Page 9 of A Haddington Manifestation

  Chapter 9

  Clarence came into the garden at the back of the house to pick up Haddington, Lee and Cloud and lead them back to Haddington’s office.

  As Haddington walked along beside Clarence smoking a cigar he thought about their conversation nearly an hour earlier.

  “I have a feeling you’re going to do something foolish tonight, Your Lordship.”

  “I can usually be depended upon to do something foolish nearly every night, Clarence.” He poured himself a drink and walked back to his desk to sit down facing Clarence, who sat on the other side of the desk nursing a half empty glass.

  “You know what I’m talking about.”

  “Why not spell it out for me, Clarence, perhaps your idea of my foolishness and my idea are completely different.”

  “You’re going to publicly declare Jerome Lee to be your grandson.”

  “The thought had occurred to me.” Smiled Haddington.

  “I have a feeling in my bones, sir, that you are firmly resolved to do so, and if you did, you’d be acting out of blind sentiment. Lee and Cloud are two frauds, confidence tricksters. I know you’ve taken quite a liking to this Lee fellow, but don’t you see its part of their game that he should be as likeable and as sociable as he possibly can?”

  Haddington took a drink and sat back in his seat to swallow it slowly. Poor, loyal old Clarence, he thought. How could the old man tell him about the mental struggle he had been undergoing, how could he tell him that he was almost on the point of declaring someone else to be that grandson? Someone else he’d rather not consider, but it looked as though Lee had lost out on the most important battle of all.

  How could he tell how he had taken a special liking to the young Marlebone woman? He wanted her in his family, he felt absolutely confident that he could leave the estates in her strong and capable hands.

  It looked certain that she and young Winterhaiming would be making an announcement of their own tonight. It would be a hard blow to Lee, but he was young, he’d recover.

  What was it about that young woman that was so damn attractive, was it because she was so much like….

  “I said, if you would just give me one hour, Your Lordship?”

  “Pardon?” Haddington was coming out of his thoughts.

  “I ask you not to mention your decision to a living soul for at least one hour.”

  “Of course, but why?”

  “Because I will be back in this office in one hour with a confession.”

  “That’ll be interesting.”

  One hour later Haddington, Lee, Clarence and Cloud came striding down the corridor discussing the weather.

  Sir Rupert heard them coming and panicked, he stood outside Haddington’s office and spun around nervously not knowing what to do, finally he opened the door and stepped inside. He looked around but could see nowhere to hide, he bounded across the room to get behind the drawn curtains at one of the windows.

  Within seconds they came marching in.

  “Fix everybody a drink, will you, Two-Refs?” Asked Haddington as he went behind his desk. Cloud sat down in one of the chairs on the other side of the desk, Clarence closed the door and stood with his hands behind his back as he watched Lee and Cloud with careful eyes.

  “Now, Clarence, what is this all about?” Asked Haddington.

  “I am giving these two gentlemen a final chance to reveal just who they are.”

  “That’s easy,” smiled Cloud, “the boy here is a fighter and I’m his manager.”

  “I’m talking about your fraudulent claim to be the grandson of Lord Haddington.”

  “I’m not Clem’s grandson.” Said Cloud.

  “I should hope not,” said Haddington and Cloud looked at him, “if you were do you know how old that would make me?”

  “I’m talking about your boy here.” Said Clarence as Lee walked over to hand Haddington and Cloud a drink. He went back to the side table to pick up a glass for himself and for Clarence and went over to hand it to the angry solicitor.

  “What makes you think my boy here isn’t Clem’s grandson?”

  “I see.” Clarence walked over to the drawn curtain. “You’re compelling me to expose you, is that it?

  “Afraid so, Clarence, old boy.”

  “Then I’m going to show you a sight that should strike terror into both your hearts.” He pulled a cord that half opened the curtains to show Sir Rupert standing with his head turned sideways a hand up to his ear. Clarence was looking at the two to watch their reactions.

  “I’m sorry, Clarence,” Cloud was shaking his head, “it just don’t seem to be striking any terror in my heart, what about you, Two-Refs?”

  “Nope.”

  “Well, it’s certainly striking terror into my heart.” Said Haddington taking a long drink.

  Clarence looked around and grimaced with impatience, he reached over to grab Sir Rupert by the arm and dragged him to the door.

  “What in the name of Heaven were you doing in there, Sir Rupert?” Asked Clarence. Sir Rupert pointed to his throat and opened his mouth a couple of times but nothing came out. “Never mind.” Said Clarence impatiently as he opened the door, bundled him out and closed it in his face. He went back to the curtain.

  “Are you there, Inspector?”

  “I am, sir.” Came a mournful voice.

  “Come out if you will, please.”

  “Certainly, sir.” A thin bony hand took a grip on the edge of the curtain and pulled it aside to reveal the mysterious stranger in the cloak and deerstalker hat.

  “I present to you, gentlemen,” said Clarence, “Inspector Randolph Roberts of Scotland Yard.”

  “At your service, sir.”

  “You’re not Roberts of the Yard?” Asked Haddington with a face of awe.

  “Ah, no….no, I’m not, Your Lordship.”

  “Yes, you are.” Said Clarence.

  “Ah, yes, yes, I am, sir, Wandolph Woberts of Scotland Yard.”

  “Wandolph Woberts.” Said a startled Haddington.

  Lee leaned down to whisper to Cloud. “So that’s what Woger the tree meant.”

  “Woger the tree?”

  “What brings you this way, Inspector?” Asked Haddington.

  “I was ……… I was …….” He scratched the side of his head.

  “You were conducting an enquiry, I believe, Inspector.” Said Clarence helpfully.

  “Ah, yes, sir, so I was, I was conducting an enquiry.”

  “I bet he keeps the criminal element on their toes.” Muttered Cloud to himself.

  “Just what kind of an enquiry was it, Inspector?” Asked Haddington.

  “Ah, it was…..it was……..” He was scratching his head again.

  “It was to do with two confidence tricksters from America, I believe, Inspector.” Said Clarence.

  “Oh, yes, thank you, sir, that’s right, it was to do with….ah, to do…..”

  “Not with two confidence tricksters?” Asked Haddington.

  “Yes, sir, that’s right, how clever of you to know.”

  “They’re not from America, are they?” Asked Cloud.

  “As a matter of fact, sir, they are.” He took out a notebook, “I have weason to believe that both these gentlemen are in this awea, and are pweying on some poor, unsuspecting soul.”

  “They both sound like nasty pieces of work, wouldn’t you agree, Smokey?”

  “Absolutely, Clem.”

  “You gentlemen may choose to treat this as some kind of humorous joke.” Said Clarence, “but I can assure you that it is a very serious matter.”

  “What are you talking about, Clarence, we are treating it seriously. And I’m sure my two guests will agree with me.” Said Haddington.

  Lee nodded silently.

  “Look at me,” said Cloud, “I’m not smiling, you can’t get any more serious than that.”

  “Of course not.” Agreed Haddington.

  “Perhaps, Inspector, you could tell of what activities you believe these two
confidence tricksters are at present indulging themselves in?” Asked Clarence.

  “I believe they are at pwesent, sir, pweying on some poor, unsuspecting soul.”

  “In this area?” Asked Haddington.

  “I believe so, Your Lordship.”

  “That makes two poor unsuspecting souls?” Said Cloud.

  “We are, by all indications, up to our ears in poor unsuspecting souls.” Said Haddington trying to be grim.

  “Oh, no, Your Lordship, there’s only one.”

  “What? One trickster?”

  “He must have the feet run off him flying from one poor unsuspecting soul to another.” Said Cloud.

  “No, no, sir, there’s only one poor unsuspecting soul.”

  “The poor soul.” Said Haddington, shaking his head.

  “The poor unsuspecting soul.” Put in Cloud.

  “Gentlemen…….” Clarence was trying to keep control of his temper.

  “When I said there were two I meant, ah……ah……there were two….”

  “Two confidence tricksters.” Said Haddington.

  “From America.” Said Cloud.

  “Quite wight, quite wight,” said the Inspector, “two confidence twicksters from America.”

  “As I suspected all along.” Said Haddington grimly.

  “You have, Your Lordship?” The Inspector was startled.

  “I have.” Haddington lit a cigar, “now, Inspector, have you got any clues as to who these two villains may happen to be?”

  “But, I thought…….ah…..I thought.” He waved a hand vaguely in the direction of Cloud and Lee.

  “It’s no good asking them, they’re visitors.” Said Haddington.

  “Oh, of course, I won’t ask them then.” The Inspector took a seat to sit in mournful silence.

  “Oh, my God.” Said Clarence in exasperation. “You don’t need to ask them, Inspector.”

  “Why not?”

  “They’re Americans.”

  “I know that.”

  “We’re not detectives.” Said Cloud.

  “Pwecisely.” Said the Inspector.

  “The boy here is a fighter and I’m his manager.”

  “Pwecisely.” Said the Inspector to Clarence, “the boy there is a fighter and this is his manager.”

  “Two men from America.” Pointed out Clarence.

  “We’re American.” Smiled Cloud.

  “Of course, two men from America would make you…..ah….ah…..”

  “American.” Said Cloud.

  “Pwecisely.”

  “Inspector,” said Clarence holding his temper with the greatest effort. “This is Mr Cloud and Mr Lee from America.”

  “How do you do, gentlemen?” He waved a tired hand. “Let me see, you’re the……”

  “Manager.” Said Cloud.

  “And that makes you the….”

  “Fighter.” Said Lee.

  “Inspector, they are the guests of his Lordship.”

  “Are they really, Your Lordship, they are very fortunate……”

  “Your enquiry, Inspector.” Put in Clarence.

  “Oh, yes…..my…..ah…..ah……”

  “Enquiry.” Said Haddington.

  “Yes, my enquiry.”

  “The confidence-tricksters.” Put in Cloud.

  “Yes, the confidence-twicksters.”

  “And the poor unsuspecting soul.” Smiled Haddington.

  “Yes, yes, the poor unsuspecting soul.”

  “I expect you’re eager to get back on their trail.” Smiled Haddington.

  “Yes, I am…ah….ah…..”

  “Eager?” Asked Cloud.

  “Gentlemen…….” Clarence was finding it very difficult to contain himself much longer.

  “We won’t keep you, Inspector.”

  “Very kind of you I’m sure, Your Lordship,” he got to his feet, “I’ll be saying goodbye for the moment…..”

  “Good grief.” Mumbled Clarence.

  “…..it’s been a pleasure meeting you, sir.” He shook Cloud’s hand, “I hope your manager……”

  “Manages?” Asked Cloud helpfully.

  “Pwecisely, old man, pwecisely.” He was walking toward the door.

  “Inspector.” Clarence flew across the room to grab him by the arm.

  “Oh, I say, steady on, you’re ……… you’re …….. “

  “Hurting my arm?” Cloud, helpful as usual suggested.

  “How about tearing out my throat?” Asked Clarence angrily as he dragged the Inspector back to his chair.

  “You haven’t got me by the thwoat, sir.”

  “I can fix that, if you wish, Inspector.”

  “Do you realise, Clarence, you are hindering a member of the police force in the line of his duty?” Asked Haddington.

  “Quite wight, sir.”

  “Do I have to spell it out to you, Inspector?”

  “No, sir, I am capable of seeing things for myself.”

  “Well?”

  “Quite well, thank you, sir.”

  “Oh, my God.” Clarence was beside himself.

  “Wait a moment.” Haddington got to his feet, his face a mask of shock, “Inspector, are you trying to say that you suspect my two guests here of being these foul confidence-tricksters?”

  “Oh, no, Your Lordship.”

  “Yes, he is.” Said Clarence.

  “Yes, Your Lordship, I am.” Amended the Inspector.

  Haddington fell back in his seat to all appearances a broken man. “Don’t take it quite so hard, Your Lordship.” Soothed the Inspector.

  “I’m a shattered man. A man of shame in the sight of his friends. Shunned by his peers, a recluse forced to lock himself away from the world.”

  “Oh, no, Your Lordship, you’ve been saved.” Smiled the Inspector.

  “Your Lordship .......” Said Clarence icily.

  “My life is over. I am finished. A man of the past, a shuffling figure of scorn and abuse.” He held his hand to his head. “Do you realise what you’ve done to me, Inspector?”

  “I am sorry, Your Lordship.”

  “The gross insult, the slurred word of contempt? I? I? A poor, unsuspecting soul? Never poor in me life, an obsession with suspecting and as for the final description, I know a vicar who’d argue about whether I even have one.”

  Cloud and Lee burst into applause, the Inspector nervously joined in.

  “Thank you, gentlemen,” Haddington stood up and bowed, “Some have said that I am the equal of Beerbohn-Tree himself.” Smiled Haddington.

  “You’ve done this to him.” Said Clarence coldly to Cloud indicating the old Lord.

  “Have I?” Smiled Cloud, “gee, thanks, Clarence, and I thought you didn’t like me.” He patted Clarence on the shoulder.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’ve never seen the old man enjoy himself so much, there’s a little ham in everyone.”

  “Do be quiet, sir.” He said icily going over to stand by the Inspector. “Your enquiry…..”

  “Good Lord, Clarence,” said Haddington suddenly, “you don’t mean to say this was of your doing?”

  “What do you mean, Your Lordship?”

  “Was it your doing that got this poor gentleman all the way from London?”

  “As a matter of fact, Your Lordship………” Began the Inspector nodding his head.

  “No, it was not.” Said Clarence.

  “No, it was not.” He finished, shaking his head.

  “I did point out to the Inspector here that there were two suspicious characters in the area.”

  “That’s wight, sir, two suspicious characters.”

  “And a poor, unsuspecting soul?”

  “Yes, sir, and a poor……” He was nodding again.

  “Nothing of the kind.” Said Clarence.

  “………nothing like that, sir.” He finished, shaking his head.

  “I merely pointed out there were two suspicious characters that could bear looking into.??
?

  “How?” Asked Cloud.

  “How what?” Asked Clarence.

  “How did you point it out to the Inspector?”

  “That’s easy.” Said Clarence.

  “Very easy, sir.” Said the Inspector.

  Everybody was looking at the Inspector, who sat calmly staring into space.

  “Well, how, Inspector?” Asked Cloud finally.

  “How what, sir?”

  “How did…..”

  “I sent a telegram.” Said Clarence hurriedly.

  “That’s wight, sir.” Smiled the Inspector.

  “Is that all?” Asked Haddington.

  “Yes, Your Lordship, I weceived the……”

  “Inspector, can we get to the point?” Asked Clarence impatiently.

  “If you wish, sir.” He continued to sit calmly staring into space.

  “Inspector?” Asked Haddington.

  “Yes, Your Lordship?”

  “We were getting to the point, weren’t we?”

  “Of course, Your Lordship.” He sat waiting calmly once again.

  “Oh, my God.” Sighed Clarence between clenched teeth. “Inspector, do you, or do you not have reason to suspect that Mr Cloud and Mr Lee here are a pair of confidence men making a fraudulent claim on his Lordship’s estate?”

  “You don’t?” Asked Haddington in mock, stern surprise.

  “Oh, no, Your Lordship.” He was shaking his head.

  “Yes, you do.” Said Clarence.

  “That’s wight, Your Lordship.” He was nodding his head.

  “Clarence, should I be directing my questions to the Inspector or to you?”

  “To the Inspector, Your Lordship.”

  “He doesn’t seem exactly certain just what he’s about without some prompting from you.”

  “The Inspector is in command of the affair and has all the facts at his fingertips.”

  “Really?” Haddington didn’t believe it. “So, Inspector, you question the integrity of my two guests, do you?”

  “Ah…..ah……”

  “He does.” Said Clarence.

  “I do.”

  “I certainly hope you’ve got good reason to make such charges.” Said Haddington sternly.

  “Ah…….ah………”

  “He has.”

  “I have.”

  “Has he, Clarence?”

  “He has, Your Lordship.”

  “I have, Your Lordship.”

  “I just can’t make up my mind, Clarence, whether to question the Inspector through you or direct.”

  “You may question the Inspector direct, Your Lordship.”

  “Can I?”

  “Yes.”

  “You said, Inspector, you had good reason, would you be so kind as to describe that reason?” Asked Haddington, the Inspector sat staring into space. “Inspector?”

  “Inspector.” Hissed Clarence.

  “Sorry, sir, I just dwopped off.”

  “His Lordship was asking you a question, Inspector.”

  “Of course he was, sir.”

  “Well?”

  “Pardon?”

  “Clarence, wouldn’t it be easier for me to just ask you the questions?”

  “The Inspector will answer all your questions, Your Lordship, won’t you, Inspector?”

  “Of course, sir.”

  “I know I’m going to regret this,” said Haddington, “but I’ll try once more. What good reason do you have for questioning my two guest’s integrity?”

  “Pardon?”

  “I knew it.”

  “For God’s sake, inspector, the evidence, you have evidence.”

  “Do I?”

  “Good grief.” Said Clarence.

  “Oh, yes, of course I have,” he made a display of taking a notebook from his pocket, “now, Mr Lee…..”

  “I’m Mr Cloud that’s Mr Lee.” Smiled Cloud.

  “Couldn’t you pretend to be Mr Lee,” said Haddington, “just for the present. If we confuse the fellow any more we’ll be here all day.”

  “Inspector,” said Clarence, “couldn’t you tell us this evidence you have?”

  “Mr Lee claims he has a locket containing a photograph of Lord Haddington’s daughter is this so, sir?” The Inspector asked Lee.

  “Yes, it is.” Nodded Lee.

  “How long have you had that locket, sir, if I may ask?”

  “All my life.”

  “What the Inspector means,” said Clarence, “is how long you’ve had the locket in your personal possession?”

  “All my…..” Lee hesitated. “Not long.”

  “When exactly did it come into your personal possession?” Asked Clarence, the room was silent now and strangely very tense.

  “Not long….” Lee hesitated again.

  “Not long before you left America to come here?” Asked a grim Clarence.

  “Surely that’s not import…..”

  “Please, Your Lordship,” Clarence held up his hand, “Mr Lee has not answered the question, and I suggest it’s very important.”

  “Alright, it came into my personal possession not long before I left America.”

  “Exactly how did it come into your possession?”

  “Smokey and I went to the orphanage where I was brought up.”

  “I thought you said most of the records were burnt in a fire?”

  “Perhaps I should come in here?” Smiled Cloud.

  “Please do, Mr Cloud.” Said Clarence.

  “When it came to paper records the old dam…..lady in charge of the orphanage was pretty careless, but she was extra careful about things like that. Wasn’t she, Two-Refs?” Lee nodded. “She had Two-Refs records carefully put in a box, and carefully labelled.”

  “Who gave him the name of Jerome Lee?” Asked Haddington.

  “The orphanage did.” Answered Cloud.

  “Had you seen the locket before then?” Asked Clarence.

  “I knew there were some records before the fire, but I thought everything had been destroyed.”

  “And you and Mr Cloud went to the orphanage, you were given a box and it contained a locket with a photograph and a strand of hair?”

  “Yes.”

  “When did you first get the idea that you might be the grandson of Lord Haddington?”

  “I’m to blame for that.” Said Cloud lighting a cigarette.

  “Are you?” Asked Clarence grimly.

  “I saw a drawing of Clem’s daughter in one of the newspapers and I was struck at how it reminded me of Two-Refs.”

  “This drawing would be in connection with a story detailing that Lord Haddington was in search of his grandson?”

  “Yeah, that’s right.”

  “I imagine it gave a good description of His Lordship’s daughter, height, colour of eyes, and so on?”

  “That I can’t say, all I know is that drawing stood out in my mind.”

  “If we were dealing with a cunning, criminal mind, this is what that cunning, criminal mind could have done. He had a description of the daughter and he had a likeness to go on. He could simply have purchased a locket from a local pawn shop, done the same with a photograph that bore a resemblance to the young woman, finally, with all the lady friends he had, surely one must have had hair of the same complexion. What do you think of that plan, Mr Cloud?”

  “It ain’t impossible.” Smiled Cloud calmly.

  “Do you know of a Mr Fedelmann’s pawn shop in Leonard Square, Chicago?”

  “That area is lousy with pawn shops.” Said Cloud shrugging his shoulders.

  “You didn’t buy a locket from that shop not long before you and Mr Lee returned to the orphanage?”

  “Not me, pal.”

  “Inspector.” Clarence snapped his fingers at the Inspector who sat watching the questioning with interest.

  “Pardon?” He said with a start.

  “Your notebook, man, your notebook.”

  “Of course.” He held the notebook out to Clarence.

&
nbsp; “Don’t give it to me, read Mr Cloud your evidence.”

  “Evidence?”

  “What evidence have you got, Inspector?” Asked Haddington.

  “Evidence, Your Lordship?”

  “Never mind.” Said Clarence exasperation. “The Inspector has notes from a report by a detective in America,” Clarence was talking to Cloud, “in which it is stated that a gentleman similar to yourself was seen purchasing a locket from a pawn shop in Leonard Square shortly before you and Mr Lee appeared at the orphanage to claim the records.”

  “Is this true, Inspector?” Asked Haddington.

  “Ah…….ah……….”

  “It’s true, Your Lordship.” Said Clarence.

  “It’s all true, Your Lordship.”

  “This report is by an American detective, what I mean is, he wasn’t with Scotland Yard?”

  “Ah…..ah…..”

  “It was an American detective.” Said Clarence.

  “He was American, Your Lordship.” Said the Inspector.

  “Do you mean to say the American police were investigating this matter?”

  “Yes…” The Inspector was nodding.

  “Not the American police.” Said Clarence.

  “No, Your Lordship, not the American police.”

  “Actually,” said Clarence, “he was a private detective hired by myself, I turned the report over to the Inspector.”

  “Yes.” Nodded the Inspector.

  “This detective fellow said the chap in question looked like Mr Cloud?”

  “Ah……ah…….”Stuttered the Inspector.

  “He did.” Said Clarence.

  “Yes, Your Lordship, he did.

  “Was it you, Mr Cloud?”

  “Not even remotely, Clem.”

  “Of course he’d deny it, Your Lordship.” Said Clarence.

  “The point is, Clarence, you need more proof than that to convince me.”

  “Your Lordship is being very foolish.” Clarence was very cold as he continued to look at Cloud calmly smoking on a cigarette. “Perhaps if we could discuss it in private….”

  “I’ll not discuss this matter except in the presence of my guests. If you’re accusing them of being frauds my own view is that the evidence needs to be more substantial.”

  “You have an Inspector here from Scotland Yard.”

  “I realise that.”

  “Are you dismissing his charges?”

  “If that’s all the proof he has, I most certainly am.”

  Clarence looked at Cloud and Lee with cold anger, then stormed over to the window to stand with his back to the room, his arms folded on his chest. “I think that settles the matter, gentlemen,” Haddington said to Lee and Cloud, “I do hope you’ll forgive me for having dragged you both in here to waste your time?”

  “Think nothing of it, Clem.” Smiled Cloud as he and Lee walked toward the door. “Oh, nice to have met you, Inspector.”

  “My pleasure, sir.” He got to his feet to bow as the two Americans left the room and closed the door. Then he was about to follow them.

  “Please don’t go just yet, Inspector.” Smiled Haddington. “Now, Clarence, perhaps you’ll explain what this is all about?”

  “There’s nothing to explain, Your Lordship.”

  “Woberts of the Yard,” snorted Haddington, “I may well be a poor unsuspecting soul, but I’m certainly not stupid.”

  “Oh, no, Your Lordship……” Began the Inspector.

  “Be quiet!” Snapped Clarence, and the Inspector sat down with a thump in his chair.

  “His name’s Mason, isn’t it?” Haddington indicated the sitting Inspector.

  “That’s wight, Your Lordship, Wandolph Mason.” He smiled.

  “You knew all the time.” Said Clarence grimly.

  “A clerk in your own office.”

  “A junior clerk, Your Lordship.” Smiled Mason.

  “At present he’s a junior clerk in my office.” Said Clarence. “There are grave doubts at to what he’ll be in the future.”

  “Oh, come now, Clarence, he did a very good job.”

  “Thank you, Your Lordship.” Smiled Mason.

  “I think that will be all now, Mr Mason,” said Haddington lighting a cigar, “unless Mr Clarence has something further he requires of you.”

  “No.”

  “Shall I go back to London, Mr Clarence?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll say good day to you, Your Lordship.”

  “Good day to you, Mr Mason.”

  “There is one thing, Your Lordship,” said Mason as he was about to walk to the door. “That fowest of yours is a stwange place, there seems to be more people running about in it during the night than in the day.”

  “Very true, sir,” smiled Haddington, “just recently we do seem to have had a rash of odd characters stalking it’s byways.” He was looking levelly at Mason as he spoke.

  “Only the other night……”

  “For Heaven’s sake, Mason, get going.” Snapped Clarence. Mason’s face fell as he bowed to Haddington, turned and left the room. Clarence sat down glumly in a chair.

  “Just what did you expect to happen, Clarence?” Asked Haddington as he smoked calmly on his cigar.

  “My one thought was that you would come to your senses. All the proof Mason said he has is true.”

  “Yes, I know that. If Mason was acting under your orders, as I know he was, then I know the proof would be actual and true to the best of your ability.”

  “Are you saying, Your Lordship, that you’ve rejected the possibility that you may be the victim of a fraud?”

  “I’m not a complete fool, Clarence, and it causes me great surprise you should think I am. We’re talking about a lot of money, the perfect magnet to such types as you seem to be very concerned about.”

  “With good reason.”

  “I’m grateful for your concern, Clarence, I know you’re only interested in my welfare, but how do you know this Winterhaiming fellow isn’t a fraud?”

  “He’s not. I’ve had a thorough investigation of his background conducted. I am convinced that he is your grandson.”

  “Hmmmmm.” Haddington leaned back in his chair to smoke on his cigar. “I would appreciate it, Clarence, if you’d leave me to my thoughts for now.”

  Clarence nodded silently, got to his feet and quietly left the room.

  Haddington let out a long sigh and sat looking across the desk at a framed photograph of his wife.

  The party that night was a dull, anti-climactic affair only the invited visitors seemed to be having a good time. Haddington and his party were glum and took very little interest. All of them were suffering from some disappointment.

  Clarence was disappointed that Haddington had not made the announcement that young Winterhaiming was his grandson, something that would have put Clarence’s mind at rest.

  Haddington was disappointed that Clarence had put doubts in his mind about the announcement he had intended to make and had wanted to make and also the fact that Cynthia and Winterhaiming seemed to have become closer with secret smiles and whisperings.

  Sir Rupert was disappointed because the torturing of his conscience had prevented him from enjoying himself at all.

  Lee had good reason to be disappointed, early in the evening he had come upon Cynthia, Winterhaiming and the vicar.

  “……arrangements just could not be completed at such short notice.” The vicar was saying. When Cynthia caught sight of Lee approaching she had quickly changed the subject.

  As far as Lee was concerned his worst fears were confirmed.

  Cloud was disappointed because he knew his friend was disappointed.

  Cynthia and Winterhaiming were disappointed because their arrangements had not been finalised.

  Lady Marlebone was disappointed because Reggie was dragging his feet and left room for the possibility that that awful American could do something and upset everything. She was still reeling from what Sir Rupert told her he ha
d heard that afternoon.

  The party swirled all about them as they sat at their table in glum silence each taking disinterested sips of their drinks.

  Everybody else was determined to have an enjoyable night and chose to ignore the long faces of His Lordship and his house guests.

  Marlowe was having a quiet drink with his wife as they watched the stately waltzes of the dancers, when Haddington came by with his chin on his chest, his hands behind his back, a silent Clarence was walking by his side. The naturalist excused himself and went quickly to join them.

  They were walking slowly up one side of the room in the centre of which the happy couples were dancing to their heart’s content.

  “Good evening, Your Lordship, good evening, Mr Clarence.”

  “Good evening.” Said Haddington, Clarence nodded silently.

  “The night looks like being a huge success.”

  “Yes.”

  “I believe you have an extra guest, Your Lordship?”

  “Extra guest?”

  “A cat.”

  “You mean Miss Blackie?” Haddington smiled a little for the first time that night. “Yes, she has decided that she will take up residence in my house for the time being.”

  “I’ve come across traces of her in the forest. Mr Garth is determined to save his lads from her deprivations. I believe if he knew the truth he’d be most disappointed.”

  “What truth is that, sir?” Asked Clarence.

  “The fact of the matter is that I believe the trees have taken rather a fancy to her.”

  “Indeed.” Said Clarence trying to sound interested.

  “I wouldn’t be at all surprised.” Chuckled Haddington his low spirits forgotten for the moment. “She’s a wonderful little creature, she’s stolen the hearts of everyone in my house, especially the servants, hasn’t she, Clarence?”

  “Yes.”

  “Even Gilmore, of all things.” It was obvious that just the thought of her cheered Haddington up and he stood to watch the dancing and began to tap his foot to the music. “Do you know, Marlowe, I woke up one morning and she was sleeping at my side, snoring?” While he and Marlowe shared their amusement they failed to notice two elderly ladies seated just behind them fanning themselves.

  Two pairs of ever ready ears focused with a great deal of interest on the speakers. They waited with bated breath.

  “So she sleeps with you, does she?”

  “Not every night, you know how fickle these creatures can be? She’s such a loveable little thing I suppose she shares her favours around.”

  The fans stopped, there was a gasp for breath from two throats, two pairs of eyes began to widen.

  “I saw her asleep in the forest one afternoon.” Said Marlowe.

  “It can never equal the feel of that lovely body at your side first thing in the morning.” Smiled Haddington. The two listeners struggled with a mammoth effort to fight off the fainting spells that threatened to engulf them. “She looks up at me with one eye and stretches that beautiful black body of hers and rolls over to go back to sleep.”

  The struggle was too much, but at the mention of the word ‘black’ they surrendered in total, one fell one side while the second fell to the other to the surprise of their husbands into whose laps they fainted.

  “She does seem to be a dear little thing.” Said Marlowe.

  “There can be no doubt about that, even Clarence will agree with that.”

  “Yes.”

  They heard the commotion behind them and turned to see the two ladies being comforted.

  “Dear me,” said Haddington going over to take one of the unconscious lady’s wrists to pat it. “What happened?”

  “Overcome by the heat and excitement, Your Lordship.” Apologised one of the husbands. His wife opened one eye to see the monster patting her wrist, she was overcome once again before she could pull her wrist free from those, claw-like grasping hands.

  With a shrug of his shoulders Haddington joined Marlowe and Clarence as they continued to stroll down the hall.

  He was wringing his hands as he walked up and down the room in agitation. He was trying to collect his thoughts as the vicar, who had been in no rush to leave the merrymaking, sat down in a chair facing him. With a smile he noticed a bottle of wine and a glass at his elbow.

  “I wanted desperately to see you, vicar.”

  “Of course you did.” The vicar had poured himself a drink and had half-emptied the glass in quick gulps.

  “I am in urgent need of your ministrations.”

  “Of course you are.” The smile he wore was too wide, his eyes too sparkling.

  “Vicar I……” Began Sir Rupert.

  “This bottle is almost finished, my boy, you don’t happen to have another, do you? I cannot minister to a soul with a dry mouth.”

  “Once I explain my predicament, vicar, I’ll get another bottle. Vicar, I…..”

  “Cruel.” He muttered, “that’s too cruel.”

  “Vicar, I…..”

  “Would I refuse you refreshment were I in your place? No, I would not.”

  “I need refreshment for my soul, vicar.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I need……”

  “I heard you, what an excellent text for a sermon, I think I’ll write that.”

  “Vicar?” The vicar was startled so much that he dropped his glass.

  “I say……”

  “I beg of you, listen to me. I cannot take this guilt any longer.”

  “If you make a habit of doing that,” he pointed to the glass on the ground, “I don’t wonder your conscience is bothering you.” He picked up the bottle.

  “Vicar!” The vicar dropped the bottle.

  “I suppose you’re satisfied now?”

  “Vicar. A man’s life ended because of me.”

  “I’m sure it did.”

  “Pardon?”

  “The poor chap took his own life because of you, did he? I’m not surprised.”

  “He did not take….what do you mean it would not surprise you, vicar, why should anyone take their own life because of me?”

  “Talking, sir, talking.”

  “That remark escapes me.” Said Sir Rupert haughtily.

  “Never mind, my boy, carry on with what you were saying.”

  “I’ve killed a man, vicar, I cut him in half with my cane.”

  “Cut him in half with your cane, did you?” The vicar casually crossed one leg over the other and sat watching Sir Rupert with hooded eyes.

  “I can’t say the face of my victim haunts me, mainly because I can’t recall his face, a thin chap he was, he must have been ill because he looked green.”

  “So you…..despatched him?”

  “Quite by accident, he was insolent, insufferably insolent.”

  “Why what did he say?”

  “That’s the point, vicar, he would not say anything no matter what my question, the fellow would not answer.”

  “I’m certain you asked him if he had a tongue.”

  “I did, repeatedly.”

  “No doubt.”

  “Not a word passed his lips.”

  “So in an uncontrollable rage you belaboured the poor fellow, reining blow on blow until you’d cut his body in two?”

  “Not quite, vicar.”

  “Why not tell me in your own words how you carried out this foul deed?”

  “Foul deed seems a bit strong.”

  “What description would you suggest, my boy?”

  “A bit of an accident,” Sir Rupert thought that over for a second and then nodded his head, “yes, a bit of an accident.”

  “Do you know who the victim was?”

  “One of my brother’s servants. His name was Mr Plant.”

  “And he looked a bit green did he?”

  “He must have been very ill, vicar, a frightful green he was.”

  “I see, I see.” The vicar did see, “how many times did you have to hit him to sever his poor, green bo
dy?”

  “That’s the funny thing, vicar, I jabbed at him a couple of times and….and….”

  “He went to pieces?”

  “Two of them, vicar.”

  “And you said the fellow was insolent?”

  “Yes, vicar.”

  “It does sound as if he deserved his fate.” Sir Rupert stood in surprise with his eyebrows raised. “There are certain troublesome individuals on this earth and sometimes, I believe, God turns a blind eye should the poor devils have a…a……”

  “A bit of an accident?”

  “Exactly. So you see, my boy, you’ve tortured yourself without reason, it may well be that you’ve done a great service to your people.”

  “By murdering Mr Plant?”

  “Only last week my gardener despatched a Mr Weed.”

  “And you didn’t turn him over to the authorities?”

  “There was no reason to, this Weed chap had been an infernal nuisance.”

  “And you think God would forgive your gardener for what he did?”

  “I’m certain of it.”

  “What a refreshing view you have, vicar.”

  “Mind you, I do not for one moment say you should make a habit of this sort of thing.”

  “Of course not, but I can think of quite a list of such characters I feel sure God would feel relieved to see despatched. My brother-in-law,” Sir Rupert began to tick them off on his fingers, “the postman, a horrid chap, our butcher…”

  “Sir Rupert.” Said the vicar sternly and Sir Rupert hung his head. “There are times when you act with so little charity for your fellow man, I despair for the safety of your soul.”

  “It was meant as a jest, vicar.”

  “God would not be amused by such jests. I can speak for him on this matter of Mr Plant, you may consider yourself free from guilt because of the ……seedy character of the victim.” The vicar smiled at his clever little pun.

  “You are in communication with …… Him?” Sir Rupert raised his eyes to the roof.

  “Daily communication.”

  “I wonder, vicar, if you would draw his attention to my brother-in-law, not a soul would miss him if…….”

  “Sir Rupert!”

  “I was jesting again, vicar.” He hung his head.

  “Two jests in one night,” he shook his head sadly, “I don’t know what the younger generation are coming to.” The vicar and Sir Rupert were almost the same age. “It certainly raises doubts as to the sincerity of your confession.”

  “Entertain no doubts in that respect, vicar.” Said Sir Rupert walking to the door. “Pity about that brother-in-law of mine.” He mumbled to himself.

  “Pardon?”

  “Did you want some fresh wine, vicar?”

  “If you please. By the by, Sir Rupert?”

  “Yes?”

  “What did you do with the body of Mr Plant?”

  “It was buried.”

  “Buried, where?”

  “In the garden, vicar.”

  “In the garden? Mr Plant was buried in the garden?” Sir Rupert nodded. “Capital, capital.” Chuckled the vicar. Sir Rupert shrugged his shoulders as he reached for the door, if there was something funny in that remark he failed to see it. An odd fellow that vicar, very odd.

  The door opened and Clarence came strolling in. “Good evening, Sir Rupert.”

  “Good evening, Clarence, the vicar and I……I…..” He caught sight of Haddington standing just behind Clarence, Sir Rupert’s mouth opened and closed rapidly in silence.

  “Oh, dear me,” said Haddington with hooded eyes, “it seems my poor brother has still lost his voice.” Sir Rupert nodded and held a hand to his throat.

  “Now, there’s an odd thing.” Said the vicar.

  “It certainly is odd.” Agreed Clarence.

  “I see nothing odd in it.” Said Haddington.

  “Sir Rupert and I were having a jolly discussion about…..” Sir Rupert stiffened and waved a hand frantically for the vicar to be silent then he went over to the desk in the corner to write something on a sheet of paper, came back and handed it to the seated cleric. “Say nothing.” The vicar read out aloud.

  Clarence and Haddington exchanged glances.

  “Say nothing? About what?” Asked Haddington.

  “Well, Sir Rupert and I…….” Sir Rupert repeated his performance with the hand, returned to the desk to write another note and returned to hand it to the vicar. “Keep my dark secret between us.” Read the cleric out loud.

  “I was under the impression it was impossible for my brother to have a secret, dark or otherwise, without him repeating it up and down the country.”

  “An impression, I gather,” smiled Clarence, “held by many.” Sir Rupert looked at them coldly, his mouth working silently.

  “I can assure both of you, gentlemen, Sir Rupert does have a dark secret, we were…….”Sir Rupert’s hand went up for silence as he scuttled over to the desk, the vicar let out a long sigh.

  “It’s rather exciting, isn’t it?” Smiled Clarence.

  “Yes, Clarence.” Said a bored Haddington as he ambled over to a seat where he lit a cigar.

  “I’m waiting with bated breath for the next instalment.”

  “Yes, Clarence.”

  Sir Rupert came back to hand the note to the vicar.

  “Let me see.” The vicar looked at the note and began to read, “my life is in your hands, vicar, I pray that you remain silent….” The note was snatched from his hand and Sir Rupert went back to the desk.

  “Is his life really in your hands, vicar?” Asked Clarence.

  “I hope so.” Said Haddington puffing on his cigar. Sir Rupert was back.

  “I beg of you, vicar.” Read the vicar, “do not read anymore of…..” The vicar was surprised, he looked up at Sir Rupert. “You mean those notes were just between us two?” Sir Rupert nodded. “You didn’t want me to read them aloud?” With a sickly smile Sir Rupert shook his head. “I say, gentlemen, I am sorry. Apparently I’m not to read you anymore of Sir Rupert’s notes.”

  “That is a relief.” Sighed Haddington.

  “I do hope you’ll both cast any remembrance of what I’ve read from your minds.”

  “That’s easily done, vicar.” Said Haddington.

  “Does that mean I’m not to be told just what this dark secret is?” Asked Clarence.

  “It was only that Sir Rupert…….” Began the vicar, but Sir Rupert clamped an angry hand on his shoulder. “I’m afraid so.”

  “What a bitter disappointment.”

  “Yes.” Lied Haddington.

  “It must be terribly upsetting, Sir Rupert,” said Clarence, “to keep losing your voice, almost in mid-sentence?” Sir Rupert put on a suitably sad face and nodded. “Perhaps I can help you.” Clarence walked to the door. “You wait right here.”

  “Don’t bother, Clarence.” Said Haddington impatiently, “Clarence!” But he was out the door. “Blast the fellow, sorry vicar.”

  “Not at all, Your Lordship,” the vicar crossed one leg over the other. “What on earth do you suppose Mr Clarence has in mind to help Sir Rupert?”

  “The guillotine, perhaps.” Sir Rupert looked with narrowed icy eyes at his brother.

  “Rather a drastic cure, wouldn’t you say?” The vicar looked over at Haddington with a serious face. “I suppose it would cure….oh, I see, a joke?” He chuckled while Sir Rupert just stood clenching and unclenching his fists.

  “No.” Said Haddington calmly smoking his cigar.

  They waited a few moments in silence then came a voice from the hallway.

  “Which way, Clarence, which way? In here is he, in here?”

  “Oh, no.” Said Haddington. Sir Rupert beamed.

  A small bow-legged, pot-bellied, bald man came striding into the room followed by Clarence.

  “Doctor Haynes.” Said the vicar cheerfully as he got to his feet.

  “Vicar, vicar, vicar.” The doctor smiled as he shook hands with the vicar. br />
  “Doctor, doctor, doctor.”

  “Oh, my God.” Said Haddington.

  “I had no idea you were here tonight, doctor.”

  “Luck, vicar, luck. Some fool put the wrong address on my invitation, wrong address.”

  “Fancy that, Your Lordship.” Said Clarence.

  “Yes, fancy that.” Said Haddington.

  “You can’t keep a good doctor down, remember that, gentlemen,” said the doctor firmly, “you can never keep a good doctor down.”

  “I should dearly like to try that, perhaps in our pond.” Mumbled Haddington.

  “Warped, the lad’s warped, talks to himself.” Muttered the doctor to himself. “Where’s my boy, where is he?” He saw Sir Rupert and bounded to his side to reach up and put his arm around Sir Rupert’s shoulders, Sir Rupert had to stoop down a little. “Brought you into the world, didn’t I Rupert? Gave you birth, didn’t I?” The doctor smiled as Rupert nodded.

  “Doctor…..” Began Haddington.

  “These hands did that, didn’t they, lad?”

  “Doctor.”

  “What is it? Speak up, what is it?”

  “Sir Rupert is older than you.”

  “Are you?” Sir Rupert nodded. “Then why do you tell people I was there at your birth, why do you do that, well, answer me? Haven’t you got a tongue?”

  “You can’t blame the lad for being confused.” Said Haddington.

  The doctor was looking into Sir Rupert’s face as the latter’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times.

  “What?” Sir Rupert opened his mouth again. “I can’t hear you, lad, speak up, there’s nothing to fear.”

  “He’s lost his voice.” Said Clarence standing behind the doctor.

  “Good Lord, boy, have you taken up ventriloquism?”

  “He’s lost his voice.” Said Haddington.

  “Who has?”

  “Sir Rupert.”

  “Nonsense, he just spoke to me, didn’t you, boy?”

  Sir Rupert reached down to pick up a sheet of paper and handed it to the doctor. “What’s this? I beg of you, vicar, do not….” The paper was snatched from his hand. “Are you alright, Rupert?” Sir Rupert ran over to the desk to write another note.

  “Oh, my God.” Sighed Haddington.

  Sir Rupert came back to hand the note to the doctor.

  “You’ve lost your voice? Lost your voice?” Sir Rupert nodded. Clarence took the note off the doctor.

  “Lost my voice, he’s written it twice.” Clarence held up the note for Haddington to see.

  “Come over here, lad.” The doctor took Rupert by the arm and led him over to a chair. “I think I’ll just give you an examination.”

  “There’s a side room over there, doctor, it’s more private.” Said Clarence.

  The doctor waved his thanks and took Sir Rupert out of the room closing the door behind him. “I never would have believed Sir Rupert’s behaviour could have become any odder than it was, that is, until tonight.”

  “I see nothing odd in his behaviour.” Said the vicar.

  “It seems to me it’s our usual Sir Rupert.” Said Haddington, being outvoted Clarence shrugged his shoulders and let it go at that.

  The sound of two throats laughing uproariously came from the small room.

  “It sounds as if the doctor has wrought a miraculous cure.” Smiled Clarence.

  At this point Cloud came strolling through the main double doors. “Evening, fellahs, mighty dull lot out there tonight, Clem.”

  “Sorry, old boy, I’ll try to do better the next time.”

  “There’s some old dame out there boring the life out of everyone in sight.”

  “Talking about pottery?” Asked the vicar.

  “Yeah, that’s right.”

  “Stout woman, florid face?”

  “Yeah. A very dull lady, a real……” The vicar sat calmly looking at Cloud who suddenly had a terrible thought. “Of course she knew all about pottery.” He finished lamely.

  “Nonsense, she has no idea about pottery.”

  “I found her interesting.”

  “Nonsense, she’s a frightful bore.”

  “Just because she’s your wife that doesn’t give you the right to insult her.” Said Cloud getting suddenly very belligerent.”

  “Wife? She’s not my wife.”

  “You’re talking about the vicar’s sister.” Said Haddington.

  “Sister? Well, then she is a frightful bore.” Said Cloud.

  “Quite right.” Agreed the vicar.

  The side door burst open and the doctor came out with his arm linked in Sir Rupert’s arm, he was laughing loudly but Sir Rupert had his mouth open laughing silently.

  “My dear boy, what a life you’ve led.” Laughed the doctor. “This was at fifteen, you say?” Sir Rupert nodded. “Extraordinary, absolutely extraordinary.”

  “Is Sir Rupert alright, doctor?” Asked Clarence.

  “Of course, of course.”

  “What is wrong with him?” Asked the vicar.

  “He’s got……he’s got…….” Sir Rupert raced over to the desk to write a note and handed it to the doctor. “He’s lost his voice, that’s it, he’s lost his voice.”

  “Thank goodness we’ve solved that mystery.” Sighed Haddington.

  “Is it serious?” Asked the vicar.

  “Well……well…..” The doctor scratched his chin, Sir Rupert was over at the desk to write another note and gave it to the doctor. “No, it’s not serious, no.”

  “Sir Rupert can speak though?”

  “Oh, well…..well……”

  They all stood in silence as Sir Rupert went over to the desk to write and then came back to hand it to the doctor.

  “Yes, doctor?”

  “I can whisper.” He read.

  “How odd.” Said Clarence.“ There are times, doctor, when Sir Rupert seems to get his voice back and loses it again, sometimes in the middle of a sentence.”

  “Yes, yes…..” The doctor nodded and again they all watched Sir Rupert go over to the desk and come back. “It’s a family curse.” Read the doctor.

  “It’s the first I’ve ever heard of it.” Said the vicar and Clarence nodded in agreement. Sir Rupert was back at the desk writing again and came over to hand the note to the doctor.

  “It’s a dark secret.” He read aloud.

  “This must be the dark secret you and Sir Rupert were discussing, vicar?”Asked Clarence.

  “Oh, no, we were discussing how Sir Rupert…..” Sir Rupert leapt at the vicar and pushed a sheet of paper in his mouth.

  They all stood in shocked silence, finally Sir Rupert bowed to the motionless vicar with the paper in his mouth and strode quickly from the room. Haddington got slowly to his feet and walked over to the desk, he wrote a note and came back to hand it to the doctor.

  “What does it say?” Asked Clarence.

  “Sir Rupert is delirious.” The doctor looked up as Haddington walked calmly from the room. “He didn’t strike me as delirious.”

  “I have a feeling the vicar will disagree with you.” Said Cloud.

  “I see no reason why he should.”

  Cloud walked over to see the piles of notes written by Sir Rupert on the floor.

  “Did Sir Rupert write all these?” He asked Clarence who nodded. “It’s a wonder he’s not suffering writer’s cramp.” He prodded at the notes with the toe of his boot. “There’s quite a mouthful, oh, sorry vicar.”

  The vicar, who was far from amused, sat stiffly in his chair with the sheet of paper still in his mouth.

  “Vicar, why don’t you take that out of your mouth, it must be very uncomfortable for you?” Said Clarence.

  “I just conducted a little test,” said the vicar removing the sheet of paper to place it on a small table at his elbow. “I wondered how long it would take you gentlemen to notice my predicament and for you to come to my aid.”

  “All you had to do was take the thing out.” Said Clarence.
/>
  “That’s not the point, Mr Clarence, as a true Christian you should have come to my immediate assistance.”

  “I’m sorry, vicar, it’s just that the Bible is not all that clear with directions to help a Christian with a sheet of paper in his mouth.”

  The doctor snorted and went over to the desk to write a note as they watched him in silence, he came back to hand the note to Clarence.

  “I loathe theological arguments,” read Clarence aloud, “I’m returning to the party. Goodnight.”

  The doctor waved in silence as he left the room. The vicar and Cloud watched in silence as Clarence went over to the desk to write a note and returned to hand it to Cloud.

  “I’m returning to the party too.” He read as Clarence strolled from the room with a smile on his face.

  Cloud and the vicar exchanged a quick glance and both bounded for the desk to begin writing.

  It took a great deal of manoeuvring and careful plans, mainly getting rid of Winterhaiming for more than ten minutes at a time, but finally Lee managed to get Cynthia alone.

  She was lured out to one of the seats set up among the trees for the guests to cool themselves. She sat down to calmly fan herself with the impression that Winterhaiming would soon be out to join her.

  Lee stepped from behind a tree to sit down at the other end of the long seat. He watched her carefully wondering what her reaction would be. He was very desperate, he sensed that time was fast running out and for all he knew it may already be too late.

  “Good evening, Miss Marlebone.”

  She stopped her fan to look down at him expressing some surprise at his sudden appearance, a surprise she did not feel.

  “Good evening, Mr Lee.” She went back to fanning herself.

  “Beautiful night, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  He slid along the seat a little closer while she watched calmly from the corner of her eye.

  “Miss Marlebone…..” He cleared his throat nervously then sat in silence.

  “Yes, Mr Lee?” She turned her head slightly to look at him. There was just the hint of a smile on her lips.

  “Cynthia.” Again he fell silent.

  “Yes, Jerome?” She waited patiently for him to continue. He turned his head to look at her. His heart sped up a little when he saw how very pretty she looked in the moonlight. He smiled with what he thought was a foolish grin and blushed slightly. She smiled back revealing the tips of her pearly white teeth.

  “I can’t pretend any longer how I feel about you.”

  “Indeed, Mr Lee?”

  “Yes.” He sat waiting for her to say something, but she sat silently fanning herself with that slight smile on her calm face. “You are a very attractive young woman.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I hoped you might have some small feeling for me.”

  “You are not dislikeable,” he slid closer, “a little forward,” he slid back, “but on the whole not dislikeable.”

  “May I ask you a personal question, Cynthia?”

  “I cannot stop you asking questions.”

  “Has Winterhaiming proposed to you?”

  “That is none of your business, sir.”

  “It is my business, very much my business.” He said grimly as he slid up beside her.

  “He has broached the subject.”

  “You have not accepted him?” There was a pleading in his eyes as he looked into her face.

  “Mr Winterhaiming is a very handsome man.”

  “Have you accepted him?” He put his arm behind her on the back of the seat.

  “That is also none of your……”

  “You can’t accept him.”

  “Why not?” She turned her head to look at him, she was looking deeply into his eyes. He put his arm around her shoulder and with his other hand took her chin in his fingertips, he kissed her lightly on the lips. “Sir, you forget yourself.” She said as she tried to draw her head back, although not very strenuously, he kissed her again, this time with more feeling.

  “Cynthia!” Came the voice of Winterhaiming from the house, “where are you?”

  Lee released her and moved away just a little, she sat with slightly parted lips and shining eyes, she found she was breathing heavily as she fanned herself and got to her feet. Lee got up to stand beside her.

  “I must join, Reggie.” She said in a soft voice.

  “Cynthia.” She turned to walk away but stopped with her back to Lee.

  “Yes, Jerome?”

  “Do you have any doubts about how deeply I….I…..how deep is my affection for you?” She turned slowly to fan herself as she watched him with that slight smile. “I want you to marry me.” She just stood there and Lee waited with bated breath. She said nothing for such a long time that he thought she may not have heard the question.

  “Have you been in love before, Jerome?” She finally asked.

  “I won’t lie to you, Cynthia, yes, I have.”

  “Deeply, passionately in love?”

  “Many times, or at least, I thought so at the time.”

  “Well, I haven’t,” she turned to walk a little then as she went on her way, looked back, “until I met you.” Then she moved off quickly toward the house.

  Lee sat down with a sigh because he thought she hadn’t answered the question, suddenly he brought his head up with a snap and blinked rapidly.

  “What did she say?” Miss Blackie jumped up on the seat to lay down beside him watching with aloof eyes. “Did you hear what she said?” He asked her. Miss Blackie looked back at him with a calm expression that said: ‘Yes, I heard, so what?’

  He picked her up in his arms to whirl about madly with her, Miss Blackie put up a struggle with a look that said: ‘Put me down this instant!’ Lee kissed her on the head and put her down on the seat to run off after Cynthia.

  ‘Humans! Hmmph!’ Said the eyes of Miss Blackie as she began to rearrange her fur with her tongue.

  Lee caught up with her as she was going back into the house on Winterhaiming’s arm. He dogged their tracks until they joined a crowd standing to one side of the ballroom watching the happy dancers.

  He squeezed his way through to stand beside her. Winterhaiming stood on the other side while she held his arm, he pointed out things to her while he tapped his feet to the music.

  Quietly Lee moved his hand to take hers and gave it a squeeze, to his delight she returned the squeeze.

  Across the room Haddington stood beside Cloud clapping to the music and to all appearances enjoying himself, but the wide smile did not reach his eyes. He was looking at Cynthia. She was listening intently to every word Winterhaiming said as she held his arm with what looked like fondness. Her face was slightly flushed, her lips parted in a pretty smile of secret happiness. Haddington’s smile slipped a little as a lump caught in his throat. She looked so much like his wife so many years ago, that first night he’d asked for her hand.

  To Haddington, Winterhaiming seemed to be smug and appeared to be gloating over poor Lee, but Winterhaiming had no idea Lee was even in the room.

  “Hey.” Dickie sat in misery on the edge of his bed, he looked up to see a thin, weedy looking man smiling between the bars of his door at him with yellow, misshapen teeth.

  “Yeah?” He asked in a voice of despair.

  “You the bloke in the fight at the pub yesterday?”

  “Yeah, I’m the bloke.”

  “After some bleedin’ coins, aren’t ya?”

  “Yeah, I’m after some bleedin’ coins.” Suddenly Dickie looked up. “Why?”

  “Harry, the bloke what owns the pub......”

  “Yeah, I know Harry.” Dickie got to his feet, he dared not hope.

  “He found your coins.” Even though he limped, Dickie was at the door in an instant to grab his visitor through the bars by his coat lapels. “Hey leave off, leave off.”

  “Harry’s got my coins?”

  “That’s what he told me. Don’t tear me coat.”
r />   “Will he give them to me?”

  “He said he would.” Dickie let him go and he moved away from the door across the corridor, this bloke looked dangerous.

  “Did he give them to you, did you bring them here?” Asked Dickie frantically.

  “No.”

  “Where are they, I want them, give them to me.”

  “I ain’t got ‘em, mate.”

  “Well, where are they?”

  “I told ya, Harry’s got ‘em, he said you can have ‘em.”

  “He’s a lovely man. A lovely, lovely man.” Smiled Dickie.

  “If.”

  “I said to myself the first time I saw…..if?” His face fell.

  “If.” Nodded the visitor.

  “If what?” Demanded a Dickie verging on hysteria.

  “If you pay for all the damage you done to his pub.”

  “How much is the damage?” The voice was a hoarse whisper.

  “Harry reckons fifty pounds, that’s all.”

  The constable was just pouring a cup of tea at his desk when he thought he heard a dull thud, he listened for a second shrugged his shoulders at his mistake and continued to pour his tea.

  “Constable,” the stranger appeared at his elbow, “constable.......” He was pointing over his shoulder back up the corridor.

  “Me prisoner.” He gasped as he jumped to his feet and took up his keys to race to Dickie’s cell. He stood at the door and sighed with relief.

  “He fainted.” Said the visitor.

  “I can see that.” The prisoner had been a large bundle of misery since his family had turned on him yesterday, Lord knows what he would have done in that state.

  “What did you say to him?”

  “I gave him some good news.” They both walked back to the desk. “Will he be alright?”

  “I’ll give him a cup of tea, poor chap.”

  “He’s a big bloke, when he fell I thought he’d go right through the floor.” He smiled.

  “Have you finished what you came here for?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, hop it.”

  “Yeah, good day, constable.”

  Clarence was on his way to breakfast when he came upon Gilmore carrying a tray with two empty whisky bottles away from Haddington’s room.

  “Are they His Lordship’s?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Did he drink both of them?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Last night?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Did His Lordship leave his room last night?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Are you sure, Gilmore?”

  “Quite, sir.”

  “How did he sleep?”

  “I believe the expression is ‘like a top,’ sir.”

  “Is he awake now?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “How is he?”

  “He seems quite well, sir.”

  Haddington’s door opened and a dull Lord Haddington stepped out, he wore a long miserable face.

  “Good morning, Clarence, I thought I heard your voice.”

  “Good morning, Your Lordship, how are you feeling?”

  “Oh.” He let out a sigh as he stood there, “quite well.”

  “I’m looking forward to a jolly breakfast.” Said Clarence trying to cheer him up.

  “Oh, yes.” He said dully.

  They made their way down the stairs toward the dining room. There was the friendly sound of voices and the clattering of dishes.

  “….……… stabbed him you see, like this, stabbed him.” Came the voice of Sir Rupert.

  “Oh, no.” Groaned Clarence and looked at His Lordship expecting the same reaction, all he saw was an old man with a long face placing one foot before the other. “Good morning, everybody.” He smiled weakly as he walked beside Haddington into the room. Gilmore gave the tray to another servant and followed them.

  “The blighter bled......” Sir Rupert was saying as he jabbed a knife into a piece of bread, he saw Haddington and put a hand over his mouth.

  “Do go on, Sir Rupert.” Smiled Lady Marlebone.

  But Sir Rupert shook his head and pointed to his throat. “Oh, no, you haven’t lost your voice again?” Sir Rupert nodded. “Gilmore, pen, ink and some paper for Sir Rupert.”

  “Certainly, your Ladyship.”

  Haddington and Clarence sat down and the former poured himself a cup of tea. Gilmore came in with the required implements and Sir Rupert was busily writing away.

  “Say, Two-Refs,” Cloud leaned over to whisper to Lee sitting beside him, “old Clem don’t look too good, does he?”

  “He looks alright to me.” Lee looked mostly at the food on his plate and across the table at Cynthia, who seemed to be completely ignoring him.

  “He looks kinda.......tired.”

  “Oh, Sir Rupert,” laughed Lady Marlebone looking at the note written by Sir Rupert who was beaming, well pleased with himself. “Do look at this, Reginald.”

  “I can see it, Your Ladyship.” Said a bored Winterhaiming.

  “He’s written ‘please pass the salt.’” She laughed.

  “I can see that, madam, twice.”

  “Do let me do that for you, Sir Rupert.” He was about to take off the top of his egg. Lady Marlebone did it for him.

  “Rupert has only lost his voice, madam,” said Haddington very testily, “he is not an invalid.”

  Sir Rupert looked at him with narrowed eyes and wrote a note to hand to Lady Marlebone. “He’s written……......”

  “I do not have the slightest interest in what the fool has written.”

  Sir Rupert’s mouth fell open in surprise.

  “Oh, oh .......” Lady Marlebone didn’t know what to say.

  “I’ll have to ask you all to excuse me,” Lord Haddington got to his feet. “I’m not feeling my best this morning, please go on with your breakfast.” He strode from the room.

  “The great bore,” Spluttered Sir Rupert, “the great, great bore.”

  “Sir Rupert?” Smiled Lady Marlebone.

  “By Jove, I’m cured.”

  “Worse luck.” Muttered Clarence as he went quickly from the room after Haddington who went to his office.

  “Clarence.” He turned to see Cloud walking after him. “Is Clem alright?”

  “I don’t know.” He said coldly.

  “What’s wrong with him?”

  “It must be obvious, even to you.”

  “What d’ya mean?”

  “You and your friend have hurt him very deeply. The man you saw this morning was a man in great pain.”

  “We didn’t lay a hand on him, I swear.”

  “You didn’t have to lay a hand on him to do what you both did. The fact that I was forced to expose you yesterday has done untold harm to him.”

  “I wouldn’t hurt that old man for anything in the world, nor would Two-Refs, and you know that, Clarence.”

  “All I know is that you’re both a pair of crooks. Lord Haddington, for some benighted reason, thought highly of you both, I was compelled to shatter that feeling. If His Lordship doesn’t ask you to leave today it’s because he can’t bear to hurt your feelings.”

  “Can I see him?”

  “My suggestion is that you see as little as you possibly can of His Lordship until you are finally asked to leave.”

  “I’d still like to see Clem.” He tried to brush past.

  “Don’t you think you’ve done enough to him?” Demanded Clarence as he left him standing there in the corridor.

  After breakfast Cynthia and Winterhaiming were strolling arm in arm through the trees, Lee came from nowhere.

  “......worked out better, my dear,” Winterhaiming was saying, “we can make the final arrangements and have the announcement made at Lord Haddington’s birthday celebration … …...”

  “Cynthia.” Said Lee walking up to her side to take her small hand in both of his.

  “I say, sir, do you mind?”

&n
bsp; “I was speaking to the lady. Cynthia, I .....”

  “A gentleman does not interrupt another gentleman while that gentleman is speaking.”

  “That’s alright, I’ll forgive you just this once, Cynthia......”

  “Your actions, sir, are deplorable.” He gave Lee a shove with his hand.

  “Now, look, pal......”

  “I suggest, Miss Marlebone, that you go to the house.”

  “Gentlemen, please stop this foolishness.”

  “Go to the house.” They both ordered together pointing with their fingers. She looked from one to the other, stamped one of her feet and turned to walk straight to the house. The men stood with their arms pointing to the house and looked each other up and down.

  “I am quite capable of issuing instructions to my intended without your interference.”

  “You’re right, pal, if I ever see you issuing instructions to your intended I’ll make it a point of not interfering.”

  “You do seem determined, sir, to be thrashed.”

  “Right now I’m determined to knock your block off, once I’ve done that I’ll go to the village to find someone to thrash me.”

  “There is no need for you to go into the village, sir,” Winterhaiming was taking off his coat, “I shall be more than willing to oblige.”

  “You mean to have your block knocked off?” Lee was removing his coat.

  “No, sir, I mean to thrash you, and this time my intention is to teach you a lesson that will remain with you for the rest of your life.”

  They took up fighter’s stances and approached each other carefully.

  “I shall allow you to throw the first punch, sir.”

  “You go ahead, pal.”

  They circled each other a few times, finally Winterhaiming threw a punch, Lee stepped aside to send a punch into his opponent’s stomach. Winterhaiming’s punch sped on to land on a tree behind Lee.

  “What was that?” Came a far off voice.

  Winterhaiming recovered and came at Lee again, he feigned a punch to Lee’s face and sent a real punch into his chest, Lee lurched backwards and tripped over the trunk of a tree.

  Winterhaiming stepped back to allow his opponent to regain his feet. Garth appeared from nowhere.

  “Mind me trees you damn fools.”

  “Be quiet, sir.” Snapped Winterhaiming, Cloud and Clarence came running up.

  “Are you crazy, Two-Refs?”

  “Stand back there.” Said Winterhaiming.

  “We’d best do what he says.” Said Clarence.

  “He’ll kill him, he’ll kill him.” Clarence had to forcibly hold Cloud back.

  “Don’t worry, Smoke, I’ll just mess him up a little.” Said Lee getting to his feet and racing at his opponent.

  “Mind my trees.” Said Garth, getting dangerously close. Winterhaiming threw a punch which Lee easily sidestepped and sent a punch into Winterhaiming’s chin. Winterhaiming spun around and his fist came into contact with Garth who fell back against a tree to stand there stunned.

  Lee came at his opponent to follow up his advantage but Winterhaiming quickly recovered, he twisted his head out of the way of the flying fist that passed his ear to land with a dull thud on Garth’s chin. Garth dropped to the ground in one quick movement and lay there unconscious.

  Winterhaiming sent a fist to the side of Lee’s head and knocked him to one side so that he stood shaking his head.

  “Look out, Two-Refs.” Called Cloud rushing forward and dragging Clarence with him.

  Lee ducked and threw a wild punch, it missed Winterhaiming and it missed Cloud, but it did find a target. Winterhaiming and Lee clashed together and spun around gasping for breath and trying to clear their heads.

  Miss Blackie lay serenely on a branch of a tree above them, taking no interest in the battle below.

  With a grunt Winterhaiming hit Lee in the stomach and threw a punch that missed its mark, too tired to fight the momentum he spun with the effort and came into contact with Cloud who was knocked to the ground.

  Lee threw a punch but it went wild to land on the trunk of the tree, he stood gasping for breath as he nursed his hand.

  Winterhaiming stepped up to him to slam a fist to the side of his head and pulled back to give the final blow. Up above Miss Blackie calmly stood up to jump down onto another branch. It may have been the weight of her small body or it may have been something else, but the branch bent in a quick whiplash movement to thump Winterhaiming on the head.

  He stood there with a poised fist, Lee saw the shape with his blurred vision and struck out instinctively. Winterhaiming fell backwards still with his fist poised.

  Cynthia came rushing up to fall at Winterhaiming’s side and nursed his head.

  “You brute,” she said to Lee, “you stupid muscle-bound brute.” As Lee stormed away she was looking at the other fallen shapes in amazement.

  Haddington was ecstatic. He met Lee at the door to the house with opened arms and a glass of champagne from a tray held by Gilmore.

  “My God, sir,” he beamed as he put his arm around Lee’s shoulders as the young man drained his glass, “you not only faced the blighter, but you beat him. This is the proudest day of my life.”

  “Yeah.” Lee put the empty glass on the tray and strolled off.

  “Bravo, sir bravo.” Called Haddington, he turned to see the empty glass, “Gilmore.”

  “Your Lordship?” Lord Haddington pointed wordlessly to the glass. “Sorry, Your Lordship.”

  “What a man,” he beamed as he took up the refilled glass. “What an asset he’ll be to this estate, hey?”

  “Yes, Your Lordship.”

  “He’d take no nonsense from anyone, certainly not as I have done.”

  “No, Your Lordship.”

  Lee went to his room to change into some old clothes and ran out the front door and through the trees toward the village. He pounded out his pent up rage as he ran onto the road and down the incline.

  He felt better already as he planned to run to the church and then back to the house. He passed quickly through the village around a corner across the square and up the steps of the church. He ran on the spot for a few moments and then rested as he wiped the sweat from his face with the sleeve of his shirt.

  “..........a beautiful day, vicar.”

  He turned to see the vicar and a tallish man with a handlebar moustache come walking out of the church.

  “Mr Lee, this is a surprise.”

  “Good morning, vicar.”

  “This is Mr Chesters, Mr Chesters this is Mr Lee, one of Lord Haddington’s American guests.”

  “How do you do, sir.”

  “Mr Chesters.” They shook hands.

  “How silly of me,” laughed the vicar, “you already know Mr Chesters, don’t you?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “That’s strange, Mr Chesters is from London, he is Miss Marlebone’s and Mr Winterhaiming’s best man.”

  “I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting Mr Lee before.”

  “Ah, well, no matter.” Smiled the vicar, “the point is, Mr Chesters, that the description is most appropriate.”

  “Thank you, vicar.”

  “I know the good book warns of pride, Mr Lee, but today I am as proud as a peacock.”

  “Are you vicar?” Smiled Lee.

  “Mr Chesters may I have your permission to reveal our secret to Mr Lee, I’m certain he’ll not tell another soul.”

  “I give it gladly, vicar.”

  “That’s kind of you, vicar, to trust me,” frowned Lee wondering what the secret was, “and I’m grateful to you, Mr Chesters.”

  “Come along, sir, come along.” The vicar grabbed him by the arm to drag him into the church.

  Haddington met Winterhaiming in the corridor, he smiled broadly and threw an arm around the young man’s shoulder.

  “It has not been an easy day for you, sir.”

  “No, Your Lordship, it certainly has not.” He said ruefully.


  “It was a decision that had to be made, and I’m sure you’ll agree it was not unjust.”

  “Mr Lee may have his faults but he beat me fair and square.” Said Winterhaiming who remembered nothing of the last few moments of the fight.

  “Spoken like a real gentleman, sir, a quality I saw in you the first moment I laid eyes on you.”

  “Thank you, Your Lordship.”

  Cloud was just coming down the stairs when he saw Lord Haddington with his arm around Winterhaiming’s shoulder, he stepped back to hide behind a suit of armour as they passed below.

  “Decisions such as these are always hard to face, but they have to be made and it’s a wondrous thing when the burden is lifted from your shoulders.”

  “Yes, Your Lordship.”

  “It was inevitable, of course, true blood must always triumph in the end.”

  “Yes, Your Lordship.”

  “Come into my office, my boy, and we’ll drink on it.” Said Haddington happily.

  “Splendid idea.”

  They walked over to the door and Cloud went to the rail to watch them with a frown. They went in and closed the door. He stood there for a second until suddenly he heard two people approaching from the side corridor, as Clarence and Lady Marlebone came walking around the corner, he stepped back quickly behind the suit of armour.

  Clarence’s sharp eyes caught the movement.

  “That was young Reggie wasn’t it, going into his Lordship’s office?” Asked Lady Marlebone.

  “Yes, it was.”

  “Hasn’t his Lordship taken to him lately, I fancied at one stage he disliked the boy.”

  “I’m not one to carry tales, Lady Marlebone.” Said Clarence stopping just below Cloud.

  “Indeed you’re not, Mr Clarence.” She leaned forward expectantly with a slight smile.

  “I’m sure this will not go any further than the two of us.”

  “Absolutely, Mr Clarence.” She smiled sweetly, “what is it?” She asked impatiently.

  Clarence made a point of looking around carefully to make sure no one was around. “Lord Haddington is about to make it official that young Winterhaiming is his grandson.”

  She gasped and her eyes bulged. “You don’t say, Mr Clarence?” She managed to say.

  “Lord Haddington swore me to secrecy on this, so if anyone were to say that I told them I should deny it.”

  “And rightly so, Mr Clarence, rightly so. Your secret is safe with me.” She turned to move away quickly.

  “Mind now,” called Clarence, “not another soul must hear of this.”

  “Of course not,” she smiled sweetly as she turned the corner sedately, then she burst into a run raising the front of her dress to free her legs. “Cynthia, my poor, poor, Cynthia.” She whimpered as she ran.

  Clarence wore a very pleased expression as he strolled over to the office door and knocked, he opened it to the sound of merry laughter and tinkling glasses, stepped inside and closed the door.

  Cloud let out a long sigh and leant against the wall, he took out a cigarette and lit it, then with heavy limbs he slowly ascended the stairs.

  He decided to walk back so that he could enjoy the sunny afternoon. He was strolling along with his hands in his pockets and wearing a broad smile. Quite some secret, he thought merrily to himself.

  He was surprised to see Haddington’s carriage pulled to the side of the road, and as he approached he saw Cynthia sitting in the back fanning herself slowly. When she saw him she smiled so sweetly that he felt a lump come to his throat.

  He walked over to look up at her. “Good morning.” He smiled.

  “Will you join me, Jerome?”

  “I’d like to, Cynthia, but I do need the exercise.”

  “Please, I want to speak to you.”

  The expression on her face made it impossible to refuse her, even if the thought had entered his head. He climbed in and sat beside her, she moved along the seat to sit closer to him. “I am awfully sorry, Jerome, for the things I said to you.”

  “It’s not important, I’ve completely forgotten what it was anyway.”

  “Does that mean you forgive me?”

  “Of course it does, that is, if there were anything to forgive, there are times I forget my own strength.” He smiled as he put his arm around her shoulder and took her hand in his. She rested her head on his shoulder.

  They were both supremely happy as Rogers moved the horses and turned the carriage to head it back to Haddington’s estate. When it pulled up at the front door Lee stepped out to help her down.

  “Have you given my proposal any thought?” He asked.

  “Of course I have.” She smiled up into his eyes and was about to say something more when suddenly Lady Marlebone came running from the front door and down the steps. The two young people stood watching in silence as she ran up to them to grab her daughter by the hand and drag her from Lee, who stood in stunned silence.

  “I’ll see you later, Jerome.” She called over her shoulder and waved to him.

  “Not if I can help it.” Panted her mother as they both went into the house.

  Lee was just about to run up the steps after her, when Cloud called from the trees. “Two-Refs.”

  He looked over to see his manager leaning against a tree smoking a cigarette. With a smile he walked over to join him.

  “Did you see that, Smoke?” He asked in good humour.

  “Yeah, yeah, lets’ go for a walk, boy.” He was very subdued but Lee was in too high spirits to notice as they trudged off into the trees.

  “We have to leave tomorrow.” Cloud said flatly.

  Lee came upon Miss Blackie sunning herself on a log, he sat down beside her to pat her and she purred contentedly.

  “Why, where are we going?” He smiled.

  “Home.”

  “You mean the States?”

  “Yeah, the States.”

  “Gee, that’s swell, Smoke…….” He was still patting Miss Blackie, but now for the first time he caught the sound of Cloud’s voice and his smile slipped a little. “Has something happened?”

  “I just figured it’s time we went home.”

  “What about Lord Haddington?”

  “What about him?”

  “I’m supposed to be his grandson, aren’t I?”

  “Clem seems to have made up his mind that that Winterhaiming guy is his grandson.”

  “Oh.” He continued to pat Miss Blackie who was enjoying it. “Oh, well.” He shrugged his shoulder.

  “I’m glad you’re taking it so well, boy.”

  “I don’t mind, I suppose Cynthia will understand.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We’re getting married.”

  “Are you crazy?” Exploded Cloud throwing his cigarette away in disgust and startling Miss Blackie.

  “Probably.” Lee tried to smile to bring the conversation back to a more congenial mood.

  “You can’t do it, Two-Refs.”

  “Oh, I think I’m old enough to make such decisions by myself.”

  “You can’t do it to her, boy.”

  “I’m not that bad,” he smiled, “I think I can make her very happy.”

  “Do you know anything about her?”

  “Only that I adore her and she loves me.”

  “Do you know why she came here in the first place? To find a husband.”

  “She found one.”

  “A rich husband.”

  “I think I can soon change her ideas about such things, money isn’t ….”

  “Don’t be a fool.” Cloud stomped up and down in front of Lee. The younger man was a little disappointed at how his manager was reacting. “I’ve checked up on her, Two-Refs, her family is deep in debt, her father might end up in prison while her and her mother could end up in a poorhouse.”

  “I’m sure she has too many friends to allow that to happen.”

  “It’s gonna happen, boy, unless she hooks a rich husband in the next couple of weeks, that’s how
bad it is.”

  “She could come back to the States with us, I could put in a challenge to the champ, who knows, in a couple of months I could be world champ, you always said I’d…..” Lee came to a halt when he saw the face of his manager.

  Cloud swallowed nervously and Lee caught the movement of his Adam’s apple. “I hate to do this to you, boy,” he sat down on the other side of Miss Blackie, “you ain’t ever gonna be champ.” Lee looked at him with an expressionless face. “You’ve got the fighter’s worst curse. A glass jaw.”

  “I won most of my fights……”

  “I know that, I know that.”

  “….. I came up against some tough fellows.”

  “I had hopes for you, boy, I really did, I prayed I was wrong. But I blinded myself, I kept saying you were champ in all but title.”

  “But, my fights.”

  “I made sure you came up against body punchers, not ones who went for the jaw. The only fights you lost were with jaw punchers.”

  “I believed you, Smoke.” There was hurt in his eyes. “I really believed you.” He shook his head, “under matched by my own manager.” He said glumly.

  “It’s my fault, Two-Refs, all my fault.”

  “What did you think would happen to me when I came up against a real fighter?” He asked bitterly.

  “That’s why I knew I had to get you out of the game, boy.”

  “No wonder that Winterhaiming beat me, a baby could beat me. I could have been killed in the ring, Smoke, do you know that?” He demanded angrily. Miss Blackie looked up displeased with the tone of voice.

  “I’m sorry, Two-Refs.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to convince Lord Haddington.”

  “Convince him of what?”

  ”That I’m his grandson.”

  “He’s already decided, Two-Refs.”

  “I feel I am his grandson, I’m sure I can convince him.”

  “You can’t.”

  “I’m gonna try.” He got to his feet with his chin jutting out, a great deal depended on this.

  “You can’t, Two-Refs.”

  “Once I speak to him,” he was striding off, “and we get to talking……”

  “Jerome.”

  Lee stopped and turned to look back. Cloud and Haddington shared a mutual dislike of his first name, the former never, ever used it except in extreme cases. Lee frowned.

  “What is it, Smoke?”

  “You’re not his grandson.”

  “You can’t be sure of that, I’ve got that locket and……”

  “They’re fakes, everything Clarence said was true, we’re frauds.”

  Lee looked at him with cold eyes that only dimly registered shock, then he walked over to the log to sit down with a sigh. They sat in deep silence for a long time, Miss Blackie didn’t like the mood so she moved off to chase a butterfly.

  “How could you do this?” Lee’s voice was thick.

  “I did it for you, boy.”

  “Lord Haddington was very good to us and you would have cheated him.”

  “He took to you, Two-Refs, you’re the sort of grandson he wanted.”

  “What was in it for you?”

  “Nothing, boy, not a cent.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  “I swear, it would have made me the happiest manager in the world to see you out of the game, growing fat and lazy here in England.” He went over to sit beside Lee and put his arm around his shoulder, “you were always my best fighter……”Lee shook the arm off and got to his feet to stand with his back to the older man. “I don’t blame how you feel…….”

  “What do I do now?”

  “Come back home and be my partner, you know the business backwards.”

  “You mean be a manager?”

  “Yeah. We’d be a great team, Two-Refs, you could teach our boy all the tricks and I could see he gets every cent he deserves. Nothing’ll stop us.” Cloud was trying to sound more cheerful and hopeful than he felt.

  “Okay, Smoke, it’s a deal.” He turned to shake Cloud’s hand, but the voice was thick and the smile was forced.

  “What about that Cynthia dame?”

  “I’ll fix that.”

  “Good boy, Two-Refs, you’ll see it will all work out for the best.”

  “Yeah.”

  They both made their way back to the house. Now that it seemed to be all settled, Cloud felt better and more cheerful, as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders, the boy seemed a little flat but he was young, he’d soon get over it.

  * * * * *