The three of them had their backs to the others so it was possible to talk quietly without being overheard. 'Why did you wish us to sit down without you?'

  'I thought you might be able to engage the gentlemen in conversation. I have yet to make up my mind about their veracity.'

  The conversation around the table was lively, their host was obviously delighted to have company after so long living in isolation. It must be a great relief to him to have Ralph there for his protection.

  As she was acting as hostess to this impromptu house party it was her role to lead the ladies from the room. However, she was not sure how her grandmother would react. The redoubtable old lady might consider her granddaughter was being presumptuous.

  Seph placed her napkin and cutlery on her plate and caught her sister's eye. 'Charlotte, if you would assist our grandmother to her feet we can leave the gentlemen to their conversation.' She had been going to say port, but she was not sure if this was served at any time apart from after dinner. In fact, she rather thought that in the best houses only the ladies ate at midday.

  'I should like to return to my room for the remainder of the afternoon, girls, so would you be kind enough to assist me upstairs?'

  She exchanged an astonished look with her sister at this remark which was so out of character. They were usually castigated, criticised but never spoken to so softly.

  The two of them left Grandmama to the ministrations of her temporary maid and retreated to the sitting room.

  'It is going to be exceedingly difficult to maintain a distance between us all, Seph. When there are so few in a party it is inevitable that we will become closer than would happen in a larger gathering.'

  'As long as you are never alone with either of the gentlemen then you can spend as much time as you wish in their company. I am hoping that you will entertain us on the piano in the drawing room after dinner today.'

  'I should like that above anything – I must go at once and see if it is in tune for I refuse to play it otherwise.'

  'I shall go to the library to see if I can find myself something more interesting to read than this book of sermons that was all I discovered on the bookshelf.'

  Chapter Nine

  The library was, as expected, deserted and no fire had been lit in here so it was unpleasantly cold. Seph's search must be brief. There were no novels of any description, but that was only to be expected in the house of an elderly gentleman who had been a widower for decades. However, there were several interesting books on the flora and fauna of the area and she selected two of those.

  She emerged from the chamber her fingers numb and her toes also. 'There you are, sweetheart, we need to talk and from your demeanour I gather the library is not the place to do it.'

  'You're the one who visited the fuel store, Ralph, is there sufficient there to have the fires lit in all chambers and still be enough to last the winter?'

  'I would think there is enough to last several winters.' He spied a footman carrying cutlery to the dining room and snapped his fingers. 'Make sure the fires are burning everywhere in future.'

  'Yes, my lord.' The man attempted to bow and inevitably the silverware slithered from the tray to crash noisily on the boards.

  She was about to run to his aid when Ralph grabbed her hand. 'No, he must pick it up himself. It does not do to interfere with a servant's work.'

  'Very well, if you insist, but it seems rather unfair to me. What did you wish to speak to me about so urgently?' Her abrupt tone did not please him. She was not going to apologise, if she was to be his wife she must treat him with respect, obviously, but she had no intention of being a subservient spouse. The sooner he knew this the better their relationship would be in the long-term.

  She hurried to warm her freezing fingers at the fire leaving him to do as he pleased. She stepped back and collided with him. His arms encircled her body drawing her closer and the contact made her breathless. He rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed theatrically.

  'I had no idea I had offered for a shrew, I thought you never spoke a cross word to anyone.'

  She relaxed against him and laughed. 'I do not dissemble, I am what you see. I believe that I have an even temper – most of the time. What about you? I am certain with your fiery hair you must have a nature to match.'

  His arms tightened and he enveloped her hands within his. 'I am the most peaceable of fellows, positively bovine, I do assure you.'

  'Now you are doing it too brown, sir.' She swivelled within his embrace and leaned back against his arms so her weight was entirely supported by him. 'I have not seen you lose your temper. I think that my next task is to provoke you to do so in order that I can see just how formidable you are when enraged.'

  There was a glint in his eye that she did not trust. 'I do not recommend that. You might receive in return more than you give.'

  'Are you threatening me with physical retaliation? I hardly think that fair considering the disparity in our sizes.'

  'Absolutely not. I believe that if I shout loud enough you will be sufficiently subdued to do as you're told.'

  'I shall be deafened but not cowed. I rather think I am going to enjoy getting to know you better.' She moved closer and his grip relaxed. 'I hope if I am fortunate enough to produce children that they have your colouring. I find I am rather partial to red hair.'

  The noise he made was more a growl than anything else. The next thing she knew she was being kissed breathless. Her knees were weak and she was obliged to hang onto his coat front in order to remain upright. He removed her hands and turned his back on her in a most impolite fashion. He strode to the far end of the room.

  'Remain where you are, I need to be alone.' His voice was barely audible.

  She was about to protest but decided to take a seat and wait for him to recover from the experience. 'Are you able to continue a conversation or do you wish me to go completely from the room?' She had the good sense to shout so he could hear her clearly.

  He muttered something that she could not catch. 'I think that we must not be alone again, my love, or I shall do something we will both regret.' This time his words were clear.

  For a moment she was puzzled and then understood. 'It was not I that suggested we convene in here unchaperoned. Neither was it I who initiated our embrace. What is it you wish to speak to me about?'

  'I have no wish to continue to shout down the room. You are the most provoking young woman.' He turned and strolled back to her, only a slight flush along his cheekbones to indicate he had been at all discommoded by their lovemaking.

  He took a seat on the other side of the fire. He then proceeded to explain what he had discovered. 'I would value your opinion; do you think they are genuine and that I should hand them the letter?'

  'You must certainly not do that, not at the moment. If they have searched the carriage, and the room, then either they will guess that you are carrying it about your person and attempt to take it by force or that they have come on a fool's errand.' He was about to reply when something occurred to her. 'The only way they can know that the Frenchman did not have the letter was if they caught him.'

  'God's teeth! You are right. I don't think that it was these two that ran after him. Although I was not paying much attention I am certain they were older men.'

  'Then that is a point in their favour.'

  'No, sweetheart, I think it exactly the reverse. Think about it. The Frenchman was being pursued by the men who wanted to stop him delivering the letter – these must have been the intelligence officers. This means that by the balance of probability Sir Jeremy is now harbouring traitors under his roof.'

  Despite the warmth of the room a chill ran through her. 'What can we do? We are cut off here and cannot send word to anyone for assistance.'

  'Do not look so worried, little one, I guarantee that nothing untoward shall happen to you or your family.'

  'That's all very well, Ralph, but I am most concerned for your safety. If they are evil men then they will not hesitate to murder you to get what they want.'

  One might have expected him to be suitably shocked by her comment but instead he laughed out loud. This was most vexing and not at all the reaction she had been expecting.

  'Darling girl, look at the size of me. Do you really think that even the two of them could overcome me?'

  'Your size would be no match for a gunshot.'

  'True, but I think it unlikely they will attempt to shoot me or attack me in any way whilst we are still snowed in. There are more than a dozen men here and they would be overwhelmed in no time at all.'

  His superior smile did nothing for her temper.

  'So, if I am to understand this correctly, my lord, I am to have the pleasure of your company unscathed until the snow melts? At that point they can murder you with impunity and escape.' Her voice was shrill, even to her ears she sounded almost hysterical.

  Again, he surprised her. In two steps he was at her side, had lifted her from her chair and sat down with her positioned in his lap. He put his arms around her and stroked her back as if she were a child. 'Please, I was teasing. I am in no danger and neither are you. Roper has disabled their pistols – it is I who is armed not them.'

  *

  'But can you be sure they have not discovered the tampering and found replacements?'

  'I think it highly unlikely they have done so. Now, shall we talk of something else?'

  She smiled and scrambled from his lap. 'If I were to dance with one of them perhaps I could discover more about their reason for being here?'

  'Indeed, you could. You could check to see if he is carrying any further weapons.'

  This suggestion was so ludicrous her delightful laughter filled the room. 'And what do you think my grandmother would do if I was to run my hands up and down his person?'

  'More to the point, my love, is what I would do if you attempted such a thing. No, do not raise your eyebrows at me, madam, I shall not have it. I should rip the gentleman concerned to pieces with my bare hands.'

  'In which case, sir, I shall not attempt such a thing. If we could be serious for a moment, Ralph, I really do not wish to be in close contact with either of them and I do not think that my sister should dance with them.'

  'If your sister is playing the piano then she cannot dance with anyone, and I shall stand beside you in a proprietorial manner. I defy the most eager of dancers to approach if I am doing so.'

  'Do you play cards?'

  'I am famous for my skill. However, I fear you are not talking about games of chance but something tamer.'

  'I enjoy playing Whist. Could we not have a hand or two of that? My grandmother is an expert and I expect that Sir Jeremy would be happy to partner her.'

  There was a disadvantage to them playing cards without including Defoe or Johnson. This would leave them free to flirt with Charlotte and however determined the young lady was to keep a distance from them she was not experienced enough to be able to do so without support.

  'We need to do something that includes everyone – listening to your sister play must be the entertainment for tonight.'

  'Very well, but tomorrow we shall play charades. I shall not take no for an answer.'

  He smiled in what he hoped was a non-committal way and she seemed satisfied with this response. He would rather have his teeth pulled than do such a thing and when it came to it, he would find a pressing need to be elsewhere.

  *

  They spent longer on their preparations than they had ever done before. Having the assistance of a personal dresser seemed to slow things down rather than make them speedier for they each had to wait their turn to be attended to. Eventually Seph and her sister were ready to descend.

  'I am so glad that we have evening gowns in the new fashion, Seph, for I expect the gentlemen will dress to impress.'

  'There you will be wrong, Charlotte, as Mr Johnson and Mr Defoe do not even have a change of clothes, so they certainly will not have anything for the evening. I expect that Sir Jeremy will be as you say, but I should not be surprised if he wears the old-fashioned breeches and silk stockings.'

  They had been talking as if the maid was invisible but she had heard every word and interrupted their conversation. 'Sir Jeremy wears pantaloons and evening slippers, miss, he gave up them other things years ago.'

  Seph knew she should dismiss the girl for such impertinence but did not have the heart to do so. Instead she shook her head slightly. 'Susan, I know you have not been trained to hold this position but you should know that a servant never speaks unless spoken to and certainly does not interrupt the conversation. Please do not do so again.'

  The girl curtsied but did not seem at all abashed by the reprimand. 'Begging your pardon, Miss Winterton, I'll remember my place in future. I'm ever so pleased to be here and don't want to lose my position.' She beamed. 'I reckon you both look a treat. It's a shame there's not a grand party tonight for you to show off your lovely gowns.'

  It was hard to remain cross when the girl meant no disrespect and was certainly good at her job.

  'We shall not be late. You are free until we come up.'

  'Lawks, miss, I've got too much to do pressing your other gowns to take time off.'

  Ralph must have overheard this conversation as he had wandered into the sitting room to wait for them. He was laughing at the exchange. 'At least the girl is eager to do her job even if her performance is unusual.'

  'We are definitely overdressed for an informal dinner. You look magnificent in your black, Ralph, but it accentuates your height and bulk. If I did not know you I would be alarmed.'

  'And I'm glad that we established our connection before I terrified you by wearing my evening clothes.'

  He offered his arm, and she took it, which left her sister to walk alone. Charlotte barely acknowledged his presence and stalked past, gathered up her skirts, and ran lightly down the passageway to vanish before they had scarcely left the room.

  'Oh dear! I must be more careful to include my sister. Two days ago we were inseparable and now she is on the outside.'

  'I should have thought of that myself. Excuse me, I shall go and apologise. I have no wish to push her into the company of those other two.'

  He abandoned her and his long strides took him out of sight in seconds. She was only halfway to the gallery when she heard the other gentlemen emerging from their apartment. Instinctively she increased her pace and was almost running by the time she reached the corner.

  Her smile was rueful. If they had observed her ridiculous behaviour they would think her to be hurrying after Ralph. Her hands clenched. Was it possible they would interpret her actions correctly? Had she inadvertently revealed she knew they were not who they purported to be?

  After several steadying breaths she was ready to put right the possible damage she had done. There was no sign of her sister or her betrothed. She sighed loudly knowing they would hear her. Then she turned to speak to them.

  'I am so put out. Lord Didsbury abandoned me to walk on my own and went after my sister. Perhaps one of you would do me the courtesy of accompanying me to dinner in his stead?'

  She had addressed her remark to Mr Johnson who was closest to her. His smile appeared genuine. 'I should be delighted to, Miss Winterton. I hope there is not trouble so soon in your relationship.'

  'Oh no, nothing like that, I do assure you. He was right to find Charlotte and apologise as we had upset her. However, he should not have left me to walk by myself. I could have gone with him.'

  'Might I be permitted to say that you look delightful this evening, that gown complements your colouring to perfection?'

  Her hand was now resting on Johnson's arm and she detected tension in it. 'If I am not mistaken, sir, although you are not in evening clothes you are certainly wearing something different from before. How is that possible?' No sooner had she asked the question than she regretted her words. She should have responded prettily to his compliment.

  'You are most observant, Seph, Sir Jeremy has kindly supplied us with what we need until our carriage can return with our trunks. These garments are decidedly old-fashioned as they were worn by him in his youth.'

  'Our host must have been much taller then. My grandmother insisted that she was almost as tall as me when my age which I find hard to believe.'

  Defoe was walking slightly behind them and now joined in the conversation. The arm she was holding was no longer rigid. This was a good thing.

  'What is fortunate, Miss Winterton, is that my friend and I are roughly the same build. We are going to look sadly underdressed this evening, I fear.'

  'You will be bright birds amongst two crows, sir, so must not be bothered about such things.' She smiled in what she hoped was a convincing way. 'I must say, gentlemen, that I have always admired brightly coloured waistcoats and silver threads in a jacket.'

  They both laughed which was the outcome she had aimed for and she was sanguine that if there had been a danger of alerting them it was now averted.

  She had forgotten the light-hearted conversation she had had with Ralph about her spending time with these gentlemen. The three of them were exchanging badinage, laughing gaily as they walked down the stairs together.

  Something made her look up and he was standing in the centre of the hall watching them closely. His expression was bland, but she already knew him well enough to know he was displeased. Whether it was with her or them, no doubt she would discover sometime in the future.

  'Ralph, see how smart these gentlemen are thanks to the good offices of Sir Jeremy.'

  He nodded and walked towards them. He was surprisingly light on his feet for such a big man. 'Thank you for escorting my future wife, gentlemen, but I shall take her now.'

  This casual reference that made her sound like a parcel rather than a person was enough to annoy her. 'I am content where I am. Is Lady Winterton down?'

  His eyes narrowed but he could hardly snatch her away. 'She is enjoying a comfortable coze with Sir Jeremy. Charlotte has forgiven us and is searching for suitable music for her to play later.'