The Lady And The Military Man_Conquer My Heart Read online

  Horace Killock stared at the major's words. His mouth dropped open. The major ignored him and went to the double doors, pulling them open. "Hoy! Fetch Lady Jane's maid – and a bottle of brandy."

  A footman entered, his face red. He blinked at Killock, and stared at Jane, obviously horrified.

  The major, taller than the tall footman by a head, took the footman's arm, and shook him roughly. "Find your senses, man. Fetch my lady's maid at once. Where's the butler who let me in? Oh — there you are. Jones, is it? Jones, see to your mistress."

  Jane looked up at Jones, who stumbled across the drawing room to her. He trembled, his face pale. "My lady?"

  Jane wasn't sure how it had happened, but several hours later, Major Baker-Cornhill had become a guest at the castle. Her sisters had insisted that he take a meal with them, and join them for dinner that night.

  A footman was dispatched to the village to bring the major's luggage, his valet, and his carriage.

  Inevitably, Jane had a reaction to Killock's attack. She retained her equilibrium until she was dressing for dinner. Then she found herself sitting on her bed, shaking, and sobbing. She couldn't seem to stop the flood of tears. Oddly, she didn't feel any particular emotion. She was simply wracked by sobs.

  Her maid stared at her in dismay, and hurried to the door. "I'll fetch the countess, ma'am."

  "No!" Jane managed to call her back. She knew that she had to go down to dinner, and she would. "It's all right Lizzie. Just give me half an hour. I'll be a little late to dinner."

  She thought about her brother's odd reaction to the major. Lord Alex had returned to the castle earlier. He'd arrived in late afternoon, and Jane was glad that Edie was in the kitchens, and that Dorinda was showing the major over the estate.

  She steeled herself to tell her brother about their guest. "Major Baker-Cornhill is here. I travel with him to London tomorrow."

  Alex grinned broadly. "Kelly's here? That's good. I can use his advice on the care of The Pirate. He knows horseflesh." He climbed down from his horse and tossed his reins to a groom.

  Jane frowned at him, then her eyes widened. Alex was pleased? "I know that you are no friend of his, but –"

  "What are you talking about?" He interrupted.

  Jane stared. "I know about the duel."

  "What duel? Oh that… That was years ago, before I knew him. Kelly was at Waterloo, on Wellington's staff …" Alex compressed his lips, and paused for a moment.. "Kendall Baker-Cornhill is a good man. He's the youngest son of the Earl of Branxton, y'know. He's never bothered using his title, and I always liked that about him."

  He strolled into stables to check on The Pirate.

  Jane watched him stroll away, and shook her head. She'd been so worried that he and the major would have another duel, but now it seemed that they were friends.

  Lizzie helped Jane to hide the evidence of her storm of tears, then buttoned her into one of her prettier evening gowns. By the time she arrived in the large salon, the dinner guests had arrived. She'd forgotten that Dorinda had arranged for a small group of family friends to join them on Jane's last evening.

  The guests included three women, ladies from county families, who divided their flirtatious attentions between Lord Alex and the major. Kelly flirted shamelessly. Jane felt rather disgruntled, and told herself not to be foolish when she felt a flash of something that felt like jealousy. She should be pleased that the major was welcome at the Castle.

  Finally the last guests had left, and the major and Lord Alex went out to the stable to look at The Pirate a final time.

  By now, Jane was heartily tired of the horse. On Alex's insistence, the dinner guests had trooped out to the stable before the meal. Dorinda had muttered to her, "the major likes him — maybe the horse will win?"

  Jane was forced to laugh out loud at that. Dorinda glanced at her and they both collapsed in the whoops of laughter. It was a sad fact that Lord Alex never had much luck with horses.

  "It could happen," Jane said, wiping tears of laughter from her face. "The horse could win."

  "Only if he grows wings and learns how to fly." Dorinda linked arms with her. "You are recovered. The major suggested that we wait until you had left for London before we tell Alex that Mr. Killock attacked you… He is bound to call out Mr. Killock. I can't say that that would concern me, but if Alex shot him he would have to leave the country."

  Lizzie had told Jane that Mr. Killock had confronted the major, and that the major had knocked Mr. Killock down. "It happened in the orchard, ma'am… Jones said that Killock tried to get out of fighting, but the major took off his coat and gloves, then shoved him — he was forced to fight. He lost."

  Jane couldn't help feeling a small glow of satisfaction.

  "The major knocked him down twice — then Killock wouldn't get up again." Lizzie grinned. "The major hadn't a hair out of place, but Mr. Killock now has two shining black eyes."

  The next morning, the major's carriage brought Mrs. Fenkirk and Babette Severin to the Castle from the village. Edie took them into the main dining room of the castle to have breakfast.

  Jane spoke to Jones about sending some furniture to a dealer in York. In London, she would call on Mr. Jacoby, who would take some of the better pieces, she hoped.

  Ready to leave, Jane said her final farewells to the staff. Then to her sisters, who both hugged her tightly. Alex was already out on the estate. He'd said good-bye to her when she went up to bed last night.

  Babette and her maid accompanied Mrs. Fenkirk to that lady's carriage, which waited at the front of the house, so that Babette could say her final farewells.

  Lizzie, who would accompany Jane to town, supervised the servants loading bags onto the major's two carriages. "All ready, ma'am," she said to Jane.

  The major was speaking with one of his coachmen, and lifted his hand to Lady Jane and her sisters. "You are well, my lady?" He stared at her searchingly. "We've a long three day journey ahead."

  Jane indicated the footman carrying the paintings. He shrugged when she asked whether the men could load her paintings into the carriage.

  "As you wish… Lady Jane, I have a favor to ask of you. Privately, if I might have a word?"

  She wished her heart wouldn't thump as it always did when she was close to the major. School girl, she silently chided herself. "Certainly," she murmured, and led him to a small room just off the Castle kitchens.

  A favor? Of course she would agree. How could she refuse him — he'd saved her from Mr. Killock.

  She had thought at first, when she came downstairs this morning, that he would be constrained around her. She was ashamed that he'd been forced to rescue her. However, he was brisk with her, and the incident with Mr. Killock might never have happened.

  "It's my sister… Stepsister," he said now. "Lady Margaret — Meggie. She is 19, and is to have her first season. Well," he ran a hand across his closely cropped curls. "She's a child from my father's third marriage. The family's women are concerned that she's too fond of the outdoors. They believe that she should be hunting a husband.”

  "I see." Jean's tone was encouraging. She didn't see it all, but she was prepared to help in any way that she could.

  "Meggie's mother died years ago. She's lived with her mother's people in the highlands, and was allowed much her own way… But now she's been dragged down to London. She's at Branxton House with my aunt, Lady MacKenzie. My father has nine children by four different women, so she’s been forgotten in the crowd. Until now.”

  He hesitated again. "As you know, Lord Delmere is my friend."

  Jane bit the inside of her cheek. What on earth was all this leading to? She told herself to be patient.

  "I see," she repeated.

  "So I wrote to Lady Delmere, and asked her whether she might spare you to help Meggie. Not to bring her out, my aunt sponsors her, but to make sure that she is prepared for the season. I know that you used to prepare young girls.”

  So that was all? "And what did Lady Delmere
say?"

  "She said that it was up to you. If you felt that you wanted to help, then by all means you might do so."

  "Then certainly I will help," she said firmly. "I will be pleased to meet Lady Margaret, and to help to bring her out." It was the least she could do.

  She had never seen the man look so unsure of himself. She'd imagined that he was arrogant, she realized, on very little evidence. It was clear that he wasn't arrogant. He was concerned for his sister, and wanted the best for her.

  Finally it was time. Jane hugged sisters a final time. As always, she had to blink away moisture. Why did she always feel like weeping when she left the Castle? It wasn't that she wanted to stay, but she would miss them. "I'll write as soon as I reach London — and you must write too."

  Dorinda put her arm around Edie, who sniffled into her handkerchief. "We'll write," she agreed.

  Then a footman helped Jane and Babette into the major's large traveling carriage. The servants would travel in the second carriage, and the major would ride.

  One of his grooms was leading a horse for Jane to ride when she became tired of the carriage. "We'll be three days on the road," the major had said to her the evening before. "Three long days — it's an easier journey when you can alternate between riding and being bounced along in the carriage."

  Chapter 3

  Tuesday, 24 June, Eardley House, London

  The swaying of the carriage made Jane ill, so she rode. By the time they reached Eardley House she was not only exhausted, but doubted that she would ever be able to walk normally again. Unfortunately, a daily hour in the saddle didn't prepare her for three days of eight hours in the saddle.

  On the road, she'd had ample time to think about the letter she'd set to Catherine Grove, written as soon as she'd decided to take Babette to London. Had she been too blunt?

  She'd been careful not to mention exactly who Babette Severin might be.

  Two ladies called on me. An older lady, Mrs. Fenkirk, and a younger lady, Miss Babette Severin. Mrs. Fenkirk wished me to bring the young lady to Major Grove, and after some thought about the delicacy of the matter, I am bringing her to you.

  Had she been too mysterious?

  She liked Catherine Grove. Although she was a powerful woman, Catherine loved her family, and was immensely kind. But she had an uncertain temper. As Dorinda had pointed out, there was nothing Jane could do to prepare Mrs. Grove. Although she and Major Grove lived apart, Miss Severin's existence would cause a scandal, and Mrs. Grove abhorred scandal above all.

  Although Major Baker-Cornhill was all polite attention to Jane on the journey, she saw little of him. He rode ahead to their next posting house, ensuring that everything was ready for their change in horses. He also ensured that she and Babette were provided with refreshments at each stage.

  She didn't even see him when they took their dinner each evening. She and Babette dined alone, always in a private dining room the major had arranged for them. He was an efficient escort, who smoothed the journey, and made their travel as comfortable as possible.

  They made excellent time, and reached Eardley House in Grosvenor Square late on Monday evening. Mr. Morley, the butler, told the major that Mrs. Grove was dining out, so he said his farewells to Jane and Babette.

  He gave Mr. Morley his direction; he lived in a small house in Clarges Street.

  "It's close by the family pile in Dover Street. My parents are still in the north. So I will bring my sister to you when you've recovered from our journey," he said to Lady Jane.

  With that, he swiftly took his departure, pleased to have done his duty to Mrs. Grove, Jane was aware.

  Ten minutes later, after Jane had seen Babette upstairs in the care of the housekeeper, and was about to go upstairs herself, Major Baker-Cornhill entered the drawing room again.

  "Forgive me," he bowed low. "I promised Lord Alex that I would support you when you introduced Miss Severin to Mrs. Grove — so I will call tomorrow, early. Until then." He bowed again, and Mr. Morley closed the double doors behind them.

  Lady Jane didn't know it, but the major was very confused about Lady Jane. His previous contact with Lady Jane had been all that was correct and polite. He had been introduced to her at… He couldn't remember, and it annoyed him.

  Everything had changed when he witnessed the incident with Killock. He'd become intensely aware of Lady Jane when he supported her in his arms after the shocking incident. He'd wanted to protect her, against everyone and everything, and felt pure rage against Killock.

  Normally, he would have punished a man who assaulted a woman, and promptly forgotten the incident. He'd punished Killock, but he couldn't get Lady Jane out of his mind. Hence the confusion.

  On the journey from York to London he found himself thinking about Lady Jane almost constantly. She had taken up residence in his mind.

  She was tall, and slender, with enjoyable curves, right where they should be. She was also very pretty. Why the devil hadn't he noticed that before? She had a wonderful warm smile, clear grey eyes, and wavy auburn hair which had tumbled down to her hips when Killock manhandled her.

  How old was she? He judged her to be in her mid-20s. He recalled that someone saying that she was an old spinster, well in her thirties. Then he realized why. In London, she'd striven to be unremarkable. She'd dressed plainly, but elegantly, and had worn her hair plainly. No doubt she'd got into the habit of it when she was training young ladies.

  He recalled his good friend Lord Delmere commenting that Lady Jane was a formidable woman. It was shameful that the inheritance that Lady Jane and Lord Alex had had from their father had been wasted by old Kennystowe.

  At 38, Kelly was considerably older than Lady Jane, and with enough experience to judge her temperament. Lady Jane was very different from other women. Not only was she independent, she was also intelligent. She had to be, otherwise Lady Delmere would never have given her the position as her secretary, assigning her to work with Mr. Kettering, her ladyship's man of business.

  Of course, part of the reason he'd been unaware of Lady Jane previously was because he had been bewitched by Anne, Lady Kingston. Delmere had almost called him out. Now she was his good friend's wife.

  By the time he reached his home in Clarges Street, Kelly had decided that he'd soon forget Lady Jane in London. He'd be at Eardley House in the morning, to support Lady Jane when she informed Mrs. Grove that she had a new daughter.

  As soon as he'd presented Meggie to her, she would fade from his life. He might see her once or twice a year, but they didn't move in the same circles. When he was in town, his life was more demimonde, than beau monde. He might attend ton events, but only on the behest of his military and political masters.

  Catherine

  "Good morning Jane," Mrs. Grove smiled at Jane when she walked into the breakfast room at Eardley House next morning.

  "Ma'am." Jane tried to steady herself, but her knees felt weak. Catherine Grove's temper was legendary. She'd seen it at first hand.

  "Sit down, do. It's good to see you back in London, although the town's all but empty at this time of the year."

  "Thank you, ma'am, I —"

  "Jane, if I've asked you to call me by my name once, I've done it several times." Catherine smiled.

  "Yes, ma'am — Catherine." Jane flushed.

  "If you wish to ride — once you've recovered from your journey — you'll find Midnight in the mews. Anne asked whether you might see to his exercise."

  On first meeting Mrs. Grove, who had red-blonde hair, grey eyes tending to green, and a trim figure, Jane's first impression had been of clear intelligence, and immense presence. Although Mrs. Grove wasn't as beautiful as her sisters, she had a charisma, and a glamor that they didn't have.

  Catherine folded the newspaper she was reading. "You look exhausted. I hate long journeys myself. But you made good time."

  A footman set down a plate for Jane. At her nod, he took her plate to the sideboard to fill it for her.

  Mrs. Grove
told her she'd had a letter this morning from Lady Delmere, promising that she and Lord Delmere would return to England in time for Christmas at Gostwicke Hall. "It's unpleasant to be in town in summer. So, I thought we'd take ourselves to the Newmarket Races on the 10th of next month. We'll stay at Linton Lodge — I'm hoping that Lord and Lady Linton will be there. Then on to Ferrymore Manor for the early-season shooting… After which, we return home to Gostwicke Hall. That gives you just over two weeks to get know Lady Margaret, and assess what she needs."

  Jane assured her that two weeks would be ample, then told her about the horse Lord Alex had won.

  "The Pirate, is it? I've heard of the horse. Linton spoke of him. Your brother is a lucky man to win him at cards. Have you further news of the treasure?"

  Jane knew that Lord Linton raced horses, and was very knowledgeable. So if Linton had mentioned the horse, perhaps Alex's luck had turned. She had to laugh at the mention of the treasure. "Nothing yet, but he and Father are still digging."

  Although Jane knew she had to broach the subject of Babette, she hesitated. Major Baker-Cornhill had promised to support her when she told Mrs. Grove, and she was cowardly enough to hope that he would.

  While Jane started her breakfast, Mrs. Grove continued reading the stack of newspapers which were piled on a table in the corner of the room. She made notes on several sheets of paper. Mrs. Grove was a regular correspondent for several London newspapers, relaying ton tidbits and scandal.

  Jane hadn't been able to sleep the night before. She'd drift off, then jolt awake again. Not only was she worried about Babette, there was also the mortgage. Not to mention all the other problems at the Castle. Somehow, the mortgage had to be paid. £2,000 was an immense sum. She would have to sell more than just furniture and paintings.

  Earlier that morning, while Jane was dressing, she sent an upstairs maid to check on Babette. The maid had returned to say that the young lady was still fast asleep, but the housekeeper, Mrs. Jago, would bring her down to the breakfast room. Mentally, Jane rehearsed what she would say to Mrs Grove when she introduced Babette.