A Suitable Husband Read online

  Title Page

  A Suitable Husband

  By

  Fenella Miller

  Publisher Information

  A Suitable Husband published in 2011 by

  Andrews UK Limited

  www.andrewsuk.com

  This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  The characters and situations in this book are entirely imaginary and bear no relation to any real person or actual happening.

  Copyright © Fenella Miller

  The right of Fenella Miller to be identified as author of this book has been asserted in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyrights Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  Chapter One

  Sarah frowned. She could not change her mind for the hired chaise was at that very moment bowling up to the front door. Unwilling to be seen by her visitor gawping like a village urchin, she stepped back and thus failed to see the occupant of the vehicle descend. If she had done so her doubts would have multiplied.

  She hurried downstairs to the library, wishing to be seated there when her visitor was announced. She looked round her favourite room, checking all was as it should be and that Edward had not left any books untidily on the tables. Satisfied, she resumed her study of the list of questions she wished to ask the man applying for the position as tutor, and companion, to her seven-year old son.

  Sarah straightened at the sound of footsteps in the passageway outside. Thomas, the housekeeper, appeared in the open doorway.

  ‘Captain Mayhew is here to see you, madam.’

  ‘Thank you, Thomas, please show him in.’

  Her heart thudded uncomfortably and she deeply regretted having allowed her mother-in-law, Lady Hepworth, to persuade her to take this action. Interviewing strange gentleman was something to which she was not accustomed. Since the demise of her dear husband, Jonathan, six year previously, she had lived a sheltered life and met few men of any sort. Indeed she employed no males in her house at all. Sarah stood up and smoothed the skirts of her plain blue morning-

  dress. Heavy footsteps approached.

  ‘Captain Mayhew, madam.’Sarah’s mouth rounded and her jaw dropped.

  ‘Good afternoon, Mrs Haverstock, Oliver Mayhew at your service.’ The tall, dark, grey eyed soldier, bowed, but didn’t offer his hand.

  She recovered her wits. She had not considered Captain Mayhew might be so formidable. But why would such a man wish to take a position more suited to a scholar than a man of action?

  ‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Captain. Thank you for agreeing to travel down to see me.’ Sarah indicated one of the upright, wooden chairs. ‘Would you please be seated? Can I send for some refreshments?’

  He bowed again. ‘No, thank you, madam.’ He waited until she had resumed her place then expertly flicked aside the back of his navy blue coat and folded his considerable length onto the chair.

  Sarah noted, crossly, that he was more at ease than she was. This man was totally unsuitable, not the sort of person she had in mind to have sole charge of her darling son. Certain she was not going to offer Captain Mayhew the position, the interview immediately became irrelevant. Relaxing at this comforting thought, she smiled, for the first time.

  ***

  Up to that point Oliver Mayhew had seen, and dismissed Sarah, as a woman of medium height, reasonable figure, and ordinary features. He had already decided to refuse the job, when it was offered; there was nothing to interest him at Rowley Court. This had been a wasted journey.

  Then her smile transformed her face from commonplace to breath taking. Her eyes, he realized, were an extraordinary mix of emerald green and darkest brown and he fell into their intriguing depths. He swallowed, twice, and forced his limbs to untense, angry such an experienced man as he, had allowed himself to be floored by a pair of what had to be the finest eyes in England.

  ‘Are you feeling quite well, Captain Mayhew? You have gone pale. I will order some refreshments. I expect you are fatigued after your long journey.’ She stood up and pulled the bell-strap. Her actions allowed him time to recover.

  ‘Thank you, ma’am, that would be most kind.’ He hid his amusement well. Had she forgotten he was a veteran of the Peninsular? The thirty- five miles from town was a mere bagatelle.

  She ordered a cold collation to be prepared and served immediately in the small dining-room. She resumed her seat, and folded her hands tightly round her list, smiled again and Oliver swallowed again.

  ***

  ‘Now, Captain, I have a list of questions I wish to ask you. Are you feeling well enough to commence?’

  He nodded, his expression bland. ‘Yes, Mrs Haverstock, I am quite ready. What would you like to know?’

  ‘Firstly, why should an ex-officer, from a noble family, wish to take employment as a tutor in such a countrified establishment as this?’

  ‘My birth, as you rightly point out, is impeccable but as a third son, my expectations are nil. My family has an impressive pedigree but there are no funds to go with it.’ Absently he leant down and flicked a speck of dust from his polished Hessians. He raised his head, his strange blue-grey eyes met hers and he smiled. ‘Therefore, as Bonaparte is now on Elba, I must find paid employment or starve. Next question?’

  Sarah’s hands trembled and she felt her colour rise. This would not do! She was a mature woman of eight and twenty, a widow with a seven-year old son, not a moonstruck debutante to be taken in by a handsome soldier with a devastating smile. ‘My next question, Captain Mayhew, is how do you regard the use of corporal punishment?’

  He sat up. ‘Not necessary. I totally disagree with its use for any child.’

  ‘Good, then on that we can agree.’ A maidservant arrived to inform them the meal was ready. Sarah rose gracefully. ‘Please go and eat, Captain. Whilst you do so I will fetch Edward. It is imperative you are able to establish a rapport with him. As I explained, in my letter, I am quite capable of supplying him with a suitable education but what Edward needs is masculine guidance; he is spending too much time with my outside servants.’

  ‘And he is hearing, and doing, things you consider unsuitable?’

  ‘Exactly. I need a gentleman who can teach him the things he will need to know when he is ready to take his rightful place in the world.’

  ‘Naturally you do, ma’am. As you know I am well educated, speak three languages, and am competent in the classics and mathematics. The natural sciences and botany are a particular interest of mine.’ Was this a deliberate ploy on his part? He must know dear Jonathan had been recognised internationally as a botanist of repute and, at the time of his death, had been compiling a record of the flora and fauna of Surrey.

  Sarah nodded; maybe Captain Mayhew was not as incompatible as she had first thought. They parted; he to follow the maidservant to the small dining-room, she to run upstairs to her son’s domain on the second floor.

  Her small son looked up eagerly as his mother entered the room. ‘What is he like, Mama?’

  Sarah hesitated before answering. ‘Captain Mayhew is tall, and lean, and well over six feet, I would say. He has strange blue- grey eyes and dark hair, which he has long, to his collar.’

  ‘What is he wearing? Is he bang up?’

  Sarah shuddered at his language but refrained from comment. ‘His jacket is dark blue and well-cut
, but not, I think, from Weston, for it does not fit snugly enough. His cravat is simple, his waistcoat plain, but I misremember the colour.’

  Edward smiled. ‘I like the cut of his jib, Mama. Is he fierce or friendly? Does he like animals? Would he like Rags?’

  She laughed. ‘Enough questions, Edward, my dear; come and meet him for yourself. You know I will not employ him if you do not wish me to. I want you to be content in his company.’

  ‘If he likes animals and doesn’t shout at me, I will be happy, Mama. I am going to fetch Rags; Captain Mayhew must meet him as well.’

  She shuddered. ‘If you insist, my love. Has your dog had a bath recently?’ The last time she had seen the enormous, hairy animal, he had been liberally smeared with stable dung.

  ‘Of course he has. Jack and I washed him under the pump. I think he gets smelly just because he so loves being washed.’

  Edward clattered ahead, down the uncarpeted backstairs, and dashed out into the yard to find his constant companion. ‘Rags, come here boy.’ The dog came bounding round the corner to skid to an ungainly halt, all paws and lolling tongue, in front of his young master. Edward dropped to his knees and hugged him. ‘Good boy! Well done!’

  ‘Get up from the dirt, please, darling,’ Sarah gently remonstrated. Edward ignored her. He sat back on his heels and scrutinized his pet. ‘You look very smart. Has Jack been grooming you this morning?’ In answer the dog, his huge grey and black head on a level with the boy’s, smothered Edward’s face with wet, sloppy, licks.

  Sarah had seen enough. ‘Edward, get up now. Do as I bid, please.’

  Her son grinned over his shoulder, not moving. ‘Doesn’t he look smart, Mama? I believe Captain Mayhew will be impressed.’

  ‘He will not be impressed with you, Edward, if you are covered in mud and dog hairs.’

  Finally he stood up, glancing cursorily down at his tweed breeches and wrinkled stockings. ‘I am not really dirty; it’s only dust, it’ll brush off.’ He banged ineffectually at the mud.

  ‘Come here, you silly boy, let me do it.’ She, with the ease of long practice, removed the grime and dog hairs and straightened his jacket. ‘There, that is much better.’

  A loud yelp startled her. She laughed. ‘And yes, you look very smart too, Rags’ The dog waved his plumy tail and his liquid brown eyes radiated his devotion. ‘We must go in, Edward. You had best hold his collar. Remember what happened last time he came in and met Tabby on the stairs.’

  Edward giggled. ‘Cats should stay in the kitchen. It served her right for being where she shouldn’t be.’

  ‘Poor thing; she stayed hidden on top of the wardrobe in my bedchamber for the rest of the day.’

  ‘I bet Rags would chase a burglar too, Mama, if we had one. I wish you would allow him to sleep in my room with me. He gets so lonely in the stable.’

  ‘Nonsense, my love. He is not a house pet and we agreed when you got him he should live outside.’

  The dog walked placidly beside Edward, sniffing the unaccustomed smells with delight, no doubt hoping he might meet another intruder to chase. Sarah entered the study to find the captain already in occupation.

  ‘Good God! Whatever is that object?’ His astonishment overcame his good manners.

  The dog, recognising the reference to himself, bounced forward taking Edward with him. The resulting heap of arms and legs entangled on the carpet immediately dispensed with ceremony.

  Winded, but laughing, the captain extracted himself from the pile and stood up, taking Edward with him. ‘Are you hurt, lad? Did I tread on you?’

  Edward appeared relieved the captain was not enraged so had temporarily forgotten his own woes. Now, however, the pain from his squashed hand overwhelmed him. His chin wobbled and bravely he choked back his tears. ‘My hand’s a little hurt, sir, but otherwise I received no injury, thank you for asking.’

  WhenSarah had watched the intimidating stranger vanish under a melee of dog and child she had not known whether to smile or frown. But on hearing her son’s tearful admission he was in pain she rushed forward and scooped him up, and he allowed himself to be petted and cosseted.

  ‘There, there, my darling, let me see. You are so very brave.’ As Sarah was kissing the injured appendage she happened to glance up and found Captain Mayhew watching her performance with distaste. Embarrassed to be seen as such a doting mother she released him.

  Edward rubbed his well-kissed hand on his breeches and grinned. ‘Don’t you think my dog’s splendid, Captain Mayhew?’ The miscreant, now calmly seated at the captain’s feet, thumped his tail.

  Oliver smiled. ‘He is an excellent dog, Edward, but his place is outside, not in the house.’

  Her son coloured. ‘Yes, sir. I will take him out at once.’

  Sarah watched as Edward grabbed the dog’s collar and hurried off without a murmur of protest.

  ‘I must apologize to you, Captain Mayhew. The dog is not normally permitted indoors; but Edward begged for my permission to introduce him to you.’

  ‘And you succumbed to his pleas?’ His reply was mild but Sarah knew he thought her a foolish and overindulgent parent.

  ‘Yes, I am afraid I did.’ She moved towards a chair and sat down, gesturing to the captain to do likewise, giving herself time to become more composed. ‘I should be more firm with him, I am aware of that. It is not good to spoil him but, you must remember, he is all I have, and he is such a sweet boy, he never takes advantage of my partiality.’

  Mayhew leant forward, fixing Sarah with his stare. ‘If I am to become Edward’s tutor, and companion, Mrs Haverstock, such pampering will have to cease. I would expect full control of the boy; he must not be permitted to run to you for comfort and protection.’

  She stiffened. How dare he suggest she was an inadequate mother? She drew breath to give a sharp set down then paused, realizing he had made a valid point. ‘I will be happy to place Edward’s education in your hands, Captain Mayhew, and would not dream of interfering with that process, any more than my son would dream of disobeying your instructions.’ He sat back, a small smile of satisfaction flickering across his austere features.

  ‘However, I am his mother, and legal guardian, and you will be in my employ. I hope you appreciate what that means?’

  He barely hid his anger. ‘Of course, madam.’

  ‘I am glad we understand each other, Captain. Now I believe we can move on to the details. You will be accommodated in the Dower House; it would not be fitting for you to reside here. I will provide the necessary staff to take care of you, of course.’

  ‘Forgive me, ma’am, I would prefer to appoint my own men, if you have no objection?’

  ‘No, of course not. That will actually be more convenient. I also intend to provide you with two hacks. My son is an excellent horseman and I wish him to ride out frequently.’ Sarah stood up, thus terminating the interview, and rang the bell. ‘I suggest a three-month trial; if we are both satisfied, I will make the appointment permanent. Your salary will be as stated in the letter. Do you have any further questions, Captain?’

  He bowed, his expression open, but his eyes narrowed. ‘None, I believe you have covered everything to perfection. When do you wish me to start?’

  ‘Can you be here by the first of May? This will allow two weeks for the Dower House to be refurbished.’

  ‘That will be acceptable. I have only to resign my commission at Horse Guards and then I am a free agent.’

  Sarah examined the enigmatic man standing opposite and came to decision. ‘It might be best if you selected your own mounts, sir. There is a fine stud a few miles south of here.’

  He bowed again. ‘Thank you, Mrs Haverstock. I will visit the place on my return. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall take my leave.’

  Sarah inclined her head ‘Until May, then, Captain? I will expect to
see an education schedule for Edward on your return. Will that be convenient?’

  ‘I will have it, of course. Good day to you, Mrs Haverstock.’

  He followed the maid servant, who bobbed him a nervous curtsy. Sarah watched his back, ramrod straight, disappear down the passageway. Her knees, unexpectedly, refused to hold her upright and she was obliged to grab the back of a chair for support. What had possessed her to appoint Captain Mayhew? He was the antithesis of everything she had envisaged for Edward’s mentor. She sank into the chair and dropped her head into her hands. She heard running footsteps approaching the study, and not wishing her son to see her so overset, dried her eyes, and pinched her cheeks to restore some much-needed colour.

  ‘Mama, Captain Mayhew says he’s to be my tutor. I’m so glad. He’s a capital fellow, I was so afraid you’d appoint a flat.’

  ‘Edward, you must not use such language, it is quite unsuitable.’

  He grinned, unrepentant. ‘Sorry, Mama. Rags is happy too. Captain Mayhew promised he’ll teach me how to box, and use a pistol. When’s he starting, I hope it’s soon?’

  ‘In a two weeks, darling,’ she replied faintly, her unease returning at her son’s mention of pugilism and guns. Mayhew was totally unsuited for the task to which she had appointed him and whatever his qualifications, and however much her son and his dog wished him to stay, she was determined, after the three months, the man would leave Rowley Court and someone more suitable would be found.

  Chapter Two

  ‘Captain Mayhew’s men have arrived, Mama,’ Edward shouted when he saw his mother talking to Jack, the stable boy, in the drive.

  ‘Please do not shout at me, Edward, it is extremely bad manners,’ Sarah said, as her son slithered to a halt beside her.