by J. N. Cao
Chapter 4
The Study
The following day Matilda knew that the Duke was due to be in the castle later that evening, leaving her some time to go into his study. She had not seen the Duke much during the day. He spent the majority of his time in the study and then finally left after dinner. With only one hour left before she had to leave, Matilda quickly cleaned all the dirty dishes and swept the kitchen floor.
Her next task was to light the fireplace downstairs and check that it was safe for the night. At this time the manor was quite empty, with just Matilda and Miss Abbott left to manage the house. The Duke usually took Maurice with him to the palace to tend to his every need. And of course, the guards were always positioned at the gates.
After Matilda had lit the fire, she went to check Miss Abbott. Miss Abbott was eating her supper in the kitchen, something which Matilda had skipped on purpose to finish all her chores early. Now, she thought, was a safe time to go into the study. She lit a candle, climbed the stairs and then walked to the study door. She took out the keys that the locksmith had made for Martha. It did not take her long to try each key to see which one fitted the keyhole.
She stepped in, and the small candle shed a feeble light into the study. Matilda moved the candle around to scan the room. There was a desk near the wall and near the only window of the room. Bookshelves and tall cabinets were sacked against two walls, leaving one wall for a picture frame.
She wondered where to start searching and then decided to walk over to the desk. The desk was quite neat, with only a bottle of ink with a quill inside it and some paperwork placed on the edge, which she flicked through but nothing caught her attention. Then she walked to the cabinet at the far end of the room. She tried to open it, but it was locked. She tried the keys, and it opened.
Inside there were two shelves at the top with more paperwork on them. Near them was a small embroidered box which Matilda opened; it was filled with small pieces of gold. She closed it, and her eyes cast down at the bottom of the cabinet. And there it was, an old chest decorated with rusty metal. She lifted the lid and saw gold coins and a dark olive glass bottle. Her heart raced. She took out the bottle and examined it. She held the candle closer to the bottle and could see something inside. So she put the candle down and then pulled out two pieces of paper. One of them was a map. She looked at the other piece and could see that it was a letter. Then she read it.
“Yes! This must be Victor’s map,” thought Matilda. She then had another look at the map. A sense of excitement overcame her as she traced the dots on the map.
She folded the papers up and put them inside her dress. She left the cabinet door open and then moved over to the window. From her pocket she took out a small bag of mud mixed with sand, from the wharf. She rubbed some of the mixtures with the bottom of her shoes, using them to make light, incomplete footprints which made her shoe size appear ambiguous from the window to the cabinet, and also a trail of footprints returning from the cabinet to the window. She also made some random prints near the bookshelves and desk. Finally, she took off her shoes and scrapped some of the mixtures onto the window sill and the brick wall outside below the window. Then, with bare feet and shoes in her hand she walked to the door and turned around for one last look at the scene that she created. She considered it to be good enough but was still unsure that it would completely fool the Duke. But it would have to do, and she would be long gone by the time he figured someone from his household had stolen the map.
Matilda hurried down the stairs and then into the laundry room to clean her shoes. She put them back on and went into the kitchen to say goodbye to Miss Abbott. Matilda also told her that she wanted to resign.
“So you tell me this now?” said Miss Abbott.
“Sorry, Miss Abbott. I know it is very short notice but my grandfather is unwell and he wishes to go back to his birthplace before he … he, you know.”
“You’re lucky that I just got a letter from the Duke saying he won’t be back here until tomorrow night. At least I have most of the day to find a replacement. In the meantime, I will write to the Duke’s estate in Epping to have a maid come here.” She paused, looking at Matilda. “You’re not the worst maid I ever had. You’re quick and polite, but your mind can wander. I suggest you get your head out of the clouds and face reality. You are where you are, you know. Dreaming about something else will only disappoint you eventually.” She paused again. “All right, you can go now.”
“Thank you, Miss Abbott.”
Chapter 5
The Journey
When Matilda arrived home, she found Grandfather Tom and Martha sitting at the table. They had been waiting for her.
“Matilda, you’re back. Did you get it?” Martha said.
“Yes.”
Grandfather Tom put both hands on Matilda’s shoulder. “I am so glad you are safe. Thank you. Thank you, Matilda.”
“It’s all right, Grandpapa,” Matilda said.
“Then we should go now,” Martha said.
“Can I eat first? I haven’t eaten anything since lunch because I skipped dinner. I’d like to have some strength before we go.”
“Oh yes, of course. I’ll make you something,” Martha said.
“Thank you, Martha. I’ll go upstairs and wash up,” Matilda said.
About half an hour later, Martha had laid out some food on the table.
“Matilda, food is ready,” she called.
“Yes, coming,” replied Matilda from upstairs.
A moment later a cry from Luke could be heard upstairs. Martha went up to get him. She spent some time soothing him and getting him to sleep again. When she came downstairs she saw the food at the table still untouched.
“Grandpapa, didn’t Matilda come down?”
Grandfather Tom turned around from where he was sitting near the fireplace across the room. He seemed to have just come out of his thoughts.
“Hmm? Oh, no I don’t think she has been down.”
“Matilda!” called Martha.
“Yes, coming.” Then Matilda appeared. “Sorry. Was lost in my thoughts.”
When Matilda and Martha arrived at the wharf, the night was very much like it had been the last time they came. They walked to the first pier and knocked on the ship. There was silence for a moment, and when Matilda was about to knock for the second time, she heard footsteps.
“Who’s there?”
“Matilda.”
“Have you got it?”
“Yes.”
“Follow me.”
Eventually, they found themselves in the cabin, in front of the leader. He was sitting at the table with two men standing beside him.
“So, it took you three days,” started the leader. “Not bad. I haven’t got the wrong person.”
“Where are my uncle and cousin?”
“Don’t worry. We have been treating them well,” said the leader and then he turned to one of his men. “Bring them out.” Soon Ralph and Roger appeared in the cabin. It was clear that they had not been eating and sleeping well.
“Where’s the map?” asked the leader.
Matilda laid the map on the table in front of him.
He studied it for a moment while his men leaned in to have a look.
“And you sure that this is the right one?” the leader said, flipping the map from back to front.
“It came from an old chest of gold coins with unusual markings. There was also a letter addressed to Victor’s wife from himself, in which he mentioned a cave of gold.”
Matilda handed the leader the letter. “It made no mention of the map, but I think we can assume that this is the right map.”
The leader quickly read the letter with his men.
“All right lads, I say we got ourselves a treasure map!” the leader said as he put the letter down on the table.
The other men roared in agreement.
“Oi, keep it down. Remember, we not supposed to be here,” the leader said, making a patting gesture with h
is hands. Then he turned to Matilda. “All right, Miss Burley. You have done well. And I won’t forget about you when I become the richest man in the country,” he finished with a wink.
“Why, aren’t I lucky? I hope you won’t make me wait forever,” said Matilda with a smile. Only she saw the amusement in what she had just said.
The leader laughed. “I wouldn’t dare to, love.” Then he turned to his men, “Right. Release them.”
Matilda was eyeing the letter on the table. “Will you be keeping the letter?”
“No,” said the leader, pushing the letter towards Matilda, “I won’t be needing it.”
✽✽✽
“They only gave us their leftovers. And don’t get me started on the water,” said Ralph as he scooped into the bowl of stew.
They had just come back from the wharf, and Martha and Matilda had cooked a proper meal for Ralph and Roger.
“Can I have some more?” Roger asked Martha.
“Slow down Roger. I don’t want you to choke to death when we finally just got you back. And after all the hard work Matilda went to,” said Martha as she took his bowl to fill it up with more stew.
“Yes, yes. We cannot thank Matilda enough. A toast to Matilda,” said Ralph as he and Roger raised their cups to Matilda.
Grandfather Tom patted Matilda’s hand and beamed at her, an expression she had not seen on him for the last few days.
“How did they manage to capture you?” asked Matilda.
Roger gulped down a piece of bread and said, “We were just in the tavern minding our own business and ——”
“Wait, why were you two at the tavern? Weren’t you supposed to be tending to the crops?” said Martha.
“Well, the crops turned out badly, and Uncle was very upset about it. So he went to the tavern to cheer himself up,” Roger said.
Martha frowned at Roger, “And you just went with him, when you could have helped me. There’s firewood to gather and ——”
“Yeah, yeah Martha, do you want to hear the story, or not?” said Ralph.
So Roger continued. “Sorry, dear. Anyway, err, right, Uncle was at the back of the tavern going for a pee. Then I noticed that he was gone for a while, so I went to look for him. I remember stepping out the back, and then something hit me from behind. Then we woke up in a ship, and I have never been so scared in my life.”
“Well, I never been so surprised in my life,” said Ralph. “What a shocker to know that the story about Victor the Vicious is true. That gold could really do us some good.” Then he sighed. “But instead, it just had to fall into the hands of a bunch of crooks. What a pity,” he added as he scooped the last spoonful.
Matilda was about to say something when Roger cut in. “Why are there packed bags over there?”
“We’re leaving,” said Martha.
“Leaving! Why?” said Ralph.
“Because it is not safe to stay here anymore. Matilda is in danger of the Duke finding out about her stealing the map, and I don’t like the idea of a bunch of crooks knowing too much about us. I have had it with this town anyway,” said Martha.
“But it’s not going to be much better out there. This is the place to be. Everybody’s flocking to here because you can’t survive out there anymore,” said Ralph.
“What about Matilda? She saved you, remember?” said Martha.
“Yes, sorry Matilda. But I’m really speaking for our family’s sake,” said Ralph.
“We know you are. But I’m sure we can make things work,” said Martha.
They were all quiet for some moments.
“Martha is right. We should leave,” said Matilda.
Everyone looked at her.
Then she continued, “Because those sailors will definitely come looking for us.”
“How can you be so sure about that?” asked Ralph.
“Because I gave them a fake map,” said Matilda.
“Fake?” exclaimed Ralph and Roger.
Matilda went on, “It’s only a matter of time before they find out. I have the real one right here.” She quickly went upstairs and returned with the map. Then she laid it on the table for everyone to see.
Ralph banged his fist on the table. “Niece! My wonderful niece! Why, you sneaky little …” he said, wagging his forefinger at Matilda.
Then his eyes widen, “Right. Here’s the plan. Roger and I will go after the treasure. And the rest of you will wait for us at … where were you planning on going?”
“To my mother’s,” said Martha.
“Good. Actually, that’s great,” said Ralph. “People would think we’ll be going back to Papa’s place, but instead you will all be at Martha’s mother’s place. They will never guess.”
“Sounds like a good plan. But would it be dangerous with the pirates and all? Looks like we’ll be crossing some big seas,” said Roger.
“No. Of course, not. They say the sea has gotten safer with most of the pirates being arrested,” said Ralph.
“Really?” said Roger.
“Yes, don’t worry Roger. Now, treat it like an adventure. No one knows we have the map. And you wouldn’t let me go by myself now would you? And miss out on laying your eyes for the first time on those mountains of gold that will take your breath away, eh?” said Ralph.
Matilda for a moment drifted into a daydream of what Ralph had just described and knew that it would be quite a sight to see, and an experience like that was too rare to be missed.
“Of course not,” said Roger.
“Then can I come along?” asked Matilda.
“Matilda, you have done enough for us. And we are grateful for your help. But I think it’s best that you stay back and help Martha,” said Ralph.
Her heart sank. “But I ——”
“No!”
Everyone jumped, and all eyes were on Grandfather Tom.
“No!” Grandfather Tom repeated. “I will not have any of you going,” he said.
“But Papa, why not?” said Ralph.
“I have lost enough. I can’t bear to lose anymore.”
“But Papa, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. It’s foolish not to go,” said Ralph.
The old man shook his head with a painful expression.
“Papa, think about the things we can have back again,” said Ralph. “Our vineyard, our house, our land. What about a better upbringing for Luke?”
Roger nodded at this.
“He’s not entirely wrong, Grandpapa. I’m sure they’ll be careful,” added Martha.
“Matilda, you will return that map to the Duke,” said Grandfather Tom. “Explain to him that you were forced to steal it and he will forgive you.”
“Papa, don’t be so simple. How do you know that the Duke will let her go? And give him back the map? Why? So that His Majesty can squander it all while his people are starving? Don’t forget that he’s taken away our land and home. I’m just taking back what’s ours.”
“That’s right!” said Roger.
Grandfather Tom did not respond.
“Well, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going. Sorry,” said Ralph.
Grandfather Tom looked defeated, and they all watched him slowly walk over to the fireplace and sit down in his chair.
“He’ll get over it,” said Ralph quietly amongst them, “once we get back with all that gold.” Then he nudged Roger, “Eh?”
“Right. So when are we going?” said Roger.
“Tomorrow,” said Ralph.
“Tomorrow? That soon?” said Roger.
“Yes. We’re not going to sit around here and wait for people to come after us. We’re kind of on the run here,” said Ralph. “We’re going early in the morning. When are you leaving Martha?”
“Tomorrow at two. There is a stagecoach leaving at that time.”
Later that night, Matilda went downstairs for some water. She was surprised to see Grandfather Tom standing outside the house.
“You’re not sleeping, Grandpapa?” said Matilda as she stepped outside and cl
osed the front door.
“Oh no, Ralph is snoring so I couldn’t sleep.” There were two bedrooms in the house. Martha, Roger and Luke shared one. Grandfather Tom and Ralph shared the other. As for Matilda, she had a bedroom made from a small storeroom.
“Are you all right Grandpapa?”
“Yes, yes. I’m fine.”
“Don’t worry about Uncle. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
Grandfather Tom sighed. “He’s the only one of my children I have left. And now he’s dragging Roger with him. Forty-one years old and he’s still reckless.”
Matilda put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently.
Grandfather Tom patted her hand. “But I’m glad you’re safe. You are dear to me. We are blessed to have you.” Then he paused. “I know Francis and Mary felt the same way. They told me that God had answered their prayers when you came to our vineyard.”
Then he chuckled at the memory, “I can still remember finding you asleep under a grape tree. You were so thin and little.”
“I remember walking for days, or it might have been a day or two, but it felt like a long time before I came to the vineyard,” said Matilda.
“Do you still have that necklace? The one you had when we found you?”
“Yes. I’m not allowed to wear jewellery at work. But yes, I always keep it safe.”
“Good. Good,” said Grandfather Tom.
They were quiet for a moment.
“Grandpapa?”
“Yes.”
“I am grateful for everything you and my parents have done for me. I am always devoted to this family.”
Grandfather Tom smiled at Matilda, “I know you are.”
“If I do anything wrong, will you forgive me?” said Matilda.
“Of course, my dear. You are an angel. You never do wrong.”
Matilda dropped her eyes in thought. Then she hugged him before going back inside.
Early the next morning, before the rooster crowed, Ralph and Roger said their goodbyes. Only Martha, Luke and Matilda were there to see them off.
“The old man was still sleeping when I left the room. Probably better this way,” said Ralph.