My Earl the Spy (8 page)

Milly flushed with pleasure. Paper was so expensive, she had resigned herself to drawing very little over the coming years; Charles had indulged her by keeping her supplied with paper while she stayed with him; he always explained it away by saying she had saved him a fortune by painting his portrait. Now though, she would have enough paper to draw to her heart’s content.

“Thank you, My Lord,” she whispered, genuinely touched. “You have been too kind.”

“Not at all. You have real talent; I didn’t want you getting lazy and not using it,” Henry responded softly. He had surprised himself at how much pleasure had flooded his body at the sight of her delight; anyone would have thought he had given her jewels.

“How long do you stay, My Lord?” Mrs Connor asked, having been quiet throughout the exchange of gifts, but fully aware of exactly what had been given; that information would be retold when she left the house.

“I’m not quite sure as yet. I’m waiting for some communication from a friend before I continue, so my plans are flexible at the moment,” Henry lied. He would stay until he was sure that Milly was safe; beyond that he had not considered.

“I hope you will be around to enjoy a little party we are having on Thursday,” Mrs Connor gushed. “It is only a small affair, but I believe the local families enjoy themselves at my home.”

“I would be delighted,” Henry responded, with a winning smile. “And if you are not already taken, I would like to secure the first two dances with you, Miss Holland.”

The look of disappointment on Mrs Connor’s face was almost comical, but Henry schooled his features, turning to Milly waiting for her response.

“I am not already engaged, My Lord.”

“Good, that is settled then! And I warn you ladies, I shall be looking to the married ladies for a dance or two; there’ll be no hiding with the chaperones from me!” Henry said, making Mrs Holland blush with his smile.

“As I’m the same age as Miss Holland, I’m not seen as quite beyond my dancing days just yet, My Lord,” Mrs Connor said, a trifle indignant. She stood, preparing to leave. “I shall see you all on the morrow, I am sure. Good day to you all.”

Mrs Holland walked Mrs Connor to the door, enjoying seeing the annoyance on the woman’s face at being considered an old married woman. Mrs Holland had been made to feel lowly since her folly had been made so public, and she was not about to let an opportunity pass by for feeling at least on an equal footing with Mrs Connor.

“My Lord, that was a wicked thing to do!” Milly whispered, but her voice held a laugh.

“I couldn’t resist,” Henry responded. “Sometimes people should really be aware of their every expression; they give so much away, and it seems a shame not to enjoy their foolishness. Surely you can allow me some amusement, Miss Holland?”

“I suppose this once I can allow it, especially as she will now be all over town, telling everyone about our unexpected visitor and his extravagant gifts; yes, I can definitely allow a little leeway,” Milly acknowledged. “But be careful, she is one of the top members of our society.”

“I won’t upset her enough that she would take out her spite on you,” Henry responded with feeling. She had been upset and put at risk too much already because of his actions.

“She won’t have much time to take anything out on me, but I worry about her cutting tongue being used against Mother. If all goes to plan, I shall be leaving in two weeks.”

“Leaving? Why on earth would you be leaving? Are you returning to your cousin?” Henry asked in surprise.

“I’m travelling to Ireland to be a lady’s companion,” Milly said. It was more for her own sanity that she was uttering the words. Seeing him had sent her heart in a number of flights of fancy; a flicker of hope had ignited that he might have visited to see her. Saying the words out loud reminded her that they were completely different people with no real possibility of a permanent connection.

In her own turmoil, she failed to notice the paling of Henry’s face.

Henry had felt his stomach lurch at the thought of her travelling overseas and out of his life forever. He was torn between anger that she would consider what was, in his eyes, such a foolish plan and the fact that he would never see her sparkling grey eyes again.

“Ireland, Miss Holland? You can’t go to Ireland!” Henry spluttered, surprising both Milly and himself at the force of his words. “I’ll never see you again!”

Chapter 9

Mrs Holland returned to the drawing room very pleased that the afternoon had turned out so well. It was a shame that Lord Grinstead looked a little out of sorts and soon made his excuses and left, although he had visited for far longer than was usual.

“I do hope you have a suitable gown for the ball. I expect Lord Grinstead is used to seeing only the finest of materials,” Mrs Holland fretted when their guest had gone.

“As he’s danced with me previously, I’m sure my attire will be acceptable,” Milly responded a little sharply. She did not wish to give her mother false hope that his visit was anything other than a coincidence, and it was becoming wearing that Milly was constantly a disappointment to her parent. She would not normally snap at anyone, in fact, but the way Henry had responded to her news had confused her even more.

The following morning Milly came out of the post office, having sent off a letter confirming her attendance at the planned meeting in Guildford when her breath caught in her throat. Riding down the road towards her was Henry on a large chestnut coloured horse, his brown frockcoat almost blending into the skin of the horse where it touched. The picture was perfect; rider and animal in harmony with each other. It was a sight that Milly would love to reproduce on paper.

She swallowed, her mouth going suddenly dry as Henry dismounted. They bowed and curtseyed, and Henry fell into step beside her, leading the horse with his left hand and offering his right arm to Milly.

“May I accompany you, Miss Holland?”

“I was only returning home, but you are welcome to join me,” Milly responded, placing her hand on his offered arm. It was good to be in contact with his body even though it was only his arm. Even that seemed strong and sure, something she noticed about Henry: he was always so strong, it was reassuring. Then she shook herself at her own foolish thoughts ̶ when had this change taken place within her? Not so very long ago she was cursing him to the devil. She silently cursed her fickleness and inconsistency.

“Is there a longer way to walk? It would be pleasant to stay outdoors where we can talk privately.” Henry had to impart the news that she was potentially at some risk, although he was not convinced Joshua would seek her out so far from London.

“That sounds ominous.”

“Before we start, I’d like to ask you why on earth you are going to Ireland,” Henry asked, voicing the words that had been bothering him since he had left her home the previous afternoon.

“It’s not yet decided, but there is a companion’s position available with a young widow. It means I won’t have to become the servant of an elderly lady, of which I could not be enthusiastic,” Milly responded honestly.

“I’m surprised you wish to be anyone’s companion. Why not stay at home?”

“I’m not in the fortunate position of having an independent income, My Lord,” Milly responded, her tone a little defensive.

“It’s an impertinent question, I realise that, Miss Holland, but did your father not leave you any funds?” Henry asked, his tone gentle.

Milly sighed; she hated revealing her straitened circumstances, but he was no fool and had probably guessed much of her situation. “My father left nothing but debt. If it wasn’t for Charles’ kind support, we would be in a far worse position than we are now. He pays for my mother’s home, my two brothers’ schooling and has kept me for the last four years. No, there were no funds to provide a security blanket at Father’s demise.”

“It must have been hard moving out of your family home.”

“It was, and it was made worse at the time because of other circumstances which are irrelevant today. So, you see, My Lord, I need to earn my keep, and this is a perfect solution.”

“What is your mother’s opinion on the matter?”

“My mother isn’t yet aware of my application but has encouraged me to obtain a position as soon as possible. As she points out regularly, she can’t afford to keep me.” Milly did not use the words to instigate sympathy, but she saw a tensing of Henry’s face. “It is a fact of life that single women are a burden, My Lord. Do not think I am wallowing in self-pity, for I am not.”

“I think I would be in your position,” Henry responded honestly.

“In that case, it’s a good thing that our positions are different,” Milly responded with a smile.

“But Ireland? Why Ireland?” Henry asked.

Before Milly had the opportunity to respond, she saw Sarah at a distance and started to smile. Henry noticed the smile and looked at the woman approaching them. “What’s amusing you so much, Miss Holland?”

“The fact that I’m going to be providing gossip for my very good friend,” Milly responded in merriment just as Sarah reached them. She watched Sarah assessing Henry, immediately realising who he was and was amused at the speculative look in her friend’s eye.

Milly performed the introductions and, after Sarah had curtseyed, she smiled at Henry. “Ah, so you are the gentleman that Mrs Connor says comes bearing gifts when he visits, My Lord. Feel free to visit me anytime and, in fact if you wish to take away a gift, I have many children you could choose from. I’m sure my husband would not notice if one or two went missing.”

Henry laughed at Sarah’s words. “I thought all ladies doted on their children, Mrs Hastings?”

“I do, I’d just prefer sometimes to dote on them at a distance!”

“Do not listen to her; her house is the most welcoming in the town,” Milly interjected.

“You would make me out a liar in front of his Lordship, Milly. Now, you know the only way I can prove my words to be true is by showing him exactly what I mean. If you would both like to, please come and take tea with me. I don’t live very far from here, My Lord.”

“Miss Holland?” Henry asked, needing to speak to Milly further, but wanting to enjoy his time with her as well and not wishing to pass up an opportunity of seeing her at her most relaxed.

“I usually call in on my way home, so as long as we aren’t keeping you from anything important, I’m happy to visit,” Milly responded.

“I’m a tourist here, Miss Holland, so lead on, my time is yours!” Henry responded gallantly.

The threesome walked to Sarah’s town house, and Henry handed his horse to a male member of staff. There was a small stable at the rear of the house, which was perfect to provide food and cover whilst Henry was socialising.

Henry smiled as he watched the two ladies. He had never stepped foot into a house like Mrs Hastings’ before. The children were almost allowed free run of the house and had all run into the hallway to say their hellos when the group arrived.

Henry smiled down at the high-speed bundles flinging themselves at Milly and Sarah. They were a little more restrained with him, but only just. He looked down at the grinning child, just out of leading strings who was attached to his leg for support. The child seemed unconcerned at the unresponsive Henry.

A thought struck Henry; not so very long ago he would probably have shaken off the child in disgust that he might dirty his breeches or his boots, but looking from the child to Milly while wearing an expression of bemusement, he started to laugh. Something had happened to the great Henry, Earl of Grinstead, but he pushed the thought to one side, enjoying the fun and noise.

Eventually, they had extracted themselves from the children, who soon ascended the stairs and disappeared from sight. Noise could still be heard from the children’s play, but it was dulled by the separation of two floors. Sarah led the way into a comfortable drawing room and settled her guests while refreshments were brought in. She poured tea and handed the cups around before settling herself onto an overstuffed chair.

“You said that you are a tourist, My Lord. What sights are you hoping to see?” Sarah asked the moment she was happy that her guests had everything they needed.

“I was hoping to secure a guide who would show me the delights of the area,” Henry said, with a pointed look at Milly.

Milly flushed slightly, knowing that Sarah would be enjoying her discomfort, as only a close friend could. “I’m sure I could spend some time showing you the local areas, although I’m sure you’ve mentioned that you’ve visited before,” Milly responded a little tartly as she could see he was enjoying her discomfort.

“But never with such a willing guide! It’s always best to be escorted by someone who knows the area so well and is such good company,” Henry responded teasingly.

Sarah and Henry both laughed at Milly’s harrumph.

*

Henry insisted on walking Milly home after their visit and asked again if they could walk somewhere a little private. Milly led the way into a small wooded copse that skirted the edge of the village.

“We can see anyone approaching, although I would rather not spend too long in here. I don’t like giving the gossips too much pleasure,” Milly said, pausing at a fallen tree trunk and carefully leaning against it.

“If there was another way of having this conversation I would choose it, but I feel your mother would not leave us alone for long enough.”

“What is it that is so important?”

“I feel like the worse type of bounder, Miss Holland, I really do. You are in this situation because of me; and I can only apologise,” Henry started.

Milly waited until Henry composed himself enough to tell her the full story. She could see he was agitated and was a little surprised at the emotion. When they had first met she would have sworn that he had no decent feelings.

Flowery words deserted Henry for the first time in his life. He had to be honest rather than behaving in his usual way. “Joshua Shambles knows who is behind the picture that is now circulating the underworld of London and, unsurprisingly, he isn’t happy about the fact. I needed to let you know in order that you are on your guard and assure you that I’m here to protect you.” Henry felt distinctly peculiar as he uttered the words. He did so want to protect her but was not convinced that it was as a result of the threat from Joshua. He began to question the effect Milly had on him; she moved him in ways he had never been affected before.

If Henry expected Milly to respond with fainting, remonstrations or curses, he was to be disappointed. She remained quiet for a few moments before meeting his gaze with her own clear one. “I appreciate your offer of protection and will avail of it. You have made a good case of your reasons for being here to the few people you’ve met. There should be no surprise if you visit here for two weeks and then continue on your travels. I shall also take more care, although I can’t envisage anyone following me here but, hopefully, if a stranger appears, they will be soon seen. I’m sure no one will be distressed at your being in our society; we rarely have Earls visiting our parlours. We are both aware of your ability to convince people you are one thing when in reality you are another.”

Henry thought he could detect a note of bitterness, but it was so soon disguised he was not completely sure. “I’m sorry you have to be inconvenienced because of your involvement with me.”

“I shall be gone in two weeks, so it will be an inconvenience of short duration. Shall we recommence our walk?”

Milly led the way out of the copse more annoyed with herself than she was with Henry. She had allowed her heart to rule her head, and now she felt the fool she was. He had followed her to Farnham not because she attracted him but out of obligation and a sense of duty. Well that had certainly put her in her place; and she would remember her foolishness until she could escape to Ireland and start a new life where no one knew of her foolish heart.

They walked in silence back to Castle Street; Milly was contemplating the importance of speaking to Sarah. They had both read too much into Henry’s visit.

Henry was trying to console himself over the fact that his actions had driven a wedge between them once more. It was clear from her silence that she wished him a hundred miles away; it was a pity that the thought depressed him.

Selfishly, he could take some enjoyment of the need to spend the next two weeks with her, but the fact that she would be leaving at the end of them to travel to another country made him long to stop her somehow. He silently cursed himself; he was a complete cad; she was in danger and had the perfect escape plan, and he wanted to prevent her leaving for his own selfish reasons.

He deserved to be flogged for being so wrapped up in his own needs.