Tom went off to get him, but Dr. Everest was with a patient and it was a good hour before he arrived at Commonwood House; and when he did come, it was to find that Mrs. Marline was dead.
A Sea Voyage
It is hard for me to remember exactly what happened on that day. There were so many comings and goings, so much whispering and heavy silences.
The news that Mrs. Marline was dead was a great shock to everyone. Dr. Everest must have sent for Dr. Marline, for he came home, in a state of disbelief and horror.
The doctors were together for a long time and then Dr. Everest left.
Nanny Gilroy and Mrs. Barton whispered together and when Annie Logan came, she stayed with them and they shut the door in case anyone heard what they were saying.
The doctor and Miss Carson were in the drawing-room together. They both seemed in a state of shock.
Estella and I talked about what had happened. Neither of us could pretend to mourn Mrs. Marline. I had many times heard the term ‘happy release’ applied to death; and I often thought how well it fitted in this case. It was certainly a release for us, and, since Mrs. Marline had been in such pain, for her also.
I heard Nanny say ominously: “There’ll have to be an inquest, and then we shall see what’s what.”
The house was different. There seemed to be menacing shadows everywhere. I felt that something tremendous was about to burst on us, but I told myself that it would be very pleasant when it was all settled, for we should be without Mrs. Marline and we could all be happy.
But life does not work out like that.
There was the inquest to come, and that ominous word seemed to crop up in every overheard conversation.
The blinds were drawn throughout the house so that the place was darkened. The doors of those rooms which had been occupied by Mrs. Marline were locked and no one was allowed to go into them.
Estella said that when people died suddenly they were cut up to see what had killed them: and, with my talent for eavesdropping, I sensed from Nanny and Mrs. Barton that, when this was done, something important would be revealed.
It was about three days after Mrs. Marline’s death when a visitor arrived at Commonwood House. She was a tall, thin, important-looking lady and I was struck by her resemblance to Mrs. Marline. She was greeted with some surprise by the doctor.
From my vantage-point, I heard her say: “I thought it was time I came.
Something should be done about the children. “
She went into the drawing-room with the doctor and there was a long pause during which I could hear nothing; and after a while Estella was summoned to the drawing-room. She was there for a long time and then she emerged, looking bewildered. She ran up to her room and I followed her.
“Who’s that and what does she want?” I asked.
“I haven’t seen her before.”
“She’s my Aunt Florence. Adeline and I are going to stay with her.”
I looked at her blankly.
“When?”
“Now,” she said.
“I’ve got to get Nanny to help me get some things together.”
“Where are you going?”
“I told you. To stay with her. She’s come to fetch us.”
“Is it a holiday?”
Estella shrugged her shoulders.
“She says it’s best for us not to be here.”
“Do you mean you’re going … now? That’s what I said, wasn’t it?”
Estella was always irritable when she was worried, and I could see she was not very eager to go with Aunt Florence who, to my knowledge, had never come to Commonwood before.
“How long for?” I asked.
“I think until this inquest is over. She thinks that’s best. She says we shouldn’t be involved.”
“What about me?”
Estella shrugged her shoulders.
“She didn’t say anything about you .. only Adeline and me. And Henry’s all right because he’s at school.”
I felt more deserted and alone than I had since the days before Uncle Toby came into my life.
Aunt Florence went away, taking Estella and Adeline with her. I shall never forget Adeline’s face as she got into the station fly, with Estella, Aunt Florence and the luggage. She looked as though she were too bewildered and miserable even to cry.
Then I was alone.
It was strange without Estella and Adeline, but at least Miss Carson had not gone with them. She seemed very nervous. She told me that Aunt Florence was Mrs. Marline’s sister. They had not seen each other for years because they could not get on with each other. That did not surprise me, as I could not imagine anyone’s getting on well with Mrs. Marline; and her sister. Aunt Florence, seemed very like her.
Miss Carson said: “There was some upset in the family when Mrs.
Marline married the doctor. They thought she married beneath her by marrying a country doctor when she should have married into the peerage.” Miss Carson added, in a bitter voice which did not fit her somehow:
“What a pity she didn’t.”
I wondered what would happen to me when the inquest was over. I was aware of a feeling of doom in the house. Once I heard Nanny Gilroy say to Mrs. Barton: “We shall be called, I don’t doubt. I shall tell all I know. You can’t hold things back at a time like this. They’ll find out anyway. There’s nothing much they miss.”
“He’s not going to like it,” replied Mrs. Barton.
“People prying into his affairs.”
“People should think of these things before they get caught.”
I was beginning to wonder what would happen at this dreaded inquest.
Then Uncle Toby appeared and I forgot everything else. I flung myself into his arms. I was joyful and tearful all at once.
I said: “They’ve gone … Estella and Adeline.”
“I know. To my sister Florence. Poor little things. And they left you, did they?”
I nodded.
“Just as well, because I’ve come to take you away with me for a while.”
I could not believe that I was hearing correctly.
“Away with you?” I repeated.
“Just a little while. Till things settle down. Didn’t we say we’d sail together one day?”
“Sail?” I cried.
He looked at me and smiled
“It seemed a good idea.”
I could not believe this was really happening. Life had taken a strange turn since Mrs. Marline’s death, but this was more fantastic than anything so far. To go away from this gloomy house, with its secrets which I could not understand, to be with Uncle Toby! To sail, he had said. It was too much to be taken in all at once. It was like a dream from which I feared I would wake at any moment.
I just stared blankly at him as I realized he meant what he said, joyous relief beginning to flood through me.
I have to admit that I was too excited to think much about poor Adeline, parted from her beloved Miss Carson. Estella would not mind so much. She might even feel excited to have a change. It had not been very pleasant lately at Commonwood House. And now I was presented with this most exciting prospect-beyond everything I could have imagined.
Uncle Toby laid his plans before me. He had always said he would take me on a sea trip, hadn’t he? It seemed that this was the time. We would not have to wait long, for he would be sailing in just over a week; and there was a great deal to be done before we did. There were things I should need. Polly would help me with that.
“Who is Polly?” I asked.
“She’s my landlady. Bless Polly! What should we do without her? Well, the fact is, I rent some rooms in her house. Very convenient, really.
Well, that’s why, of course. We usually dock in Southampton and it’s my pied-a-terre. You know what that is, because I heard you’ve been learning French. It’s a little place to step into when the need arises. One day, when I’ve finished with the sea, I’ll settle. But in the meantime it’s a pied-a-terre with Mrs. Q.”
“Mrs. Q?”
“Polly. Polly Quinton, that is. She’s a real sport. You’ll love her.
She looks after those she calls her sailor boys. Oh, I’m not the only one. One of a crowd, actually. They come and go. It suits me and it suits Mrs. Q.
I’ve got four rooms at the top of the house with a view over the harbour. Not far from the old vessel, you see. Well, you know, the ship becomes part of you. Ships are wonderful. They’re temperamental . they’ve a life of their own. Funny little tricks they get up to-and each one’s different. Capricious, that’s what they are. Just like women, they say. Did you know they always call a ship “she” never “he” No, there’s nothing of a man about a ship. That’s why you get to love them, you know. “
I revelled in these conversations. He had always been loquacious and had a jaunty way of speaking, and everything that had happened in Commonwood House during those last months began to fade into a memory and I was entering a new and enthralling world, and with this exciting project ahead and the company of Uncle Toby, I was completely absorbed.
“We have just over a week before we board the Lady of the Seas,“ he told me.
“There is much to be done. Not only will you require certain garments, but there are some formalities to be seen to. I’ll arrange all that. You and Mrs. Q. can settle the other.”
As Uncle Toby had said, the house was near the docks and Polly Quinton greeted me as though she had known me all my life. She was very plump, with a rosy face and eyes which almost disappeared when she laughed, which was frequently. Everything seemed amusing to her. She had a habit of folding her hands across her large bosom and shaking with mirth.
The house was on five floors and all the rooms except those in the basement were let to sailors.
Mrs. Quinton had a special feeling for sailors, I soon discovered, for one never had to lure Mrs. Quinton into talking of herself. She would do so for as long as one cared to listen.
“My Charley was a sailor boy,” she told me, her eyes wide open and misty for once.
“He was a real man, he was. The times we had!” She shook on recollection.
“He’d come home hell bent on making the most of his leave. He was like that. They get a lot out of life, dear, that sort. Those were the days! And then that was it. He went down with his ship off South America.” She was silent for a moment, her face sad.
Then she was merry again.
“Yes, we had some good times together, and he left me comfortable. He always used to say, ” You’ll be all right, Poll, when I’ve gone. You’ve got this house. There’s a living in it. ” And so there has been. I’d stop him talking like that. It upset me. Well, he was right. I let this place off to my sailors. They remind me of my Charley. Your Uncle Toby has been with me for a number of years. He’s a real gentle man. I don’t mind telling you, dear, I’ve got a special soft spot for him.
You’re a lucky girl, you are. He’s taking you off to sea with him.
Well, I reckon that’s something, I do. I wish I’d been with my Charley when . Well, it’s no good, is it? I always felt I’d have found some way of looking after him. But that’s me. Charley always used to say, “You think you can do everything better than everyone else.” It’s true. That’s why I’d have found some way of getting him out of that sea. Well, dear, we’re going to do some shopping tomorrow. To tell you the truth, there’s nothing I like better than spending a bit of money.”
She was laughing, her temporary sadness gone.
We shopped together. We bought the garments which Uncle Toby said I should need for shipboard life sturdy shoes with soles that would not slip on wet decks; some summer dresses for a hot climate. Mrs. Quinton thoroughly enjoyed these expeditions, and so did I. Uncle Toby was away for long periods during the day, for he had business to attend to. The ship was in port and certain repairs were being done. He took me over her. And what a thrill that was! I was to have a cabin on the deck just below the bridge where Uncle Toby’s own cabin was situated.
“You’ll be a passenger,” he told me.
“A very special person. I have to look after the passengers, but for the most part the cargo looks after itself. So I shall be able to keep my eye on you.”
He showed me the dining-room with its long tables. There was a smoking-room, a music room, as well as public rooms where people could indulge in all sorts of activities, and stretches of deck where one could sit and contemplate the sea. I felt I had skipped into a fantastic new world.
And then we were sailing and this was like the realization of a long-cherished dream. My pride in Uncle Toby was excessive. He looked splendid in his Captain’s uniform and everyone deferred to him. He was the Master of the Lady of the Seas and all who sailed in her.
He had changed subtly. He was god-like and alert for the safety of all who depended on him. He was usually very occupied, but we did have moments together, and I was gratified and honoured because I believe he enjoyed them as much as I did.
He would say: “I’ll be on the bridge for some time, so I shan’t be able to be with you-but just as soon as it is possible …”
I would nod, delighted that he should explain to me, which was something grown-ups rarely did. I often thought how lucky I was to have him, for he was not really my uncle, though he always spoke and acted as though he were. I would never forget that I was the one he had taken to sea with him-not Henry, Estella or Adeline. One would have thought he would have taken Henry, because boys were usually chosen for adventures like this. Secretly I thought Uncle Toby did not like Henry or even Estella or Adeline as well as me. And that was where the miracle came in.
Occasionally, I would think of the old life, though I did not want to, but it would force itself into my mind. How were they getting on with Aunt Florence, I wondered? Perhaps they would be home by now. They would have the inquest and the house would settle down to its old routine. Lessons and walks with Miss Carson; and Mrs. Marline safely buried and unable to spoil anything again. Adeline would be pleased.
She might miss me a little, but Miss Carson would make up for that.
So it would be a happy ending for them as well as for me. Now and then the thought came to me of what would happen when this voyage was over.
I should go back to Commonwood, I supposed, and then everything would be settled.
But I did not want to think of that. I was going to enjoy every moment of this wonderful adventure first.
Shipboard life was absorbing. At mealtimes we sat at a long table, which was jolly. Everyone was friendly towards me because I was the Captain’s protegee, and they told me how lucky I was to have an uncle who took me on his ship for a long sea voyage. Sometimes Uncle Toby joined us. People all wanted to talk to him. They asked questions about the ship and he talked to them in his jolly, jaunty way which they all seemed to like.
At night I would lie in my berth in the cabin just below the bridge and think of Uncle Toby up there, looking at his charts and the stars as he drove the ship along.
I shared a cabin with a girl who was more or less my own age. Gertie Forman was going to Australia with her family father, mother and brother Jimmy to settle there.
There were two berths, one above the other, and I climbed into mine the top one by means of a ladder which could be pulled down when one needed it. It was great fun lying up there, particularly when the ship rocked.
Gertie and I soon became friendly. We explored the ship together. It was her first time on a ship too, so we had a lot in common. We discovered the public rooms and the best places to sit on deck. Not that we did a great deal of sitting; we always seemed to be dashing around. Sometimes we would talk to the sailors dark men, a number of them, who could not speak much English. But some of them were English and they often referred to me as ‘the Captain’s Little “Un’.
It was wonderful to have a companion at such times when I could not be with Uncle Toby, and Gertie and I spent a great deal of time together. Then we would lie in our berths at n
ight and talk to each other.
I learned that the Formans used to live on a farm in Wiltshire. Gertie told me how she and her brother always had daily tasks to perform . like bringing in the cows for milking, collecting eggs from the fowls, making the pigs’ food. There was always something which had to be done on a farm. They were going to buy a property in Australia where land was cheaper than at home.
The family had left because ‘they’ — Gertie was not sure who-were planning to build a road right through the farm, which would have finished it off as a paying proposition. They were anxious about it for a long time and the Formans had hoped it would never come to pass, but, when they had known it was inevitable, they made the decision to buy a property in Australia.
I told her a little about myself, but I was guarded. I did not want her to know that I had been found under the azalea bush. She would certainly have asked how the splendid Captain Sinclair could be uncle to such a waif. I wondered what I should say if her probing became awkward. But Gertie, like most people, I have discovered, was far more interested in her own affairs than those of others, and it was not difficult to steer her away from asking awkward questions.
In spite of all his responsibilities. Uncle Toby often found time to be with me. He would take me up to the bridge and show me the charts and instruments, and then we would sit in his cabin and talk. I enjoyed every moment on board ship, but to be with Uncle Toby was the highlight of the day.
He talked to me as though I were a grown-up one of the most endearing aspects of our relationship-and when I considered the insults I had been subjected to from Estella, Henry and Nanny Gilroy, it seemed miraculous that the mighty Captain could treat me as though I were important and interesting.
He asked me how I liked shipboard life and did not wait for me to reply.
“Wonderful, isn’t it?” he said.
“To feel the fresh sea breeze coming to you … the rise and fall of the waves … and the sea . the ever-changing sea that can be so soft and gentle and then suddenly rages. You haven’t seen it in a fury, and I hope you never will.”
The Black Opal Page 8
