The Sea Shell Girl

by Linda Finlay

  Merry’s heart flipped.

  ‘And soon, I should think,’ Joanie said, coming into the room. ‘I heard the lieutenant’s ship docked this morning.’

  ‘Oh,’ Merry cried. So he had been away, after all, she thought, impatiently snatching up the card.

  My Dearest Merryn,

  The past few weeks have been the longest of my life. To think of you yet be unable to see you has been almost more than I could bear.

  I shall be waiting at the usual time in the usual place and it is my dearest wish that you will be free and agree to spend the afternoon with me.

  Ever yours,

  Carey xx

  Carefully, she replaced the card and then hugged herself. Did she wish to spend the afternoon with him? Of course she did. She would be careful to act casually, though, ask him about his trip and see what he had to say.

  Next day she waited until the others had left for church before rising. She knew her mother and Grozen would be horrified if they discovered she’d missed Sunday service but she wasn’t going to risk bumping into Nicco. Now that the weather had improved he was just as likely to be lying in wait for her. She spent the morning washing and brushing her hair until she was satisfied it was as shiny as it could be. Then she dressed in her pink blouse and green skirt and threw the shimmering stole around her shoulders. On the dot of noon, she ran down the stairs, then remembering Prunella’s advice, forced herself to walk sedately out to the waiting carriage. Although she’d told herself she would act with restraint, as soon as she saw him smiling at her through the open door, her heart double flipped.

  ‘My dear Merryn, how happy I am to see you,’ he said, reaching out and helping her inside. As their hands touched, she felt that delicious tingling travel right up her arm. He must have felt something too, for his eyes darkened and he held on to her for longer than usual. Then, as if remembering his manners, he reluctantly let her go. ‘If you only knew how often I dreamed of this moment,’ he whispered.

  And I too, she wanted to reply but, determined to act the lady, she just smiled.

  As Merry settled herself on the squab opposite, she could feel Carey’s eyes following her every move.

  ‘You are looking even more delightful than I remember,’ he murmured.

  ‘It’s probably due to this beautiful stole you gave me for my birthday. I can’t thank you enough,’ she replied, pulling it closer around her shoulders and caressing the soft fabric.

  ‘I’m pleased you like it. Though embellishment, however lovely, can only enhance the natural beauty that is there in the first place,’ he smiled. ‘I thought we’d have a change from the Madison this time. The lads from the ship have decided to dine there and, being thoroughly selfish, I would like you to myself. You don’t mind, do you?’

  ‘No, of course not,’ she replied, her cheeks flushing from the warmth of his gaze. Quickly she turned and looked out of the window. ‘I see we are travelling in a different direction.’

  ‘I thought we’d have a picnic overlooking the river.’

  ‘A picnic?’ she gasped, looking uncertainly at the snow that was still piled in drifts at the side of the road. ‘You mean dine al fresco?’ she added, as Prunella’s definition popped into her head.

  He gave a hearty laugh that almost sent the carriage rocking. ‘Sorry, that was rude of me, but you should have seen your expression. There is a log cabin at the bottom of our garden. It overlooks the river and my housekeeper has prepared a hamper of food. I thought it would give us an opportunity to catch up on all our news and perhaps find out a little more about each other. Hotel restaurants have their places but are hardly conducive to personal exchange,’ he said, gazing at her meaningfully.

  Not sure how to answer, she looked back out of the window. Already they had left behind the tall buildings with their smoking chimneys and in the distance she could see the dark green and purple of the moors. They were capped with snow and reminded her of icing on a cake.

  Then they veered left, and through the stark outline of trees she saw the shimmer of water.

  ‘Is that the Tamar?’ she asked excitedly.

  ‘It is indeed, though of course we are still on the Devon side,’ he grinned mischievously, but she wasn’t about to be drawn.

  They’d just passed by the huge railway bridge over the river when her attention was caught by a row of glassed buildings gleaming in the weak winter sun.

  ‘What are those?’ she asked.

  ‘Have you never seen hothouses before? The temperate climate here is perfect for growing flowers and fruit,’ Carey explained. ‘Uncle Fergus, or Fingers, as Saphira insists on calling him, is a dab hand at growing anything and everything.’

  ‘Freckles likes giving everyone nicknames as well,’ Merry laughed. ‘She calls Mrs Winter, Jacky Frost – her first name is Jacqueline, you see – and …’ Her voice tailed off. It wouldn’t be seemly to mention their name for Mrs Smale. But by now the horses had turned into a gravelled driveway and he didn’t notice her hesitation.

  ‘That is where we live,’ he said, pointing to the house ahead.

  Merry stared up at the square three-storey limestone building, with its large slate roof, overhanging eaves and tall windows either side of a large black painted front door.

  Before she could say anything, the carriage continued along the path to the side of the house, coming to a halt beside a log building overlooking the water. Some cabin, she thought. Why, their living room back home would have fitted inside it.

  ‘Come along, Merryn, you must be famished. I’m dying to see what Mrs Simmons has left for us,’ Carey said, jumping out and helping her down from the carriage. A gust of wind tugged at her skirts, making her shiver, and she pulled her stole tighter round her. ‘Let’s get inside. Dawson, you can take yourself up to the kitchen for a spot of luncheon and return in a couple of hours,’ Carey called to the driver. ‘That should give us time for a leisurely meal,’ he said, turning back to Merry and grinning.

  It was cosy inside the cabin and the views over the river, as it wended its way out to sea, were spectacular. As ever when she was close to the water, Merry felt her spirits soar. She hadn’t realized before how much she’d missed the movement and brightness, tucked away as she was in the heart of the bustling town.

  ‘Take a seat,’ Carey invited, pointing to the chairs set beside a table. He hurried over to the hamper set on the shelf and eagerly undid the flaps. Drawing out a cloth, he began spreading it over the table. Automatically Merry leaned forward to help, and as his fingers brushed hers that familiar tingle shot up her arm. Their glances met and held for a long moment, then his face relaxed into a smile.

  ‘You must be hungry,’ he said, his voice husky. Unable to trust her own voice, she nodded. Turning quickly he delved into the wicker basket, drawing out crusty rolls with curls of golden butter, ham, tomatoes and a small bunch of glossy green grapes.

  Merry’s stomach rumbled at the sight but Carey was busy drawing the cork from a bottle and didn’t notice. As he poured generous quantities of wine into their glasses, she frowned and he grinned roguishly at her expression.

  ‘My intentions are honourable, I can assure you,’ he teased.

  ‘Oh, I didn’t mean …’ She stuttered to a halt and he laughed.

  ‘Let me propose a toast. To us,’ he said, clinking his glass against hers. ‘And to many more such occasions,’ he added.

  ‘That’s two toasts, Carey, and you know it,’ she said, taking a sip then grimacing.

  ‘Don’t you like it?’ he asked.

  ‘Not really. It tastes sort of sour, somehow.’

  ‘Really?’ he chuckled. ‘Just wait until I tell the wine merchant the Chablis he recommended has been called into question. I’d forgotten how direct you are, Merry. Most women would have said it was delicious. Would you care for something else instead?’ When she nodded, he delved into the hamper once more and drew out another bottle. ‘There’s only lemonade, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Lemonad
e would be lovely.’ She watched as he poured it, then eagerly took a sip. ‘That’s much better, thank you.’

  They ate in companionable silence, looking out over the wide expanse of water. It was busy with boats plying their trade but then she caught sight of a ship further out.

  ‘Did you have a good trip?’ she asked.

  ‘Same as usual really,’ he replied, shrugging and taking a sip of his wine.

  ‘Do you get invited to many parties?’ she persisted, remembering Alexandria’s comments when she’d visited the store.

  ‘Parties? On board, hardly,’ he laughed. She was about to ask him about parties at home but he began regaling her with antics of his crew and she could only shake her head at his tales.

  ‘Well that’s quite enough about me,’ he said. ‘I’m afraid I don’t need much encouragement to unburden when back on dry land, and you are a captive audience, so to speak. It’s your turn now. How is life at the glamorous store? Have you had any interesting clients calling in?’ he asked.

  She looked at him sharply. Had Alexandria told him about her visit? But his gaze was clear as he waited patiently for her to answer. Not wishing to spoil their time together, she forced thoughts of the odious Alexandria to the back of her mind and began recounting some of the pranks Freckles and Chester had played.

  ‘It would appear your assistants are as mischievous as some of the crew,’ he smiled. ‘Saphira mentioned seeing some characters on her visit.’

  ‘Is she still on vacation?’ Merry asked.

  ‘Indeed. She is spending a couple of months with relatives in Scotland. Not my choice of venue this time of year but she’s had this yen to go back ever since we visited many moons ago. She loves to paint and thought the scenery stunning. I have to confess I found the place too cold and wet for my liking,’ he said, taking a sip of his wine.

  That would explain the waterproofs, Merry thought.

  ‘She’ll be away for Christmas then?’

  ‘Alas, yes. She deserves a break, though, for it fell to her to nurse Mother through her final illness last year.’ His eyes clouded and he took another sip of his wine.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Merry murmured. ‘That must have been a difficult time for you.’

  ‘It was. That’s why I encouraged Saphira to use some of her inheritance to follow her dream of returning to Scotland. She has Mother’s necklace, of course, but still wasn’t sure about spending money on a vacation, especially as it necessitated her buying fabrics and all that other paraphernalia. I understand she went a bit mad,’ he smiled.

  Merry stared guiltily at her pink blouse and green skirt. She’d assumed Saphira was used to buying new clothes and hadn’t realized the girl had been sharing her inheritance. Suddenly aware Carey was talking again, she jerked back to the present.

  ‘She said she couldn’t resist all those bright colours after wearing sober clothes for so long. Mind you, since her birthday she seems to have developed a love of parties so at least I’ll be spared those.’

  ‘Parties?’ she asked. ‘Do you have many?’

  ‘Saphira and her friend Alexandria always seem to be planning something or another,’ he shrugged.

  ‘You see a lot of Alexandria then?’ she asked, trying to keep her voice light.

  ‘Well, of course, she’s a family friend.’ Although he also kept his voice light, Merry couldn’t help noticing he looked uncomfortable.

  CHAPTER 30

  As silence fell over the little cabin, Merry stared out over the water. Whatever had possessed her to ask about Alexandria? Hadn’t her grandmother always told her she should only pose a question if she really wanted to hear the answer?

  ‘I must apologize for burdening you with my troubles,’ Carey said. ‘We were so fond of Mother and her death left a gaping hole in our lives. I don’t normally talk about it but you have such a sympathetic ear. Forgive me?’ he asked, staring at her so intensely that, despite herself, she felt her pulses quicken and all thought of Alexandria disappeared. ‘I’d much rather hear more about you. Do you have any plans for Christmas?’

  ‘I shall be going home to Porthsallos,’ she replied.

  ‘Then we must have our own celebration beforehand,’ he said. ‘That’s always supposing you can bear to spend more time with me?’

  ‘I’ll think about it,’ she teased, eager to return to the banter that normally existed between them.

  ‘Well, in that case …’ he began, but just then the brougham drew up outside.

  ‘Goodness, don’t tell me two hours have passed already? We’d better get you back before Mr Fairbright sends out a search party,’ Carey said, rising to his feet.

  Quickly she helped him pack the remaining food back into the hamper, then they hurried outside. The winter sun was already setting, casting pink and orange shadows across the horizon.

  ‘It’s such a pretty sight,’ she sighed.

  ‘Indeed it is,’ he replied, staring at her until she felt her cheeks flushing the colour of the sky. Quickly she looked back over the water. ‘Your eyes blaze like cornflowers while your hair has the shimmer of snowdrops,’ he whispered.

  She smiled, wondering at his words. He made her feel quite special. Then the devil appeared on her shoulder.

  ‘What about Alexandria. What flower is she?’ she asked.

  ‘Alexandria?’ he asked, looking surprised. ‘Well, she’d be a hothouse bloom, I guess.’ Typical, Merry thought. She reminded Carey of the common flowers that grew in hedgerows and woods whilst the stunning red-haired Alexandria was some exotic blossom.

  He put out his hand to help her but she pretended not to notice and climbed into the carriage unaided. If he noticed her reticence on the return journey, he chose to ignore it, pointing out the ships and landmarks they were passing. It was only when they drew up in the yard outside the store that he leaned forward.

  ‘About that pre-Christmas celebration we mentioned earlier. May I take you out for luncheon next Sunday? I’ll treat you to the finest food in town.’ She shook her head and he frowned. ‘You mean I have bored you with my ramblings so that you cannot bear to spend more time with me?’ he asked, looking so affronted, she couldn’t help but laugh.

  ‘No, you chump. I meant I couldn’t imagine there being any food finer than you have already treated me to.’

  ‘That’s all right then. Honestly, Merry, we do need to spend more time together for we seemed to have jumped to some strange conclusions today, don’t we? Now I think you’d better go in for I can see we are being watched,’ he said, pointing to the attic window.

  ‘That Freckles,’ she sighed. ‘Until next Sunday then.’ She allowed him to help her down from the carriage. Then, to her surprise, he leaned forward and grazed her cheek with his lips. As the carriage drove away, she put her finger to her tingling cheek.

  ‘Suppose you had to suffer the Madison again,’ Freckles sighed as Merry entered their room. ‘My heart bleeds for you, girl, it really does.’

  ‘Actually we had a picnic in a log cabin down by the river,’ Merry replied.

  ‘What, just you and the lieutenant? Ay, ay, nudge, nudge, wink, wink and I saw him kiss her too,’ Freckles chortled, digging Prunella in the ribs. ‘Well, Chester and me, we … Oh, there’s the gong. You lot coming?’

  ‘No, I’m not hungry,’ Merry replied.

  ‘Nor me. Nicholas and I had a rather splendid luncheon together,’ Prunella flushed.

  ‘Blimey, you wait till I tell Chester he’s short-changed me. A poke of chips, indeed,’ Freckles muttered, hurrying from the room.

  ‘You had a good day then?’ Merry asked Prunella.

  ‘Oh, I did,’ she enthused. ‘Teddy went to see the boys in the ironmongers and Nicholas asked if I’d like to step out for a bite to eat. He is so different when the others aren’t there. He sort of comes into his own and is so …’ She stuttered to a halt, her hazel eyes gleaming with emotion. ‘How about you – did you manage to act the lady?’

  Merry carefully hung up her
cashmere wrap, then perched on the bed. ‘Most of the time, though I fear I let my feelings show more than they should at times,’ she replied, but Prunella had already climbed into bed and her eyes were closed.

  Clambering out of her clothes, Merry smoothed down the folds of her skirt and the silk of her blouse and sighed. How kind Saphira had been letting her have the surplus material, especially as Merry now knew she had been spending her inheritance. She’d certainly jumped to conclusions thinking Saphira was used to buying new things. As soon as she returned, she’d make sure she knew how grateful she was. Perhaps she’d jumped to conclusions about Alexandria, too, although the thought of Carey comparing the woman to a hothouse bloom whilst alluding to herself as a wayside flower still rankled. Did that reflect his opinion of her? She took a pride in her job but the fact remained she was an assistant in a store, and a trainee one at that.

  All this analysing was making her head hurt and, unable to think any more, she jumped into bed and closed her eyes.

  ‘I forgot to tell you that Nicco was waiting for you again yesterday,’ Freckles told Merry over breakfast the next morning. ‘He was right mad when I told him you’d gone out. Asked all sorts of questions, he did. Kept going on about loyalty and you being his intended. Chester didn’t like the way he was looking and just said we’d tell you he’d called. Nicco said to be sure to tell you he’d promised your mother he’d take you home for Christmas and would be waiting outside the store at first light to collect you.’

  ‘Oh,’ Merry said, her spirits sinking even lower. She wasn’t sure she could put up with Nicco’s overbearing manner these days. So much had happened since she’d last seen him, she felt like a different person. ‘Well, we’d better get a move on. It’ll soon be time for the store to open.’

  Mr Fairbright was leaving the shop floor as they filed in.

  ‘Good morning, ladies. I have an important meeting upstairs and have just been discussing strategy with Mrs Smale. She will brief you before the opening bell.’ With a brief nod, he hurried up the stairs and the trainees turned to their manageress expectantly.