Nettie's Secret

by Dilly Court

  The calm of the harbour was more than welcome, and the still waters gleamed silkily in the moonlight. Nettie turned her head as Byron came to stand at her side.

  ‘I hope you don’t intend to go on about Rufus,’ she said sharply. ‘Because I’ve had enough of you two squabbling like dogs over a bone.’

  Byron chuckled. ‘I wouldn’t put it like that exactly.’

  ‘You ought to listen to yourself when you’re talking to him. What’s got into you, Byron?’

  He stared straight ahead, avoiding her direct gaze. ‘You ought to know how I feel about you, Nettie. I thought we had an understanding, even though it’s never been put into words, but now it seems that he’s taken my place in your affection. He’s everything I am not.’

  Nettie laid her hand on his arm as it rested on the ship’s rail. ‘Don’t say that, Byron. You know how fond I am of you.’

  He turned his head, looking her in the eye. ‘Perhaps that’s not enough for me.’

  ‘We’ve always been such good friends. Can’t we go on like that?’

  ‘No, we can’t.’ He grasped both her hands. ‘I love you and I can’t imagine my life without you, Nettie. This isn’t a proposal because I know you’d turn me down this time, but I want you to think about it.’

  ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Just promise to think about us. Could you love me as I love you? Please stop and give it some thought, because I don’t want to go on for ever as your best friend.’

  Shaken by his sudden declaration and confused by the feelings it aroused in her, Nettie met his intense gaze with an attempt at a smile. Apart from her father, there had never been anyone in her life who had meant as much to her as Byron – until she met Rufus. Now the outlines were blurred and her emotions confused. ‘All right, Byron,’ she said slowly. ‘I promise.’

  He leaned over to kiss her cheek. ‘Thank you.’

  Approaching footsteps made Nettie glance over her shoulder and saw Constance and Percy coming towards them, followed by Rufus.

  ‘Are you feeling better?’ Nettie asked anxiously.

  Constance gave her a bright smile. ‘I am, and it’s so good to be home. I know I am French, but I’ve always loved London.’

  ‘And we will be married,’ Percy said firmly. ‘As soon as you’re free from Dexter.’

  ‘But how are you going to manage in the meantime?’ Rufus looked from one smiling face to the other. ‘Where will you stay, Constance? Have you thought of that?’

  Nettie had not given any thought to the practicalities of bringing Constance to London.

  ‘You could stay with us, Constance,’ she said slowly. ‘But I’m afraid you wouldn’t be very comfortable.’

  ‘I want to be with Percy.’ Constance squeezed his arm, smiling up at him.

  He shook his head. ‘You know that’s not possible, sweetheart. We have to do this properly.’

  ‘Might I make a suggestion?’ Rufus leaned against the ship’s rail, gazing at the lights of Dover as the vessel entered the harbour mouth. ‘We have to break our journey somewhere. I suggest we go to Norwood Hall.’

  ‘We can’t impose on your parents,’ Nettie said hastily.

  ‘Don’t worry about my mother,’ Rufus countered, chuckling. ‘She’ll be so pleased to see me that she’ll welcome you all with open arms, and I’m sure you would like to see Biddy.’

  ‘Yes, I would.’ Nettie eyed him curiously. ‘But there’s something else. I can tell.’

  ‘You know me so well,’ he said, smiling. ‘I think my parents would be most sympathetic if Constance were to tell them her story, and if I know my mother, she will be begging her to stay at Norwood Hall.’

  ‘I wouldn’t have to work in the hop garden, would I?’ Constance demanded querulously.

  ‘It’s winter, my love,’ Percy said gently. ‘And it’s a very generous offer, providing Mr and Mrs Norwood agree. I could visit you often, in fact I might be able to get a job in the brewery and then I could stay somewhere close by.’

  Rufus nodded. ‘That’s a possibility. If I’m working in London my father will need someone to take my place.’

  ‘I really need to go home and make sure that my father is all right,’ Nettie said worriedly.

  ‘He’s a grown man. I think he can look after himself for a while longer, Nettie.’ Rufus laid his hand over hers as it rested on the cold steel rail, and she felt the warmth seep into her veins.

  Once again the Norwoods extended their hospitality to everyone. Jane appeared to have forgotten the traumatic accident when Rufus was shot in the arm, and she seemed a much happier person now that she had Biddy to fuss over. Biddy herself was a picture of health and happiness; she threw her arms around Nettie and dragged her upstairs to the room that had been decorated especially for her. There were dolls dressed in the latest fashion with smiles painted on their china faces, and piles of books waiting to be read. Biddy opened a cupboard to reveal shelves stacked with clothes and rows of slippers, buckled shoes and buttoned boots.

  ‘Are you happy here,’ Nettie asked, although she already knew the answer.

  ‘I love Aunt Jane and Uncle Maury.’ Biddy’s eyes shone with emotion. ‘They are so kind to me, and I go to the village school. I’m learning fast, Nettie, and Miss Swann – she’s our teacher – says I could go far.’

  ‘That’s wonderful, Biddy.’

  ‘What about you?’ Biddy put her head on one side. ‘Are you going to marry Rufus?’

  ‘Biddy! What put that idea into your head?’

  ‘I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and I’ve seen the way Byron glares at him. I think he’s jealous.’

  ‘You saw all that in the brief time we’ve been here?’

  ‘Miss Swann says I’m very bright, and Aunt Jane says I’ve been here before, although I don’t quite know what that means.’

  ‘It means you are too clever by half,’ Nettie said, laughing. ‘Come here and give me a hug. But you’re quite wrong about Rufus, and I am very fond of Byron.’

  Biddy nodded wisely. ‘I know. It must be very difficult being grown up.’

  ‘It’s not easy.’ Nettie dropped a kiss on Biddy’s soft, sweet-smelling hair. ‘Let’s go downstairs and join the others, and you must come up to London sometimes. We’ll go to the zoo and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.’

  ‘And tea at Gunter’s,’ Biddy said eagerly. ‘I heard Constance talking about it.’

  ‘I’m sure that can be arranged, and if Constance stays here for a while she’ll be able to tell you all about it, and maybe teach you some French as well.’

  ‘Is Constance going to live here, then?’

  ‘For a while, providing Mr and Mrs Norwood agree.’

  Biddy’s mouth drooped at the corners. ‘I won’t have to be her maid again, will I?’

  ‘Certainly not. You are part of the family now, Biddy. You’ll never be a servant again.’ Nettie took her by the hand. ‘Come on, let’s go downstairs.’

  Biddy led the way to the drawing room where Constance was the centre of attention. She was in the middle of relating her latest experience in the château and the Norwoods were obviously impressed.

  Nettie and Biddy sat side by side on one of the sofas, waiting for Constance to finish her narrative.

  ‘So you see how it is.’ Constance gazed at Jane with her hands clasped to her bosom. ‘I am homeless yet again. I don’t know if Duke was lying when he said that the house in Paris still belongs to me. I think he wants to confuse me, but all I know is that I’m desperate to have my marriage annulled.’

  ‘You must stay with us until things are settled, my dear,’ Jane said firmly. ‘Isn’t that right, Maury?’

  Maurice nodded enthusiastically. ‘Of course she must.’ He turned to Percy. ‘And you are interested in working for me, so my son says. Is that correct?’

  ‘I would be more than willing to learn the trade, sir.’ Percy reached out to clasp Constance’s hand. ‘I would work hard.’

  Rufus slapp
ed him on the back. ‘Well said. That leaves me free to develop our London office. Between us we’ll make Norwood’s Brewery famous.’

  ‘Don’t forget the Honourable Miss Williams, Rufus,’ Jane said slyly. ‘I rather think she is a countrywoman and wouldn’t take kindly to living in London after you’re wed.’

  Nettie shot Rufus a sideways glance, trying hard not to show the surprise she felt at his mother’s sudden announcement.

  ‘I think Lavinia Williams aims higher than someone like me, Mama,’ Rufus said calmly. ‘My relationship with that lady ended some time ago.’

  ‘Not according to her, my dear.’ Jane beamed at him. ‘She might be rather horsey and outspoken, but I believe she comes with a large dowry.’

  ‘We were much younger when we had an understanding,’ Rufus said hastily. ‘The Honourable Miss Williams is looking for a titled husband with a landed estate, not a humble brewer.’

  Nettie looked from one to the other, stunned by the sudden revelation. ‘We should be going now. I don’t want to miss the last train,’ she said hastily.

  ‘You must dine first, Nettie.’ Maurice raised himself from his seat. ‘Rufus, pour the sherry wine. We’ll have a toast to our success as a family business.’

  ‘I think we ought to eat now,’ Jane said firmly. ‘The young people have a train to catch.’

  ‘Nonsense.’ Maurice shook his head, smiling. ‘You will all stay with us tonight and travel on in the morning after breakfast. I love a full house. Fill the glasses, Rufus. We’re going to celebrate.’

  ‘What are we celebrating, Maury?’ Jane demanded suspiciously.

  ‘Why, the good fortune of Norwood’s Brewery, of course. We’re building something big to pass on to Rufus and his children.’ Maurice turned to Byron, who had been standing silently by the fireplace. ‘I hear you’re hoping to become a man of the law. I might be able to put work your way in the future.’

  Byron smiled. ‘Thank you, sir. But I’m just a clerk in a law office.’

  ‘You will rise to greater heights, I’m sure.’ Maury accepted a glass of sherry from his son. ‘Here’s to the future.’

  Rufus handed a glass to Nettie. ‘Don’t worry about your father. We’ll catch the first train to London in the morning.’ He shot a sideways glance at Byron. ‘I suppose you will be travelling with us.’

  Byron shook his head. ‘I should get back to London tonight. I might be in time to catch the last train if I leave now.’

  Nettie was about to ask him to change his mind and stay, but things had changed subtly between them and she said nothing.

  ‘Of course, my boy,’ Maury said with a genial smile. ‘I’ll send for the carriage right away.’

  Nettie said goodbye to Biddy next morning, promising to visit her as often as possible. Rufus had the carriage brought round to the front entrance to take them to the station. Now that they were alone and away from his domineering mother, Nettie tried to find out more about his romance with Miss Williams, but Rufus managed to evade her questions. He was a charming and amusing companion, and during the train journey back to London she found herself falling under his spell. His enthusiasm for his new business venture was infectious, and Nettie was deeply touched by the genuine affection in which he held his family. She had known him only a short time, but she was convinced of his sincerity, and she found herself more and more captivated. She did not refuse when Rufus insisted on taking her out to luncheon at a smart restaurant before seeing her safely to the door of Ma Burton’s lodging house. He raised her hand to his lips, holding her gaze with a teasing smile.

  ‘I’ll see you again very soon, but I have to find somewhere to stay.’

  ‘Ma Burton will have a spare room now that Lisette has decided to stay in France.’

  ‘That would suit me very well.’

  ‘Would you like me to speak to her for you?’

  He smiled, revealing even white teeth and his eyes twinkled. ‘I think I can handle the lady. You go and see your father – he’ll be wondering where you are.’

  Robert was mildly pleased to see Nettie when she walked into his studio, and she realised she had worried unnecessarily; her father was so deeply immersed in his work that she doubted if he had even noticed her absence. The three copies of the famous paintings were finished and left to dry, and she knew that to destroy them would be as painful to him as if the cuts were in his own flesh. She sat with him by the fire and explained yet again that Duke had been using him. Robert listened but she could tell that he was not taking her seriously, and it was only when she gave her father a detailed account of the incident in the château that he sat up and took notice. Finally, and painfully, she managed to convince him that Duke Dexter was neither his friend nor a genuine sponsor. Duke was a criminal, and that was the harsh truth.

  Robert rose to his feet and paced the floor, creating long shadows on the walls of their attic room.

  ‘All that work,’ he said sadly. ‘All my time wasted. He won’t pay me now, Nettie. I was banking on that money to pay the rent. We’ll be thrown out onto the streets. My poor girl, what have I brought you to?’

  Nettie jumped to her feet and gave him a hug. ‘We’ve managed in the past, Pa. We’ll get by somehow.’

  ‘I don’t know what to do,’ Robert said, sighing heartily. ‘Of course the canvases must be destroyed, although it will break my heart and it will leave us short when it comes to paying the rent. Ma Burton’s boys will be certain to pay us a visit.’

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Nettie knew that she must do something to save her father from himself. If she did not act now he would give in to Duke’s demands and continue to be his puppet. Quite how Duke had evaded the law for so long was a mystery – he seemed to lead a charmed life – but he must be brought to justice, and there was only one person she could think of who might help her.

  She had not quite believed Wegg when he said that all was well between him and Duke. Neither had she believed Duke when he disclaimed responsibility for the tragic death of Wegg’s sister. It was a slim chance, but if she could find Wegg and put her case to him, she was almost certain that he would co-operate and together they could bring Duke to justice.

  ‘I think I might have the answer, Pa,’ she said softly.

  ‘There’s nothing I can do, Nettie. I will have to let Duke take these copies and do what he will with them. We have to eat, my love.’ Robert stopped pacing and stooped to pick up a sealed envelope. ‘I almost forgot. This came for you, Nettie. It was delivered by hand. I don’t recognise the seal, but it looks important.’

  Nettie snatched the envelope from her father and tore it open with trembling fingers. There could be only one explanation for the expensive hand-made paper and the imposing seal. She unfolded the letter and read it slowly, the words dancing around in front of her eyes.

  ‘What is it, dear? You’re very pale. Is it bad news?’

  Nettie reread the short, handwritten note. She shook her head. ‘No, Pa. It’s wonderful. It’s something I’ve wanted all my life. It’s from Dorning and Lacey, the publishers. They’ve accepted my manuscript – they’re going to publish my book.’

  ‘What book?’ Robert asked, scratching his head. ‘What are you talking about, Nettie?’

  ‘I’ve been writing in secret for almost as long as I can remember.’ She leaped to her feet and danced him round the room. ‘I’m going to be a published author, and they’re paying me a handsome advance.’

  Robert came to a standstill, staring at her wide-eyed. ‘How much of an advance?’

  Nettie hid the letter behind her back. The eager look in her father’s eyes meant one thing only – her money would disappear like morning mist if he were to get his hands on it. She shook her head. ‘I was exaggerating, Pa. They’ll give me a certain amount, but it won’t be much because I am an unknown. We should be able to pay the rent this month, and there might be enough to buy some coal and candles.’

  ‘And a dinner out?’ Robert said hopefully. ‘With
wine and perhaps a cigar?’

  ‘I doubt it, Pa. But it’s a start, and if I can polish up my first effort, they might publish that one as well.’

  ‘Why didn’t you tell me about this until now?’

  ‘I hoped I’d be published one day, but I couldn’t be sure.’

  Robert slumped down in his chair by the embers of the fire. ‘You must press for more money, Nettie. I’ll go and see them – they’ll take more notice of someone like me. You are very young and you’re a female. Women have no place in business.’

  Nettie resisted the temptation to argue. She knew from experience that nothing would change her father’s attitude to women, and he always thought he was right. One thing was certain: he must never see the letter or be made aware of the handsome advance she had been offered. She nodded and smiled.

  ‘I expect you’re right, Pa.’ She held out her hand. ‘Have you any money? I’ll go to the coffee stall and get us something to eat, if he’s still there at this late hour.’

  Reluctantly, Robert put his hand in his pocket and took out a handful of coppers. ‘I was going to the pub for a pint of ale, but, of course you come first, my dear. If we share a mug of coffee and split a ham roll in two, I can still have a chat with my friends over a half or two.’

  Nettie pocketed the money. ‘I’ll be as quick as I can.’ She snatched up her cape and fur hat and hurried from the room with the letter still clutched in her hand. Her manuscript had been accepted and she was about to earn money, and she simply had to tell someone the good news. She ran down the stairs, but when she reached the ground floor she hesitated for a moment, and then hammered on the door of Lisette’s old rooms.