Robert hadn’t been able to understand why news of his highway heists had never been made public, but now it all made sense. His enemy was making someone else pay for its losses. And it also saved the East India the embarrassment of having to admit that it wasn’t protecting its cargos once they reached England.
“I did hear rumors of some establishments having supply issues, but this news of spice pirates sounds terrible. I hope the East India can get to the bottom of it and soon,” he replied.
If they were putting in claims for the lost shipments via their insurers, then perhaps they would leave him alone. But it would also mean they were not losing money.
I can’t break their monopoly if they are not feeling any pain.
Robert bit his bottom lip. It sounded all too easy. He had dealt with the East India Company long enough to know that it did the dirtiest parts of its business in the shadows. Something told him, the sooner he and Victoria left town the better.
Things were too quiet and that was never a good sign.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Tolley Manor was a delightful, Elizabethan-era estate, set on over two thousand acres just outside the market town of Saffron Walden, in Essex. From what Victoria could see as she peered out the travel coach, most of the land surrounding the manor house was under crops.
Robert shifted closer to her and pointed out the window. “We have several dozen types of herbs planted here, and various seasonal vegetable and fruit crops. A lot of the produce is harvested and sold in Cambridge, but some of the dried herbs make it all the way to London.”
“And you grow saffron too?”
She gave him a cheeky smile and he nodded. They both remembered that night at the dinner party, when he’d been condescending about her knowledge of spices.
“I’m sorry I was so horrid to you that evening. I meant to hurt you.” He sighed. “I behaved terribly. I am still ashamed of it.”
“Well, one day you might find a way to make it up to me. Then I might forgive you.”
Victoria turned back to the window.
Part way down the long road which led to the manor house, Robert rapped on the roof. “Pull over.”
As soon as the coach came to a halt, he swung the door open and jumped down, landing on the roadway with sure feet. He held out his arms to Victoria. “Come on, let me show you the kitchen garden, then we can walk the rest of the way home.”
Home. She liked how that sounded. This was her new home. And she would do her best to make it as warm and friendly a home as possible.
Maybe once I am settled, I can invite some family members to come and stay. It would be good to get Coco out of town, and away from bad influences. Give her some perspective.
The travel coach continued on its way up the long drive, Victoria watching until it passed through a brick archway which sat to the left of the main house, then disappeared from sight. Robert took a hold of her hand. “Do you like strawberries? I think we might have some in the greenhouse which are ripe enough to eat.”
She found herself smiling at him once more. “You have a greenhouse, that sounds intriguing. And yes, I love all manner of berries, especially strawberries.”
As her new husband showed her around parts of the estate, a warmth settled over Victoria’s heart. Robert was attentive and generous. Though on the odd occasion he would stop what he was saying mid-sentence and suddenly change the subject. She hoped it was all just a part of him getting used to finding himself unexpectedly married. That in time Robert would feel comfortable enough to share everything with her.
“I’m glad we left town and came here. I think if we had stayed in London, people would be knocking on the front door and wishing to pay us calls. And without servants, that might have been a little difficult,” she said.
Escaping the city also meant that she wouldn’t have to spend her honeymoon being on social display for her mother. She was in no doubt that the duchess would have loved nothing more than to drag the new Duchess of Saffron Walden to every social gathering with the express intent of making sure that all her rivals knew about her daughter’s excellent marriage.
Tolley Manor was exactly where Victoria wished to be, far from London. She wanted time to get to know her husband, to forge their relationship outside the bedroom.
Not that I am complaining about what happens when he and I are naked.
At the end of the drive they headed toward a large building, which revealed itself to be a well fitted out stables along with a blacksmiths. As they drew near, she caught a glimpse of another building at the rear of the big red brick one. It was topped with a glass frame.
“Is that the greenhouse?” she asked, failing to hide her excitement.
He squeezed her hand. “Yes, it is. Technically it’s an orangery, but we grow much more than just fruit in it. Come on, I can’t wait to show you inside.”
Most people tended to offer him a polite, disinterested smile whenever he mentioned his crops and gardens, but Victoria seemed genuinely interested. Robert was sure his heart gave a little pitter-patter of delight when his wife let out a squeal as they rounded the corner and reached the greenhouse.
“Oh, it’s magnificent!” she exclaimed.
