Page 44 of A Sense of Injustice
Both ladies laughed when Romulus barked in support of that assessment.
‘Come along.’ Flora took Louise’s arm and led her from the hallway with Romulus trotting along at their side. ‘I am anxious to introduce you to Amethyst.’
But before heading for the stables, Flora turned them in the direction of a pretty wilderness immediately behind them.
‘You should be aware,’ Flora said in a calm, sympathetic tone, ‘that we have discovered Miss Gregory’s sister is Cleethorp’s intended, Mrs Brigstock.’
‘Oh.’ Louise raised a gloved hand and covered her mouth with it as she absorbed that disquieting fact.
‘You have turned quite pale. I’m sorry. I should have prepared you better. The squire called upon Luke yesterday and mentioned the fact that Mrs Brigstock is ordinarily her sister’s guardian, which explains why she hadn’t been seen in the district before.’
Louise shook her head. ‘You have nothing to apologise for. Miss Gregory called to see me today as a matter of fact. Well, she said she was hoping to see both of us, but Marianne wasn’t there. Anyway, that’s why I was almost late. I was surprised to see her. She took no interest in us at all the other evening, but now wants to be our bosom friend.’ Louise fixed Flora with a pensive look. ‘Do you suppose her sister sent her to spy on me?’
‘We don’t know if her sister is actually here yet, but we must assume that she and Cleethorp are on their way.’ Flora impulsively clutched Louise’s upper arm. ‘I am sorry to distress you, but we had already concluded that they would come.’
‘I didn’t imagine it would all happen so quickly.’
‘No, nor I, but I suppose it would be better to confront the issue and put the horrible man in his place once and for all.’
Louise gave a wan smile. ‘You make it sound so easy.’
‘Don’t underestimate Luke’s influence. He is trying to find out more about Brigstock’s death, and if there was anything suspicious about it.’
Louise gasped. ‘Surely he doesn’t suspect foul play?’
Flora elevated a questioning brow. ‘Don’t you?’
‘Well, I hadn’t actually given the matter much thought, but now that you have raised the possibility, I suppose… What I am trying to say is that I wouldn’t put anything past Mrs Brigstock. She seems very accustomed to having her own way in everything.’
‘Precisely so.’ Flora sniffed. ‘She is a determined and resourceful woman. If she wants Cleethorp as a permanent presence in her life, she would not permit the inconvenience of an ailing husband to thwart that ambition.’
Louise nodded. ‘When you put it like that…’ She tapped the fingers of one gloved hand against her opposite forearm, feeling worried and a little afraid.
‘Don’t fret. You have powerful allies now. Once Luke discovers the particulars of Brigstock’s death, or hears of any rumours surrounding it, he will hopefully have something to confront Cleethorp with. In other words, Luke won’t make what he knows public if he agrees to leave you alone.’
Louise swallowed as she sought composure. ‘That is uncommonly kind of him.’
‘Even so, matters are likely to get worse before they get better. You need to be prepared for a battle. Cleethorp won’t go quietly; Mrs Brigstock won’t permit him to. That being the case, I think you should confide in your grandmother. It would be better that she hears it from you.’
Louise was conscious of the blood draining from her face as shame and embarrassment consumed her. ‘All of it?’ she asked faintly.
‘At the very least, you must tell her you anticipate a visit from Cleethorp and that he will try to make trouble for your family. That he has already attempted to compromise you. I am perfectly sure that your grandmother will be too conscious of your finer feelings to press for the full particulars.’ Flora smiled. ‘I also predict that your grandmother will give Cleethorp a good trimming regarding his lack of gentlemanly conduct if he attempts to get anywhere near you.’
Some of the tension left Louise’s body and a brief smile touched her lips. ‘Very likely, but I would much prefer not to involve her.’
‘I understand, but let’s not think about that now. It’s far too nice a day.’ She turned in the direction of the stables. ‘Come and meet the mare I’ve had saddled for you. I think you will like her.’
‘I’m sure I shall.’
Louise allowed herself to be led away and gave a small gasp of delight when she espied a spirited-looking golden mare being led from her stall.
‘She’s beautiful.’
‘And very safe. I used to ride her myself. Now I have Amethyst.’
Louise glanced at the grey gelding in question and let out an admiring exclamation. ‘He is magnificent!’
‘Well, naturally I agree with you.’
