'We didn't, and I ain't no liar!' Joe was stung into an angry denial and was cuffed about the head for his pains.
'Touch him again and you will lose your place!' India was furious.
'Some loss!' Martha stalked Away.
India turned back to Joe. 'Don't be afraid,' she said. 'You may tell me the truth. Are you climbing boys?'
'We wuz, but even without our clothes we got too big.'
India gazed at him in horror. 'Are you telling me that you were sent into the chimneys naked?'
'Yes, Miss. They only want little 'uns, you know.'
'But there is nothing of you. You are both so thin, and so very young. How old are you, Joe?'
'Dunno, miss, but I think I might be ten. We are both too old for the chimneys...'
'But Tom is even younger, is he not?'
'Not as young as some. Master said that four years old is best. "Small boys for small flues," he said.'
India felt sick. It took her some moments to recover her composure.
'Barbarous!' she murmured. 'What a monster! Did you run away from him?'
'No, Miss, he sold us to the overseer at the factory.'
'He sold you!' India could scarcely believe her ears, yet it was clear that the child was telling the truth. 'Who is this man?'
But Joe had become uncommunicative. She set about trying to regain his confidence, but now, she noticed, he kept a wary eye upon the door.
'No one shall harm you further, Joe,' she promised. 'Tell me his name...'
It took some coaxing and the offer of more food, but at last she got her way.
'You won't send us back to him?' Joe pleaded.
'Certainly not! It is my intention to have him brought before the magistrate. You have nothing more to fear from him, but I cannot proceed without his name.'
'It's Meester Bates,' Joe said reluctantly.
It was at this point that the back door opened to reveal a red-faced man upon the doorstep. He was a burly individual of unprepossessing appearance.
Tom gave a shriek and hid behind India's skirts, whilst even Joe retreated.
'You have not heard of the practice of knocking for admittance?' India enquired coldly.
'Beg pardon, ma'am, but I wuz sent a message that the lads wuz 'ere.'
It was at this point that India promised herself that Martha would most certainly have to go. She drew herself up to her full height.
'And you are?'
'Haddon, miss, the overseer from the mill.'
'So you are the man who trades in flesh and blood?'
Haddon didn't like her tone, but she was gentry. It would behove him to keep a civil tongue in his head.
'It wuz good of you to take them in, miss. I wuz that worried about these lads.'
'So worried that you left them sleeping in an empty mill? They might have been burned to death.'
'That weren't my fault. How wuz I to know what was afoot? Now I'll take them off your hands...' He moved purposefully towards the boys, but India stopped him with a lifted hand.
'What do you intend to do with them? The factory is gutted, I believe.'
'Aye, our livelihood is gone, ma'am, but I can sell them on... They cost me a guinea each, and a poor man can't afford to lose so much.'
'You will do no such thing,' India retorted hotly.
'They are my property.' The man was growing sullen. 'You ain't got no call to rob me!'
With an impatient gesture India moved over to the cupboard and reached out for a small bowl. She emptied the contents on to the table and counted out two guineas.
'There!' she said contemptuously. 'Now take your money and go!'
'India! What are you about? Have you quite taken leave of your senses?' Mrs Rushford bustled into the room, followed by Letty and a triumphant Martha.
At her appearance both children had scuttled beneath the table, but Mrs Rushford had seen quite enough. She clutched at the back of a chair and professed herself about to swoon with horror.
'We shall be murdered in our beds,' she announced dramatically.
'By two young children, Mama? I think riot!'
'I won't have them here! This man shall take them away...'
'Nay, missus, they ain't mine no more. I bin paid, you see...' The overseer sidled towards the door, anxious to depart before he was asked to return the money.
'What?' The shrill voice rose to a shriek as Isabel caught India by the arm. 'You wicked girl! Have we so much that you can spend it upon two guttersnipes?'
'Mother, he was going to sell them...'
'Well, now he has done so, and to you.' Mrs Rushford tottered and raised a hand to her brow. 'This is the last straw!' she moaned. 'You'll be the death of me!'
Martha hurried over to her mistress. 'Poor lady! Shall Haddon take them after all?' She looked round, but the overseer had vanished.
'He shall not!' India said sternly. 'Martha, since you have taken such an interest in these children, perhaps you will step over to the Vicarage and ask my aunt for some suitable clothing from her stock?'
Martha ignored her.
'I'll go,' said Letty quickly.
'You will do no such thing, miss. Stay where you are!' Mrs Rushford cast an inimical look at India. 'Pray don't think that you deceive me. I see it all now. You had not the least intention of wedding his lordship. From the first you have tried to cause him to withdraw. This piece of folly will be the last straw.'
This unjust accusation stung India into a hot retort, but her own words surprised her.
'If Lord Isham can find no compassion in his heart for two starving children he is not the man I think him,' she cried.
'Do I hear my name?' The deep voice cut through the hubbub and India spun round to find his lordship standing in the doorway.
He crossed the room in two long strides and bowed to her mama. 'Forgive us, ma'am,' he murmured. 'Your door was open. We knocked, but there was no reply, so we took the liberty of entering.' He gave her a charming smile. 'No need to ask how you go on,' he murmured. 'I am happy to see you in such blooming health...'
India caught her sister's eye. Letty was having great difficulty in keeping her countenance, and India looked away in an effort to hide her own amusement.
Mrs Rushford gave Isham a sharp look, but his expression was one of bland insouciance.
He bowed to Letty and then he turned to India and took her hands in his, dropping a light kiss upon her cheek.
'Well, my love, and how do you go on?'
India murmured something, "but she felt uncomfortable. He must be aware that he had walked in upon a family quarrel. He squeezed her hands and turned back to her mother.
'Ma'am, I must hope that we do not inconvenience you, but I'd like to present my brother, Henry Salton.'
Mrs Rushford was on her feet in an instant, all smiles as she walked towards Isham's companion. At a first glance he appeared to be a most eligible parti. Perhaps an opportunity for Letty?
'What must you think of us, my dear sir, to be receiving you in the kitchen? It is not our usual custom, I assure you...'
'A pleasure, ma'am, no matter where we meet.' The young man's bow was perfection.
To India's relief he engaged her mother at once in polite conversation, following her into the parlour.
Looking round, India saw that Letty had disappeared and Martha too had made a hasty retreat.
'India, what has happened?' Characteristically Isham did not beat about the bush.
'Haven't you guessed? I am in disgrace once more.'
'Not with me. But why?'
'You had best not champion me until you hear the story.'
He smiled. 'I'll be the judge of that. Won't you tell me?'
India kept her story short. She was not looking for approval.
'And where are the boys now?' he asked.
There had been no sound from beneath the table, but India was encouraged. Isham had heard her out in silence, but his face was calm.
She bent down. 'Joe, you
can come out. His lordship will not hurt you.'
There was silence for several moments. Then a grimy face appeared.
'Come to me,' she coaxed. 'We wish to speak to you.'
Joe rose to his feet. She guessed that it had taken all his courage to leave his hiding-place, and though he came towards her she noticed that he was careful to keep himself behind his champion.
'Mr Haddon has gone,' she confirmed.
'So now we belongs to you?'
'Well, yes, I suppose you do, although I should not put it quite like that.'
'We don't mind,' Joe said magnanimously. 'Will the old lady let us stay?'
India hid a smile. Her mother would have taken a turn for the worse had she heard herself so described.
Isham began to question the child. India had not thought that he could be so gentle, and Joe answered him readily enough.
Joe had, in fact, moved closer to the massive figure and now he regarded Isham with admiration. He turned to India.
"E's a big 'un, ain't 'e?'
'Joe, that is a rude remark. You must be more polite...' Then she saw that Isham was laughing.
'Fair comment, India. I'm not exactly a dwarf.' He bent to examine the child more closely, and his smile vanished. 'Fetch your brother to me, Joe. I'd like to meet him too.'
India stared at him. 'Is something wrong?'
'I don't like the look of those sooty warts, my dear. Pettifer should take a look at them.'
'You know our doctor?' India was surprised.
'He came to the Grange last' week. One of the maids had burned herself. Does he call upon you?'
'Great heavens, he will come today! I had forgotten to advise him that Mama is so much better.'
'Then let him examine the boys.'
'These warts? Can they be dangerous?'
'They can become malignant, my dear.' He lowered his voice. 'In the worst instances they can kill. These children are never washed, and the risk of infection is high.'
'My lord, I had not imagined...'
'That I should know so much about them? I was instrumental...well, let us say that some years ago a sweep and his wife were charged with murder.'
India's face was ashen. 'Then it was not folly on my part...'
'To rescue them. I think not. There is little to choose between life in a factory or as a climbing boy.'
'But what am I to do with them? Mama will not allow them to stay here. I doubt if she will let the doctor see them.'
'Then let us send them to the Grange. It is now fully staffed and they will be well cared for.'
'Oh, would you do that?' India felt a warm rush of gratitude towards her betrothed. She gave him a brilliant smile. 'It would be so kind of you.'
'Has my stock gone up?' he grinned. 'Would it be worth a kiss?'
India coloured, and was relieved to find that Letty had returned. Her sister entered the kitchen with a big bundle of assorted clothing.
'Right!' Isham took the parcel from her. 'Joe, you and your brother are to take a ride in my carriage.' Without more ado he shepherded the two children out of the kitchen, and to India's astonishment Joe made no demur.
'I thought he'd rescue you,' Letty smiled.
'Yes, he has been very good.' India was thoughtful. 'I suppose we must join Mama?'
'Indeed! By now Mr Salton will have no secrets from her. She will have discovered his marital state, and very likely his income...'
Whatever it was that Mrs Rushford had discovered, it appeared to be satisfactory. As they entered the parlour she beamed upon her daughters.
'My dear girls, you shall make Mr Salton welcome. He is a stranger in this neighbourhood, you know.'
'A sad omission,' her companion stated gaily. 'Had I but known what beauties you hide in this part of the country I should not have stayed away.'
'So kind!' Mrs Rushford murmured. 'India, as you know, is already betrothed to your brother, but may I make you known to our dearest Letty?'
Her intentions were obvious, and Letty looked ready to sink with embarrassment.
With exquisite courtesy Henry Salton appeared to be oblivious to Letty's discomfort. Somewhat to Mrs Rushford's annoyance he turned to India.
'Will you forgive us?' he said in a low voice. 'I fear we arrived at an awkward moment, but my brother could not wait to see you...'
He had not intended his words for other ears, but Mrs Rushford had been attending closely. She had no way of knowing how much of the quarrel the two men had heard. Now she saw a way of turning the situation to her advantage.
'Nonsense!' she interposed gaily. 'Pray, sir, you must not excuse yourself. You will always be welcome in this house. We treat you as family already...'
Henry Salton bowed.
'We have our little misunderstandings, of course.' Mrs Rushford paused, knowing that she must tread carefully. Then she continued in a sentimental tone. 'Mr Salton, my elder daughter is all heart. She has not yet learned that one cannot change the world alone.'
'To try shows great nobility of character, ma'am.' The young man smiled at India.
'That may be so, but not when it involves taking in two filthy urchins who may be' harbouring heaven knows what diseases. You will not wonder at my objections, especially when I learned that she had actually bought them from their master. What she will do with them I can't imagine...'
'Pray do not trouble yourself.' Isham had arrived and had been speaking to Letty. Now he turned to her mother and though his tone was perfectly civil there was an edge to it which India had not heard before. 'You are quite right. This is not the place for those two boys. I have sent them to the Grange.'
Mrs Rushford looked at him in shocked surprise. 'My lord, have you seen them? They are wretched creatures. Pray consider their condition...'
'I have done so.' Isham's expression was grim. 'They need attention from the doctor. I have already sent for Pettifer.'
Mrs Rushford subsided. Isham's look did not encourage further argument. 'India is happy with that arrangement, are you not, my dear?'
India nodded in silence.
'Why, sir, you are too indulgent. India is to be sadly spoiled, I fear.' Mrs Rushford was torn between clear relief at the departure of the boys and displeasure to learn that his lordship supported India's actions. She had expected Isham to give his bride-to-be a sharp set-down for her folly. She could not resist a final gibe.
'We must hope that no ill comes of this. You will not care for India to be questioned by the magistrates, I think, if either of the boys should die.'
Her words were a mistake. Isham did not raise his voice, but suddenly it was full of menace.
'I intend to question them myself,' he said softly. 'That is, after I have visited the workhouse and spoken to the sweep. India, you will accompany me?'
'With pleasure.' India smiled at him. Her mother's face was dark with anger, but Isabel made no further objection. In any confrontation with his lordship she must be sure to come off worst. She was beginning to revise her opinion of him. This charming suitor had an ugly side. Well, let the fool pander to India if he would. It was enough that he had not cried off.
She turned her attention to Letty. Had the girl lost her tongue? Here was an eminently suitable young man and Letty had made no attempt to speak to him. Frowning, she signalled to her recalcitrant younger daughter, but Isham intervened with a tactful request for her advice.
An enquiry as to her preferred choice of new furnishing for the Grange diverted Isabel at once, much to Letty's relief.
'What a splendid influence you are, Miss Rushford! My brother is a different man already.' India turned to find Henry Saltan regarding Isham with amusement. 'I do not recognise him.'
'Indeed, sir? I feel that you must know him well.'
'Oh, I do, ma'am. I do.' Her companion looked at India's face. 'But now I have offended you. My remark was not intended as a criticism of Anthony. It was a compliment to you...'
'You flatter me, Mr Saltan.' In spite of his disclaimer Ind
ia sensed that behind the smiling manner there was a certain tension.
'Oh, please!' Saltan said quickly. 'Won't you call me Hal? We are now family, you know. I meant only that my brother can be a little stiff upon occasion. But there, you will not have seen it. He is a lucky man and your mutual happiness must be evident to all.'
India bowed her agreement, but she felt uneasy and a little annoyed. How much did Henry Saltan know of the circumstances which had led to her betrothal? Was there a touch of sarcasm in his last remark? She looked at him sharply, but his expression was bland. Then he began to laugh.
'Put it down to jealousy, India. I may call you India, may I not? I had thought myself the more likely to marry first since Anthony showed no inclination, but you have swept him off his feet...'
India coloured, but he gave her an impish grin.
'The green-eyed monster has consumed me,' he announced. 'Can you suggest a remedy?'
His frankness was disarming, and India returned his smile. 'Only that you consider marriage yourself?'
'But who would take me? A younger son, with no claim either to the title, or to the family's rolling acres? It would take a miracle, I fear, unless I return to India and come back as a nabob.'
'You have considered it?' she asked in some amusement.
'Oh, yes. It may come to that, but I must not trouble you with my problems. Shall you go into Cheshire for your honeymoon?'
'We have not discussed it,' India told him shyly.
'Really?' Still laughing he turned to his brother. 'Anthony, you have been remiss. Won't you let us into the secret? Where will you spend your honeymoon?'
'It shall be wherever India wishes.' Isham seized her hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a kiss into her upturned palm and closing her fingers over it. 'Cheshire, London, Brighton? What do you say, my love?'
India found herself blushing deeply. As always, the touch of those warm lips against her skin had disturbed her. For once she. was thankful when her mother intervened.
'My lord, will you set out in December? Is that wise? The roads may be impossible after these heavy rains. Letty and I were hoping you would stay on at the Grange, at least until the start of the London Season.'
'Ma'am, you are too good. I thank you for your concern.' Isham was apparently untroubled, but his tone belied his words It was clear that he did not welcome interference. 'My horses, you know, are accustomed to travelling in all weathers, and you need have no fears for India. I am persuaded that she is capable of coping with any emergency.' His laughing gaze held a hint of mockery and India stiffened.
The Reluctant Bride Page 6
