The Swan Maid

by Dilly Court

  ‘That doesn’t surprise me.’ Cordelia brushed Lottie aside and thrust the door open. ‘Good morning, Lady Aurelia. I’m sorry if you are not feeling up to snuff, but we’ll soon put that right. Your dear husband has asked me to keep you company while we’re waiting for him to join us.’

  Aurelia pulled the coverlet up to her chin. ‘How kind of Dashwood, but I mustn’t detain you, Mrs Fothergill. I fear I might be going down with something catching.’

  ‘I think we can be on more intimate terms now, Aurelia. You must think of me as your friend and call me Cordelia. After all, we are in the same boat, so to speak, or rather we soon will be.’

  ‘You’re accompanying your husband to the Crimea?’ Aurelia said faintly.

  ‘I feel it is my duty, my dear. For too long I have sat at home and waited for my husband to return from foreign parts, but now I’ve decided that he needs my womanly companionship and loving care while he’s fighting for his country.’

  Lottie had to use all her self-control in order to stifle a giggle. Lady Aurelia’s expression of horror would have registered on anyone less full of herself, but Cordelia Fothergill seemed to have skin as thick as an elephant’s. Lottie had never felt sorrier for her mistress than she did at this moment. With her hair loose around her shoulders she looked small and pale, and almost childlike as she lay in the large bed, but there was a glint in her eyes that did not bode well for Mrs Fothergill.

  ‘Excuse me, ma’am,’ Lottie said hastily. ‘Might I offer you some refreshment in the drawing room? I could easily run downstairs and fetch you something from the kitchen.’

  ‘I’m here for your mistress, girl. You may leave us.’

  ‘No.’ Aurelia pushed back the covers. ‘I’ll get up, despite my malaise. Kindly leave me to get dressed, Cordelia. I don’t like entertaining in my boudoir.’

  ‘That’s not what I heard,’ Cordelia said with an arch smile.

  Aurelia leaped out of bed with her fingers clawed as if ready to scratch Cordelia’s smug face, but Lottie had been quick to spot the danger signals. She snatched a dressing robe from a chair and wrapped it around her mistress, pinning her arms to her sides.

  ‘Let me go,’ Aurelia hissed in Lottie’s ear. ‘I’ll strangle the bitch.’

  ‘I’ll wait in the drawing room,’ Cordelia said as she left the room, closing the door behind her. She seemed unperturbed by Aurelia’s anger, although Lottie suspected that she was either hard of hearing or incredibly stupid.

  ‘It’s just as well she went when she did or I might have done something I would regret.’ Aurelia slumped down on the stool in front of the dressing table. ‘How dare she barge into my boudoir and insult me in such a manner?’

  ‘She’s a horrible woman,’ Lottie said angrily. ‘I can’t believe that the colonel asked her to spy on you.’

  ‘That’s what it amounts to.’ Aurelia picked up her hairbrush. ‘But I have to agree, it’s not the sort of thing that would enter Dashwood’s head. However, if she wants to set herself up as my moral guardian I’ll give her something to think about.’

  ‘Are you sure that’s wise, my lady?’

  Aurelia smiled wickedly. ‘Oh, yes, Lottie. And it will be fun. I’m beginning to enjoy myself already.’

  Lady Aurelia Dashwood launched herself into Southampton society, starting that evening at a charity ball. The tickets were supplied, at considerable cost, by Mrs Kempson, who proved to have an endless knowledge of social events in the town, which she was pleased to share, for a price. Lottie would have been content to stay at home and read a book, but Aurelia insisted that she should accompany her on all occasions, some grander than others.

  As the weeks went by invitations were showered upon Lady Aurelia Dashwood, who was fêted wherever she went, and her name was prominent in the social columns of the local newspapers. Hansford had to be sent to Chatham to bring a further selection of her afternoon and evening gowns, and her clothes now occupied a whole room in their lodgings. Gentlemen callers had to be turned away, a task that fell to Mrs Kempson, and seemed to give her a certain amount of grim satisfaction; it was obvious that she was revelling in the popularity of her aristocratic guest.

  Undoubtedly the opposite was true of Cordelia. Lottie saw her pale face peering out of her window every time a carriage drew to a halt outside their lodging house. At first Cordelia had made an effort to attend the same social gatherings, but Aurelia was tireless and sometimes there were two or even three engagements on the same evening. No one, Lottie thought wearily, could keep up such a pace for ever – no one except Lady Aurelia Dashwood, the toast of the town.

  Lottie herself was kept busy from the moment she woke up in the morning until she tumbled into her bed late at night, or in the early hours. She had to accompany her mistress everywhere and act as her chaperone as well as her maid. Her duties were not onerous but she had little time to rest, and even less time to think about her own problems. Not that Gideon was a problem now, of course. She had pushed his proposal to the back of her mind, and yet his words still lingered. Sometimes, when she was least expecting it, she would see his face as clearly as if he were standing before her. It would have been foolish to accept his offer of marriage, but she wished she had rejected him with more tact and grace. He was a good man and a true friend, and to tell the truth she missed his company. She missed his lazy smile and his sharp sense of humour, and above all she missed the conversations they had shared during her riding lessons. She looked forward to seeing him again, even though it would not be under the best of circumstances, and she could only hope that he would have forgiven her for turning him down.

  Despite Aurelia’s frenetic social life, it was obvious to Lottie that her mistress was not happy. There was a brittle gaiety in her manner when in public,but when they were alone in the apartment Aurelia often lapsed into moody silences. She ate little and complained bitterly about the food that Mrs Kempson served, although Lottie could find no fault with their meals, which were plain but well cooked. Sometimes Aurelia was restless and at other times she could barely drag herself out of bed. Lottie was beginning to wish that the colonel would arrive and that their sea voyage would begin, and she tried not to think of the hardships they might endure or the dangers they would inevitably face. She could refuse to go, but that was not an option now. Her relationship with Lady Aurelia was a delicate balance between friend and confidante and servant, but Lottie felt in some way responsible for her. She had caught glimpses of the fragile person hidden behind an outward display of bravado, and she sensed the depth of feeling concealed beneath Aurelia’s blatant disregard for convention. They might be separated socially by accident of birth, but they suffered like sisters when it came to affairs of the heart.

  When she had a few moments to herself Lottie had taken to walking down by the docks. She was watching some passengers disembarking from the mail ship La Plata one afternoon when she was aware of a sudden commotion. Shielding her eyes against the hazy autumn sunshine, she thought at first that she was witnessing the arrival of a noisy theatrical troupe.

  Sunlight glinted on the gold braid worn by the army officers who accompanied a stout, dark-skinned woman wearing a bright blue gown, and a bonnet trimmed with scarlet and yellow ribbons. She was middle-aged and motherly, with a kindly expression and a loud laugh that echoed round the dockyard, causing heads to turn. Lottie stood aside as the small party strolled past, followed by a procession of sailors carrying an assortment of luggage.

  Curiosity getting the better of her, Lottie waylaid one of the seamen. ‘Who is she? Who is that lady?’

  ‘That’s Mother Seacole,’ he said, grinning. ‘You might not have heard of her yet, but soon she’ll be a household name. She’s come all the way from Navy Bay, Panama to join Miss Nightingale in the Crimea. That’s what she told us on board. Excuse me, miss. I must hurry or I’ll be left behind.’

  Lottie watched them until they were out of sight, but the merry laughter of Mother Seacole floated in the air, competing wit
h the mournful cries of the seagulls. Lottie hurried home to tell Aurelia, and found her lying on her bed, staring listlessly at the ceiling.

  ‘Are you ill?’ Lottie asked anxiously. ‘You do look a bit pale.’

  ‘Did you get the pot of rouge I asked for?’

  ‘I did, but you don’t need to put paint on your face, my lady.’

  ‘You’re my maid, not my mother. She died years ago.’

  ‘I’m sorry, but you are a lovely woman. You really don’t need anything to make you look prettier.’

  ‘Stop preaching at me, Lottie. I’m perfectly all right.’ Aurelia raised herself on one elbow. ‘What did you have to tell me? I can see by your expression that something has excited you. Has Cordelia fallen down and broken her stringy neck?’

  ‘No, nothing of the sort. I was walking down by the docks when this extraordinary woman disembarked from a mail ship in the company of several quite high-ranking army officers.’

  ‘Really? How interesting.’ Aurelia subsided onto the pillows. ‘I’m hungry. I fancy some strawberries.’

  ‘They’re not in season. What about a nice juicy apple?’

  ‘No, Lottie. I said I want strawberries.’ Aurelia closed her eyes. ‘Never mind. Perhaps there’ll be some at the ball this evening.’

  ‘Do you think you ought to go out again tonight? I mean, you look exhausted. A rest might do you the world of good.’

  Aurelia opened one eye. ‘Are you a nurse now? I thought Miss Nightingale had turned you down. Go away and leave me in peace. Wake me up in time to get dressed. We’re going to the ball and that is that.’

  The charity ball was held in a large function room in the centre of town. They were late arriving as Aurelia’s toilette had taken longer than usual and she had changed several times, having found fault with each of the gowns that Lottie had laid out for her.

  ‘Are you sure you feel up to this, my lady?’ Lottie asked anxiously as they crossed the foyer, heading for the ballroom.

  Pale, but determined, Aurelia shot her a sideways glance. ‘We won’t stay late. I want you by my side, Lottie. Don’t let that woman come near me or I might forget myself.’

  ‘But I ought to stay in the anteroom with the other maidservants.’

  ‘Tonight you are my companion and my chaperone. You will sit with the dowagers while I dance and enjoy myself, but if you see that dragon moving in my direction I want you to head her off. Do what you like, but keep her away from me.’

  ‘I’ll do my best.’

  Aurelia treated her to a beaming smile. ‘I know you will, dear Lottie.’ She linked arms with her as the usher opened the double doors and they entered together. Aurelia paused on the threshold and Lottie moved aside. Heads turned to stare at the vision in shimmering emerald green with a diamond necklace flashing white fire around her slender throat, and earrings that reflected the light from the many chandeliers. The orchestra played on, but the dancing had stopped. Lottie held her breath. Her mistress had captured the hearts and imaginations of the illustrious gathering as if a queen had suddenly arrived in their midst. She made the staid matrons look dowdy and the young unmarried girls look gauche and plain.

  There was a moment of silence as the orchestra finished their piece and it seemed to Lottie that the world had stopped spinning. There were many military uniforms amongst the guests, but she had spotted Colonel Dashwood, who was making his way through the crowd followed by FarrellGillingham. She made a move towards Lady Aurelia intending to warn her, but Aurelia had spotted her husband and her lover. Her hand flew to her lips and she slid to the floor in a dead faint.

  Lottie went down on her knees beside her but Gillingham was first to reach them and he lifted Aurelia in his arms. Colonel Dashwood followed more slowly, puffing and red in the face and to Lottie’s horror she saw Cordelia bringing up the rear. Lottie sprang to her feet and signalled to the usher to open the door.

  ‘There’s an anteroom outside to the right,’ she said in a low voice. ‘I know because we’ve been here before.’

  Gillingham nodded and carried his precious burden from the crowded ballroom.

  ‘You’d better come with us, Lane.’ Colonel Dashwood followed Gillingham out into the comparative cool of the foyer. He stopped on the top step, turning to Cordelia with a frown. ‘The fewer people around the better, madam. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself.’

  ‘Well, really! I only wanted to help. I’ve been keeping an eye on your wife, Colonel.’

  ‘I don’t think Lady Aurelia needs you to chaperone her, Mrs Fothergill. I suggest you return to your husband’s side.’ Dashwood closed the door on her. ‘Send for a doctor, Miss Lane. My wife is obviously unwell.’

  ‘I will, of course, if you think it necessary, sir. But it was probably the surprise on seeing you that overcame her,’ Lottie said tactfully. ‘We weren’t aware that you were in town.’ She followed the colonel into the anteroom where Gillingham had set Aurelia down on a sofa.

  ‘Get some water, Miss Lane,’ he said, looking up. ‘Or some smelling salts, if you have them.’

  ‘What happened?’ Aurelia opened her eyes and attempted to sit up, but fell back again and covered her eyes with her gloved hand. ‘Gillingham, is it really you?’

  He shot a wary glance at the colonel. ‘Yes, my lady. I am here with your husband, who is very concerned for your welfare.’

  ‘Dash it, man. I can speak for myself.’ Colonel Dashwood brushed him aside. ‘Are you unwell, Aurelia? Shall I send for a doctor?’

  Lottie stood by with the glass she had just filled from a jug on a side table. ‘Perhaps a sip of water would help, my lady?’

  Aurelia made another attempt to sit up. ‘Yes, please.’ She drank thirstily. ‘I was overcome by the heat in that room, and of course, the pleasure of seeing you, Dashwood.’ She shook her head as Lottie offered her another drink. ‘Thank you, I’m quite recovered now.’

  ‘Why don’t you lie back and rest a while, my lady?’ Gillingham said softly. ‘I could send for a cab to take you back to your lodgings.’

  ‘Yes, my love,’ Dashwood agreed, nodding. ‘That sounds like a capital idea. We’ve been apart far too long and a quiet evening at home would be most welcome.’

  Aurelia sat upright, staring at him with narrowed eyes. ‘And yet you didn’t apprise me of your arrival, Dashwood. You attended the ball without bothering to find out if I would care to accompany you.’

  Lottie held her breath, looking from one to the other. She could see that Gillingham longed to take Aurelia’s part, but could not without betraying his feelings, and she, for her part, was deliberately ignoring him.

  ‘Well, my love, of course I would have come straight to you, but we arrived at the barracks just a few hours ago. I am on duty.’

  ‘Of course you are.’ Aurelia rose to her feet, leaning on Gillingham. She smiled. ‘Duty must come first, Dashwood. I’ve been an army wife for long enough to know that. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to disobey orders from above.’

  ‘You are, as always, the perfect wife.’ Dashwood raised her hand to his lips. ‘Are you recovered enough to dance with your husband, Aurelia?’

  ‘Yes, indeed.’ Aurelia moved from Gillingham’s protective arm and laid her hand on her husband’s sleeve. ‘On one condition, Dashwood. Keep that red-haired termagant away from me for the rest of the evening. She has made my life a misery while I’ve been here waiting for your arrival.’

  Colonel Dashwood’s reply was lost as they left the room. Lottie was not sure whether she was supposed to remain where she was, or if she was expected to follow her mistress into the ballroom. Gillingham was about to follow his superior, but he hesitated, turning to Lottie with a grin.

  ‘It looks as though you aren’t needed for a while, Miss Lane. I think you might enjoy a breath of fresh air.’

  She stared at him, puzzled. ‘I don’t feel faint, Lieutenant.’

  ‘No, but there is someone outside whom you might like to see.’ He left the room, givin
g her a wink and a smile.

  ‘Gideon.’ His name left her lips in an involuntary sigh, but she hesitated. They had not parted on the best of terms and she was unsure of her welcome, but the desire to see him overcame her misgivings.

  The smells and sounds of the stable yard brought back memories of her years at The Swan. Horses stamped and pawed the ground in their stalls, while stable boys walked the more restive animals. A group of soldiers stood apart from the civilians, smoking and drinking ale, as they waited for orders. Lottie wrapped her cloak around her as the cool night air stung her cheeks. Summer was now a distant memory and autumn had brought in the long dark nights and the promise of colder weather to come. She hesitated, trying to make out the faces of the men who had gathered in the light of a flaming torch, but she could not see Gideon and she wondered if Gillingham had been teasing her. If so, it was a cruel jest and she could taste disappointment on her tongue as if she had swallowed a draught of bitter medicine. She turned to go and almost collided with a tall figure in uniform.

  ‘Gideon?’ It was too dark to see his face clearly, but she would have known him anywhere.

  ‘Lottie. By God, it is you?’ He seized her by the shoulders, drawing her into a pool of light that spilled from an uncurtained window. ‘I didn’t expect to see you tonight.’

  ‘Gillingham told me that you were here.’

  ‘This is a wonderful surprise. I hoped we’d meet again soon.’

  ‘I am so happy to see you, Gideon.’

  He met her gaze with a long look. ‘Are you really, Lottie? Or are you just saying that?’

  ‘I felt so bad after I turned you down, but you caught me unawares.’

  ‘Would you have answered differently if I’d given you time to think?’ His eager expression touched her to the core, but it made her think hard before she responded.

  ‘I wouldn’t have accepted an offer of marriage in order to get me out of a difficult situation,’ she said slowly, ‘but I might have admitted that I felt something more for you than mere friendship.’

  He dropped his hands to his sides. ‘And how do you feel now? For a moment just then I thought you had some tender feelings for me.’