Seven years by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way red tape first.

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus they are not suitable for you so put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. ©2015

Luv Karen

The twenty three year old Cosmo sat back in the armchair and asked the question “Well Arden as my new steward just what do you suggest we do?” The twenty three year old Arden sprawled in the second armchair and stared back at him. “The old ways are best was the mantra for both of them. Neither of the pair even thought about doing anything different for years.”

“So now we're left to sort out the mess. An estate that needs investment but no money to invest.” “You could marry a cit?” A pillow flew across the room. “Ah I take it that wasn't an acceptable idea. How about asking your cousin Lord Bromhead for ideas?” “Why not, let the pair of us toddle down to the village then. Have we funds to travel?” “Well there's enough to pay for the common stage or possibly the mail or we could take a couple of hunters and just ride.” “We'll ride in the morning, if we both take a string of three hunters they'll get us there and you never know someone might offer us a bit of cash for them.” “The offer of London and a bit of cash in my pocket how could I refuse?” The new Earl of Highford, Cosmo Baynes, sent another pillow flying across the room. “Will we take my darling sister Olympia with us?” “She'll never keep up.” “Don't you believe it or try to stop her following us.” Cosmo's nose twitched “Oh why not she can bring another three hunters along. Besides she's light so will spare the horses.”

The next morning Arden marched into his ten year old sister's room, “We're off riding to London in thirty minutes after breakfast want to come brat?” A nose peeked out of the covers “It isn't April 1st is it?” “No brat it's a serious offer, as long as you're down in the stables before we set off.” He turned and marched down the corridor towards the smells coming from the breakfast room. His sister leapt out of bed and scambled into her clothes. “Molly can you pack me a two saddle bags, one of clothes and one of food from the kitchen.” “Off on a picnic are you?” “You could say that but I'll be staying at least overnight so cram what you can in a saddle bag and don't forget Eudora, my doll.”

She grabbed a bite to eat in the kitchen before dashing out to the stables where she sat herself down ladylike and awaited her brother. Cosmo ruffled her hair “Coming with us then brat?” “Are we really riding all the way?” “Certainly pick out a string of three horses, you'll ride one and lead two, and no you can't have Vulcan.” She put her tongue out at him and swiftly ran through the horses that would be left after Cosmo and Arden would have picked out their favourites. Still that left Breeze, Sunset and Arabella, she had Jake saddle up Arabella to start with, then she mounted up and Molly arrived with the saddle bags which Jake fastened to the saddle.

“So let's get this straight, you've an estate in the country that needs a fortune spending on improvements, practically no income and no interest in using your title to marry money?” “That pretty well sums it up.” Arden spoke up. “Well how bright is Arden?” Arden and Cosmo looked at each other. “Pretty bright, he helped me get through at Cambridge.” “You both went to Cambridge?” “We've done everything together so far.”

“You have a choice either go back to the estate and struggle and in twenty years you might just have a profitable estate or.” “There's an alternative?” “I'm a director of the East India Company. So it could be arranged that one of you goes out to India, I suggest Arden since he has done more on the business side of the estate. You may not realise it but simply being there when your father discussed estate problems or how he dealt with tradesmen will have sunk in over time.” “How long for?” “It takes four to six months to sail there and four to six months to sail back so I'd say five years minimum but seven years would give you six years in India, it’s not a long term thing too much disease out there. My advice would be sell the estate and send most of the funds out with Arden, he'll be allowed to trade on his own account, makes up for the poor wages. Split the proceeds half and half. Also keep your ears open and let my man of business know of any news that might affect any share prices. It can take a year to send a letter of enquiry and get a reply so if you spot something send a letter on any ship coming back with instructions to land them at first landfall. I'll split the proceeds of any profits a third each way. There's a sister I understand, Cosmo you can hold her hostage until you get your money back.” “Brat? She's more likely to hold me hostage.” “I have an estate up north in the back of beyond that raises sheep. The manor house is empty apart from a couple of servants, I'll let you live there quietly until your boat comes in.”

The two men looked at each other, they were as close as brothers. “I'll look after your sister, best find her a governess hadn't I?” Lord Bromhead sighed at least two birds with one stone here, he'd been looking for someone to keep an eye on that northern manor that he could trust. “I'll look round and for a buyer for the estate and for a governess as well. I suggest it would be simpler if she becomes your sister and you don't use your title.”

Lord Bromhead managed to find an industrialist whose wife's health was such that a country estate was thought best. He broke the news, “I've an offer of a hundred and ten thousand for the estate if you'd just like to sign here. Now I suggest Arden takes a hundred and five thousand with him to trade on his own account and you keep five thousand in the bank. If you act as my agent the estate will meet your reasonable expenditures and five thousand should cover a governess and other expenses for seven years.”

“You mean I'm to pretend to be your sister? Can't we send you to the foreign places instead?” “No brat, if I went your brother wouldn't get any of the money.” “He gets half?” “Of the profits from trading and a third of the stock market profits.” “Isn't the stock market gambling? I'm not sure I approve of gambling.” “It's not quite gambling.” Cosmo explained how companies worked by pooling money to buy things like ships and trade goods. She wrinkled her nose “OK brother mine. Now your first task as my brother is to buy me an ice at Gunters.” It was blackmail and they both knew it.

Miss Christiana Young reluctantly knocked on the door with her maid in attendance. She gave her name to the footman who replied “You are expected please follow me. Your maid may wait in the hall.” Olympia stepped out from the drawing room, “If you come with me to the kitchen we can get cook to offer you a cup of tea and she'll feed me as well.” Christiana's maid followed a chatty Olympia down into the basement kitchens where cook carefully extracted all the details she could about her mistress and her fears for her own employment now that her mistress was no longer doing the season whist Olympia carefully listened in. Olympia liked the sound of what she'd heard, anyone who was kind to her servant couldn't be too strict. She slid into the library where Cosmo was struggling to question Miss Christiana Young on her suitability, never having had to interview a governess before. “Are you my new governess?” She asked interrupting Cosmo's questions. “Well if I get through the interview I may be.” “Cosmo give her the job.” “But she hasn't any written references!” “No but her maid speaks nicely of her. Besides I need a new London maid if we're to go off north tomorrow.” “A new maid? But think of the expense.” “Are you going to sort my smelly socks out and iron my unmentionables?” She asked “And just where are we going to find a new London maid for you by morning?” “Well my new governess has just finished a London season and her personal maid is waiting in the kitchen. I could share her I suppose.” Cosmo knew when he was beaten. “Welcome to the household Miss Young, that is if you think you can cope with the brat in front of you.” “Both of you? I'm so sorry that slipped out.” Olympia grinned. “Go and fetch your new maid.” “Yes brother dear, at once.” Olympia skipped out of the room and down to the kitchens. “Lydia you're my new maid. Brother dear wants to meet you in the drawing room.” Lydia hesitantly entered the drawing room. “I've been hired as a nursemaid?” She questioned. “No Olympia wanted a London maid so if you're available you'll be coming north tomorrow. Arrange for Miss Young's clothes to be packed and sent by carrier, there should be room for a couple of dresses in the coach and we set off at seven am sharp so if you want a job I suggest you both sleep here overnight.” Christiana looked across at Lydia, “I'll leave it all in your hands?” Lydia curtsied her agreement.

The next day in one of Lord Bromhead's smaller coaches going north Christiana and Olympia were sat on the bench seat facing forward. Lydia and Cosmo were sat on the rear facing bench covered by a large woolen travelling rug. At their feet were the bags that wouldn't fit in the boot. At the start Olympia had looked out of the window but now she'd fallen asleep against a pillow in the corner. Christina was shocked to see the rug opposite move as if Lydia's hand was well certainly where it shouldn't be not only that but unless her eyes deceived something was moving over Lydia's right breast. She tactfully closed her eyes and tried to sleep as the carriage lumbered on.

When they reached an inn to stay overnight she quietly remonstrated with Lydia only to be told “Well miss, as you're now a servant you'd normally be expected to travel with your back to the horses but if I take him in hand I suspect he'll be happy to sit alongside me. Besides which we need him in a good mood, you realise since they wouldn't fit your sister next year I packed all your dresses in trunks last night to be transported by the carrier?” Christina looked in awe at Lydia. “We didn't own enough trunks?” “Lord Bromhead's staff were very accommodating. So we'll need to keep him sweet so we get allocated large enough rooms to accommodate them.” More to the point Lydia's castoffs were her maid's perk. She didn't see why any should be left behind where the housekeeper would almost certainly take it upon herself to sell any unwanted clothes.

The small staff had gathered in the entrance hall recognising something of importance was about to happen as they saw Lord Bromhead's small carriage arrive up the drive. Cosmo announced himself to the small staff, “I'm Cosmo Chapman, Lord Bromhead's new agent and this is my sister Olympia.” “Do I get to choose the rooms?” Olympia darted past everyone and dashed up the stairs. The housekeeper smiled indulgently after her. “I'll be nice to have a young person about the house again.” “Wait until she's been here a week first before saying that.” Muttered Cosmo gloomily. “Can you find us some refreshment and then I suppose I'd better start by talking to the steward and looking through the books.”

The housekeeper followed Olympia sedately up the stairs trailed by Lydia. “I want the Blue room and could Miss Young, my governess, have the next room to it?” “Why yes miss I don't suppose we'll be having any visitors to stay its been ten years since the last guests apart from Lord Bromhead's roaming agent.” “So my London dresser could have the room across the hall?” The housekeeper paused for a moment a dresser was rather above the usual maid servants and would expect a better room but a guest room? Well it wasn't being used and if it kept the young lady amused then so be it. “Certainly Miss.” She motioned Lydia to the room opposite, quite the most luxurious room Lydia had ever called her own. “Now if I may suggest refreshments will be ready for you shortly downstairs.” Lydia held back a moment, “Dresser am I now?” “Well you're a lady's maid for certain and I'm sure you know quite as much as a dresser does. Should we annoy Cosmo or find Miss Young and have refreshments on the terrace?” “I'm sure we don't want to annoy your brother.” “The terrace it is then.”

Olympia took a horse out from the stables and went exploring. There was another large house nearby and she rode up the drive to see if it was worth visiting. “Hello who are you?” Came a voice from the tree above. “I’m Olympia and I’ve come to live in the big house over there. My brother is the steward.” “Oh good a visitor would you like to try cook’s cakes?” By the end of the afternoon Olympia and Caroline were the very best of friends. “Where will we eat? We're having shepherd's pie what are you having?” “Mackerel again but shepherd's pie sounds good to me.” “I’ll tell mother we have a guest for tea. Are you coming tomorrow?” “I should be studying with my governess but you could come and meet her.” “Is she nice?” “I think so.” “I’ll come then best tell mother first though.”

The next morning Miss Young was greeted by two young ladies in the schoolroom. “Hello I’m Caroline. Olympia thought it might be fun to share her lessons.” “Are you sure your mother will agree?” “She hasn’t got round to finding me a new governess since the last one left.” “I wonder if I’m up to teaching the pair of you?” Olympia just grinned. “Well let’s get started sums first I think.” “I think its time I went home.” Blurted out Caroline. “Oh no you don’t, if I have to suffer Olympia’s mathematics then you do too.” Olympia put her tongue out and was given a long division sum to do on the board with big numbers.

It was a week later and Cosmo was out with the steward inspecting the estate busy approving various improvements the steward hadn't liked to implement before approval when the trunks carrying Christina's precious dresses arrived and were carried up to her room. Caroline, Olympia and the housekeeper looked on in awe at the number of trunks and even more when one or two were opened up and the garments they contained were revealed in their full glory.

“Did you really need so many dresses?”. “I had my season but didn't manage to catch anyone. Well there was Clifford but he managed to get himself compromised by well it doesn't matter now. Yes to make a good impression you need to have so many dresses and they all have to be the latest fashion especially if you only have a modest dowery. Strangely enough if you have a large dowery then it's not so important. You have so little time to make a good impression so now it's time to step aside and let my next sister have her chance.”.

Mrs. Feather looked thoughtful. “My niece Maggie has ambitions about becoming a lady's maid, could you train her up?”. “I could but wouldn't Mr. Chapman have something to say about it?”. “Cosmo, just leave him to me it'll be fun!”. Interjected Olympia.

“Brother mine, Mrs. Feather's niece has ambitions to become a lady's maid so I thought it would be fun to have my governess dress up for dinner.” Cosmo was distracted by the cost of new drains and was only listening with half his attention. “Best not favour just one maid, if Lydia can train up three then I'm agreeable.”

Two more maids who had an interest and showed some aptitude were found and Lydia started with the basics. How to strike the balance between not being noticed and attracting too much attention by dressing immodestly.

A week later Maggie felt ready to select a becoming dinner gown and Olympia’s education was extended to what the perfect debutante would wear for dinner. Maggie stationed herself in the dinning room and awaited to see how her efforts would be received.

Cosmo entered first followed by Olympia who asked him how the estate was coming on. “I think we have most things taken care of, it's just a matter of waiting for the right amount of rain...”. His voice trialed off as Miss Young entered the room. He wondered why he's never noticed her figure before but the silk gown clung to her making the most of her figure and that neck line was positively indecent. Inwardly Christina glowed at her reception. She smiled at him and quietly set about setting him at ease and they discussed the estate, Christina was quite knowledgeable and managed to hold up her end of the conversation up well. Olympia was quietly observing everything and next morning demanded from her governess just exactly what had happened last night “Why since Cosmo had never paid you that much attention before and why was Robert hovering behind you all night?”

“What you saw was the effect of an evening gown that was designed to catch a man's attention but to hold it you have to be able to talk to him and hold your end up in the conversation and that's why you need to be educated. You need both to catch a man's attention and hold it.”. “So some girls can wear the dresses and look beautiful and others are knowledgeable but don't have the dress sense or perhaps the money to dress well?”. “Exactly now shall we start with more sums this morning so you can understand enough to be able to discuss whether a particular investment on the estate is worthwhile?”. Olympia put her tongue out but then relented “I suppose that since money is so important I'd better study it if only to be able to stretch my dress allowance further.”

Arden eventually arrived in Calcutta after a long sea voyage. “Welcome to Calcutta talk to Hopkins he's about to leave so given he arrived with five hundred pounds and he's leaving with twenty two thousand. He'll sell you his house if you ask him nicely. He leaves tomorrow and no one wants to buy it as it's a bit small.” Arden spoke to Hopkins and brought his home unseen for a pittance. He walked down to the market to buy food and was surprised to find himself pulled to one side by a girl who shook her head when he was about to pay the asking price for some fruit in the market. She signed to him not to do it but to give her half the money instead. She then stepped down the street and haggled with another trader before returning with better quality fruit and change. He looked at her and spoke slowly and clearly as he'd been instructed to. “I'm looking for a housekeeper are you looking for a job?” She looked at him questioningly for a moment then followed when he led the way to the house. Inside he sat at a desk and wrote down how much he'd budgeted for a housekeeper per week. She looked at the figure and asked “How many days is a week?” He wrote the number down and she looked up at him with wide eyes. “My caste is not high.” Arden shrugged. “This is for servants and food for a week.” It was a statement not a question. Arden nodded. “Good my cousins here by night, and you learn me English. I Natal.”

After a week or two Arden settled in and got to know the ways of the office. The most profitable goods to deal in was Opium and there was a corner of the office that held the officers who specialised in the trade. Arden was more comfortable dealing in other commodities. Arden found he'd absorbed much more than he thought he had from his father about good business practices and compared to the second and third sons soon established himself as someone who knew what they were doing. The office staff liked him and were quick to obey his requests. Many of his fellow officers insisted on the staff using their courtesy titles and gave commands rather than making requests which were not as well received.

In the evenings Arden would sit and listen to his staff take turns in reading aloud to him, he made notes as they read then when they had finished corrected their pronunciation. It seemed to him that as soon as one had become proficient in English they would disappear only to be replaced by another cousin. He queried Natal and it was explained that servants with a command of English could command a higher wage so his staff were finding work with his fellow officers who demanded staff who spoke English.

“Sahib you remember Manjula, well she works for Sahib Walters now. She has sent round a trader with goods that Sahib Walters was to buy but Sahib Walters has no money.” Arden signalled the trader to come and speak with him. Natal translated then she and the trader had their own conversation and they appeared to be haggling, something Natal was extremely good at. Eventually Natal turned to Arden and gave him a list of goods and a price which seemed lower than the company was paying. Arden asked some questions to the despondent trader about his costs then suggested a higher price than Natal had bargained. “But he has no where else to sell.”. “But it's better to give him a little profit that way we might do business again.”. Natal shrugged her shoulders very delicately as if to say that Sahib must be mad but seeing his eye on her told the trader of his good fortune.

Somehow the word got round that Arden was basically honest and many more trading opportunities were presented to him. It helped that many of Natal's cousins such as Manjula were working for the other company officers and formed an informal intelligence network.

Romanchana came to him one night “Sahib tomorrow I must leave you for my marriage has been arranged, he's a good match and the dowery I've managed to save whilst working here will buy us a small farm but before I go I'd like to spend the night with you so I'll have some memories to fall back on. Natal said your hands are very soft. You needn't worry about me falling with child as my husband will assume it is his, but tonight I'd like to both repay you for your kindness to us all and enjoy myself without thinking of what is to come.”

“I can have your dispatches dropped off in Cornwall as we start up the English Channel. Travelling by horse a rider will be a little quicker than the ship sailing into the Thames.”

Goron was hailed in his fishing boat “We have dispatches for London can you get them to port?” “Money?” “Sixty guineas but they must travel immediately.” The dispatches and purse were transferred across and Goron immediately set off for home. He’d carry them himself for that sort of money. He borrowed a local farm horse and rode across to the squire’s house. “What are you after in such a hurry.” “I’ve a package to carry to London and thought to ask the squire how best to do it.” He was brought into the squire’s presence “A chaise and four to London is the quickest but at ten pence a horse a mile for three hundred and fifty miles its not cheap say fifty pounds. The mail would be the next fastest as its only a thruppence per mile.” Goron smiled. That he could afford. The Squire’s daughter burst into the room. “Goron Peran tells me you’re off to London.” “Yes Miss I’ve a package to deliver as quick as can be.” “I’m coming.” Goron looked taken back. She turned to her father “We can take string of the Irish hunters as far as my Aunt’s in Bodmin and go on from there. I can read and write so that will help when we get to London plus I can look round the sights and have a London dress made up and get a supply in of your favourite snuff.” The squire looked at the pair “Right off you go. See Fugler on the way and find him some riding boots.” Anne found him a waistcoat of her brothers that had lots of inside pockets so he could secrete the coins in them. Some were placed in her waistcoat and she wore breeches so she could ride astride. London the place of her dreams where she’d find an educated husband she was sure. There wasn’t a lot of choice available in Cadgwith that was certain and even Bodmin didn’t have a large surplus of eligible men.

They rode the fifty odd miles from Cadgwith to Bodmin in under six hours. Goron was thankful Anne was with him as reading signposts wasn’t his strong point. Fortunately she’ll travelled the road before so didn’t need to stop and read the signposts that often. At her Aunt’s they found the mail coach only ran three days a week and they’d better continue to Exeter another sixty miles across the bleak moors. Anne prayed a mist wouldn’t come down on them as they crossed. Her Uncle gave Anne notes for his friends at Launceston and Oakhampton so they could get fresh horses. Fortunately it wasn’t the hunting season so hunters were available even though they hadn’t been conditioned. Goron wasn’t sure he could manage another eight hours in the saddle but he wasn’t going to be shown up by a mere girl. The roads were better now and they made Exeter in less than eight hours just in time to leave the horses at one of Anne’s friend’s stables and catch the mail armed with bread and cheese to eat on the way. They travelled on the outside and were fortunate it only drizzled slightly rather than rained. Goron dozed as the mail trundled through the night. Anne was slouched against him. The next day was warmer and they had only brief stops when the horses and sometimes the drivers were changed. They travelled on through the next night and arrived in the early hours of the next morning exhausted, cold and hungry at The Swan with Two Necks in Lad Lane, Cheapside. Lord Bromhead’s home was close by being in the unfashionable city part of London but Goron was surprised he couldn’t understand a word the jarvey said fortunately Anne managed to make herself understood.

They stood at the imposing front door and Goron knocked. “Lord Bromhead.” Goron demanded. The footman looked puzzled. “Lord Bromhead.” Tried an exhausted Anne. “Your card?” “Just take us to him we have dispatches from Cornwall.” A secretary was passing in the hall. “That’s all right Jenkins I’ll see to them. If you’d like to come this way and give me the dispatches.” “Nay lad I was given golden guineas to give them to his Lordship so in his hand they go.” The secretary blinked and ushered them through to the breakfast room where Lord Bromhead was having breakfast. “Urgent dispatches I understand my lord.” “Lord Bromhead?” Asked Anne “I am Lord Bromhead.” Goron handed over the precious oilskin wrapped dispatches to Lord Bromhead. The secretary took them from him and spread them out. “From Cornwall you say?” “How long since you were given these?” “During the night two days ago.” “Why were they so urgent when the ship will be here shortly?” “The information they contain allows us to buy stocks at a lower cost than they will be in two days time.” Goron dug into his waistcoat and brought out fifty gold sovereigns. He wasn’t sure what stocks were but if they were that important they must be valuable. “Could you buy some for me?” Anne wiggled and withdrew a folded over bit of paper and handed it over. “Some for me as well?” Marshal looked at it twice, a draft for twenty thousand pounds drawn on a London bank. “Is it good?” “It had better be it’s my dowery.”

“Jenkins!” Jenkins appeared from nowhere curious about these two scruffy visitors. “Find these two food, a bath, and a bed in whichever order they want.” “Two beds if you please.” Added Anne. “And maid for the girl. Put her in a guest room, same for the boy and fresh clothes from somewhere.” The two were led away whilst Lord Bromhead and his secretary worked out what would be the most profitable with the information they had been supplied. “Quickly now we only have hours before she docks but we’ll be ahead of the rest on the exchange.”

That evening Lord Bromhead’s secretary dined with them in the small dining room. “Lord Bromhead’s thanks to you both. He is dining away from home this evening. He left instructions for me to give you an additional five sovereigns each. Now I’m curious how you came to be involved.” Goron speaking slowly and staying with the words that the Vicar might use recounted how he’d been fishing and a ship had hailed him and asked him to deliver a package to London. He’d gone to the squire to find out how to get to London and Anne the squire’s daughter had demanded she accompany him. “And right glad of her I be too. Her having travelled the roads before and such. I never been further than Mullion in my life afore. I never dreamt that there were so many people in the world as what I saw coming into London and all of them talk odd.” “Well now you’re here you must stay a day or two and see the sights.” “That be right kind of you.” “I’ll have one of the grooms show you around since I think you’ll be more comfortable with him and you Miss would you care to attend a dance with me this evening and no doubt you’ll want to visit the shops?”

Three days later Marshal spoke to Goron. “Your share of the gains is twenty pounds ten shillings and five pence giving you seventy pounds ten shillings and five pence in all. Would you like to leave it invested with us or withdraw the funds?” Goron looked to Anne. “If you need money at any time I can write and they can send a draft which my father will cash.” “You mean I can ask your dad for the money if need be?” “Yes.” “You hang on to it then.” “Now if we ask our Indian contact to send the next set of dispatches direct to you with say two sovereigns could you do the trip again and Lord Bromhead will pay you sixty guineas when you get here?” “Fair enough.” Marshal turned to Anne, “Your dowery has increased in the same way. I daresay you’ll want to do the season but if not I could offer you marriage today?” He joked “I couldn’t possible consider your offer without approval from my dad. I’ll carry your letter to him back with me shall I?” Brazenly she kissed a startled Marshal on the lips. There now that would save the cost of a season and it wasn’t as if it was certain she’d find someone anyway.

A week later Goron escorted Anne home. They returned by mail coach again Anne saying that four extra days in a stagecoach and not having to stay overnights at an inn meant the extra fare wasn’t that much. She’d really enjoyed the shops and had to arrange for a carrier to transport many of her purchases but the most precious she kept with her on the mail coach. Goron being happy to say two of the bags were his.

The squire read his letter. “Love at first sight was it?” “He took me to a dance and the theatre before proposing.” “Fortune hunter?” “He works for Lord Bromhead as his secretary at the moment so he’s bright. They managed to increase my dowery by more eight thousand pounds in three days.” The squire looked puzzled “Gambler is he?” “No the dispatches that Goron carried allowed them to do something on the stock exchange so there was no gambling involved.” “I did wonder why it was so important that he went to London as fast as he could. Will you be living in London or do you think your young man could run the estate? I’m not getting any younger you know and he might be better able to make sense of these new methods that are in vogue at the moment.” “I don’t know the answers I need to talk to him and discuss things and with him in London and me here its expensive to write letters or visit.” “I’m sure Goron will be making another trip shortly if he’s being paid sixty guineas a trip and you’ll accompany him. I can’t spare a footman to travel with you and Goron is big enough that you’ll be safe enough travelling with him. I’ll speak to him about it.”

Arden looked round at the house one last time. “I’ve signed it over to you but are you sure you don’t want to come with me to England?” “My family is here but thank you for the choice. Six months on board ship or the house well my family is here and I’m not sure I could stand six months on board a ship.” Replied Natal. “Right then I need to board ship within the hour so farewell and thank you for everything.” He turned and walked away his bag on his shoulder. His time in India had been well spent but the memories of the heat and the extreme poverty would remain with him always. He hoped the trip would be a quick four months and they wouldn’t hit a major storm going round the Cape of Good Hope. Realistically he thought it might take five or even six months to get back to England.

“You did well both for yourself and the company.” “Well having deep pockets helped. The profits are there but it takes the best part of a year to see them.” “I thought you might appreciate a few advances during your time out there.” “They came in very useful together with a few who had no head for business not being able to fill their cargo allowance.” “You'll head north now and rescue Cosmo from your sister?” “I'd better or brat will never forgive me. Besides I want to escape London I swear the debs' mothers scour the passenger lists when the ships arrive.”

He was thankful to be able to drink good English beer once more as he waited at the inn awaiting the mail coach north. He travelled leisurely staying the night at an Inn then catching the next direct mail the next day.

When he strolled through the front door there was a scream “Arden you're back.” and Olympia ran to him and hugged him. “I missed you so much. There is so much to tell you. First you must meet my very best friend Caroline.” Caroline came forward from the shadows. “Caroline meet the best brother in the whole world.” “But I thought Cosmos was your brother?” “Well sort of but this one is the best one. Come and give him a hug.” “Caroline hung back. “Don't be afraid. He won't eat you.” “I wouldn't be so sure.” Arden muttered under his breath. Olympia have him a look but Caroline slowly and dubiously approached for her hug.

Once she was in his arms it felt only natural to raise her face to his and look at him directly. He kissed her slowly and deliberately and she quietly and deliberately returned the kiss. “You'll better come for your tea.” He nodded and they walked off together to the stables. Leaving behind a speechless Olympia.

“Hello mother, father this is Arden and he's come for his tea.” Caroline's father looked puzzled but followed his wife's lead in welcoming Arden. “Are you thinking of a long engagement or are you planning to be wed within the month?” Her mother enquired, her father had an idea he’d lost track of the conversation.

Caroline looked towards Arden with a questioning look “Within a month I think but he hasn't formally asked me yet or perhaps I should ask him?” “I should ask your father for permission first?” “Take that for granted.” Interjected Caroline’s mother. “At the count of three? One, two, three.” “Will you marry me?” The both said the words together followed by each saying “Yes.” “Good now that’s settled. I’ll just let cook know there’s one more.” Caroline’s mother left the room followed by her father. “What’s happening?” “Your daughter is getting married.” “Do we know anything about him?” “Well Julia’s letter which I received this morning mentioned the latest addition to the very eligible bachelors list is called Arden and he’s just returned from seven years in Indian. Caroline’s Arden has a tan.” “Oh but how did you pick up they were about to become engaged? She seems so young.” “He’s here for his tea, not he’s here for tea.” “Ah yes now I’m beginning to understand. Well done for spotting it all.”

“I heard Arden is back?” “Well yes but he went all soft over Caroline and went off for his tea.”

The following evening Caroline, Arden, Olympia, Cosmo and Christina were sat round the table after consuming a celebratory dinner. “So have you thought about where you’re going to live yet?” Arden mentioned he might talk to Lord Beamhead about buying his northern estate “It depends on whether Caroline minds living next to her parents.” “Olympia are you off to London for a season?” “I think so it depends on talking my skinflint brother into taking his new wife.” “How wonderful we are going for the season then.” Chirped Caroline. “Have you thought what you’ll do next Christina?” “Look for another post I assume.” “Why not just stay on?” “She can hardly do that, with Olympia gone she’d be staying in a bachelor’s home and have no reputation left.” Arden was taken back, he was so used to her presence. “But you can’t possibly leave. What will I do without you?” “You could marry her then she could stay.” Arden blinked and realised he couldn’t do without her. “Will you marry me then?” Christina burst out laughing “Of course I will but heaven knows what mother will think of me marrying a steward. My aunt’s two daughters married titles Sir Oliver Fallham the other an Irish baron, and neither in the first flush of youth but my Aunt has been crowing over mother since she only has one daughter who is a peer. My sister also married a baron but a bit younger at least than my cousins’ husbands.”

There was a silence round the table “Have I said something wrong?” “I think you have a confession to make Cosmo.” “Don’t tell me you’re already married?” Olympia chortled “Much worse than that?” “May I present the Earl of Highford, Cosmo Baynes.” Christina blinked “But you’re a steward?” “We sold the estate and sent Arden off to work with the East India company with the proceeds on the basis that the profits would be split 50/50. Olympia is actually Arden’s sister.” “Oh dear you mean you’re young, rich and titled. I can’t wait to see my Aunt’s face when I introduce you.”

Later that evening as she was preparing for bed she spoke to Lydia. “I take it you’ve heard that Cosmo is really the Earl of Highford and we are to be married shortly?” “Something to that effect was circulating in the kitchen earlier.” “I never suspected anything did you?” “Well I had my suspicions, you can generally tell the upper ranks of the nobility by their clothes, manners and speech. Mr. Baynes had all the signs.” “But you never said anything?” “It wasn’t my place, all I could do was make sure he didn’t stray.” “How on earth?” “I’ve been keeping his bed warm since we arrived. Not going all the way but most of it. I thought it was better than the village barmaid when he might have picked something up. I wanted him clean for you. I take it my services will no longer be required in that capacity?” “Thank you I think. We’ll marry quickly and then I’ll take care of him myself.”