A Rebel at Pennington’s

by Rachel Brimble

  Humiliation burned hot at her cheeks. It didn’t bear thinking about approaching her father. Lord only knew what Viola would have to say once she learned of Esther’s arrest.

  The heavy thud of boots on the corridor’s tiled floor sounded beyond her cell door and Esther stilled.

  Closer and closer they came until they abruptly stopped outside.

  The bolt on her cell door was eased back and Esther lifted her chin.

  The door opened, and Sergeant Whitlock stepped inside, Constable Godwin, like an ever-present shadow, once again behind him. The sergeant looked her up and down before meeting her eyes. ‘There’s a gentleman in the lobby willing to pay your fine.’

  Esther’s heart thudded in her chest.

  Lawrence.

  It had to be him. Who else would come to her aid this way but him?

  She would not take Lawrence’s money. What on earth must he have felt when he returned to Bath and learned of her actions and ensuing imprisonment?

  Good God, were hers and her associates’ faces splashed across the papers? Nausea coated her throat. She’d lose her job at Pennington’s, Louise would lose her customers at the post office…

  Lawrence could only be offering to pay her fine out of duty or kindness, which she was no longer certain she deserved.

  Feigning nonchalance, she crossed her arms over her hammering heart. ‘I know no gentleman with that kind of money.’

  ‘Well, he claims to know you. Do you want me to send him on his way?’

  An ache started in the pit of her stomach and rose to her heart, but she nodded. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Was that a yes, Miss Stanbury?’ He leaned towards her, his hand at his ear. ‘You’ll have to speak up. Did you say yes?’

  She nodded again, further verbal confirmation sticking like a spike in her throat.

  ‘Then I would take a moment to think about this situation very carefully. You see, after tonight, we can’t keep you at the station. You’ll be transferred. To prison.’

  Esther flinched. ‘Prison?’

  ‘Prison.’ Whitlock raised his eyebrows. ‘Do you want to know who this kind, clearly misguided gentleman is who wishes to come to your rescue?’

  ‘If it’s who I suspect, Lawrence Culford is anything but misguided.’ Her temper snapped to hear Whitlock saying anything negative about the man she loved. ‘He’s loyal, strong, caring and the most resilient man I know. I’ll thank you to keep your erroneous judgement to yourself.’

  He smirked and glanced at Godwin. ‘Looks like a certain gentleman can provoke Miss Stanbury’s anger as much as her claim for the vote.’ He met Esther’s gaze, his eyes darkening with clear irritation. ‘What’s it to be, Miss Stanbury? Do you wish to leave here with a caution or enjoy another night at His Majesty’s pleasure?’

  Hopelessness swirled inside her as Esther looked between Whitlock and Godwin. What could she do locked in a cell? How could she explain to Lawrence the part she’d played in yesterday’s events, or even comfort him after visiting his mother? Had his mother died? Was that why he’d come back to the city? Her heart ached.

  She had to see him and prayed he listened to her. ‘And what of my associates?’

  ‘They’re none of your concern. Are you leaving? Yes or no.’

  Her heart heavy with guilt that she was to be freed and the others not, Esther nodded. ‘Yes, I’d like to leave.’ At least if she was free, she could do something to aid Louise’s and the others’ release and try to make them see that violence was not the way forward… once she’d thanked Lawrence and endured the disappointment he was certain to be feeling. ‘Thank you, Sergeant.’

  ‘That’s more like it.’ Whitlock held his hand out towards the door. ‘After you, Miss Stanbury.’

  Forcing her head high, Esther battled the urge to run through the corridors and straight into Lawrence’s arms. She had no idea what had occurred during his return to his childhood home. No idea what his sisters might have said about Esther and her new and unexpected presence in Lawrence’s and his children’s lives. He would now presume her to be militant. A part of something more dangerous and controversial than she’d been when he’d left.

  Whatever his motivation for paying her fine, it could not be love. He would never jeopardise his children’s welfare or happiness by openly connecting himself to an activist determined to see through her most wanted desire by whatever means.

  So, why was he here? Why had he walked into a police station and offered money for her release?

  Whatever the reason, she had to guard her heart. Had to keep it from further splintering when she saw him. For her sake and the sake of their baby.

  She walked ahead of Whitlock and Gibson to the front of the station and through a gap in the counter. The moment her gaze landed on Lawrence, her heart betrayed her, tears leapt into her eyes and her legs trembled.

  He turned and everything she’d warned herself against vanished. She loved this man with all her heart and, if the cold, steady way he stared at her was anything to hold measure by, she had entirely lost him.

  ‘Mr Culford?’ Whitlock’s authoritative voice boomed across the station, causing several bystanders to look their way. ‘Miss Stanbury, sir.’

  Lawrence kept his gaze on Esther’s as he came towards her, seemingly heedless to Whitlock, Gibson and every other officer and person around them. It was impossible for her to see anything but him, too.

  Her heart quickened as his presence enveloped her. Even though his gaze was yet to soften, her shoulders relaxed and her heart swelled with tenderness, her fingers itching to touch him as though to reassure herself he was really there.

  Stopping in front of her, he looked deep into her eyes and his face blurred through her tears. There was so much she had to say to him. So much to ask his forgiveness for. If he wanted her, she would do whatever she could to keep true to herself as well as being the woman he needed her to be for him, Rose and Nathanial. Wasn’t that true love? To maintain your own ardent desires and dreams but also compromise to ensure the happiness of your loved ones, too? Wasn’t that what she’d wanted from her father?

  Slowly, Lawrence’s gaze softened as though he’d read her thoughts and seen the apology, the promise to loosen the stranglehold on her independence to be with him.

  Abruptly, he turned as though remembering where he stood. He faced Whitlock. ‘Let’s get this sorted out, shall we?’

  ‘Yes, sir, but first I need to ensure Miss Stanbury understands the conditions of her release.’

  Esther dragged her study from Lawrence and faced Whitlock.

  ‘You are now under caution, Miss Stanbury. As you were not the one intending to set fire to the postbox, no further charges will be made. This time. However, if you commit another offence, resort to anything that could endanger others, you will be arrested again and charged with something that will most certainly mean imprisonment. Do you understand?’

  Shame burned through her entire body as Esther held the sergeant’s stare, Lawrence’s study burrowing into her temple. She swallowed. ‘I do.’

  Whitlock nodded. ‘Good. Then why don’t you take a seat while I sort out the particulars with Mr Culford?’

  With a final glance at Lawrence’s hardened jaw, Esther walked to the line of chairs at the edge of the room and sat, her body trembling. What happened next? Where would she and Lawrence talk? Would he walk her as far as the station steps and then leave? She had no idea of his intentions.

  The minutes passed like hours as Lawrence talked with Whitlock, handing over cash for the fine and signing his name to a piece of a paper.

  At last, he came back to her and offered her his arm.

  Tentatively, she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and stared at his turned cheek as he led her from the station into the street.

  Once they had walked along the road and turned a corner, he steered her into a side alley.

  Esther swallowed at his angry expression. ‘Lawrence—’

  ‘I think it only fa
ir I speak first, don’t you?’

  She stilled, the disappointment in his eyes was palpable and she stepped back. ‘I tried to change their minds, Lawrence.’

  ‘So the sergeant told me. He told me the police have been following your suffrage group for a while, suspecting a jump to militancy. You were an unexpected surprise on the day as your name had not been linked to the bombing. They also collaborated that you saved a young lad and essentially spoiled the attack.’ He stared at her before whirling away and whipping off his hat. He pushed his hand into his hair. ‘But what in God’s name happened, Esther? Why would you even contemplate getting involved in such a thing? People could have been killed. You could have been killed.’

  ‘I know, and I’m sorry.’ Tears burned her eyes that even through his anger and disappointment, he seemed concerned over her well-being. ‘I needed to be a part of something real. I’d neglected my duties to the Cause and when I went back everything had changed and they’d decided to join the suffragettes. I was out of my depth but desperate to prove my fealty. What they had planned was wrong, but I couldn’t dissuade them. Could not risk leaving them entirely to their own devices. If I was there, I could at least do something to prevent the explosion from happening.’

  ‘And now?’

  ‘Now?’

  ‘What next, Esther?’ His eyes burned with hurt and anger. ‘Will you continue with the militants? I have a right to know.’

  ‘No. That’s over.’ She shook her head, praying he understood her. ‘Not the fight, but I don’t want to be a part of anything violent. It’s not the way forward and I want to persuade others to see that, too.’

  His gaze bored into hers, the passing traffic echoing around them as her heart pulsed in her ears.

  Please, God, let him forgive me. Let him love me.

  He stepped forward, before, second by excruciating second, his gaze softened as he looked over every inch of her face. He pulled her hard against his chest and covered her mouth with his. Roughly, possessively and, God help her, she returned his kiss with equal fervour, her fingers stealing into the hair at his collar. Their tongues tangled for supremacy as he ran his hands over her hips and waist, easing her closer until her breasts pressed painfully against his solid chest.

  She pulled away to catch her breath.

  He held her waist tightly, his gaze lingering at her mouth. ‘My mother is dead.’

  ‘Oh, Lawrence. I’m so sor—’

  ‘That doesn’t matter. What matters is the future. I have no idea what will happen to the estate until the Will is read. I may have to return to Culford again. I can’t leave my sisters to clear up what could be a complicated and emotional legal battle. I want you to come with me. Do you think you’d be willing to do that? It won’t be forever. Just until I know what to do best for Cornelia and Harriet. They’re my family and I won’t abandon them any more than I would Rose and Nathanial.’ He brushed a curl from her cheek. ‘Any more than I would you.’

  She smiled, her heart full of love for this wonderful man. ‘Of course. I’m sure Elizabeth would give me a little time off from the store if I begged for it. I want to be with you.’

  His smile faltered. ‘Your job…’

  Dread seeped inside of her and Esther frowned. ‘What of it?’

  He inhaled a shaky breath. ‘I went to Pennington’s looking for you and spoke with Mrs Woolden.’

  ‘And?’ Esther’s heart picked up speed. ‘Lawrence, tell me.’

  ‘She said Miss Pennington and Mr Carter have placed you on suspension until they hear your side of the story.’

  ‘What?’ Nausea rose bitter in Esther’s throat and she pulled away from him, pressing a hand to her stomach. ‘I have to speak with Elizabeth.’ She stepped further away from him, tears burning her eyes. ‘I need to see her. Right away.’

  She moved to brush past him and he gripped her arm, his determined gaze boring into hers. ‘And you will see her, but not like this. You need to calm yourself, show your strength and commitment lies with Pennington’s above all else. If Miss Pennington sees you this way, she’ll believe everything you want is about the Cause and little else.’

  Esther ran her gaze over his face, her heart thundering. He was right. Elizabeth would think her devoid of her sensibilities.

  She slumped her shoulders. ‘Yes. I’ll see her in the morning.’

  ‘Good.’ He shook his head and softly smiled. ‘I love you and I want you, Esther, and if you want me, I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.’

  His words were like dewdrops on her tongue on the acridest of days. They were tiny lifts to her soul when she thought no one would ever earn her trust to allow her to love again. They were everything she wanted to hear and more, but still her fear showed in the hammering of her heart.

  She cupped his jaw. ‘And what of the children? I’m known to the police now and the fight will not stop. I won’t expose Rose and Nathanial to—’

  ‘To what?’ He gripped her tighter. ‘You have no criminal record and were instrumental in preventing an explosion. All Rose and Nathanial will learn is how hard a woman will fight for what should rightfully be hers. See what can be achieved when you join hands with others and show your passion and commitment for a future that knows no bounds. What it is for them to have a role model, both male and female, who stand side by side for what is right.’

  Esther slipped her hand from his face, hope burning deep inside her, but still so very afraid. ‘What are you saying?’

  He brushed his lips over hers. ‘I’m saying that you, too, must find peace with your past as you encouraged me to do. Marry me, Esther. Come and live with me. Help me raise Rose and Nathanial to be adults who aren’t afraid to show their emotions and fight for everything they want in the world, for how they want this world to be. I can’t do that alone. Not any more. But with you beside me…’ He smiled. ‘Who knows what we can achieve? I want to be with you in this fight, Esther. I want my children to know they are worthy. That everyone is worthy.’

  Happiness bubbled inside her, and she clasped his fingers and brought his arms around her, their hands joined at her back. ‘Are you certain?’

  ‘I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.’

  She leaned into him and pressed a long, lingering kiss to his mouth. ‘Then, yes, Mr Culford. I’ll marry you.’

  Esther smiled against his lips, knowing she had finally found her true home. Her true love. Her true life… with a new life waiting to be born.

  Epilogue

  Two months later…

  Esther alighted from the beribboned carriage and stared at the façade of the town hall.

  Nerves leapt in her stomach and her heart beat so fast she feared it would burst from her chest, but she had never been so happy.

  She pressed her hand to her stomach. Lawrence was so absurdly exultant she carried his child that he’d insisted they marry as soon as possible. Tears pricked her eyes as she thought of the moment they had announced their intention to marry and that she was expecting. Not a single member of his household had held an iota of judgement about their premarital affair and Rose and Nathanial were elated about the upcoming arrival of a little brother or sister.

  Even Elizabeth and Joseph, when they reinstated Esther to her position at Pennington’s, had been overjoyed for her pregnancy. Elizabeth, who desperately wished to start a family of her own, had squeezed Esther tight wishing her all the happiness in the world. Even saying in jest that she’d had the foresight to bring Amelia forward as assistant head dresser in preparation for Esther leaving.

  Aunt Mary came to stand beside her and ran her gaze over Esther from head to toe. ‘You look lovely, my dear. I’m still not sure how you managed to win the hand of a gentleman like Mr Culford, but I applaud your tenacity.’

  Even her aunt’s disparagement couldn’t affect her joy. Although initially dismayed by Esther’s pregnancy, when she told her that Lawrence had proposed, Aunt Mary’s congratulations had been positively gushing
, followed by a speedy telephone call to her father and Viola. Apparently, it was all down to Aunt Mary that Esther and Lawrence had fallen in love.

  Esther smiled. ‘Tenacity is my middle name, Aunt. Surely, you know that much about me.’ She glanced towards the grand double doors at the top of the stone steps. ‘Shall we go in?’

  Her aunt reached out and tucked a stray curl behind Esther’s ear. ‘You won’t forget me, will you?’ Tears glazed her eyes. ‘I know I’ve been hard on you from time to time, but I would not have allowed you to stay with me if I had entirely agreed with your father’s decision to send you away. You have a good heart and big ideas, but you’re a wonderful woman all the same.’ She sighed. ‘I’m sure Viola will realise that, too, in time.’

  Genuinely touched, Esther clasped her aunt’s hand and brought it to her lips. ‘Of course I won’t forget you. Or everything you’ve done for me by welcoming me into your home. You are as much a part of my new family as I am. Lawrence has already said you’re welcome at his home whenever you might wish it.’

  Her aunt’s smile slipped and her gaze sobered. ‘Your home, my dear. Not his home. Yours and Lawrence’s home. Now that nasty postbox matter is over and your part in it exonerated, it’s time to be happy and enjoy your new life.’

  Esther smiled, offered her aunt her arm and they climbed the steps into the town hall.

  The foyer windows were swathed in soft rose-pink drapery and matching roses were displayed in intricate glass vases upon alabaster plinths. The wooden floor shone beneath the electric lamps and the sand-coloured walls were ornate with cornices carved with vines and cherubs. Everything looked beautiful and entirely fit for a wedding.

  Childish chattering to the side of them turned Esther’s head and her heart leapt to see Rose and Nathanial, her bridesmaid and page boy, standing with Cornelia.

  Esther hurried towards them. ‘You look adorable. Both of you.’ She bent down and kissed each of their cheeks. ‘So very pretty, Rose.’ She turned to Nathanial. ‘And I hardly recognised you. You look so grown-up.’