The Landlocked Baron (The Six Pearls of Baron Ridlington Book 1) Read online

  “Dear God.” Rosaline sank back into the cushions. “That must have been quite a scene.”

  “It was.” He sighed. “Ridlington, despite m’father’s opinions to the contrary, isn’t an important Barony in the overall scheme of things. Nobody really paid much attention when I left. But I cannot regret my actions. I found the sheer joy that had been missing in my life.”

  “You found the sea.” She watched his face soften as she recalled his words from the hearse.

  “Yes, I found the sea. And it was love at first sight. I had sufficient rank to be accepted as a Midshipman right away, and I am blessed to have travelled quite a bit. Also fortunate to have been spared any injuries during those voyages—not to mention the battles.” He paused. “Come to think of it, the worst injury I’ve sustained in the last ten years was that crack on the head from my father’s coffin this morning.”

  “Ironic.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” He grinned at her again, a brief moment she found quite enchanting.

  “So you weren’t here at Ridlington while your siblings grew up?”

  He shook his head. “You understand. I had hoped you would grasp the situation. I’m not my father and I cannot and will not dictate the lives of my brothers and sisters like almighty God. He gave us nothing in the way of paternal affection, since he appeared that tolerating us was all he could stand. We were rarely together, never got a kind word out of him, and his presence brought only silence and unhappiness. That is not what family should be about, in my humble opinion. Of course, pretty much my only experience of anything resembling a true family was on board ship, and those circumstances are not the same as a country house, but you know what I mean.”

  “I do.” She watched his expressions change with the conversation.

  “On the other side of the argument is the knowledge that guidance is needed. And a strong reliable foundation must be set in place so that these young men and women, my siblings, have a place to begin their journeys into life. A beginning that is long overdue, I might add.”

  “And a place to come back to, if necessary?”

  “I suppose so.” He spread his hands wide. “I need help, Lady Henry. I simply cannot do all this myself. It’s going to be hard enough managing the estate, since m’father let it go over the last half a year or so. I have to put it back together. Doing that with a family like mine around…well, it will be a difficult task, to say the least.”

  “I understand your situation, Lord Ridlington. But I am somewhat at a loss to see where I can be of any assistance.” Rosaline tilted her head to one side. It wasn’t as if there were young children involved, but the Baron seemed to view them as such.

  She could think of a number of ways his situation might be improved, but hesitated to begin listing them until she’d heard his answer.

  “Well to complete my recitation, I must reveal some personal information that I will ask you to keep to yourself, if you would.”

  “Are you sure this is necessary?” For the life of her, Rosaline had no notion of what would be next.

  “Yes, unfortunately. It is completely necessary.” He looked down at the desk and moved a piece of paper from one side to the other. “I am now Baron Ridlington. And over the last few months I have come to understand that the title comes with very little else but a smattering of prestige and the Ridlington Estate lands.”

  She blinked. “You mean…”

  “Yes. We are, to all intents and purposes, financially cleaned out.”

  “Good God.” She gulped down a squawk and said the first thing that came into her head. “What the hell happened?”

  He gave a wry chuckle. “Mismanagement, mostly. A bad estate manager that I had to dismiss when I first got back here…and a poor harvest. Which I believe resulted in a combination of the previous two factors.”

  “There was no capital involved in the entail?”

  “Whatever there might once have been, is no more.”

  Rosaline took a deep breath and blew it out through pursed lips. “You are rolled up, foot and guns?”

  The colloquialism made him smile. “That is an amazingly apt description of our circumstances.”

  “What about selling off some properties?”

  “Entailed. Most of ‘em, anyway—I checked on that first. And the ones that aren’t? Poor scrub land at the moment, barely useful for grazing. Those acres would not bring in enough money to tide us over the winter months.”

  “But how can you expect me to help? I have a small jointure…”

  The Baron stopped her with a quick movement of his hand. “No, no. Money is not what I require from you. I need your management skills. Your expertise with people. I watched you with my brothers and sisters, and although you’d been here less than a couple of hours, already you had become a person they listened to. Someone they looked to for guidance. You have a gift with people that I lack.”

  She frowned. “I believe you may be overstating the case, sir.”

  “I am observant, Lady Henry. I had to be, aboard ship, and it is a skill that has served me well.”

  She waved that aside. “Be that as it may, I am still unable to see where you are heading with these comments.”

  The Baron stood and moved to the front of the desk, leaning back against it and looking down at her. “I believe you would be a decided asset to the Ridlington household, Lady Henry. You would relieve me of the household duties, of which there are more than I could have imagined. I could devote my attention to rebuilding the estate’s finances. You would also relieve me of much of the worrisome burden I now bear in relation to my family members. Having your guidance in their futures would greatly benefit all of us.”

  “You are very kind.” Rosaline watched his face, listening carefully, wondering what would come next.

  “I’m honest. And to that end, I have to tell you that I could not afford to pay you a decent wage were I to ask you to assume the position of…let’s say housekeeper. Or chaperon, or something along those lines.”

  “I see.” She didn’t. Not at all.

  “So there is a solution that I believe would cover all these points quite well.”

  “And that would be…?”

  “Lady Henry, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

  *~~*~~*

  “I know I heard a thump.” Kitty whispered outside Edmund’s study door. “A definite thump.”

  “Perhaps Edmund collapsed. You know, his head and everything,” Letitia whispered back.

  “Perhaps she hit him and knocked him over,” grinned Richard. “I wouldn’t blame her.”

  “Sssh.” Simon cuffed his brother around the ear. “Keep your voice down.”

  “Oh, for Heaven’s sake…” Hecate lifted her hand and made a fist, ready to rap on the door.

  “Hecate…”

  “What are you doing?”

  Suddenly the door swung inward, and five faces stared curiously at the tableau thus revealed. Edmund was standing next to Lady Henry, his arm around her and her hand in his.

  Hecate’s hand fell to her side. “Uh…”

  “Are you two all right?” Simon asked the question as he looked from one to the other.

  “Yes indeed. Lady Henry tripped as she stood and fortunately the chair broke her fall. But it was a bit of a thud, I suppose.”

  “Ah.” Letitia sounded dubious. “Are you sure you’re not hurt, Lady Henry?”

  “Absolutely sure, Miss Letitia. Thank you for your concern. I believe my heel caught on the ruffle of my skirt. Annoying, but I’m sure it’s happened to you as well.” She smiled calmly and moved slightly away from the Baron. “Lord Ridlington was kind enough to help me regain my balance.”

  “I see.” Richard didn’t sound convinced.

  Edmund, who had been watching the faces of his siblings with acute interest, grinned. “You thought she hit me, didn’t you?”

  “What?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Edmund, wh
at a thing to say.”

  There was more in this vein, but inevitably the irate shock faded after a few moments.

  “Thought so.” Edmund moved forward. “Come, Lady Henry. I believe tea is in order, because I think this lot has imbibed far too fully of the champagne. Otherwise why would they have been eavesdropping at doors like nosy neighbors?”

  There was a speaking silence as the group fell back, permitting Edmund and Lady Henry to leave the study.

  “You might want to join us, rabble.” Edmund smiled affectionately at the family. “I have an announcement to make that will shake us all up a bit. Good thing too.”

  Chidwell was summoned once more, and tea for seven ordered, to be served promptly. He did whisper briefly in his Lordship’s ear about the scarcity of delicacies, but Edmund reassured him that anything lying around in the kitchen would be acceptable.

  He also told Chidwell there would be seven for dinner, but not to go overboard, since they had dined at the funeral luncheon.

  “Good thing, my Lord. Near emptied the pantry today.” He frowned. “We need a bit of guidance, your Lordship, if you’ll forgive my saying so. About ordering and meals and so on. Nobody seems to want the task. Would help us a lot below-stairs, sir…”

  “All in hand, old chap.” Edmund beamed at Chidwell. “You’ll hear about it shortly. Just bring up the tea, would you?”

  Everyone arranged themselves comfortably as Edmund walked to the fireplace and stood in front of it, hands behind his back.

  “What are your orders, Captain?” Simon chuckled. “You look as if you’re about to demand we man the mainmast or secure the jib or something.”

  Edmund winced. “Remind me never to take you sailing, Simon.”

  “No problem with that,” his brother grinned back. “You’re the one with salt water in your veins. None of the rest of us has any particular interest in the ocean, other than to admire it from afar.”

  “Well then,” said Letitia. “What have you to tell us, brother?”

  Edmund glanced at Rosaline. He was glad to see that although she was still a little pale, she seemed composed. The brief shock of his proposal had apparently worn off. “I expect you’re all aware that I’m not the best candidate for the position I now hold. The mantle of Baron Ridlington does not lie easy on my shoulders.” He sighed. “I can command a warship, and plot strategies to outwit an enemy at sea, but when it comes to this…” he gestured to the room in general, “I’m at somewhat of a loss.”

  “Not your fault, Edmund.” Richard gazed at his brother. “You’ve been gone for years.”

  “I know, and you all know why. We have been honest with each other as much as possible, and that helps us now. The family motto stands for something.” He looked up above the mantelpiece to the large engraved wooden hanging. The words Veritas Ante Omnia were deeply incised and quite legible, in spite of what was probably a coating of dust.

  “Truth above all, children. Truth above all. So keeping that in mind, here’s the problem. Our father left us a title, this house and the estate. But as for any working principal or capital?” He shook his head. “Gone.”

  The silence that fell was profound. Then Hecate spoke. “We are penniless?”

  Edmund’s head began to ache again. He deplored having to bring his brothers and sisters into this mess. It was his responsibility to clean it up, and he fully intended to, but he couldn’t do it alone. He had no other choice.

  “In ready cash? Yes.” He answered as gently as he could. “The estate of course, is ours. It’s entailed and thus remains in our possession. I believe we can restore it to a much better state of affairs—our father let it linger in the hands of one Mr. Scragget, the estate manager who only managed to bleed the estate, not manage it. He has departed, as some of you may know.”

  Simon nodded. “Never did like him, but you know…Father…”

  “Yes, I know.” Edmund shrugged. “It is up to me to recover our situation and put Ridlington back into good health, Simon. And I intend to do just that because I know it can be done. With your help.” He looked around at the intent faces watching him. “And with the help of one other.” His gaze drifted to Rosaline. “Lady Henry has a background that will admirably complement our efforts here at Ridlington. I need a competent person to handle the household, to guide the staff and to begin restoring our trade with the village and beyond.”

  “Should I have been doing that?” Letitia sounded doubtful.

  “I don’t know, my dear. If any of our mothers had survived, we might have had some guidance in that matter,” said Edmund honestly. “But I had always hoped that you all would choose your own paths and merely view Ridlington as your beginning. Not your lifetime’s calling. I discovered mine and my sincerest wish is for you to have the same success.” Once again he looked around. “None of you are tied to this house. Our memories—or at least mine—aren’t full of sunshine and roses. But this is where we were born and raised. Where we go now is up to us, and I hope you know that Ridlington will be here waiting to welcome you at any time in the future.”

  “God, are you throwing us out, Edmund?” Kitty’s eyes were wide.

  He laughed. “Not at all. In fact, I’m increasing our number.”

  “What?” Richard frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “In order to fully explore the potential of Ridlington, and to get its recovery underway, I have decided to ask Lady Henry to join our family.” He paused, letting the full implication of his words sink in. “I have asked her to be my wife.”

  This time the silence was more one of air being sucked out of the room.

  “And she has done me the honor of accepting my proposal.”

  Simon fell back in his chair, his brows shooting upward and his mouth open in surprise. The others all had the same sort of look on their faces. Edmund was hard pressed not to laugh.

  Rosaline stood and walked to his side, turning to face the family. “Lord Ridlington has indeed honored me with his proposal. Although as you can imagine, it was rather a shock—to both of us, I think—it comes at a time when I would much appreciate the chance to be useful.”

  “And leave Lady Fincham’s, I’ll be bound.” Richard, ever irrepressible, grinned.

  “The less said about that, the better.” Rosaline’s expression was almost angelic. But not quite. “Of course, I will have to take care of matters at Fincham Place, and there will be banns to be read and so on. But I have to profess my enthusiasm for becoming a part of this family, and I hope that my small contribution will assist your brother in his desire to restore the estate to its proper glory.”

  “Are you wealthy?” Hecate’s eyes were fixed on Rosaline. “Is that why you’re marrying our brother? Un mariage de convenance?”

  “Hecate,” remonstrated Edmund. “Such a question is ill-mannered and does Lady Henry a disservice…”

  Rosaline simply smiled. “I’m afraid I am not wealthy, Miss Hecate. I bring organizational skills, a certain knowledge of how things should go on—and an enthusiasm for Ridlington. I find you all…interesting people in your own right, and I trust that my marriage to your brother will bring us closer rather than drive anyone away.”

  “But why marriage, Edmund?” Letitia asked. “Isn’t that a rather drastic solution?”

  “It may seem so, Letty,” answered Edmund. “But we cannot ask Lady Henry to just move in and live here as our housekeeper. Firstly, it would be improper and possibly damaging to her reputation, and secondly…we can’t afford to pay her.”

  “Oh dear.” Richard’s mouth turned down. “This is rather awkward, isn’t it.”

  “Not really,” chuckled Rosaline. “You already have a reputation for the unique. After all, the eldest son ran away to sea, leaving the position of heir to his brother who is a vicar. Not to mention that the six of you have three different mothers. Then there’s the less pleasant truth that your father was not well-liked. That particular reputation will, I trust, go to the grave with him, leaving us cha
nce to restore the character of the Ridlington family to what it should be.”

  “Bold words, Lady Henry,” said Hecate. “But you know, I have a feeling that if you and Edmund are set on this course, it will come out all right in the end.” She glanced around. “And you all know that if I have a feeling about something…”

  “You will be proved right.” The chorus of her siblings finished her sentence for her.

  Rosaline glanced a question at Edmund.

  He shrugged. “She usually is. Bit uncanny, but there you have it. We’re not exactly what you’d call normal…”

  “I’m very glad to hear it.” Rosaline smiled serenely. “I’m not terribly fond of normal myself.”

  Chapter Four

  Over the next weeks, Rosaline found herself wondering if that statement might have been a bit rash.

  The parting with the Finchams had been awkward at best and unpleasant at worst. Lady Fincham had not expected her companion to even consider leaving the household because, in her opinion, the family was quite elevated—her words—and it should have been regarded as a distinct honour to be part of their circle.

  The fact that Rosaline’s role was more of a servant than anything else completely escaped her Ladyship’s notice.

  The fact that she intended to marry Baron Ridlington? Shocking. Outrageous. Even disgusting. Although why that should be the case, Rosaline wasn’t sure.

  She weathered the tantrums with her tongue securely locked behind her teeth, merely nodding and agreeing where appropriate, and looking suitably chastened the rest of the time.

  The accusation that the Baron was probably only looking for a mistress and wouldn’t really wed her, however, brought Rosaline’s temper to the fore and she could not let that pass without comment.

  “My Lady, I must say how surprised I am that you would accuse Baron Ridlington of such behavior. He is a decorated naval hero, recognized by Lord Nelson himself, and honored by those with whom he served. You do him a huge disservice, and I cannot believe he would take such a suggestion as appropriate or proper from someone he barely knows.” Her back was ramrod straight and she stared the old woman directly in the eye. “If you truly believe this to be the situation, then of course I shall make sure that you are not placed in the awkward position of receiving an invitation to the nuptial celebrations. Thus you will not be put to the trouble of declining.”