The Secret Orphan

by Glynis Peters

  ‘Don’t go making Elenor jealous now,’ Jackson said and touched his cheek.

  ‘As if that will happen,’ Elenor teased back. ‘She’s to be a married woman at the end of the month.’

  ‘Ron told me when I saw him the other day. Congratulations. Wonderful news. Tom and Dottie too, so I hear.’

  Susie nudged Elenor and inclined her head towards the top of the farm. ‘Sorry, don’t look now, but I think our vegetable friend is in the woods.’

  With a slow movement, Elenor manoeuvred her body for a better view. Sure enough, the figure leaned against a tree.

  ‘Let’s go inside, I’ll explain there, Jackson,’ she said, responding to Jackson’s querying frown, and headed to the house.

  ‘We think we have a vegetable thief, taking for the black market or their own gain. It’s the second day we know of, they might have been there longer. Tom’s not sure whether they might be involved with the escaped sheep business, but we’re watching like hawks at the moment.’

  Jackson bent and peered through the window.

  ‘Let’s leave these two here, Elenor, and take a walk. Show them the area is not for lingering around. Maybe they’ll move on if you do it often enough.’

  ‘Good idea. I’ll keep Rose here,’ Susie said.

  ‘We can fetch the last of the chestnuts and apples, too. Grab a couple of pails, Jackson,’ said Elenor.

  Bending down picking up windfalls, Elenor and Jackson moved their way slowly across the field. The figure had disappeared and had left no obvious signs of ever being by the trees.

  ‘I think it is a case of us being vigilant. It annoys me when my workers put so much effort into our crops and someone just waltzes in and helps themselves,’ Elenor said.

  Back at the house, they offloaded their pails to Susie and checked the potato patch. To their horror the crop had been trampled and crushed.

  ‘This must have happened during the lunch break. Someone knows our routine. I hate this feeling of being watched,’ Elenor said.

  Jackson put his arm around her and gave her a comforting squeeze.

  ‘How can I let Rose roam freely? I’m running out of excuses for keeping her occupied indoors or close to my heels. First it was Fritz, and now this devil.’

  ‘I’ll have a word with Ron while I’m here. See if he can do a couple of patrols through the woods. Put off the thief once and for all. We need to get this plot back in order,’ Jackson said.

  ‘Oh, Jackson, I don’t expect you to spend your time off doing my farm work. The others will be back soon.’

  When they returned to the farmhouse, Susie and Rose had left a note saying they’d gone back to Susie’s mother’s house to collect a few things. Snuggled together after a frantic bout of lovemaking, Elenor broached the subject of Fritz.

  ‘I’ve heard nothing of him since he was taken. My friend reassured me he would make life a living hell for the man, and I have no reason to doubt him. It’s been a while now, and I think you need to move onto adopting Rose. Fritz made a wrong move, and they’ll see he makes all the right ones from now on,’ Jackson said, and smothered her with kisses until her giggles made her body ache.

  ‘Stop. Stop. I surrender,’ she said and climbed from the bed.

  Reluctant to leave the comfort of his arms, she pulled her clothes back on, and brushed her hair into a ponytail. His warm breath kissed her neck as he tried to persuade her back under the blankets.

  ‘We must go downstairs. Rose will be back soon, she’ll question why we are in bed during the afternoon,’ Elenor giggled.

  She watched him through the mirror as he walked back to pick up his abandoned clothes. His body was firm and tight, and a tanned upper body hinted at outdoor activities.

  How she longed to climb back into the security of his arms, to allow life to drift by in a haze of passion day after day. Snatching at the odd hour once in a while no longer satisfied her, and Elenor became disturbed by her thoughts of the future.

  Jackson clasped the buckle of his belt and turned around. His handsome face beamed back at her, and the next thing she knew he was down on one knee. He held out his hand and in the palm nestled a small gold ring.

  ‘Marry me?’ he asked. His wide smile reached his eyes and Elenor could do nothing more than smile back. Then the smile dwindled away, and she felt the sinking feeling of how impossible it all was.

  Elenor’s breath caught in her throat. The day she’d dreamed of had arrived but no excitement gripped her. Her body tensed and she stretched back her shoulders. A heavy ache inside trapped the joy she wanted to feel. Here was the man she loved down on one knee but her stronger self knew she could not accept his proposal.

  ‘I can’t marry you, Jackson. I have the farm to run, and Rose to care for. You will return to Canada when the war ends. As much as I’d give anything to be your wife, I cannot burden you with another man’s child, and one which is not even my own. It’s not fair on you – or your family. You would be hundreds of miles away from them and it would be cruel of me to say yes.’

  She kept her voice soft and tried hard to portray her love through her words. The last thing Elenor wanted was to hurt Jackson. Tears teetered on the edge of her lids and she squeezed them back. When she opened her eyes Jackson stood in front of her still holding out the ring.

  ‘We will work this place together. It will give me a purpose in life, Elenor. And as for Rose, we will adopt her, make her ours. I love that kid, she deserves a family life. I ask you again, marry me?’

  Elenor reached up and touched his face, she stroked his cheek and he stared into her eyes. She could see hope.

  ‘If I say yes, it comes with conditions.’

  ‘Fire away ma’am.’

  Reaching out for his hand she held it in hers.

  ‘I cannot marry you until this war is over. I hate to say the words, but I would not cope as a war widow. Put the ring away, keep it safe and I’ll wear it the day they declare peace, that is a promise. Yes, I’ll marry you, but not until then. When it is over, we will marry and adopt Rose. We’ll make a life for her here. Please say you understand.’

  Jackson dropped his hand away and put the ring back into its box. He gave a slow nod of his head.

  ‘I think I understand, although the others have managed to see past the war and become husband and wife. I respect your reasons but understand on the day this war ends I’ll ask you again. In the meantime, I’ll take a kiss as a consolation prize, Miss Cardew.’

  Outside in the yard Seth barked his way to the door, and Rose bowled through armed with a large bag closely followed by Susie also loaded down with bags.

  ‘I’ve lots of new clothes Elenor. Heaps of them. Susie’s mum had a clearout,’ Rose said and offloaded her bags onto a seat. She pulled out dresses and cardigans, all the time declaring how she loved each item.

  ‘That’s generous of her, Susie,’ Elenor said and watched Rose entertain Jackson with a fashion show of sorts.

  ‘I will have a new dress to wear for the wedding, and my birthday, and a different one for Christmas,’ Rose said and clapped her hands.

  ‘Hey little lady, what will you wear for my birthday?’ Jackson asked.

  ‘When is your birthday, is it near mine? We can have tea together.’ Rose ran to the calendar. ‘I’ll write it on here, then we’ll remember. How old will you be?’ she said.

  ‘It’s the 19th of December, and I’ll be a year older than Elenor. I hope they declare peace for my birthday treat,’ he said and winked at Elenor.

  Chapter 50

  ‘White? You’re wearing a white dress?’ Titch said with a sneer and pointed at Susie standing in her wedding dress.

  ‘And why shouldn’t she?’ Dottie asked. ‘I’m older and wearing the same colour.’

  ‘Yeh, well, you ain’t preggers, are ya?’ Titch said.

  Susie gasped and put her hand to her mouth. Dottie went to her and put her arm around Susie’s waist.

  ‘No, I am not, and you’ve guessed Susie is and i
t would be kind of you to keep your unpleasant mouth shut,’ Dottie said. ‘Your jealousy will not ruin our day.’

  ‘Jealous? What, of a stupid girl caught by a boy with no brain, and a strumped up madam with a bean pole of a fiancé? Na, I’m not jealous – lucky. Lucky ’cos my man is a man.’

  Elenor moved from the front room holding Rose’s dress in her arms into the kitchen. The dress rehearsal was not going to plan, and yet again, it was thanks to Titch.

  ‘What is going on? Susie, Dottie you look beautiful. Don’t they look beautiful, Titch?’

  ‘They look bleedin’ ridiculous if you ask me.’

  ‘Titch!’ Elenor said and rushed to Susie’s side as her lip trembled and tears threatened.

  ‘We are both going to give our friends the best day tomorrow. You will help me get them dressed and help with their hair. I don’t know why you are being so mean.’

  ‘Nor me. She says she’s got a man but not sure how long he’ll hang around,’ Dottie said as she tugged her dress over her head.

  ‘A man? I’m sure the girls would love to invite him along tomorrow,’ Elenor said and went to help the struggling Dottie.

  ‘Nah, he’s away tonight. I’ll come and watch the show, though. Need a laugh in this ’ell ’ole.’

  ‘Titch. Rose is upstairs and bless her, she is so excited about the weddings, so please be civil. Girls, I’ll take your dresses into my room while Titch apologises.’

  As Elenor climbed the stairs she heard a weak apology and a slam of the door. Rose came from her room.

  ‘I don’t like her. She’s always horrid to me. She asked me to spy on you and Jackson once, and on Ron and Susie. I told her no, but she pulled my hair.’

  ‘Well, she won’t be around much longer. I can’t have her treating people like she does. She’s unhappy here and it’s wrong of us to force her to stay. Come along, let’s show the girls how pretty their bridesmaid is going to be tomorrow.’

  ‘Keep still, Susie,’ her sister said as she put the veil in place.

  ‘Still no sign of Titch?’ Dottie asked.

  ‘No, it will be me doing your hair, and I’ll try to make a decent job of it,’ Elenor said.

  ‘I’d rather it be you, Titch would singe it on purpose.’

  Rose scampered out of the bathroom and ran with her hands in the air, twirling in circles around the furniture.

  ‘Someone’s excited,’ Dottie said.

  ‘I don’t think she’s bothered,’ Elenor said and gave a laugh.

  ‘Shall I put my dress on yet? Is it time?’ Rose asked.

  ‘Not yet darling, sit quiet while we get the brides ready.’

  By the time Ron’s van and Susie’s father’s car arrived, Elenor was worn out. She pulled her wine outfit on and thought back to the last time she’d worn it – tea with Jackson in Coventry.

  They waited a while for Titch, but she was nowhere to be seen and they left without her. Elenor felt it was probably for the best. The girl couldn’t keep her jealousy in check and Elenor was in no mood for her spiteful tongue. She’d received a disappointing message from Jackson. He’d sent word he could not make the wedding as his unit were on the move. It frustrated her she did not know where he was going and lived in hope it wasn’t back to Canada.

  The wedding celebrations went well and helped bring a smile to her face. Dottie and Tom made an odd couple visually, but it was obvious they adored each other. Ron and Susie were nervous but got through their vows leaving Elenor feeling emotional.

  By early evening the reception was in full swing in the tithe barn. Elenor told them to make full use of it and those members of their families who were able to attend put on a fine spread. Dottie’s parents were everything she expected them to be, and her father was generous with his financial donation towards their honeymoon. Elenor had told Tom to take a week away, and they chose to visit Penzance. No amount of persuading them to leave the county worked. Both insisted on not wanting to travel far. Ron had to return to barracks the following morning, so Susie’s parents gave over their house for the wedding night. Susie said they would do without a honeymoon due to the expense. Unlike Titch, she showed no sign of jealousy.

  Rose was disappointed the beautiful cake sitting centrepiece on the table was made from cardboard with fake icing. She did forgive the brides when they each gave her a slice of their un-iced boiled fruit cakes made by Elenor.

  ‘They have brandy in, so don’t get tiddly,’ Elenor said as Rose ate her second slice.

  ‘Titch is tiddly,’ Rose said as she chewed.

  ‘She’s here?’

  Rose pointed across the room to where Titch teetered her way around a group of males. Unsure whether to interrupt, Elenor kept a close eye to ensure Titch did nothing to embarrass Dottie or Susie and upset their day.

  When she saw Titch place her hand on the backside of Susie’s uncle, Elenor knew it was time to step in and calm her down.

  ‘Titch. You made it. Did you get to see the service?’ Elenor said and manoeuvred Titch’s arm from its offending position. Not that the uncle appeared to mind or notice.

  ‘Nah. Not one for weddins, just receptions. They’re more my style.’

  ‘Did your man make it? What’s his name?’

  ‘None of your bizzy,’ Titch said and tapped the end of Elenor’s nose. Elenor noticed her glassy bloodshot eyes. Titch was more than tiddly.

  ‘I’m heading back with Rose. I take it you will be coming home tonight. We missed you last night.’

  ‘It depends,’ Titch said and walked away.

  Not wanting to cause a scene, Elenor left Titch, persuaded Rose to say goodnight and headed back to the house.

  With the weddings out of the way she could now concentrate on Titch. It was time to lay down stricter ground rules.

  ‘Titch. Titch, are you home?’

  Elenor called out and tapped on Titch’s bedroom door. When she didn’t get a reply she opened the door and noticed the bed was still made.

  ‘Rose, time to rise and shine, the chickens won’t feed themselves. I’ve got to tend the sheep for Tom.’

  A tousle-haired Rose ventured out of her room.

  ‘Ready to eat?’

  When they’d finished eating breakfast they set about their outdoor tasks. Rose was joined by several friends and moved onto the coop. Elenor set about the farm delegating jobs and keeping a watch out for Titch. She saw people clearing the tithe barn but Titch was not one of them.

  She found one of her farmhands hoeing the plot nearest Tom’s cottage and called out to him.

  ‘Do me a favour and watch the flock today. I’m missing Tom, Dottie, and Susie. On top of that, Titch is not around. You haven’t seen her, have you?’

  ‘Last I saw of her was staggering over to Tom’s place late last night. Bess is waiting by the bottom pasture,’ he said.

  Elenor pulled a puzzled face and gave him a nod. Someone had let Bess out of her kennel. She walked to Tom’s cottage and went to knock on the door. She withdrew her hand and chose to go inside without knocking. If Titch was skiving and sleeping off a hangover she wanted to catch her out.

  Once inside she noticed two glasses unwashed by the sink, and a plate of unfinished food.

  She ventured to the bottom of the stairs.

  ‘Hello,’ she called and stood back waiting for a response.

  She didn’t have to wait long to know someone was upstairs. The thud of feet moving around also told her there was more than one person.

  ‘Titch. If that is you, you have fifteen minutes to ready yourself for work. Tell your friend to leave now.’

  She turned around and went to the door when a male’s cough from upstairs stopped her in her tracks. It was followed by muffled whispers.

  ‘Titch. Work. Cattle shed. Now,’ Elenor shouted and stormed out of the cottage.

  She went to the cattle shed and joined two of the milkmaids. After about forty minutes, Titch arrived.

  ‘I understand you’ve been lookin’ for me,�
� she said and stood with her hands in her jodhpur pockets.

  ‘I have,’ Elenor said and carried on brushing mud from a cow’s tail.

  ‘Well I’m here. What d’ya want?’

  ‘A private word. In the house please,’ Elenor said and put down her brush. She walked past Titch and out of the barn. ‘Now, please.’

  Inside the house she stood with her arms folded in front of her and stared at Titch.

  ‘You look a mess. What’s got into you? Where were you last night and this morning?’

  Titch pulled out a chair and sat down.

  ‘We both know where I’ve been, and I tell you now. Things are going to change around here.’

  Elenor stared at her wide-eyed and unfolded her arms. She stood with her fists clenched not wanting her temper to get the better of her.

  ‘I’m sorry, did I hear you just say what I was about to say? Things are going to change around here, Titch. We cannot have this behaviour on the farm.’

  ‘Oh, and what sort of behaviour is that – keeping secrets? Telling lies? Making life hard for others?’ Titch said, and her words held a hint of menace.

  ‘What on earth are you talking about?’

  ‘S’for me to know and you to find out, but I tell you now, walls are thin. Right, I’m off for an hour’s kip and then I’ll finish up outside. See ya.’ Titch kicked back the chair and it hit the floor. Elenor stared at it and then at Titch’s back as she headed into the hallway. And then paranoia returned. Titch knew something about Fritz and Rose. She’d no doubt slept with one of Ron’s wedding guests who’d helped him remove Fritz from the camp. Drink and the promise of a good time had probably loosened his tongue.

  Before she could rush after Titch or react in any way, Susie entered the kitchen.

  ‘Well, if it isn’t Mrs Susie Braithwaite,’ Elenor said gaining control of her nerves.

  ‘Sounds weird hearing you say it out loud,’ Susie said.

  ‘Ron’s gone back to White Cross I take it?’

  ‘Yes, left an hour ago. It was a lovely day, but I’m happy to get back to normal.’

  ‘Whatever normal might be here at Tre Lodhen,’ Elenor said and added a laugh.