by Dilly Court
‘Daisy, where are you going so early in the morning?’ He strolled up to her, eyeing her up and down with a look in his eyes that she had seen before. Once it would have set her pulse racing, but at this moment she merely felt irritated.
‘I’m sorry, Julian, I can’t stop to talk. I’m in a hurry.’
‘If you’d told me last night that you liked to ride out before breakfast I would have joined you.’
‘This isn’t a pleasure jaunt. I have business in the village.’
He threw back his head and laughed. ‘What could be so important in such a godforsaken place?’
‘You’d be surprised, Julian. Life isn’t all about London or Paris.’
‘But you could have both if you came with me, Daisy. I thought I had put aside my feelings for you, but seeing you again makes me wish I hadn’t been such a fool.’
‘I really haven’t time to stop and talk now.’
‘What are you up to? I know that determined look.’
‘You’ll find out in due course.’ Daisy descended the stairs as quickly as was possible when hampered by long skirts, but Julian followed more slowly. James had been standing by the porter’s chair, but he leaped to attention as she made her way across the great hall and opened the door. She acknowledged him with a wisp of a smile as she left the house, and it was a relief to see Jack waiting outside, holding the reins of her horse and a smaller pony. She greeted him with a cheery word and a pat on the shoulder.
‘Where are we off to, Daisy?’ Jack demanded, grinning.
She cuffed him gently round the ear. ‘Remember your manners, young man. You might be my brother-in-law, but I’m “Mrs Tattersall” or “ma’am” to you when we’re in company.’
Jack held Cinders while she mounted. ‘Don’t worry about Jim, he don’t count.’ He winked at James, who closed the door with a resounding thud.
‘One day you’ll go too far, Jack.’ Daisy reined in her frisky mount as she waited for Jack to clamber onto the pony.
‘Where are we going, ma’am?’
Daisy shot him an amused glance. ‘We are going to the village on a special mission.’
‘Really? You mean like spies?’
‘No, better than that. But first I’m going to see my aunt and uncle, and if you’re lucky Linnet will have made a cake – she’s almost as good as Hattie now, but not quite.’
Daisy encouraged Cinders to a trot and headed across the deer park towards the ferry boat, which cut the distance between the manor house and the village by several miles.
Jack caught her up. ‘That ain’t the half of it, I’ll bet.’
‘You’re right. We’ve got an important job to do and you can help by taking round the invitations that I’m going to write when we get to Creek Cottage.’
‘What are you up to, Daisy? You’ve got that look on your face.’
She chuckled. ‘I don’t know what you mean, but the truth is we’re going to invite the whole village to the manor house. It will be a party they’ll never forget.’
‘Does she know what you’re planning?’
‘She has a name, Jack. Yes, Mrs Harker knows that I’m about to save her from a great embarrassment because none of her chosen guests has accepted her invitation, so we’re going to provide company who will appreciate a good meal and enjoy a night out.’
‘She won’t like it.’
‘She hasn’t much choice.’ Daisy urged her horse to a canter. ‘Come on, Jack. We’ve no time to lose.’
Linnet opened the door and her surprised look was wiped away by a wide smile. ‘Mrs Tattersall, and Jack, too. Come in.’
Daisy stepped over the threshold followed by Jack, who was immediately enveloped in a sisterly hug. He suffered it for a few seconds and then pulled free from her grasp.
‘Don’t be soft, Linnet. I ain’t a baby now.’
‘You’ll always be my little brother,’ Linnet said, ruffling his already tousled mop of curly hair.
‘Is my aunt at home, Linnet?’ Daisy peeled off her riding gloves and laid them on the hallstand.
‘She’s in the parlour, madam.’
Daisy frowned. ‘Linnet Fox, you are my sister-in-law. You never need to be formal with me.’
‘Except when other people are listening,’ Jack added with a mischievous grin.
‘Not even then.’ Daisy tried to sound severe, but Jack always made her laugh and she shook her head. ‘Go with Linnet and I’ll call you when I’m ready to leave.’
‘Won’t you stay for luncheon, Daisy?’ Linnet shooed her brother in the direction of the kitchen.
‘Maybe something very quick because I’m running out of time, but if you’re free next Friday evening I’d like you and Elliot to come to the manor house. Wear your best clothes, it’s going to be an amazing party.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, I’m going to ask your sister and Nick, Mrs Bee and everyone who fancies a night out.’
‘What are you up to, Daisy?’
‘You’ll find out then, and if I were you I’d go and check on your cakes. I wouldn’t let Jack loose in the kitchen when there’s good food to be had.’
‘Oh, heavens!’ Linnet dashed off, leaving Daisy to enter the parlour unannounced.
Eleanora raised herself from her chair by the window and rushed over to embrace her niece. ‘Daisy, what a lovely surprise.’ She held her at arm’s length, her smile fading. ‘You look tired, dear. Is that woman working you too hard?’
‘It’s not easy, but I’m coping well enough. That’s not the reason for my visit, though.’
‘You don’t need a reason to come and see us, my love. Your uncle is out on the river, as usual, but he’ll be back in time for luncheon.’
‘I need to speak to him about arranging a fishing trip for some of Mrs Harker’s guests. Do you think he’d be interested?’
‘Any excuse and he’s knee-deep in water, and he’ll stay out all day, regardless of whether or not he catches anything.’
‘That’s just what I need.’ Daisy went to the escritoire on the far side of the fireplace. ‘Do you mind if I use some of your paper? I’m going to write invitations and young Jack is going to hand them out. Unfortunately it’s short notice, but I want you and Uncle Sidney to come to the manor house on Friday evening. I’m organising a party such as the village has never seen before.’
‘Good gracious! Whatever next? Tell me more, dear.’
Daisy worked hard writing the invitations and Jack was sent out to deliver them, but after a quick luncheon and a few words with her uncle, who was only too delighted to arrange a fishing trip for Marjorie’s guests, Daisy set off on her own to visit Creek Hall. She was greeted by Mrs Bee, who always managed to make her feel welcome, and after a brief chat Daisy went to find Nick. His smile was genuine when she walked into his study, and he rose to his feet.
‘Daisy, it’s good to see you. I’ve been meaning to call at the manor house, but I’ve been otherwise occupied.’
‘You seem to be doing well,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘Mrs Bee tells me that the hospital is paying its way.’
Nick pulled a face. ‘My late father would say that was the last thing he cared about, but you’re right, the running costs have to be met and, at the moment, they are. The trust that Mrs Harker set up after the cholera epidemic has proved a boon, and the well-off in the wider community aren’t afraid to surrender their sick relatives to my care. Although I have to admit that it will make my life easier when your tenants are able to return to their cottages.’
‘It shouldn’t be long now, Nick. As soon as Marjorie hands over the money I’ll make sure that the renovations are completed.’
‘It’s not that they haven’t been useful,’ Nick added hastily. ‘They’ve transformed the gardens and planted vegetables. The trees in the orchard have been pruned and are covered in blossom, and the old house has never been so clean.’
‘Well, they say it’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. But that’s not why I’m here to
day, Nick.’
He pulled up a chair. ‘Sit down and tell me all about it. I suppose that woman is running you ragged.’
‘Yes, I know I look tired. Aunt Eleanora told me that this morning, and I suppose I am, because being treated like a servant in my own home is not easy. I’m the first to admit it.’
She sat down and Nick perched on the edge of his desk, eyeing her thoughtfully. ‘Jay has a lot to answer for.’
‘You can’t blame this on Jay. You were always hard on him, Nick.’
‘I’m sorry, Daisy, but it’s the truth. He was always a charmer, but he was unreliable to the last.’
‘The Dorning brothers are to blame for what happened to Jay.’
‘Maybe, but he should never have left you, especially on your wedding day. He ought to have sent one of his crew to sort out problems with the wretched vessel, and now look at you. You’re working all hours for a selfish, self-seeking woman, who wants to elevate her position in society. Jay put you in this situation, and for that I can’t forgive him.’
Daisy shifted uncomfortably in her seat. ‘Let’s not talk about him, Nick. We’ll never agree.’
‘I’m sorry, Daisy, but I have to speak as I find, and I’m still very fond of you. If things had been different …’
‘Yes, well, they aren’t. I’m neither a wife nor a widow, and much as I want that to change, I don’t know if it ever will.’
‘But if he doesn’t return – and it looks very much as if that’s the case – you can have him declared dead and you’ll be a free woman.’
‘I’ll never be free, Nick. I love Jay and that won’t change – ever. Anyway, I didn’t come here to discuss my future.’
‘We’ll agree to differ when it comes to Jay. But is there anything I can do for you?’ Nick straightened up and walked round his desk, taking a seat and becoming coolly professional.
‘Yes, as a matter of fact there is.’ Daisy handed him the invitation. ‘I’m inviting you and Dove and Mrs Bee to a party that Mrs Harker is throwing at Creek Manor, on Friday evening.’
Nick studied it, eyebrows raised. ‘She requests the pleasure of my company plus guests. Is this a joke, Daisy?’
‘No, on my honour, it’s deadly serious. I’m inviting everyone of note in the village, and of course that means you. Next to the vicar you hold the most prominent position in Little Creek.’
A reluctant smile curved his lips. ‘Flatterer.’
‘You know it’s true, and you’ll be helping me if you accept.’
‘I’ll think about it, but only if you tell me everything.’
Daisy left Creek Hall with three definite acceptances, and Dove’s promise to make sure that all those who were fit enough to go to the party were given an invitation. Daisy headed for the vicarage, and was fortunate to catch Grace Peabody before she went out distributing calf’s foot jelly and jars of honey to the sick and needy.
Grace’s eyes lit up when Daisy explained the reason for her visit.
‘My dear, how exciting. I haven’t been inside the manor house since that woman took over. I’ll give her a piece of my mind when I see her. It’s shameful the way in which she’s turned you into a lackey, but then Marjorie Harker was always a social climber, and a frightful snob.’
‘I’m not exactly a servant, Mrs Peabody. But it is a difficult situation.’
‘And very Christian of you to help her out in this way.’ Grace eyed Daisy suspiciously. ‘Does she know that you’re inviting nearly all the village to this gathering?’
Daisy smiled. ‘No, not yet, but she will when they arrive en masse. I’m off to the post office to send a telegram to my brother. I think Toby and Minnie would both enjoy themselves and boost the numbers, and maybe Minnie will invite some of our old friends from Mrs Wood’s lodging house. That would be most amusing.’
‘I do hope you know what you’re doing, Daisy. You might have felt sorry for Marjorie Harker but she’s not the sort of person to forgive a slight. If she looks a fool in front of her London guests she’ll never forgive you.’
‘That’s a chance I’ll have to take,’ Daisy said, chuckling. ‘But I’m not doing this out of spite. In an odd sort of way I’m quite sorry for her.’
Grace shook her head. ‘I think you are the one who deserves sympathy, my dear. I suppose there’s been no news of your husband?’
‘No, not a word, but I refuse to give up hope. He’ll come home one day, I know he will.’
‘I do hope you’re right, for your own sake, of course, but also for the poor people who were depending on Jay’s money to renovate their dwellings.’
‘Yes, I know, and I hadn’t forgotten them. I was just saying something similar to Dr Neville. The work had to cease temporarily, but when Marjorie pays what she promised, and if Marius is right and we make a good profit, I’ll put the money to good use. Moving into that tiny cottage on the estate has opened my eyes to the way our tenants have been living, and we’re luckier than most.’
‘I suppose so, but I wouldn’t have accepted Marjorie Harker’s terms.’
‘I had no choice, Mrs Peabody. At least our roof doesn’t leak and the floor is tiled rather than left as compacted earth, which is dusty in dry weather and can easily turn to mud when it’s wet.’
‘You’ve learned a lot from this experience, Daisy. I wish I could say that it was worth it, but you’ll need a great deal of money if you’re going to put things right. I’m afraid that life will always be harsh for some members of the community.’
‘Maybe, but if I can make things better in the future, that’s what I’ll do.’
Grace smiled. ‘You always had ambition, Daisy. Your aunt told me that at one time you wanted to train as a doctor.’
‘One day it will be possible for women to do just that, but for now I think I can do more good by ensuring better living conditions for my tenants.’ Daisy handed her the invitation. ‘Can I count on you and Mr Peabody to attend?’
Grace smiled. ‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Daisy.’ She picked up her basket. ‘Would you like me to take some with me? I’m visiting several cottages, including Widow Egerton, who rarely goes anywhere. That long-suffering sister of hers might be only too happy to have a night out.’
‘I haven’t met either of them, but everyone is welcome.’ Daisy went to open the front door. ‘I must go, because I have a lot to do. Thank you so much, Mrs Peabody. I’m very grateful for your help.’
‘I hope I do my Christian duty, dear.’
Daisy’s next call was at the village shop and post office where she sent a telegram to her brother and another to Minnie. She knew Toby well enough to be confident of his acceptance, provided that a trip to the country did not interfere with his duties at the hospital, and the same went for Minnie. It would be good to see them again, anyway. Daisy realised suddenly that she had rather cut herself off from those who were closest to her, although it had not been deliberate, and now was as good a time as any to put things right.
‘I hear there’s to be a big party at the manor house,’ Mr Keyes said hopefully as Daisy handed him the money for the telegram. ‘I had them two cooks here ordering such an amount of food that it would feed an army. They almost cleared the shelves.’
‘Have you and Mrs Keyes received an invitation?’
‘No, Mrs Tattersall. I didn’t imagine the likes of us would be invited to such a do.’
‘Then you’re wrong.’ Daisy handed him a folded sheet of paper. ‘It was an oversight and you are both more than welcome.’
His wrinkled face creased into a wide grin so that his eyes almost disappeared in folds of flesh. ‘Why, thank you, ma’am. Most kind, I’m sure.’
‘And I was going to ask you a favour.’
His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. ‘A favour, ma’am?’
‘You played the concertina so beautifully at our wedding reception that I wondered if you would perform again, together with Constable Fowler and Tom Fuller.’
‘I’d be honou
red, ma’am. What had you in mind exactly?’
‘Perhaps you could play some country dances or a few jigs, as before? It’s going to be a splendid party and you would have a large audience. May I count on you?’
‘You may indeed, ma’am. I’ll call Mrs Keyes and tell her to get her best frock aired and ironed. We’ll be there for certain.’
‘I haven’t been invited.’
Daisy turned to see Miss Creedy, the village seamstress who played the organ in church, very badly. Daisy had not forgotten the crashing discords at her wedding, but somehow it had added to the charm of the ceremony.
‘I was coming to you next, Miss Creedy.’ Daisy handed out yet another invitation. ‘If you have a gentleman friend you would like to bring, he will be more than welcome.’
Lavender Creedy simpered and blushed. ‘Oh! You do go on so, Mrs Tattersall. I put all that nonsense behind me when my fiancé was killed in the Crimea. He died a hero and there’ll never be another like him.’
‘Yes, of course. I’m sorry, but if there’s anyone you’d like to bring with you, it will be quite all right.’ Daisy tried not to listen to village gossip, but Hilda seemed to absorb it like a sponge. She knew the history of virtually everyone in Little Creek, and was eager to share the knowledge. It was well known, according to Hilda, that Lavender’s fiancé had been shot for desertion, although his family had sworn that he was killed in action at Sebastopol. Daisy herself preferred to believe that version. She hurried from the shop, almost bumping into Jack, who was beaming from ear to ear.
‘Well?’ she said eagerly. ‘How did you get on?’
‘Got rid of all of ’em. Most say they’ll come. They’ll go anywhere for free grub.’
‘Well done, Jack. Have you been to the pub?’
Jack shook his head. ‘Abel Perkins didn’t get on with the old man. He cuffed me round the ear last time I saw him.’