Page 41 of Needs Must
‘I am so pleased that Cal and Lady Melanie had so much to say to one another, Mama,’ she said. ‘I am sure a declaration will be forthcoming very soon.’
Donna pressed her lips together to prevent herself from laughing.
‘I do hope so, my dear. Cal admires her very much and she is so very suitable.’
Cal himself returned to the room at that moment, causing his relatives to curtail their conversation.
‘The carriage is here for you, Mrs Harte,’ he said, winking at her behind his mother’s back.
‘Thank you. You are very kind.’ She turned to his mother and sister, thanked them for their hospitality in a few words and walked from the room with Cal at her side.
‘They are obviously devastated to see the back of me,’ she said, biting back a smile. ‘And I’m sorry to say that the feeling is entirely mutual.’
‘Forget about them.’
‘You are it seems on the point of proposing to Lady Melanie. When may I wish you every happiness?’
Cal barked on a laugh. ‘I would as soon fly to the moon as tie myself to that particular chit.’
He waited while a maid brought Donna’s cape and helped her into it. Then he walked outside with her but paused at the top of the steps.
‘What was it that you wanted to say to me?’ he asked.
In a few words she explained about Aykroyd and his sudden appearance in the taproom.
‘Why did you not tell me about him before?’ he asked curtly.
‘There was no reason to. He and Ian were always at loggerheads. I did not expect them to join forces once Jonathan died, but I can see now that is what must have happened. There is no other explanation I can think of for him being at the Ship.’
‘I see.’ Cal looked most unhappy. ‘I will have someone keep a watch on him. Was he there when you left this evening?’
‘I don’t know. I deliberately didn’t look. I can’t help wondering why he let me see him yesterday though, unless he simply wanted to unsettle me.’And succeeded better than he could know.
‘You should be aware that a man by that name went to see Graves and suggested that you were involved in your husband’s death.’
‘Good heavens, why on earth would he do such a thing?’
‘I can think of a reason.’
‘I knew it would happen, but not quite yet.’ She bit her lower lip. ‘No wonder Mrs Graves was so disapproving. I dare say all your family have heard the rumours and found me guilty.’
‘I will ensure they are not repeated.’
Donna shrugged. ‘Too late for that.’
‘Not while I have breath in my body to prevent such rumours from spreading,’ he said with feeling. ‘Can you find your way to the gatehouse again?’
‘Yes, if needs be. Why?’
‘I have asked Bagshott to meet us there tomorrow,’ he said, handing her into his carriage himself. ‘We cannot meet at the tavern or at your cottage without causing speculation, but no one passes that isolated gatehouse. Would eleven in the morning suit?’
‘Perfectly,’ she assured him.
‘Don’t come alone. Bring Miriam and her rolling pin with you. That way if Aykroyd is still around, he is less likely to try and accost you. I assume it’s Ian’s letters that he wants to acquire.’
‘Presumably,’ Donna replied, aware of the footman standing back, waiting to close the door. ‘Thank you for a delightful evening, my lord.’
She could hear his laughter ringing out as the footman closed the door and the carriage moved off.
