She was greeted with enthusiasm when she joined those gathered at the far end of the room. Most of them congratulated her and wished her well but there were one or two who did not.

  'Lord Harcourt and I have come up with a list of entertainments to fill the days until Christmas Eve. His secretary is at this very moment transcribing this information and it will be pinned up at various places in the drawing room so everybody can see for themselves what delights we have planned. We've written the clues for a treasure hunt and he's going to give prizes for the winning team.'

  'Are we to continue with the teams we had before?' Mr Sullivan asked hopefully.

  'His lordship decided it would be better for the teams to be either two young ladies or two gentlemen. Therefore, you have a free choice as to whom you compete with. Obviously, I'm not involved with this hunt.'

  'When is this to take place, Miss Watson?'

  'The clues will be put out tomorrow morning. Those who wish to participate will gather here at ten o'clock and the rules shall be explained. Card tables are being set out in the ballroom at this moment and the fires have been lit. The tournament will commence in one hour.'

  Miss Hoskins was looking perturbed. 'I'm not a proficient card player, does this mean that I can't participate?'

  'Absolutely not, as the games being played are simple – the sort of thing you played in the schoolroom.'

  'Do we compete in our new teams or is this an individual pastime?'

  'Individual. Don't worry, Miss Hoskins, Lord Harcourt will explain everything to you when things are ready.'

  Somebody suggested they played charades again as that had been most popular yesterday. Thea left them to organise themselves for this activity and went in search of her future husband. After looking in his study, all the other main reception rooms, including the music room and the ballroom, she decided he must have gone out to the stables without her.

  Not wishing to avail herself of borrowed footwear and cloak she returned to her apartment to put on a muffler, gloves and cape. With the hood pulled firmly over her head and tied in place with a scarf she should be warm enough even in the snow.

  In order to reach her own apartment she had to pass those of Lady Harcourt and Benedict. She paused outside his sitting room and tapped politely. A few moments later a chambermaid opened the door and curtsied.

  'I beg your pardon, Miss Watson, his lordship isn't here.'

  'Did he come up for his outdoor garments?'

  'No, miss, he's not been back here since he went down earlier.'

  She'd no intention of speaking to either of her parents. Her mother, as she should, would support her husband and Thea was wary of speaking to him. How could she have been so blinded to his flaws for all these years? It had to be because he wasn't home for more than a few weeks at a time as he travelled extensively for business up and down the country and also to far-off exotic places like India and the colonies. This meant that when he was there he indulged his wife and daughter, spoilt them, did whatever they wanted and thus had seemed the most benevolent and loving of fathers.

  As she hurried past their door she paused – was it possible that Benedict was in there with them trying to find a compromise? She glanced nervously over her shoulder to check nobody was watching her and then put her ear against the door.

  She could hear the soft murmur of voices somewhere on the far side of the room but was almost certain Benedict's wasn't one of them. It was a mystery where he'd gone, but the house was so vast he could be anywhere. Indeed, he could be going down one of the secondary staircases as she was going up the main one and then they would never meet.

  *

  Benedict looked in the main reception rooms and unable to spy his quarry decided not to search further. He could hardly go to their apartment – they had to have somewhere they could be without fear of being harassed.

  He would go and see Ben, make sure he was being treated fairly and had everything he needed. If Watson was to renege on his agreement to settle the debts then he must make plans for how he, his wife, mother and siblings were going to live in the future.

  He'd thought to sell his horses but as both he and Thea had an interest in breeding thoroughbreds and hunters it made sense for them to make this their livelihood. Her father had said she'd an excellent eye for a horse but until he saw her stallion for himself he couldn't know if this was paternal bias or the truth.

  It was a harrowing but successful visit with his brother who was no longer spitting venom and making wild threats. The two young men who were looking after him were taking it in turns – twelve hours on duty and twelve hours free.

  Whilst they were with him they played cards, read to him and told him stories about their lives. Ben appeared content with this new arrangement but Benedict feared it might be the tisane he was taking and that when this was withdrawn the rage would return.

  He didn't bother to return to his own rooms, he would take a cloak from the boot room as he'd suggested he and Thea do earlier. He already had on boots so there was no need for him to change his footwear.

  When he opened the door that led from the boot room into the rear courtyard he was pleasantly surprised to see the sun had come out, the heavy, grey snow clouds had gone, and although crisp it wasn't nearly as cold as it had been previously.

  He entered the stables through the smaller door, the larger one that the horses used was, of course, bolted shut. He was knocked onto his backside by the enthusiastic welcome of the hounds. He pushed them off laughing, shook the worst of the straw from his person, and grinned at the watching grooms. 'Which stall is Sinbad in?'

  'Down the end, my lord, you can see him from here taking an interest in everything. He might be uncut but he's a gentle giant. I reckon a babe in leading strings could take him out without any trouble.'

  The dogs bounced along beside him and at their approach Sinbad whickered and dropped his huge head down so he could snuffle over both of them.

  This horse was tall, well over sixteen hands high, and was quite superb. The fact that his nature was gentle made him even more valuable.

  'Well, my friend, I think I've got three mares that will welcome your intentions in the spring.' The horse seemed equally pleased to see him and after fussing him for some time Benedict reluctantly returned to the house. He had to be in the ballroom to explain the rules of this ridiculous card tournament at eleven o'clock and it must be perilously close to that time. He could hardly appear in his dirt.

  His valet was waiting for him with a fresh stock, warm water for his ablutions, and a damp sponge to remove any traces of the stable from his boots and topcoat. Satisfied he looked presentable he left his sitting room.

  As he walked past the rooms in which the Watsons resided the door flew open and Mrs Watson burst out. She was distressed, her eyes red, and he took her arm and guided her back to his own domain. She didn't protest and went with him meekly.

  They were scarcely inside his sitting room when he heard a door slam back, the force of it sending reverberations down the passageway.

  'He's looking for me. My husband's in a fearful rage because I dared to criticise his threats to you and our daughter.'

  'I can assure you that he won't come in here. Stay, my valet well ensure that you're safe. Forgive me for asking, but is Mr Watson prone to such fits of temper?'

  She mopped her eyes with a crumpled handkerchief. 'Only if I don't follow his orders exactly. He's never shown this side of his character to Dora and I fear she'll be lost to us now.'

  'When Thea's my wife you can make your home with us. I must go, I'm expected in the ballroom, but I'll return when I can.'

  There was no need for him to repeat his instructions as Briggs had been in the room. The poor woman was safe for the moment but obviously couldn't remain in his sitting room indefinitely.

  As he'd no wish to inadvertently meet up with Watson so took one of the secondary staircases which brought him out by his study. He was immediately confronted by the very person he wished to avoid.

  'There you are. I've changed my mind. I withdraw my permission for you to marry my daughter. Our trunks are being packed and my family and I will depart from this pernicious place this morning.'

  'I think that foolhardy with the lanes almost certainly blocked by snow. I cannot prevent you leaving but Thea remains here with me. We will be married as planned.'

  'You think to take my daughter from me? She belongs to me and without my permission you cannot marry her legally.'

  'You forget, Watson, that it was your wife who told everybody you'd given your permission and that I was about to make Thea an offer. Your daughter is now my responsibility.'

  'You'll regret this. You might think that being an earl will protect you, but it's money that counts. I'll go to your bank and purchase the debts and then have you and your miserable family, including your new wife, evicted from these premises. I'll then have this place razed to the ground.'

  'Harcourts have banked with the same company for generations. They won't sell you the debts whatever you offer them. Do your worst – it will change nothing.'

  An icy blast of wind whistled down the corridor. Someone had opened the boot room door. Watson snarled, stepped closer and was intending to strike him. Then Smoke and Shadow arrived at his side. Their hackles were up and they were growling.

  His opponent hastily stepped back. 'I'll have those animals shot. You might think you're safe from me but if your sort won't take my money then there are plenty of ordinary folk who'll be only too happy to do my bidding if paid enough.'

  'Empty threats, Watson. I want you gone from Harcourt House within the hour.'

  To be at daggers drawn with his future father-in-law was a very poor start to his future with Thea. Did he have the right to keep Mrs Watson here? Legally she was her husband's property but he feared she'd come to harm at his hands.

  Then a chilling thought filled his head. His brother was of unstable mind and quite obviously Watson was too. If there was madness on both sides then it was possible that any progeny he might have with Thea could be similarly afflicted. A sobering thought, but it didn't change his mind about marrying her.

  He found Albert – it was difficult to refer to him as Jenkins even though that was now the correct way to address him – and explained the situation.

  'I'll see to it, my lord, I'll send four men to his apartment to make sure he departs. I'll also have his carriage and team harnessed. Do you wish me to have him forcibly removed if he doesn't depart within the hour?'

  'Yes – but I think it will take more than four men to do so. Take the dogs – he won't argue with them.'

  The hounds went with Albert and he ran to the ballroom. He slithered to a halt as he approached as it wouldn't do for the Earl of Stonham to be seen to be in such an undignified hurry. Thea, fortunately, saw his precipitous arrival and was at his side in minutes.

  When he told her what had transpired she was horrified. 'He'll be gone soon but I want to know if your mother would prefer to stay here. Would you go and speak to her? She's in my sitting room. I'll get this card tournament started and then join you.'

  'I'm so sorry, I'd no idea he was so vindictive, vengeful, but then I've never seen his true colours until now. Mama and I always did what pleased him so he'd no need to behave as he is now.'

  Chapter Thirteen

  Thea rushed into Benedict's apartment but the sitting room was empty. She called but got no response – either her mother had decided to return to her husband or he'd burst in and removed her. There was a real danger that her father would take hold of her, force her to go with them, so she'd no alternative but to return to the safety of the ballroom where Benedict could protect her.

  She was on her way out when a maid peered around the bedchamber door. 'Miss, your ma's hiding in the attic. We heard a dreadful racket and she was that terrified I took her to my own little room – one what I share with Maisie.'

  'I'm so glad you did that. Please stay with her until my father has left. Thank you for your assistance. Is Maisie a chambermaid also?'

  'No, she works in the kitchen. But she's ever so clever and I reckon she'll be a cook one day herself.'

  'And your name?'

  The girl curtsied. Everybody knew that very soon Thea was going to be mistress here – that's if Benedict managed to retain his estates.

  'I'm Sal, miss, thank you for asking.'

  'Well, Sal, your help won't go unnoticed.'

  Thea could hear loud voices and banging coming from the chambers next door. She picked up her skirts and scampered down the passageway desperate to be amongst a crowd where this person, who had once been her loving father, couldn't harm her.

  Benedict's smile when he saw her lifted her spirits wonderfully and for a moment she was able to forget how the family she'd thought close and loving had suddenly become something else entirely. He took her to one side where they could talk privately.

  Mr Sullivan was seating those that wished to play and Miss Hoskins was recording their names in a ledger. They wouldn't be missed for a while.

  'Ma's hiding in the attic with a maid. He'll not find her.'

  'He'll be gone very soon. I've told him he's foolish to attempt such a long journey in the inclement weather but he refused to listen. I might not like him, but I don't wish him to perish nor his horses or his servants.'

  'He'll do everything he can to ruin you. I wish with all my heart that we'd not come here and brought this catastrophe to your door.'

  'Sweetheart, I don't give a damn about anything apart from having you in my life and knowing that soon we'll be married. What does concern me is how I'll be able to provide for the staff here when I lose the estates.'

  'Let's not think about that now, let's pretend everything's as it should be. That this is a jolly house party to celebrate our betrothal.'

  'You've lived a life of privilege and wealth, had everything you ever wanted, but married to me you'll have a title but very little else.'

  'I care not for such things. As long as my mother and I are safe from him, that we have a roof over our heads and food on the table then that'll be enough for me. I must tell you that I own half a dozen broodmares, the same number of colts and fillies, as well as my two stallions. They are mine, registered in my name, so they belong to me, not him.

  'We need to remove them from Tiverton Hall immediately. I wouldn't put it past him to have them all slaughtered out of spite.'

  'I'll send a letter by express – I think it might still get through. Are there people who would be loyal to you and your mother rather than to him?'

  'There are. Shall we go immediately to your study? I'll give you their names and directions and we can still be back in time for the beginning of this silly activity.'

  'Silly it might be, my love, but look at the faces of those preparing to take part. Do you see anything but enjoyment?'

  'What surprises me, Benedict, is the fact that there are at least half of the older members of the party ready and eager to join in this nonsense.'

  It seemed a miracle to her that a dozen packs of playing cards had been found. Without these this couldn't have taken place.

  She returned to the fray alone leaving him to arrange for the letter to be dispatched. His young secretary had volunteered to take it to Ipswich from where it would be much simpler to have it sent. This was a journey of over five miles and to accomplish that in two feet of snow would be a Herculean task indeed. The difficulty involved in such an enterprise didn't deter this young man.

  Benedict's staff were loyal to a fault – at least those that remained were. Hopefully, the ones presently held captive in a storeroom somewhere were the only ones who'd been involved in the villainy.

  A buffet luncheon was served in the main dining room so that those participating in the event in the ballroom could come and go as they pleased. She'd no appetite and was on edge until Jenkins – formerly known as Albert – told Benedict that her father had left the premises and her mother was now on her way down.

  Eventually, a little after two o'clock, the winner was pronounced and a handsome silver salver was given as the prize. The gentlemen drifted off to play billiards as it appeared there was some sort of tournament going on for this activity too.

  The lists, now pinned up around the drawing room, were being read by all, even the older members of the party perused them eagerly. Those that wished to participate in the musical evening were already transcribing their names. Playing an instrument, singing, even reciting a poem, was acceptable and there would be more than enough performers to fill an hour or two.

  One would never have known that this might well be the last gathering of any sort at Harcourt House. She smiled – as nobody but Benedict, Mama and herself were aware of the impending disaster of course they were enjoying themselves.

  When it was time to change for dinner she retired with her mother as this was the first opportunity there'd been to exchange news.

  'I'm so glad that you decided to stay, Mama, but it must have been a very hard decision for you to make after being married to him for so long.'

  'I've never told you this, dearest, but my life with him hasn't been happy. Only the times when he was away on business could I relax and not be in constant fear of being bullied for some minor transgression or other.'

  'I'm so sorry, I should have been aware of this.'

  'No, Dora, it was none of your concern and if you were able to grow up untrammelled by such worries then I succeeded in my aims.'

  Thea followed her mother into her apartment. 'There are things I need to tell you about what will be happening here after Christmas, after Benedict and I are married.'

  'I know that your father will do everything he can to ruin him. I have what I hope will be good news. I know you believed that your father achieved his wealth and prominence entirely by his own efforts but that isn't correct. I brought a fortune with me which is what started him on his rise.