The Constant Heart

by Dilly Court

  Outside, the hot July sunshine seemed to suck the air from her lungs. The city stench was particularly noxious today and flies buzzed angrily over the horse dung that carpeted the street. An old woman was huddled in the doorway opposite, dressed in green-tinged black and shivering even though the temperature was soaring. She raised her hand feebly, pointing to an empty tin cup at her feet; her meaning was clear, but Rosina had no money to give her. 'I'm sorry,' she murmured. 'I have little more than you, Mother.' She walked on, biting her lip to prevent herself from crying. That poor woman would once have been young and possibly pretty; she must have had a family who loved her, and a home, even if it was a humble cellar room. What dire misfortune had brought her to this, Rosina wondered. And was it possible that the same fate might befall herself and those whom she loved? She quickened her pace. No, it would not happen, not while there was a fighting chance of survival.

  Instead of going straight home, she turned in the direction of Angel Court. She had not asked Walter if he still lodged in that dreadful place, but she must see him and ask his advice. He had handled her pa's business dealings for years, and he must have some idea of the law. She strode on, praying silently that Walter would be there; if he was out she would sit on the doorstep all day if necessary to await his return. Oh, Will, she thought as she pushed past a group of ragged, wild-eyed street urchins who looked as though they would tear the clothes off her back, given half a chance. Where are you when I need you so desperately, Will Brown? You came to my rescue once; could you not come again?

  She crossed the street to avoid a feral dog that was slavering at the mouth. She had heard terrible tales of the disease passed on by a bite from a mad dog. A man lurched out of an alleyway, propositioning her, but she tossed her head and walked on. Perhaps she could understand a little now why women sold their bodies to such men. Poverty and starvation did things to decent people, and although she was not yet in such a state, she could see it staring her in the face. A hand reached out of the inky shadows and clutched at the hem of her skirt. Panic seized her and she broke into a run, her breath coming in ragged sobs as she drew nearer to Angel Court. She did not see him coming and she screamed as a man caught her in his arms, pinning her to his chest. She fought and kicked, losing her tenuous grip on self-control in sheer terror.

  'It's me, Rosie. It's Walter.'

  She went limp, collapsing against him. 'Walter?'

  'Yes, it's me. I'm here. Don't be afraid.' He stroked her hair, holding her close to him until she composed herself enough to speak.

  'The bailiffs. They came to take possession of the house.' She drew away from him, unable to look him in the face. 'Harry went back on his word.'

  He slipped his arm around her shoulders. 'I was just coming to see you, as it happens.'

  She was greatly reassured by his presence. Even the most villainous-looking street people drew aside to allow them to pass unmolested now that she was with Walter. As they walked she told him everything that had happened that morning. He allowed her to speak without interrupting, and when she had finished he squeezed her hand. 'Poor Rosie. I would not have had you suffer all that for the world.'

  She managed a watery smile. 'I'm tougher than you think. I stood up to old Gostellow. I can't and won't let them take my home.'

  They had reached Black Eagle Wharf and a heat haze shimmered on the cobblestones. The river lapped at the wooden supports of the jetties, bubbling and boiling like hot tea. The dock workers were stripped to the waist, their naked torsos glistening with sweat, and their caps pulled down over their eyes to shield them from the glare of the sun. Rosina opened the door and was about to usher Walter inside when she heard Harry's irate voice calling her name. She turned her head and saw him striding towards them, red in the face and scowling.

  'What's the matter, Harry,' she demanded. 'Have you come in person to throw us out on the street?'

  He stopped, mopping his brow with a large silk handkerchief. 'That is the bailiffs' job. This doesn't concern you, Rosina. I've been looking for you, Brown.' He clapped his hand on Walter's shoulder. 'I might have guessed that I'd find you clinging to Miss May's apron strings.'

  'What's this all about, Gostellow?'

  'Don't play the innocent with me. I'm on to your thieving tricks.' Harry held out his hand. 'Give it to me now or do I have to call a constable?'

  'I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.' Walter faced up to him, his jaw hardening into a stubborn line. 'You'd better be careful what you say.'

  'Harry, please.' Rosina stepped between them, holding up her hands. 'This has gone far enough.

  What are you accusing Walter of this time?'

  'Not content with stealing from your father, he's taken my mother's engagement ring. The one that you threw at me.'

  'That's a lie,' Walter said angrily.

  Harry uttered a snort of derisive laughter. 'That's good coming from you – the champion of all liars.'

  'You're mistaken,' Rosina said, shaking her head. 'You're wrong, Harry. It was your friend Roland who picked up the ring.'

  'Don't be silly. Why would Rivers steal my mother's diamond ring? He's so rich he could buy an entire diamond mine if he so wished.' Harry pushed her roughly out of the way. 'Brown was the only other possible suspect present when you threw the ring at me. He is the only one who could have taken it. Give it to me, you villain.'

  Walter squared up to him. 'I haven't got your diamond ring, and if I had stolen it, do you think that I would be stupid enough to carry it about on my person?'

  Rosina stamped her foot. 'Stop behaving like playground bully, Harry. If you want the ring back, I suggest you go and see Sukey. You owe her an apology anyway.'

  He frowned. 'Are you telling me that Miss Barnum stole the ring?'

  'No, of course not. I think you'll find that there's been a slight misunderstanding. If you want to know more you'll have to ask her.'

  'I don't believe a word of it. You're just trying to protect him.' Harry jerked his head in Walter's direction. 'Is he your lover, Rosie? Is that why you acted the outraged virgin the other night? A girl of your sort doesn't usually value her virtue so highly—' Harry fell to the ground as Walter hit him with a well-aimed punch to the jaw.

  Rosina caught him by his coat tails in an attempt to drag him away. 'Stop it, Walter. Fighting won't solve anything.'

  'But it will give me great satisfaction,' he said, taking off his spectacles and thrusting them into her hand. 'Hold these for me.'

  A small crowd had gathered round them, and Harry scrambled to his feet, rubbing his jaw. He beckoned to Fred, the sailmaker's apprentice. 'You, boy! Fetch a constable.'

  Fred hesitated, but a clout round the head from Mr Cotton, the wharfinger, sent him lolloping over the cobbles towards the dock police station.

  'This man is a thief.' Harry had to shout to make himself heard above the cheers and whistles from the men, who were eager to see a fight. 'A common thief, who has stolen from his employer, Captain May, and I shouldn't wonder if he's responsible for the thefts from Captain Barnum's vessels too.'

  'Old Walter – river pirate? Hogwash, mate!'

  'Who said that?' Harry demanded, glaring round at the grinning faces. 'My name carries a lot of weight around here. Mr Cotton, I want you to take that man's name. I'll see that he is dismissed.'

  'Harry.' Rosina stepped in between them for a second time. 'This is ridiculous. Walter couldn't be the – river pirate. He's . . .' She stopped dead, turning very slowly to stare at Walter. Standing there bareheaded in the harsh sunlight, with his hands balled into fists and his eyes blazing with fury, he was no longer the well-mannered, serious-minded clerk from her father's counting house. She glanced down at the spectacles clutched in her hand, and then back at Walter as if seeing him for the first time. Despite the heat and the noise, she was oblivious to the crowd surrounding them: it was as if the world had stopped spinning and they were suddenly alone. She walked slowly towards him. 'Will?' she whispered. 'Will
, it is you, isn't it? It was you all the time.'

  The hot angry look faded from his hazel eyes as they met hers, and his lips curved into a half-smile. But before he could speak, the sound of running feet and a sharp blast on a police whistle caused all heads to turn towards the approaching policeman.

  'Arrest this man, constable.' Harry pointed at Walter. 'Arrest this man. He is a thief and I suspect that he is the river pirate whom you seek.'

  An angry murmur rippled through the onlookers. Rosina stifled a cry of anguish as the constable unclipped a pair of handcuffs from his belt. 'That's a lie,' she cried. 'Walter hasn't done anything wrong.'

  'I demand that you arrest this felon,' Harry repeated. 'He stole a valuable diamond ring belonging to my mother, and I daresay a search of his lodgings will produce the necessary evidence.'

  Rosina clutched Walter's arm. 'I won't let them take you. I know you're innocent.'

  He pushed her gently away from him. 'Go home, Rosie. Leave this to me.'

  Harry caught her by the hand. 'So, you don't feel anything for this fellow? It's written all over your face. You tried to cheat me, you little whore.'

  'Ahem.' The constable cleared his throat, glancing anxiously over his shoulder at the angry crowd. 'I think this matter will be best handled down at the station, sir.'

  Rosina snatched her hand away. Resisting the temptation to slap Harry's face, she drew herself up to her full height. 'I was fond of you. I even thought that I was in love with you at one time, but now I see you for what you are, Harry Gostellow.'

  'Don't upset yourself, Rosie.' Walter turned to the constable, holding out his hands. 'I'll come quietly, Constable Dobson. You can search my room, but you won't find anything.'

  Dobson ran his finger round the inside of his stiff uniform collar. 'I'm just doing me duty, Walter. No need for the cuffs. I trust you not to make a bolt for it.'

  'I insist that you handcuff him, Constable.' Harry eyed Walter with contempt. 'He's a water rat thinly disguised as a counting-house clerk. You could hang for piracy, Walter Brown.'

  'Come along, sir.' Constable Dobson took Walter by the arm.

  'Good luck, Walter,' Fred shouted as the constable led him away.

  The call was taken up by the crowd and they began stamping their booted feet on the cobblestones in time to the chanting.

  Harry turned on them angrily, but Rosina caught him by the arm. 'Please, Harry. Stop this now. You know that Walter is innocent.'

  He looked down at her with a hostile expression in his eyes. 'I know nothing of the sort. He's as guilty as sin and so are you. I was besotted with you, but now I see you for what you are – a scheming, manipulative little fortune-hunter.'

  He shook free of her restraining hand and was about to follow Constable Dobson and Walter, but Rosina barred his way. 'Harry, I can prove that Walter didn't steal your mother's ring, but you must give me time.'

  'Get out of my way, Rosie. I don't want to hear your lies.'

  'If you ever loved me, just hear me out.'

  'Well?'

  His tone was uncompromising, but she was desperate. 'Give me time to prove that Walter is innocent and to raise the money to repay the loan. Call off the bailiffs. You promised me two weeks' grace. Grant me that and I'll be in your debt forever.'

  'And do you really think that you can do all that in two weeks?'

  'I can but try.'

  'You are a fool, Rosina May.'

  She saw a chink in his armour; a hint of his old self. 'Please, Harry.'

  He nodded abruptly. 'Two weeks. But it won't save your lover from going to jail.' He strode off towards the police station. The crowd had melted away and Rosina was left standing alone on the wharf. She knew immediately what she must do and she headed towards the Barnums' house.

  Gertie opened the door. Her plain features contorted into a scowl and she would have slammed the door in Rosina's face had she not put her foot over the doorsill. 'Let me in. I must see Miss Sukey.'

  Gertie put all her puny weight against the door. 'She don't want to see you.'

  Using all her strength, Rosina gave the door a hefty push, knocking Gertie off balance. She stepped inside. 'Tell her that it's a matter of life and death. I must see her.'

  Before Gertie could protest further, Sukey emerged from the parlour. Her face brightened when she saw Rosina and she ran to her with outstretched hands. 'My dear, I'm so pleased to see you.'

  'Mrs Barnum said she wasn't to be allowed in,' Gertie muttered.

  'Never mind that,' Sukey said, slipping her hand through Rosina's arm. 'Go away, Gertie. And if you dare to tell Mama that Rosie is here, I'll pull your hair until your eyes pop out.'

  Clutching her hands to the lank locks of hair that had escaped the confines of her mobcap, Gertie sped down the hall and disappeared through the baize door. Sukey led Rosina into the parlour, closing the door firmly behind her. 'And I shall too,' she said, chuckling. 'That girl deserves a good hair-pulling to keep her in her place. Anyway, never mind her. I've got some splendid news to tell you, Rosie.' She did a little twirl, waving her left hand beneath Rosina's nose. 'I'm engaged to Roland Rivers. Isn't that just too exciting?'

  Rosina bit her lip. She was momentarily at a loss for words. Sukey looked so happy that it seemed too cruel to tell her the truth.

  'What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?' Sukey threw herself down on the sofa. 'Come and sit beside me, Rosie, and I'll tell you all about it.'

  Rosina sat down, making play of arranging her skirts while she tried to think of a way to broach the painful subject.

  'Aren't you pleased for me?' Sukey asked, pouting. 'He's terribly rich and really good-looking. To tell you the truth, I didn't much like him at first. But he must have liked me, or he wouldn't have come to the Crystal Palace bringing a diamond ring with him and all prepared to propose.'

  'Sukey, there's something you don't know.'

  'What is it, dear? If it's about that evening I'm not sure I want to know. Tell the truth, I don't remember a thing about it after the fireworks. Don't tell me that I did something terribly naughty with Roland.' Sukey stifled a giggle, covering her mouth with her hand.

  'Don't you recall anything?'

  'Absolutely nothing. I don't remember anything until I woke up on that horrid horsehair couch with the most dreadful headache imaginable. I can tell you, Rosie, I was so relieved when the engagement ring fell into my teacup. My reputation would have been quite ruined if it had got out that I spent the night in a hotel with an unmarried man.'

  'I was there, Sukey. Pa, Bertha, Caddie and Walter were there too.'

  'I know that now, but anything could have happened to me while I was under the influence of all that champagne.' Sukey leaned towards Rosina, cupping her hand round her mouth and whispering, 'I might not be a virgin now, for all I know. So it's a good thing that Roland is a gentleman, as well as being rich as Croesus and handsome into the bargain.'

  Rosina took Sukey's hands in hers. 'Nothing untoward happened that night. We looked after you and Roland shared a room with Harry. You were as safe as if you'd been sleeping in a convent.'

  Sukey's mouth drooped at the corners. 'But he had bought me a ring. I know we only met briefly at Cremorne Gardens, but it must have been love at first sight. I've read about men falling hopelessly in love like that in penny novelettes. It is so romantic – he must have intended to propose to me all along.'

  'I'm so sorry, my dear. It was all a terrible misunderstanding. Didn't you recognise the ring?'

  'It's a diamond solitaire. Just the sort I always wanted.'

  'It is Harry's mother's ring, Sukey. The one he gave me when we became engaged.'