Harlequin Historical May 2021--Box Set 1 of 2 Page 17

  Just as she was approaching Lady McBinnie’s chair a servant opened the door and announced in a voice devoid of emotion, ‘Mr John Lauder.’

  Maddie’s heart sank at the thought of meeting another stranger, someone else to fool with lies and false smiles. She turned towards the door, but the look of polite interest she had assumed froze on her face when Grant stepped into the room.

  Her heart began to thud so hard she could not have spoken, even if she had wished to do so. In fact, it was as much as she could do not to collapse in a dead faint. She put a hand on the nearby mantelshelf to steady herself as she watched Grant sweep off his hat and bow low to Lady McBinnie, begging her pardon for arriving so late.

  ‘Think nothing of it, sir.’ Sir Edmund came forward before his stunned wife could frame a suitable reply. ‘We are only glad that you are here safely and we can easily accommodate another guest at dinner.’ He dismissed the footman with a nod and turned to Madeleine. ‘Well, my dear, how happy you must be to see your betrothed.’

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Betrothed? What madness was this now! Madeleine could feel the colour ebbing and flowing in her cheeks. Grant came up and reached for her hand, giving it a tiny squeeze as he lifted it to his lips. She must not betray him to the two officers, who were watching the little charade with great interest.

  ‘I am, of course, delighted.’ She strained her memory to recall how the servant had announced him. ‘But, John, what are you doing here?’

  ‘I have come to bring you word of your parents.’ He smiled at her. ‘The good news is they are both well and—no, before we go into that, I see Sir Edmund is waiting to present me to his guests.’

  There was a roguish twinkle in his eyes and Maddie did not know whether to be relieved or irritated to see how at ease he was in this masquerade, how much he was enjoying himself. Just like Papa, she thought bitterly, as he turned away to make his bow to the two officers. So nonchalant, as if he had not a care in the world!

  Grant looked every inch a gentleman of means in a burgundy frock coat of fine wool decorated with gold embroidery and, apart from a trace of tightness in the sleeve, there was no sign of any injury. The coat and matching waistcoat threw into stark relief the snowy linen at his throat and the candlelight sparked red fire in his auburn hair, which was brushed back and tied with a black ribbon.

  She listened intently as he answered the Major’s questions. Papa had often been obliged to fabricate a history on the spur of the moment, becoming at various times such diverse characters as a rich landowner from Bergerac, a fashionable gentleman of Paris or even an inky-fingered scholar. Now she paid close attention to what Grant was saying. No, his journey here from Perth had been quite trouble free and, yes, he had been extremely fortunate not to meet with brigands or rebels wishing to relieve him of his purse, although he made it plain that it had cost him a pretty penny along the way.

  * * *

  While this conversation was going on Sir Edmund moved closer to Madeleine, keeping his back to the room and staring down into the fire as he murmured an apology.

  ‘I beg your pardon, my dear. I had no opportunity to warn you of this. Rathmore and I agreed everything last evening.’

  She gave the faintest of nods, her thoughts racing. Where had Grant spent the night, how had he obtained such fine clothes? Was his arm paining him? She must appear calm and at ease. She had been in similar situations before, with Papa, during their wanderings in Europe and she knew a cool head was essential. Although heaven knew where all this was going.

  It was Major Rutter who asked the question she most wanted answered.

  ‘And now you are here, Mr Lauder, what is your purpose?’

  ‘Firstly, to tell Miss Dewar that it has pleased God to spare her parents. They are quite well, as is the rest of the household.’

  ‘I am sure we are all delighted to hear it.’ The Major’s tone was polite, but Madeleine knew he was on the alert. ‘But you have travelled, what, a hundred miles or more. Quite an undertaking, sir, when surely a letter would have sufficed.’

  ‘Ah, but there is more.’ Grant showed no sign of being discomposed. He merely smiled and bowed towards Madeleine. ‘I am come to escort Miss Dewar back to Perth. We shall leave in the morning.’

  ‘So soon?’ the Colonel spoke up.

  ‘Now the panic has subsided it is clear that the infection has been contained and the danger is far less than anticipated,’ came the smooth reply. Grant turned towards Maddie. ‘Your father was quite distraught after you left. He is eager for your immediate return.’

  ‘Surely that cannot be wise,’ objected the Colonel. ‘Smallpox is the very devil, you know. The lady must not put her own health in danger.’

  ‘Oh, I will not be taking Miss Dewar to her own house. That is not possible until the doctor has declared the whole village clear of the infection. No, I am taking her to live with me.’ He glanced at the two officers. ‘My estate is a few miles away, you see. Quite free from risk, but close enough for me to drive Miss Dewar over to see her parents regularly. She may talk to them from my carriage. They can assure one another that all is well.’

  It was Madeleine’s turn to object. So far Grant had had things all his own way. She fluttered her fan and feigned a modest hesitation.

  ‘That is all very well, sir, but to stay with you, without even my maid! Such a breach of propriety...’

  His eyes glinted appreciatively.

  ‘I have housemaids in abundance—you may choose any one of them to wait upon you. And my housekeeper will be there to play chaperon.’

  ‘Perhaps Lady McBinnie could spare a maid to accompany you on the journey,’ suggested the Colonel. ‘After all, you will be obliged to spend several nights on the road.’

  ‘But then the poor girl would be obliged to return alone,’ argued Grant. ‘And think of the dangers to a female travelling without protection. What say you, my dear?’

  Maddie swallowed. ‘I am sure no one could object to my making the journey with my betrothed.’

  ‘Exactly. Your maidenly honour will be perfectly safe with me.’

  His smooth words hung in the air. Maddie kept her eyes upon him, smiling all the time. Major Rutter was listening carefully and she breathed a tiny sigh of relief when Lady McBinnie fluttered to her feet and released the tension with a few commonplace words.

  ‘Well, well, that is settled then. Shall we go in to dinner?’

  * * *

  Madeleine would never remember the food on her plate that evening. She made a pretence of eating and joined in the conversation, but all the time she was on edge, waiting for one of the officers to declare that Grant was a fraud. She did not know what to feel when Lady McBinnie declared the betrothed couple must sit together at dinner. She would be able to help disguise the fact that Grant did not yet have full use of his left arm, but it would be sheer torture to be sitting so close and not be free to say what she wanted, to ask him all the questions that were buzzing around in her head.

  When they took their places at the table she found Major Rutter was on her left, the Colonel sitting opposite. Maddie and the McBinnies did their best to distract attention from the new guest and kept the conversation flowing with uncontentious topics until it was time for the ladies to withdraw.

  As soon as they were alone in the drawing room, Lady McBinnie’s smile slipped and she sank, exhausted, on to a chair.

  ‘Thank heaven that is over. I have never been more on edge in my life!’

  ‘But we managed it, Mama,’ said Anne, sitting down beside Maddie on the sofa. ‘You must admit it was quite ingenious.’

  ‘Ingenious! How dare Edmund and young Rathmore play such a trick and never a word to me! I could cheerfully strangle them both.’

  Madeleine had been thinking very much the same, but the lady’s uncharacteristic outburst went some way towards soothing her own anger a
nd she responded mildly.

  ‘They clearly thought we could be relied upon not to panic. And Grant means to carry me away tomorrow, so that will be a relief to everyone.’

  ‘It certainly solves the problem of how to get you out of the house,’ agreed my lady. ‘But my nerves are in shreds! I only hope we can maintain this charade for the rest of the evening.’

  Anne shrugged. ‘Perhaps Grant will plead fatigue after his journey and go directly to bed.’

  * * *

  It had been said with more hope than expectation and Madeleine was not surprised when she saw him come in with the other gentlemen a short while later. Lady McBinnie suggested her daughter should play the harp for their guests and, when Anne moved across to the instrument, Grant took her place on the sofa beside Madeleine.

  ‘No one will be surprised if we put our heads together,’ he murmured. ‘It would surely be expected of two people very much in love.’

  ‘I have not yet forgiven you for springing this surprise upon me,’ she told him, under the cover of a glittering smile.

  ‘Ah, yes. That was unfortunate and I am sorry for it. If Sir Edmund had not been called away unexpectedly today, he would have explained everything.’ He reached out for her hand and lifted it to his lips. ‘However, I knew you would not let me down.’

  ‘Oh, pray be careful,’ she whispered, blushing furiously. ‘Major Rutter is watching us.’

  Grant glanced across the room.

  ‘He is, but he will think your maidenly confusion perfectly normal, between lovers.’

  That made her even more self-conscious and she hissed at him to desist.

  Grant laughed gently and sat back, to all appearances his attention fixed upon the music. So far his plan was working admirably. Credit must go to his host for his assistance, and Lady McBinnie, too, had risen splendidly to the challenge. And Madeleine, well, he had never doubted she would play her part.

  The last notes of the harp died away and after a burst of applause Anne rose from the stool and invited Madeleine to take a turn.

  ‘I am sure we would all like to hear you play, Cousin.’

  Immediately Grant was on the alert, but Maddie did not disappoint him. She moved gracefully to the instrument and as her fingers began to pluck at the strings he relaxed. Naturally, she could play. How could he have doubted that her education would include the learning of any number of musical instruments?

  She began with a lively jig, followed by a French air, slow and haunting. His mind wandered back to happier times, sitting in the comfortable drawing room at Ardvarrick while his mother played on the clàrsach that had been handed down through her family for generations. He closed his eyes, listening to the soft, poignant melody and remembering the unmistakeable glow of love in his father’s eyes as he watched his wife pluck at the silver strings. Father always maintained it was her playing that had saved his life, given him the will to live when he was dangerously ill. Perhaps it was true. Grant had to admit the music had the power to soothe him, to make him forget the horrors of the past months.

  Feeling more relaxed, Grant opened his eyes, knowing he must not drop his guard too much. He looked across at Madeleine, admiring the way she continued to play so beautifully. There was no sign of nerves or agitation. She even had time to glance up and smile occasionally.

  He had known she could be cool in a crisis, but his admiration for her grew with every passing hour, especially the calm way she dealt with the dangers of sharing a house with two British officers. The Major’s blatant admiration could have been a real problem, but she handled the situation with such charm and delicacy that the fellow’s pride was not bruised.

  He felt his smile growing as he watched her. There was no need to be anxious for Miss Madeleine d’Evremont. He would escort her to France, place her into the care of her father’s people and then he could forget her. His job would be done and they need never see one another again. Grant knew it was best for everyone concerned, so why did the thought leave him so dissatisfied? He had convinced himself that that was what he wanted, but now...

  The notes of the harp died away and, mechanically, Grant joined in the applause.

  ‘Excellent,’ declared Colonel Sowton. ‘Capital performances from both the young ladies. And Miss Dewar, I believe you have moved Mr Lauder with that last piece. Why, he looks as solemn as a judge! It was very affecting, was it not, sir?’

  ‘What?’ Grant wrenched his thoughts back to the present. ‘Yes, yes. It is a long time since anything moved me so much.’

  He was relieved of the necessity of saying more by the entrance of servants with refreshments, which they laid out on the sideboard. For a while conversation consisted of only compliments on the cakes and the excellence of the wine until a chance remark by Lady McBinnie caused Major Rutter to remember that two of the party were leaving in the morning.

  ‘You really should not travel without an escort,’ he remarked. ‘I cannot like the thought of you riding off alone. I shall order some of my men to accompany you, at least as far as Inverness.’

  ‘Ah, that is so very kind, sir,’ replied Madeleine, not missing a beat. ‘However, we could not possibly take your Dragoons from their duties. After all, it is your patrols of this area that make it quite safe for everyone to travel.’

  ‘It will be no trouble, Miss Dewar,’ replied the Major, in a voice that brooked no dissent. ‘I insist upon providing you with an escort. I am sure Sir Edmund would agree with me?’

  It was an impasse and one Madeleine could see no way to overcome. She was still trying to decide how best to respond when the Colonel sat forward in his chair.

  ‘I tell you what we can do!’ he declared. ‘If you will delay your departure but one more day, the Major and I will be going to Fort George for fresh orders. It is barely twenty miles, but it will set you well on your way. I shall also give you a letter of introduction to the next garrison on your way south. That should help to smooth your passage back to Perth.’

  ‘Why Colonel, you are too kind,’ she told him. ‘But, truly, we must not trouble you.’

  ‘No, no, that is an excellent suggestion,’ said Grant, contradicting her. ‘We would be delighted to ride with you as far as Fort George, Colonel.’

  Not by the flutter of an eyelash did Madeleine betray her dismay at this change to their plans. She inclined her head and gave Colonel Sowton her brightest smile.

  ‘Then it is all settled. I am sure we shall feel much safer travelling with you.’

  The matter being decided, Lady McBinnie gently directed her guests’ attention back to the refreshments but Maddie felt drained by the events of the past few hours and soon announced that she would go to bed.

  ‘Allow me to escort you.’ Grant jumped to his feet. ‘I am about to retire, too.’

  ‘An excellent idea, Mr Lauder,’ agreed their hostess, waving them away. ‘I am sure you must be quite fatigued after your journey.’ She added, before the door had quite closed behind them, ‘And it will give them a few moments to speak privately, which I have no doubt they will enjoy...’

  ‘I am not so sure of that,’ murmured Grant as they set off up the stairs. ‘I have the distinct feeling that you are going to rip up at me.’

  ‘And why should I do that?’ she asked him, honey-sweet.

  ‘Because I did not consult you on any of this.’

  He was perfectly correct that she was cross with him, but his honesty disarmed her.

  ‘You have been astoundingly high-handed!’ she told him, trying to sound angry.

  ‘I have indeed,’ came the meek response. ‘I beg your pardon. Most humbly.’

  ‘There is nothing humble about you!’

  ‘No, alas. You are correct again.’

  Maddie could not help it. She laughed, destroying the effect of her earlier severity.

  ‘Ah, good.’ He smiled at her. ‘You
are not in a rage with me.’

  ‘No, not now, but I confess, when you walked in upon us, all unexpected, I was ready to drop!’

  ‘You rose to the occasion magnificently. As I knew you would.’

  ‘Enough of your flummery, sir, let us be serious. I wish the Colonel had not offered to escort us to Fort George.’

  ‘Yes, it is hours out of our way, but it would look highly suspicious if we were to refuse the offer. But despite that, I shall get you to your rendezvous on time, never fear.

  They had reached the door of her room and she stopped, peering up at him through the gloom.

  ‘Do you still intend to cross to France with me?’

  ‘Yes. There is nothing for me here.’

  He sounded so bleak that she reached out and put her hand on his chest.

  ‘Oh, Grant, I am so sorry.’

  It was an instinctive gesture, but it resulted in a sudden, shocking awareness that they were alone. He was standing so close and she wanted to cling to him, to turn her face up to his and invite him to drive every thought from her mind with his kiss. Moments ago they had been entirely comfortable in each other’s company but now his proximity felt extremely dangerous.

  Simultaneously they stepped apart, Maddie withdrawing her hand as if he had burnt her, while Grant shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat.

  ‘Goodnight, Madeleine.’

  With the smallest of bows, he was gone.

  Maddie went into her room and turned the key in the lock with trembling fingers. She stood for a moment, staring at the wooden panels, waiting for the tumultuous thudding of her heart to subside. Why did he have this effect upon her? One moment they were friends, talking easily together, teasing one another. The next they were literally panting for each other. It took so little to spark their desire, a look, a touch.