Death at Dawn - Caro Peacock [33]
‘But what does that have to do with how my father died? This baronet can hardly go round shooting everybody who favoured the Reform Bill. Even old King William had to support it in the end. Besides, how did they know each other? My father did not cultivate the friendship of rich Tories.’
‘I doubt if your father and Sir Herbert Mandeville ever met. There is no reason to think so.’
‘I repeat the question: what does he have to do with how my father died?’
‘Quite probably nothing personally. Your father, unfortunately, blundered into something mortally serious that touches many people.’
‘You keep criticising him and not telling me why.’
He said nothing. I could feel him willing me into doing what he wanted and tried to play for time.
‘They are very rich, then, these Mandevilles?’
‘They own substantial estates in the West Indies. The seventh baronet had profitable dealings in slaves.’
‘I shall hate them.’
‘Governesses can’t afford hate.’
‘Nor spies?’
‘No.’
‘Do they live in London?’
‘They have a house there, but their main estate is at Ascot in Berkshire, not far from Windsor. If successful in your application, you would probably spend most of your time there.’
Ascot. A picture came to my mind of heathland, horses galloping across it. An idea began to form.
‘I may not be successful. If they are opponents, you can hardly recommend me.’
‘That will be attended to. They are advertising for a governess, so an application would not be unexpected.’
The sun was down, the room almost dark. I stood up to light the candle on the wash-stand. My legs had stopped trembling and the idea was growing.
‘Very well,’ I said. ‘I shall apply for the post …’
‘I am glad of that, Miss Lane.’
‘But on two conditions. One, you must tell me what I am looking for. I can’t be expected to guess. Is it this woman again?’
‘No. Put the woman out of your mind. The main thing required of you will be to communicate to me news of any guests or new arrivals at Mandeville Hall. In particular, I have reason to believe that they will be holding a reception or ball in the next few weeks, and it would be very useful to us to know the guest list in advance. You will also inform me of the comings and goings of Sir Herbert himself and his family.’
‘How am I to inform you?’
‘Wait here for two days. Either I shall come and see you again, or instructions will be sent to you.’
As the candle flame steadied, I saw satisfaction on his face – and was pleased to be able to erase it instantly.
‘I said there were two conditions.’
‘What else?’
‘I have inherited a mare from my father. If you can arrange and pay for her stabling at some place convenient to Ascot, I shall do as you suggest. If not, then I refuse your proposition.’
‘A governess with a horse?’
He almost lost his self-possession. You could see him grabbing at the tail of it like some small animal bolting, and wrestling it back under his black jacket.
‘A spy with a horse,’ I said. ‘That’s different.’
He thought about it for half a minute or so.
‘Very well, I accept your condition. If you will let me know where the mare is, I shall arrange …’
‘No. Find a stables and I’ll make the arrangements.’
We glared at each other. Then he said, ‘Three days, in that case. Do not move from here. For necessary expenses…’
He picked up his hat from the wash-stand, clinked something down in its place, and went. As the door closed behind him I saw a handful of coins glinting in the candlelight. Ten sovereigns. I sorely needed them, but it was some time before I could bring myself to pick them up.
*
Three days passed. When he’d ordered me not to move, I don’t know whether he meant the town of Dover or my room at the inn. It didn’t matter in any case, since I had no intention of staying imprisoned. I slept, ate, walked by the sea, slept and ate again. The landlord had become polite now that I’d paid my reckoning to date and let him see the flash of sovereigns in my purse. Chops