by Dilly Court
‘I don’t believe you. And anyway, a wife can’t testify against her husband.’
‘Stella didn’t say that you were named, Uncle,’ Rosa said sweetly. ‘Are you making a confession?’
‘No, I bloody well am not. Get out of here before I really lose my temper.’
‘The document is with a solicitor in Lincoln’s Inn Fields,’ Stella said coldly. ‘If we don’t return to London today he is authorised to take it to the police.’
‘What do you want?’ Gervase demanded. Beads of sweat stood out on his brow and his face reddened. ‘Are you trying to blackmail me?’
‘Yes, Uncle,’ Rosa said with an angelic smile. ‘That’s exactly what we’re doing. We can’t help the poor murdered girl, but unless you want the list of your cronies published in the daily newspapers, you’ll see to it that Kit has an alibi for the night when Clifford was killed and secure his immediate release from prison.’
He mopped his brow. ‘And how would I do that? I had nothing to do with Clifford’s death.’
‘You will sign a statement saying that Kit was with you that evening,’ Stella said firmly. ‘If necessary you will appear before the magistrates to swear to it. Otherwise, Mr Rivenhall – or should I call you stepfather? – your name will be dragged through the mud.’
‘Stepfather!’ Gervase made a gobbling sound in his throat. ‘You are no relation of mine, girl.’
‘You married my mother. That makes you my stepfather.’ She could see his hands tightening on the stock of the shotgun and his finger hovering over the trigger. ‘You can shoot me if you like, but you’ll surely hang for it, and the newspapers would have a wonderful story.’
‘I could say that you were trespassing,’ Gervase said through gritted teeth. ‘One blast of this at close range would wipe the smile off your face.’
‘I don’t think anyone would believe that, Uncle.’ Rosa stepped forward and snatched the gun from his hands. She broke it over her knee and expelled the cartridge. ‘You’ve stolen our birthright and it seems there’s little we can do about that, but you’re going to save Kit’s life.’ She laid the gun on the bench. ‘You’ll write a statement and have it witnessed by Noakes and Mrs Kendall.’
Stella held her breath as she waited for Gervase to come to a decision. It was obvious that he was reluctant to give in without a fight. ‘We’re waiting,’ she said. ‘You either do as we ask or face the consequences, Stepfather.’
Chapter Nineteen
STELLA HANDED THE sealed document to Perry. ‘I didn’t think he was going to do it, but Rosa and I managed to convince him that he faced ruin if he refused.’
Rosa slumped down on a chair at the kitchen table. ‘I’ve never been so scared in my whole life. I really thought he was going to kill you, Stella.’
‘He didn’t dare call our bluff in case my mother really had remembered everything.’
‘You was both very brave and very clever,’ Spike said reverently. ‘Mr Kit will be proud of you.’
Perry smoothed his thinning hair over the bald patch on his head, nodding in agreement. ‘It was a risky business, but you pulled it off. If I was a betting man I wouldn’t have liked the odds, but this should secure Kit’s release. I’ll take it to the magistrate’s office first thing in the morning, but now, ladies, I think this calls for a celebration. I’m treating you to supper.’
‘You’re taking us out for a meal, Perry?’ Stella exchanged amused glances with Rosa. ‘I thought you were broke.’
‘Not entirely, and I never said we was going out. I’m off to the pie shop and I might manage a bottle or two of stout to wash it down. Come on, Spike, you can give me a hand.’ He left the kitchen with Spike limping after him.
‘What a day,’ Stella said, taking a seat opposite Rosa. ‘I still can’t believe that we did it.’
‘I thought my uncle would have an apoplectic fit when you told him he was your stepfather. He obviously never considered that he was taking on a whole family when he forced your mother into marriage.’
‘Well, it worked, and by this time tomorrow we might have Kit home with us.’
‘And I can’t wait to see him, but we’ll be back where we started, Stella. We’re still stuck in this old house with no money and no prospect of getting Heron Park back.’
‘But if you marry Tommy you’ll live in Portgone Place and you’ll want for nothing.’
Rosa blushed prettily. ‘He hasn’t asked me yet, but it’s Kit I’m worried about. I know him, Stella. He won’t give up easily and he could waste years of his life trying to get the better of Uncle Gervase. Sometimes I wish he would marry an heiress and forget about Heron Park.’
‘Yes,’ Stella said slowly. ‘That would be one solution.’ She rose to her feet. ‘I’m rather tired, Rosa. I didn’t sleep well last night and it’s been an exhausting day. I think I’ll go straight to bed. I’m sure Spike will be glad to eat my portion of pie, and I don’t like stout.’
Kit’s release from prison was not as instant as Stella had hoped. There were the usual official channels to go through and the magistrate had to study Gervase’s statement before he came to a decision. In the meantime Stella and Rosa busied themselves making the house ready for his homecoming. They dusted, swept and cleaned every room, taking extra care with Kit’s bedroom. Stella polished the furniture and put clean sheets on the bed, while Rosa took down the curtains and took them to the communal washhouse. The rugs were hefted downstairs and Stella hung them over the washing line, attacking them with the carpet beater and sending showers of dust onto the cobblestones. It seemed that Uncle Silas had not been too particular when it came to domestic matters, and had been miserly when it came to spending money on home comforts. Stella could only imagine the sort of life her mother must have endured in Fleur-de-Lis Street before being sold on like a slave to Gervase Rivenhall. It was little wonder that she had taken to escaping from her miserable existence in the arms of laudanum.
A week after their visit to Heron Park, Rosa was standing on the doorstep polishing the lion’s head knocker, and Stella was scrubbing the hall floor. A sudden strangled cry from Rosa made her look up in alarm. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘Kit. It’s Kit.’ Rosa ran down the road with her arms outstretched.
Stella leapt to her feet, wiping her hands on her apron. She checked her appearance in the fly-spotted mirror that hung next to the coat stand. Wisps of hair had escaped from the mobcap she wore when doing the housework and she had a smudge of dirt on the tip of her nose. She was attempting to rub it off when Kit and Rosa appeared in the doorway.
‘He’s free,’ Rosa cried happily. ‘He’s a free man.’
‘I’m so glad.’ Stella backed towards the kitchen feeling suddenly shy and ill at ease. Her heart was pounding at the sight of Kit who, even in his dishevelled, unshaven state, still had the power to make the blood rush to her cheeks. ‘You must be hungry. I’ll get you something to eat.’
‘In a moment, Stella. First I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Perry told me what you did and it was very brave. I don’t deserve either of you.’ His voice broke and he dashed his hand across his eyes. ‘I’m sorry. I’m tired and I’m filthy and probably running with fleas and lice. I’ll go out in the yard and stick my head under the pump.’
‘Much as I love you, you do smell rather like a ripe Stilton,’ Rosa said, chuckling. ‘I’ll bring you a towel and some clean clothes.’
He took Stella’s hand and held it in a firm clasp. ‘You are a wonderful girl, and I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done. It can’t have been easy for you to leave your mother and sister in the country, let alone face my uncle after the terrible experience he put you through. Thank you, Stella.’
The intensity of his gaze took her breath away and she stared down at their entwined hands unable to look him in the eyes. ‘You took me in when I needed help. It was the least I could do to repay you.’
He squeezed her fingers. ‘Not at all. I meant every word I said, but
we need to have a serious talk. Just give me time to get clean again and then I’ll be with you.’
Even after he had walked off in the direction of the kitchen Stella could feel the pressure of his hand on hers. She turned to Rosa, who was about to go upstairs. ‘What did he mean?’
‘I’ve no idea, but I’m sure he’ll tell us when he’s ready.’ She took the stairs two at a time, leaving Stella to make her way to the kitchen. Through the open back door she could hear the rusty groan of the pump handle and the splash of water. She closed her eyes, imagining the sight of Kit’s bare torso caressed by the cool water and his bare flesh glistening in the sunlight. Shocked by her own thoughts she busied herself stirring the pan of oxtail soup on the hob. The smell of baking bread filled the kitchen as she took the loaf out of the oven, and she wiped the perspiration from her forehead. The range had to be lit of necessity, but it was a warm day and the heat in the kitchen made the clothes stick to her body.
‘You look hot,’ Rosa said, bustling into the kitchen with her arms full of Kit’s clothes and a towel slung over her shoulder. ‘He’s lucky he can strip off in the yard. We’d cause a riot if we did the same.’ She went outside, returning moments later looking flushed and embarrassed. ‘I haven’t seen my brother naked since we were children.’ She fanned herself vigorously. ‘Lady Langhorne was talking about having a bathroom installed in Portgone Place. I think that would be wonderful, don’t you? And it would save the housemaids the back-breaking task of carrying pails of hot water up several flights of stairs.’
‘Only the very wealthy can afford such a luxury,’ Stella said, taking the loaf out of the oven. ‘It’s the zinc bath for us for evermore as far as I can see.’
‘It’s nice to dream.’ Rosa pulled up a chair and sat down. ‘I wonder what Kit has to say to us that is so important?’
Stella’s hand shook as she placed the bread on the table. ‘I don’t know, but it sounded quite serious.’
‘It is.’ Kit entered the room towelling his hair. His clean shirt clung to his damp chest, emphasising his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Stella averted her eyes. Sensations that she had never experienced before felt like flames consuming her body. She seized a knife and hacked thick slices off the hot loaf. ‘Are you hungry, Kit?’
He shook his head. ‘Not yet, Stella. Sit down. I have something to say that concerns both of you.’
She sank down on the nearest chair, hoping that he could not hear her heart pounding against her stays. ‘What is it? What’s wrong?’
‘Yes, Kit,’ Rosa said, taking a seat next to Stella. ‘Why the serious expression? Surely this is a day to celebrate?’
‘Not quite.’ He pulled up a chair. ‘Uncle Gervase visited me in prison yesterday. Don’t look so scared, Stella, he didn’t threaten to kill me. Or not directly, I suppose.’
‘What are you talking about?’ Rosa demanded. ‘Are you feverish? I’ve heard about jail fever,’ she added, turning to Stella with an anxious frown. ‘It’s a terrible affliction. We should send for a doctor.’
Kit held up his hand as Stella was about to leap to her feet. ‘I’m not feverish. He was almost reasonable; in fact I think your threats had a greater effect on him than you could have imagined. He knows how we’re fixed financially and he assumed, quite rightly, that I’ve used up a great deal of my inheritance from Uncle Silas in my attempts to challenge Father’s will.’
‘Get to the point, Kit,’ Rosa said, unconsciously echoing Stella’s thoughts.
‘To be brief, he’s offered to buy me a commission in the Army if I’ll give up my claim to the estate.’
‘But that’s not right,’ Stella said angrily. ‘It’s your home, and Rosa’s too.’
‘If I agree to accept his offer he’s promised to make me his heir. He plans to divorce your mother, Stella, which would set her free to marry a man of her choosing.’
‘Do you trust him to keep his word?’ Stella said slowly. ‘How do we know that he won’t change his mind once you are committed to the military?’
‘He still believes that your mother remembers the names of all the dignitaries who attended his parties. I think you can trust him on that score.’
Rosa leaned across the table to lay her hand on his arm. ‘But the Army, Kit? You could be killed. There’s talk of another war in Afghanistan if the Russian mission fails. Sir Percy was talking about it over dinner one evening.’
‘That’s the risk that all military men have to take, but at least I’d be doing something for my country instead of wasting my time and money in gaming hells and drinking myself to oblivion. I’m not proud of what I’ve become in my effort to regain our old home, and this gives me a chance to atone for what I’ve put you through.’
‘And what about us?’ Rosa demanded tearfully. ‘What happens to Stella and me while you’re playing at soldiers?’
He curled his fingers around her hand. ‘You’ll be safe here with Perry and Spike to look after you. I’ll arrange for most of my pay to be allotted to you. You won’t have to make paper flowers for any more undertakers, Rosa. You’ll be able to live like a young lady again.’
She jumped up to fling her arms around him. ‘Do you have to do this, Kit? Isn’t there an easier way?’
He eased her gently back onto her chair. ‘The war between us and Uncle Gervase had to stop sometime. This seems as good a solution as any and it will avoid a scandal that would disgrace the family name.’ He turned to Stella with a smile. ‘I hope you’ll stay here with Rosa. I don’t know what she’d do without you.’
Her throat constricted and her eyes stung with unshed tears. ‘Of course,’ she murmured. ‘I’ll stay as long as she needs me.’
‘And you can bring your mother and sister here,’ he added enthusiastically. ‘This old house has plenty of room for all, including Aunt Maud and her wretched cat.’ He stood up, rubbing his chin. ‘Now I need a shave as I’ve got an appointment with the Army. Apparently Uncle Gervase was at Eton with Major-General Roberts, which should be a distinct advantage if all we read about him in the newspapers is accurate.’ He sauntered out of the room, whistling a tune from HMS Pinafore.
‘Well I never did,’ Rosa said, throwing up her hands. ‘Who would have thought it?’
Stella wiped her eyes on her apron. ‘My grandparents died in the Crimean War. If only there was another way.’
‘But you can get your family back together again, Stella. Think of that.’
‘Let’s wait and see. Maybe Kit won’t be able to buy a commission, or he might not be sent abroad.’
Rosa gave her a steady look. ‘You’re very fond of my brother, aren’t you, Stella?’
She forced her lips into a smile. ‘Of course I am. I love you both.’
Kit succeeded in procuring a commission in the 4th Hussars and soon after the final fitting for his uniform he received instructions to attend the cavalry depot in Canterbury, where he would receive training under the direction of the riding master.
The evening before he was due to leave for Kent he took them all to a chophouse for a celebratory meal. Spike was allowed to drink beer, becoming so tipsy that Rosa and Perry decided to take him home, leaving Kit to escort Stella back to Fleur-de-Lis Street. It was a fine September evening but there was a hint of autumn chill in the air as dusk gobbled up the city streets and noisy flocks of starlings congregated on the roofs of buildings, seeking places to roost for the night.
‘You will be all right, won’t you?’ Kit said, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. ‘I want you to bring your mother and sister to London. You can stay in the house indefinitely.’
‘Thank you.’
‘You’ve been very quiet all evening, Stella. Are you all right?’
She looked straight ahead, not daring to meet his gaze even though she could feel him staring at her. ‘I’m sorry to see you go.’ The words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them. She had intended to remain slightly aloof and detached from the pain she felt in her heart. She was l
osing him to the Army and the people he might meet socially, who would be of a very different class from herself. He would have the pick of officers’ daughters and he would forget he ever knew the servant girl from Limehouse Hole.
He came to a halt, turning her to face him. ‘You haven’t seemed to care one way or the other. All these weeks I’ve been hoping you might give a sign that you would miss me.’
‘Miss you?’ Her voice broke on a suppressed sob. ‘I feel as though my life’s blood is draining away with each day that brings our parting closer.’
‘My God.’ He gazed into her eyes, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of her shoulders. ‘Why did you never tell me?’
‘How could I? You don’t care that you’re leaving me – I mean us – it’s been obvious that you can’t wait to join the Army and live the life you’ve chosen. I – I mean we – don’t count.’
He gave her a gentle shake, his eyes glowing with surprise and delight as if he had just witnessed a miracle. ‘You couldn’t be more wrong. I’ve never said anything to you because I didn’t want to take advantage of your situation. I’m not like my uncles. I don’t grab things because I think it’s my right to take. I wanted you to give some sign that you cared for me, just a little, before I spoke.’
‘I do care,’ she whispered. ‘I care more than a little.’
He drew her into his arms and crushed her lips in a kiss that answered all her questions and told her more than mere words. When he finally allowed her to draw breath he still held her close. ‘I thought you were in love with that farmer fellow you told us about. You always spoke so fondly of the whole family, and you trusted them to care for your mother and sister.’
‘Don’t forget Aunt Maud and Timmy,’ Stella said, smiling up at him. ‘I was never in love with anyone until I met you, and then I thought it was hopeless.’