Highway Girl

by Valerie Wilding

  Ned pulled his blanket tighter and edged into the room. “Mistress, if you was already married, you could not marry Sir Staveney.”

  “But I am not, and I know no one—”

  Ned pulled himself as straight as he could. “Mistress, I would marry you if it would save you from that man.”

  Bless his good heart. I would not hurt his feelings for the world, and I was saved from doing so by Bid.

  “You will do no such thing, Ned Allin. There might be another as’d want to marry you, so you better not go throwing yourself away.”

  And she stormed from the room.

  Looking back, I realize that dear Ned had no idea what Bid was saying. But I had.

  Now I must face tomorrow. Dare I refuse? What would happen if I did?

  And for goodness’ sake, why would Sir Staveney want to marry me? I have nothing to bring to the marriage – nothing except my connection to the de Gracy family.

  Is that it? Is Sir Staveney a common man by birth? A common man who has made great wealth and now wishes to move high in the social world?

  Are the de Gracys perhaps not as wealthy as I thought? I remember the slightly shabby furniture and hangings, the ladies’ distress over the theft of two horses. Is this intended as a marriage of convenience? Sir Staveney’s wealth to join with the de Gracy family name – their social standing? Then why does he not marry Juliana? Perhaps Sir Roger is not that desperate. Perhaps he isn’t prepared to sacrifice his daughter, but would willingly “sell” a poor cousin. Oh, so many questions.

  July 12th

  Oh, what have I done? What is to become of me?

  I was the first guest to arrive at the big house. The family were so pleased to see me, they practically stroked me.

  “Now, cousin Susannah,” said Sir Roger.

  I waited.

  “Errk, hmm. If someone should wish to speak privately with you, I trust you will not object.”

  I decided to be ignorant. “But who would wish to speak with me?”

  “Well, er…”

  Juliana leaned forward, a knowing smile on her face. At least, I imagine it was intended to be a smile. To me it was little more than a smirk.

  I was saved from further discussion by the arrival of Sir Staveney. He sat in the master’s chair by the fireplace and his eyes immediately went to me.

  I waited, my heart in my mouth, wondering how on earth I would deal with his romantic advances. Not that I could imagine this tall, grey, ant-like man being even remotely romantic.

  The conversation continued around me and I lost myself in a wonderful daydream, in which I looked out of the window beside me and saw a scarlet-and-gold carriage draw up. From it leapt a fine young man, who removed his feathered hat and swept a deep bow. Only when he looked up at me did I see that it was my brother.

  “You smile, Mistress Makepeace!” said Sir Staveney. “You look well when you have a pleased expression.”

  “Errk, hmm,” said Sir Roger. “We may hope to see that expression more often very soon, may we not, Sir Staveney?” And he winked.

  It was coming! Sir Staveney was going to propose. I panicked and leapt to my feet!

  “Forgive me!” I cried. “I am unwell!”

  And I ran from the room. From the house. I did not stop running until I had turned a bend in the drive and could no longer be seen. Tears of frustration and anger poured down my face. How could they think to let me go – to sell me – to that horrible man!

  I reached home and was much comforted by Ned and Bid. They are such good friends. I have asked them both to call me Susannah, but they find it difficult. They will get used to it, I’m sure. It has been hard not to be called simply by my name. I am called either Mistress Susannah, cousin Susannah, or the hateful Susan.

  Ned is indignant, and insists that I cannot be forced to marry. I suppose if I scream and shout they might find it not worth their while to force me. But what would happen to me if I anger Sir Roger so much that he decides to throw me out? And what would happen to Ned and Bid? And my poor Jack? Ohhh!

  July 19th

  Almost a week has gone by and I am called to the house again. Will that awful man be there?

  Later

  Sir Staveney was indeed there and, thankfully, I think he has left behind the idea of marriage to me. He brought his son and it was a much livelier gathering than before. In fact, I almost enjoyed it, because Master Dunby Vean is so supremely stupid. I do not mean that there is something wrong with him, that he is simple. No, I think not. He is just very vain and stupid.

  But he served my purpose, because I chose to speak much with Dunby Vean and to laugh like a silly little girl at his silly little jokes, all to spite Sir Staveney. And I think it worked, for Sir Staveney watched me like a cat watches a butterfly, his bony face twitching and his eyes darting after me.

  The only thing about Dunby Vean that interested me was that he has a four-year-old daughter called Elvina. Elvina Vean. Whatever was her foolish father thinking of? Dunby’s wife is dead, and I feel so sorry for Elvina, for not only is she motherless, but she has a clot for a father. Sir Staveney adores her, that much was clear from the way his hard face softened when the child was mentioned. That is the first time I have thought of him as human.

  I even seem to have been forgiven by the family, who were all most pleasant. So that all seems to be sorted out, and I can go back to my dull little life again. My life of waiting for the man I really do care about. Dominic.

  July 24th

  My heart aches so, and I do not know what to think. Godfrey ran in yesterday while Bid and I were topping and tailing gooseberries for a pie. We had little warning but, thank goodness, Ned was burrowing in the keeper’s hoard of junk and Bid flew out and shut the door on him.

  “A letter! A letter!” Godfrey shouted, waving it at me. “Is it from America? From your brother?”

  “Oh, it is sure to be,” I said, wiping my hands on my bodice. I was shaking with excitement.

  “To Mistress Susannah Makepeace,” it said. “From Hannah Carew.

  “Mistress Makepeace, I am sorry to rite with bad news of yore brother, who is sick. Me and my man are doing our best to care for him but we have six children and it is difficult he has been sick since he came on the ship from England which is not many days past. He had a fall on board and hurt his leg bad. There is fever on him. Yore brother needs someone to look after him all the time and I have too much to do with the animals and growing our food. Many people have been sick and all have there problems but if you send some money I will find a good widow woman to nurse yore brother and grow food. His leg will never be right, I fear. It is mending badly. He needs more doctoring than I can give him. Even if he gets well tomorrow which he will not he will be weak and he won’t be strong enough to do the hard work we have to do just to stay alive. Out here, them as can’t work, dies and with his leg, it won’t be easy for him even when he’s fit and well, which he will be one day God willing.

  “I promise I will do all I can to make him better but I pray you send him money. I will look after him until I hear from you, do not fear, but I pray you be quick, for all our sakes.

  “Yours in faith, Hannah Carew.”

  There followed the name of the place where they live but I could not read it, I was weeping so.

  Godfrey, bless him, had gone. Bid released Ned and they came to me, and we all shed a tear.

  “Will you send money?” asked Bid.

  “I must,” I said, “but I have hardly any.”

  My dear friends pooled all they had, but between us, there was scarcely enough to feed a man for two days.

  I spent the best part of an hour curled up on my bed, wondering how I could raise money. And then the answer came to me. I sat up.

  “Bid! Ned!”

  They hurried to me.

  “Listen!” I said. “In the time it takes for money to reach Dominic, I can be there myself. I will go to him. I will nurse him! Oh, hurry, I must get ready. Will I be in time?” I
began to rush around frenziedly, picking up things and throwing them down again.

  “Mistress!” said Bid, but I took no notice. “Mistress Susannah! You’re like a bluebottle trapped in a hot room. Stop. Think. You would need money to get to America.”

  I calmed myself.

  Bid took my hands. “I’ve heard Ned’s story about how him and your brother were going to sail together. It was not having money that sent Ned back here.”

  “And glad I am that he came,” I said, “but Bid—”

  “Mistress,” she said gently. “You cannot go without money.”

  I pulled away from her. “Then I will get money. Somehow I will!”

  And now, after a night spent throwing myself around the bed, I sit at my pear-wood table, my mind in turmoil. I must go to Dominic. Good Hannah Carew is clearly prepared to care for Dominic until money reaches them so, instead of a purse, she will receive me.

  Oh, here is Godfrey again. I suppose he wants his French lesson. My heart is not in it. I shall tell him to go and play with Jack, who speaks French perfectly.

  Later

  I was wrong. Godfrey came to tell me to get myself ready, as the de Gracy carriage was being sent for me. Bid and I flew round, preparing my clothes and hair, and for once I am perfectly willing to visit the family. For I have a plan. I will throw myself on their mercy, and ask them to lend me some money, until such time as I return from America and can repay them. For repay them I will.

  There, I thought. My problem is solved.

  The carriage duly arrived and I was taken to the house. There I found Sir Staveney with Sir Roger, and no sign at all of Lady Anne or Juliana – except for a slight movement I spotted through the parlour door, which was not quite shut.

  “Sir Roger?” I said.

  “Your presence is required in the parlour,” he replied.

  A footman opened the door and I was ushered in. I fully expected to find the ladies in there, so I was greatly surprised to discover Dunby Vean.

  “Master Vean?” I felt uncomfortable at being alone with him.

  He giggled. “Yes, Mistress, it is I. If not I, who else could I be?”

  I couldn’t bring myself to giggle like him – I am not an idiot – so I smiled. But Dunby Vean seemed to take my smile for pleasure at his so-called wit.

  “Mistress Makepeace. Susannah,” he said. “Oh, wait a moment. I forgot. Sit down.”

  He was jigging about from one foot to the other so I thought he might calm down if I obeyed. But when I was seated, he came charging towards me and threw himself down on one knee.

  “Father told me this is the way to do it,” he said, with a demented grin. “Susannah Makepeace, will you marry me?”

  I gaped at him. He leapt up, jigged around the room, and laughed aloud. “There! I’ve done it! I’m engaged!”

  I’d recovered my own wits by then. “Sir, you most certainly are not engaged. At least, not to me.” And I swept from the room. My sweeping was spoiled however by the gaggle of people outside the door, who’d clearly been eavesdropping. I knew they had by the expressions on their faces.

  “How could you…?” I was almost in tears.

  “How could we what?” Lady Anne spoke icily.

  “I thought you wanted me to marry him,” I said rudely, stabbing a finger at Sir Staveney. “I thought you’d realized I wouldn’t, and I thought you were accepting of that.”

  “Errk, hmm. It seems to me you thought too much, young woman,” said Sir Roger.

  Sir Staveney was beyond speech.

  Dunby spoke, from behind me. “She turned me down, Father. Can we go home now? I’ve got a rum new puppy I’m itching to train for the hunt.”

  “See?” I said. “Even that – that… Even Dunby couldn’t care less. Neither of us wants to marry.”

  Juliana had been steaming quietly behind her mother. Now she came forward. “You ungrateful wretch. Why couldn’t you do this one thing for us, after all we’ve done for you?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t understand. I don’t understand why it’s so important to you. I don’t understand why you all care so much.”

  I cared. I felt used. I was about to cry, but I will never do that in front of the de Gracy family. I bobbed a very shallow curtsey and fled.

  Now I know why Juliana wasn’t considered for marriage. Even she wouldn’t stoop to marry such an empty-headed clodpoll as Dunby Vean. But they thought their poor cousin Susannah might!

  At least the proposal took my mind off my brother’s predicament for an hour. But as soon as I got back, I forgot the proposal and fell to thinking about what I can do. One certain thing is that I am going to Dominic, somehow, and the other certain thing is that I need money.

  I shall ask Bid to take what I do not need and sell it for me.

  July 26th

  Ned has spent much time sorting through the keeper’s things and trying to make or mend. He has made a small stool. It is really fit only for milking, as the legs are short and I cannot get down gracefully to sit on it! He has gathered pieces of gun and put a pistol back together again. I think he could sell that, but he says he’d rather keep it for now.

  “Why?” I asked.

  He shrugged.

  Hmm. I know Ned well and I feel he is up to something.

  Bid has “borrowed” two more of Juliana’s books, and two silver spoons which somehow slipped into the rubbish. Though how she saw them, and no one else did is beyond me. She has asked Ned to take them to the Stag’s Head.

  “You’ll surely find a buyer there,” she said.

  “I will,” said Ned.

  “Take the pistol,” I suggested. “Some highwayman might be glad of it. Please, Ned. I need the money, and I do not like to have guns in the house.”

  He eyed me. “Perhaps I should become a highwayman myself, Mistress Susannah. I might get enough in one night for you to go to America.”

  I laughed. But he didn’t.

  July 28th

  Ned went out to check his rabbit traps last night, and this morning he stayed long abed. I almost forgot about him until halfway through Godfrey’s lesson, when there were creaks from above.

  Godfrey’s face paled. “It’s the keeper,” he breathed. “Come, cousin, let’s get out of here.”

  “Don’t be such a poopnoddy, Godfrey. There’s no ghost. How many times must I tell you?”

  But my own blood chilled in my veins at the sound of a long-drawn-out, ghostly wail from the room above, then more creaks and thumps.

  “Bid?” I cried.

  She didn’t come to me. Why didn’t she come?

  There was another wail, as if someone was in torment. I panicked. Had Ned come home at all last night? Had something happened to him? Where was Bid? Were Godfrey and I alone in the cottage – with a ghost?

  “Quick!” I grabbed Godfrey’s hand and we ran outside. Jack jumped up at me, but he didn’t seem afraid. Godfrey did! He flung the front gate open and sped along the drive.

  “I’m never going in there again!” he cried.

  I leaned against the gate. My breath was rapid, and I felt chilled through. Although I dreaded what I might see, I raised my eyes to the upstairs window.

  Looking down at me were two stupid grinning faces.

  “You fools!” I cried. “You scared me to death. And look at poor Godfrey.”

  They couldn’t, because he was out of sight.

  I berated my silly servant, and told Ned he should know better than to frighten a child, but he had an answer for me.

  “Mistress Susannah, Bid and I think you shouldn’t teach that Master Godfrey no more. They treated you too harshly. We hated seeing you so upset as you was when you came back the other day.”

  “Oh, you’ve messed up my plan,” I cried. “I’ve made up my mind to ask them for help. The family think little of me as it is. If Godfrey won’t come to me for lessons any more, they’ll think even less.” Bid and Ned looked so upset at my outburst that my heart softened instantly. “Oh, bless y
ou for caring so much about me,” I said, “but I must give them no more cause to despise me. I truly need their help.”

  “You’re going to ask them for money?”

  “For a loan, Bid. I will borrow the money to go to America – they will be glad to see me gone. And then you can go back and work in the big house, and Ned, you must take anything you wish from the keeper’s hoard and, of course, Moonbeam. Please try not to sell him, but if you have to, then so be it.”

  Bid looked at Ned. Ned looked at Bid.

  “Tell her,” said Bid.

  Ned swallowed. “Mistress, you must not lower yourself to ask for money from they de Gracy folk. I’ll get you money.”

  “You? But how?” I looked from one to the other. “Oh no!”

  “I can do it,” said Ned. “I got a pistol. I can be a highwayman. All you have to do is point the gun and say something like, ‘Hold!’ or ‘Stand fast!’ and then take what they got.”

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “And then you have to get away, Ned. How can you? You are used to riding a steady old horse. I know you’ve ridden Moonbeam, just for pleasure, but he’s a powerful animal. You need strong legs to manage a horse like that at full gallop.” I shook my head. “If your victim raised the alarm or gave chase, you would be caught. I cannot let you do it.”

  Bid put a large meat pasty in front of us. “I’m glad. I told you, Ned, you wasn’t to do it, and the mistress says you can’t, so you can’t.”

  I laughed. “But I might! How would that be? Highway girl!”

  We all laughed then, and toasted each other in beer. How lucky I am to have these good people around me.

  The pasty was delicious.

  Later

  I cannot believe we had a serious conversation about robbing people. What have I come to?

  Tomorrow morning I will go and ask for my loan.

  July 29th

  Bid is very tight-lipped this morning. She doesn’t want me to go to the de Gracy family and beg for money. I’m grateful that she thinks of me, but it makes me cross. Does she not realize that I would do anything rather than beg. But how else can I get money quickly?