The Mistletoe Seller

by Dilly Court

  Even though the reception was to be held at Westwood Hall, Angel felt that Grantley deserved some share in the festivities, and she filled the entrance hall and reception rooms with vases of chrysanthemums, late dahlias and greenery from the garden. It had fallen to Angel to break the news that the wedding breakfast was to be prepared and served by Sir Eugene’s army of servants, a task she was dreading, and Cook’s reaction was exactly what she had been expecting, only a little more colourful. As usual it was Lil who came to her rescue. She told Cook to think herself lucky that the work was being done elsewhere and now they wouldn’t have to scratch their heads thinking up a menu that would please all the toffs that Sir Eugene would invite. But Cook’s pride was hurt and the good name of Grantley was, in her mind, tarnished beyond repair. Lil had thrown up her hands in despair and gone outside to smoke the last of her baccy, leaving Angel to pacify Cook. After a failed attempt she had given up and gone to find Danny to break the news that their plans for turning the greenhouse into a going concern were about to come to nothing.

  Danny was cleaning the glass panes with vinegar and water when Angel found him. His smile of welcome faded. ‘What’s up? Something’s wrong, I can tell by the look on your face.’

  She sighed. ‘Is it so obvious?’

  ‘It’s about Grantley, isn’t it? I was in the village yesterday and they’re all talking about it. They’re saying that Sir Adolphus is dead and the whole estate is to be sold. Is that true?’

  ‘Our last hope has gone. He died penniless and it seems that Grantley is going to be buried beneath brick and concrete. I am so sorry, Danny.’

  ‘It’s not your fault, girl. You gave me fair warning, and anyway Dad and me knew it was a risk.’

  ‘Jack will be disappointed and so will Sally.’

  He shook his head. ‘My mum and dad are old hands in the growing game. They’ve had their ups and downs and they’ll deal with this one. Is it definite?’

  ‘I think it would take a miracle to get us out of this mess.’ She turned her head away, unable to look him in the eye, but with a swift movement he took her in his arms and kissed her hard on the lips. It was a clumsy but passionate embrace that took her by surprise, and yet it seemed the most natural thing in the world to respond to the urgency of his embrace, but it was over as suddenly as it had begun. He released her with a murmured apology.

  ‘I’m sorry, Angel.’

  She stood there, unable to move away from the comforting nearness and warmth that exuded from his strong frame. He seized her by the shoulders, his fingers pressing into her flesh.

  ‘No, I’m not sorry. I’ve wanted to do that ever since we met that day on the marshes, but you’ve grown into such a lady, I was afraid you’d be offended by a coarse, common sort of fellow like me.’

  She met his intense gaze with a straight look, holding on to her dignity even though she was shaken to the core by the sudden change in their relationship. ‘Don’t say that, Danny. You’re none of those things and I’m just the same person I was when we first met.’

  ‘I took advantage of you just now. I shouldn’t have kissed you.’ His serious expression melted into a boyish grin. ‘But I’m glad I did. It was worth a slap in the face, except that you’re too well-mannered to stoop so low.’

  ‘I’ll slap you if it will make you feel better,’ Angel said, smiling.

  ‘You’re not angry with me?’

  ‘Danny, we’re friends. Let’s keep it that way.’

  ‘You’re saying that you don’t have feelings for me.’

  ‘I don’t know, and that’s the truth.’

  ‘But you kissed me back, Angel. You must have some affection for me.’

  ‘Everything is so confused at the moment that it’s difficult to think straight. Maybe when matters are clearer—’ She broke off, unable to finish the sentence without giving him false hope. It was true, she had responded to his unexpected embrace, and, if she were being honest, she was left wanting more. She could not look him in the eye.

  ‘Does that mean I have a chance with you, Angel? If you tell me no, I’ll never bother you again.’

  ‘I have to go now. The wedding is tomorrow and there’s so much left to do.’ She hurried from the greenhouse, but she sensed that he was watching her and she could still feel his arms around her, and the taste of his mouth lingered on her lips like vintage wine.

  She had calmed down a little as she left the walled garden. The hazy sunshine of early autumn turned the piles of leaves beneath the oak trees into mounds of molten gold and squirrels clambered amongst the branches gathering acorns to store away for the coming winter. There was a hint of a chill in the breeze and Angel had the feeling that it was not only summer that was coming to an end – it was the way of life that the family at Grantley had enjoyed for centuries that was coming to a close. She shivered, despite the warmth of the sun on the back of her head, and she found herself making for the rear entrance in case Aunt Eloise should look out of the window. If she saw her bareheaded and without gloves there would be the inevitable lecture on how a young lady must conduct herself. But well-bred young ladies did not behave as she had in the greenhouse. They did not allow young men to kiss them in the way that Danny had just kissed her, and, above all, they did not allow themselves to enjoy the experience.

  Angel pushed such thoughts to the back of her mind. There were problems enough without adding complications, and her main concern should have been to prevent the Wicks family from losing business. She came to a sudden halt, wondering why she had not thought of it before. Sir Eugene owned most of the land that stretched to the edge of the marshes. Maybe he could be persuaded to let some of it to Jack and Danny at a reasonable rent. She decided to ask him at the first possible opportunity, but now there was a nervous bride to deal with and a depressed Susannah, who was still piqued because Sir Eugene had chosen a more mature woman. Angel was not looking forward to the wedding next day. There would be tears before bedtime, as Lil had always said when Angel was small, only this time it would be Susannah who had the tantrum.

  Eloise walked up the aisle on Toby’s arm. He was leaving for Oxford later that day, but he had agreed, somewhat reluctantly, to give his mother away. Humphrey had offered but Eloise had refused without hesitation. ‘Thank you, Humphrey dear, but I’m afraid you would forget what you were supposed to be doing and leave me standing outside the church, or you would tread on my train and ruin my beautiful new gown. You are a sweet boy, but you are a disaster when it comes to the social graces, and you haven’t got a morning suit. You can’t plod down the aisle in corduroy and tweed, even if it would elicit a laugh from the congregation.’

  Humphrey had retired hastily to the kitchen where Cook, who had always had a soft spot for him, allowed him to sample some of the rock cakes she had made for the servants’ party that evening. Angel was already there, checking the provisions that Sir Eugene had insisted on providing for those below stairs, which included a crate of champagne and another of ale. Lil had her eye on the beer, but Cook said she fancied a glass or two of bubbly, although Meg and Flossie were more interested in the huge iced cake that had been sent from the Westwood Hall kitchens. Cook said it was an insult to her abilities, but Angel had caught Flossie pinching a bit of the icing and she had a feeling that Cook would be outvoted on this occasion.

  But for the moment there was accord in the Devane family. Humphrey was seated in the front pew with Angel, Susannah, and Blanche; Percy and Belinda were directly behind, while Cook, Lil, Meg, Flossie and the outdoor staff sat in the back row. The small church was crowded and it seemed that the whole village had turned out to witness Mrs Devane become Lady Westwood. Angel was touched to see Danny and his parents amongst the congregation dressed in their Sunday best, and it made her even more determined to speak to Sir Eugene at the first opportunity.

  With the ceremony over, the newlyweds left the church to the vibrant sound of Mendelssohn’s ‘Wedding March’, played with gusto by Miss Creedy, who was resplendent
in a purple dress and a bonnet decorated with an ostrich feather that kept time with every nod of her head and tickled her nose. Angel had been mesmerised by it during the ceremony, especially when Miss Creedy had to keep moving her head from side to side in order to read the music. How she had managed to perform without sneezing continuously was little short of a miracle, but she had soldiered on and had not hit too many wrong notes.

  Outside the church one of the Westwood Hall footmen stood by the waiting landau, which had been decorated with swags of greenery and white roses, and the four-in-hand tossed their heads as if eager to start off on the road home to their comfortable stable. Rose petals were thrown, and the crowd cheered as the bride and groom walked slowly towards the vehicle, but Eloise hesitated as she drew level with the family.

  ‘Toby, my dear, are you sure you cannot stay for the wedding breakfast?’

  He kissed her on the cheek. ‘No, Mama, we’ve been through all this. I’ve arranged to travel with one of my friends, and we’re meeting at Paddington Station at four, so I can’t be late.’

  ‘You will come home for Christmas, won’t you, Toby?’

  ‘Of course, and I’ll ride over to Westwood every day to call on you.’

  Sir Eugene cleared his throat. ‘That might not be possible, my boy. I wasn’t going to broach the subject until after the reception, but I received a letter from my solicitor this morning. He’s been in touch with Galloway and although he didn’t say as much, I gather that he shares our opinion of the fellow.’

  ‘What are you saying, Eugene?’ Eloise demanded querulously. ‘This surely isn’t the time to talk about such things.’

  He glanced over his shoulder at the villagers who were watching at a respectful distance. ‘This is exactly the time, my love. I can’t allow your sons to return to their studies in ignorance of the situation. It seems that the creditors have agreed to a temporary stay of execution as regards the repossession of Grantley, but only if the house is vacated immediately and remains in that state until matters are settled.’

  ‘Are they willing to wait until Hector returns?’ Angel asked breathlessly. ‘According to the newspapers there is still peace in Natal Province.’

  Sir Eugene nodded. ‘For the time being, it seems, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t all-out war with the Zulus and the Boers before long. However, that’s not our problem. We can only hope that Hector and Rupert are on their way home. I’ve made representations to the War Office, but so far I haven’t had a response.’

  ‘Hector will sort things out.’ Toby shook Sir Eugene’s hand. ‘Goodbye, sir. I trust you to take good care of Mama. She’s very precious to those who love her.’

  ‘Don’t make me cry on my wedding day,’ Eloise implored, her eyes misting. ‘I haven’t got a hanky with me.’

  Angel produced one from her reticule and handed it to her. ‘It’s good news, I think.’ She glanced anxiously at Sir Eugene.

  ‘Of course it is, silly,’ Susannah said dismissively. ‘Hector will take charge. Anyway, part of this is his fault. He should have discussed financial matters with Uncle Dolph and made certain that Grantley was safe before he went cavorting off on his steed, and acting the hero.’

  ‘That’s not fair.’ Angel faced her angrily. ‘He couldn’t have foreseen what would happen.’

  Susannah shrugged. ‘Maybe, but I’m glad I agreed to move to Westwood. Where will you go, Angel Winter? I believe you’re homeless once again. How very sad.’

  Chapter Seventeen

  ‘That was mean,’ Blanche said angrily. ‘You’d better not make trouble when you live with us, Susannah, because I won’t put up with it.’

  ‘That’s enough,’ Sir Eugene snapped. ‘You’re upsetting your mama, and I mean that to include you, too, Blanche. As for you Angel, of course you are welcome at Westwood Hall, as well as the indoor staff from Grantley. Westwood is large enough to house everyone, at least temporarily. According to my solicitor the outdoor staff are to be kept on by the creditors in order to prevent the estate falling into disrepair. Does that clarify matters sufficiently?’ He looked from one to the other, and when no one had anything to say he handed his bride into the carriage. ‘For heaven’s sake smile, my dear. Wave to the villagers and try to look happy. We don’t want them thinking they’re attending a wake and not a wedding.’

  Eloise smiled valiantly as she settled herself in the landau and Sir Eugene climbed in beside her. The crowd waved and cheered as a second carriage drew up to take the rest of the family to Westwood Hall, except for Toby, who kissed his sister and gave Angel a fond hug.

  ‘There’s always the town house,’ he said in a low voice. ‘Hector would want you to go there, and I think you should take the servants with you. I doubt if Cook would fit in with the staff at Westwood and I’m fond of the old girl, even if she is a bit of a tartar at times.’

  Susannah’s spiteful words had shaken Angel, as had Sir Eugene’s announcement that Grantley was no longer to be her home. ‘What would Hector say?’

  ‘He’ll be furious when he finds out what’s been going on, and he’d want you to be looked after. Go to Naked Boy Court and stay there until he returns. In the meantime I’m going to study my law books and speak to my professors to see if there’s anything more that can be done. We’re not giving up Grantley without a fight. Are you with me?’

  ‘Of course I am.’

  ‘Oh, do come along, Angel.’ Susannah was already in the carriage seated beside Blanche, who was pouting ominously.

  Percy had been chatting with a group of well-wishers, but he broke away from them and strolled over to join Toby and Angel. ‘My carriage is over there, Angel. Would you like to travel with Belinda and myself? Humphrey seems to have taken your place with the girls.’

  ‘There’ll be fireworks before evening, Percy, old man,’ Toby said, chuckling. ‘I wish I could hang around to see it happen, but one of our grooms is waiting with my horse and I’m off to the railway station.’

  Percy turned to his sister, who had come to join them. ‘Here’s someone who is excellent at letter writing. Belinda has an eye for details that would make the great Miss Austen green with envy.’

  ‘Oh, Percy, you do exaggerate so.’ Belinda’s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. ‘Don’t listen to him, Toby.’

  ‘Nonsense, Belle, the poor fellow is leaving us to bury himself in the hallowed halls of Oxford. You will correspond and keep him up to date with everything, won’t you?’

  She smiled shyly. ‘Would that be all right, Toby? I wouldn’t want to take you away from studies.’

  ‘It would be splendid.’ Toby raised her hand to his lips. ‘I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Humphrey will give you my address, but now I really must go.’ He turned to Angel, giving her a last hug. ‘Remember what I said. Don’t let them get the better of you; you’re worth ten of them.’ He strode off, heading for a spot beneath an orange-berried rowan tree where the groom was waiting with his mount.

  The carriage containing Susannah, Blanche and Humphrey had already left and the Montgomeries’ barouche took its place. Percy helped Belinda to mount the step but Angel caught sight of Danny standing with his parents. ‘Would you mind waiting just a second?’

  ‘Not at all, Angel. Take your time.’

  She hurried to join the Wicks family and was greeted warmly by Sally and Jack, but Danny acknowledged her with a wary smile. ‘I have to be quick because my friends are waiting for me,’ Angel said breathlessly. ‘I just wanted to tell you that Grantley is to be closed for the time being, but I’ve had an idea that might help you.’

  Jack shook his head. ‘You mustn’t feel obligated to us, girl. Danny explained the situation and we understand.’

  ‘I still might be able to help,’ Angel insisted. ‘I’m going to speak to Sir Eugene and ask if he’ll rent you some of his land near the marsh. You told me that you needed to expand your business.’

  Jack pushed his best bowler hat to the back of his head. ‘I su
ppose I did, but it’s not your problem, Angel. Although more land, at the right rent, would be just the thing.’

  ‘You and Sally were good to me when I was younger and I’ve never forgotten it. If I can help you now then it will make me very happy.’

  Sally clutched Angel’s arm. ‘But, my dear, you don’t owe us anything. Just look at you now, you’re living in that beautiful big house, and your gown must have cost a fortune. You’re a proper young lady.’ She glanced at her son. ‘Isn’t she beautiful, Danny? You’ll remember what a skinny little scrap of a girl she was when you took her back to London with the mistletoe.’

  ‘Aye, Ma. I do.’

  Angel shot him a sideways look and the memory of his kiss brought a blush to her cheeks. ‘There’s plenty of mistletoe in the orchard at Grantley,’ she said hastily. ‘If things go well I’m sure you’d be more than welcome to it. After all, it’s not too long until Christmas.’

  ‘I will, but only if you’ll help me to pick it this time.’

  ‘Yes, maybe.’ Angel could see from the alert look on Sally’s face that the warmth in Danny’s smile and the teasing tone in his voice had made her suspicious. ‘I have to go, but I’ll let you know if Sir Eugene agrees.’ She left them without looking back and went to join the Montgomeries.