by Dilly Court
‘It’s well known that the squire is hopelessly infatuated with her and she will never get another chance to equal this. She would be a fool to turn down a man with wealth and position, especially when she is about to be ousted from her own home by that dreadful woman.’
‘How could you, Josie?’ Kate stared at her aghast. ‘He has never spoken to me of anything other than being a companion to his daughters.’
‘I think you’ll find that he will now, my dear.’ Josie smiled up at Harry. ‘Don’t look so cross. I meant it all for the best.’
‘I should go and see if my father needs me,’ Kate said, backing away.
‘He has Honoria to look after him now.’ Josie caught her by the hand. ‘You can’t keep running away, Kate. Stay here and speak to the squire. If you do not wish to encourage his suit then you must make it plain.’
Edmund was just a few feet away, and his face with wreathed in smiles. Kate snatched her hand free from Josie’s grasp. ‘I don’t know what you said to him, but I’ll never forgive you for this. Never!’
‘Josie, it was very wrong of you to interfere,’ Harry said angrily.
Kate did not wait to hear Josie’s reply; she turned and ran. Outside the barn, she stopped to catch her breath. It was quite dark now and a cold sleety rain had begun to fall. She shivered, wrapping her arms around her body in an effort to keep warm. Her hands and feet were cold as ice but her cheeks were burning with anger and humiliation. How could Josie do this to her? And how would she ever face the squire again?
‘Kate. What’s the matter?’ Sam hurried to her side. ‘What are you doing out here in the cold and wet?’ He took his jacket off and wrapped it round her shoulders. ‘For heaven’s sake, maidy, what made you run off like that?’
‘I didn’t run off. I just needed some fresh air.’
‘I saw you dancing with that man of Josie’s. Did he say something to upset you? If he did, he’ll have to answer to me.’
‘No, Sam. It was nothing like that. I had an argument with Josie, that’s all.’
‘That young lady needs to be put in her place.’
‘And you’re not the one to do it. You have to forget her, Sam. She’s not for you and if you let her, she’ll break your heart.’
‘Never mind me, Kate. It’s you I’m worried about.’
‘I can take care of myself.’
‘That may be so, but I’m not letting you out of my sight for the rest of the evening.’
She forced a smile. ‘That won’t be necessary, but perhaps we’d better go back inside. You can dance with me, and that will keep us both out of harm’s way.’
As they walked slowly back into the barn, arm in arm, they were met in the doorway by a worried Robert. ‘Are you ill, my dear? I saw you go outside and I would have followed but for Honoria, who wanted me to dance with her.’
‘I’m all right, Pa. I was just a bit hot and needed some air.’ Kate shrugged off Sam’s jacket and returned it to him with a grateful smile.
Robert eyed her suspiciously. ‘You look flushed to me. Are you sure you aren’t coming down with something?’
‘Quite sure, Pa. This is your party, go and enjoy yourself with your new wife.’
‘Wife? It sounds strange, but I daresay I’ll get used to it again in time. But I wish she weren’t quite so energetic. I’m not cut out for this prancing about.’
‘Robert.’ Honoria’s voice was shrill enough to shatter glass.
‘Coming, my love.’ He patted Kate on the shoulder and hurried off to where Honoria was waiting for him, tapping her toe impatiently.
‘He’s under the thumb already,’ Sam said, chuckling. ‘I never thought I’d see the day when the gaffer was ruled by a woman. You’d best look out for that one, Kate. She’ll have you living in the stable afore she’s done.’
He was joking, of course, but Kate felt as though a heavy weight was pressing down on her shoulders. She could see Josie dancing the waltz with Harry: his dark head was angled as if he was hanging on every word she said, and Josie in her turn was smiling up at him – they looked every inch a perfect couple. Her father had led Honoria onto the floor and was making a clumsy attempt to keep in time with the music. Everyone was happy, it seemed, except her.
Sam held out his hand. ‘I can’t promise not to tread on your toes, Kate, but I’ll have a go at this here waltz thing.’
She eyed him doubtfully, but the squire had spotted her and she had yet to decide on the best course of action. She took Sam’s hand and allowed him to lead her into the dance.
* * *
It was later, at the supper table that Edmund managed to corner her. ‘Have you been avoiding me, Miss Kate?’
‘Yes, Squire Westwood. I’m afraid I have.’
His bushy eyebrows shot up his forehead, almost disappearing into his hairline. ‘At least that’s honest. But why? Have I done something to upset you?’
‘No, sir. But I think Josie might have spoken out of turn.’
‘She said that you wished to speak to me, that was all.’
‘She was mistaken. I have nothing to say to you that I have not said before.’
‘I won’t press you then, but my offer still stands. Now that Miss Morton has left us my daughters are in great need of a suitable companion. I’ve managed to replace Miss Stamp as housekeeper, but my girls are running wild and would greatly benefit from your gentle guidance. If you come to feel differently, for any reason, just let me know.’
‘I will, sir,’ Kate murmured, looking round desperately for a change of subject. ‘Have you tried the apple pie, Squire Westwood? The fruit came from our orchard.’
‘It looks delicious.’ He picked up a knife and cut a large slice. ‘Did you make the pastry yourself?’
She nodded. ‘Yes, sir.’
‘What an accomplished young lady you are, and extremely pretty into the bargain. I shall savour every mouthful.’
Kate left him piling his plate with pie as if he had not eaten for a week, and went to join Sam who was sitting alone at one of the trestle tables. He looked up and grinned. ‘So you put the old fellow straight, did you?’
‘I think he was just being kind, Sam. It’s Josie who has been making too much of his offer. He only wants someone to look after his girls. I suppose I should be flattered that he wants me.’
‘You turned him down, that’s all that matters. And if anyone bothers you, Kate, you just let me know and I’ll set them to rights.’ Sam shot a darkling glance at Harry who was sitting at the top table with Josie. ‘There are some men who think they can behave exactly as they please, especially where a girl like you is concerned.’
Kate followed his brooding gaze and she laughed. ‘Don’t be absurd, Sam. Mr Challenor only has eyes for Josie. You of all people should have noticed that.’
‘I have and more. He’d make free with you too, given the opportunity. You keep clear of him and his like.’
Kate squeezed his hand. ‘There’s no need to worry on that score, Sam. I’ve never liked Harry Challenor. I think he is arrogant and a good deal too pleased with himself for his own good, and the feeling I am sure is mutual, since he never loses the opportunity to annoy me. Josie is welcome to him and his castle.’
‘She’s only playing with him.’ Sam stabbed his knife into a piece of cheese. ‘Josie and I were meant to be together, and she knows it too.’
‘Don’t, Sam. You know it’s impossible.’
He rose abruptly to his feet. ‘I’m going to get a tankard of ale. Would you like some of the cider cup?’
Glancing over his shoulder, Kate caught sight of Josie whispering something in Harry’s ear. She was flirting quite outrageously. Kate suspected that she was being deliberately provocative in order to tease Sam, in the same way that the farm cats caught a mouse and tormented it before the final kill. ‘Yes,’ she murmured, praying silently that he would not turn round and witness the spectacle. ‘That would be lovely.’ She breathed a sigh of relief when he walked off in the opposi
te direction. This was turning out to be the worst evening of her life so far, and she could not wait to return to the sanctuary of her room at home. The sooner Harry Challenor went back to his friends in London or to Copperstone Castle, the better for all concerned. She could see her father making ready to leave, although Honoria did not seem to be eager to abandon the party, which was becoming rowdier with every passing minute. Some of the older children had obviously been imbibing something stronger than fruit cup and their shrieks echoed off the rafters as they cavorted and chased each other round the hay bales. Molly was standing in their midst making an attempt to calm them down, but she might as well have been King Canute attempting to stop the incoming tide.
Kate rose to her feet, thinking that this would be an appropriate moment to slip away unnoticed. Sam was deep in conversation with one of the grooms from the big house and seemed to have forgotten about her. She was about to make her way towards the door when it opened and a gust of cold air sent dust devils spinning across the floor. Miss Hickson flew into the barn, her black cloak streaming about her like the wings on a bird of ill omen.
‘Stop the music,’ she screamed, holding up her hand. ‘This isn’t the time for revelry. The master is dying.’ She hurled herself at Josie, grasping her by the shoulders and shaking her. ‘Your father is at death’s door. You must come now, before it’s too late.’
Chapter Twelve
JOSIE WAS FIRST down to breakfast. She had made a point of rising early since the arrival of her uncle who had travelled from London the moment he received news of his brother’s sudden collapse. She had decided that eating on her own was preferable to suffering Joseph Damerell’s sly looks and constant innuendoes. Avoiding him had become a way of life; or rather it was a case of keeping out of reach of his wandering hands. He seemed to be impervious to both insults and her dire warnings that she would tell his wife if he attempted to touch her inappropriately. His memory was lamentably short, and his profuse apologies soon forgotten, as he continued to offend. It seemed that his hands and his brain were somehow unconnected. Josie’s nerves were frayed and her temper was close to breaking point. The events of the past few days had taken their toll on her, and the safe world that she had always known seemed to be crumbling about her head. Papa was hovering between this world and the next. Dr Smith said that it was only a matter of time now, and Josie had to watch her mother growing paler and more drawn with each passing hour as she kept a vigil at her husband’s bedside. Uncle Joseph might put on an outward show of concern, but it was obvious to Josie that he could not wait to claim his inheritance. His wife, Hermione, seemed to be genuinely upset and sympathetic. She did her best to comfort Marguerite, but tact was not her strong point and she usually ended up making matters worse.
Then there were practical matters to address. When the worst happened, how would they manage to exist on a small annuity, and where they would live? Joseph had made it clear from the outset that both Marguerite and Josie would be welcome to stay on at Damerell Manor, but Josie was determined that this was not going to happen. Her mother might not resent the fact that she was being treated like a poor relation, but Josie had other plans. As each day passed, she became even more determined to bring Harry up to scratch. She must marry, and marry well, even though her heart belonged to another. Loving Sam was like a fever in her blood; she only had to think of him and her whole body was consumed in a firestorm of desire. Try as she might, she could not forget their passionate embrace or the look in his eyes when he had admitted his feelings for her. But she must put all that behind her. There was no future for them. She could not see herself living in a farm labourer’s cottage, and if she were to marry Sam it would break her mother’s heart. Selfish and self-centred she might be, but she could not do that to the woman who had brought her into the world.
Seated alone at the vast mahogany dining table, she dragged her thoughts back to the present, toying with a plate of devilled kidneys, but she had little appetite for food. Harry’s brief visit had been frustrating, and she had a sneaking suspicion that Kate had been his main reason for visiting Kingston Damerell. She had seen the way he looked at her and had been quick to note the subtle change in his tone when he was speaking to her. She pushed her plate away; she was not proud of herself. She had put a stop to his romantic notions concerning Kate. She had lied to him. She had told him that Kate was engaged to Sam, and she could still recall the stark expression in his eyes as he had received the news. It had been a spiteful and foolish thing to do, but she had drunk too much wine and she had been jealous of the fact that he preferred a person of low birth to herself. She had seen her means of escape slipping from her grasp, and now with Papa at death’s door she was even more determined to become Harry’s wife. They would deal famously together for neither of them had a heart to break, and they would be impervious to future pain.
She sipped her coffee; it was cold. She rang the bell to summon a servant, and it was Toop who answered the call.
‘This coffee is undrinkable, Toop.’
He cleared his throat, standing to attention by the door. ‘You have a visitor, Miss Josie. I’ve shown him into the morning parlour.’
‘Who is it?’
‘Mr Challenor, miss.’
She leapt to her feet. ‘Why didn’t you say so in the first place?’ She rushed past him and ran across the entrance hall to the small room next to the library. She hesitated, glancing at her reflection in the gilt wall mirror. She patted her hair in place and bit her lips in order to redden them. She pinched her cheeks until they bloomed pink, and she took a deep breath. She must not appear too eager. She entered the room, pausing on the threshold and greeting him with an attempt at a smile. ‘Harry, how good of you to come. I thought you might have returned to London.’
He crossed the room in two strides and took her hands in his. ‘I couldn’t leave without seeing you. I gather there is no change in Sir Hector’s condition?’
‘None, I’m afraid. He seems to be lingering between life and death. It’s too awful.’ She dropped her gaze. ‘I am very glad you came, Harry. Your presence gives me such comfort.’
‘I’m flattered that you put so much trust in me, my dear Josie. Is there anything that I can do?’
She thought of Sam and the ready tears sprang to her eyes. She allowed them to roll unchecked down her cheeks. ‘Just having you here is enough, Harry. I’m in desperate need of a friend just now. Will you stay until …’
He took a clean white handkerchief from his coat pocket and pressed it into her hand. ‘Of course I’ll stay, if you think it will help.’
She blew her nose in the soft folds and smiled up at him. ‘You are too kind, Harry.’
‘Is there no one else who could be with you, Josie? What about Kate? Surely she is a comfort to you?’
Josie’s heart lurched against her ribs and serpents of jealousy writhed in her stomach. She closed her fingers around the handkerchief, crushing it into a ball. ‘I don’t see her any more. She has deserted me in my hour of need.’
‘How so? I find that hard to believe.’
She narrowed her eyes. She was fighting for her survival. Kate was her rival. ‘I told you at that dreadful wedding supper that she was engaged to be married. Well, her father didn’t approve and she ran away with Loveday.’
Harry was very still and his expression gave away nothing. ‘This doesn’t sound like the Kate I know.’
‘That’s just the point, Harry. You don’t know her as I do. I, for one, am not at all surprised.’
‘Where did they go? Didn’t her father try to bring her home?’
‘I believe they are lodging somewhere in Weymouth. She has broken her father’s heart, Harry. And mine too.’ Josie buried her face in his handkerchief and sobbed. She might have told a dreadful lie, but her grief was for the loss of the one man she could ever truly love, and it was genuine. There was no future for her and Sam; she must not weaken now.
‘She wouldn’t do a thing like that. Not Kat
e.’
Harry’s voice was harsh and when she took a peep at him through her parted fingers, Josie was shocked to the core by his stricken expression. She knew now that his feelings for Kate ran deep. Driven by fear and desperation, she let the hanky fall to the floor and she clutched his arm. ‘She has deceived us all, Harry. I loved her like a sister and yet she did not trust me enough to tell me what she planned.’ She stared up into his stony face. ‘I am so sorry, my dear. It seems that you were also deceived by her innocent face.’
‘When did they leave?’ Harry fixed her with a hard stare. ‘I must go after them and bring her back. She is too fine a person to be allowed to throw herself away on a scoundrel.’
She felt his muscles tense into bands of steel. ‘It won’t do any good, Harry. I – I don’t know how to tell you this …’ She paused, eyeing him warily.
‘What? What is it that you must tell me?’ His eyes were hard and his voice as cold as steel.
‘They were caught in a compromising situation. It is too horrible to talk about.’ She lowered her gaze. ‘It is not something that a lady can discuss with a gentleman.’
‘Are you trying to tell me that they were lovers?’ Harry gripped both her hands in his. ‘Is that what you are saying, Josie?’
‘Yes, I’m afraid so, Harry. It is just too sordid. He could not even wait to make an honest woman of her before … I can’t bring myself to put it into words.’
He relaxed his grip, dropping his hands to his sides. ‘You’ve said enough.’
‘And you will not attempt to follow them? It will do no good; I can assure you of that. Kate is very strong-willed.’
‘No, I won’t follow them, but I must leave at once.’
‘You’ve only just arrived. You can’t go so soon.’
‘I can see that my presence here is only making matters worse. I think it best if I leave right away.’
‘But what about me? I thought you were going to stay and be a comfort to me?’
‘Tell me honestly, Josie. Is Sir Hector in imminent danger, or not?’
