Pengarron Pride

by Pengarron Pride (retail) (epub)

  ‘Mama, did you love Clem Trenchard very much?’

  ‘What? Luke!’

  Kane sat up and threw a pillow at his brother. ‘Don’t talk to Mama about that now, Luke, can’t you see she’s tired?’

  White-faced, Kerensa turned and sank down slowly on Luke’s bed. ‘How do you know about that, the pair of you?’

  ‘We overheard some people talking in the marketplace so we asked Beatrice about it. We could tell by her reaction it was true.’ Luke tried to sound matter-of-fact but he was a little frightened by his mother’s colour and reaction and he clutched her hand.

  ‘Yes, Luke, I did love Clem Trenchard,’ she replied. ‘At one time I was going to marry him.’

  ‘Did you love him more than Father?’ Luke sounded vexed.

  ‘No, Luke. I love your father more than anyone else.’

  ‘Even more than Kane and Olivia and me?’

  ‘I love you all as much as your father but in different ways,’ Kerensa said, getting a grip on herself and kissing his hot forehead. ‘You have nothing to fear where… other people are concerned. I’ll tell you both, and Olivia, all about the past when the time is right.’

  ‘I don’t know how you could love that Clem Trenchard.’ Luke’s face darkened. ‘He’s a horrid man, I don’t like him.’

  Kerensa stroked his hair. ‘If you’re thinking about what happened this afternoon, my love, don’t forget you were being really unkind to his little daughter.’

  Kane got out of bed and put his arm round Kerensa’s shoulders. She cuddled him, drawing comfort from him. He said firmly to Luke, ‘You were wrong to frighten Jessica, Luke. Just think how Papa would have felt if it was one the twins hurting Olivia.’

  Luke looked ashamed but warded it off with a rude noise. ‘Well, everyone knows that you like that man.’

  ‘Let’s forget that now,’ Kerensa broke in before her sons quarrelled over Clem. That was the last thing she wanted. ‘You bullied a little girl and must take your punishment like a man, Luke. Your father will talk to you tomorrow. Just remember that I love you all and you are the most important things in my life.’

  ‘Unless you have another baby,’ Kane said thoughtfully, putting his chin on her shoulder.

  Kerensa started. ‘If ever that happens then I shall love him as much as I do the rest of you.’

  ‘Or her,’ Luke said, losing interest in the whole subject but ensuring he had the last word.

  Chapter 18

  Polly O’Flynn was putting the finishing touches to Kerensa’s hair when Oliver strode ungraciously into the master bedroom. He addressed neither woman and promptly disappeared into his dressing room. When he had washed, shaved and dressed he came back into the room, tall and handsome in clothes of blue, the colour that suited him so well. His waistcoat and breeches were of aquamarine, his dresscoat, lavishly embroidered in gold and black silks, was a deep midnight blue that matched the wide satin ribbon tying back his luxurious hair. Polly had gone and he stood still, irritably surveying Kerensa as she struggled to clasp a crystal necklace.

  Three impatient strides and he reached her and all but snatched the necklace from her clumsy fingers. ‘You only had to ask me or that woman to do it for you.’

  ‘Polly was needed downstairs and in your present mood you are best not spoken to.’

  ‘What mood?’

  Kerensa got up from her dressing table and stepped away but Oliver caught her shoulders and whirled her round, making her shudder. It would have angered her if she had not been so weary.

  ‘What mood?’

  ‘Please, Oliver, you know what I’m talking about. Let’s not argue now. I want this to be a pleasant evening for Ameline’s sake. She’s going home soon and Martin’s sent word that James is coming to supper with him.’

  ‘James Mortreath, eh? This will be entertaining, and Hezekiah has just arrived too.’ He smiled without humour; to Kerensa, a dangerous sign.

  ‘What are you planning to do, Oliver?’ She scanned his face, afraid of what she would read there. ‘You won’t be unkind to James, will you?’ She wanted to remind him that James Mortreath was his kinsman, even if distantly related, but could say nothing while the existence and death of a much closer one still lay between them.

  ‘Only planning to entertain the fellow, my dear.’ There was a trace of maliciousness in his voice. He pulled her close to him. ‘Then later…’

  Kerensa turned her head and his kiss landed on the side of her neck. Gripping her tighter he ran his lips down her neck and along her shoulder. Kerensa tried forcefully to get away. Oliver lifted his head and gave her a small humiliating shake.

  ‘Are you refusing me?’

  Chills rose from the base of Kerensa’s spine. He was challenging her to say no to his lovemaking and she had sensed of late he was deliberately looking for this – something else to hold against her. It was the one thing she hoped would not change, their moments of the deepest intimacy that no one else could share. She tried to make light of it.

  ‘Of course not but it’s really time we were going down. I would like to have a few minutes with Hezekiah before Martin and James arrive.’

  * * *

  Hezekiah’s clothes were as sparkling as his conversation and Kerensa was warmed by his superb wit and interest in the children’s welfare. She had always liked Hezekiah. He had always treated her kindly. She found him an intriguing man. Small-boned, over-perfumed and rather effeminate, he appeared to be one of nature’s weaklings, but those who knew him sensed his strength and those who sailed with him appreciated his excellent seamanship. He could manoeuvre his ketch Free Spirit among the most dangerous rocks and outrun the most determined Revenue cutter.

  No one knew much about Hezekiah, not even Oliver. He never talked of the past and skilfully warded off any query on the subject but Kerensa did manage to find out after many years that he was a partner in Oliver and Sir Martin’s smuggling enterprises. The evidence had been under her nose all the time but his flamboyant dress and manner were hardly those of an adventurous free-trader.

  He cast his deep blue eyes appreciatively over Kerensa’s gown. ‘I see you have chosen to wear blue like Oliver tonight. How well you complement each other,’ he smiled.

  ‘Thank you, Hezekiah.’ She smiled back and returned the courtesy. Hezekiah liked to be complimented on his clothes. ‘You look more handsome than ever. Sea-green and silver are most definitely your colours.’

  ‘You are too kind.’ He made one of his customary bows, pulling delicately at the froth of intricately patterned white lace protruding at his wrists. ‘When are we to be graced with the charming company of Miss Ameline?’

  ‘I’ll go up and hurry her along.’ It was a relief to have an opportunity to leave the winter parlour. Oliver had been making subtly disdainful remarks at her expense, addressing her with exaggerated terms of endearment and causing Hezekiah to cast curious glances at them both.

  Hezekiah looked at Oliver. He did not speak but there was a question on his ageless face that Oliver could not ignore.

  ‘What is it, Hezekiah? Do you want another drink?’

  Hezekiah held up his sherry glass and swirled the nearly full contents in reply. ‘I would like to know what the trouble is between you and Kerensa.’

  ‘It’s none of your business,’ Oliver said shortly.

  ‘Oh? As serious as that, is it?’

  ‘What does that mean?’

  ‘Serious enough for you to speak to a close friend as you would a disobedient servant.’

  Oliver sighed and pulled a wry face. ‘I apologise to you, Hezekiah. I’ve something on my mind.’

  ‘Try taking me into your confidence, it might help,’ Hezekiah offered.

  Oliver sipped from his sherry glass, his expression thoughtful. Then he spoke as if he didn’t want to but felt compelled to. ‘It concerns Bartholomew Drannock.’

  The other man’s eyes flickered with interest. Bartholomew Drannock? The young fisherman whom I brought to your attention
? Have you found out something interesting about him?’

  ‘Yes,’ Oliver said sharply. ‘I have found out… learned from questioning the Reverend Ivey that the youth is indeed of Pengarron stock.’

  ‘I see, but that comes as no real surprise to me or to you. Please do go on, Oliver. You have me intrigued.’

  Oliver wearily sat down and looked straight at his friend. ‘It seems that my father also sired the boy’s father, Samuel Drannock, thereby making him my half-brother and Bartholomew and his brothers and sisters my nephews and nieces.’

  ‘And this has upset Kerensa? It wasn’t your fault.’ Hezekiah frowned. ‘It does not fit her character to find exception to this.’

  ‘It is not Kerensa who is upset, Hezekiah. It is I who have not yet come to terms with the revelation.’

  ‘You take issue to having peasants as relatives? Many a gentleman has one or more turn-of-the-blanket in the world to give proof of his virility. No, it does not ring true to you either.’

  ‘You don’t know all the facts, Hezekiah.’ Oliver drained his crystal glass in one rapid angry movement. ‘I have no care if at this moment I’m related to Peter Blake! My chagrin comes from the fact that since the early days of our marriage Kerensa has known and seen fit to keep it from me.’

  Hezekiah remembered the deep sadness in the small delicate face a few minutes ago. If the little dandy-like sea captain could feel a modicum of humanity for anyone it was for Kerensa Pengarron.

  He said: ‘Presumably she had good reason, Oliver. One would be hard pressed to find such a loving and loyal wife as Kerensa.’

  ‘She had no good reason at all!’ Oliver slammed his fist down hard on the arm of his chair. ‘She is my wife, Hezekiah. I believed we shared everything, knew all there was to know about each other. She knew I’d always cherished the thought of having a family, she realised how lonely I was in the past.’

  ‘I don’t quite understand—’

  ‘Samuel Drannock is dead! Drowned at sea on the very day you remarked on his son’s likeness to me! I had a brother, all my life I had a brother and now he’s dead. A brother and a sister-in-law, Hezekiah, nephews and nieces, who need not have had to live in miserable poverty. I could have done something for them, saw they ate good food, had sufficient clothes on their backs, given the children a good education. If Drannock had not allowed me to set him up as a gentleman I could have at least bought him his own boat. He told Kerensa he would never take anything from me, but who can truly say if he would always have felt that way? What man doesn’t want to improve the lot of his family, given the chance? But thanks to the misguided feelings of the Reverend Ivey and my dear wife, Samuel Drannock will never have that chance and I have been denied the chance to know him as my kinsman for ever.’

  ‘What has Bartholomew Drannock to say about this?’ Hezekiah asked carefully.

  ‘He doesn’t know yet. I cannot bring myself to approach him or his mother right now and haven’t made up my mind when or how to.’

  ‘You will inform him, though?’

  ‘Oh yes, there is no doubt of that.’

  ‘And all this accounts for your lack of affection towards Kerensa tonight,’ Hezekiah said as though he was talking to himself.

  Springing up Oliver paced the floor. ‘I shall never forgive her betrayal,’ he said heatedly.

  ‘I think betrayal is too strong a word, Oliver,’ Hezekiah responded, risking Oliver’s wrath. ‘Why exactly did Kerensa say nothing to you?’

  ‘She says she was afraid of the way I would take the news,’ Oliver replied with a dismissive wave of his hand.

  Hezekiah knew he was on dangerous ground but pressed on. ‘Do you not think she may have been right? From your reaction now—’

  ‘My reaction, as you call it, is because of her betrayal not because I am related to the family of a poor fisherman!’ Oliver snapped. Voices from the great hall saved further angry exclamations. ‘Ah, Martin and Mortreath are here at last. When the women are finally ready we will dine and enjoy a good evening’s entertainment, I can guarantee you that, Hezekiah. I have lost one relative and gained another but Mortreath in no way measures up to what I desire in a kinsman.’

  Oliver left the room to welcome the new arrivals. Hezekiah smiled to himself. He was going to enjoy the evening’s ‘entertainment’ but was James Mortreath? There was another reason for the smile. If there was a chink in the perfect marriage, and if it grew to a chasm, perhaps Kerensa would need a shoulder to cry on…

  * * *

  Kerensa had never seen Ameline look so lovely. She was wearing an elegant gown of deep rose silk and a necklace of rubies circled her throat. Peters, her personal maid, had brushed her light-brown hair until it gleamed and arranged it in a simple but fashionable style.

  ‘You will take James’s breath away,’ Kerensa exclaimed, squeezing her hand. ‘Will you give him his answer tonight?’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Ameline answered coyly, marvelling herself at her reflection in the full-length mirror.

  ‘Oh, Ameline, the poor man will be distraught.’

  ‘At least my mother won’t be here to embarrass either of us. I know I shouldn’t say it but I’m rather pleased she and Father were committed to one of Grandmama’s soirees tonight.’

  ‘Well then, come on, Miss Beswetherick,’ Kerensa laughed, ‘let’s go downstairs and dazzle the menfolk. We have two apiece tonight.’ Something caught Kerensa’s eye. ‘What’s that mark on your neck, Ameline?’

  Ameline’s hand flew to the blemish in question. ‘It’s nothing,’ she said, blushing fiercely.

  ‘It’s unlikely to be an insect bite at this time of year,’ Kerensa went on. ‘I hope you’re not going down with a fever of some kind. Have you any marks elsewhere?’

  As she got closer to Ameline the light from the candles was adequate to reveal the cause of the vivid red mark. No insect was responsible. It was obviously made by another’s lips. Kerensa’s heart jumped and guilt rose to meet it that in her own preoccupations she had taken little notice of Ameline’s movements – she had no idea where the girl went on her frequent riding excursions. Could she have been meeting someone?

  ‘I scratched myself,’ Ameline would have her believe.

  ‘Oh, I see. What have you been doing with yourself lately? I have been neglecting you, haven’t I, and I am sorry, Ameline. I haven’t been out riding with you for quite awhile.’

  ‘That’s perfectly all right, Kerensa, don’t concern yourself,’ Ameline said quickly. ‘I don’t expect you to nursemaid me. You have your house and family to care for, not to mention all the people who come begging your help in the parish. I have been content to be on my own and think about my future.’

  ‘Where do you usually ride?’ Kerensa asked searchingly. ‘I will have to join you on your last outings before you leave.’

  ‘Oh, along the cliff tops mainly, not too close to the edge of course.’ Ameline tried to sound offhand while fussing unnecessarily with the floral posy on her gown. ‘Sometimes on the outskirts of the oak plantation, other times around the parklands. I have had plenty of time to think. There, I am ready to go down now.’

  Kerensa stood in front of the bedroom door so Ameline could not escape her questions. ‘Do you ever go to Trelynne Cove?’

  Ameline hesitated for just a moment.

  ‘Occasionally.’

  ‘And when you’re out do you ever see anyone, anyone at all?’

  ‘I’ve seen the gamekeeper once or twice, and the farmhands of course.’

  ‘Anyone else?’ Kerensa was not going to give up.

  Ameline was no good at keeping secrets. ‘There was a young fisherman in the cove…’

  ‘That would be Bartholomew Drannock,’ Kerensa said, watching for Ameline’s reaction.

  Her face lit up to a gentle beauty as she blushed a deeper red. ‘I think that is what he said his name was. He told me you have given him your permission to be there.’

  ‘That’s right, I did. What did you th
ink of him? He’s rather handsome, isn’t he?’

  ‘Is he?’ Ameline returned to her dressing table, picked up a powder puff and dabbed at her burning face.

  Knots churned in Kerensa’s stomach. This was something more to add to her worries. How was she going to get through this evening – and what lay beyond it? ‘Hurry up, Ameline,’ she said like a bossy mother, ‘or the men will see in the New Year without us.’

  Kerensa had not mentioned to Ameline that the fourth man downstairs was Hezekiah Solomon and a shock like an ice floe invaded her as he came forward and proffered an exquisitely manicured white hand. He bowed with a flourish. ‘A pleasure of infinite proportions to see you again, Miss Ameline.’

  ‘Good evening, Captain Solomon,’ she replied tightly, moving quickly on to James Mortreath who was already tugging at his neckcloth as if he was choking. ‘James,’ she had not called him James before but hoped the intimacy would deflect the small frightening sea captain’s interest away from her, ‘how lovely to have your company tonight.’

  ‘Miss – Ameline,’ James said, his face glowing with delight that she had addressed him in such a friendly, forthright way. ‘I would—’

  He was rudely interrupted by Sir Martin. ‘Damn me, Mortreath, move along, will you? I want to give my favourite granddaughter a great big hug.’

  With that done he alighted on Kerensa and did the same. ‘Well, my little pretty one, you look just as you always do, ravishing and good enough to eat. I do declare though, you feel a little more cuddly. Why’s that I wonder?’

  Kerensa shot a quick look at Oliver but thankfully he was talking to Hezekiah and Ameline, although much to her annoyance pointedly ignoring James.

  ‘It’s time to eat, Martin,’ she said, knowing his interest in good food would out-rival anything else on his mind.

  The massive, rectangular oak table in the main dining room was polished until the Carolean candelabras, the cutlery, the bowls of seasonal floral decorations and the many drinking glasses could be clearly seen reflected along its length. Oliver had ordered Polly to set the table from end to end. It seemed ridiculous to Kerensa to have six people spread out so far apart but it would mean risking a biting remark and humiliation from Oliver if she recommended the company be seated closer together.