Chapter Four: Alexander

My neck muscles ached as I closed the accounts book. It had taken hours to go through each line, trying to track the expenditure of one Mrs. Angela Burke. The answer was not one I had expected, and I wasn't sure how my cousin would take it when I told him what I had found.

A glance at the window showed the sun finally shining weakly through the clouds. The pull to be out of doors was strong. Maybe a walk would bring me back into company with... I shook my head before finishing that thought.

Miss Ellie and I were barely acquainted. I should not be so eager to see her again.

"Why do you look so grim?" asked the earl as he strode in without knocking. He had left off his black tailcoat for more country attire. "Did Hanson leave that big of a tangle when he left?"

"No, he didn't. However, I was curious about Mrs. Burke you had mentioned," I said honestly. No need for Hanson's good name to be slander when I was at fault. "I wanted to see how accurate Barrows numbers were, since it seemed an extravagant amount for one child."

"And? What did you learn?"

"That your father was extremely generous with this ward of his." I gestured to the accounts books. "He must have authorized Mr. Hanson to pay for any expenses that came to him from Mrs. Burke because the former steward did so regularly. On average, he paid five hundred pounds to the woman."

"Five hundred pounds?" William repeated in astonishment. "Are you sure?"

I didn't bother responding to that, resisting the urge to raise an eyebrow. Why wouldn't I be sure? I'd just said it, hadn't I? My cousin shook his head. "That was a stupid question. Barrows hadn't given me an exact number, just that he had the records. I wonder if he was aware it was such a great amount."

The earl sank into a seat. "What kind of costs could a single girl create in a year? I don't think my sisters ever required that much in a year!"

"I can only guess upkeep for her home, cost of a governess and then school, clothes. There are no specifics listed, which I found odd. If you want, I can make an itemized list of what I do know. It is mostly school fees paid to Mrs. Burke."

"No, I don't think that will be necessary," William said with a sigh. "I just...I cannot... I believe you, of course, but that kind of expense is incredible. It is a small fortune!"

"I'm surprised your father allowed it." My uncle had not been an overly generous man, at least not when it came to family. He'd demanded an accounting for every pound that my mother had ever dared to ask for. Why hadn't he expected the same from Mrs. Burke?

"Could Hanson have kept it from him?" William asked, his tone hopeful. Perhaps he didn't tell father the exact amount, I mean?"

"Perhaps? He may have assumed your father didn't want to know the details, but simply wanted the bills paid. But I would think he must have known, though. How could he not?"

Every pound had counted when I was growing up. The idea that a thousand pounds had simply been spent without an explanation for where the money had gone was unfathomable. Why would he have allowed this to happen?

"Wait. Did you say that the school fees were paid to Mrs Burke and not the school directly?" William asked suddenly.

I paused, trying to remember. "Yes," I said slowly. "That was one of the few specific things Hanson made note of in the ledger. That Mrs. Burke had been compensated for school fees paid. Why?"

"Well, why would the money go to Mrs. Burke and not to the school itself? Surely the school would have sent the bill to my father for payment. Mrs Burke seemed to be in such need of money, it would have been difficult for her to pay it upfront herself. Wouldn't it have been simpler to have the school get payment from my father's man of business?"

There didn't seem to be a single logical answer to that question. It was odd. "When you spoke to Mrs. Burke, did you ask which school your ward was sent to?" I asked. "A letter to them might garner more information about the arrangement."

"She never said, and like an idiot, I didn't press her for the information." William scowled and kicked at the rug on the floor. "Blast it! Why is this such a tangle? I'm beginning to fear the worst, Alex, and I want to know the truth."

"The worst?" I repeated, puzzled by the dramatic word. "You mean like Mrs. Burke making up a ward that your father didn't know about?"

It would have been an elaborate fraud, with little chance of success. No one had seen the girl, and no one knew where she really was. No one could prove that the earl had been a friend to this Captain Burke, whoever he was.

"No, not that," William said slowly. "Alex, what if this girl is really my father's daughter?"

It took me a moment to realize what my cousin was implying. "I don't believe it!" My uncle had been far from a perfect man, but he wouldn't have been unfaithful. Would he? "Your father loved your mother. He would never risk a scandal and have an affair."

"Then why wasn't I informed about this girl before this? Why was it such a secret? Why can't I learn anything now? I'm left to conclude that there is some reason, some secret that must be kept surrounding this girl, whoever she may be."

I had to admit it made a bit more sense than my theory of the whole thing being a fraud. "Is this why you have not involved your mother?"

"How could I? If what I fear is true, it would break her heart!"

The dowager countess of Berdwell was a master organizer and knew most, if not everybody, worth knowing in society. Surely, she would have known this Mrs. Burke, or even known of her. But if this fear had been lingering in William's mind for some time...

"You don't really think it's possible, do you?" I asked.

"At this point, I don't know what to think." William shook his head. "I'm hoping that if she comes here, where I am in charge and have the high ground, I might be able to get more information from her. A Christian name, at least."

"When do you expect Mrs. Burke to arrive?" I was sure I wouldn't have the fortitude to converse politely with someone if I suspected them of being my father's mistress. Not even to discover if he had a secret sibling. Just another way he differed from his cousin.

"I am hoping she will come as soon as she receives my letter." William pinched the bridge of his nose. "The sooner I put this to rest and put it behind me, the better. The not knowing is beginning to drive me insane."

Those words, even spoken lightly, sent a pit of dread deep into my stomach. "You are not insane," I said swiftly. "Don't even joke about such a thing."

William paused, lifting his head. "You're right. My apologies. I hadn't thought... I shouldn't have—"

"It is not your fault," I said to cut off the apologies. The wound was too soon and I did not want to talk about it. "We must focus on Mrs. Burke, whoever she may or may not be. Do you expect her to give you trouble?"

"Since she has been nothing but unhelpful since I first approached her, yes." The other man shook his head. "I have tried to be polite, but that got me nowhere. Now I fear I must be intimidating."

"Intimidating? You?" I tried not to laugh. I really did. However, it left my lips before I could stop it.

My cousin's face became offended. "I am an earl. Of course I am intimidating. Or, at least, I can seem intimidating. I'm sure of it. It must be a requirement of all titled gentlemen."

I laughed again. "Well, I will be right behind you to make sure you don't forget that."

"On that note, I will leave you to do your work," William said, standing up. "Unless I can persuade you to go out for a ride with me? You can look at it as getting better acquainted with the tenants."

For a moment, I was tempted to accept. After all, what harm could a few hours away from my desk do? Then, I shook my head. "I'd rather not get into the habit of putting off what ought to be done, but thanks anyway."

"One time wouldn't hurt. Your mother isn't even here. She'd never find out about it."

"You know my mother. Of course she would find out. One way or another. She always finds out."

My cousin gave a shudder. "You're right. She does. Well, if you change your mind..."

Without finishing the invitation, the earl left the office. Sighing, I rubbed my left temple before I applied myself to understanding which tenants provided what resource to the estate.

~*~

A loud knock on the door startled me upright. It took a few moments to remember where I was and what I was supposed to be doing. "Yes?" I called out, rubbing one hand across my eyes. How had I managed to fall asleep at my desk? How long had I been asleep?

The door opened. "Pardon the intrusion Mr. Turner," the gravelly voice of the tall, thin butler preceded the man himself entering. "There is a female here. She claims she has an appointment with the earl."

"A female?" I repeated in confusion. It was only after Stevens gave a solemn nod that I remembered my cousin's situation and had a guess as to who the visitor might be. "Did she give her name?"

"She said Mrs. Burke." There was a note of disbelief in the butler's voice now. "As his lordship is out, shall I send her on her way?"

"No, that won't be necessary. I will speak to her," I said, pushing my chair back. This might give me the opportunity to learn something of value. "Where have you put her?"

"She is waiting in the hall."

What had the woman done to offend Stevens so much? There had never been a time when Alexander remembered him having left a visitor standing at the door. "Thank you, Stevens. Show her to the blue sitting room and I will be right there."

Stevens raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Very well, Mr. Turner."

"Oh, and have someone keep an eye out for the earl," I added before the man could retreat. "He'll be interested to know Mrs. Burke is here."

One more nod and the butler backed out of the doorway. I stretched my arms and shook my head to clear it. When I stood up, I felt my muscles protest the action. The future did not bode well if I didn't find a way to keep from falling asleep during paperwork. William was a generous person, but even he would grow frustrated with a steward who constantly fell asleep on the job.

I grabbed my jacket and shrugged it on. Hopefully, the worn cuffs, which had so far escaped my cousin's notice, would also remain undetected by the woman I was about to meet. I wasn't sure why, but I had the feeling she would have little respect if she thought she could look down on me.

Taking a deep breath, I strode to the door and went out. I tried to keep my steps slow to give Stevens enough time to get the woman into the sitting room. No doubt her sensibilities would have been offended by the slight extended in making her stand in the hall.

A few yards from the designated sitting room, Stevens passed me with an expression of long suffering. "The lady has demanded tea," the butler said, his tone chilly.

"I see. Well, bring up a tray," I said after a moment's hesitation. The simple courtesy might put the woman at ease. "I hope her visit will be short, but it may not be so simple."

The butler gave a sniff and continued on his way. Steeling myself for anything, I opened the door to the sitting room and stepped in. "My apologies for keeping you waiting," I said politely. "I am Mr. Turner, Lord Berdwell's steward here at the manor. You are Mrs. Burke?"

I was met by a woman of middle aged years. Her glossy black hair was arranged in delicate curls and she was dressed in a fine blue silk dress. She looked like the very pattern card for a lady of the ton, but I knew looks could be deceiving.

"Steward?" the woman repeated, taking a step back. Her lips pursed into a thin line for a moment. "My appointment is with the Earl of Berdwell, not his steward."

She said it as though it were something disgusting. "I'm afraid the earl did not inform us of any appointment, ma'am, and is not here at the moment," I informed her. "He has, however, appraised me of the situation regarding his ward. You did not bring her with you today?"

A flush spread across her cheeks. "I find it strange to think the earl would inform a servant of such a personal matter," she said, raising her chin. "Why should I discuss it with you? No. It must be the earl I speak to."

"I act on behalf of the earl in many matters." Not quite, but close enough. "Has the young lady not arrived home from school?"

"I refuse to discuss my stepdaughter with a servant. Is this what the earl thinks of me? To insult me in such a manner?"

"In what way have you been insulted, madame?" William's voice rang out with angry authority. He strode in, not having removed his riding boots. "And I do not recall setting a specific time to meet you."

"Your note made it sound urgent, so I came as soon as I could, my lord," Mrs. Burke said, the color deepening in her cheeks. "I did not know you intended to open Berdwell Manor this year. It has been some time since your family have come here."

"I believe my note also contained my request that you bring my ward with you," William said, frowning at her. "Why don't we all have a seat so we may discuss this in comfort? Where is the girl?"

The woman sank into the closest chair and folded her hands in her lap. "I'm afraid my stepdaughter requested to visit friends for the next month," Mrs. Burke said swiftly. "I couldn't deny her the opportunity to make good connections while she is young."

"Remind me again. What is her name?"

She paused for a moment. "You know Miss Burke's name."

"Not her first name. What is it?"

For a moment, I was certain the woman was going to refuse. "Harriet," she said swiftly. Her gaze shifted to the left. "Not that it really matters."

William shook his head. "Harriet. When do you expect her to arrive?"

The door opened and one of the maids carried in a tea tray. We didn't pretend to carry on a conversation, not even to discuss the weather. Once the maid had left, William returned to the point. "My ward does plan to come home once she finishes her visit with her friends, does she not?"

"Oh, there's no rush, is there?" Mrs. Burke asked, waving her hand. She shifted forward to take charge of the tea tray. "Let the girl have her fun. Soon enough she will be married and cannot be so free to travel and visit as she is now."

"Married?" William repeated, sitting across from his guest. "Then, she is old enough for a season next year?"

The teapot hit the edge of one of the tea cups with a clatter. Mrs. Burke hastily lifted the pot. "A season? For her? Oh, no. Why would there be?" she asked, keeping her gaze down.

Why was Mrs. Burke so nervous discussing her step-daughter? "A young lady in the care of the earl of Berdwell must expect to be given the best opportunity to find a match," William said, sending a quick glance at me. "How do you expect her to find a suitable husband if she has no season?"

"Oh, her school friends will undoubtedly introduce her to many eligible gentlemen. There will be no need for you to go to all that trouble for the girl."

This was a change. Why had the woman spent so much money on her stepdaughter, only to turn down a Season in London? "My sisters stand ready to guide her," William persisted. "It will be no trouble at all to make the arrangements."

"And that is very kind of them, I'm sure. But there really is no need for you to go to bother. Your father was content to let me manage things as I saw best. I think by now I know her far better than anyone else and am in the best position to guide her."

"You don't think that a girl under the protection of an earl might find more success than being presented by a widow?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Mrs. Burke demanded, straightening up.

This conversation was going nowhere. Maybe it was time to change tactics. "You seemed to feel free to charge many things to the earl," I pointed out, jumping into the conversation. "By my estimation, you have spent a thousand pounds on her upkeep every year for the last twelve years. Surely you understand why Lord Berdwell is concerned."

"Concerned? And what business is it of yours?" Mrs. Burke demanded, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Why are you even here? This is a personal matter between the earl and myself."

"Mr. Turner is not only my steward, he is my cousin," William told her sharply. "I believe he has already informed you that he acts for me? I trust his opinion and wish him to hear all the details concerning this matter."

"I don't understand why you are making such a big deal about it," the woman said, turning back to William. "Let the girl alone. She is happy as she is."

"If I am to be expected to pay for her upkeep, I would prefer to meet her first." The earl stared at her. "I am planning a house party this summer. I expect Miss Harriet to attend."

"Well, I cannot force her. If she wishes to stay with her friends, I am sure I cannot compel her to come."

"And I am sure you can make it clear to her that if she wishes new gowns or any more time at the school of hers, she will come here," William said, his tone hardening. "I will not pay another bill or buy another gown before I meet her. Here. At Berdwell Manor. Before the end of summer."

Mrs. Burke's eyes widened. "You cannot mean that! Your father accepted the responsibility of providing for—"

"A thousand pounds a year, Mrs. Burke! That is no little sum!"

The woman fell silent. "I will see what I can do," she said, her tone low. She set aside her untouched tea. "Do you have any other demands to make of me or may I leave?"

Why was she suddenly behaving as though she were the victim? What did she expect to gain? "Good day, Mrs. Burke," the earl said, rising from his seat. "Thank you for your understanding."

Without waiting for anyone to show her to the door, the woman swept out of the room with her nose decidedly in the air.

"Do you think she will produce her stepdaughter?" I asked.

My cousin shook his head. "I hope she does, but I'm not sure whether she will comply or not. I don't understand why she took such offense. I am not doing anything any other guardian would do, am I? Am I supposed to be distant and uncaring with someone in my charge?"

"I think she is hiding something." That much, at least, had been obvious in the conversation. "It was also interesting how her opinion of her stepdaughter shifted from fondness to dismissive. Did you notice that she never referred to the girl by name?"

"I hope my ward comes soon so that I may get to the bottom of the matter. What she wishes is all that is important. With any luck, I can find a way to separate her from her stepmother long enough to have a private conversation with her."

"Well, tomorrow is Sunday. No doubt the locals will be able to tell us something." The prospect of conversation with the lovely Miss Ellie was something to look forward to, and with the excuse to learn more for the earl, his cousin wouldn't tease him for it.