by Dilly Court
‘But I will keep it. I meant every word I said, Captain. That poor boy deserves all the encouragement he can get if he’s to survive outside this place. I know how hard life can be for people who are even slightly different from the rest, so how will it be for a young man like Jack? I’ll come on Christmas morning, if you’ll allow it.’
He acknowledged her words with a slight nod of his head. ‘You’re welcome here at any time, Cassy. Just the sight of a pretty face and a friendly smile will have worked on the men better than any tonic that a physician could prescribe.’
‘But you can’t go to that place on Christmas Day,’ Flora said, pausing as she was about to close the parlour curtains against the darkness outside. ‘What were you thinking of, Cassy? Mullins is expecting us at Whitegate Farm. Had you forgotten?’
‘No,’ Cassy said, meeting her angry gaze with a straight look. ‘I hadn’t forgotten, but I think this is more important. If you’d seen those poor men, you would want to do anything you could to make their lives more bearable.’
‘It sounds as though this Captain Cade fellow is doing well enough without your help,’ Flora snapped. ‘Really, Cassy, I won’t have my arrangements put out because you want to play angel of mercy.’
‘That’s not fair.’ Belinda looked up from darning one of Oliver’s socks. ‘Cassy is following her conscience and I think she should be allowed to do as she pleases.’
‘You were always too soft, Belle.’ Flora went to sit by the fire, holding her hands out to the blaze. ‘I say we should take care of our own. After all, Oliver and Bailey will be sailing for India on the Friday after Christmas, and we should make certain they have happy memories of home. Never mind fussing around after strangers.’
‘I understand what you’re saying, Flora, but I think Cassy must do what she thinks is right.’
‘I can come on later,’ Cassy said, fingering the silver locket that hung round her neck, which she had made a vow not to take off until Bailey was safely home again. ‘Perhaps I could travel with Lottie and Mr Solomon. I believe he said he was going to hire a dog cart for the day.’
Flora twitched her shoulders and her mouth drooped at the corners, a sure sign that she intended to have the last word. ‘We would be in a sorry plight without the money that Mullins pays me for his lessons, not to mention the gifts of eggs, meat and poultry. He may be a yeoman but he’s a good man and should be given the respect he deserves.’ She rose to her feet and flounced out of the room.
‘Well,’ Cassy said. ‘I think she has a soft spot for Mr Mullins.’
‘I believe you’re right,’ Belinda said with a smile that brought the dimples to her cheeks. ‘But we’ve grown to rely on his generosity, and once the boys have gone we’ll need every penny we can get. It’s going to be a long, hard winter, Cassy.’
‘I’ll find work, Ma. I should have been out looking instead of gallivanting about with Oliver and Bailey.’
‘You’re young, my love. You deserve to have a bit of fun and the boys are only here for a short time. I’ll put an advertisement in the newspaper offering my services to ladies who wish to learn etiquette and deportment. With a few more clients I can make up for the loss of your earnings in the pub, and I don’t want you to go back to that sort of place. It isn’t for a girl like you, Cassy.’
Cassy frowned. ‘Who am I really, Ma? I was a servant, and then I was educated like a young lady. I’m your daughter but I’m not a Davenport, and at the ball the other night it was even more obvious that I’m not like the other girls. Would Captain Peters have treated me like that if he’d thought I was a lady?’
Belinda dropped the sock and clasped both Cassy’s hands, looking deeply into her eyes. ‘You are yourself, my dear sweet daughter. And your suffering was caused by my youthful folly, for which I’ll never forgive myself, but your father was a good man and I loved him with all my heart. If he were here now he’d dispel all the doubts your have about yourself.’
‘Tell me about him, Ma. Who was he? What was his name?’
‘I can’t tell you, my darling. If I speak his name my heart will break all over again. I will love him until I die, but I beg of you don’t ask me any more. It’s my secret and it’s too painful to share, even with you.’
Cassy wrapped her arms around her mother, and their tears mingled. ‘I’m sorry,’ Cassy whispered. ‘I won’t ever mention him again. You’re my mother and I’ve found you; that’s all that matters.’
The snow was several inches deep by Christmas morning and a pale primrose sun beamed down from a whitewashed sky. The roofs and pavements sparkled beneath its rays and a powdering of snow that had fallen during the night had temporarily covered the black slush churned up by horses’ hooves and wagon wheels. After breakfast, when they had exchanged small gifts, Cassy set off for Stepney Green accompanied by Bailey who refused to let her go on her own. ‘I want to see this place for myself,’ he said with a stubborn lift of his chin. ‘I know that Cade is well respected but we don’t know anything about the men in his care.’
Walking along at his side, Cassy slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. ‘From what I saw they’re decent men who’ve suffered dreadful injuries. Captain Cade seemed to think it was a good idea, and I’m only going there to give Jack a kiss beneath the mistletoe.’
‘What?’ Bailey came to a sudden halt, staring at her in horror. ‘You didn’t mention that when you told your mother about the visit.’
A gurgle of laughter escaped from Cassy’s lips and she squeezed his arm. ‘It’s only a peck on the cheek, Bailey. My virtue isn’t in any danger.’
‘Not with me at your side it isn’t. I don’t know what that fellow Cade was about when he agreed to such a thing.’
‘Don’t look so disapproving. When I saw poor Jack I thought that it could have been you or Ollie wounded and in need of someone to show that they cared about you.’
He patted her hand as it rested on his arm. ‘I know you meant well and I’m being a bear, but I’m still coming with you. The slightest hint of disrespect and I’ll soon put them in their place.’
‘Come along then. It’s only round the corner and if we don’t hurry Mr Solomon and Lottie will call for us before we’ve had time to wish them a merry Christmas.’ She tugged at his arm, laughing as their feet skidded on the frozen surface of the snow. ‘It’s like skating,’ she giggled. ‘You’ll think of this when you’re back in the heat of India.’
Bailey’s hand tightened on her arm, and as she saw the muscles in his jaw tighten she felt a pang of remorse. The day after tomorrow she would have to say goodbye to him yet again. Bailey and Oliver would sail on the tide for a war in a far-off land that meant nothing to her. He would risk his life along with hundreds of other young men, some of whom would never return. Their time together was precious and she must not waste a second of it.
They arrived flushed and breathless and were admitted by Cade himself. ‘So you came,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t sure if you’d remember.’
‘Of course I did. I wouldn’t let Jack down and I’ve brought my friend Bailey with me, as you can see.’
‘We met at the ball, I believe, Corporal Bailey.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Bailey snapped to attention.
‘There’s no need for formality,’ Cade said, smiling. ‘It’s many years since I was a serving officer. Come inside and meet some of the men. They’ve been looking forward to this for days, Cassy. I hope I may call you that as we’re being informal.’
‘Of course,’ she said, gazing in admiration at the swags of holly and ivy that had been draped over picture frames and around the doorways. ‘It looks very festive.’
‘We try,’ he said, leading the way to the drawing room. A gust of warm air and the tempting aroma of hot mince pies greeted them as they entered the room. The men who were able rose to their feet, and others whose injuries made it impossible for them to stand unaided began to clap their hands and cheer.
Overwhelmed and embarrassed by the sudden glare of
attention, Cassy felt the blood rush to her cheeks. ‘Merry Christmas,’ she murmured.
Jack limped towards her leaning heavily on his crutches. He glanced upwards and following his gaze she saw a bunch of mistletoe hanging from the gasolier. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, receiving a round of applause. ‘How are you, Jack,’ she asked shyly.
From his jacket pocket he produced a small picture in a gilt frame, pressing it into her hand. ‘Merry Christmas, miss. I done this one just for you.’
Her vision was blurred with tears as she gazed at the painting which was obviously meant to be a portrait of her. It was childish in execution but somehow he had managed to capture her likeness. Large doe-like eyes gazed back at her from an oval face and what it lacked in technical ability was more than compensated for by the way he had managed to capture a sense of tenderness and serenity. ‘It’s lovely,’ she breathed. ‘You are very clever, Jack. Thank you.’ She showed it to Cade and then to Bailey, who nodded and agreed that it was a good effort.
‘Sit down, miss,’ Jack said, indicating an empty chair. ‘You’ll take a glass of Christmas cheer and a mince pie with us, I hope. Old Badger made them so I can’t vouch for the pastry, but he does his best.’
This remark was received with a ripple of comments and laughter and an older man with a patch over one eye and two fingers missing off his left hand shuffled forward with a plate of mince pies. Cade served the punch and Cassy found herself besieged by well-wishers, all of them simply wanting to speak to her or to give her a whiskery kiss on the cheek. With Bailey standing close by her side and Cade watching their every move, not even the boldest amongst them would have said or done anything to embarrass her. She was beginning to enjoy herself when the housekeeper announced that Mr Solomon had come to collect the young lady. Reluctantly, Cassy said goodbye to her new friends, and she thanked Jack yet again for the painting.
‘You will come again, won’t you, miss?’ he asked anxiously. ‘You’ve really brightened out day.’
‘I’m only sorry I haven’t anything to give you in return for the lovely picture,’ Cassy said with genuine regret.
‘Just promise to come again and that’ll be the best present ever. We hardly ever see a pretty face, let alone get the chance to touch a soft cheek.’
‘Come on, Cass,’ Bailey said, moving closer to her side. ‘We’d best not keep Mr Solomon waiting out there in the cold.’
Cade followed them out into the vestibule where the front door had been left ajar and they could see Lottie seated alongside her father in the dog cart. ‘Where is it you’re going?’ Cade asked, eyeing the rickety contraption and aged pony with a worried frown.
‘To East Ham, Captain,’ Bailey volunteered. ‘Whitegate Farm, to be exact.’
‘That’s a long way to go in an open cart which has obviously seen better days, and the horse looks tired already.’ He stepped outside and returned after a brief discussion with Eli. ‘This isn’t the weather to be travelling any distance in an open carriage,’ he said by way of explanation. ‘I’ve offered to take you in my barouche. I’ll be happy to drive you there and bring you safely home.’
Lottie stepped inside the house rubbing her hands together. The tip of her nose glowed pink and she was shivering. ‘Are you sure, Captain? We’d be most grateful but we don’t want to impose on your good nature.’
‘Yes,’ Cassy added hastily. ‘We can’t take you away from your men on Christmas Day. It wouldn’t be fair.’
Cade smiled and shook his head. ‘By the time the punch bowl is empty they won’t care who is there to serve them their turkey and Christmas pudding. My housekeeper will cope magnificently, as always, and I wouldn’t think of allowing you to travel to the wilds of Essex in that contraption. I suggest you go into the small parlour where there is a fire burning and I’ll send for the carriage.’
‘I’m obliged to you, sir,’ Eli said, having followed Lottie into the vestibule, ‘but this is too much to ask of you, particularly on such a short acquaintance.’
‘Nonsense,’ Cade said genially. ‘I feel like a jaunt into the country and I’ve given my coachman the day off to spend it with his family. I was wondering how I would spend the rest of the day, and this will give me a chance to get out of the city for a few hours.’
‘I do hope that Flora and Mr Mullins won’t mind,’ Cassy whispered to Lottie as they settled themselves in the luxury of Captain Cade’s barouche.
‘One more won’t make any difference,’ Lottie said, leaning back against the leather squabs. ‘I wonder what Bailey and the captain are talking about out there on the box.’
‘Army men always have something in common,’ Eli murmured, closing his eyes. ‘It’s been a busy week with so many orders to complete. Wake me up when we get there, Lottie my dear.’
There was little traffic on the roads, and, despite the hard-packed snow, they arrived at Whitegate Farm in a little over an hour. Dora Cope let them into the farmhouse, taking their outer garments from them and hanging them on the oak hallstand. She glanced at Cade in some surprise and Cassy moved swiftly to his side. ‘Mrs Cope, this is Captain Cade, who was kind enough to drive us here in his barouche.’
Cade inclined his head as he met Mrs Cope’s curious gaze. ‘If my presence here causes you any inconvenience, ma’am, I can take myself off to the local tavern and return at a given time.’
‘I’ll have to ask the master, sir.’
‘What’s this?’ Mullins demanded, joining them with a welcoming smile almost splitting his face in two. ‘Why do you keep our guests standing about in the hall, Dora? Come into the parlour, everyone, and have a glass of sherry wine before we have our dinner.’
‘Luncheon, Mullins,’ Flora said sternly as she emerged from the parlour to greet them. ‘You took your time,’ she added, and her eyebrows shot up as she spotted Cade. ‘And who may you be, sir? I can see by your apparel that you aren’t the coachman.’ She rounded on Eli. ‘I thought you were driving them in your cart?’
Faced with the fierce woman, Cade seemed unperturbed. ‘I apologise for arriving uninvited, ma’am. I’m just about to leave.’
‘No, please, don’t go, Captain Cade.’ Cassy turned to Farmer Mullins with a beseeching look. ‘The captain was kind enough to drive us here in his barouche. He could have left us to travel in the dog cart and it’s bitterly cold outside.’
‘No, really, I’m quite happy to go to the tavern and wait,’ Cade said pleasantly.
‘What sort of fellow would I be to turn a man out in the snow?’ Mullins demanded, shooting a warning look at Flora. ‘You must stay, Captain. There’s food enough to go round and plenty of room at my table.’
‘Why are you all standing out here?’ Belinda hurried from the parlour to hug Cassy. ‘We were getting worried, darling. I thought you’d had an accident on the road, it’s so treacherous . . .’ She broke off, staring at Cade. Her eyes widened and her cheeks paled alarmingly, as if, Cassy thought, she had seen a ghost.
‘Belle?’ Cade’s voice shook as he murmured her name and he stood perfectly still, as if rooted to the spot.
Moving like a sleepwalker she took a step towards him and collapsed in a dead faint.
Chapter Twenty
Belinda opened her eyes. At first she had no recollection of what had caused her to tumble into unconsciousness, but as the mists cleared from her brain she realised that she was lying on the sofa in Farmer Mullins’ parlour. She struggled to raise herself on one elbow, but firm hands pressed her back against the cushions and Cassy held a glass to her lips.
‘Sip this, Ma. It’s only water.’
Obediently, Belinda allowed the sweet fresh spring water to slide down her throat. A sea of faces hovered above her but standing close behind Cassy she saw a tall man with one side of his face disfigured by a livid white scar. For a moment she wondered what a stranger was doing in their midst, and then the truth hit her once again like a bolt of lightning. She sat up straight, staring at him in wonderment. ‘Geo
rge,’ she whispered. ‘You’ve come back to me.’
Cassy turned to Cade with a worried frown. ‘My mother isn’t well, Captain. She must have mistaken you for someone else.’
‘I thought I was dreaming,’ Belinda murmured, unable to take her eyes off his face. Despite the disfigurement and the lines of suffering etched on his otherwise handsome face, she would have known him anywhere. ‘Are you really here, George?’
‘Who the hell is George?’ Flora demanded crossly. ‘What’s going on, Belle? Have you lost your mind?’
Cade moved swiftly to kneel at Belinda’s side. He took her hand gently and raised it to his lips. ‘I’m here, Belle. It’s a miracle. When Cassy told me a little of her history I thought it must be you, but I wasn’t sure. I couldn’t wait any longer to find out, which is why I came today. Can you forgive me for giving you such a shock?’
‘What’s this all about, Ma?’ Cassy whispered, reaching out to clutch Bailey’s hand.
Belinda heard her daughter’s voice but the words were muffled by the beating of her own heart and the rhythmic sound of the blood drumming in her ears. She had no words for anyone other than the man whom she had believed to be dead for almost seventeen years. She raised her hand to touch his face, tracing the scar with the tip of her finger. She had thought at first that he was a phantom or a figment of her imagination, but the warmth of his breath on her face convinced her that he was a living being and he was there by her side, holding her hand. She gazed into his dark lustrous eyes and was lost in their depths. She could feel their souls uniting once again and the years fell away. ‘I was told that you died,’ she said softly. ‘They said you’d been killed in action.’
‘I was left for dead and when I eventually returned to my regiment I was told that you had married and gone to live in England. I never thought I would see you again, Belle.’ He bowed his head and she felt his warm tears caress her flesh. She slid her arms around his neck. ‘George, my dearest, darling George.’ Holding him close, she looked up at Flora. ‘Might we have some moments alone, please?’
