by Linda Sole
‘I wondered about that. He’s no need to worry. They’ve both been after my land but I told them to go to hell.’
‘Sign there then,’ the lawyer told him. ‘You’ve got yourself a bargain, Mr Blake. Mr Baxter has more land he may be selling in another year or so. If you wanted to improve your holding I could probably arrange a loan for you, sir.’
‘A loan?’ Tom hesitated. ‘I’m not sure about borrowing from the bank. If I’ve got some spare cash I’ll probably buy what I can afford at the time. I’d like more land but I’ll wait until I can pay.’
‘I thought that would be your answer, but it might be possible to raise money from a private source – all legal and with sufficient time to repay. It’s up to you, of course, but you might like to give it some thought. If you want to be a successful businessman you sometimes have to take risks.’
‘Thank you. I’ll give the idea some thought.’
Tom was deep in thought as he finished his chores. With any luck he’d have more money coming in next year than ever before. He could choose to make life easier for his mother and Mary Jane or he could press on and buy more and more land. Until he met Roz Tom had been willing to settle for a life tied to his father’s land, working for his keep and a few pounds he got for selling the pigs he reared. After Dick’s death the farm had been left to him to manage and he’d begun to realize there were ways of improving their income that didn’t rely solely on working longer hours. He might be a rich man one day if he set his mind to it, but it still wouldn’t be enough. He was just a farmer and Roz was gentry. Even if neither of them were married the gap was too wide.
A part of Tom knew that money was nothing without a good home life and all the things that went it, like love and children. He’d seen respect in the lawyer’s eyes when he’d bought that ten acres and spoken of buying more when he could afford it. Perhaps respect in the community was the next best thing – and that meant he couldn’t rush off in a temper and thrash Philip Thornton to an inch of his life without proof of his guilt. He would just have to wait until the right moment.
‘Attend the Christmas dance at the church hall?’ Roz looked at her husband in surprise. ‘Why would you want to go there, Harry? We are holding a party for our friends here on Christmas Eve – and the long gallery is big enough for a few couples to dance if you wish it.’
‘Are you a snob, Roz?’ Harry looked at her across the breakfast table. ‘Most of the farmers take their wives and families to the Christmas dance; it is a local tradition.’
‘My mother would never let Philip and I go – though we wanted to when we were younger.’
‘You’re a married woman now. I wasn’t intending to ask your mother to come with us.’
‘She would be horrified.’ Roz laughed. There was no reason why she should not go. She couldn’t even be sure that Tom Blake would be there. ‘Yes, if you wish it, we shall go. I had no idea you liked dancing so much, Harry.’
‘I doubt very much that I’ll dance,’ he said and pushed his chair back. ‘I just like to mingle with the other farming families once in a while – and sometimes business is better done in a sociable atmosphere.’
‘Ah, I see.’ Now she understood. ‘Why didn’t you say it was business in the first place? About Christmas, Harry. Mama is dining with Julia and Philip on the day itself. I asked her to come and stay for a few days afterwards – is that all right?’
‘You know I never interfere with your arrangements as far as Mama is concerned.’ Harry went to the door and glanced back. ‘I met Madeline and Raymond in Wisbech a few days ago. She asked me why I was avoiding them and I invited them to the Christmas Eve party. I suspect he may have cheated at cards the last night they were here, but I can’t cut them completely.’
‘As long as they do not intend to stay over Christmas?’
‘Apparently your brother has asked them for Christmas Day,’ Harry said and frowned. ‘I tried to warn your brother about Raymond but he was very abrupt and practically told me to mind my own business. He’s a fool if he gets too involved because he could lose all he gained through marrying Julia. You should warn him – or her.’
‘I saw Julia a day or so ago but I’ll talk to Philip next week if you think that would help. Julia is so wrapped up in the child that I would rather not distress her.’
‘I should imagine it would distress her more if Philip lost the estate.’
Roz stared at the door as it closed behind him. She could hardly bear the thought of speaking to her brother; after her meeting with Tom Blake the previous day she was almost certain that Philip had killed Carrie.
The idea that her brother had killed the mother of his child made Roz sick to her stomach. If he’d killed her at the cottage he must have moved Carrie’s body to where it had been found. Even the thought of what he’d done was so horrifying that she wanted to vomit. It would serve her brother right if he did lose everything at the card table – and yet the consequences for Julia and Roz’s mother were not to be contemplated.
Roz rang the bell for the maid to clear the breakfast dishes, then she ran upstairs to change. She would ride over to the hall and see if her brother was about.
‘Julia is resting,’ Philip told her as she was shown into the study. Some thick ledgers lay on the desk before him. He closed the one nearest to him with a snap as his sister entered. ‘You may go up to her if you wish, but don’t tire her.’
‘Actually I came to see you, Philip.’
‘Why?’ He got to his feet and stood in front of the window, gazing out at the gardens. ‘You don’t think that I had anything to do with that wretched girl’s death, do you?’
‘Now why I should I think that, Philip? You told me you wanted to talk. Is there some reason why I might suspect you?’
‘No, damn you. You believed her lies before . . .’
‘I didn’t tell anyone, did I? It would have hurt Julia – and mother, because Julia would never have married you if she’d known. Does she know about you and Madeline? I saw you together in Wisbech.’
‘Shut your stupid mouth or I might shut it for you.’
‘Is that why you killed Carrie – to stop her talking? Had she seen you meeting Madeline? Carrie wasn’t daft. If she thought you had another lover she might have told someone about her baby’s father.’
‘I warned you.’ Philip shouted and suddenly lunged at her, striking her across the face. Roz recoiled, a hand to her cheek. ‘If you breathe a word of your lies to anyone, I’ll make you wish you’d never been born.’
Suddenly it was all clear to Roz and she knew just what had happened.
‘You were meeting Madeline at the cottage. Carrie turned up and you had to get rid of her – is that how it was?’ Roz saw the colour leave his face and sensed she was right. ‘I’m not the only one who knows Carrie was there that afternoon, Philip. Someone saw her enter the cottage and your horse was outside. You think you’ve got away with it but one of these days someone will discover the truth about you.’
‘Damn you, be quiet!’ Philip grabbed Roz by the throat. Roz kicked his shins and jerked back just as someone knocked at the door. He swore and let her go. ‘Bitch! I should’ve taught you a lesson a long time ago.’
Roz turned away, a hand to her throat as one of the servants entered.
‘Madam is asking for you, sir. She feels unwell and thinks she may need the doctor.’
‘I’m coming. Get out,’ Philip snapped, glaring at his sister as the door closed behind the unfortunate maid. ‘One word of this to anyone and I’ll make you sorry.’
‘More threats, Philip? You can go to the devil for all I care.’
Roz left the room and ran through the hall, ignoring the curious looks of the servants. Nothing went unnoticed in a house like this, even if you were discreet. Her brother was a brute and any doubt she’d had of his guilt had gone. If the maid had not come at that moment, he might have killed her.
Harry entered her bedroom as she was dressing for dinner that evenin
g. He seemed pleased about something and moved towards her eagerly then stopped, his eyes narrowing.
‘Is that a bruise on your cheek?’
‘Does it show too much? I’ve tried to cover it, Harry – but if it looks awful perhaps you should go to the dance on your own this evening.’
‘There’s a mark on your neck too. Who did that to you, Roz?’
‘I can cover my neck with lace and my pearls, but I can’t do much about this.’ Roz touched her cheek. ‘I had an argument with Philip this morning . . .’
‘Your brother hit you?’ Harry’s mouth thinned. ‘Damn him. I’ll give him a thrashing.’
‘No, please, Harry.’ Roz reached out to him. ‘Julia isn’t well. If you quarrel with Philip it may upset her.’
‘Be damned to Julia. You don’t expect me to stand by and do nothing after this? I’m a man not a weakling, Roz. I protect what is mine.’
‘Yes, Harry. I’m sure you could thrash Philip – and to be honest, he deserves it. He is violent and this is not the first time he has hurt me, but Julia is vulnerable and I should hate it if she lost the child. I dare say he will apologize when he calms down.’
‘He’ll grovel or I’ll give him a taste of his own medicine, Roz. You know I’m not a violent man, but you’re my wife. I’ve no wish to harm Julia but if he hit you for warning him about gambling he’s out of control.’
‘It wasn’t just about Sir Raymond . . .’ Roz said and then wished she hadn’t. ‘Philip was the father of Carrie Blake’s child, not my father. Something I said made him imagine I was accusing him of . . .’
‘Her murder?’ Harry frowned. ‘I know there was insufficient evidence but there was an open verdict. People are talking about murder. You don’t think it was Philip?’
‘No, of course not,’ Roz said quickly, too quickly. ‘The magistrate said there was insufficient evidence. No one knows if it was murder – and there’s no evidence against Philip. She might have been seeing someone else. I know there were gypsies in the area at the time because I saw them when I was out riding.’
‘Why would a gypsy want to kill a girl like Carrie Blake? She was harmless, if a bit slow. Only an evil bugger would murder a girl like that – and if Philip did that he deserves more than a thrashing.’
‘I shouldn’t have told you.’ Roz caught at his arm. ‘Please don’t do anything foolish, Harry.’
‘He’s not getting away with what he did to you, Roz,’ Harry said quietly. ‘I’ll wait until after Christmas because I know you want to see Julia and your mother – but after that I’ll have it out with him. If he killed that girl he must give himself up, Roz.’
‘Think of the scandal, Harry. Mother would never hold up her head again.’
‘More fool her then. We don’t know anything for sure, Roz – but I shan’t let this rest. If Philip attacked his own sister he’s more than capable of killing that girl.’
‘Yes, I know.’ Roz shuddered and closed her eyes for a moment. ‘Do you still want to go this evening?’
Harry took a moment to answer. ‘I think I should, but if you would rather not you can stay home and have an early night.’
‘No, I’ll come with you. If anyone asks about the bruise I’ll say I fell when out riding. You promise you won’t do anything foolish?’
‘I’ve told you I’ll bide my time,’ Harry said and smiled at her. ‘If you’d told me he’d hit you before I would have sorted him out. He won’t do it again, Roz.’
Fourteen
Tom caught his breath as he saw her come in with Harry Rushden. When Mary Jane asked him if he would bring her to the dance he hadn’t given a thought as to who else might be here. He certainly hadn’t expected to see Roz this evening. She was wearing what was for her a simple evening gown in grey silk with lace ruffles at the neck but she made every other woman in the room look dowdy. His throat tightened and he experienced a fierce desire to go to her and take her in his arms.
‘Why are you looking so cross, Tom?’
Mary Jane’s petulant tone made him look at her. ‘I’m not cross. Do you want to dance? I think they’ve just announced a barn dance.’
‘Yes, please.’ She took his hand as they joined the other dancers on the floor for the progressive. ‘Did you see Roz Thornton? I wonder what she paid for that dress?’
‘More than I pay for a year’s feed for the stock I should think,’ Tom said harshly. ‘Don’t envy her, Mary Jane. She doesn’t look particularly happy.’
‘I’d rather have you than her husband,’ she said and pressed herself close as the music started. ‘And I like my dress better than hers, even if hers cost more.’
‘Just as well, because you’re not likely to get a dress like that – not yet, anyway.’
‘You’ll be rich one day,’ she said, smiling up at him. ‘You’re going places, Tom Blake. I knew that when I set my cap at you that day in the meadow.’
‘You’re a bold one, lass.’ Tom laughed, because it was nearly Christmas and he had a pretty wife who pleased him in bed and he ought to thank his lucky stars rather than hanker after a woman he couldn’t have.
‘We’ll sit this one out,’ Harry said as he steered Roz to one of the empty seats at the far end of the large room. The wives of the wealthier farmers had gathered together, most of them watching the younger people dancing. Like him, their husbands had come to see and be seen, and to talk business. The married women were satisfied with a glass of cordial and the chance to gossip. ‘Would you like a drink, Roz?’
‘Not sweet sherry,’ she said. ‘I wouldn’t mind wine – or just a fruit cordial if that’s all they have.’
‘It probably will be at an affair of this kind,’ Harry said. ‘Sit next to Bristow’s wife. Her father was a parson and she’s a nice enough woman.’
‘Yes, I think we’ve met at church,’ Roz said and sat down next to the elderly lady. ‘Good evening, Mrs Bristow. It is crowded this evening, isn’t it?’
‘Mrs Rushden,’ the lady said and glanced at her cheek. Roz knew she’d noticed the bruise despite her efforts to hide it. ‘These things are a little noisy. It’s the children running around, but it’s meant to be a family affair.’
‘Yes, I know. I always wanted to come when I was a little girl but my mother wouldn’t allow it.’
‘Your father came on his own – and with your brother at times. How is his wife? I heard the doctor had been to see her today.’
‘Yes. I haven’t heard anything so I suppose it was nothing serious.’
‘I am glad about that,’ Mrs Bristow said. ‘She is a lovely lady and comes to church regularly. She was supposed to help with the Christmas bazaar but cried off last week because she felt she ought to rest.’
‘Julia wouldn’t do anything that might harm the baby.’
‘She is very excited about starting a family.’ Mrs Bristow’s eyes seemed to hold a question.
Roz knew that she was wondering if there was any similar news from the Rushden house but she just smiled and then looked at Harry as he brought her lemonade.
‘Are you all right for the moment if I speak to a few people, Roz?’
‘Yes, perfectly,’ Roz said. ‘Do whatever you wish, Harry. I’m happy to watch the dancing.’
He departed and Roz saw that he made for a group of farmers and businessmen who had gathered together and were laughing quite loudly in one corner of the room. Her gaze moved round the room. She smiled as she saw some children dancing with each other. Then she saw Tom Blake dancing; it was a progressive and he was partnering a young woman Roz didn’t know by sight. A little further through the line of dancers Mary Jane was dancing with another young man. She was laughing up at him and Roz recognized him as one of her brother’s grooms.
Roz sipped her lemonade. The room was very warm and her head had begun to ache. Her cheek was tender and she wished that she had taken Harry up on his offer and let him come alone.
Finishing her drink, she decided that she would go outside into the garden. The
door was a short distance from where she was sitting. She could take a breath of air and return before Harry noticed she was missing.
‘I think I need a little air,’ she told Mrs Bristow. ‘I shan’t be long.’
‘Are you all right, my dear? Should I fetch your husband?’
‘No, no, I’m fine,’ Roz said. ‘Just a little warm.’
She wove her way through the crowd, smiling as a young girl charged into her and then blushed as she apologized.
Outside, the light from the windows made it easy to find her way to a wooden bench. Roz sat down, breathing deeply. It was so foolish of her to feel hurt because there was no reason she should. Tom had every right to bring his wife to the dance and to look happy. She had no right to resent that or to feel regret. Harry cared for her, loved her: he had wanted to thrash Philip for hurting her.
Tears pricked her eyes but she refused to cry. What a selfish person she was to feel sorry for herself when she had so much. She heard a burst of loud music and laughter as the door to the hall opened and then closed. Roz didn’t look round, hoping that whoever had come out wouldn’t see her.
‘You’ll get cold if you sit out here long.’ Roz turned as she heard Tom’s voice. He sat down on the wooden bench beside her. ‘I saw you come out and followed when the dance ended.’
‘I just wanted a little air. The room felt warm and my head started to ache.’
‘Are you unwell? Shall I call your husband?’
‘No, please do not. Harry came for a reason. He wants to talk to people. I shall come back inside in a few minutes. You should go in or your wife will look for you.’
‘Mary Jane is dancing with Jack Dawson. She won’t notice I’m not there for a while.’
Roz turned to look at him. Tom was silent for a moment, then he reached out to touch her cheek. ‘Did your husband do this to you?’
‘Harry isn’t a violent man. Philip hit me and then tried to strangle me.’ Roz caught her breath as she saw the anger in his eyes. ‘Harry wanted to thrash him for me. I begged him not to.’
