by Dilly Court
Grace stirred, raising her head and looking round dazedly. ‘Water,’ she murmured through cracked lips.
Freddie leaped forward, holding a flask to her lips. ‘Don’t worry, Carrie,’ he said, catching her eye. ‘It is water, nothing stronger.’
Grace drank thirstily. ‘Thank you, Freddie,’ she murmured, smiling. ‘I’m starving.’
Freddie wrapped his arms around her, hugging her to him and rubbing his cheek in her salt-stiffened hair. ‘Don’t ever give me a fright like that again, Graziella. My nerves won’t stand it.’
The Dorincourts’ carriage was waiting at the harbour and the short journey back to the Abbey was uneventful. Freddie sent a groom to fetch the doctor and Caroline helped Grace to her room.
‘I thought we would die on that wretched island,’ Grace said wearily as Caroline helped her into her nightgown. ‘Even if we were rescued, I was afraid that it might be Elias who came for us.’
‘Don’t think about him now. You’ll be fine, Grace. I expect it’s just a chill, but the doctor is on his way.’
‘I’ve caused so much trouble. Perhaps you should have let Elias take me, because I fear I will have to return to him sooner or later.’
‘Indeed you won’t. Freddie won’t allow it and neither will I. We’ll fight Quick through the courts if necessary, so stop thinking about him. Concentrate on getting better and remember that you have a daughter. Think of Maria.’
Grace nodded and closed her eyes. ‘There’s something you should know, Carrie.’
‘Tell me later. I think I hear footsteps on the stairs. I expect it’s the doctor.’
It was, as Caroline had suspected, a chill that Grace had caught from exposure to the elements, but nothing that could not be cured. The doctor left a bottle of laudanum and a list of instructions as to Grace’s care and wellbeing, but Caroline already had everything in hand. She went straight to the kitchen and was horrified by the mess that Quick and his friends had left. They had eaten the pie that had been intended for Freddie, and they had strewn rubbish everywhere. It looked as though they had been throwing eggs at each other – the smashed shells were scattered all over the floor and yellow yolk ran down the walls. Mrs Duffin and the young housemaid were attempting to rectify matters, but they lacked direction and Caroline had little option other than to step in and organise their efforts. They had just finished when Freddie entered the room.
‘I wondered where you were, Carrie,’ he said, gazing round at the spotless kitchen. ‘You’ve done wonders.’
‘I’ve had help.’ Caroline nodded to Mrs Duffin. ‘I sent Mary to the farm to fetch eggs, butter and milk, and if you would bring me vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden, Mrs Duffin, I’ll make some broth for Mrs Quick. We’ll have an omelette.’
‘Yes’m.’ Mrs Duffin bobbed a curtsey. ‘I could walk to the village and fetch bread, miss. They ruffians have ate everything in the larder.’
‘Get what we need, Mrs Duffin.’ Caroline waited until she heard the scullery door open and close. ‘She’s willing enough, Freddie. She’s just a terrible cook.’
‘You shouldn’t be working in the kitchen, Carrie. Come and join us in the drawing room.’
‘I will, when I’ve got the broth started. We all have to eat.’
Freddie gave her a searching look. ‘You may think I’m a buffoon, my dear, but I noticed a coolness between you and Colville. Has he said anything to upset you?’
Caroline shook her head. ‘On the contrary, Freddie, I was rude to him, which was unforgivable in the circumstances. I didn’t mean to liken him to his grandmother, but she is such a tyrant.’
‘He came with us because he was concerned about you, Carrie. I think the fellow likes you more than he lets on.’
‘No. You’re mistaken. Phineas Colville lives and breathes business. If he was anxious about anything it would be pounds, shillings and pence. I suspect an ulterior motive, although I’m sure that Mama would handle company matters far better than I ever could.’
‘Your mother is doing well, but her main concern is for your brothers. I think she feels that she has spent too little time with them in the past. She told me that she devoted all her time to working with Jack and her brother to make Manning and Chapman a success, but that now they’re gone she doesn’t feel the same enthusiasm for the business.’
‘That’s probably why Phineas came for me. I believe that he wants complete control of our company and he’ll offer to buy us out.’
‘He could do that anyway, Carrie. Some people would think it a good thing for all concerned and I’m sure he would be generous.’
‘Whose side are you on, Freddie?’
‘I’m strictly neutral in this matter, but I think you might be missing the point. Could it be that he cares just a little for you, my dear? I’m well versed in affairs of the heart – I’ve had enough in my lifetime. I think I know the signs and symptoms.’
‘No, Freddie. You’re quite mistaken.’ Caroline turned away, unable to look him in the eye. ‘Ours in a purely business arrangement.’
‘If you say so, my dear. Anyway, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for Grace. I intend to press charges against Quick, but I’ll let Dickon off if he promises to join the army. I’ve had enough of that young man’s conniving and posturing. He might be my son, but what he needs is discipline and that’s what he’ll get.’
‘What about Jenifry?’
‘She has the cottage, and I’ll give her an allowance. I can do no more. She wasn’t a child when we got together, and she has a husband somewhere in the background.’
‘How does Grace fit in with your plans?’
A wry smile curved his lips. ‘My intentions are strictly honourable. I will marry her as soon as she is free from that vicious brute.’
Caroline gave him a hug. ‘You are a good man, Freddie. I love you as if you were my uncle. Anyway, I have work to do or no one will get fed today. I’d better see to the soup before Mrs Duffin has a chance to meddle.’
‘Grace is a wonderful cook,’ Freddie said wistfully. ‘But of course it wouldn’t do for her to work in the kitchen after we’re married.’
‘I’m sure she’ll have time to train someone to take over from her.’ Caroline managed to keep a straight face as she hurried from the room. Freddie was an improbable mixture of gallant knight and greedy little boy, but she would not hurt his feelings by telling him so.
‘What’s so funny?’
Caroline looked round to see Phineas coming towards her. ‘It’s just my odd sense of humour. It was nothing.’
His expression was grave. ‘You can trust me, Caroline. I know we got off to a shaky start, but I really do have your best interests at heart.’
She met his serious gaze with a straight look. ‘No, Phineas. Your family business comes first and foremost – the rest of us have to follow your lead.’
‘I can see that you won’t be persuaded otherwise.’
‘I’m busy. I have work to do.’
‘I’ve just been upstairs to see Grace. She insists that she’ll come down to dinner tonight. Apparently she has something to tell us all that simply won’t wait.’
Chapter Twenty-One
Grace refused to stay in bed and insisted on joining them for dinner that evening. Caroline had tried to dissuade her, but Grace was adamant.
‘I can see that you have the Colville stubborn streak,’ Caroline sighed, shaking her head. ‘I’ll help you to dress, but I really think you ought to obey the doctor’s orders.’
‘Phineas said that he intends to leave for London first thing tomorrow morning. What I have to say affects everyone. I’ve kept quiet for too long and it’s time I spoke up. It’s for your sake as well, Carrie. Believe me.’
‘All right, but I think perhaps you ought to concentrate on sorting things out with Freddie. He’s desperate for you to remain here.’
‘I’ll do that, too.’
*
The meal would have consisted mainly o
f the vegetable broth followed by an omelette, had Mrs Duffin not been so determined to prove her worth. She had gone in person to the nearby farm, and, if her account were true, had selected and wrung the neck of the chosen bird. Returning in triumph she had plucked and prepared the chicken for the oven, acknowledging Caroline’s praise with a sly grin. Grace would have a battle on her hands if she decided to take over the kitchen permanently, but it was her own problems that were uppermost on Caroline’s mind. She had been away from her family for too long, and she must return to London as soon as possible.
Having left Mrs Duffin and Mary to serve dinner, Caroline stood with the ladle poised over the tureen, waiting for everyone to be seated at the dining table. Freddie insisted that Raven took his rightful place at the head, and Grace sat on his right. With everyone settled, Caroline began serving the soup, but was interrupted by Grace, who rose to her feet.
‘I have something very important to say.’ She reached for her wineglass and sipped, as if to give her courage to continue. ‘I’m only revealing this now because I think it’s absolutely necessary.’
‘Speak up then, Grace,’ Phineas said, smiling. ‘I’m glad you’re feeling better, but be quick or the soup will be cold.’
‘This isn’t a laughing matter.’ Grace shot him a baleful glance. ‘I’ve kept this secret locked away in my heart for over twenty years, but I have to tell you now that I was young and very much in love with Maria’s father.’
Caroline sank down on her chair. Whatever it was Grace had to say was obviously causing her a great deal of pain and Caroline was suddenly nervous. ‘You don’t have to do this, Grace. You’ve been through a terrible ordeal. Don’t make things worse for yourself.’
‘I have to tell you, Caroline. This affects you particularly, and you, Phineas, and Maria, my daughter.’ She drank more wine, placing the glass on the table with a shaking hand. ‘This isn’t easy to say.’
‘Come on, old girl,’ Freddie said cheerfully. ‘It can’t be that bad, and I’m hungry.’
‘I’d had a crush on Maria’s father since I was fifteen,’ Grace continued dreamily. ‘We met occasionally at social events, and I imagined myself to be in love with him, even though I knew he was engaged to someone else.’
‘It was a childish attachment,’ Freddie said casually. ‘I expect whoever it was felt flattered. I know I would be in similar circumstances.’
Phineas shot him a disapproving glance. ‘Go on, Grace. You can’t stop now.’
‘One evening after my chaperone had been taken ill in the middle of a ball and she left early, the man I hero-worshipped took pity on me and escorted me home. Everyone was asleep, apart from the maid who let us in, and my parents always went to bed on the stroke of ten.’ Grace reached for her glass and drained the last drop of wine. ‘We’d both drunk too much champagne, but he was about to leave when I begged him to stay. I kissed him and he kissed me back – I knew he didn’t really want me, but I was mad with love for him. I realised afterwards that what I’d done was wrong, and I was ashamed, which is why I never told him that I was with child.’
‘Who was this fellow who took advantage of a young and innocent girl?’ Phineas demanded angrily.
‘I told you that it was my fault, Phin. I take full responsibility for my actions and I’ve paid for my mistake over and over again.’
‘Who was he, Grace?’ Caroline found her voice at last, but she had already guessed the answer to her question.
‘I’m so sorry, Caroline. It was your father, Jack Manning. I promised myself I would never tell a living soul, but now I see that I was wrong.’
‘You should have told our father,’ Phineas said angrily. ‘He would have made Manning face his mistake and make reparation.’
‘Essie will be heartbroken,’ Raven said slowly. ‘I would have horsewhipped him, had I known.’
‘Stop it, all of you,’ Caroline cried passionately. ‘What’s done is done, and I have a sister.’ She turned to Grace with a watery smile. ‘I knew from the start that Maria was special.’
‘Half-sisters.’ Grace nodded tearfully. ‘Your papa wasn’t to blame. I’m sure that he loved your mother with all his heart.’
‘Raven is right,’ Caroline said softly. ‘My mother will be devastated.’
‘It happened only once,’ Grace insisted. ‘It meant nothing to Jack.’
‘That’s easy for you to say now, Grace. But this changes everything.’ Phineas turned to Caroline. ‘You’re related to the Colvilles whether you like it or not.’
‘This has nothing to do with Caroline,’ Raven said angrily. ‘What Jack did was wrong, but he’s not here to defend himself.’
‘I agree.’ Freddie reached for the decanter and refilled Grace’s glass. ‘It all happened twenty-odd years ago. Time to let it go.’
‘Have you told Maria?’ Caroline asked anxiously. ‘She’ll have to know.’
Grace shook her head. ‘We’ve spent so little time together, and my problems with Elias have come between us. I want to make amends, but I don’t know if she will want to see me again when she discovers the truth.’
Caroline shot a wary look in Phineas’ direction. ‘Don’t worry, Phineas. I’m not a threat to the Colville shipping dynasty. I don’t want anything to do with your wretched business.’
‘We’ll discuss this at a later date,’ he said coldly. ‘This isn’t the time or the place.’
‘I agree with Phineas.’ Raven took the ladle from Caroline’s hand and filled her bowl with the steaming broth. ‘As a concerned friend I would say that Essie’s feelings ought to be considered before this becomes widely known.’ He served himself before passing the tureen to Freddie.
‘My mother will have to know before word gets out,’ Caroline said worriedly. ‘Heaven knows how Maria will take the news. Will you tell her, Phineas?’
‘She’s fond of you, Caroline, and I think it might be best if you tell her.’ Phineas turned to Grace, shaking his head. ‘You should have been honest from the start. Your silence hasn’t helped anyone.’
‘I am so sorry,’ Grace whispered. ‘I thought I was doing the right thing, but it seems that everything I do is wrong.’
‘You were little more than a child at the time.’ Freddie grasped her hand and held it to his cheek. ‘Jack should have known better, although I must say I’m surprised to hear that he behaved so badly. I was a young reprobate, but Jack always struck me as being the epitome of a solid citizen.’
Raven cleared his throat. ‘I suggest we leave the matter there and enjoy our meal. I intend to return to London in the morning. Will you come with me, Caroline?’
She nodded. ‘Yes, I will.’
‘I’ll travel with you.’ Phineas held his hand out to take the tureen from Freddie, and he ladled a generous helping into Grace’s bowl. ‘You must keep your strength up, Grace. We aren’t here to judge you.’ He turned his head to give Caroline a steady glance. ‘And we mustn’t allow this to affect our business agreement.’
She met his intense gaze with an equally cold stare. The warmth had gone from their relationship and it was like looking into the eyes of a stranger. ‘No,’ she said dully. ‘I agree. As always, Colville Shipping comes first.’
Caroline barely slept that night and was up early. Grace and Freddie opted to remain at the Abbey while Raven, Phineas and Caroline were to travel to London by train.
Conversation was brief during the journey, each of them apparently immersed in their own thoughts. Grace had begged Caroline to tell Maria of their close relationship as soon as possible, and, albeit reluctantly, she had agreed. But how she would break the news to her mother was something that Caroline hardly dared imagine. Phineas had been quiet during the journey, but Caroline sensed that he, too, was disturbed by Grace’s admission. Raven slept most of the time, waking only when the train pulled into Waterloo Bridge Station. They shared a cab to Wapping where Phineas alighted outside his office, leaving Raven and Caroline to travel on to the Captain’s House, where sh
e hoped to find her mother.
The sparkling clean windows seemed to wink in the sunlight as if the old captain was welcoming her home when Caroline ascended the steps to the front door, followed by Raven. She had always felt comfortable here, and, despite being the bearer of such shocking news, it was no different now. It was high water and the wharfs on both sides of the river were hives of activity – cranes worked tirelessly, hefting goods from the lighters tied up alongside. The shouts of the dock workers were all but drowned out by the sound of barrels rolling over cobblestones, and the flapping of stays and the hoots of steamships. The door to the Captain’s House was only locked last thing at night and Caroline knocked and entered, certain of a welcome.
‘It’s a long time since I was last here,’ Raven said thoughtfully. ‘I should have returned to London long ago, if only for a brief visit.’
‘Well, you’re here now. I’m sure that Mama will be delighted to see you. She’s often spoken of you.’
‘Really? Nothing bad, I hope?’
‘Of course not. I think she was very fond of you.’ Caroline opened the door and stepped inside. Sadie popped out of the front parlour with a big smile on her face, putting Caroline in mind of the little wooden lady on a weather house that her father had brought back from Germany. The happy little woman only came out when the sun was shining. Today it was glorious outside, but Caroline could feel a big black cloud looming over them.
‘It’s good to see you, Carrie.’ Sadie gave her a hug, but her eyes widened when she saw Raven. ‘Good Lord! You’re the last person I expected to walk through my door, Raven Dorincourt.’