by Dilly Court
‘Where were you when she needed you most?’
‘I was stationed at Aldershot, but I didn’t know anything about it until too late.’ His voice cracked and he turned his head away. ‘I had a letter from Linus telling me my sister had died, and that he was making suitable arrangements for the children.’
‘I’m sorry if I misjudged you, but you should have known better than to believe anything Linus said. He’s abandoned his family and wants nothing more to do with them. It would upset his plans to marry an heiress if she discovered the truth.’
‘I hope he rots in hell. Meg deserved better.’
Lucy felt his pain. Her instinct was to give him a hug, but they were no longer children. Instead, she picked up the plate of cake and offered it to him. ‘Forget Linus, Bram. I’ll do my best for the children.’
‘I’m sorry for what I said earlier.’ He took a piece of cake and bit into it. ‘I’m famished. Would you mind if I finished up what’s left?’
She handed him the plate. ‘Of course not. There’s plenty more in the kitchen.’
‘I haven’t eaten since breakfast, and my lodgings are less than perfect. The landlady couldn’t boil an egg, let alone cook a decent meal.’
Lucy laughed and the tension between them was broken. ‘I’ll ring for a fresh pot of tea.’ She stood up and went to tug the embroidered bell pull at the side of the fireplace. ‘I’ll tell Bedwin to lay another place for dinner.’
‘If you’re sure,’ Bram said doubtfully. ‘Linus told me you’re engaged to be married. I don’t want to make things awkward for you.’
‘It was never an official engagement and the gentleman in question backed down when he discovered that I wasn’t an heiress.’ She tempered her words with a wry smile.
‘You look wonderful. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was surprised to see that you’d grown up to be such a fashionable young lady, and a very pretty one too.’
‘I suppose I must look different after ten years, but then so do you.’ She returned to sit on the sofa, keeping a safe space between them. Grandfather, she thought, would turn in his grave if he could see her entertaining a young man without a chaperone. She shot him a sideways glance and saw that he was smiling.
‘You were all arms and legs topped with a mass of coppery curls that shone like new pennies in the sunlight.’
‘Bram! I didn’t know you were so poetic.’
‘I’m not, but that’s how I saw you then, and I never forgot you.’
‘Nor I you,’ she said shyly.
‘What I remembered most about you were your eyes; they change colour with your moods. That hasn’t changed a bit.’
She smiled. ‘And what colour are they now?’
‘As blue as the sky on an English spring day. I never forgot you, Lucy.’
‘I would have been happy to stay in the forest with you and Meg and the little ones, but it wasn’t to be. My grandfather saw to that.’
‘He made you into a fine lady.’
‘He might have given me a good education, but I’m still the same person I was when he found me. In a way Linus has set me free.’
Bram stared at her, a frown creasing his brow. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘I’m going back to the East End where I belong, and I’m going to search for Granny and give her the home she deserves. Maybe I’ll find my mother too. Who knows?’
‘You always were a determined little thing. I remember when you tried to find your way out of Epping Forest and I had to rescue you. I was out of my mind with worry when you disappeared from the market place. I wanted to go to the police, but Meg insisted that we waited until Linus paid us a visit. She said he would know what to do.’
‘Linus knew that Grandfather had found me, but for some reason he chose not to tell you and Meg that I was safe.’
‘That’s another reason for me to hate the man. Anyway, I’ve found you now, and I’m sorry that I believed what Linus said. I’m truly grateful to you for taking the young ones in.’
‘I can’t wait to see their faces when you walk in the door tomorrow.’
‘I was thinking of going there this evening.’
She had a vision of him walking into the chaos of Leman Street, and being horrified by the conditions in which his nephew and nieces were living. She laid her hand on his sleeve. ‘Stay and have dinner with me. I’ll take you to see the children first thing in the morning.’
He nodded his head. ‘I’d like that.’
‘We’ll give them a wonderful surprise, and to be honest we could do with another pair of hands. The old house is in a terrible state and we’ve only just begun to make it habitable.’
‘Are you sure about this, Lucy? You’re very young to have taken on such a burden. The children should be my responsibility, not yours. I won’t be able to help until I sell my commission. I made up my mind to leave the army when I heard that Meg had died. I knew the children needed me.’
‘Don’t you want to follow your career?’
He grinned. ‘I’m not officer class. They tolerate me and I’ve proved myself in battle, but it’s not how I want to spend the rest of my life.’
‘It seems to me that we’re both wolves in sheep’s clothing,’ Lucy said, chuckling. She turned her head as Bedwin entered the room. ‘Another pot of tea, please. And tell Cook that Lieutenant Southwood will be staying for dinner.’
Next morning Bram arrived in Albemarle Street just as Lucy was supervising the loading of boxes into the carriage. She hurried to meet him. ‘You’re nice and early. There’s such a lot to do.’
He took a box from her and tossed it into the carriage. ‘Is that the last?’
She hesitated. ‘Have you had breakfast?’
‘I thought we might stop on the way to buy what we need. I’ve a month’s pay in my pocket so I’m feeling flush.’
‘I’ll just get my reticule and we’ll be off.’
Bram helped her to alight from the carriage outside the house in Leman Street. ‘This is worse than I anticipated,’ he said warily. ‘What possessed your grandmother to purchase a house in this godforsaken place?’
Lucy stepped to the ground. ‘I think the ancestor who built it was a wealthy merchant, and this was a more prosperous area then. It was entailed to her to save it from becoming the property of her husband, and she left it to her eldest grandchild, which happens to be me. I think I’m very lucky to own such a place.’
Bram took her firmly by the arm and led her to the relative safety of the front step. He rapped on the knocker. ‘I’m not sure I agree with you.’
Before she could argue the door opened and Hester’s welcoming smile faded into a look of disbelief. ‘Bram?’
He stepped over the threshold and wrapped his arms around her. ‘Hester, my darling. It’s so good to see you again.’
She extricated herself, laughing and crying at the same time. ‘You devil. Why didn’t you let us know you were coming?’
‘I had to find you first,’ he said, giving her another hug. ‘Where are the young ’uns?’
Lucy followed Bram inside. She was about to close the door when another carriage drew up. Her heart sank as she recognised the coachman who leapt down to open the door.
Chapter Eleven
PIERS EMERGED FROM the carriage and helped Dora to alight. She gathered up her skirts and stepped cautiously over the detritus on the pavement with an expression of disgust. ‘I don’t know how you can consider living here,’ she said as she hurried up the steps to greet Lucy.
Piers followed her, issuing a curt instruction to the coachman to walk the horses and return in half an hour. He entered the house, coming to a sudden halt when he spotted Bram. ‘Won’t you introduce us?’ he demanded in a tone that was anything but friendly.
‘Of course,’ Lucy said hastily. ‘Lieutenant Bramwell Southwood.’ She turned to Bram with an apologetic smile. ‘These are my friends Piers Northam, and his sister Theodora.’
Bram clicked his heels togethe
r and bowed from the waist. ‘How do you do?’
Dora bobbed a curtsey, treating him to a dazzling smile. ‘How do you do, Lieutenant?’
Lucy drew her aside. ‘Why did you bring your brother here today? You know how things are between us.’
‘He insisted on coming,’ Dora said vaguely, but her attention was fixed on Bram.
Piers seemed equally disconcerted. ‘I thought I knew all Lucy’s acquaintances,’ he said suspiciously. ‘How do you two know each other?’
‘It’s a long story,’ Lucy said vaguely. ‘But we’re related in a roundabout way.’
‘If that’s true I’m surprised that the lieutenant countenances this move.’ Piers took in his surroundings with a disapproving shake of his head. ‘This area is totally unsuitable and the house appears to be near derelict.’
She bridled angrily. ‘What I do is none of your concern, Piers. You made it perfectly clear that there was no future for us, and you’ve no right to question my decisions now.’
Bram moved to her side, eyeing Piers with an uncompromising scowl. ‘Is this the fellow who let you down, Lucy?’
‘What has it got to do with you?’ Piers stood his ground. ‘What is your part in this calamitous state of affairs?’
‘Stop it, both of you.’ Lucy thrust herself between them. ‘This is my house and I’ll ask you to behave yourselves.’ She faced Piers with a determined lift of her chin. ‘I’m happy to remain as friends, if only for Dora’s sake, but don’t you dare tell me what I should or shouldn’t do.’
He ran his finger round the inside of his stiff collar, and a flush stained his cheeks. ‘I am your friend, and I don’t want to see you taken in by a man in uniform.’
‘I came here to see my nieces and nephew,’ Bram said coldly. ‘Think what you like, sir, but leave Lucy alone. She’s made her feelings perfectly clear.’
Piers looked as though he was about to explode, but at that moment the baize door at the far end of the entrance hall flew open and Bertie raced towards them, closely followed by his sisters. They hurled themselves at Bram and their cries of delight echoed throughout the old house. Lucy’s eyes were moist as she witnessed their show of affection for him.
‘Perhaps we shouldn’t have come,’ Dora murmured apologetically. ‘I’m sorry, Lucy. I thought perhaps it might help if Piers saw for himself how you’ve been placed by that villain who stole your inheritance.’
‘I’m determined to make the best of things,’ Lucy said firmly.
‘You’ll be murdered in your bed if you remain here.’ Piers made an attempt at a smile, but he was clearly uncomfortable with the situation. ‘I came here today to offer you my help. I have a good solicitor and you should seek his advice.’
Lucy shook her head. ‘Thank you, but I’ve taken advice from Mr Goldspink. I’m satisfied that this is the best course to take.’
‘You need someone to stand up for you, my dear.’ He lowered his voice. ‘This isn’t a fight that a woman could win without the support of a strong man.’
‘Hold on.’ Bram looked up, glaring at Piers over the children’s heads. ‘Lucy isn’t alone, and most important of all she knows her own mind. She doesn’t need you to tell her what to do.’
‘I suppose you’re putting yourself forward for the position of adviser and protector, are you?’
Bertie broke away from his uncle, facing up to Piers like a bare-knuckle fighter. ‘Leave Bram be. He’s a soldier and he could beat you hands down.’
Bram grinned, hugging Vicky and Maggie, who were clinging to him as if they would never let go. ‘Thanks, Bertie, but I can handle this. Why don’t you take your sisters downstairs? I’ll join you in a minute.’
‘I’m not leaving you,’ Bertie said stoutly. ‘Lucy needs us.’
‘I’m more than capable of standing up for myself.’ Lucy’s smile faded as she turned to give Piers a steady look. ‘I’m grateful to you for your concern, but I’ve made my decision, just as you made yours to break off our engagement.’ She held up her hand as he opened his mouth to protest. ‘I know it was unofficial, but I think you were right. We wouldn’t have suited.’
‘Perhaps I was too hasty,’ Piers said, casting a sideways glance in Bram’s direction. ‘I’ve had time to think it over since then.’
‘It wasn’t to be. But Dora and I are still friends.’
‘I did so want you for a sister-in-law.’ Dora dabbed her eyes on a lace-trimmed handkerchief. ‘I’m so disappointed, and it’s all your fault, Piers.’
‘Don’t be a baby,’ he said impatiently. ‘I don’t think there’s any more I can accomplish here. We’ll wait for the carriage to return and then we’ll be on our way.’
Lucy held her hand out to the children. ‘Why don’t you go outside and help Franklin bring in the things we brought from Albemarle Street. Cook sent cake and all manner of treats for you.’
Bertie made for the door. ‘Give us a hand, Bram.’ He opened it and a gust of foul air wafted in from the street.
Vicky tugged at her uncle’s coat sleeve. ‘Come on.’
‘Yes, please help us,’ Maggie added, gazing up at Bram with adoring eyes.
He laughed and ruffled her hair. ‘All right, and then you can show me round the house. That’s if Lucy doesn’t mind.’
‘Go ahead,’ she said, smiling.
‘Well, really. You’d think the fellow owned the place,’ Piers muttered as Bram ushered the children outside.
Lucy had a sudden desire to giggle, but she managed to keep a straight face. ‘Don’t look so disapproving. The children only recently lost their mother. It’s wonderful to see them happy again.’
‘Of course it is,’ Dora said firmly. ‘We’ve just come at a bad time, but we’ll call again when you’re more settled. Won’t we, Piers?’
He nodded reluctantly. ‘I don’t like leaving you here, Lucy. You’re worth better than this.’
‘I’m no stranger to this part of London or this way of life,’ Lucy said calmly. ‘I’m not the young lady you thought I was. It’s a thin veneer, and beneath it I’m still the girl who used to pick pockets when we were desperate for food. I wouldn’t have been the meek and mild wife you wanted, Piers. I’m my mother’s daughter and I don’t pretend to be anything else.’ She stood aside as Bram re-entered the house, hefting a large box in his arms, closely followed by the children and Franklin, who was staggering beneath a pile of bedding.
‘The carriage has returned, Piers,’ Dora said urgently. ‘We should leave now.’ She gave Lucy a hug. ‘I’ll see you soon, and if you need anything you just have to ask.’
Lucy saw them to the door and stood for a moment, watching them climb into their carriage. Piers did not look back and for some reason that hurt. Not so long ago she had imagined herself to be in love with him, and despite her brave words he still inhabited a small place in her heart. They had shared happy times: riding in the park, dancing the night away at society balls, trips to the theatre and extravagant dinner parties in elegant houses. She had been a lady then, or so she had believed. Now she was not so sure.
‘Are you all right, Lucy?’
She spun round to see Bram standing behind her. She forced her lips into a smile. ‘Indeed I am. This is the beginning of my new life, and I’m glad you’re here to share it with me.’
He took her hand in his. ‘Were you in love with him?’
‘I thought I was, but I realise now that I was mistaken.’
‘Are you sure? He obviously has deep feelings for you or he wouldn’t have come here and made such a fuss.’
She squeezed his fingers. ‘That’s just his way. Piers likes to be in control and I’ve slipped through the net. He’ll get over it and find an heiress who can help him in his career. He’ll forget all about me.’
‘Bram.’ Bertie thrust the baize door open and beckoned frantically. ‘Come and get some cake before the girls eat it all, and then I want to show you my room. I’ve got one all to myself.’
Lucy and Bram exchange
d amused glances, and she slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. ‘This is what matters,’ she said softly. ‘Looking after family is what’s really important.’
He laid his hand on hers. ‘I’ll do anything I can to help you find yours, Lucy. That’s a promise.’
Bram left his temporary lodgings and to the delight of the children and Hester he moved into one of the many spare rooms in Lucy’s house, which she said was to be kept solely for him. He had a few days’ leave remaining and he put all his energy into helping to make the house more habitable. With Bertie’s help he put up curtain poles and mended broken windows; between them they cleared the back yard and cleaned the privy, making it less of a health hazard. Hester and Lucy worked tirelessly in the house, aided by Mary and Dot. Franklin and Tapper brought more cleaning materials, cooking pots and crockery from the house in Albemarle Street, but Lucy insisted on taking only the things that Linus would not miss. She did not want to be accused of taking what was rightfully his.
At the end of the week she said her goodbyes to the servants, most of whom had found positions in households elsewhere, although some of the younger ones were going home to their parents until they found new jobs. Bedwin moved into a small room on the ground floor in Leman Street, which Lucy had taken pains to make comfortable for him. His few personal possessions had been brought from Albemarle Street, including the threadbare armchair from the servants’ hall in which he had spent many evenings sitting by the fire while he waited to be summoned above stairs by the jangling of a bell. Lucy did not think Linus would be interested in the fate of a saggy, tapestry-covered piece of furniture in much need of renovation, and she resolved to have it reupholstered when funds allowed.
Peckham had already taken up residence and was now a firm favourite with Vicky and Maggie. He had assumed the role of ratcatcher in chief, and by the end of the first week he had killed several large rodents and the rest had apparently fled. The mice retired behind the skirting boards and Bram came home one afternoon with a suspicious bulge in his jacket pocket. Vicky pounced on him, demanding to know if it was the present he had promised, and both she and Maggie uttered cries of delight when a tiny ginger head popped up, followed by the fluffy body of a kitten. Bram handed him gently to Vicky. ‘He’s very young, just old enough to leave his mother, so you must look after him and make sure he has plenty to eat. You’ll have to house-train him and keep him free from fleas.’
