‘And yet you went into the army.’
‘Family tradition.’ Alex nodded to the maid as she brought in the tea. ‘Thank you Daisy, we’ll look after ourselves. Tell Cook Mr Gardener will be staying for dinner, and could she make it an hour earlier, please.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Can Gertie ride?’ Alex wanted to know.
‘We all learnt, but I don’t think she’s been on a horse for some time. She rode astride, as it was the only way she could keep up with us. She was never taught to ride like a lady.’
‘What did she wear?’
‘Trousers under her skirt.’ He grinned. ‘She borrowed a pair of Edward’s.’
‘Tell her to bring clothes to ride in, and Millie if she’s got anything. If not, I expect there will be something suitable at the farm.’
‘All right,’ David agreed. ‘You breed warhorses, don’t you? Have you got any ordinary riding animals?’
‘Don’t think so, but there’s a pony for Millie.’
Unable to believe what he was hearing, David’s eyes opened wide. ‘You’re not thinking of putting us on a destrier, are you?’
‘They’re exquisite animals. I’m sure you’ll both enjoy the challenge.’
‘They’re bred for fighting!’
‘Hmm.’ Alex’s grin spread. ‘I’m looking forward to going there.’
‘I think I’ve just gone off the idea.’
‘Dinner is served, sir,’ the butler announced.
‘Thank you, Hunt.’ Alex slapped David on the back. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to either of you.’
‘Amen to that!’
Waiting for her father to come home was agony for Gertrude. She was bursting to know what had happened today, and would he have given his permission for her to go to the farm?
Florence closed the book she had been reading and smiled at her daughter. ‘As soon as we have sufficient funds we must have a lovely gown made for you, in case Alexander needs your help again. You cannot be seen in the same one again.’
‘I’m quite happy with the gowns I have,’ Gertrude said gently. ‘Two have hardly been worn.’
‘Perhaps, but you must have at least one new gown. I’ll see to it as soon as I can. Now, what is Miriam Chester like, and what was she wearing?’
‘She’s a pleasant young girl and she was wearing a pale lemon gown. The colour went well with her blonde hair and light blue eyes. Her hair was beautifully arranged, and swept up with a diamond comb to hold it in place. She looked lovely.’
‘I’ve never met her, you know.’ Florence looked thoughtful. ‘But I expect I shall quite soon.’
‘Ah, Father has just arrived.’ Gertrude was glad to change the subject because her mother still seemed to have marriage on her mind. She understood it, of course, as most girls were either married or engaged by the age of twenty. She waited anxiously for her father, wanting to know what had happened.
‘How have you been today, my dear?’ he asked, walking straight over to his wife.
‘Very well, Sutton. I’m a little stronger each day.’ He kissed his wife’s cheek, and then turned to his daughter. ‘And who has been keeping secrets from me?’
‘They came then!’ There had been a spring in his step when he’d walked across the room, and years had dropped away from him, revealing the man he’d been before this disaster had hit them. ‘What have they offered?’
‘What is she talking about?’ Florence asked, looking from one to the other.
‘Our daughter had news last night and didn’t tell me. When Alex and David came to the workshop this morning I was in for a surprise.’ He smiled at his wife. ‘I have good news, my dear.’
He then proceeded to tell her about the scheme.
‘And what will that mean to us?’ Florence was as excited as her daughter now.
‘The renovation of the ship will take about a year, and four of our workers, including Fred, have offered to take on the task. I have agreed terms with Alex, and they are very generous. The rewards to both the men and us will be substantial.’
Gertrude jumped to her feet, unable to sit still any longer. ‘David’s going to benefit as well. Alex has given him an equal share in the ship in return for his expertise and knowledge. Isn’t it wonderful! And I’m so pleased Fred will be involved. He’ll be thrilled.’
‘Oh,’ her mother’s hands trembled. ‘I had given up hope of us ever recovering from this disaster.’
‘You mustn’t,’ Gertrude said firmly. ‘Fred and Millie told me to hold on to my dreams when things are hard. Everything’s going to be all right, Mother, you’ll see. I do believe the worst is behind us now.’
‘We still have a way to go.’ Sutton sounded a note of caution.
‘Yes, but there’s now hope for the future. One moment we were a happy, complete family, and the next we were torn apart. Everything went from bad to worse for us, and there seemed no way we could ever recover from the disaster, but things are turning in our favour, at last. And I am going to rejoice in this moment.’
‘We owe Alexander a debt of gratitude,’ Florence said.
‘So many people are going to benefit from this crazy venture.’ Hanna swept into the room. ‘I do declare that boy is as unpredictable as ever.’
‘Hello, Hanna.’ Sutton greeted his sister. ‘You’ve heard all about it, then.’
‘Impossible not to. Alex and David have caused a lot of excitement. They’ve been sweeping round London recruiting workers, and have been besieged by men desperate for jobs. Those two men work well together, and have a mutual respect for each other. I must say they’re taking a risk with this project, but if they can make it work it will be marvellous.’
‘They’ll make it work,’ Gertrude stated, with complete confidence.
‘I’m sure they’ll do their best.’ Sutton handed his sister a drink. ‘Are you staying for dinner?’
‘Please.’
‘Father, did Alex mention anything else?’
‘Ah, yes, I almost forgot,’ he teased. ‘I have given my permission for you to go with them at the end of the week, after being assured David and Millie will be accompanying you.’
‘Thank you!’ She was overjoyed.
‘What’s this all about?’ Florence and Hanna demanded at the same time.
Gertrude explained the plan, and by the end, Hanna was nodding her head in approval.
‘My goodness,’ her mother exclaimed. ‘That dear man is determined to help those children, isn’t he? And he must value your opinion, Gertrude.’
‘I think it’s just wonderful, and I’ll help in any way I can.’
Hanna looked thoughtful, and spoke almost to herself. ‘This is more like the man I knew before tragedy struck his family. He’s happy again.’
Chapter Thirty-Five
By the end of the week, the old ship was swarming with men, and David could hardly believe work was under way so quickly. But then he should have known Alex never wasted time once his mind was set on something. He had moved like a storm-force wind, hiring workers and suppliers, and once everything was in place he’d stepped back and let David take over, watching but never interfering.
‘She’s a mess, isn’t she?’
David spun round to find Lord Chester standing behind him. ‘We’ve got to tear out all the rotting wood before we can start rebuilding,’ he replied. ‘It looks worse than it really is at the moment.’
‘I’m glad you said “rebuilding”,’ Lord Chester remarked dryly. ‘You’re the one with all the knowledge, son, so is she going to float again, or is Alex just dreaming?’
‘Oh, he never takes anything on unless he’s looked into it thoroughly and is sure it’s a viable project. Give me a year and the Ocean Sprite will live up to her name.’ David didn’t know when he’d started to feel affection for the poor old lady, but he really believed what he’d said.
‘You’re right, of course, and the only reason we’ve gone into this is because we trust his instinct,
and he has you with him. You and your father are highly thought of in the shipping world.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘I had you checked out before going into this scheme, and from what I’ve heard you’re a clever young man. Alex is no fool.’
David was so surprised by this he didn’t know what to say.
‘Can I go on board?’
‘I wouldn’t at the moment, but come back in a couple of months and I’ll give you a guided tour.’
‘I’ll do that. We’re giving a small dinner party a week tomorrow. Join us.’
‘Thank you, I’d be delighted to.’ It was an effort to hide his surprise.
‘Excellent. My wife will send you an invitation. Now I’ll leave you to your work, David.’
He strode away and David watched him in amazement, rather disconcerted to know he’d been checked out. The report must have been impressive, because not only had the eminent Lord Chester invited him to dine with them, he’d called him by his Christian name.
At that moment there was the most almighty crash, which had him tearing up the gangplank. ‘What’s happened?’ he yelled. ‘Is anyone hurt?’
The man, Bentley, whom he’d put in charge of the first stage of the work, appeared through a hatchway. ‘Nothing to worry about, sir. Part of the lower decking gave way, but no one’s hurt. All the noise was caused by a pile of wood falling through the hole.’
‘Thank God for that!’
The foreman came and stood beside him. ‘Means we’re going to have to replace all of that section, though.’
‘Do it. This ship’s going to sail with children on board, so she’s got to be the safest vessel on the sea.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Bentley rubbed his hands together, smiling. ‘She’s going to be a happy ship because everyone here is working on her with love for the old vessel. I heard one man tell her he was sorry to be tearing her apart, but not to worry, she’d feel better soon.’
‘I think soon is a bit optimistic.’ David laughed. ‘I’ll be away for a couple of days, so is there anything you need to know before I go?’
‘I know what’s got to be done. I’ve been building ships like this since I was little more than a kid. You can leave it to me, sir.’
David was grateful to Alex for paying top wages. They had managed to gather together a good team, and it was already evident he wasn’t going to have to watch over their every move. Which was a good thing. His workload was increasing day by day. Alex had gained more drive and purpose lately, and in this kind of mood it wasn’t easy to keep up with him. David now found himself being stretched, and he loved every challenge.
Early Friday morning they were all in the coach on their way to the farm in Kent.
Millie couldn’t stop smiling, she was so happy. ‘We had a huge party last night,’ she told them. ‘The men know they’ve got jobs for at least a year and that means the kids will have plenty to eat. They can’t stop talking about the ship and how beautiful she’s gonna be when they’ve finished with her. Johnny said he wants to sit in the crow’s nest.’
That made Alex laugh. ‘You tell him I’ll take him up there when we’ve got one.’
The journey was pleasant, and the sun even decided to show itself to brighten their way. They stopped at an inn for lunch; it was a pleasant spot and they lingered while the horses enjoyed the grass in a field adjoining the inn. Refreshed, they continued on their way. The men talked about ships, cargoes and the planned riding school, but the girls were content to sit quietly and watch the passing scenery. As the city was left behind and they began travelling through fields and open spaces, sighs of sheer bliss kept coming from Millie.
The evenings were drawing out a little by now, and it was still light when they arrived.
Millie was the first out of the coach, and she clutched at Gertrude’s sleeve to urge her forward. ‘Look at those, ain’t they beautiful! Let’s go and see that big black one. He’s looking at us.’
Alex lunged and caught her as she started to run towards the animals. ‘Whoa! You mustn’t go near them unless I’m with you.’
‘I won’t hurt him,’ she said, innocently.
A stocky man joined them, smiling a greeting. ‘They will hurt you, though, Miss. They’re warhorses and have uncertain tempers. They bite and kick.’
‘That’s not nice. Why do they do that?’
‘They’re bred as fighters,’ Alex told her.
She took a step back and let out a deep breath. ‘We ain’t gonna ride them, are we?’
‘No, I’ve got a gentle pony for you.’ Alex then introduced the man standing beside him. ‘This is Stan Brewster, he runs the place for me. Stan meet Miss Melrose, Millie, and David Gardener, my shipping agent.’
‘I’m pleased to meet you all. Everything’s ready for you and your guests, sir.’
They went into the house, were shown their rooms, and then enjoyed a splendid meal, cooked for them by Stan’s wife. Instead of the men retiring to another room, the after dinner drinks were served in the sitting room, and with the farm manager also present, they discussed what had to be done to set up the riding school.
Alex encouraged everyone to contribute ideas, listening just as intently to the girls as he did to the men. Gertrude and Millie were being made to feel valuable members of the project, and when it came to caring for the children, they were a great help.
It was eleven o’clock before Alex called a halt. ‘That will do for tonight. In the morning we’ll look over the proposed site, and then we can properly assess its suitability. We have a busy day ahead of us, so I suggest we all retire.’
For a brief moment Gertrude wondered where she was, then she woke up completely. Of course, they were at the farm. Tired out by the journey and lengthy discussions after dinner, she had slept soundly. She stretched, enjoying the comfort of the impressively carved wooden bed. It was huge, and wondered if she had been given the best room in the house. It wasn’t as grand as the house in London, but it was a working farm and had a lovely homely feel about it.
Telling herself she couldn’t lounge around all day, however tempting that was, she jumped out of bed. The men would not be pleased if they had to waste time waiting for her. A fire was already burning in the grate, and there was fresh water on the stand. It was still hot and she couldn’t believe someone had come in without her waking.
Half an hour later she was about to go down for breakfast when she heard a shout. Curious, she looked out of the window. Several men were gathered in the paddock, and her breath caught in her throat when she saw Alex vault over the fence and approach the most enormous horse she had ever seen. He was black as night, with a white star on his forehead, and he looked highly dangerous. Everyone else was keeping well out of the way.
Grabbing her coat, she ran down the stairs and out the door. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked, skidding to a stop beside David.
It was Stan who answered, never taking his eyes off Alex and the horse. ‘We haven’t been able to break that beast, so Mr Glendale’s going to see what he can do. We’ll have to get rid of him if he can’t be ridden, and that would be a great shame. He’s a fine specimen.’
‘They’ve managed to get a saddle on him,’ David told her, shaking his head, ‘and that was dangerous enough. That’s one evil-minded horse, and I doubt if Alex will even be able to get near him, let alone mount up.’
‘I wouldn’t bet on that, sir. Mr Glendale’s the finest horseman I’ve ever seen.’
‘Shouldn’t someone be out there with him?’ she asked, frightened by what they’d told her. ‘Alex could be injured – or even killed.’
‘He knows what he’s doing. Don’t you worry, Miss.’
‘This is my son, Reg, Miss Melrose. He’s been working with the horse, but has had to give up.’
Reg bowed slightly, then moved towards the fence, murmuring, ‘I hated giving in, but I don’t think you’re going to be able to intimidate the man in front of you, my beauty.’
Alex sidestepped as the animal lowered his head a
nd charged. Then everything happened so quickly Gertrude had to grip David’s arm tightly. Before the horse had turned to attack again, Alex was in the saddle. After trying every trick he knew and not being able to dislodge the man on his back, the horse stood still, not moving a muscle.
‘Oh, he’s decided to behave.’ Gertrude breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Don’t you believe it,’ Stan told her. ‘He’s just trying to make his rider believe he’s won. Any minute now …’
Suddenly the horse went down and Alex jumped clear just as the animal rolled over, but was back in the saddle again before the animal was back on his feet.
‘Did you see that?’ Reg was grinning. ‘Mr Glendale’s got to teach me that. What you going to do now, you nasty tempered devil?’ he called to the horse. ‘That was your best trick. You can’t get rid of him, can you?’
With fury emanating from him, the horse suddenly took off, hurdled the fence and disappeared into the distance.
‘Damn!’ Reg was cheering. ‘He’s got him, Dad. He’s got the bugger!’
‘Language,’ his father scolded. ‘There’s a lady present.’
‘Sorry, Miss. I forgot myself in the excitement.’
‘I quite understand, but shouldn’t someone go after them?’ She was shaking with fright. The only horses she’d ever encountered had been fully trained and docile. She’d certainly never seen one that was still wild.
‘We’ll give him half an hour, but he could have gone in any direction.’ Stan nodded at his son. ‘Better saddle up our horses, just in case.’
‘No need.’ Reg pointed to a figure in the distance. ‘I’ll open the paddock gate and then he won’t have to jump the fence.’
‘Does the animal know that?’ David asked, dryly.
‘We’ll soon see.’
They watched in silence as Alex and the horse came closer. They were still moving at a full gallop, but as they approached the fence the horse slowed to a canter, and after an obvious argument with his rider, trotted through the gate. Jumping down, Alex immediately removed the saddle, threw it across the fence, and then walked towards them.
Hold on to your Dreams Page 25