Free Marriage Under Siege by Anne O'Brien Page A

and substantial outbuildings. No wonder Honoria remembered it with
pleasure, he mused, enjoying a sweep of snowdrops beneath the bare beech trees.
But there was no hope of protecting it against serious hostile intent. Buckton , Aylton and Eyton were even worse, lacking defences and investment. In
the event of an attack from his neighbours, Mansell knew that he must leave
them to take their chance, removing the servants to Brampton Percy at the first
sign of danger; in effect, handing the property over to the Royalists. It was
not a decision that sat well with him, but what choice did he have without an
army at his back?
    Leysters made no excuses for the neglect, pointing out the worst of it with blunt
honesty, but neither did he shoulder any blame. Lord Edward had been content to
collect the rents, albeit sporadically, but he refused to listen to pleas for
assistance or sink any money into the estate. At least the servants who tried
to hold the scattered, dilapidated manors were pleased to see agent and lord
working together. Perhaps the news of Mansell's largesse at Brampton Percy had
spread, and presumably lost nothing in the telling.
    A rapid ride through the
crown land at Kingsland proved that it could be used to better purpose than its
present fallow state. Then a long journey up to Clun. The sheep from the vast
flocks were spread over the common land, but the elderly shepherd, who assessed
Mansell with a critical eye and all the confidence of seven decades, assured
him that they were in good heart and would have a fine stock of lambs to sell
to the local markets in late spring, if they were all still alive to enjoy the
profits. Mansell agreed, promising to do his best to ensure that they were,
then turned wearily for Ludlow to spend a night at the Brampton town house.
    Here there was much to
raise his spirits. He discovered it to be an extensive property set in an
excellent position in Corve Street, its panelled
rooms and plastered ceilings warm and pleasing to the eye. He immediately had a
vision of Honoria putting it to rights and making it a home again. She would
enjoy it, he thought. If she were willing to expend her energies on the castle,
how much more rewarding it would be to take this more manageable property in
hand. He must convey her to his estates in Suffolk, he decided, as he walked
through the sparsely furnished rooms. And to see his mother in London, of
course. A twinge of guilt assailed him as he realised that he had failed to
communicate his intentions to his family. And then shrugged. It could wait.
There was simply so much to do.
    Nevertheless, he found the
time to pay a visit to the Hoptons , to make his
request to Sir Joshua. Here he was made welcome with food and wine and pleasant
conversation by the older Hopton generation and enjoyed the freedom of not
having to defend his views against a critical audience. His private
conversation with the son of the household was less comfortable, being met
first with outright disbelief and then irrepressible humour.
    'So you have succeeded
where Rudhall of Rudhall failed.' Joshua did not try to hide his delight.
    'It seems so.'
    'He will be less than
pleased. He had high hopes of a connection. All I can say is, Thank God! Do I
congratulate you?'
    'You might.'
    'Are you going to tell me
why?'
    'No.'
    'Hmm. Not very
communicative, Francis. Do I detect a mystery?'
    'Definitely not. But will
you come?'
    'Assuredly. I cannot wait
to experience the delights of Brampton Percy once more. When?'
    'Next week.'
    Josh's brows rose. 'I see.'
    'I doubt it.' Mansell
looked across the room towards the rest of the family, gathered round a table
to play cards with loud enthusiasm, seeking out the lively younger sister with
dark curls and an open, friendly manner. 'Would Mary accompany you, do you
think? Would your parents allow it?'
    Josh laughed. 'She would
need no persuading. Women's talk and
weddings. And I don't see why she should not travel with me. The roads seems quiet