A Loving Family Page 15

  ‘None that I know of,’ Stella said, toying with her food. ‘According to Aunt Maud in her more lucid moments, the Wilton side of the family would have nothing to do with my grandfather after he took a Spanish woman as his common-law wife.’

  Kit speared a piece of cabbage with his fork. ‘Did your mother ever go to Spain? She must have relations there.’

  ‘Not that I know of.’

  ‘She was at Heron Park for some months. Perry talked to the servants.’

  ‘I’m sure Uncle Gervase must know something.’ Rosa leaned her elbows on the table, gazing eagerly at Stella. ‘We should go there and demand to be told. I’m not afraid of him.’

  Kit paused with the fork halfway to his lips. ‘I was planning to call on the old devil myself because I intend to challenge Papa’s will. I think he was coerced into changing it and I mean to prove it in court.’

  ‘May I come with you?’ Stella held her breath, awaiting his answer.

  ‘We’ll all go,’ Rosa said firmly. ‘I want to make sure that he hasn’t allowed the house to go to rack and ruin. I think we should go together and show him that we mean business, Kit.’

  They set off next morning in a carriage hired for the day at enormous expense, which Kit justified by saying he was not going to turn up at his rightful home looking like a pauper. They arrived Heron Park midmorning and were admitted by the gatekeeper whose welcome was less than enthusiastic. ‘Are you come to stay, sir?’

  ‘Maybe one day, Masters, but not yet.’

  ‘Shall I go ahead and warn them of your arrival, sir?’

  ‘That won’t be necessary,’ Kit said firmly. ‘Drive on, coachman.’ He sat back against the squabs as the vehicle moved forward. ‘Masters used to be loyal to my family. Things have changed.’

  Their reception at the house was warmer, with elation followed by a quick downturn of mood when the servants were told that this was just a flying visit. Noakes, the butler, was openly bitter in his resentment of the new master. ‘I know it’s not my place to speak out, Master Kit,’ he said in a low voice. ‘But you should be here in your rightful position. Things are bad, and getting worse, sir. All manner of goings-on occur that would never have been allowed in the old days.’

  Kit patted him on the shoulder. ‘I can only begin to imagine what the servants have gone through, Noakes. But if there’s any justice in the world we will triumph.’

  ‘I do hope so, sir. We all do.’

  Rosa clutched his arm. ‘You won’t leave, will you, Noakes? Heron Park wouldn’t be the same without you.’

  ‘The new master has told us that if we give notice we’ll leave without a character.’

  ‘That’s blackmail,’ Kit said angrily. ‘It makes me even more determined to oust the scoundrel before he drags the name of Rivenhall through the mud. Where is he, Noakes? Don’t bother to announce me.’

  ‘He’s still abed, sir. The master rarely gets up before noon.’

  ‘We’ll see about that.’ Kit strode across the entrance hall and took the stairs two at a time.

  ‘I do hope he doesn’t make matters worse,’ Rosa whispered in Stella’s ear. ‘If we’re thrown out we won’t learn anything about your mother’s whereabouts.’

  Noakes cleared his throat noisily. ‘If you’re speaking of Mrs Barry, I can only tell you what I told the detective gentleman, but the housekeeper might know more. In my experience ladies talk to each other and share confidences.’

  ‘I’d like to talk to her if I may,’ Stella said eagerly.

  Rosa nodded in agreement. ‘We must speak to Mrs Kendall, Noakes. I know the way.’ Without waiting for his response she took Stella by the hand and headed off across the hall and down a series of bewildering passageways to a green baize door which opened onto a flight of stone steps. ‘This separates those above stairs from the servants below stairs. We’ll find Mrs Kendall and see what she has to say.’

  The servants’ domain was much like that in Portgone Place and Stella was reminded of her own days in service. It seemed like another lifetime but she was still the same person and below stairs was where she belonged. She might be living with the rightful heirs to the estate but that did not alter the fact that she was their social inferior. She was trapped between the two worlds, and she was uncomfortably aware that she would give herself away the moment she opened her mouth. The housekeeper would be sure to spot her as a fraud.

  Rosa danced on ahead, chattering about her childhood when she had often ventured down to the kitchens to beg treats from Cook. Stella said nothing. She had tried to ignore the attraction she felt for Kit, but this visit only served to underline their differences. Here, behind the green baize door, was her place, and his world was above stairs.

  ‘Do come and meet Mrs Kendall.’ Rosa came to a halt outside a door marked Housekeeper. ‘She pretends to be a martinet, but she has a soft heart beneath the starched uniform.’ She opened a door and stepped inside. ‘May we come in?’

  Mrs Kendall had been sitting at her desk studying a ledger but she rose swiftly to her feet and bobbed a curtsey. ‘Miss Rosa. This is a pleasant surprise.’ She shot a suspicious glance in Stella’s direction. ‘And you’ve brought a visitor with you.’

  ‘This lady is Mrs Barry’s daughter, and she’s been searching for her mother for a very long time. I wondered if you would have any clue as to where she might have gone when she left here.’

  Mrs Kendall waited until Rosa had taken a seat before resuming hers. ‘Do you realise in what capacity your mother was employed here, Miss Barry?’

  ‘Not exactly, ma’am.’

  Mrs Kendall’s generous mouth turned down at the corners. ‘It was a position that would never be countenanced in a respectable household. Mrs Barry was hostess to the master’s guests during the parties he gave several times a week.’

  ‘You’re talking in the past tense, Mrs Kendall,’ Rosa said sharply. ‘Does that mean that these entertainments have ceased?’

  ‘There was an unfortunate incident in the caves, Miss Rosa. A young woman suffered a fatal accident and the police were called.’

  ‘Was my mother hurt?’ Stella’s voice cracked with fear.

  ‘Mrs Barry wasn’t harmed but she left that night and has never returned. There is much gossip in the village, of course, but no one seems to be in possession of the facts.’

  ‘Who was the unfortunate person who died?’ Rosa asked curiously. ‘Would I know her?’

  ‘She was a local girl, and although one shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, she was no better than she should be. There are many females who seem willing to attend the riotous events in the caves, and gentlemen aplenty who were pleased to take advantage – until the police became involved. There have been no parties since that night.’

  ‘Do you have any idea where my mother might be now?’ Stella asked anxiously. ‘Did she ever confide in you, ma’am?’

  ‘I usually interview domestic staff, but Mrs Barry was brought here one day by one of the master’s acquaintances and she stayed. She was pleasant enough but she took her meals in her room and she never ventured into the servants’ quarters.’

  ‘When did all this happen, Mrs Kendall?’ Stella asked in desperation.

  ‘Less than a month ago, miss. The police have been here several times since the incident. They’re treating the death as suspicious.’

  ‘It must have been a terrible tragedy for the girl’s family,’ Rosa said, rising from her chair. ‘We mustn’t take up any more of your time, Mrs Kendall.’

  ‘It was very good of you to come and see me, Miss Rosa.’ Mrs Kendall leapt to her feet. ‘May we hope to see you and Master Kit returning to your rightful home?’

  ‘Maybe,’ Rosa said casually. ‘Come along, Stella. We’d best go and find my brother.’ She swept out of the room with Stella following close behind, and they did not speak until they were on the other side of the baize door.

  ‘I’m none the wiser,’ Stella said sadly. ‘Ma seems to have vanished.’

>   ‘At least we know that she escaped from my uncle’s clutches.’ Rosa came to a sudden halt, clutching Stella’s arm. ‘Talk of the devil. I can hear raised voices.’ She moved stealthily towards the entrance hall, where Kit and his uncle stood facing each other like two gladiators about to do battle.

  Stella was struck by the likeness between them. She had formed a mental picture of Gervase but the reality was shockingly different. He was not the dissolute-looking bloated drunkard that she had imagined. The difference in their ages was apparent, but Gervase Rivenhall was still a fine figure of a man, tall and slim with wide shoulders and a shock of blond hair just a few shades darker than Kit’s. ‘You can go to hell, Christopher,’ he roared in tones that reverberated off the high ceiling and bounced back off the walls. ‘This is my house now and I want you out of it for good. You aren’t welcome here.’

  Kit stood his ground. ‘I came to tell you that I’m challenging Father’s will. You’ll be hearing from my solicitor.’

  ‘Your solicitor.’ Gervase spat the word with utter contempt. ‘You haven’t got two halfpennies to rub together, boy. How could you afford to take me to court?’

  ‘That’s my business, Uncle.’

  ‘Get out of my house now, or do I have to get the servants to throw you out?’

  ‘Enjoy it while you can.’ Kit beckoned to his sister. ‘We’re leaving. Say goodbye to your uncle, Rosa, because he will be languishing in prison when I’m done with him.’

  Rosa tossed her head. ‘I’ll cheer the loudest.’ She took Stella’s hand and dragged her towards the doorway where Noakes stood stiffly to attention. ‘Don’t say a word,’ she hissed. ‘It’s no use asking Uncle Gervase anything when he’s in this mood. Don’t even look at him.’

  Noakes opened the heavy oak door. ‘I’m sorry to see you go, Miss Rosa,’ he said in a low voice. ‘I pray to God that Master Kit is successful. We’re all depending on him.’

  ‘We’re leaving,’ Kit said, striding after them. ‘But this isn’t farewell, Noakes. We will return, I promise you that.’

  Noakes handed him his hat and cane. ‘We’re relying on you, Master Kit.’

  The carriage was waiting and Kit handed Rosa in first and then Stella. He gave her a concerned look. ‘Are you all right? You’re very pale.’

  It was the first time he had shown any genuine concern for her and she gazed at him in astonishment. ‘I’m quite well, thank you.’

  Rosa pulled her into the carriage. ‘No she isn’t, Kit. If you had any sensibility you’d see that she’s upset. Mrs Kendall passed on some disturbing news.’

  He climbed in and tapped the roof with his cane. ‘Drive on.’ He took a seat opposite them. ‘What did she say?’

  Rosa leaned towards him. ‘She said that Stella’s mother acted as hostess to the wild parties that went on in the caves, and that a village girl lost her life during one of them. Mrs Kendall said that Jacinta left that night and hasn’t been seen since.’

  ‘You’re exaggerating as usual, Rosa.’

  ‘No, on my honour, it’s true. Isn’t it, Stella?’

  ‘It’s what Mrs Kendall told us.’

  ‘Our uncle has disgraced the family name and I won’t rest until he’s shown up as the criminal he undoubtedly is.’ Kit leaned back against the squabs, and once again his gaze rested on Stella. ‘I am truly sorry about your mother, but she’s better off away from our uncle’s clutches.’

  ‘We’ll help you find her, Stella. We were always on your side,’ Rosa said earnestly. ‘And now more than ever. Isn’t that so, Kit?’

  He reached out to take Stella’s hand in his. ‘I’ve been so wrapped up in my own affairs that I haven’t given your problems much thought, but things are going to be different from now on, Stella. We’re all in this together.’

  They arrived back in Fleur-de-Lis Street an hour later. Kit unlocked the front door. ‘I’m going straight to the courthouse,’ he said, ushering Rosa and Stella inside. ‘I’ve been playing at being a lawyer so far, but things have to change if I’m to win this case.’ He touched Stella lightly on the shoulder. ‘Don’t worry. One way or another we’ll find your mother, and oust my uncle from Heron Park at the same time.’ He winked and flicked the brim of his top hat with his fingers. ‘Don’t wait up for me, girls. I might not be home until the small hours.’ He stepped out into the street, closing the door behind him.

  ‘I wish he would come home early for once,’ Rosa said, sighing as she undid the ribbons on her bonnet. ‘I’m afraid he keeps bad company.’

  Stella jumped at the sound of someone banging on the doorknocker. ‘Maybe he’s forgotten something.’ She opened the door and was pushed violently against the wall as Ronald burst into the house.

  ‘Where is she? I should have done away with the old witch years ago. Where is she? I’m going to kill her this time.’

  ‘Stop shouting,’ Stella said angrily. ‘You ought to be grateful that we took her in.’

  ‘Grateful?’ His voice rose to a high-pitched squeak. ‘She’s put the finger on me. I’ve had a private detective poking his nose into my business.’ He made as if to open the parlour door but Stella barred his way.

  ‘You’re not going anywhere near her. She’s improved while she’s been here and I don’t want you to frighten her out of her wits.’

  ‘She’s intent on making trouble for me. I want her somewhere I can keep an eye on the old baggage.’

  ‘Go away or I’ll call the police and you’ll be in even worse trouble. I know what happened to my mother and you’re to blame.’

  He grabbed her by the throat. ‘I should have done the same with you.’ He thrust her out of the way and wrenched the door open. ‘Come, Stepmother. I’m taking you home.’

  Maud opened her eyes and screamed, sending Timmy spiralling up in the air to land at her feet with his fur standing on end and his claws sticking out like tiny stilettos. Stella recovered her balance and made a grab at Ronald but he pushed her away. ‘Get up, you pathetic creature. You’re coming with me.’

  Rosa rushed into the room, white-faced and trembling. ‘Leave her alone, you bully.’

  ‘He wants to take Maud away. He’s mad, Rosa. Run and fetch a constable.’

  Ronald rounded on them. ‘You’ll do nothing of the sort. I’ll snap the old girl’s neck in two if you make so much as a move towards the door.’ He turned to Maud and seized her by the shoulders, shaking her until her mobcap fell off and her grey hair tumbled about her shoulders in a tangled mass.

  Stella picked up a stool and brought it crashing down on his back. He lurched forward but managed to regain his balance and he spun round with a howl of rage. He took a swing at her but she managed to dodge his fist. She put her head down and butted him in the stomach. This time he fell to the floor, winded and gasping for breath. Rosa fled from the room, screaming for help. Stella faced Ronald, forcing herself to appear calm when inwardly she was quaking. ‘Get up and get out of here, unless you want to explain to a constable why you were threatening three helpless women.’

  Ronald staggered to his feet, clutching his belly. ‘You little bitch,’ he gasped. ‘I haven’t done with you yet, or her.’ He jerked his head in Maud’s direction but she had covered her face with her shawl and was sobbing hysterically. ‘I’ll make you both suffer for this.’

  ‘Help! Police!’ Rosa’s voice floated in from the street.

  Ronald lurched from the room, pushing past Stella, who stood her ground even though her knees were trembling. She could hear him swearing volubly, and then the front door banged and Rosa rushed into the room. ‘Are you all right, Stella?’

  ‘Yes, but he’ll be back. He’s a dangerous man.’ Stella sank down on the nearest chair. ‘We’ve got to get Maud away from here. We can’t watch her every minute of the day.’

  Rosa hurried to Maud’s side and gently drew back the shawl. ‘He’s gone, Mrs Clifford. We won’t let him harm you.’

  Stella rose shakily to her feet. ‘We need to tell Kit what’s ha
ppened and the archangel too. It was his investigation that led to this, Rosa. That’s what alerted Ronald to the fact that we’ve discovered his illicit trade in human flesh. If I were a man I’d beat him to a pulp. I wonder how many women he’s sold into virtual slavery.’

  ‘The law will deal with him,’ Rosa said softly. ‘But in the meantime we must put our heads together and decide what’s best for Mrs Clifford. She mustn’t be upset like this.’

  ‘Poor Timmy,’ Maud said, bending down to pick the cat up in her arms. ‘Did the nasty man frighten you?’ She sat crooning and stroking the animal. ‘Is it nearly teatime, Jacinta? I’d like a slice of fruit cake and a cup of Earl Grey if it’s no trouble.’

  ‘Of course, Aunt Maud. I’ll go and put the kettle on.’ Stella backed out of the room, beckoning to Rosa. ‘She’s forgotten it already. Thank goodness for that, but I must get her away from here.’

  ‘Where would you take her?’

  Stella thought for a moment. ‘Perhaps the convent would give her sanctuary until we can sort this mess out once and for all. Belinda will remember Aunt Maud, so maybe it would help her too.’

  ‘Always providing the nuns would be willing to take Maud in.’

  ‘There’s only one way to find out.’

  Chapter Twelve

  STELLA HAD NOT thought to be back in Essex so quickly, but it was imperative to get Maud to a place of safety. She had no doubt that Ronald was now a desperate man and would carry out his threat to silence the person whose evidence could send him to prison for a very long time. Both Kit and the archangel had agreed that it was the best course of action and next day, with Rosa’s help, Stella managed to get Maud to the station and they boarded the train which would take them to Romford. It took their combined efforts to keep Maud calm during the journey as she sat clutching the cat basket with an irate Timmy imprisoned inside.

  If getting on the train had been difficult, getting off at their destination proved even more problematic. Maud had fallen asleep, aided by a generous tot of brandy which was administered in an attempt to calm her nerves, but Timmy had continued to howl, much to the annoyance of their fellow passengers. Rosa alighted onto the platform and held her hand up to take the basket, but Timmy had managed to get one paw through the wicker bars and was lashing out with the ferocity of a wild cat. Stella had awakened Maud and was attempting to get her onto the platform but they had become stuck in the doorway and could move neither backward nor forward.