“If you come here, you’ll be frightened out of your wits. I promise you.”
“Thanks for the promise. So this is it?”
“It’s right at the top of the house. You can look right down into the well … because the stairs go round and round. Someone hanged herself once from these banisters. She was a governess.”
“Perhaps she had a pupil rather like you.”
That made her laugh and she looked at me with some appreciation.
“Moreover,” I went on, ‘it would have been rather a difficult operation and she must have been very skilful. So this is the schoolroom. What books have you? “
“A lot of boring old things.”
“You mean they bore you. That’s probably because you don’t understand them.”
“How do you know what I understand?”
“Well, I gathered from you that you never learn anything unless you want to, and I surmise that very often you don’t want to, which would account for your ignorance.”
“You’re a funny sort of governess.”
“How do you know? I haven’t been a governess yet.”
“I’ll give you a piece of advice,” she said conspiratorially.
“That’s good of you. What is it?”
“Don’t come here. I’m not very nice, you know.”
“Oh yes. I had already discovered that.”
“Why … ? How … ?”
“You’ve told me yourself and in any case it’s rather obvious, isn’t it?”
“I’m not so bad really. Only I don’t like to be told what to do.”
“That’s not very unusual, you know. You’re just going along with the common herd. But there are people who want to learn and they do. They are the people who have rewarding lives.”
She stared at me with a puzzled look.
I said: “I have seen the schoolroom. Now I will go back to your mother.”
“You’re going to tell her how awful I am and that you don’t like me and you won’t come here.”
“Is that what you want me to telljier?” She did not answer, which mildly surprised and pleased me. I went on: “Do you often tell people what they are going to do?”
“Well, of course you’re not coming. You’re not poor like Miss Evans. You don’t have to. Nobody would come here unless they had to.”
“If you would like to take me to your mother, I should be pleased. If not, I dare say I can find my own way.”
We surveyed each other like two generals on a battlefield. I could see that in spite of herself she was mildly interested in me. I had not behaved like the ordinary governesses; and she had certainly not acted like a prospective pupil. But I sensed that she had-as I admitted to myself that I had-enjoyed our little bout of sparring. I thought her a spoilt child, but there was another reasonas there usually is-why she behaved as she did. I could not grasp what her attitude towards her mother was, but I felt a growing curiosity and I wanted to find out.
Oddly enough, this difficult child, who had driven governesses away in despair, attracted me in an odd way. I wanted to know more of her. I knew I was coming to the house in any case, but, having met Lady Perrivale and her daughter, I was finding myself intrigued by their personalities.
Kate pushed past me and started to go downstairs: “This is the way,” she said.
I followed her back to the room where we had left Lady Perrivale. She looked up anxiously as though she were ready to accept defeat.
I said: “Kate has shown me the schoolroom. It is very light and airy and in such a pleasant spot… at the top of the house.”
I paused, savouring my power with a certain complacency, then I went on: “I have decided that, providing we can agree on the usual details, I should like to come on trial … on both sides … for say a month and if at the end of that time we feel the arrangement is satisfactory we can plan from there.”
Her smile was dazzling. She had made up her mind that a short time with Kate would have decided me. She was ready to promise anything and the salary she offered I was sure was beyond what was normally paid to a governess.
“When … ?” she asked eagerly.
“What about Monday … the start of the week? You see, I have not far to come.”
“That would be admirable.”
Kate was looking at me in astonishment. I said coolly:
“If the carriage could take me back to Trecorn Manor …”
“But of course,” said Lady Perrivale.
“We shall look forward to seeing you on Monday.”
I felt triumphant as I was driven back. I was going to succeed, I knew. I was going to find Cosmo’s murderer. And then I should have to find Simon. How, I did not know. But I’d think of that when the time came.
I kept thinking how lucky it was that I had confided in Nanny Crockett, for that had certainly taken me along a few steps further. I was certain that I was on the only possible road to discovery.
Nanny Crockett was waiting for me and she could hardly restrain her impatience. I did not keep her long in suspense.
“I’m starting on Monday,” I said.
She flew at me and hugged me.
“I knew you would. I knew it.”
“Lady Perrivale was determined. No applicant for a post can ever have had such an extraordinary interview. You would have thought she was the one who wanted the job.”
“Well, Mrs. Ford told me how it would be.” She looked at me anxiously.
“Did you see … the girl?”
I nodded.
“She’s a challenge,” I said.
“And if it is possible to find the truth I have to.”
“For Simon’s sake. Poor lamb … out there in the wilds somewhere.
If only he could come home to us. “
“We’re going to succeed. Nanny. We are on the way.”
Now that I had come so far, I had to face the difficulties.
I should have to tell my father that I was taking a post as governess.
That would bewilder him. And I did not forget Aunt Maud. I was sure she would be most disapproving because becoming a governess would not enhance my chances of what she would call a good marriage. But by the time they heard, I should be installed in Perrivale Court.
I should have to write to Felicity. I wondered what her reaction would be. If she knew the truth behind it, of course, she would understand, for she did realize how restless I was. She herself had been a governess, but I had been a very different child from Kate, and Felicity and I had had good times together from the beginning.
I was unprepared for Lucas’s reaction.
I did not see him until dinner that evening. It had become a dismal meal since Theresa’s death. We were all conscious of the place where she used to sit at one end of the table opposite Carleton. Now that place was empty and every now and then one of us would gaze furtively towards it. Conversation was laborious and there would be certain gaps when Lucas and I sought for something to say. In the past we had lingered over meals; now they were occasions which everyone wished to be over as soon as possible.
Lucas said: “I haven’t seen you all day. I looked for you this afternoon.”
“No,” I said.
“I went to Perrivale Court.”
“Perrivale Court!” he echoed disbelievingly.
“Yes … as a matter of fact I’m going to work there.”
“What?”
“As a governess. Lady Perrivale has a daughter … Kate. I am going to act as her governess.”
“Whatever for?”
“Well, it’s something to do and …”
“It’s a ridiculous idea!” He looked at Carleton, who was staring gloomily at his plate.
“Did you hear that?” he said.
“Rosetta plans to go to Perrivale Court as governess to the girl there.”
“Yes, I heard,” said Carleton.
“Well, don’t you think it’s crazy?”
Carleton coughed slightly.
I s
aid: “I shall be starting on Monday. I have to do something, and I thought this would be a start.”
Lucas was speechless.
Carleton said: “It was good of you to stay with us so long. The children are so fond of you. We knew of course that you would only be here temporarily until they had recovered a little from …”
Then we all fell into silence.
As soon as dinner was over, Lucas hustled me into the drawing-room.
“I’d like to talk,” he said.
“Yes?”
“It’s about this nonsense …”
“It’s not nonsense. It’s perfectly reasonable. I want to do something.”
“There are lots of things you could do. If you’re so eager to look after children, what’s wrong with the two here?”
“It’s not the same, Lucas.”
“What do you mean not the same? Do you realize what you are letting yourself in for?”
“If I find it intolerable I shall just leave.”
“That place! There’s something about it. You there! I just can’t imagine it.”
“Lots of young women take posts as governesses.”
“You’re not qualified.”
“How many of them are? I have had a fair education. I could teach some things.”
“It’s absurd. Tell me, Rosetta, why are you doing this? There must be a reason.”
I was silent for a few seconds. I longed to tell him. On impulse I had told Nanny Crockett, but then I had seen that she was emotionally involved and it was obvious that I had then taken a step in the right direction. I wavered.
But I was uncertain of Lucas. He should feel grateful to the man who had saved his life, but Lucas was a calm realist, and I was unsure of what action he would take.
He answered for me.
“After going through all that … well, it’s natural that you should feel unsettled. Life at home seems dull … well, predictable. You are reaching out for change. I can only think that it was that which made you take this ridiculous action.”
“I don’t see it as ridiculous, Lucas.”
“You get on so well with the twins and you and Nanny Crockett seem to be in some conspiracy or other. You’re always together.”
I caught my breath. Conspiracy? It was almost as though he guessed.
He said sharply: “How did you know that they wanted a governess at Perrivale? Through Nanny Crockett, I suppose. I’ve heard she is still friendly with someone up there.”
“Well, yes …”
“I thought so. And you concocted this between you. I tell you, it’s madness. That place! There’s something unsavoury about it since the murder. It’s not the sort of place you should go to. All that trouble and that woman being engaged to the victim and then promptly marrying the other…”
“That has nothing to do with the governess.”
“Governess!” he said contemptuously. ‘yom a governess! “
“Why not?”
“You’re not the type.”
“What types are governesses? There are all sorts, I do assure you.”
“Well, you don’t fit into any of the categories. You’d better marry me.”
I stared at him.
“What did you say?”
“You’re restless. Since you’ve been back, everything seems dull after such hair-raising adventures as you have experienced.
You want something to happen. Very well. Marry me. “
I burst out laughing.
“Really, Lucas, who is being absurd now?”
“Still you. I’m as calm and sensible as ever. The more I think of the idea the more I like it.”
“You don’t care for me.”
“But I do. Next to myself I love you best in the world.”
That made me laugh again and I was glad of the light relief.
“I am not taking you seriously, of course,” I said, ‘but this must be the most unusual proposal anyone has ever received. “
“It’s honest, anyway.”
“Yes, I grant that.”
“And it is not so unusual either. It’s just that people don’t tell all the truth. Most people love themselves passionately and when they declare their love for someone it is always for their own comfort and pleasure. So you see, I am just the same as most other people except that I am more honest.”
“Oh, Lucas, it is good of you, but…”
“It’s not good at all and but… I knew there would be a but.”
“I really can’t take you seriously.”
“Why not? The more I think of it the better solution it seems. You are in the doldrums … which ever way you turn. Everything has changed for you. Your forthright aunt has entered your old home and changed it. You have recently come through an almost incredible adventure.
Nothing like it will ever happen to you again, so therefore life seems a little flat. You are not sure which way to turn. But turn you will anything . anywhere to take you out of the slough into which you have fallen. If governessing in a house of somewhat shady reputation is
considered, why not marriage with a curmudgeon who is a poor thing, but at least cares for you and understands? “
“You don’t put it very romantically.”
“We are not discussing romance but reality.”
I couldn’t help laughing again and he joined in with me.
“Oh come, Rosetta,” he said.
“Give up this mad idea … and at least consider the other proposition. It has certain advantages. We are good friends, aren’t we? We’ve faced death together. I understand you as few people ever will. And do you want to go back to Aunt Maud and her plans for you?”
“I certainly don’t want to do that,” I replied.
“You are right in a way. You do understand me … to some degree.”
“Then abandon this idea. I’ll send Dick Duvane over to Perrivale to tell them to look for a new governess. Think about what I suggested.
Stay here for a while. Let’s enlarge our acquaintance. You don’t need to leap into this. Let’s make plans. “
“You are so good to me, Lucas.”
I placed my hand in his and he put it to his lips.
“It’s true, you know, Rosetta,” he said earnestly.
“I am fond of you.”
“I really am second with you?”
He laughed and held me against him for a moment.
“But…” I went on.
“Yes, I know about that ” but”. You’re going to Perrivale, aren’t you?”
“I must, Lucas. There’s a reason.”
Warnings of danger flashed into my mind. Once again I was on the point of telling him why I must go to Perrivale. He would understand then.
He saw that I was really determined.
He said: “Well, I shall be close. We’ll meet at The Sailor King. And when you find it quite unbearable, you only have to walk out and come to Trecorn.”
“That is a great comfort to me,” I told him.
“And, Lucas … thank you for asking me. It means a great deal to me.”
“It’s not the last time I shall ask. There’ll be others. I don’t give in as easily as that.”
“It was a great surprise to me. I think it was to you.”
“Oh, it has been smouldering in my mind for a long time … even on the island perhaps …”
“Do you think often of that time now?”
“It’s always there … in the background. I am constantly ready to be reminded. I often think of John Player, too. It would be interesting to know what happened to him.”
I was silent, apprehensive as I always was when he referred to Simon.
“I wonder if he is still in the seraglio. Poor devil. He came out the worst of the three of us … though none emerged unscathed.”
His face had hardened. The grudge against fate for making a cripple of a healthy man was never far away.
“I’d give a good deal to know what became of him,” he went on.
; “We must remember we should not be here if it were not for him,” I said.
“Perhaps one day we shall hear some thing.”
“I doubt it. When that sort of thing happens people disappear from your life.”
“We didn’t disappear, Lucas.”
“It is rather miraculous that we are here like this.”
“Perhaps he will come back, too.”
“If he escaped … which seems impossible.”
“I did, Lucas.”
“That’s quite a story, but who is going to let him out? No, we shall never see him again. Yes … while we were there … that island . the three of us … we became very close to each other. But that is over now. We’ve got to grow away from it. And let me tell you, you’ll do that far better as Mrs. Lucas Lorimer than as governess to some hateful little brat in a household which was once the centre of a murder case.”
“We shall have to see, Lucas,” I said.
My first days at Perrivale Court were so crowded with impressions and suppressed emotions that they left me quite bewildered. The house itself was fascinating. It was full of unexpected features. It seemed vast, like a medieval castle in some places, a Tudor manor in others, and in some rooms a note of modernity had crept in.
Lady Perrivale had greeted me warmly but briefly and had handed me over to Mrs. Ford, who from the first showed herself to be my ally. I was her protegee; she had won the gratitude of Lady Perrivale for producing me and she was going to take me under her wing and do her utmost to keep me in the house.
She took me to my room.
“If there’s anything you want, Miss Cranleigh, let me know. I’ll see you’re as comfortable as I can make you. Nanny Crockett said I was to take care of you, and I promise you, I will.”
My room was next to the nursery, and Kate’s was next to mine. It was a pleasant room with a window that looked down on to a courtyard. Across the courtyard other windows faced me. I immediately had the impression that I was being watched and I was glad of the heavy drapes.
From the first I felt as though I had slipped into a dream. I was overwhelmed by the knowledge that I was actually living in the house where Simon had spent the greater part of his boyhood, and my determination to prove his innocence intensified.
It soon became clear that Kate felt an interest in me. She was certainly determined to find out all she could about me.
No sooner had Mrs. Ford left me to unpack than she came into my room. She did not knock, feeling, I was sure, that there was no need to stand on ceremony with a mere governess.
The Captive Page 23
