Page 41 of Scandal at Greystone Manor

‘Answer them now,’ one gentleman called out.

‘Very well. Who is to be first?’

‘I will,’ the same man said. ‘How can we be sure the money you collect from us will be used for the purpose you state? I have heard your father is close to bankruptcy and the money will go to settle his debts.’

‘That is a monstrous accusation,’ Jane retorted angrily. ‘Even if my father were bankrupt, which is a downright lie and which, were I a man, I would call you out for, it would have no bearing on the Hadlea Home, whose finances will be kept entirely separate.’

‘So you say.’

‘Toby Moore,’ Drew had left Isabel talking to her aunt and come to Mark’s side. ‘He has no doubt been sent by Bolsover to disrupt the meeting. Let us throw him out.’

They moved towards the questioner. Seeing them approach, the man backed away and, reaching the door, bolted through it. But the damage had been done. Jane could not finish her speech for the heckling, as one question after another was fired at her, not about the home, which she could have understood, but about her father and brother. She did her best to parry them, but in the end it was Mark who rescued her, helping her down from the stool and climbing on it himself.

‘If you will not listen to Miss Cavenhurst, then listen to me,’ he shouted above the din. ‘Most of you know who I am, but for those who do not, I am Lord Wyndham of Broadacres, close by the village of Hadlea. My family has been in residence there for hundreds of years and is well respected both in Norfolk and in London. I and my late father have both subscribed to the Hadlea Children’s Home and I will personally guarantee Miss Cavenhurst’s integrity.’

‘You have an interest, you are betrothed to her sister,’ someone commented in a loud voice.

‘So I am, but that is all the more reason to make sure my good name is not brought into disrepute. I will appoint my own man of business to set up a trust and oversee the funds. This home is important for the little children who need it and I think it is shameful that so good a cause should be sullied by innuendo and downright calumny. Now, if you would like to make a donation, Miss Cavenhurst is here to take it. If not, I bid you goodnight.’

He stood and watched as several people made their escape, but one or two came forward to ask Jane more about what she planned to do and she was able to make the points she had been prevented from making earlier.

* * *

Only when they had all gone and she had some pledges, though not nearly as many as she had hoped, and a small pile of jewellery to which she had added her own pearls, was she able to breathe freely and thank Mark for his timely assistance.

‘You were magnificent,’ she said. ‘I could not have managed without you.’

‘It was my privilege and pleasure.’

‘What did that man mean about my father being bankrupt? Where did such rumours start?’

‘From Lord Bolsover, I imagine.’ He paused. ‘Jane, has anyone in your family ever come up against him before?’

‘Besides Teddy, you mean?’

‘Yes. Perhaps some time ago, something that might explain the grudge he seems to have.’

‘Teddy owes him money and has escaped his clutches, is that not grudge enough?’

‘I am not sure it has anything to do with Teddy. I think getting his hooks on Teddy was only a means to an end.’

‘What end?’

‘That I do not know, but I will endeavour to find out.’

‘I cannot think of anything. Papa has always been straight and true. I am sure you must be mistaken.’

‘Perhaps.’ He paused. ‘You are looking tired, Jane. This has all been too much for you after looking after Isabel as well.’

‘I am a little tired, but a night’s sleep is all I need.’ She paused, motioning to the pledges, the money and jewels. ‘Will you take charge of these? I do not want to bring any more accusations down on my head if I keep them by me.’

‘Yes, of course. If you are agreeable, I shall call tomorrow morning and we will go to Halliday and have a trust set up and open an account at the bank in the name of the trust. That way everyone can see it is all above board.’

‘Yes, please.’ She picked up a canvas bag, put everything into it and handed it to him. ‘I knew something like that would have to be done, but I had not thought it was urgent. This evening has made me see so how naïve I have been. I needed you.’

‘My pleasure.’ He smiled and touched her hand. ‘Away to your bed, Jane. I shall bid goodnight to Isabel and her ladyship and be off.’

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