“No, indeed they are not expecting me for almost 10 days. I am not exactly sure if they are in residence yet. But I am willing to take my chances. I have no wish to stay in this town,” she said, as the ship was headed toward the docks.
“I cannot set you out there alone with no place to go. You will stay in the cabin for 10 days, when I am to receive the next shipment before heading to Cornwall. Then I will pay your way on the post to your destination.”
“No, I cannot accept that. It is too much. You have done enough already,” She said.
“I am a gentleman, it is the right thing to do. You are a young woman alone, I would wish that someone would do the same for my sister if it were her. Do not trouble yourself, it is nothing at all.”
Katrina smiled with gratitude. What a fine man Captain Jenkins was, just as honourable and kind as his sister. She hoped that she would be able to see Elizabeth again at some point. She would have to figure out a way to address a letter to her that Franklin would not see.
Katrina spent the next 10 days aboard the cabin, and sent word ahead of time to the country home that the Douvaines would be renting so that it was waiting for them when they arrived. She did not want to be rude and arrive unannounced.
But as she was making her way to the post in order to send the letter, she felt quite nervous indeed. She had already checked the harbour for the family crest of Mr. Mason Byers and never saw anything similar to it, though there were a ships arriving daily. But what she was not expecting was to run into Sally Cox, a former courtesan of the brothel.
She bumped into the woman and turned and saw her face. “Sally!”
“Do I know you?” Sally said.
Katrina was beyond nervous as she looked around for Mr. Dunbar to appear at any moment . but since Sally did not recognize her, perhaps Dunbar wouldn't either. But she did not want to risk it. So she put on the face of the actress and came up with a line.
“No, not particularly. I used to work in the butcher shop and would help my father deliver meat to Mr. Dunbar’s establishment. Therefore I had met you a few times. Tell me are you still employed there?”
“No, miss, no one is employed there,” She said.
“No? What do you mean? I have been away from Portsmouth for several years and only just arrived.”
“A man named Mr. Byers had the establishment closed down. He turned in Mr. Dunbar to the authorities, making it very public that the women were held against their will. It was a big uproar. Dunbar went to prison and the establishment is now a simple hotel. Now I must be off,” Sally said and walked away.
Katrina stood there in complete shock. Why had Mason not told her? Did he do this before she visited Brentwood? Or was it after? She could not believe that he would have done such a thing; he was the best customer after all. Suddenly she started to think better of him. The many secrets this man had, perhaps he was changing?
She sent her letter by post and then quickly made her way back to the docks, but then she realized that she had nothing to fear. Mr. Dunbar was in prison and the brothel had been closed. So she stopped and turned around. This time she walked around the village, taking in just how beautiful it actually was. She stopped at the sweet shop and bought a bit of sweets with the coin that the captain had given her to mail her letter and use as she saw fit.
Indeed, it was a beautiful sunny day and she saw the town as something else for the first time, all thanks to Mr. Byers, who would have thought?
After two weeks, she had received a response from the country home and from Adeline. Oh how I long to see my friend that I think of as a sister. I have so much to acquaint her with.
The letter stated that they were all awaiting her arrival. Katrina was very glad that she was still welcomed. Now at least her fortunes had been turning for the better. First with meeting the kind soul that was Elizabeth, and sending her off to stay with her brother the Captain.
“I hope you find good tidings, my dear Miss Proctor,” The Captain put some coin in her hand as she stood with her in front of the post.
“Thank you, Captain. I cannot thank you enough. Please give my regards to your sister when you see her next.”
“That I will, miss.”
Captain Jenkins sent her off on the post, and she was thrilled to be heading to a place that she could at least stay for the summer and figure out what she was going to do. But in the back of their mind, all she could think about was Mason.
* * *
4 7
* * *
The journey was indeed so short that Katrina did not feel that she was getting her fill of the countryside, and would have to take a very long walk the next day, as she made her way to see Adeline and the Douvaine’s at this country home they were renting, which was just around the bend. As she came upon it, she saw that it was a lovely white stone house with property surrounding it. The carriage stopped and she stepped out.
“Indeed Katrina I am so glad to see you,” Mr. Douvaine said as he gave her an embrace, followed by Mrs. Douvaine.
“And I you, Mr. Douvaine and Mrs. Douvaine,” she said.
“Oh come here, girl, let me have a look at you,” Mrs. Douvaine said.
“Katrina!” Adeline came bouncing out of the house and nearly toppled Katrina over with the embrace she gave her.
“Adeline! I am so happy to see you. How I’ve missed our conversations.”
“Oh, I have missed you something terrible.”
“Come inside, come inside. The tea will grow cold. We want to hear all about your trip to Norington Estate, of course,” Mrs. Douvaine said.
Together they entered the home and Katrina told her story of Sir Norington, with all the theatrics that she knew would please the Douvains. For she had to pay for her stay with them somehow.
“Oh my dear, how dreadful. I am sorry to put you in the path of that man. We just could not have you with us or no one would come to our performances, as I am sure you understand. However, we are taking a much-needed rest. Two months off of the theatre while we look for new material and rehearse new plays and create new costumes for it. That is why I extended an invitation. If you would sew costumes, then we will provide room and board for the two months complete, though that is all that we have this house for and will be returning to London, I’m afraid, and then you shall have to fend for yourself,” Mrs. Douvaine said.
“I accept ma’am. I am more than happy with that arrangement. You are too kind,” Katrina smiled. And if I should sew some items on the side for me to sell then that will help to set me up for my next steps to find work in an Inn, so that I may work toward buying a plot of land.
“Good, than it is settled,” Mrs. Douvaine said.
Adeline gave Katrina a big smile, and indeed Katrina was very happy to have her sister back, and to be with her under the same roof once more. What fun they shall have, scampering about the countryside.
Staying with the Douvaines was the same as ever, though a little less crowded Katrina thought.
Mrs. Douvaine stood up and dropped her teacup from her hand. It crashed on the floor shattering to pieces.
“Mrs. Douvaine!” Adeline shouted.
“Mrs. Douvaine?” Mr. Douvaine said rousing from his chair in front of the fire.
“Oh, my poor nerves. This business of trying to get a new show together has my poor nerves going to shreds. My head is very ill. Katrina, see me to my bed,” Mrs. Douvaine said.
“Of course Mrs. Douvaine,” Katrina said. “Adeline, help me.”
“I will send to have some broth sent up,” Mr. Douvaine said, trying to hide his annoyance for this display.
“Sadie, bring cold water and cloth,” Katrina said to the maid.
“Yes Katrina,” Sadie said running out of the parlour.
Moments later, Katrina had Mrs. Douvaine in her bed while she dabbed her forehead with a cold damp cloth.
“Oh, Katrina, I think I have caught this illness of Hilgard Dreshner when she called yesterday,” Mrs. Douvaine raved.
“Mrs. Douvaine, I am sure that you will be fine. You will need to drink this broth and rest and keep the fire going and...” Katrina was not able to finish.
“Oh Katrina, I need you here. Please say you will stay and not leave my side for quite some time. It will do my heart good to have you under this roof again. I know that it will make me feel vastly better and no one looks after your poor Mrs. Douvaine the way you do. Look already you are with the broth and cold cloth. Do you think Sadie would be able to do such a thing?” Mrs. Douvaine said.
Katrina sighed. “I will stay as long as you wish.”
“I will stay too,” Adeline said.
“Oh, what fine girls,” Mrs. Douvaine said.
Spending nights in Mrs. Douvaine’s room was not a surprise to Katrina. Mrs. Douvaine was always able to guilt her actresses into giving her attention through her dramatic theatrics. So she stayed to look after Mrs. Douvaine. But Katrina soon found that in between looking after Mrs. Douvaine, she was quite content at this country home. There was an odd moment where she had forgot that she was indeed a scorned woman. Then she remembered again that in high society she was considered a great thief. She laughed at the feeling that overcame her, complete ridiculousness in forgetting such a thing.
She dressed and felt that strange feeling once more as she looked herself in the mirror. “How things have changed since you last looked upon your reflection in Mrs. Douvaine’s London home,” she whispered to herself. Then having her senses overwhelmed she left her room and went straight away to Mrs. Douvaine.
“Oh Katrina, I feel that I am worse this morning. Would that you would bring me some broth?” Mrs. Douvaine said.
“Yes Mrs. Douvaine, if that will do you good,” Katrina sighed.
“Oh yes it would, I know that it would. You are very good to me, Katrina,” she released a sob that Katrina knew was contrived but she went along with it anyhow. She looked at Mrs. Douvaine with compassion and had to admit that she even missed the over-dramatics of Mrs. Douvaine. It was comfortable indeed.
After the one o’clock hour Katrina was taking a turn in the garden with Sadie gathering herbs for a soup, when the familiar gallop of hooves reached them. Katrina looked up to the road and saw the familiar and astonishing sight of Mr. William Dawson on a mount.
“Look, Katrina, it’s Mr. Dawson,” Sadie said astonished. “And it looks as though he is coming in this direction.”
“What does he do here?” Katrina whispered.
“Linwood Manor is a neighbouring estate and it belongs to him,” Sadie whispered.
“Go inside and warn Adeline, as I do not want her to take to shock if she should happen to come this way,” Katrina whispered and then walked out front to meet Mr. Dawson, though there was no smile on her face.
“Hello to you, Miss Proctor,” Dawson excitedly said from his mount.
“Mr. Dawson,” Katrina said.
“I was just on my way into the village as I have suddenly received news this morning to a business matter that must be attended to. It is possible that if not resolved I might have to leave Linwood Manor,” he said.
Katrina frowned. “And why did you come here, sir? Do you come to accuse me of another crime I did not commit?”
“No, indeed I did not. I apologise for the actions of my sister Miss Proctor.”
“As you say,” Katrina said.
“Well, I best be on my way. I am glad I came down this road as I did not know you were in this part of the country. It is a delight. Good day, Miss Proctor.”
“Good day Mr. Dawson,” she said.
Katrina ran upstairs to Adeline’s room where Sadie was already busy telling her Dawson had happened by.
“That will be all, Sadie,” Katrina dismissed her.
Adeline looked at Katrina with shock in her eyes.
“What is it Katrina? Where is Dawson?”
“He had just happened by on his way into the village,” Katrina said.
Katrina smiled and squeezed her sister’s hand, for she was glad that her friend was again her sister.
“Oh dear,” Adeline gasped.
“Are you alright, Adeline? I did not know the Dawsons were so near. Perhaps I should not have come.”
“Neither did we. We only found out a few days after our arrival. It shocked me, it did. But that is all there is to it. I am glad I was not outside when he passed. He only makes me uneasy. Now, should we get back to work?” Adeline walked out of the room.
The very next day they walked into the village and Katrina separated from Adeline and Sadie to the shop she loved, for they had the best ribbon.
Ring. Ring. The bell of the door rang.
“Miss Proctor,” The deep voice said. Goosebumps erupted all over her body. She could not forget that voice, not in a million years.
* * *
4 8
* * *
She turned to see Mr. Byers standing there. His hat was held against his chest. His dark hair was even longer, and she swallowed hard, knowing that he was even more handsome than her memory had given her.
“Mr. Byers...”
“Katrina...”
“What are you doing here?”
“I have come to speak with you, Katrina. If you will let me,” He said.
“With me? How did you...”
“Mr. Dawson said that he happened upon you at the Douvaine house. I am staying with him at Linwood Manor for a time.”
“What do you want, Mr. Byers?” she tightened her lips.
“I have come to apologize.”
“Your apology is too late. Anything else?”
“Please allow me to explain. I do not think you are guilty at all.”
“Then why did you not say something? You did not defend me then. You threw us out of the house. Do you know what that has done? Did you not think of the consequences? No, you did not, because you are selfish sir. You call Eleanor a spoiled brat but you are just like her.”
“I guess I deserve that.”
“No, you deserve more. You deserve the humiliation that you have brought upon me,” her lips trembled with her words. She feared that she would cry, so instead she stuck her chin in the air and held strong.
“Yes, you are right. I know that my apology cannot take away what happened. Do you not think that I do not relive that moment every day? It is as if I step outside myself and see myself being a coward. I see myself standing there not coming to your aid and I regret it severely.”
“And yet your feelings do not change the past,” she said.
“No, but I hope that it can have some effect on the future. The truth is, after you left, I questioned the maid myself and her story kept changing. Once I threatened to fire her, she admitted that Eleanor put her up to planting the jewels in your trunk. I should have known before but did not think that she would take things that far. I apologise greatly. It is why I am here, because I did not think that a letter would do justice. I had to tell you these things in person. I am so very sorry Katrina,” He said taking a step toward her.
She took a step back from him, recoiling. He stopped in his tracks. A look of sadness and hurt crossed his face that she would recoil from him, but it was necessary. If he touched her, her guard would fall. Her walls would come tumbling down and she would not be able to hold back the dam of emotions.
Katrina was greatly relieved, however, to hear that the maid had confessed and she had exposed Eleanor for what she was, scheming and mean. But that did not excuse his behaviour.
“Thank you for coming to tell me this information in person. I am glad to hear that the scheme was exposed. But I cannot truly accept your apology. Now you have said what you came to say, kindly leave.”
“You will not accept my apology? I beg you,” He said.
“No. I will not accept an apology from someone that did not believe me. I do not want to be acquainted with someone like you. I cannot be friends with someone that will not take the time to listen to my side of a story when things go wrong. Because in li
fe things go wrong all the time, I do not want a friendship with someone that jumps to the conclusion of guilt on my part. I do not need that in my life. Please leave.”
He stood there with his dark eyes wide. As though he had never been spoken to in such a way, and he probably never had, considering his high-status. People were probably always saying yes to him no matter what. But she had nothing to lose.
“I beg you to allow me to come see you at the country home, I deserve a second chance.”
“You deserve nothing, and this small apology and explanation is too little and too late. Leave,” she said sternly.
“Too little...?” He said.
She nodded her head.
“Then I bid you good-day, Miss Proctor,” he said with sorrow on his face. Then he walked out. She sat down on a bench trying to catch her breath. She had thought about seeing him for so long, but she did not think it would truly happen. Now that it had, she felt great sadness and loss. A part of her regretted that he did not try harder and push harder.
Life at the country home was just as lively as at the London house, dinners were full of wit and banter, though Mrs. Douvaine kept to her bed. Katrina sewed costumes, cut flowers and herbs in the garden.
Later that afternoon, she heard a familiar voice coming from Mr. Douvaine’s study.
“Mr. Byers? What do you do here?” Katrina said, stepping into the study to see Mr. Byers conversing with Mr. Douvaine.
“I only just arrived,” Mr. Byers said.
“He tells the truth,” Mr. Douvaine said.
“I thought that I would come here so that we can take a walk together,” he said with a smirk.
“A walk is just the thing I need now,” she said staring into his eyes feeling her heart melt at the sight of him. The stare was so long and deep that Mr. Douvaine did start to feel rather uncomfortable. He cleared his throat.
“Go have fun, Katrina. I will see that Sadie and Adeline look after Mrs. Douvaine should she call... and as we all know, she will,” Mr. Douvaine joked.
“Thank you, Mr. Douvaine,” Katrina said.
Mr. Byers held out his arm to her. She wrapped her arm around his and smiled.
An Alone and Destitute Girl (#3, the Winds of Misery Victorian Romance) (A Family Saga Novel) Page 21
