted certain brutes at Eton and we protected him. Flambard was much more bellicose than I was, I hasten to add. Ferdy liked to call us his stout myrmidons.’ Lord Purfoy gave his wife a rueful smile. ‘Then, when still young and foolish, Max became involved in a notorious scandal when he shot dead a jealous husband in a duel. I heard he’s returned from exile. He was always wild and libidinous and, I suppose, is unlikely to have changed.’
‘But how could he have anything to do with Ferdy’s betrothal?’
‘Because Ferdy’s affianced is none other than the daughter of the man Flambard killed. I just hope the honourable Shilton nature hasn’t encouraged him to make amends himself for his friend’s actions in depriving the girl of a father.’
‘Well, my dearest lord, if you are concerned, perhaps you need to go to London and see him?’
Lord Purfoy wheeled round to face his wife. ‘No! I’m not leaving you alone so close to your confinement.’
Eliza eased herself out of her chair and, with a hand on her pregnant belly, walked to stand beside her husband. ‘But it’s Ferdy. Together with Alick, he’s your closest friend.’
Lord Purfoy took her into his arms. ‘Not even Ferdy comes before you, my burgeoning beauty.’ He kissed her. ‘No, don’t argue. Alick and Corinna are taking their brood to London in a sennight. Corinna has a lucrative commission to paint an operatic mistress. They will sort Ferdy out then.’
* * *
A further letter arrived in the verdant countryside of Berkshire, where Ferdinand Shilton’s other closest friend, Alick Wolfe, was out with his two-year-old daughter feeding the ducks in the Manor pond. His wife, Corinna, was nursing baby John and put the missive to one side.
When Alick returned, followed by an excitedly chattering Emma, he broke the seal and read the brief message. ‘I don’t believe it! Ferdy’s chosen a wife!’ he said in astonished tones.
