by Dilly Court
‘I doubt if he’d take you to court; it would be too costly.’
‘If it was anyone else I’d pay up and be done with it, but Linus drove my sister to an early grave and abandoned his children. I’ll see him in hell before I give him a penny piece.’ He helped Lucy into the cab which had just pulled up at the kerb. ‘Leman Street, please, cabby.’ He climbed in and sat down beside her.
‘Do you really mean to keep the money? It sounds as if he’s been gambling again and he won’t give up easily.’
‘Let me worry about that.’ Bram took her hand and held it in a warm clasp. ‘Can you put me out of my misery and tell me where you’ve been these past weeks?’
‘I’ve told this story so many times that I’m beginning to think I imagined it all.’
‘A broken arm seems evidence that you haven’t been sitting in your parlour with your embroidery.’
She met his earnest gaze with a reluctant smile. ‘You won’t believe half of what I’m going to tell you, but it’s all true.’ She started haltingly, but Bram was a good listener, and she told him everything, coming to an end as the cab reached Leman Street.
‘That settles it,’ he said firmly. ‘I’ll put the money to good use. We’ll get Eva released from jail.’
She stared at him with a mixture of gratitude and dismay. ‘I can’t let you do that, Bram. She’s my granny and I’m responsible for her. You must spend the money as you intended.’
‘My mind’s made up, Lucy. After everything you’ve done for Meg’s nippers it’s the least I can do. I’ll go and see your solicitor and tell him to take whatever action is necessary to free Eva from prison, and I’ll foot the bill.’
‘Thank you, Bram. You’re wonderful.’ She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him, then drew away, regretting her impulsive action. ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.’
‘I don’t know why not,’ he said, chuckling. ‘You can kiss me whenever you want to.’
‘I got carried away.’ She knew she was blushing furiously and she alighted from the cab without waiting for his help. Leaving him to pay the cabby, she crossed the pavement and was about to mount the steps when the front door opened and Vicky emerged, closely followed by Maggie. They ran to meet Bram, clinging to him like burrs.
He met Lucy’s amused gaze with a smile. ‘I am a lucky fellow. It seems that all the young ladies are pleased with me today.’
‘It’s the uniform, Bram. It turns all the girls’ heads, so you’d best enjoy it while you can,’ she said, laughing and at ease again.
He picked Maggie up and flung her over his shoulder, taking Vicky by the hand. ‘I’ll be a free man at the end of the week.’
The next couple of days passed in a frenzy of activity. Lucy visited the house in Chelsea and was delighted to find that both Sid and Essie had settled happily in their new surroundings. The couple who had taken them in were middle-aged, childless and had obviously formed a strong bond with Essie, who was being treated like a much-loved daughter. Lucy took to them instantly and was satisfied that both Sid and Essie were assured of a much better future than she would have been able to provide. She left with a promise to visit as often as she could.
It was still early afternoon and she decided to stop off at Jermyn Street on the chance of finding Dora at home. She arrived just as Dora was preparing to go out.
‘You must come with me,’ Dora said eagerly. ‘I hate shopping on my own and I have a fancy for tea at Gunter’s. It’s not far to Berkeley Square and it’s a lovely day. I’d enjoy the walk.’
Lucy had not intended to stay long, but she could see that Dora was in need of company as well as cream cakes. ‘That sounds lovely. But I really can’t afford it, Dora.’
‘Well, it’s fortunate that I can, and you’d be doing me a favour because it wouldn’t be proper for me to go there alone. I’m in a spending mood, so we can go on to Oxford Street and see what the department stores have to offer.’
Lucy had not the heart to refuse. She could not afford to treat herself, but if Dora wanted to go shopping she was happy to accompany her, and it would take her mind off her own problems. She had tried to forget Linus and his dire threats, but the memory lingered on.
After a delicious tea and a greedy indulgence in their selection of cakes and pastries, Lucy insisted on walking to the Marshall and Snelgrove department store in Oxford Street. She had a fancy to see what Debenham and Freebody had to offer, which entailed a detour to Wigmore Street, and by this time Lucy was beginning to feel exhausted. Her injured arm was aching painfully but Dora seemed to be tireless, insisting that she was in desperate need of a new pair of gloves and they simply must visit Penberthy’s. They retraced their steps to Oxford Street, and having tried on and discarded several pairs of lace gloves Dora decided that the one she liked best was the first pair she had seen. ‘I find shopping cheers me up no end,’ she said as they emerged into Oxford Street. ‘I know it was silly of me to think that Bram was interested in me, but I’m determined to be more sensible from now on.’
‘It wasn’t silly at all. He’s a very attractive man and he obviously likes you a lot, and who wouldn’t?’
‘You’re sweet to say so, but I’m afraid I made rather a fool of myself.’
‘You’d have to be made of stone to resist Bram. He doesn’t realise how charming he can be, and he was mortified to think he’d upset you.’
‘Was he really? Well, I’m just glad that Mama and Papa are out of the country. Piers suggested that I might join them in Paris, and I’m thinking about it.’
‘I’m sure you’d have a wonderful time at the embassy. I expect they have parties and balls and you’d meet all sorts of interesting people.’
‘And maybe catch a rich husband.’ Dora was suddenly alert and waving madly. ‘There’s a cab. I’m not walking another step.’
‘Perhaps I’ll take an omnibus.’
‘Nonsense. I insist you take the cab all the way home, and don’t worry about the cost. I think Piers was feeling guilty for causing a scene and he gave me a generous amount to spend as I please, so it’s only right that I give you the fare. Anyway, darling, you look a bit peaky. Is your arm hurting?’
‘A little, and these parcels are quite heavy.’
The cab pulled up at the kerb. ‘Jermyn Street, please, and then on to Whitechapel.’ She tossed her packages onto the seat and climbed in. ‘Can you manage one-handed, Lucy?’
‘I’m getting used to it.’
Lucy arrived home to find Linus waiting for her in the parlour.
‘Shall I come in with you?’ Hester asked nervously. ‘I know what a devil he can be when he’s roused and he doesn’t look too happy.’
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen him laugh,’ Lucy said with a wry smile. ‘I’ll be all right, just keep the children out of the way.’ She entered the room, head held high and ready for battle. ‘Good afternoon, Linus.’
He had been staring out of the window, hands clasped tightly behind his back, but he turned slowly, facing her with a hard stare. ‘I’ve come for my money.’
‘I haven’t got it. Most of it went on buying beds for your children and necessities like food, and new shoes for Maggie, and a—’
He held up his hand. ‘Enough. I’m not interested in your finances. You owe me sixty guineas and I want it now.’
‘And I told you that I haven’t got sixty guineas.’
‘You can afford to travel in a cab, and you’re wearing clothes that cost a pretty penny, so don’t cry poverty to me. It won’t wash.’
‘Not that it’s any of your business, but a friend paid my fare, and these clothes were bought for me by my grandfather. Sir William was your uncle, which makes us family, Linus, whether you like it or not.’
He crossed the floor in two angry strides, catching her good arm in a vicious grip. ‘You are my cousin’s bastard and I refuse to acknowledge you as a member of the family.’
She faced him, anger wiping away fear. ‘Sir William made
me his heir. You cheated me out of my inheritance, Linus Daubenay. Sixty guineas is a mere trifle compared to what you took from me.’
‘You can’t or won’t pay? Then I’ll take my children away from this house of ill repute.’
‘This is a perfectly respectable lodging house.’ She twisted free from him, backing towards the doorway. ‘I won’t let you do this.’
‘They’re my flesh and blood. I have every right to do as I please with them.’ He pushed past her, wrenching the door open. ‘Hester,’ he shouted. ‘Hester Gant, come here this instant.’
Lucy ran to him, catching him by the sleeve. ‘Don’t do this, Linus. Please, I’m begging you, don’t take the children.’
He brushed her off as if she were an irritating insect. ‘Shut up. You have no say in the matter.’
Hester rushed into the room, looking from one to the other with a worried frown. ‘Why all the shouting? What’s the matter?’
‘Mind your own business, you old hag.’ Linus towered over her, his thin lips quivering with rage. ‘Fetch the children. I’m taking them away from here.’
‘Don’t do it,’ Lucy cried passionately. ‘Tell them to run and hide.’
Linus swung his arm, catching her a savage blow on the side of her head. She stumbled and fell to the ground. Hester made a move towards her but Linus took her by the shoulders and propelled her out of the room. ‘Get them,’ he said through clenched teeth. ‘If you refuse I’ll call a constable. The law is on my side.’
Lucy struggled to her feet, clutching her injured arm. ‘You are so brave when it comes to mistreating women and children, aren’t you, Linus? You wouldn’t dare behave like this if Bram were here.’
‘I’ll deal with him in my own way.’
‘I suppose you’ve gambled away Grandfather’s money. Even if I had sixty guineas to give you it wouldn’t go far. You probably lose more than that every night at the gaming tables.’
‘You can say what you like, but I’m taking the children and I’ll send the bailiffs in to collect goods to the value of the money owed.’ He glanced round at the shabby second-hand furniture. ‘Although I doubt if this rubbish will raise five shillings, let alone the amount you owe me. I’ll have you out on the street before the end of the week.’
‘Papa?’
The sound of Vicky’s tremulous voice from the doorway made Lucy bite back an angry retort and she slipped past Linus to put her arms around the frightened child. ‘It’s all right, poppet.’
‘Why was Papa shouting at you?’ Vicky asked anxiously. ‘What’s going on, Lucy?’
‘Don’t ask stupid questions.’ Linus stared at her with cold indifference. ‘I’m taking you home with me, child. Go and fetch your brother and sister.’
‘Maggie wouldn’t come upstairs,’ Vicky whispered, clutching Lucy’s hand. ‘And Bertie hasn’t come home from work yet.’
‘Work? My son is labouring to keep you in style?’
‘No, Linus,’ Lucy said coldly. ‘Bertie is doing an honest day’s work and bringing home a wage to help support his family. It’s the way most people exist.’
Ignoring this barb Linus turned to glare at Vicky. ‘Fetch your sister and bring her to me. I’m taking you to my home in Albemarle Street. I’ve had to sack most of the servants so you’ll be very useful. Fetch her now.’ His voice rose to a roar and Vicky fled from the room.
‘You’re a cold-hearted bully.’ Lucy spat the words at him. ‘I’ve never hated anyone in my life, but I loathe you.’
‘The feeling is mutual. You’re a thorn in my flesh; a bug to be crushed beneath my boot. I haven’t done with you yet, Lucy Pocket.’
‘I don’t care what you do to me, but if you’ve got a shred of human kindness you’ll leave the children here where they’re safe and happy.’
‘I’ll wait for the boy to return and then we’re leaving. Think yourself lucky that I don’t call a constable and have you arrested for abducting my children.’
‘They won’t believe your lies.’
‘Will they not?’ He leaned over so that his face was close to hers. ‘I’m still a person of some note and you’re a nobody.’
‘Say what you like but don’t do this, Linus.’
Taking her by the shoulders he forced her down onto the nearest chair. ‘Stay there and don’t move. ‘I’ll tell Hester to let you out after we’ve gone.’ He left the room and she heard the key turn in the lock.
Rising shakily to her feet she ran to the door and rattled the handle, calling for help, even though she knew it was useless. Linus would take the children and she was powerless to stop him. She leaned against the wooden panels, fighting back tears. Then the silence was broken by shouts and screams. She pounded on the door with her fist. ‘What’s happening? Let me out!’
The key grated in the lock and the door burst open. Hester shoved the girls into the room, handing the key to Lucy. Lock yourself in,’ she said brusquely.
Lucy caught sight of Bedwin and Pearl struggling with Linus, and she thrust the key into Vicky’s small hand. ‘Lock the door and don’t open it until I say so.’ Consumed with anger she rushed into the hall, snatching an umbrella from the stand and bringing it down on Linus’s back with all the force she could muster.
He turned on her with a howl of rage and would have struck her down if Pearl and Bedwin had not grabbed him from behind. With a roar like an angry bull Linus shook them off and seized Lucy by the throat. She dropped the umbrella, raising her good arm in an attempt to fend him off, but his fingers closed around her neck making it impossible to breathe. She was sinking into unconsciousness when she was released so suddenly that she fell to her knees.
‘Are you all right, love?’ Hester’s voice seemed far away.
‘Y-yes, I think so.’
Hester helped her to her feet and as air filled her lungs Lucy’s world began to right itself. She focused her eyes with difficulty and was amazed to see Linus being frogmarched across the hall by two of her lodgers, Cyril and Gilbert. Bedwin was pale and obviously shaken but he hurried to open the front door, standing aside as Linus was pitched out onto the street.
‘Good riddance,’ Pearl shouted. ‘Come here again and you’ll get more of the same.’
Lucy hurried to her side in time to see Linus as he picked himself up, scowling and shaking his fist. ‘You’ll get what you deserve, Lucy Pocket.’
‘The children stay with me, Linus. You’re not a fit parent.’
‘I’ll have the law on you, you bitch.’
‘And I’ll report you for attacking me in my own home. I’ve got plenty of witnesses.’ She slammed the door.
‘That got rid of him,’ Gilbert said, rubbing his hands together. ‘I don’t know who the chap is but I enjoyed throwing him out.’
‘Me too.’ Cyril’s cheeks were flushed with excitement as he ran his hand through his curly locks, making them stand on end even more than usual. ‘I wish I’d punched him on the nose and drawn his cork.’
In spite of everything this made Lucy laugh. ‘Cyril Aitken, that’s not a very Christian thing to say.’
‘No, miss, but it’s true. I couldn’t stand by and watch. He might have killed you if we hadn’t stepped in.’
Gilbert slapped him on the back. ‘I’m proud of you, boy.’ He saluted Bedwin. ‘And you, sir, are a man to be reckoned with. I’d like to buy you a pint if you feel inclined to accompany me to the pub this evening.’
‘What about me, cully?’ Pearl asked with a coquettish smile. ‘I enjoy good company and a drop of tiddley.’
‘Of course, Miss Pearl. It would be my pleasure.’
The sound of shrieks coming from the parlour made Lucy hurry to the door. ‘Open up, Vicky. He’s gone. You’re safe now.’
Hester groaned softly. ‘Not for long. I know Linus only too well. He’ll not let this rest, Lucy.’
The door opened and the girls rushed out, throwing themselves into Lucy’s arms. ‘Why is Pa being so mean?’ Maggie’s bottom lip trembled and her
eyes filled with tears. ‘Why did he hurt Lucy?’
‘Pa is a devil.’ Vicky choked on a sob. ‘You always said so, Hester, and sometimes Ma agreed with you.’
‘Has he got horns?’ Maggie’s eyes brightened. ‘And a tail?’
Lucy gave her a hug. ‘Of course not. He doesn’t know how lucky he is to have two such lovely daughters.’
‘And Bertie too,’ Maggie added solemnly. ‘He didn’t see Bertie today.’
Hester took her by the hand. ‘Just as well, if you ask me. Come downstairs; it’s time for your tea. I think we’ve had enough excitement for one day.’
Gilbert cleared his throat. ‘You was a hero, Mr Bedwin. The offer of a drink still stands.’
Bedwin straightened his tie. ‘Thank you, Mr Harker. I’m not a drinking man, but I used to enjoy a glass of Madeira occasionally.’
‘We aren’t all killjoys,’ Pearl said, pouting.
‘I think we should get a bottle of that stuff,’ Cyril said, puffing out his chest. ‘We could have a glass after supper tonight.’
‘You’re too young, my lad.’ Gilbert headed for the stairs. ‘I’m going to my room, but I’ll be down in time to eat, Miss Gant. The food you prepare is nectar for the gods.’
Hester blushed and giggled. ‘Oh, Mr Harker, you do talk nonsense sometimes.’
‘I think he has a soft spot for you, miss,’ Cyril said, grinning. ‘But you do cook lovely meals. I never had nothing like it in the orphanage. I live like a king compared to how it was before I come here.’
Lucy patted him on the shoulder. ‘I’m glad you’re happy with us, Cyril.’
‘It wasn’t true what the gent said, was it?’ His smile faded. ‘About throwing us all out on the street?’
‘No, I hope not. I’ll do my best to see it doesn’t happen. This is my home as well as yours.’
‘Ta, miss. That means a lot to me.’
‘Never mind the chitchat, Cyril,’ Hester said with mock severity. ‘Go upstairs and wash some of that dirt off your face and hands.’