The River Maid

by Dilly Court

  Alice and Sir Henry had recently returned from Jamaica, but when Essie visited Bearwood House she found her friend lying on a sofa in the drawing room, looking pale and listless.

  ‘I have some good news for you, Alice.’

  ‘Really?’ Alice turned her head away.

  ‘Are you ill?’ Essie asked anxiously.

  Alice motioned her to sit down. ‘I get these bouts of nausea every day. The doctor says it’s quite normal for a woman in my delicate condition.’

  ‘Are you in the family way, Alice?’

  ‘I prefer the French word enceinte. It’s so much more genteel.’ Alice reached for a glass of water and took a sip. ‘I don’t know how Her Majesty has gone through this ordeal eight times.’

  ‘But surely you want to have children?’ Essie took the glass from Alice’s hand and put it down on the table. ‘Is Sir Henry pleased?’

  ‘Oh, him! Yes, of course he’s delighted at the thought of producing a son and heir. This might be the first, but it will most definitely be the last. I am not going to lose my figure and suffer the agony of childbirth every year, no matter what he says.’

  ‘I think you’ll change your mind when you hold the baby in your arms.’ Essie leaned over and dropped a kiss on Alice’s forehead. ‘You might feel poorly, but you look beautiful. Your skin has a lovely glow and your hair is like silk.’

  Alice sat up. ‘Really? I thought I looked like an old hag.’

  ‘Why don’t you get dressed and come to Gunter’s with me? I’m sure you could manage a dish of ice cream or a slice of cake.’

  ‘Perhaps I could,’ Alice said doubtfully. ‘Are you sure I look all right?’

  ‘Never better. Shall I ring the bell for your maid?’

  ‘Yes, do.’ Alice put her head on one side. ‘When you first arrived you said you had news for me. What is it?’

  ‘The court hearing is next week, Alice. If it goes in their favour both Raven and Freddie will be free men. Will you attend?’

  ‘No, I think not, but you will, I’m sure.’

  ‘Most certainly.’

  ‘And you haven’t forgotten your promise to take the news to Raven in person? He needs to return home as soon as possible and put things right at Starcross. It’s not my responsibility.’

  Essie reached for the bell pull. ‘I always keep my promises.’

  Essie attended the court accompanied by George, and Sadie was left in charge of the office with Jack close at hand in case she needed him.

  Sick with nerves, Essie sat in the public gallery, clutching her brother’s hand. Quite how long the proceedings lasted she could not have said, and the legal jargon was sometimes baffling, but eventually the judge uttered the longed-for words – ‘NOT GUILTY’. Essie was too stunned to react, but George uttered a loud ‘Hurrah’ and was immediately threatened with expulsion by a stern-faced court official. They left the gallery and made their way out of the court building.

  In the street Essie lifted her face to the pale November sun, closing her eyes and sighing with relief. ‘They’re free men, George. It’s over.’

  ‘Not quite. Raven and Freddie have yet to be informed.’

  ‘And I promised Alice that I would take the news personally,’ Essie said, thoughtfully. ‘I have to travel to Australia right away, George.’

  ‘Surely you could send a letter.’ He stared at her, shaking his head. ‘That’s ridiculous. Let Lady Alice travel to the other side of the world, if that’s what she wishes.’

  Essie smiled. ‘I don’t think Alice will be travelling far for a while – she’s in the family way.’

  He let out a whistle between his teeth. ‘Well, I never! I can’t see Alice as a mother, wiping noses and patching up cuts and bruises.’

  ‘She’ll have a fleet of nannies and nursery maids to do all that. But she may surprise us all and become a doting mama. Who knows?’

  George hailed a cab. ‘Wapping High Street, cabby.’ He helped Essie into the vehicle and climbed in beside her. ‘Are you really going to Australia, Essie?’

  ‘It seems so, George.’

  It all happened so quickly that Essie had little time to reconsider her decision. One moment they had been in the courtroom and the next she was supervising the packing of a steamer trunk and various smaller items of luggage. The only thing left to do was to break the news to Jack. Essie waited until they were alone in the office, except for Sadie who was poring over a bill of lading.

  Essie cleared her throat nervously. She knew he would challenge her decision, but that brought out her stubborn streak. Even if what she planned was a foolhardy thing to do, she had made a promise and she was determined to see it through. ‘Jack, I’ve been thinking.’

  He looked up from the chart he had been studying. ‘Is something wrong, Essie?’

  ‘No, not at all.’ She took a deep breath. ‘The Santa Gabriella is moored in the Upper Reach and I want to charter her to take me to Australia.’ She met his startled gaze with a persuasive smile. ‘I can afford it, Jack. I gave Alice my word that I would take the news to Raven and Freddie in person.’

  ‘But that’s ridiculous, Essie. Surely it’s unnecessary, and a waste of time and money.’

  ‘Sadie is perfectly capable of helping in the office – she knows most of our clients and she understands how we do things. Besides which, the Santa Gabriella is a fast ship, and I only intend to stay long enough to persuade Raven to come home.’

  ‘But we need you here, Essie,’ Jack said, frowning. ‘You’re a born businesswoman, and I’ve come to rely on you.’

  ‘You’ll have Sadie to run errands and take messages, and I won’t be away for more than a few months. You’ll hardly notice I’m gone.’

  Sadie had been sitting behind the desk, listening quietly, but she jumped to her feet clapping her hands. ‘I can cope, Jack. If you’ll let me stay with you and Mrs Cooper at the Old Captain’s House I’ll be on hand. I’m thirteen now, practically a woman, and very capable – Mrs Cooper says so.’

  ‘Of course you are.’ Essie blew her a kiss. ‘I have complete faith in you, Sadie.’

  Sadie opened her mouth to reply and closed it again as her attention strayed to the person who burst into the office. Her face lit up with a delighted smile. ‘Captain Falco.’

  ‘How did the trip to the Crimea go, Captain?’ Jack’s grim expression melted into a smile and he greeted Falco with a handshake. ‘You made good time.’

  ‘It went as well as can be expected.’ Serious, for once, Falco shook his head. ‘I dislike taking young men to face the horrors of the battlefield. I hope the war will soon be over.’

  ‘Amen to that,’ Jack said, nodding. ‘But you can comfort yourself with the fact that the army have enough troop ships now. That was a single trip.’

  ‘I brought back many wounded. We set them ashore in Portsmouth, as instructed, but I wouldn’t want to go through that again.’

  Essie could see that Falco was genuinely upset and she laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. ‘Welcome home. It’s good to see you safe and sound, Captain. Did my father do himself proud?’

  ‘He did, and not a drop of liquor has passed his lips since we left port. You’ll see him soon.’

  ‘I’m so relieved, and I have some good news. Raven and Freddie have been exonerated of any wrongdoing,’ Essie said eagerly. ‘They’re free men now, Falco. I want to charter your ship to take me to Australia so that I can tell them in person.’

  Falco took her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘Gladly, mia cara. When do we sail?’

  ‘As soon as possible.’ Essie turned to Jack, but his tight-lipped expression and stony silence spoke more than a thousand words. ‘I have to do this, Jack. You do understand, don’t you?’

  ‘I thought you were happy here, Essie. Isn’t all this enough for you? Or have you set your sights on being a countess?’

  ‘That’s unworthy of you,’ Essie said, sharply. ‘You know me better than that.’

  ‘Do I? I see no reason f
or you to travel halfway across the world, unless you’re desperate to see your friend again.’

  ‘I can’t talk to you when you’re in this mood,’ Essie said angrily.

  Jack snatched his hat off a row of pegs. ‘I have business to attend to.’

  ‘That’s right,’ Essie said, throwing up her hands. ‘Walk away. Don’t stop to discuss things.’

  The slamming of the door was her only answer.

  ‘He’ll come round in time,’ Falco said gently. ‘He thinks a lot of you, Essie.’

  ‘And it’s mutual, but he doesn’t own me, Falco. I’m an independent woman and I can do as I please. Raven and Freddie are my friends and I intend to bring them home.’

  ‘I’d come with you, Essie.’ Sadie rushed up to her and gave her a hug. ‘But it’s best if I stay here. Don’t take any notice of Jack, he’s just jealous.’

  Essie buried her face in Sadie’s golden curls, holding her close. ‘You must look after him for me, and George, too.’

  ‘I will.’ Sadie broke away and did a twirl. ‘I’ll be in charge and I’ll make sure they behave themselves while you’re away.’

  ‘I hope I’m doing the right thing, Falco,’ Essie said in an undertone.

  Falco gave her a sympathetic smile. ‘We will bring them home together, mia cara. I’ve seen enough suffering to last me a lifetime, so it will be good to see old friends.’ He cleared his throat noisily. ‘How is Lady Alice? I would like to see her while I am ashore.’

  Essie hesitated, unsure how to break the news of Alice’s marriage. She had long suspected that Falco had deep feelings for her ladyship, and now she was certain. ‘I’m afraid that might be difficult for you, Captain. Alice married Sir Henry Bearwood in June.’

  His eyes darkened and he looked away. ‘I wish her joy.’

  ‘They are well suited, Falco.’ Essie laid her hand on his arm. ‘Alice is quite content and in a few months’ time she’ll be a mother.’

  ‘I’ll have the ship ready to sail in two days.’ Falco’s smile did not reach his eyes, but his tone was brisk as ever. ‘You will be pleased with your papa, Essie. He’s waiting on the wharf and he wants to see you.’

  Essie snatched her shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders as she followed Falco out into the cold greyness of a November day. The river was in a benevolent mood as it snaked silkily towards the sea on the outgoing tide. Essie looked round for her father but she barely recognised the sturdy, upright man in seaman’s clothing who was waiting at the top of the steps. He turned to face her and she hurried to meet him.

  ‘Pa. Welcome home.’

  His weathered features creased into a smile and he patted her on the shoulder. ‘I’m pleased to see you, girl. You look like a proper lady.’

  ‘And you’re looking good, Pa.’ Essie hesitated. ‘I’m well and happy.’

  ‘No thanks to me, girl. Your ma would turn in her grave if she knew how I’d treated you and George. I wouldn’t blame you if you hated me.’

  ‘I don’t hate you and neither does George.’

  ‘Where is my boy?’

  ‘You’ll see him at supper tonight, Pa. You will join us, won’t you?’

  ‘I don’t remember much of what happened when I was a slave to drink, but I’m a changed man now.’ Jacob shot a wary glance at Falco, who was standing behind Essie. ‘I will take supper with you, Essie. If it’s all right with the Cap’n?’

  ‘Everyone has two days’ shore leave and then we sail for Australia.’ Falco winked at Essie. ‘You’d better explain to your papa, Essie. I have business to discuss with Jack.’ He strolled back to the office and went inside.

  Essie was about to suggest that her father accompanied her to Curzon Street when she spotted her brother walking towards them. She waved to attract his attention and beckoned. ‘George is coming, Pa. Now is as good a time as any to make your peace with him. He’s a fine man and I’m sure he’ll be more than willing to shake hands.’

  That evening, over dinner, Essie could see that her pa was uncomfortable and ill at ease. The meeting between George and their father had gone reasonably well considering what had happened in the past, but it was obvious to Essie that it would take time for old wounds to heal. During the meal George did his best to keep the conversation flowing, but Jacob seemed at a loss for words, especially in the presence of the butler and parlourmaid. He toyed with his food and dropped his knife on the floor, followed by his table napkin. He bumped heads with Parkinson when they both bent to retrieve the knife and napkin, and he spilled his water when he reached for the salt. Jacob was clearly embarrassed by his clumsiness and he mumbled an apology to Parkinson, who mopped up the spilled liquid.

  When dessert was served Jacob spooned the syllabub into his mouth as if it was his last meal on earth and when his plate was clean he stood up.

  ‘I must go now, Essie. Ta for the grub, but I ain’t accustomed to such high living.’

  Essie leaped to her feet. ‘Don’t go, Pa. I’ve asked my housekeeper to make a room ready so that you can stay here. Why don’t you come to the drawing room and we’ll have coffee? I’m sure that you and George have a lot to talk about.’

  Jacob shot a glance at his son, lowering his shaggy eyebrows. ‘I think it’s too late. I know me faults, George. I don’t expect forgiveness, son.’

  George rose from the table. ‘We’re still family, Pa. It will take time, but there’s no reason to think we can’t get along tolerably well. I’ve learned a thing or two since I left home.’

  ‘Ta, son.’ Jacob made a move towards the door. ‘I’d best be going now.’

  ‘Won’t you stay the night?’ Essie asked anxiously.

  ‘It’s kind of you, but I’m not comfortable here. This isn’t for the likes of me. I’ll walk back to the dock and find someone to take me out to the ship.’

  ‘No, you won’t,’ George said firmly. ‘We’ll take a cab and I’ll row you in our skiff.’

  ‘I’ll send for the carriage.’ Essie raised her hand to tug at the bell pull, but George shook his head.

  ‘Don’t drag the coachman out at this hour. Pa and I will walk some of the way and enjoy a cigarillo together. We’ll get a cab for the rest of the journey, so don’t wait up for me, Essie. I might be a while.’ He slapped his father on the back. ‘Come on, guvnor. Let’s go.’

  They left together and suddenly the elegant dining room seemed like a prison. Essie sank down on her chair, gazing round at the trappings of wealth, which suddenly seemed worthless and tawdry. She understood why her father felt out of place, but his discomfort made her realise just how much she herself had changed. She was no longer the girl from Limehouse working the river for pennies, but neither was she entirely happy as the mistress of a mansion in Curzon Street. Essie Chapman had yet to find her rightful place in the world. Maybe she would discover it in Australia, or perhaps it was here at home? She could not forget Jack’s adverse reaction when she told him about her proposed trip. His attitude had hurt her and had left her confused as to her own feelings.

  Two days later, goodbyes were said and tears flowed freely. At the last minute Alice had sent a message wishing her ‘Bon voyage’, and the time had come to board the Santa Gabriella.

  Sadie threw her arms around Essie and had to be prised away by Mrs Cooper, who had come to wish Essie a safe journey and a speedy return home.

  ‘I’ll take good care of Sadie,’ Mrs Cooper said with a watery smile. ‘The old captain approves and he’ll keep an eye on the girl, too.’

  ‘As will I,’ Jack added hastily.

  ‘Me, too! So don’t worry about anything, Essie.’ George hugged her in an unusual show of brotherly love.

  ‘I’ll miss you all.’ Essie glanced at Jack, who had so far shown a degree of reserve. He had said all the right things in the run-up to her departure, but she knew that it was just words, and she sensed his frustration. Whether it was anger or something deeper she had no way of knowing, although if he had begged her to stay she might have been persuaded
to reconsider her decision. She hesitated, hoping that he might unbend for just long enough to wish her well, but he remained tight-lipped as he followed her down the steps and handed her into the wherry.

  ‘Are you sure this is what you want?’ he said gruffly.

  There was a note of desperation in his voice and he held her gaze with an intensity that made it impossible to look away. His fingers closed over hers and he held her as if he could not bear to be parted. She was tempted to change her mind – she wanted to give in and throw her arms around him – but it was too late. She could not back down now.

  ‘I have the official papers in my luggage, Jack. I’m going to make sure that Raven and Freddie have them and then I’ll return, with or without them.’

  ‘I can see that nothing I say will make you change your mind.’ He raised her hand to his lips and brushed it with a kiss as soft as a butterfly’s wing. ‘Safe journey, Essie. Come home to me.’

  She sat down suddenly as the wherry cast off. The plash of the rower’s oars and a series of hoots from steam whistles, accompanied by the grinding sound of a working crane, drowned Jack’s final words of farewell. He raised his hand and then let it fall to his side.

  Essie’s throat constricted with unshed tears and she turned away, resolutely fixing her attention on the Santa Gabriella, which was to be her home for the next two months or more, depending on wind and weather. Falco and her father were already on board, but, for a moment, she had an almost irresistible urge to tell the waterman to turn back. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Jack standing on the edge of the wharf, and behind him were George, Sadie and Mrs Cooper, who was alternately dabbing her eyes with her hanky and then waving it frantically.

  Leaving the people she loved most in the whole world was hard, but Essie owed a debt of gratitude to Raven, and she had made a promise that she must keep. There was no turning back now.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  They had left London in the second week of November and arrived in Corio Bay in the middle of January, having made good time, even allowing for coaling stops and taking on fresh water and supplies on the way. They landed at Geelong and memories of that first trip came flooding back, but this time Essie knew exactly where she was going. They hired horses for greater speed and pack mules to carry the essentials needed for making camp. Falco opted to accompany her and it seemed natural to take Jacob, who was a good man in a fight. Essie had no illusions as to the dangers that might beset them from marauding gangs and escaped convicts.