A Debt From the Past Read online

  ‘That wasn’t his fault. He didn’t know of my existence until just before my mother died, and he did try to make up for that. My mother’s family were very cruel and selfish in the way they acted. He was a kind man and I liked him.’

  ‘That’s as may be, but you are due to take up a position at Eton next month. It’s something you’ve worked hard for. What is going to happen now?’

  ‘I’ve already sent in my refusal. They’ll give the teaching position to someone else.’

  Dan swore fluently. ‘You should have torn those papers up and walked away from this. You have a life of your own to live – that’s if someone doesn’t put an end to it rather quickly.’

  ‘It’s no good you raising your voice at me, Dan. I promised my father I would deal with this. What would you have me do? Just shrug and walk away?’

  ‘No, of course you wouldn’t have done that.’

  ‘I know you helped my father in the past, and you could do nothing about it because the man had disappeared. But it was my father’s belief that he turned up again quite recently.’

  ‘I still believe you should have refused. You are jeopardizing your whole career by making such a foolish promise. More to the point, you have no experience in this field.’

  ‘That’s why you’re here. To watch my back and find out how we need to handle this problem. I made a binding promise to look after Elizabeth Langton, and I will not go back on that commitment. He also left this for you.’ James held out a sealed letter for Dan.

  When he had read it, Dan placed it in his inside pocket, saying nothing about its contents.

  ‘Aren’t you going to tell me what he says?’

  ‘No. So, what is this young lady like?’ Dan sat back, a look of resignation on his face.

  ‘Strong-willed, clever for one so young – and she hates me with a passion.’ James stood up. ‘Come, I’ll show you to your room and have hot water sent up so you can bathe.’

  ‘Who do you think it is?’ Helen asked, as she sat with Beth in her private sitting room.

  ‘I really have no idea. His lordship did not even have the manners to ask if he could invite a guest to stay, or ask me to greet him when he arrived.’

  At that moment there was a tentative knock on the door. When Helen opened it, Tom Sparks sidled in. ‘Beggin’ your pardon, miss, but Cook said I was to come up at once and tell you what I’d heard when I took the horse from the gent. In a right state it was. Must have been riding like the wind.’

  ‘Come in, Tom, and shut the door.’ Beth waited impatiently as Tom stood in front of her, screwing his cap up in his hands. ‘Did you find out who the man is?’

  ‘His lordship called him Dan, and they seem pleased to see each other.’ Tom shuffled, a look of deep concentration on his face. ‘And this Dan called him ... er ... professor ... yes, that’s the word.’

  ‘Professor?’

  ‘Yes, miss. And Cook said I was to tell you what else he said, though it didn’t make sense to me.’

  ‘Go on, go on.’ Beth couldn’t wait to hear more.

  ‘Well, he joked about getting here so quick when his lordship told him off about the way he’d treated the horse. Then he said something like “Have you found a rare plant, or some old ruin?”’ Tom paused while he tried to remember exactly what was said. ‘Then his lordship said no, but he had a problem that would interest this Dan as it could be dangerous. That’s all I heard, miss, because they went in after that.’

  Beth opened her purse and gave the lad a coin. ‘Thank you, Tom. If you hear anything else, you must let me know at once.’

  ‘Cor, thanks, miss.’ His eyes shone when he looked at the coin in his hand. He opened the door carefully, peeked out and then disappeared silently.

  ‘What on earth do you make of that?’ Helen asked. ‘What are they doing that could be dangerous?’

  ‘I think Tom’s imagination might be embroidering the conversation a little, for I cannot believe there is anything dangerous around here. But the mystery deepens, Helen.’ Beth began to pace the room. ‘From that conversation, I would take him to be an academic. But that cannot be ... though Greenway did mention that he seemed to know a lot about plants and soil.’ She shook her head as if trying to clear it. ‘No, I think it must have been some private joke they share. But I must say I’m quite looking forward to meeting this friend who has hurried to be here.’

  Helen didn’t look as if she felt the same, but she said nothing.

  Six

  They did not see their unexpected visitor until dinner the next evening. He had been placed next to Helen at the dinner table, and this gave Beth a good chance to view the man carefully. She had to admit that she liked what she saw. Whereas James was dark and unapproachable, Daniel Edgemont had sandy-coloured hair and clear blue eyes that sparkled with amusement. There was an openness about him that was lacking in his friend.

  For the first time the conversation flowed easily, and Beth took the opportunity to see if she could find out anything about him. ‘Where are you from?’ she asked casually, a smile of interest on her face.

  ‘My home is in London, but I move around a lot.’

  ‘And what do you do?’ she asked.

  ‘This and that.’ He smiled and then turned his attention to Helen.

  He’s just as much a mystery as his lordship, she thought, frustrated. Realizing that she wasn’t going to be given any information about these two men, she relaxed, determined at least to enjoy a pleasant, lively meal for a change.

  Even Helen was smiling and laughing at Daniel’s amusing tales as he explained about the different things he’d seen and done in various parts of the country. But it was all small talk, and Beth was quite taken aback when James laughed. The transformation was startling and made her wonder if there was a different man under the stern exterior.

  Only time would tell, but now they had two men to watch.

  ‘Have Mr Edgemont and his lordship risen?’ Beth asked Jenkins, when she and Helen came down the next morning.

  ‘Yes, Miss Langton. His lordship demanded breakfast at dawn.’ The butler looked scandalized. ‘Put Cook into a real spin. No gentleman would appear before ten o’clock.’

  ‘Where are they now?’

  ‘Went out as soon as they had eaten. I did ask when we could expect them back, but was only told that they would be “some time”.’

  ‘Splendid! If he isn’t here, then I can’t seek his permission to go out, but it would be wise to ask the footman to accompany us. That should help to avoid a scene.’

  ‘Very well, miss. Shall I order the carriage ready in an hour?’

  ‘Yes, please, Jenkins.’ She turned to her friend, a determined expression on her face. ‘We shall pay a visit to the elderly Lady Sharland and see if we can get to the bottom of this mystery.’

  ‘How is her ladyship today?’ Beth asked as they were escorted into the parlour.

  ‘In fine fettle, Miss Langton.’ The butler smiled. ‘She is still too confused to grasp that her son has died, which we can be grateful for, but there has been an improvement of late. She will be delighted to see you, as always.’

  He opened the door, announced her and then withdrew. Helen curtsied to her ladyship, found herself a seat in the corner and managed to look as inconspicuous as possible. Something she had become very good at.

  ‘Elizabeth!’ The lady remained seated but held her arms out in welcome. ‘How thoughtful of you to visit.’

  Beth kissed her cheek with real affection; she had always been very fond of her godfather’s mother. ‘I am sorry not to have come sooner, but—’

  ‘I know, my dear, you have had little time for the social round. Such a burden has been placed on your young shoulders since your dear father died.’ She squeezed Beth’s hand and appeared mightily pleased about something. ‘But you have someone to look after you now, and that must be a great relief to you.’

  ‘It is indeed,’ she lied. ‘I am sure ... Oh, I am sorry, but I cannot recall what r
elationship James Sharland is to you?’

  ‘Such a dear boy.’ Lady Sharland’s eyes took on a blank look.

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Beth shook her head in mock confusion. ‘I do declare that I cannot remember my godfather ever mentioning that he had a son.’

  The lady laughed. ‘You wait until you reach my great age – then it becomes difficult to remember anything. I am four and eighty, you know?’

  ‘I am sure your memory is still sharp,’ she teased. ‘After all, you recognized his lordship even though he had been away for some time.’ She knew she was taking a chance with this, but as no one had seen or heard of him before, it was logical to conclude that he had been living some distance away.

  ‘Edward did bring him to meet me.’ Her eyes took on a faraway look. ‘That was a long time ago, but I knew him as soon as he walked in the door; he was the image of his father at that age.’

  ‘Really? I have never seen a likeness of my godfather when he was a young man.’

  ‘Fine man.’ The elderly lady frowned and then picked up the bell that was on a small table beside her and rang it. ‘We shall have tea.’

  ‘Thank you. That would be very welcome.’ Beth sat back and sighed inwardly. This was not getting her anywhere; the lady was being most evasive. To be honest, she disliked trying to trick her into revealing something about James Sharland, but what other choice was there?

  Then Lady Sharland looked Beth straight in the eyes. ‘It broke his heart, you know.’

  ‘What did?’

  ‘So cruel ... They took her away and he never saw her again. So cruel ... He never forgave them.’ Lady Sharland smiled brightly. ‘But it’s all right now.’

  ‘Yes, of course it is.’ Beth wanted to question further, but the lady was clearly slipping back again.

  ‘Terrible to lose your child.’ Tears filled Lady Sharland’s eyes ‘Shouldn’t still be here ... should have gone to my maker long ago.’

  Beth sat beside her and took hold of her hands. So she was aware that her son had died. ‘It must be very hard to bear.’

  ‘What is, dear?’ Beth saw that her eyes were blank again, and it was obvious that she would not get any further information out of her ladyship.

  It was another hour before they took their leave.

  ‘Well, did you manage to glean anything from that?’ Beth asked Helen when they were back in the carriage.

  ‘Her ladyship is rather muddled in her thinking, and it was difficult to keep up with the sudden twists and turns of conversation.’

  Beth smiled. ‘Yes, she played the role of a forgetful old lady well, but I don’t think her wits are as addled as she would have us believe.’

  Helen didn’t look convinced.

  ‘Didn’t you notice how she changed the subject whenever I questioned her about my new guardian?’

  ‘I do admit that I found it frustrating. I had hoped we were going to find out the truth, but I am not sure we can believe anything she has told us.’ Helen pulled the shade down when she noticed the wind blowing Beth’s hair.

  ‘She did not tell us anything, except to mention that someone had been taken away.’

  ‘She is confused and doesn’t know what she’s saying,’ Helen stated with certainty.

  ‘I wonder?’ Beth mused. ‘There is quite clearly a skeleton in the Sharland cupboard. I did not consider my godfather a secretive man, but he must have been, for he guarded his past with great success. However, although her ladyship was very clever, we did gain some useful information.’ Beth pulled the shade up again and ignored Helen’s sigh.

  ‘Did we?’

  ‘She told us that he resembles his father, though I do admit that I cannot see the likeness.’

  ‘I agree there is little resemblance to Lord Edward, but I have watched him closely and have noticed similarities in the mannerisms and character. But what does that tell us, and can we believe Lady Sharland’s ramblings?’ Helen asked.

  ‘We shall have to assume that what she told us in her lucid moments was the truth.’ Beth signed deeply. ‘But why all the secrecy?’

  ‘I don’t know, Beth; it all sounds very confusing to me.’ She shook her head in disbelief.

  ‘Helen, it is clear that we have a mystery here, and I intend to find out the truth! Now, let us call at the book shop. There is a new title I wish to purchase.’

  ‘The place looks deserted.’ Dan surveyed the rambling mansion, frowning.

  ‘My father moved the staff to the London house before he left for India. There’s only a caretaker and his wife here now. Mr and Mrs Becks have been informed that I am coming. That’s him coming across the yard.’

  ‘Good to see you, your lordship. Are you stopping for a while? The wife can soon prepare you lunch.’

  ‘We’re only here for a short time. I’ve just brought my friend, Mr Edgemont, to have a look around the place.’

  Becks nodded to Daniel. ‘Pleasure, sir. Would you like refreshments, your lordship?’

  ‘That would be welcome.’

  They watched the retainer make his way back to the house, and James said, ‘Come on, Dan, I’ll show you around.’

  ‘It’s a bit of a monster,’ Dan remarked when they walked into the enormous entrance hall. ‘What on earth are you going to do with it? And that’s one of the finest staircases I’ve ever seen.’

  ‘Hmm, impressive, I agree. It’s solid oak, and the sweep as it branches off in two directions at the top is elegant.’

  ‘How many bedrooms does this place have?’ Dan was turning round and round, taking in every aspect of the hall.

  ‘Enough.’

  He stopped and faced his friend again. ‘Enough for what?’

  ‘I’m going to turn this into a school for bright but impoverished children.’

  ‘What? They’ll wreck the place.’ Dan studied James intently and then shook his head. ‘You’re serious.’

  ‘Very.’ Enthusiasm lit up his face. ‘Why should only the titled and wealthy have a good education? I’ll set up a scholarship for boys aged between ten and twelve. Anyone will be able to apply, and if they show promise, they can come here without charge.’

  ‘You’re crazy, James. That will cost a fortune!’

  ‘I’ve got one and I’m going to put it to good use.’ He grinned at Dan. ‘Of course, I’m going to need help. You’d make a first-class riding and sports master ... and perhaps a course on the law.’

  A look of horror crossed Dan’s face. ‘You want me to work?’

  ‘It will do you good and I’ll pay you a fair wage. It won’t be as dangerous as being a spy.’

  Dan gave a snort of disgust. ‘You’re intending to fill this place with young boys – and you think that won’t be dangerous? And are you going to pay yourself?’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Dan. This school is going to be free for the boys I choose. I won’t be earning an income.’

  ‘Exactly! If you’re working for nothing, then so am I.’

  There was a slight pause before James asked, ‘You’ll do it?’

  ‘How long before you can get it running?’ Dan asked, without answering the question.

  ‘Workmen are moving in this week, and I should be able to take in the first pupils at the start of the New Year. Ten at first, and if it’s a success, we can increase the numbers slowly. I’ve already got some fine teachers working on selecting the first intake of boys.’ James held his breath as he saw Dan trying to come to a decision. It was a revolutionary scheme and he couldn’t ask for a better man by his side.

  Dan pursed his lips. ‘I’ll give you six months, James. That’s the best I can do.’

  ‘I’ll take it. Thank you, Dan.’

  ‘I still think you’re crazy. This is going to take a lot of our time, so we’d better get this business of yours cleared up as soon as possible.’

  They turned sharply when they heard a sound behind them. It was Mrs Becks, and she indicated the trolley of refreshments. ‘Where would you like this, your lordship?�
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  ‘Oh, in the library, please.’

  They made their way to a huge room full of shelves from floor to ceiling crammed with books. It was only when they were settled that James noticed the boy with Mrs Becks. His eyes were fixed on them.

  Seeing he’d been noticed, Mrs Becks drew him forward. ‘This is our grandson, Charlie. I hope you don’t mind him coming here, but he loves the books and wanted to see them again. The late Lord Sharland used to let him come and read whenever he wanted to, but we’ve stopped him doing it now. He has something to ask you, my lord.’

  James beckoned the boy forward and waited.

  Charlie looked him straight in the eyes and said, ‘I would like your permission to come here to read the books, please. I’m very careful with them and never take them away. I’ll put everything back in place and not make a mess.’

  ‘You are proficient at reading?’

  ‘Yes, my lord.’ He gazed at the shelves with longing. ‘It’ll take me years to read all of these. I have books at school, but that’s no good to me any more. It’s all baby stuff. They said they can’t teach me much more, so I’ll have to leave soon.’

  ‘How old are you, Charlie?’ James was impressed with this bright lad.

  ‘Eleven last month.’ He looked downcast. ‘I don’t want to leave. I like learning, even if I’ve heard it all before.’

  ‘Very well, Charlie, you may come here whenever you want to, and I’d like you to make a list of the books you read and let me know what you think of them.’

  His face broke into a huge smile of relief. ‘I’ll do that, my lord. Can I look now?’

  ‘Of course.’ James smiled as the boy hurried over to the shelves, and then he turned his attention to the grandmother. ‘There will be workmen arriving this week, Mrs Becks. They will be connecting the well outside to supply extra water to the house. I hope there will be enough.’

  The boy turned from the book he was holding in his hand. ‘That ain’t the only water. There’s a spring in the field out the back.’