Stay with Me

by Jessica Blair

  Within the week, the two clerks, Jos and Dan, who had been dismissed by Peter’s father, were persuaded to return. A competent manager, Alan Frampton, was lured from another firm by the offer of higher wages, and the timber was sold at a handsome profit. Gleaning information casually from Frampton, during the coming weeks, Lena passed it on to Peter in such a way that he took action without any prompting from her.

  A month later when Lena came into the office she found Peter in a state of euphoria. ‘Did you see a gentleman leaving?’

  ‘A tall man, well dressed, hat at a jaunty angle, looking pleased with himself?’

  ‘That would be him. Chris Strutman. He called on me representing his father’s merchant’s business on Teesside. He was looking to buy local commodities, eggs, butter, and so on, and link them into any coming into Hull from abroad, such as tea, coffee and other foodstuffs. When I raised the question of transport and hiring a ship, he said he would deal with that and arrange for the vessel to be here a fortnight today. So I have instructed Alan to begin assembling the commodities at the best prices.’

  ‘And we add a percentage on to that as our profit?’

  ‘Exactly.’

  ‘Good. And this could lead to further orders from him, I take it?’

  ‘I hinted at that, and he said it was more than likely if we made good with this one.’

  Lena looked thoughtful. ‘You know, Peter, it would be better if we had our own ship to bring in commodities from abroad. There would be fewer handling costs. All we’d need do would be to load the local goods on board when our ship docked here and then it could be back on its way to the Tees.’

  ‘I can see that, but we haven’t our own ship and do you really think we should take the risk? We are making a steady income now, why risk upsetting that?’

  ‘Because I think, until your mother died, your father intended to expand the firm. He would be pleased to know you were taking up his mantle, trying to accomplish all that he intended. It would be a fitting memorial to him if you did this.’

  ‘It would, wouldn’t it?’ Peter still hesitated, though. ‘There will be a lot to see to. You know what it is like, having seen your father and brother commission ships. I would need you to help.’

  ‘And I’m willing to do all I can. It will greatly strengthen our position in Hull and along the Yorkshire coast.’ Lena kept her innermost thoughts to herself. She blessed the day that Chris Strutman had walked into their lives and given Peter the final push to act on what she had always planned to do. Soon Hustwick’s would be a force to be reckoned with - as would she. James Carnforth, this day I become a keener rival and thorn in your side, she vowed.

  Her joy was unbounded when Peter came to Clancy House later that day. He made it in his way to have a word with Greta before seeing Lena, with the result that Greta excused herself after the meal on pretext of wanting a word with her housekeeper.

  Peter escorted Lena to the drawing-room and as soon as the door clicked shut behind them he wasted no time.

  ‘Let’s get married, let’s not wait any longer.’

  She thrilled at the light in his eyes but had to say, ‘Your mourning is barely over.’

  ‘Never mind that! If anyone is critical, we’ll take no notice. Say yes, Lena?’

  ‘Yes!’

  He pulled her to him and kissed her soundly.

  When their lips parted he said, ‘That eases my mind,’ with some relief.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I always feared that, until we married, you might change your mind. And apart from wanting you as my wife, I have realised, since you came to Hull, how much I need you beside me to run my firm . . . no, our firm.’

  Lena rejoiced that everything she had hoped had come to pass. ‘I love you, Peter Hustwick,’ she told him then.

  Arrangements went ahead immediately. They knew that under the circumstances they could not plan a big wedding and so decided invitations would be kept to a few of Peter’s close friends, with Greta as bridesmaid. After they’d decided this, Lena gave a little smile. ‘And I’m going to invite James and the others.’

  Peter looked surprised. ‘But you can’t expect any of them to come, surely?’

  She laughed. ‘Of course not! I know they wouldn’t entertain the idea, but it will be a suitable gesture of defiance for the way they reacted to you.’

  ‘Just leave it,’ he protested.

  ‘No!’ The strength of her reaction showed her determination and warned him to not to pursue the matter.

  ‘Thank you, Sarah.’ James took the letter that had just been delivered while he and Olivia were having breakfast. He recognised the writing but made no comment for the moment. He opened the paper and scanned it quickly. ‘Insolent hussy!’ he hissed then, startling Olivia who looked up sharply at him.

  ‘What is it?’ she asked in alarm.

  He did not answer but slid the letter across the table to her.

  As she read it, her lips tightened in a grim line.

  ‘You’re surely not thinking of going?’

  ‘What, when Lena caused such a public scandal and hurt us all so deeply? Never! I won’t even answer this.’

  A few doors away, Alistair stiffened in his chair. ‘The gall of her!’

  ‘What is it?’ his father asked.

  Alistair gave him the letter. Albert read it and grunted in disgust, passing it to his wife. ‘How dare she?’

  Georgina looked up from it. ‘Burn it, Alistair. And with it any thoughts you once had about Lena Carnforth.’

  ‘Do you think we should go, Mary?’ asked Martin MacBride.

  ‘It is putting us in an awkward position . . . I think this is Lena’s way of criticising us all for the attitude we took. If she has sent invitations to Whitby people, I don’t think any of them will go. How can they, after what happened?’

  ‘I know, but I always had a soft spot for her. Maybe she is looking for forgiveness?’

  Mary shook her head slowly. ‘I don’t think so. But we shall be able to clarify matters next week.’

  ‘How?’ He looked mystified.

  ‘Oh, Martin! Have you forgotten, that Alistair is coming for a few days?’

  Martin made a gesture of annoyance with himself. ‘Of course. He’s coming with Dr Jollif’s approval. Wants to learn about my new measures to counter outbreaks of measles.’

  ‘He’s also having a holiday staying a whole week . . . So don’t take up all his time with medical matters!’ instructed his wife.

  ‘Avril, will you take one of the traps to meet Alistair at the station?’ said her father at breakfast. ‘I need Angus to drive me today.’

  ‘Very well, Papa.’ Avril secretly felt a sensation of delight run through her. She would have Alistair to herself, for a short while at least. When she first learned he wanted to come for a week she had started planning how she might be able to get some time alone with him but had soon decided it was no use doing that, she would just have to seize any opportunity that arose. Now it had.

  She secured the horse and trap in the station concourse and strolled on to the platform. She was thankful it was a fine warm day, for she knew stations could be draughty places. Time seemed to stand still, in contrast to her own impatient pacing. Would Alistair have changed since she had seen him at James’s wedding? Then he had been very attentive towards her, but had he only been following his duties as best man? How she looked forward to being with him again!

  A distant whistle and then the rumble of iron on iron sent her heart racing, bringing with it an unforeseen nervousness. The train clattered to a halt amidst steam and smoke. Doors swung open; people descended on to the platform and set off for the exit, some hurrying, some in less haste, eyes peeled for those who were to meet them. As the passengers swerved around her she strained to catch sight of Alistair. She could not see him. Had he missed the train? Had he . . . ? The flow of passengers thinned. Alistair? Then relief swept over her. He was here!

  ‘Hello, Alistair, welcome to D
undee!’

  ‘Avril! This is a pleasant surprise. I had expected to take a cab.’

  ‘As if we could allow our guest to do that!’

  They fell into step.

  ‘How is everyone?’ he asked.

  ‘All well,’ she replied, ‘and looking forward to having you with us. What about you? How are you?’

  ‘In good health,’ he answered.

  This really was not the answer she wanted but she could hardly ask if he had got over Lena.

  They chatted amicably during the drive home. Before reaching the house, Avril told him, ‘I know you are here about some medical matters you wish to discuss with my father but don’t let him monopolise all your time with them. As I think you know, he’ll go on and on.’

  Alistair smiled. ‘Indeed. I assure you I won’t let him start too many medical hares.’ His expression turned serious then. ‘I do want a little time to refresh my mind, after all that has happened.’

  She was turning into the drive. Once clear of the gates she kept the horse to a walking pace and looked at Alistair with an understanding expression. ‘If there is anything I can do to help . . .’ She left the inference unspoken but the light pressure she gave his arm conveyed it for her.

  ‘Thank you,’ he said, with a shy smile.

  The MacBrides came out in force to meet him: the doctor, his wife, Fiona and Robbie. They greeted him as one of the family. Servants were attentive in taking his hat and coat and valise.

  ‘I’ll show you your room,’ said Mary. ‘You can join us later in the drawing-room for coffee.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘And treat this as your home, my boy,’ Martin put in.

  ‘Thank you again, sir. You are all most kind.’

  As Mary escorted Alistair upstairs, Fiona saw her elder sister stand and watch them go. She sidled up to Avril. ‘Well?’

  ‘Well what?’ she snapped, annoyed that she had been caught staring after Alistair.

  ‘How did you get on? Father gave you a good opportunity, sending you to meet Alistair like that. He is rather handsome, isn’t he?’

  ‘And a gentleman,’ replied Avril, as if that would stop her sister.

  ‘Is he over Lena?’

  ‘How do I know? I couldn’t ask him, could I?’

  ‘No doubt you’ll find out before he goes home. I do hope so . . . then maybe you’ll stop mooning over him.’

  ‘I don’t moon over him!’

  ‘Yes, you do,’ Fiona grinned and skipped out of the way of Avril’s playful slap.

  They were finishing their coffee when Dr MacBride said, ‘Alistair you are here with some questions from Dr Jollif. I suggest we go to my study now and get them out of the way so that you can concentrate on what we might term your holiday.’

  ‘That’s very thoughtful of you, sir. It would be good to have them dealt with as soon as possible.’

  ‘Then let us make a start.’ Martin got to his feet. Alistair emptied his cup, placed it on the table and followed the doctor from the room. He glanced at Avril and the look she gave him exhorted him to remember what she had said.

  ‘Take a seat, my boy.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’

  They fell to discussing the medical situation in Whitby, and Dr Jollif’s desire for information on handling outbreaks of measles.

  An hour later the doctor said, ‘I will have some case notes copied out for you.’

  ‘That is very good of you. Dr Jollif will be most grateful. ’

  ‘It is my pleasure to help, and I am flattered that he should value my opinion. If there is anything else, please ask before you go home. Now, let us relax over a wee dram.’ As he was speaking Martin rose from his chair and went to a decanter and glasses on a side table.

  With both glasses charged, he raised his. ‘To an enjoyable holiday.’

  Alistair acknowledged this.

  ‘And how is life in Whitby?’

  ‘Good.’

  ‘James and Olivia?’

  ‘Couldn’t be better.’

  ‘I’m pleased to hear it.’

  Alistair could sense that the doctor was trying to lead into something and could guess what it was. ‘Sir, I believe you are wondering if we have received an invitation to a wedding recently?’

  ‘Then she sent you one?’ Doctor MacBride frowned. He had hoped to hear of James and Olivia’s reaction.

  ‘She did. I suppose you got one too? After all, you are a close relation.’

  ‘The whole family were invited but we are minded to refuse. We cannot condone the scandal Lena caused by running away with Peter Hustwick.

  ‘Now, if I may give you a bit of advice, as difficult as it may seem at times, you must occupy your mind with other things, work and pleasure. What has happened is behind you. I’m sure you will find someone more worthy of you.’

  And that someone is within the walls of this house if his wife had her way, which she usually did.

  Three days later, with Alistair feeling comfortably at home in the MacBride household, he was sitting in the drawing-room with Avril, discussing the works of Wilkie Collins, when they heard the sound of the bell ringing. It was immediately followed by a loud knocking on the front door. Startled, Avril jumped from her chair and headed for the hall. Alistair was swiftly on his feet to follow.

  The maid was already at the door when Avril entered the hall.

  ‘Dr MacBride please - quickly.’ The words came from a distressed female.

  ‘He’s not in,’ started the maid, then faltered when she became aware of Avril’s presence.

  ‘All right, I’ll see to this,’ she said, taking charge immediately.

  Relieved, the maid bobbed a quick curtsey and hurried away.

  ‘What is it?’ asked Avril, eyeing the dishevelled caller who had obviously rushed to their house without taking time to consider her appearance. A dark coat hung loosely on her shoulders and the belt around her plain brown dress had come loose. A shawl had dropped to her shoulders, allowing her hair to stream free from the ribbons that had held it. Her face was drawn by anxiety and her eyes were rimmed red with tears.

  ‘Please fetch Dr MacBride for me.’

  Avril reached out to help the woman inside. ‘He is out visiting patients.’

  The woman looked despairing. ‘Oh, what can I do?’ she cried.

  ‘Come, sit here and tell me what the matter is.’ Avril guided the woman to a chair by the door.

  ‘Giles had been repairing some guttering on our house. He came into the kitchen, and next thing I knew he was on the floor,’ explained the woman, between gasps and sobs. ‘Oh, please, do something!’

  ‘I’ll come. I’m a nurse.’ As she got to her feet Avril glanced at Alistair. He immediately read her query and nodded. ‘This is Dr Nash, visiting us from Whitby. He’ll come as well.’

  The woman raised tear-filled eyes to him. ‘Oh, will you, please?’

  ‘I will.’

  The woman, who introduced herself as Peggy, directed them to her home at the end of a row of terraced houses in a respectable area of Dundee. They saw a group of women standing near the front door.

  ‘Neighbours,’ Peggy explained. ‘I expect Maggie’s inside with Giles. She said she would look to him while I came for the doctor.’

  When Avril brought the trap to a halt, Alistair was quickly to the ground, calling to two boys to look to the horse. He helped Avril and Peggy from the trap and they hurried into the house.

  ‘Has he moved?’ Alistair asked her neighbour.

  ‘No, not even opened his eyes. I laid a blanket over him.’ She looked at Peggy. ‘I got it from your bed.’

  Peggy nodded and looked anxiously at Avril and Alistair who were on their knees beside the man.

  Within the hour they had him comfortably in bed and had helped him regain consciousness. Peggy’s relief when she saw him open his eyes was more than evident. When she finally saw Avril and Alistair out of the house, in the knowledge that Dr MacBride would visit as soon as he
returned, she was profuse with her thanks.

  ‘Mind you do as Dr Nash has instructed until Dr MacBride gets here,’ instructed Avril as she climbed into the trap and took up the reins.

  ‘You handled things back there remarkably well,’ commented Alistair. ‘You instructed them with authority, but also with reassurance and gentleness. People like that when they are in trouble and don’t know what to do.’

  ‘It is kind of you to say so, but I have had some training as a nurse and Father being a doctor, well, naturally some of his knowledge and experience rub off.’

  ‘But the gentleness and tenderness are all yours.’

  ‘You’re very kind.’

  ‘No. I merely speak the truth and am steeped in admiration for you.’

  Avril blushed. Her heart was racing. Did he admire her in the way she hoped or was his admiration only for the way she had handled the situation today? Was he beginning to realise there were other people who could come into his life and enrich it? If only he would forget Lena!

  Chapter Twenty

  Lena and Peter were quietly married in Holy Trinity Church. Greta was the bridesmaid, a close friend of Peter’s was best man, and six of his other friends, including Charles and Marcia Sugden of Weaver Hall, also attended. The reception afterwards was a quiet affair, though most enjoyable. Afterwards, Lena and Peter left to spend the night at Raby Hall before going on the next day to spend their honeymoon in what was designated a cottage on the Weaver Estate, though in fact it was an old hunting lodge updated luxuriously by the Sugdens, who had also appointed two of their staff to see to the young couple’s comfort.

  They enjoyed an idyllic time together, though by the end of the fortnight they had chosen to be away Lena wanted to be back in the hustle and bustle of the business world. Now she was Mrs Hustwick her chances of widening her influence would be greater, and she was going to make the most of those chances, working towards her ultimate aim.