She pushed vacant chairs under the tables and made her way back to the counter. To stop herself jumping each time someone walked past, Kate busied herself with the preparations for tomorrow’s lunch. She’d just put the last of the plates into the drying rack when the doorbell jingled.
Kate turned as Jonathan walked into the shop. He looked anxiously at her.
She dried her hands on her apron. ‘Good afternoon, Captain Quinn. I see you received my note about the school menu,’ she said loudly so the handful of customers in the shop could hear.
‘Yes, I did,’ he replied, in the same clear tone. ‘Perhaps we could discuss it now if you’re not too busy.’
‘No, that would be fine,’ Kate said. ‘Bette, will you look after things for a few minutes while I speak to Captain Quinn?’
Bette looked up from wiping down the tables. ‘Right you are, Mrs E.’
Jonathan went and sat at the table by the window, drew out his pocket book and opened it. Kate took down her order pad from the shelf and went to join him. She set it down and took her place opposite.
‘What’s happened?’ he whispered.
Kate leant over the table, tilting her head as if to see the page better. ‘I had a visit from Mabel Puttock.’ She told him about their conversation. ‘I know I should have waited until you came on Thursday to tell you but I was so worried I had to—’
‘Shush, sweetheart,’ he said softly, pretending to look at the books on the table. ‘It’s all right.’ His expression became grim. ‘So it was Mabel who sent the anonymous letter to the guardians.’
Kate nodded. ‘She denied it but I know it was her. Oh, Jonathan, what are we going to do? If she gets even a whiff of our plans she’ll destroy you,’ she said, as panic threatened to take hold again.
‘Don’t worry, Kate. I’ll deal with Mabel Puttock.’
Kate shoulders relaxed a couple of notches. ‘I’m certain no one else knows.’
‘So am I, but even so, we’ll have to be careful. It won’t be for much longer as I’ve started making the final arrangements. I’ve instructed the bank to send my annuity to the British and Colonial Bank in Melbourne every six months from January.’
‘And I’ll get Patrick to send my money to us once we are settled.’ Kate looked up from her order book. ‘Jonathan, I have to tell my family that I’m leaving.’
He gave her a little smile. ‘I know you do, darling, and I am going to see my sister, Barbara, too.’
‘And your father?’
Jonathan chewed his lip. ‘I haven’t decided.’
‘Well, you’ve got time enough yet to make up your mind,’ Kate said.
Jonathan shifted in the chair and looked intensely at her. ‘Kate, I’ve been to the shipping office, too. There’s a ship, the Charlotte Anne, sailing for Melbourne on the thirteenth of September.’
‘That’s only two weeks away!’
‘I know it’s sooner than you expected and I’d understand if you’re having second thoughts but—’
‘I’m not having second thoughts.’ She slid her fingers across the page of the order book and brushed them against his. ‘I love my family but our future together is more important now.’
He scribbled mince, onion and potato along the top line. ‘Then shall I reserve four berths on the Charlotte Anne?’
Although Kate’s heart thumped uncomfortably in her chest, she smiled at him. ‘Yes.’
Jonathan closed the dinner ledger and rested his hands on it. ‘I love you, Kate,’ he whispered.
Kate shut her order book too. ‘I thought we were being careful.’
‘I am being careful. If I were not, I’d kiss you here and now and to hell with the consequences.’
They stared into each other’s eyes for a moment then the doorbell rang. Kate looked around and saw her niece standing in the shop.
‘Annie?’ she said. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘Pa sent me to fetch you, Aunt Kate, because Gran’s taken a tumble.’
‘Is she all right?’ Kate asked, jumping up and untying her apron in one swift move.
‘She’s just a bit shaken. The doctor said she has to stay in bed for a few days. I’ll stay with Ella and Joe until you get back.’
‘Ella’s in the parlour but Joe’s out – he should be back before supper.’ Kate put on her bonnet hurriedly.
‘Would you allow me to accompany you to your mother’s, Mrs Ellis?’ Jonathan asked, rising to his feet.
‘Oh, yes, I would, Captain Quinn,’ Kate replied.
Patrick opened his front door to find Kate standing on the doorstep. ‘That was quick. I only sent Annie to fetch you half an hour ago.’
‘She arrived when I was discussing the school dinners with Captain Quinn. He kindly brought me here,’ Kate replied, with a slight blush on her cheeks.
Patrick looked over his sister’s head at the man paying the hansom cab.
‘This is my brother Patrick,’ Kate said, stepping inside when he joined them.
‘It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Nolan,’ Jonathan said, offering his hand.
Patrick accepted and found his grip evenly matched. Also, somewhat unusually, he didn’t have to look down to meet Quinn’s gaze. ‘Thank you for bringing my sister.’
‘It was my pleasure,’ Quinn replied, glancing at Kate who smiled shyly up at him.
‘Kate!’ Josie called from the top of the stairs. ‘Come up. Ma would like to see you.’
‘Thank you again,’ Kate said, quietly.
‘Not at all – I hope your mother makes a full recovery. I’ll drop in at the end of the week to finalise the school meals, if I may.’
Kate nodded and smiled hesitantly then went up to join Josie and her mother.
Captain Quinn’s gaze followed her as she climbed the stairs.
‘Please let me offer you a drink,’ Patrick said. ‘It’s the least I can do.’
‘That’s very kind of you but I’m sure you’ve got things to attend to.’
Patrick stepped back from the door. ‘No, please. I insist.’
Jonathan removed his hat and stepped in. ‘And how is your mother?’
‘Remarkably well, considering she’s almost eighty and fell down the four front steps,’ he replied. Patrick went to the sideboard and picked up the Jameson’s. ‘Can I offer you . . .’ He held up the bottle.
‘Thank you, but it’s a little early for me.’
‘Me too.’ He put it down. ‘There’s some lemonade in the pantry if you’d prefer.’
‘I’m not really thirsty actually,’ Captain Quinn replied. ‘And I should return to St Katharine’s before the end of the school day.’
They stared at each other for a moment then Captain Quinn dusted the crown of his hat. ‘I really should get back to the school. Please give my compliments to your wife. You have a very welcoming home,’ he said, putting on his hat on.
‘Ah, well now. That is indeed her doing. You should look to find yourself a woman if you want a homely touch at the end of the day,’ Patrick replied, studying his face intensely. ‘I wonder . . . Do you often find yourself at my sister’s shop?’
Something like amusement flickered across the schoolmaster’s face. ‘From time to time. Fortunately I was there today.’
‘Indeed and I am obliged to you.’
‘Say nothing of it.’
‘You’ll allow me to reimburse the cost of the fare.’
‘I could not.’ Jonathan’s pleasant expression didn’t falter. ‘Good day to you and I hope to meet you again in more pleasant circumstances.’
Patrick opened the front door. ‘Good day.’
Jonathan jogged down the whitened front steps and turned towards the river. Patrick watched him stride down the street for a moment then shut the door.
Josie came down the stairs. ‘I’ve left Kate with Ma while I make us a cup of tea.’ She looked into the empty parlour. ‘Has Captain Quinn gone?’
‘Yes, he said he had to get back.’
Josie s
ighed. ‘That’s a pity. Mattie said Kate is always saying how marvellous he is at St Katharine’s. I would have liked to have found about more about him.’
Patrick raised an eyebrow. ‘So would I, my dear. So would I.’
There wasn’t an inch of Sarah Nolan’s face that wasn’t either purple, grazed or swollen after her tumble down the steps.
Kate stroked her mother’s hand. ‘Are you sure you are all right?’
‘I’ll be better when you all stop fussing over me,’ Sarah replied. ‘I’m not made of glass, you know.’
Kate laughed. ‘Just as well, by all accounts.’
‘I tripped, that’s all,’ her mother replied. ‘And I’ll have a word or two to say to Patrick when I’m up and about for dragging you all the way over here for nothing.’
Kate straightened the covers. ‘And I would have had a word or two with him myself if he hadn’t.’
Sarah wrinkled her nose and smiled. ‘And glad I am, my sweet darling. When you get to my age, having your family close is a blessing worth having.’
Kate lowered her eyes and studied her mother’s work-worn hands. Leaving Patrick and Mattie would be bad enough but Ma . . . Before she could stop them, tears welled up in her eyes.
Sarah looked worried. ‘For the love of Mary, is there something the doctor’s not told me?’
‘No, no. He said you’ll be back to your old self in days. It’s just . . .’ Kate twisted the fabric of her skirt.
‘Katharine Ellen Nolan, tell me what’s bringing tears to those lovely eyes of yours.’
‘I can’t tell you.’
‘Of course you can. I’m your mother.’
Kate took her mother’s hand. ‘You must promise not to tell Patrick and Mattie.’
‘It’s not that bastard Freddie again, is it?’ She groped for her walking stick at the foot of the bed. ‘Cos I’ll tell you, Kate, as God is my witness, if he’s touched another hair on your head, I’ll crack his worthless skull myself.’ She shook the cane at the window.
‘No. It’s not Freddie. He hasn’t been near – and he’s not likely to with every policeman in H division out looking for him.’
‘Well, what is it then?’
Kate drew a deep breath. ‘I’m in love wi—’
‘Captain Quinn.’
Kate’s mouth dropped open. ‘But how did you know?’
‘Well, hasn’t he been the topic of conversation each time I’ve seen you for months now?’ She tilted her head. ‘And what has he to say on the matter?’
‘He loves me, too.’
‘Well, why wouldn’t he?’ Sarah replied. ‘And you plan to go away together?’
Kate looked astonished. ‘But . . .?’
Sarah rolled her eyes. ‘While that devil Freddie’s still drawing breath, what choice do you have?’ She folded her arms across her chest. ‘You know you’ll be the topic on every street corner.’
‘I’ve been that before, Ma. At least this time I won’t be around to hear it.’
Sarah studied her for a moment then nodded. ‘Let them talk, I say. Where are you and your schoolmaster going?’
‘Australia,’ Kate replied. ‘Jonathan says the government is virtually giving away land. He showed me an article in a newspaper all about it and there was a picture of the countryside. It looks like the painting you have downstairs of Ireland. He has money enough to get us started and the children would have room to grow.’
‘You must go,’ Sarah said firmly.
Kate took her mother’s hand. ‘But, Ma, I can’t leave when you’re so . . . so . . . unwell.’
‘So old, you mean.’
Kate lowered her head and her mother squeezed her hand.
‘There’s no doubt that I’ll soon leave the troubles of this world behind me. And, my darling girl, don’t you think it will be easier for me knowing you’ve found happiness after all the trials you’ve been through? Look at me, child.’ Kate raised her head. ‘Me and your pappy, God rest his soul, left Ireland forty years ago with empty stomachs and only the clothes on our backs to make a better life for our children, and now you must do the same for yours. You must grasp this chance with both hands. If it were Ella sitting where you are and you were in my place, what would you say to her?’ Sarah rested back and folded her arms again. ‘Well, then?’
A fat tear escaped and rolled down Kate’s left cheek. ‘I don’t know how I’ll manage without you, Ma,’ she said.
‘Nor I you, but do it for me, Kate. I’ll bear our parting better if I know you’re happy. And you must tell Mattie and Pat. It would break their hearts if you go without a farewell.’
Kate nodded. ‘I will, but only a day or two before we sail.’
‘That’s probably wise. You know Mattie was in a similar situation with Nathaniel. She’ll understand. And Patrick will try to do something so you won’t have to go. He’s still cursing himself for forcing Freddie to marry you in the first place.’
‘I know, and I’m afraid that if he does interfere he might unwittingly tip off Freddie. I can’t take the chance of him taking the children.’
Sarah’s brow furrowed. ‘Why do you think he would?’
‘To spite me for one, although he’d probably abandon Ella on the steps of the first poor house he passed, but Freddie’s got it in his head that Joe should grow up like him.’
‘God forbid.’ Sarah crossed herself. ‘We’ll keep it as our secret but you must promise to write and tell me how those darling children are.’
‘Every week without fail, I promise,’ Kate replied, feeling tears welling up again.
Sarah held out her arms and Kate hopped on the bed beside her mother. Sarah embraced her. Kate rested her head on her mother’s shoulder as she’d done so many times before. ‘Now, as we have a minute or two before Josie brings the tea I want you to tell me all about this schoolmaster of yours.’
Chapter Twenty-Six
After shaking the vicar’s hand Jonathan stepped out of the church and spotted Mabel talking to an old woman on the church path. He’d argued long and hard with his conscience but although it went against every honourable bone in his body Jonathan knew there was no other way. He had to wrong-foot Mabel because if she exposed him to the school guardians, as she threatened to, then any hope of him and Kate having a life together would be lost for ever. Buttoning down his scruples, Jonathan strolled towards her.
She spotted him and her expression became frosty. The old woman went on her way and Jonathan walked over.
‘Good morning, Miss Puttock,’ he said, smiling warmly at her.
Her eyes darted over him. ‘Captain Quinn.’
‘Lovely day, isn’t it?’ he said, looking towards the sky.
‘Fair.’
‘I see your mother didn’t accompany you to church this morning. I trust she is well,’ Jonathan asked, maintaining his friendly tone.
‘She has a summer chill and thought it best to stay at home,’ Miss Mabel replied. ‘Now, if you’d excuse me, Captain Quinn. I am needed at home.’
She tried to walk past but Jonathan stepped in her path.
‘Miss Puttock. May I speak to you for a moment?’ he asked.
Mabel tugged her glove on further. ‘I don’t think—’
‘Please?’ He damped down his integrity and forced a look of mute desire onto his face.
She hesitated. ‘Very well. Just for a few minutes; no longer.’
‘Miss Puttock,’ he said. ‘I am ashamed to admit that for these past months I have not been myself and I fear my thoughtless manner has cost me your good opinion.’
Mabel looked him over and her chilly expression melted a little. Jonathan continued. ‘I will not try to excuse my behaviour but perhaps you will not judge me too harshly if I explain that Miss Davenport’s rejection hit me harder than I at first imagined and has clouded my thinking.’
‘I can understand that,’ she said, with a slight tremor in her voice. ‘Having one’s affection rebuffed is hurtful and apt to twist one’s view of
things.’
Jonathan let out a long breath. ‘Indeed, which is why, before school resumes, I’m travelling to Scotland for a month.’
She looked dismayed. ‘A month!’
Jonathan nodded. ‘I intend to tour the Highlands and then visit my aunt in Edinburgh. I feel walking the hills will set my mind aright and bring me back renewed.’ He took a step closer to her. ‘Miss Puttock, after my oafish behaviour I have no right to ask this of you, but when I come back could we return to our former cordiality?’
Mabel’s lips remained tight for a moment then they spread wide. ‘I should say no and tell you that you have lost my esteem for ever but . . .’ She sighed, and held out her hand.
‘You are a woman of great compassion,’ Jonathan said, reluctantly taking it.
Mabel looked coyly at him. ‘Perhaps now we are friends you would like to take tea with Mama and me on Thursday as we used to.’
Remembering that his and Kate’s happiness hung in the balance, Jonathan forced a smile. ‘Will three o’clock be all right?’
Aggie studied Freddie as he stared into the bottom of his brandy glass and hate rose to the boil. If Inchy had done what he ought to, Freddie’s bogtrotter wife – God rot her – should be mouldering in her grave, not serving fucking Paddy stew. But perhaps it wasn’t all bad. After all, if the truth were told, she’d been a tad disappointed that Lilly had died in the fire – Aggie had been looking forward to enjoying Lilly’s broken-hearted grief.
Aggie had found early on that if she wanted the most out of her revenge, it paid to bide her time. And she’d never been disappointed. It would have been easy enough just to slash the bitch Rosie’s face, but how much more satisfying to smell the flesh burning off and leave puckered, disfigured skin. And even after Old Madame Tootle had slung her out, her only real regret was that she wouldn’t be there to see the old baggage squirm in agony when the acid she’d laced the old crone’s gin with ate through her gut.
Freddie drained the last of the brandy into his glass.
‘Mary,’ he bellowed, waving the empty bottle at the barmaid.
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