Lakeland Lily

by Freda Lightfoot

  ‘I do. I did. Though I never hated Bertie. Or Edward, in the end. He had his faults but we became good friends and I miss him. It was all my fault he went bankrupt. Everything is.’

  ‘Nay, that’s going it a bit strong. He must have made some mistakes to lose so much.’

  But Lily wouldn’t consider the idea, she was far too busy blaming herself. ‘I must have spent thousands on The Cobbles. Now there’s Thomas to think of. Bertie adores him. I couldn’t take him away, let him think that...’

  ‘Thomas weren’t his, like?’

  ‘Oh, Rose, don’t ever say it.’

  ‘You’ll have to tell him, about Nathan at least.’

  Lily shook her head. ‘Not just now. When he’s himself again. I don’t think Margot has said anything yet, but I know she intends to. She’s waiting for the moment when it’ll do the most damage, I expect. Though the gossip-merchants might have got to him already and he’s simply keeping it close to his chest.’ She wiped away the last of her tears with the flat of her hands, an action more suited to the young Lily than the smart young woman in double-breasted blue costume and tilted hat that she now was. ‘I know it seems silly that once I was out to damage them, to get my revenge, and now I feel I have to work to save them from disaster. But I set it all in motion. D’you see?’

  ‘You mean, you didn’t mind getting your revenge so long as it didn’t affect you?’ Rose’s bluntness, as always, made Lily cringe with shame.

  ‘I dare say that is what I mean. I wanted to teach them a lesson for being so heartless over Dick. Margot blames me for everything that goes wrong and she does have a point. It was all because of me that Bertie and Selene got diphtheria, and little Amy died. My determination to bleed Edward dry has left them all, my own son included, with a heap of debts and not even the money to buy a pound of sausages. It’s all gone too far, and now I feel it’s up to me to save them from disaster and Bertie from despair. Perhaps then he’ll be a man again. Not that I want him to make love to me, you understand, but he does, so it hurts us both. I thought you might be able to talk to him, cheer him up. Oh, I don’t know.’ Her agitation was mounting, tears starting up again.

  Rose, sobered by this sorry, if confusing tale, said, ‘By heck, you are in a pretty pickle if you can’t afford a pound of sausages!’

  Lily met the teasing glance with a half smile. ‘It sounds silly but it’s true. We have grocery bills that would near bankrupt the Yellow Earl himself. I seem to be in a dreadful mess, with no one to turn to.’

  ‘So what are you going to do about it?’

  Lily chewed on her lip. ‘I’ve one or two ideas, nothing definite. I’m not sure if I’m up to the job.’

  ‘You’re up to any job you put your mind to, Lily. Allus have been.’ They were back in the market by this time, having walked full circle, and the two girls sat, almost contentedly, side by side upon a pile of old boxes and cabbage leaves as they once used to do.

  After a pause Lily quietly continued, ‘I’m sorry it came out all in a muddle. But you and I used to be good friends. I rather hoped we might be again.’

  Rose rubbed at her nose, embarrassed by Lily’s frankness. ‘I reckon it were you what ruined our friendship, Lily, not the other way about. You got a bit above yourself and stopped calling on me.’

  ‘You’re right, I did, and I’m sorry. My father said much the same thing.’

  ‘As for Bertie, well, if you married him for any reason but love that’s your problem, lass. But it’s a bit naive to think I could sort out his problems wi’ talking. So I’ll not take him on, if you don’t mind. What his troubles are I couldn’t rightly say but they’re nowt to do wi’ me.’ Rose got up and started tidying her stall, quite unnecessarily.

  After an even longer pause this time, she issued her final words on the subject, in short sharp sentences, as if she wanted to get them over with as quickly as possible.

  ‘I don’t reckon interfering between a man and his wife is a good idea. I’ve seen the black side of that. Got a mite too fond of him, I did. I’m not inclined to risk it again. Happen if you were to solve your other problem and let him go like, things’d be different. Till then, thanks but no thanks.’

  Only when the remainder of the Clermont-Reads’ ever-patient suppliers finally and shame-facedly refused any further credit, when the telephone company threatened to disconnect their fashionable telephone, and the electricity company to cut off their supply, did Margot finally concede that perhaps, after all, they might just have a serious problem.

  Selene’s solution was to throw yet another fit of hysterics then pack her bags and move out.

  ‘I can’t be expected to live in poverty,’ she announced to her startled mother, as if it were a mortal sin. ‘I’ve been offered a place as companion to Catherine Kirkby. Poor Marcus needs help. I intend to take it up forthwith. I suppose I may borrow the gig to remove my boxes and portmanteaux?’ By the end of the day, with no word of protest from Margot, she had gone.

  ‘What are we to do?’ Lily asked Bertie.

  ‘Thank my father for at least leaving us a well-stocked cellar.’

  There seemed no help for it but to face the crazy idea that had been growing in her head all winter. Strangely, encouraged because of Rose’s confidence in her, it now seemed the only solution. What Lily needed was to discuss the matter with someone before attempting to put it into effect. And the best person she could think of was Nathan.

  Ferryman Bob told her she looked as if she’d swallowed the sun, her face was that lit up as she climbed aboard his boat. Lily sensed he would have liked to tease her further, but recognising the way she had her eyes fixed on the far shore as if willing it closer, he held his tongue and concentrated instead upon his rowing.

  She almost ran from the jetty, past the boat yard and up Drake Road to hammer on Nathan’s door without caring who saw her. But he wasn’t in. Of course not. At this time in the morning he would be working. Turning, she ran up Mallard Street, and once out of The Cobbles headed straight for the pier and the Public Steamer office.

  She’d kept away from him all winter, out of respect for Edward and to help Bertie cope with the trauma. Now she was desperate to see him again.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Lily attracted a few appreciative stares as she flew across the wooden pier and up the steps that led to Nathan’s office. Dressed in a navy polka dot silk dress and wide straw hat on this bright spring day, she looked the picture of charming respectability, not at all the sort of girl to run after a man.

  The sun glinted on the water and there was a queue forming already at the steamer terminus. A straggle of elderly couples wanting a leisurely cruise, a few families wishing to keep the children amused for an hour or two.

  A breeze slapped against the lines of rowing boats, making them dance and jig about, and Lily could hear delighted squeals as girls and youths climbed gingerly aboard the rocking craft. For a moment she thought of Dick and his bright, eager young face gazing so adoringly into hers. She thought of her beloved baby and Lily’s heart contracted, even now, at the loss of this most precious part of her. I’ll make you proud of me, she silently vowed. See if I don’t.

  Nathan looked surprised to see her, but Lily saw the flare of excitement in his eyes. She’d never visited his place of business before, had almost been afraid to do so now.

  ‘It’s been a long time.’

  ‘Yes.’

  Nathan could think of no way to frame the hope that swelled and filled his heart in that moment. She’d come with good news, he could sense it, almost feel it bubbling out of her. Was she going to leave Bertie and come to him? He held his breath.

  ‘I need your help, Nathan,’ she said. She had to concentrate hard on her plan to stop herself from running into his arms. Hardly waiting for him to send away his clerk and chief engineer, she poured out her tale in garbled fashion, tripping over words in her enthusiasm. He seemed nonplussed and then amused by her suggestion.

  ‘You can’t b
e serious?’

  ‘Never more so. What do you think?’ She perched on the edge of her seat, fidgeting with her gloves as, impatiently, she waited for him to admire her spirit, her flair for enterprise, and offer his support.

  Nathan did indeed feel a spurt of admiration for the way she could always pick herself up, no matter how hard she was knocked down. He considered offering some sound advice, could see how eagerly she waited, breath held expectantly. He thought how wonderful she looked, how he would like to take her home and have her waiting there for him each and every night. But then he remembered Bertie and the dream soured. She hadn’t come to him at all, she’d come only for her own selfish purposes. He leaned back in his chair and, hating the stiffness of his own face, and Lily almost as much in that bleak moment of realisation, curled one corner of his mouth into a grim smile.

  ‘You imagine that taking a few people out on a picnic in the Faith will solve the Clermont-Reads’ financial difficulties?’

  ‘It’s a start.’

  His brows twitched expressively then he continued, ‘I’m taking delivery of a new steamship soon, Lily - The Golden Lady. Did I tell you? You must come to the launch. She’s a beauty.’ Getting up, he took her firmly by the elbow and began to lead her out on to the steps. Why torture himself with her presence? It did no good. ‘Now you must go. I’m very busy.’ Almost as if her presence in his office embarrassed him.

  Stunned, she didn’t immediately answer. When she did so, her disappointment was all too evident. ‘Didn’t you hear my plans? I need your advice, Nathan. Your help.’

  ‘What sort of advice could I give? You seem to have made up your mind already.’ Blue eyes narrowed, a fan of wrinkles at each corner only adding to his attraction so far as Lily was concerned.

  ‘The Clermont-Reads are in dire difficulties. They need some new form of income.’

  ‘What concern is it of yours?’

  ‘I am responsible.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Oh, I can’t go into all that now, but I must help. I’m a Clermont-Read too. I’m Bertie’s wife, remember?’

  An infinitesimal flicker of the muscles about his mouth. ‘Really? I’d quite forgotten.’

  ‘Don’t be cruel.’

  ‘Have you taken him back into your bed then?’

  Lily drew in a sharp breath, somehow not wanting to reveal Bertie’s failure. ‘You shouldn’t ask. It’s a private matter between husband and wife.’

  ‘Damn you, Lily!’

  She wanted to smooth the rigid line of his jaw, to put her arms about his neck and kiss him softly upon that disapproving mouth. Only then would the chill of jealousy leave his beloved face. But aware of the curious stares of the men in the yard below, she held back, confining herself to whispering fiercely beneath her breath, ‘Oh, Nathan, don’t be like this, please. You know that I have a duty towards Bertie.’

  Very swiftly, and shielding her from his men by the width of his body, Nathan gripped her arm to pull her close as he hissed, equally fiercely, against her ear. ‘My advice to you, Lily, is to face reality. It’s time we did remember that Bertie is your husband. And if I recall correctly, he was once my best mate. He’s been in a war and suffered enough. I can’t go on cuckolding him. It isn’t right. Either leave me alone or leave him and have done with all of this subterfuge. You can’t have us both.’

  ‘Nathan, I...’

  ‘Good day, Mrs Clermont-Read.’ He lifted her hand, and bestowed the softest kiss imaginable. ‘It’s your decision, Lily.’

  Her eyelids fluttered. She was almost fainting with need. It was a wonder really that her legs were still supporting her. In that moment of longing every part of her cried out in surrender. She would leave Bertie. She would go to Nathan and live with him as his wife, his mistress, his lover ... whatever he asked. If she could only spend her life with him her happiness would be complete.

  Before she could form the words, he let go of her hand and made an impatient sound, very like a growl. He knew that she would never leave Bertie. All he could do in consequence was hold on to his pride. ‘As for this so-called business plan, I really couldn’t stand for it, Lily. You can’t seriously mean to set up in competition with me?’

  ‘Very small competition.’ She tried a smile, hoping he was teasing her.

  ‘Make up your mind and leave the Clermont-Reads to their own well-deserved fate.’

  ‘I’ve explained I can’t do that. Not just yet.’

  ‘Do as you please then. You always did know how to use people, I’ll say that for you, Lily.’

  She was outraged by his heartlessness, yet disguised her hurt as she flung angry words at him. ‘Drat you, Nathan Monroe! I’ll manage without your help then, thanks very much.’

  ‘You do that.’

  As a parting shot she told him that she would be far too busy to attend his launch. ‘I’ve more important ways to spend my time.’ She almost hated him as he stood rocking on his heels, laughing as she stamped down the stairs. But she didn’t see how he then turned back into his office, sat at his desk and buried his head in his hands.

  It was the nearest they’d come to a quarrel and Lily could hardly bear the agony. An offshore breeze lifted off her new straw hat and sent it skimming over the surface of the lake, the wind whipping her hair to a tangle as she sat in numb misery. What should she do? Money had to be made. The Clermont-Reads must be rescued from themselves. Perhaps Nathan was right and her idea really was stupid.

  Surprisingly it was here, on the ferry, that she found the support she craved. ‘You’d have to charge a fair whack.’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’

  ‘This idea o’ your’n to earn a bob or two by taking out parties in the Faith. You’d need to charge quite a bit to make it pay. Offer good food. Make it exclusive like.’

  ‘How did you know about my idea?’

  Ferryman Bob settled to his rowing and gave a loud cackling laugh. ‘You don’t need to pay for no advertising with a voice as young and eager as yours. Carried clear as a bell right over that pier. I dare say everyone in Carreckwater will know of your business plan by this time. And believe you can do it.’

  Lily found herself shame-faced but somehow encouraged by the old man’s stout belief in her. ‘Nathan didn’t seem to think so.’

  ‘More like he were seriously concerned you’d give his new company a run for its money. Throw a spanner in the works a bit, that would.’ Old Bob chuckled.

  Lily laughed out loud. ‘Never!’ But his words gave her pause for thought, and a part of her did wonder if perhaps Ferryman Bob might be right.

  Lily stuck a home-made poster on the end of pier, right next to the place the Carreckwater ferry collected customers.

  EXCLUSIVE LAKE PICNICS.

  EXPLORE SECRET COVES AND ISLANDS

  WHERE THE BIG STEAMERS CAN’T GO.

  There followed details of times and starting-off point, with a little notepad and pencil attached to a string for customers to sign and book up.

  Lily decided initially upon one sailing per day, each afternoon at three o’clock. George had willingly offered to be her engineer. Since several months back-wages were owed to him, it was in his best interests to cooperate.

  Each day she took the ferry to check if anyone had signed. Annoyingly, she found the notice had disappeared, torn down by the wind no doubt. In the end she painted the details on to a board in shiny black letters - and hammered this into place with six-inch nails.

  ‘Blow that away if you can.’

  But the next day the notice had vanished yet again. ‘Right! That’s it.’

  Once again Lily strode the length of the pier and up the steps to Nathan’s office, heels clicking on the wooden boards, hands clenched into tight little fists as if she might very well pop one on anyone who stood in her way. Which, to be fair, no one did. Boatmen and fishermen scurried out of her way. Watching from his boat, Ferryman Bob grinned with pride.

  ‘Our Lily is a fearsome sight, all right, when her da
nder is up,’ he muttered, to no one in particular.

  ‘Why blame me?’ Nathan wanted to know, denying all knowledge of the missing signs and seeming to find it amusing. ‘I’m not the only person round here to make my living from the lake. I think you’re naive and foolish, Lily, but I’d do you no harm.’

  She wanted to believe him. He looked so wonderful that she did believe him. They hadn’t spoken for weeks and the agony of their quarrel was tearing her apart.

  ‘Then tell whichever of these tykes is tearing down my notice that I have rights too, and if someone wants a fight, I’ll give ‘em one.’

  ‘I believe you would.’ He grinned at her so warmly that on impulse she had to kiss him quickly to prove she believed him.

  ‘Oh, I’ve missed you, Nathan. Does this mean we’re friends again?’ she asked, eagerness in her voice.

  But he did not gather her into his arms and kiss her again, as she so longed for him to do. Instead he said, ‘You know what I want, Lily? An end to lies.’

  She hurried away before she was tempted to agree. She replaced the sign and when she came the next day, it was still nailed to the post and four names had been scribbled on the notepad.

  ‘Oh, joy! We’re in business.’

  The Faith had never looked more beautiful. She shone from stem to stern, every inch of brass glowing, every cushion plumped. Edward would have been proud of her, Lily thought. Betty had prepared a picnic that would, in her own estimation, ‘Lay them out if they eat it all.’

  ‘Better too much than too little, Betty. We need to impress. You will, of course, have to come and serve it. Only the very best on our steamer.’

  ‘Oh, crikey. In me best uniform, you mean, with the boat’s crest on the bib?’ She grinned so much her cheeks plumped out like rosy apples.

  ‘Over my dead body!’ Margot stood on the neatly cut lawn before her beautiful house, glowering down at them as they loaded the yacht. She looked like a small round cannon ball which might at any moment explode.

  George, stoking up and listening with satisfaction to the smooth swish of the pistons, was sorely tempted to sound the steam-whistle to see if she would, but managed to resist. Lily cast Margot an anxious glance, followed by a reassuring smile. Then she hopped out of the yacht and put a gentle hand on the woman’s arm. It did indeed feel like iron, as rigid as her back-bone.