The Fat Badger Society (Drusilla Davanish Mysteries Book 2) Read online

  When I asked how he’d fallen off his horse, he said, ‘It was dark and I didn’t see the rabbit hole.’ I couldn’t help smiling for he was an excellent rider. ‘You might show a little more sympathy,’ he complained, tongue-in-cheek. ‘I can’t turn my neck. Still, I must be thankful that it didn’t happen when I was in France.’

  ‘What difference does that make?’ I asked innocently, taken in by his bland expression.

  His eyes gleamed. 'My dear girl, a spy must be able to look over his shoulder, you know.’ I choked with laughter, and shook my head at him. Such interludes made a welcome change from the worries hanging over us, and although I couldn’t know it then, this was the beginning of one of the happiest times of my life.

  Mr. Reevers suggested a stroll in the gardens, and as we walked down the terrace steps to the flat parklands beyond, I told him my uncle had been given a golden opportunity to indulge himself and he meant to make the most of it. Matching my step to his unusually slow pace, I explained about Mrs Woodford’s sprained ankle. A tale that made him laugh.

  ‘I must say,’ I chided in mocking tones, ‘I am rather shocked that you find the misfortune of others amusing.’

  ‘Oh, I wasn’t laughing at poor Mrs Woodford. Only at the speed with which your uncle turned the situation to his advantage.’

  ‘Well, it is kind of you to let him use the library.’

  ‘Not at all. I like your uncle.’ His eyes began to dance wickedly. ‘Now, if it had been that cold-blooded Francis Sims, I would have informed him I never let anyone touch my books.’

  Reaching the wooden bench under the next tree, he courteously waited while I seated myself, before sinking down beside me in some relief, holding his neck as he did so. The seat being a small one, we sat no more than six inches apart; a fact I found deeply disturbing. I thought he had not noticed how close we were, but then he turned to look at me and what I saw in his eyes took my breath away. The slightest encouragement from me now and he would take me in his arms. The thought of it set my heart thumping alarmingly, yet I hesitated. This was one thing I did not intend to rush into.

  Deciding it would be wise to talk of ordinary matters, I told him of Mudd’s expedition. ‘I imagine it will take some days,’ I said, explaining why I thought he might succeed where the rest of us would fail. ‘But it’s the only thing I could think of.’

  He listened, the faintest of smiles on his lips. ‘It’s certainly worth trying.’ His mind, however, seemed to be on something else, and when I foolishly asked what he was thinking about, he turned to me with a sigh. ‘I was wishing this wretched war was over. That my life was my own again. That I could-----’ he stopped in mid-sentence, as if he’d said too much.

  ‘You’d like to spend more time here?’ For although Norton House was not a large residence it had a comfortable homely feel to it.

  He gazed at me, his dark eyes suddenly unfathomable. ‘Something like that, yes.’

  I thought of what his life as a government agent must be like. The danger, hardship and boredom. ‘What is it really like in France? I only know what I read in the newspapers.’

  ‘Don’t let’s talk about that.’ He reached over, took my hand in his and studied it carefully. ‘You have such elegant fingers. Long and slim. Perfect for playing the piano.’ He looked across at me. ‘Do you play?’

  ‘Very badly,’ I whispered a little hoarsely, for my senses were racing. Things were going too fast for me. There was nothing I wanted more at that moment than to be kissed, but it also meant I was agreeing to marriage, and I was not ready to take that irrevocable step. Thus I pulled my hand away and said with a good deal of constraint, ‘We should go back now.’

  ‘Naturally I would if I could,’ he murmured in a caressing voice. ‘But you must forgive me, I don’t think I can move.’

  I eyed him with suspicion. ‘You walked this far. Surely----’

  ‘Well, I suppose it might be possible,’ he said doubtfully. ‘If you allowed me to lean on you a little.’ I deliberately raised shocked eyebrows at him and his eyes gleamed wickedly. ‘Only for support, of course. In the manner of a nurse helping an invalid. I would summon a servant, but there isn’t anyone in sight. You couldn’t be so cruel as to refuse to assist me.’

  At which point a tall young man effortlessly pushing a wheelbarrow full of logs came into view, and I burst out laughing.

  Mr Reevers held up his hands in surrender, but as we walked slowly back to the house, he suggested that, in the days ahead, we should make good use of the free time created by my aunt’s desire to look after her friend. ‘Your uncle can browse through the library as long as he wants, and it will enable us to discuss the Fat Badgers without being interrupted.’

  I did not argue, and the halcyon days that followed passed in the same delightful way. Each morning my uncle and I rode to Norton House, stayed to nuncheon, and reached home just before my aunt returned to dress for dinner. Luckily for us, Mrs Woodford’s progress was slow. Mr Reevers and I talked of Mr. Hamerton, the Fat Badgers, my very real worries over Richard, of our favourite books and places, and much else besides, laughing and sometimes disagreeing, but never tiring of each other’s company.

  Just to be with him was a deep joy. I woke every morning in a state of blissful anticipation, thinking of the hours I was to spend in his company, while my uncle browsed through the library to his heart’s content. Sometimes bringing out a book to read in the garden, always in sight of us, but never within hearing. Whether that was for his benefit, or ours, I was not sure.

  Every day I left for home in a kind of a glow, wishing I could have stayed longer, yet knowing I could do it all again tomorrow. Throughout these glorious days, even the sun shone on us. And I went about with a happy smile on my face, refusing to think of where it might lead, being far too busy revelling in the present. As for Mr Reevers, his eyes lit up the instant he saw me, and I was more than content for things to go on as they were.

  Whenever a thought of the future entered my head, I dismissed it quickly, determined for the present to treat him as a friend whose company and conversation I enjoyed, and who laughed at the same things as I did. Which was how I felt about Giles Saxborough, my godmother’s son, who was indeed a valued friend. Only it wasn’t the same with Mr Reevers, not by a long way, and I knew it. But I pushed that thought to the back of my mind, content in my happy dream, telling myself I was simply using this time to get to know him better.

  I was free to do as I wished while Mr. Hamerton and Richard were away, safe in the knowledge that Mr. East would be watching them. If only, I thought, Mudd could find out where the Fat Badgers were meeting now, the rest would surely be easy.

  Meanwhile I was able to relax and think of other things. Occasionally other visitors called when I was there, and I found myself resenting this interference. I wanted to be alone with Mr Reevers, but I did not allow myself to dwell on what that meant, for I had never been as happy as I was now. Only when he took my hand did I become more reserved.

  I did not realise my happiness showed, until I called on Julia one fine evening, and she demanded inquisitively, ‘What have you been up to, Drusilla? You’re positively blooming.’

  ‘It must be the fresh air and sunshine we’ve had lately.’

  ‘It has been lovely, hasn’t it? Edward is quite brown. But no amount of sunshine puts that kind of glow into a woman’s eyes.’ I instantly thought of Mr Reevers and foolishly blushed, which made Julia laugh, but she did not pursue the matter.

  In those few short days I almost forgot the worries hanging over us, but like all such idylls it had to end. On the day Mr. Reevers was able to ride again, Mrs. Woodford started to get about, and my uncle had an engagement in Cowes, so we did not go to Norton House.

  When Aunt Thirza left to call on Mrs. Woodford to see how she’d fared after her first short outing, I went into my workroom, but a few minutes later Luffe informed me Mr. Reevers was here. I smiled, delighted I was to see him today after all. ‘I’ll receive him he
re, Luffe.’

  He looked surprised, as well he might, for I had never invited any visitor into my workroom before. He did as I bid, and Mr. Reevers walked in saying, ‘I am honoured. Though I don’t think Luffe approved.’

  ‘That’s because I’ve told him never to usher anyone in here. Not even Julia.’

  ‘Then I am doubly honoured,’ he said, looking around the room with great interest.

  I showed him my father’s collection of fossils, a copy of the book he’d written, which I kept on the extensive bookshelves, and finally lifted the shutters from my charts. He looked at what I’d written and I explained, ‘I only write the actual facts here. Nothing else. Speculation only confuses things.’

  He stood with his hands behind his back reading what was on the charts. ‘Yes, I see what you mean. It’s very clear. And concise.’

  ‘And nothing is forgotten.’ He looked at the charts for so long I asked if anything was wrong, and he turned to face me with a reluctance I found puzzling, until he removed a letter from his pocket. Handing it to me, he said, ‘Mr. Pitt sent this for you by his messenger.’

  I took it, seeing from his face that it was bad news. ‘You know what’s in it, don’t you?’

  He nodded and advised kindly, ‘It would be better if you sat down.’

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  ‘Why do I need to sit down? Have I made some dreadful mistake?’

  ‘No, it’s nothing like that. I can only suggest that you read it.’

  So I sat down, broke the wafer and did as he’d asked.

  My dear Lady Drusilla,

  I am much obliged to you for the copy of Septimus Ford’s journal, an invaluable piece of evidence. I am also most grateful for your assistance in the matter of discovering whether or not Mr. Hamerton is a traitor.

  As I am sure you will realise, in such cases we check on friends and acquaintances of the man in question. This, of course, takes time, and our checks on him were not complete when we spoke in London. This has since been remedied, and as a result I must warn you of a gentleman Mr. Hamerton met a few weeks ago. They were seen together at a London Corresponding Society meeting, and it would concern us greatly should their friendship continue on the Isle of Wight.

  This gentleman must be known to you, as he lives in your part of the Island. His name is Richard Tanfield, a Captain in the Navy. Who, I am informed by the Admiralty, may soon be court-martialled for cowardice in the face of the enemy, and for disobeying a direct order.

  ‘Wh-a-a-t?’ I burst out, staring at those awful words in sickening shock. ‘It can’t be true. It can’t. Richard’s no coward. In fact, I swear he enjoys taking risks.’ Mr. Reevers did not speak and I read what little remained, which was merely a polite reminder of the urgency of the situation. I sat clutching the letter tightly in my hand, refusing to believe what it said.

  Yet, thinking of Richard’s behaviour of late, I knew it was true, for it explained everything. I’d believed that whatever was worrying him was something he couldn’t solve himself, that the power to do so lay in the hands of other people, or an authority. Such as the Admiralty. Which meant it was something serious, but I never imagined he was fighting for his very life.

  ‘No wonder he wouldn’t tell me. Or Julia.’ Numb with shock, I forced myself to face the worst possible outcome. ‘What if he’s found guilty.......?’ I whispered. ‘Admiral Byng was shot for cowardice.’

  ‘That was nearly forty years ago.’ He didn’t say it couldn’t happen to Richard, for we both knew that it could. Drawing up a chair beside me he took my trembling hands in his. ‘But, much more recently, Admiral Keppel was acquitted.’

  I nodded, grasping at hope. ‘I remember my father talking of it, when I was about twelve.’

  ‘There’s every chance Richard will be acquitted too.’

  ‘You can’t know that. And what if he’s not? How will Julia ever endure it?’ He shook his head, aware as I was, that she would never be the same again. And that the disgrace would hang over Edward all his life.

  ‘I cannot bear to think of it,’ I said, removing my hands from his. ‘That’s why he said he might never go back to sea. No wonder he’s in such black despair. A fine upstanding man like him, who would lay down his life for King and country, to have the principles he’d always believed in shot to pieces by this absurd accusation. He must have left the Admiralty that day shaken to the very core of his being, his whole world turned upside down by men of power and influence. That’s why he went to that London corresponding society meeting---’

  ‘On impulse, you mean? Well, I can see that, but when he’d calmed down and had time to reflect, do you really imagine he would betray England?’

  I shook my head from side to side several times. ‘No, I don’t. Not Richard.’

  He watched my face as thoughts raced through my mind. ‘But you’re not quite sure, are you?’

  I looked up and saw only understanding in his eyes. ‘The thing is, Richard detests injustice, and to be a victim of it himself will be beyond bearing to him. He relishes danger and hates being confined in any way. I don’t know what he might do in this situation.’ And I admitted reluctantly, ‘He can be rather reckless at times. But I see why he wouldn’t tell Julia in her delicate situation, and he dare not tell me in case I let it slip out to her by accident. What really worries me is that he chose to confide in Mr. Hamerton.’

  After he had gone I went for a long ride across the Downs, accompanied by a groom. I did not believe Richard was guilty, not for a second. Yet, to be accused of disobeying a direct order was an extremely grave matter. And a charge of cowardice would shame any man. Innocent or guilty. To my mind, he was acting like a man who knew himself to be innocent, but expected to be found guilty. I was terrified that, because of that belief, he’d lost all sense of reason and allowed himself to become embroiled in Mr. Hamerton’s schemes.

  I returned home without any real recollection of where I had ridden, nor could I think what I should do next. I’d wanted to know what was worrying Richard, thinking I could perhaps help him in some way. Well, now I did know, and there was nothing I could do, nothing at all. Except worry. It made me even more anxious about his association with Mr. Hamerton. And I prayed Mr. East would be able to keep Richard out of trouble.

  When I walked into the hall my uncle came rushing out of the drawing room, urging me to join him that instant. I had never felt less like talking, but I was too fond of my uncle to refuse. Mr. Pitt’s letter had plunged me into despair, but life had to go on. So I went in, shut the door, and turned to find him beaming from ear to ear.

  ‘I heard some tremendous news in Cowes,’ he proclaimed exuberantly. ‘The whole town was making merry. People were dancing in the streets and----’.

  ‘Yes, but what has actually happened?’ I begged, forcing a smile.

  He rubbed his hands together with glee. ‘Lord Howe’s Channel Fleet has trounced the French Navy. It’s a great victory, Drusilla.’

  Overwhelmed with joy at hearing such wonderful news I grabbed my uncle’s hands, and we whirled madly round in a circle until we were both dizzy. Finally, laughing and half crying at the same time, we collapsed into the nearest chairs. When he had regained his breath, he said, ‘Your aunt’s at Mrs. Woodford’s and I’ve kept this to myself for a whole hour. I asked Luffe so often if you’d returned yet, he thought I’d gone mad.’

  ‘You could have told him the good news,’ I teased.

  ‘What, and have him give the game away the instant you came through the door? I wanted to tell you myself. The word is that one of Howe’s officers, Sir Roger Curtis, left Falmouth two days ago with dispatches for London. Details are a bit hazy yet, but it’s thought two French ships were sunk, and Howe should arrive in Portsmouth in a day or two with the six ships they captured. Six prize ships, Drusilla. Just think of it. ‘

  I wiped a tear from my eyes. ‘I am thinking of it. I can hardly believe it. A victory at last.’ England had never needed one more than it did now. ‘I
t will give us all heart,’ I declared happily. ‘And no-one more than Mr Pitt. The port will flow freely tonight.’

  ‘Think of the prize money for the crews too.’ Everyone on board would receive a share in accordance with regulations. ‘It’s crippled the French Navy and I--’

  ‘Oh heavens,’ I cut in suddenly. ‘Richard------’

  That brought him up sharply. ‘Yes, thank God he wasn’t with the fleet.’

  For battles were not won without loss of life. While the rest of us rejoiced, for some families it meant only grief and pain. At least Julia didn’t have that to contend with.

  Everywhere I went during the following days there was great rejoicing over Howe’s victory, and it lifted my own spirits to the point where I felt anything was possible. Even that the Admiralty would come to its senses and realise Richard was innocent. And if Mudd found out where the Fat Badgers were meeting now, arresting them would be simple.

  But Mudd efforts proved to be fruitless and my heart sank again. For, as Mr. Pitt had politely reminded me, time was running out fast. Soon Mr. Hamerton and Richard would return, and Mr. East would tell us if Mr. Hamerton really had gone to Windsor to settle his affairs. I wanted to know, yet I was afraid of the truth. Afraid, most of all, for Julia.

  Within hours of Mudd’s return, Mr. Reevers was ushered into the drawing room. I was greatly surprised to see Mr. East with him, for Richard and Mr. Hamerton were still away. One look at their faces told me things had not gone well. Once they were seated, Mr. East admitted at once, ‘I’m afraid I made a mull of the whole thing, Lady Drusilla. I followed the yacht for a day, observing from a considerable distance. When they anchored for the night, so did I, but when I woke at daybreak they had gone. I went on to Windsor, but the yacht wasn’t there, nor could I find them in the town. And I gather they are still away.’