by Dilly Court
Judy’s heart was pounding as she struggled to her feet, but an agonising spasm in her ankle wiped all thoughts from her mind and she uttered a yelp of pain just as Molly appeared in the doorway.
‘What are you doing, Judy? You’re supposed to be resting.’
‘Rob is going to take me to Creek Manor to see the foundations for the new house.’
‘Is that wise? Ma won’t like it.’
‘I don’t care. I really want to go. Will you fetch my cape, bonnet and gloves from my room, please?’
Molly pursed her lips. ‘I don’t know, Judy. What if you catch a chill?’
‘I won’t. Please get my things.’
‘All right, but I’m not taking the blame if you die of lung fever.’ Molly tossed her head and flounced out of the room.
It was a pleasant drive to Creek Manor and Judy’s spirits rose. Rob seemed relaxed and they chatted about mundane things, mostly to do with his plans for the new house. When they approached the entrance to the estate Judy was quick to notice that the gatehouse seemed to be occupied. The front garden had been tended and a column of smoke curled up from the chimney. The tall wrought-iron gates had been newly painted, but they had been left open and Rob drove up the avenue, reining in the horse on the carriage sweep. Even though there was great deal of activity at the site, Judy was shocked to see the huge gap where once a fine mansion had stood.
Rob gave her a sideways glance. ‘You haven’t been here since the fire?’
She shook her head. ‘No. There seemed little point. All my memories of living here had quite literally gone up in smoke. It would have broken my heart.’
‘You really mean that, don’t you?’
‘Yes, I do. I was only nine years old when Daisy brought me and my family to Little Creek, and I thought that the old house was a palace. It really was when compared to the hovel we occupied in Green Dragon Yard. I was overwhelmed at first, but Cook was kind to me and so were the rest of the servants. I’d say I had a very happy childhood, especially when I was allowed to study with Jack. Then everything changed and not for the good.’
‘But you survived and took over the Crooked Billet, building it into a thriving business. That takes courage, Judy.’
‘It was dire necessity, Rob. Courage didn’t come into it.’ She turned her head to look at him. ‘You could have claimed your inheritance when the old squire died. Why didn’t you come forward then?’
‘My mother passed away when I was very young, and it wasn’t until I reached sixteen that Aunt Adeline told me the truth about my father. Until that time I thought I was a Dorning, and I was content to leave it that way. Then I inherited a fortune from a distant relative, so I didn’t need the money.’
‘What changed your mind?’ Judy asked gently.
‘It was only when I realised that Jay would have been as bad a master and landlord as our father that I knew I had to shoulder my responsibilities. It was then that I set about obtaining the documents to back up my claim.’
‘The old house might still be standing if you’d stepped in sooner,’ Judy said thoughtfully. ‘Things would have been so different.’
‘Maybe the curse of Creek Manor went up in flames.’ Rob smiled ruefully. ‘This is a fresh start, Judy. A whole new chapter in the history of the estate.’
‘Will you live here when the house is built?’
‘Of course, and I have a plan for the estate that I think you will like.’
‘Really? What is it?’
‘Ah! That would be telling. It’s to be a surprise.’
Chapter Twenty-Three
Rob’s enthusiastic description of his future home made Judy smile, but she could not share his passion for the project. Despite being asked for her opinion on various aspects of the formal rooms, she felt oddly deflated. After all, the new Creek Manor had nothing to do with her. It was not as if she and her family were going to be living there as they had in the old days. The former manor house had been her home for more than half her life, and now it was gone.
‘Of course, it’s difficult to imagine how it will look when the walls go up,’ Rob said guardedly. ‘But I’m thinking of hiring more workmen in order to get the main wing erected before the end of the summer.’
‘I’m sure it will be wonderful.’ Judy tried to sound enthusiastic.
Rob gave her a sideways glance. ‘I have something that might be of more interest to you.’ He flicked the reins and urged the horse to a walk, heading towards the stables.
‘Where are we going?’
‘Wait and see.’ He gave her a mischievous smile. He drew the horse to a halt outside the tack room, where he alighted and lifted Judy to the ground. ‘Lean on me. It isn’t far to walk.’
He led her into the tack room, which had been turned into an office for the surveyor and the site manager. Plans of the new house were pinned to the wall and a draughtsman’s table had been set up in the middle of the room.
‘It all looks very impressive,’ Judy said dutifully.
Rob pulled up a chair. ‘Sit down and I’ll show you something that you might find more interesting. Your mother’s cottage was burned down by Faulkner. I plan to replace it with this.’ He opened a large portfolio and held up the contents for her to see.
Judy gazed at the architect’s drawing of the prettiest house she had ever seen. ‘It’s beautiful, but this is a grand house. We lived in a small cottage.’
‘I’m glad you approve.’ He showed her the plans for the ground floor. ‘You see, there will be a square entrance hall with a staircase rising in an elegant curve to the first floor. There are two reception rooms with elegant fireplaces and large windows to give the maximum amount of light. There’s a smaller parlour and a large kitchen with a cast-iron range, and a sink complete with a water pump.’
Judy’s eyes widened. ‘How Ma would love that. Just think, she’d never have to go outside in the cold and dark to fetch water. How wonderful.’
Rob laughed. ‘I didn’t think I ever see anyone excited about a sink with a pump.’
‘Perhaps you’ve never had to traipse through rain and snow to fetch water, Rob Dorning, but I have and so has Ma. I can tell you, this would be luxury.’
Rob pointed to the plan for the first floor. ‘There are four bedrooms on this floor,’ Rob said proudly. ‘And three attic room for servants, or,’ he added, chuckling, ‘as a nursery.’
Judy studied the plan, frowning. ‘What does that mean?’
‘It’s what they call a water closet. It’s an indoor privy or lavatory. All the best homes have them nowadays, and next to it is the bathroom.’
Judy stared at him in amazement. ‘This house has special rooms for the privy and the tin bath?’
‘I can’t promise that there will be running water, although that’s my plan eventually. But one day all homes will have such amazing facilities.’
‘How modern and very clever. But I’ll believe it when I see it.’
Rob laughed and their hands touched as he went to fold up the plans. Judy withdrew hers quickly, suddenly conscious of his nearness, and she moved away. ‘Thank you for showing this to me. It looks wonderful.’
‘I wanted you to share the excitement I feel for this project, Judy. Unfortunately I have to go to London on business tomorrow, which will take me away for a while.’
‘Has it to do with Jay?’
‘No. There’s nothing he can do other than to make a nuisance of himself, and I think he might have realised that by now. He might be my half-brother, but I’m hoping he’ll go back to Australia, and that will the last we’ll hear from him.’
‘I do hope so,’ Judy said fervently.
Rob proffered his arm. ‘I think it’s time I took you home. You’ve probably had enough for one day, but there is one more place I want to show you, if your ankle isn’t too painful.’
‘I’m enjoying myself so much I’d almost forgotten about it,’ Judy said truthfully.
‘Sharing this with you makes the whole pro
ject seem even more worthwhile.’ Rob tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and they made their way slowly to the chaise. He lifted her onto the seat and climbed up beside her.
‘Where are we going now?’ Judy asked as he urged the horse to a brisk walk.
‘The gatekeeper’s cottage. I’ve had it redecorated and modernised, but I have no idea at all when it comes to furnishings and curtains and suchlike. I need your help, Judy.’
‘In what way?’
‘I’ve seen what you did to the old inn, and I doubt if you had two pennies to rub together.’
She laughed. ‘You’re right. We had other people’s cast-offs, but we managed.’
‘This time you can spend what you like, within reason. I’d like it to be furnished comfortably but with style – just the sort of place where I might take my bride, if I were to be married.’
‘You’re to be wed?’
‘Yes, one day, when the time is right.’
She shot him a sideways glance. ‘You proposed to me once, do you remember?’
‘How could I forget? You and I almost shared a room at the Charing Cross Hotel.’
‘So you do remember, although of course it was said in jest.’
‘Perhaps, but it wouldn’t have been practical then.’ He flicked the reins. ‘Trot on.’
Judy studied his profile as he concentrated on guiding the horse towards the gatehouse. His high forehead, straight nose and firm jaw marked him out as a determined man; someone who would not allow anything to get in his way when he had set his mind on something – but what about his heart? She was still mulling this question over when they arrived at the gatehouse.
‘I thought that someone was living here,’ Judy said as Rob ushered her into the hallway.
‘No, I’ve had fires lit every day to make sure the place is free from damp.’ Rob opened the door to his right. ‘This is the parlour. You can see it’s quite small, so the furniture needs to be commensurate with its size. The same goes for the other rooms.’
Judy leaned on his arm as they entered the kitchen, which was larger. Upstairs there were two reasonable size bedrooms and one not much larger than a boxroom.
‘What do you think?’ Rob asked when they returned to the kitchen.
‘Why are you going to all this trouble for a house that you will probably never set foot in?’
‘I know the value of home. Why shouldn’t a gatekeeper have as much comfort as the lord of the manor? I’ll expect the man and his wife to be on duty whenever they’re needed, so the least I can do is to provide good accommodation for them.’
Judy had a sudden vision of Adeline Dorning’s cosy parlour and she nodded. ‘You’re right.’
‘So you’ll do it?’
‘Of course I will. What woman could resist the opportunity to spend someone else’s money? But seriously, Rob, I’ll make it really nice, but I won’t bankrupt you.’
‘I trust you implicitly. Just think about it as if you were furnishing your own home.’
She smiled. ‘I don’t know whether that will ever happen, but I will, of course.’
‘You’re looking a bit pale. I’m afraid I’ve kept you out too long. Have you seen enough?’
Judy nodded. ‘Yes, I think so, and I can always ride over if I need to take any measurements. I suppose you want me to include curtains and carpets as well.’
‘You see why I need your expert touch. I had completely forgotten things like that. I’ll take you home, but I’ve just remembered I need to see the site manager, McArthur, before I go. Do you mind a quick detour?’
‘Of course not. I’ll sit in the chaise while you speak to him.’
McArthur was not at the building site, but one of the workmen said he had seen the manager walking back to the stables. They drove past him, but McArthur was deep in conversation with some of the workmen and Rob agreed to wait for him outside the tack room.
Judy had said little during the short drive. As he drew the horse to a halt Rob turned to her with a quizzical smile. ‘A penny for them?’
‘I was thinking that I know so little about you. What did you do before your relative left you a fortune? How did you make your living?’
‘Didn’t my aunt tell you? She usually regales anyone who will listen with stories about my heroic past, all from her vivid imagination, of course.’
‘So what did you do? You must be a bit older than Jay, although you look younger.’
‘Thank you. I thought you might see me as an old man.’
‘Of course not. How old are you?’
‘A straight question – I’m thirty-five, nearly thirty-six. A great deal older than you.’
‘I’m twenty, nearly twenty-one. Age doesn’t count if you get on well with someone, but you still haven’t answered my question, Rob. How did you earn a living?’
‘It may surprise you to learn that I studied medicine, and when I qualified I joined the army medical service. I spent six years in India and I left the service two years ago when I received my inheritance. Since then I’ve been trying to decide what to do with the rest of my life.’
‘You’re a doctor?’ Judy stared at him in amazement. ‘How could you give that up when you could do so much good in the world?’
‘I’ve never been in general practice, and I’ve only worked in army hospitals.’
‘But you outbid Dr Godfrey and his associates. Did you know they intended to build a large hospital in place of the old manor house?’
‘Yes, I knew, but the estate meant more to me at the time, and I suppose I wanted to find my place in the world.’
‘So now you know who you are, why don’t you use your father’s name?’
‘To be honest I haven’t given it much thought, although I think it might hurt my aunt if I were to change my surname now.’
‘But you’re happy to take on the estate in spite of the fact that you’re ashamed of being a Tattersall.’
‘I’m ashamed of the way that man treated my mother,’ Rob said slowly. ‘But the Dornings are equally notorious. Respect has to be earned, and I’m prepared to work hard to prove myself worthy of the position I now hold, and perhaps to redress some of the wrongs my father and Jay have done to the village.’
‘But you gave up your career in medicine to become lord of the manor. That seems a terrible waste of your abilities.’
‘I’m a man, not a saint. I’m sorry if I disappoint you.’
She turned her head away. ‘I’ve no right to criticise you. Forget what I said.’
‘There’s McArthur now.’ Rob leaped to the ground. ‘I’ll only be a few minutes. Are you sure you don’t mind waiting?’
‘No, I’ll be quite all right.’
‘Thank you. You’re a woman in a million.’ Rob strode off to join McArthur in the tack room.
‘Judy.’ The sound of her younger brother’s voice made Judy turn her head and she saw Pip racing across the cobbled yard. He held the horse’s reins, grinning up at Judy. ‘Are you better? Nate said you was half dead when you came home, but you look fine to me. Trust him to exaggerate.’
‘I’ve sprained my ankle, but otherwise I’m perfectly well.’ Judy leaned closer, lowering her voice. ‘What are you doing here? Why aren’t you at Colneyhurst?’
‘Rob’s given me a job. I’m the head groom, at least that’s what I am until the new house is completed.’
‘I thought you were happy at Colneyhurst, Pip.’
‘I was, but it’s not the same without Nate. Anyway, Rob came to see me and explained that the stables needed someone to look after the horses while the workmen are here, so I jumped at the chance to come home.’
‘But it isn’t our home now.’
‘It will be. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t love to come back to Creek Manor, and Ma and Nate, too. Maybe not Molly because she’s sweet on Jack Fox, or perhaps I shouldn’t tell you that?’ Pip coloured up and looked away, biting his lip.
‘Jack and I are just friends, and if Molly is happy with him
then that’s wonderful, but why did you think we’ll return here?’
‘You’ll marry Rob and be mistress of Creek Manor.’
‘Who told you that?’ Judy demanded angrily.
Pip dropped his gaze, staring down at his booted feet. ‘I dunno, Judy. Anyone can see that he likes you.’
‘And I like him, but that doesn’t make a romance. I hope you haven’t mentioned this to Ma or Nate.’
He shuffled his feet. ‘It was Nate who first mentioned it.’
‘I’ll have a few words to say to our brother when I get home.’ Judy glanced over his shoulder. ‘Don’t say anything else. Rob’s coming back.’
He came towards them with an apologetic smile. ‘I’m so sorry, Judy. McArthur has come up with a problem. I need to stay and sort it out.’
‘Of course you must. I don’t mind waiting.’
‘I wouldn’t hear of it. Pip will drive you home,’ Rob said hastily. ‘I’ll make it up to you, I promise.’ He turned to Pip. ‘See that your sister gets home safely, and come straight back.’
Pip tipped his cap. ‘Yes, sir.’ He climbed onto the driver’s seat. ‘Has Ma made cheese and onion pie today, Judy?’
She smiled. ‘As a matter of fact I think she did. It smelled delicious.’
‘Walk on.’ Pip flicked the reins. ‘That’s one thing I miss here. Ma’s cooking. It would be good if you did decide to move back to the manor house when it’s ready.’
‘It’s a long way off,’ Judy said evasively. ‘Never mind me. Tell me about yourself. I haven’t seen you for ages.’ She settled back against the squabs, resisting the temptation to look over her shoulder; she was certain that Rob was watching them until they were out of sight. She listened to her brother’s chatter all the way home, only hearing half of what he had to say. Her ankle ached and she closed her eyes, allowing Pip to ramble on until they arrived back at the Crooked Billet.
Molly took one look at Judy as Pip helped her into the taproom, and she shook her head. ‘Go and sit down by the fire in the parlour, Judy. You look awful.’