The major glared at her and then asked the head groom for his opinion.
‘I would agree with Chrissie’s opinion, Major. Another day of quiet will not do any harm.’
‘Very well. Where is Red Sunset?’
‘In the paddock, and he will be pleased to see you. He has become increasingly difficult to handle, and if it hadn’t been for Chrissie being able to control him, he would have been sent to the cavalry by now.’
‘I see.’ Without another word he strode out of the stable and headed for the paddock.
‘He doesn’t like me.’ She watched the tall man walk away and her heart was troubled. ‘I could feel the anger boiling within him.’
‘You came as a shock to him.’ He gave her a wry smile. ‘You came as a shock to all of us, but I think his anger stems from what happened at Balaclava. From the condition both Midnight and himself were in, I would say they’ve had a very bad time. They will both need time to recover. Don’t look so troubled. Your prediction that he would return has come true.’
‘That was just a lucky coincidence.’ She turned back to Midnight, pleased for his lordship that his son was finally home, but she couldn’t shake off a feeling of foreboding.
Chapter Eleven
‘You’re going to do what?’ Charles asked in disbelief. ‘You’ve only been home for a week and have hardly recovered from the arduous journey, son. Don’t you think you need more time to think this through?’
‘I’ve done nothing but think about it ever since that damned Crimean War. I won’t breed more animals to be slaughtered like that.’
‘That won’t happen again. Lessons will have been learnt.’
‘Will they?’ Harry spun away from the window to face his father. ‘I have my doubts, and that is why I have resigned my commission. From now on the estate will be my life and I am going to make changes.’
‘I understand your need – but racehorses …’ Charles saw how determined his son was, and asked, ‘What are you going to do with the destriers you have? They are only fit for cavalry horses.’
‘That’s where they will have to go, but they will be the last they get from me.’
‘All of them?’
‘All except Midnight. He will stay with me. I owe him that.’
‘What really happened out there?’ he asked gently. ‘You haven’t said why it took you so long to return home, or why the military didn’t know if you were alive or dead.’
‘Because it was bloody chaos, and I don’t wish to talk about it. One thing I will talk about, though, is what possessed you to engage a girl as a stable lad?’
‘She came looking for work and that was all we had available.’
‘Well, she will have to go. I won’t have a girl working for me dressed in such a disgraceful manner.’
‘She’s good with the animals,’ Charles protested.
‘I saw that with my own eyes, but she can’t stay. What were you thinking?’
Now Charles was angry. ‘Let me tell you something about that child. If it hadn’t been for her help you wouldn’t have a damned estate to come back to. With the blasted legal mess you left behind while you were off to fight in your war, Edward would now be the rightful owner. Before you go making radical changes and sacking people, put your own house in order. I have had to endure that boy’s continual badgering to hand over the estate to him, but Chrissie put a stop to that long enough for you to arrive back. She shut him up and gave me hope that you would return soon. And she was right!’
‘What is she, some fortune-teller?’ he asked, making it sound insulting.
‘Yes! And I gave her my word that her job here was secure.’
Harry sighed in exasperation. ‘I’m sorry about your brother and my cousin’s death, and for the legal mess it left you with, but I’m back and the decisions are mine. I’ll make any changes I deem necessary, and that girl has to go.’
Charles stormed out of the room. This wasn’t the son he remembered. They had always been able to talk and work things out between them, but not now, and he was wasting his breath trying to reason with him. It was going to be hard watching him ruin a profitable business – one his grandfather had set up, but now Harry was back he had no say in the running of the estate. He had fought so hard to keep the place out of a gambler’s hands, only to find his son risking everything because he was angry. Whatever the truth about that disastrous campaign, and the long delay in his return, it had changed his son. Difficult as it was, he knew he must step back and let him work his way through the mental turmoil in his own way and time.
‘What’s going on?’ Chrissie rushed up to the estate manager. ‘Why are all the horses being rounded up?’
‘They are being sold and the cavalry are taking most of them.’
‘All?’ she gasped in dismay. ‘Does that include Midnight and Red Sunset?’
‘I believe Midnight is staying but, yes, Red is going.’ He looked at the agitated girl with sadness. ‘The major has also given me orders to dismiss you by the end of the week. I’m sorry, lass, you’ve been an excellent stable hand.’
Chrissie thought her heart would break at that moment. She loved it here and had hoped to stay for a very long time, but putting aside her own grief her thoughts turned to the animals. Midnight was staying, so he would be all right, and because of his injuries he was no longer fit to be a military horse again, but Red mustn’t be sent to face the same fate. That couldn’t be allowed to happen!
‘I understand that I will no longer be needed,’ she told the estate manager. Then she ran to the barn, clambered up the ladder and began to gather together anything she had that might be worth something. All she possessed was a small silver locket that had belonged to her mother, her father’s pocket watch and one shilling. She didn’t know how much these animals cost, but what she had wasn’t nearly enough, of that she was sure. Her gaze rested on the box containing the crystal ball and she picked that up as well. Elsie would understand.
Clutching her precious items – precious to her – she went to the house and caught the butler. ‘Please, I have to see Major Frenshaw urgently.’
‘He’s in the library. Come with me and I’ll ask if he will see you.’
‘Thank you.’ She followed the butler and waited anxiously outside the room. She breathed a sigh of relief when he came out and beckoned her in, then he left, closing the door quietly behind him.
The major was standing by the window staring out and, without turning, said, ‘Well?’
‘I want to buy Red Sunset, please, sir.’
He spun round with narrowed eyes. ‘How is someone like you going to pay for him?’
His tone was insulting, but she held her temper – just – and placed her things on the small table beside him, determined not to let him intimidate her.
His laugh was devoid of humour. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. These paltry items wouldn’t even buy one leg of such a fine animal.’
Her head came up in defiance. ‘They may seem paltry to you, sir, but they are treasured items to me. Surely the fact that I am offering everything I have in the world means something?’
He reached out to open the box and see what was inside when a stern voice ordered, ‘Put that down, Harry.’
Lord Frenshaw strode in to the room, picked up Chrissie’s things and thrust them into her hands. ‘I know they mean a lot to you, so you keep them.’ Then he rounded on his son. ‘One day I hope you will understand that some things are beyond price. Not in monetary value, but in sentimental value. What the child was offering you is of more value than this entire estate. I have just heard what you are doing, and I think it is ill-advised and cruel, so I will return to my own neglected estate and take Chrissie and Red Sunset with me. Don’t worry; I’ll give you a fair price for the animal. Name it.’
The amount the major quoted made Chrissie’s head reel.
‘Done. Go and get your things,’ he told her. ‘We leave in an hour.’
They were about to walk out of the libr
ary when the major called, ‘Father.’
His lordship turned his head.
‘That price I quoted was too high. I don’t want your money, just take him with you.’
‘You will get the price I agreed to,’ he told his son sharply.
Chrissie was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of foreboding and she faced the tall man, clutching the box to her. ‘Sir, you are surrounded by danger. Please be alert.’
Once outside the room his lordship asked, ‘What did you mean by that warning?’
‘I don’t know. There was a feeling of danger and I spoke without thinking. It was probably the danger he faced in the past still clinging to him.’
‘Or maybe not. You are uncannily perceptive.’ He patted her shoulder and they continued walking. ‘I’ll have a word with the estate manager before we leave.’
‘Thank you for taking Red Sunset, your lordship, and for the offer of a job with you, but I couldn’t accept. You have been very kind to me, and I have loved working here, but that is finished now.’ Tears filled her eyes and she swiped them away. ‘I need to make a life for myself and my attempts so far have not gone well. I feel as if I am being pushed from place to place, and this isn’t what I had planned for myself. I want something permanent; somewhere I can belong and put down roots. I had hoped it was here, but it isn’t and I must continue my search.’
‘You can have a permanent position on my estate. I’ll find you something to do you are happy with.’
‘I don’t know how to explain this, your lordship, but I will try. Where I come from taking charity from someone is a dirty word, and the prospect of being sent to the workhouse is terrifying for the poor. Most cling on to as much independence and dignity as possible in the slums, but it is a daily struggle, and a few sink under the burden. I come from that background and my dream has always been to get away and make a better, cleaner life for myself. If I come with you it will feel as if I am taking charity. I am sure you don’t need more servants, and I would never be happy knowing I was taking advantage of your kindness. This isn’t the right place for me, after all, and I must pursue my dream, however long and bumpy the road.’ She gave him an imploring look. ‘That is a very muddled explanation, but it is the best I can do, and I hope you understand.’
‘I can see what you are saying, but at least come with me until you find another position. I can perhaps help with that.’ The look on her face made him hold up his hands in surrender. ‘I know, that sounds like charity as well. You are too independent, child, and clearly too proud to accept help when it is offered.’
‘Yes, I am, and that’s a fault, I know, but it is the way I am.’
They had reached the stable block now and he shook his head in sorrow. ‘My son is a damned fool. This isn’t the way his homecoming should have been.’
‘Be patient, your lordship. Your son is greatly troubled about something, and until he comes to terms with it, his mind will be in turmoil. I know you are angry about the things he is doing, but please keep an eye on him. He is going to need your help and support for a while.’
‘You are a wise girl who is good with horses and people, and it will be a loss not to have you in our lives, but I do understand your need to make a new life for yourself. May I ask you one thing?’
‘Of course.’
‘Keep in touch with me.’ He handed her a visiting card. ‘That is my address and if you ever need anything you can contact me. Promise?’
‘I will if I can; I can’t promise you more than that. I was told to leave at the end of the week, but I’ll make a quick break and go now. It’s better if I don’t prolong the agony and go at once. Goodbye, it has been a pleasure to know you, your lordship.’
He looked alarmed at her determination to leave at once. ‘But where will you go? Have you got any money?’
‘I’ll find somewhere, and I do have a little money I’ve saved. Don’t worry about me.’
‘I suppose it’s useless me trying to give you money to help you on your way?’ When she shook her head he ran a tired hand over his eyes. ‘And it’s no good you telling me not to worry about you, because of course I will, and for my son as well. Are we all going to be all right?’
She smiled. ‘I don’t know. I’m not a fortune-teller.’
When he gave a short laugh she left him and went to the barn to collect the rest of her things and change into a skirt. It didn’t take long, and without saying a word to anyone she walked away from the place she had come to love. Thrown out again.
Harry watched the girl walking towards the gate, carrying her few belongings, and frowned at his father as he entered the library. ‘I thought you were taking her with you?’
‘She wouldn’t come. Chrissie has her pride and my offer was too much like charity to her. Dammit, Harry, you’ve just broken her heart.’
‘Where is she going?’
‘What do you care?’
‘I don’t.’ He spun away from the window. ‘Take Midnight with you as well. He will be happier with his half-brother, Red Sunset.’
‘How much is he going to cost me?’
‘Nothing. I don’t want anything for either of them. Just take them!’
Seeing how distressed his son was, and uneasy to leave him like this, he asked gently, ‘Would you like me to stay a while longer?’
‘I am not fit to be around, and I might do or say something that will leave our relationship beyond repair. I don’t want that to happen, so it’s for the best that you go back to your own place now. Solitude is what I need at the moment.’
‘That’s how I see it as well.’ Charles walked towards the door with a heavy heart. ‘Take heed of Chrissie’s warning. There is an aura of danger and violence emanating from you even I can feel. When you have dealt with your demons, then come and see me.’
‘I will.’ He watched his father leave, turned sharply and threw the glass he was holding at the fireplace, then he swept out of the house, calling for the head groom.
‘Major,’ he rushed up to him.
‘Saddle me a horse.’
‘Midnight, Major?’
‘No, any mount will do.’
Within a few minutes Harry was in the saddle and galloping across the estate, hoping the exercise would help him deal with his demons, as his father called them. In fact, it was grief and anger at the senseless loss of life he had witnessed, both of men and beasts. He had been down, unable to move, Midnight badly wounded, and he didn’t believe he would ever forget the sight of his friends and colleagues spread out all around him, dead or dying. When the carnage was over they had come to collect the wounded, and if he hadn’t been conscious they would have shot Midnight. That he would not allow and had struggled up to urge the animal back on his feet. When his own wounds were dressed he kept close to his horse, fearing even to sleep in case they shot Midnight. Somehow he had survived and he had been determined that both he and his horse were going to walk away from there and return home. The days that followed were a blur as he nursed the horse until some of his strength had returned. Midnight had still not been able to travel when the Brigade had moved on, so he had stayed behind, and if it hadn’t been for his friend Joe remaining with him, he didn’t think he would have survived. The journey had been a nightmare and many times he doubted if they were going to make it back. But by some miracle they had.
He pulled up on a rise and gazed at the estate spread out before him. The dream of this place kept him moving and what had he done since returning? Destroyed the business that had the reputation for providing the finest destriers, alienated his father who had struggled so hard to keep it out of Edward’s gambling hands, and that girl – what had he done to her?
What a mess he had made of what should have been a joyful homecoming. He should be ashamed of himself, but at the moment he was just numb; his feelings shut down with a lingering exhaustion. That would pass, he knew, but for now he had to manage as best he could.
Chapter Twelve
Chrissie had be
en walking for over an hour, not knowing where she was going, and beginning to feel desperate. She had been so upset about leaving the estate that she had acted hastily instead of pausing to think things through. Her father would have caught her arm and told her to stop for a moment before making a decision, but he wasn’t here now. She was on her own and had to do what she felt was right at the time and, right or wrong, that was what she had done. When there were signs of habitation and perhaps a village ahead, she headed for that, relieved to see houses. This was such a sparsely populated area and there were not many opportunities to find work. It felt as if the heart had been wrenched out of her as the place she had loved on sight receded in the distance, never to be seen again, she was sure. She hadn’t dared to look back at what she was leaving. The people, the animals and the beautiful estate had been everything she had dreamt about, and she had so wanted to stay. It wasn’t to be, though, and her search must continue to find a place where she could belong and make her home. When she had joined up with the Travellers, it had seemed so easy. She would find a place she liked and that would be her home for the foreseeable future, but it was turning out to be a very difficult thing to achieve.
She stopped for a moment to watch cattle grazing on lush grass, then turned away and continued walking. Many would consider her foolish to turn down the offer from Lord Frenshaw, and perhaps she was, but she just couldn’t take it – she just couldn’t. There were many reasons, but the main one was he didn’t agree with his son’s decision to dismiss her, and as he had engaged her he was trying to find a way to put that right. She wasn’t a fool and knew he didn’t need another servant. The talk amongst the stable hands was that his lordship had been able to stay at his son’s estate because he had a team of excellent staff who could successfully run his estate while he was away. He clearly felt bad about his son’s actions, but he wasn’t responsible for her, he had enough problems with a son who had not yet recovered from his ordeal. The horse and rider had been at the point of collapse when they had arrived. Both had been badly wounded and she couldn’t even imagine how hard that journey must have been. Her heart ached for both of them, and if she had been allowed to stay she might have been able to help. It was no good wishing, though, because there wasn’t anything she could do now. They had to deal with their own problems, and so did she.
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