by Dilly Court
‘What did you say?’
Hickson blinked and shook her head. ‘It was nothing, Miss Josephine.’ She stalked off in the direction of the servants’ quarters.
Josie shrugged her shoulders. Hickson was just being difficult and deliberately mysterious to goad her. She checked her appearance in one of the wall mirrors before setting off. It would be a coincidence if she happened to come across Sam in the market place.
In the town, she accomplished her shopping, filling a small basket with the bottles of medicine for her father and skeins of embroidery silk and a packet of needles for her mother. It was a bleak sunless day and bitterly cold. She walked briskly back to the market place where she had left her horse tethered to a post, and she arrived just as the squire drove up in a smart new gig with Kate sitting at his side. Kate’s face lit up with a delighted smile when she saw her and she leapt down from the vehicle, barely giving it time to stop. She threw her arms around Josie in an affectionate hug. ‘Josie, how are you? Why haven’t you been to see us?’
‘I’ve had a million things to do, but I see that you’re encouraging your admirer.’
Kate pulled a face. ‘Hush, he’ll hear you.’ She slipped her hand through Josie’s arm. ‘Thank goodness you’re here. It gives me a good excuse to escape from Squire Westwood.’ She pulled a face as he strolled over to join them. ‘Oh, dear. Too late.’
‘Good morning, Miss Damerell.’ Edmund Westwood doffed his hat with a courtly bow. ‘How is your father getting along? I’d like to call and see him, if he’s well enough to receive visitors.’
‘He’s as well as can be expected, but I’m sure he would be most pleased to see you, Mr Westwood.’
‘Then I’ll be certain to visit him very soon.’ He hesitated, looking from one to the other. ‘I expect you young ladies have a great deal to chat about. But I hope you will allow me to drive you home when you’ve finished your business in town, Miss Coggins. It looks like rain.’
‘Thank you, but I don’t want to put you to any trouble. I can quite easily find my own way home.’
‘I wouldn’t hear of it, my dear.’ He glanced up at the lowering sky. ‘I’ll wait for you in the Antelope Hotel. Take your time, I’m in no hurry.’
‘He definitely has his eye on you, Kate,’ Josie said, chuckling as he strode off towards the town centre. ‘Do you fancy being the second Mrs Westwood?’
‘Don’t say such things. He’s just being kind. Or at least I hope that’s all it is. I wouldn’t marry an old man like Squire Westwood if he was the last person left on earth. But I must talk to you, Josie.’
‘What’s wrong? Is someone ill?’ Josie immediately thought of Sam and she held her breath.
‘No, nothing like that.’ Kate quickened her pace.
‘Well, what is it? Are you going to tell me or not?’
‘It’s my father. He’s going to marry Miss Stamp next week.’
‘He doesn’t believe in long engagements then.’ Josie suppressed a chuckle with difficulty. Poor Kate, she must have known that this was inevitable.
‘It’s not funny, Josie. Pa told me that he wanted female companionship and someone to look after him in his dotage. He spoke as if I were about to desert him, and I would never do that.’
‘But you will get married one day, and then you’ll have a husband and children of your own. You can see his point.’
‘That’s just what Squire Westwood said, and he’s repeated his offer of a position at the Grange. I don’t know what to do. All I know is that I can’t stand the thought of living in the same house as that woman.’
Josie was at a loss as to how to comfort her. She dragged Kate to a halt outside a milliner’s shop. ‘Just look at that adorable bonnet. Now that would suit you to perfection, Kate. Why don’t we go inside and you can try it on?’
‘I can’t afford to buy a new bonnet, and even if I could, it wouldn’t solve anything. And don’t offer to purchase it for me, Josie. I still have the one you bought me in Soho, and I only wear that on Sundays. I know you mean well, but it’s not the answer.’
‘If you wore that you would outshine the bride on her wedding day,’ Josie said hopefully. ‘And the squire would fall on his knees begging you to accept all his worldly goods.’
Kate shot her a reproachful glance. ‘You are the biggest tease in the county.’
‘And you, my dear friend, are taking all this much too seriously. So what if your father marries the ghastly Miss Stamp? From the little I’ve seen of that person I doubt if she will interfere in the running of the house or the farm. She will probably lie in bed all day reading penny dreadfuls and eating chocolate. She is already as fat as a pig in farrow.’
‘And she’ll expect me to wait on her.’
‘You’ve a maidservant to do that, haven’t you? I’m sure that young Molly will be happy to oblige a new mistress, or you could promote Sam from farm labourer to butler. Now there’s a thought.’
‘Molly isn’t a servant.’ Kate turned to her, frowning. ‘Have you and Sam fallen out? Is that why you haven’t been near the farm for so long?’
‘What a ridiculous notion.’ In an attempt to steer the conversation to safer ground, Josie opened the door and stepped into the shop. ‘Come along, Kate. That lovely bonnet is calling out to me. I must try it on even though I know that it would look much better on you.’
An hour later they left the shop with Kate wearing the sapphire-blue velvet creation trimmed with fur, and Josie having bought three new confections of straw, satin, feathers and flowers. Her extravagance would get her into trouble when her father received the bill, but she had learned long ago that a show of repentance and a few tears would make him end up by apologising to her for his parsimony. She would smile again and all would be well.
‘There,’ she said, eyeing Kate with genuine pleasure. ‘See how that bonnet has transformed your sad expression. You look quite enchanting in it, so admit that I was right.’
Kate stole a look at her reflection in the shop window. ‘It is very becoming. Thank you, Josie, although I know I should not have accepted such a generous gift.’
‘Nonsense. That’s what friends are for, and my papa can well afford such luxuries. Anyway, your bonnet cost nothing in comparison with mine, and Papa is not in the least bit stingy.’ She held up the bandbox containing her purchases as a demonstration of her extravagance. ‘I’m sure that he’s well aware that if I’m to be sold to the highest bidder in the marriage mart, I must always look my best.’
‘How can you even think such a dreadful thing? You make marriage sound like a cattle market.’
‘Well, isn’t it? My parents expect me to marry well. There is no room for love or sentiment when money and position are involved.’
‘You don’t mean that, do you, Josie?’
‘Of course I do. Why do you think I was so eager to see Copperstone Castle? I’m expected to make a good match and I think that Harry Challenor would suit me well enough.’
‘But you don’t love him.’
‘I love his castle and his wealth; that will have to be sufficient. Besides which, I’m not such a mercenary creature; I do like him and he’s a handsome rogue. I’m sure we’ll muddle along somehow.’ The conversation was becoming too personal and Josie walked on. In the past she had been able to convince herself that she was thoroughly selfish, but now everything had changed. She could no longer deny her feelings for Sam, but they must be crushed out of existence. It was the only way.
‘But have you never had a fondness for anyone? What happens if you meet someone and fall in love with him?’
‘I shall take a lover, of course. That’s what wealthy women do, isn’t it?’
‘I don’t believe you’re that shallow.’
Josie stopped outside the Antelope Hotel. ‘I am me, Kate. You know me better than anyone else and I will survive no matter what befalls me. But you’re the one in need of sympathy at this moment. Do we go inside and meet the squire? Or have you any other business i
n town today?’
‘No. I mean, I was going to change my book at the library after I’d taken the eggs to Biddy Madge’s stall, but the squire arrived just as we were leaving and invited me to ride in his new gig. I could hardly refuse without giving offence, and Sam promised to take the eggs to market. I was in such a state that I left my book on the kitchen table. Why, what’s the matter?’
Josie tugged playfully at the ribbons on Kate’s bonnet. ‘Nothing’s wrong with me. You’re the one who’s in a state.’
‘I was, but I’m calm now. I just feel rather silly for allowing myself to get upset when I should be happy that Pa has found someone to his liking.’
‘Come, then. I want to see the expression on the squire’s face when he sees you looking so ravishing in that new bonnet.’
‘Wait,’ Kate said, catching her by the elbow as Josie was about to enter the hotel. ‘This one is far too fine for everyday wear. I’ll put on my old bonnet.’
Josie twisted her round and gave her a gentle push. ‘Don’t be silly. Walk in as though you own the place.’
‘He’s only offered me a position in his household,’ Kate said in a low voice. ‘There has been no hint of anything else.’
‘He’s quite a catch, my dear. And it would be a slap in the face for Miss Stamp.’
As Josie followed Kate into the hotel lobby, she wrinkled her nose at the smell of stale beer, tobacco smoke and sweat emanating from the public bar. The sound of deep male voices and gusts of raucous laughter echoed round the wainscoted entrance hall.
Kate hesitated on the threshold. ‘This wasn’t a good idea. I’d rather walk home in a thunderstorm than do this.’
‘Too late,’ Josie whispered. ‘There’s the squire now. Give him your best smile, my dear.’
Edmund Westwood was advancing on them, his craggy features creased into a welcoming smile. ‘Miss Coggins, how charming you look in your new bonnet. I think that must have been chosen under your guidance, Miss Damerell.’
Josie shook her head. ‘No, Squire. It was entirely Kate’s choice. She has excellent taste.’
‘So I see. I count myself a fortunate man to have the company of two such elegant young ladies. It would give me great pleasure if you were to join me for a light luncheon.’
‘Thank you, but I really ought to be going now.’ Kate shot a warning glance at Josie. ‘I came to tell you that Sam will take me home in the trap.’
In spite of herself, Josie could not resist the temptation to tease her. ‘But, Kate, you don’t know where to find him. I daresay he returned to the farm ages ago.’
‘And you would be wrong there.’ Sam strolled out of the public bar. ‘The trap is in the stable yard, Kate. If you’re ready to come with me now.’
He was addressing himself to Kate, but Josie was acutely aware that his gaze was fixed on her. She looked away, for once in her life lost for words.
‘It’s all right, Loveday. I’ll bring Miss Coggins home; you may go on your way.’ Edmund held his hand out to Kate. ‘I’ve booked a private parlour, away from the riffraff.’
Josie clenched her hands at her sides. She would have liked to slap the squire’s smug face for the implied insult to Sam. She sent him a warning glance, but she could see that he was ready for a fight. She forced herself to sound calm. ‘You heard the squire, Kate. Let’s go where we can enjoy our luncheon in private away from the common herd.’ It almost broke her heart to see the look on Sam’s face, but it was better that he turned his anger on her than on an important man like the squire. If he lost his temper with a magistrate he might well end the day in court, incurring a jail sentence, but try as she might she could not keep up the pretence for more than a few seconds. She turned to Kate, hoping that she at least had understood, but judging by her angry expression she had taken offence on Sam’s behalf.
‘I don’t see good, honest country folk in that way,’ Kate cried angrily. ‘I am one of the common herd as you put it, Josie. And I daresay I belong with the riffraff, Squire. So you’ll forgive me if I go home with Sam. Good day to you.’
‘Well said, girl. I didn’t know you had it in you.’ Sam glowered at Josie as he offered Kate his arm. ‘Good day to you, Miss Damerell, and to you, Squire.’
Josie could bear it no longer. Ignoring the squire’s protests she snatched up her packages and hurried from the room. She caught up with Kate and Sam in the stable yard. ‘I didn’t mean it, Sam.’
His eyes burned into hers with blind fury. ‘You said what you truly feel, Miss Damerell. You put me in my place.’
‘Yes, Josie,’ Kate said, shaking her head. ‘You’ve made it clear where we stand. I’m sorry if I allowed myself to think that we could ever be true friends.’ She allowed Sam to hand her up into the trap, and sat down, staring straight ahead.
‘No. You really don’t understand,’ Josie cried in desperation. ‘You mistook my motives, both of you.’ She stood back as Sam leapt onto the driver’s seat and took the reins, urging the old carthorse through the archway that led to the London road.
Josie blinked away angry tears. Why would neither of them listen to her? She had acted in Sam’s best interests. She loved him. Why would she do anything that would cause him pain? She walked slowly as her ankle had begun to ache miserably. In her confused state she only narrowly missed being run down by a cabriolet as it pulled into the stable yard. The horse between the shafts reared and whinnied in fright. ‘Look out there.’ The driver drew the startled animal to a halt before leaping to the ground. ‘Josie? By God, it is you.’
She gazed at him blindly. The voice was familiar but he was muffled in a caped greatcoat and had a felt hat pulled down low to protect him from the rain that had begun to fall in earnest. ‘Harry?’
He tossed the reins to a stable boy. ‘See to him and there’s a silver sixpence in it for you.’ Harry pulled off his hat, staring at Josie with a puzzled frown. ‘Why may I ask are you wandering about an inn yard unattended?’
‘It was all a mistake.’ She stared at him dazedly. ‘Why are you here, if it comes to that?’
‘You invited me to call on your father. Have you forgotten?’
‘No. I mean, I didn’t expect you to come.’
‘I’ve been attending to business matters in Weymouth and I came here for something to eat and drink before travelling on to Damerell Manor.’ He took her by the arm. ‘You’re obviously upset. Perhaps you’d better tell me about it over a cup of hot coffee or something stronger.’
‘No, thank you. I must go home.’
‘And I’ll take you in my carriage, but you’ll have to wait until my horse has been fed and watered. I can’t allow the poor animal to travel on again until he’s rested.’
‘My horse is nearby. It won’t take me long to walk to the market place.’
‘It’s pouring with rain. I’ll take you home and we’ll collect your horse on the way.’
Josie remained unconvinced. The thought of facing the squire again so soon was enough to make a walk in the rain seem a much more attractive alternative, but Harry refused to listen to her arguments and eventually she agreed to accompany him into the hotel where he requested a private parlour. He might not be as well known as the squire, but she had to admit that he had a commanding presence, and was obviously used to getting his own way. They were immediately ushered into one of the best rooms, where there was a roaring log fire. She realised then that she was chilled to the marrow and she was glad to sit in a comfortable chair, warming herself and sipping a glass of hot toddy.
Harry took a seat opposite her. ‘Now then, perhaps you feel able to tell me what it was that upset you so much?’
She met his anxious gaze with a straight look. She was seeing a completely different side to Harry. There was no suggestion of the flirtatious man about town image that he liked to portray; he seemed genuinely concerned as to her welfare and was being almost unbearably kind. It did not sit with her earlier impression of him. She chose her words carefully. ‘It was something and
nothing.’
‘A very large nothing then.’ He smiled but there was no hint of mockery in his eyes.
‘It’s complicated, but Squire Westwood wanted to be alone with Kate, and then Sam intervened and it all became very confused and I said some things I shouldn’t. I was upset, but I’m fine now.’
‘I’m glad, and I won’t ask any awkward questions.’ He rose to his feet as a maidservant entered carrying a tray of food. He gave her what appeared to be a generous tip, as the girl’s face creased into a huge grin. She bobbed a curtsey and scurried from the room.
‘What will you have?’ Harry asked, picking up a fork and surveying the spread. ‘There’s cold ham, meat pie, cheese, celery, pickles. It all looks splendid and I must admit that I’m ravenous. You will join me, won’t you, Josie?’
She was beginning to feel more like her old self and the food smelt good enough to tempt any jaded appetite. She accepted a plate of ham and a slice of pie with a generous helping of mustard pickle.
He watched her with a smile of approval. ‘I like to see a woman with a good appetite.’ He took a seat at the table opposite her. ‘So how did Kate come to be with Westwood and who is Sam?’
‘Sam Loveday. He and his sister were abandoned by their father and raised by Kate’s grandfather as his own children.’ Josie swallowed a mouthful of pie, and once she started to tell him what had happened she found that she could not stop. The only thing she omitted was her involvement with Sam, which was far too private to share with anyone, least of all the man she intended to marry.
Harry listened intently. ‘I remember Loveday. He’s the ferocious-looking young man who guards Kate like a faithful hound.’
‘We all grew up together. We were childhood friends.’
‘In that case you have no need to worry. They might have taken offence at something you said, but when they calm down it will all be forgotten.’ He cut himself a slice of cheese. ‘Can I tempt you to a piece of this excellent Cheddar?’
She shook her head, watching him curiously. ‘Were you really on your way to Damerell Manor?’