The Swan Maid

by Dilly Court

  Lady Aurelia outshone all the other women present, and it amused Lottie to see them dragging their husbands into the mess hall in an attempt to keep them at a safe distance from temptation. The unattached officers paid their respects, bowing over Aurelia’s gloved hand while keeping a wary eye on her husband. She greeted them with a pleasant smile and a nod of her head, but her attitude changed subtly when Gillingham approached. Lottie noted with some surprise that her ladyship’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled as she held her hand out to him.

  ‘Ah, Gillingham,’ Colonel Dashwood said affably. ‘Be so good as to escort my wife to the table while I have a word with the major-general.’ He patted Aurelia on the arm. ‘I’ll join you in a moment, my dear. I need to speak to Fluffy.’

  ‘Of course, Dashwood. Take as long as you like. I’m in good hands with Farrell.’ Aurelia slipped her hand through the crook of Gillingham’s arm, and they walked off, chatting like old friends.

  ‘Fluffy?’ Lottie murmured, gazing at the gentleman in question whose mess dress was heavy with gold braid and his chest emblazoned with medals.

  ‘Major-General Frederick Fothergill, known to his friends as Fluffy.’

  She turned to find herself looking into the smiling face of Private Ellis, although she barely recognised him in his smart uniform. His pallor had been replaced by a healthy glow and the ugly bruise on his forehead had already begun to fade.

  ‘I didn’t expect to see you so soon, although I hoped you might still be here.’

  ‘I certainly didn’t think I’d be lucky enough to see you again so soon, Lottie.’ He glanced at the velvet cloak she was holding. ‘How did you become involved with Lady Aurelia?’

  ‘You make it sound like a crime,’ she said, laughing. ‘She has taken me on as her personal maid. I’ve come up in the world from washing out chamber pots.’

  He shook his head. ‘You might think differently if her ladyship decides to follow her husband to the Crimea. It’s no place for a woman.’

  ‘Miss Nightingale doesn’t think so.’

  ‘Miss Nightingale has no experience of warfare.’ Gideon glanced over his shoulder at the sound of a sharp command. ‘I’m on duty, Lottie. Are you going to wait here for her ladyship? These affairs can go on well into the small hours.’

  ‘I suppose so. She told me to wait, so I suppose I must.’

  ‘Private Ellis.’

  The staccato bark of his sergeant made Gideon snap to attention. ‘I might see you in between courses.’ He marched into the mess hall and the door closed behind him.

  Silence echoed round the anteroom and for a moment Lottie thought that she was alone, but a muffled cough behind her made her turn her head to see a woman wearing the severe black uniform of a lady’s maid. The woman crossed the floor to stand beside her. ‘I’m Maggie Cole, Mrs Fothergill’s maid. You must be standing in for Miss Merriweather.’

  ‘I’m her replacement – Lottie Lane. Miss Merriweather is remaining in Bath, so I’ve been told.’

  ‘Poor old thing. She struggled to keep up with her ladyship. Sometimes she’d look so tired you’d wonder how she managed to keep going, so I’m not surprised.’ Maggie put her head on one side. ‘Where did you work before this?’

  Lottie hooked the cloak over one arm. ‘I should hang this up or it’ll get creased.’

  ‘Give it to me and I’ll do it for you.’ Maggie took the garment from Lottie and strolled over to a row of pegs hung with military caps and shakos. She took a couple down and draped them over the back of a chair. ‘That’ll do,’ she said, hanging the cloak on the empty pegs before returning to Lottie’s side. ‘We have to look out for our ladies. Never mind the men, they can sort themselves out.’

  ‘Do we have to stand here all evening?’ Lottie asked anxiously. ‘I haven’t eaten yet and I’m starving.’

  Maggie pulled up two stools, setting them close to the mess hall doors. ‘Leave it to me. I’m used to this game.’ She winked and nodded, turning her head as a door on the far side of the room opened and a procession of waiters marched towards the mess hall carrying silver serving dishes.

  Maggie accosted the last one, a young fresh-faced private who looked pale and nervous. ‘Bring us a plate of food, love,’ she said, fluttering her lashes. ‘You wouldn’t see two lovely ladies go hungry, would you?’

  He cleared his throat. ‘I’ll get into trouble, miss.’

  ‘What’s your name, Private?’

  ‘Perks, miss.’

  ‘Your first name, Perks.’

  His blush deepened. ‘I have to go, miss.’

  Maggie clutched his sleeve. ‘You can tell me, Perks.’

  ‘Rodney, miss.’

  ‘A very nice name, Rodney. I’ll see that the major-general hears about it if anyone says anything untoward. Bring us a small plateful of something tasty, there’s a good fellow.’

  He nodded and hurried into the mess hall just as the doors were about to close. Maggie turned to Lottie with a smug smile. ‘See! That’s how you do it. We’ll have the tastiest morsel he can find, bless him.’

  ‘Poor boy,’ Lottie said softly. ‘You embarrassed him, Maggie.’

  ‘He’ll get over it, and I’ll give him a kiss to reward him for his trouble.’

  ‘I thought all ladies’ maids were prim and proper. You’re not a bit like that.’

  Maggie threw back her head and laughed. ‘I am when it’s necessary. You’ll learn the tricks of the trade, Lottie my girl. But my motto is to have as much fun as possible while I’m young enough to enjoy myself.’

  ‘I suppose I can’t argue with that.’

  ‘My, you’re the serious one, aren’t you?’ Maggie eyed her curiously. ‘You never answered my question about your last position. Were you in service?’

  ‘Not really. I was a maid of all work in a coaching inn.’

  ‘Well, I never did. What with you speaking like the gentry and all that, I would have thought you were a convent girl. As for me, I was raised in the foundling hospital and sent into service when I was eleven. I don’t know who my ma and pa were and I don’t suppose I’ll ever find out.’

  Maggie broke off as the waiters teemed out of the mess hall with their empty dishes. She winked at Private Perks as he hurried past. ‘Don’t forget us, Rodney, love.’

  ‘You shouldn’t tease him,’ Lottie said, trying not to giggle. ‘He’s just a boy.’

  ‘They’re all boys, but that doesn’t stop the army sending them into battle. They’ll grow up soon enough.’

  ‘Have you seen military service, Maggie?’

  ‘No, but I used to step out with a sapper. He’d seen conflict, and from what he told me it wasn’t pretty. I’m glad that Mrs Fothergill isn’t the sort of army wife who feels she has to follow her husband to war. She’s happy to stay at home and so am I.’

  ‘Lady Aurelia isn’t like that.’

  Maggie pulled a face. ‘She’s got quite a reputation, has that one. You’ll find out, Lottie. I just hope you’re up to the challenge.’ She swivelled round on her stool as the waiters reappeared. This time they were empty-handed, except for Perks. He thrust a plate of food into Maggie’s hands. ‘That’s all I could get, miss.’

  She blew him a kiss. ‘Thank you, Rodney. I’ll love you for ever.’

  He dashed into the mess hall, leaving them with bread, cheese and a slice or two of roast chicken.

  ‘I do hope he doesn’t get into trouble,’ Lottie said through a mouthful of cheddar.

  ‘This will do, but he’d better bring us some dessert, or I’ll be very cross with that young man.’ Maggie bit into a hunk of bread. ‘He won’t warrant a kiss unless I get a bowl of strawberries and cream or some fruit jelly.’

  ‘Are we the only ladies’ maids in the camp?’ Lottie selected a piece of chicken.

  ‘The wives of the more junior officers are more likely to live in the town, and they’ll have a servant or two, but not like us.’ Maggie licked her fingers. ‘We’re far superior to most. Just re
member that, my friend.’ She slid off her stool. ‘I’m going outside for a breath of air, but I’ll be back in a few minutes.’

  Maggie’s idea of time seemed to be elastic and she was gone for such a long time that Lottie became worried and she went to open the door and look outside. Darkness was falling but she could just make out Maggie, who was sharing a cigarillo with the sentry. The end of the butt glowed in the dusk and puffs of smoke floated up into the sky.

  ‘Maggie,’ Lottie said as loudly as she dared. ‘They’ve cleared away the main course.’

  Maggie took a last drag on the cigarillo before handing it back to the man on duty. ‘Ta, love. I needed that.’ She sashayed towards Lottie, exhaling smoke. ‘Don’t look so shocked. I enjoy a smoke just as much as the men.’

  ‘I was just thinking that you’d both be in trouble if you were caught,’ Lottie said calmly.

  ‘Life’s no fun unless you take a chance or two.’ Maggie opened the door. ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for dessert.’ She linked her hand through Lottie’s arm. ‘Come on, love.’

  They arrived back to find Private Perks standing self-consciously by the door, clutching a plate of strawberries and cream. Maggie released Lottie and snatched it from him. ‘You’re a darling, Rodney. You must be your mother’s pride and joy.’

  He blushed to the roots of his blond hair. ‘I can’t get you any more food, miss. That’ll have to be the last.’

  Maggie popped a strawberry into her mouth. ‘I fancy one of those little cakes,’ she said, eyeing a silver platter laid out with dainty pastries.

  ‘Let him go,’ Lottie said in a low voice. ‘Don’t tease the poor chap.’

  Perks shot her a grateful look. ‘No more, miss. You understand, don’t you?’

  ‘Of course. We won’t bother you again.’ Lottie stood aside to allow him to escape into the mess hall. ‘Leave him alone, Maggie.’

  ‘You’re no fun.’ Maggie shoved the plate under her nose. ‘Have a strawberry. They’re delicious.’

  The words had barely left her mouth when the door opened and Gideon emerged from the dining room. He came to a halt, frowning. ‘I might have guessed it was you, Miss Cole. Perks doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. He’s just spilled a whole jug of cream on Mrs Fothergill’s skirt.’

  Maggie swallowed a mouthful of fruit. ‘Oh dear Lord, she’ll be in a state for days.’ She thrust the plate into Lottie’s hand. ‘Take this, and don’t let on.’ She slid off the stool just as the doors flew open and an irate woman erupted into the anteroom.

  ‘Oh Lord,’ Maggie said again, sighing. ‘It had to be her, didn’t it?’

  ‘Look at me, Cole. My best gown is ruined. I’ll make sure that young private is dealt with severely.’ Mrs Fothergill held out the skirts of her purple gown, which clashed horribly with her berry-red hair.

  Maggie folded her hands in front of her. ‘I’m so sorry, madam.’

  ‘This gown cost a small fortune.’ Mrs Fothergill clutched her hands to her bosom. ‘I feel faint. Send for my carriage, Cole. I want to go home.’

  Maggie bobbed a curtsey. ‘Yes, madam. Right away.’ She snapped her fingers at Gideon, who had been standing to attention, keeping his eyes averted. ‘You heard Mrs Fothergill, Private Ellis. See that her carriage is brought round immediately.’

  Lottie noted the muscle twitching at the corner of Gideon’s mouth and she could see that he was controlling himself with difficulty, but he nodded and strode out of the building.

  Lottie herself had no such means of escape and she hid the plate behind her back. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

  Mrs Fothergill glared at her. ‘Who are you, girl?’

  ‘I’m Lady Aurelia Dashwood’s new maid, ma’am.’

  ‘Merriweather might have had a remedy, but I don’t expect a girl like you to know how to care for expensive fabrics. I’m surprised that Lady Aurelia took you on.’

  ‘Don’t take your anger out on her, madam.’ Aurelia’s angry voice caused Mrs Fothergill to turn with a start.

  ‘I didn’t see you there, my lady.’

  ‘Apparently not.’ Aurelia closed the door to the mess hall, shutting out the burst of conversation and laughter. ‘I saw what happened and it was entirely your fault. I hope you aren’t going to pretend it was Private Perks who was to blame.’

  Mrs Fothergill’s cheeks puffed out as if she were about to explode. ‘He was holding the cream jug. It was he who spilled it all over me. Just look at my gown – it’s ruined.’

  ‘You jogged his hand,’ Aurelia said calmly. ‘You weren’t paying attention, Mrs Fothergill, and now the poor young man is in trouble because of your carelessness. It won’t do, and I shall tell Dashwood so.’

  Lottie held her breath, looking from one to the other, although she had no doubt who would win this contest of wills, and Mrs Fothergill seemed to have come to a similar conclusion. She tossed her head and marched towards the outer door. ‘I think I heard the carriage approaching. Come along, Cole. Don’t dawdle.’

  Maggie snatched Mrs Fothergill’s cape from its peg and followed her, pausing to turn her head and wink at Lottie before going outside.

  ‘Well, then, you can put the plate down now, Lottie,’ Aurelia said casually. ‘Poor Perks was in a state of agitated nerves and I think I know whom to blame for that.’ She held up her hand. ‘It’s all right, I’m well aware of Miss Cole’s antics, and if her mistress knew the half of it she would sack the woman on the spot. Don’t allow her to lead you astray.’

  ‘No, my lady.’ Lottie put the plate on one of the stools. ‘Are we leaving now?’

  ‘Yes, I’ve had enough chitchat for one evening, and Mrs Fothergill’s unfortunate accident gave me the opportunity to slip away.’ Aurelia beckoned to Gideon, who was standing by the door. ‘Private Ellis, you may see us home.’

  Gideon snapped to attention. ‘Yes, my lady.’

  ‘Miss Lane is new to army life and I shall charge you with the responsibility of showing her around.’

  ‘Yes, my lady.’ Gideon held the door open for them. ‘It will be my pleasure.’

  ‘Not too much pleasure, I hope.’ Aurelia tapped him on the arm with her fan. ‘You’ll be leaving soon for the Crimea, Private Ellis. Just remember that.’

  ‘I will, my lady.’

  ‘Your cloak, my lady.’ Lottie hurried after her, but Aurelia dismissed the offer with a wave of her hand.

  ‘It’s a lovely warm evening. I don’t need it.’ She walked on slowly, leaving Lottie and Gideon to follow at a discreet distance.

  ‘Is it always like this?’ Lottie whispered.

  He nodded. ‘Yes, and worse. This was a quiet evening compared to some.’ He leaned closer, lowering his voice. ‘Miss Cole has a certain reputation in camp, Lottie. I wouldn’t get too friendly with her if I were you.’

  ‘Thank you for your concern, but you are not me, and I am perfectly capable of choosing my own friends.’ Lottie quickened her pace. ‘I’m not a schoolgirl, Gideon. I’ve met all manner of people at the inn, and I can take care of myself.’

  ‘If you say so.’

  She knew she had offended him, and deep down she was grateful for his concern, but it was really none of his business. They walked on in silence and Gideon left them outside the Dashwoods’ residence.

  Tilda opened the door and Aurelia stepped into the entrance hall, acknowledging her with a smile. ‘Tell Cook that I’m hungry. Miss Lane would also like some supper.’

  ‘Yes, my lady.’ Tilda sketched a curtsey and hurried off towards the baize door that separated upstairs from the servants’ domain below stairs.

  ‘Shall I go and help her?’ Lottie asked anxiously.

  ‘That’s not necessary. The servants are well aware of your position in the household. You answer to me and me alone.’ Aurelia took off her cloak and handed it to Lottie. ‘You were hard on that young man. You’ve obviously met him before tonight. Is there something I should know?’

  ‘Not really, m
y lady. Lieutenant Gillingham brought Private Ellis to the inn after he had an accident. He stayed with us for several days until he was well enough to return to duty.’

  ‘Ah, I see. So you nursed him back to health – a sure way to win a young man’s heart.’ Aurelia mounted the stairs, pausing to glance over her shoulder. ‘By the way, I’m inclined to agree with Private Ellis. Miss Cole has a reputation for being free with her favours, and is not the sort of person who would normally be employed as a lady’s maid.’

  ‘That might be said of me, my lady.’

  ‘True, but you are a completely different proposition from Miss Cole, who lives by her wits and has somehow convinced Mrs Fothergill of her worth. Anyway, I’m tired of the subject now. I want to take off my stays and enjoy my supper. You may have yours when I am comfortably settled in my room.’

  It was almost an hour before Lottie was free to sit down to her meal in the kitchen, which was deserted except for Cissy, a small slavey who was mopping the floor. The girl, who could not have been more than eleven or twelve, was heavy-eyed and kept stopping to lean on the mop handle. Lottie could remember her first weeks at the inn, when she had been about the same age as Cissy, and her heart went out to the exhausted child. She rose from the table, leaving the pie and pickles half eaten.

  ‘Cissy, let me finish that for you.’

  ‘What?’ Cissy opened her eyes wide, and a look of fear crossed her small features. ‘Don’t tell Cook I wasn’t doing this proper.’

  ‘You are doing very well considering the fact that you’re half asleep.’ Lottie took the mop from her. ‘I’m good at this and I can finish it in half the time. Why don’t you take my place at the table and finish up the pie for me? I can’t eat it and it would be a shame to leave it for Lady Petunia. I think she’s fat enough already.’