‘Joe and Peggy were very shocked, of course, but they’re standing by her.’
‘They know about Philip?’
Charlotte nodded and bit her lip. ‘Yes,’ she admitted huskily, ‘and I’m afraid that’s my fault. At first she refused to name the father, but of course her family wanted to know. They thought there might be a chance of whoever it was marrying her. But they realize that’s impossible now.’
Miles’s head shot up. ‘Why? Why do they think that’s impossible?’
‘Well – they wouldn’t expect – I mean—’
Bitterly, he said, ‘They wouldn’t expect the squire’s son to marry the maid he’s seduced, eh? Well, that’s not what happens in my family. At least – ’ he closed his eyes and groaned again. ‘At least, I didn’t think it was.’
‘I have to tell you that Jackson and John went out looking for him. They brought him down off his horse and attacked him.’
For a long moment, Miles stared at her, a blank, unreadable expression on his face. Then, to her surprise, he muttered, ‘It’s no more than he deserves. If it’d been my daughter – if I’d been blessed with a daughter – ’ His voice broke with such an unexpected depth of longing, almost loss, that Charlotte was shocked. ‘I would have done exactly the same. I – I hope Philip’s not permanently injured, of course I do. But I can’t blame those lads, even though I know I should.’
‘You really are a most extraordinary man.’ She’d spoken the words aloud without meaning to, but now it was said, she went on, ‘You’re so kind and considerate of others’ feelings. And very understanding.’
‘I must go and see the Warrens at once,’ he said.
‘Do you want me to come with you?’
He shook his head. ‘No. I must face the music myself.’
Charlotte smiled sadly. ‘I think they’ll be thinking they’ve “music to face” now too. But just one thing, Miles.’ The name came naturally from her lips. She didn’t even stop to think about it now. ‘Just remember it’s not all Philip’s fault. It takes two, because I am sure of one thing. Philip didn’t force himself upon her. She was a willing – a willing – ’ She couldn’t think of an appropriate word, but Miles understood and nodded.
‘And you,’ he said huskily, ‘are very generous to be so fair-minded. My eldest son hasn’t exactly treated you with the courtesy and respect you deserve.’
‘He’s young.’
Miles’s face clouded again. ‘But not too young to sire a child, it seems.’
Charlotte returned to Buckthorn Farm to face her own particular music, whilst Miles saddled Midnight himself and rode over to the Warrens’ cottage.
Joe, grey-faced, opened the door and held it silently for the man to enter. Miles removed his hat and bent his head as he passed through the door. As he went into the kitchen, he saw that the whole family were gathered there, even Lily, almost as if they were waiting for him. Young Tommy was standing in the corner, his eyes fearful.
Miles glanced round at them all and then spread his hands. ‘I don’t know what to say to you. I’m so very sorry.’
He saw glances pass between them. Surprise, shock and the beginning of relief. Joe spoke first. ‘We expected the constable, sir.’
‘The constable? Whatever for?’
Joe gestured towards his sons. ‘We knew Miss Charlotte would tell you. Oh, she had to – don’t get me wrong. But we thought – when you found out what my – my boys had done . . . Is he badly hurt, sir?’
‘He’s in hospital and his back may be damaged. I don’t know yet.’
Lily let out a wail and buried her head against her mother’s shoulder, sobbing and distraught.
‘He shouldn’t have brought our Lily down,’ Jackson burst out. ‘We didn’t mean to injure him, sir. Not like that, not permanent like, but . . .’
‘I know,’ Miles said gently. ‘Like I said to Miss Charlotte, in your place I’d’ve done the same. Maybe not brought him off his horse, perhaps, but I’d have given him a good thrashing. In fact,’ he added grimly, ‘if he wasn’t lying in a hospital bed right now, I probably still would.’
‘So – you’re not bringing charges against them?’ Joe still couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing.
Miles shook his head and his glance went to Lily. ‘No – it’s Lily and her child we must think of now.’
Joe stuck out his hand awkwardly. ‘You’re very generous-spirited, sir. The lads shouldn’t have done what they did, but I’m sorry to say I can understand why they did it. And they’ve lost you a valuable horse an’ all.’
Miles shrugged. He was a kind man and the harm that had befallen the animal distressed him, but the welfare of his son was what mattered most.
Solemnly, he took Joe’s outstretched hand. ‘There is just one more thing . . .’ As he released Joe’s hand, his eyes sought Tommy, skulking in the corner. The young boy had been listening to every word, yet taking no part. Miles crooked his forefinger, beckoning the boy towards him. Tommy came, dragging his feet and hanging his head.
Miles put his hand gently on the boy’s shoulder. ‘It’s all right. I’m not angry with you, but I just want your promise that you will not fight little Georgie again. At least, not over Lily. He’s too young to understand what it was about and he’s in tears at home – not because of his bloodied nose and black eye –’ Miles heard Peggy’s gasp, but he carried on, saying gently – ‘but because you’ve fallen out with him. What’s happened is not Georgie’s fault. And he shouldn’t have to bear any retaliation. Do you see that, Tommy?’
The boy nodded. ‘I’m sorry, sir. It was just – it was just – ’
Miles squeezed his shoulder. ‘I know, I know. And sticking up for your sister does you credit. But—’
‘What happened?’ Joe interrupted sternly.
Tears streamed down the boy’s face now. ‘I’m sorry, Dad. I – I thumped Georgie because I heard you saying Philip had hurt our Lily.’
‘Oh Tommy,’ Peggy cried. ‘You shouldn’t have done that. Poor little boy. It’s not his fault.’
‘Miss Charlotte saw us and stopped us. She – she took Georgie home.’
Joe’s face paled. He glanced round his family. ‘Miss Charlotte knows it all. Everything you’ve done.’ There was a veiled threat in his tone. His sons, all three of them, had brought more trouble on the family than Lily had caused. She might have brought shame upon them, but her trouble would not see them dismissed and turned out of their home. But the action of his sons might well do so when Osbert Crawford got to hear about all this. Even Charlotte would not be able to save them then.
Miles cleared his throat.
‘I’ll talk to Philip. We must arrange a marriage as soon as we can.’
Now the whole family was dumbstruck. They’d not expected this. Even Lily’s sobs subsided and she looked up at him, her eyes swimming in tears.
‘Marriage?’ Peggy said. ‘You – you’d want them to get married?’
‘I presume they must love each other, else – ’ He waved his hand unable to find the words, though everyone knew what he meant.
‘Oh we do, we do,’ Lily burst out and, wrenching herself from her mother’s arms, she went to Miles and caught hold of his arms. ‘I do love him, sir, with all my heart and – and he loves me. I know he does.’
Miles put his arms round her. ‘There, there, Lily. Don’t cry, my dear. We’ll sort it all out. Your parents and I. Everything will be all right, I promise.’
‘Where’s Warren? And those idle sons of his? They’re not at their work.’
When Charlotte stepped back in through the front door of Buckthorn Farm, she was startled to find her father standing in the middle of the hall, thumping his stick on the floor. ‘I want to see him. Good for nothing layabout.’
She sighed. Today of all days he would have to decide to take a sudden interest in the workings of the farm again.
‘Joe and his sons have all had the influenza. The boys have done the evening milking and they’ll all be back at wor
k full time tomorrow.’
Osbert scowled at her. ‘Mind they are. And you can stop their wages for the days they didn’t work.’
Charlotte didn’t reply. She’d no intention of doing any such thing. But he’d never know that. One thing he never did now was look at the paperwork in the farm office any more. That had become her domain.
He turned away, heading once more for his sanctum. She watched him go, biting her lip. It seemed he’d forgotten all about ordering her and the Morgans to leave his house. Or, more likely, he’d chosen to forget it.
But what would happen, she wondered, when he learned the latest news of his protégé, Philip Thornton? What then?
Thirty-Four
It was four days before Osbert found out. Four days in which Charlotte had learned that Philip had been moved to a hospital in the Midlands for tests on his spine.
‘He – can’t feel anything,’ Miles had told her distractedly when they’d met accidentally whilst riding on the beach. ‘They think his spine might be broken.’
‘Oh, dear Lord,’ Charlotte had breathed. ‘No!’
‘And there’s another thing,’ he said, his eyes dark with anxiety and something that Charlotte couldn’t quite define. Disappointment? Shame? At his next words, she understood.
‘I’ve talked to Philip about Lily. But he flatly refuses to marry her. He says she was only a bit of fun to him. Nothing more. Charlotte, I’m so ashamed of my own son.’
‘I’m sure the Warrens hadn’t expected you to suggest such a thing. Servant girls don’t expect their masters to marry them. I’m sorry to say it, but Lily, being four years older than Philip, should have known the score.’
Miles sighed. ‘I don’t blame the girl. My son’ – a note of bitterness crept into his tone – ‘can be very charming and very persuasive when he wants to be.’
Miles was right, Charlotte thought, the young man had certainly charmed her own father.
When she returned to Buckthorn Farm, an agitated Edward met her at the door.
‘Your father wants to see you in the sitting room, miss. He’s in a high old dudgeon.’
Charlotte pulled a face. ‘Now what?’
‘He’s found out about Master Philip being injured. Evidently, the boy was due to visit here before returning to school tomorrow and when he didn’t arrive, the master made enquiries.’
‘Who told him?’ Charlotte asked sharply. She knew it wouldn’t have been Edward.
‘I believe he sent a note to the manor and word came back saying the boy was in hospital. That sent him into a panic, I can tell you. He had the pony and trap harnessed and he rode over to the manor. Mr Thornton was out, it seems – ’
Charlotte nodded.
‘One of the servants – Wilkins, I believe – told your father that the Jackson brothers had set upon Master Philip and injured him so badly that he’d been taken to hospital.’ He paused, then added, ‘But from what I can make out, miss, the man didn’t tell the master the reason behind the lads’ attack.’
‘No,’ Charlotte said grimly. ‘I don’t suppose he did. And even if he had, I doubt my father would have believed it. Not about Philip.’
She took off her riding jacket and hat, smoothed her hair back, and went towards the sitting room. Edward hovered in the hallway, and Charlotte was glad to know he was close by.
‘What’s this I hear?’ Osbert demanded almost before she had stepped into the room.
There was no point in prevaricating, so Charlotte said, ‘Lily Warren is pregnant with Philip’s child, that’s what. And her brothers – well, they gave him a good hiding because of it. They didn’t intend to cause such serious injury, but sadly, they have.’
Osbert stared at her. ‘Don’t talk ridiculous, girl. Philip’s only a boy. No – no, I won’t believe it. The little slut’s laying it at his door to get money out of the family.’
‘I’ve seen them together, Father, holding hands, and Philip had admitted it to his father. Mr Thornton is trying to persuade Philip to marry her, but he’s refusing.’
‘I should think so too. The very idea. My boy being forced to marry that little trollop.’
Charlotte stared at him. My boy, he’d said. My boy, as if he’d taken ownership of someone else’s son. His disappointment and bitterness had coloured the whole of his life and now was turning his mind. Osbert thumped his stick on the floor, frowning angrily. ‘The very idea,’ he muttered again. And then he seemed lost in thought.
Quietly, Charlotte left the room.
‘All right?’ Edward whispered as she emerged.
She shrugged. ‘I’m not sure, Edward. He refuses to believe that Philip is the father of Lily’s child.’ She smiled wryly as she added with heavy sarcasm, ‘He can’t believe such a thing of “his boy”, as he called him.’
Edward made a noise in his throat that sounded suspiciously like a growl, before saying, ‘Jackson’s in the kitchen, miss, asking to see you.’
Charlotte sighed and followed him along the passageway.
Jackson was standing nervously by the table, turning his cap through agitated fingers. ‘We’re back at work, Miss Charlotte. All of us. That’s if – that’s if – you want us.’
‘Of course I do, Jackson. This trouble has nothing to do with your work on Buckthorn Farm.’
Relief flooded across his face. He pulled on his cap, gave her a quick grin and almost ran from the house to prove his eagerness to resume his work. Charlotte watched him go, a heavy feeling in her heart.
She had no wish to dismiss any of the Warren family. But she wasn’t so sure what was in her father’s devious mind.
She didn’t have long to wait to find out. The following morning, she rose to find that her father had already left to catch the train to the city where Philip was hospitalized. For the rest of the day, Charlotte was on edge and her anxiety was only lifted slightly by a letter addressed to her from her aunt:
We have found the loveliest little house near Lincoln, my dear. You must come and visit very soon. And don’t forget, Charlotte, there is always a home with us should you ever need it.
Now Charlotte did not feel so alone.
Her father returned late that night, tired but jubilant. Even as Edward helped him remove his coat, he was saying, ‘He’s standing firm. He’s not going to agree to marry the little slut.’ And then he added the words that Charlotte had been dreading. ‘And as for those Warrens, they’re to be dismissed and turned out of their cottage. Do you hear me, girl? They’re to be given notice.’ His pronouncement delivered, he glanced at Edward. ‘You may serve my dinner now.’
Charlotte sat in the kitchen, her elbows resting on the table, her head in her hands.
‘What am I to do, Mary? What am I to do?’
‘Nothing – for the moment, love.’ Mary placed her dinner in front of her. ‘Now eat up.’
Charlotte pushed the plate away. ‘I can’t eat a thing.’
Edward and Mary sat down to their own meal.
‘He’ll not want to lose Joe Warren. Where would the farm be without him and his sons? That’d only leave old Matty and you’d be in a pretty pickle, miss.’
Charlotte sighed. ‘He’ll only say there’s plenty of folks looking for work to take their place.’
‘Aye, mebbe so, but not half as good.’
‘But he’ll do it. I know he will.’
Thirty-Five
For the first time in her life Charlotte stood up to her dictatorial father. She refused to issue the notices to the Warren family.
At church on the following Sunday morning, there was tension in the air. Everyone felt it. Miles and Ben were subdued. Even little Georgie’s merry smile was gone. He walked down the aisle behind his father and brother without even glancing to left or right as he usually did, greeting everyone in his cheery, high-pitched voice. Instead, he ignored everyone and especially Tommy Warren. Only when he reached the front of the church and was about to step into his family’s pew, did he glance up to his left and give Charl
otte a watery smile. She smiled down at him and touched his shoulder.
Cuthbert Iveson seemed even more nervous than usual. When it came to the part in the service where he made special prayers for any parishioner who was ill, he said in a halting voice, ‘We pray for the recovery of Philip Thornton and for his family in their time of trouble. And we ask you to forgive those who perpetrated the – the attack upon his person. Lead them to repentance, Lord . . .’ Cuthbert mumbled on but his words were lost to Charlotte. She glanced up to see that Miles had raised his head and was staring angrily at the vicar. Then suddenly, he stood up. ‘Come,’ he said to his sons. ‘We’re leaving. This is a mockery.’
A shocked gasp rippled through the congregation as, prayers forgotten, they watched Miles lead his two sons out. The door banged behind them and, as Charlotte turned back to face the front, she saw Cuthbert glance down at her father. Osbert was smiling and nodding.
He’d arranged that, she thought. Not Miles. Miles wouldn’t do something like that.
But her father would. And his reaction to the vicar’s words proved it.
When the service ended, the members of the congregation trooped out, their faces solemn or puzzled. They stood in small groups, those who knew what had happened whispering the tale to those who did not.
Charlotte glanced around for Miles. He was pacing up and down the narrow path leading round the side of the church. Ben was standing close by amongst the gravestones, his hands pushed deep into his pockets. Georgie stood beside him, watching his father’s agitated pacing with anxious eyes.
The Warren family, without Lily, stood together but a little apart from their neighbours and friends. No one, it seemed, knew quite how to deal with the news they were hearing. They didn’t know what to say.
Charlotte plastered a smile on her face and walked across the long grass between the gravestones towards Peggy and her family. She stretched out her hands and took Peggy’s.
‘How are you? And how’s Lily?’
‘Oh you know, miss. Still crying. Still heartbroken. You know the young master has refused to marry her?’
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