The Royal Lacemaker

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Ah, Miss Rose, the very person I was hoping to see,’ he said, his lips curling upwards whilst his eyes taunted.

  ‘Lady Clinsden and I have decided to host our customary summer ball at the manor. You did such an excellent job at the Harvest Supper, my wife would like you to serve at table on this occasion also. You’ll be happy to, I’m sure,’ he said, giving his supercilious grin.

  What, after his behaviour last time? Like hell she would. She’d rather ride Doris naked through the streets of Coombe than serve at his table again.

  ‘In that case it would be courteous of me to reply to her ladyship in person,’ Lily said, realizing it would be easier to make her apologies to Lady Clinsden, for she, at least, was reasonable. Lily peered around, her heart sinking when she saw the lady was already seated in her carriage.

  ‘We’ll expect you on the afternoon of the 24th,’ said the squire, turning to go. Then, as if it were an afterthought, he stopped and turned back. ‘Of course, that will be quarter-day and you’ll already be installed in the servants’ quarters. Won’t that be convenient? I shall give instruction for the gamekeeper’s hut to be made ready for your family.’ He gave another smirk, and she was tempted to slap it clean off his face and into the sea. Instead, taking a deep breath, she forced herself to look him straight in the eye.

  ‘I’m afraid your lordship will be disappointed. As I’ve already said—’

  He leaned closer towards her, eyes narrowing so his brows joined in the middle like a worm, making him look very much the low life she always thought him to be.

  ‘I’m never disappointed, Lily, of that you can be sure. I know what I want and intend to get it. Soon,’ he added, ogling her body so that his meaning was clear. ‘Oh, and I shall be sending my land agent over to conduct an inventory before quarter-day. It wouldn’t do for you to leave with anything that wasn’t yours, would it?’ Then without a backward glance, he strode towards his carriage.

  How dare the man? Lily thought, tempted to pick up the dung his horse had deposited on the path and hurl it after him.

  CHAPTER 11

  As Lily went over and stood by the freshly turfed mound of her mother’s grave, she was shaking with anger, tinged with sadness.

  ‘Lily, Grace has invited us to share a bite with her,’ Aunt Elizabeth called. Not wishing her aunt to see her in such turmoil, she turned and forced a smile.

  ‘That’s kind of her, but I have things I need to do,’ she answered. She wanted to be at home for she was hoping Tom would visit.

  ‘Well, we’ll collect the girls from Sunday school on our way,’ her aunt said, eyeing her speculatively.

  Lily nodded and then watched as the two women hurried up the lane, jabbering like the crows on the church tower.

  All the way back to the cottage, Lily fumed over her confrontation with the squire, and her resolve not to go into service for him hardened like glue.

  By the time she had finished her midday snack of bread and cheese, her wrath had subsided, leaving her feeling empty and tired. She was clearing away when there was a tap at the door.

  ‘Well, how’s my pretty petal today? Still going to make us our fortune, are you?’ Tom asked, grinning.

  Instantly her mood lifted. ‘Well, I’ve had nothing else to do, seeing as how my betrothed hasn’t seen fit to visit recently,’ she quipped, showing him into the living room.

  ‘Not through choice, I can tell you,’ he said frowning. ‘When I was out baiting up the pots I spotted several rows of corks bobbing close to the caves, and you know what that means? Someone’s been out sowing the crop.’

  ‘Sowing the crop? It sounds like you were in a field, not on the water.’

  ‘Oh, Lily,’ he said, shaking his head, ‘sometimes I can’t believe how naïve you are. It’s an expression smugglers use when it’s not safe for them to land their cargo. They pitch it overboard, having first weighted down the casks so they bob just beneath the surface of the water. Then they lay out rows of corks as markers. Word is, this time it’s kegs of brandy from France.’ Lily wrinkled her nose and Tom shrugged.

  ‘’Tis the way of things, Lily, what with taxes being so high. Anyway, the kegs haven’t been there long but I reckon they’ll be wanting to reap the crops soon. That’s bringing them ashore to you, land lubber.’

  She made a face. ‘So, what’s this sowing and reaping the crop got to do with you not visiting me? Smuggling goes on all the time. Everyone knows that. Terrible men,’ she said, shuddering.

  ‘Yes, but things have changed since they installed those naval officers in the coast station down at Coombe Mouth. Now the Preventatives spend their time looking out over Lyme Bay and when they spot any suspicious activity, they tip off the Revenue.’

  ‘Well?’ she asked, trying to follow what he was saying.

  ‘The smugglers try to fool the excise men by acting as decoys and rowing out in empty boats. While their attention’s diverted, the carriers load the goods onto their mules and transport them overland. I’ve heard the most popular route they use is up over the cliff path from Bransbeer.’

  ‘But that’s the path I use to get to Mrs Bodney’s,’ she gasped in dismay.

  ‘I know, but you needn’t worry, they only travel under the cover of darkness which, thank heavens, doesn’t fall until late this time of year. I wouldn’t want you using that path come the winter, mind,’ he said, so protectively that Lily felt a warm glow inside. ‘I can’t understand why you won’t take the position up at the manor,’ he said, looking at her closely. ‘Still, I’ll get to the bottom of it one of these days.’

  ‘I still don’t see why that stopped you from coming to see me?’ Lily said quickly. The last thing she wanted was another inquisition about the squire. ‘You would never get involved in anything illegal like that, would you?’

  ‘Of course not, but the smugglers aren’t choosy whose boats they steal so I’m keeping a close watch on mine. That’s why I’ve painted the spars on my lugger white, so they show up in the dark. I’m hoping that’ll deter the smugglers from using it.’

  ‘Oh, Tom, you hear such dreadful things. Promise me you’ll keep away from those frightful villains?’ she asked him, her eyes wide with worry.

  ‘Course I will,’ he said, patting her shoulder reassuringly. Then getting to his feet, he added, ‘Anyway, can’t stop now, I’ve something to sort out.’

  ‘But you’ve not long arrived,’ she said, looking disappointed.

  ‘Look, Lily, I’m as keen as you that we be wed the minute we can and I think I’ve found another way to make a bit extra. If it works out, I’ll be bringing in at least as much as you, if not a bit more besides,’ he said, looking excited.

  ‘Tom, I thought you’d got over that silly nonsense,’ she sighed, shaking her head.

  ‘It’s not nonsense for a man to want to provide for his future wife, Lily Rose,’ he replied. As he stood in front of her, chin tilted upwards and that steely look in his eye, she smiled inwardly, for was it not his spirited manner that had attracted her to him in the first place?

  ‘Besides, as I’ve said before, it seems you’ve acquired a taste for wearing those grand frocks, and right nice you look too,’ he said quickly, as she made to protest.

  ‘You know Mrs Bodney’s only loaned me this. She said, as overseer, I need to look respectable when the merchants call.’

  ‘Then I’ll need to earn enough to buy you one of your own, though I hear you’re good at the hobnobbing, Lily,’ he said giving her a wry grin. The tone of his voice puzzled her but before she could ask him what he meant, he’d gone. His choice of words worried her. Was it merely coincidence that Molly had said the selfsame thing?

  The cottage seemed quiet after Tom had left and, feeling restless after his talk about the smugglers and her job with Mrs Bodney, she decided to go to the barn and see if Rob was there. Perhaps he could have a word with Tom about this obsession of his to earn as much as she. They were good friends, after all.

  As she went outsid
e, she remembered how they’d met at the Cuckoo Fair the previous April. She’d been gazing at the brightly coloured ribbons set out on one of the stalls and thinking how beautifully the cornflower blue would trim her Sunday bonnet, when a portly gentleman, well the worse for liquor, had bumped into her. Suddenly, this tall, fair-haired man had reached out and steadied her and the attraction had been instantaneous. Then her brother had made the introductions. When Tom had called at their cottage the next day and presented her with the ribbon, she’d been touched at his kindness, especially when Rob told her he looked after his widowed mother and didn’t have much money to spend. He’d also, bravely, asked her father’s permission to step out with her.

  Smiling at the memory, she hurried round to the barn. However, it was empty and she wondered where Rob could be. Oh, well, he’ll turn up, she thought. Thinking it was time she paid Beth a visit, she went back to grab her shawl and then hurried down the lane to Mrs Goode’s cottage.

  Beth squealed with delight when she saw Lily, throwing herself into her arms and chattering so quickly she could hardly make out what the little girl was saying. She was pleased to see her little sister looking so happy, though.

  ‘Come and look at my lace, Lily,’ Beth said, pulling her into the living room with its homely smell of baking.

  ‘Hello, Lily,’ Mrs Goode greeted her. ‘Elizabeth and I have been having a lovely old chat about when we were young uns.’

  ‘Now then, Grace, don’t you go giving away any secrets,’ her aunt said, blushing as she got to her feet.

  ‘Look, Lily,’ Beth said, tugging at her skirt and holding out a sprig of lace for her to see.

  ‘Why, that’s beautiful, Beth,’ she said, genuinely surprised at how good the work was.

  ‘Yes, she’s got the makings of a fine lace maker, just like her dear mother, God rest her soul,’ said Mrs Goode. Lily felt a pang. Surely, she should have been the one to teach her little sister the art of lace making. Pushing aside her feelings, she smiled and patted Beth on the head.

  ‘Well, come along, Lily, we’d best get back before Rob returns and wonders where we’ve got to,’ her aunt chivvied. Feeling guilty that her visit had been so brief, she turned to say goodbye but her sister had already disappeared. Through the window, Lily could see her playing outside with her little friend Harriet and she guessed her visit had already been forgotten.

  ‘Beth seems happy but I still feel guilty about not being around more for her,’ Lily said to her aunt as they made their way back up the lane.

  ‘Well, you shouldn’t. We have to make the best of circumstances in this life, as I should know only too well.’ Lily looked at her sharply but her aunt, seemingly oblivious, continued, ‘Beth is settled and it’s no good bringing her back to the cottage then having to find somewhere else for her to go in a couple of weeks. That is, unless you’ve changed your mind about working for the squire?’

  Groaning inwardly, Lily shook her head.

  ‘I couldn’t help noticing he was waiting for you after church this morning. I have to say I didn’t like the way he was gawping at you, young Lily, so you be careful. Happen I was wrong not to listen to what you said about him after all.’

  ‘Yes,’ Lily said, with feeling. ‘I’m no liar, I promise you.’

  Her aunt turned to look at her. ‘I realize that now, Lily, and I apologize for thinking otherwise. I’ve heard talk about the squire since I’ve been back. Men like him grab what they want then off they go, leaving the likes of you to pick up the pieces.’

  Lily stared at her aunt in amazement.

  ‘Oh, I may be a spinster, young Lily, but I’m not as green as I’m lettuce-looking. I’ll have you know I had my fair share of attention in the past, and not all was welcome, so I know what I’m talking about.’ As her aunt stood there imparting her pearls of wisdom, Lily could not help noticing what a fine-looking woman she was with her tumble of dark hair, similar to her own, curling around her shoulders.

  ‘I’m sure you did, Aunt Elizabeth. I bet you were quite pretty when you were young …’ Her voice tailed off as she realized how rude she sounded.

  ‘I got by, young lady. As I said, I know what I’m talking about so you’d do well to listen. These things can have far-reaching consequences.’

  Lily pushed open the door to the cottage then waited, feeling there was something else her aunt wanted to say, but the woman hurried inside and began poking the fire. ‘There, that’s better,’ she said, holding up her hands to the flames that now blazed. ‘Anyway, you haven’t told me what it was the squire wanted this morning.’

  ‘He asked me to serve at table at the summer ball he’s holding up at the manor. Oh, yes, and he said something about an inventory being carried out before we leave here. I mean, as if we’d take anything that’s not ours. By the way, I haven’t seen Rob this morning. Do you know where he is?’

  Before her aunt could answer, the door clattered open and her brother stood there, his face wreathed in smiles. As he crossed the room, though, Lily couldn’t help noticing his limp was more pronounced than usual. Aunt Elizabeth grinned.

  ‘Judging from the look on your face, young man, I’d say your journey was successful?’

  ‘It was indeed, Aunt, and I can’t tell you how good it feels. Although I must confess I’m tired out now,’ he said, sinking gratefully into the chair.

  Lily looked from one to the other. ‘Will someone please tell me what’s going on?’

  ‘Oh, Lily, it’s simply the best news. I’ve been offered a position with Uncle Vincent. You know he runs a fancy repository in Ilminster? Well, he’s moving to larger premises in the town and needs an assistant. I’m to be his apprentice in the clock and watch making business.’

  His face was flushed with excitement and Lily’s heart gladdened. His whole demeanour seemed to have changed and, with a flash of insight, she realized it was because he now had a purpose in life.

  ‘Congratulations, Robert, that’s wonderful news,’ she said, crossing the room and kissing his cheek. ‘I wondered where you’d gone.’

  ‘Yes, it is. I was speaking to Uncle Vincent after Mother’s funeral and he asked what I intended to do with my future. When I said I had no real plans, he suggested I should visit him at his repository. I caught a lift with the carter first thing this morning.’

  Lily turned to her aunt and smiled.

  ‘I believe I spoke to you about this before, Lily. After his wife died, my brother threw himself into his work and as a result his business has become very successful.’ She coughed, adding quickly, ‘He also needs a housekeeper and has asked if I would consider the position.’

  ‘Is that what you want, Aunt?’ Lily asked.

  ‘Well, with Rob going to Ilminster and Beth happy living with Grace, what reason do I have to stay?’ she asked, looking sad for a moment. ‘After all, you’ll be moving on soon, won’t you?’

  Lily knew what her aunt was saying was true.

  ‘We’ll always be grateful for what you’ve done for us, Aunt Elizabeth, especially as you insisted on paying for Mother’s funeral. It was a good send-off, wasn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, Lily, it was and believe you me, my dear, that was the least I could do for your poor mother. She was a fine woman, God rest her soul.’ Feeling tears pricking the back of her eyes, Lily nodded. ‘Of course, I’ll stay and help you with the packing up. You’ll need to decide what’s to be done with your mother’s things, though from what I can see, she had precious few. It’s been a very distressing time recently, and I reckon a fresh start will be good for all of us. The only worm in the wood pile that I can see is that we’ll need to take Doris and the cart with us when we go.’

  Lily’s heart sank. After spending many hours worrying how she was going to find a new home for her family, it now appeared she was the one who would be left without a roof over her head. As she looked at her aunt and brother standing happily before her, their new lives beckoning brightly, she suddenly felt very alone.

  CHAPTER 1
2

  Lily blew out the candle, then lay in her bed listening to the familiar sounds of the cottage settling for the night. A hoot sounded nearby, but whether it was from the bird or an owler, she couldn’t be sure, for those devious wool smugglers who plied their trade by night had perfected their call so that it was only discernible from that of the real thing by another owler. Shivering, she snuggled further under her cover and thought of the surprises Aunt Elizabeth and Robert had sprung earlier. She was pleased for them, of course, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry for herself. Soon they’d be going their separate ways, and for the first time in her life she wouldn’t have her family around her.

  With her mind whirling like the sails on a windmill, she thought she’d never sleep, but must have dropped off eventually for the next thing she knew, the sparrows were chirruping in the thatch above. Dressing quickly, she went through to the living room where she found Robert stirring a pot of oats.

  ‘I’ve prepared you something to eat, Lily. It’s raw out there this morning and you’ll need something warm inside you before you leave. I take it you do intend to brave the elements?’ he asked, handing her a bowl of steaming porridge.

  ‘I must, Rob; Mrs Bodney wants to discuss the project’s progress before the others arrive. It’s kind of you to prepare this for me, though.’ She smiled at him as she picked up her spoon.

  ‘Truth is, Lily, I’m feeling a mite guilty.’

  Puzzled, she stopped eating and looked up.

  ‘Well, I was that excited about my new position, I didn’t think to ask how you’re going to manage. I know you’re betrothed to Tom but it will be some time before you’re wed. I’d feel happier knowing you had a roof over your head and that’s a fact.’

  ‘Don’t worry, brother. I intend to find somewhere in Bransbeer close to where I work. I really like my job as overseer; it’s interesting and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile,’ she said, pushing her half-empty dish aside. ‘And when you’re mastering your new trade, you’ll understand what I mean. Now I must go, it doesn’t do to keep Mrs Bodney waiting.’ She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. ‘Everything will work out, you’ll see.’