A Thimbleful of Hope

by Evie Grace

  ‘But you must! I insist,’ Pa exclaimed. ‘Mr Brooke, you must persuade him …’

  A flush of embarrassment and annoyance spread up Violet’s neck and clothed her cheeks. What was her father thinking of? If he had just given William what he was entitled to, she was sure he would have accepted it without a fuss and gone away quietly.

  ‘Mr Noble, think carefully about this,’ Mr Brooke said. ‘This is a generous offer. With Mr Rayfield’s patronage, the world will be your oyster …’

  ‘I tell you I shall be beholden to no one, least of all Mr Rayfield, who it transpires is only trying to pay me off for his own ends. What does he care about my grieving ma? What does he care about a young man who is trying to make his way in the world? He cares only for himself and his reputation. I have my pride.’ He paused for long enough to incline his head towards Violet, then turned on his heels and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him, making the walls shake.

  ‘Shall I go after him?’ Violet asked. Without waiting for her father’s reply, she followed William out to the hall.

  ‘Wait,’ she said as he placed his hand on the brass doorknob.

  He turned. ‘Oh, Violet, it’s you.’

  She rushed up to him, reached for his arm, then changed her mind. ‘I’m sorry about my father,’ she began.

  ‘There’s no need to apologise on his behalf,’ he said softly.

  ‘Won’t you change your mind about the money? You have every right to accept it.’

  ‘I can’t, not when it has conditions attached. You do understand?’

  She nodded.

  ‘Violet! Violet, where are you?’ she heard her father calling after her.

  ‘You’d better go.’ William opened the front door. ‘Don’t get into any trouble on my account.’ He slipped out and closed the door behind him. Violet returned to the study where Pa and Mr Brooke were still talking.

  ‘He is a fool to turn down money for nothing,’ Pa said, glancing towards her.

  But it hadn’t been for nothing, Violet wanted to argue. It had been offered in exchange for his silence. Would she have been as principled if she’d found herself in his situation?

  ‘I hope this doesn’t affect our plans, Arvin,’ Pa said eventually.

  ‘We’ll make sure that everyone knows you tried to do the right thing by the lad, but being hot-headed and a rather foolish young man, he turned your offer down. Knowing the truth of the matter, they will take your side, Sidney.’

  His reassurance seemed to please her father, but Violet wasn’t satisfied. She walked beside Pa on their way to take their places in the dining room.

  ‘Far be it from me to question my own father,’ she began, but Pa interrupted.

  ‘I know what you’re going to ask me: why did I insist on him signing the agreement?’

  ‘Well, yes,’ she said.

  ‘Because a businessman lives or dies by his reputation, and I can’t afford to lose out because of one young man’s vitriol, even though he speaks out of grief. Oh, Violet, I can’t expect you not to worry about me and my good name, when of my three daughters, you have the kindest heart.’

  She bit her tongue – it was William she was concerned for, not her father.

  At dinner, Pa placed Mr Brooke beside Ottilie as he’d agreed. Violet and Eleanor sat opposite him, while Pa took his seat at the head of the table with Mama at the far end. Mr Brooke was indeed an honoured guest, Violet thought, noting that Wilson had put out the best silver and most elaborate epergne with cut roses as the centrepiece.

  She hardly touched the soup as she listened to the men talk business.

  ‘You must let me know what space you have available for the cargo coming from France,’ Mr Brooke said.

  ‘I can broker as much as is necessary,’ Pa said. ‘It’s no problem.’

  ‘I’ve heard talk on my travels that there are plans to engineer a tunnel which passes under the Channel. Imagine how much easier it would be to transport goods both ways without having to keep loading and unloading them.’

  ‘People have been suggesting it since the turn of the century, but it sounds rather fanciful to me,’ Pa said. ‘Everything would have to be right – the geology, ventilation and hydrography.’

  ‘Somebody will make it happen in the years to come. It isn’t beyond the wit of man, although it might be beyond his pocket for now.’ Mr Brooke smiled. ‘Anyway, let’s put that aside. I’ve been thinking about how to promote sales, and one of the things I’d suggest is that we organise wine-tastings on the quay.’

  ‘That’s an excellent idea, but how do you stop people taking advantage and drinking too much?’ Pa said.

  ‘By paying staff to pour the samples. I’ve done that many times before and it’s always been a great success.’ Mr Brooke turned to Ottilie, wiping a dribble of soup from his beard. ‘Miss Rayfield, what is your opinion?’

  ‘I shall take guidance from my father,’ she said, which seemed to please Mr Brooke.

  ‘There is a sly tactic that the winemakers use on occasion, which is to offer the top vintage for tasting then supply an inferior one when the orders are placed.’

  ‘Mr Brooke, you wouldn’t do such a thing,’ Mama said.

  ‘Absolument pas. I have never made a bad wine. It’s all about the quality of the grape. Miss Rayfield, you may be surprised to learn that white wine is created from red grapes by pressing them to separate the juice from the skins before fermentation.’

  Ottilie expressed a suitable level of astonishment, Violet observed as she rolled her eyes in her direction. Her sister was humouring their guest for their father’s sake, and she continued to do so, until they finished dessert and the gentlemen retired to Pa’s study to talk further.

  The following morning, Violet was on the balcony outside the drawing room, embroidering a spray of flowers on to a silk panel to use as part of a cushion that she was making for her mother’s birthday. The long muslin drapes moved gently on the breath of a light summer breeze and a gull circled overhead. She paused when she became aware of voices from inside. Mama and Pa were in the middle of a conversation.

  ‘I have spoken to Mr Brooke … dear Arvin … and he has asked me if I will allow him to ask for Ottilie’s hand in marriage, to bind our two families together in good fortune.’

  ‘When did he do this?’

  ‘After dinner last night.’

  ‘You didn’t think to tell me before?’ Mama sounded most indignant.

  ‘I looked in on you and found you sleeping. Patience, I had thought this news would please you.’

  Violet sat bolt upright at Pa’s talk of marriage, wondering if she should reveal her presence.

  ‘Oh no, that will not do,’ Mama said. ‘It isn’t what we intended for our daughter. Not a tradesman.’

  ‘How many times? He’s a merchant, a renowned businessman.’

  ‘Renowned by whom?’ Mama said coldly. ‘Tell me one person of our acquaintance who has that opinion from before we met him? You boosted him up.’

  ‘You’ve always given me the impression that you approved of him.’

  ‘As an acquaintance, yes.’

  ‘How many times have you said that your dearest wish is to see our daughters settled? Well, here is your chance to have Ottilie make what I consider an excellent match. He isn’t a baronet or a doctor, or a lawyer with an Oxford education, but he is a good man, the salt of the earth.’

  ‘I shan’t contemplate it – how can I tell everyone that our eldest daughter is marrying a tradesman? You can dress it up in any way you like, but that’s what he is!’

  ‘You married beneath you – as you never stop reminding me.’

  ‘That isn’t fair – you’re exaggerating. I’ve rarely mentioned it in all our years together. Our families were both from Dover – they knew of each other. We know very little of Mr Brooke’s background, merely what he’s told us himself.’

  ‘It doesn’t matter about his background. His actions speak louder than words. In spi
te of his eccentricities, he’s charming, considerate and bears no malice towards anyone. We are business partners – I trust him implicitly. Patience, that must count for something.’

  ‘We haven’t been introduced to any of his friends or family. We should meet his sister at the very least.’

  ‘You know that isn’t possible.’

  ‘I can’t imagine that she remains indoors every waking hour because of her appearance. Why don’t I present Arvin with the gift of a veil for her?’

  ‘I think that would be … indelicate. I’m certain that he’s left no stone unturned in his search for a cure. He’s said himself that he’s taken her for consultations with the best physicians in Paris.’

  ‘Then he should bring her to England to consult with our doctors for they are the best in the world. You could offer to pay.’

  ‘Arvin isn’t short of a few bob – he’d be mortally offended if I suggested such a thing,’ Pa said. ‘He’s a wealthy gentleman, and not only that, he has a fine countenance.’

  ‘A fine countenance does not make a good husband’ – Ma’s voice softened – ‘although it does help.’

  She heard Pa’s low chuckle. ‘Thank you, my dear.’

  ‘I thought that you favoured John Chittenden for our eldest. I believe that he and Ottilie were sweet on each other at one time. In fact, his mother and I often looked forward to the day when we’d see them walking down the aisle at St Mary’s. Ah well, our dream of uniting our families is over. It distresses me deeply to think that they’ll never call on us again. Sidney, won’t you reconsider? Edward used to be like a brother to you.’

  ‘He has shown his true colours – he’s a jealous bigot who has tried and failed to persuade me against going into business with Arvin. There’s no way back.’

  ‘Are you absolutely certain?’ Mama’s voice wavered.

  ‘We’ll have nothing more to do with the Chittendens – that’s my final decision. Now, we have three daughters, each one an expensive joy who requires a husband, a home and a lifetime of support. We don’t have the luxury of turning Mr Brooke’s offer down.’

  ‘Would you be as keen to have Ottilie settle for him if you weren’t in such a precarious position with the bank? Oh, don’t tell me it’s fine when I know that it isn’t. With the loss of the Dover Belle, you’re still paying the outstanding loan on the money you borrowed to buy her. You’ve already paid compensation to the families of the passengers and crew, and for the cargo that went down with her. The value of those shares that you bought on Edward’s advice has come crashing down – I heard it from Mrs Chittenden, the last time she called on us, Sidney. I take an interest because the money and assets you have left came from my family. It is a matter of heartbreak to me when I see it disappearing, like water rushing down a drain.’

  ‘It isn’t that bad. You’re making it out to be a complete disaster when it isn’t! We will not talk of this again. I shouldn’t have to remind you that our home is supposed to be my sanctuary, a place of peace and sweet delights. It is a failure on your part that you do not trust me to manage my affairs after more than twenty years of marriage.’

  Violet had heard enough, but she had to wait a full half-hour before she could leave the balcony without being noticed. She went straight to find Ottilie but only Eleanor was in the schoolroom.

  ‘What’s wrong? You are all of a flutter.’ Eleanor put down her paintbrush.

  ‘Where’s Ottilie?’

  ‘With Cook, according to Mama’s new regime.’

  Violet knocked over a jar of water which spilled across Eleanor’s painting. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve spoiled it.’

  ‘You clumsy clodpole! Oh, I didn’t like it anyway – the clouds looked like cows and the cows looked like clouds. What’s wrong? What’s happened?’ Violet felt Eleanor’s arm around her shoulders. ‘Tell me.’

  She looked into her sister’s calm blue eyes and took a deep breath.

  ‘I’ve just heard Pa saying that Mr Brooke wishes to ask for Ottilie’s hand in marriage. Can you believe that?’

  ‘No …’ Eleanor said, shaking her head. ‘No, that cannot be. It isn’t possible.’ She moved away. ‘She has settled on John Chittenden.’

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘You two can’t keep secrets from me. I’ve seen you talking together and I know those letters aren’t from Jane. I’m not stupid! Oh dear, Pa doesn’t expect her to agree?’

  ‘He’s made up his mind – he’s all for it.’

  ‘Violet, what are we going to do?’

  ‘Stay here and act normally. I’m going to warn Ottilie.’

  But it was too late. The sound of shouting reverberated from downstairs.

  ‘I will not marry Mr Brooke!’

  Violet ran to find her sister, who was in the study with both of their parents.

  ‘What is going on?’ Violet rushed in. ‘Pa, can’t you see my sister is distressed?’

  ‘You will obey your father,’ he bellowed. ‘It is your duty.’

  ‘Close the window and moderate your tone, Sidney. People will be able to hear you from Calais!’ Mama turned to Ottilie who was standing, shaking and crying, in front of the window over the garden at the rear, where May had paused from hanging out the laundry to listen to the din. Violet pushed past her sister and slammed the window shut.

  ‘Oh, my poor darling,’ Mama continued. ‘Sidney, what have you done? What have you said to her?’

  ‘I’ve told her that for everyone’s sake she must accept Arvin’s proposal when he offers it. We’ve discussed this, Patience, and you didn’t disagree.’

  ‘You didn’t let me finish having my say,’ Mama argued. ‘Let’s take some time to—’

  ‘There is no time!’ Pa exclaimed. ‘Arvin and I want this matter settled before he returns to France to oversee the harvest. Ottilie, pull yourself together – you are hysterical.’

  ‘Who wouldn’t be?’ she wailed as Mama pressed a handkerchief into her hand and stroked her hair. ‘I would rather die than take him as my husband.’

  ‘Your father doesn’t mean to be cruel. He isn’t in his right mind.’

  ‘There is nothing wrong with my mind,’ Pa growled. ‘It is clearer than ever. Mr Brooke must marry one of our daughters. If Ottilie won’t have him, then Violet or Eleanor—’

  ‘Oh no. Eleanor is not yet of marriageable age and Violet’s temperament …’

  Violet took a step towards her father, her heart thudding dully in her chest.

  ‘I would consider his offer if that was your wish,’ she said quietly, thinking only of Ottilie and John.

  ‘You would?’ Pa gazed at her, his expression flickering from uncertainty to hope and back again.

  ‘I mean it,’ she went on.

  ‘Then that is something to think about.’ Pa’s mood seemed to lift. ‘I will have to find out if Arvin’s preference is settled, or if there is some leeway for alteration. Thank you, Violet. At least you can see your way to doing your duty by your family. I will go and speak to him urgently. Good day, ladies.’

  When he’d gone, she leaned against the desk, her palms damp and her cheeks flushed. What had she gone and done? She felt sick, wretched.

  ‘What a to-do,’ Mama said, looking up. ‘Although I have reservations, I’m very proud of you, Violet. You have honoured your father’s wishes.’

  ‘Why, Mama? What does he see in that man?’

  ‘Arvin has impressed your father with his ambitious plans.’

  ‘He is a leech,’ Ottilie said bitterly. ‘He has attached himself to our father, ready to suck at his fortune and reputation.’

  ‘You judge him too harshly,’ Mama said. ‘I find him pleasant enough.’

  ‘Violet, why did you do it?’ Ottilie asked.

  ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ she said, walking out of the study and hurrying upstairs to the room she shared with her sister. She threw herself on the bed and buried her face in the pillow.

  ‘Violet?’ She heard Ottilie’s footste
ps padding across the rug and felt her hand on her shoulder. ‘My dear sister, look at me. Please.’

  At Ottilie’s third bidding, Violet forced herself to sit up and face her. Ottilie handed her a handkerchief from her pocket. Violet unfolded it and wiped her eyes, but a tiny square of soggy cloth couldn’t dry all her tears.

  ‘That’s better.’ Ottilie knelt at the side of the bed, took Violet’s hands and squeezed them, just like their nanny had used to when she had fallen over and scraped her knees as a little girl. ‘You mustn’t agree to this. You have to pull yourself together, go downstairs and tell Pa that you’ve made the wrong decision. You can’t possibly marry Mr Brooke, because you have no affection for him.’

  ‘How can I do that?’ Violet said fiercely. ‘How can I go back on it? If I don’t marry Mr Brooke, you’ll have to.’

  ‘But why do you sacrifice your happiness?’

  ‘For you, Ottilie. For you and John.’

  ‘Oh, Violet.’ Ottilie eyes brightened as she released Violet’s hands. ‘It’s the most wonderful gesture, and only what I’d expect from you, but I can’t let you—’

  ‘No more!’ Violet’s heart thudded dully in her chest. ‘It is settled.’

  ‘Then I can’t find the words to express the depths of my gratitude,’ Ottilie said in a small voice. ‘There are other obstacles in our way – the consequences of the loss of the Dover Belle, for example. Can you see Pa ever softening his stance against the Chittendens and giving me and John his blessing?’

  ‘It isn’t impossible.’

  ‘I wish I could believe you,’ Ottilie sighed.

  Violet found some solace in the notion that her sister would at least have the chance of marrying for love, although she wished she could say that she’d done it out of her own free will so that Ottilie didn’t have to suffer from heartbreak. However, when it came down to it, she was a young woman trapped by her situation, her wishes subjugated to the needs of her family and the expectations of society. All she could do now was pray that Mr Brooke, having been rejected by Ottilie, would decide to walk away from marrying any of the Rayfield daughters.