A Place of Birds

by Jane Jackson

  ‘Sit well back,’ he warned. ‘A European woman is a rare sight this far upriver.’ His voice softened. ‘Especially one as lovely as you.’

  ‘I doubt the Chinese think me lovely,’ Susanna remarked dryly, making a brave attempt to hide her growing disquiet. Though Lowell was pretending all was well she sensed it wasn’t. ‘My uncle used to tell me stories about China. He said they would find my colouring ugly and offensive.’

  Ensuring her skirts were tucked in, he smiled. ‘What might be ugly to their eyes is enchanting to mine.’ He fastened the door shut. ‘Don’t worry. We’ll be right alongside.’ Standing back he shouted an order to the bearers and Susanna felt the chair lurch as it was picked up.

  The heat, stench and noise from the crowded street were indescribable. Some men glared in sullen silence as the chairs passed but others screamed and waved their arms, their faces contorted with hate. Jolted and sweating in her airless prison she was frightened, despite Lowell’s reassurance.

  The sound of a rising shriek stopped her breath. The bearers ahead of her dropped the chair and backed away, jabbering and gesticulating. Knowing she must not show herself Susanna fought panic. Though sweat trickled down her temples her mouth and throat were dust-dry. She closed her fingers over the small gun tucked into her garter, hoping desperately she would not have to use it.

  As Meredith continued to scream Lowell bellowed an order. The two sturdy able seamen passed their rifles to Oliver Lockhead, picked up the poles, and the procession moved off again, faster this time amid the howling and yelling.

  It seemed an eternity before they passed through a gate in the outer wall surrounding one of the new houses. The chairs were set down at once. As Chinese servants came forward with much kow-towing to meet them, the remaining bearers loudly demanded payment so they could leave at once.

  Climbing shakily from her own chair Susanna met Lucy coming in the opposite direction.

  ‘Have you got –?’ she broke off as Lucy raised her hand, revealing the bottle.

  Straining backwards, her body rigid, eyes tightly shut, Meredith’s purple face was shiny with sweat and streaked with tears. Saliva drooled from one side of her mouth as she panted and whimpered.

  As Susanna grasped her hand Meredith let out a shriek. ‘It’s all right,’ Susanna shook her. ‘You’re safe now.’

  Pale with shock, Lucy leaned in and held the bottle to her sister’s lips. ‘No, not too much,’ she cried anxiously as Meredith seized the bottle in both hands and gulped the liquid down. Wrenching it away Susanna handed the bottle to Lucy and leaned in to help a shaking but quieter Meredith to her feet.

  Lowell strode across. ‘Is everyone all right?’ Susanna nodded, not trusting herself to speak. It was over. They were safe. What on earth was there to cry about? Meredith clung to Lucy’s arm, her gaze unfocused, her head wobbling like a marionette.

  With the servants carrying their luggage and Meredith supported between them, Susanna and Lucy followed Lowell towards the house. Inside the spacious hall Lowell indicated lacquered chairs grouped at one side of a wide fireplace, protected from drafts by a woven bamboo screen.

  ‘Why don’t you sit down? Ellis might be –’

  Alerted by the sound of briskly approaching footsteps he went forward.

  ‘My God but you’re a welcome sight, Hawke.’ Short and paunchy, Ellis carried himself ramrod straight. His hair had receded to a thick fringe at the back of his skull for which he compensated with a luxuriant black moustache. Seizing Lowell’s hand he pumped it up and down. ‘The guns –?’

  ‘My men are unloading now.’

  ‘Thank God. We’ve got trouble, Hawke. There’s been –’ Alerted by Lowell’s signal Ellis glanced round, visibly shocked to see the three women. After inclining his head in a stiff bow he turned away. ‘Who are they? What are they doing here? Surely you didn’t …?’

  Lowell led him over to one of the windows too far away for her to hear what was said. But there was no mistaking Ellis’s agitation. A quiet but intense argument followed with Ellis gesturing and Lowell shaking his head. Susanna heard the words ‘Kwang Tsai.’

  ‘Lucy, when can we go to our rooms? I need to lie down.’ Meredith pleaded plaintively.

  ‘Soon, dear,’ Lucy soothed, stroking her sister’s fretful hands. ‘Lowell is making the arrangements now.’

  ‘Everything is settled,’ Lowell came towards them. ‘Ladies, allow me to introduce your host, Mr Christopher Ellis. Ellis, may I present Miss Lucy Braithwaite, Miss Meredith Braithwaite, and their cousin, Miss Susanna Elliot.’

  Murmuring, ‘How do you do?’ Ellis shook hands with each of them. But his smile had no warmth and a frown scored two deep grooves between his brows. ‘I think I should warn you that –’

  ‘Come now, Ellis.’ Behind Lowell’s smile his tone and gaze were steely. ‘Allow the ladies to settle in and freshen up first.’

  ‘Yes, of course. Forgive me.’ Ellis snapped his fingers, summoning servants to carry the luggage upstairs. ‘Lunch will be served at one. The dining room is through there. You’ll meet my other guest, Mr Edgar Hutchins. As he too is a missionary no doubt you’ll discover much in common.’ He turned to Lowell. ‘A word before you go?’

  As Lucy helped Meredith towards the wooden staircase Susanna hung back.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ she whispered to Lowell. ‘And don’t tell me nothing. It’s quite obvious Mr Ellis is unhappy about us being here.’

  ‘Ellis is under a lot of pressure. He’s having difficulties with the local mandarin. Tempers are frayed and this hot weather is making matters worse. There’s been an outbreak of disease in the poorest part of the town. Several children and old people have died.’

  ‘Is there any way I could help?’

  ‘No. You must not leave the compound.’ She was startled by his vehemence. ‘I know you probably could help. But the Chinese are very suspicious of all foreigners. Imagine what might happen if Meredith insisted on going with you, especially in her current state of mind.’

  ‘I take your point.’ They walked slowly up the stairs. She had so many questions and too little time. ‘How long will you be away?’

  ‘It depends on the weather. I’m hoping no more than four days.’

  ‘When do you plan to leave?’

  ‘In a few minutes.’

  She stopped, facing him. ‘So soon? But –’

  He placed his forefinger gently on her lips. ‘The sooner I go the sooner I’ll be back.’

  She wanted to ask why he couldn’t wait a day or two, just until the trouble died down. But she kept silent. He wouldn’t go unless he had to. Nor surely would he leave them unless it was safe. Reluctantly she nodded and turned to continue up the stairs.

  ‘I won’t come any further.’

  Bitterly resenting his willpower she flung a dark, angry look over her shoulder. The strain on his face filled her with shame. It was no easier for him. ‘I know you’re right.’ Her shoulders drooped. ‘It’s just – Please, please take care.’

  Catching her hand he raised it to his mouth. But instead of kissing her knuckles he turned it over and, looking into her eyes, pressed his lips to her palm. She swayed towards him, her free hand rising to touch his face. His skin was warm, the dark stubble rough against her fingertips.

  ‘Susanna, I –’ Shaking his head he pulled free and ran swiftly down the stairs.

  Leaving Meredith resting in bed Susanna followed Lucy down to the dining room. Ellis and another man were already at the table. Both immediately rose.

  ‘Do forgive us, Mr Ellis,’ Lucy hurried forward. ‘My sister will not be taking lunch. The heat and the effects of the journey … I’m sure you understand.’

  ‘Indeed. Miss Braithwaite, Miss Elliot, may I present –’

  ‘Edgar Hutchins from St. Louis, Missouri. Your servant, ladies.’ Clutching his napkin the American bowed to each of them. He was lanky and raw-boned with a wide jaw, a nose like a beak, and brown eyes full of kindness and shadows. His tr
ousers and jacket of fawn-coloured linen were baggy and creased. But his shirt was clean and his brown wavy hair neatly brushed from a side parting.

  As Lucy and Susanna took their seats servants glided in with bowls and dishes.

  ‘Have you been in China long, Mr Hutchins?’ Lucy enquired.

  ‘Five years, ma’am. And I have to say there are times when it seems twice that. There’s so much anger and resistance. I guess it’s understandable when you hear the wild stories about those of our calling.’

  ‘What stories?’ Lucy enquired.

  ‘I really don’t think –’ Ellis began.

  ‘Come now, Mr Ellis,’ Lucy chided briskly. ‘If this tittle-tattle is likely to affect our work we have to know what it is.’

  ‘That’s the spirit, ma’am,’ Edgar Hutchins’ quiet drawl brought a faint blush to Lucy’s sallow cheeks.

  ‘As you were out there this morning, Hutchins,’ Ellis huffed, ‘perhaps you should tell the ladies the latest rumour.’

  Hutchins’ lopsided smile held a hint of apology. ‘It concerns a wild woman with staring eyes. They say she’s come here to steal children so she can make medicine from their hearts and eyes.’

  Meredith. Glancing at Lucy, Susanna saw her throat work as she gulped. ‘I see. Thank you for your candour, Mr Hutchins. It’s clear we have quite a task ahead of us.’

  When they had finished eating, Ellis excused himself and hurried back to his office.

  Edgar Hutchins unfolded his length from the chair and stood up. ‘Would you ladies care to join me for a stroll in the garden? It’s a long time since I had such charming company. Maybe you’d like to hear about the work we’ve been doing at Chinkiang.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Hutchins,’ Lucy smiled. ‘That would be most agreeable.’

  The paved paths were only wide enough for two so Susanna dropped behind, glad to be alone with her thoughts as she walked between banks of white, pink and yellow azaleas whose fragrance scented the hot still air. Bees hummed among the white blossoms of a Japanese cherry. Pausing by a magnolia Susanna inhaled the heady perfume. A large stone landed with a thud a few feet away. She looked round quickly. But other than Lucy, the American and herself the garden was empty.

  The air stirred hot and moist against her face accompanied by the low rumble of distant thunder.

  ‘Time to go in I think,’ Lucy called.

  As Susanna started towards them she saw their eyes widen. Both opened their mouths but before they could shout another stone crashed onto the path barely inches in front of her.

  Startled, Susanna glanced over her shoulder and saw a chunk of rock came flying over the wall. She began running towards the house. Edgar hustled Lucy in the same direction. Thunder rumbled again, closer this time, and a large drop of rain splashed against Susanna’s cheek. She arrived in the porch out of breath, more bewildered than frightened.

  ‘What –?’

  Edgar interrupted, ‘Let’s go inside before you ladies get wet.’ He followed them in closing the door. ‘There won’t be any more trouble. The Chinese don’t like the rain. Whoever was out there will be on his way home now.’

  Glancing at Lucy who appeared equally bemused, Susanna recalled what had been said at lunch. ‘It’s because of the rumours, isn’t it. Can’t we explain to them that Meredith isn’t well? That she was frightened?’

  ‘I regret, Miss Elliot, they would not be inclined to listen,’ Edgar said gently. ‘Now don’t you worry none. We’re perfectly safe in here. Tell you what, why don’t I order us some tea and you can tell me all about life in Cornwall.’ He opened a door. ‘This room has a lovely view over the garden.’

  ‘I wonder if you’d both excuse me?’ Susanna said quickly. ‘Do stay,’ she whispered to Lucy. ‘Mr Hutchins will be able to give you all kinds of useful information.’

  Lucy hesitated, her expression wistful. ‘He has lived a most interesting life. But maybe I ought –’

  ‘I’ll look in on Meredith. She won’t be stirring yet awhile.’

  ‘You will come and fetch me if –’

  ‘I promise.’

  Meredith was still snoring heavily. Closing the door Susanna entered her own room. Seating herself at the small table she reached for a sheet of paper but made no move to pick up the pen. She really should write to her parents. Abruptly she stood up. Hugging herself she crossed to the window and looked through the streaked glass. Beyond the wall and the terraced roofs the great river roared in an ever-swelling torrent towards the sea. She couldn’t see the mountains. They were veiled by rain that billowed like curtains of silk in the gusting wind.

  She pictured the schooner battling up-river and felt a physical ache in her chest. The longer she spent with Lowell, the more they learned about one another, the stronger the bond between them became. It was nearly six months since she had left Falmouth and she was still travelling, still not sure of her ultimate destination. But he had said he did not want to lose her. Somehow, somewhere, he intended them to be together. But what about Marjorie? What about her cousins? Not to mention Shanghai society with which he was all too intimately acquainted.

  As lightning flashed and growling thunder made the house vibrate Susanna tightened her arms, holding herself together as she struggled with fear and despair. ‘Please come back safe,’ she whispered. A plaintive cry reached her from the next room. The storm had woken Meredith.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Standing in the porch Susanna looked up at a sky the colour of curdled milk. It was hotter than ever. But though the air was thick and heavy there was still no sign of rain.

  With all domestic chores expertly taken care of by servants there was nothing for her to do. Yet she could not settle. She had washed Meredith’s hair, tried to read, and failed in another attempt to write to her family. At lunch she had listened to Lucy discussing missionary work with Edgar Hutchins. Retreating to her room she had opened her journal. But that had immediately set her thinking of Lowell.

  Missing him so much it hurt she had closed the book. Unable to sit still, feeling stifled inside the house, she had come out to the garden.

  Every now and again a stone was hurled over the wall into the compound accompanied by curses and shrieks of ‘Yang-kwei-tze’, which Edgar had reluctantly translated as ‘foreign devil.’

  Throughout the day men in European clothes had arrived at the back gate of the consulate on horseback or by sedan chair. None stayed long. At first she had assumed them to be merchants coming to Ellis about problems with the Chinese, using the rear entrance to avoid the angry people at the front. Then, noticing that each left carrying a long rectangular box and several small square boxes, she realised. They were coming for the guns.

  ‘I shall have to go and see the mandarin myself,’ Ellis announced at dinner that evening.

  ‘Is that wise?’ Edgar was doubtful.

  ‘Probably not. But it is necessary. The letter of protest I sent this morning was returned unopened. This intimidation cannot be allowed to continue. The people outside the main gate should have been dispersed by the militia.’

  ‘You’re not going tonight?’ Lucy’s frown reflected concern.

  ‘No, I would lose face. I shall go tomorrow.’

  Edgar tried to set their minds at ease. ‘Those people out there are just plain scared. People always fear what they don’t understand. If we could talk to them individually and explain that we mean them no harm, I reckon –’

  ‘Out of the question,’ Ellis cut in brusquely. ‘For a start you aren’t dealing with individuals. And an angry crowd is like a powder barrel. One spark –’ he left the rest to their imaginations. ‘We must on no account provoke them further.’

  ‘But we haven’t done anything.’

  ‘With respect, Miss Braithwaite,’ Ellis snapped, ‘it’s not what you have or haven’t done, it’s what you are. Missionaries are not welcome in China. The ruling classes view your activities as an attempt to destabilise the country for political gain. The peasants believe
you kill and eat children. A belief possibly started – and certainly encouraged – by the mandarins.’

  Lucy paled in horror and incredulity. ‘Why would they do such a dreadful thing?’

  ‘You threaten their power,’ Ellis replied. ‘They cannot accept that any more than I can permit them to flout the Treaty regulations.’

  ‘Don’t take on now,’ Edgar leaned towards Lucy, his sad gentle eyes crinkling as he grinned. ‘Mr Ellis does not hold us personally responsible. But I guess his position makes it hard for him to accept our point of view.’ He turned to Ellis. ‘No one in our line of work expects an easy time. I don’t mind telling you there’ve been times when my faith was severely tested. But with God’s grace I survived. And there is nothing more worthwhile than bringing a lost soul to the Lord.’

  ‘Oh, bravo, Mr Hutchins.’ Eyes shining with admiration Lucy clapped her hands. ‘Bravo, indeed.’

  ‘I do not doubt your courage, Hutchins,’ Ellis wiped his moustache with his napkin. ‘But I have to question the wisdom, even the morality, of deliberately exposing yourselves to danger –’

  ‘How else are we to reach those who need us most?’

  The logic was unassailable but Susanna felt increasingly uneasy.

  It was late afternoon when she saw the consul coming in through the back gate, his face scarlet with barely suppressed rage.

  ‘Mr Ellis is back,’ she murmured to Lucy, setting down a jug of diluted lime cordial. ‘I don’t think he’s had much success.’

  ‘What are you whispering about?’ Meredith croaked. Lying in bed, racked by spasms of shuddering and twitching, her shrunken features glistened with perspiration. ‘It’s about me isn’t it? You’re angry with me.’

  ‘No, of course no one is angry with you.’ Lucy wrung a cloth in the bowl of cold water on the bedside cabinet and gently wiped her sister’s face. ‘But we are concerned. We don’t like seeing you so unhappy.’

  ‘I’m ill, Lucy.’ Meredith rasped. ‘I need my medicine.’ Suddenly Meredith’s eyes narrowed and her lips retracted in a venomous snarl. She pointed a trembling finger at Susanna.