by Jane Jackson
William stopped in mid-chew. It was obvious to Susanna that Meredith’s announcement had come as a complete surprise to Lucy.
‘There are other missions,’ Meredith continued. ‘Lowell mentioned one when he wrote last Christmas.’
‘The London Missionary Society?’ Lucy shook her head. ‘But they only use –’
‘No,’ Meredith broke in impatiently. ‘Not them. That other one.’
Lucy’s frown cleared. ‘Oh, yes. Mr Hudson Taylor’s organisation. The China Inland Mission.’
‘But if each mission is run by a particular church –’ Susanna began.
‘Not this one,’ Meredith broke in.
‘It’s non-sectarian,’ Lucy explained. ‘And like the Society of Friends it favours the Evangelical approach.’
‘I am quite sure they will appreciate our offer.’ Meredith beamed and picked up another scone. ‘But if for some reason they are not able to accept our services then we will set up our own mission. We have a vocation, don’t we, Lucy?’ Meredith’s face was transformed. ‘And with faith, we shall move mountains.’
‘I wish I had your religious conviction,’ Susanna blurted. ‘It must be wonderful to be so sure.’ Her own life seemed so full of obstacles and uncertainty.
‘Er, Meredith,’ William said. ‘Perhaps you haven’t seen the reports in the newspapers –’
‘We read Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser every week,’ she answered. ‘For news of Lowell’s exploits.’
‘Excuse me,’ Susanna said, ‘but who is Lowell?’
Meredith’s eyes widened in astonishment. ‘Lowell Hawke. You must have heard of him. He’s one of the finest clipper ship captains in the China Seas.’
‘I have,’ William said quickly. ‘He’s broken all kinds of records and pioneered new routes through some of the most dangerous waterways around the China coast.’
‘Two of the seamen in the Infirmary were talking about a Captain Hawke several weeks ago,’ Susanna said. ‘One of them called him the devil incarnate.’
Meredith snorted. ‘No doubt the sailor was a lazy no-good who had been dismissed for dereliction of duty.’ She beamed with pride. ‘Lowell is our cousin.’
‘A very distant cousin,’ Lucy amended gently. ‘His grandmother was our grandfather’s sister.’
‘Then I’m surprised he hasn’t warned you,’ William said. ‘During the past few months we’ve had a number of senior officers from ships trading with the Treaty Ports in the office and they’ve all said the same thing.’
Meredith rolled her eyes. ‘What are you talking about?’ She took a large mouthful of cream-laden scone.
He hunched his shoulders. ‘I feel awful. I’d hate to be the one to spoil your plans.’
Meredith laughed. ‘Don’t be silly. How could you possibly spoil anything? It’s all decided. All that remains is for us to finalise arrangements.’
‘What exactly are you trying to say, William?’ Lucy prompted quietly.
‘That foreigners are not welcome in China. Without official backing you might find things much more difficult than you imagine.’
Meredith opened her mouth but before she could speak Lucy leaned forward and touched her sister’s knee. ‘Why don’t we give William a chance to explain more fully? I know we read the newspapers but their view of the social and political situation might be less accurate than that of men who have actually been there and seen for themselves. Isn’t that so, William?’
‘Did you know,’ Meredith turned to Susanna, ‘next year, when more submarine cables have been laid, messages sent from the Far East by electric telegraph will take only a few hours?’
‘Quite so,’ Lucy agreed before Susanna could comment. ‘But in the meantime the more we can learn about the situation in China the better we will be prepared for whatever lies ahead.’
With a sniff Meredith settled back in her chair, rocking vigorously.
‘According to Captain Hutchinson,’ William said, ‘missionaries who venture outside the foreign settlements are constantly being harassed and forced to move on. As they can’t stay in one place more than a few days it’s impossible for them to make any converts, or even to teach.’
‘But why are the Chinese so set against missionaries?’ Susanna asked.
It was Lucy who answered. ‘Because they hold them responsible for the greatest uprising in Chinese history, the Taiping Rebellion. They hate all foreigners. But especially the English.’
‘Why?’ Susanna was acutely aware of the jade medallion nestling against her skin inside the bodice of her dress. Wary of leaving it at home in case it was discovered, and afraid it might be lost if it fell from her sleeve or a pocket, she had hung it around her neck on a loop of strong thread.
‘Back in 1618,’ Lucy explained, ‘the Emperor of China was warned in a mysterious letter that his country would be subdued by a grey-eyed people. When English ships reached the Canton River some years later the Chinese saw that the crews had blue eyes. Terrified the prophecy was going to come true the Emperor tried to ban all Christians from his country.’
‘But surely that doesn’t apply now?’ Susanna set her cup and saucer on the small table. ‘The English have been trading with the Chinese for ages.’
‘Where would we be without tea?’ Meredith picked up her cup, holding it out for Susanna to refill.
‘But not through choice,’ William said. ‘Father told me it was the English who first introduced opium to China. Even though it’s widely used by the Court, as well as by ordinary people who want to sell things to us so they can buy more of it, the Chinese have tried twice to stop it being imported. But each time the ban led to a war which they lost. And under the terms of surrender they were forced to make more concessions and give us greater trading rights. Not just us, but Americans, French, and Parsees from India as well.’
‘It’s not really surprising that they don’t like foreigners very much,’ Susanna murmured.
‘The Chinese authorities hate missionaries even more than they hate opium,’ Lucy added. ‘Because it was a Chinese schoolteacher convert to Christianity who started the Taiping movement.’
‘Do you know what Taiping means?’ Meredith sniffed in derision. ‘It means Great Peace. But what began as a religious crusade was taken over by ruffians and criminals who wanted to bring down the ruling dynasty. Half the country was ravaged in an orgy of wanton destruction. Villages were burned, crops destroyed. Hundreds of thousands died.’
‘Many more were left homeless and starving.’ Lucy’s quiet voice held more sadness than anger.
‘The point is,’ Meredith declared briskly, ‘since the rebellion collapsed nearly six years ago China has been awash with lost souls who desperately need guidance to bring them God’s grace and help them find salvation.’
William looked worried. ‘I think it sounds rather dangerous.’
Meredith’s smile was one of total certainty. ‘We will be doing the Lord’s work and He will protect us. It will not be an easy task. But what a glorious challenge!’ She turned to her sister. ‘I think I shall write to Mr Thomas Hanbury in Shanghai and tell him of our plans.’
‘Is he a missionary?’ Susanna enquired.
Meredith shook her head. ‘No. He’s a merchant. But he’s one of us, a Friend, and is very highly thought of by both the English and the wealthy Chinese. Lowell said that when there was some trouble in the Settlement over high taxes and oppressive magistrates, the Chinese merchants were so impressed by Mr Hanbury’s reputation for honesty they gave him all their money for safe-keeping until the problems were sorted out.’ The twin grooves between her brows deepened. ‘Susanna, you’ve hardly eaten a thing. What’s the matter with you?’
‘Nothing, truly. I was just so interested in all your plans.’ She transferred a small slice of fruitcake to her plate.
‘Well, that’s our news,’ Meredith announced. She studied the cake then helped herself to a large wedge. ‘What about you two? What have you been doing? Do you sti
ll help those poor unfortunate seamen write letters to their loved ones, Susanna? And as for you, young man,’ she continued before Susanna could reply, ‘your father must be so proud. It’s a man’s dream to have his son follow him into the family business. Has Uncle Samuel found his profits are falling?’
William’s eyes widened and he looked helplessly at Susanna who gulped, coughing as a cake crumb went down the wrong way.
‘Meredith!’ Lucy chided as Susanna mopped her streaming eyes with her napkin.
‘What?’ Meredith gazed at them in bewilderment. ‘It’s not an unreasonable question. I know Uncle Joseph is finding a difference at the shipyard. And by difference I mean the dividends are down. Apparently these dreadful smelly steamers don’t need repairing as often brigs and schooners. I suppose that’s because they don’t carry all those masts and spars and aren’t thrown about so much in storms.’
Lucy, William and Susanna exchanged glances of dawning realisation.
‘Do you mean have Father’s profits fallen because merchants are asking for their goods be transported by steam rather than sail?’ William enquired carefully.
Meredith raised her eyes to the ceiling. ‘Isn’t it perfectly obvious that’s what I was asking?’
‘Actually, no,’ William said with a grin. ‘But thanks to Father’s foresight Elliot’s is actually doing better than ever.’
‘But Uncle Samuel owns and manages schooners, not steamers.’
William nodded. ‘They work the routes that the steamers don’t want or can’t manage, and routes on which there is more cargo than steamships available to carry it. But where speed of delivery influences the price a cargo will fetch Father is using steamers. In fact he’s bought one and is talking about buying shares in a new steam-ship line.’
‘He’s always been a shrewd businessman,’ Meredith said admiringly. ‘I know our father thought very highly of him. I think it’s such a shame though.’
‘What is?’ Susanna set her empty plate on the table and wiped her mouth. Meredith was well informed and had a lively mind but following her train of thought was impossible.
‘The way he suffers so much. I mean I could understand it if he was a failure. It’s not so long ago that bankruptcy meant having to leave the Society. But to agonize over being successful and earning lots of money, well, I find that most peculiar.’
Susanna and William exchanged a glance. They agreed but loyalty forbade them saying so.
‘Would anyone like another cup of tea?’ Lucy enquired. ‘Susanna, how about you? William, I’m sure you could manage another scone.’
Susanna smiled gratefully. Lucy spent a large part of her life rescuing people from Meredith’s tactlessness with such quiet charm the incident was immediately forgotten. There wasn’t a mean bone in Meredith’s substantial body. But she said what she thought without stopping to consider what effect it might have.
‘Honestly, Lucy, I’m full. It was a lovely tea.’
‘I wish I had room for more,’ William mourned. ‘But I can’t manage another mouthful.’ He stood up. ‘It’s been lovely seeing you both.’
‘Are you going?’ Meredith’s face fell.
‘I wish we didn’t have to,’ William leaned down and kissed her cheek. ‘But we’ll be expected to go to Meeting again this evening.’ He tugged on the bell-pull beside the fireplace. ‘And Susanna has promised to help me with some accounts procedures I’m having difficulty with.’ He grinned. ‘It’s really useful having a brainy sister.’
‘I wish Father agreed with you,’ Susanna murmured.
‘Uncle Samuel is a very devout man,’ Lucy spoke so that only Susanna could hear. ‘But he perceives change in any form as a threat.’ Lucy laid a hand lightly on her arm. ‘He does love you, Susanna. Try to remember that.’
‘I know,’ Susanna whispered, her eyes pricking. ‘But Lucy, I can’t be what he wants. And he won’t let me do what I want.’
‘Are you sure you know what that is?’ Lucy asked gently. ‘You might think you do. But you are still very young.’
Mary arrived with Susanna’s cloak and William’s coat.
‘I’ll go and get the horses,’ William said. ‘Thanks again, Lucy.’ He kissed her. ‘Bye, Meredith. Good luck with your arrangements.’ He loped out.
‘Don’t leave it so long before your next visit,’ Meredith called.
Susanna waited until the maid was out of earshot then confided as she fastened her cloak around her shoulders, ‘I assisted Doctor Arundell with an operation yesterday.’
Lucy stiffened and with a swift glance across at her sister whispered ‘You did what?’
‘Edward – Doctor Arundell – needed help and there wasn’t anyone else. The boy might have died. He would certainly have lost his leg. I wanted so much to tell Mother and Father about it, to make them see that though I’m not naturally good like Fran and I can never mean as much to them as William, they can still be proud of me.’
‘And did you tell them?’
Shaking her head Susanna saw Lucy let out the breath she’d been holding. ‘I’m already in disgrace for visiting the Infirmary without a chaperone. For that sin I have to work in the soup kitchen.’ She smiled, torn between laughter and tears. ‘What punishment would I have received for being unchaperoned while helping to save a boy’s life?’
‘Oh my dear,’ Lucy whispered, her face full of compassion.
‘What’s going on?’ Meredith demanded. ‘What are you two muttering about?’
Lucy turned. ‘Susanna was just telling me that she’ll be helping in the soup kitchen for a few weeks.’
‘Really? I used to take a turn down there myself. Of course, that was quite a while ago. I have so many other demands on my time now. And I’m going to be even busier with all the preparations to make for our mission to China. I can’t leave it all to Lucy can I, dear? You know how you fuss.’
Lucy’s fingers tightened on Susanna’s arm, cutting off the spirited defence before a word could be uttered. ‘It’s all right,’ she whispered. ‘She doesn’t mean it the way it sounds. She worries you see, and this is her way of hiding it.’
Susanna gave her cousin a quick fierce hug. ‘You’re a wonderful person, Lucy.’
‘Come and see us again soon.’
‘I will,’ Susanna promised. She leaned forward to kiss the papery cheek.
‘I shall look forward to hearing about your patient’s progress,’ Lucy whispered.
With a grateful smile Susanna hurried out to join her brother for the ride home.
Chapter Seven
Setting his knife and fork together on the plate Lowell Hawke picked up his wineglass and looked past the other seven still bent over their food. He ate too quickly. It was a habit he’d acquired during his first weeks at sea. Below deck his midshipman’s rank had counted for little. With the other lads he had learned to grab what he could and cram it down fast.
At sea food was reduced from a pleasure to be lingered over to mere fuel for survival. Tonight, despite the perfection of the meal and the elegant surroundings, the old habit had prevailed. Adjustment required energy and he was too damn tired.
The oak chair was solid and comfortable, the tablecloths and napkins crisply starched and dazzling white. Shielded by frosted glass bowls gas mantles on the crimson-papered walls suffused the large room with soft light. The muted murmur of conversation mingled with the soft scrape of cutlery on fine china and the clink of wine bottle against crystal glass. So soothing was the sound that Lowell had to fight the desire to let his eyes close. They felt gritty and were still sore from the chill wind and salt spray.
Waiters dipped and whirled like swallows between the tables as they removed the debris of one course and presented another. At another table a woman laughed. It was a long time since he’d heard that sound. She laughed again, her head tilted back. In the candlelight her pale throat had the lustre of polished marble. A poor comparison he decided, taking a mouthful of wine. Marble was cold whereas a woman’s skin �
� he stared into his glass.
‘Do you find England much changed since your last visit, Captain?’
Rousing himself Lowell looked across the bowl of yellow roses that added their delicate fragrance to air rich with the savoury aromas of braised onions and roast meat. He saw corn-coloured hair slicked down with pomade and a very new formal black jacket a shade too large for the bony young frame. There was less than a decade between them yet Lowell felt as old as time. Exhaustion made him terse.
‘As I arrived only thirty-six hours ago and did not leave the docks until this afternoon I have seen too little of England to form an opinion.’
For weeks his world had been the deck of his ship and the confines of his day cabin. For much of the voyage he had slept fewer than five hours a night.
Leaving too late to take part in the race to England with the new season’s tea he had still driven his crew to make the fastest passage possible.
‘We need those guns,’ Ellis had thundered. ‘We’re virtually under siege. The Imperial troops should be protecting us from thieves and looters, not bloody well assisting them! Protesting to the mandarins is a waste of time. All they do is shrug and pretend the soldiers are beyond their control. Too many of our people are dying, Hawke. I know the governor has sent gunboats. But with six hundred miles of the Yangtze river to patrol what chance is there of one of them being here at Kewkiang when it’s needed? In any case the pirate junks and lorchas outnumber them by fifty to one.’
Ellis had been literally trembling with anger and frustration. ‘We must have protection. Those yellow bastards have no intention of honouring the Treaty. It’s time they were taught a lesson.’ He had thrust a soft leather bag heavy with gold coins into Lowell’s hand. ‘Get us what we need. I don’t care how. But do it fast and do it soon.’
‘Your pardon, Captain.’ The brusque response had caused the most junior member of the London branch of Hawke and Son to blush scarlet.