Andrew Swanston - The King's Return

When Thomas appeared, Mary and Charles were at breakfast. ‘Ah, Thomas, come and sit down,’ said Mary with her customary warmth, ‘and tell us what you’ve been doing. We’ve seen so little of you.’ There was no hint of disapproval. Mary must have forgiven him.

‘Thank you, my dear. I fear that I’ve been a poor guest.’ Thomas took a chair beside her and helped himself from the dishes on the table.

‘Yes, you have,’ agreed Charles, ‘very poor. Hardly a morsel of gossip from you, no hint of a scandal, no maids knocking on the door weeping tears of unrequited love, no cuckolded husbands demanding satisfaction, and just one little, ahem, accident. Mary was so sure you’d get caught up in something unpleasant. Really, we’ve been most disappointed, haven’t we, my dear?’ By Charles’s standards, it was a long speech.

‘We have not, Charles. And don’t speak with your mouth full of bread. The crumbs go everywhere.’ She turned to Thomas. ‘I am glad to see that your face has healed, Thomas, and that you have suffered no more accidents. I only wish that we had seen more of you. How is the work going?’

‘That is what I want to tell you both. My work is finished and I plan to leave with my niece for Romsey tomorrow.’

‘This is bad news indeed.’ Charles scattered more crumbs over the table.

‘Have you informed Madeleine Stewart of your plans?’ asked Mary. ‘I’m sure she would like to know.’

‘I have not had the opportunity,’ replied Thomas stiffly, ‘and I doubt if Miss Stewart would be interested in the matter.’

‘Ah, lovers’ tiff, eh?’ exclaimed Charles with evident enjoyment. ‘Excellent. Gives a man the chance to show the lady his chivalrous side. Down on one knee, abject apology, her hand in his, kiss, bedroom, everything back to normal. Never fails.’

Despite himself, Thomas smiled. ‘Alas, Charles, Madeleine and I are not married. I doubt if the approach would work.’

Charles looked disappointed. ‘Shame. It’s what I’d do. Still, if you’re too frightened …’

‘It’s not a matter of frightened, Charles,’ said Mary. ‘Thomas is the best judge of what to say to Madeleine. You will go and see her, Thomas, won’t you?’

‘I had not intended to – unless you think I should.’

‘Of course you should. It would be most rude not to. Madeleine would be furious.’

‘I must also speak to my niece. I have little time, but I will call on Madeleine if I can.’

Mary looked stern. ‘Be sure that you do, Thomas Hill, or I shall never speak to you again.’

‘In that case, I shall make every effort.’

‘Good,’ said Charles, ‘and don’t forget to go down on one knee. Essential.’

Thomas had no intention of calling on Madeleine Stewart even after the Carringtons’ entreaties. Much better to slip away quietly. If he had to explain himself to his hosts, he would say that when he called the lady was not at home. Breakfast over, he returned to his bedroom intending to begin packing his bags, but before he had started Smythe arrived with a letter.

‘This has just arrived for you, sir,’ he said, holding out the silver tray. Thomas took the letter and knew the hand at once. Her previous letter had been an invitation to visit Lady Babb. He sat on the bed and read it.

My dear Thomas

I hope you will find time to call upon me again soon. Our last meeting has left me unhappy.

Your respectful friend

Madeleine Stewart

No words wasted there, thought Thomas. And I have no time to waste if I am to make a start to Romsey. I must call on Lucy at Lady Richmond’s house and tell her we shall be departing tomorrow. Then his old friend whispered in his ear. It is desire and hope that push us on towards the future . Desire and hope? Desire and hope for what, monsieur? For another rebuff? For a long journey home with three days to do little but regret even more foolishness? Come now, may I not be left in peace? He would take Lucy home and put Miss Stewart from his mind.

Lady Richmond’s door was opened by a footman, who showed Thomas into a small reception room and went to inform Miss Taylor that her uncle had called to see her. Thomas did not have long to wait. Lucy came skipping into the room like a small child and almost threw herself at him. ‘Uncle Thomas, this is a fine surprise. I did not know you were coming.’ Her eyes were shining.

‘Nor did I, my dear, until yesterday. Er, may I sit down?’

‘Of course. Sit there,’ she pointed to a tall library chair, ‘and I shall sit opposite you.’ They made themselves comfortable. ‘There. Now, how are you and how are you enjoying London? Have you been to the theatre?’

Thomas cleared his throat. Best get it over with. ‘That is why I have called, Lucy. I shall be returning to Romsey tomorrow and I wish you to accompany me.’

‘But why? Lady Richmond is happy for me to be here as long as I wish and I am enjoying London. Romsey is so dull in comparison. Why must I go home?’ The shining eyes were flashing. Thomas knew his niece’s temper well enough.

‘I would not be happy if you were here without me.’

‘Uncle Thomas, that is absurd. I was here without you before the coronation.’

‘I know, but it is time we went home.’

‘Why? I am quite safe and Lady Richmond always insists that I am chaperoned.’

‘Always?’

‘Of course, always. Well, almost always. She allows me to walk alone with Arthur, because she knows he will take good care of me. He’s such a fine young man, Uncle Thomas. I do hope you will get to know him better.’

‘As a matter of fact, I have been making some enquiries about Arthur Phillips. Are you quite sure he is a suitable companion for you?’

‘Uncle Thomas! Whatever do you mean and why have you been making enquiries about Arthur? He comes from a good family and works in the Navy Office. He is a most suitable companion for me and I like him very much.’

‘He is certainly charming. I merely wonder if you are a trifle carried away by his charm?’

Lucy stood up. ‘I do not know why you have taken against Arthur, Uncle Thomas, but I can assure you that he is decent and honourable. I will not return with you to Romsey tomorrow and if you try to make me I shall disappear into the streets of London where you will never find me.’

Thomas also stood. ‘Don’t be silly, Lucy. I only –’ It was too late. Lucy flounced out of the room and ran up the stairs. Thomas shook his head. Well done, uncle, a fine performance.

Four murders, the murderer still at large, an unholy pact between the Dutch and the French, encouraged then rejected by Miss Stewart, and now Lucy attended on by a young man who visits brothels and refusing to go home. Why had he not stayed in Romsey?

THE VOICE WOULD not be silenced. It badgered and cajoled and wheedled and eventually Thomas surrendered. He would call briefly on Miss Stewart. Then he would return to Lady Richmond’s house and, if necessary, bundle Lucy, kicking and screaming, into a carriage.

The front door of the little house off Fleet Street was opened by Agnes, who showed him into the room he knew. He amused himself by studying the paintings until Madeleine appeared. This morning, her brown hair had been teased into ringlets, she wore a shade of blue that matched her eyes and she carried about her the fragrance of lavender. When he saw her, Thomas caught his breath. It was as if she had expected him. Or expected someone.

‘Miss Stewart,’ he began, ‘your letter arrived yesterday and as I’m about to leave for Romsey it was necessary to answer your request immediately.’