Eye of the Wind

by Jane Jackson

  ‘Conscience, perhaps. Who can tell with such a man?’

  ‘He would need to have taken leave of his senses to risk coming back knowing the hangman’s rope awaits him.’

  Sophie sighed. ‘There is something very romantic about a man who will not allow even the threat of death to keep him from the land of his birth. Or perhaps he has made this daring dash in order to wish his brother happy in his impending marriage.’

  ‘The Earl of Roscarrock is getting married?’ Melissa was startled. ‘I understood him to be in poor health.’

  ‘That’s as may be,’ Louisa sniffed. ‘But with his younger son in disgrace, the marquis, quite properly in my view, intends to secure the succession. Grace Vyvyan is a strong, healthy girl. You’ve met her, Melissa. She came out the same year as Phoebe. When was that? Now let me see, Charlotte came out in –’

  ‘Phoebe came out a year after me, Aunt Louisa,’ Melissa cut in calmly. Her aunt’s memory concerning her daughters’ debuts into society was encyclopaedic. These apparent lapses, which occurred on every visit, were Aunt Louisa’s opportunity to contrast Melissa’s failure to secure a husband with her own daughters’ success.

  ‘So she did. Do you know I can hardly believe it? Both my girls married after their first season, and now mothers themselves.’

  ‘I have always found Grace a pleasant young woman,’ Sophie intervened, adroitly steering the conversation back to the original subject. ‘But I cannot help feeling she lacks sensibility. For someone like poor Baron Roscarrock …’

  ‘She’s got a level head on her shoulders, if that’s what you mean,’ Louisa retorted. ‘So won’t be expecting any of this romantic nonsense.’

  ‘But what’s wrong with a little romance?’ Sophie pleaded.

  Her sister-in-law gave a snort of disgust. ‘For heaven’s sake, Sophie. There’s no place for such frippery when land, titles, and the continuation of the family name are at stake. The marquis needs a good breeder. Grace is one of five, all living, and her mother was one of seven. If Grace is the sensible girl I believe her to be, the marquis will be admiring his first grandchild within a twelvemonth.’

  ‘Poor Roscarrock,’ Melissa murmured. ‘So great a weight of expectation. I hope it may not prove too much for his frail constitution.’

  ‘It is such a pity Lord Stratton is not his father’s heir,’ Sophie sighed. ‘For he always enjoyed excellent health. It’s said he has great charm and –’

  ‘Really, Sophie,’ Louisa interrupted. ‘Of what possible use would it be for him to be heir with the shadow of the gallows upon him and unable to show his face? In my opinion, even if he has come back to England, he would be foolish indeed to return to Cornwall.’

  ‘Has anyone actually seen him?’ Melissa enquired.

  ‘No,’ Louisa allowed. ‘But he’s not likely to advertise his presence.’

  ‘It seems more probable this rumour is just that, a rumour,’ Melissa asserted.

  ‘Indeed you could be right,’ Sophie agreed. ‘All it needs is for someone to remark how sad it is that Lord Stratton will not be here to see his brother married. Then someone wonders if he will come. And before the cat can lick her ear everyone is whispering that indeed he has returned.’

  ‘Yes, well,’ Louisa was testy. ‘The point I was wishing to make – if I may be permitted to finish without further interruption – is this. Had Melissa been a little less headstrong, and a little more willing to listen to those with her best interests at heart, she might have stood at the altar in Grace Vyvyan’s place.’

  Staring at her aunt, Melissa was torn between wild laughter and welling anger. She and Roscarrock? Even her hopeful mother had accepted the impossibility of such a match. But the betrothal she yearned for in her most secret heart was equally impossible. Sudden scalding tears pricked against her eyelids. ‘I think not, Aunt. Present circumstances –’

  ‘Indeed, I need no reminder. Does it not occur to you, Melissa, that had your father not been so worried about securing the future of his only daughter, his health might not have collapsed under the strain?’

  ‘Louisa!’ Sophie gasped.

  Raising a majestic hand that forbade interruption, Louisa continued. ‘It is time certain things were said. Melissa, I would not have you think you alone are responsible. I just ask you to consider the possibility that your behaviour – the behaviour your father indulged, even I regret to say encouraged in you – has had consequences beyond those readily perceived.’

  Gripping the napkin on her lap tightly, Melissa battled against the sharp stabbing of renewed grief. Her heart pounded sickeningly against her ribs and blackness hovered at the edge of her vision. She clenched her teeth. She must not say anything, for she would say too much. Once uttered, words could not be recalled. Like rocks tumbling into a pool, they would cause waves. Who knew how far the ripples would spread?

  Then, with a blinding flash of intuition, she saw that her aunt was right, though not in the way she imagined. Melissa was almost certain that her father’s collapse had resulted from the intolerable strain of his financial pressures. Yet had he not encouraged the interests her aunt so deprecated, she would not now be in a position to try and save his business and protect his reputation.

  She looked up. ‘Yes, I accept that possibility.’

  Her quiet dignity left her Aunt Louisa bereft of words.

  When they finally left it was too late and she was too drained and weary to return to the woods.

  Next morning while she was at breakfast Lobb entered, bringing the long-awaited letter from Mr Rogers. Ever discreet, the lawyer simply requested that she visit his office at her earliest convenience.

  ‘Will you send a message to Hocking? I shall want him to drive me into Truro within the hour. John is to inform Gabriel that I won’t be down today as business takes me to town. But both horses will be back at work tomorrow as usual.’

  As Lobb bowed and left to instruct Gilbert, Melissa gulped down the last of her hot chocolate and hurried back upstairs to change.

  A short while later, decorous in black bombazine, her hair covered by a small white chip hat trimmed with black satin flowers and held in place by a black satin ribbon, Melissa sat beside Hocking as the gig bowled along toward Truro.

  ‘Got a bit of news, miss. I saw Mr Sibley’s groom down in the village the night of the bonfire. He always comes over to visit his sister for St Peter’s Tide. He tells me Mr Sibley is not wishful to cause any distress at this sad time, but he was wondering if master’s hunters might be coming up for sale.’ Hocking kept his eyes on the road ahead. ‘Didn’t I say he wouldn’t even know he’d been told?’

  Melissa suppressed a smile. ‘Indeed you did. Perhaps if you were to see him while I am engaged with Mr Rogers, you could confirm that they are.’

  ‘Got a price in mind, have you, miss?’ When she mentioned the figure, Hocking pursed his lips, frowning slightly. ‘With respect, miss, if that’s the sum you want – and ’tis a fair one – then I’d suggest you ask more. Mr Sibley is a great one for a bargain, so I hear. He never pay the asking price, ’tis a matter of pride with him. So he’ll try to beat the price down.’

  She should have remembered. Had Gabriel not given her exactly the same advice when she went to sell the wood? They discussed the amount of the increase and finally agreed a new figure. It sounded a large amount to Melissa. She was relieved that being in mourning, as well as her gender, required that she distance herself from the transaction.

  ‘Tell your friend that if Mr Sibley is interested in proceeding, he should contact Mr Rogers, who will be handling the sale on behalf of my brother. After that I’d be obliged if you would call at the tannery and tell the foreman that Tregonning’s Yard has two cartloads of oak bark for sale, and more will be available shortly. Should they wish to purchase, they may do so through Mr Rogers.’

  This time she was not asked to wait, but was immediately escorted into the lawyer’s office. She searched his face as he came forward, immaculate in a f
latteringly cut frock coat of forest green worn over biscuit-coloured breeches and a crimson and silver waistcoat. He bowed briefly over her proffered hand. His smile held genuine warmth. But as a shadow of concern entered his sharp gaze she lowered her eyes.

  ‘I must apologise for the brevity of my letter, Miss Tregonning, but I thought it wiser to commit to paper as little as possible.’

  Melissa waved his apology aside. ‘I understand completely, Mr Rogers. Indeed, I thank you for your discretion.’ She sat down. As he resumed his own seat he leant forward.

  ‘I hope I find you in good health?’

  She allowed herself a wry smile. ‘You mean, I think, that I do not look to be in high bloom, but as a gentleman you could not possibly say so. I admit, Mr Rogers, I am rather tired. Since I saw you last there has been a great deal to do. Plus the unexpected arrival of rather taxing visitors …’ She made a vague gesture, leaving the sentence unfinished.

  ‘How are your aunts? Do they keep well?’ he enquired with bland innocence, reminding her once again that behind a façade that could vary from aloofness to geniality according to circumstances he was exceptionally astute. Having acted for her father for most of her life, he was well acquainted with all the family.

  ‘They seem so, thank you.’

  ‘What of your mother? Have you received news of her progress?’

  ‘Not yet, but –’

  ‘I’m sure you will very soon.’

  ‘I hope so. Mr Rogers.’

  ‘Of course. Now you want to know how I fared with my mission. You will be pleased to hear that the news is most encouraging. I was able to negotiate an extremely good price for your jewellery. Better, in fact, than I had anticipated.’ Reaching to the rear of the bureau he drew forward a leather pouch. It looked impressively large and clinked heavily as he set it down and loosened the thong.

  As she glimpsed the gleam of gold, tension slid from Melissa’s shoulders like a sloughed-off skin. ‘That’s wonderful! I’m so grateful. Naturally, the first deduction must be repayment of your loan.’

  ‘Before we go into that, why don’t you give me a progress report on all your schemes? Have you made any progress during my absence?’

  ‘Indeed, I think you will be surprised, Mr Rogers.’

  He was clearly impressed by the number of trees that had been felled and moved to the collection area. ‘Is a figure brought to you at the end of each day?’

  ‘No, not exactly.’ She hesitated, then decided it would be easier to tell him the truth. ‘The fact is, Mr Rogers, if the packet is to be finished quickly, few men can be spared from the yard. The five working in the woods must concentrate on felling and stripping. I borrowed two draught horses from the farm to move the logs, and the stable boy is driving one of them. The other is a more difficult beast, and requires a firmer hand, so …’ She faltered, regretting her impulsive honesty, and glanced away from his gathering frown.

  ‘Miss Tregonning, you cannot be telling me that –?

  ‘I am doing what is necessary, Mr Rogers, that is all. My groom is at this moment informing Mr Nankivell that his wagons may begin collecting first load of logs at his earliest convenience. Tom Ferris, foreman at the yard, has sold several sacks of oak bark to the village fishermen. The rest is being offered to the tannery. Also I have learnt from my groom that a local gentleman is interested in purchasing my father’s hunters. I have instructed him that any interested parties should contact you. Oh, and by the way, I have set the price high to allow for negotiation.’

  His brows had climbed higher and higher up his forehead during her recital. Now he shook his head, and gave a bark of laughter. ‘Miss Tregonning, I am astonished. Astonished, and I have to admit, awed.’

  Surprise, delight, and a hint of pride swelled in Melissa’s chest.

  ‘To say you have been busy is something of an understatement.’ The lawyer drummed his fingers lightly on the paper-strewn surface of the open bureau. ‘If I surmise correctly, you wish me to act on your behalf – in the temporary absence of your brother – regarding the sale of the wood bark, your father’s horses, and so on?’

  Melissa nodded. ‘If you would be so kind.’

  ‘It will be my pleasure, Miss Tregonning. In the circumstances I shall defer your repayment of my loan until Mr Nankivell and the tannery have made their first payments. My fees for the additional work will not be unreasonable and I’m sure repayment at that time will cause you less difficulty then than it would now. Naturally I will ensure a detailed record is kept of all transactions made on your behalf, and a copy will be sent to you at the end of each month, if that is acceptable?’

  ‘Indeed, Mr Rogers. I am most grateful. I will use the money from my jewellery to repay Mr Vincent, and reduce the outstanding debts owed to the yard’s suppliers.’

  ‘That would indeed be wise. However, will you permit me to make one or two suggestions?

  She regarded him warily. But when he raised his brows, clearly awaiting her reply, it dawned on her that his question had been entirely serious. ‘Of c-course. Please.’

  ‘Firstly, I think it might be wise if I were to review the figures relating to Mr Vincent’s loan, just so we may be quite certain the interest has not been overestimated. I do not doubt that gentleman’s honesty. But in matters of finance one cannot be too careful. A maxim I recommend you to adopt, Miss Tregonning. Once I have checked all is as it should be, I will make the repayment on your behalf and send you a signed receipt of settlement, if that is acceptable?’

  ‘Perfectly.’

  He gave a brief nod. ‘Secondly, rather than deposit the jewellery money in the bank where Mr Williams might consider it a redemption of your father’s debt, I believe it would be more sensible to allow it to remain here in my safe, where you will have access to it.’

  ‘Can I do that?’ Melissa felt her eyes widen.

  ‘Miss Tregonning, it is yours. You may do with it whatever you wish.’

  ‘In that case, Mr Rogers, I accept your offer with gratitude. Naturally, I intend to repay the bank as quickly as possible, but –’

  ‘The amount and frequency of repayments must be at a time of your choosing,’ he finished smoothly. ‘I understand perfectly. In the meantime –’ he picked up a sheet of thick paper and handed it to her ‘– you will see each item of jewellery is listed, plus the amount it fetched.’

  Melissa caught her breath and her heart leapt as she scanned the paper. ‘I can hardly believe –’ She raised her eyes. ‘Mr Rogers, I don’t know what to say. I never dreamt … Of course, I was hopeful, but I never could have expected … Thank you so much. You don’t know what this means.’

  ‘Oh, I believe I do, Miss Tregonning. Had our discussions during your last visit to this office failed to impress, then what you have achieved since then has left me in no doubt of your determination. Now.’ His manner grew brisk. ‘Doubtless you have incidental expenses to meet.’ Reaching into a small drawer in the bureau, he withdrew a small kid purse. ‘I trust this will be sufficient until your next visit. Should you require more, you have only to ask.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Blessing his foresight and his tact, she reached for the purse and would simply have put it into her bag, a black velvet pouch drawn in with a black satin ribbon.

  He stopped her with a gesture. ‘Please count it, Miss Tregonning.’

  ‘Oh but –’

  ‘You will be signing a receipt,’ he reminded. ‘You must always check.’

  After counting and signing, Melissa put the purse and both folded papers into her bag and rose to her feet, extending her hand. ‘Thank you, Mr Rogers. With all my heart.’

  Taking her hand, he bowed over it, creaking faintly. ‘Your servant, ma’am. I trust you will not be offended if I confess I have never had dealings with a lady of such enterprise.’

  Her lips twitched. ‘I hope you do not find it too uncomfortable?’

  He smiled. ‘Miss Tregonning, it is an education as rewarding as it was unexpected.’

&nb
sp; Hocking was waiting with the gig. As soon as she was settled, he clicked his tongue and the horse broke into a smart trot.

  ‘How did you get on with Mr Sibley’s groom?’ Melissa enquired.

  ‘Just as I expected, miss. ‘He said the price was too high. But I just shrugged and told him never mind as the word had got around and other gentlemen was showing interest. ’Course, then he starts begging me to hold them off till he’d had a chance to speak to his master.’ Hocking’s eyes narrowed in a grin of satisfaction. ‘Deal’s as good as done, miss.’

  As they headed home Melissa reviewed the progress she was making. Bees droned lazily over tall foxgloves, and hedgerows laced with white convolvulus. At the edge of the road, young fronds of bright green bracken uncurled. Blue harebells, yellow agrimony, pinkish-white yarrow, and purple scabious brightened grassy banks and ditches, and the air was fragrant with meadowsweet.

  As the sun’s warmth seeped into her bones, for the first time in weeks Melissa allowed herself to relax. It really did look as though everything was going to be all right.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The following morning brought even better news: a letter from Aunt Lucy to say that her mother was showing slight signs of improvement. That this took the form of Addey twice coming upon her mistress “weeping fit to break her heart” filled Melissa with dismay. How could Aunt Lucy possibly imagine that to be improvement?

  But, after several minutes’ anxious reflection, she was able to accept the truth of her aunt’s assertion that emotions frozen by shock and grief had at last begun to thaw. Picturing her mother’s abject misery, her own eyes filled in sympathy. Blinking hard, for she could not spare the time to be weak and self-indulgent, she set the letter aside and glanced at the others.

  One was addressed in Aunt Louisa’s bold scrawl. She left it. The third gave her a start as she recognised Robert’s writing. Swiftly breaking the seal, she unfolded the sheet. The date showed it to have been written on the 9th March: almost four months ago. Why had it taken so long to get here? Of course, it was unlikely to have been sent the same day it was written. Robert might have had to wait weeks for the ship’s mail to be taken ashore, or collected by a passing packet-brig.