by Hawke, Jessa
“Probably right.”
“Not done too bad yourself though. I mean, forget about this Lady Crompton. But you’ve climbed on a few since Kath.”
“If I ignore the fact that most of time I paid for the privilege, then yes.”
“Come, on.” Duffy climbed from his stool before padding down his pockets. “How much have you got left?”
“I’m not going down to the docks... forget it. Plus your kids are outside waiting for you.”
“We’ll leave by the back door. Come on, there’s this frog that works the corner of Canada street and Scotty road.”
“Why would I want an ugly one?”
Duffy picked up his tin of tobacco and slid it back into the inside pocket of his jacket. “Frog... as in French girl.” He then glanced towards the door. “Married to a soldier who came back from the war... Poor girl has got a few debts which we can help her pay off.”
“How do you know all this?”
“You know what I’m like. See her every weekend.”
“Your wife must really love you.”
Duffy necked the last of his pint of ale. “My father taught me well. Never marry a girl who finished her schooling... because they’ll boss you around like they own the place.”
“You never finished school either, Duffy.”
“I know.” Duffy let out a nervous laugh. “It was quite hard to find a woman who was less clever than I was.” He then coughed into his hand and quickly rediscovered his self belief. “But the likes of me are schooled on the streets. The school of life.”
“Anyway, you can visit your frog by yourself. I’m off. Got to get the carriage ready before sunrise.”
“You were made up getting that job.”
“I told you putting up with Ol’ Bill would pay off.”
“I don’t know. Getting up early to drive a carriage sounds kinda lonely to me.”
“Don’t get me wrong.” Edward walked at Duffy’s side towards the back door. “I miss the camaraderie of the docks. But the horses talk to me...” Feeling Duffy’s piercing stare caused Edward to wilt. "What are you looking at me like that for, Duff? They do... using their eyes.”
“I was going to forget about the frog, and try to persuade you for another pint instead... but I think your drunk enough, Eddie.”
“I’m off. Want us to send the kids back to Margret?”
“Yeah, tell them I’ve gone to check on Grandma... I’ll be back in an hour.”
Chapter 3
The cloudless sky stretched from horizon to horizon while the heat from the sun dried the damp cobbled yard of the stables. Edward threw the water from the bucket over the soaped up carriage but grimaced as he got caught by the splash. He then dropped the empty bucket onto the ground and took the strain of a second. But the sight of Isabel caused him to let go of the handle. “Can I help Ma’am?”
“I was walking to the gardens when I saw the stream of water... wondered if we had a burst pipe.”
“Mr Crompton told me to make sure the carriage was spick and span. But I’ll brush the water into the grid once I’m finished. Sorry for the mess.”
Isabel’s noted that the damp white shirt clung to Edward’s rugged physique. “It’s no bother.” She then glanced about to see if anyone was in earshot before walking towards Edward. “Truth be told, Eddie. I was hoping to see you again. When I caught word that you were in the yard, I just had to come and see you.”
“Really?”
“Don’t act all surprised... I would have thought you felt the same about seeing more of me.”
“Aye, you’re a nice lass. I enjoyed talking to you the other day.”
Isabel felt like jumping into the air, but managed to restrain herself to a giddy yelp. “Sorry. It’s just a nice feeling... don’t you think?”
“Feels one with pride, Ma’am.”
Isabel felt uneasy with the sheer velocity of the situation, so diverted the conversation. “So tell me... how are things in the big city? All I see of Liverpool is what I catch from the window of carriage, or that what I can see from the office. Must be more interesting that out here on the peninsula.”
“I suppose its fine.” Edward dried his hand on a strip of cloth before draping it over his shoulder. “If you don’t mind being kept awake at night by drunks or barking dogs, then woken early by the returning nightshift.”
“Oh. I might stay here then.”
“I can imagine it being rather good, if you happen to be privileged like yourself.”
Isabel tried to keep her sight from Edward’s broad chest. But her modesty couldn’t compete with her youthful curiosity, so her eyes examined Edward’s every quarter. “What does that mean, Eddie? What do you feel like you’re missing out on?”
“There are fancy theatres and grand galleries, handsome civic buildings which seem unnecessarily huge. I’ve always wanted to visit Lyon’s tea rooms for the fancy cakes. But I can’t imagine the likes of me would go down well amongst the fine china and Victoria sponge.”
“Why on earth not? I wouldn’t say it’s exclusive to the rich.”
“I suppose it’s not. But who could I take? It’s for couples and families. Plus I don’t know the difference between a custard cream and chocolate éclair. I’d look a right fool... or desperately sad.”
“I don’t think you have the fingers for bone china either.”
Edward laughed aloud. “I think I was built to lift pints in a pub?”
“Pubs... you’ll have to show me one day? I promise to take you to Lyon if you take me to a pub?”
“They’re not a place for women. Not unless they’re... you know.”
Isabel felt confused. “No I don’t. Enlighten me.”
“Paid to be there.”
“Ah, you mean a barmaid?”
Edward felt uncomfortable and began to sweat. “Those as well. But I meant a...”
“Cleaner?”
“I meant... a woman of the night.”
Isabel felt shocked and slapped Edward on his upper arm. “Oh...” Despite being annoyed she felt impressed by how solid his bicep felt. “Oh you dirty thing.”
“I don’t mess around with them. Haven’t the money.”
“But you would if you did?”
Edward tried to convince while rubbing his arm. “No, of course not... Honest.”
“I can tell you’re lying.”
“OK. But not in a long, long time.”
Isabel frowned with disgust. “Good Lord.” She felt surprised at the strength of her sense of betrayal. “I’m very disappointed Edward.”
“But I was single!”
“But still? No wonder you’re still single... dabbling in the shadows like a gutter dweller.” Isabel huffed, and then marched back towards the rear entrance of the mansion. She then froze as a powerful hand grasped her shoulder. She coldly peered over her shoulder at Edward. “... you touched me?”
“I’m sorry. I...”
“How dare you touch me?”
“I’m sorry, Ma’am. I was young and foolish back then. But now I’m a little wiser and don’t deal with such women. All I seek now is love. I have for a long time now. I promise.”
“Well good for you.” Isabel flashed a brief smile, before the sternness returned. “I must be going. Good day to you, Edward the Gutter Dweller.”
Chapter 4
The sun had barely broken over the horizon as the horses pulled the carriage along the shale road. Despite travelling this route countless times, the sheer grandeur of the gothic country mansion never failed to impress Edward.
Edward felt surprised to see a figure waiting on the steps of the colonnaded entrance. As the figure came into view it became clear to Edward that it was Isabel. “Shit. Now I’m in trouble.” He drew the carriage to a stop at the end of the wide phalanx of steps. “Good Morning, Ma’am. I apologise for my lateness.”
“Mr Eddie... I’ve been waiting.”
“The horses were in playful spirit this morning. It took me mo
re than a while to calm them. It’s the joys of summer, you see.”
“It’s fine, I was a little late myself.”
Edward dismounted from the driver’s seat, and then opened the carriage door. “I was surprised to receive your telegram last night... I thought the postman had the wrong house.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Our little episode the other day had me worried that I had fallen foul of you. In fact feared for my job.”
Isabel snapped. “Don’t remind me of that sordid episode.” She decided to take a calmer tone. “Your job was never at risk.”
“But I was also surprised because Mr Crompton told me he wouldn’t need me until he gets back from his business in London.”
“Yes. Father told me to take this time to relax... A nice gesture one might think. But I know it’s because he doesn’t want me unsupervised at the office.”
“Father’s are fathers. Just wants to protect you.”
“One would think that he sees me as a harlot. Isabel fixed her summer hat. “Anyway, as the sun is shining I thought a trip to the seaside would be in order.” She looked over her shoulder at a huge hamper that sat at the top of the steps. “Do be a good man and bring the hamper along.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
“Poor Miss Black pulled a muscle in her back lifting it to the door... so do be careful. I told her to go and lie on the kitchen tiles until its better. She’s there now, reciting from the New Testament.”
Edward bent his knees and held the hamper with both his arms. He then lifted using his legs while taking the hamper into his chest. As he carefully climbed down the steps his voice quivered due to the stress. “If you don’t mind me asking... but... what’s in here?”
“Just the essentials for a day out at the beach.”
“That’s a lot of essentials.”
“Funny I didn’t have you down as difficult.”
Edward chuckled while walking towards the carriage. “Difficult?”
“You moan more than my father.”
“Sorry, but I’m a man. So where am I taking you? New Brighton?”
“West Kirby. I want to relax away from the crowds.”
Edward placed the hamper onto the floor of the carriage, causing the suspension to creak, before sliding it across to the far side. “And I thought coaling a ship’s bunker was hard work. Weighed a tonne.”
“I plan on a having a good day out. So stop moaning, you’re hard work is not in vain.”
“Come on, let’s get you in.” Edward offered his arm as support while Isabel climbed inside.
“Thank you.”
“Have you informed the house of your excursion?”
“Relax, Edward. It’s three miles up the road. I’d walk there if I didn’t have a carriage and a fine driver.”
“Thank you Ma’am. West Kirby it is.”
~
Edward whistled to himself as the two carthorses pulled the carriage at a leisurely trot along the forested track. The horses’ dark coat glistened under the rays of the sun that broke through the canopy of the oak woodland.
Isabel usually slept during carriage rides but her eyes remained open the entire journey as she daydreamed about the possibilities of the day ahead. She watched as the woodland gave way to open fields and the dirt road snaked down towards the quaint seaside villages cottages.
Upon hearing the laps of the waves, Isabel humped the roof of the carriage and shouted, “Stop the carriage Eddie. This is the place.”
“But West Kirby is a little further on.”
“No this looks fine.”
“As you wish.” The carriage rocked to a stop and Edward dismounted. He then opened the door and smiled while helping Isabel out on to the dirt path.
“Please bring the basket for me.”
“Certainly.”
“It will be worth the effort.” Isabel grinned while watching Edward once more struggle with the hamper. “I have had the kitchen prepare me a fine picnic.”
“That feels like a lot of food... are you meeting your friends?”
“I hope you’ve not had a heavy breakfast, Eddie.”
Edward carefully followed Isabel down the narrow sandy path which cut through the marrow grass towards the wide golden beach. “Just a boiled egg and a round of brown bread. Why do you ask?”
“Because you’re joining me for lunch.”
“What about the horses?”
“Don’t you feed them?”
Edward’s began to pant while struggling to keep pace as he carried the heavy hamper. “I mean... where shall I keep them?”
“What do you usually do with them?”
Edward could feel the sweat beginning to gather on his forehead. “I have to be with the horses at all times... they’re thoroughbred.”
“Don’t ruin my plan, Edward.”
“I can leave them at a nearby inn, I suppose. There are several in the vicinity.”
“Good. Do that.” Isabel stopped and looked about at the stretch of beach which was shelter from the wind by nearby dunes. “Then come and join me here at once.”
“Straight away, Ma’am.”
“Oh... and you can now call me Isabel... when we’re in private that is.”
Edward placed the hamper in the sand. Despite his backache, he felt good. “I’ll be five minutes, Isabel.”
“Make it four... I’m hungry.”
~
The coastal breeze tickled Isabel’s skin and played with her hair as she licked the marmalade which had found its way onto her rouge lips. Sat on the red and white blanket, she felt amused as she studied Edward who seemed caught in a food induced trance. “So? Do I prepare a good picnic?”
“It’s not a picnic. It’s a feast.”
“Well it’s there to be eaten... not gawped at.” Isabel chuckled as she passed Edward a china plate. “Start with the crackers and French cheese, then move on to the cold meats. But remember to leave enough space because I’ve included plenty of cakes for you.”
“I must try not to be greedy or I risk making a fool of myself.”
“I was going to take you to Lyon’s tea rooms. But with the weather being as good as it is... plus I think I’ve done a better job. Don’t you?”
“I’m sure you have.”
Isabel felt a surge of excitement as Edward took a bite from a cracker topped with brie. “I hope you like it. What do you think?”
“A bit different to cheddar or Lancashire... I tell thee.”
“Different but nice... right?”
“Different.”
“It’s French. I have something else from across the channel too.” Isabel unwrapped a bottle of wine from a protective towel. “Some Bordeaux, no less.”
Edward appeared like an excited child. “Pass it here. I’ll open that.”
~
Hidden in the tall marrow grass, a stray dog stalked the picnicking couple while sniffing the air with his damp nose. Edward didn’t notice the mutt as he gazed lovingly at Isabel who nibbled on a sugar coated biscuit. “I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“Probably a sugar rush. It happens to me sometimes.”
“Your generosity makes me wonder what I have done.”
“You didn’t have to do much. It’s more of a case of being in the right place at the right time.”
“Well I’m a very lucky man.”
Isabel shyly smiled. “But that’s not to say I don’t like you.”
“Like me? Thank you.”
“You see... I hardly see men. Only those my father lets me see. And his taste in men is worse than his preference of shoes.”
“I guess I am in a rather perilous position then.”
Isabel grimaced at seeing the sudden panic etched on Edward’s face. Despite her reluctance to ruin the mood, she felt it was best not to lie. “I wouldn’t use the word perilous.”
“Oh dear.”
“Please remain calm.”
“But I need this job.”
I
sabel could see the colour drain from Edward’s face. Reaching across the picnic blanket, she placed a hand on Edward’s knee while pleading, “I am having the best time with you.”
“Me too. But...”
“I won’t let him do anything to you. I promise. Look. Even if you lose your position. I’d get you a new one... I have contacts, you see.”
“It would be rude to abandon a woman.” Edward quelled his nerves. He then picked a biscuit from an open tin. “Especially when the food is this good.” Forgetting his manners he talked with his mouth full of biscuit. “Almost as good as the company.”
“Father would never let me be alone. That’s why I know he’s lying about his business trip this weekend.”
“I thought it was strange how Mr Crompton hired a private carriage and gave me the weekend off.”
Isabel lifted her glass from the soft dry sand. “He is seeing another woman. But I don’t blame him.” She then delicately sipped from the rim of the crystal glass. “I don’t even know why he insists on keeping it secret. Mother passed over ten years ago. I wouldn’t begrudge him a second chance at love.”
“I guess he just feels awkward. But at least you have a little bit of freedom.”
“It doesn’t mean I’m unsupervised.” Irritation layered Isabel’s voice. “Miss Black, the matron is father’s eyes when he is away. But after much skilled diplomacy she allowed me a day out alone.”
“With me?”
“Of course not. Miss Black thinks I’m at the woman’s institute. I was actually supposed to go today... but once she hurt her back, I just had to take advantage. It was a true stroke of luck when she pulled a muscle lifting the hamper this morning.”
“You shouldn’t say that.”
“That woman has caused me so much bother down the years.” The look of judgment on Edward’s face filled Isabel with guilt. “But I shouldn’t, you’re right. I hope she’ll be alright.”
“She’ll be fine... it happens to us all from time to time.” Edward began to untie his boot laces. “Let’s go for a paddle.”
“A paddle? You mean for a boat trip?”
“No... as in getting our feet wet.”
Isabel held her glass close to her face while looking out towards the gentle waves. “In the sea?”