The River Maid

by Dilly Court

  ‘And I will miss my beautiful ladies. But I will see you both again soon.’ He blew them a kiss as he left the room.

  ‘Well!’ Alice stared at the closed door. ‘I can’t believe that he would desert me this way.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ Essie could understand Falco’s desire to escape from the rigid confines of society, but she could also sympathise with Alice, who seemed genuinely shocked by his sudden departure.

  ‘Let him go, I say.’ Alice stood up, brushing imaginary creases from her silk skirts. ‘Men are totally unreliable and untrustworthy. We will go to Brown’s for luncheon and afterwards we will visit my modiste.’

  Essie shook her head. ‘Luncheon would be nice, Alice, but I don’t need any more gowns.’

  ‘Yes, my dear, you do. This evening we will be attending a soirée at the home of Sir Henry Bearwood. My maid has selected a gown for you, but to be seen wearing my cast-offs is not good for you or for me.’

  ‘But Sir Henry tried to rape you, Alice.’

  ‘Rape is such an ugly word. Henry is a passionate man and I could have handled him perfectly well on my own, but Raven had to act the hero. It was sheer luck that neither of them died that night. Anyway, Henry came to call on me the moment he knew that I was back in town. He apologised profusely and I believe he is a changed man, although you may judge for yourself.’

  ‘He knows that I was a servant. He’ll remember me.’

  ‘All that is in the past, Essie. Sir Henry recovered from his wound, as did Raven, so there’s an end to it. Anyway, we’re going and that’s that.’ Alice looked her up and down, frowning. ‘My maid will see that you’re properly attired. I’m sure she will find something that will suit you.’

  ‘I really would rather stay at home this evening. I have things to do.’

  ‘Nonsense. I won’t allow you to mope here on your own. You are my companion, Essie, and you will learn to behave as such. It’s a pity that Falco has decided to leave me in the lurch like this, as he was to escort us tonight.’ Alice eyed her curiously. ‘How is that brother of yours shaping up, Essie? He’s a handsome fellow, even if he lacks polish.’

  ‘George? He came home to change and then, I suppose, he’ll return to Wapping with Falco and Jack.’

  ‘Jack Manning?’ Alice tapped her cheek with the tip of her finger. ‘I remember him. He’s another fine-looking specimen. I wonder if they have evening dress. Two handsome escorts are better than one.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t think they would like to come,’ Essie said quickly.

  ‘Why not? All they need to do is to stand behind us and look pleasant. They don’t have to converse with the other guests, and quite honestly it would be better if they kept silent. I’ll send a messenger with an invitation. There are few who can resist me at my most persuasive.’

  Sir Henry’s palatial home in Piccadilly was lit by so many candles that the heat in the vast entrance hall was as intense as it was outside. Essie had expected there to be half a dozen or so guests and with that in mind had managed to persuade George to accompany them. Jack had encouraged him, laughing and telling him that it would be an experience of a lifetime, which slightly unnerved Essie. She was unaccountably nervous to find herself in a large gathering of fashionable society, but Jack patted her gloved hand as it lay on his sleeve and gave her an encouraging smile.

  ‘Cheer up, Essie,’ he said softly. ‘They won’t bite, and if they do, I’ll bite them back.’

  She stifled a giggle. ‘I don’t know how you can be so calm.’

  Jack encompassed the gathering with a casual wave of his hand. ‘These people might have money and breeding, but take away the titles and the trappings and they’re just like the rest of us mortals.’

  ‘I don’t think they’d appreciate being compared to street sweepers and dollymops, but I know what you mean.’ Essie came to a halt behind Alice and George, wondering why they had stopped and then she spotted Sir Henry himself as he ploughed his way through the assembled guests. He seized Alice’s hand and raised it to his lips.

  ‘How delightful you look this evening, my dear.’

  Alice inclined her head graciously. ‘May I present my partner, George Chapman?’ She nudged George, who reacted like an automaton, inclining his head in a bow and shaking Sir Henry’s hand.

  ‘How do you do, Chapman?’ Sir Henry’s glance flickered past him, coming to rest on Essie.

  ‘And this is Miss Esther Chapman and Mr Jack Manning. Very good friends of mine,’ Alice said firmly.

  ‘A pleasure to meet you.’ Sir Henry gave them a vague smile and then turned away. ‘Come, Alice, there are people I want you to meet.’ He slapped George on the back. ‘I’m sure you can spare her for a while, sir.’ He proffered his arm and, to Essie’s surprise, Alice accepted with a smile, abandoning George.

  ‘I knew I shouldn’t have come,’ he muttered angrily. ‘What am I supposed to do now?’

  ‘Mingle,’ Essie said hastily. ‘We’ll do what everyone else seems to be doing, except that we don’t know anyone, so we’ll have to chat amongst ourselves.’

  Jack took her by the hand. ‘Excellent plan, Essie. Let’s enjoy Sir Henry’s hospitality while keeping an eye on her ladyship. That man is a ladykiller if ever I saw one.’

  ‘I thought you said that Raven shot him,’ George said in a low voice as they edged their way through the crowd, following the general drift of the other guests.

  ‘I’m not sure what happened.’ Essie kept a tight hold on Jack’s hand. ‘But, whatever it was, Sir Henry doesn’t seem to hold a grudge.’

  Carried along by the general surge towards the ballroom, like so much flotsam on a sea of bejewelled ladies and their dashing escorts, they passed between double doors flanked by two liveried footmen. Tables and chairs had been set out at intervals, some of which were already occupied, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, pomade and hothouse flowers. Champagne flowed and the volume of conversation rose in competition with the orchestra and a rather large lady, dressed in apple-green satin, who entertained them with snatches from the operas in an amazing coloratura soprano that made the crystal drops on the chandeliers tinkle like silver bells.

  ‘I don’t think I was cut out for this sort of life.’ George downed a glass of champagne in one gulp.

  ‘We came to support Alice,’ Essie said hastily. ‘But I don’t think she needs us. She seems to be doing very well on her own.’

  Jack sipped his champagne. ‘I’d prefer a glass of ale or a tot of brandy, but I have to hand it to Sir Henry, he is a generous host.’

  ‘I heard someone say that supper is being served soon,’ Essie added, stifling a yawn. ‘I wonder how long this will go on.’

  ‘Don’t tell me you’re bored.’ George stretched out his legs, almost tripping up a footman who was balancing a tray of champagne on one hand. ‘Sorry, old chap. Here, let me take a couple and reduce your load.’ He winked at the footman as he snatched two brimming glasses.

  ‘George, really.’ Essie frowned at him, but it was almost impossible to keep a straight face. ‘Behave yourself.’

  He glanced round at the company where respectable matrons were openly flirting with unattached gentlemen while their spouses played cards for what looked like enormous stakes. ‘Seems to me we’re the only ones who are observing decorum,’ he said, grinning. ‘Maybe I should try my luck with one of those bored beauties whose husband is neglecting her.’

  ‘Don’t you dare,’ Essie said severely.

  ‘It’s lucky for you that duelling has been outlawed, George,’ Jack added cheerfully.

  ‘Heaven knows what it will be like later.’ Essie held her hand to her forehead. ‘I’m sure that singer has a lovely voice, but she’s giving me a headache.’

  ‘I can’t wait for supper to be served.’ George gulped champagne, pulling a face. ‘D’you know, I don’t really like this stuff. Like you, Jack, I’d rather have a glass of ale.’

  Essie sighed. It was going to be a long evening.r />
  Supper had been served and even George could find no fault with the food. The orchestra had taken a well-deserved break and the opera singer had taken her final bow. The gamblers seemed to be too intent on the cards to leave their tables for anything other than their most pressing needs, but some of the furniture had been moved back to form a dance floor, and the orchestra re-formed and began to play a waltz. Sir Henry led Alice out to start the dancing and they moved together in perfect harmony. Essie was startled and yet not surprised by Alice’s change of heart. Sir Henry had a rakish charm and his reputation as a lady’s man posed a challenge to any woman. With his dark good looks and devil-may-care attitude to life, he put Essie in mind of a tiger: handsome but dangerous. She was afraid that Alice might imagine she could bring him to heel, in a similar manner to the way she had managed Falco, and no doubt many others.

  ‘May I have this dance, Essie?’

  She looked up with a start to see Jack standing in front of her, holding out his hand. In a moment of panic she was about to refuse, but then she remembered the brief instructions that Miss Potts had given her and Sadie when she was teaching them to behave like young ladies. Essie rose to her feet and allowed him to lead her onto the floor. Luckily it was a waltz, and the steps came back to her as she followed Jack’s lead. It might have been the effect of the champagne and the shimmering candlelight, but Essie felt as though her feet hardly touched the ground as they whirled around the polished floor. When the music stopped they did not separate immediately, and she met Jack’s steady gaze, finding it impossible to look away. They were marooned in a pool of golden light, and everything around them had faded into a misty nothingness.

  ‘Oh, Lord! There you are, Essie.’ Alice’s voice shattered the moment into shards like broken glass. ‘I’ve been looking for you.’

  ‘We were dancing,’ Essie said weakly.

  ‘I can see that.’ Alice looked from one to the other, frowning. ‘You may go home, if you wish. I intend to stay for a while longer.’

  ‘But you need me to act as your chaperone.’

  ‘I am perfectly capable of looking after myself, Essie. I intend to beat Henry at cards and I don’t need any distractions. I’ve sent for my carriage to take you home. Now go, please. I don’t need you any more tonight, or should I say this morning. I haven’t had such an entertaining evening for months.’

  Alice glided away to join Sir Henry and his friends at one of the card tables and Essie realised that they had been dismissed.

  ‘Don’t worry about Lady Alice.’ Jack gave Essie’s hand a gentle squeeze. ‘I have a feeling that she’s a match for any man.’

  ‘I don’t know why she wanted me to come.’ George swayed on his feet. ‘That woman uses people, Essie. She’ll toss you aside when she’s had enough of your company.’

  ‘It’s the drink talking,’ Essie said crossly. ‘You’re just piqued because she prefers Sir Henry’s company. At least she’s put her carriage at our disposal and I, for one, am ready to go home.’

  Next morning Essie was awakened by Sadie bursting into her room. ‘Essie, wake up.’

  ‘What time is it?’

  ‘It’s half-past eight.’

  ‘We didn’t get home until one o’clock. I think I’ll sleep for a while longer. Go away, Sadie, there’s a good girl.’

  ‘No, you don’t understand. Lady Alice sent an urgent message for you to go to Hill Street. The carriage is waiting.’

  Essie sat up in bed, suddenly wide awake. ‘What did the message say? Who brought it?’

  ‘One of her footmen. He said there’s been a fire at Starcross Abbey and Lady Alice wants to see you right away.’

  All thoughts of sleep were wiped away as Essie leaped out of bed. ‘Help me to get dressed, Sadie.’

  Essie had expected to arrive at Hill Street to find Alice pacing the floor, but her ladyship was sitting up in bed, sipping a cup of coffee. Essie’s stomach rumbled and her mouth was dry. She had not stopped to have breakfast and now she regretted her impulsive reaction to obey Alice’s command.

  ‘I was told you wanted to see me urgently,’ she said crossly. ‘You don’t appear to be distressed by the news of the fire. How bad was it?’

  ‘Of course I’m upset.’ Alice replaced her cup on its saucer. ‘And that’s why I sent for you.’

  ‘What can I do?’

  ‘I want you to go to Devonshire right away. Heaven knows how the servants are coping without anyone other than the housekeeper to organise them.’

  ‘I don’t see how I could help, Alice. I have no authority to make decisions at Starcross.’

  ‘I had thought that Falco might stay on and run things until Raven returned from Australia, but I should have known that the captain would let me down.’

  ‘Falco will always be a seafarer at heart, and he had no reason to stay on at Starcross.’

  ‘He said he would do anything for me, which was patently untrue,’ Alice said, pouting. ‘He deserted me in my time of need.’

  ‘But Starcross Abbey wasn’t his responsibility, nor is it mine.’

  Alice put her head on one side, giving Essie a searching look. ‘I had the impression that you were rather fond of my cousin. All that time in Ballarat I had the feeling that there was something going on between you two. Was I wrong?’

  ‘Even if that were true I can’t make decisions on his behalf.’

  ‘I’m tired of this conversation. I will pay for you to travel first class on the train today. You may take George and Sadie if you wish, but I need to know the full extent of the damage, and then I can decide what course of action should be taken in my cousin’s absence.’

  Essie was about to refuse, but memories of her time in Ballarat with Raven and Freddie came flooding back. But for Raven she would never have travelled to the other side of the world and found her fortune. At one time she had imagined herself to be in love with him, but now she was not so sure. Whatever her feelings for him they were friends and she could do this one thing for him.

  ‘All right, Alice. I’ll go to Starcross Abbey and see what can be done.’

  George had grumbled, but he had agreed to accompany Essie to Devonshire, and Sadie had been eager to return to Starcross Abbey. They had travelled by train and had hired a cab at the station.

  ‘I can see smoke,’ Sadie said excitedly, peering out of the carriage window as they approached Starcross Abbey.

  ‘Surely it can’t still be burning.’ Essie leaned forward as the vehicle swung round the steep bend in the lane and drove through the open gates. Her hand flew to her mouth as she stifled a cry of dismay. Smoking piles of rubble were strewn over the carriage sweep in front of the house, and the roof on the east wing was missing. Exposed timbers reached up into the summer sky like blackened fingers.

  George studied the devastation, shaking his head. ‘That must have been some conflagration. I wonder how it started.’

  ‘That’s what I hope to find out.’ Essie waited impatiently for the carriage to come to a halt. George opened the door and helped her to alight.

  ‘This is so sad,’ she said, gazing up at what was left of the old house with tears in her eyes.

  ‘It looks to have burned itself out, which is a good thing.’ George helped Sadie to the ground and picked up their cases. ‘Knock on the door, there’s a good girl. My hands are full.’

  Sadie obliged without hesitating and moments later the door was opened by a tearful Mrs Grimes. She flung her arms around Essie’s neck in an uncharacteristic show of emotion. ‘I’m so glad you came, miss. I’m at my wits’ end to know what to do, and that be a fact. Mrs Wills is away visiting her sick brother, and Mr Havers is in Plymouth on estate business.’

  ‘I’m so sorry, Mrs Grimes.’ Essie extricated herself from the cook’s grip. ‘Let’s go inside. Lady Alice sent me to assess the damage.’

  ‘The whole of the east wing has gone – burned to the ground overnight. But there were a sudden storm, as if the Good Lord hisself had opened the heave
ns in order to save Starcross Abbey from the work of the devil. Although we know the name of the fiend who did this evil thing.’

  Essie stepped over the threshold, followed by Sadie, and George came last, carrying their luggage. The smell of charred wood hung in a pall, covering everything in the entrance hall with a thick layer of soot. Mrs Grimes led the way to what had once been the billiard room. She opened the door and they were enveloped in a gust of smoke-laden air and dust. Essie blinked at the sight of the utter devastation. The outer walls were standing but the upper floors were missing, as was the roof. Open to the sky there was nothing left of the east wing other than smouldering rubble.

  ‘Close the door, Mrs Grimes. I’ve seen enough.’ Essie stepped back into the part of the building untouched by the flames.

  ‘Come to the kitchen, miss. It’s the only tidy room in what’s left of the house.’ Mrs Grimes headed off, leaving them to follow.

  ‘We’ll need to stay for a night or two,’ Essie said worriedly. ‘Two rooms will do. I don’t want to put you to unnecessary trouble.’

  ‘There’s only Jenifry and Beattie to help me. With most of the rooms under Holland covers, we haven’t needed much help in the house, but we’ll manage, miss. I’ve never let his lordship down and never will.’

  The kitchen appeared to have escaped the flames and, apart from the cloying sooty smell, everything look exactly the same as when Essie was last there.

  ‘Jenifry, put the kettle on and make us a pot of tea. Where’s that silly girl?’

  ‘Beattie’s in the yard drawing water from the pump, Ma.’ Jenifry shot a shy smile in Essie’s direction. ‘It’s good to see you again, miss. We need someone to tell us what must be done.’ She glanced at George and bobbed a curtsey. ‘Begging your pardon for being so forward, sir.’

  ‘Don’t mind us,’ Essie said hastily. ‘This is my brother, George Chapman, and of course you know Sadie. Lady Alice asked us to come and see the damage for ourselves. We’re here to help.’

  ‘Take a seat, please do.’ Mrs Grimes pulled up a chair and sank down. ‘I’m sorry, but this has fair upset me. I’m too old to deal with suchlike.’