"Courtney?" a voice comes through the door and Courtney looks up from her book.
"You can come in," she calls from her chair by the window. The door opens and her Uncle Chris walks in. He looks very serious which is quite unusual for him so Courtney immediately sits up and closes the book.
"What's wrong, Uncle?" she asks hesitantly.
"I've just received this…" he holds up a letter. "It's your father…" he says.
"Is he alright?" Courtney stands up and takes the letter from Chris's hand. Chris shakes his head as she reads the letter. She brings her hand to her chest as she reads the terrible news that her father has died.
"No," she breathes. A tear forms in her eye but she quickly wipes it away, and takes a deep breath, not wanting to seem anything less than completely strong. "It doesn't say how he died," she looks up at her uncle.
"I assume they don't know yet. But he's left you everything," Chris says.
"Yes, I read that." She purses her lips.
"We'll have to travel to London at once, to meet with the lawyer. I'll come with you of course," Chris assures her.
"Thank you, Uncle. I'd like a moment alone now, if you don't mind," Courtney says. Chris nods and leaves the room. Once he's gone, Courtney allows herself to collapse in her chair and weep for the father she has lost.
"I'm sorry to hear about your father, Courtney," her cousin, Lindsay, says at dinner. Lindsay's friend Beth has joined them for the meal along with her brother Harold.
"Yes, Courtney, it is very sad news," agrees Beth.
"Thank you both," Courtney says stiffly.
"I didn't know him very well, but if he's anything like my father, he must have been wonderful," Lindsay smiles.
"Were you and your brother alike, Mr. McLean?" Harold asks Chris.
"We looked fairly similar but other than that we were quite different. He was always so serious!" Chris shakes his head. Not dead one day and it's already "was" Courtney thinks, it didn't take him long to get over it. She never liked her uncle very much, he has always been making jokes where they weren't wanted and gambling his money away. He's so irresponsible! Courtney thinks.
"It was nice of your father to leave you everything he owns!" Lindsay continues.
"Well, who else would he give it to?" Courtney snaps.
"I suppose you're right. That means you own this house now. You won't throw us out, will you?" Lindsay says worriedly. Chris watches Courtney carefully as she answers the question.
"Of course not!" Courtney shakes her head at her cousin's stupidity. Honestly, did Lindsay really think she was that heartless? Chris looks visibly relieved at her answer though, so he obviously thinks her capable of such vindictive behaviour.
"We'll be travelling to London tomorrow to see the lawyer." Chris tells Beth and Harold.
"I'm coming, right Father?" Lindsay asks.
"Of course, darling." Chris smiles.
"I've never been to London," Beth says dreamily.
"I've been once, but I'd like to go again," Harold hints.
"Oh, I have an idea!" Lindsay says excitedly, "why don't you two come with us? We could shop for some new dresses, Beth!"
"That sounds lovely!" Beth gushes.
"It's decided then! We're leaving at five o'clock, and we'll meet you at the station." Chris smiles. Courtney forces a smile but is secretly abhorred by the idea of sharing a train carriage with Beth and Harold.
After dinner Harold and Beth go home and Lindsay and Courtney head off to bed, but Chris catches Courtney's arm before she can go. He makes sure the others are out of earshot before he speaks.
"Courtney, I hope you're not thinking of making Lindsay and I leave this place," Chris says.
"I already told Lindsay, I have no intention of evicting you." Courtney says.
"Good. You know, I'm quite surprised your father didn't leave this property to me in his will. Maybe you'd consider giving it to me, as a gift for taking care of you this past year." Chris suggests, tightening his grip on her arm. She yanks it away and looks at him seriously.
"I think not. We both know why my father didn't give you anything. He was generous enough letting you live here rent free. Maybe I should turn you out, then you'd learn the true value of money. And by the way, I know you've been selling the paintings in the unused bedrooms. I'm willing to turn a blind eye, but you'd best not forget what you owe me and my father," she warns.
"So, that's how it's going to be is it?" Chris glares. "You're not so high and mighty, you know. It wouldn't take much to tear you down. I suppose you haven't got your own will? If something were to happen to you, Lindsay and I would be your father's last living relatives." Chris says casually, with a wicked glint in his eye.
"Are you threatening me?" Courtney asks.
"Not at all, my dear. You'd best get some sleep, we've got a long journey tomorrow." Chris smiles and the tension between them dissolves. Courtney eyes him warily as she leaves the dining room and makes her way to her bedroom.
That night she tosses and turns, having the worst sleep she's had of her life, what with her father's death and Chris' threat. Every noise she hears makes her jump and she realises she has really taken Chris' words to heart and she doesn't even feel safe in her own home. I can't possibly bear an entire train ride with him tomorrow, she thinks, not without some form of protection. She decides then what she needs to do, but it will have to wait till the morning, for now she just needs to get some sleep.
As soon as she is up and dressed in the morning she heads to the kitchen.
"Chef Hatchet?" Courtney says.
"What do you want?" he slams his knife into a chopping board on the bench and Courtney jumps.
"You like me, right?" she asks.
"You're about the only damned person place I can stand, but I wouldn't say I like you," Chef grunts. Courtney decides that answer is good enough.
"I need your help, I'm scared for my life," she whispers so the other kitchen staff won't overhear.
"Your life, eh?" Chef nods. "Is this about your father?" he asks.
"Word travels fast." Courtney nods. "Chris thinks he should've been bequeathed this place and wants me to give it to him, but I refused. I have to travel to London with him today and I need something to protect myself with," she tells him.
"You mean like a weapon?" Chef nods to the knife on the counter.
"Maybe…" Courtney says dubiously. Chef thinks for a moment.
"You know, I think I can do one better," Chef nods, "come back later and I'll have something for you." Courtney nods and goes to the dining room for breakfast.
Chris is there when she arrives and she smiles brightly, pretending to be totally fine.
"Are you alright?" Chris asks.
"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Courtney says, sitting down. She pours some tea and picks at some fruit.
"Your father died, remember?" Chris states. How could I forget, Courtney does her best not to snap at her uncle.
"Yes, well I am sad, but I'm trying to be brave. I don't want the lawyer to think I can't handle everything my father has left me," she says instead. Chris nods. Lindsay skips into the room then.
"We're going to London today, aren't you excited?" Lindsay giggles, sitting down at the table.
"Yes," Courtney smiles faintly. "I best make sure all my things have been packed up." She hurries out of the dining room and back to her bedroom.
"Everything's ready, ma'am," her maid tells her. Courtney nods and dismisses her. She paces her room nervously, wondering how long she should wait before she goes to see Chef again. Just when she thinks she can't take it any longer her maid knocks on her door.
"Ma'am?" she says. Courtney looks at her expectantly. "Chef Hatchet would like to see you, if it's not too much trouble?" the girl says nervously. Courtney nods and brushes past her to head down to the kitchen. "He's in the garden!" the maid calls after her. Courtney quickly makes her way to the garden where Chef is waiting. With him is a man who, if Courtney is completely honest with herself, scares her a little.
"Who is he?" she asks Chef.
"This is Duncan. He's your bodyguard." Chef tells her.
"What? No." Courtney immediately refuses.
"It's alright, he only went to prison for theft, and he's willing to beat up anyone who tries to harm you. For a payment of course." Chef says.
"He's been to prison?" Courtney gasps.
"If I may interject here. Miss, I've been told by my friend Chef Hatchet here that you need a bodyguard of some kind and I'd like to offer my services. I was going to ask for money, but having seen you, I think I'll just ask for a kiss as payment instead," Duncan smirks.
"Just who do you think you are? I will not be spoken to like that!" Courtney snaps. "I can't bring him with me, what would I say to Uncle Chris and the others?" she says to Chef.
"Just tell them the truth. He's your bodyguard and will kill whoever tries to come near you. They don't need to know who you're protecting yourself from." Chef shrugs. Courtney eyes Duncan warily.
"How much money do you want?" she asks.
"I already told you, I don't want money," he grins.
"I guess we can work out the payment later then," she glares.
"Thank you Chef. Is there anything I can do for you?" she asks.
"A pay rise would be nice," he says.
"Done," she smiles.
"Come on Duncan, I best introduce you to my family." Courtney goes back into the house and Duncan follows her. "So… you're a criminal," Courtney says, trying to make conversation.
"Not really," Duncan says. "I was wrongly accused."
"Is that what it says on your record?" Courtney asks.
"Well, no…" Duncan starts.
"I thought as much," Courtney purses her lips in disapproval. "It was theft, did you say?"
"Yes," Duncan nods, "but as I said…"
"Please don't talk unless I tell you to," Courtney interrupts. "I'm going to tell my uncle you were accused of murder, but they couldn't prove you did it so they got you for theft," Courtney tells him. "That should scare him off." She smiles, pleased with herself.
"I don't think he'll believe that," Duncan cautions.
"And why wouldn't he? He is an imbecile after all. Rather like you, if I'm correct." Courtney looks him up and down. He may be an imbecile but is rather good looking, Courtney thinks to herself.
"Because he knows me," Duncan informs her.
"He knows you?" Courtney stops and turns to face him and he almost crashes into her. "How does he know you?"
"He's the reason I went to jail. I bought some paintings off him which later turned out to be stolen, and I got blamed for the robbery. They didn't even really look into it, my family isn't as upstanding as yours, you see." Duncan folds his arms.
"So you're helping me for your own personal vendetta?" Courtney questions.
"Yes. You didn't think I was serious about this kiss thing, did you?" Duncan raises his eyebrows.
"Of course not!" Courtney turns on her heel and continues down the hallway, expecting Duncan to follow her.
Courtney finds Chris and Lindsay in library playing some kind of ridiculous game.
"I hope you're both ready to go," Courtney says as she walks over to them.
"Yes and I'm so excited!" Lindsay giggles.
"The servants are taking care of everything," Chris shrugs. Duncan finally catches up and enters the library. Chris widens his eyes in surprise.
"Courtney? Who's this?" Chris narrows his eyes at the newcomer.
"Oh, this is Duncan, he's…" she suddenly decides saying he's her bodyguard is probably a bad idea. "He's courting me." She turns to look at him and he raises an eyebrow at her sceptically. She shrugs. "Yes, he's totally in love with me." She turns back to Chris. "I invited him to London to humour him." she finishes. Chris looks from Courtney to Duncan, as if deciding whether or not to own up to knowing who this man is.
"How… nice." He says.
"Yes… perhaps you and Lindsay should ride in the carriage with Harold and Beth on the way to the train station, so that he can have some time to know me better," Courtney proposes, wanting to spend as little time with Chris as possible.
"It is a good idea for Lindsay to ride with Beth and Harold, but perhaps I should go with you and Duncan. We wouldn't want anything untoward to happen," Chris says.
"Oh Uncle, I wouldn't worry about that, I completely trust Duncan, he really is a gentleman," Courtney assures him. "Besides, I don't see what could possibly happen in a twenty minute carriage ride," she says. Duncan sniggers and Courtney gives him a glare.
"If you insist, my dear," Chris forces a smile. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go and do something outside," he says leaving the library.
"Would you two like to play a game?" Lindsay asks.
"No thanks, Lindsay. Perhaps you should go and let Beth and Harold know that you and Uncle Chris will be travelling with them," Courtney suggests.
"Oh, you're right. I'll see you later then Courtney, Duncan," Lindsay skips from the room.
"Completely in love with you? Is that a bit of wishful thinking going on there?" Duncan says once she's gone.
"Don't be ridiculous. I thought it was more believable than you being a friend and safer than you being a bodyguard," Courtney explains.
"Also, I can think of a lot of things that can happen in a twenty minute carriage ride. I can show you if you like," Duncan smirks.
"You really are audacious, you know that?" Courtney scolds.
"Why yes, I consider it to be one of my most likeable traits," Duncan replies.
Beth and Harold arrive and Chris and Lindsay's things are put into their carriage followed by Chris and Lindsay themselves, before they start off towards the train station. Courtney's own carriage is brought around to the front of the house and a footman goes to help her in.
"I'll do that," says Duncan, pushing him out of the way. Courtney takes his extended hand and steps into the carriage, looking at him curiously, but she doesn't say anything. Duncan follows her and sits next to her and the carriage starts to move.
"You're going to love London, Beth! I can't wait for you to see it!" Lindsay gushes.
"I really can't wait either! I have a question though, why did you decide to ride with us instead of with Courtney?" Beth asks.
"Oh, she wanted to be alone with a man," Lindsay giggles.
"Really? That's so unlike her!" Beth says, surprised.
"I know! She said she is only bringing him to humour him but I think she actually likes him. She's never brought a man with her to London before!" Lindsay reasons.
"There's something I have to tell you about him," Chris says seriously.
"What is it, Father?" Lindsay asks.
"He's a criminal. He stole from me and he got sent to prison, but he has clearly been released now. I don't know if Courtney knows this or not, I suspect she doesn't or she may not be so eager to be alone with him. That's why I wanted to ride with her, to protect her. But I didn't want him to know I was worried, because I suspect he's capable of a lot more than theft." Chris warns.
"That's terrible!" says Harold. "What should we do?"
"We'll have to keep an eye on him until we can get Courtney alone to warn her about him." Chris says. The others nod worriedly.
"Do you honestly think Chris is going to kill you?" Duncan asks.
"I wouldn't put it past him. I've never really liked him and I get the feeling he doesn't like me. He was definitely expecting my father to leave him some money, if not the whole country estate, so now he's relying on me to keep him from living in the streets." Courtney explains.
"How much exactly did your father leave you?" Duncan questions. Courtney shoots him a disapproving look. "Right, none of my business." They sit in silence for a few minutes after that. "You know, we've still got ten minutes of this carriage ride, want me to show you that thing I was telling you about?" Duncan winks. Courtney is about to make a scathing remark when she is thrown against him and the carriage tips over. "Aren't you eager? You really didn't have to throw yourself at me, it makes you look a little desperate," Duncan says. Courtney glares at him as she gets off him. The carriage is lying on its side but luckily it is small enough that she can reach the door above her, which she opens and manages to crawl out of. Duncan tries to help her but she kicks him when his hands touch her thighs. The footman quickly grabs her hands and lifts her out.
"Are you alright, Miss?" the footman asks. Courtney nods and Duncan crawls out of the carriage. The footman goes to help him but Courtney stops him.
"He's fine," she says. The footman nods. Courtney goes to check on the driver. He appears to be okay and is trying to calm one of the horses. Once Duncan is out of the carriage he goes to check what went wrong.
"One of the wheels came off, sir," the footman tells him.
"It's lucky no one was hurt, this accident could have been much worse," Duncan shakes his head. The footman seems about to say something but then he hesitates. "What is it?" Duncan demands.
"The wheel… it seems someone loosened it," the footman says.
"It was done on purpose?" Duncan asks. The footman nods. Duncan and Courtney look at each other, both thinking the same thing.
"Chris," they say in unison.
"Take one of the horses and find someone to help you with this," Courtney commands the footman.
"What are we going to do?" Duncan asks her. "How will we get to the station now?"
"We'll take the other horse," Courtney says. The driver has managed to calm the horse down and Courtney takes the reins from him.
"Are you serious?" Duncan asks.
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Courtney says.
"Well, for one thing, there's one horse and two of us, the horse doesn't have a saddle and how will we bring our bags with us?" Duncan says.
"That's three things. We'll ride together, it isn't far. And I have things in London, I don't really need my bags," Courtney says.
"But I don't," Duncan points out.
"I'll buy you something in London, if we ever get that far. Really, I wouldn't have taken you for someone who would complain so much about riding a horse!" Courtney shakes her head.
"I'm not complaining, I'm very willing, I'm just surprised someone as… proper as you would want to ride a horse bareback." Duncan defends.
"Well, now that you know, will you help me onto the horse?" Courtney asks. Duncan stops protesting and puts his hands around her waist and lifts her onto the horse. It doesn't escape her notice that his hands linger just a fraction longer than necessary before he swings himself onto the horse behind her. "I really hope no one I know sees us…" Courtney whispers under her breath as he slips his arms around her waist to keep from falling off the horse.
"This was your idea," he reminds her. And what a terrible idea it was, she thinks as her whole body tingles from his touch. But she can't back out now or he'll wonder why, so she simply gets the horse into action and they head towards the station.
"Alright will you get down and walk beside the horse now?" Courtney says as they near town.
"They're going to know I was on the horse, so what does it matter if they see it or not?" Duncan points out.
"Maybe we should both walk then," Courtney concedes.
"What are you going to do with the horse?" Duncan asks. Courtney is silent for a moment.
"I hadn't thought of that…" she says.
"Clearly not," Duncan states sliding off the horse. "Get down," he tells her.
"What are you doing?" she asks.
"Just get down, someone's coming," Duncan commands. Courtney huffs and allows him to help her off the horse. A man walks around the corner and sees them standing there.
"Hello sir, are you having a pleasant journey?" Duncan asks.
"It's not too bad, thank you," the man replies.
"I was wondering if you might do us a favour," Duncan continues.
"What might it be?" the man asks dubiously.
"Do you know where McLean Manor is?" Duncan refers to Courtney's home.
"Yes, of course," the man nods.
"Would you please be able to take this horse back there? We can give you something for your trouble," Duncan says. The man thinks for a moment and then nods.
"Yes, I can do that, I have to go past there anyway," the man agrees. Duncan hands the man the reins and Courtney hands him a few pounds from her bag and the man goes on his way.
"Do you think we can trust him not to steal the horse?" Courtney asks. Duncan shrugs.
"Come on, or we'll miss the train," he grabs her hand and pulls her along and her heart does a little flip. She rolls her eyes at her own ridiculousness and pulls her hand away.