Porthellis

by Porthellis (retail) (epub)

  He looked down at Grace’s bare neck and shoulder. For all his womanizing, a full married life with her had not really crossed his mind. He would never have guessed at the passion he’d quickly gentled out of her. If last night was repeated often, perhaps he wouldn’t stray too soon. He stubbed out the cigarette and woke her.

  Later, in the small, comfortable dining room, they ate a large fried breakfast and several rounds of toast. They were both ravenously hungry.

  ‘How long are we staying here?’ Grace asked.

  ‘Brinley’s ringing me later today,’ he said piling marmalade on the slice of toast on his plate, amused at the demure way Grace spooned marmalade on her plate before spreading it. ‘No point in going home until the parts for the boat engine turn up.’ In the meantime Brinley and his mates could make their presence felt in the village.

  ‘Are you looking forward to going out to sea and fishing again?’ Grace wondered why a man with Daniel’s talents wanted to continue working as a fisherman. He could soon finance and set up a little business of his own; she overlooked the fact that the initial outlay would almost certainly be obtained unlawfully.

  Daniel’s eyes shone. ‘I can’t wait to throw out the nets. I can make more money doing other things but it’s in my blood, the thrill of the chase, finding the right spot in a big shoal. I might not do it for ever but I want to keep on with it while I’m young and fit. Have you phoned your aunt yet to tell her about us?’ he ended, smirking.

  ‘No. I’ll do it when we leave the table.’ Grace wasn’t looking forward to the call. She’d left it until today because she had not wanted anything to spoil her wedding night. Gazing across the table at the muscular red-haired man she’d given herself to with complete abandonment, she didn’t really care if Aunt Adela disowned her.

  Daniel was looking out across the waters of Plymouth Sound. There was a longing in his voice. ‘If Brinley’s phone call says there’s no parts for the Sunrise we could hire a boat and sail round the bay. The wind’s just right. Are you game?’

  ‘That would be wonderful,’ she enthused. ‘I might have to slip out and buy something suitable for sailing.’ She hoped they could stay here for a few days’ honeymoon, that for a while she could have him all to herself before he went his own way again.

  Chapter 8

  Grace’s horses arrived at Roscarrock before she returned to Porthellis. Feena Opie telephoned Mrs Skewes from her suite to say the thoroughbred animals were safely stalled in the stable and inquired about the whereabouts of the stable boy.

  ‘I’m sure I don’t know anything about it, Mrs Opie,’ Adela Skewes’ voice came back hurt and aggrieved. ‘Grace doesn’t tell me what she’s doing until after she’s done it. I received a telephone call from her two days ago. She’s been staying in a hotel at Plymouth. She rang to tell me she’s got married.’

  ‘Congratulations,’ Feena cut in quickly to stop the woman prattling on about missing her niece’s wedding, presumably the reason for the agitation.

  ‘No, Mrs Opie, congratulations are not in order. Grace has done a very foolish thing. She’s ruined her entire life.’ Mrs Skewes began to sob and Feena held the telephone away from her ear for a moment. There was much sniffing, then, ‘I–I’m sorry about that You see, Grace has married someone very much beneath her. A criminal who has wild men at this very moment in Porthellis disrupting the life of the village.’

  Feena knew at once who Mrs Skewes was talking about. ‘You mean she’s married Daniel Kittow? How extraordinary. I didn’t think he was the marrying kind.’

  ‘Nor did I,’ Mrs Skewes gulped and wept. ‘There’s only one reason why he’s married Grace. He’s after her money. I don’t know what I’ll do.’

  ‘There’s not much you can do,’ Feena said unsympathetically. ‘I’ll see about getting someone to look after Grace’s horses, you’re obviously in no state to make arrangements. Mrs Skewes, could you do something for me in return?’ An order.

  ‘Y–yes, of course, Mrs Opie.’ Adela Skewes blew her nose into her hanky.

  ‘Slip down the hill and ask young Mrs Penney to come up to Roscarrock as soon as she possibly can.’ Feena put the telephone down. Having Grace Treloar’s horses in her stable would have meant Hannah being more often at Roscarrock, and in time Nathan would have been taught to ride on her property too. It was a different matter now that the young lady had married the Kittow scoundrel; that horrid individual must never have reason to come to Roscarrock. As soon as Grace returned from Plymouth she’d be told to stable her horses elsewhere and so as not to disappoint Hannah, Feena would buy her own stock. First, though, Hannah must be advised of this marriage.

  Hannah couldn’t understand why Grace’s horses coming to Roscarrock should necessitate her immediate presence at the big house; Mrs Skewes had made it sound vital. She hoped Feena hadn’t thought up another extravagant idea to celebrate Nathan’s birthday in a week’s time.

  ‘I would have sent Patrick or Greg to fetch you but they’ve gone to look over a timber yard. Greg wants a little summerhouse built for Leah in the garden,’ Feena said.

  ‘Has Leah gone with them?’

  ‘No, she’s about somewhere. Patrick felt it was strictly a man’s thing.’

  ‘I’ll go find her and we can all have tea together,’ Hannah said eagerly.

  ‘What I’m about to tell you isn’t for Leah’s ears. Anyway, I expect she’s quite happy pottering about in Greg’s study. She sees herself as a sort of secretary now she’s learning to type.’

  It was said rather unkindly and Hannah was about to take issue with Feena when she swayed on her feet, clutched her throat and sat down suddenly. She had become pale and was shaking a little.

  ‘Hannah, dear,’ Feena gasped, not knowing whether to reach first for her daughter or the bell. ‘What is it? Shall I send for someone?’ She ordered Pogo who was pestering for attention away from Hannah.

  ‘No, I’ll be all right.’ She waved a hand in front of her face. ‘It’s perfectly normal. I was like this with Nathan. I think I’m pregnant again.’ The child had been conceived, Hannah was sure, on the night of the dinner party; both her babies had come about in a time of intense loving after an angry scene with Matt.

  Feena limped to her and kissed her hot cheek. ‘That’s wonderful news. When is it due?’

  ‘I’d say the end of next January. Could I have a drink of water, please?’

  ‘Of course, my dear. I’ll ring at once. Why don’t you lie down on my bed for a little while?’

  ‘No, I’ll be fine in a few minutes.’

  Feena was stroking Hannah’s back when Lily appeared and was sent away for the water. When the under-housemaid had gone, Hannah said, ‘Why did you want to see me?’

  ‘It doesn’t seem as important now but I thought you ought to be told something I learned this morning. Mrs Skewes said Grace has married Daniel Kittow.’

  ‘Married!’ Hannah exclaimed, forgetting her sickness. ‘We’d gathered she must have gone off somewhere with Daniel, it was too much of a coincidence them disappearing within days of each other. But married? What on earth is Daniel up to now? He can’t possibly be in love with Grace. He couldn’t love anyone but himself. Oh, well, maybe she’ll be able to stop him causing trouble.’

  ‘For the village or you in particular, Hannah?’

  ‘Both, I hope.’

  ‘I’m very concerned that that man may harm you. You never know what might happen with his thugs in Porthellis. I want you and Nathan to move in here until things settle down.’

  ‘I can’t do that.’ Hannah was astounded by the idea. ‘My place is with Matt.’

  ‘Not if there’s a threat to you or his two children,’ Feena stressed vehemently. ‘You’ll be company for Leah and you can go home when Matt’s there.’

  Lily tapped on the door and entered with a glass and jug of water on a tray, saving Hannah from having to answer. Lily looked at her quizzically and Hannah found a bright smile for her.

  At the
bottom of the stairs Lily went straight to the study-cum-library. Leah was sitting at the antique desk Greg had placed opposite his. With the tip of her tongue at the corner of her mouth in intense concentration, her glasses perched on the tip of her nose, she was tapping out a letter on the newest model typewriter bought exclusively for her use.

  ‘Hello, Lily,’ she said without looking up. ‘Is Mr Greg back yet?’

  ‘No, Mrs Greg.’

  ‘That’s good.’ She carefully tapped out the word ‘attention’ and muttered to herself, ‘I want to get this finished first, ready for him to sign.’

  ‘Mrs Greg, I come to tell you that your sister, Mrs Penney, is upstairs with Mrs Opie. Your sister looks like she’s been took poorly and they both look worried. I thought p’raps you’d like to know.’

  ‘Oh. Thanks for telling me, Lily.’ Leah was disappointed to have to leave the letter unfinished but she got up immediately and ran upstairs. She knocked on the double doors of Feena’s suite and waited to be bidden entry. She could never enter straightaway as Hannah and Greg did.

  Mrs Opie called out, ‘Come in.’

  It sounded impatient and Leah entered timidly.

  Hannah was putting the empty glass down and she smiled at her sister. She saw at once Leah was alarmed. ‘It’s all right, Leah. I’m feeling a little unwell because I’m pregnant – well, I’m pretty sure I am. How are you? I hear you’ve learned to type.’

  ‘Lily told me you’d been taken ill,’ Leah hastily explained her presence, feeling Mrs Opie saw her as an intruder. ‘I’m glad it’s good news and not bad. What does Mother say about it?’

  ‘She’s pleased. She guessed before I did.’

  Feena was overcome with jealousy; presumably Matt’s mother and Hannah’s aunt also knew she was expecting. She snapped at Leah, ‘You run along and carry on with what you were doing. Hannah and I are talking privately.’

  Hannah couldn’t bear the crestfallen expression on Leah’s face. Despite feeling dizzy, she stood up abruptly. ‘You’ve told me the news, Mrs Opie. I must get back to Nathan, and I’ve got sewing to do. Leah, will you walk me to the gates?’

  ‘You’re in no fit state to walk home, Hannah,’ Feena protested.

  ‘The fresh air will do me good,’ Hannah replied firmly, linking her arm through Leah’s and leading them out of the room.

  ‘Don’t let her upset you,’ Hannah said as she and Leah walked down the drive, still arm in arm. ‘Mrs Opie’s always been bossy. It’s just her way.’

  ‘She’s very fond of you but she doesn’t like me,’ Leah said gloomily. ‘She behaves as if I don’t exist. If Greg and I have a baby I bet she won’t take any notice of it.’

  ‘She will,’ Hannah said soothingly, knowing she must have a word with Feena about her lack of warmth towards Leah. ‘She’s probably giving you and Greg time and space to settle in. Greg’s always lived a separate life, all the Opies have. It’s better than having her interfering in everything you do, isn’t it?’

  ‘I suppose so,’ Leah said uncertainly. ‘I wish we lived somewhere else, on our own.’

  ‘Why don’t you tell Greg?’

  ‘Greg loves Roscarrock. He’s got his work here, all his books and things in their own places. Most girls would kill to have what I’ve got. I don’t want him to think I’m ungrateful.’

  ‘He’s your husband, Leah. You’ve got the right to tell him how you feel.’

  ‘But you wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else but at Seaview Cottage. Matt owns it and one day Greg will have Roscarrock. It doesn’t seem right trying to drag him away from the place.’

  ‘You’re bound to find it strange for a while, Leah. You’re being too hard on yourself. I think you’re very clever learning to type. Concentrate on that. I’m sure Greg is very proud of you. You’ll probably have a baby of your own soon and then you won’t have so much time on your hands to feel…’ The expression was ‘left out’ and she remembered that Leah didn’t know why she had been called to Roscarrock. ‘Mrs Opie phoned Mrs Skewes to tell her Grace’s horses have arrived.’

  ‘Have they?’ Leah said sharply. ‘I didn’t know that.’

  Oh, damn, Hannah thought, this is making things worse. ‘Well, that’s not the point really. Mrs Skewes said Grace has gone to Plymouth with Daniel and they’ve got married. Because of the way things are between Matt and me and Daniel, Mrs Opie wanted me to know about it.’

  ‘Why?’ Leah said sulkily, drawing away from Hannah. ‘Daniel wanted you once but it doesn’t really involve you any more than it does anyone else in Porthellis. If you ask me, it’s just another ruse to get you here. Mrs Opie seems to want to rule your life.’

  Hannah felt at that moment that she had no choice but to tell Leah about her true relationship with Mrs Opie. Matt was right, keeping the truth from her was hurting her, and it was unnecessary. As Greg’s wife, in fact as Hannah’s niece by marriage, she had the right to know. Halfway along the drive was a wrought-iron bench. ‘Let’s sit down. I’ve got something to tell you.’

  Leah didn’t say a word as Hannah recounted the story of her birth, of the real reason she’d been offered a job at Roscarrock. ‘I hope you’ll understand why Mrs Opie and I are so close, why she takes so much interest in Nathan. I’m sorry you weren’t told before. You will have to keep it a secret. It wouldn’t affect me very much and everyone knows what Dad’s been like, but the scandal would destroy Mrs Opie.’

  ‘I see it clearly now,’ Leah said, stunned, her heart lightened. She resolved that from now on she’d try to live with Greg under Roscarrock’s roof almost as if Feena Opie didn’t exist. She had no wish to be mistress of the big house, she wasn’t ready to run it; Greg would one day inherit Roscarrock and she’d cross that bridge when she came to it. She’d take Hannah’s advice, concentrate on her typing, on becoming the perfect secretary and helpmate for Greg. She had suddenly grown up. ‘I’m glad you’ve told me, Hannah, but I think you ought to be careful. Mrs Opie’s obsessed with you. I can see why Matt’s so wary of her now.’

  ‘There’s no need to be so dramatic, Leah,’ Hannah said, relieved it had gone so well. She was feeling better and was looking forward to the walk home. ‘Mrs Opie’s not going to keep Grace’s horses here but she’s going to buy her own.’ She grinned and put her hands out in front of her in a wide arc. ‘We could have some fun learning to ride together before I’m too big with this baby.’

  Leah thought of all the times she had pushed Greg away from her in bed since coming home from their honeymoon. She had a sudden longing to see his stern attractive face, feel his arms round her. She laughed happily and patted her flat tummy. ‘I’ll soon catch up with you then we can push our prams round the gardens together.’

  They kissed each other goodbye. Hannah strolled home, humming cheerily. Now that she had sorted out the problem over Feena’s behaviour towards Leah, the fact that Daniel and Grace had married seemed none of her business. Next time something like this happened she would phone Feena for the news and not go rushing to Roscarrock.

  Leah skipped back to the study to finish Greg’s letter to a researcher for his latest novel, a little troubled that she had so very nearly allowed her sistership with Hannah to be spoiled. If only Feena Opie and Daniel Kittow did not exist, she reasoned, they could live in peace.

  Chapter 9

  The crew of the Misty had shot their long line, stretching seven and a half miles, north to south, over the reach of water called Hurd Deep but known to the fishermen as the Ray Pits. They were hoping for a good catch of ray and skate. Other boats from Porthellis, and some from Looe and Mevagissey, were also trying the Ray Pits while the rest had headed down to the Lizard.

  Matt was taking the last watch with Graham Chellew, the chatty half of the middle-aged brothers. ‘We’ll do better here, I reckon. Weather’s not foxy. If the tide slackens off and the breeze keeps northerly we’ll have just the right conditions to haul ’em in,’ Graham said as if Matt didn’t know this. He pulled off his woolly h
at and scratched an itchy spot amid his spiky white hair. It made a noise like a piece of leather being grated. His uncomely features were screwed up in his habitual expression of overcompensating for the harshest weather. Matt never talked much. Graham took this for granted and his tongue carried on. ‘Jeff’s worried about they buggers back on shore. What they’ll get up to next. Me and Malcolm have a mind like some of the other men, we’d like to see ’em run out of Porthellis. What do you think, boy?’

  ‘’Tis a good idea,’ Matt said grimly. ‘A man could get himself into a lot of strife attempting it, but we’ve got to protect our families.’

  Jeff came out of the wheelhouse and joined them. ‘Malcolm and Alan are still sleeping. You talking about Kittow’s ruffians?’

  ‘Aye,’ Matt said, noticing his father-in-law was rubbing his chest. He’d had a heart attack two years ago. ‘You in pain?’

  ‘Nah.’ Jeff lit a cigarette, his dark good looks clearly illuminated in the glow of the match. He looked his normal self. ‘Got a bit of a cold, could be going down on me chest. I’ll keep me eye on it. I’m more concerned with getting those bastards out of the village. Some of us men think if the p’lice don’t do something soon some of us should remain behind while the boats are out, p’raps one man from about four or five boats. Be harder work for the rest of us but it’d put our minds at rest.’ He began to cough and, cursing, threw his cigarette into the waves. His chest wasn’t painful but it was uncomfortably taut.

  ‘You can be one of the first t’stop behind,’ Graham said, examining him anxiously.

  ‘Shouldn’t be much longer before Kittow’s engine’s made ready for sea,’ Matt said. ‘I know about one of his men, the one they call Merv, from my uncle in Gorran Haven. He’s worked on every coast, a drifter but a top engineer. Would’ve got the engine working ages ago if it hadn’t been well and truly buggered up. We’ll be able to keep an eye on them once they’re out here.’