Pengarron's Children

by Pengarron's Children (retail) (epub)

  ‘I’m afraid this is not all, Kerensa,’ Oliver whispered sombrely to her. ‘I was leaving Martin’s bedchamber anyway when I heard all the commotion. He passed away peacefully a few minutes ago.’

  Kerensa collapsed against him and sobbed wretchedly. But Oliver only allowed her to express her grief for a minute or two. Taking her by the shoulders, he held her away from him. ‘You’ll have to calm yourself, beloved. You must be strong for Rachael’s sake.’

  For the rest of the day Rachael was inconsolable and Kerensa and Oliver stayed at Tolwithrick to give help and comfort. The night turned unexpectedly cold which facilitated the lying-in-state of Sir Martin. Sebastian’s face was so horribly contorted that his father, William, ordered his coffin lid to be nailed down. Rachael would not leave her son and Kerensa sat up through the night with her, shivering in the cold. A feeling of foreboding hung heavily in the air. Kerensa knew there was a storm brewing and had a wretched feeling there would be something more than that.

  * * *

  That evening Timothy Lanyon called at the Manor. He was shown into the parlour where he found Kane, Luke, Olivia and Cordelia sitting about dolefully, dressed in black.

  ‘What’s happened?’ Timothy asked in alarm. His eyes flitted from one to another, lingered on Olivia and reluctantly settled on Kane in search of an answer.

  ‘There’s been a double tragedy,’ Kane said, and he explained how two of the Beswethericks had just died, one naturally, one horribly.

  ‘That’s dreadful,’ Timothy gasped. ‘I’m glad I called. You will need spiritual comfort.’

  ‘Have you come to see Father?’ Luke asked irritably. He was angry that such a thing as respect for the dead required him and Kane to stay at home to attend his sister and cousin, making them miss their first smuggling run after the harvesting. He needed the excitement to dispel the long weeks of boredom cooped up on Ker-an-Mor Farm, and he didn’t trust Philip Trenchard not to slip some booty away to line his own pockets.

  Timothy had been looking at Olivia who was gazing steadily back at him. He hesitated before answering. ‘J… just a little parish business… Nothing important.’

  ‘Can we offer you some refreshment, Reverend Lanyon?’ Olivia asked kindly. She didn’t want him to leave immediately.

  ‘I would appreciate a glass of port wine, Miss Olivia,’ he replied, smiling and giving a polite bow.

  Irritated by their making eyes at each other Luke let out a loud, impatient sigh, then suddenly saw a way of turning things to his advantage. ‘Kane and I were hoping to attend to a little business ourselves tonight, Reverend,’ he said, getting to his feet. ‘I was wondering… could we presume on your kindness and ask you to sit with the Misses Olivia and Cordelia?’

  Without hesitation Timothy replied, ‘I’d be glad to.’

  ‘Do you mind, Livvy? Cordelia?’ Kane asked, delighted to have the opportunity to escape and take part in the planned smuggling run.

  Cordelia looked at Luke with disappointment on her face but did not argue when Olivia replied firmly, ‘Of course not, after the terrible way that Sebastian died it will be a comfort to have the Reverend stay with us.’

  When her brothers had gone Olivia poured Timothy a glass of port wine. She handed it to him and was about to ask Cordelia if she would like a drink but her cousin had gone off into one of her daydreams. Olivia and the Reverend were effectively alone.

  ‘It was kind of you to stay, Timothy,’ she said, using his Christian name as if it was the natural thing to do.

  A welcome gleam entered Timothy’s grey eyes. ‘I shall always be glad to do anything I can for you, at any time, Olivia.’

  She raised her chin perkily. ‘Are you still of a mind to view my exhibition?’

  ‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world. When and where is it to be?’

  ‘I shall decide on a date after the funerals. It will be here in the house. My father’s going to arrange a little gathering of knowledgeable people from around the county.’

  ‘I’m sure they will be as enchanted by your paintings as I am.’ Timothy glanced at Cordelia. ‘Your cousin looks a little lost, Olivia.’

  ‘Cordelia always does when Luke’s not around,’ Olivia sighed.

  Having ascertained that Cordelia was still in a world of her own Timothy moved closer to Olivia. ‘I’m glad your brothers had business elsewhere. I could not have wished to have been left in charge of more charming company.’

  Knowing what errand Kane and Luke were on, Olivia smiled into Timothy’s eyes. ‘They will be gone for hours I fear. I hope you will not mind having to wait for so long.’

  Timothy looked perfectly comfortable. ‘The night can go on forever as far as I’m concerned, Olivia.’

  * * *

  The next day was hot and airless. After Jessica had finished her morning chores, she walked to the Manor, arriving tired and breathless. Stopping to take a drink of water from the pump in the stable yard, she saw Jack eyeing her stony-faced from where he was grooming a pony. She was about to go over and speak to him when Luke rode up.

  ‘Are you coming or going, Jessica?’ he asked kindly as he passed the reins of his fine bay horse to a stable boy.

  ‘I’ve just got here,’ she replied, pushing back damp curls from her face. ‘Do you know where I can find Olivia and Cordelia? They’re not expecting me today and I’m hoping they’re not abroad somewhere.’

  ‘I think they’re up in Livvy’s studio. Cordelia’s sitting for her. I’ll take you up but first I’ll provide you with better refreshment than pump water.’

  ‘I wouldn’t mind a dish of tea,’ she admitted, waving a hand in front of her face. ‘I’m parched. I hate this clammy weather, I can’t breathe in it.’

  ‘Come inside and I’ll get Polly to arrange some tea for us both.’

  A few minutes later they were sitting in the great hall sipping tea. The huge stone fireplace looked strangely empty with no fire blazing in it. Jessica kept glancing anxiously up the wide oak stairway.

  Luke, who had been gazing at her all the time, said, ‘Don’t worry, they won’t slip away without us noticing. Once Olivia gets a paintbrush in her hands she’ll keep her unfortunate sitter chained down in the position she desires for hours.’

  Jessica smiled wanly. ‘I don’t want to miss them.’

  ‘Something important, is it?’ and he raised an enquiring eyebrow in a most endearing gesture and looked at her intently.

  Her reaction was to have a sudden attack of butterflies in the stomach and fear that he could read her mind. She gulped. ‘’Tis nothing really. But I don’t want to miss them now I’m here. Livvy must have painted nearly all your family by now,’ she said, looking in awe at the portraits of the Pengarron forebears she could see ascending the stairs.

  ‘She ought to paint you, Jessica. It would be a beautiful picture although I doubt if she could capture your vivacity on canvas.’

  Jessica was flattered but changed the subject. ‘I was sorry to hear about Sir Martin Beswetherick and his grandson. Ricketty Jim told me about it. You must feel very sad, Mr Sebastian was your friend.’

  ‘Yes, very sad,’ Luke returned, but he sounded almost bored.

  ‘I didn’t like Mr Sebastian but he didn’t deserve to die like that.’ She shuddered, and stared at her cup.

  ‘No, most undignified. How are your father’s wedding arrangements coming along?’

  ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘Just being conversational.’

  ‘Are you?’ she asked suspiciously. ‘It’s only going to be a quiet wedding. Just us and one of Miss Catherine’s sisters and the Parsonage housekeeper will be there. Apparently there is to be something formal happening in the Parsonage afterwards.’

  ‘You don’t sound terribly interested. You don’t approve of this marriage, I understand. I must admit it’s a strange alliance, a parson’s sister and a common farmer.’

  ‘No one asked or cares about your opinion on it. It’s none of your business.’

&
nbsp; ‘Loyal to the bitter end,’ Luke laughed. ‘I like that about you. You will benefit from this marriage of course. I understand Miss Catherine is worth one thousand a year. A piffling amount to a gentleman such as I am when selecting a bride but a fortune to your family. You should manage to obtain a few new dresses out of it.’

  Jessica was open-mouthed. ‘I hadn’t thought about it. I assumed Miss Catherine was supported entirely by the Reverend Lanyon. I’m sure my father has not thought of it either.’

  ‘No, I don’t imagine he has,’ Luke said unexpectedly. She knew he despised her father and had expected a sneering response. ‘He loves you so much, all he wants is to do his best for you. I think he genuinely believes he should provide you with a lady for a new mother. I find him a curious man. He can be sullen but he loves the women in his life deeply enough to sacrifice himself for them. He loved my mother passionately, probably still does, and yet he loved your mother too. Miss Catherine Lanyon may be coming down in the world in one way, agreeing to marry a poor farmer, but for an old maid she will fare very well.’

  Jessica looked at him in amazement. ‘I didn’t know you were such a thoughtful man. It would never have crossed my mind that you knew, or, at least, thought you knew, my father so well.’

  Luke rubbed his stiff arm. ‘When your physical activity is restricted, you tend to spend more time thinking.’

  Jessica looked about for Polly. She couldn’t wander about the Manor house on her own and although she liked being in this surprising man’s company she was eager to see her friends.

  ‘I said I’d take you up,’ Luke said, guessing her thoughts.

  He rose and held out his good arm. Jessica ignored it and mounted the stairs one step behind him. When they reached the top, instead of going up the next flight, he started down the corridor. Jessica stayed where she was, frowning.

  ‘Follow me,’ Luke called to her.

  ‘Why?’ she asked suspiciously.

  He came back to her. ‘I want to show you the doll I had made for Cordelia, the one with hair that matches the colour of the curl I asked you for. I’d like you to see it before I give it to her.’

  ‘I’m not going to your bedchamber,’ Jessica said stoutly, folding her arms and glaring at him.

  ‘I’m not intending to do anything untoward to you, Jessie,’ he laughed.

  He may have been kinder to her of late but she still didn’t trust the gleam behind his dark eyes and stayed her ground.

  ‘You have my word as a gentleman I won’t lay a finger on you.’

  Pursing her lips she tilted her head and sighed impatiently.

  ‘What have I got to do to convince you I only want to show you the ruddy doll?’

  ‘You can bring it here.’

  Luke looked at her and nodded his head as if he was summing her up. ‘Very well. I have no objection to that – as long as we’re vigilant that Cordelia doesn’t come down the stairs and see it.’

  ‘I’ve got good hearing,’ Jessica retorted.

  He breathed in heavily through his nose and moved off down the corridor. Jessica moved to a window where she could be clearly seen from both flights of stairs. She looked down at the gardeners working on the flower beds bordering a wide expanse of lawn and murmured to herself, ‘Does he think I’m stupid or something?’

  Luke returned with a parcel about twelve inches long, rounded in shape and wrapped in silver tissue. He glanced up and down the stairs then carefully unwrapped it. For several moments Jessica studied the doll’s delicate porcelain face which was surrounded by a wealth of real hair almost the same colour as her own. The doll’s dress was a replica of the costume Cordelia had worn at her cousin’s birthday party.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ Jessica announced, gingerly touching the filmy material of its dress. ‘Cordelia will be thrilled to receive it.’

  ‘I could have one made for you, if you like,’ Luke said, wrapping the gift securely again. ‘I shall always remember the costume you wore in perfect detail.’

  ‘No, thank you,’ she replied, making to go upstairs.

  ‘Oh, but I insist.’

  ‘And I shall insist on not receiving it,’ she said, just as firmly.

  Luke smiled in surrender. ‘What a strong-willed creature you are, stubborn but very, very beautiful.’ He raised his cousin’s gift. ‘I must return this. I won’t be long.’

  Jessica waited for him halfway up the next flight of stairs. He smiled resignedly again then walked up in front of her. At the top of this flight he pulled her into the second-floor corridor and held her against a wall.

  Before she could protest, he blurted out, ‘You’re driving me out of my mind, Jessica Trenchard! Don’t you realise that I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with you? I don’t think I can bear to live another moment if you don’t say I mean something to you too. I adore you. I think of you every moment of every day. Give me some hope, anything, just some small token that will stop this torture you’re giving to my heart and mind.’

  She eyed him for a moment. ‘Utter rubbish,’ she said.

  Luke let her go and bowed. ‘You should learn to fence swords, my dear,’ he laughed in genuine amusement. ‘You’d master the art in a trice. You’re absolutely remarkable and I really do think I could fall in love with you.’

  ‘Can I see Olivia and Cordelia now?’ she said as if he were a trying child.

  ‘Of course. I would not dream of detaining you against your will. You would beat me off furiously and I would be sure to suffer greatly. But…’

  ‘But?’

  ‘Just one kiss? For friendship’s sake?’

  ‘No one could trust you, Luke Pengarron, even as a friend. If I ever kiss you it will be because I want to.’

  ‘And you don’t want to now?’

  She looked at his wide mouth. It held a cruel line most of the time but always it was sensuous and inviting. ‘One day I just might, but right now I’m only interested in seeing my friends.’

  ‘I’ll look forward to that day,’ he whispered, gazing at her lips.

  Further along the corridor someone closed a door and walked towards them. They both looked to see who it was and Luke moved in closer to her. Jessica’s heart fell when she saw it was Kane. He grunted their names with a grim look on his face as he passed them, then ran down the stairs.

  ‘He’s going over to Tolwithrick to offer his condolences,’ Luke said blandly, and Jessica got the impression he wanted to yawn.

  Jessica began the ascent of the short set of stairs to the servant’s quarters and Olivia’s studio. Luke came behind her. ‘Are you going over to Tolwithrick?’ she challenged him, hopping away from him on the landing and wishing Kane had not seen them together.

  ‘Eventually.’

  ‘You don’t sound very concerned,’ Jessica said.

  ‘Why should I be? Sir Martin was eighty-four. It’s about time he made his way into the next world. And Sebastian was bound to gorge or drink or whore himself to death. It’s just a pity for him that it wasn’t the latter.’

  ‘Well, really! I don’t like that sort of talk.’

  ‘Which part in particular?’

  ‘Everything you said. You can be so beastly at times, Luke Pengarron!’

  He stopped at the studio door and leaned towards her. ‘Did you think I had changed, Jessica?’

  ‘No!’

  He pulled one other curls which she immediately swiped out of his fingers. ‘I think you’re lying. I think you’re beginning to like me a little bit. I’m not all bad, my dear. Here in my breast there beats a heart of love and kindness. You should let me show it to you sometime.’

  ‘Oh, just get out of my way!’

  He moved aside and knocked on the studio door. ‘I love it when you’re angry with me,’ he laughed and walked away.

  ‘Come in!’ Olivia called from the studio but Jessica stayed to stare at Luke’s back. The door opened. ‘Oh, it’s you, Jessie,’ Olivia said. ‘Why didn’t you come in when I called to you?’

>   ‘I didn’t hear you,’ Jessica replied moodily, and swept through the door to greet Cordelia who was standing holding a flower across her skirt.

  Olivia glanced down the corridor before coming back into the room. ‘You were too busy quarrelling with Luke again.’

  ‘What were you quarrelling about this time?’ Cordelia asked, trying not to fidget as Olivia looked at her warningly.

  ‘Oh, something and nothing. We’ll never agree for more than five minutes at a time.’

  ‘No, I don’t suppose you will,’ Cordelia said, and she went off into her own thoughts.

  ‘Don’t leave us now,’ Jessica said, waving a hand in front of her face. ‘I’ve got some news for you both.’

  ‘About Zack Maynard?’ Olivia whispered, then said sternly, ‘Don’t you dare move, Cordelia. Just a few more minutes and I’ll have your outline perfectly.’

  ‘Thank the Lord for that,’ her cousin replied with feeling. ‘You have a date for us, Jessie?’

  Jessica hesitated before answering as a distant rumbling sound was heard. Olivia glanced anxiously out of the window. The sky was pink and soupy. ‘Aye, I have,’ Jessica replied. ‘I met Zack Maynard in Marazion yesterday, that is to say I was selling eggs and he came up and bought some and told me he would meet me on the road on the way home. He must have known I’d walked over by myself. The man seems to know my movements better than I do myself.’

  ‘I don’t like the sound of that,’ Olivia remarked, frowning heavily at Cordelia’s right shoulder then measuring the piece of canvas she was working on with the head of her paintbrush. ‘Are you sure it’s safe to work with him? Perhaps we should call the whole thing off.’

  ‘We will not! True, the man makes me feel uneasy and it wouldn’t take much encouragement for him to turn our meetings onto another footing but I want the run to go ahead. Even if we do it only once, it will be exciting enough to always remember, something to tell our grandchildren about.’

  ‘What did he say?’ Cordelia asked, alert now, her eyes shining.

  ‘He suddenly appeared after I passed through the toll gate. There was no one about and he carried my baskets for me. Said to say he was enquiring after Philip’s wrestling if anyone saw us and got curious. He said the run is planned for this time next week.’