Ragged Rose

by Dilly Court

  ‘He is a good man. I’ll never believe ill of my brother.’ Rose returned his intense gaze stare for stare, but was the first to look away. There was something about Bennett Sharpe that was unsettling.

  ‘He is lucky to have two such devoted sisters,’ Bennett said in a low voice. He looked as though he was about to say more but at that moment the waiter arrived with their champagne.

  He uncorked the bottle with a theatrical flourish and filled two glasses, but then in answer to a summons from another client he scurried off with his tailcoat flapping like the wings of an agitated crow.

  Bennett handed a glass to Rose and raised the other in a silent toast before taking a sip. He shook his head. ‘As I thought. A poor vintage being sold at a ridiculous price. However, that doesn’t matter. I came here tonight in the hope of meeting you and your sister.’

  ‘Wouldn’t it have been easier to visit us at my aunt’s house? I’m sure you already know the reason for our keeping this from our parents. What I don’t understand is why you felt it necessary to see us here.’

  ‘When Scully told me that two such respectable young ladies were prepared to risk their reputations by performing in a third-rate saloon, I wanted to see for myself.’

  ‘We’re working here to raise money to pay you for defending our brother, which, as it happens, will also pay for this bottle of champagne.’ Rose swallowed a mouthful and pulled a face: it was sharp and slightly bitter, and the bubbles tickled her nose.

  ‘You are not what I expected, Miss Perkins.’

  ‘Please don’t use my real name. Cora and I go by the name of the Sunshine Sisters.’

  ‘I’m sorry, of course you’re right, Miss Sunshine.’

  She eyed him curiously. ‘What were you expecting?’

  His eyes were alight with amusement, and his lips twitched. ‘I dare say you would be offended if I told you that my idea of a clergyman’s daughter was as unlike you and your sister as could be.’

  ‘I’m not sure whether that’s a compliment or an insult.’

  ‘It was certainly not intended to be an insult, but I imagined you and your sister to be prim and proper young ladies who had been brought up to fear the Lord and serve the community. I was worried that my presence might be too much for such delicate sensibilities.’

  ‘You must have been terribly disappointed,’ Rose said, trying to keep a straight face and failing.

  ‘An illusion shattered for the better, I can assure you.’ His appreciative smile faded and his eyes darkened. ‘But this isn’t the sort of place for you and your sister. Have you tried to raise the money from family members or friends?’

  ‘There is no one we can ask, and Papa doesn’t know anything about this. It would break his heart if he discovered the truth.’

  ‘Where does he think his son is, if I may ask?’

  ‘He thinks that William is staying with the Tressidick family in Cornwall until Trinity term begins next month.’

  ‘So your parents know nothing about William’s arrest?’

  ‘No, and they mustn’t know. Papa would be devastated, and Mama is recovering from a bout of ill health. A shock like that might set her back weeks, if not months.’

  ‘It’s not a secret you can keep for ever. If the case goes against William he will face the death penalty.’

  His words struck her like a knife to the heart. ‘Don’t say that.’

  ‘But it’s a possibility. All the evidence points to a drunken brawl, and there are witnesses who will testify that William struck the fatal blow.’

  ‘My brother is not a violent man. I don’t know what happened on that fateful night, but Gawain was Billy’s best friend and I know that my brother would never have hurt him intentionally.’

  ‘That is what I hope to prove. I’ll be in London for the next few days, and it would be helpful if we could meet again. I want to find out as much about William’s background as I can.’

  Rose nodded eagerly. ‘Of course. I’ll do anything – absolutely anything – to help free Billy.’

  ‘I can see that.’ Bennett glanced over her shoulder. ‘But I think you are wanted, Miss Sunshine. I see Fancello advancing on us with a purposeful look in his eye.’

  ‘I’ll have to go,’ Rose said, rising to her feet. ‘When will we meet again?’

  Bennett opened his mouth to reply, but was forestalled by Fancello. ‘I’m sorry to interrupt, sir, but Miss Sunshine has another performance. We must not disappoint her other admirers.’

  ‘I’m coming, signor.’ Rose smiled and nodded in Bennett’s direction. ‘Thank you for the champagne, sir.’

  ‘That’s enough of that,’ Fancello hissed in her ear. ‘I pay you to keep all my customers happy, so don’t think you can pick and choose.’

  ‘No, signor. I understand.’

  Holding her head high, Rose swept past him and made her way to the wings where Cora was waiting for her. She could tell by her sister’s heightened colour and the sparkle in her blue eyes that Gerard had proved to be an exciting companion.

  ‘I’ve had such a lovely time,’ Cora whispered. ‘He’s such a gentleman and he wants to take me driving in the park one afternoon. Do you think Papa would allow it?’

  ‘Are you mad?’ Rose grabbed her by the wrist. ‘You can’t tell anyone about this, least of all Pa.’

  ‘But that’s not fair.’ Cora’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears. ‘He likes me, Rose. He really likes me.’

  ‘I’m sure he does. Don’t cry, Corrie. There’s our intro – we’re on stage, so smile.’

  As they emerged from the smoky atmosphere of Fancello’s saloon into the darkness of Cupid’s Court, Rose was immediately aware of a tall figure loitering at the far end of the alley. He was silhouetted against the light of a streetlamp, but he appeared to be wearing an opera hat and cloak. Her conversation with Bennett had put all thoughts of Carter out of her head, but now she was nervous.

  ‘What’s the matter?’ Cora demanded. ‘Why have you stopped?’

  ‘It’s nothing,’ Rose said quickly. The last thing she wanted was to worry Cora, but her heart was thudding against her ribs and she was scared. ‘We must hurry or Aunt Polly will have retired for the night.’ Rose walked on, hoping that the man would go away, but it became obvious that he was waiting for them. He turned to face them and she saw to her relief that it was Bennett Sharpe.

  ‘Who is that man?’ Cora demanded breathlessly. ‘Do you know him?’

  ‘It’s all right, there’s no need to be scared,’ Rose said hastily. ‘I met him in Fancello’s. He’s a friend.’

  ‘And you thought I was being forward,’ Cora whispered. ‘At least I didn’t arrange an assignation with Gerard.’

  ‘It’s not like that. Trust me, Cora. This man is to defend Billy in court and he’s here to help us.’ Rose greeted Bennett with an attempt at a smile. ‘I didn’t realise you were waiting for us, Mr Sharpe.’

  ‘I thought it best if I were to escort you home.’

  ‘I recognise you now,’ Cora said slowly. ‘You’re the gentleman who put that dreadful man in his place. I was going to come over myself, but I could see that you had the matter well in hand. I’m Cora, by the way. The other half of the Sunshine Sisters act. How do you do, sir?’

  Bennett’s expression softened and he bowed over Cora’s hand. ‘Bennett Sharpe. How do you do, Miss Sunshine?’

  ‘It sounds so odd when you say it that way, Mr Sharpe,’ Cora said, laughing.

  Rose was accustomed to seeing strangers falling under her sister’s spell, and it was clear that Bennett was no exception, but it was getting late. ‘We have to call in at our aunt’s establishment in Old Street, and we need to get there before she locks up for the night.’

  Cora tucked her hand in the crook of Bennett’s arm. ‘I expect Rose has told you everything, Mr Sharpe. The things we get up to might be the plot of a penny dreadful, but we have to go to great lengths to keep our secret, and we couldn’t do it without Aunt Polly’s help.’


  Bennett proffered his free arm to Rose. ‘Anything that either of you can tell me will be of great value, and if you don’t want me to speak to your parents it might help if I can talk to your aunt.’

  Polly was ready for bed and did not bother to disguise the fact that their late arrival was an annoyance. Her expression hardened when she saw Bennett.

  ‘Who is this? Why have you brought a man to my house? This is unacceptable behaviour for which there is no excuse, girls.’

  ‘It’s not what you think, Aunt Polly,’ Rose said hastily. ‘Mr Sharpe is the barrister who has been hired to defend Billy. He came to the saloon tonight to talk to us, and he’s going to see us home.’

  ‘You’d better come in.’ Polly showed them into her parlour. ‘You’re very late. I was about to go to bed.’

  ‘We’re so sorry. We didn’t know we were expected to do two shows this evening.’ Cora laid a hand on her aunt’s arm. ‘Don’t be cross, Aunt Polly.’

  Polly shrugged, refusing to be pacified. ‘Your father would be horrified if he knew what you girls were up to. Quite honestly I’m beginning to regret my part in all this.’

  ‘Pa will be even more horrified if he discovers that his only son is awaiting trial for murder.’ Rose had not meant to speak so sharply, but it had been a long and exhausting day. ‘I’m sorry we’ve caused you to worry,’ she added apologetically. ‘But events have moved rapidly, and Mr Sharpe thinks we might be able to help.’

  Polly clutched her robe around her, eyeing Bennett with suspicion. ‘I suppose you’re trying to justify a huge fee, sir? We’re poor people and these girls are risking more than their reputations in an attempt to raise the money for William’s defence.’

  Bennett inclined his head. ‘As I discovered this evening, ma’am.’

  ‘I can’t talk to you now.’ Polly glared at him, refusing to be soothed by his apologetic smile. ‘It’s late and my nieces should be at home in bed. I’ll ask you to wait in the hall while they change into their street clothes, and then you may walk them home.’

  ‘I understand perfectly, ma’am. I hope you will excuse this intrusion and will allow me to call tomorrow at a more suitable hour.’

  ‘I’ll see you at noon. Don’t be late, I detest bad manners.’

  ‘I will be here on the dot, ma’am.’ Bennett left the room, closing the door behind him.

  ‘He’s trying to help us, Aunt Polly,’ Cora said mildly.

  ‘And he’s Billy’s only hope.’ Rose took off her bonnet and shawl. ‘I’m very sorry I couldn’t let you know that we would be late.’

  ‘Don’t be angry, Aunt Polly. I will cry if you scold us.’ Cora’s bottom lip trembled ominously. ‘I am so very tired.’

  Rose stepped into her plain grey gown, fumbling with the tiny buttons on the bodice in her haste to get dressed. ‘We’ll be gone in a few minutes, and tomorrow we’ll have time to talk properly to Mr Sharpe and discover exactly how he plans to help Billy. You do want to help him, don’t you, Aunt?’

  ‘Silly girl, of course I do.’ Polly moved to a side table and poured a generous tot of brandy into a glass. She collapsed onto the sofa, took a sip and sighed. ‘I doubt if I’ll sleep a wink tonight. All these comings and goings are too much for me.’ She seized one of the many fans that were scattered about the room and used it vigorously.

  Rose experienced a pang of guilt. Aunt Polly was not a young woman, and she worked hard to keep the unfortunates in her care from ending up in the workhouse. ‘You must say if our visits are too much for you. I know you are up at the crack of dawn every day.’

  ‘Are you insinuating that I’m too old to be of any use?’

  ‘No, of course she isn’t.’ Cora slipped her shawl around her shoulders. ‘You weren’t, were you, Rosie?’

  ‘Certainly not, but we don’t want to take advantage of your good nature, Aunt Polly.’ Rose moved to her aunt’s side and leaned over to brush Polly’s powdered cheek with a kiss. ‘You are a wonderful woman and we love you dearly. We couldn’t raise the money to save Billy without your help, and I know you will work your considerable charm on Mr Sharpe tomorrow. He’ll be eating out of your hand, just as the gentlemen used to when you were the toast of the London stage.’

  Polly drained her glass of the last drop. ‘It’s true. I had my devoted following, but those days are long gone.’

  ‘I’m sure you could dance all night if you chose to do so, but you’ve taken a different path, Aunt. You look after women who are in desperate need, and I admire you for that.’ Rose patted her aunt on the cheek. ‘I think you are a heroine, Aunt Polly.’

  ‘Stuff and nonsense, girl.’ Polly’s pale cheeks flooded with colour, but despite her harsh tone she was smiling. ‘We agree on one thing, and that is the need to do everything we can to clear Billy’s name.’

  ‘That’s the only reason we’re appearing on stage, and now we have to work tomorrow night as well.’

  ‘But tomorrow is Sunday,’ Polly said, patently shocked by such a notion. ‘Your father wouldn’t like that.’

  ‘I hope he won’t find out, and that’s where we need your help, Aunt. Mrs Blunt has Sunday afternoon and evening off, so Cora and I do the washing-up. If we could have Maisie to do that for us we could get away without anyone being the wiser.’

  ‘I’m not sure that I ought to collude in such behaviour, but you can have Maisie. Heaven knows, she’s not much use here. She faints if she sees a cut finger, let alone a woman in labour. On occasions we can’t get an expectant mother across the road to the Lying-In Hospital, and sometimes they simply refuse to be moved. I don’t know how she will cope when her time comes.’ Polly flapped her hands at them. ‘You girls need to hurry home. It’s very late, but at least you have a capable-looking man to see that you get there safely.’

  ‘I love you, Aunt Polly,’ Rose said, blowing her a kiss as she opened the door. ‘Come on, Cora, don’t waste time primping in the mirror. It’s too dark outside for anyone to notice you.’

  Bennett was waiting for them in the entrance hall. ‘What is this place?’ he asked, frowning. ‘I’ve heard screams coming from a room upstairs, and a baby crying.’

  ‘This is a home for fallen women,’ Cora said shyly. ‘Aunt Polly helps unfortunates who have nowhere else to turn in their time of greatest need.’

  ‘Papa thinks that we come here to help look after the poor souls.’ Rose grimaced at the sound of a fierce argument upstairs. ‘We wouldn’t be able to perform at Fancello’s were it not for Aunt Polly.’

  ‘Yes,’ Cora added. ‘We change our clothes here, and then we go on to Fancello’s. We do this in reverse on our way home.’

  ‘I’m not sure I understand why you feel the need to complicate matters in this way.’ Bennett looked from one to the other, frown lines furrowing his brow.

  ‘Because the lingering smell of tobacco smoke and the fumes of alcohol would be noticed at home,’ Cora said earnestly. ‘We would have difficulty in explaining that away.’

  ‘I admire the way you’ve thought things through, but I have to agree with your aunt. You’re exposing yourselves to enormous risks.’

  ‘Our brother’s life is at stake,’ Rose said coldly. ‘Would you have us sit at home and do nothing?’

  ‘That’s a question you should be asking William, not me.’

  ‘I wish I could see Billy,’ Rose said passionately. ‘I would tell him that we’re doing everything in our power to secure his release.’

  ‘Poor Billy …’ Cora’s voice broke on a sob.

  Bennett opened the front door and ushered them out into the cold night air. He walked on with lengthy strides. ‘Gawain Tressidick is dead. He was a young man with a promising career ahead of him.’

  Rose had to quicken her pace in order to keep up with him. She held her sister’s hand, towing her like a small, tired child. ‘He was Billy’s best friend. I’ll never believe that our brother struck the fatal blow.’

  ‘Nor I,’ Cora said faintly. ‘Billy abhorred violence o
f any sort.’

  ‘But I understood he was something of an expert in the noble art of pugilism.’ Bennett came to a halt, facing Rose with a steady look. ‘He was, wasn’t he?’

  Rose gulped and swallowed. It was a question she had been dreading. ‘He regarded it as a science as well as a sport. Billy would have defended himself, but he would never start a fight. I’d stake my own life on it.’

  ‘He was a southpaw,’ Cora said proudly. ‘He told me so, although to be honest I’m not exactly sure what that means.’

  ‘Billy is left-handed?’ Bennett’s dark eyes glinted with the golden reflection of the gaslights as he met Rose’s questioning look with a triumphant smile. ‘Is that correct?’

  ‘It is,’ she said slowly. ‘But I don’t see what that’s got to do with anything.’

  ‘This piece of information might have a huge bearing on the case.’ He smacked his hand on his forehead. ‘Why didn’t I think of that before?’

  Rose and Cora exchanged baffled glances. ‘I don’t understand,’ Rose said, frowning. ‘What difference does it make?’

  ‘I can’t be certain, but it might be the one fact that has been overlooked. I have to return to Cornwall first thing in the morning.’

  ‘So soon?’ Rose stared at him in surprise. ‘But you said you needed to know more about Billy.’

  Bennett started to walk, hands clasped behind his back. ‘This could be just what I was searching for. I couldn’t understand how a young man who was destined for the clergy could suddenly turn into a vicious killer, which is why I accepted the brief in the first place.’

  Rose forgot that her feet hurt and her throat was sore from singing in a smoky atmosphere. A glimmer of hope had been ignited in her breast and she wanted to know more. She caught him up, leaving Cora to stumble along behind them. ‘Why is it so important, Mr Sharpe? Don’t keep me in suspense.’

  ‘I don’t want to raise your hopes too high. You will have to trust me in this. I’ll leave a message for Scully and he’ll keep you informed as to my progress, or the lack of it.’

  ‘Stop here,’ Rose said breathlessly. ‘This is where we live.’