The Lace Balcony

by Johanna Nicholls

  ‘Surely it can’t be all that bad. What are you accused of? Breaking one of the best dinner plates? Burning the pudding?’

  ‘Worse than you can imagine. Felix is being interrogated, Mungo too. You know Felix, always in control, not a hothead like Mungo. But now their roles are reversed. Mungo is calm and Felix is shouting himself hoarse!’

  Felix? Mungo? This sounds serious. Vianna tried to mask her concern. ‘If you’ve been wrongly accused of theft, Felix will defend your honour.’

  ‘He can’t – I’ve already lost it!’

  Lost her honour? This must mean the affair with Felix.

  Vianna whispered, ‘That’s human nature. Not the end of the world.’

  ‘It’s the end of my world.’ Molly said sadly.

  Vianna glanced at the girl’s belly and felt an involuntary twinge of envy.

  ‘Surely you don’t mean a baby? It’s too soon to be sure.’

  ‘It only takes one night, doesn’t it? But don’t worry, I’ve been as sick as a dog every morning. But from nerves – not that. But now that I’m ruined, I’ll be packed off to The Factory out of sight.’

  ‘They’ll do no such thing. What has Felix said?’

  ‘I haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since we came back. It’s all spoilt. Felix was teaching me all about the planets and the stars . . .’

  ‘This is all my fault, Molly. I’m so sorry.’

  ‘No it’s all mine. I was so happy just loving Felix from afar. I knew he was on the rebound from you. I wanted to comfort him. I did. But it wasn’t enough.’

  Vianna added wistfully, ‘Love makes its own rules.’

  Cockney George poked his head through the rear door of the east wing.

  ‘Hey, Cook! You’ve been called in to say your piece. You’re next, m’girl.’ He said, with a broad wink at Molly that might have been friendly, or teasing innuendo that she’d been caught out.

  Vianna’s heart sank at the sight of Mungo strolling towards them with the confident swagger of a Currency Lad whose world is totally free of trouble. Damn Mungo, he’s not suffering one jot that I’m sailing out of his life in a matter of hours.

  His expression sobered at the sight of Molly’s red-rimmed eyes.

  ‘What’s wrong, sweetheart? You know me. There’s nothing I can’t sort out.’

  Were his words meant to include her? Vianna couldn’t be sure. But what does it matter? There are some things even Mungo can’t change.

  Cook was seen to march out of one rear door and return to her domain in the other wing, followed by a gaggle of servants eager to hear the verdict of her confrontation. She threw a parting shot at her daughter. ‘The answer’s, no, my girl!’

  George barely contained his glee. ‘You’re in for it now, m’girl.’

  Mungo turned Molly to make her look him straight in the eye. ‘Remember, you were born here. That makes you as good as any of the Quality. Don’t let anyone try to put you in your place. We’re Currency. We make our own place in the world, right?’

  Molly answered with a thin, faltering smile through her tears.

  Vianna drew out her handkerchief, wiped the girl’s eyes, tidied her hair and removed her apron. ‘Now, you’re perfect.’

  ‘I’ll stand by you, Molly, we’ll face the music together.’ Mungo offered her his arm and they proceeded down the path, Molly’s head held high.

  They look just like a courting couple. Vianna felt a lump in her throat but she blocked the tears from her eyes, shocked by the truth. They’re two of a kind. I encouraged Molly to win Felix’s heart. How wrong I was. Mungo’s the best man for her. And she’s the woman who’ll give him children.

  • • •

  The formal withdrawing room that Kentigern had chosen for the interrogation underlined the severity of the occasion. Mungo realised this was no mere infringement of the rigid rules of the servant-master relationship defined in the Colony’s statutes.

  It’s a kangaroo court. She’s guilty before she opens her mouth. Father’s a hothead, Mrs Less’s word is law, and Felix is too intent on being the perfect gentleman to have the guts to be his own man.

  About to enter the room, Molly said sadly, ‘You can’t help me, Mungo. It’s too late.’

  Mungo whispered a quick aside, ‘Trust me. I know what I’m doing.’

  Jesus, I wish that was the truth.

  The trusting look Molly gave him steeled Mungo’s resolve.

  Kentigern L’Estrange was seated in a high-backed armorial chair. The moment their eyes locked, his father registered a twitch of annoyance at his presence.

  Father wants to sweep this crime under the carpet, whatever it is. But he knows I’m the man to challenge him.

  Mungo could not gauge Albruna’s true feelings from her expression. Her face was pale, but the intense blue of her eyes coolly assessed them.

  If she’s the jury at this trial, the verdict is still open.

  Felix sat bolt upright like a man of Quality about to take the witness stand, intent on clearing his family name of any taint of dishonour. Only his eyes betrayed his nerves.

  Mungo confronted the problem head on. ‘I am here on behalf of Miss Baker. Given that the lady has no solicitor to advise her of her rights, I shall act as her witness in the event any accusation is made involving her good name.’

  Kentigern gave a snort that might have been a dismissal of Mungo’s presumption or begrudging approval of his tactics. ‘Nothing so formal, Mungo. You’re jumping the gun, as usual. This is not merely a legal matter. It is a family matter to be resolved discreetly and speedily. No servant of mine would ever stand trial even if I was convinced of their guilt.’

  ‘Glad to hear it, Sir. Whatever the case concerning your cook, Mrs Baker, may I remind you that Miss Molly Baker, is not your assigned servant. Not even a paid servant. She simply assists her mother, in the role of a dutiful daughter. Thus the laws binding the colonial master-servant relationship do not apply to her.’

  ‘Quite,’ Kentigern said, clearly disconcerted to be on the back foot of the argument. ‘However the girl is directly involved in an important issue that requires my decision.’

  ‘And mine.’ Albruna’s quiet interjection drew a glance of irritation from her husband but he nodded in acknowledgment.

  For God’s sake what’s wrong? It’s not like Father to stall. Must be serious.

  ‘May I ask, Sir, if Cook’s place is secure?’

  Albruna’s swift response prevented her husband’s intended reply. ‘Absolutely, Mungo. We wish to retain her services as an employee for as long as she is content to remain under our roof. It is Cook herself who has declined our offer.’

  Mungo was caught off-guard.

  ‘Family honour,’ Kentigern said firmly. ‘A matter not to be taken lightly.

  Mungo was blunt. ‘Whose honour is that – yours, Mrs Baker’s or Molly’s?’

  ‘Mine!’ Felix rose in agitation. ‘You want the truth, Mungo? Cook – Molly’s mother, is proud. She has chosen to leave this house if Molly accepts our offer.’

  ‘What offer? Will someone please talk straight and tell us what’s going on?’

  Kentigern waved a dismissive hand at Felix. ‘This young fool made a rash decision without considering the full consequences. An offer without my approval. Cook agrees it is entirely inappropriate. It would never be accepted by society. Marriage is quite out of the question.’

  ‘Marriage, eh?’ Mungo glanced at Felix. I didn’t know he had it in him.

  ‘Marriage?’ Molly whispered and leaned on Mungo’s arm for support.

  Felix turned to her, ‘I am truly sorry, Molly. I take full responsibility for – what has occurred. I did my best to set things right. You are too young to marry without parental consent. Your mother refuses to remain here as Cook if I marry you. She feels she would lose her “place” in the eyes of the servants. She refuses to grant her permission.’

  ‘So do I,’ Kentigern said, ‘if you wish to remain my son and heir.’


  Felix turned pale. ‘I respect your judgment, Father. But I am honour bound to right the wrong I have done, in taking advantage of Molly’s youth. When Molly comes of age I intend to make an honest woman of her.’

  ‘A poor honest woman,’ Kentigern warned him.

  ‘If that is the price I must pay to retain my honour, so be it.’ Felix’s voice croaked but his stance was firm.

  ‘Your honour? Hang on a moment,’ Molly was pink with embarrassment.

  ‘Hush, Molly, let me handle this,’ Mungo said quickly.

  Her voice rode over his. ‘Nobody’s asked me what I want. You never once mentioned the word marriage, Felix – except perhaps in the lovely way you described the eclipse of the sun and the moon.’

  Mungo’s mouth twitched. That sounds just like Felix. But there’s no stopping Molly now!

  ‘I don’t want to marry any man who feels guilty for making love to me. You didn’t say it was wrong that night at Mookaboola – so why is it wrong now? I thought I loved you. I’m not so sure now.’

  The silence in the room was so total that Mungo almost laughed out loud.

  ‘I wanted to offer to do the honourable thing,’ Felix stammered.

  ‘It seems you’ve made everyone happy – except me. I don’t want a man with cold feet. The truth is you still want Vianna. I won’t be second best to any woman!’

  Felix blanched. Kentigern threw up his hands in the air. Albruna coughed behind her handkerchief, but Mungo caught an odd glint in her eye that just might have been admiration.

  What guts the kid has. The look on Felix’s face is priceless. Now it’s my turn.

  Mungo crossed the room to his brother’s side and spoke discreetly. ‘If I may offer a quiet word of advice, this is the perfect time to take Molly aside and discuss the matter in private. Your offer was honourable – but hardly romantic.’

  Mungo turned to his father and Mrs L’Estrange. ‘May I suggest a short cooling off period. There are not two people’s lives involved in this decision. Within a few months there will be three.’

  At the electric word ‘three’, Albruna turned pale. Kentigern rose clumsily from his chair, his complexion purple. All eyes turned to Felix. His jaw moved as if he was suddenly devoid of the power of speech. Then he bounded two steps forward.

  ‘Molly! We must talk – alone!’

  Taking her by the hand Felix strode from the room at such a pace she needed to double her steps to keep up with him.

  Mungo took a seat, smiling benignly at each in turn.

  His father’s expression of outrage was predictable. But Mungo’s eyes kept returning to Mrs Less. There was a look in her eyes he simply could not interpret.

  It’s all up to Felix now. But women are funny creatures. It could go either way. I wouldn’t put money on it.

  • • •

  Felix could think of nowhere to go at short notice where they would be free from the prying eyes and ears of servants, except one place. He strode across the Bridge of Sighs, looking neither left nor right, relieved that Molly was following him blindly and had not uttered a single word.

  I don’t know whether to hit Mungo or shake his hand. But at least he’s staged the opportunity for me to get the truth out of Molly. God willing we won’t run into her mother. I couldn’t face that woman again – she has all the wild unpredictability of the Celts, but more pride than a duchess.

  He unlocked the door to his bedchamber and ushered Molly inside.

  ‘God willing no one saw us. It is quite improper for a young lady to be secreted in a bachelor’s bedchamber, but needs must.’

  ‘Why? I’ve been here alone with you a half-dozen times.’

  ‘That was different. You were just Cook’s daughter, serving me.’

  Molly bridled. ‘I’m still just Cook’s daughter, and don’t you forget it.’

  ‘Of course, I didn’t mean – that is. Oh dammit it, Molly, must you take exception to everything I say? I made your mother an honourable offer of marriage.’

  ‘Did she accept you?’ she asked tartly. ‘If so that means you’re my stepfather.’

  ‘Molly, for pity’s sake, this is serious. Is what Mungo said true? Three of us. Does that mean we had the bad luck that one night to make . . . ?

  ‘A baby? Well, your luck’s changed, Felix. I’m not with child and I never told Mungo I was. I reckon he was just trying to be helpful.’

  ‘Helpful? Father nearly had another heart attack – and as for my mother, she turned as white as snow.’

  ‘Well! Now I know where I stand with you. I’ll go downstairs and pack my things. I’ve learned a lot in this house, Felix. And a lot of the tricks of the trade from Vianna. I reckon I can put it all to good use – and get paid for it.’

  She was almost at the door when Felix lunged across the room and blocked her path. ‘Don’t you dare leave me in this mess, Molly!’

  ‘Don’t dare? Who are you to give me orders, Felix?’

  He held her face between his hands and looked deep into her eyes.

  ‘I’m not ordering you to marry me, Molly. I’m – I’m begging you. We must put things right.’

  ‘Well it wouldn’t be right for me – I can’t marry a man who’s in love with my best friend.’

  ‘I’m not. Oh damn. The problem is you know too much about me. I made a total fool of myself over a desperate young woman who likes me well enough but never loved any man – except maybe Mungo. My – my – that is, Mungo –’

  ‘Your brother,’ she supplied helpfully.

  ‘You knew?’

  ‘I’d have to be blind not to see you two are peas in a pod.’

  ‘Quite. Well, anyway Mungo and I became rivals in love – just as we’ve been competing at everything all our lives.’

  ‘So you only want me because you think I love Mungo. Well I do. But it’s different.’

  Felix took her hands and drew her to sit down on his bed. Both chairs were piled high with astronomy books. He pointed to the telescope. ‘The truth is, Molly, I now realise I’ve been looking at love the wrong way. You remember how Admiral Horatio Nelson deliberately put his telescope up to his blind eye to disregard the signal ordering him to disengage in a battle at sea?’

  ‘Yeah, and won the battle of Copenhagen. What’s that to do with me?’

  ‘Well, in a sense I’ve been blind to real love. Until that night at Mookaboola. I realised that you had more true love and courage – than I’ve ever had.’ Her silence unnerved him. ‘May I kiss you?’ He did not wait for her answer and he took his time kissing her face and neck and murmuring endearments.

  ‘Will you give me another chance, my dear little girl?’

  When she hesitated he said in desperation, ‘Molly, I need you. You are my lodestar!’

  Those were the magic words. Molly’s eyes widened and she returned his kiss with passion. Until she was stopped by a sudden thought. ‘Yes. But only if we put the books straight, Felix. We must tell your parents and my ma that I am not going to have a child.’

  ‘No need to mention that detail,’ he said quickly. ‘Let things stand – so we can marry soon. It’s not a lie. I am going to give you a child – just as soon as we’re married.’

  Molly giggled. ‘You sound just like Mungo – turning the truth inside out to make people do what you want.’

  Felix was taken aback. ‘Like Mungo? Do I indeed? Well, come to think of it we do occasionally think alike.’

  She held out her hand. ‘Come, my love, let’s face the music together.’

  • • •

  Mungo gave a sigh of relief when the pair re-entered the room. Molly was trying to hide a smile and Felix was tugging at his neckcloth, which was in disarray for probably the first time in his life.

  Mungo knew the battle was over. After a few well-chosen words from Felix, his father was ready to remonstrate, until Mrs L’Estrange placed a restraining hand on his arm and whispered something that immediately caused him to back down.

  She rang the bell an
d ordered tea, that traditional English cure all for every occasion. She served it beautifully from the Russian samovar in the best teacups, accompanied by Cook’s elegant petits fours, scones and thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches. It seemed that following a short, heated confrontation in the kitchen with Molly, Cook had at last conceded defeat.

  Mungo sipped his tea. No one entering this room for the first time would suspect anything but a well-bred family united in harmony.

  He was aware that the mistress of the house was the sole person taking full advantage of the tea ritual. Molly had been escorted upstairs to rest. Felix eyed him warily but silently topped up their teacups from the whisky decanter.

  Felix forced himself to ask the question, quietly. ‘You owe me the truth. Exactly when did you grow close to Molly? She thinks the world of you.’

  ‘I was never more than her big brother,’ Mungo said quickly. ‘You were always her hero – just too blind to notice her. But don’t take my word for it. Ask Molly. She’s nothing if not dead honest.’

  ‘I know,’ Felix said thoughtfully. ‘Does that mean your announcement about the three us was simply a ploy?’

  ‘Yeah, to nudge things along. We made it work a treat, didn’t we? You’ve got yourself a very special girl.’

  Mungo offered his hand. Felix accepted it without hesitation.

  Looking up, both were startled by the remarkable transformation of the warring L’Estranges. Seated together in an alcove, their heads were bent close together. Occasional phrases filtered across the room. Mungo caught the name of Magistrate Kennedy. Clearly something was being planned. He could not stand the suspense.

  ‘What are your parents up to, do you think?’

  ‘They’re planning a very quiet, private wedding. As soon as possible – for obvious reasons.’

  ‘I see,’ Mungo said sagely, ‘so none of the Top Thirteen will count on their fingers to prove exactly what came first, the chicken or the egg.’

  Felix flushed with embarrassment. ‘It seems a good idea to stick with – one of your little white lies.’

  ‘You’ll thank me, one day,’ Mungo said with confidence.

  ‘I don’t suppose you could bring yourself to be my best man?’