The Unknown Heir Read online

  ‘He was concerned because he thought I had been out riding alone, and he said he would have come with me to protect me.’

  ‘It seems that he was in need of protection himself,’ Jared said. ‘But I believe his advice was sound, Hester. I would prefer that you took a groom with you when you go out riding.’

  ‘You cannot think that I would be in any danger?’ She stared at him in surprise. ‘I have lived here for most of my life, cousin, and I have walked and ridden wherever I please without coming to harm.’

  ‘I understand that,’ Jared replied, ‘but for the moment it seems that there is a dangerous character at large. I do not wish you to come to harm.’

  ‘Well, I suppose…’ Hester bit her lip. She had remembered her surprising news and was about to speak of it when her mother came back into the room.

  ‘I am so glad you are back,’ Lady Sheldon said, clearly distressed. ‘This is a terrible business. Mr Knighton says that he believes whoever shot at him intended to kill him and it was only good fortune that made him lean forward just as the rogue fired.’

  ‘He does not think it an accident—perhaps a poacher?’ Jared asked, shaking his head as Hester looked at him.

  ‘I do not know what to think,’ Lady Sheldon said. ‘Mr Knighton told me that he believes there is a dangerous highwayman at large in the district. It has given me the shivers. Hester, dearest, you must stay inside the house until this creature has been caught.’

  ‘Mama…’

  ‘I think she must be sure to take a groom when out riding, unless I accompany her,’ Jared said. ‘But I should not worry too much, ma’am. I think it more likely to have been a poacher. I cannot believe a highwayman would shoot at your guests for no reason—unless Mr Knighton was robbed?’

  ‘He did not mention being robbed,’ Lady Sheldon said, looking relieved. ‘Do you really think a poacher may have misfired?’

  ‘I think it more likely,’ Jared said. ‘However, I shall speak to Mr Roberts. We shall employ more men, for I do not wish anyone to come to harm, especially Hester—or you, ma’am.’ He smiled at her warmly. ‘Please try not to worry too much, Lady Sheldon. I can promise you that no harm will come to your daughter if anything I can do will prevent it.’

  ‘It is such a relief to me to have a gentleman here that I may rely on,’ Lady Sheldon said. ‘Hester, please go up to the duke. He may have heard of this business and he will want to speak to you.’

  ‘I shall go up and reassure him,’ Hester said. ‘Excuse me, cousin. I shall see you later.’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ Jared replied. ‘I have things to see to myself—but we shall talk again later this evening. After dinner, perhaps?’ He smiled at her, a teasing look in his eyes. ‘You have not yet given me my dancing lessons.’

  ‘You are teasing me, of course.’

  ‘Perhaps, but I do need to speak to you alone.’

  ‘Yes, of course, after dinner,’ Hester said. She wanted to talk to him now, because her thoughts were confused and she needed to ask him what he was truly thinking about this business. It was bad enough that he had been fired at, but now Mr Knighton had also been on the receiving end of a shocking attack. Who was behind it all—and what was the reason for what was happening here? But he had things to do and her grandfather might be in need of reassurance. ‘I shall look forward to it, sir.’

  She went quickly from the room and up the stairs to her grandfather’s apartments. Her knock was answered immediately and she went in, finding him sitting in a chair, a rug over his knees and a glass of cordial on the table beside him. He gestured towards it. ‘Take that rubbish away, girl, and bring me a glass of wine if you will.’

  ‘The cordial might do you more good,’ Hester said, but obeyed his instruction, bringing him a glass of his favourite Madeira.

  ‘I’ve had the doctor in here, thought I might need something to restore my nerves, damned fool!’ he said. ‘He tells me he was called out to see Knighton—the man fell from his horse apparently. Something about a shot being fired at him, might have been serious…but it’s merely a badly bruised shoulder, so I’m told.’

  ‘Cousin Jared thinks it may simply be a poacher misfiring,’ Hester told him calmly. ‘He intends to set more men to keep a guard and discover who the culprit is, Grandfather. It is nothing to worry about.’

  ‘Good thing he was here. He’ll sort it,’ the duke grunted. ‘He’s a capable chap, I’ll say that for him. Calling him cousin now, are you?’

  ‘He did not wish me to call him by his title.’

  ‘Humph! I suppose he thinks it pretentious, but he’ll get used to it. He has a lot to learn about us, Hester, even if my girl did teach him to be a gentleman. We do things differently and he needs to learn that if he wants to keep his feet on the ground.’

  ‘I think he is learning very quickly,’ Hester said. ‘Mama relies on him completely. She feels very much safer now that he is here, I believe.’

  ‘Your mama is a ninny, to put not too fine a point on it, Hester. Charming and sweet-natured, I’ll give her that, but as much sense as a peagoose.’

  ‘Grandfather! That is not kind of you,’ Hester reproved. ‘Mama is perfectly sensible—if a little nervous at times. After what she has suffered it is understandable. She lost my father, my brother and Papa. I think she could not stand it if anything happened to me.’

  ‘Why should anything happen to you? Ninny!’ He frowned at her. ‘Why should anyone want to harm you? You aren’t keeping something from me?’

  ‘No, sir—but I understand that you and Mama have kept something from me. I think it was a little unfair not to tell me I would inherit twenty thousand pounds when I was twenty-seven.’

  ‘You would have insisted on spending the money on the estate,’ he growled. ‘I couldn’t let you do that, girl. Told your mother not to say—but I suppose she told you?’

  ‘No, it was Mr Knighton. He thought I already knew.’ Hester looked thoughtful. ‘He gave me to understand that he believes Mr Grant also knew about the inheritance.’

  ‘You think Grant asked for you because of the money?’ The duke glared at her. ‘Stuff and nonsense! He knows a good thing when he sees it, that’s all—the money would be a bonus. Besides, Grant ain’t short of a shilling or two. He told me that he was in a position to offer you everything that you had been accustomed to and more—pompous idiot! As if you would marry him!’

  ‘I would not marry him if he were the richest man in England!’

  ‘Well, he ain’t that, but my heir may be. I received a report from Mr Birch this morning. Apparently, he made a few more inquiries and he thinks the viscount was having a little fun at his expense—says he may be rolling in the readies.’

  ‘Yes, well, I know Cousin Jared has more money than he led us to believe,’ Hester replied. ‘We are fortunate that he seems inclined to spend some of it restoring the estate, Grandfather.’

  ‘Yes. I don’t suppose I could have expected it in the circumstances. I didn’t treat his mother as I ought.’

  ‘I believe he understands that you regret what happened.’

  ‘Humph…well, it seems we’ve been fortunate.’ He gave her a calculating look. ‘If you married him, you would have your place here for the rest of your life, Hester. It’s where you belong.’

  ‘Thank you, dearest Grandfather,’ Hester said and smiled. ‘But I rather think he might have some say in the matter.’

  ‘A girl like you could marry anyone. If we’d been fair to you, you would have married long ago. I wanted to keep you here and so did your mother.’

  ‘I wanted to stay here, so you need not feel guilty—but I ought to have been told about my inheritance.’

  ‘My fault. She would have told you before this, but I asked her to wait.’

  ‘Well, I know now and I am not planning to leave you in the lurch. Once Cousin Jared has everything under control, I may decide to spend some of my time elsewhere.’ She saw his frown. ‘It will only be for a visit now and then, so do n
ot look like that, Grandfather. I shall not desert you.’

  ‘I’m an old fool, and a selfish one,’ he told her with a rueful look. ‘I don’t deserve you—but I couldn’t face life if you left us for too long.’

  ‘Do not distress yourself. I have no intention of leaving just at the moment. I have received a few acceptances for the ball this morning, from our nearest neighbours. I dare say I shall receive more soon.’

  ‘It’s time we opened this house to visitors. I shall come down for the ball, Hester—and I think I might start coming down for dinner again soon, though not tonight.’

  ‘I know we should all like that,’ Hester said and kissed his cheek. ‘If you feel well enough, dearest?’

  ‘I’m as right as I shall ever be,’ he growled. ‘Run along now and get changed yourself. And don’t worry about poachers or pompous idiots who fancy their chances. If Grant gives you trouble, send him to me.’

  ‘Yes, sir, I’ll do that,’ Hester said, laughing to herself as she went out.

  She walked along the landing, turning the corner to the main part of the house, and then stopped as she saw Mr Grant coming towards her.

  ‘Miss Sheldon—Hester…’ he said, making it impossible for her to go on by blocking her passage along the hall. ‘What is this I hear about Knighton? Took a tumble from his horse, they say.’

  ‘I believe his horse may have been startled by a shot,’ Hester said. ‘He thinks there may be a dangerous highwayman in the area—but the viscount says it is more likely to be a poacher.’

  ‘Are you sure it wasn’t him?’ Mr Grant said. ‘Where was he when the shot was fired? He is a bit of a dark horse, if you ask me. Wouldn’t trust him myself.’

  ‘I think that is a wicked thing to say.’ Hester was immediately angry. ‘Why would Cousin Jared want to cause Mr Knighton to have a fall?’

  Grant shrugged his shoulders. ‘Can’t say—unless Knighton is on to him. He was here in England when the fire started. Did he tell you that, Hester? He could quite easily have come down here and started it himself before going back to London.’

  ‘That is ridiculous! Why would he wish to do such a thing?’

  ‘He is next in line after the duke,’ Grant said, looking disgruntled. ‘He wanted to get his hands on the estate, if you ask me.’

  ‘Jared would never stoop to anything that low!’ Hester spoke sharply, her temper aroused. ‘I think you should be careful what you say, sir—that is slander of the worst kind.’

  ‘Well, the man is a liar,’ Mr Grant said. ‘Coming here and pretending to be something he isn’t.’

  ‘He has a sense of humour, which is something you seem to lack, sir.’

  ‘It seems to me that I am not welcome here,’ Grant replied. ‘It might be as well if I were to take myself off in the morning.’

  Hester was tempted to answer that as it deserved, but held her tongue. ‘It is your decision, sir. I am sorry if you feel unwelcome, but…you must know that you are welcome to stay on if you wish.’

  ‘Give me a reason to stay, Hester! Tell me that you will marry me.’

  ‘Mr Grant! I am flattered that you should wish to marry me, but I am afraid that my answer is no.’

  ‘Is that final?’ he demanded, clearly angry. ‘I suppose Knighton asked you. I knew he meant to when he warned me off.’

  ‘If Mr Knighton spoke to you about this subject, he had no right,’ Hester said. ‘Even the duke would not do that, sir. I am nearly seven and twenty and my own mistress. If I wished to marry, I should make my own decision.’

  ‘It isn’t for the money,’ Grant said, looking petulant. ‘I like you and I thought you would make me a good wife. You seemed the right sort of girl to be a vicar’s wife—but you’ve changed. I think the money has gone to your head.’

  ‘I knew nothing of my inheritance until today,’ Hester replied with dignity. ‘I assure you that it has made no difference to the way I feel about anything.’

  ‘Well, be careful of Knighton,’ he said with a bitter twist of his mouth. ‘And of Viscount Sheldon. I would not trust either of them too much if I were you. I have some business at home in Cambridgeshire, so I shall leave in the morning, but I shall return for the ball.’

  ‘I shall be happy to see you, sir,’ Hester replied, maintaining her dignity with difficulty. ‘But I must tell you that I do trust Viscount Sheldon as much as any man I know.’

  She inclined her head and walked past, going up a flight of stairs at the end of the hall to her own rooms. Inside she was feeling furious that he should have made such wicked insinuations against the viscount. To suggest that he might have set the fire so that he could inherit sooner was malicious and evil—and his obvious jealousy of both Mr Knighton and Jared was plain. Ever since she had learned of the attack on Mr Knighton she had been trying not to let her suspicions cloud her mind, but now she could no longer deny them.

  She believed that Mr Grant had tried to kill them both. His attack on Jared was clearly to rid himself of his only rival for the title and…he must have attempted to get rid of Mr Knighton because he considered him a rival for Hester’s hand. The duke had thought Grant unlikely to have fired the shot that had caused Mr Knighton’s accident, and perhaps he had not done it himself—but she was convinced that he was responsible.

  She could hardly wait to change into her evening gown and go in search of Jared. The sooner she alerted him to what she had learned, the better!

  It was frustrating to find that Mr Grant was already in the drawing room when she came down that evening. He was standing by the window, looking out at the gardens, leaving Lady Sheldon to talk with Jared alone. Hester’s mother was smiling, clearly finding pleasure in the heir’s company. When Mr Grant turned his face he wore a sullen expression, his eyes narrowing with dislike as he stared at the viscount.

  ‘Hester, dearest,’ Lady Sheldon said, ‘Mr Knighton has decided that he will take his dinner in his room this evening. His shoulder is too sore to bear a coat. He hopes to be well enough to dine with us tomorrow—and Mr Grant tells me he has business elsewhere, but shall return for the ball.’

  ‘Lady Ireland will be with us tomorrow,’ Hester said. ‘We shall have at least ten couples staying with us for the ball, Mama, and some will arrive towards the middle of next week.’

  ‘It will be so pleasant to have mixed company in the house again,’ Lady Sheldon said. ‘And your godmother is always a welcome guest.’

  ‘I am not certain that Lady Ireland approves of me,’ Jared said, a twinkle in his eyes as he looked at Hester.

  ‘Oh, I am sure she will once she really knows you,’ Lady Sheldon said serenely. ‘We are particular friends, you know. She must like you when she knows how kind you have been to us.’

  ‘Well, I must hope so.’

  ‘I am certain I am right.’ Lady Sheldon glanced at the gentleman watching them with a scowl of displeasure. ‘Mr Grant, will you take me in, please? My lord, please give your arm to Hester.’

  Jared came to her as the others preceded them. He offered her his arm. ‘Hester, something is bothering you. Is it this business with Knighton?’

  ‘Yes, and no. I must speak with you alone later.’

  ‘After we have dined, as we agreed. I shall not linger over the port with Grant.’

  ‘Be careful of him,’ Hester said. ‘It would not be wise to offend him.’

  ‘I am aware that the gentleman does not like me.’

  ‘I think it may be more,’ Hester said, ‘but now is not the moment, sir.’

  ‘Later,’ he said and pulled out a chair for her. His hand brushed her neck as he helped to adjust her chair when she sat down and a delicious little shiver ran down her spine. She was very much aware of him at that moment, and her heart caught as she turned her head to look at him. His smile was intimate, making her pulses race. Her lips parted on a sigh—she wished that they might be alone now, at this very moment. However, being the sensible girl she was, she gave him a polite nod and he left her to take his sea
t at the head of the table.

  It was a ridiculously long table for the four of them, far too formal to allow intimate conversation, and so the talk had been general, concerning various small scandals that had been reported in the society columns of a London newspaper. Hester was glad when she was able to follow her mother into the parlour they favoured for the evening, because it had a good fireplace that did not smoke and was comfortable in both summer and winter.

  ‘I shall be quite pleased when Mr Grant leaves us,’ Lady Sheldon told her daughter with a confidential air. ‘I do find his company a little tedious, but of course we must not show him any discourtesy. He is the next in line and…’ She shook her head. ‘That is all over. I believe we shall be lucky now that the viscount is here.’

  ‘Of course we shall, Mama,’ Hester replied and turned away, so her mother would not see that she was anxious. Lady Sheldon was far too nervous to cope with the idea that someone might be trying to murder Jared.

  The tea tray had been brought in and Hester had only just handed a cup to her mother when Jared arrived, closely followed by Mr Grant. Obviously, neither of them had wished to spend time alone with the other. Mr Grant said that he would take a cup of tea, but Jared refused, standing by the window, staring out into the darkness until Hester had finished serving.

  ‘I think I should like a little air,’ he said, turning to look at Hester. ‘Would you care for a stroll on the terrace, Hester?’

  ‘Yes, very much,’ she said, getting up at once. ‘I have been suffering with a headache and it will make me feel better.’

  ‘Hester, dearest,’ her mother said. ‘Why did you not tell me? I hope you are not ill?’

  ‘No, of course not,’ she said. ‘All I need is a little air, Mama, and I shall be better.’

  ‘You may trust me to take care of her, ma’am,’ Jared said.

  ‘Yes, of course I do,’ Lady Sheldon said. ‘Enjoy your walk, my dears.’

  Hester could not resist glancing at Mr Grant, but the look of sheer jealousy and spite made her shiver as she preceded Jared from the room. She led him from a side door into a small, secret, walled garden, which was filled with the scent of jasmine and late spring flowers.