by Linda Finlay
The landlord had lit a fire as the evening was cool, and the scent of burning apple wood mixed with the aroma of good food made the room welcoming. Tom paid her special attention, listening intently as she recounted the events of her day. He even cracked a few jokes as they tucked into their pies washed down with a jug of small beer each. Lily relaxed, enjoying her meal and the rare treat of their having time to spend together. Then Tom’s mood changed and, looking serious, he leaned across the table.
‘Lily, you do still want to marry me, don’t you?’ he asked.
‘Why, Tom Westlake, what kind of question is that?’
‘I need to be sure now that you’re mixing with men finer than me.’
‘Don’t be daft, Tom. You’re a fine man yourself. The one I want to marry,’ she said, smiling across at him.
A raucous cackle erupted from the next table and Tom flushed as red as the flames in the fire.
‘Come on, let’s get out of here,’ he muttered, rising to his feet.
Outside, he took her hand and led her away from the bustle of the hostelry. They made their way to the beach, deserted now after the activities of the day. The tide was high, the waves slapping against the boats. She listened to the swishing of the sea being sucked in and out of the pebbles. An owl hooted, and with Tom beside her, she didn’t care whether it was a real one or not. Lost in thought, it was some moments before she realized he’d stopped walking and was looking at her strangely.
‘Did you hear me, Lily, or have my incredibly handsome looks knocked you out yet again?’
‘Sorry, Tom, what were you saying?’
‘Oh, nothing important, only that I love you and I’d like you to wear this so everyone knows we’re betrothed,’ he muttered. Her eyes widened as she gazed at the ring he was holding before her, its ruby gleaming like fire in the gathering darkness.
‘Why, Tom, it’s beautiful,’ she gasped, holding out her left hand. Gently he placed it on her finger. It fitted perfectly; as if it had been made especially for her.
‘You like it then?’ he asked, his voice teasing.
‘I love it and I love you, Tom Westlake, but this must have cost a king’s ransom. How on earth did you manage to buy me something so special?’
‘Only the best is good enough for you, Lily,’ he said, gazing at her so lovingly, she couldn’t help but throw her arms around him. He pulled her closer and she felt desire flame, like the fire of the ruby. Making a supreme effort, she pushed him away and then stood looking up at the night sky with its blanket of winking stars, her heart beating erratically.
‘The weeks are flying by and it’ll not be long till we can wed, Lily,’ Tom murmured, putting his arm around her shoulders. She smiled contentedly.
‘I can’t wait, Tom,’ she said, snuggling closer. Together they stood, staring up at the silvery moon, making plans for their future together.
The crunch of pebbles further up the beach brought them rudely back to the present. Reluctantly they broke apart and strolled back towards the village.
‘It’s been a lovely evening, Tom,’ she sighed.
‘Yes, it has. You truly are my betrothed now, and everyone will know it,’ he said, stopping and kissing her cheek.
‘I love your surprise,’ she said, running her thumb along the smooth band of the ring. Even though it was dark, she could feel him smiling. ‘Red’s my favourite colour, you know.’
‘Goes with your passionate nature, my girl,’ he responded. He lifted her left hand to his lips and she saw the ruby twinkling in the starlight.
‘Hey, Tom, saw you over Seaton way last night,’ a voice boomed, making them jump. As Lily peered into the darkness, trying to make out who was standing there, Tom snatched up her hand and hurried her up Sea Hill.
CHAPTER 25
‘Hold on a minute,’ Lily puffed, trying to keep up with him. ‘What was all that about?’
‘Nothing,’ he muttered tersely, not relaxing his stride. However, she was thinking back to her earlier conversation in the workroom. Seaton Hole? Wasn’t that where they’d said the wrecking had taken place, and hadn’t one of them mentioned jewels being plundered?
‘Tom Westlake, stop this very minute,’ she ordered.
‘Sorry, gal, I wasn’t thinking,’ he said, duly slowing down and smiling at her.
Lily stared him straight in the eye. ‘Tell me honestly, Tom, this ring you’ve given me, did you buy it from a jewellery shop?’
‘Why do you ask?’ he said, looking down at the ground.
‘Well, it seems mighty funny you’ve not been able to give me a betrothal ring before today.’
‘What do you mean, funny?’ he said, peering back down the beach.
‘Well, I don’t mean funny ha ha, Tom Westlake. I mean funny peculiar.’ She was getting cross at his evasiveness.
‘I’m not with you.’
‘No, and you weren’t last night, were you?’
‘Stop talking in daft riddles, and explain what you mean.’
‘I mean, Tom Westlake, it’s funny peculiar that, after all the months we’ve been betrothed, you suddenly produce a ring the night after a vessel was wrecked. A vessel that was plundered at Seaton Hole, and only a minute since someone called out that they’d seen you there.’ Her voice sounded shrill in the night air, and when she came to a halt there was an ominous silence.
‘What are you insinuating, Lily?’ Tom asked, his voice dangerously low.
‘I’m saying, Tom Westlake, that I have no wish to associate with someone who stoops as low as stealing. So you can take your ring back, you wrecker, you,’ she shouted, tearing it from her finger and throwing it to the ground where it lay winking up at her like a drunken eye. He stood looking at her for a long moment, and even in the darkness she could see his lips were set in a tight line.
‘If that’s what you think of me, Lily Rose, then there’s nothing more to be said,’ he retorted as he bent down and snatched up the ring. Before she could answer, he stormed off into the darkness.
She stood watching his receding figure and the tears coursed down her cheeks. How could he be involved with anything so horrible? She’d always thought he was an honourable man. Angrily, she wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand and made her way to Picky Pike’s. How could such an exciting evening have ended this way?
Letting herself indoors, she crept up the stairs to her room, hoping Mrs Bodney had returned to her own cottage, for she desperately needed to be alone with her thoughts. Throwing herself on her bed, she stared at the stars twinkling through the skylight. To think just a short time ago she was feeling on top of the world. She closed her eyes, but the image of Tom’s hurt expression haunted her.
Knowing she would never sleep, she peered round the room, noticing her things strewn about the floor. She’d been in such a hurry to meet Tom earlier she’d left her clothes where she’d stepped out of them. Slowly, she got to her feet and began tidying them away in the tin chest. As she smoothed out the material, her hand touched something hard. It was her mum’s Bible, and lying inside was the letter from Aunt Elizabeth. She’d forgotten to ask Mary to read it to her. Tomorrow was the Sabbath so it would have to wait until Monday now.
The church clock chimed one and she realized that it was the Sabbath already. Remembering her vow to visit Beth, she thought about setting out early, but the idea of walking along the track used by the owlers before honest folk were about made her shudder. It wasn’t as if Tom was there to protect her. Her heart twisted as if she’d been stabbed with a knife, but she could never marry a wrecker and a thief. It was morally wrong and she had her pride.
Peasants may have pride, Lily, but remember pride cometh before a fall, young lady. As she heard her father’s voice, she jumped. He sounded so angry.
‘You were the one who taught me right from wrong, Father, so I don’t know why you are cross,’ she whispered, peering up at the stars.
I warned you about making impulsive judgements. Look before you leap, Lily.
/> As his voice petered out, she sat back on her bed, mulling over what he’d said. She lost all track of time, so it might have been minutes or hours later that she heard a rustling noise outside her door. She shivered. Was someone lurking outside? Then a branch dashed against the window and she chided herself. It was only the wind freshening. Diving under the covers, she pulled them right up over her head.
‘Why did you do it, Tom? It wasn’t as if I needed a ring,’ she cried, the salty tears dampening the loose tresses of her hair.
She must have fallen into a restless sleep, for streaks of grey and yellow were filtering through the skylight when she opened her eyes. Feeling heavy-headed as well as heavy-hearted, she rose and tidied herself as best she could.
Then, thinking to freshen her face at the pump, she threw open her door, nearly tripping over a package on the landing. Frowning, she pulled at the tie, gasping in amazement when she saw inside the most exquisite pair of brown boots with cherry-red stitching.
‘Oh my,’ she murmured, picking them up and caressing the soft skin. She heard a chuckle and saw Mrs Bodney smiling at her from the bottom of the stairs.
‘There, didn’t I tell you Rupert had a surprise for you?’
‘You mean these really are for me?’ she asked, hardly daring to believe her good fortune. They were fashioned from the finest-quality leather and would have cost more than she’d ever be able to afford.
‘Well, put them on and come and show me,’ Mrs Bodney said, laughing at the bemused expression on Lily’s face. Obeying, she gently eased her feet into them, marvelling at their softness. Then, fingers fumbling with excitement, she tied the laces and took a few steps along the landing. They fitted like gloves and felt so comfortable she almost floated down the stairs.
‘Well, Lily, there’s no denying you’ve landed on your feet, as it were, pardoning my pun, of course. It will be good to see you properly attired in my workroom tomorrow.’
‘But I couldn’t possibly keep them. The ones Albert sized me for should be ready soon.’
‘I think you misunderstand, Lily. These are as well as the hobnailed ones you ordered. When Rupert heard how enchanted you were with the boots Albert had made for her ladyship, he gave instruction that a similar pair be made for you. He has already settled his dues so there can be no argument.’
‘Oh, but I couldn’t possibly accept—’ Lily began.
‘Fiddlesticks,’ said Mrs Bodney, waving her hands in the air. ‘The dear man wants to treat you, and my advice is that you act like a lady and accept his gift graciously. And, of course, be extra nice to him when next you meet,’ she added, winking at Lily
Remembering how he’d beamed when she’d smiled at him, Lily thought this would be very easy to do.
‘Now,’ Mrs Bodney said briskly, ‘how are you spending this Sabbath? Off somewhere nice with Tom, no doubt. It’s probably best if you’re discreet about those boots, if you know what I mean,’ she added, tapping the side of her nose with her finger.
At the mention of Tom’s name, Lily’s good mood vanished.
‘I’m going to visit Beth in Coombe,’ she said carefully, but there must have been something strange in her voice for Mrs Bodney studied her closely.
‘Ah, your little sister; you must miss her.’
‘Yes, I do,’ Lily agreed. ‘But as Aunt Elizabeth said, she’s better off with Mrs Goode. She’s at home all day and then, of course, Beth has Harriet to play with.’
Mrs Bodney was nodding her head but her mind was already on other matters. ‘Well, don’t let me keep you. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow in the workroom then; complete with new boots.’ She looked meaningfully at Lily’s feet.
‘Yes, Mrs Bodney,’ Lily answered, fleeing back upstairs to the safety of her room.
Now she was committed to keeping the boots. Exquisite they may be, but it didn’t sit well with her that Rupert had paid for them. Heedless of the expensive leather, she kicked them off and stepped into her old ones. Men – why did they make life so difficult?
As she made the arduous trek to Coombe, she fretted and fumed so that by the time she reached Mrs Goode’s cottage she hardly knew how she’d got there.
‘Lily,’ Beth shrieked, as she was shown inside. ‘Come and see what I’ve made,’ she hopped up and down excitedly so that, despite her low mood, Lily couldn’t help smiling. She duly admired the lace her sister had made, which, for a four-year-old, was very good indeed and of saleable quality.
‘Well done, Beth,’ she said, trying to inject some enthusiasm into her voice.
‘She’ll be earning her keep before much longer,’ said Mrs Goode, smiling and ruffling the little girl’s hair. ‘Which is more than can be said for this little rogue,’ she added fondly as Harriet appeared carrying Tiger the tabby cat.
‘I do wish you’d let me give you something for looking after her, Mrs Goode. I feel mean when I’m earning good money. I could afford to pay you something on a regular basis,’ she said, putting her hand in her pocket and drawing out her money pouch.
Mrs Goode shook her head. ‘Put it away, Lily. You know right well that neighbours help each other out, not take money. Besides, you gave me that lace job, which I got paid nicely for, thank you. No, you keep your wages for when you’re wed.’
Lily sighed and sat down on the hearth beside Beth.
‘So what’s up then, Lily?’ Mrs Goode asked, eyeing her shrewdly. ‘Do you want to tell me what’s weighing you down, apart from that heavy money pouch of course?’ she said, jokingly.
Lily shrugged. ‘Men, they’re just no good,’ she burst out, then flushed guiltily as she remembered the other woman had lost her husband the previous year. Yet, Mrs Goode just smiled knowingly.
‘They’re not all bad, ducks. Whatever your Tom’s done, happen it’ll all come out in the wash,’ she said, patting Lily on the shoulder. ‘Now come through to the kitchen. I’ve a nice bit of stew cooking. Time for nuncheon, girls,’ she shouted over her shoulder and, cat following, they came charging, almost knocking Lily over in their haste.
Listening to their incessant chatter as they wolfed down their food, Lily realized that Beth was truly happy here and was amazed at how much she ate. Although she had little appetite herself, for the sake of good manners she forced down a few mouthfuls. However, Mrs Goode wasn’t fooled.
‘Whatever’s ailing you, Lily, you’d best get it sorted, and soon, for that frown on your forehead will turn into a huge wrinkle if the wind changes.’
‘Sorry, Mrs Goode, I’m a right wet rag, I know,’ she said, sighing and getting to her feet. ‘I’d best be getting back. I need to get everything sorted for the morrow.’
‘Remember, if you want to talk, well, I’m a good listener and one that can keep her mouth shut,’ Grace Goode added, smiling gently.
‘You’ll come and see me again soon, won’t you, Lily?’ Beth asked, hopping up and down.
‘Of course I will,’ she said, tweaking the girl’s silky hair. ‘Maybe I’ll even bring you a little present, if you’re good.’
‘Now, don’t you go worrying about young Beth,’ Mrs Goode said, showing Lily out. ‘She’s settled in now and, like I told your aunt, she does a fine job of keeping Harriet out of my hair whilst I’m working.’
Lily smiled. ‘You’re very kind, Mrs Goode. It’s a relief to know she’s happy and being so well looked after. Aunt Elizabeth said she would be better off living with you, and she was right. I’ll visit again as soon as I’m able, though,’ she added, throwing her shawl around her and beginning her journey back to Bransbeer.
The next week passed in a blur as Mrs Bodney, worried the commission wasn’t going to be completed in time, had taken to appearing suddenly in the workroom. The ladies, already working as diligently as they could, became restless and tempers were frayed. To make matters worse, the weather had been humid and the workroom was stifling. Mrs Bodney had said a storm was in the offing and as she wearily made her way to the workroom on the Saturday morning Lily
could hear raindrops pattering on the roof. Thank goodness it was nearing the end of the week, she thought. At least they’d get a break from each other.
Then she noticed the hem on her skirt was hanging down. Cursing silently and not wishing to incur the wrath of her employer, she sat down, hitched up the material and began sewing. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Mary coming into the room.
‘That rain’s getting heavier. Have you seen those clouds? They be as black as Old Nick himself. Reckon we’ll be in for a right old blow later, Oh …’ she said, her voice tailing off when she saw Lily’s boots.
‘Goodness, Lily, just look at you,’ she exclaimed, her eyes widening. ‘I’m sure even the extra money you get as overseer wouldn’t pay for quality like that.’ There was a pause, then she frowned. ‘Hey, you’re not giving favours to that fancy merchant, I hope. ’Cos if you’re getting gifts like that, your mother would be turning—’
‘No, of course not, Mary,’ Lily retorted, turning away. So that was what Mrs Bodney had meant about her getting luxuries for being nice, she thought, going hot with embarrassment.
Just then, the others came clattering in and Lily breathed a sigh of relief. Greeting them quickly, she set them to work. Then, careful to cover her boots with her long skirt, she settled on her stool. As her bobbins gathered pace, so did her thoughts. She’d have to tell Mrs Bodney she wasn’t like that. The only man she wanted was Tom, but he hadn’t called to see her. On Sunday she’d been certain that when she returned from Coombe, he’d be waiting to reassure her he had bought that ring. She wiped her burning forehead with the back of her hand. Last night, unable to sleep yet again, she’d tossed and turned so that now her head ached as much as her heart. If Tom hadn’t called to see her, it could only mean one thing, couldn’t it?
‘Lily, I’ve gone wrong somewhere.’
Emma’s plaintive wail roused her from her thoughts and, sighing, she made her way across the room. Relieved to find the girl had merely missed enclosing a pin on the previous round, she quickly rectified her mistake and then made her way back to her own pillow.