ANNE ASHLEY - The Viscount's Scandalous Return

She was suddenly thoughtful. ‘I just hope she doesn’t come to regret this determination of hers to find employment. I cannot help but feel that the fewer people who know her present whereabouts the safer it will be for her. Should her stepmother discover where she is, I’m not altogether sure I could prevent her from removing Clara from under this roof.’

The application of the front-door knocker successfully brought an end to the conversation. The housekeeper made to rise from the table, but Isabel forestalled her by saying she herself would go. Although mistress of the house, she had never been too proud to answer her own front door, should the need arise.

Consequently, as soon as she had washed her hands, removed her soiled apron and made herself reasonably presentable by repositioning a few wayward strands of hair, she went along the passageway to discover a man of below-average height awaiting her on the other side of the solid oak barrier.

Everything about him suggested a professional man, so Isabel wasn’t in the least surprised to have a business card thrust into her hand bearing the names of Crabtree, Crabtree and Goodbody, a firm of lawyers based in the metropolis.

‘And you are?’ Isabel enquired, her great fear that he might have come in connection with her cousin Clara’s present whereabouts diminishing somewhat by the fact that the notary was flanked by two young children. By their clear resemblance to each other, Isabel felt they must surely be brother and sister.

‘Mr Goodbody, ma’am,’ he answered promptly, doffing his hat, whilst all the time favouring her with a scrutiny that was no less assessing than her own had been. Evidently he had decided that, although not in the least stylishly attired, she bore all the other characteristics of a young woman of refinement, for he added, ‘Would I be correct in assuming I have the pleasure in addressing Miss Mortimer, daughter of the late Dr John Mortimer?’

Isabel would have been the first to admit that she had been reared to conduct herself in a genteel manner, at least for as long as others had had an influence on her behaviour. Years of increasing responsibilities had tended, however, to persuade her to disregard social niceties, and adopt a more forthright approach when dealing with her fellow man. Some, it had to be said, found her abrupt almost to the point of rudeness, whilst others considered her no-nonsense approach commendable.

Seemingly Mr Goodbody fell into this latter category, for he betrayed not a modicum of disquiet when she demanded to know precisely why he had called, and answered promptly with, ‘I am here at the behest of the present Lord Blackwood, ma’am.’

Although intrigued, and quite naturally interested to discover the seventh Viscount Blackwood’s present whereabouts, Isabel couldn’t help experiencing a feeling of disquiet where the two children were concerned. She could detect no resemblance whatsoever to the dapper little lawyer, which instantly begged the question of whose children they were. An alarming possibility instantly sprang to mind. None the less, although renowned for her no-nonsense manner, she was also known for her innate acts of kindness. The little girl, clearly weary and afraid, clung to the older child like a limpet, instantly rousing Isabel’s sympathy.

‘In that case, sir, you’d best bring the children into the house, and we’ll discuss the matter which has brought you here in the comfort of the front parlour.’

Bessie had not exaggerated about the transformation that had taken place since Clara’s arrival in the house. Tirelessly she had worked on making new curtains. She’d repaired all the upholstery where she could, and had even taken the trouble to embroider new covers and cushions to place over those worn areas that had been beyond her skill to repair. Clearly Mr Goodbody was favourably impressed, for he cast an admiring glance about him the instant he entered the largest room in the house.

After settling the two children on the sofa, and furnishing the lawyer with a glass of Madeira, Isabel once again asked for an explanation for the visit, adding, ‘And would I be correct in assuming that his lordship’s whereabouts is no longer a mystery, and he is presently in the country?’

All at once the little man’s expression became guarded. ‘I’m afraid I am not in a position to divulge his lordship’s current whereabouts, Miss Mortimer. All I am able to reveal is that a successful outcome to the enquiries regarding past—er—unfortunate happenings will not be long delayed now. In the meantime, his lordship feels himself unable to take up his responsibilities with regard to these two young persons.’

There wasn’t so much as a flicker of compassion in the glance Isabel cast the children this time, before fixing the notary with a haughty stare. ‘And what, pray, has that to do with me, sir?’ she enquired in a voice that would have frozen the village pond on the warmest summer’s day. ‘His lordship’s private domestic arrangements are entirely his own affair.’

‘Indeed, yes, Miss Mortimer,’ he readily concurred, having seemingly realised in which directions her thoughts were leading. ‘Perhaps if you were to read his lordship’s letter first,’ he added, delving into the leather bag he had carried into the house. ‘It might set your mind at rest on certain matters.’

Still very much on her guard, Isabel, with some reluctance, took the missive from the notary’s outstretched hand, and broke the seal to read:

My dear Miss Mortimer,

I am fully cognisant of the debt of gratitude I already owe you, and the charge I would settle upon you now. Believe me when I tell you the decision to place my wards into your care was not taken without a deal of consideration, and I can only trust to your forbearance in this matter.

The estimable Mr Goodbody is in a position to answer any questions you might have with regard to my wards, and has been instructed to reimburse you in advance for the expenses you will undoubtedly incur whilst the children are in your care. If, however, you feel unable to burden yourself with the responsibilities of a surrogate guardian, I shall perfectly understand.

And will have the honour to remain,

Your obedient servant,

Blackwood

Although there was a certain familiarity in the tone of the missive, Isabel couldn’t find it within herself to be offended. At least it had vanquished the idea that she was being asked to care for the Viscount’s by-blows!

After reading the letter through again, she raised her eyes. ‘So these children are Lord Blackwood’s wards.’

‘Indeed, they are, ma’am,’ the lawyer duly confirmed, before instructing the boy to stand and make his bow. ‘This is Master Joshua Collier, who has recently celebrated his ninth birthday, and his young sister, Alice, who is six.’

Isabel, having had little experience of children, was at a loss to know what to say to the siblings to put them at their ease, while she considered more fully the errant Viscount’s request. The boy stared back at her now with an almost defiant gleam in his dark eyes, as though he was more than ready to challenge any authority she might in the future attempt to exert over him, while his little sister merely stared, awestruck, as though she were looking at a being from another world. Fortunately the slightly embarrassing silence was brought to an end by Isabel’s cousin unexpectedly entering the room.

‘Oh, I’m so sorry. Bessie quite failed to mention you had visitors.’

‘No need to apologise,’ Isabel assured her. ‘Your arrival is most timely.’

She was now quite accustomed to the effect her strikingly lovely cousin always had on members of the opposite sex, most especially those who came face to face with her for the very first time. And Mr Goodbody was no exception! Although he refrained from gaping, there was no mistaking the look of appreciation he cast the stunningly lovely girl who glided towards him in order to clasp his outstretched hand.