by Dilly Court
‘I see you haven’t changed,’ Lucy said coldly.
Stella’s expression altered subtly as Bram approached, leading the horse that Monty had selected for him. She sidled up to him, fluttering her long lashes. ‘Welcome to the circus, soldier. We were in desperate need of a strong handsome man like you.’
Bram acknowledged her with a nod of his head. ‘How do you do, ma’am.’
‘Oh, you are so polite.’ Stella trilled with laughter. ‘We have a gentleman in our midst. How refreshing. I’ll see you later, soldier.’ She sashayed away to join Dario, who was eyeing them with an ominous frown.
Bram met Lucy’s amused gaze with a shrug of his shoulders.
‘I thought you might fall for her,’ she whispered. ‘Most men do. Dario has his work cut out fending off her admirers.’
‘He won’t have any fending to do when it comes to me.’ Bram tightened the girth and adjusted the stirrup leathers. ‘I’ve no intention of being lured into her web of intrigue and romantic trysts. I can see what type of woman she is and she’s poison. Keep away from her.’
‘That’s easy to say, but very hard to accomplish when you live and work so close together.’
He vaulted into the saddle. ‘I’m not sure about this, Lucy. I’m a soldier, not a circus performer.’
‘We have to pay our way,’ she said, stroking the horse’s neck. ‘And we have to live somewhere until Linus gives up his rights to the children. I’m not afraid of being poor again, although I’d hate to lose my house in Leman Street.’
‘We have to let Goldspink do his job. If Linus continues the way he is at present he’ll bankrupt himself and he won’t want to be saddled with three youngsters. At least, that’s what I hope might happen.’
‘I’m not sure he’ll ever leave us alone, Bram. I don’t know why he hates me so, but I don’t think he’ll stop until he sees me back in the gutter.’
‘I’ll worry about him later.’ Bram glanced over his shoulder. ‘This is where I go into the ring and show Monty a thing or two. I’d like to see him ride into battle.’
‘Don’t upset him, Bram. He’s our bread and butter for the time being, and at least you don’t have to wear a hideous pink velvet riding habit.’ She looked round as Monty rode up to them, his horse snorting and prancing as if eager to be in the ring.
‘Are you ready, Bram? Let’s see you go through your paces.’ He gave Lucy a searching look. ‘Are you sure you’re fit enough to join us?’
Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Stella, who was watching them intently, and her mind was made up. ‘Yes, of course, Monty. I’ll go and change.’
The children settled into circus life as if they had been born to it, and Bram adapted to the change in his circumstances with the fortitude of a man used to surviving in far harsher conditions than a field outside Colchester. It was Lucy who found things increasingly difficult. She had managed well enough before, but now she had her grandmother to think about as well as the children’s well-being. She missed Marriott Park more than she had thought possible, and the weeks they had spent there seemed like halcyon days compared to the frenetic life of the circus people. The only consolation was that they were relatively safe, and Eva was beginning to show signs of improvement. As each day passed she grew physically stronger, and the confusion that had addled her brains had begun to recede. But she still clung to the belief that Lucy was ten years old, and refused to part with the locket.
Froniga was ever patient with her charge, putting up with the occasional tantrum and soothing her when the horrors of her past experiences came back to haunt her. Lucy was grateful but saddened by what she saw. The vivid memories of her childhood and her vivacious, fun-loving grandmother seemed like a distant dream. Eva was locked away in the world she had invented for herself when reality became too much for her to bear.
Even as one problem began to lessen, another and more dangerous situation arose. Monty was ever more attentive these days. It might, Lucy thought, be his competitive spirit that made him determined to win her from Bram, whom he obviously considered to be his rival. She avoided being alone with him, which was not difficult in the general run of things. Space and solitude were luxuries that most circus folk had to do without, and living in a close-knit community had advantages as well as disadvantages. Lucy knew only too well that every compliment Monty paid her and the small privileges he allowed her never went unseen. Stella was always there, lurking in the shadows, watching, and waiting her chance to pounce. At times Lucy felt like a sparrow being stalked by a particularly vicious cat. A momentary lack of concentration might prove to be her downfall. She did not think Stella would make the mistake of trying to kill her a second time, but a crippling accident might occur at any moment in the dangerous world of the circus ring. The sooner they could return to London, the better. Lucy sent a letter to Yorick Goldspink, informing him of their whereabouts and asking him to keep her informed of his progress. She also wrote, against Bram’s advice, to Hester and Bedwin, giving them a progress report and ending with the fervent hope that she would be able to come home soon.
At the end of the month, just when everyone had settled into a comfortable routine, they had to uproot themselves, pack all their belongings and make ready to move on to the next location. This time they were heading for Braintree, some ten miles distant, which entailed a full day’s travel, added to which was the exhausting business of dismantling the big top. It then had to be packed on several wagons together with the tents and other equipment, and all this done at night to ensure an early start next day.
After a gruelling few hours and very little sleep, it was finally time to leave. Bertie was to be allowed to drive the dog cart, taking Froniga, Eva, Vicky and Maggie, while Lucy and Bram rode the horses they used in their act. It was a slow procession, led by Monty on horseback and his father driving their caravan. The others fell into line behind them, with the elephants and their trainer bringing up the rear. It was cool at the start but it grew progressively hotter as the sun rose higher in the sky, and they had to stop many times to allow the animals to rest and slake their thirst.
Their presence caused huge interest in the villages they passed through, and almost the whole population turned out to wave and cheer them on their way. Leaflets were handed round and the performers put on wide smiles as they invited people to come and watch the show. It was late at night by the time they arrived at their new camp site, but somehow the weary entertainers found enough energy to put up their tents and unpack their bedding. When the animals had been fed and watered and settled for the night, everyone else turned in and Lucy was no exception. She took off her sweat-soaked riding habit and tumbled into bed in her shift. Vicky and Maggie were already asleep and their gentle breathing was barely audible. Lucy drifted off, hoping that the fliers she had posted to Leman Street and to Goldspink’s office would arrive safely, letting them know that the show had moved on to another town.
Next morning, after only a few hours’ rest, the men were up early to erect the big top. Flags were hoisted and banners placed over the entrance to the ten acre field. Lucy was an early riser and it was no hardship for her to get up and start the fire. They had bought provisions at one of the villages on the way and as a special treat she had bacon and eggs to fry for breakfast. Soon the kettle was hanging on a tripod over the flames and bacon was sizzling in the pan. She was engrossed in her task and didn’t realise anyone was there until she looked up and saw Monty standing over her.
‘I was lured by the smell of bacon and the sight of a beautiful woman cooking,’ he said smoothly.
She shrugged and laughed. ‘You have your own food, Monty. This is for Bram and the children.’
He squatted down at her side. ‘Come on, Lucy. I’m sure you can spare a slice of bread and a rasher of bacon for your boss.’
‘That sounds like blackmail.’
‘Gentle persuasion is a term I prefer.’ He reached out to brush a lock of her hair from her cheek. ‘You should
make those girls do the hard work. If you were my woman I wouldn’t allow you to wear yourself out in such a way.’
She shot him a wary look. ‘I’m not your woman, and I like cooking for my family.’
‘They could be my family too.’
‘It’s too early in the morning for jokes,’ she said sharply. ‘Haven’t you got any work to do, boss?’
‘You’re determined to put me in my place.’ He stood up, moving with feline grace. ‘Perhaps this isn’t the right time, but I have more to say to you, Lucy Pocket, and you will listen to me then.’ He strolled off without giving her a chance to respond.
She took the pan off the fire and sat back on her haunches, watching his tall figure as he disappeared into the big top. The trouble with Monty Charter was that she never quite knew if he was teasing her or if he was serious. She hoped he had been joking; any affection she might have felt for him had dissipated like morning mist the moment she saw Bram again. Bram himself might not be aware of her feelings, but she knew that she had fallen in love with him that summer’s day at Strawberry Hill pond; it had not been a childish fancy and it had not faded with the passing of the years. She was about to call the girls for breakfast when she saw her grandmother walking across the grass towards her.
‘Christelle, is that you?’ Eva’s voice was filled with wonder and she quickened her step, coming to a sudden halt as Lucy rose to her feet. Her mouth drooped at the corners. ‘You’re not Christelle.’
‘No, Granny. I’m Lucy, her daughter. I’m your granddaughter.’
Eva stared at her, slowly nodding her head. ‘You were only ten when I last saw you, but I remember you now. That lovely hair – mine used to be just like that, and your eyes are like your mother’s. I thought for a moment you were my Christelle.’
Lucy hurried to her side. ‘Come and sit down, Granny. I’m just about to make a pot of tea, and there’s some nice crisp bacon in the pan.’
‘A cup of tea will be fine, ta.’ Eva sat down obediently. ‘I’ve been ill, haven’t I?’
Lucy hooked the kettle off the tripod. ‘Yes, Granny.’
‘But I’m better now.’ Eva fingered the locket hanging round her neck. ‘I think this must be yours.’
‘You brought it to the house in Albemarle Street on my eleventh birthday. I’m twenty-one now.’
‘Twenty-one,’ Eva mused. ‘Christelle would be thirty-six. She was born in August and it was very hot. I remember it as if it were yesterday. That’s what happens when you get old, dear. I can’t remember much that happened recently but I remember things from years ago.’
‘It’s best to forget the recent past.’ Lucy made the tea and set the pot aside. ‘I’ll let that brew for a moment. I’m afraid we haven’t any milk. It goes off too quickly in this weather, but I have some sugar.’
‘I was beautiful once, like you,’ Eva said dreamily. ‘And Christelle was lovely too. She had such a wonderful singing voice, but then she got in with that toff and everything changed.’
‘Don’t think about it now, Granny.’ Lucy filled a tin cup with tea, and added some sugar. ‘Sip this and be careful. It’s hot.’
Lucy was about to crack an egg into the pan when Bram and Bertie appeared, sniffing the air like hungry hounds. They were joined by Vicky and Maggie, clamouring for food. Lucy was fully occupied and did not realise that her grandmother had gone until she turned to ask her if she wanted the last rasher of bacon. She looked round anxiously and saw her walking slowly back towards Froniga’s tent.
‘She’s recovering,’ Bram said as if reading her thoughts. ‘Don’t try to rush her, Lucy.’
‘At least she knows me now. She thought I was my mother when she saw me this morning, but then she realised her mistake. That’s a good sign, isn’t it?’
He nodded. ‘A very good sign, I’d say. Does anyone want the last rasher?’
Vicky scrambled to her feet. ‘You’re a pig, Uncle Bram.’ She giggled and ducked as he tossed a clod of earth at her. ‘Missed.’
‘There’s a stream on the far side of the field,’ Lucy said hastily. ‘Fetch some water, Vicky, and you can help her, Mags.’
Maggie’s dark eyebrows drew together in a scowl. ‘Why can’t Bertie do it? He’s bigger than me.’
‘Because I’m going back to help put up some of the sideshows,’ Bertie said, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. ‘It’s men’s work, nipper.’ He advanced on her, grinning. ‘I know your ticklish places, little moppet.’
Maggie uttered a shriek and ran off after her sister, who had collected two pails and was trudging across the grass towards the stream.
Bram sandwiched the bacon between two slices of bread before rising to his feet. ‘Come on then, Bertie. We’d best get back to it before Monty comes looking for us.’
‘All right. I’m going.’ Bertie strolled off with his hands in his pockets, whistling tunelessly.
‘He’s a good boy. He’d make a good soldier.’ Bram met Lucy’s amused gaze with a grim smile. ‘Monty’s working us hard, but if he thinks he can break me, he’s heading for disappointment. I was toughened up in a harder school than this.’
Lucy felt a cold shiver run down her spine. She leapt to her feet and clutched Bram’s sleeve. ‘Be careful. These people live by their own rules.’
He paused, his smile fading. ‘What has he said to you?’
‘Nothing. It’s just a feeling I get.’
‘Come on, Lucy. I know you better than that. What passed between you two? I saw him come over here while I was helping Johann secure one of the guy ropes.’
‘It isn’t important. He was just flirting; he treats all the women like that.’
‘If he’s bothering you just say the word and I’ll sort him out.’
‘I can handle Monty. You needn’t worry about me.’
‘But I do worry about you. The only reason I’m here is because of you – and the nippers, of course,’ he added hastily.
Lucy gave him a searching look. ‘What are you saying?’
‘I’ve been thinking things over and I really should return to London. Linus has been allowed to get away with too much and he should be stopped. I can’t do that if I remain here.’
‘He’ll take your money, or what’s left of it.’
Bram shook his head. ‘He can bully and bluster all he wants but he won’t get a penny of it. I’ve nothing to lose, but you have. I know how much that house in Leman Street means to you, and I don’t like leaving Hester to cope on her own.’
‘You’re leaving us?’
He grasped both her hands. ‘This business with Linus needs settling once and for all.’
‘Then you must go. I’ll miss you, but I can look after the children.’
‘But can you look after yourself?’
‘If you think you can stop Linus from taking my home I can manage quite well on my own, but it’s a lot to ask of you. You’re not responsible for me, Bram.’
He raised her hand to his lips. ‘I love you, Lucy. I think I’ve always loved you, from the very first day when you wandered off into the forest and I had to rescue you. I’ll do anything I can to save you from more heartache, even if it means that I risk losing you to Charter.’
She held his hand to her cheek. ‘That will never happen. There’s only one man for me and it’s you. It always has been.’
‘What about Northam? You were almost engaged to him.’
‘It was something my grandfather wanted for me, and my life was different then. I was a child when I last saw you, and I had no reason to think we’d ever see each other again.’
‘I don’t like leaving you, but I have to put an end to this cat and mouse game.’
‘You needn’t worry about me. I can cope with anything now.’ She stood on tiptoe and brushed his lips with a kiss. ‘You’d better go quickly before I change my mind and beg you to stay.’
He drew her into his arms and kissed her. For a brief moment she clung to him, dazed by a rush of desire and a maelstrom of emotions. T
hen she broke away, forcing her lips into a smile. ‘How will you get to London? The poor old horse barely made it here.’
‘I heard Johann saying he was going into town for supplies. I’ll get him to take me to the station. I suppose I’d better go and tell Monty. He’ll be angry because it upsets the act, but he’ll be delighted to get rid of me. Keep him at arm’s length, Lucy, and watch out for Stella. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.’
‘Don’t worry about me. I’m used to taking care of myself.’
‘When this is settled you’ll have me to look after you. I’ll never let you go again, and that’s a promise.’ He strode off in the direction of Johann’s caravan.
Vicky and Maggie came hurrying towards her, spilling water as they swung the buckets by the handles. ‘Where’s Bram going in such a hurry?’ Vicky demanded.
‘He looks cross,’ Maggie added, dumping her bucket on the ground beside Lucy. ‘Why was he angry?’
Lucy put her arms around their shoulders. ‘He had to go to London on business. He didn’t want to leave us, but he’ll be back very soon.’
Maggie’s bottom lip trembled. ‘I don’t want Bram to go away again.’
‘Don’t be such a baby, Mags.’ Vicky eyed the dirty plates, frowning. ‘I suppose I’ll have to do the washing up, as usual.’
Lucy straightened up with a sigh. ‘I’ll do it. Why don’t you go to Jenny’s van and see if she’s made any cakes on that little stove of hers. I don’t know how she does it, but she’s a wonderful cook, and very generous. You could offer to mind her babies in return.’
Maggie brightened instantly, tugging at her sister’s hand. ‘I love Jenny and the little ones. Let’s go.’
Vicky rolled her eyes. ‘All right, if you insist.’ She met Lucy’s amused gaze with a sigh. ‘I suppose I’d better keep an eye on her.’
Lucy tried not to laugh as they walked off hand in hand. Suddenly everything was back to normal. She had the children to look after as well as Granny, and Bram loved her. She could hardly believe he had uttered those magic words, but it made it even harder to part and she wished with all her heart that she could go with him. She looked round at the sound of footsteps on the sun-baked ground. Froniga hurried up to her. ‘It’s a miracle,’ she said breathlessly. ‘Eva spoke to me quite sensibly just now. She knows that you’re her granddaughter.’