When Midnight Comes

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘I could wear them under a full skirt, and when I got off the horse no one would see them.’

  Alerted by all the laughter, Nurse had brought the children out to see what was going on. They were staring at their father in wonder, and Chrissie guessed they were not used to seeing him laughing like this.

  ‘Get rid of that saddle,’ he told the groom, still having trouble controlling his amusement.

  ‘That’s better,’ she said as soon as the mare was unsaddled. ‘Give me a lift up,’ she asked the boy, and mounted eagerly. Delighted to be riding again, she urged the horse to a canter and then a gallop around the field. She trotted back, face glowing, and slid to the ground.

  ‘How do you stay on without a saddle?’ The groom couldn’t believe what he had just seen. ‘No lady would ever ride in such a way, without a saddle and her skirts billowing around her legs.’

  ‘The Travellers taught me. It’s easy.’

  ‘You can certainly ride, there’s no doubt about that, but how do I get you to London in a dignified manner?’

  ‘You could take the carriage, sir,’ the groom suggested.

  ‘I thought of that, but it will slow down the journey.’ He turned and beckoned Nurse over. ‘Can you find Miss Banner a very full skirt by tomorrow morning?’

  ‘We should be able to manage that, sir.’

  ‘Good. That is what we will do. You stay here and get used to a proper saddle, and then tomorrow you will wear your breeches concealed under a suitable skirt. We will leave at eight o’clock.’

  ‘I’ll be ready, sir.’ She watched him walk over to the children and swing the youngest up in the air, making her squeal in delight. The other one danced around him as they made their way back to the house.

  ‘Ah, that’s good to see.’ Nurse sighed. ‘Come and see me when you’re free, Chrissie, and we will find you another skirt.’

  She spent a happy half an hour getting used to the saddle, and although she preferred bareback, she decided it would be all right to use the saddle for the journey. Then she went to Nurse to see if they could find her something suitable to wear for the trip.

  The next morning, attired in a voluminous skirt made out of two old garments, her breeches underneath, and a hat borrowed from Cook, Chrissie set off with Sir Gretham. The children waved until they were out of sight.

  ‘It must be hard for you to be away from your children so much, sir.’

  ‘It is, but my wife won’t live in London. She tried for a while, but she is of a nervous disposition and couldn’t stand the noise and crowds there.’

  ‘That’s a shame. I’m sure she could have a good life there, with more friends than she has in the country. It was different for me. I left after my dad died because I wanted to get out of the slums, and I always dreamt of open fields to run in.’

  ‘You’ll find the London I’m taking you to very different from the one you left behind.’

  ‘I don’t doubt that,’ she laughed. ‘You’re upper class and have probably never seen the slums.’

  ‘As a matter of fact I have, and it makes me angry that people should have to live in such appalling conditions.’

  ‘When you are born into that kind of situation it’s a struggle to get out of it. Many just give up hope and stop trying for a better life.’

  He cast her a thoughtful glance. ‘But not you.’

  ‘Things haven’t gone the way I expected or wanted, but I’ll never go back to living like that. I’m out now and intend to keep trying to make a new life for myself – even if I have to leave a little bit of my heart in some places.’

  ‘And where did that happen?’

  ‘The Travellers and my last job.’

  ‘The Frenshaw estate?’

  ‘Yes, I thought I had found my place, but it wasn’t to be, so I have to put it behind me and move on – again.’ Her smile was tinged with sadness. ‘Now you’ve given me this chance, and I can’t refuse it even though it’s taking me back to the place I never wanted to see again.’

  ‘The time will soon go, and I promise to return you to your green fields.’

  ‘Thank you, sir, and your promise is the only thing that made me decide to come. Where exactly are we going?’

  ‘To Gray’s Inn.’

  ‘A pub?’ she asked in surprise.

  ‘No, it is a legal institution. I’m a barrister and have my chambers – offices – there.’

  ‘It sounds posh. I’ll have to remember to keep my mouth shut in case I embarrass you.’

  ‘You could not embarrass me, Miss Banner. I do not judge people by their accent, although you speak very well considering your upbringing. Do not label me as a man who turns away from those less fortunate than myself. I don’t only have wealthy clients. If a worthy case comes to me from someone who desperately needs legal help but is unable to pay, I act for them free of charge.’

  ‘That’s good of you, sir.’

  ‘Not at all. Everyone is entitled to the protection of the law, no matter what their station in life. Ah, here is a hostelry I always visit. We will stop for refreshments and water the horses.’

  The moment they entered the yard people came running to take the horses, and inside they were shown to a private room. She watched the activity with interest. She was usually the one hastening to look after the wealthy, and it was strange to be on the other side.

  ‘Sit down,’ he told her, holding a chair for her.

  Her expression showed how doubtful she was about this. He was still standing, and a servant didn’t take a seat first.

  ‘You are my clerk,’ he told her softly, ‘and not a servant in my house. Therefore, you will be treated as such. Please be seated.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’ She reluctantly did as she was told.

  Then he settled himself at the other side of the table. ‘Don’t be apprehensive about the sudden change of rules. I will guide you through it. You are bright and intelligent, and I am sure will soon adjust. Now, the food here is good, so eat well. We still have a long way to go. Have you been on a train before?’

  ‘Yes, me and my dad did try it once. It was so crowded and not very comfortable.’

  ‘You will notice a difference this time because we are travelling first class.’

  Of course they would be, and that would be another glimpse into the world of the wealthy. She was certainly learning a lot since her dad had died and she had struck out on her own.

  Chrissie couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She’d known the place he worked would be posh, but this was more than expected, and bewildering. The place was bustling with men dashing around with piles of papers in their hands.

  ‘Brian!’ he called the moment they walked in.

  A young boy came running. ‘Sir, so glad you’re here. Everyone’s asking for you. The case has been brought forward and starts at ten o’clock tomorrow.’

  ‘All right. No need to panic. We’re almost ready, but first I want you to get hold of Mrs Trent. Tell her it’s urgent.’

  ‘I’ll fetch her right away, sir.’ The lad was gone in a flash.

  All the time he had been writing, and he handed her the note. ‘I have to leave you for a while, but when Mrs Trent arrives give her that note, and do as she says.’ He gave her a stern look. ‘And don’t argue about it.’

  ‘I wouldn’t dream of it, sir,’ she joked.

  ‘Huh! You don’t expect me to believe that, surely?’ He swept out of the room.

  ‘What do I do now?’ she asked the empty room, wishing she hadn’t agreed to come. This wasn’t what she wanted at all, but had been swayed by his persuasive manner. I’ll bet he’s a demon in court, she guessed. After the struggle to get out of London, she was now back, and it was the last place she wanted to be. Stupid, she told herself. That damned curiosity of yours is a blasted nuisance, but she would have been just as stupid to turn away from this chance to do something different. Living the way she had, her knowledge of life outside of the slums had been limited, and her experiences so
far had certainly opened her eyes to a different kind of life. It hadn’t always been the pleasure she had imagined, and to be truthful it was turning out to be damned hard. Coming up against one setback after another, she had been trying to survive with no clear idea what to do next, so it wasn’t surprising she found herself here without knowing why she agreed to this.

  She wandered over to the bookcase, examined the leather-bound volumes, and chose one. It was detailing past cases, and she settled down to read. Some of the words she recognised from the document she had copied, but still didn’t know what they meant. There must be a dictionary on the shelves, and was about to look for one when the door swung open and a woman marched in.

  Chrissie leapt to her feet.

  ‘Where is Sir Stuart Gretham?’

  ‘He isn’t here. Are you Mrs Trent?’ When the woman nodded Chrissie handed her the note. ‘He left this for you.’

  The woman read the note, looking up now and again to study the girl standing in front of her. When she’d finished reading the note she tucked it in her pocket and shook her head. ‘One never knows what he is going to do. With his liberal views he is considered eccentric and comes close to overstepping the bounds of society at times.’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’ Chrissie was astonished by the woman’s outburst. She hadn’t read the note so didn’t know what Mrs Trent had been asked to do.

  She glared at Chrissie. ‘What he’s asking me to do in such a short time is not possible. I would need at least a month to make you look presentable.’

  Chrissie bristled with indignation, but just managed to hold her anger in check. ‘It only takes you five minutes to be insulting, though. I’ll tell Sir Gretham that you are not up to carrying out his wishes. Goodbye, Mrs Trent.’ She held open the door.

  ‘You’ll tell him no such thing. I’ll do what I can. Come with me.’

  ‘I said goodbye,’ she told her coldly, still holding the door for her to leave. ‘You have insulted both of us and I would not go anywhere with you. I may have come from a poor family, but you are the one whose manners need a polish. Now you will leave.’

  ‘Really! I’ve never been spoken to so disrespectfully by someone like you.’

  ‘Then I would say it is long overdue.’

  Still complaining bitterly, Mrs Trent swept out of the room nearly knocking the young boy over who was hovering in the passage.

  Brian stopped and looked in, grinning. ‘Wow, you’ve really upset that stuck-up bitch. Pardon my language, miss.’

  ‘Don’t worry. I know a lot worse than that, and some you’ve probably never heard before. Who was that woman?’

  ‘A high-class dressmaker. She dresses all the rich and famous.’

  Now she was even angrier. She had told Sir Gretham that she wouldn’t accept gifts from men, and yet he had ignored her wishes. She would have a few words to say to him as well. Brian was still standing there so she reined in her anger. ‘I hope she’s more polite to her wealthy customers. Is she any good?’

  ‘They say she is, but I wouldn’t know.’

  ‘No, of course not. While you’re here could you help me to find a dictionary? I’ve started reading about trials and I don’t understand some of the words.’

  He went straight to the book, handed it to her, and she settled down again.

  ‘Er … I was coming to see if you would like tea, and I couldn’t help overhearing what was being said. Would you like tea?’

  ‘Yes please.’ She grimaced. ‘I expect I’ve caused trouble by sending that woman away.’

  ‘Nah. The boss ain’t like that. He’ll more than likely think it’s funny.’

  ‘What’s funny?’ he asked, striding into the room. ‘Where’s Mrs Trent?’

  ‘I sent her away. The idea of making someone like me look presentable was beneath her. She was insulting.’ Chrissie turned away from him, her anger rising again, coupled with disappointment. She had liked and respected this man. He had shown her kindness and she had believed he was really trying to help her. All she had been asked – no ordered – to do in the past had been menial tasks like scrubbing floors, but this man of high birth had been different, or so she had thought.

  ‘Tell me exactly what happened.’

  She turned slowly to face him again. ‘I told you plainly that I do not accept gifts from men, no matter who they are, and yet you send a woman to me who must be hugely expensive, someone I could never afford. You knew that, but you completely ignored it. I am disappointed you should do such a thing.’

  ‘I asked you a question, Miss Banner, and I expect an answer.’ When she didn’t answer, he turned to Brian. ‘Did you hear what was said?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’ He then related the entire conversation, word for word.

  His expression didn’t change as he listened, but by the time the boy finished, his anger was visible. ‘I apologise for ignoring your wishes, but I thought you would be more at ease with a new skirt and blouse. That would have been a mere trifle to me, and my only intention was to help you. I was wrong and I apologise. However, I will not have a member of my staff insulted in that way. Stay here, both of you. I’ll deal with this.’ He spun on his heel and stormed out of the room.

  ‘Oh-oh.’ Brian grinned. ‘By the time he’s finished she’ll be grovelling for mercy and begging forgiveness.’

  Chrissie was studying the boy intently. ‘How did you remember what had been said so accurately?’

  ‘That’s easy. I’ve always been able to do it. I’ve only got to read or hear something and it’s in here.’ He tapped his head. ‘I come from a dirt-poor family, like you, but I wanted to get out somehow. I came here looking for work and Sir Gretham talked to me. When he saw what a memory I had he gave me this job. I sit in the court and listen to cases, and then go through them with him afterwards. He’s a good man, miss, and the only reason he brought you here is because you have a talent of some kind.’

  ‘I can make good copies of documents,’ she admitted, her anger fading away.

  ‘There you are, then; you can help him and he can help you.’

  ‘I’m also outspoken, and he will probably send me away after the things I said to him.’

  ‘Nah. Justice is his life, and he knows that woman was in the wrong. He won’t tolerate that. It will be all right, you’ll see.’

  She wasn’t so sure, and as the time ticked away she began to worry how she was going to get back to the country house.

  Nearly an hour passed before he swept back in to the office. ‘That’s settled now. If you’ve forgiven me for my presumption, Miss Banner, you can have the desk by the window, and Brian, I need you to read through the trial notes for me. Mrs Trent has apologised for her unkind remarks,’ he added.

  Without further explanation he handed documents to both of them and settled down at his own desk. Glancing across at Brian, she mouthed the words, ‘Is that all he’s going to say?’

  He nodded, gave a wink and also began working.

  She would never understand this complicated man, but it looked as if the incident had been dealt with to his satisfaction and dismissed.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  ‘I’m getting stronger every day, so you don’t have to stay here any longer, Father.’ Harry paced over to the window, restless now he was well on the way to full recovery. ‘You have already neglected your own estate for long enough in order to help me.’

  ‘I have an excellent estate manager, as you know, and he will inform me of any problems. I don’t want to leave until the culprit has been caught.’ He studied his son with pride and relief. When he had returned home he had been grief-stricken and angry, but he had worked his way through those emotions and was, once again, the son he remembered.

  Harry turned and smiled. ‘I must admit it is good to have you here, but stay only if it is all right.’

  ‘We’ll see this through together, just as we have always done. I wonder how Joe is getting on?’

  ‘Waiting is hard, but Joe is the best there
is at this kind of thing. I’m certain he will come back with some useful information.’

  ‘This is a nasty business when there is a suspicion that one of your own family is trying to kill you.’ Charles grimaced. ‘But if it isn’t him, then I don’t know who it could be. What we need is Chrissie here with her crystal ball.’

  ‘You don’t really believe she can tell fortunes, do you?’

  ‘I keep an open mind. All I know is she told me you were nearly home, and before leaving she warned you of danger. You know when I first spoke to her I felt there was something special about her. Life must have been hard for her, but she was not ashamed of her background. You accepted her for what she was. Can you imagine what it must have been like for her when her father died, and she was turned out of their hovel with no money and nowhere to go? But she had a dream to live in the country, and she set about getting here any way she could. What a brave, remarkable girl.’

  ‘And I turned her away. Adam hasn’t been able to find her. He tracked her to that farm, but after that it is as if she just vanished. She’s either a long way away by now or right under our noses and we are not looking in the right places.’

  ‘Perhaps Joe will have more luck once he’s gathered what information he can from Bath.’

  ‘Maybe.’ Harry ran a hand through his hair and sighed quietly. ‘I’m going to have a look at the horses.’

  ‘I’ll come with you.’

  He grinned at his father. ‘I’m not going to ride yet, I promise.’

  Both men walked out to the stables, and all the staff stopped and smiled with pleasure at seeing Harry up and about again.

  ‘Good to see you, Major,’ Bert said. ‘The mares have settled in. They are magnificent animals and we should get fine foals from them.’

  ‘I’m sure we will. How are the two boys behaving?’

  ‘Oh, well, you know what they are like. They know the mares are here and are getting a mite impatient to see them.’

  ‘You can put Midnight with the black one and Red with the pale mare. Let’s see what we get from those pairings.’