by Dilly Court
‘So you are looking to purchase rather than to rent?’
‘We wish to buy, of course. My fiancé’s family are very wealthy, and they want us to have a nice home. If we like a property we are prepared to take somewhere that needs a little love and attention, and that will be reflected in the price.’
Squire Tattersall sat down, staring at her as if he could see right through her deception. ‘It sounds as if you have somewhere in mind. I’m not a fool, Miss Marshall. Are you speaking of Creek Hall? As far as I know it’s the only property that fits in with your description.’
‘It has been mentioned, sir.’
Squire Tattersall held the visiting card between his fingers, scrutinising it with a thoughtful frown. ‘How do you come to be in this part of the country? It’s a long way from Queen Square.’
‘My uncle is a recently retired businessman. He bought a property in Little Creek because he wanted to take the air and follow less arduous pursuits. I am staying with him and my aunt for a while, and it would be convenient to live near them when I am married.’
‘I see.’ Squire Tattersall sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers. His shrewd brown eyes, set beneath bushy brows, seemed to bore into her soul. ‘You wouldn’t happen to be a friend of Dr Neville, would you?’
‘I hardly know anyone in the village, Squire.’
‘Creek Hall is all but derelict. Why would a young couple wish to burden themselves with somewhere that needs almost complete renovation?’
It was obvious that his suspicions were aroused and Daisy rose from her seat. ‘I can see that I’ve wasted my time. Thank you for seeing me. I’ll show myself out.’
Squire Tattersall leaped to his feet. ‘Don’t be so hasty. Sit down and we can discuss the matter further, or maybe you would like to stay to luncheon?’ He reached for the bell pull.
Daisy shook her head. ‘Thank you, but I have another property to see this afternoon. However, if you’d like to name your price I will have a word with my solicitor, and he will deal with matters from then on.’
‘Do take a seat, my dear lady. I’m sure we can come to a mutually agreed arrangement, and it will be a pleasure to have you as a neighbour.’ His eyes narrowed. ‘But if your future husband is in the diplomatic service, won’t he be away from home for long periods of time?’
‘Of course, and that’s why I wish to be close to my family.’
‘I thought that wives usually accompanied their husbands on such missions.’
‘I think that is a private matter, Squire. It need not concern you.’ Daisy spoke hastily and for a moment she thought that she had made a dreadful mistake.
Twin spots of colour stood out above the squire’s mutton-chop whiskers and his eyes flashed, but he twisted his lips into a smile. ‘I like a woman with spirit. It will be a pleasure doing business with you, Miss Marshall.’
Daisy forced her lips into a smile and resumed her seat. ‘Thank you, Squire. Now, how much are you asking for the Creek Hall estate?’
Squire Tattersall walked slowly round the desk and leaned against it, fixing Daisy with a hard stare. ‘Well, you are direct, Miss Marshall. I think you and I are going to be good friends.’
‘That depends upon how much you think the estate is worth, Squire,’ Daisy said firmly. He was so close that she could feel the heat radiating from his body and the smoky scent of the Harris Tweed mingled with the heady odours of brandy and cigar smoke.
‘I’m certain we can come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement. Are you sure you won’t stay for luncheon?’
Daisy raised her left hand to brush an imaginary hair from her brow and the diamond ring flashed in a ray of sunlight that filtered through the panes of the lattice window. She needed to remind this domineering man that she was engaged to be married, although she had a feeling that such a consideration would carry little weight if he thought that she was fair game. She held his gaze, hoping that he could not hear her heart beating a tattoo against her ribcage, and she wished that she had insisted on having Linnet present, but the thought of saving Creek Hall was uppermost in her mind, and she leaned forward, forcing her lips into a smile. ‘How much are you asking, Squire?’
‘What happened?’ Linnet demanded when they were shown out of the manor house.
‘Not now,’ Daisy said in a low voice. ‘Wait until we’re away from here. I wouldn’t be surprised if the walls really do have ears. The squire seems to know everything that’s going on in the area.
Jay was already standing to attention with the carriage door held open. ‘Well, how did it go?’ He helped Daisy into the carriage and then Linnet.
‘I hope I never have to see that man again. He’s a lecher and he disgusts me.’
‘What did he do?’ Linnet asked anxiously as she settled herself beside Daisy. ‘Did he molest you, miss?’
‘No, not physically, but he leered at me the whole time, and he was so condescending. He obviously thinks that all women are stupid and I’m not sure if he took me seriously. He seemed to think that I was offering myself as part of the bargain, but I made it clear that wasn’t the case.’
‘I’d have wiped the smug smile off his face,’ Jay said angrily.
‘And you’d end up in prison again.’ Daisy met his angry gaze with a steady look. ‘I’ve heard that you served time. It wouldn’t be wise to get on the wrong side of the squire.’
‘That was a long time ago,’ Jay said casually. ‘Anyway, we aren’t talking about me. Did he say anything untoward? I won’t stand for that.’
‘It doesn’t matter now – it’s over as far as I’m concerned. When I tell Nick how much it will take to pay back the debt his father incurred, and it’s not as much as the interest that the wicked old devil was demanding, it will be up to Nick’s solicitor to deal with Squire Tattersall. Whatever happens I have no wish to see the squire again.’
‘Won’t that be difficult, miss?’ Linnet gazed at her, frowning. ‘If the master does go ahead with the purchase, won’t the squire be suspicious if you don’t see him again?’
‘I don’t think a lady like Mrs Carrington would soil her hands with business matters. I’m relying on that fact, but in my opinion the squire is being greedy.’
‘I hope you won’t get into trouble with the squire, miss. If he discovers that you’ve tricked him he’ll be furious.’
‘There’s no reason why he should find out,’ Daisy said with more confidence than she was feeling. ‘Don’t worry about me, Linnet.’
‘But I do, miss. You’re one of us now, if you don’t mind me saying so.’
‘Not in the least. I’d be proud to be considered part of the village, and I’ll do anything I can to save Creek Hall, within reason.’
‘It’s time someone stood up to the squire.’ Jay climbed onto the driver’s seat. ‘Let’s get away from here.’
‘Yes, drive on, please, Jay.’ Daisy sat back against the padded squabs. ‘Nick will be waiting to hear what the squire said.’
‘I should never have agreed to your plan in the first place,’ Nick said angrily. ‘I’m grateful to you for trying to help, Daisy, but I should have known how that man would react to a pretty face.’
‘Just say the word and I’ll knock some sense into the old goat.’ Jay stopped pacing the floor, turning to Nick with an angry frown. ‘I could have put a stop to it, but I let her go in on her own.’
‘I wasn’t allowed in with her,’ Linnet added tearfully. ‘We all know the squire’s reputation with women.’
Daisy had been sitting quietly in the morning parlour at Creek Hall, but now she rose to her feet. ‘Stop it, all of you. I chose to face the squire on my own, and nothing untoward happened. Yes, I was embarrassed, and to tell the truth I was a bit nervous at times, but he quoted a price for Creek Hall, and it’s obvious that he’s trying to extort money from you. I think your solicitor would be able to pin him down to a more reasonable repayment of the debt.’
‘Thank you, Daisy. You’ve done splendidly, but T
attersall isn’t the sort of man who would take kindly to being duped. I’ll find a way to raise the interest he’s put on my father’s loan, and I’ll deal with him myself. It was cowardly of me to let you go there in the first place.’
Jay shook his head. ‘No one could accuse you of taking the easy way out. Daisy wanted to help and she did her best.’
‘And I am truly grateful. It was a brave move, Daisy, but the squire always seems to be one step ahead.’
‘How will you raise the money?’ she asked anxiously. ‘What will you do?’
‘I’ll use the money my aunt gave me to pay off part of the loan, but I have no choice other than to return to London. I was offered a junior position in Harley Street before I left, and I’m seriously thinking of taking it up. I’ll leave Mrs Bee in charge while I’m away.’
Linnet gazed at him in dismay. ‘Who will take care of us in the village if you aren’t here?’
‘I’m sorry. It’s not what I intended, and my father would be horrified if he knew, but I have no choice.’
‘Are you really going back to London? I’m not afraid of the squire,’ Daisy said earnestly. ‘I’ll carry on with the pretence if you’re willing to accept his terms. Just say the word and I’ll tell him so.’
Chapter Nine
Nick left for London next day, but Daisy chose to stay in Little Creek. She devoted herself to helping Jack with his lessons, and discovered that Mr Massey had been right: Jack was a bright boy and when he set his mind to studying he was an apt pupil. But he was young and as his arm healed he became bored and restless. Being confined to the house was not something he was accustomed to, and he admitted missing his friends. Despite the fact that he would have to be careful not to damage the arm again, Daisy thought it time he returned to school.
She brought up the subject on one of Elliot’s frequent visits to the house and he agreed, reluctantly, although he suggested that perhaps another two or three weeks at home might speed up the healing process. Daisy suspected that this was because he would not have an excuse to call on her, but his open admiration was becoming embarrassing, as were the small tokens of appreciation that he brought with him. Sometimes it was a bunch of snowdrops or the first primroses, or it might be a book of poetry that he thought she would enjoy. When he suggested an outing to the fair that was visiting the area Daisy refused as tactfully as possible, but when Jay turned up at Creek Cottage with a similar proposition she accepted instantly.
It was a sunny day with a definite hint of spring in the air, although there was a bite in the wind, demonstrating that winter had not entirely given up its icy grip. Not to be deterred, Daisy wrapped her shawl around the green velvet travelling gown she had worn when she visited the squire. ‘Isn’t that Nick’s horse?’ she asked as Jay handed her onto the driver’s seat of the trap.
‘Yes, it is. Nick asked me to see that the old fellow gets some exercise while he’s away.’ Jay shot her a sideways glance as he climbed up to sit beside her. ‘That’s the gown you wore to Creek Manor. That colour suits you. It complements your creamy complexion and emphasises your lovely eyes. I’ve always found dark-eyed women fascinating.’
Daisy stared at him in surprise. ‘I suppose that’s meant to be a compliment, or are you saying I’m like all the other women you’ve known with dark hair and eyes?’
Jay laughed and flicked the reins and the old horse ambled off towards the lane. ‘I’m not a lady’s man and never have been, but I can appreciate pretty things and I speak plainly. I might not be a gentleman, but I’m not an ignorant clod.’
‘Who said you were?’
‘I’ve been in prison, Daisy. I don’t pretend to be better than I am.’
‘What did you do?’
He chuckled. ‘I never got on with my father. I felt that he hated me at times, and I fell in with a bad crowd.’
‘But you didn’t go to prison for being a naughty boy.’
Jay threw back his head and laughed. ‘Naughty boy hardly describes me, Daisy. I got into fights, and I mixed with the wrong people. I’m not proud of my past.’
‘You were arrested for being in a fight?’
‘You might say that.’ He stared ahead, his gaze fixed on the road.
‘What happened?’
‘There was a brawl outside a pub in Maldon. I can’t remember what started it, but I joined in and I was the one who got caught. The squire was quick to make an example of me and I was sentenced to six months’ hard labour. I suppose that seems shameful to a lady like you.’
‘I’m not a lady. I was a governess until my employer’s son was sent to boarding school.’
‘You are a lady, and I’m someone you ought not to associate with.’
She turned to look at him, but he was intent on the road ahead. ‘Why not? How do you earn your living now, and who had beaten you so badly when we found you face down in the mud?’
‘You might say it was a difference of opinion between business associates.’ He met her curious gaze with a careless smile. ‘A disagreement between shipmasters.’
‘You own a ship?’
‘The Lazy Jane is a neat little schooner, and I’m her captain. The man who owns her gives us his instructions, and we carry them out. It’s as simple as that.’
She shivered, experiencing a sudden chill, and she tucked her hands into the blanket that he had thoughtfully wrapped around her knees. ‘Tell me about your ship.’
‘She’s small and fast, and the goods we trade in are much in demand locally.’
‘Do you mean contraband? I thought smuggling had died out in the last century.’
‘There are always men eager to make money in any way they can. I transport goods for the ship owner, and sometimes people. We land in the quiet inlets of the Blackwater or the River Crouch. I don’t ask questions.’
‘But something must have gone wrong for you to be beaten so viciously.’
‘An altercation with a rival,’ he said casually. ‘They’re a gang working out of Burnham-on-Crouch. They pose as fishermen, but it’s a guise to cover up their criminal activities.’
‘And what were you doing on the Lazy Jane?’
‘It just so happens that we were minding our own business and making for shelter in a storm when we ran aground. They’d been after us since we sailed into the estuary, but I thought they’d given up. In hindsight I realise that wasn’t the case.’
‘But you were attacked near home.’
‘It was pitch-dark and there was nothing to be done until morning, so I left my crew on board and set off to see my family. I had a pouch of money to give my mother, but I must have been followed. I was set upon and I don’t remember anything until you found me in the water.’
‘I suppose they stole the money.’
‘They must have landed further upriver and the light of my lantern probably gave me away. They knew I would be carrying money and they were determined to get their hands on it.’
‘Is it worth risking your life for so little?’
‘It’s all I know, Daisy. I’ve been at sea since I was thirteen; that’s nigh on ten years, and there’s precious little for me to do on shore.’
‘There must be some gainful employment you could undertake,’ Daisy said, frowning.
‘I’m a wanderer, Daisy. I don’t know that I could ever settle down for long on land.’
‘Never? You might change your mind one day.’
‘Wait until you see the Lazy Jane and perhaps you’ll understand. She’s beached in a secluded spot and my crew are working on her, or at least that’s what they’re supposed to be doing. I’m going to check on them now.’
‘I thought we were going to the fair.’
‘We’ll do that afterwards. I want you to see my boat. I trust you, Daisy. No one else knows of her whereabouts, or even how I earn my living.’
‘Not even Nick?’
‘He’s the exception, but he doesn’t know the exact location of my craft. I wouldn’t put him in that position.’
/>
‘And yet you’re willing to take me there? Why?’
His smile faded. ‘I want you to see the boat, it’s as simple as that.’
‘Aren’t you afraid that I might report you to the authorities?’
‘Not at all. I don’t think you give a damn for the rules.’
‘I’m very law abiding.’
‘But you didn’t mind lying to the squire. You were prepared to take him on at his own game. What do you think he would have done had he discovered your deception?’
‘I try not to think about it. Anyway, I’m unlikely to meet the squire again. We don’t move in the same circles.’
‘Best keep it that way, too.’ Jay clicked his tongue against his teeth. ‘Walk on, Hero, old man. It’s not too far now.’
Daisy held on to the side of the seat as the trap lurched forward, bouncing off the ruts in what was little more than a track. They were driving along the edge of the saltings and sunlight sparkled on the strips of water lying between the tussocky grass mounds. The whole area was alive with wildlife, and gulls soared above their heads, their plaintive cries filling the air. It was chilly but exhilarating, and Daisy felt a surge of anticipation as Jay guided Hero down a narrow track that opened out suddenly into a secluded strip of mud flat surrounded by trees. There, as he had said, was the Lazy Jane, with two seamen working to repair the damage caused when the boat was beached.
Jay drew Hero to a halt and leaped down from the driver’s seat. He crossed the muddy foreshore to speak to his crew. Abandoned temporarily, Daisy watched curiously. Judging by the men’s attitudes it was obvious that Jay was their leader, and a popular one at that. Their faces had brightened at the sight of him and they seemed eager to talk. Daisy climbed down from the driver’s seat and stretched. The old trap was not the most luxurious form of travel and it was good to feel solid ground beneath her feet. She stroked Hero’s muzzle and he rubbed his head against her shoulder in response.