Shadows in the Night

by Evan G Andrew

  * * *

  The morning sun streaming through the windows awoke Julia from an uneasy sleep. For a moment she was unsure where she was, and then the realisation of her change of circumstances threatened to overwhelm her. Dinner had been a desultory affair with her great uncle hunched over his chicken broth, only grunting occasionally. Although she had endeavoured to start a conversation, her efforts had been totally unrewarded.

  At least the meal, consisting of whiting with an oyster sauce, capon stuffed with lemons and followed by a fruit tart, had been of a higher standard than Julia had thought possible, and she was relieved the household obviously had a cook who knew her profession.

  She was interrupted from her reverie by a gentle tap on the door and Smithers appeared bearing a tray of her morning chocolate.

  ‘Morning, Miss Julia. It’s past eight. We let you sleep on as Mrs Knight says breakfast is at nine o’clock.’

  Julia took the hot chocolate and looked around the unfamiliar room. Although not large, there was a substantial fireplace, a large wardrobe and chest of drawers, two windows facing east which gathered in the morning sun, a small Turkey rug on the floor, a washstand with matching pitcher and bowl patterned with sprigs of lilac, and a looking glass on a stand in the far corner.

  Smithers had unpacked her clothes and personal effects, but the large wicker basket containing Julia’s precious art supplies was left intact, awaiting her attention. The looking glass was a nice touch, Julia mused. She must remember to thank Mrs Knight for her consideration. Smithers prattled on about the rest of the household staff while holding up two morning dresses for Julia’s inspection.

  ‘The cream poplin will do nicely, thank you Smithers, and perhaps the cashmere shawl with the blue embroidery?’

  While Smithers collected the necessary garments from the chest of drawers, Julia started her toilette, her mind full of questions regarding her great uncle and the household she had entered. She knew she was regarded with something akin to suspicion by Mrs Knight and was there only under severe sufferance by her great uncle.

  The thought of being dependent on her great uncle’s charity from now on weighed heavily upon her, and Julia felt cast down with gloom as the prospect of a lonely spinsterhood loomed before her.

  Nevertheless, twenty minutes later it was a composed and outwardly smiling Julia who entered the morning room, just as the hall clock chimed the hour of nine. To her relief, the breakfast table was set for one. Obviously, her great uncle wasn’t joining her for breakfast and with the smell of fresh coffee assailing her senses, she was surprised to find herself suddenly hungry and moved across to the sideboard to explore what lay beneath the covers.

  A fresh-faced young parlour maid entered the room and, with a bob to Julia, announced in a soft Sussex burr, ‘I’m Molly, and if there’s anything Miss wants, please to ring the bell.’

  With a plate of steaming kedgeree in her hands, Julia smiled her thanks and proceeded to enjoy what turned out to be a hearty breakfast.

  Afterwards, pleasantly replete, she pondered her next move. There had been no sign of Mrs Knight and she did not want to disturb her great uncle. He was an old man and may have slept late as he hadn’t joined her for breakfast.

  Julia rang the bell and when Molly scuttled in, she asked, ‘Could you please go and see if it would be convenient for Mrs Knight to see me?’

  As Molly went to do her bidding, Julia sighed at the thought of the interview. In due course the girl returned and asked Miss please to follow her and she led the way down the hall to the housekeeper’s room.

  Julia had sudden memories of being summoned to Miss Anderton’s room, standing apprehensively outside the door in much the same way, turning her mother’s amethyst ring on her finger nervously. This is ridiculous she thought as Molly tapped on the door and Mrs Knight’s voice from within bid them to enter.

  The interview went better than Julia expected. After being invited to be seated, Julia thanked her for the comforts of her room and the kindness in providing the looking glass. She complimented her on the repast of the previous night and her enjoyment of the morning’s breakfast. Mrs Knight inclined her head gravely and Julia sensed her beginning to thaw.

  ‘Mrs Knight, as I believe you are aware, I have not had a great deal to do with my great uncle and I would be grateful if you could give me an understanding of his habits and routine, as I do not wish, while residing in his house, to be the cause of any distress.’

  Mrs Knight visibly relaxed and leant forward as if to speak confidentially to Julia.

  ‘Mr Farraday,’ she began, ‘is a most careful and considerate employer who, sadly, no longer enjoys the robust health of his younger days, which,’ she added hastily, ‘is a great trial for one who was such an active man.’

  Julia nodded her head in understanding as the housekeeper continued. ‘Waste in any form is an anathema for him, and in particular, the cost of replacing candles which have not been fully used makes him terribly anxious.’

  For the next thirty minutes, Julia was regaled with her great uncle’s ailments, idiosyncrasies and humour in general. That he was parsimonious, except at table, was soon apparent. However, unless thwarted or put upon, he was of an even, if not overly friendly, disposition. Mrs Knight seemed prepared to talk on over a most welcome cup of tea that Molly thoughtfully provided.

  ‘It has always puzzled me that my great uncle never married,’ Julia mused, as she replaced her tea cup in its saucer.

  Mrs Knight swallowed a mouthful of tea and shook her head darkly.

  ‘Disappointed in love he was, at an early age. And then…oh dear, getting embroiled in unsuitable alliances that could never be. A sad business that put him off marriage forever.’ She sighed deeply and set her cup down.

  This information amazed Julia and she gaped at Mrs Knight who seemed lost in her reverie. Then, collecting her thoughts together, she addressed Julia directly.

  ‘If I may be so bold to speak plainly, Miss Farraday, may I suggest that if you just keep yourself to yourself and take pains not to interfere with Mr Farraday’s ways, all will run smoothly and harmoniously.’

  She smiled kindly at Julia who accepted the hint she was given and smiled back in return.

  ‘Of course, Mrs Knight. I would not dream of interfering in any way to upset my great uncle or yourself with the running of the household.’

  With this clarification the housekeeper seemed content.

  ‘Miss Farraday, if it is convenient for you, would you care to accompany me and I shall introduce you to the servants’ hall?’

  In trepidation, as if she was following Miss Anderton, Julia went in Mrs Knight’s wake to the kitchen and met the red-faced but very competent cook, Mrs Brown. She was also introduced to Hetty the scullery maid, Annie the under maid, Willy the boot boy, and she renewed her acquaintance with Molly the parlour maid and Ridges the butler. Wyatt, the gardener and groom, was not present being otherwise engaged on her great uncle’s business.

  It was with something akin to relief that Julia finally made her excuses to Mrs Knight and retired to her room to begin unpacking her precious wicker basket.

  However, on seeing once again the glorious day outside, she decided that perhaps it was time to go out and explore the village of Winchelsea instead.

  Some thirty minutes later, suitably attired in her blue pelisse and straw bonnet with matching ribbons tied fetchingly beneath her chin, Julia, accompanied by a reluctant Smithers, ventured down the driveway of the house and out into what appeared to be the main street.

  The first object of interest was an old grey stone Norman church, with a large horse chestnut tree in bud gracing the entranceway. Further up the hill was the village, comprising of several pleasing looking houses and a cluster of shops. All the while, Julia, well aware that she was the object of intense scrutiny, smiled civilly to passersby.

  Just as she was about to retrace her footsteps back to her great uncle’s house, she was startled by the sudden ap
pearance of a horse and rider at full gallop, causing both women to flatten themselves against a shop wall. On espying Julia and a terrified Smithers, the rider checked his mount. He threw her a quick glance which broadened into a grin before commencing to gallop on, leaving her, if anything, more shaken than ever.

  As she continued walking, Julia’s eyes were firmly fixed on the retreating equestrian’s back, her mind in a whirl. She had a fleeting impression of a large dark man with a swarthy countenance, a flash of white teeth, and a surprisingly boyish smile for someone who had to be past thirty.

  Really, she thought, I’m being as impressionable as a schoolroom miss. It simply won’t do.

  Briskly she turned to Smithers.

  ‘Are you hurt, Smithers?’

  ‘No, no, ma’am. That ruffian though…’

  ‘Never mind him. We must make haste for I cannot be late for luncheon. Great Uncle Thomas would be most displeased.’

  Julia was upset though, as much by the rider’s disturbing presence as by the danger of the encounter.

  ‘Come, let us go. Our nerves will recover,’ and she gave a nervous laugh while her mind raced with the thought of who the ruffian on horseback could be.

  Chapter Three

  ‘Don’t you shout to come and look,

  nor use ’em for your play’