An Unexpected Title (Suspicious Circumstance Book 1) Read online

  An

  Unexpected

  Title

  By

  Jackie Williams

  Front Cover

  Cover angel

  Copyright©Jackie Williams 2015

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used/copied/lent in any form whatsoever without the

  written consent of the author.

  All character, names and events are from the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to persons alive or deceased is entirely coincidental.

  To my wonderful daughter, without whose endless encouragement and support none of this would have happened.

  And to my editors at Fawcett Editing Services for sorting out my heroine’s dew drops!

  Contents

  Chapter One – Anniversary Arguments

  Chapter Two – An Unexpected Title

  Chapter Three – Suspicion Falls

  Chapter Four – A Question of Propriety

  Chapter Five – Alternative Arrangements

  Chapter Six – A Prayer and a Proposal

  Chapter Seven – Concealing the Truth

  Chapter Eight – Felines and Footsteps

  Chapter Nine – Evidence Arises

  Chapter Ten – Building Bridges

  Chapter Eleven – Standing Together

  Chapter Twelve – Enlightening Conversations

  Chapter Thirteen – A Shadow of Suspicion

  Chapter Fourteen – Disappointment, Determination, and Denial

  Chapter Fifteen – A Ghost in the Night

  Chapter Sixteen – Awakening the Beast

  Chapter Seventeen – A Toast to the Future

  Chapter One

  1850

  Anniversary Arguments

  “It is agreed and settled and nothing you can say will make me change my mind.” Richard Derwent, Fifth Earl of Claiborne, remained frighteningly calm as he moved the papers to one side of his huge oak desk and took out his account books.

  Madeleine fought the angry words trying to force themselves from between her lips. He could not dismiss her like this. Not on a subject so important. But her surprise, dismay, and utter fury at her father’s words was so great that she could barely think of a rational argument, let alone voice one without shouting. And she knew that would do her no good at all. Though her father was not a cruel man, his character had changed in the three years since her mother had died.

  Where once he had been soft and gentle, easy to win over, he was now taciturn, argumentative, and on occasions needlessly cruel. She recalled his recent refusal to give their butler leave to attend his sister’s funeral. Even Madeleine hadn’t been able to persuade her father. It would have only been a matter of a few days, but the man had been adamant. Flack would be dismissed without reference if he took one hour longer than his allowed half day. There was no reason given. No excuse to behave in such a despicable way, but Madeleine hadn’t been able to do anything about it.

  She had never known such discomfort when Mr. Flack had asked how her entreaties had been met. The desolation and pain had been clear in his eyes, a frisson of anger too, but stoic to a fault, the man had nodded and thanked her politely for her efforts even if they had been met with such an unkind refusal. A refusal that she couldn’t dismiss from her mind. Perhaps her father wasn’t going to yield to her own objections of his latest infuriating idea. And if he didn’t... Panic eventually forced her words out.

  “But why, father? You are in good health. Why make me do this now? I have never met the man and you suddenly demand that I marry him. I cannot do it. I don’t know him.” Her rich, brown curls bobbed with her alarm even while tear filled emerald eyes flashed hints of hidden fire.

  The old earl blinked slowly at his beautiful daughter. It would be so easy to give in, he had done it often enough in her childhood, but his fingers trembled uncontrollably and he clasped them together as he refused to let her tears of frustration sway him. Now was not the time to weaken.

  “I am not going to be here forever. I have to make sure that you are looked after. If your mother hadn’t died, if we had a son, things might be different.” He saw hope in her eyes, and squashed it immediately. “But they are not! And I refuse to see you put out on the streets after I am gone. I simply will not let it happen!” His voice rose a fraction.

  “Gone? But there is no danger of you leaving me. Is there?” Fear struck her heart and laced Madeleine’s tones as the old man rubbed his eyes and pressed his fingertips to his temples. He had been struggling in low light for some time. Now she realised that the situation was far worse than she thought.

  Richard Derwent glanced at his daughter and sighed deeply. He wasn’t about to answer her question entirely. Instead, he gathered the invoices accrued over the last month and tapped them together, shaking fingers settling them in a pile on his desk before he clenched his hands into fists as he fought the mutinous tremors.

  “One never knows.” He knew, but wasn’t about to tell his daughter that she might be an orphan at any minute. “I don’t intend leaving you, but my body will no longer listen to my brain. My headaches are becoming worse, and bright light affects me greatly. Mrs. Grenfell’s tonics no longer have the same benefit that they used to. Dr. Finch says that there is some pressure behind my eyes.” He spread his fingers and glared at his hands as they shook visibly. “And these shakes are now impossible to stop. They are driving me to distraction.” He thought about the endless sleepless nights he had recently endured as he looked tenderly at his daughter. “Neither of us knows what it might mean for my future. I have to take reasonable precautions in the event of my demise. Especially over you. I cannot see you without a home.”

  Madeleine rushed around the desk and fell into her father’s arms as Doctor Finch’s almost daily visits now became understandable. It wasn’t to keep an old man company, to commiserate over the loss of his wife as she had thought. Her father was ill. Clearly for far longer than she knew. Might his condition explain many of the changes in him?

  “Why did you not tell me things were so bad? Surely there is something we can do. Medicinal practices are advancing so quickly. Do not give up father. We must away to London and find a cure. I’ll tell Phillips to begin packing your trunks immediately.” She looked into his eyes, searching for his agreement.

  He smiled sorrowfully and dashed her hopes with a shake of his head.

  “No, my dear, there is nothing to be done. But in any case, I could not go today, nor tomorrow, nor in the very near future. Benjamin Asher Derwent, your fiancé, will be arriving to meet you on the morn. I have arranged an engagement ball for a sennight’s time and the marriage to take place the month later. That should give you time enough to come to know one another well enough to marry. There can be no going back, Madeleine. While you were gallivanting about the old abbey playing with bits of rock this afternoon, I had the invitations sent.”

  Madeleine pulled herself from his arms, her voice rising in stunned disbelief. How had he known she was at the abbey? She had told him she was going to lie down due to a megrim.

  “What! You cannot mean it. You cannot! Father no! I will not marry him. I have plans of my own. Hopes to fulfil. If you force me into this arrangement, I will...” Drawing in a breath she raised her chin in stubborn determination. “I swear that I will kill myself!” She finished dramatically.

  The old earl’s eyebrows dipped into a furious line and he thumped the side of his fist onto his desk to silence her.

  “I do mean it and I can do it. For once in your life you will obey me! And you will never make such a threat to me again. Your life and future happiness is why I am
forced to take these actions. You are fortunate that Derwent has already agreed to the arrangement.”

  Her heart pounded against her ribs, her erratic breaths almost choking her.

  “But why would he do such a thing? What man goes around marrying women he has never met? What does he gain from this? Is this about money? And if it is, why did you agree to such an arrangement? Do I mean so little to you?”

  Richard Derwent took in a sharp breath.

  “Quite the contrary, as you would know if you would take but a moment to listen. We were blessed when we had you. Not many women are lucky enough to bear a healthy child when they are forty, but the complications Eloise underwent soon after your birth made it clear that she would not have another.” He steepled his fingers as he gathered his thoughts. “I have no say over the entailment of the estate. If I had, I would give Claiborne to you in a heartbeat, but it is not up to me. The estate goes to the next living male relative, however distant. So hear me well, child. Benjamin Asher Derwent is going to inherit this place and there is not a damned thing you or I can do about it!” He ran his fingers through what remained of his white hair as he looked at his daughter. “Instead, I have done what I can to see you safe and happy.”

  Madeleine wrung her hands.

  “How can I be happy with a man neither of us knows?”

  The earl gave a sudden smile, his eyes sparkling and giving a glimpse of the man she once knew. Her heart leapt. Was he about to tell her that this was all a horrible joke? But her hopes were dashed again when her father shook his head.

  “But I do know him. Do you think I wouldn’t check up on him before I suggested this plan? I believe he will suit you well. Your mother approved of him too.” He carried on as quizzical lines crossed her brow. “I instigated a meeting a few years ago while you were at Mrs. Twigs’ finishing school. Your mother and I were in Bath where she could take relief with the healing waters.” He ignored his daughter’s sudden gasp. “Madeleine, please listen to me. Derwent is not greedy. He is not digging for gold, or out for an easy life. The man is simply my only heir. He knows nothing of the money, for I wanted to test him and did not tell him of my fortune. And with that in mind he has worked hard to earn one of his own. He is in shipping and has increased his line considerably. He certainly hasn’t let the grass grow beneath his feet while waiting to come into his inheritance. I confess that I am impressed with his endeavours. With this damn illness taking my sanity and my sight, I have no choice but to see you settled. There is no one else worthy of you. This is my only option. Please give him a chance before you refuse him.” He pressed his fingers to his forehead again as if massaging away the ache.

  Madeleine searched her father’s pale blue eyes. Desperation mixed with sorrow and pain filled them. How could she refuse to meet the man who was to inherit her home? Though she already had a plan for her future in mind, meeting Benjamin Asher Derwent would appease her father, might gain her some time. Her shoulders slumped in defeat.

  “All right. I agree to meet him, but nothing more. I refuse to be forced into this marriage if we are incompatible in any way. I would rather live in a cottage in Clareton than be compelled into a partnership I don’t want.” She regarded the tense lines about her father’s mouth and eyes and gave a small sigh. “But if it will keep your headache at bay, then I will meet Benjamin Asher Derwent tomorrow. For tea.” She added as an afterthought. She didn’t want her father to think that he had everything his own way.

  Thomas Frederick Leyman stood outside his master’s study door and tried to breathe evenly. Married in five weeks! She was to be married off in five weeks. A band of white hot metal circled his heart and burned deep.

  He had never stood a chance. Not that he had expected to win her father’s approval, but ever since she had given him reading and writing lessons he had held onto a glimmer of hope.

  Thomas took a few steps back from the door, his chest heaving with the ache of crushed dreams and injured pride. He moved just in time, for the study door suddenly opened and Madeleine ran out. She barely raised her eyes as she hurried towards the stairs.

  He stood staring after her until the sound of her silk skirts faded and she disappeared without even a second glance back at him. Clenching his already tight jaw, he turned towards the study again. The heavy door had closed behind her. Slammed in his face. Another blow to his dignity. He almost turned away. The Earl could stuff his prized mare up his own arse! What did Thomas care if the foal died?

  He let out a sigh as he berated himself. Of course he cared. He loved the animals in his charge, even those that had not been born yet. His concern had been what led him to see the earl on this, the least favourable of nights. His personal problems and disappointments had to be put aside. He took a few more seconds to wallow in his own self pity before raising his knuckles to tap the door.

  His head snapped up and his hand remained poised in mid air as a narrower door opened to the left of him. Gertrude, the new chambermaid smiled boldly at him, her crooked, yellowing teeth and pointed nose reminding him of the rats he regularly chased away from the feed store.

  “Well, if it isn’t Thomas Leyman! And wot be you doing up at the house at this hour? Mr. Flack says his Lordship is not to be disturbed this evening.” She cast her dull brown eyes about the hall before sidling up close. “It be the anniversary of her Ladyship’s death, you know, and with this visitor arriving tomorrow, there will be no one checking on what we are doing tonight. You could come to my room right now. Just to talk, to get to know one another a little better. If you like,” she whispered as her sparse eyelashes fluttered up at him.

  Thomas raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the spidery display. And could that be the scent of cheap gin on her breath? He wasn’t immediately sure, but she took another step closer and he stopped breathing through his nose as she confirmed his suspicions. Her breast brushed his arm as she took a few steps around him. Did she have to be so obvious? He glanced about the hall, glad that no one else could see her display.

  “Not now, Gertrude. I am in rather a hurry.” He knew that he had set his own sights far too high, but he wasn’t about to become entangled. Not with the likes of her. He looked back at the study door and took a long stride towards it. “I have news for the master. It will not wait.” He rapped his knuckles on the dark panel, taking the easiest escape route from the woman, knowing that she might follow him if he simply left the hall.

  “Who in God’s name dares disturb me tonight? Haven’t I enough to put up with...” The muffled voice of the earl called impatiently from inside, but ignoring the irritated tones, Leyman turned the shining handle and walked in.

  The earl looked up blearily.

  “I thought I had asked not to be disturbed.” He grumbled as he reached for his glass of hastily poured brandy. The argument with Madeleine had upset him greatly. Stubborn girl. While he admired her independent spirit, he wished she had taken the news more gracefully. If only she knew that he might not last the five weeks he had given her. Doctor Finch’s prognosis hadn’t been nearly as favourable as that. He might not last the next five minutes, but Richard Derwent forced himself to hope and pray that he had not left things too late.

  He finished the glass in a gulp and poured another as he peered up at the trespasser who dared flout his rules. Thomas Leyman, his stable master, damn and blast the man! He never showed his face unless there was an insurmountable problem. Now the earl knew his head would really hurt.

  “Well, spit it out man. What is the reason for this intrusion?” Pain made his words harsher than intended, but he refused to take them back.

  Thomas glowered. He held the position of stable master, not that of a lackey.

  “The mare is foaling. It is taking longer than expected and she’s struggling. I might need help and thought you should be informed before I attempt to obtain it.” Thomas growled from between his still clamped jaw.

  Richard Derwent closed his eyes briefly as his head pulsed from inside. Milady had bee
n his wife’s favourite mare. Another reminder of the three years he had spent alone. Damn it! Why did the bloody horse have to foal today of all days. Madeleine would be distraught if the animal died. He opened his eyes and stared at his stable master, noticing the man’s stiff shoulders and ticking jaw.

  “Is there something seriously wrong? You look more surly than normal.” He couldn’t help the angry tones, the day had been trying enough already with Madeleine disappearing for the whole afternoon, and his head ached fit to explode.

  Thomas frowned. Surly? The nerve of the man! The earl might be his employer and far above him in rank but it gave him no right to be offensive. Leyman’s temper flared.

  “It’s your bloody mare! And it was your idea to breed her. I thought you should be informed of the animal’s progress, but I can see that I have imposed at an inconvenient time. I’ll go back and ask the mare to stop being so awkward and foal on another day, shall I?”

  The Earl’s eyes widened in surprise at his man’s angry tones. Thomas Leyman might not be the easiest man to read but he could normally be relied on to hold his temper. Milady must be in dire difficulties for Leyman to speak in such a manner, but regardless of the horse’s predicament, outright disrespect could not be tolerated. The Earl stood slowly and leaned forwards.

  “How dare you speak to me in that tone! I have a good mind to send you on your way. Without references.” What am I saying? He closed his eyes for a moment as pain speared behind them. This damned sickness is making me lose my mind.

  Thomas drew in a breath. Was it an empty threat? He wasn’t sure. There had been rumours about Flack, the earl’s pompous butler being refused extra time off. A threat had been issued.

  The thought of leaving Claiborne suddenly filled Leyman with panic. His words had been offensive but his disappointed heart and angry tongue had spoken for him. His stomach clenched at the thought of never seeing Lady Madeleine again. He had to back down, to control his temper and make amends. There were still five weeks before she was lost to him forever. Anything might happen. And where there was still hope, there was a chance for him. He might even persuade her to run away with him. He bit back his anger as he crushed his hat in his hands.