The Dangerous Lord Darrington

‘So she has a lover,’ said Davey, shrugging. ‘That is not so un usual.’

‘No, I don’t think that is it,’ said Guy slowly. ‘When I discovered her last night she looked truly terrified. And little things do not add up, such as telling me she is making poultices for a lame mare when the groom knows nothing about it, and strange noises in the middle of the night.’

‘Perhaps she keeps her husband locked up in the dungeons,’ declared Davey, his lips twitching. ‘I fear you have been reading too many Gothic novels, my friend. Perhaps you should accept the fact that Mrs Forrester is not enamoured of the great Lord Darrington.’

‘I am not such a coxcomb,’ protested Guy. ‘No, there is some mystery here and I want to get to the bottom of it.’

Beth soon realised that she was the only member of the household who was unhappy at the doctor’s verdict. Lady Arabella declared herself delighted to have company at the Priory, especially since the earl was content to while away an hour or two each evening playing backgammon with her. Beth was disappointed that Sophie did not share her anxieties. Although she did not neglect any of her duties, Sophie spent all her spare time with Mr Davies, entertaining him with card games and word puzzles or reading to him. After two days of this behaviour Beth tried to remonstrate with her, pointing out that all the time she spent with Mr Davies left the earl with nothing to do but to wander about the Priory.

‘I have hinted to him that he might as well go home and leave Mr Davies to us, but he will not.’ She twisted her hands together. ‘I fear he suspects something.’

‘Oh, nonsense, you are in a panic over nothing,’ replied Sophie. They were alone in the library and she was running her fingers along the spines of the books, searching for a title.

‘He is forever asking questions.’

‘He is merely taking an interest, as any guest would. Besides, he will not trouble us today. He has gone out riding and is not expected to return until dinnertime.’ Sophie pulled out a book. ‘Vathek—I wonder if Mr Davies would like Mr Beckford’s novel?’

Beth regarded her with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. ‘I do not think it matters, as long as you are the one reading it.’

‘No, I am sure that is not true,’ said Sophie, blushing a little. ‘He … he is a very pleasant gentleman, do you not think so?’

‘Excessively,’ declared Beth. ‘But he must do without you for a little while, because I am expecting Miles to call this afternoon and I will not be able to read to Grandmama, so I will be obliged if you will do so. And I need you to make up another poultice.’

Sophie’s expression immediately became anxious. ‘Could we not take Dr Compton into our confidence?’

‘No, I dare not do that. We must keep our secret as long as we can. Besides, I do not think he is so bad as he was and I hope, with careful nursing, we will bring him through.’

Sophie gripped her hands. ‘You know I am only too happy to help where I can. I will go down for an hour before I read to Grandmama. But you will not object if I read a little to Mr Davies after that?’

Having given her assurances, Beth watched her sister dance out of the room. To be sure, the idea of a burgeoning romance between Sophie and Mr Davies was a little worrying, but it was good to see Sophie smiling again, despite all the anxiety that hung over them.

Perversely, when Miles Radworth called and showed every inclination to sympathise with her for having Mr Davies and the earl with her for at least another week, Beth found herself making light of the matter.

‘Ah, it is your sweet nature that makes you so compliant,’ said Miles, raising her hand to his lips. ‘I do not like the idea of you being here on your own.’

‘But I am not on my own,’ she protested. ‘And there is no denying that the earl is very good with Grandmama. He takes her for a gentle airing in the grounds on sunny days and entertains her royally each evening. And even Sophie is proving useful, reading to Mr Davies and keeping him amused.’

‘I wish you would let me stay, at least while the earl is in the house.’

‘No, Miles, especially not while Lord Darrington is here!’

‘You are thinking of my behaviour the other day,’ he said ruefully. ‘Will you not accept my apology for that?’

‘I have already done so, but since you declare it was jealousy that made you lose your head, I think it best if you spend as little time as possible here at the moment.’ She smiled at him. ‘Now, my dear, if you want to please me, take me for a stroll about the gardens, for I have been cooped up in the house all day!’

They spent a pleasant hour walking through the grounds of the Priory and Miles exerted himself so much to please that Beth found her anxieties about her forthcoming marriage fading. They were making their way back to the house when they encountered Lord Darrington coming from the stables.