by Kate Pearce
“On your new salary you can.” He leaned against the kitchen table, all lethal grace and energy. “And I must confess to an ulterior motive.”
“What would that be?”
“Access to you.”
“I don’t understand what you mean,” Caroline barely managed the words. “I repaid my debt to you last night.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Hardly, unless you value yourself very highly indeed.”
“I hardly valued myself if I allowed you to take me to bed in the first place, did I?” Caroline protested.
“You are a pragmatist, Mrs. Harding. You did what was best for your family.” He slowly stood and looked down at her, one hand in his pocket. “Your debt to me still registers a considerable balance.”
“You would come and share my bed here—with my sisters present, with my mother? Do you have no shame?”
“Not really, but there is no need to stiffen up with such righteous indignation, Mrs. Harding. The two bedrooms are for your mother and sisters, the third is here.”
He took her hand, and marched her down the interior hallway, throwing open each door as they passed it.
“Here are the two bedrooms, one either side of the kitchen, then there is a indoor water closet and a large storage cupboard before your room.” He unlatched the door and put his hand in the small of her back to usher her inside. “You will note that there is another door that leads back into my offices.”
Caroline drew in a shaking breath. “How very clever of you, Captain. And how convenient.”
“I thought so.” He had the nerve to bow. “I originally designed the bedroom for my own use, but I think my new purpose for it is better.”
“You don’t intend to share it with me every night? I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies.” Caroline’s voice wobbled slightly.
“Now, now, Mrs. Harding there is no need for sarcasm. I’d happily move in with you tomorrow, but I am attempting to protect your reputation.”
“What reputation? Everyone knows I belong to you, sir.”
“Good.”
There was an implacable note in his voice. He turned to the door. She couldn’t help but notice there was a bruise on his jaw, and that his knuckles were bloodied.
“If you don’t want the place, tell me now, and we can continue our previous arrangement of meeting in the George and retiring upstairs to my bed.”
Caroline turned away and stared out of the window. What to do? The notion of living in such luxury appealed to her greatly, but at what cost to her integrity? She briefly closed her eyes. Had she really expected him to let her get away with one night in his bed?
“How much is the rent?”
He strolled over to her, his expression unreadable. “Seeing as you keep my books, shall we say the same as you paid for your current residence?”
“This is worth much more.”
“I do love the way your honesty asserts itself at the most inopportune of moments.” He slid two fingers under her chin so she had to look at him. “Do not despair. I won’t be here much. You won’t have to lower yourself to bed me too often.”
“I couldn’t get much lower than I already am, sir,” Caroline countered.
Something flashed in his eyes. “You’re wrong about that. I’ve seen people sell their bodies for a sip of water or a piece of bread. I’ve seen them grovel and beg to be fucked.”
“Then I can only pray I never experience that.”
“I don’t pray.” He kissed her on the mouth hard enough to make her gasp. “But I, too, hope you never fall so low.”
He stepped away from her, his gaze its usual mixture of mockery and challenge again and held out his hand. “Do we have a deal, Mrs. Harding?”
She took his hard-callused fingers in her own and shook them. “Yes, Captain Grafton, we do.”
“Excellent.” he handed her one set of keys. “You can move in over the weekend.”
“I don’t quite understand, dear. Why is Captain Grafton offering us new lodgings?” Marie complained.
Caroline fixed a smile on her face as she poured her mother’s tea. “As I’ve already explained, Mother. I’m going to work for him as his bookkeeper and my new wages mean that we can afford to live in a better place. It will be most convenient for you, too.”
She looked up as the kitchen door opened and her sisters came in. Her heart sank as she noticed they’d brought Jon Ford along with them.
Ruby skipped around the table to kiss her mother and Caroline, and Ivy slipped into her seat with a quick smile.
“Can Mr. Ford join us, Caroline?” Ruby asked. “He’s been telling me about a Bible study group he wishes to take for an afternoon out at one of the local farms.”
“Of course he may.” Caroline poured another cup of tea as Jon took off his hat and sat down at the table. “He is always welcome here.”
In truth, she’d tried hard to avoid him since her unfortunate encounter with Captain Grafton. She sensed he would be disappointed with her, and she couldn’t deal with that yet because she was disappointed in herself.
“It’s just a thought at the moment.” Jon accepted the tea with his thanks and sipped the hot brew. “I suspect some of the children have never ventured out of the town before and might be too afraid to risk it.”
“When you have to work ten hours a day, you probably don’t get much time to do anything except eat and sleep when you’re home,” Ruby stated. “It’s so unfair, Caroline.”
“I agree.” Caroline concentrated on dividing up the pork pies between them all.
Jon touched her wrist and murmured. “Don’t worry about feeding me, lass. My mother has my tea waiting for me when I get home.”
“As you wish,” Caroline handed out the plates and then realized she was far too nervous to actually eat. She tried to remind herself that she was doing the best for her family, but it was hard.
“Did Caroline tell you that we are moving, Mr. Ford?” Marie asked.
“No, ma’am she didn’t.” He put his cup down on the table, his expression surprised.
“I was going to wait until you were all home,” Caroline said hesitantly as she scanned their expectant faces. “We’re moving into lodgings over Madame Louise’s shop. It will be most convenient for work, Mother, won’t it?”
Jon frowned. “I heard Captain Grafton bought that building. Is he letting it to tenants now?”
The thin sliver of pie Caroline had managed to put in her mouth stuck in her throat. “He is moving his office of business there and had a small apartment to rent at the back of the property. He offered to me.”
“Did he now?” Jon’s steady brown gaze met hers. “That’s… convenient for you.”
Even as her sisters started asking a volley of excited questions, Caroline stood and grabbed her shawl.
“Will you all excuse me for a moment?”
She turned left out of the front door and walked aimlessly toward the town square. It wasn’t long before she became aware that she was no longer alone and that Jon Ford was at her side. He took hold of her elbow and drew her to a stop.
“Put on your coat, lass. It’s cold out here.”
She allowed him to help her and didn’t demur when he took her hand and led her toward the church and graveyard just off the main square.
“Tell me.”
She sat on the edge of a stone burial memorial and stared down at the ground.
“What would you like me to say?”
He sighed. “Is it true? Did he offer you the place?”
“Yes. At the same rent.” She looked up at him. “Feel free to tell me what you think of me. I’m sure everyone else will.”
He was still for so long that he almost faded into the shadows.
“Will you marry me, Caroline?”
“What?” She exclaimed. “Did you not hear what I said?”
He smiled. “I heard you.”
She stood up. “Then you must know that I would never marry you after—" she gulped do
wn some much-needed air. “After him.”
“Ah. So that’s true as well, then.”
“How can you be so calm?” Caroline asked. “Why aren’t you raging at me and calling me all those vile names I probably deserve?”
He leaned in and used his thumb to wipe the tears flowing down her cheek. “Don’t cry.”
The next moment she was in his arms and she was sobbing like a madwoman while he held her and murmured sweet encouragement.
“I didn’t want any of this, I didn’t want him, or the apartment, or any of it, but I can’t see my way out of it, do you see?” Caroline spoke through her tears. “I just want my mother and sisters not to have to worry about having enough food or coal to keep us warm, or…”
“It’s all right, lass. I understand.” He stroked her hair with his big strong hand.
“How can you?”
His smile was crooked. “Because I know you, and I know you’d defend your family like a lioness. I… admire that about you.”
“Thank you.” She smoothed a hand over the lapel of his coat. “I can’t marry you. You deserve better.”
“I don’t agree with that,” he said stoutly.
“Your mother would never speak to you again.”
“Aye, that’s a possibility.”
“One that I will not allow to happen.” Caroline finally stopped crying. “She loves you, and you deserve better than Captain Grafton’s leavings.”
“Don’t talk about yourself like that.” He frowned down at her. “You did what was necessary. I don’t like it, but I understand why you did it.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Caroline said unsteadily. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
He took her hand in his and kissed it. “I’ll always be here for you and your family. If you need me, just ask. If he gets you pregnant and runs out on you, let me know, and I’ll marry you in an instant.”
“I wouldn’t ask that of you, but I would like it if we can remain friends.” Caroline met his gaze, facing the pain in his eyes as he accepted her decision. “That would mean the world to me.”
“Aye. Me too.” He offered her his arm. “Now let me take you home, and then I’ll be off to my mother’s.”
The next morning, after a troubled night’s sleep, Caroline escorted her mother to Madame Louise’s, and then went upstairs to where she was told Captain Grafton awaited her. He was in what would be his office and had already installed his chair and desk from the George and Dragon. His expression wasn’t encouraging as she approached his desk.
“Good morning, Mrs. Harding.”
“Good morning. Captain Grafton. You requested my presence.”
“Yes, I am leaving for London tonight. I have instructed Mrs. Bridgewater to deliver my belongings to this office over the next day or two. I expect you to arrange them in a pleasing order before my return.”
“As you wish, sir.”
“I have also purchased furniture for your office, and other rooms in your family apartment.”
“You did not need—”
He waved away her words. “I do not want mold infested or inferior furniture in my newly finished accommodation. Leave as much as you can in the old place please.”
“If you insist.” Caroline paused. “Is there anything else?”
“You will continue to help Madame with her books and can start dealing with mine on a daily basis as of Monday. I have a new rent collector, a Mr. Daniel O’Brien. He will present himself to you first thing in the morning.”
“What happened to Mr. Keswick?” Caroline repressed a shudder as she remembered his hands on her.
Captain Grafton looked up at her. “He will not trouble you again. If you even lay eyes on him, tell Mr. Bridgewater at the George and he will be taken care of.”
“Thank you.”
He shrugged. “The fool stole money from me. I cannot allow that.”
“Is that a warning, sir?”
He leaned back in his chair and considered her, one black brow raised. “Your honesty speaks for itself, Mrs. Harding, but money does have a way of corrupting even the most innocent of souls. If you chose to see Keswick as a warning, then I will not stop you.”
“I don’t intend to cheat you, Captain.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He held up a letter. “This is a note for my bank giving you access to a limited amount of my funds.”
“Why would I need that?”
“You never know when a bribe needs to be paid or an employee bailed out of gaol. You will be my representative in Millcastle, Mrs. Harding. I don’t expect you to let me down.”
“I will do my best not to do that, sir.” Caroline curtsied and tucked the note into her pocket. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to set about moving into our new abode.”
She had half turned to the door before he spoke again.
“One more thing, Mrs. Harding. When you are in my employ, and under my protection, I do not expect to hear about you wandering the streets hand in hand with another man.”
Caroline slowly turned to face him. Was that why he was in such a foul mood? She would have to be careful. Not for her benefit, but to protect her friend.
“I can assure you that it will not happen again,” she spoke slowly and clearly, but refused to show any fear.
“I’m glad to hear it. One would hate to have to intervene in such a matter.”
She met his cold gaze. “There is no reason for you to do that. I promise you.”
“Good. I’ve never thought you stupid, Mrs. Harding. Loyal to a fault, perhaps but then that is usually considered a good thing.”
“I understand what you are saying, Captain.” Caroline tamped down on her desire to slap his face. “I would never put any friendship of mine in such jeopardy.”
“Friendship, eh?” He smiled, but it wasn’t reassuring. “I suspect Mr. Ford would like much more than that from you.”
Caroline wasn’t going to discuss her relationship with Jon Ford with this man. He didn’t deserve it. She vowed then and there to protect Jon from anything Captain Grafton might devise for him by becoming as circumspect as a nun.
“Have a safe journey down to London, sir.”
She curtsied, and this time he let her go. She all but ran down the stairs, her fear for Jon sending her straight around to his mother’s house, which was closer to the square, and in a far better street than her current lodgings. She knocked on the door, and eventually Martha Ford, Jon’s mother, opened it. She didn’t look pleased to see Caroline at all.
“I apologize for disturbing you, ma’am, but did your son go to work today as usual?”
“Aye, of course he did.” Mrs. Ford made no effort to invite Caroline off the cobbled street into her spotless kitchen.
“Oh, thank goodness,” Caroline pressed a hand to her heart, her breathing ragged. “Then I’m sure there is nothing to worry about.”
Mrs. Ford didn’t look any happier. “I do hope you haven’t got my son mixed up with that lecherous godless, Captain Grafton, Mrs. Harding? He’s in enough trouble with that silly reform nonsense as it is. Did you hear what the Captain did to Billy Keswick because of you? Set on him and beat him to a pulp with his own hands, he did, almost killed the man…”
That would explain Captain Grafton’s bruised knuckles… Caroline tried not to picture the scene, but she could see it all too well. Captain Grafton would not hesitate to administer his own variety of justice. He was indeed a godless man who feared nothing.
“I want you to tell Jon to… stay away from me,” Caroline said in a rush. “I value him too highly to wish for him to be harmed in any way.”
Mrs. Ford sucked in her breath and then nodded. “I hear you. I’ll do my best although the poor addled creature thinks he’s in love with you.”
“I swear I have done nothing to encourage that.” Caroline held her ground. “I value his friendship very highly, but—”
“You’re not in love with him. Good.” Mrs. Ford said decisively.
“Then I’ll do my best to keep him from bothering you.”
“Thank you.”
“I thought you were a bit of a fragile flower when I first met you, Mrs. Harding, but I underestimated you.” Mrs. Ford patted Caroline’s shoulder. “Now get along with you lass, I’ve bread and soup to make, and an oven to heat up.”
Caroline walked slowly back to her lodgings where she hoped Ivy and Ruby were busy packing their belongings. She would have to protect Jon from Captain Grafton’s unnecessary possessive streak, but it would be hard to give up the only friend she had… If he stayed friends with Ruby and Ivy she would still hear about him and he would hear of her—not that she wanted to give him any hope that she would or could change her mind.
She didn’t love him. She admired and respected him, but that was the extent of it, and she wouldn’t cheapen his admiration of her with falseness.
It was ironic that she had finally won the grudging approval of Martha Ford by giving up her son. Caroline unlocked the front door and stepped into the hallway of her lodgings. The usual odor of boiled cabbage and dampness assailed her nostrils. She couldn’t wait to move into the new rooms with the indoor water closet and running water. No more emptying buckets of night soil or standing in the street getting dirty water from the only pipe.
“The wages of sin,” Caroline murmured to herself as she went into the kitchen.
“Did you say something?” Ruby looked up from packing away their meager collection of unmatched china in a wooden crate gleaned from the market.
“No, I was just thinking out loud,” Caroline found a smile and walked over to her sister. “Now, how can I help?”
Chapter 6
Francis stood at the open door and studied Mrs. Harding’s bent head. It was dark outside, and she had closed the curtains and lit the lamps, giving the room a sense of intimacy and warmth he found curiously appealing. He hadn’t seen her for four weeks but had thought about her often. Her pen scratched on the paper and she frowned, her lips moving as if she was doing some complicated mental calculations.
She looked nothing like the ladies he had just left in London with their perfume and paint and their worldliness that allowed them to accept the acquaintance of a known reprobate like himself. Like him, they knew the value of every transaction and weighed it against their own needs. Like him they rated his blatant physicality against his honesty, requiring the first, and not caring much about the second,