The Swan Maid

by Dilly Court

  ‘I do?’ Aurelia looked up, a glimmer of hope in her stormy blue eyes. ‘How so?’

  ‘The colonel loves you, my lady. I don’t have to tell you how to handle your husband.’

  ‘You wouldn’t dare,’ Aurelia said with a reluctant smile. ‘You’re right, Lottie. I can wrap Dashwood round my little finger, and now is the time to exert all my feminine powers. Is he still with Lord Raglan?’

  ‘I believe they are having dinner, and that you were also invited.’

  ‘Along with Mrs Fothergill, I suppose.’ Aurelia rose to her feet. ‘Unpack my magenta evening gown, Lottie. I’ll wear my ruby necklace and earrings. This is not the time to be a shrinking violet. I’m going to outface that vicious bitch and make her look a liar and a fool.’

  Lottie waited nervously for Lady Aurelia to return from Lord Raglan’s residence. She could only hope that her ladyship’s winning ways and quick wit would counteract Mrs Fothergill’s spiteful accusations. She knew from past experience that these dinners were inclined to go on into the small hours, and was prepared to wait all night, if necessary, but shortly before ten o’clock Lady Aurelia burst into the hut.

  ‘If I had a musket I’d shoot that woman.’ She took off her necklace and dropped it onto the table together with her earrings. ‘She’s done her worst and the damage is complete. I’ve never been so humiliated in all my life. My God, I’m the daughter of an earl, and what is she but a jumped-up bourgeoise.’

  ‘It didn’t go well?’ Lottie retrieved the jewels and dropped them into their small velvet bag.

  ‘She used sly innuendo to try to trick me into saying something I would regret. I pride myself that I dealt with her insinuations promptly, but I could see that the major-general was on her side, and poor Dashwood was confused and embarrassed. It was a ghastly evening and I never want to live through anything like that again.’

  ‘But surely it’s what the colonel thinks and does that matters most, my lady. The major-general and his wife are of little consequence in your private life.’

  ‘This is the army, Lottie. Men can get away with almost anything as long as it doesn’t harm the honour of the regiment, but their wives have to live by a different set of rules. Cordelia Fothergill knows that full well and she’s used it against me.’ Aurelia held out her arms. ‘Undo me. I’m going to bed.’

  Lottie busied herself with the tiny buttons on the back of Lady Aurelia’s gown. ‘It will blow over, I’m sure.’

  ‘I don’t care.’ Aurelia tossed her head. ‘I only had a few minutes alone with my husband, but he made it plain that Gillingham’s career will be in jeopardy if I try to see him again. I asked him for a divorce, but he refused point-blank. I am to remain here in this hellhole and pretend that nothing is amiss. Nothing must besmirch the honour of the regiment.’ She stepped out of the gown and it fell to the floor, lying around her feet in a shimmering pool, the colour of blood.

  The symbolism was not lost on Lottie and she hastily retrieved the garment, shaking out the creases and laying it over the back of the chair. ‘I’m so sorry, my lady.’

  ‘I refuse to be treated like a wayward child. Dashwood said I am not to leave camp unless he grants permission. You would have thought he would know me better after five years of marriage.’ Aurelia took a deep breath as Lottie slackened the laces on her stays. ‘That’s better. Pour me a glass of brandy, and I’ll take a few drops of laudanum to help me sleep. I’ll think of a way out of this damnable impasse.’ She caught Lottie by the hand. ‘You are the only true friend I have in the whole world.’ Her violet-blue eyes filled with tears, and she released Lottie with an attempt at a smile. ‘You are worth more than wasting your youth on a spoiled woman like me. I couldn’t love you more if we were sisters, always remember that, Lottie.’

  ‘I – I don’t know what to say, your ladyship.’

  Aurelia’s lips tightened and her eyes darkened. ‘Life is very unfair. Whatever people say about me, you know that I am not a bad person.’

  Lottie poured her drink and handed it to her. ‘Of course not, my lady.’

  ‘But I will not be beaten.’ Aurelia raised the glass. ‘To hell with Cordelia Fothergill and her ilk, and to hell with the army. Dashwood made the mistake of telling me where he’s sent Farrell. He’ll regret that until the day he dies.’ She downed the brandy in one and tossed the glass into the stone fireplace where it shattered into shards. ‘Pour me another and have one yourself, Lottie.’

  ‘Don’t you think you’ve had enough, my lady?’

  Aurelia snatched the bottle from the table and half-filled a glass with brandy. ‘Not yet, but I will triumph, Lottie. Just you wait and see.’

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lottie had tossed and turned all night, listening to the rain and the wind soughing round the camp like a soul in torment. She had not wanted to leave her mistress in such a state, but Aurelia had insisted that she wanted to be alone, leaving Lottie no alternative but to return to her sleeping quarters. The tent was not the most comfortable place to be when steady rainfall beat a tattoo on the canvas, and damp seeped up from the hard-packed soil beneath them. Teddy was restless and, despite a hefty dose of laudanum, even the slightest movement made him cry out, and this disturbed Molly, who needed to be fed every two or three hours.

  At first light Lottie gave up all attempts to rest even though the others were now sleeping peacefully. She roused herself, dressed and went outside in the cool of a grey dawn. It had stopped raining, but as she went to fetch water she was faced with a sea of mud. Fires were being lit and wood-smoke formed a dense cloud above the encampment. The chill in the air made Lottie shiver as she picked her way towards Lady Aurelia’s hut, avoiding the deep puddles as best she could in the hazy light. The kindling she had collected previously would be dry enough to get a decent fire going, and the prospect of a cup of tea made her quicken her steps, but as she approached the squat building she had a feeling that all was not well. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled with apprehension as she entered the hut, only to find it empty.

  Even in the dim light she could see that the large cabin trunk was open and garments were spilled onto the floor. Gloves, hats and shoes were scattered around, and Lady Aurelia’s jewel case lay empty and abandoned on the bed. Lottie’s hands shook as she took in the scene. It looked as if a robbery had taken place, but she suspected that the truth was even more shocking. The bed had not been slept in and Lady Aurelia’s portmanteau and valise were missing. There was no note to explain her ladyship’s sudden departure, but, if her mood the previous evening was anything to go by, she had taken matters into her own hands and had gone to find Gillingham. There could be no other explanation, but what to do now? Lottie picked up a shoe and placed it in the smaller trunk. She found its match and put them together, working automatically as if tidying the room after a particularly trying session when Aurelia could not make up her mind what to wear. She folded the discarded garments and packed them away before sweeping up the fragments of glass.

  When everything was put to rights she lit the fire and placed the kettle on the trivet. Perhaps Lady Aurelia would realise her mistake and return before anyone had missed her? It was a question that buzzed round in her head like a swarm of bluebottles on the dung heap at The Swan. But as the sun forced its way through a bank of clouds, and the ground outside steamed beneath its welcoming rays, Lottie’s hopes began to fade. She was afraid, although not for herself; she would manage somehow, but Lady Aurelia had everything to lose. Wealthy she might be, but with her reputation in shreds she would find herself ostracised by polite society. She would be branded as an adulteress; a scarlet woman. Lottie had heard Ruth and May sharing titbits of gossip overheard in the taproom, and she knew that a reputation lost was difficult, if not impossible, to regain.

  She made a pot of tea, and as she waited for it to brew she realised that she must do something. She picked up the pot and took it to the tent where Ruby was feeding the baby and Teddy was sitting up, looking pale, but
determined not to cry.

  Lottie filled their mugs and added some of the precious sugar that Tom Bonney had given them.

  ‘Where’ve you been?’ Ruby demanded crossly. ‘I suppose her ladyship’s whims and fancies are more important than seeing to the boy.’

  Teddy glared at her. ‘I got a name, missis. And I can take care of meself.’

  ‘Of course you can, Teddy.’ Lottie handed him a mug of sweet tea. ‘I’m sorry there’s no milk, but I suppose you’re used to that.’

  ‘I’m a soldier, miss. I’ve been with the 97th since I was nine.’

  ‘Then you’re an old campaigner.’ Lottie placed Ruby’s tea within reach. ‘I’ll make some porridge in a minute. We’ll all feel better for some breakfast.’

  ‘What is it you’re not telling us?’ Ruby demanded. ‘It’s obvious that there’s something bothering you, so don’t deny it.’

  ‘Well, I’ve no doubt it will be common knowledge before the morning is out. Lady Aurelia has left.’

  ‘What d’you mean?’ Ruby shifted the baby to her shoulder and patted her tiny back. ‘Has she gone to live at the monastery?’

  ‘The truth is I don’t know where she is, but I suspect the worst, if you get my meaning.’ Lottie shot a warning glance in Teddy’s direction.

  ‘Oh Lord! That’ll put the cat among the pigeons,’ Ruby said, chuckling.

  ‘What cat?’ Teddy asked eagerly.

  Lottie gazed at him, frowning thoughtfully. ‘How do you feel this morning, Teddy? Do you think you could run an errand for me?’

  ‘I should say so. I ain’t a baby and I ain’t sick. My arm hurts, but I’m a soldier and I got to learn to take pain.’

  Lottie helped him to his feet. ‘It’s quite simple. I want you to take a message to Lieutenant Bonney. Do you know where to find him?’

  ‘I knows this camp like the back of me hand, miss. What do I say?’

  ‘Just ask him to meet me here. Can you do that?’

  Teddy puffed out his chest. ‘Yes, of course I can. Will you have the porridge ready when I come back? I’m blooming starving.’

  Lottie brushed a stray curl of hair back from his forehead. ‘I’ll get the fire going and put the water on to boil. You’ll get your breakfast, soldier.’ She held the tent flap open to make it easier for him, but he marched off with his shoulders braced and a determined set to his jaw.

  ‘You think she’s gone to look for Gillingham, don’t you?’ Ruby cradled Molly in her arms, rocking her gently. ‘That’s why you want to speak to Bonney.’

  ‘She knows where Gillingham has been sent, and I’m sure she’s gone to find him.’

  ‘Then she’ll be safe, Lottie, or as safe as any of us are here.’ Ruby swaddled the baby and laid her down on the bed. ‘Stop worrying, there’s nothing you can do.’

  ‘That’s easy to say, but she might be in terrible danger.’

  ‘I’d say she knows what she’s doing, and she can take care of herself.’

  ‘She’s not thinking straight, Ruby. You should have seen her last night. She was desperate.’

  ‘She cuckolded her husband.’ Ruby glanced down at the sleeping baby. ‘And she abandoned this little moppet. What sort of woman does that?’

  ‘I’m not defending her actions, but I can’t help feeling sorry for her. She’s besotted with Gillingham and that makes her behave as she does.’

  ‘You’re too soft on her, Lottie. Lady Aurelia is a selfish monster and she deserves all she gets. I’ll say no more, because I know you care about her, but I know what I think, and it’s what everyone else will think as well.’

  ‘I’ll see to the fire.’ Lottie left the tent and set to work lighting the campfire. Arguing with Ruby was pointless. She was entitled to her opinion, and was undoubtedly correct in her assumption that the world would think badly of Lady Aurelia, but Lottie had seen beneath the outer façade. She knew that, for all her faults, Aurelia Dashwood was a woman deeply in love, willing to risk everything to be with the man she adored.

  The sun had come out now, banishing the clouds and Lottie had just got the fire going, and had hung the kettle over the flames, when Teddy returned with Tom Bonney close on his heels.

  ‘Well done, soldier.’ Lottie smiled, but she was alarmed to see Teddy looking so pale and drawn. ‘That’s enough for now. If you’ll keep an eye on the baby, Ruby will make breakfast for us all.’

  Teddy’s bottom lip trembled. ‘I’m a drummer boy, miss. I ain’t no nursemaid.’

  ‘That sounded like an order, soldier,’ Tom said, smiling. He put his hand in his pocket and took out an apple. ‘Here’s something for your trouble, but I expect you to look after the ladies. You’re the only man in the tent, so it’s your duty to protect them at all times.’

  Teddy stood to attention and saluted. ‘Yes, sir.’ He accepted the apple with a pleased grin. ‘Thank you, sir.’ He hurried into the tent as if afraid that someone might steal his prize.

  ‘I need to speak to you urgently, Lieutenant,’ Lottie said in a low voice.

  ‘Won’t you call me Tom? I think we know each other well enough by now, don’t you, Lottie?’

  She shot him a wary glance. ‘Yes, I suppose so, but we’d do best to go to Lady Aurelia’s quarters. I don’t want anyone to hear what I’ve got to say.’

  He followed her as she sidestepped the puddles and made her way to the hut.

  ‘It must be something important. What is it?’

  ‘Come inside.’ Lottie opened the door and entered.

  He stood in the doorway, looking round. ‘I can’t see anything out of the way.’

  ‘Her ladyship was very upset when I left her last night, and this morning she wasn’t here. She’s packed two bags and I think she’s gone in search of Gillingham.’

  ‘I don’t know the whole story, Lottie, but could it be that you’re reading too much into this? Might she not have decided to stay the night at Lord Raglan’s residence? Or perhaps she accompanied her husband to the monastery?’

  ‘I can’t tell you everything without breaking a confidence, but it’s very unlikely.’

  ‘But it’s possible,’ he said gently. ‘I have to report to the major-general and I’ll make discreet enquiries.’

  ‘Would you? I’d be so grateful. I’m sick with worry.’

  ‘You really care about her, don’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I do.’

  Tom gazed at her, frowning. ‘I’m not sure she deserves such loyalty, but I’ll do my best to discover her whereabouts. She can’t have left the camp without someone seeing her. I’ll make discreet enquiries.’

  ‘I’m sorry to drag you into this, Tom, but you were the only person I could trust.’

  ‘I’ll let you know as soon as I have any news.’

  There was nothing that Lottie could do other than await his return, but it was far from easy.

  ‘For pity’s sake, can’t you find something to occupy yourself, other than pacing up and down?’ Ruby put down her sewing and glared at Lottie, who had stepped outside in the hope of seeing Tom, and returned even more downcast than before. ‘You won’t help her ladyship by wearing yourself out like this.’

  Lottie was about to defend her actions, but thought better of it. ‘I don’t know what else to do. I feel so helpless, and it’s frustrating.’

  ‘There’s something you should do. Teddy ought to be seen by the medical officer,’ Ruby said in a low voice. ‘I know Mrs Seacole set his arm, but perhaps he should be checked by a real doctor.’

  ‘You’re right, of course, and we’re running out of laudanum. I’ll take him to the hospital.’ Lottie beckoned to Teddy, who was hunched on his bed, staring gloomily out through the open tent flap. ‘Come on, soldier. Let’s make this official.’

  He scrambled to his feet. ‘Do you think that the doctor will let me go back on duty, miss? I’ve still got one good arm.’

  Lottie ruffled his curls, smiling. ‘We’ll see what he says.’

  Teddy was not a priority. I
njured men arrived in droves, some walking but most of them carried on stretchers, bloodied and groaning horribly. The nauseous smell of infected wounds and gangrene filled the stuffy room, and the hard-pressed orderlies and nurses did their best to cope. Lottie was tempted to offer her services, but she was untrained and would probably get in the way, and she resigned herself to sitting with Teddy, endeavouring to keep his spirits up as they waited to be seen.

  Eventually, after three long hours, a tired young surgeon examined Teddy’s arm. ‘Whoever did this made a good job of it,’ he said, nodding. ‘Where was he treated?’

  ‘He was waiting to be shipped out to Scutari.’ Lottie clasped Teddy’s good hand in hers, giving it a comforting squeeze. ‘Mrs Seacole set the bones and splinted his arm.’

  Teddy nodded, biting his lip as the doctor examined the affected limb.

  ‘Well, young man, that lady probably saved your arm from amputation,’ the doctor said cheerfully. ‘I’ll leave well alone, but you must wear the splint until the bones knit together, which could take anything from four to eight weeks, maybe longer.’

  ‘When can I return to duty, sir?’

  The doctor gazed at him, frowning. ‘I’m going to advise discharge from the army on medical grounds. Your arm will heal, but you will have a weakness there for a long time, and in my opinion you are not fit for military service.’

  Teddy’s green eyes filled with tears and his bottom lip trembled. ‘But it’s my job, sir.’

  ‘You can join up when you’re older, if that’s what you really want, my boy.’

  ‘I’m a soldier, sir.’ Teddy’s bottom lip stuck out ominously.

  The doctor turned to Lottie. ‘Are you related to the boy in any way, miss?’

  ‘No, we’re not related.’

  ‘He should be sent home to the care of his family. I personally don’t think boys of this age should be recruited, but that’s just my opinion.’

  ‘I ain’t got no family, sir,’ Teddy said hastily. ‘I come to the army from the foundling home. The army is my family now, sir.’

  Lottie slipped her arm around his shoulders. ‘You’ve got me and Ruby, and little Molly too. You have a family, Teddy.’