by Iris Gower
Alice felt a sense of relief when she thought of her meeting with Eynon. She hoped he would hand her a bag of money as well as the deeds to the house but he was a cautious man. But at least she’d succeeded in convincing him the children were his. That was a step in the right direction.
Edward put his hand to his eyes. ‘Dear God in heaven what can I do?’ he said and Alice pursed her lips in disgust.
‘You can do what any other man does in this life and work harder.’ She saw him take his hands away from his face and for the first time she realized how sick he looked. Sweat beaded his face and his cheekbones stood out prominently in his drawn face.
‘Edward, is there something more, something you are not telling me?’ she demanded. Her hands resting on her stomach felt the babies kick as though in protest that their mother was being worried in this way.
Edward sank into the armchair facing her. ‘I am ruined!’ he gasped as tears poured down his face. ‘You, Alice, have ruined me.’
‘What have I done?’ she asked. ‘Only provide you with a comfortable home worthy of your position in the bank.’
‘You have spent money we haven’t got!’ He spat out the words. ‘You have put me in a debtors’ prison, that’s what you have done.’ He stared at her as if he hated her.
‘Good God, woman, just look at your own foolishness. Remember the day you bought seven new hats, hats I could not pay for?’
Alice felt uncomfortable; she had forgotten about the hats, they had been bought in a spirit of bravado. But then she had no choice; she could not allow herself to be bested by that common piece who was no better than she should be.
‘You worry too much, Edward,’ she said flatly. ‘Surely a few hats will not break the bank but if it’s such a big problem I’ll return them to the shop.’
‘Try to understand what I’ve been telling you, woman!’ He was almost whispering. ‘You know I have been taking funds from the customers’ accounts to pay our bills.’ He rubbed his hand through his hair. ‘I thought I could replace the money, I felt sure your father would help us out. You convinced me of it.’
Alice really was not interested in Edward’s petty pilfering; even that he had failed to do effectively. ‘Edward, you’re a fool. Haven’t you thought of a way to cover up the discrepancies? Why not transfer funds from the richer accounts?’ She leaned forward, all pretence of respecting her husband gone.
He looked at her with haunted eyes. ‘Tell me how?’ He was pleading with her to help him. She was silent for a moment, annoyed that she had to do Edward’s thinking for him.
‘Surely you can divert incoming funds to clear the deficit? People expect delays when money is being transferred or bills being paid.’
Edward chewed his lip; he was pondering the matter in his usual slow-witted way. ‘It would buy us a little time, wouldn’t it?’
She watched him sweating and could not even summon enough feeling for him to hate him. Perhaps she should take a holiday, put some distance between them. She could go home at least until the children were born. She thought of her enormous bedroom in her father’s house and the way the servants rushed to do her bidding. At home she had been cosseted, respected, now she was the wife of a not-very-bright bank manager, it was so humiliating.
What if she showed Father the deeds of Highmoor and assured him that she was going up in the world? That would impress him and Alice felt a strange need to impress her father. And surely he would not turn her away when he had grandchildren to consider? Edward’s whining voice interrupted her thoughts.
‘It might work.’ He was still chewing over her advice, still considering shifting money about to suit himself. ‘But only for a time. Sooner or later, if I don’t return the money, the discrepancies will be discovered.’
‘Well, Edward, put it out of your mind for now.’ She smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. ‘I’ll speak to Father again, I’ll do my best to get us out of this scrape which is of your making, remember.’
Her words were unfair but Edward was so grateful for her help that he failed to notice the blame laid squarely on his shoulders. Alice frowned; she had enough to worry about without Edward whining on about his problems at work. She was an expectant mother and should be cared for, not troubled by petty money matters.
She would write a letter home, ask Father if she could stay a while. No-one would think it strange that a woman wanted her family around her when her children were born. She closed her eyes with a feeling of well-being. Later, she would visit Eynon, ask his advice about Edward’s predicament. She would have to put her husband’s misdeeds in the best possible light, of course. If nothing else she could prepare the ground for Edward’s ‘mismanagement’ to be exposed. Alice smiled to herself. Now that Eynon believed her about the twins he would take the trouble to listen to her complaints about her swollen legs and the pain that constantly nagged at her side. He was a kind considerate man, what a pity he was not her husband instead of Mr Sparks.
She stretched, easing her back, perhaps she would have a little doze before lunch and then, when she had eaten, Rosie could help her dress in her latest outfit. She liked to look smart for her meetings with her lover. And Eynon would be sure to offer his carriage if Alice did travel to her father’s estate. She closed her eyes, shutting Edward out of her mind; she had more important things to think about like her own well-being and that of her children.
It was late afternoon when she called at Eynon’s house. The maid who opened the door recognized her and stood back to allow her entry into the hall. It was a very grand hall with a sweeping staircase and beautiful windows above the landing. Elegant, highly polished furniture stood discreetly against silk-hung walls.
Once Alice would not have noticed anything of the grandeur, she had been brought up in a house that was much larger than this with rolling acres of land as far as the eye could see.
‘Is Mr Eynon expecting you?’ the maid asked quietly. Alice waved her hand dismissively.
‘Of course he’s expecting me, girl! Rosie, you go into the kitchen, I’ll send for you when I’m ready to go home.’
To Alice’s consternation, Eynon was entertaining guests. Her heart sank when she recognized the pert face of Polly Boucher and beside her the aged man who was her husband.
‘I do apologize, Eynon.’ Alice made an effort to conceal her irritation. ‘If I’d realized you had company, I would not have intruded.’
‘Nonsense!’ Eynon smiled; he seemed in a good mood. ‘Jem and I have concluded our business and I’m sure Polly here will be glad of some female company.’
Men could be so obtuse. Alice stared sourly at Polly who smiled patronizingly and twitched her good silk jacket into place around her slender waist. Alice felt at a disadvantage, heavily pregnant, it was difficult to dress with any sort of style.
‘Day to you, Mrs Sparks,’ Polly said disarmingly. The girl was a good actress, no-one would ever know there had been friction between them. Alice decided to play Polly at her own game. She sat close to her and smiled as warmly as she could.
‘It’s so nice to see you again, Mrs Boucher,’ she said, accepting a cordial from the maid. ‘Did you enjoy your shopping spree the other day?’
‘I most certainly did.’ Polly winked at the old man who was her husband. ‘Jem is a very generous man, he spoils me, don’t you, my darling?’
Jem nodded but his eyes resting on Alice were cold. ‘How is your husband, Mrs Sparks?’ he asked grimly. Alice swallowed some cordial, there was a constriction in her throat, she wondered uneasily if Edward’s foolish scheme had been found out.
‘He hasn’t been very well lately,’ she said. ‘I do think he needs a long rest from business.’ She paused for effect. ‘He seems a little under the weather, you know? Not quite his composed self. He sometimes becomes quite confused, I do worry about him.’
It seemed a good idea to scatter some doubt about Edward’s state of mind to anyone who would listen. Perhaps if his misdeeds were discovered the p
roblem could be put down to ill health.
‘Oh dear, I am sorry,’ Polly said, her twinkling eyes belying her words. ‘It must be so difficult to have a husband who has to work all day with no time for play.’ She winked at her husband again. ‘We have plenty of time to play, don’t we, Jem?’
‘Aye, indeed,’ Jem said, ‘we play so much I’m quite worn out with playing.’ He rose to his feet.
‘Thank you for your hospitality, Eynon, and I’m glad we had this little chat. Perhaps we can meet up again to discuss developments?’
Polly smiled at Alice. ‘There you are, you can have dear Mr Morton-Edwards all to yourself now.’ Her smile widened. ‘I don’t think you’ll need a chaperone, will you, not in your condition.’ She paused before delivering her parting shot. ‘We might meet again though I doubt it, we do not move in the same social circles, do we? Bye, Mrs Sparks.’
Alice’s cheeks began to burn; once she would have slapped a common slut like Polly for her insolence. But then she had been rich, the daughter of a successful man. Now the roles were reversed, Polly was the rich one and that hurt.
When he had shown his guests out, Eynon returned to the room and sat beside her. ‘What can I do for you, Alice?’ He seemed a little distant and Alice was worried in case Edward had been foolish enough to make his ‘mistakes’ too obvious. Suddenly she felt desperate.
‘I need to confide in you, to ask your advice,’ Alice said. ‘I’m very troubled, I didn’t want to say too much in front of Mr Boucher but I think Edward has been making serious mistakes in the bank. He really is not a well man.’
She slanted her eyes towards him. ‘I know you’ve given me the house, Eynon, and it’s just as well under the circumstances, don’t you think? I mean with Edward so confused and all.’
‘I’m afraid I know nothing about banking,’ Eynon said. ‘And I don’t particularly want to. On such matters I cannot offer any advice. However I will ensure that you are adequately looked after.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I intend to pay for the doctor and the midwife and all the trappings of childbirth.’ He smiled. ‘Yes, Alice, I am willing to put some funds at your disposal.’ He rose and took a key from his pocket. Alice watched with bated breath as he unlocked a drawer.
‘Here, Alice, this should be enough to see you through. When the children are born we’ll talk again. In the meantime, I’d take that husband of yours to a doctor if he’s as confused as you say he is.’
Alice looked uneasily at Eynon. ‘Do you know something I don’t?’ she asked. ‘Please, Eynon, as a friend, if you know anything about the affairs of the bank, tell me.’
Eynon nodded. ‘All right, the auditors are to investigate sooner than we thought, the books will be audited before the end of the month. If any problem shows up I’m afraid your husband will be in serious trouble.’
‘Oh, dear, what am I going to do?’ Alice said, hoping her pretence at being worried was convincing. ‘In my condition I can’t stand any upsets.’
He stared at her and then smiled. ‘You needn’t force any tears, Alice, and I expect your claims that your husband is sick will be taken into consideration. However, I suggest you persuade your husband to offer his resignation forthwith.’
Alice sighed with relief. The purse Eynon had given her was heavy, she would have to sacrifice it so that Edward could pay off the debts, save himself from disgrace. He could retire from the bank offering his health as an excuse.
Once the twins were born everything would be all right. Eynon would continue to support her and so, no doubt, would her father. He had always wanted grandchildren and when he saw two beautiful babies he would soften. He might even insist the twins be given the Carrington name.
She smiled secretly, she might even confide the truth of the twins’ parentage to her father. He would not be shocked, he was well used to her flighty ways and would cluck his disapproval but in the end he would be pleased that the twins were not the offspring of a lowly bank manager but a man of property and wealth. Her father was nothing if not a snob.
‘Don’t worry, Alice,’ Eynon said gently, ‘I’ll speak to the owners of the bank, if necessary I’ll offer to pay off the debts incurred by the “mistake”. Then it’s up to that husband of yours to get out of a job that he patently is not suited for.’
This was even better than Alice could have hoped for: Eynon would put things right with the bank and then, once the babies were born, he would want to make love to her again; she would be happy and indulgent and he would adore her. The pity of it was that she was still married to Edward Sparks. Still, she would have to make the best of it, already things were looking brighter for her.
‘Thank you, Eynon, I’m very grateful for all your kindness.’ And once she had her figure back she would be happy to prove to Eynon just how grateful she could be.
Llinos left the paint shed and made her way across the yard, hearing the cheery sound of voices as the workers streamed towards the gates. Another day was over and she faced a long, lonely night. Still, there was one bright spot, the new designs were working splendidly. Her ‘Maidens at the Well’ pattern had proved far more popular than she had ever imagined. There was no doubt about it, times were changing and customers wanted refined, well-decorated pottery products to put on their tables.
Watt followed her across to the house. ‘Can I speak to you, Llinos?’ he asked and she beckoned to him to come inside. He looked lean and tired and she wondered how he was coping with married life. Much better than she was no doubt.
‘Llinos,’ Watt said, ‘I have something to explain to you.’ He stood in the hallway and kicked off his clay-stained boots.
‘What’s wrong?’ He followed her into the drawing room and Llinos closed the door. ‘Is it Pearl?’
‘No.’ He looked down at his feet. ‘It’s Rosie, she’s left me.’
Llinos sank into a chair, shaking her head. ‘But I thought everything was going right for you at last.’
‘It’s all my fault, I let her know I’d married her out of concern for the family and now she’s gone. I heard she’s working as a maid somewhere or other. I just don’t know what to do about it.’ He ran his hand through his hair, sending a shower of dust onto the carpet.
‘Oh, Watt!’ Llinos looked at his drawn face. ‘Don’t you love Rosie then?’ She wondered what was happening to the world, was everyone going mad?
‘I don’t know.’ He shook his head. ‘I don’t know anything any more.’
‘Well,’ Llinos sighed, ‘you’ll have to sort yourself out before it’s too late. Can you imagine how much you must have hurt Rosie?’ She thought of her own feelings of pain and betrayal and her sympathy at that moment was with Rosie. The poor girl had married Watt in a haze of happiness. She loved him to distraction, anyone could see that, and he had let her down.
‘Well, no-one can advise you,’ she said, ‘you have to sort this out on your own I’m afraid.’
‘There’s another problem, something to do with the pottery.’ Watt straightened his shoulders, once again in charge of his emotions.
‘I sent for more china clay but the Dorset Company said we had not settled our last bill.’
Llinos rubbed her eyes; she could do without problems of business right now. She was tired and downhearted; she felt like an abandoned wife and she supposed that was just what she was.
‘Perhaps it was an oversight.’ She pushed back the few stray curls that hung over her face. ‘Perhaps we’d better check with the bank.’
‘I have.’ Watt looked grave. ‘I don’t know what’s happening, Llinos. Our profits are up and yet there are insufficient funds in the bank to meet our commitments. I don’t understand it.’
Llinos frowned and with a sigh took the account books out of the desk drawer. She had kept her own accounts since the early days when the pottery had been running on a shoestring and she had not seen any reason to relax her vigilance over the years.
‘According to my figures we should h
ave a healthy balance,’ she said. ‘Indeed, we’re better off than we’ve been for some time. I think that might be due to the popularity of the new designs we’ve been using.’
Watt leaned over her and ran his finger down both the credit and debit columns. ‘No mistakes there,’ he said. ‘Look, I’d better call at the bank tomorrow and sort this out, there’s obviously been some mistake.’
Llinos agreed with him, there were no money problems for them to face whatever the Dorset China Clay Company said. She closed the books and put them away. She was worried enough without the bank making silly errors.
‘It’s probably Mr Sparks’s fault,’ she said. ‘I never did trust the man to get things right, he’s an incompetent. I did promise Eynon I would think about moving my account elsewhere but I haven’t got round to it.’
‘Well perhaps you’d better think harder.’ He paused. ‘I’ve heard talk, I don’t like to repeat gossip but it seems that his wife has been overspending at the shops. She returned no less than seven hats to the emporium in the High Street. That doesn’t go down well with the people of the town, I can tell you.’
‘That’s their business,’ Llinos said tiredly. ‘All I care about is my own affairs, I just want this silly nonsense sorted out as soon as possible.’
Watt walked to the door and paused. ‘Llinos, what’s happening, between you and Joe, I mean? Is he ever coming back?’
‘I don’t know, in any case I don’t want to talk about Joe.’ Llinos felt tears come to her eyes, she thought of Joe, of his lean, strong body, his golden skin, his silky hair. She could hear his voice vibrant with love but it had been a long time since he had spoken to her of love. When had it gone wrong? Had the death of their baby changed the way Joe felt about her or had he just grown tired of her?
‘Is there anything I can do?’ Watt asked. ‘Should I go to speak to him?’
‘You know he’s with another woman. What could you say to him to bring him back to me, Watt?’
