A Rebel at Pennington’s

by Rachel Brimble

  He scanned the room again to no avail and turned to Rose. ‘Would you like me to buy a book, so you can say hello to the nice lady?’

  Her eyes lit with eagerness and she smiled. ‘Can we?’

  ‘Of course. We’ll sit here a while longer and let the queue go down a little, then we’ll move next door.’

  Rose nodded and leaned into him, the stiffness in her body once again soft.

  How and when he would ever be able to fill the gaping hole Abigail’s death had left in Rose and Nathanial’s lives, he had no idea, but it was time he tried. No matter how much he feared a woman – a spouse – discovering his childhood trauma and the fears it had left behind, it was selfish to continue life as a widower when his children deserved the love of a woman who adored them. They deserved kindness and laughter in their lives. Yet, the thought of introducing a woman to his children filled Lawrence with dread when, from his upbringing to the lack of intimate connection between him and Abigail, he knew all too well how difficult some relationships could be.

  When he and Abigail were first married and lived at Culford Manor, his father’s rural estate, Lawrence had worked ten- to twelve-hour days. In the mornings, he would visit four or five of their many tenants. The afternoons were spent checking and working on various land jobs that needed his attention. In the evenings, he’d often wander to the pub to share a tankard or two with the locals, often returning late at night when Abigail had already retired.

  They had married when he’d been twenty-four, and Abigail had fallen pregnant with Rose shortly afterwards. Although he and Abigail had never truly loved one another, their delight in the prospect of parenthood had filled them both with joy. Joy that had garnered a mutual respect, understanding and care that hadn’t been there when they’d agreed to marry as per their families’ wishes.

  He and Abigail had gone along well enough and most probably would have continued to do so, if not for his final break from his family home. That fateful day had meant he and Abigail only had each other for company rather than the buffers of his parents and youngest sister, who had always treated Abigail with an amicability they’d rarely bestowed on Lawrence.

  On that explosive day in April 1904, Lawrence’s rage towards his father had finally erupted, leading to him leaving the estate with his pregnant wife, determined to start a new life in Bath. With only his accumulated savings behind them, his and Abigail’s new beginning had been frugal but comfortable. The reason he’d saved, he realised afterwards, was because he’d always known he would leave his family home sooner than either of his parents wanted.

  The hardest part of that life-changing day was the knowledge that, in that moment, he couldn’t take Cornelia and Harriet with him, too. Yet, he had vowed to never abandon them. Always be close by, reachable and accessible. To this day, he’d kept that promise... even if his relationship with Harriet wasn’t quite the one he’d hoped for.

  Although love never fully blossomed between them, he and Abigail built a good life with Rose serving to bring them closer. Abigail had been content as a mother and soon they could afford to employ Mrs Jackson, followed by Helen and Charles. By the time he’d acquired The Phoenix and Abigail became pregnant again, Lawrence was convinced their marriage would last.

  Then Abigail had died a few months later, leaving him with the final precious gift of Nathanial.

  Pressing another kiss to Rose’s hair, Lawrence searched the room again for Esther.

  Next time, he’d only marry for love. Not for status, family or wealth. Esther had made him see how much he’d let pass by without concern or desire for more. Even though he’d barely known her any time at all, he longed for her company. He wanted to look into her eyes, see her smile, hear her laugh. His perplexity about these yearnings made him all the more determined to get to know her and uncover why she had caused such an interest for him.

  Physically, she’d made him come alive. Mentally, he sought her knowledge and wisdom. Emotionally – he swallowed – he had no idea what he felt, except for an exhilarating mix of the unknown and absolute certainty.

  ‘Daddy?’

  He blinked from his reverie and looked at Rose as she eased away from him.

  She smiled, her eyes bright and happy once more. ‘Could we find Esther? I want to show her my dress.’

  ‘Don’t you want to meet Mrs Hadley?’

  She shook her head. ‘I want to see Esther instead.’

  Smiling at Rose’s way of leaping from one decision to the next, he took her hand, pleased she’d provided an excuse to seek out Esther ‘Then let’s go and find her.’

  They walked from the department and Lawrence scanned the corridor for Esther’s blonde hair and pretty face. Around and around they walked, Rose’s fingers intertwined with his as she smothered her yawns with her other hand.

  ‘She doesn’t seem to be here, sweetheart.’ He lifted Rose onto his hip. ‘She’s probably had a long day and left already.’

  ‘I should be tired, too.’ Her eyes danced with mischief. ‘But I’m not. Not even a little bit.’

  Lawrence smoothed his daughter’s hair from her face. ‘I think you could be a little tired.’

  She curtly shook her head, her blue eyes darkening with wilfulness.

  Smiling, Lawrence tilted his head towards the grand staircase. ‘Come on then. Let’s have a final look around before we go home.’

  She dropped her head onto his shoulder and he headed for the stairs. Judging by the fabulous transformation in the book department, he suspected Esther had worked non-stop for the last few days. But, whether exhausted or not, she’d found the time to change from her usual uniform for this evening’s event and, if her aim had been to remain unnoticed when she’d moved behind a pillar during Mrs Hadley’s talk, Esther had failed.

  Dressed in a smart red and grey checked skirt and jacket, the lace of the blouse beneath ruffled at the neck and peeking from beneath the cuffs, she’d looked phenomenal. Her grey hat was larger than he’d seen her wear before and extraordinarily arresting against her thick, blonde hair. He didn’t doubt the ensemble had been acquired within Pennington’s and she looked splendidly glamourous, yet businesslike.

  Entirely Esther.

  And finally Lawrence spotted her. Even though the room was full of elegantly dressed, sophisticated women, Esther stood out in the crowd. His heart stuttered. She was so damn beautiful.

  ‘There’s Esther, Daddy.’ Rose grinned. ‘Let’s surprise her.’

  Lawrence smiled and was about to approach her, when he abruptly stopped.

  ‘Just a minute, darling.’

  Esther appeared to be amid an altercation with a woman in her mid-thirties, maybe a little younger. It was difficult to be certain. Although her dark, brown hair, long neck and slender figure encased in a smart, navy-blue dress should bring the woman attention, the tilt of her decidedly pointed chin and clearly enforced smile made her immensely unattractive.

  Lawrence flicked his gaze to Esther and wariness skittered through him. He’d never seen such an expression of distaste on her face, or even imagined her capable of looking at anyone that way. His concern rose along with a hefty dose of protectiveness. Who was this woman? And why was she causing such venom in Esther’s eyes?

  He slowly walked forwards and stopped again, unsure if he should intervene.

  Rose touched his shoulder. ‘Who is that lady with Esther, Daddy? She doesn’t look very nice and Esther looks sad.’

  ‘It’s all right, sweetheart.’ Lawrence stroked her cheek. ‘Let’s just wait here until Esther’s finished speaking with the lady, shall we?’

  ‘Why are you even here?’ Esther’s voice was low and her cheeks red as she jabbed her finger towards the lift. ‘Just leave, Viola. You know as well as I do that you’ve no interest in a woman who has truly loved someone. Who has made her way independently in the world. You are clearly here to cause me trouble.’

  The woman’s laugh was laced with spite. ‘Can’t your stepmother take an interest in
your place of work? Your aunt suggested I came to see what you’re up to this evening.’

  ‘Aunt Mary didn’t want to come, too?’

  Lawrence frowned. He wasn’t sure if he detected disbelief or hurt in Esther’s tone.

  The woman sighed. ‘No, she seems to have little interest in whatever it is you do here. I’m in town with my sister for a few days and paid a visit to Mary earlier but told her Constance and I were busy this evening. I had no intention of entering the store until I heard your name mentioned outside. It seems you’re causing quite the anticipation with what you will do with the windows for the Coronation. Can’t a proud stepmother stop by to see her stepdaughter?’

  Esther crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed with clear suspicion. ‘And where is Constance now?’

  ‘Oh, she’s gone ahead to the restaurant. She has no vested interest in you, of course.’

  ‘Just go, Viola. You have no care for me either. Go home to my father and your own children. Leave me alone.’

  Lawrence pulled back his shoulders as the anger in Esther’s tone ignited his fury. How dare this woman speak to Esther this way. The urge to step forward and confront her stepmother pulsed through him but, just then, she shot a sneer at Esther, pushed her purse under her arm and marched towards the lift.

  Lawrence looked at Esther, care and concern rising inside him. She dropped her shoulders and tipped back her head, her eyes tightly closed.

  He would have given anything to take her in his arms and comfort her. He could not leave her in such a state of distress. He had to speak with her.

  ‘Esther has finished talking, Daddy. Can we see her now?’

  ‘Yes. Yes, we can.’ He stepped closer, only to stop again when Elizabeth Pennington approached and slid her arm around Esther’s shoulders.

  ‘Are you all right?’

  Esther shook her head, her gaze firmly on the lift. ‘I’m fine.’

  ‘But—’

  ‘Elizabeth, really. I’m perfectly all right, but I’d really like to leave for the day, if I may?’

  ‘Of course, but who was that wom—’

  Esther whirled away and hurried along the corridor, disappearing into another department. Elizabeth Pennington stared after her, her hands planted on her hips and her brow furrowed.

  Lawrence hitched Rose tighter into his embrace and inhaled a long breath.

  He had to be certain Esther was all right. He couldn’t leave without at least speaking with her. ‘Come on, darling. Let’s see if we can cheer Esther up, shall we?’

  Fifteen

  Esther slowly descended Pennington’s grand staircase, her demeanour a little more under control now she’d collected her purse from the design department and could leave the store for the day.

  Instead of walking the high road the moment Viola appeared, Esther had panicked and seen red. Malicious satisfaction had gleamed in her stepmother’s eyes, illustrating that she’d clearly been intent on goading Esther, heedless to the hordes of customers hurrying around the bustling corridor.

  Damnation. Why didn’t I just smile? Been so pleasant Viola would’ve had no choice but to go back and tell Father how happy I am. Instead, I…

  ‘Esther?’

  Lawrence and Rose stood at the bottom of the staircase, his face etched with concern, whereas Rose beamed with delight despite the tiredness that showed in the way her arms limply lay around her father’s shoulders. A wave of anxiety rolled through Esther. Why had Lawrence chosen to seek her now when she felt so horribly vulnerable? Worse, why did he have to look so handsome and Rose so adorable?

  Esther forced a wide smile. ‘Well, hello. Did you enjoy listening to Mrs Hadley, Rose?’

  ‘Yes, but…’ Her face dropped. ‘I worried for her because her husband died.’

  ‘Yes, he did.’ Esther tried to keep her focus on the little girl despite the heat of Lawrence’s stare at her temple. It was patently obvious it was her deep care for her father that had triggered Rose’s disquiet. ‘But she’s doing very well, regardless. Don’t you think?’

  Rose nodded and stared around the opulent, sparkling atrium that was Pennington’s pride and joy. Esther watched her, her heart filling with affection.

  Dragging her gaze from Rose’s pretty brown hair, Esther turned to Lawrence. His dark blue gaze made a slow, contemplative study of her face, his brow creased. ‘Are you all right?’

  Her smile faltered. ‘Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?’

  ‘I saw you.’ His voice lowered as he glanced at Rose who continued to look about them. He faced Esther again. ‘Overheard you. With your stepmother.’

  Her cheeks heated as she swallowed. What on earth must he think of her?

  ‘I see.’ Esther glanced at Rose just as she turned. She stared at Esther, her gaze curious. She’d obviously detected the care in her father’s voice. Clearing her throat, Esther faced Lawrence. ‘Viola and I will never be the best of friends. I tend to make myself scarce whenever she visits my aunt. To have Viola appear unannounced at the store, especially when I’ve put so much into this evening, was typical of her.’

  He looked towards the store’s double doors, his jaw tight, and then faced her and, as if remembering himself, he smiled. ‘We are going to have some hot chocolate. Would you like to join us?’

  ‘Please, Esther.’ Rose, her tiredness vanishing, bobbed up and down in Lawrence’s arms. ‘Daddy lets me have chocolate sprinkles on top, too.’

  The pressure that bore down on Esther was shaming. To go with him and Rose now would be a mistake. Esther wanted him to continue to like her and enjoy her company. If she showed her anger and resentment towards her meddling stepmother, there was every chance Lawrence could turn away from her.

  She gently touched Rose’s shoulder. ‘I’m sorry, darling, but I must get back to my aunt and spend some time with her before she goes to bed.’

  Disappointment flickered in the little girl’s eyes, the exact same shade of startling blue as her father’s. ‘But another time?’

  Just as Esther’s resolve began to buckle, the tip-tapping of approaching heels served as the perfect distraction.

  Turning, relief lowered Esther’s tense shoulders as Elizabeth and Joseph, looking every inch the handsome couple they were, walked closer. Esther quickly stepped forwards. ‘Elizabeth. Joseph. Do you need me for something?’ Please…

  Joseph looked from Esther to Lawrence and extended his hand. ‘Joseph Carter, sir. It’s nice to finally meet you. My wife told me she saw you in the store a while ago.’

  Esther stood immobile, her heart beating hard as Lawrence slipped his hand into Joseph’s, his expression relaxed and friendly. ‘She did, and I’m glad to make your acquaintance also. This is my daughter, Rose.’

  Joseph beamed, his gaze soft as he studied Rose. ‘Well, hel—’

  ‘Hello again, Rose.’ Elizabeth’s eyes lit as she whipped in front of Joseph and smiled with pleasure as she gently touched Rose’s cheek. ‘Would you like to see the new rocking horse we have in the toy department? Children have been riding him all week.’

  ‘Yes, please! Can I, Daddy?’

  Esther looked at Lawrence. His gaze sought hers, rather than Rose’s. He nodded. ‘Of course.’ He carefully lowered Rose to the marble floor and she immediately slipped her hand into Elizabeth’s. Lawrence nodded, his focus still on Esther. ‘I’ll wait right here for you.’

  Although desperate to escape, Esther watched helplessly as Elizabeth walked away with Rose.

  ‘So, Elizabeth tells me you own The Phoenix, Mr Culford.’ Joseph stared after his wife, his gaze full of desire before he blinked and faced Lawrence. ‘It seems an impressive establishment. I come from a background of lesser means and couldn’t afford to step inside your hotel until recently. I must rectify that as soon as I can.’

  ‘It would be a pleasure to have you dine in the restaurant or take afternoon tea with Mrs Carter. Whatever you’d like, my staff will be at your service.’

  ‘Then I’ll arrange something
sooner rather than later. I think I’ll hasten my father to join us. He most certainly enjoys the finer things in life since his retirement. You might well know him. Robert Carter of Carter & Sons.’

  Esther silently watched the exchange in bemusement. Nerves jumbled in her stomach and she couldn’t stop fidgeting. She had no idea why she was so perturbed by Joseph and Lawrence meeting. Maybe it was the fear that Joseph might assume she and Lawrence were an item, whereas Elizabeth would never assume such a thing.

  ‘Anyway,’ Joseph held his hand out to Lawrence again. ‘It was nice to meet you and I hope to see you again soon.’ He nodded at Esther. ‘Wonderful job tonight, Esther. See you in the morning.’

  Esther watched Joseph walked away, more than a little concerned by his strained expression and the distraction in his eyes. Was his uncharacteristic agitation caused by whatever problem Elizabeth had alluded to? She must speak further with Elizabeth and offer her help again.

  She faced Lawrence.

  His gaze softened. ‘Are you all right?’

  The worry in his eyes was her undoing and guilt slithered through her. Was he beginning to care for her as she was him? Although their feelings for one another could be detrimental to everything she was striving to do, his kiss remained branded on her lips. If she yielded to the emotions he caused in her, how could they make their relationship work when he had the children to consider and she had her work?

  She sighed. ‘I’m quite all right. Truly. There’s no need to be concerned.’

  ‘There’s every need; I care about you.’ He studied her. ‘We kissed, Esther.’ His voice lowered. ‘Whether or not you regret that, I, do not. In fact, I wish for it to happen again. Please, don’t shut me out without at least getting to know me better.’

  Words failed her as she looked into his eyes. Soft admiration mixed with pleading, which only served to weaken her defences. Why did she find him so irresistible? She raised her eyebrows. ‘You are very fond of your own charm, you know.’