The Passionate Friends

by Meg Alexander

  “Of course not!” Judith smiled warmly at the children, and took Perry’s eldest girl upon her knee.

  “We met them as they were coming from the park,” Elizabeth explained. “As Judith is here we must have a treat. Tea in the salon, do you think?”

  This suggestion was greeted with whoops of delight from the boys, and Perry laughed.

  “As you wish, my love.” He rang the bell and gave his orders. “You spoil them, dearest. Prudence will have your blood! Think of her carpets…”

  “We’ll be careful, Uncle Perry.” Eleven-year-old Thomas stood upon his dignity, clearly affronted by Peregrine’s reference to the nursery. “Henry doesn’t drop things.”

  “And I don’t drop things either.” The youngest boy glared at his eldest brother.

  “Yes, you do, and they always land with the butter side down.” Thomas directed a quelling glance at Crispin.

  “He won’t do so today.” Judith reached out a hand to Crispin. “Have you had an exciting day?”

  “We went to the Tower to see the wild animals.” The little boy’s eyes grew round. “There were lions, you know…”

  “And were they very fierce?”

  “I didn’t like it when they roared.”

  “He put his hands over his ears,” said Thomas in disgust.

  “I expect I’d have done the same myself,” Judith announced mildly. “An unexpected noise can be frightening…” She looked at Henry. “What did you like best about today?”

  Henry was dear to her heart. Less ebullient than his brothers, he had a retiring nature. She and he had struck up a friendship based upon long silences, trust, and occasional conversations when the boy had opened up his innermost feelings to her.

  “I liked it all,” he said. “I made some drawings of the animals. They were all so strange and new. Would you like to see them?”

  “I’d love to, Henry, but I must go home. Next time, perhaps?”

  “No, Judith, I won’t have it.” Elizabeth sprang to her feet. “We see so little of you nowadays. You must stay and dine with us—”

  “But, my dear, I can’t. I am expected. In any case, I am not dressed for dinner.”

  “Then I won’t change. After all, we are dining en famille. Dearest Judith, may we not send a message to your home?”

  “Oh, please!” The three boys stood in a semicircle round her. “We haven’t shown you the presents which Dan brought for us.”

  “Judith may be expecting her betrothed,” Dan said stiffly.

  “No! He is away at present.” Judith spoke without thinking.

  “Then there can’t be the least objection.”

  “Objection to what?” Sebastian had come to join them.

  “To Judith dining with us. Sebastian, how is Prudence?” Elizabeth gazed at him with anxious eyes.

  “Perfectly well, and all the better for her rest. She will come down for dinner.”

  “There, you see!” Elizabeth turned to Judith. “Now you can’t refuse. Prudence will be so glad to see you.”

  Judith wavered. The temptation to enjoy the warmth of this happy family circle was almost irresistible, if only for a little longer. Still she hesitated.

  “Mrs Aveton dines from home this evening,” she murmured. “She will require the carriage…”

  “Then let us send it back with your message.” Elizabeth clapped her hands. “We shall see you home, and since Mrs Aveton will be out you won’t be missed.”

  The circle of pleading faces was too much for Judith.

  “Very well,” she agreed. “I shall be happy to stay.”

  Elizabeth beamed at her. “I’ll write a note myself,” she insisted. “Then there can be no objection.”

  “Of course not,” Perry said dryly. “Who will stand in the way of a force majeure?” He turned to Judith. “Eight years of marriage and two children have not yet reduced my wife to the shrinking violet whom I’d hoped to wed.”

  Elizabeth laughed up at him. “You gave no sign of it when we first met, my love.”

  His look of affection was disarming. “No!” he agreed. “I like a challenge and I haven’t been disappointed. You continue to surprise me.”

  Judith looked down as a small hand stole into hers.

  “I’m glad you’re staying,” Henry told her. “Now we can show you the things which Dan brought back for us.”

  Thomas came to join his brother. “Mine is a dagger from India. It has a jewelled hilt. I can’t carry it yet, of course, but when I’m older I shall do so.”

  “And yours?” Judith turned to Henry.

  “It is a wooden mask. Dan says that it will ward off evil spirits.”

  “A useful item.” Perry twinkled at his nephew. “And certainly a thing which no gentleman’s household is complete without.”

  “Perry, I believe you’re jealous!” Judith began to smile.

  “Of course I am. I was tempted to send Dan away again to fetch a similar thing for me.”

  Two small fat hands reached up to touch his face. “Papa, you won’t do that, will you? I love Dan. I don’t want him to go away…”

  Perry hugged his daughter. “I’m teasing, Puss. Dan won’t go away again.”

  “I should think not, after such an unsolicited testimonial.” Sebastian looked amused. “Now, boys, off you go. Judith will call in upon you later, but your mother wishes to see you.”

  Sebastian settled himself in the great wing-chair and Judith lost her charge as the little girl struggled from her lap and ran to climb upon her uncle’s knee.

  “A daughter next, Sebastian?” Perry asked with a grin.

  “Only if she is as pretty as our little Kate here.” His brother dropped a kiss upon the child’s head. Then his face grew grave. “I shall not mind, as long as Prudence and the babe are well.”

  Judith was quick to sense his concern. “Are you worried about her? The doctor gave you a good report, I hope?”

  “Prudence is well enough at present, though I can’t persuade her to rest. Judith, I’d be grateful if you’d have a word with her. She is accustomed to be so active, but you are always a calming influence.”

  “I’ll do my best,” she promised.

  “Then come and see her now.” Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “Oh, I had forgot. We’ve ordered tea in the salon. The boys will be starving…” She held out her hands to her daughter, and led the way across the hall.

  Under their father’s watchful eye, the boys were on their best behaviour, and to Elizabeth’s evident relief, the carpets suffered no disaster. Her own girls ate little, and were clearly flagging after their walk in the park.

  “Time for bed, I think,” their mother said firmly. “Come, Judith, shall you care to see them bathed?”

  Her pride in her children was evident, and Perry smiled as the little party left the room.

  “Judith is such a dear,” he said warmly. “She’s looking better today, I think, don’t you?”

  “She’s at her best with children,” Sebastian agreed. “I was surprised to see her here this afternoon. When did she arrive?”

  “It must have been a couple of hours ago.” Dan’s attempt at a casual reply was unconvincing.

  “Why, you sly dog, you’ve been keeping her to yourself. What will the dreaded Truscott say to that, I wonder?”

  “She tells me that he’s gone away…”

  “For good, I hope?”

  “No such luck.” Dan’s glance at his companions was filled with meaning. “He is attending to some family business, so I hear.”

  “I wonder if we’ve flushed him out?” Perry’s eyes began to sparkle. “Odd behaviour…I mean, to leave so suddenly. Don’t you agree, Sebastian?”

  His brother frowned. “There may be a good reason. Why must you insist on jumping to the worst conclusions?”

  “Don’t like the look of the chap.”

  “I didn’t know you’d seen him. You don’t accompany Elizabeth to his sermons, do you?”

  “Just thought I’d
take a look at him on the night we heard the news.”

  “Perry, you are the outside of enough! Did I not warn you not to make enquiries in his parish?”

  “I didn’t.” Perry looked injured. “I stood at the back of the church and watched him ranting from the pulpit.”

  “Then you’ll oblige me by leaving it at that.”

  “You’ve heard nothing more?” Dan intervened.

  “No, but he is being followed.” Sebastian gazed at the ceiling. “I agree that his disappearance is a little strange, especially at this time, but we must take great care not to alarm him.”

  “Why so?” Dan was unconvinced.

  “Must I explain to you young hot-heads? If the man’s dealings are above-board we shall be guilty of unwarranted interference in his affairs.”

  “And if not?”

  Sebastian hesitated, considering his words with care. “Our quarry may take fright and disappear.”

  “Good riddance!” Dan insisted warmly. “So much the better for Judith!”

  “No, Dan, think! If he is the villain you believe him to be, will he give up the chance to get his hands upon a fortune?”

  Dan paled. “You mean…you mean that we may be putting Judith in great danger?”

  “That is possible. Girls have been seized before and forced into marriage with unscrupulous men. Once wed, and with the money in his hands, he would leave no trace behind him.”

  Perry sprang from his seat and began to pace the room. “We can’t have that!”

  “Agreed!” His brother’s face was calm. “You both see now that we must proceed with caution?” Sebastian leaned back in his chair, satisfied that he had made his point.

  Still doubtful, he’d have been concerned to learn that he had hit upon the truth.

  The threat of blackmail had caused the Reverend Truscott to spend a sleepless night. Then, as his initial panic subsided he began to pull himself together. Still unaware that he was being followed, he paid a second visit to “The Rookery”, carrying with him the contents of the collection box. This was irritating. Such funds had previously found their way into his private account, but no matter. He had begun to lay his plans.

  As he had expected, the money was regarded simply as a down payment. His mother and her friends intended to bleed him white. He permitted himself a grim smile. They did not know him.

  With a promise of a further payment before the week was out he explained that he was called away on parish work for the next day or two. He didn’t intend to waste this brief respite. Judith must be satisfied with a note explaining his absence. He had other matters to attend.

  His next journey took him into the pauper colony of Seven Dials. His destination was a brick-built dwelling, apparently no better than any of the others. He let himself in with his own key, and looked about him with a grunt of satisfaction. This was one in the eye for his high-principled parishioners. He’d lavished money on the place, delighted to be putting it to better use than throwing it away on a bunch of ragged urchins.

  The place was empty, and his face grew dark with rage. Where the devil was the wench? She was supposed to be here when he wanted her.

  When he heard her footstep on the stair he waited behind the door, seizing her from behind as she entered the room. Twisting his fingers in her hair he dragged her round to face him, smiling as she whimpered with pain.

  “You’re hurting me!” she cried.

  “I’ll hurt you even more, you slut, if you don’t obey my orders. Didn’t I say that you weren’t to leave the house? Been playing me false, have you?” He tightened his grip, forcing her to her knees.

  “I wunna do that.” Her eyes were watering with agony. “I went out for bread…” She pointed to her basket. “I weren’t expecting you. You didn’t let me know.”

  “I’m not likely to do that,” he said softly. “Will I give you the chance to get up to some trick?” He dragged her to her feet.

  The sight of her pain had roused him. With one swift movement he ripped her gown from neck to hem, flung her on the bed, and threw himself upon her like an animal.

  It was growing dark before he was fully satiated. With a growl he kicked her away from him.

  “Fetch your brothers!” he ordered. “I have work for them.”

  Chapter Four

  Next morning, in a part of London far from the slums of Seven Dials, Judith was summoned to an interview with her stepmother.

  “At this hour?” she asked Bessie in surprise. Mrs Aveton was not normally an early riser.

  “She said at once, Miss Judith. She’s in her bedchamber.”

  Judith entered the room to find Mrs Aveton sitting up in bed, sipping at her chocolate.

  “Well, miss, did you enjoy your evening with your friends?”

  The enquiry startled Judith. Her own enjoyment had not previously been a subject of any interest to her stepmother.

  “Why, yes, ma’am, I thank you. I hoped you would not mind, since you were dining out yourself. The carriage was returned in plenty of time, I believe.”

  A short laugh greeted her words. “Most certainly, together with a most insulting note from Mrs Peregrine Wentworth.” She tossed a letter towards Judith.

  “Insulting, ma’am?” Judith scanned the note. “This merely explains the invitation, with a promise to see me safely home.”

  “You see nothing strange in the fact that Mrs Peregrine sends no compliments to me, or enquiries about my health?”

  “She was not aware that you were sick, and nor was I. I’m sorry. Were you unable to visit your friends?”

  “I dined with them, and I thank heavens that I did so. I learned more disturbing news.”

  “Ma’am?”

  “Come, don’t play the innocent with me! You were always a sly, secretive creature, but now I know the truth…”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Don’t you? Perhaps you will explain why you didn’t tell me that the pauper, Ashburn, is returned to the Wentworth household?”

  Judith went cold, but her voice was calm when she replied, “I did not think that it would interest you.”

  “If I’m not mistaken, it interests you, my girl. Such deceit! You knew quite well that had I known I should have forbidden you to go there.”

  Judith’s hands were shaking. She hid them in the pockets of her gown. “Must I remind you, ma’am, that I am betrothed to Mr Truscott?”

  “I wonder that you remember it. To cheapen yourself in the company of that creature is the outside of enough. Have you not learned your lesson yet?”

  Judith’s anger threatened to consume her. “I have learned much in these past few years,” she said quietly. “I think you have forgotten that Mr Ashburn is Lord Wentworth’s adopted son.”

  A sniff greeted her reply. “And that is enough to transform a slum child into a member of the ton? What a fool you are! The aristocracy may be allowed their eccentricities. Must you try to ape them?”

  “I had no thought of doing so. Mr Ashburn is an old friend. I intend to be civil to him.” Judith was surprised at her own temerity. In the usual way she did not argue with her formidable stepmother.

  Mrs Aveton’s head went up, and her small black eyes began to glitter.

  “Impudence! You are grown mighty high in the instep in these last few weeks. Your husband will knock that nonsense out of you…” She caught herself in time. Judith must not be allowed to guess at the darker side of the Reverend Truscott’s nature.

  This quite-looking girl had a streak of iron in her character. Mrs Aveton had seen it only seldom, but her attempts to crush that stubborn will had failed. If Judith should change her mind and put an end to her engagement, she herself might say goodbye to the sum of money soon to be in her hands.

  Her malevolent expression vanished. “I mean, of course, that the Reverend Truscott has a position to uphold. His wife must not be seen to gather about her friends who are…er…unsuitable.”

  “He seems happy enough to think that I
am friendly with the Wentworth family. He tells me that they will always be welcome in our home.”

  “That is quite another matter. Judith, you are placing yourself in a most invidious position. You may have forgotten that unfortunate nonsense of six years ago. The same may not be true of Ashburn. You are an heiress now, and a fine catch for him. Has he made further advances to you?”

  “He has not!” Judith ground her teeth. The temptation to strike her questioner was strong.

  “Doubtless he will do so. You must not see him again before your marriage.”

  Judith drew herself to her full height. “I have promised to return,” she said stiffly. “Do you think me so ill-behaved that I won’t conduct myself with propriety?”

  “You are headstrong, miss. I have never been deceived by your milk-and-water ways. In this you will obey me. You may not leave this house again before I speak to Mr Truscott.”

  Dismissed without ceremony, Judith returned to her room. She was seething with rage. If she’d ever had any doubts of the need to escape from Mrs Aveton’s clutches, they vanished now. She’d thought long and hard before she had accepted the preacher’s offer for her hand, fearing that she was cheating both herself and him. She didn’t love him, but in the materialistic circles in which she moved, love seldom played a part in settling a marriage contract.

  And she was no longer the timid nineteen-year-old who had given up her love in the face of calumnies and opposition. The years had changed her. Unless she was to wither away in the Aveton household, she could see no alternative to marriage. What else could she do? She might have taught in some small dame school, or become a governess, had she not inherited her fortune. Now it was out of the question.

  And she would not cheat Charles Truscott. In her heart she had vowed to make him a good wife. She could help him in his parish work, run his household, and bear his children.

  She buried her face in her hands, knowing now that it would never be enough.

  Why had Dan come back at just this time? In another month she would be safely wed, and could put him out of her mind for ever. She would not think of him. She mustn’t. She pulled down the central flap of her writing desk, and pressed a small knob just behind the hinges. A hidden drawer slid out, revealing a pile of manuscript. Listlessly, she scanned the pages, noting an expression here and there which might possibly be improved to make her meaning more exact. With pen in hand she scored out several lines, and began to write.