She clung to his fingers. ‘Wolf, last night—’
He shook his head at her. ‘One day, my dear, you will thank me for my forbearance.’
She looked as if she might argue so he tore his hand free and caught her reins.
‘Go now. Every moment you delay endangers us both.’
She recoiled from his harsh tone and he bit back the impulse to apologise. Without another word she jumped down and scrambled over the stile. Wolf watched her disappear into the lane, then he turned and headed for the Hall. If this was what it felt like, doing the right thing, he wanted none of it. Clearly he was not made to be a saint.
* * *
Wolf noticed the changes as soon as he approached the Hall. Two men were scything the lawn and they stopped to watch as he rode down the drive. When he reached the stables they were bustling with activity. An elegant travelling chaise was visible through the open doors of the carriage house and two young men were removing the weeds from between the cobbles in the yard. They were being watched closely by an older man who looked up as Wolf clattered in. He ran across to take the spare horse from him.
‘Morning, Mr Arrandale. Welcome home.’
‘Who the devil are you and what’s going on here?’ demanded Wolf.
The man touched his cap.
‘I’m Collins, sir, groom to Mr Richard. He sent me here to meet you and to look after the stables. And not a moment too soon, if you’ll excuse my saying so, sir, since Lady Hune is determined to set everything here by the ears.’
‘So my great-aunt’s installed herself at the house, has she?’
A wide grin split the groom’s craggy features.
‘Aye, sir, the dowager marchioness has brought her whole retinue with her, and then some. All trusted folk and loyal,’ he added quickly. ‘You needn’t fear for your safety, sir.’
‘Glad to hear it.’ Wolf slid to the ground. ‘I’d better go in and see what she has been doing with my property!’
‘Just one more thing, Mr Arrandale.’ The groom lowered his voice. ‘Mr Richard ordered a fast horse to be kept saddled and ready in the stables at all times.’
Suddenly Wolf was twenty-four again, angry, confused and thrust out of the house by a father who was convinced he was guilty. If he had stood his ground ten years ago, this sorry mess might never have happened. And Richard was clearly prepared for the worst.
‘Much obliged to him,’ he said shortly and strode off towards the house.
He had not gone far before he was intercepted by Robert Jones.
‘Her ladyship said she had orders from Mr Richard, there was nothing I could do,’ he said, eager to explain himself. ‘She just swept in and took over, sir, brought all her own people with her, too. Hundreds of ’em.’
‘I doubt if anyone could withstand Lady Hune in full flow,’ muttered Wolf.
‘But I don’t mind saying it’s good to have the house staffed again, sir. ’Tis quite a responsibility, looking after a place this size. Why, I couldn’t even offer Sir Charles any refreshment when he called.’
‘Sir Charles Urmston was here?’ Wolf stopped. ‘When was this?’
Jones rubbed his nose. ‘Oh, weeks back, sir. Just after you left. He came to the house, saying as how he was in the area and wanted to see where he had spent so many happy days.’
‘You let him into the house?’
‘I didn’t see how I could stop him, his having been such a favourite of the old master and cousin to Mrs Wolfgang.’
‘But you went with him?’
‘Oh, yes, sir. He wandered through the reception rooms, sighing and lamenting.’
‘And you were with him the whole time?’ When the servant hesitated Wolf put his hand on his shoulder. ‘Answer me honestly, man. It is important that I know the truth.’
‘Well, sir, when we gets to the hall he looked at the spot where your poor wife died and he covers his face, upset-like. Then he asks for something to drink. I told him there was nothing fit and he says as how he would take a glass of water, if I would fetch it.’
