The Girl with the Red Ribbon

by Linda Finlay

  ‘That’s kind of you to say, especially as I was going to beg a favour of you. May I take some of those rhododendron leaves back with me?’

  Camilla stared at her in surprise. ‘Surely you mean the flowers?’

  ‘No, the leaves would make the perfect pale yellow pigment for dyeing my client’s ribbons.’

  ‘How very interesting. I’d have thought they’d come out green.’

  ‘You can use them for that, too. The colour depends on whether you steep the flowers or the leaves and which mordant you use to fix it,’ Rowan explained, relieved to have found the solution to one of her problems. ‘The only thing I need now is time to get everything done. I fear if Madame Louisa continues to keeps me this busy bonnet making, I will never have time to do anything else. I might even have to work my next half-day off.’

  As Jack frowned, Camilla eyed her speculatively.

  ‘Auntie, you’re giving Rowan one of your scheming smiles,’ Jack cried.

  ‘Yes, I do believe I am,’ Camilla agreed. ‘Leave it to me, my dear.’

  As Rowan let herself in through the entry, Maria eyed the rhododendron leaves she was carrying.

  ‘You’re not doing more hocus-pocus, are you?’

  Rowan laughed then stopped as she heard voices coming from Louisa’s private parlour on the first floor.

  ‘Madam’s got visitors and said you was to go up as soon as you got in.’ Before Rowan could ask any questions, Maria hurried through to the scullery.

  ‘Come in,’ Louisa called, in answer to her tap on the door. ‘I trust you have had a pleasant afternoon?’

  Rowan nodded and couldn’t help smiling when she saw who the visitors were.

  ‘Rowan, its lovely to see you,’ Mrs Acland cried. ‘And judging by how radiant you look, I’m guessing you have spent the afternoon in the company of some handsome beau.’

  ‘Mrs Acland, it is lovely to see you, too,’ Rowan said, going over and kissing the woman’s cheek.

  ‘You are indeed looking well,’ Alexander confirmed, rising to his feet. ‘I am pleased you have returned in time. Jenson will be returning with the carriage shortly and I have something I wish you to know.’

  ‘Shall we go and find that material you wanted, Mother?’ Louisa said. ‘We can leave Alexander and Miss Rowena to have their discussion.’

  As soon as the door closed behind them, Alexander smiled at Rowan.

  ‘I can’t quite reconcile “Miss Rowena” to the same little pixie who still loves to dance with gay abandon on the grass.’ Seeing Rowan’s look of surprise, he laughed. ‘Yes, Louisa spilled the beans as to your antics, but to more serious matters. As promised, I have carried out a thorough investigation into the affairs of Hell Tor Asylum and frankly what has transpired is worrying in the extreme. First, you were right in the assumption that the patients were “knocked out”, as you put it, at night.’

  ‘Yes, I shall never forget that smell; it was quite vile.’ Rowan shuddered at the memory.

  ‘The cleaner used to keep the premises sanitary contains an active ingredient which, if not diluted, gives off a noxious chemical sufficient to overcome a human being. Naturally, the cleaner was only distributed to our establishments on the strict understanding it be diluted before use. In this case its use was abused. I’m afraid Sharp was the chief perpetrator. She was also proven to have, shall we say, unsavoury desires and delusions. She is already in the best place for a person suffering from her condition, except now she is on the other side of the system, having herself been certified of lunacy.’

  ‘That’s appropriate. She was evil and I’d hate to think of anyone else suffering because of her,’ Rowan said.

  ‘I’m pleased to say that the final outcome of the investigation is more positive. Hell Tor is to follow the guidelines set out at the Model Institution, which will bring about constructive changes to the welfare of our patients. For example, women like your friend Susan will receive better health care and guidance. I know it can’t help your friend, but it would be a comforting tribute to think her death will assist others who find themselves in a similar position to be better cared for.’ Rowan nodded. ‘Well,’ Alexander said, as the clock struck the hour, ‘I mustn’t keep Jenson waiting. It’s really good to see you looking so well, Rowan.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Acland, and thank you for telling me about the asylum. I’m pleased things will be better for the patients now. May I ask if you were able to deliver that letter to my father?’

  ‘It was delivered by one of my assistants. Have you not heard from your father?’

  Rowan shook her head. ‘It was handed to him personally?’ she persisted, hurt to think he had chosen to ignore it.

  Alexander frowned. ‘That was certainly my instruction,’ he confirmed.

  Rowan’s heart sank.

  ‘Come along, Alexander,’ Mrs Acland said, popping her head round the door. ‘Goodbye, Rowan. I do hope you will visit us soon. Don’t forget you promised me a new bonnet,’ she teased, her eyes alight with mischief.

  ‘I’m sure Louisa has told you my bonnet making leaves much to be desired,’ Rowan sighed.

  ‘I don’t believe that for a minute. Why, she was telling me earlier how talented you are, and that she has plans to expand her business by dyeing trimmings to match dresses. Now that is a clever idea, is it not?’

  Before Rowan could answer Alexander said, ‘Don’t worry about Louisa. My sister can be very exacting and bossy, but I can guarantee she would be keeping you employed only if she was satisfied with your work.’

  As she heard their voices disappearing down the stairs, Rowan collapsed back in her chair. She was pleased that depraved Sharp had got her comeuppance, and that Susan hadn’t died in vain. It was a relief to know that Louisa was pleased with her work after all, and surely if she was intending to expand her business, then that must mean her apprenticeship was safe. Perhaps Mrs Acland would get a new bonnet after all. Mr Acland was a truly nice man. As was Jack, she thought, her pulse racing as she remembered the time they’d spent together earlier. She would tell him about her time in the asylum when next she saw him, she vowed.

  The only fly in the liniment was the fact that now she knew for sure her letter had been delivered to her father, his failure to reply obviously meant he wanted nothing more to do with her.

  CHAPTER 34

  ‘Good morning, Miss Rowena,’ Louisa said, as soon as Rowan entered the workroom the next morning. She was studying the bonnet Rowan had made, and although her voice sounded pleasant, Rowan could sense an underlying current.

  ‘Good morning, Madame Louisa,’ Rowan responded, nervously.

  ‘When I went to give Maria her instructions earlier, I noticed some ribbons steeping in a pot beside the range. As the liquid is yellow, I presume they’re for Mrs Pickering?’

  Rowan nodded. ‘Miss Richmond kindly let me have some rhododendron leaves.’

  ‘Well, the dyeing process isn’t something I’m familiar with, and that is why we need to discuss the terms of your apprenticeship. When I engaged you, it was to learn the art of bonnet making, was it not?’ Louisa asked, tapping the untrimmed bonnet.

  Rowan’s heart sank. ‘Is there something wrong with it? I felt sure it would pass your inspection.’

  ‘And it did. However, there is the question of this personalizing facility you have presumed to offer. That didn’t form part of our agreement, did it?’ Rowan shook her head. ‘The matching of trimmings to ensembles will encroach upon bonnet making time, and it is imperative I continue to provide a timely service, especially as this is the season for visiting, our busiest time of year. I shall continue advising and fitting clients with bonnets and mantuas, whilst you concentrate on the dyeing and colour matching. Will this be agreeable to you?’

  ‘Oh, yes, Madame Louisa. I find it really rewarding matching trimmings to outfits,’ Rowan cried.

  ‘As Mother pointed out, we will provide a service other milliners do not. However, it is imperative the colours are of first-ra
te quality. Our bonnets must continue to be haute volée, the crème de la crème,’ Louisa said, waving her hands theatrically.

  They were interrupted by the tinkling of the bell and Louisa hurried through to the shop. Rowan heard her greet Mrs Parker and hoped the time-wasting woman wouldn’t sour her employer’s mood. Then the bell gave another jangle and she hurried through to see if she could be of help.

  ‘Good morning, my dear,’ Camilla Richmond greeted her.

  ‘Miss Richmond, how may I help you this morning?’ Rowan enquired.

  ‘I was wondering if those trimmings you were personalizing for my outfit were ready yet, Miss Rowena.’ As Rowan stared at her in surprise, Camilla gave her a surreptitious wink. ‘When Madame Louisa is free, I should like a word, if I may?’

  Mrs Parker’s head snapped up from the bonnet she had been studying. ‘I am merely perusing, Madame Louisa, so please attend to Miss Richmond,’ she said, clearly eager to find out what the woman wanted.

  ‘If you are sure, Mrs Parker,’ Louisa said. She turned to Miss Richmond. ‘Is something wrong?’

  ‘Quite the reverse. Madame Louisa, may I compliment you on the exemplary service I have received from your apprentice, Miss Rowena. You have obviously trained her to your own very high standard.’

  Louisa looked pleased and surprised at the same time. ‘Why, thank you, Miss Richmond.’

  ‘Credit where credit is due, that’s what I say. Now, I wonder if I may procure her services again. I am to be godmother at my great-niece’s christening shortly and, as the family live some distance, shall be staying for some time. My mother and sister move in élite circles and I shall be expected to attend all manner of soirées, garden parties and other social events during my time with them.’

  ‘That will be pleasant, for you,’ Louisa said.

  Camilla shrugged. ‘I am at a loss as to how to match my bonnets and outfits, and it would be infra dig not to be dressed appropriately. I wonder, therefore, if Miss Rowena might visit and advise me. Obviously I would pay an additional amount for the short notice and,’ she lowered her voice, and Rowan smiled when Mrs Parker move closer to hear, ‘I realize once word of her excellent dyeing skills becomes common knowledge, they will be in demand.’

  Rowan saw Mrs Parker’s eyes gleam and had to bite her lip to prevent herself from laughing aloud. Clearly Camilla was a superb actress.

  ‘When do you wish Miss Rowena to call upon you?’ Louisa asked.

  ‘Tomorrow morning, if you can spare her, Madame Louisa.’

  ‘Shall we say ten o’clock?’

  ‘That would be perfect. Thank you so much, Madame Louisa,’ Camilla said, turning to go, and then hesitating.

  ‘Was there something else, Miss Richmond?’ Louisa enquired.

  ‘Well, yes. I am seeking the services of a stalwart member of our community.’

  At this, Mrs Parker positively sprang to attention. ‘May I be of help, Miss Richmond?’

  ‘How kind. I am seeking to help those unfortunate souls in the Poor House.’

  Mrs Parker sniffed. ‘Being a woman of limited means, I find I am unable to open my purse.’

  ‘How true,’ Louisa muttered under her breath.

  ‘I fear you misunderstand me, Mrs Parker. I am looking for a person who knows the people of Saltmouth, someone who could spread the word that I am collecting good clothing, eggs, spare vegetables from the kitchen gardens, that kind of thing. Of course, it would need to be someone who is known and respected around here.’

  ‘Well, I think I can safely say there is no one in Saltmouth who does not know of me,’ Mrs Parker declared.

  Rowan turned away to hide her smile.

  ‘How kind you are, Mrs Parker. I shall leave you to spread the word, then. Good morning to you.’

  No sooner had Miss Richmond left than Mrs Parker, puffed up like a peacock, strutted out of the door.

  Louisa laughed. ‘Well, you’d better get dyeing, Miss Rowena. I have a feeling that Mrs Parker will be gossiping to all and sundry this morning, and not just about donations for the Poor House either. I fear Miss Richmond didn’t realize what a tittle-tattle that woman is.’

  Rowan wasn’t so sure. She had a feeling Camilla knew exactly what Mrs Parker was like.

  Promptly at ten o’clock the next morning, Rowan was shown into Camilla’s dressing room.

  ‘Tell me, Rowan, did you get many clients yesterday perchance?’ she asked with a grin.

  ‘Poor Madame Louisa was rushed off her feet, and I now have a list of clients to visit. Apparently everyone wants their trimmings dyed to match their outfits. Madam is convinced it will soon become de rigueur to wear complementary colours,’ Rowan said.

  Camilla chuckled. ‘I see you have managed to trim my outfit and bonnet.’

  ‘Madam insisted it be done before I visited today. Shall we see how they look?’

  Politely she went and looked out of the window whilst Camilla disrobed, and her heart gave a leap when she saw Jack striding towards the house. Seeing Rowan’s smile, Camilla grinned.

  ‘Jack was delighted when he heard you were visiting this morning. He is working the later shift again today,’ she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

  Rowan shook her head. The woman was incorrigible. Forcing herself to concentrate, Rowan checked the newly trimmed ensemble was hanging correctly and then adjusted the bonnet.

  ‘Well, what do you think, Rowan? Will I pass muster?’ Camilla asked, twirling around in front of the looking-glass.

  ‘You look delightful,’ Rowan answered truthfully, for the iris and bluebell hues livened up her complexion and made her eyes sparkle like sapphires. ‘What else did you want me to look at?’

  ‘Don’t worry, I won’t keep you long. If you could think of a suitable way to liven up these outfits here, I’ll be happy.’ Whilst Camilla changed out of her dress, Rowan studied the other ensembles. They were too dull for this vivacious woman. However, they were of good quality and it would be easy to transform them.

  ‘Would you like me to get out my samples and make some suggestions?’ she asked, once the woman had changed back into her sprigged cotton.

  Camilla grimaced. ‘You’ve made such a good job of this outfit I shall leave it entirely up to you. Now, I am due to visit the Poor House, and Jack is waiting for you in the garden, so off you go. Not a word to Madame Louisa, though,’ she said, putting a finger to her lips.

  Rowan’s heart gave a flip and she needed no second bidding.

  Jack’s eyes lit up when he saw her walking towards him.

  ‘Rowan, what a lovely surprise,’ he exclaimed. She shook her head. He was as incorrigible as his aunt.

  ‘Well, it was a surprise for me when I heard you were working the later shift today.’

  ‘A wonderful coincidence, is it not?’ he asked, grinning. Then his expression changed and he cleared his throat. Before he could say anything, though, they saw Camilla making her way towards them.

  ‘I’m off now. Visit whenever you wish, Rowan. I believe I have given you the perfect excuse, but, of course, you may need to collect extra plants and flowers from the garden,’ she said with a wink. As she disappeared through the gate, Jack turned to Rowan and grinned.

  ‘Crafty old Auntie, didn’t I say she was planning something? There was no way she was going to let you escape from us. She thinks you’re quite special, you know,’ he said, looking serious. ‘As do I, Rowan. Knowing how important honesty and straight-talking are to you, I wish to make my intentions clear. I know we have been walking out but a short time, but I truly feel as if I have found my soul mate in you.’

  The ribbon around her wrist tightened. ‘But you don’t really know much about me,’ she whispered.

  ‘Then, I shall enjoy finding out,’ he said, the twinkle in his eye returning.

  Her heart lurched.

  ‘Of course, I have my training to complete, and you have to finish your apprenticeship, which means our time together will be limited. However, I don’
t want to run the risk of someone else running off with you so, if you are agreeable, perhaps we could make our relationship exclusive, if you get my meaning?’

  She stared at him in surprise. ‘You mean, not walk out with anyone else?’

  ‘That’s exactly what I mean and then, if all goes well, in the course of time we can – but forgive me, I’m getting ahead of myself.’ He shook his head, then grinned. ‘Now, my girl with the red ribbon, would you care for something to drink before I walk you back?’

  With a start, Rowan realized the sun was high in the sky, meaning she’d been here for some considerable time. She jumped to her feet. ‘Thank you but I really must get back or madam will be cross.’

  ‘I’ll run you back in the trap. It will be quicker,’ he said, understanding.

  Pulling up outside the shop, Jack patted her hand and promised to call for her on Sunday afternoon.

  ‘Goodbye, dearest Rowan,’ he called softly as he picked up the reins.

  With her blood singing in her veins, she let herself into the shop, relieved to find Louisa busy discussing the merits of various bonnets with a client. Needing time to compose her thoughts, Rowan took herself through to the workroom. Her insides felt fluttery, and she was all fingers and thumbs as she fumbled with her cape.

  She could hardly believe Jack had suggested that they should, as he put it, make their relationship exclusive, she thought, dancing happily around the room. If only her mother were here to share her happiness. And she would stop worrying about Mr Acland for he obviously hadn’t said anything yet so perhaps he never would.

  The warm glow stayed with Rowan all week, despite the fact she was rushed off her feet. Word of her dyeing services flew around Saltmouth faster than the pigeon post, and she took so many orders she went to bed dreaming of the materials she needed to make her various pigments. Good relations had been restored with Maria after Rowan had turned an excess piece of trimming into a flower to trim the maid’s Sunday bonnet. She’d been delighted and had offered to help Rowan by furnishing her with gleanings from her regular sorties to the kitchen gardens. She’d even offered to stir her colour concoctions, as she called them, as long as there was no more mumbo jumbo!