To Take Her Pride

by Anne Brear

  Winnie, crumbled handkerchief in her hands, rose and walked with him to the door. “Bless you, bring back my girl, I beg you. Tell her we love her. All is forgiven.”

  “Soon you can tell her yourself.” He smiled, feeling lighter of heart now he had a purpose.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Gently easing the baby off her nipple, Aurora smiled at the tiny head, the delicate eyelids, and the sweet snub of her nose. A dibble of milk ran out of her mouth and Aurora wiped it away with the corner a linen cloth. “There, my sweet girl,” she crooned, adjusting her blouse with one hand, “that should keep you satisfied for an hour or two.”

  The bedroom door opened and Sophia came in, her eyes soft with love as she gazed at the baby. “All finished? Shall I put her down?”

  “Please.” Aurora handed over her nine day old daughter, Olivia, and rose from the chair. “Did I hear the post?”

  “Yes, sorry I should have brought them up with me, but I was putting Will down for a nap for Lily, who is making dumplings.” Sophia tucked the baby into the cradle and gazed down at her. “You know, I see you in her as a baby.”

  “Really? I see Reid. She has his shaped eyes. I wonder if they will be blue like his or brown like mine.”

  Sophia bent and kissed her granddaughter softly on the head. “She’ll be beautiful whatever she has.”

  Aurora waited for Sophia and leaving the door open so they could hear the baby, they went downstairs to the warmth of the sitting room. From the kitchen came Lily’s singing. “What’s she singing?”

  “Some tune Jed taught her.” Sophia collected the mail from the side table and passed them to Aurora. “They got on very well together.”

  Aurora raised her eyebrows. “How interesting.”

  “Thinking of doing some match-making are you?” Sophia laughed. “I don’t think you need to. It looks as if it’s happening all by itself.”

  “Jed’s a good man.”

  “Yes.” Sorting through the envelopes, Aurora yawned behind her hand. “They’re mainly bill accounts.”

  “You look tired. Did Olivia keep you awake much last night?”

  “She woke at three and then again at six.” Aurora glanced at the carriage clock on the mantelpiece. It was now just after ten in the morning. Tiredness stung her eyes. She couldn’t believe how exhausting it was to take care of a baby. “Are Noah and Jed outside?”

  “Yes. The farrier came early and after he left, they decided to mend the roof over the chicken pen. Jed said he saw a fox in the home field yesterday. He’s set a trap. He’s worried it might take down one of the pregnant ewes as well as steal the odd hen.”

  Aurora gazed out of the window at the snow-covered fields beyond the drive. “It will be good to have spring arrive.”

  “Yes, we can sit the babies out in the sun.” Sophia added more wood to the blazing fire. “And plant flowers and vegetables.” Using the iron poker she adjusted a log and then replaced the poker in its stand. “I’ll go make us a cup of tea.”

  “That’ll be nice.” Aurora nodded, aware of Sophia’s transformation since her marriage to Noah. It was as though she had regained her self-respect. Sophia wore nice clothes, her hair was neatly held in a bun, she stood tall and straight, laughter danced in her eyes and a happy smile hovered on her lips. Noah, the babies and this house gave her a purpose. She was forever coming up with plans, ideas to decorate the rooms and discussing the future of the farm with Noah and Jed. Sophia was adjusting to her new life with vigor. She was putting down roots.

  Staring around the room, Aurora tried to summon the enthusiasm to do the same. After all, this farm was hers, not Sophia’s, but she couldn’t feel at home here. It was proving difficult to think ahead. And wearing black mourning clothes for dear Tom didn’t help her mood either.

  Sighing, she picked up her needlework from her basket, but returned it almost immediately. Since the baby arrived she couldn’t concentrate on anything.

  Resting back in the chair, her thoughts wondered. The security of having her own house gave her peace of mind, but not happiness. On first arriving, she been excited to be here, away from the tenements in the lane, away from the filth and poverty. However, try as she might, she couldn’t settle. She felt an impostor, or a guest at someone’s house. She thought of the place as Sophia’s domain. Ever since she’d given birth a restlessness had overcome her. The future stretched out before her in dull understanding that this was all she would have.

  She jerked up from the chair and went to stand before the fire, admonishing herself for her selfishness. She should be grateful to have a roof over her head, an income, people who cared for her, but it wasn’t enough and she hated feeling that way. Each time she looked at her baby girl she saw Reid’s features and her heart ached for him. Was she going to spend the rest of her life wanting a man she couldn’t have?

  Movement on the drive caught her attention and she moved to the window to watch the carriage crunch through the thin coating of fresh snow. She turned for the door to go upstairs. She didn’t want visitors today. She’d let Sophia entertain them. Listening to the women of Hebden Bridge gossiping was the last thing she needed.

  She met Sophia, carrying a tea tray, at the doorway. “Someone has come, but I’m not ready for social calls. Can you see to them?”

  “Of course.” Sophia put the tray on a side table. “I’ll make your excuses and hopefully they won’t stay long.”

  Aurora was half way up the stairs when knocking came at the door. She hurried up to the landing and peeked over the banister as Sophia opened the door.

  “Good day, Mr Blackwell. How may I help you?”

  “Ah, Mrs Middleton. You are looking in splendid health, if I may say so.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ve come to pay my respects to Mrs Sinclair. We’ve heard the wonderful news that she is safely delivered of a daughter.”

  “That is correct, Mr Blackwell, but unfortunately Mrs Sinclair is not receiving visitors as yet.”

  “I quite understand.” He entered the hall and Sophia shut the door on the cold day. “However, I was wishing to talk to her about another matter, concerning her husband’s family.”

  Aurora held her breath.

  “I’m sure it can wait, Mr Blackwell,” Sophia said politely. “Or perhaps you can send a letter?”

  “Hmm…” Blackwell rubbed his chin. He looked up the staircase and Aurora jerked back out of sight. “No need for a letter. If you’ll pass the massage on?”

  “Of course,” Sophia murmured.

  “If you could inform Mrs Sinclair that I’ve written to her brother-in-law, Mr Reid Sinclair of Sinclair Hall, Leeds, and I’ve invited him to a council meeting. Since the Sinclair’s own properties in this area, I thought it would be beneficial to have a man of his experience to attend a meeting and share his knowledge.”

  Aurora gripped the banister to keep herself upright. Blackwell contacted Reid?

  “And has Mr Sinclair sent a reply?” Sophia’s voice came out hard and short.

  “Not as yet, but I believe the invitation would be welcomed, given that he has family here to visit as well. Mrs Sinclair and your good self, madam, should expect invitations to dinner at my house when Mr Sinclair arrives. I am trying to plan a ball at the Assembly rooms to coincide with his stay.”

  “Thank you, Mr Blackwell. I will let my daughter know.” Sophia opened the door and gave him a stiff smile.

  Blackwell again glanced up the staircase. “Well…er…yes, yes, indeed. Good day, Mrs Middleton.”

  “Good day.” Sophia closed the door on him and hurried up the stairs. “Are you all right?”

  Aurora nodded, but felt quite the opposite.

  Sophia’s lips thinned into a line of annoyance. “We are cursed with that man. Stupid Blackwell. Always interfering.”

  “So Reid will know I am here,” Aurora whispered, numb with shock. “The one thing I have been trying to avoid all this time and Blackwell has unraveled it all with o
ne letter.”

  “Come sit down.” Sophia held her close and guided her into the bedroom where they sat on Aurora’s bed. The baby slept peacefully in the cradle at the end.

  “I will have to leave.” Aurora said, woodenly, her heart heavy in her chest.

  “No!” Sophia stared at her. “No, we’ll work something out.”

  “I cannot face Reid. It’s impossible. Too much time has gone by.”

  “We must think clearly. You have said that Reid travels a lot. He could be in America as we speak. He may not see Blackwell’s letter for months. We have time to work something out. Make plans.”

  “Tom’s solicitor came here a week ago. With Tom’s death, Reid would be in the country. Julia would have sent for him. What if Reid has read the letter and is on his way here right now?” Panic flooded her. She stood, ready to pack and run. “Would he know I’ve married Tom? Oh God. He wouldn’t understand why I did that.”

  “Calm down.” Sophia rose and hugged her. “It’ll be all right.”

  “No, no it won’t.” Aurora gazed at her baby daughter, Reid’s daughter, and her heart flipped. “What am I going to do? Blackwell did this to punish me for what I said in the shop that day. I humiliated him and now he’s trying to do the same to me. He knows I have nothing to do with Tom’s family. He wants to cause trouble.” She gripped her hands together and held them under her chin. “I wish we had never come here.”

  “Don’t say that. It’s a good place. We have a nice home. Blackwell is the fly in the soup. He has spoilt things. He is to blame.”

  “I cannot stay here, waiting to see if Reid knocks on the door. I’ll go crazy with it.”

  “Very well, and I do understand, believe me.” Sophia paced the floor, worrying her thumbnail as she always did when stressed. “Let’s go downstairs and with everyone discussing it, we’ll work something out.”

  Aurora sadly shook her head. “I’m leaving.”

  “What? No.”

  “Help me pack.”

  “Running away isn’t the answer, Aurrie.” Sophia grabbed her hands. “Dearest, listen to me.”

  “Don’t you see? I cannot face Reid. I know it’s cowardly to run, but I have no option. I cannot have him and to see him, knowing that I have to say goodbye to him all over again will surely kill me this time.”

  “You only gave birth days ago. You can’t possibly travel, and not with a new baby, and its winter. Besides, where will you go?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “There, that’s my point. Running away won’t solve this.”

  Hot tears gathered behind her eyes. “I’m sorry, but I’m going.”

  “Then I’ll come with you.”

  “No. You’re married now. You’re Noah’s wife. Anyway, I need you to stay and look after this place for me.”

  “You won’t be able to manage.”

  “I have money this time. The account Tom opened for me will allow me to live well. I’ll even hire a nursemaid to help me.”

  “I don’t like it. You shouldn’t be alone at this time.”

  “I’ll manage. I don’t want to leave you, but I must go ...”

  Different emotions flittered across Sophia’s face for a moment before she finally nodded. “I’ll help you pack.”

  “Once I’ve found somewhere I’ll write and you can come see me.” Aurora pulled a small trunk out from under the bed. “I’ll stay in a hotel for a couple of weeks until I find somewhere more permanent. You can come and see me there.”

  “Were will you go first?”

  “Scotland.”

  “Scotland?” Sophia looked aghast as though Aurora had said the Far East.

  “I’ve never heard Reid mention going to Scotland before. I won’t meet him up there.”

  The doorbell rung and they both froze. The strength left Aurora’s legs and she crumbled onto the edge of the bed. “Please, Lord don’t let that be him.”

  “I’ll go down.”

  Aurora strained to listen as Sophia left the room and walked downstairs. Faint voices drifted up, but she couldn’t make sense of them. She jumped when the door was thrust opened and Sophia’s smiled in reassurance. “It’s Peggy.”

  “Peggy?”

  “Peggy from York.” Sophia nodded. “She’s in the parlor. I’ll stay up here and start packing for you and watch the baby.”

  Aurora hurried downstairs and into the parlor. Peggy stood in front of the fire, holding her hands out to the blaze. Beside her on the rug was a small carpetbag. “Peggy!”

  “Aurrie.” They held each other tight for a moment before separating. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you warning of my coming.” Peggy straightened her black felt hat.

  “I’m so surprised to see you.” Aurora indicated for her to sit down.

  Peggy grinned and looked pointedly at Aurora’s stomach. “You’ve had the baby then?”

  “Yes. A little girl. She’s perfect.”

  “Wonderful.”

  “How long are you here for?”

  “Well, that depends.”

  “Oh?”

  A wave of sadness altered Peggy’s face. “Me grandmother died two weeks ago.”

  “I’m sorry to hear it. You must be dreadfully upset.”

  “And I’ve left Ellerton’s.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “Merv got Nancy pregnant.” She shrugged. “I couldn’t take it anymore.”

  Aurora’s eyes widened in surprise. “Nancy? But she hated what he did.”

  “Aye, but he paid her attention, you see, and gave her money to buy nice things. She says she loves him. Idiot.”

  “Poor Nancy. Silly fool.”

  “Aye. I was so cross. I slapped her when she told me. All these years I’ve looked out for her, and she goes and gives in to him. She was like me little sister.”

  “How tragic. I never thought she’d fall for into his trap.”

  “When you left and me Gran became sicker… Nancy said she felt abandoned by us. She was lonely. Twaddle that is, pure twaddle. How can she be lonely in her family? There’s over a dozen of them still at home!”

  “I suppose I should have seen it coming. He sweet-talked her into revealing information about me. She protested that he was only trying to help. He had got to her back then. Why didn’t I realize?”

  “I didn’t see it either.” Peggy sighed and stared into the fire. “Nancy cried when I left, but I couldn’t stay. After burying Gran I just felt lost. Then I found your address from the letter you sent me at Christmas. I simply hopped on a train. And here I am.”

  Aurora smiled. “And here you are.”

  “But there is something I have to confess to.”

  “Oh?”

  “Before I left Ellerton’s… Well, I gave them a piece of my mind, kind of like you did.” Peggy took a deep breath. “Anyway, I think I might have put you in danger, and meself too.”

  “How so?” Aurora swallowed back her apprehension.

  “I threatened Merv, like you did. I told them all in the kitchen that I was going to the authorities to report him.”

  “What happened?”

  “He threatened me, saying he’d do me in. I ran.”

  “Ran here?”

  “I went back to me rooms first and got together some things. I was as quick as I could manage. It was hard leaving me Gran’s things and the neighbors kept coming in…” Peggy twisted her hands in her lap. “I didn’t think anything of it as I was in such a hurry, but well, a man got on the train the same time I did and watched me every now and then on the journey here. He got off at Hebden Bridge too.”

  “What did he look like?”

  “Average height. Black hat. Nasty looking character. He seemed to be watching me every move.” Peggy shuddered. “Oh, and he smiled at me as we got off the train and he had a missing front tooth.”

  “Oh good lord.” Aurora thought her heart would stop. “It sounds like the same man.”

  “What man?”

  “The man Merv ha
d following me before I left.”

  “Why didn’t you say owt?”

  “I was marrying Tom and moving away. I didn’t think I would have to. I thought Merv would forget about me as long as nothing happened and I didn’t go to the police like I said I would.”

  What color Peggy had left her face. “Gawd, I’m sorry, Aurrie, really I am.”

  They both turned as Lily brought through a tea tray and Sophia followed her carrying Will. Lily’s eyes were red from crying and Aurora guessed that Sophia had told her the news of her leaving. For a while they sat drinking tea and chatting about nothing much important. Then, unable to put it off any longer, Aurora told Sophia about the man in the black hat.

  “You should never have kept that from me,” Sophia admonished, handing Will to Lily. “You were in danger.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.”

  Lily hitched Will higher on her lap. “Me dad won’t let any man near us. We’ll be safe with him and Jed watching out for us.”

  “We cannot hide forever, Lily.” Aurora sighed, feeling trapped and utterly useless.

  “If this Merv Ellerton thinks you’re going to the authorities, then you might as well do so,” Sophia muttered, pouring out more tea. “If he’s arrested then we have nothing else to fear.”

  “But what if he’s not arrested? What if he pays off the police and others?” Sipping her tea, Aurora listened for a cry from upstairs. Her head pounded. “Besides, I’m leaving anyway. I think I should just do that and hopefully the shadow man will not follow.”

  Peggy straightened. “Anyway, what can one man do? He’s probably only reporting back to Merv and nothing else. If we stay away from the police, he’ll leave us alone.”

  “You know I just had a thought, Aurrie.” Sophia glanced at them all. “Perhaps Peggy could go with you to Scotland?”

  Peggy’s eyes brightened. “I’ll go anywhere, Aurrie. I’ve got no home or family.

  They spent the rest of the day packing and making plans. Noah and Jed were to drive them in the cart down to the train station at three o’clock; they’d catch the evening train to Scotland. While Lily and Peggy prepared a hamper for them to take on the train, Sophia sat on Aurora’s bed holding the baby while watching Aurora pack the last minute things.