A Cornish Girl

by Gloria Cook

  Tara glanced at her husband. Of course he had troubles, namely how to keep out of the malicious clutches of Laketon Kivell. Thank heavens the brute was almost totally absorbed with the gardens nowadays, but Joshua clung to her presence and invaded her days. It was even worse now Michael had taken a belatedly guilty interest in him, almost becoming his shadow. Michael had slipped away to Truro one day and quietly married Miss Phillipps. It obviously wasn’t a love match but he should be spending his time with his bride. She envied Sarah’s freedom to come and go with less restriction. She wished she was with her, Sarah was all alone and anxious for her friends.

  ‘Nothing is wrong, I assure you,’ Joshua said, glad that all eyes were on him sympathetically. ‘However, I am feeling terribly cooped up. It’s been ages since I’ve taken a breath of fresh air. I’d like to take a short wander about the grounds.’

  ‘Are you sure that’s wise? You might take a chill,’ Michael cautioned; playing a part.

  ‘I think it will fare me better than staying fireside-bound. I shall end up getting stiff and lazy.’ Joshua rose and stretched up his arms. Even this exertion made his limbs tremble.

  ‘You’re clearly not well enough for a walk, Joshua,’ Tara said. There was another reason the notion wasn’t wise: he might encounter Kivell. ‘Why not sit in the conservatory? It’s the next best thing.’ And take Michael with you. She would appreciate being left alone with Kit. Another thing that wasn’t wise but she didn’t care. There was an attraction between them; once given the chance to explore it they would inevitably become lovers, an affair might not last and it might break her heart because her feelings for him were very strong, but she didn’t have the will to deny herself.

  ‘I really want to go outside,’ Joshua stressed. He would not be put off, time had run out for him here and he welcomed it. ‘It’s not raining. If I’m well attired it will do me the power of good. I’ll ring for Fawcett to have the bath chair prepared. That should satisfy you, Tara.’

  ‘If you are determined then I shall accompany you,’ Tara said, it was her duty, and Kit would probably suggest joining them.

  ‘No, no, my dear, I’ve encroached on your time and space enough. Besides, you should stay here in case Miss Hichens arrives back shortly. She may be somewhat distressed and will have need of you.’

  ‘Then allow me to join you,’ Kit offered.

  ‘Wouldn’t dream of it, Woodburne. Miss Hichens is close to you also, she may have need of you too. A footman will be quite capable to push me and I really would prefer to be alone.’ Joshua was impatient now. ‘There really is no need for anyone to fuss.’

  ‘Nevertheless,’ Michael said, heading for the door, ‘I won’t have you venturing out alone on your first occasion. Someone should be with you to ensure that you are not exerted. I shall take you and have no argument about it. We’ll go to the summer house and you can rest there a while before I bring you back.’

  ‘Oh, if you insist,’ Joshua grumbled crossly. ‘Don’t you dare treat me like a child. I will have my pride in front of the staff.’ He halted a moment at the door. ‘Goodbye, Tara.’

  ‘Be sure you wrap up well, Joshua. Ask Fawcett to arrange some hot chocolate for when you get back.’

  When both brothers were out of the room, Tara felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her, that there was more air to breathe. ‘Would you like some more tea, Mr Woodburne?’ She stifled a giggle, it would have been an awful thing to do in light of the tragic event at the Carn Croft Mine, but it seemed such a silly polite question to ask the wholly desirable man she wanted an affair with.

  Kit caught her light mood. ‘I’d rather have something stronger but it would mean you ringing for that pompous butler, so tea will do.’

  Tara poured from the silver teapot. ‘Remind me please of the time Moyle is to return for Sarah.’

  ‘It will be in about half an hour. She asked him to meet her on the outskirts of the village so as not to disturb the peace, although I suspect the peace will be broken there by much weeping and wailing.’ Kit put the silly little teacup down and smiled into her eyes. ‘Tara, I would like to make a contribution towards the fund you are to set up.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Woodburne. It will be very much appreciated.’ She made it obvious she invited his interest with a long gaze. ‘What made you go to the mine?’

  ‘I confess that at first I was merely curious. Having spent the first part of my life shut in a dark old house, then away at school, and then leading a rather nocturnal life, I have seen little of the real world. Of course, I’ve seen the poor conditions of the working man, woman and child before in various circumstances, but just taken it all for granted. It was a blow to my system to witness the dignity of those people as they waited and hoped and prayed for their men and boys to emerge alive and unhurt. It was humbling to see their suffering and their pain.’ It was good sharing his thoughts with her. ‘I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never considered that the poor love their families in the same way as others. I envied my peers at school for the care from their parents, but I’ve never thought about a parent loving their child very deeply until I saw how much your little girl means to you. Rosa Grace is a delightful little soul and a credit to you, Mrs …’ He leaned forward. ‘May I call you Tara?’

  ‘There is no reason why you should not, Kit. Do you know, this is going to prove such a dreadful day that I’d like to go up to see Rosa Grace, to reassure myself she is happy and well. Would you like to come with me?’

  ‘I would, Tara, very much.’

  ‘Are you sure you want to go through with this?’ Michael gulped at the enormity of the question. He was shaking with fear at what he was about to help Joshua do, glancing all around, terrified he would be seen.

  ‘I have no doubts at all. It’s the only way out. I’ve told you so every day since we first discussed it.’ Joshua was calm as he got out of the bath chair at the summer house. ‘Don’t worry. We put up a convincing show just now.’

  ‘But it’s so drastic, so final, Joshua. There will be no going back.’

  ‘I thank God for that, and I’m sure He will understand.’ For the first time ever Joshua took his brother in a tight hug. ‘Thank you for this. I’m sorry to leave you with an even harder task, of getting rid of Laketon, but I’m sure Woodburne will do what’s necessary. Listen to him, Michael. He seems just the sort of fearless chap able to carry it through. Take care of Tara. I wish you many, many happy years as the new squire.’

  For the first time also Michael felt an emotional link with his brother. He was in tears. ‘But, Joshua!’ How could he find the strength to do this thing? It was a terrible crime in the eyes of the law and God.

  ‘You can’t let me down now. I’m sure I will be fine wherever I end up.’

  The men completed a tearful goodbye.

  A short time later Michael was wet up to the chest and shivering behind the boathouse as he changed into an identical suit of clothes. The plan had gone well so far, he was sure they hadn’t been seen, but he was still in the throes of horror at having to weigh the body, which must not be discovered for some time, down in the pool. When an hour had passed since he and Joshua had left the house he was back inside, red in the face but managing to keep his tremors under control. ‘Fawcett, is Mrs Nankervis still in the winter parlour?’

  ‘Actually she’s just come down from the nursery, sir.’

  Fawcett engaged in a meaningful pause. ‘Mr Woodburne had accompanied her. Miss Hichens has just returned.’

  Michael glared at him. Now he was the squire this obnoxious individual would soon be put out to grass. He went along to the winter parlour. ‘Don’t be alarmed, Tara. I need you to come and search the gardens with me. Joshua has given me the slip. He sent me outside the summer house saying he needed to be alone. When I went back in, the bath chair was empty. I’m sure he’s just sitting somewhere quietly. I searched but didn’t spot him. I don’t want to embarrass him by starting up a hue and cry but it really is time he came in
side.’

  ‘I agree,’ Tara said, glancing at Sarah, who was huddled grimly by the fireside, after reporting there was no more news from the mine. ‘It’s tiresome of Joshua to do something like this now, but I really don’t want to leave Sarah.’

  ‘I’ll go,’ Kit offered. It was the last part of the plan he had suggested to the brothers, to delay a thorough search, to keep Laketon in ignorance for as long as possible. ‘I’m sure the squire can’t be far away.’

  Tara joined Sarah, keeping an understanding silence. As she held Sarah’s hand, watching the twisting red and orange flames in the hearth, her thoughts kept drifting to Kit. He was so kind and helpful. What would they do without him? What would she do without him? It was a thought too dreadful to dwell on.

  Eighteen

  ‘Tell me again exactly what you saw,’ Laketon ordered Hankins, while treading an agitated path up and down his office.

  The footman noisily cleared his throat, fearing the other man might lash out at him. Laketon Kivell had been in a beastly mood ever since he’d realized the squire was missing. ‘Like I said before, sir, Mr Fawcett told me to fetch the bath chair and the master’s and Mr Michael’s hats and coats.’

  ‘Yes, yes, what happened after that, you fool! When they were out in the grounds? You managed to slip upstairs and you saw them from a window, and …?’

  ‘Well, I saw the two gentlemen heading in the direction of the summer house. About an hour later I managed to get back to the window and I saw Mr Michael on his own. He was looking all around and was calling out through his hands – must have been to the squire.

  ‘After Mr Michael and Mr Woodburne failed to find the squire the groundsmen were called out to search through the woods, and the servants were ordered to search the house from top to bottom. You know the rest, Mr Kivell. Since going out for an airing the squire seems to have simply disappeared. It’s days now, don’t look like the squire’s ever coming back. Or …?’

  ‘Or what, God damn you?’ Laketon was boiling in ever-increasing fury.

  ‘Well, the mistress is afraid he’s been abducted.’ Hankins was as taut as a spring, ready to flee for his life if need be.

  ‘Abducted? Highly unlikely. He hasn’t been seen out for weeks, there was no way for such plans to be made.’ Thundering to his desk, Laketon smashed a fist down on it. He winced in pain and the pain turned his rage into near madness. ‘Damn his eyes! How dare he do this to me?’

  Hankins blinked and backed away. ‘M-may I go now, sir?’

  ‘Yes, get out! If you hear even the slightest thing, report back to me at once.’

  Without waiting to see if he would be rewarded with a coin, Hankins flew out of the door as if his heels were burning.

  Laketon went behind the desk and sat down, leaning his elbows on the hard wood and putting his mouth against his interlocked fingers. ‘You’re playing a game with me, Joshua.’ His voice was at its deadliest. ‘You were pretending to be weaker than you were. Don’t think for a minute that you can run away from me. I’ll find you and when I do you’ll curse the day you were born.’

  ‘What do you think happened to the squire, Kit?’ Tempest asked, as they strolled in her garden.

  ‘I’ve no idea, Grandmama. It’s possible he knew of some hidey-hole in the gardens and stayed there for a while until he could get away,’ Kit shrugged. ‘But I don’t know how he would fare. He took no money, food or spare clothes with him. His town house in Truro and all his other properties, including any empty and derelict, have all been thoroughly investigated but there’s no sign of him. He could have been abducted, of course. The authorities and Mrs Nankervis are expecting a ransom note at any moment.’

  ‘That’s awful. Kit, I’ve noticed you speak highly of the lady. Would it suit you if the squire doesn’t come back? If one day it’s apparent he’s dead?’

  ‘You know me well, Grandmama. I won’t deny that I’m in love with Tara Nankervis and that I’d like to make her mine. I didn’t think it would happen to me, it just did. I suppose it’s the only way it happens.’ It was strange and wonderful, like walking on air, floating on water. Everything had more definition. He saw purpose of nature, flowers and trees and the sky and stars, and things of beauty, sculptures, paintings and fountains, as if he had never seen them before. ‘I don’t wish ill fortune on the squire but I can’t help hoping that one day, somehow …’

  Tempest thought this through. ‘I have the feeling that you will win the lady, Kit.’

  ‘Thank you for the encouragement.’ Not that he needed it. It was only the grimness of the present situation that was keeping him and Tara out of each other’s arms.

  ‘How’s Laketon taking it? I’m presuming there will be an effort to dismiss him?’

  ‘There will be, I am told, in due time.’

  ‘Now is the best time, surely, before the whereabouts of the squire are discovered.’

  ‘It will happen all in good time.’ Kit changed the conversation. ‘Sarah sends her apologies for not visiting you lately. She’s mastering the art of riding so she can get about more easily. She’s been much occupied handing out the estate emergency fund and she calls regularly on some of the villagers.’

  ‘The mass funeral must have been a very sad occasion. Seven dead; death stalks among us all the time.’

  Kit thought about the time not long ago when he had wished himself dead and his grandmother, so dear to him now, punished and dead. He stooped to kiss her cheek. ‘I’m glad I came here to Burnt Oak, and that I’ve got to know you.’

  ‘If you’re telling me that you love me, Kit –’ she reached up and stroked his face – ‘let me say that I love you too.’

  ‘No one has said that to me before.’ He was filled with wonder. Please let Tara say the same words to me soon.

  Titus Kivell. The name inscribed into the cold stone. Such a desolate memorial, for not even lichens or mosses had encroached on its simple arched shape. ‘My son,’ Tempest whispered. Kit had not long left for Poltraze and from that moment she had got the intense feeling she must come here. She loved Kit so much, had something called her here to find some love for his father? She tried to evoke feelings for Titus, recalling him as a helpless baby, a boy running about; she looked for special moments, a sweet smile, a funny saying. Perhaps there had been one or two but she couldn’t recall them, but this might be her fault and not Titus’s. ‘I’m sorry, son. I should have been a better mother to you. You might have turned out exactly the same, but it doesn’t excuse my neglect of you.’

  She laid a posy of snowdrops on the long grass covering the mound then stood back. ‘Thank you for giving me lots of lovely grandchildren, including Kit, who will be a comfort to me now I’ll never see Sol again. Sol says I could visit him in California but I’m not up to all the travel. I hope you can rest in some sort of peace, Titus.’

  Tempest shivered. A cruel east wind was dashing heavy grey clouds across the sky. It was time to go in to her log fire. Turning for the house she was brought to a rigid halt.

  Tabbie Sawle was there in her peculiar black garb. Her beady eyes stabbed into Tempest’s and she pointed away towards a double grave. It was where Laketon’s parents were buried. Tempest knew at once the meaning of the warning. Those that she and Tabbie loved were in danger from the abominable Laketon.

  ‘I understand,’ Tempest said clearly.

  With a nod Tabbie disappeared.

  For Tabbie to appear from the grave meant the danger was imminent and deadly. Tempest couldn’t allow the fiend to hurt Kit or Sarah. She knew what she had to do, something she should have done a long time ago.

  ‘You sit a pony very well, Miss Sarah,’ John said, his voice ringing with admiration.

  ‘I don’t know about that but each time I’m getting more confident,’ she replied. She was on Tara’s pony, riding sidesaddle, as they trotted in Poltraze parkland. ‘I’m sorry if training me is taking you away from your duties, John.’

  ‘Teaching people to ride and exercising t
he horses are part of my duties. Think you’re ready to canter?’

  ‘Yes, I’ve been waiting to go faster.’

  ‘Just press in with your foot and use the reins, the pony will know what to do.’

  The sense of freedom as the trees and the countryside seemed to rush by was exhilarating. They left the parkland behind and passed through fields and meadows. Sarah relished the sensations of the wind and the blood pinking her cheeks. She found herself laughing and urging the pony to go faster and faster.

  ‘Miss Sarah, slow down! It’s dangerous! Sarah! Sarah!’

  She was aware of John shouting to her but his urgent message did not register in her mind. She had tasted a feeling of independence and now she was steeped in her own sovereignty. Nothing could stop her. She was free and invincible. Never had her mind been so clear and complete. She wanted to ride forever and never stop, any minute now the pony would sprout wings and they would be flying. She was a different being now, no longer reliant on the usual rules of nature. It must be like this when you went up to heaven.

  The pony was suddenly jerking its head and being slowed down. John had grasped the reins and after several hundred yards he brought both ponies to a halt. Sarah was now staring into his shocked face. Then there was the realization that in her foolhardiness she had nearly killed herself.

  ‘I’m sorry!’ Tears welled up in her eyes. Releasing the reins she was gripping so tightly her hands were in pain, she slid down to the ground. She started to run. As fast as she could she was running and running, away from her embarrassment and stupidity, away from life. Her hat which had been half hanging off fell to the ground and the pins in her hair started to fall out and tresses of hair flew out behind her.

  ‘Sarah, come back! You’ll fall! You’ll hurt yourself! Sarah, wait!’

  John was the last person she wanted to face now. He was honest and trustworthy and she was utterly ashamed of herself. She heard hoof beats. He was coming after her. ‘No! No! Go away!’

  He reached her quickly, dismounting before his pony stopped, and he was running beside her. ‘Sarah, stop. Whatever’s the matter, it’s all right. I’ll make it all right.’