by Linda Finlay
‘Indeed it isn’t, sir,’ she replied, smiling up at him.
Encouraged by her friendly response, he grinned, clearly wondering whether to push his luck a bit further.
‘Squire Clinsden, I wonder if you could please provide me with a testimonial? As you know, we shall be leaving the cottage this month and I need to secure a room in a lodging house here in Bransbeer.’ He looked down at her, taking so long to reply that she wondered if she should have waited until he was sober. Then, in a snap, his manner changed.
‘A testimonial can only be given once the premises you rent have been inspected and the inventory checked. Of course, had you accepted the position I so generously offered, you wouldn’t be requiring one. It pays not to upset your landlord, Miss Rose, as you will soon find out.’
Before she could respond, Ned appeared, leading his lordship’s bay. As he helped the squire into the saddle, Lily took the opportunity to slip away. Loathsome man, she thought. And although it was uncharitable of her, she couldn’t help wishing he’d fall off and break his neck.
CHAPTER 16
‘Lily, are you all right?’ She spun round to find Tom hurrying towards her. ‘I saw the squire galloping off like the devil was after him. Gosh, girl, you’re trembling. Did he upset you, ’cos I’ll have something to say to him if he did?’
She noticed he was bunching his fists as he spoke, and quickly reassured him. ‘Heavens, no, he was three sheets to the wind.’
Tom stared at her, opened his mouth to say something, then shrugged.
She’d do her best to get her testimonial, although goodness knew how, and then have nothing more to do with the squire, she vowed.
‘Did you go and see Miss Chicke?’ Tom asked.
She nodded.
‘And was the room still vacant?’
She nodded again, deciding she’d had enough questions for one day. ‘Fancy a stroll along the shore?’ she asked.
Tom gave her a searching look. ‘Why not?’ he said, and grinned.
But as they walked side by side along the water’s edge, the events of the past few days caught up with her and she could feel her anger rising. Stopping to lean against a rock, she pulled off her boots and stockings, hitched up her skirts and stepped into the water. Ignoring Tom’s startled look, she paddled around, enjoying the feel of the waves as they lapped over bare skin. As her feet cooled so did her temper.
She was damned if she going to let the sordid squire and his empty threats spoil her evening. Turning towards Tom, she saw he was frowning.
‘Is something wrong?’ she asked, climbing out of the water and shaking the drops from her feet.
‘Your aunt was going frantic this morning. She said she hadn’t seen you last even and that your bed hadn’t been slept in.’
‘When did you see her?’ she asked as she pulled on her boots.
‘First thing,’ he said, frowning as he remembered. ‘There I was walking past your cottage when out she came like a whirling dervish, accusing me of spending the night with you.’
‘Oh, she didn’t?’ Lily groaned.
‘Well, you can rest assured your reputation is safe, for I put her right on that score. Couldn’t tell her where you were, though, ’cos I didn’t know meself, did I?’ he said, giving her a searching look.
‘Come on, I’d best be getting back. I’ll tell you what’s been happening as we walk.’
When she’d finished filling him in, he was silent for a few moments.
‘Lily, I know you’re a kind-hearted girl but aren’t you taking this all a bit seriously? You’re paid to make your own lace, not other people’s, and as for sleeping in the donkey-cart, well, anything could have happened. I’ve already warned you about those owlers, haven’t I?’
‘Well, nothing did, and I wouldn’t expect you to understand, Tom. Anyway, what were you doing up at Coombe first thing?’ she asked, as it struck her that it wasn’t the first time he’d visited whilst she was away in Bransbeer.
‘Ah, well now, happen that’s for me to know,’ he said, tapping the side of his nose. ‘Let’s just say I have a surprise for you, my lovely Lily. If all goes to plan, it means we can be wed as soon as you are out of mourning for your mother, God rest her soul.’
‘That’s wonderful, Tom, but what is the surprise?’ she asked, tugging at his arm.
‘Not telling you,’ he chuckled. ‘But as soon as you’ve settled into your new room, I’ll take you to dinner at the finest hostelry in Bransbeer to celebrate.’
‘Hmm, that’ll give us lots of choice then,’ she teased. ‘Well, I suppose I better get back home and face the music,’ she said as they reached the stables.
‘Oh, so you’ve remembered where your home is, albeit not for much longer.’
Lily looked up from unlacing her boots, to see her aunt standing in front of her, hands on hips, two bright spots staining her cheeks.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t make it home last night, Aunt Elizabeth, but I had to rework one of the lace maker’s pieces. By the time I’d finished, it was dark and I was too scared to come home by the cliff path in case the owlers were out, especially with all the sheep having been sheared. Tom told me they always move the wool on as soon as they can.’
‘Spent the night by yourself, did you?’ Aunt Elizabeth asked sharply.
‘Yes,’ Lily answered, looking puzzled.
‘And I was born yesterday, was I?’
‘If Lily says she was working, then she was, Aunt. She’s no liar,’ Robert declared, coming into the room. Lily shot him a grateful look.
‘It’s the truth all right, Aunt Elizabeth. I always tell the truth, remember? Besides, Tom said he spoke to you this morning.’
‘It wasn’t him I was thinking of, young Lily. Word on the street says a certain merchant’s taken a shine to you. Spend the night with him, did you? Become his dolly mop, have you?’
Lily’s eyes widened as she stared at her aunt in disbelief.
‘I’ve no need to make extra money like that, thank you very much,’ she retorted, wondering why her aunt was being so nasty. Crossing the room, she held her hands out in front of the fire to warm them.
‘Are you all right?’ Robert asked, following her.
‘Just bone weary,’ she said stifling a yawn. ‘I can’t say I’d recommend sleeping in the donkey-cart, though.’
Robert grimaced. ‘Reckon you’ll not have spent a comfortable night.’
‘No, it took a while to get to sleep,’ she answered, shuddering as she recalled the scary noises and how she’d cowered under her shawl. ‘But I was that tired, I nodded off eventually …’ Her voice tailed off as she sniffed the air appreciatively.
‘Hungry? You’ll not say no to some pea soup then,’ he said, smiling.
‘Well, don’t think I’m about to wait on you, young lady,’ her aunt shouted through from the scullery. ‘I’m away to Grace’s and my bed.’
‘Good night, Aunt Elizabeth,’ Lily called, but the only reply was the slamming of the back door.
‘Don’t fret, Lily,’ Rob soothed as she stood there open-mouthed. ‘Aunt Elizabeth was that worried when you didn’t come home that she stayed here last night. She’ll have calmed down by the morning.’
‘I hope so. I felt awful realizing she’d worry, but there was no way I could let her know. I could hardly call to her from Bransbeer, could I?’
‘You’ve got a loud enough voice, our Lily, but happen even you couldn’t shout that far.’
‘Cheek!’ she said, pretending to be outraged.
Chuckling, he leaned forward and ladled out some soup from the pot hanging over the fire. ‘That used the last of the dried peas from our stores, but I reckon we’ve just enough potatoes to last until we move out,’ he said, handing the cup to Lily. ‘Now, tell me, why did you have to stay up half the night working on this lace? Couldn’t the woman redo it herself?’
‘Anna, that’s her name, made a right mess of it. She’s having trouble with her eyes and may be going blind, p
oor thing,’ she said sighing. ‘With lace making putting such a strain on the eyesight it’s not an uncommon occurrence, but it would be a real tragedy for Anna. She has a hard life as it is, with a drunkard for a husband and six young kiddies to feed. If I hadn’t reworked the lace she would have been in trouble, we would have been behind schedule, and Mrs Bodney wouldn’t have been pleased.’
‘It’s a really important job, this one, then?’
‘Yes, it is. When it’s finished and you find out who we’re making it for, you’ll be amazed, Rob.’
Gently easing himself up from the chair, he patted her shoulder. ‘I’m sure. Now sup your soup and I’ll fetch some bread. I hid a heel in the cupboard in the scullery,’ he said, grinning as he hobbled from the room. She smiled and took a sip. As the liquid slipped down her throat, warming her insides, she felt herself relaxing at last. Then, when Rob returned with her bread, he sat quietly watching the fire whilst she ate it. But as soon as she’d finished, she heard him clearing his throat. A sure sign he had something on his mind.
‘Lily, this merchant Aunt Elizabeth was talking about. Is there anything between you?’
‘Robert, what is all this? Mr Mountsford is just a merchant who deals with Mrs Bodney.’
‘Did he send you flowers?’ he asked, watching her closely.
‘How do you know about those?’ she gasped.
‘Aunt Elizabeth took some clean clothes down for Beth earlier. Apparently, when Mrs Goode went to Bransbeer to collect her provisions, Molly thought it her duty to pass on what she’d heard.’
‘Molly. I might have known. Honestly, I swear I’ll silence that tattle-tale permanently one of these days,’ she burst out, remembering the girl had delivered Mrs Bodney’s victuals the day before. Clearly, she’d taken advantage of the woman’s absence and snooped around. Robert stared at her in surprise and, shocked by her outburst, Lily stared down at the floor.
Robert cleared his throat again. ‘Look, Lily, I don’t mean to pry, but I worry about you. This Mr Mountsford is obviously a man of the world and you, well, you’ve led quite a sheltered life here at the cottage.’
‘I know how many beans make what, though, and I swear there’s nothing between us. Yes, he did send me flowers,’ she said, ‘but only because he thought he might have offended me.’ Seeing the look of relief spreading across his face, she smiled. It was nice having her big brother looking out for her. ‘Besides, you know Tom’s the one for me.’
‘Tom’s a fine man and a good friend, but he cares that much for you, Lily, he’d get mighty mad if he thought anyone had eyes for his betrothed.’
‘Rob, you do worry so,’ she said, patting his arm.
‘As I said, people like to talk and now with this Mountsford on the scene, well …’
‘Mr Mountsford is just a merchant who deals with Mrs Bodney,’ she repeated.
‘He’s a merchant who likes you well enough to send you flowers. His kind lead a different life from ours, Lily. He might try and tempt you with the finer things of life. But then he’ll expect you to—’
‘Oh, Robert, don’t you start,’ she said, sighing. ‘Mrs Bodney was saying something similar earlier. Fishing’s an honest way to earn a living, and now Tom’s baiting up the pots as well he’s bringing in more money for when we wed.’ Eager to change the subject, she asked, ‘Are you looking forward to going to Ilminster?’
‘Oh, Lily, I can’t wait to feel useful again. I never dreamed I’d get the opportunity to learn a new trade. Who knows, I might even make you and Tom a clock for your wedding present.’
She smiled fondly at him. ‘That would be something to treasure, Rob,’ she said, stifling a yawn. ‘Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll bid you good night. As you reminded me earlier, it’s less than three weeks till we flit, and I haven’t even begun packing my things.’ She bent and kissed his cheek. ‘You will keep in touch when you move, won’t you?’
‘Nothing will keep me away from your wedding, little sister,’ he said, his eyes bright with emotion.
When Lily was alone in the room she used to share with her mother and Beth, the events of the day caught up with her. Undressing quickly, she sank thankfully into bed. However, sleep eluded her and she lay in the darkness thinking back over the past few days. Should she have told Tom about the flowers? Surely, he would understand they were given as a peace offering? There again, Molly was a troublemaker and might make it her business to tell Tom before Lily next saw him. She would get up early and see him before he sailed. How much easier it would be when she was living in Bransbeer and they could spend more time together. But would the squire give her a testimonial? And if he did, would the room still be available?
Finally, she fell into a restless doze, only to be plagued by busy dreams where the squire was chasing her around the cliffs, his slug-like fingers greedily reaching out to grab her. He was being chased by Rupert Mountsford, who was being chased by Tom. Round and round the cliffs they all ran, faster and faster, until she was so dizzy she spun off the edge and fell into the sea.
CHAPTER 17
Next morning, Lily woke later than she’d planned and by the time she arrived in Bransbeer Tom’s boat, along with the rest of the fleet, was already heading for the deeper waters off Lyme Bay.
Promising herself she’d tell him about the flowers the next time they met, she stabled Doris and made her way to Mrs Bodney’s cottage. She had a lot of work to catch up on so the extra time would be well used. However, she hadn’t long been at her pillow when the maid popped her head round the door.
‘Mr Mountsford wonders if you could spare him a moment?’ she whispered.
‘Oh, Tilda,’ she groaned. ‘Can’t Mrs Bodney see him?’
But the girl shook her head. ‘Madam’s out this morning.’
‘Very well,’ she said, smothering a sigh as she smoothed down her skirts and hurried through to the parlour.
‘Mr Mountsford, what a pleasant surprise. How can I be of help?’ she asked briskly. He jumped up, smiling at her so brightly, she couldn’t help smiling back.
‘Rupert, please,’ he reminded, then nodded towards the mantel where the lilies were in full bloom. ‘I see you received my flowers. I trust they were acceptable?’
‘They are beautiful, Rupert, thank you,’ she said, still feeling awkward at using his personal name.
‘I felt I must ask because, to be honest, I’m puzzled to see them here in Mrs Bodney’s parlour,’ he said, frowning.
Remembering her employer’s instructions to keep him happy, Lily thought quickly.
‘My journey home from work entails riding in a donkey-cart. Alas, all that bumping would cause the petals to fall and I thought it would be a shame to ruin such beautiful flowers.’
‘I understand,’ he said, looking relieved. ‘And the card that accompanied them?’
‘I have it right here in my pocket,’ she said, slapping her apron.
Positively beaming now, he continued, ‘Then may I ask if you’ve had time to consider my invitation to join me for tea?’
‘Oh, yes. I’d be delighted to offer you tea here in the parlour,’ she said quickly and although he smiled politely, his eyes sparked with mischief.
‘That would be most agreeable. That is, if you’re sure I won’t be keeping you from your work.’
‘I’m sure Mrs Bodney won’t mind, as long as we are not too long,’ she said, ringing the little bell. Tilda appeared, seeming unusually flustered.
‘A tray of tea for two, please, Tilda,’ Lily said, frowning at the maid, who seemed to be studying the floor with unusual interest.
However, Rupert proved to be an entertaining visitor and she soon forgot Tilda’s curious behaviour as he regaled her with amusing tales of his travels between London and Devonshire. The moment he’d finished his tea, however, he jumped to his feet, declaring he had kept her from her work long enough.
‘Before I forget, please could you see that Mrs Bodney receives this?’ he said, handing her a small package.
‘Yes, of course,’ she said, setting it down on the table.
‘I’d be obliged if you’d hand it to her personally, Lily,’ Rupert said frowning.
‘Why, yes, of course,’ Lily said, surprised at his insistence. Picking up the package she popped it into her apron pocket.
‘It’s something she particularly likes and I’d hate for her not to receive it,’ Rupert explained, smiling. ‘Thank you for your kind hospitality, Lily. I hope you will let me return it by joining me for supper one evening.’ A knowing grin spread across his face and she knew that not for one moment had he been taken in by her ploy of entertaining him here in the parlour. However, Mrs Bodney’s instructions were to keep him happy, so she coaxed her lips into a smile.
‘Thank you, Rupert,’ she said, ringing the little bell. Relieved when Tilda appeared, she hardly noticed that once again, the little maid kept her eyes averted.
That evening, as soon as the ladies had left the workroom, Lily followed them out, bolted the door and hurried to the donkey-cart. She was concerned that Rupert might appear and she had no wish to make excuses to him or her aunt. As she began the descent into Coombe, it suddenly struck her that in her haste to avoid Rupert, she’d forgotten about seeing Tom.
‘Oh, well, Doris, it seems another early morning’s called for,’ she said. The donkey brayed, but whether it was in response to her statement or because she’d spied the cottage and knew supper was waiting, Lily couldn’t be sure.
Drawing up outside the cottage, Lily was surprised to see the squire’s bay tethered to the fence. Her heart sank. Was there no escaping the man? Then she saw Rob, looking grim, hobbling towards her.
‘Squire Clinsden’s inside. He’s in a right old temper and going through all your things,’ he cried.
‘What?’ Lily gasped. ‘Why?’ Looking up, she saw Aunt Elizabeth wringing her hands as she hurried towards her.
‘Oh, Lily, what have you done?’
‘What on earth’s the matter?’ Lily asked, rushing into the cottage. Her heart beat faster as she heard banging and cursing coming from her room. Then, the squire burst out, brandishing something aloft.