by Linda Finlay
Seeing he had been bested by his wife and that further interrogation would only make him look more foolish, he banged his gavel, announced the case dismissed and stormed out of the court.
As Lily shook her head in bewilderment, she noticed Mrs Bodney following after him.
‘Well, my dear,’ Lady Clinsden said, appearing at Lily’s side, ‘that certainly showed him.’
‘So those things weren’t yours, then?’ Lily asked, bewildered.
‘Of course they were,’ Lady Clinsden replied, laughing. ‘As well the old bugger knows, and that makes it an even finer victory.’
‘Now I’m really confused.’
‘Well, don’t be. Let’s just say it’s retribution.’ Her tinkling laugh echoed around the courtroom, which was rapidly emptying now the drama was over.
‘Gosh, Lady Clinsden, if you don’t mind me saying, you seem too nice to be married to someone like him,’ Lily said, staring at the other woman, who sobered immediately.
‘I agree with that sentiment entirely. Regrettably, some of us have little choice whom we marry. However, my dear, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must take my leave. The squire is sure to be drowning his sorrows in the strongest liquor known to man, and I think it would be wise if I went to stay with my sister in Sidmouth until he gets over it.’ She swished her way elegantly out of the courtroom leaving Lily staring after her in admiration. She wasn’t sure about her skinning a cat, though. Surely she wouldn’t dirty her hands in such a manner?
‘Blimey, Lily, that was a right fine turn-up.’ Tom appeared at her side, a huge grin nearly splitting his handsome features. Then, heedless of the people still milling around, he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. Feeling dizzy from his affection and the realization she was free, she slumped against his shoulder.
‘I still don’t understand what that was all about.’ But, at that moment, Mrs Bodney reappeared, triumphantly brandishing a piece of paper.
‘Look, the squire has kindly furnished you with a testimonial, Lily,’ she said, laughing as she stressed the word ‘kindly’. ‘Now why don’t we all go back to the cottage, and I’ll get Tilda to provide some refreshment.’
Lily sat in Mrs Bodney’s parlour sipping her lemon drink, having declined anything stronger, for she felt quite giddy enough as it was. She couldn’t believe how the events of the past hour had turned out. Not only had she been acquitted, she had the vital testimonial to secure her a room. Slumping back in her chair, she watched Tom laughing at something Mrs Bodney was saying. It struck her then how lucky she was to have their support.
‘Are you all right, Lily?’ Mrs Bodney asked, looking up.
‘I’m fine, though still a bit puzzled by Lady Clinsden’s actions.’
‘Well, don’t be. She has a lot to contend with, putting up with the squire. She can certainly hold her own, though.’ She leaned forward, adding in a hushed voice, ‘Do you know every time she sees her dressmaker she instructs her to make two identical dresses but to bill them as one item? Then, when the squire checks the account he assumes his wife has done as he’s said and had only one made. As she always appears to be wearing the same dress, he has no reason to doubt her. A clever ruse, don’t you think?’
‘Yes,’ Lily giggled, ‘that’s quite the smartest thing I’ve heard.’
‘Well, you’d better not be getting ideas for after we’re wed, our Lily,’ said Tom, looking so affronted the two ladies laughed.
‘I’m sure having such a splendid fellow as you for a husband, Lily won’t have to resort to such trickery,’ said Mrs Bodney, and Lily watched in amazement as Tom, normally so unassuming, puffed up like a peacock at her words.
‘And I’m sure my husband will want me to do him proud when he takes me out, so he’ll always make sure I have a new dress to wear,’ she teased. Tom shook his head, understanding for the first time why, as his father had once told him, it was usually wisest for a man to remain silent.
‘Well, Lily, I’ve made out a testimonial for you so I suggest you take it, along with the one from the squire, up to the house at High Field and secure that room. In the meantime, I will go and check that our lace ladies have had a productive day.’
‘Oh, Mrs Bodney, I’ve not done any work at all today,’ she said. ‘I reckon you should be deducting my wages.’
But the other woman’s eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘That won’t be necessary, Lily. You’ll be pleased to hear the squire wouldn’t hear of my being out of pocket for today’s events.’ Winking at them, she put her hand in her reticule and drew out a handful of golden coins, which she laid in a neat pile on the table in front of them. As they gasped she added, ‘Let’s just say, he understood it would be prudent to make some recompense for the error of his ways.’
‘Oh,’ said Lily, her hand flying to her mouth. ‘You talking of pockets has reminded me, Mr Mountsford asked me to give you this when he called. I was going to leave it on your table but he said I was to hand it to you personally.’ Fumbling in her apron, she withdrew the package and handed it over.
‘Thank you, Lily,’ Mrs Bodney said, not meeting her eyes. ‘In future, should he have anything for me, I’d be obliged if you’d hand it over immediately.’
Lily opened her mouth to remind her she’d been away from the cottage but Mrs Bodney was waving them away.
‘Right, off you go and secure your room,’ she said, her composure restored.
‘Yes, Mrs Bodney, and thank you,’ Lily said as they took their leave.
This time their steps were lighter as they made their way through the village, but Lily’s head was spinning. In less than twenty-four hours she’d been both accused and acquitted of theft.
‘I can’t believe how kind Lady Clinsden and Mrs Bodney have been, can you, Tom?’
‘No, they’ve been right dandy. Though, you know, I have a feeling they were both getting their own back on that scoundrel today. Mrs Bodney seemed put out you hadn’t given her that package, Lily. What was in it?’
‘I’ve no idea. Rupert Mountsford didn’t tell me.’
‘Hmm, just you be careful, Lily,’ he said.
She was about to ask him what he meant, but they’d reached the lodging house. Clutching her precious testimonials, she took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.
‘You’ll be fine, love,’ encouraged Tom. ‘Just think what fun we’ll have when you’ve got your own room.’ He winked suggestively at her, but before she could respond the door opened and Miss Chicke stood there glaring at them.
‘Good afternoon, Miss Chicke. I’ve brought the testimonials you requested,’ Lily said, but the woman’s eyes narrowed and, turning up her nose, she sniffed.
‘Oh, have you indeed?’ she said, putting her nose even higher into the air.
Lily glanced at Tom.
‘I believe you said Lily could have the room if she provided two testimonials, Miss Chicke,’ he said quietly but firmly.
‘Yes, but that was when I thought she was decent,’ Miss Chicke said, narrowing her eyes at Lily. ‘You can sling your hook, missy, I’ll not be having any criminals in my house, thank you very much,’ she spat and slammed the door in their faces.
CHAPTER 19
‘Well, of all the bare-faced …’ Tom began, but the words died on his lips when he saw Lily’s white-faced look of disbelief. He raised his fist ready to bang on the door, determined have it out with the old biddy, but she shook her head.
‘No, don’t bother arguing with her. I wouldn’t want to lodge with a sour-faced, prejudiced woman like that anyway.’
‘But she called you a criminal and that’s not right. You were acquitted fairly and squarely.’
‘I know. It does rather prove my point about folk thinking there is no smoke without spark, though, doesn’t it?’ she said, taking his arm and urging him away from the house. The sun was lowering in the sky and she shivered.
However, he wasn’t ready to let it go.
‘But this is d
ifferent, Lily. It’s your character we’re talking about here,’ he declared, turning to face her.
‘Precisely, Tom, and as I said earlier, people like to think the worst.’
‘Maybe some, but not me, Lily,’ he told her. ‘I love you and know you’re an honest woman. If you’d trusted me enough to tell me about the squire’s improper behaviour, I’d have gone to see him and then it mightn’t have come to this.’
As she listened to his declaration of love, a warm feeling curled its way through her body, melting the ice that had encased her insides since she’d first heard the squire’s accusations. Relieved that everything was going to be all right between them, she couldn’t resist teasing him.
‘And what would you have done? Challenged him to a duel at dawn?’
‘No, that would’ve been too good for him,’ he grinned. ‘I’d have punctured his privates with my fishing hooks.’
‘Heaven forbid,’ she giggled, and Tom, relieved to see she was feeling better, pulled her into the shade of a spreading oak tree and kissed her on the lips.
‘Oh, Lily, my love, if only we could set up home together right now, I’d be able to look after you properly.’
She sighed and, forgetting about propriety, snuggled into him, enjoying the feeling of being cherished.
‘It’s right torture being this close to you, yet not close enough, if you get my drift?’ he murmured.
Feeling the heat of a blush spreading up her cheeks, she moved away, but her heart was pounding so crazily he must surely hear it.
However, instead of the pounding easing, it seemed to be getting louder. It was only when Tom pointed down the hill that she realized the noise was Doris, clip-clopping towards them. Robert was holding the reins with Aunt Elizabeth sitting alongside, and the cart looked laden as it laboured towards them. Then, when it drew alongside, she saw it was piled high with all their belongings.
‘Oh, Lily, we’re so sorry we couldn’t make it to the court in time. The squire sent his land agent to the cottage to carry out another inspection and make sure we left. By the time he decided we hadn’t taken anything that wasn’t ours, it was too late,’ Robert explained.
‘Odious man!’ Lily exclaimed, looking indignant.
‘Hush, Lily,’ her aunt chided, mindful of the curious stares they were attracting.
‘We were glad to hear you were rightly acquitted, Lily. Mrs Goode had already heard the news when we called in to say goodbye to Beth,’ Rob said.
‘Yes, Grace says you’re not to worry about Beth. She’ll take fine care of her and you are welcome to visit any time you can. You will go and see her soon, won’t you?’ asked Aunt Elizabeth, looking troubled.
‘We’ll go and see her on the Sabbath, won’t we, Lily?’ replied Tom. ‘We could take her and young Harriet down to the beach for that picnic.’
Aunt Elizabeth brightened and Lily smiled at Tom gratefully.
‘Thank you, Tom, that sets my mind at rest. I’m sure Grace would appreciate a break from the girls, although she assures me Beth’s no trouble. Now, we’ve decided to make our way directly to Ilminster earlier than planned. I’ve already sent word to my brother by the stagecoach that, God willing, we should be with him by tomorrow. It will take poor Doris some time to pull this laden cart. We’ve detoured via Bransbeer to say farewell and to give you the few things I managed to pack for you.’
Her aunt turned and rummaged behind her, then handed Lily a small parcel wrapped in sacking. ‘It’s just some necessities to see you all right for a night or two. The rest of your things are stored in the barn by the orchard. I’m to tell you they’ll be kept safe for the next seven days. If you haven’t collected them by then, they’ll be disposed of.’
‘Mercy me,’ Lily whispered, shaking her head in disbelief.
‘Well, of all the callous—’ Tom burst out but Robert gently cut in.
‘I know, Tom. I feel that bad myself, but we were in no position to argue. I’m just so glad Lily has you to look after her. You will take care of my little sister, won’t you?’ he asked, his voice thick with emotion as he looked at Lily.
‘Of course I will, Rob,’ Tom answered, putting an arm protectively around her shoulders and drawing her closer.
‘We were relieved to hear that justice was done, Lily.’ Blinking back the tears, Lily nodded before reaching up to kiss her aunt goodbye. ‘I’ll be back to see you as soon as we’re settled. There was so much I wanted to say to you before we left,’ Aunt Elizabeth said, her eyes suspiciously bright as she pressed a few coins into Lily’s hand.
‘But you have already been so kind, Auntie,’ Lily said.
‘It’s not much, my dear, but perhaps you can treat yourself to some of that bright material you were talking about. I reckon you deserve a treat after all you’ve been through,’ said Aunt Elizabeth, attempting to smile.
‘Oh, Auntie, thank you,’ Lily said.
‘And I’ll not forget that clock,’ her brother said, pulling his cap back on. Then with a rueful smile, he picked up the reins and urged Doris to walk on.
Lily and Tom stood watching as the donkey-cart rattled its way up the hill. Then, as it turned the corner and was lost from view, the tears finally fell. Hiding her face in Tom’s shoulder, she sobbed uncontrollably. Once again those she loved had left her.
‘Come on, chin up, Lily, my love,’ he said gently, taking her parcel. Choking back her tears, she smiled bravely. Lost in their own thoughts, they trudged down the hill.
As they were nearing Mrs Bodney’s cottage, they heard a shout.
‘Hurry up, Tom. We can’t wait the boat any longer,’ called Mikey, beckoning urgently.
Tom was about to answer that they could sail without him, but Lily shook her head.
‘You go, Tom. You’ve missed one trip already today. Anyway, I’d best go and see Mrs Bodney or she’ll think I’ve vanished off the face of Bransbeer.’
He eyed her doubtfully, torn between staying with her and skippering his boat.
‘Go on,’ she urged, quickly kissing his cheek.
‘Well, if you’re sure,’ he said, looking relieved as he handed over her things. She nodded, watching as he raced down to the boat and set about hoisting the sails. The sun, now a crimson globe, was sinking behind the horizon, its fire-spun fingers spreading out to hug the bay.
‘Godspeed and come safely home, my love,’ she whispered before letting herself into the cottage.
Expecting all to be quiet at this time of the evening, she was surprised to hear shouting coming from the workroom. Then the door burst open and a figure rushed out, pushing past her and sending her package flying.
‘Whatever’s wrong, Abigail?’ she asked, noticing the tears streaming down her cheeks. But the girl ignored her and shot out of the door.
‘There you are, Lily,’ said Mrs Bodney, bustling out of the workroom. ‘Come through to the parlour, please. I’d like a word.’ Stopping only to retrieve her things, she followed the older woman through to her inner sanctum.
‘Sit down,’ her employer instructed. Noticing the woman’s heightened colour, Lily carefully placed her things on the floor and perched on the edge of a chair.
‘The court case earlier set me thinking, Lily. If it wasn’t you who took Lady Clinsden’s things, then who did? No one in their right mind would steal just the one glove, would they? No, please don’t interrupt,’ she said, holding up her hand as Lily made to speak. ‘I knew you were innocent of the charge. That was never in doubt. However, someone entered my cottage on the day of your mother’s funeral and ordered the ladies to stop work.’
Lily looked up in surprise. In all the turmoil of the past few days, she’d completely forgotten about that.
‘And that person was wearing a black veil and leather gloves. Two leather gloves. That much I know for I questioned Mary, who, in your absence, has taken the initiative in overseeing the work, and very competently she’s gone about it too.’ Mrs Bodney paused and sat staring gravely at her. Oh no, I’m goi
ng to lose my job, Lily thought.
‘Don’t look so worried, Lily, you’re not about to lose your position, if that’s what you’re worried about. No, Mary has nothing but admiration for the way you run the workroom. She said everyone looks up to you.’
Lily blinked in surprise. ‘Oh, that’s all right then,’ was all she could utter, but Mrs Bodney was continuing her story.
‘A few days ago, Tilda was brushing the steps when she found a leather glove behind the boot scraper and brought it to me. It made me think about something Mary had told me and the two things connected. Anyway, I took the glove to the courtroom this morning and, as I’d suspected, it matched the one exhibited there.’
Lily frowned, not sure where the conversation was going.
‘It appears that Abigail has got herself into, shall we say, a predicament. Because of that, she was turned out of the position she took when I dismissed her from here and, in desperate need of money, she agreed to assist the squire in his little ruse. Wearing his wife’s veil and gloves, she was to turn up at the workroom saying she had a message from you. The idea, of course, was to stop the work in your absence and then you would lose your job and have to go to work for the squire. It was a clever scheme, too, for it being the day of the funeral no one questioned her arriving attired in black. Remember what I said about appearances and perception, Lily?’
‘Yes, Mrs Bodney,’ she duly answered, not really understanding at all.
‘Anyway, the girl was supposed to return the clothes to the squire but, in her haste to get away, she carelessly dropped a glove. Apparently, the squire was livid when he found out and threatened to tell her parents of her predicament if she didn’t retrieve it. But before she had time to do that, he’d hatched another little plan, getting old Ned to plant the other glove and veil on your donkey-cart.’
‘Goodness, is no one to be trusted around here?’ gasped Lily.
‘Not where money’s concerned. Most people hereabouts scratch a living and will seize any opportunity to come by extra. You’ve led a somewhat sheltered life, Lily, and need to learn to trust at your discretion.’ Remembering her brother’s similar words, she looked down at the ground; then, seeing the state of her boots, tucked them under her skirt. Glancing up, she checked in case Mrs Bodney had noticed, but the other woman was still intent on her story.