'Your grandparents, sadly, died before you were born, but they left me well-provided-for and these funds are held in my name alone so he cannot touch them.'

  'Are you saying that you have enough to clear the debts on this place?'

  'I'm not entirely sure, dearest, but no doubt your future husband will be able to speak to my lawyers and ascertain the exact amount available.'

  Thea embraced her mother awkwardly, her broken arm a hindrance, scarcely able to believe that things were not as grim as she'd feared. 'I'll tell him at once. He'll be overjoyed, as am I. However, even if we have to give up this place there's an estate in Norfolk where we can live comfortably. Benedict and I will supplement his income by the sale of our horses.'

  'In which case we must put aside our worries and enjoy this house party. We've only been here a few days and yet both our lives have changed completely. To think that in the future your children will have two grandmamas to spoil them.'

  The thought of what had to be done before any baby could arrive made Thea glow all over. She kissed her mother and hurried to Benedict's room. Her knock was answered immediately.

  'I hoped it might be you, sweetheart, we've not had time to talk since all the fuss this morning.'

  Before she could tell him the wonderful news his arms were around her and a heady, blissful few minutes followed where she was thoroughly and passionately kissed.

  This time it was she that ended the embrace by pushing gently on his chest. 'Enough, my love, we have the rest of our lives to indulge in such things.'

  *

  Benedict held her for a moment longer, reluctant to step away. 'I invited everyone here for mercenary reasons and have instead fallen in love. Not something I anticipated but thank God that I did.'

  She smiled up at him and he thought he detected something akin to love in her eyes. There was more than enough love on his side for the marriage to work but he was hopeful she too would experience the heady emotions that had engulfed him so suddenly.

  'I no longer want my father in my life but am concerned that he and the men he has with him might perish in the freezing conditions.'

  'He'll get as far as the village but I doubt he'll get any further. There's a decent coaching inn there and he'll be safe enough until the weather improves.'

  'I came to tell you some wonderful news but your kisses made me forget.'

  He listened with growing excitement. 'It doesn't matter if all the debts are cleared, if your mother can reduce them by half or more then I'm certain the bank will allow us to repay quarterly.'

  'If we breed horses and hounds that will supplement the income from your estates. If we can remain here it will be so much easier for all of us.' Then her sunny smile faded. 'You said that the men behind the mischief here are presently located in Stonham. What if my father falls in with them?'

  'I think it highly unlikely they'll encounter each other. I've been derelict in my duties and should have routed them out weeks ago. I can assure you they'll be behind bars as soon as the weather makes travel viable.'

  'Goodness, look at the clock. I've scarcely sufficient time to change.' She waved and ran away. He was counting the days until he could keep her with him and show her the joys of the marriage bed.

  He called on his brother before going down and was glad to see a marked improvement in his behaviour.

  'Benedict, I'm so sorry for doing such dreadful things to Miss Watson. I think it was the drink Rollins and his men were giving me. Since I've stopped taking it, I'm feeling more myself.'

  'Where is this drink?'

  Ben looked embarrassed. 'I have it secreted under the floorboards in my dressing room. Rollins told me it would give me strength and courage and I believed him.'

  'Ben, that explains why you behaved as you did but doesn't explain why you chose to try and ruin my house party or why you think I'm not a suitable person to be the earl.'

  His brother refused to meet his eye and mumbled an unintelligible response.

  'I see. You believe these things, don't you?'

  Ben looked up and there was hate in his eyes. All pretence at being a reformed character gone. 'Papa was ashamed of you as am I. You drank and whored …'

  'Silence. You will not speak to me like that. I know now what I shall do with you. When the weather improves you'll go to my estate in Northumbria. You'll not be able to cause mischief there.'

  'Mama said I was to go away to school.'

  'Be grateful you're not going to be incarcerated in an asylum. You'll continue your education with tutors. When you come of age, you can go to the devil or return here and be a part of the family again.'

  He expected Ben to shout abuse, return to his manic state, but instead his brother subsided onto the chair, his posture one of defeat. For a moment he was sympathetic but then decided this too was a ploy. His brother might not be mad but he was certainly devious and not to be trusted.

  As he left, he turned. 'By the by, Miss Watson and I are to be wed on the sixth of next month. You'll be on your way to Northumbria by then.'

  He wasn't sure if knowing his brother was of sound mind but a villain was better or worse than thinking him unbalanced. He'd indicated to the young man on duty that he step out into the passage with him.

  'Take care, my brother's a cunning, intelligent boy and might well try to trick you into letting him escape.'

  'We'll be vigilant, my lord. Would it be possible for two others to be part of this? That way we'd never have to leave him unsupervised if a call of nature means we're obliged to leave the room.'

  'Speak to Mr Jenkins. Tell him that the arrangement has my blessing. I'd like all who are currently looking after him to go to Northumbria. I've sent word for the house to be made ready, it hasn't been occupied for some time but should be habitable before Lord Benjamin arrives. I fully understand if you don't wish to leave Suffolk.'

  'We'd be happy to go but both of us are courting. Would it be possible for us to take the girls we're walking out with to Northumbria?'

  'I don't see why not. I suggest that you tie the knot as soon as you can on your arrival. I've only visited the place once many years ago but I recall there are five bedchambers for family and above that decent accommodation that was once used for the nursery. You and your new wives can have that.'

  'Thank you, my lord, we'll be ready to leave when you give the word.'

  'I'll send my man of business ahead of you. He hails from Northumbria and will be delighted to return there. He'll be in charge of my brother's education, the household's finances and so on. You will answer to him as you would to me.'

  The young man nodded. 'We'll work as footmen and our soon-to-be brides as maids once Lord Benjamin is more settled into his new way of life.'

  'Exactly so – the estate's no more than fifty acres but is self-sufficient. It's surrounded by moorland, hills and rocks so if even if he wishes to run away, he'd have nowhere to go.'

  He hurried back down the passageway not wishing to meet any of his guests who would wonder where he'd been. So far, thankfully, word of his brother's imprisonment hadn't filtered through to the house party.

  Dinner, as always, was delicious and Thea now took her rightful place beside him. His future mother-in-law and his mother sat together and appeared to be bosom bows already. This boded well for the future. He decided that it didn't make sense, with their straitened circumstances, to go to the expense of converting either of the wings when there was more than enough room for all of them in the central section of the house.

  His sister, Ellie, was brought down after dinner with her governess to listen to the performances at the musical evening. He was pleasantly surprised by the quality of most of those participating.

  'Ellie, tomorrow there's to be a treasure hunt. Would you and Miss Smithson like to take part?'

  'We would, thank you, Benedict.' The little girl moved closer and spoke softly. He leaned down to hear what she wanted to say. 'I know what our brother did and I wish that I'd told you what he was doing. I saw him going out at night, meeting up with those horrible men from the village. Mama told me I was telling lies and that I'd be punished severely if I continued to do so.'

  'It's not your fault, sweetheart, and Benjamin's going to live in Northumbria where he can't cause any further trouble. Run along, it's well past your bedtime and Miss Smithson's waiting.'

  She skipped away, obviously happy to have unburdened herself, leaving him with a fresh problem. If their mother had been aware but done nothing about it, hadn't informed him, had protected Benjamin, he must have words with her. Tonight had been enjoyable for everybody and he'd no wish to spoil the evening for himself or for his mother.

  The following morning the sun was out but the temperature still below freezing. This meant the snow would remain, but no more was likely to fall. He was anxiously awaiting the return of his secretary who would have stayed overnight in Ipswich before attempting the five mile ride a second time.

  His conversation with his parent had been to the point. She was in tears at the end of his reprimand and apologised profusely for failing to do as she ought to have done.

  'Your father and I spoiled Benjamin. We were blind to his faults, indulged him at every turn, and gave him the impression that he was more important than yourself. I fully support your decision to send him to Northumbria and pray that he'll, in time, mend his ways and be able to return to live with us.'

  'I hope so too, ma'am, but fear the damage to his character is permanent. He will be well-treated, complete his education, and be able to take his place in society when he comes of age.'

  He and Thea had been up at dawn rushing about the place hiding the clues. The treasure hunt was now ready for the participants to begin at ten o'clock. She was waiting for him in the study where they were to breakfast together.

  'How did she take it? Was your mother very distressed to be given a bear-garden jaw?'

  'She was suitably contrite and the matter can now be put behind us. What can I serve you with, my darling?'

  'I'll have a little of everything. Having my arm in a splint and a sling is decidedly awkward. It no longer hurts and Mrs Jones said word has gone out to the surgeon and that he should be able to come and see me today. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it isn't actually broken?'

  'It certainly would.' She was thinking about the convenience of being able to cut up her own food whereas his thoughts were on something else entirely. Making love to her would be so much easier if she was able to participate fully.

  He was relieved to be able to turn his back so his embarrassment was hidden from her. They enjoyed a convivial breakfast and sent for a second jug of coffee. The trays had been cleared away and they were about to go to the ballroom so they could send off the teams in turn. Obviously, not all of them could leave at the same time or there would be chaos.

  He and Thea were to be timekeepers. The winners would be the team that completed the hunt with the most answers to the clues and in the fastest time.

  The sound of hurrying footsteps outside had him on his feet and he was delighted and relieved to see his secretary had returned safely.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Thea, as was correct, intended to leave Benedict to speak to his secretary in private.

  'No, sweetheart, this concerns you, so stay.'

  'I would like to know if the letter was sent successfully.'

  'It was, Miss Watson, and I'm confident that your horses will be safe. I dropped your letter into the bank, my lord, but even more important the captain of the militia who are based just outside Ipswich was staying at the same hostelry as I. They will apprehend Rollins and his crew for you.'

  Benedict slapped his secretary heartily on the back. 'Well done indeed. Foster was sent away at dawn today so no doubt he too will be rounded up when they arrive later.'

  'What will happen to the three footmen?' Thea asked.

  'They were offered an alternative to being dismissed without reference. They accepted with alacrity and two of them are now outside men and the third's a groom.'

  'I must go to the ballroom and get this treasure hunt started.' She left him with his secretary but was touched that he'd allowed her to remain and not sent her away as most gentlemen would have done.

  It was late afternoon before the hunt was completed by all the teams and the winners would be announced after dinner. As the next day was Christmas Eve there were no activities planned for it wouldn't be respectful to be gallivanting about the place on the eve of the Lord's birthday.

  Christmas Day began with a service for staff and guests in the ballroom and they sat down to a sumptuous dinner with three roast geese as well as other birds as the centrepiece. People spent the day in quiet contemplation and she made a point of not spending time alone with Benedict as she had no wish to do anything improper on the Lord's name day.

  There were no gifts exchanged, apart from the annual monetary ones given to the staff on the twenty-seventh. The pantomime performed on this day was declared a success and nobody objected to serving themselves a cold collation that evening. It was traditional for the staff to have this day to celebrate themselves.

  Benjamin and his entourage left the next day and she was relieved that he was no longer residing under the same roof. Mama appeared happier than she'd ever been and when the owner of the bank that held the Harcourt debts arrived, she spent an hour closeted with him.

  'My dear, he was a delightful gentleman and very accommodating. He will contact my bank in London and have the funds transferred. I do hope there's enough to save this estate.'

  'I already love it here; it might not be as luxurious or well-appointed as Tiverton Hall but it has a more friendly feel. I'm sure we're both going to be very happy here. Are you going to be one of the judges for the snowman competition?'

  'Good heavens, child, I should think not. You know I abhor the cold. I'll stand at the window and admire everybody's efforts but that's as far as I'll go.'

  'Word has come that my horses will be here later today. I'm going to be busy making sure everything's ready for them.'

  'Surely there are stable hands to do that? You'll be a countess soon and to be raking about the stables isn't a suitable occupation.'

  'I've spent most of my life doing exactly that, Mama, and my future husband's perfectly content for me to continue as I've always done.'

  She left her mother fussing and complaining to whoever was prepared to listen. It was imperative that the broodmares, fillies and colts were correctly stabled. Brutus, her volatile bay stallion, would be coming too and she was looking forward to seeing him again.

  Outside it was crisp and cold, the sunlight reflecting brightly on the snow, and the air was full of laughter and the sound of people enjoying themselves as they built their snowmen. She was joined by Benedict as she walked into the second barn which was being made ready for the new arrivals.

  'There you are, sweetheart, I've been looking for you.' He wasn't smiling and a flicker of unease ran through her.

  'What's wrong?'

  'I've just heard that the militia failed to arrest Rollins and his men. They'd left the premises they were occupying and no sign of them has been found in the neighbourhood.'

  'Isn't that a good thing? If they've moved on then at least they're no longer a problem to you.'

  'Your father threatened to employ ne'er-do-wells to cause us harm and I fear that's why the militia failed to find those they were seeking. Rollins might now be in the employ of your father.'

  'Then surely the soldiers would have found them lurking somewhere nearby?'

  'There are parts of my estate that are densely wooded, all but inaccessible, these ruffians might well have hidden there. Captain Forsyth and his men were obliged to return to Ipswich and cannot return to continue their search for several days.'

  'If they're coming back so soon then there's little likelihood of these people doing anything untoward in the next few days.'

  He frowned. 'I don't like the thought of those bastards being…' He stopped at her shocked gasp but instead of apologising for his language he laughed. 'I forget that I'm not talking to another gentleman and therefore my language is going to be intemperate on occasion.'

  She'd been shocked by his swearing but now she was incensed by his comparison. They were standing outside the second barn surrounded by crisp, white snow. Before she could reconsider she leaned down and scooped up a handful and threw it in his face.

  His look of incredulity made her laugh but her merriment was short-lived. His eyes gleamed with devilment and the next thing she knew she was being pitched head first into a six-foot snowdrift. She emerged, shivering, spluttering, determined to get her revenge.

  She was severely handicapped by having the use of only one arm. She abandoned the sling and was thus able to make hard, round snowballs. Her aim was true and she managed to land several missiles on his head and shoulders before he pounced on her a second time.

  'Pax, darling girl, we both look like snowmen…'

  She attempted to wriggle free. 'For the second time, sir, you've compared me to a man. Am I so unfeminine you cannot see the difference?'

  She forgot what she'd been about to say as he closed her lips with his. For the first time since they'd been betrothed she was able to link both her hands around his neck and lean into him. They were rudely interrupted by the arrival of Smoke and Shadow who, thinking this was a fine game, attempted to join in.

  'Enough, you idiots, get down at once.' Benedict snapped his fingers and instantly the dogs sat, heads tilted to one side, waiting for his next command.

  'I'm sure my arm isn't broken. I'm going to go somewhere warmer and remove the splint. I'm not waiting for the physician to arrive and do it for me.'

  He knocked most of the snow from her person and she did the same for him before they stepped into the barn. The stalls were being filled with fresh straw, the mangers with hay, and wooden pails of clean water were standing ready for the new arrivals.