by Dilly Court
‘See what you’ve all done now.’ Ruby’s eyes filled with tears and she fled from the room. Jem was about to follow her but Lottie rose swiftly to her feet and barred his way.
‘Wait a moment. I think I might have the solution.’
‘She’s very upset,’ Jem said anxiously. ‘I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn.’
‘Sit down, please, and hear me out.’
‘Spit it out,’ Jezebel emptied her pipe and refilled it from her pouch. ‘I’m going to me room for a rest.’
‘What I suggest is quite simple. I think Jem’s idea of an eel pie and mash shop is a good one, so why don’t we start in a small way and turn the front parlour into the eating area? If you’d like to invest some of your money in fitting it out, Jem, you could give up your job at The Swan and come and live here. If you and Teddy could provide and prepare the eels then Ruby and I will help Jezebel and serve in the shop. I need not go out peddling pies in the streets and you could use my barrow to transport the eels.’ Lottie turned to Grace. ‘All this would depend on whether or not you agree. This is your house, after all.’
Grace clapped her hands. ‘I say yes. I don’t know how I would manage without you here, and I’m happy to continue taking care of Molly. I love her as if she was my own.’
‘Jezebel?’ Lottie eyed her warily. ‘What do you say?’
‘It suits me fine, especially the part where someone else prepares the eels. It’s men’s work anyway. I say yes.’
Lottie turned her attention to Teddy. ‘You are the eel catcher. Do you agree to all this?’
‘I’ll say I do. I want Jem to come and live with us, so I say yes.’
‘You are very important in this, Jem.’ Lottie held her hand out to him. ‘We can’t do it without you, and it might prove a better investment than risking your money by taking on another property.’
Jem nodded. ‘Maybe I jumped the gun a bit, Lottie. I get carried away with my ideas at times, but I think this is more practical. There’s just one other person to ask.’
‘And you’re the man to do it,’ Lottie said, smiling. ‘Go to her, Jem. See what she has to say, although I’d be very surprised if she didn’t agree.’
Later, when Lottie was about to get into bed, Ruby burst into the room without knocking. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkling. ‘I’m sorry, but I had to speak to you.’
Lottie wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and climbed into bed. ‘Come in and close the door. We don’t want to wake Molly.’
‘No, indeed, especially now she’s started sleeping through the night.’ Ruby perched on the edge of the bed. ‘Jem and me had a long chat.’
‘Thank goodness for that,’ Lottie said, smiling.
‘You don’t think it’s too soon, do you, Lottie?’ Ruby asked anxiously. ‘It’s not yet a year since Fletcher died, but maybe I should wait longer before I think of remarrying.’
‘Really? Did Jem propose?’
Ruby looked away, blushing rosily. ‘Not in so many words, but we’ve come to an understanding. Jem is very kind and patient.’
‘I’m glad for your sake.’
‘And you don’t think it’s a bad idea?’
Lottie reached out to grasp Ruby’s hand. ‘No, I don’t. You know in your own heart if you’re ready to let go of the past and move on. I just wish that I could do the same.’
‘I’m so sorry. I keep forgetting that you’ve suffered a loss too.’ Ruby raised Lottie’s hand to her cheek. ‘Here am I, going on about myself, quite forgetting you have your problems too.’
‘We have to deal with things in our own way,’ Lottie said, sighing. ‘I still can’t believe that Gideon is dead. I don’t speak about it because it would upset Grace, but deep down I feel that he hasn’t gone for ever.’
Ruby enveloped her in a hug. ‘You’re so brave, Lottie. We would all have been lost but for you.’
‘Nonsense,’ Lottie said briskly. ‘You must stop worrying about me and grab happiness with both hands. I’ve known Jem since I was twelve and he was fifteen. He helped me through the difficult times and he’s a good man. You couldn’t do better.’
‘Thank you. I know that in my heart, but I didn’t want to do anything that might upset you. We’ve been through a lot together, you and me.’
‘And the good times are to come.’
Ruby gave her a final hug before rising and going to the door. ‘Good night, Lottie. You are such a comfort to me.’
She left the room and Lottie blew out the candle, but when she closed her eyes it was Gideon’s face she could see, and he was smiling. ‘You are still close to me,’ she said in a whisper. ‘I don’t know where you are, but you are still in my heart and always will be.’
Jem left the Filbys and moved into the attic room in Leman Street. He began work straight away and within a fortnight the front parlour had been transformed into a pie shop with two long trestle tables and benches that could seat six aside. Crockery and cutlery were purchased and, in order to add cups of tea to the menu, a second-hand tin water boiler was installed in the washhouse at the back of the building. Jem and Ruby were now officially engaged and the banns were read, enabling them to name the date of their marriage. Grace was doubtful about their hurried wedding, but Lottie defended their decision.
‘Why wait?’ she said calmly when Grace brought up the subject one morning while they were helping Jezebel in the kitchen. ‘Jem and Ruby are old enough to know their own minds, and living and working together as they are, it seems the sensible thing to do.’
‘But people will think it’s a knobstick wedding.’
‘Let them tittle-tattle all they want,’ Jezebel added. ‘Life’s too short to bother about what other people think.’
‘I suppose you’re right,’ Grace said sadly. ‘If my boy had lived we might be celebrating your wedding, Lottie.’
Jezebel glared at her. ‘Trust you to put your foot in it, old woman.’
‘This is my house, you’re just the cook,’ Grace countered, bristling.
Lottie held her hands up, trying not to laugh at their verbal sparring. ‘Grace is right, Jezebel. It could have been my wedding, but it isn’t, so we must be happy for Ruby and Jem. I think they’ll make a lovely couple.’
On Friday 28 December 1855, Jem and Ruby were married in St Mark’s Church, Whitechapel, with their small family in attendance. Molly was vocal in her appreciation of the echo her cooing noises made in the vast building, and she wriggled so much that Lottie was in danger of dropping her. Jezebel came to the rescue and Molly quietened instantly, turning her attention instead to tugging at the strings of Jezebel’s best bonnet.
It was a short service, but as the newly married couple walked out into the winter sunshine they encountered a street fight between a group of Irishmen and some Polish immigrants. Jem and Jezebel formed an impressive spearhead and led the party to the relative safety of Leman Street and the Brown Bear pub, but by this time Molly had begun to whimper.
‘Let me take her home, Lottie,’ Grace said, holding out her arms to take the crying child. ‘The poor little thing is tired and hungry.’
Lottie relinquished her reluctantly. ‘I should look after her, not you, Grace.’
‘I could do with a sit-down in my own back parlour,’ Grace said firmly. ‘I’ll give the baby some sops and put her down to sleep. You go and enjoy yourself with the young people, dear.’
‘I won’t be long, Grace. We’ll share a glass of port after supper tonight.’
‘I’ll hold you to that, Lottie. I’m partial to a drop of port, and we can afford it now so I don’t feel guilty.’ She walked off, carrying Molly, who was protesting with loud howls.
Lottie followed the others into the Brown Bear and they took a table by the fire. Jem fetched their drinks and Jezebel raised her glass of porter.
‘Here’s to Jem and Ruby and long may they live in harmony.’
Lottie sipped the warm beer. ‘This time next year we might be drinking a toast in cha
mpagne,’ she said, smiling. ‘Here’s to you both, and to the success of the eel pie and mash shop.’
Jem slipped his arm around Ruby’s shoulders and gave her a hug. ‘I’m the luckiest man alive. Not only do I have a wonderful wife, but I’ve got a new family to love and protect.’ He reached out to slap Teddy on the back. ‘And a good mate. What d’you say, soldier?’
Teddy raised his glass. ‘Here’s to—’ He broke off, staring at a group of military men who were standing at the bar. ‘Lottie, look over there. Do you recognise that officer?’
Lottie peered through the haze of tobacco smoke, and her breath hitched in her throat. ‘I do, Teddy. It’s Tom Bonney.’ She rose to her feet, emboldened by the alcohol, and made her way through the crowd. She tapped him on the shoulder. ‘Lieutenant Bonney?’
He turned to face her and his startled expression melted into a smile. ‘Miss Lane! I mean, Lottie, this is a pleasant surprise.’
‘What are you doing here? I didn’t think you were allowed leave from the battlefront.’
‘Won’t you introduce us to the lovely lady?’ A moustachioed officer stepped in between them. ‘You’ve kept this little beauty quiet, Tom.’
‘That’s enough, Sanderson. This lady is a friend of mine from the Crimea. She’s a very brave woman,’ Tom said coldly.
‘I apologise, ma’am.’ Sanderson acknowledged Lottie with a bow, and resumed his conversation with his comrades.
‘I’m sorry, Lottie,’ Tom said hastily. ‘He meant no offence.’
‘I don’t suppose the ladies of his acquaintance frequent pubs in Whitechapel, and I wouldn’t be here but for my friends’ wedding. It’s just a remarkable coincidence that you happened to be here at the same time.’
‘I’m sorry to say that I’m in London on a sad mission. Colonel Dashwood was thrown from his horse and killed. I was charged with the duty of bringing his body home for burial.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Lottie said softly. ‘Both of them dead now. That’s very sad.’
He drew her aside. ‘That’s not exactly true, and the reason I’m here in Whitechapel is that I came to find you.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘Lady Aurelia wasn’t killed as was previously thought, although she was badly injured in the attack on the telegraph station. Part of my mission was to escort Lady Aurelia on her journey home.’
‘She’s alive?’
‘Very much so, although sadly altered in appearance.’
‘And the others?’ Lottie clutched his arm. ‘What happened to them?’
He shook his head. ‘I think it best if you let her ladyship give you that information. She sent me to find you with that in mind.’
‘Then I must see her as soon as possible.’ Lottie held her hand to her forehead as a wave of dizziness threatened to overcome her. ‘I’m sorry, Tom. I feel a bit faint.’
He guided her to a seat by the door. ‘I should have broken the news more gently.’
‘No, you did the right thing.’ She sank down on the hard wooden seat and a gust of cold air blew in from the street as a patron staggered outside. She took a deep breath. ‘I’m all right now, but I have so many questions.’
‘Might I suggest a tot of brandy? You’ve had quite a shock.’
‘No, thank you. Sit down and tell me everything. How did you know where to find me?’
He pulled up a chair. ‘Lady Aurelia sent me to the inn where you used to work, and one of the ostlers told me to seek you out in this area. I was about to make enquiries from the barman when you tapped me on the arm. I could hardly believe my eyes.’
‘As I just said, we came in here to celebrate a wedding. You remember Ruby Wagg? You introduced us back in the camp at Balaklava.’
‘Yes, of course I do, and Drummer Miller as well. You seem to have taken the waifs and strays under your wing.’
‘Not at all. We’re a family and we take care of each other.’ Lottie glanced at the wedding party and she smiled. ‘We started with nothing, but we’ve worked hard and now we’re in business and doing very well.’
‘Really? You amaze me. What is it you do?’
‘We began by selling pies in the streets round here, which were so popular that we opened an eel pie and mash shop. We’re closed today, of course, but while you’re in London you must come and taste Jezebel’s famous pie and mash with lots of lovely liquor.’
‘I’ve never tasted eel pie, but I can see I’ll have to remedy that very soon. In the meantime I have to fulfil my obligation to Lady Aurelia. Will you come with me now?’
‘It’s Jem and Ruby’s special day, but I’m sure they can do without me for an hour or two. Where is Lady Aurelia?’
‘She’s at home in Chatham, supervising the packing of her belongings.’
‘Is she moving back to Bath?’
‘I’m not sure what she has in mind. Anyway, it’s for her to tell you, Lottie. She really wants to see you as soon as possible.’
‘If she’s in Chatham it will mean an overnight stay.’ Lottie rose to her feet. The thought of seeing Aurelia again and being able to talk freely about Gideon without upsetting those around her had given her a sudden burst of energy and a flicker of hope that Gideon might somehow have survived the attack on the telegraph station. ‘I’ll just tell my family what’s happening and then I’ll go home and pack a few things.’
It was late afternoon when they arrived in Chatham, having travelled as far as they could by train, and completed the journey by road. The sight of the white house gleaming palely in the early dusk brought back a flood of memories, and Lottie’s eyes smarted with unshed tears as she walked up the garden path. Tom knocked on the door and it was opened moments later by Hansford. Lottie was shocked to see that Colonel Dashwood’s devoted servant seemed to have aged ten years in the months since they’d last met. Streaks of grey at his temples accentuated the lines of sorrow on his weather-beaten face. He stood to attention and saluted Lieutenant Bonney, but Tom waved the formality aside.
‘There’s no need for that, Hansford. This is a strictly informal visit.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ He held his hand out to take Lottie’s valise. ‘Welcome back, Miss Lane.’
‘I was very sorry to hear of the colonel’s tragic accident,’ Lottie said gently. ‘We did not part on the best of terms, but he was a good man.’
Hansford nodded and backed away, head bent. ‘Lady Aurelia is in the drawing room, miss.’
‘Thank you, Hansford.’ Lottie followed Tom through the silent house that had once been her home. Now the atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as if even the bricks and mortar had gone into mourning.
The drawing room was in semi-darkness with the curtains not yet drawn against the fading light, but it felt cold, despite the fire that blazed in the hearth. Aurelia had her back to them as she stood looking out of the window.
Lottie hesitated, not knowing what to say.
Tom cleared his throat. ‘We’re here, my lady.’
‘I know that. I can see your reflection in the windowpanes,’ Aurelia said slowly. ‘Will you leave us, please, Tom?’
‘Of course, my lady.’ He gave Lottie an encouraging smile as he left the room.
‘I was so happy to know that you were saved, my lady.’ Lottie stood very still, unsure what was expected of her. ‘I was very sorry to hear of the colonel’s demise.’
‘Were you?’ Aurelia turned slowly to face her. ‘I wasn’t. Does that shock you?’
‘No, my lady.’
‘Perhaps it should. You are too used to my tempers and tantrums, Lottie. You know all there is to know about me.’ Moving slowly and painfully she made her way to the sofa and eased herself onto the cushions.
‘Not everything, my lady.’ Emboldened, Lottie took a step closer, but Aurelia held up her hand.
‘Look at me, Lottie. This is what war has done to me.’ She turned to face Lottie and with the tip of her forefinger outlined the livid scar on her right cheek. ‘I’m no longer a beauty. I a
m hideous to behold.’
Lottie went down on her knees in front of her. ‘No, that’s not true. You have suffered greatly, I can see that, but you will always be beautiful, my lady. The scar will fade in time.’
‘This is the injury you can see, but the shrapnel tore into my flesh. We were left for dead and would have been so within hours had we not been found by the French, who took us to their own hospital.’
‘You were saved, but what happened to those who were with you?’ Lottie could not bring herself to mention Gideon by name. If she did so she might be condemning him to death all over again. Surely Lady Aurelia would put her out of her misery and tell her if Gideon were alive or dead?
Chapter Nineteen
‘We were in the telegraph station,’ Aurelia said, closing her eyes as if to shut out the horrific memories. ‘We were laughing and talking and drinking wine when the mortar hit. I remember nothing until I came back to consciousness. I had no recollection of my illness, but they told me I had suffered a fever that almost finished what the bomb had failed to do.’
‘The army informed us that you and everyone in the telegraph station had been killed, my lady.’
Aurelia reached for a small green bottle that looked very familiar. ‘Laudanum,’ she said, pouring a few drops into a glass of water. She took a sip. ‘I need it for the pain.’ She drank deeply. ‘What was it that you asked?’
‘What happened to the others?’
‘Farrell and your man, Private Ellis, survived, but Private Benson was killed outright, or so I was told.’
Lottie rose to her feet, momentarily bereft of speech. Moving like a sleepwalker she made her way to the window and rested her forehead against the cool glass. Her senses were reeling. She wanted to shout for joy and yet tears flowed freely down her cheeks. ‘You say that they are alive?’
‘They were not so badly injured as I. They were sent back to camp.’
Lottie turned to face her. ‘But if Gideon lives why wasn’t I told? Why hasn’t he written to me?’
‘Pour me a tot of brandy, Lottie. My head hurts and my whole body aches. The memories are as painful as my wounds.’