Lydia: Lord Lyndsay's Inheritance

Chapter Three James has a cunning plan

Chapter Three

James has a cunning plan

So the stage was set. Within a few days of them returning from the reading of the Will, the whole household knew everything. Within a week there was not a person in the district that was not acquainted with the results and consequences of Lord Lyndsay's last Will and Testament. Subsequently, there was great speculation as to whether Master James would defy his late father and thus forfeit his inheritance, yet it appeared academic as Lord Lyndsay had 'had the last laugh' as it were. The entire household of Henley Hall had their beady little eyes on the young Master, including and especially his sister Lydia.

James kept much to his apartments at first, refusing to see anyone, especially his sister. Doctor Gilbert could not gain access to the young lad, nor could Mr Marchbanks. The only person he would endure was an occasional visit from Ives, his manservant, who was merely allowed to bring him his vitals. James even refused admittance to his long-time friends from the village and the surrounding environs. Much was made of his behaviour, generally in the region of his being a spoilt brat that could not take his punishment, plus many jokes were made at his expense. On the rare occasion that he permitted Lydia to visit him, he appeared not to care for the ridicule and for becoming a laughing stock that his behaviour brought him. Consequently, Lydia was at a loss as to what to do for him.

ישו הוא אדון

Two full weeks passed since the reading of the Will and finally, James condescended to put in an appearance at the breakfast table. He was gaunt and frail, his skin sallow, his complexion ashen. Lydia was terribly worried.

"Brother dear, are you unwell, I fear you have the countenance of a person who is really ill, shall I order Marchbanks to have someone to go and fetch Doctor Gilbert?"

Sitting in his chair James took an apple, bit into it, smiled, blood was left on the surface of the apple from his gums and he said,

"No dear Lydia do not by any means trouble yourself. There will be no necessity to have the good doctor come and pay a call, not again, I pray you. Really I assure you that I am on the mend. See, my appetite has returned." He took a few more large bites out of his apple to prove this and then James looked at first to Marchbanks and then at the two serving maids. "Leave us!"

Marchbanks nodded and bowed, "Certainly Sir." Marchbanks did not appear to be happy to leave, but Marchbanks did not appear to be happy concerning/regarding anything – ever.

The two serving maids immediately curtsied and left hurriedly without a word. As the breakfast room double doors clicked shut behind the butler James calmly took a sip of his China tea.

"I have something to tell you Lydia, however, as they say, 'walls have ears' and so after we have breakfasted it is my wish that you and I will take a turn about our park together – alone – far from even the most proficient hearers." He whispered the last line, then he raised his voice to a normal pitch. "Do you understand my communication Sister?" He raised his eyebrows up at her as he spoke and then rather louder, "I'd nearly forgotten how much I love fried bacon!"

"Yes, brother dear! It is very tasty. Do serve yourself, as you have dismissed our servants." Lydia peered at him, cocked her head to one side wearing a cheeky grin. "I am so glad that you have regained your appetite, as well as your strength. Are you sure that you are up to an expedition out of doors brother dear, especially in such weather?"

"Oh do not fuss so and fret, have I not suggested it myself?" he countered rather tetchily as he tucked into his bacon like a half staved dog.

Lydia was becoming more and more curious as to what portend had caused her brother's sudden recovery? James had stated, 'walls have ears.' This also had long been her supposition that more than one person was, 'listening at keyholes'.