Barbara Bradford - In the Lion’s Den - The House of Falconer

He nodded and leaned back in the chair. ‘I try to do my best,’ he said, and then added, ‘Basically, I’m following in my great-grandfather’s footsteps. I love retailing and I hope to open my own shop one day. A shop like Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly. That’s my ambition.’

‘I love Fortnum’s!’ Lady Jane exclaimed, and thought to add, ‘And I’ll be your first customer.’

At this moment, Mrs Bellamy came in with the tea tray. Once she had poured for them, she left with a smile and a nod, taking with her the menu Jane had left on the desk.

Jane said, ‘I hope I’m not intruding into your life, Mr Falconer, but it sounds to me as if you are planning quite a different career for yourself … what I mean is, it sounds as if you will be leaving Malvern’s.’ She raised a brow and gave him a penetrating look.

‘You’re not intruding, Lady Carpenter. Everyone knows about my dream … but I won’t leave Mr Malvern until he’s really well again. I wouldn’t let him down.’

‘I believe I already know that,’ Jane said, and changed the subject, asking James if he had any hobbies.

He chuckled at the question and said, ‘It’s perhaps the same as yours, Lady Carpenter.’ He glanced at the book on the desk. ‘I love reading, and I’m especially devoted to Dickens. Are you enjoying Our Mutual Friend ?’

Jane did not answer at once, thinking that James Falconer was full of surprises. Finally she said, ‘Yes, I am. Who cannot love his marvellous books?’

The sound of horses’ hooves clattering in the yard announced the arrival of Lord Reginald and Alexis. Jane nodded at the window and said, ‘They have returned from their ride around the estate … Miss Alexis and my husband are about to join us.’

James, knowing intuitively that Alexis would be angry that he was here at Goldenhurst, immediately stood up. Reaching into his jacket, he took out the letter.

Lady Jane, her eyes fixed on him, saw how intelligent and clever he was. There was no doubt in her mind that he understood Alexis and her complicated mind, her ever-changing moods.

Clearing her throat, Jane looked at James, and said, ‘That’s the best idea. Give her the letter at once to prevent any aggravation on her part.’

He simply nodded and glanced towards the door as it burst open, and Alexis and Lord Reginald came in from their ride.

They were both obviously completely taken aback at the sight of James. Alexis stopped suddenly, her expression one of alarm. However, Lord Reginald, experienced man of the world that he was, hurried forward, his hand outstretched.

‘Falconer, isn’t it? How nice to see you again!’ he exclaimed, shaking hands with James.

‘Thank you, Lord Carpenter,’ James said in a calm and steady voice. ‘I came on behalf of Mr Malvern. He is quite well, but he wanted to be in touch with Miss Malvern.’ He took a step forward, offering the letter to Alexis.

As she took it, she tossed her riding cane and hat to one side and said, ‘You could have just left it with Lady Carpenter and returned to London. You didn’t have to hang around here.’

Jane flinched at the undercurrent of anger in Alexis’s voice, and glanced at her husband, who looked nonplussed at this rudeness.

James said, ‘I had to wait for your answer, Miss Malvern. Those were your father’s instructions, and he told me he wishes to have your reply in writing.’

This last comment appeared to surprise Alexis, her face changing. She simply answered, ‘Oh, I see. I’ll be back in a moment.’ Looking at Jane, she added, ‘Excuse me,’ and left without another word.

Once they were alone, Lord Reggie stared at Jane and raised a brow. ‘Bit abrupt, wouldn’t you say?’

‘Yes, indeed.’ Turning to James, she went on, ‘Let’s not stand here waiting.’ She motioned to James. ‘Please, sit down, Mr Falconer, and you, too, darling,’ she finished, smiling at her husband.

Both men did as she suggested, and after a moment, pushing down his annoyance with Alexis, Reggie said, ‘It’s almost tea-time, Jane. Ring for Mrs Bellamy or Broadbent, would you please? Falconer must be hungry, and he’s got a long trip ahead of him this afternoon.’

James shook his head vehemently. ‘That is a very kind thought, Lord Carpenter, but I must leave when Miss Malvern comes back with her reply. Her father is very anxious to have her thoughts on a certain matter.’

‘I understand!’ Jane exclaimed. ‘Only too well.’ Rising, she continued, ‘Please excuse me for a few minutes. I am going to ask Mrs Bellamy to make sandwiches for you and the driver, and bottles of hot tea. She’ll pack everything in a small hamper and you can enjoy it on the return trip.’

‘Oh really, Lady Carpenter, that’s not necessary. You don’t have to go to all that trouble,’ James said, looking suddenly worried.

‘Yes, I do ,’ Jane responded as she left the library, closing the door quietly behind her.

Lord Reginald moved to sit in a chair closer to James, and confided, ‘For eight hundred years the Carpenters have been known for their generosity and kindness to others, and especially for their hospitality. You don’t think I’m going to let someone else who’s not a Carpenter besmirch our reputation, do you?’

When James merely nodded his understanding, Lord Reginald added, with a wry smile, ‘I’m afraid some people, when they’re upset, are not quite themselves, do odd things, even behave badly. Just put Miss Malvern’s rudeness down to that, Falconer.’

‘I certainly will, Lord Carpenter. I haven’t taken offence.’

‘Is Mr Malvern in good health?’ Lord Reginald now asked, giving James a penetrating look. The urgency of the letter was troubling him.

‘He is. Though he has been a long time recovering from his fatigue. But we’re doing various new things in his business, and he urgently needs some signatures and approval from Miss Alexis. That’s all I can tell you, sir.’

‘I understand.’

Reginald Carpenter was a good judge of character, and he had been impressed with James’s demeanour, his quiet steadiness when confronted with Alexis and her curtness. After a moment, he said, ‘Do you like your job at the Malvern Company, Falconer?’

‘I do, yes, sir.’

‘If ever you want a change, come and see me on my paper.’

James smiled, obviously quite flattered. ‘I’m afraid I can’t write, Lord Carpenter. I’m not gifted like my Uncle George. But I do appreciate your very kind offer.’

‘I know you’re not a journalist,’ Lord Reggie said. ‘But we have a division called Management and I know you would fit in very well there. I think you are most probably a good businessman and could tackle any number of problems.’

‘Thank you for this extraordinary gesture, Lord Carpenter. But I think it’s best for me to stick with retailing.’

Lord Reginald inclined his head. ‘Consider the offer always there, Falconer. You see, I like the cut of your jib.’

At this moment, Lady Jane came into the library, her face calmer and her eyes smiling again. ‘Mrs Bellamy is doing her best to pack the hamper quickly—’

Jane broke off as Alexis followed her into the room, holding an envelope.

James was already on his feet, as was Lord Reggie.

‘Here is the response to my father’s letter, Falconer,’ Alexis said, her voice not quite as strident as earlier, but her tone still cool.

James took it from her, and inclined his head. ‘Thank you, Miss Malvern. I shall be going now.’

Alexis simply nodded, and walked to the other side of the library, where she stood looking out of the window.

Lady Jane glanced at her husband then said, ‘Come along, Mr Falconer. I will take you to the stables round the back of the house, where your carriage is waiting.’