Shadows in the Valley

by Elizabeth Haran

  “If you’ll excuse me, Clementine,” Jack said. “I have something I must do.” He stood up and walked away from her.

  Clementine was disappointed and confused. She wondered if he suspected the truth. No matter, she thought. He can’t prove I opened the gate, and Abbey can’t prove she didn’t. Anyway, once Abbey’s condition became known, the open gate will seem unimportant.

  ***

  Jack knocked on Abbey’s door. When she opened the door, she looked exhausted, and he felt guilty.

  “Are you all right, Abbey? I was concerned when you didn’t come down for dinner, and Mother said you felt unwell.”

  “I’m just a feeling a little poorly, but I’ll be fine,” Abbey said, hardly able to look at him. At that moment she wasn’t feeling nauseous, but her heart felt as heavy as a stone.

  “I wanted to apologise for being so terse this morning. I was angry and tired”

  “There’s no need to apologise. I know how valuable Napoleon and the other rams are.”

  “Yes, you do,” Jack said. It was so clear to him now. Clementine thought nothing of his livestock, whereas Abbey did understand how valuable they were. “That’s why I should have believed you when you said you shut the gate. You wouldn’t leave it open. I know that, and I’m sorry for the way I behaved.”

  Abbey couldn’t accept his apologynot when she was keeping such an enormous secret from him. “Is that all? I’m tired, so I’d like an early night.”

  Jack was taken aback by her coldness. “Yes, I’m sorry to keep you up. Good night, Abbey.”

  “Good night,” Abbey said and shut the door. She squeezed her eyes shut to keep her tears from sliding out, but it didn’t work.

  CHAPTER 27

  Heath was absolutely seething after receiving Sybil’s note. How dare she tell him not to pick Abbey up because Jack would be driving her to Manoora! He knew the only reason Jack had decided to attend the dance was to keep a close eye on him. Determined to outmanoeuver Jack, Heath devised a cunning plan, vowing that nothing and no one would stop him from getting Abbey to marry him as soon as possible.

  ***

  Abbey kept to herself for most of Sunday, avoiding long discussions with Clementine and keeping any conversations with Sybil light. She even declined an invitation to attend church with the Hawkers and the Feebles. Jack had hoped she’d help him cook breakfast on Sunday morning, as she had done the previous week, but Abbey stayed in her room.

  When evening came, Abbey struggled through an early dinner of salad and cold meat that the newly reformed Sabu had magnanimously prepared the previous night in preparation for his day off. He’d escaped Jack’s wrath in the chaos of the missing rams, but he knew he’d have to change his stubborn ways. Abbey had made him see that it was his family who would suffer because of his foolish pride. Confiding in Sybil about why he didn’t like cooking while fasting had been extremely difficult for the proud Hindustani man. In order to avoid discussing his family back in India and the money he sent them, he’d decided it was easier to be on his best behaviour.

  Dinner would have been a silent affair if not for Clementine and Sybil doing most of the talking. Clementine noticed that Jack was quieter than usual. He’d been absent from the house for most of the day, exercising Max and tending to the rams. She didn’t complain, however, as she was looking forward to the excitement that the evening promised.

  At the dinner table, Abbey felt Jack’s gaze upon her several times, but she didn’t look up. Jack assumed she was still angry with him and wished their friendship could return to what it once had been. As for his relationship with Clementine, he didn’t think that would ever be the same.

  After the meal, Clementine and Abbey went upstairs to get ready for the dance. Abbey could not muster any enthusiasm for the task, but Clementine fussed over her, helping her dress and doing her hair. Sybil lent them both necklaces to go with their dresses. Clementine’s gown was dark blue, and Abbey’s was a rich burgundy. Both gowns complemented the girls’ coloring perfectly, and Sybil’s necklaces were ideal accessories.

  Under different circumstances, Abbey would have been ecstatic to be wearing a beautiful new dress. Every dress she’d ever owned had been someone else’s. But the knowledge that she was hiding a secret from the Hawkers, and that she was leaving the next day, kept her from enjoying herself.

  “What’s wrong, Abbey?” Sybil asked when they were alone for a moment. “You don’t seem enthusiastic about going to the dance at all, but you look absolutely beautiful.”

  “I’m just a little overwhelmed with how kind you’ve been to me, Mrs. Hawker,” Abbey said, trying to remain unemotional as she absently stroked the fabric of the dress she was wearing. She meant what she said. No one had ever been as wonderful to her as Sybil and Jack.

  “Nonsense, Abbey. I’ve grown very fond of you, and I’ll always be grateful to you for preventing me from becoming a lonely, bitter woman. I know how hard I was to live with before you came to Bungaree. Just ask poor Jack, who had to put up with my moods! I dreaded getting up in the morning. But not any more. I love my sons, but I always wanted a daughter, and I’m beginning to think of you as the daughter I never had.”

  Sybil’s touching words were almost Abbey’s undoing. She longed to fall into her arms and confess the whole awful truth, but she dared not, believing that Sybil deserved better. After growing up without a mother, Sybil had given Abbey a tiny glimpse of what it would have been like to have a mother’s love and protection. How could she repay her by telling Sybil that she was with child?

  “I’ll never forget all you’ve done for me, Mrs. Hawker,” she whispered hoarsely. She couldn’t put into words how much Sybil meant to her, not without making her suspicious.

  Sybil thought that Abbey must be missing her mother, as well as her father. She understood and kissed her cheek affectionately. It was the first time she’d done anything like that, and Abbey felt her resolve weaken. Would Sybil forgive her and help her? She saw a tiny ray of hope.

  “I have something to” Abbey started to say, but she was interrupted by Clementine walking back into the room.

  “Yes, Abbey,” Sybil said. “What do you want to tell me?”

  “Nothing important,” Abbey said, growing quiet again. “It can wait.” She glanced over Sybil’s shoulder to see Clementine regarding her suspiciously and shaking her head. Clementine didn’t want Abbey to confess the truth, just in case Sybil took pity on her and didn’t turn her out. And there was always the slight chance that Jack would also be too kind.

  “Are you sure?” Sybil asked.

  Abbey nodded.

  “Fine. I’ll leave you girls to finish getting ready,” Sybil walked towards the door. “I’m already looking forward to tomorrow when you tell me all about the dance.”

  “You weren’t going to break Sybil’s heart and tell her that you are with child, were you, Abbey?” Clementine whispered urgently when they were alone again.

  “No,” Abbey said. She had to trust that Clementine knew Sybil better than she did.

  ***

  Jack and Tom were waiting for Abbey and Clementine beside the buggy at the front of the house, when Alfie came up the road driving Ebenezer Mason’s fancy carriage. When he pulled up alongside them, Jack asked him who he was and what he wanted.

  “I’m Alfie Holbrook, and I’ve come to pick up Miss Scottsdale for young Mr. Mason,” Alfie said, climbing down from the elegant carriage. Jack’s buggy looked quite shabby beside it.

  “My mother sent a note to Mr. Mason saying that Miss Scottsdale would be travelling with us to Manoora,” Jack said crossly. “So, I’m afraid your journey has been a waste of time.” He was not surprised that Heath would defy the note. It was just like him.

  “I don’t know anything about thatI’m just following orders, sir,” Alfie said. Heath had told him to expect an argument, but that he was not to leave Bungar
ee without Abbey.

  Abbey and Clementine heard raised voices from upstairs. When they looked over the balcony, they saw the fine carriage, and Abbey recognised Alfie.

  “I’d better go,” Abbey said. Sensing trouble, she hurried towards the stairs.

  “See you at the dance,” Clementine called after her. She was secretly pleased that Heath had gone against Jack’s and Sybil’s wishes. It showed that he was clever, and suggested that the evening was going to be very interesting indeed. She was also sure that neither Heath nor Jack would want Abbey when they knew that she was carrying Ebenezer Mason’s child.

  Abbey came out the front door just as Jack was angrily telling Alfie for the third time to be on his way because Abbey would be travelling with him. Hearing angry voices, Elias had joined Jack and Tom, just in case the situation became more heated.

  Alfie was standing beside the open carriage door. He didn’t look like he was going to go anywhere without her, despite loud encouragement, so Abbey dashed towards the carriage.

  “It’s all right. I’ll see you at the dance,” she said to Jack, hoping to avoid a serious dispute.

  “But Mother told Mr. Mason we’d take you to the dance,” Jack said angrily.

  “I know, but there must be a misunderstanding,” Abbey said soothingly.

  “I doubt that,” Jack snapped, knowing it was Heath at his arrogant best.

  “Don’t be angry. I’ll go in the carriage,” Abbey said. “I’ll see you there.” Giving Jack no time to further argue, she darted inside. Alfie shut the door and agilely climbed up to the driver’s seat. Abbey glanced out the window as the carriage turned in a full circle. She could see that Jack was absolutely livid as he glared after them. Clementine was just coming down the steps, and Sybil followed to see them off. Apart from Clementine, they were all staring after the carriage in stunned disbelief.

  ***

  Abbey was actually pleased to be able to travel alone to Manoora. She was miserable and didn’t feel like making conversation. She sank back into the sumptuous leather seat and looked out of the window, glumly.

  The carriage rocked along the road, leaving clouds of dust in its wake. The sun was dipping behind distant yellow hills, dotted with sheep and gum trees, and it was quickly growing dark. Abbey’s memory was dragged unwillingly back in time to another night when Alfie had driven her to Martindale Hall. She’d believed that in time she’d get over what happened that night, but for now, it seemed the repercussions of that journey would affect her for the rest of her life.

  Abbey tried to imagine the days ahead, after she’d left the area for some unknown destination, possibly Adelaide. She knew Heath would be confused as to why she had suddenly disappeared, and so would Jack and Sybil. It was for the best, though, she reminded herself with a heavy heart. She would find a home for unwed mothers and, after delivering her child, begin a new life. She’d have months to decide where that would be, but she’d never forget the kindness the Hawkers had shown her. She’d never forget Jack.

  ***

  Abbey lost track of time as the shadows of trees beside the road intermittently flashed by. She couldn’t see beyond them in the darkness, so she had no sense of where she was. She’d never been to Manoora and had no idea how far away it was or how long it would take to get there. When she saw the shadowy outlines of a row of houses whizzing by, she looked out of the window just as they passed a general store, which was closed for the evening. They were going through a town and if she weren’t mistaken, it was Mintaro.

  When the carriage slowed and turned a few miles further up the road, Abbey looked out of the window again. The coach was just passing through iron gates and was turning up a smaller road. When they passed a coach house, she gasped, realising they were on the Martindale estate.

  “Mr. Holbrook,” she called. “What are we doing here?”

  The driver didn’t answer. Abbey was confused, but rationalised that they must be fetching Heath before continuing on to the dance.

  When the carriage rolled to a stop outside the house, Alfie jumped down and opened the door.

  “Are we here to collect Heath?” Abbey asked him.

  “The master is expecting you, Miss Scottsdale,” Alfie replied.

  “Expecting me?” Abbey was baffled. She climbed out of the carriage and looked up at the house. “But what about the dance?” she asked in confusion.

  “I don’t know, Miss. I’ve been told to take the coach to the coach house until I receive further instructions.”

  “That can’t be right. Please wait, Mr. Holbrook, until I sort this out.” From the bottom of the steps, illuminated by lanterns on pillars to either side, Abbey looked up at the hall. It all seemed to be happening again. She felt physically ill just thinking about what had taken place inside the building and how it had affected her life. She couldn’t go in. She wouldn’t. If Heath wanted to go to the dance with her, he’d have to come out.

  Abbey turned back to Alfie. “I’m not going into the hall, and that’s that,” she stated firmly. She went to get back into the carriage.

  “Abbey!” someone called.

  Abbey thought she recognised Heath’s voice. She couldn’t see him in the darkness, and the door to the house was closed.

  “Abbey. Up here!”

  Abbey looked up to see Heath’s silhouette on the rooftop. He was waving to her. She gasped, thinking the worst. Had he told Alfie to fetch her so that she could witness his suicide?

  “Come up, Abbey,” Heath called.

  Abbey kept staring at him. “No,” she called back. “I won’t. And you be careful, Heath.” She didn’t like the way he was carelessly leaning over the railing.

  “Please, Abbey,” Heath said in a cheery, cajoling voice. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “No, Heath,” Abbey insisted. She didn’t understand his mood. “Come down at once.”

  “Please come up, Abbey. I’ve gone to a lot of trouble,” Heath pleaded.

  What’s he doing up there? Abbey wondered suspiciously. She didn’t have the patience to deal with any intrigue. Through the quiet night air, music drifted to her. Violin music.

  “Come now, Abbey,” Heath shouted down. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

  Abbey’s curiosity won out over her fear. Obviously, Heath wasn’t going to come down, so she’d have to go up and see what he was doing on the roof.

  As Abbey climbed the steps to the door, the butler, Winston, opened it. Just seeing him again caused terrible memories to flash through her mind of the last time she’d crossed the threshold of Martindale Hall, and she faltered.

  “Good evening, Miss Scottsdale,” Winston said. When she had been here the first time, he had been aloof. This time, he looked directly at her, but she couldn’t read his expression in the darkness.

  “Good evening,” Abbey said softly. “I understand Mr. Mason is up on the roof?”

  “Yes, Miss Scottsdale,” Winston replied. “He would like you to join him.”

  Abbey was still hesitant.

  Winston could see that she was nervous. “Mr. Mason is expecting you, Miss. Everything is fine,” he reassured her. A twinge of guilt struck him as he remembered her first visit.

  For some inexplicable reason, Abbey believed him. She thought she saw a flicker of remorse cross his features in the lamplight, and she wondered if he’d known about his old master’s plans. It wouldn’t have surprised her if he had been kept ignorant. The butler seemed like a levelheaded, rational man. Although he masked any emotion he was feeling behind a stiff façade, Abbey instinctively felt he was fundamentally trustworthy. Nevertheless, she intended to be wary.

  ***

  Abbey followed the butler up the main staircase to the first floor and then along a corridor to the back of the house, where another staircase led to the roof. Winston waited at the bottom of these stairs while she proceeded upwards.r />
  When Abbey reached the roof, she gasped.

  Candles were burning all around the perimeter of the roof, creating a soft glow that illuminated the area like fallen stars. A table and chairs had been set up, complete with candelabra, wine and glasses, plates, cutlery, and dishes containing food. Abbey could smell the aroma of roasted chicken, but her unsettled stomach didn’t appreciate it. Flower petals were strewn around the table.

  Heath was standing beside the table in a dark suit. He looked more handsome than she would have thought possible.

  Abbey caught sight of something moving out of the corner of her eye. It was a violinist standing in the far corner, Mrs. Hendy’s brother, who lived locally. Although Heath had created a beautiful setting, Abbey was displeased. It was obvious that he’d deliberately crafted a romantic atmosphere.

  “What is all of this, Heath?” she asked with a hint of accusation.

  On a mission, with no thought of failure, Heath went forward to meet her with his hand outstretched. Clasping her hand, he lifted it to his lips and gently kissed the back. “Good evening, Abbey,” he said smoothly. “Do you like what I’ve done for you? It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” He looked about him with pride.

  Abbey tried to pull her hand away, but his grip was firm as he led her forward.

  “It’s very nice,” Abbey stammered, “but aren’t we supposed to be attending a dance?”

  “Isn’t this better, Abbey? We can dance in private with our own musician.”

  Abbey thought of Jack, Tom, and Clementine. They would be looking for her in the Manoora Hall. “Jack and the others will wonder what’s happened to me,” she said, feeling anxious. At the mention of Jack, a flicker of annoyance crossed Heath’s handsome features, and a ripple of real fear shot through her. It occurred to her that Heath had deliberately misled her and had perhaps never intended to take her to the dance in Manoora. For the first time, she saw his cunning father in him, and that terrified her.