The Swan Maid

by Dilly Court

  ‘Farrell loves Aurelia, and you do too, so the woman must have some qualities that I don’t see.’ Gideon reached out to hold Lottie’s hand. ‘I respect your judgement, sweetheart. But you really must curb your instinct to protect every lame dog you meet, or we’ll have half the population of London living with us.’

  ‘Now you’re being ridiculous,’ Lottie said, chuckling. ‘Eat your supper before it gets cold.’

  ‘It’s good to have something other than eel pie and mash.’

  ‘It kept us going during the hard times.’

  ‘I know, and I hate to think of everything you’ve been through.’

  ‘It was my choice to follow you to the Crimea, and I chose to accompany Aurelia to India.’

  ‘I’m sorry I didn’t support your plan to move here, Lottie. I felt that I should take the lead in everything because I’m the head of the family, or I will be once we’re married.’

  ‘We aren’t even engaged, Gideon. You’ve never proposed to me, not in so many words.’

  His eyes darkened. ‘I wanted to have something better to offer you. I didn’t want to be a kept man. I suppose it was foolish pride on my part.’

  She was about to reply when Teddy burst into the room. He stood by the door, holding it open for Jezebel and Grace to enter followed by Jem, who was staggering beneath Harold’s weight.

  ‘We’ve come to celebrate the birth of Joseph James Barker,’ Jezebel said, placing a bottle of wine on the table. ‘There are a few of these left in the cellar and we have to wet the baby’s head.’

  Grace glanced anxiously at her son. ‘Have we come at a bad time?’ She turned to Jezebel, scowling. ‘I said we should leave it until tomorrow, when Ruby can join in.’

  ‘Put me down, Jem,’ Harold said firmly.

  Jem lowered him onto a chair beside Lottie. ‘There you go, guv.’

  ‘I’d prefer ale, if there’s any left in the taproom.’ Harold turned to Teddy with a persuasive smile. ‘Why don’t you go and see what you can find, young man? If you’re old enough to be a soldier, you’re old enough to sup a pint of ale.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’ Teddy needed no second bidding. He was out of the door before either Grace or Jezebel could stop him.

  ‘You’re leading the boy into bad ways,’ Grace said, tempering her words with a smile.

  ‘Teddy took on a man’s job catching the eels for us.’ Lottie met her father’s amused gaze with a nod of approval. ‘The boy is growing up fast.’

  ‘Well, I’m going to have some wine.’ Jezebel fished in a drawer and produced a corkscrew. ‘Have we got to drink it out of tin mugs?’

  ‘I’ll go and see if there are any glasses left in the dining room,’ Lottie said, stifling a yawn.

  ‘You look done in, love.’ Harold gave her a searching look. ‘You should sit down and rest. I’d give anything to be able to help you. I hate being half a man.’

  Gideon patted him on the shoulder. ‘A Bath chair would make things easier for you, Harry. I’ll do my best to track one down.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t grumble when you’ve all gone out of your way to look after me.’ Harold’s eyes reddened as if he was fighting back tears. ‘You’re a good chap, Gideon.’

  ‘You mustn’t talk that way, Pa,’ Lottie said earnestly. ‘I’m just glad to have you home.’

  ‘Ta, love.’ Harold wiped his eyes on his sleeve. ‘I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such a splendid daughter.’

  Gideon nodded emphatically. ‘I’ll second that. You and I would still be in Poona, waiting for a ship to bring us home if it hadn’t been for Lottie’s efforts.’ He turned to Lottie with an apologetic smile. ‘I was wrong about this place, and you were right to go ahead. The most important thing is for us all to be together, and, heaven knows, there’s plenty of room here. I’m sorry I didn’t support you when you needed me.’

  ‘Well said, my boy.’ Grace gave him a warm look. ‘It takes a man to admit that he’s in the wrong.’

  Overwhelmed by the unexpected apology, Lottie met Gideon’s intense gaze with an attempt at a smile. ‘It’s all right. I understand.’

  ‘Get them glasses, girl,’ Jezebel said impatiently. ‘There’ll be plenty of time for making sheep’s eyes at each other later. Although, come to think of it, I could do with something stronger than that red stuff. Where’s the gin?’

  Lottie went to find the glasses. There was so much that she wanted to say to Gideon, but that would have to wait, although, as things were, she wondered if they would ever have a moment to themselves. It seemed even more unlikely as the evening wore on and the wine flowed, not to mention the gin. Jezebel became quite maudlin and had to be put to bed with the combined efforts of Lottie and Grace, and, having drunk a pint of ale, Teddy fell flat on his face in the stable yard, giggling and threshing about with Lad jumping up and down, yapping. This time it was Ned Potts who came to the rescue and he slung the drunken drummer boy over his shoulder.

  ‘I’ll put him in the room next to mine above the stables, miss. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on the young ’un.’ He snapped his fingers and Lad followed meekly as Ned carried his still chuckling burden across the yard.

  ‘What a night,’ Gideon murmured when he returned from helping Jem to settle Harold in a room on the ground floor, where Filby had catnapped when awaiting the arrival of a late mail coach. Jem had gone to join Ruby and their small son, and Grace had retired to her bedchamber, pale and exhausted, but still smiling.

  ‘What a day,’ Lottie said, yawning. ‘I don’t know how we managed when the inn was at its busiest. I wouldn’t have dreamed of taking this place on if the mail coaches had still been running.’

  Gideon slipped his arms around her waist, twisting her round to face him. His hazel eyes were in shadow but his lips curved into a tender smile. ‘We are alone. I can’t believe it.’ He bent his head to kiss her, but just as their lips were about to meet the sound of carriage wheels and the clatter of horses’ hoofs made them draw apart. ‘No,’ he said angrily. ‘It can’t be.’

  ‘It’s the first consignment from the railway company. I’d almost forgotten it was due tonight. They’ve agreed to give us a trial to see if we can deliver goods quickly and efficiently.’ She ran to the stable block and rang the bell. ‘Ned. Come down, please. You’re needed.’

  ‘What has to be done?’

  She spun round to find Gideon taking off his jacket. ‘I don’t expect you to be involved. It’s up to me to make this work. I’ll get Jem. This is his job, not yours.’

  He rolled up his sleeves. ‘Nonsense, Lottie. We’re together now and I’m not afraid of hard work. Jem will have a disturbed night with a new baby wanting attention every few hours, so he should get some rest while he can. What do you want me to do?’

  Ned emerged from the stables, shrugging on his waistcoat, just as the wagon drew to a halt. He joined Gideon in unloading the crates, boxes and packages while Lottie ticked the checklist and signed the delivery note. It took an hour to stow everything safely in the storehouse next to the stables, and by that time Lottie was almost too exhausted to think. She said good night to Gideon and Ned, leaving them to lock up, and went to her room, tired but happy.

  She was up early next morning, supervising the loading of the cart to deliver the most urgently needed goods, but she had not forgotten her promise to Mary Seacole, and at the first opportunity she took a cab to Grosvenor Square. The butler greeted her with due respect and she was shown to the blue saloon like an honoured guest. She had to smile to herself, recalling the first time she had visited the de Morgan mansion and had been advised to use the servants’ entrance. The butler announced her but as she walked into the room she came to a sudden halt.

  ‘Tom Bonney.’ His name escaped her lips on a cry of delight. ‘I hardly recognised you out of uniform.’

  He clasped her outstretched hands in a firm grasp. ‘Lottie, I could say the same for you. You look wonderful.’

  She knew she was blushing, but som
ehow it did not matter. Tom was an old and valued friend who had stood by her when times were hard, and seeing him unexpectedly had taken her breath away. She glanced at Aurelia, who was seated by the fire with a smug smile on her face.

  ‘How fortunate you chose this moment to call, Lottie. Tom called in on the off chance of finding me at home, and he was just enquiring about you.’

  It was Tom’s turn to redden. ‘Of course I wanted to know how you both had fared. I heard about your exploits in India, and I wanted to see Gillingham.’ He shot an apologetic look in Aurelia’s direction. ‘I didn’t realise that the poor fellow had suffered such a terrible injury.’

  ‘He is on the road to recovery, as I told you just now. In fact he’s embarked on a business venture with Sapper Ellis,’ Aurelia said with a dismissive sigh. ‘It seems that once an engineer, always an engineer. What do you think, Tom?’

  ‘I don’t know about that, your ladyship. I’m in the process of selling my commission.’

  Lottie moved to the damask-covered sofa and sat down. ‘What will you do then? Have you made plans?’

  ‘I’ve inherited the family estate in Shropshire. I intend to live the life of a country gentleman. You will all be very welcome to visit me, should you wish to rusticate.’

  ‘That sounds wonderful,’ Lottie said enthusiastically, ‘but I’m afraid we won’t be able to accept for a while. I have also gone into business. I’ve taken over The Swan in Gresham Street, but it’s no longer a coaching inn. I’ve started a carrier business, collecting and delivering goods for the railway companies.’

  ‘You are an incredible woman.’ Tom gazed at her admiringly. ‘I thought so when we were in Balaklava and I’m doubly impressed now.’ He hesitated, twisting his top hat between his fingers. ‘Are you spoken for? I mean, I know that you and Sapper Ellis …’ He tailed off, glancing at Aurelia.

  ‘Lottie is still a free woman, Tom. Gideon takes Lottie for granted and in my opinion he doesn’t deserve her.’

  ‘That’s not true, Aurelia,’ Lottie said angrily. ‘I don’t know why you say that.’

  ‘After everything you’ve been through on his behalf, he still hasn’t done the right thing.’

  ‘I could say the same for Lieutenant Gillingham.’

  ‘Ah, but there you would be wrong,’ Aurelia said, holding up her left hand where a large solitaire diamond winked in the firelight. ‘Farrell asked me to marry him last evening. We’re to be married by special licence as soon as arrangements can be made. You, of course, will be my bridesmaid.’

  ‘I’d be honoured, but what you said about Gideon is not true. He’s had a lot on his mind since we returned from India.’

  ‘That I can understand. It’s not easy to adjust to life as a civilian. I’m only just starting and I find myself quite lost at times.’ Tom sat beside Lottie on the sofa. ‘Gideon is a good chap. I’d like to see him again and, more than that, I’d like to visit your new home.’

  ‘Let’s go there now,’ Aurelia said impulsively. ‘I must confess I’m curious to see The Swan with Two Necks under new management.’

  ‘If you wish.’ At any other time Lottie would have been pleased and flattered to think that Aurelia was taking an interest in her business venture, but the critical remark about Gideon had hurt, and even more so as it contained an element of truth. Despite his protestations of love and devotion he had seemed more interested in his new project with the telegraph company than in planning for their future together.

  ‘That’s settled then.’ Aurelia rose from her seat and tugged at the bell pull. ‘I’ll send for the carriage.’

  The de Morgan landau pulled into the stable yard, and the footman leaped down to open the door and hand Aurelia and Lottie from the carriage. Tom alighted, taking stock of his surroundings with obvious interest, but Lottie was surprised to find Gideon in his shirtsleeves helping Jem to refurbish a Bath chair that looked as though it had been rescued from a dust yard. Ned was busy loading the cart with another consignment of goods, and the sound of a baby crying made Aurelia turn to give Lottie a questioning look.

  ‘Ruby gave birth last evening. A fine baby boy.’

  ‘Splendid,’ Tom said enthusiastically. ‘Mrs Wagg is a wonderful mother—’ He broke off, frowning. ‘What have I said?’

  Jem rose slowly to his feet. ‘Mrs Wagg is now Mrs Barker, sir. I am her husband.’

  ‘Congratulations to you both.’ Tom shook Jem’s hand. ‘She is a fine woman, as of course you know. We are surrounded by remarkable ladies, don’t you agree, Ellis?’

  Gideon stood up, wiping sweat from his brow. ‘I’m not in the army now, and neither are you, if your appearance is anything to go by.’

  ‘Gideon.’ Lottie moved to his side, speaking in a low voice. ‘That wasn’t necessary.’

  ‘It’s all right, Lottie,’ Tom said quickly. ‘I’m the one who should apologise. Old habits die hard, I’m afraid. Let’s start again, Gideon, civilian to civilian.’

  Gideon answered with a curt nod, and Lottie slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. ‘Aurelia has some wonderful news.’

  ‘Indeed I have,’ Aurelia said, smiling. ‘Farrell and I are to be married very soon, by special licence. I imagine he’ll tell you himself, Gideon.’

  ‘As a matter of fact he confided in me yesterday afternoon. I took him to the jeweller to purchase the ring.’ Gideon smiled ruefully. ‘I’m sorry, Lottie. I was sworn to secrecy. I couldn’t even tell you.’

  ‘It’s splendid news anyway,’ Tom said hastily. ‘It makes me feel like a staid old bachelor.’

  ‘I’m sure the young ladies in Shropshire will be falling over themselves in their attempts to attract your attention.’ Lottie felt Gideon stiffen, but she was unrepentant. Tom was handsome, charming and kind. He deserved to find someone who would make him happy, but she was aware of an awkward lapse in the conversation and hastily changed the subject. ‘I almost forgot to tell you, Aurelia. Mary Seacole turned up unexpectedly and it was she who delivered Ruby’s baby. Apparently the poor woman is in financial straits and in dire need of help and support—’ She broke off as Grace chose that moment to emerge from the inn with Molly in her arms.

  A look of puzzlement on Tom’s face turned into one of recognition. ‘Is that little Molly? How she’s grown, and how pretty she is with those golden curls and big blue eyes. She is very fair, considering the place of her birth. I mean that the Turks are generally darker complexioned …’ He broke off, flushing and looking to Lottie for help.

  ‘I believe that her mother was an Englishwoman who had fallen on hard times,’ Lottie said quickly.

  Gideon responded with a gentle pressure on her hand. ‘No matter what her parentage might be, Molly is everyone’s favourite. But if Jem has no objections, I’ll leave him to carry on here and I’ll take you to see our office, Tom.’

  ‘You go ahead, mate.’ Jem stood up, wiping his hands on his apron. ‘It’s going to take a few days to get this old wreck into shape anyway. I might even drag Harry away from his desk as there are things he can help with. He’s good with his hands.’

  ‘Your father is helping you here?’ Aurelia said curiously. ‘What can he do?’

  Lottie was instantly on the defensive. ‘Pa has a good head for figures. He’s agreed to take on the clerical side of the business, and it seems to suit him very well.’

  ‘With a Bath chair at his disposal he’ll have more freedom of movement,’ Gideon said firmly. ‘Harry is an amazing fellow. I can quite see where Lottie gets her determined spirit from.’

  ‘I’ll second that,’ Tom said, grinning. ‘You were an example to us all in camp, Lottie. Ruby, too,’ he added quickly. ‘Two such stalwart ladies put us all to shame.’

  Grace moved closer to her son. ‘I’m sure that Gideon is well aware of that, sir.’

  ‘I don’t think you’ve met Gideon’s mother.’ Lottie could see that Grace was offended and that Tom was embarrassed. ‘Grace, this is Tom Bonney, an old friend from the Crimea.’
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  But before she could complete the introduction a shout from Teddy rang around the stable yard followed by the clatter of hobnails as he raced across the cobblestones with Lad at his heels. He skidded to a halt, stood to attention and saluted. ‘Lieutenant Bonney, it’s me, Teddy Miller of the 97th. Do you remember me, sir?’

  ‘Of course I do, but there’s no need to salute now, Teddy. I’m a civilian just like you.’

  Gideon ruffled Teddy’s curly hair. ‘We’re going to see my office in the City. Why don’t you come along too?’

  ‘Really? You’d like me to come with you and the lieutenant?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ Gideon said easily. ‘I’d like you both to see where Farrell and I are beginning our new venture.’

  ‘I’ll come with you too.’ Aurelia turned to Lottie with a persuasive smile. ‘I’m sure that Lottie is much too busy to accompany us now, but as Tom is only in London for a couple of days I insist that you all come to dinner this evening. It will be good to celebrate our engagement with old friends. Perhaps you would like to join us, Mrs Ellis? I’d ask Mr and Mrs Barker too, but with a newborn baby I’m sure they would rather leave it until another time.’

  Lottie stared at her friend in amazement. She hardly recognised this new, gracious and caring person. Aurelia met her gaze with a knowing look. ‘Don’t look so surprised,’ she said in a low voice. ‘I’ve been practising niceness.’

  ‘You’re doing extremely well. I hardly recognise you now.’

  ‘Even so, I am the same person and I haven’t changed my mind about Molly. I want you to adopt her legally. I gave her to you once, and I truly believe that she needs you far more than me.’

  ‘I’ll look after her no matter what. I love her as if she were my own, but you might think differently when you and Farrell are married.’

  ‘No, I won’t,’ Aurelia said firmly. ‘I don’t want children and Farrell knows and accepts it as a fact. I intend to settle a sizeable sum on Molly, which she will come into when she reaches her majority. In the meantime I’ll honour my promise to pay for her education and upkeep. I will be her caring and affectionate godmother. It’s all I can do, Lottie.’