A Place of Birds

by Jane Jackson

  At the bottom of the street the stench of rotting fish, stale beer, wet sawdust, and other less pleasant smells wafted up from the narrow hill leading down to the north arm of the quay. Men’s voices raised in song issued from the open doorway of one of the hotels. Halfway down the steep slope surrounded by a knot of shouting onlookers two men were brawling, a sight so common at this end of town neither remarked on it.

  As they passed the Seamen’s Home and approached the terrace of grand houses on Grove Place Susanna offered a silent prayer for Colin Treneer’s recovery knowing she wished it for Edward’s sake as much as the boy’s.

  ‘Hey,’ William moved up alongside her, ‘isn’t that –?’

  ‘Doctor Arundell, yes.’ Susanna felt warmth flood her body at the sight of the tall red-haired figure.

  ‘This wind certainly is sharp, you’ve gone all pink. What did I say?’ he demanded as she flashed him an anguished glare.

  Standing on the pavement alongside a small landau Constance Bennett looked elegant in a close fitting emerald coat with black velvet frogging, her upswept hair crowned by a tiny hat of emerald silk and black ostrich feathers. Shepherding Edward’s children into the waiting carriage Constance climbed in after them. ‘We should be back by five.’

  ‘Give them my regards.’ As the landau pulled away he walked quickly back up the steps and into the house.

  ‘I wonder if she hopes to marry him?’ William mused.

  Susanna’s astonishment was drowned by dismay. ‘She can’t.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Well,’ Susanna scrabbled for a legitimate-sounding reason. ‘For a start, he’s still officially in mourning.’

  ‘I didn’t mean right now,’ William said patiently. ‘Though it must be nearly a year since his wife died. But it would make sense, wouldn’t it? They’re about the same age and she’s been a widow for ages. And as they are distantly related the children would be getting a step-mother they’ve known all their lives. So all things considered –’

  ‘Don’t, Will!’ Though it had never occurred to her before the idea seemed all too appallingly possible.

  William frowned in surprise. ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘Have you heard something?’ It took all her courage to ask. Through his work in the office and visits to other places of business William met far more people than she did.

  ‘About Mrs Bennett and Doctor Arundell? No. And Elliot’s office knows what’s going on almost before it happens.’ His broad grin faded. ‘Su, what is the matter? You look awful.’

  ‘Just because people expect something to happen doesn’t mean that it will,’ she said desperately.

  ‘True. But why should you care? As long as you are able to continue your work –’ Comprehension spread slowly across his face. ‘Oh.’

  She attempted a self-mocking smile. But her mouth trembled and she turned her head away.

  ‘Does he know how you feel?’

  ‘I don’t know. I don’t think so.’

  ‘You haven’t told him?’

  ‘Of course I haven’t!’ she was shocked.

  William’s bafflement returned. ‘Why not?’

  ‘Will, how could I? You know perfectly well that convention requires the man to make the first move.’

  ‘You care little for convention in other matters,’ he pointed out reasonably.

  ‘I know. But this is different. I can’t speak before he does. It would compromise us both. And I would hate him to think me fast.’ Though Richard’s accusation had been totally unfounded it still rankled.

  ‘You?’ William started to laugh. ‘How could he possibly think that? You’re either at home, at the Infirmary, or out on visits to the old and sick. What time do you have to be a social butterfly? You haven’t had a caller that wasn’t related to the family in some way.’

  ‘Edward doesn’t know that. Anyway, it’s not a subject easily raised when we are discussing a patient’s illness or treatment.’

  ‘True.’ After a few moments William said dubiously, ‘He is quite old.’

  ‘He’s nothing of the sort,’ Susanna retorted. ‘I doubt he’s much more than thirty … or thereabouts,’ she amended. ‘In any case it is quite usual for men to be several years older than their wives. Father is ten years older than Mother. A man needs to have established himself before he can support a family.’

  ‘I expect you’re right,’ William agreed mildly.

  The tension drained out of her. That was one of the things she loved best about Will. He might question, or offer an opinion. But he refused to argue.

  Their horses’ hooves echoed hollowly as they trotted under the railway arch and up the steep curving hill onto Castle Drive with its spectacular view of the docks and the crowded anchorage of the Fal Estuary.

  Susanna gazed down over thickly wooded slopes stripped bare by the autumn gales. Birds had picked the tangled brambles clean of berries, and the bracken was brown and flattened by recent heavy rain. White-capped waves of inky blue crashed against jagged grey rocks flinging spray that glittered like splintered glass high into the crisp air and filling clefts in the dark rock with creamy foam.

  Screaming gulls hung on the wind and puff-ball clouds raced across the sapphire sky playing hide and seek with the sun.

  ‘Do you know what I think?’ William said. ‘I think he must like you a lot.’

  Susanna searched his face longing for him to be right. But Will was two years younger than her. What could he know? He was a man wasn’t he? And men had far more freedom. They lived much wider lives.

  ‘What makes you think so?’

  ‘Come on, Su,’ he grinned. ‘Didn’t you tell me you assisted at an operation yesterday? You said he’s going to teach you. You must be very special for him to do that.’

  Lifting her face to the bright sunshine she breathed in deeply. The air was invigorating. Will’s words even more so. ‘You could be right.’

  ‘I am right,’ he insisted. ‘Look, if you are having a difficult time because of gossip and disapproval what must it be like for him? I expect his colleagues are giving him a real roasting.’

  Susanna stared at him. She had been so immersed in her own problems it had never occurred to her that Edward might be facing similar attack. ‘If that is so, Will, then I have no choice.’

  ‘You’re not going to give it up?’ His expression hovered between surprise and disappointment.

  Susanna shook her head, fired with new determination. ‘No. I’m not. ‘

  William grinned. ‘I didn’t think you would. Good for you. But you’ll have to be more discreet. Father is in a difficult position, being an Elder.’

  ‘Do you think I don’t know that?’ Susanna cried. ‘Some of the Overseers – and John Tregelles is one of them – seem bent on making trouble. I think they are really enjoying Father’s embarrassment.’

  William nodded. ‘But think a minute. How does John Tregelles, or any of the Overseers, know what Doctor Arundell has been teaching you?’

  Susanna stared at him, frowning. ‘They don’t.’

  ‘Exactly. Don’t you see? They can’t know anything about your work at the Infirmary. Not unless you or the doctor have told them, which you haven’t. They just want to cause trouble for Father because of his stand against change within the Society. Your activities are simply a convenient stick to beat him with.’

  ‘Will, that’s monstrous. Are you sure?’

  He nodded. ‘I hear things. At Meeting, and in the office. Because I’m quiet people forget I’m there. It’s sad really. They are all honest decent God-fearing men, yet they squabble like children. They can’t condemn you for visiting the sick. The only moral delinquency they can charge you or Father with is failing to ensure you are properly chaperoned. So is there anyone you could ask to accompany you when you go to the hospital?’

  Susanna started to shake her head then her mouth widened in a smile of delight. ‘Molly Treneer. Colin’s mother. I expect she’ll visit him as often as she can. I
f I arrive and depart with her –’

  ‘It will be seen that you are dutifully observing all the necessary proprieties. Your critics, and Father’s, will have the wind taken right out of their sails.’ William radiated contentment. ‘Once you’re inside who is to know what you do?’

  ‘You’re wicked.’

  ‘I know. I’ve got this terrible sister who leads me astray.’

  Susanna’s shift of balance as she gathered up the reins was all the mare needed. ‘In that case let’s canter.’ Ears pricked the mare danced sideways.

  ‘It’s Sunday,’ William reminded. ‘You’ll get into trouble.’

  ‘Who’s to know?’ Susanna demanded recklessly.

  ‘You’re on!’ William dug his heels into his horse’s sides.

  Reaching the fork that led up to the castle Susanna reluctantly reined the mare in. Arriving on her cousins’ doorstep scarlet-cheeked and out of breath would raise even more questions about her behaviour.

  Oak Villa stood plain-square and solid in a small front garden separated from the pavement by black-painted iron railings and a berberis hedge.

  Narrow glass panels surrounded the top half of the white front door protected by a stone porch on either side of which was a large bay window.

  ‘You go on in,’ William directed. ‘I’ll see to the horses.’

  Handing him the mare’s reins Susanna tucked her escaping curls back under her bonnet and after brushing the dust from her grey dress, pulled her cloak straight and started up the path while William led the horses away to the stable where hay nets and water buckets were always kept full.

  ‘Susanna!’ Lucy beamed with pleasure. Wiry and straight-backed she had skin like fine tissue paper and eyes as bright and sharp as a bird’s. Her hair was the same colour as her plain fawn dress. She wore it drawn into a simple knot high on the back of her head. ‘How lovely to see you. Have you come alone?’

  ‘No, William is with me.’ Susanna pulled off her thin riding gloves and unfastened her cloak, handing both with a smile to the maid who had opened the door. ‘He’ll join us as soon as he’s seen to the horses.’

  ‘Come on in by the fire. Mary,’ she addressed the maid, ‘we’ll have tea now. Bring plenty.’ She turned to Susanna with a knowing smile. ‘William’s appetite will not have lessened since his last visit.’

  Bobbing respectfully the girl left, and Susanna followed her cousin across the room. The mahogany bureau, tall bookcases, and the library chair with its buttoned leather seat and padded arms brought back vivid memories of her Uncle George. Two wooden rocking chairs stood either side of the hearth, each with a flattened cushion covered in dark green wool.

  In the grate, orange flames consumed a tumble of logs. They shifted and a shower of sparks flew up the chimney. The room was warm and smelled of apples.

  As Susanna sat in one chair Lucy took the other and began to rock gently. ‘Are your parents both well?’

  ‘Yes, thank you. They were worried when you did not come to Meeting this morning. Is Meredith’s cold worse?’

  ‘No, it’s actually quite a bit better.’ Lucy’s gentle mouth lifted at the corners. ‘But you know Meredith.’

  Susanna nodded. ‘Pneumonia?’

  ‘At the very least.’

  ‘What does Doctor Vigurs say?’

  ‘That there is nothing more he can do.’ Lucy sighed. ‘He’s a kind man and remarkably patient. But that was not the wisest choice of words.’

  Shaking with barely controlled laughter Susanna covered her mouth. ‘Did he prescribe anything?’

  ‘He couldn’t. We already have everything. There isn’t an inch of space on Meredith’s bedside table.’ She rocked quietly for a few moments. ‘I expect you’ve heard. We’ve been turned down.’

  ‘Oh no.’ Sympathy and dismay wiped the smile from Susanna’s face. ‘Lucy, I’m so sorry. Is that why Meredith took to her bed?’

  ‘She’s terribly disappointed. She was so sure, you see. We had sounded out opinion before making our formal application and we’d been led to believe we’d get a favourable response.’

  ‘So what happened?’

  ‘Meredith presented our petition, that we be allowed to travel to China and set up a Quaker mission there. I must admit I was worried. You know how the senior Friends distrust religious enthusiasm, and this concern is so dear to Meredith’s heart.’

  Susanna nodded quickly all too familiar with her older cousin’s volatile nature.

  ‘But she was inspired.’ Lucy gazed into the flames. ‘She spoke with humility and restraint. Yet no one could have doubted the strength of her vocation. We were told the deliberations would take a little while. Naturally we assumed that to mean a few days, perhaps even a week or two.’

  ‘But that was back in May.’

  ‘Indeed it was. And despite our requests to the Monthly and Quarterly Select Meetings no one could tell us if a decision had been reached. Then last week we received a letter. It was …’ she paused, ‘very much to the point. It advised us to stay at home and mind our business.’

  The bluntness of the refusal stunned Susanna. ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  Lucy met her shock with a gentle smile of resignation. ‘There is nothing to be said, my dear. It is most unlikely anything will persuade them to change their minds. Fortunately we are quite comfortably off. As you know, Father left us a financial interest in the shipyard. But we have nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the business. Uncle Joshua and your cousin Charles handle that side of things. Regardless of the Committee’s advice, I don’t think they would welcome interference from two maiden ladies, do you?’

  ‘How can you take it so calmly?’

  Lucy shrugged her thin shoulders. ‘What choice do I have? Meredith was devastated. She is going to need a lot of support.’ She glanced round at the sound of voices in the hall.

  Chapter Six

  The door opened and Meredith swept in, majestic and determined. From a severe centre parting her brown hair coiled in a small tight bun just above the white collar of her grey bombazine dress. Though the cold which had confined her to bed for several days had miraculously vanished Susanna noticed new lines around her eyes and mouth.

  ‘Susanna! What a lovely surprise. It seems such a long time since we saw you or your parents. I expect they’re busy. I’ve never known anyone work as hard for as many good causes as your dear mother. I really don’t know how she does it. And looking after a family as well. Though you are all growing away now. My, just look at you.’

  Susanna stood up to greet her cousin. It was the only way to avoid the sensation of being swamped by the gush of words. Meredith didn’t set out to overwhelm people. But her physical size, forceful personality and effusive speech combined to leave recipients of her attention feeling slightly battered. She smiled back. ‘Mother was worried when you didn’t come to Meeting. She asked me to call and make sure all was well. Lucy was just telling me you’ve been poorly.’

  Meredith threw up her hands. ‘Lucy does fuss. A slight indisposition, nothing serious. But it left me a little languid. Of course, having a delicate chest,’ she placed one hand on the bosom that curved like a garden roller from just below her chin, ‘I am forced to take care. I find a day or two in bed with a light, nourishing diet and plenty of rest is usually quite sufficient to restore me.’

  She peered closely at Susanna. ‘You look a little flushed. I hope you are not sickening for something. I really cannot afford to –’

  ‘I’m fine,’ Susanna reassured quickly. ‘William and I came around the Castle Drive –’

  ‘William is with you?’ Meredith’s face lit up.

  Susanna nodded. Her brother’s natural charm made him the most popular member of the entire Elliot/ Braithwaite family. ‘Yes, he’s –’

  ‘Right here,’ William poked his tousled head around the door.

  ‘Meredith hasn’t been well,’ Susanna signalled a warning. William understood immediately.

  ‘I’m s
o sorry to hear that. How rotten for you.’

  ‘It was nothing,’ Meredith sighed valiantly. ‘I may be a martyr to my chest but I’m not going to let it get the better of me. Anyway, I’m so glad you’ve both come. You’ll be able to give the wonderful news to your parents.’

  ‘I’m sure they’ll be as delighted as we are to hear you are recovered,’ William said gravely. Susanna looked away, not daring to catch his eye.

  ‘No doubt they will. But that wasn’t the wonderful news,’ Meredith corrected as she lowered herself into the rocker Susanna had vacated. The door opened to admit the maid pushing a trolley. The top tier held fine bone china, linen napkins and a silver tea service. On the bottom were two plates of sandwiches, one of freshly baked scones, dishes of raspberry jam and thick clotted cream, and a fruit cake.

  ‘Gosh.’ A wide grin split William’s face as he gazed at the spread.

  ‘Just a morsel to stave off starvation until you get home,’ Lucy said drily.

  ‘This is nice,’ Meredith beamed. ‘We don’t often have company for afternoon tea. Not that we indulge ourselves like this every day. It wouldn’t be right.’

  ‘Oh I don’t know,’ William patted his flat stomach. ‘I think I could get used to it.’

  ‘Just look at him,’ Meredith sighed. ‘Like a string bean.’

  ‘I’m still growing,’ he protested. ‘Lucy, you spoil me.’

  ‘It’s not all for you, young man.’

  Meredith sighed again. ‘I wish I had a better appetite.’ Ignoring the sandwiches she leaned forward to spoon jam thickly onto a scone before piling it high with cream.

  ‘Any news from the Select Committee yet?’ William reached for another sandwich.

  ‘Yes. We’ve been turned down,’ Lucy replied.

  ‘Oh I say. What bad luck.’ He grimaced sympathetically. ‘I suppose that’s it then.’

  Lucy opened her mouth but Meredith forestalled her. ‘No. That most certainly is not it.’ She dabbed the corners of her mouth firmly with her napkin. ‘The Select Committee have rejected our services. That is their privilege.’ Her poker-straight spine signalled affront and indignation. ‘But they cannot stop us.’ She paused then announced dramatically, ‘We will go to China independently.’