by Dilly Court
‘You were a bit hard on the fellow,’ Freddie said as they left the building. ‘He seems to be bending backwards in his attempts to help you and Esther out of the mess Jack left.’
‘My father made mistakes, but Phineas Colville took advantage of his misfortune. I’ve tried, but I can’t forget that.’
‘Even so, you might find it in your heart to forgive him,’ Freddie said with a wry smile. ‘I’m much older than you, Carrie, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my lifetime. Everyone deserves a second chance.’
‘Even Elias Quick?’
He chuckled, taking her arm as they crossed the street. ‘Maybe not everyone, but I’d say that Phineas is trying to make amends.’
Caroline broke free from his guiding hand, pointing a shaking finger towards the river. ‘I know that ship – it’s the Esther Manning, and what a state she’s in, but at least she’s here. I’m going to tell Mama.’ She broke into a run, arriving at the Captain’s House, breathless and with her bonnet hanging by its ribbons as she hammered on the door.
‘Mama, Sadie, someone, open the door and let me in.’
Her urgent summons was answered by Max. ‘What’s up, Carrie? Where’ve you been all this time?’
Caroline clutched her hands to her bosom as she struggled to catch her breath. ‘Fetch Mama. Tell her the Esther Manning has arrived in port.’
‘What?’ Max pushed past her and ran to the edge of the wharf. He hallooed loudly, waving madly.
‘Come inside, boy.’ Flushed and breathless, Freddie put his arm around Max’s shoulders. ‘They can’t hear you. Let’s go and give your mother the good news.’
Caroline hurried into the house and made her way to the kitchen where she found Sadie at the sink, washing dishes.
‘You missed luncheon,’ she said grumpily. ‘I kept yours warm for a while, but then I gave it to the seagulls – noisy, dirty beggars, but they’re useful sometimes.’
‘The Esther Manning. She’s at the moorings, Sadie. Uncle George has brought her home – we’ll be all right now. We’re back in business.’
Sadie dropped the plate she was holding and it plopped back into the water. ‘Heaven be praised.’ She wiped her hands on her apron. ‘Your mother is with Jimmy. Go and tell her, Carrie. She deserves to have some good news for a change.’
An hour later the whole family, including Jimmy, who had insisted on joining them, were waiting on the wharf for the lighter to bring George Chapman ashore. Caroline shaded her eyes from the sun, but as it drew closer she realised that her uncle was not one of the men on board.
‘Where is George?’ Esther’s voice shook with emotion. ‘What’s happened? Why isn’t he coming ashore?’
Caroline grasped her mother’s hand. ‘I’m sure there’s a good reason why he’s remained on board, Mama.’
Max peered into the distance, moving perilously close to the edge of the wharf. The muddy water lapped greedily at the stanchions as the incoming tide battled against the fast-moving river water flowing down to the sea. The lighter bobbed up and down, the lighterman using all his muscle and sinew to bring the craft alongside.
‘Uncle George isn’t on deck,’ Max said over his shoulder. ‘I don’t recognise the captain either, Mama.’
‘Neither do I,’ Caroline said grimly. ‘Something isn’t quite right.’
Chapter Sixteen
Caroline glanced at her mother, who was swaying on her feet, supported by Freddie and Sadie. Laurence moved forward to drag Max away from the edge and Jimmy clung to Caroline’s arm. She gave him a hug.
‘I think you ought to go back to bed, Jimmy,’ she said gently. ‘This is your first time up, isn’t it?’
‘I’m all right, Carrie. Don’t fuss. I’m not a baby.’
She released him reluctantly. ‘Of course not. But Mama doesn’t look very well. Perhaps you could take her indoors and we’ll find out why Uncle George hasn’t come ashore.’
Jimmy looked as though he was about to rebel, but Laurence took him by the hand. ‘Come on, old chap. We’ll find out soon enough.’ He turned to Max. ‘You, too. Set a good example to James, if you please.’
Max nodded, eyes downcast. ‘Yes, sir.’ He followed his brother and Laurence into the house.
‘Let’s go indoors, Essie,’ Sadie said gently. ‘There must be a good reason why George has remained on board.’
Esther nodded dully. ‘Yes, you’re right.’ She shook free from Freddie’s restraining hand. ‘I’m fine now, thank you. It was a dizzy spell, that’s all.’ She returned to the house, walking briskly with Freddie and Sadie close on her heels.
Caroline stood alone on the wharf, the cool breeze whipping her hair into tangles, and her skirts billowing around her. The sun had disappeared behind a bank of grey clouds and the first spots of rain had begun to fall, creating tiny dimples on the surface of the water. She ignored the weather as she waited eagerly for the lighterman to manoeuvre his craft alongside, but the man who climbed the stone steps was neither her uncle nor the captain.
‘Why hasn’t Mr Chapman come ashore?’ she asked anxiously.
‘Are you Miss Manning?’
‘Yes, I am. Who are you?’
‘Gilbert Reid, captain of the Esther Manning.’
‘What happened to Captain Daniels?’
‘It would be best if I speak to Mr Manning in private.’
Caroline felt her throat tighten and she willed herself not to cry. The mention of her father as if he were still alive was like a dagger thrust into her heart. She cleared her throat. ‘My father died some weeks ago, Captain Reid. My mother is now head of Manning and Chapman, but she is still in deep mourning. Perhaps it would be best if you told me what has happened.’
‘Yellow fever,’ he said grimly. ‘We took a cargo from Baltimore to Trinidad, and half the crew, including Captain Daniels and your uncle, went down with the fever on the trip out from there. The ship was quarantined and, sadly, many died.’
‘My uncle?’
‘He was one of the first to succumb, and Captain Daniels shortly afterwards. I’m very sorry, Miss Manning.’
The rain had started to fall in earnest, but Caroline barely noticed that she was getting soaked. She stared at him, stunned by the enormity of what he had just told her. Yet another tragic death in the family was almost too much to bear. She took a deep breath. ‘You’d better come inside and speak to my mother, Captain Reid.’ Bracing herself for what was to follow, she led him into the house.
Esther was in the front parlour, staring out of the window. She turned to face them with a worried frown. ‘What’s happened? Where is my brother?’
‘Maybe you should sit down, Mama,’ Caroline said gently. ‘This is Captain Reid, and I’m afraid he has some bad news for us.’
Esther sank down on the sofa. ‘I can see by your expression that it’s dire, Captain. You’d better tell me everything.’
‘Please take a seat, Captain Reid.’ Caroline sat down beside her mother, holding her hand tightly.
Esther listened intently, and was outwardly calm, but Caroline winced as her mother’s fingers tightened around her hand.
‘I don’t understand why the ship sailed for Trinidad,’ Esther said slowly. ‘They were supposed to return to London with a cargo of wheat and raw sugar.’
‘I can’t say, ma’am. I was only first mate at the time and the decision was made by Mr Chapman and Captain Daniels. We did an extra run from Baltimore to Trinidad, where we delivered our goods and took on another cargo. We were there for a few days and all was well, but the crew started to fall sick soon after we set sail. We headed for Jamaica and anchored offshore, flying the yellow flag.’
‘I’ve heard enough, thank you, Captain. I know how these things work and the laws surrounding quarantine. I take it that the ship has a clean bill of health now.’
Caroline exchanged anxious glances with Gilbert Reid. Her mother’s acceptance of the situation was even more disturbing than an outpouring of grief.
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��Yes, ma’am.’
‘Our office has been closed temporarily.’
‘But it’s about to reopen,’ Caroline said hastily. ‘I have Mr Colville’s word on that, Mama.’
‘I’m glad to hear it.’ Esther inclined her head graciously. ‘Until then, Captain, you should return to the ship, and you’ll receive instructions as to where to berth and unload the cargo.’
‘The crew need to receive their pay, ma’am.’
‘It will be arranged.’
‘Do I take it that you approve of my captaincy, ma’am? Will it be a permanent promotion?’
‘Yes, I’m sure it will. You’ve brought the ship home and you’ve done an excellent job under very difficult circumstances.’ Esther stood up, facing him with an attempt at a smile. ‘Thank you, Captain Reid. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and break the news to my two younger children. They will be devastated by the loss of their uncle, as am I.’
Caroline jumped to her feet. ‘Are you sure you’re all right, Mama? You’ve had a terrible shock.’
‘My heart is already broken, Carrie. The loss of my brother is something more I have to bear, but we have to rebuild the business. I’m going to devote all my energy into making sure that the company your father and your uncle loved so much will continue in a way they would have wished. Good day to you, Captain Reid.’ Esther glided from the room, leaving the door to swing on its hinges.
‘Your mother is a remarkable woman,’ Reid said in a low voice. ‘I’ve been dreading this meeting but both of you have made it much easier for me.’
‘We lost virtually everything, but I discovered that I am a fighter, and I know now that I must take after my mother. She almost gave up after my father died, but we’ll work together to rebuild Manning and Chapman.’ Caroline held out her hand. ‘Welcome aboard, Captain Reid.’
‘I’ll return to the ship and await orders, Miss Manning.’
‘Come to the office tomorrow morning at ten o’clock. Anyone will be able to direct you.’
‘I’ve been there once or twice in the past.’ Reid smiled and nodded. ‘Your father took me on as third mate when I was eighteen, and I’m sorry to hear of his demise. He was a good man.’ He hurried from the room and Caroline went to stand by the window, watching him as he paused at the bottom of the steps to put on his hat. Reid’s praise for her father had brought tears to her eyes and she needed a moment to compose herself before she went to find her mother. Although she had suspected something dire had happened to their vessel, she had fully expected her uncle to return. His jovial presence had always made her feel happy, and it was almost impossible to believe that he was gone for ever. How her mother must be feeling was something she could barely imagine, and then there were the boys. Max and Jimmy had been fond of Uncle George, and now they were doubly bereaved.
Caroline squared her shoulders and headed for the kitchen, where she thought everyone would have congregated, but when she opened the door she found Freddie seated at the table, drinking brandy, and Sadie was sitting opposite him with a cup of tea clutched in her hands.
‘Where are the others?’ Caroline looked to Sadie for an answer.
‘Jimmy was very upset when Essie broke the news. She took him to his room and Laurence insisted that Max returned to his lessons. I dare say he thought that keeping the boy occupied would take his mind off what’s happened.’
‘I’m just having a tot before I return to the Bearwood House,’ Freddie said hastily. ‘It’s a bit early for me, but I felt I needed something after the upset. Essie’s being very brave – too brave, in fact. She’s bottling it all up inside and that’s no good.’
‘Mama has the business to think about,’ Caroline said stoutly. ‘We’ll be all right, Freddie.’
‘I know everyone is suffering but I’m a selfish sort of fellow, Carrie. I’m used to living my own way and the sooner I return home the better, although I’m not giving up on Grace yet. I’m going to do my best to persuade her to accompany me to the Abbey.’
Sadie put her cup down on the saucer with a clatter. ‘Then you’d best get rid of your housekeeper. I know all about her and her bastard son, and I don’t blame Grace for being wary. You might think you’re one of them Eastern potentates, Freddie Dorincourt, but you are just a younger son, living like a lord. If your brother decides to return to England and claim his inheritance, you’ll find yourself put in your place.’
Caroline held her breath. She fully expected Freddie to explode with anger, but he threw back his head and laughed.
He turned to Caroline, grinning broadly. ‘Don’t look so shocked, Carrie. Sadie knows me only too well.’
‘But she’s right,’ Caroline said firmly. ‘You need to choose between Grace and Jenifry, and you have to watch out for Dickon. I don’t trust him at all.’
‘So you keep saying, but he’s just a boy. I can handle my son.’ Freddie drained his glass and stood up. ‘I’ve said all I can say by way of commiserations to your mother, Carrie. But if either of you needs me I’ll do anything I can to help.’
‘Thank you,’ Caroline said, giving him a hug. ‘We may not be related by blood, but if I could choose anyone to be my uncle, it would be you.’
A sudden rush of scarlet coloured Freddie’s cheeks and he gave an embarrassed chuckle. ‘Come now, Carrie. You’ve made me blush for the first time in my life. I didn’t think any woman had that power over me.’
‘It’s time you grew up, Freddie.’ Sadie rose to her feet. ‘Go home and sort your romantic problems out and leave us in peace.’ She hustled him out of the kitchen, returning moments later with a satisfied smile. ‘You caught him off guard, Carrie. That will serve him right. Ever since I’ve known him, Freddie Dorincourt has thought he could get away with anything as far as the ladies were concerned.’
‘He’s a dear, but he does need to be honest with Jenifry. She’s not a bad person, but that son of theirs is horrid. I can’t like him, no matter how hard I try.’
‘And how do you feel about Phineas Colville? You seem to be getting on with him now.’
‘He’s a difficult man to get to know, but he’s been very helpful recently.’
‘Don’t tell me that you’re beginning to like him?’
Caroline shook her head. ‘A little perhaps, but we need his backing or we won’t be able to pay the crew, or meet the other expenses that are bound to occur. Mama should be the one to work out the details with Phineas, but I’m not sure she’s up to it at the moment.’
‘She was very fond of George and it’s going to hit her hard when she allows herself time to think. Perhaps you ought to negotiate with Mr Colville.’
‘You’re right, Sadie. The crew will be desperate for their pay. We can’t let them down, especially after what they’ve been through.’
Phineas was seated behind his desk, going through a leather-bound ledger when Caroline was ushered into his office next morning.
‘Did we forget something?’ he asked brusquely.
‘No, but circumstances have changed. The Esther Manning has arrived in port and I need money to pay the crew.’
Phineas closed the ledger with a snap and sat back in his chair, eyeing her curiously. ‘Did Captain Daniels explain why the ship was delayed?’
‘Captain Daniels died of yellow fever – and so did my uncle …’ Caroline broke off, unable to stem the tears that she had been holding back since she received the sad news. She sat down on the nearest chair, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry, it’s just that it’s been a terrible shock.’ She looked up to see a white hanky held in front of her.
‘Take it,’ Phineas said abruptly. ‘I should have been more tactful. It was obvious that something had gone wrong.’
Caroline blew her nose and mopped her eyes. ‘Thank you. I’m all right now.’
‘No, you are not. You should go home and rest. Leave business matters to Masters. I’ll see that he has enough money to pay the crew. Who brought the ship home?�
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‘Captain Reid. Do you know him?’
Phineas leaned against his desk, a wry smile curving his lips. ‘Yes, I do. As it happens, Gilbert Reid is my cousin.’
‘Your cousin?’
‘He’s my aunt’s son. She married beneath herself, or so Grandmama thought.’
‘I didn’t know that.’
‘Why would you? It’s of little interest to anyone outside the family. Unfortunately Grandmama disapproved intensely and that caused a rift between them. My parents died within months of each other and I was sent off to boarding school. I spent the holidays with my grandparents.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘There’s no reason why you should care. I survived, although as I said before, I didn’t particularly want to run a shipping company, but it was my grandfather’s last wish that I take over from him. Gilbert was too young, of course, and his only ambition was to go to sea. It was your father who helped him then.’
‘I can’t believe that I knew nothing of all this. Why did my parents keep it from me?’
‘I doubt if it would have been of interest to you when you were younger.’ He straightened up and went to sit behind his desk. ‘It really doesn’t matter now. What is important is to keep both companies going. We’ll be stronger and more profitable if we work together.’
Caroline nodded dully. ‘I agree.’
He studied her face, as if attempting to gauge her emotions. ‘Do you feel able to talk business? I quite understand that Mrs Manning might feel herself unable to take part in such a discussion at the moment.’
‘My mother has been under a considerable strain recently.’
‘And we won’t add to it.’ Phineas reached for a pen and flicked open the silver top of the inkwell. ‘I’ll arrange for the berthing and unloading of the Esther Manning in due course. What cargo did she carry?’
‘Cocoa from Trinidad, which is where they contracted yellow fever.’
He nodded, making a note on a sheet of paper. ‘It should fetch a decent price.’
‘I know nothing about the running of my parents’ business,’ Caroline admitted reluctantly. ‘But I want to learn.’