Bob left him at the end of the next street, and out of the corner of his eye Harry noticed three men approaching him, blocking his way. They were clearly intent on attacking him, and he knew three against one was not good odds, but they were not big men and were clearly drunk, so he had a good chance. With his military training he summed up the situation at once and tensed for action.
‘Give us your money and valuables,’ one demanded.
He stood still, hands hanging loosely to his sides and shook his head. ‘You don’t think I’d be foolish enough to come down here with anything valuable on me, do you?’
‘Don’t try to kid us,’ the largest of the three said, stepping closer. ‘Let’s find out, lads.’
Harry smiled. ‘I wouldn’t try that if I were you.’
‘You’re a big man, but there’s three of us.’
‘I’ve taken on more.’
At that moment one of them lunged at him and he sidestepped, making the man lose his balance and hit the road. The other two came for him then, but they were no match for a hardened military man, and soon found themselves on the road with their friend.
‘That’s him, Mum!’ a shrill voice shouted.
Still keeping an eye on the would-be robbers as they got groggily to their feet, he put a hand out and caught hold of the small boy who had hurtled up to him, afraid he might get hurt by these men.
‘Hey, mister, you ain’t half tough.’ He grinned up at Harry. ‘You moved so quick they was on the ground before they knew what had happened.’
The men were on their feet now and a woman stormed up to them. ‘Get off home, you drunken louts, before this gentleman turns you over to the coppers.’
Without a word of protest the men scurried away, and Harry smiled at the boy’s mother. ‘Thanks, madam.’
She snorted. ‘No need to thank me, young man. You don’t need help from no one. My boy said you’re the one who gave him the bag of fruit. Is that right?’
‘Yes, I hope you enjoyed it.’
‘We did, and it was a real treat, and I want to thank you. Most people tell the kids to clear off, but you was kind to them. That was good of you.’
‘It was my pleasure, madam.’
She smiled at the polite form of address, as more of the children he’d seen before came running up to him.
‘Right,’ the woman said, ‘I want you all to thank this nice gentleman and see he gets to where he’s going without any more trouble.’
They all nodded eagerly, and walked the rest of the way with him to where the cab was waiting.
As they drove away the children waved until he was out of sight. He sat back and rubbed his bruised knuckles. What an experience, and it was one he wouldn’t have missed for anything.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
‘The mistress wants to see you in the sitting room.’
Chrissie looked up from the document she was copying and frowned. ‘Did she say why?’
‘No, but you’d better hurry, because she doesn’t seem in the best of moods.’
She put the pen in its holder and got to her feet. ‘Then I’d better not keep her waiting.’
‘There you are. You took your time,’ the mistress remarked sharply when Chrissie entered the room.
‘I came as soon as I was told.’ She had really tried to like this woman, and while her husband had been here everything had been fine, but now he was away she felt this interview wasn’t going to be pleasant.
‘My son will be coming home tomorrow for a short-term break and I don’t want you causing trouble. My husband won’t be here to take your side this time.’
It was clear now that she had held her tongue for a while, pretending to be a reformed person, but that was all it had been – a show.
‘Don’t stand there dumb, girl!’
‘I’m not sure what you expect me to say.’
‘I expect you to tell me that you will obey my orders. I object to you being here, but my husband is enamoured with you.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘You know what I’m talking about. Where did you stay while in London?’
‘With Mr and Mrs Martin.’ Chrissie was shocked. Where was this leading?
‘You think I will believe that? You’re a common tramp and no doubt used to telling lies.’
Now she was furious, but kept her anger under control. ‘The Martins will confirm that what I have told you is true. Are you accusing me of wrongdoing with your husband?’
‘It wouldn’t be the first time a man has been taken in by a pretty face.’
‘How dare you!’ The anger and hurt erupted. ‘Your husband has always behaved as the perfect gentleman towards me. I may come from a humble background, but I have been brought up to be a decent person, and I don’t lie. Your nasty suspicious mind is stopping you from being grateful for all the blessings you have, and for your own sake, I pray you will soon see how fortunate you are.’
‘I don’t need the prayers of someone like you.’ She was red in the face now and shaking. ‘Your impertinence is inexcusable. Get out!’
Chrissie turned briskly and left the room, relieved to get away.
Nanny rushed up to her. ‘Are you all right? We could hear the shouting all around the house.’
‘I think you had better ask Cook to send the mistress in a pot of strong tea. I don’t think she is at all well.’ She then returned to the library, wanting to be alone, and gazed out of the window in an effort to clear her head. She had promised Sir Gretham she wouldn’t leave without telling him first, but the situation here was now impossible. Leaving the work she had been doing she left the house and walked, allowing the beauty of the countryside to caress her with its healing touch. Why was this happening to her? Her dream of getting out of London and making a life for herself in the country had seemed so simple. She would find a place she liked, get a job and settle down, but it wasn’t turning out like that. She had been constantly moving on, through no fault of her own, and it looked as if she was going to have to do that again. It was as if she wasn’t wanted anywhere, and that thought weighed heavily on her heart. What was she doing wrong? Why did people keep turning her away? Was she so unlikeable that no one could stand to have her around?
Her shoulders were slumped in dejection and her eyes downcast, then she stopped suddenly, straightened up and lifted her gaze to the blue sky. This wouldn’t do! Her dad always said that allowing anyone to rob you of your confidence and self-respect wasn’t right. What anyone else thought was their problem, not yours. He was right, and she drew in a deep breath, turning her thoughts to dealing with the problem that now faced her. She had to leave here, that was now absolutely clear, and get away from this area as soon as possible. The pull of the Frenshaw estate was so strong she had stayed as close as possible, but that had been a mistake. Elsie had told her things would be difficult. Well, she had been right about that. Her time here had been a mixture of joy, pain and disappointment, but she wasn’t ready to give up on her dream. There was only one thing she could do and that was to find the Travellers again. They had said she would be welcome to join them any time, and that time was now.
Turning round she walked quickly back to the house. A letter to Sir Gretham would be her first task, and if she waited a couple of days for him to receive it, then she wouldn’t be breaking her promise to him. After that she would set off to find her friends again.
Settling down at the desk she began to write the difficult letter. She didn’t want to tell him what had happened, but she must give a reason for leaving, and after some thought she just said that a situation had arisen that made it impossible for her to stay, and signed off by thanking him for his kindness towards her. With the letter sealed she set off for the village to make sure it was on its way as quickly as possible.
When she returned Nurse was waiting for her and looking very worried. ‘Are you all right? Come and have a cup of tea. You looked quite drained.’
She dredged up a smile as they made their w
ay to the kitchen, where Cook made her sit down and put a large slice of fruit cake in front of her, still warm from the oven.
‘You eat that, my dear. Everyone in the house heard what the mistress said to you, and it was quite disgraceful. Don’t you take any notice of her rage. If you ask me she’s not right in the head to shout and rave at you like that, and it’s the master I feel sorry for. Such a nice gentleman. Eat your cake, dear.’
Chrissie did as ordered, though in truth it was difficult to push it down, but she didn’t want to offend Cook. She listened to the chatter around her, but said nothing. Her plans were made.
When Robert arrived home the next day on a short school break, his mother fussed over him, and he got away from her as soon as he could to find Chrissie.
He opened the library door a little and looked in. ‘May I come in, please?’
‘Of course.’ She smiled warmly as he walked up to the desk, looking rather hesitant. ‘It’s lovely to see you, Robert. You are looking quite the gentleman.’
‘Thank you. I am going to be like my father.’
‘I’m sure you will, and I expect your mother was pleased to see you looking so well.’
He shrugged and pulled a face. ‘My sister, Jane, told me she had screamed at you, blaming you for having me sent away to school. That isn’t true. Father told me a long time ago that when I was ten he would take me to the school he went to. I apologise for all the trouble I’ve caused you.’
Chrissie stood up. ‘That is kind of you, Robert, but not necessary. I don’t blame you at all. You were bored and didn’t have enough to keep you interested here. You are a bright boy and need to have a goal in life. If you study hard, then one day you will be a great help to your father – and as famous, I’m positive.’
He straightened up proudly. ‘That’s what I intend. I’m pleased Father sent me to the school, but sorry I made him angry by being horrible to you and breaking your pretty box.’
‘Don’t worry about that. It has been repaired and is as good as new. I have forgotten all about that day, and you should also. It is in the past, and only good came out of it, don’t you agree?’
‘I do, and I won’t worry about it any more now I’ve talked with you.’
‘Good.’
They both spun round, startled, when the library door crashed open and his mother stormed in. ‘I told you to keep away from my son!’
‘Mother!’ Robert raised his voice. ‘I came to apologise for causing Chrissie trouble, and you are blaming her for things she hasn’t done. Not once has she been unkind to me, and holds no ill feeling towards me for the things I did. If you continue to shout at her like that I shall return to school immediately and spend my free time in London with Father in the future.’
She gazed at him open-mouthed in shock, and Chrissie felt sorry for her, seeing clearly at that moment that the lady was sick in her mind. What a tragedy.
‘You … you,’ she stuttered, ‘are becoming like your father.’
‘I will be very happy if I grow up like him. Now, if you will excuse us, Mother, Chrissie and I still have things to discuss.’
Nurse appeared and led his mother away, talking softly to calm her down.
Robert settled himself in a chair. ‘My sisters told me about the warhorses that came here, and they said you weren’t afraid of them, even riding one when no one else could control them. Would you tell me about that, please?’
She sat opposite him and explained what had happened, making him laugh in delight. They talked for quite a while, and he told her about the school, the lessons and games, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. It was hard to grasp that this was the same boy. In a few short weeks he had grown and matured, intelligence shining through, and it did her heart good to see such a perfect outcome from a distressing incident, but it also strengthened her resolve to leave. This wasn’t the right place for her, and it would be better for the family if she moved on.
‘Robert, I have to tell you that I will be leaving in the morning.’
‘Why?’ He looked dismayed. ‘Is it because of Mother?’
‘Yes, I am making her unhappy and, hopefully, she will feel better when I’ve gone.’
‘Does Father know?’
‘I’ve written to him, and he should receive the letter any time now.’
‘Did you tell him what was said to you?’
‘No, I just told him I was unable to stay. I don’t want to cause your mother any more problems. For some reason she doesn’t like me being here, and that upsets me. Do you understand?’
‘I can see that, but everyone here likes you and will be sorry to see you go when you haven’t done anything wrong. Where will you go?’
‘I don’t know yet.’ She smiled brightly. ‘There is so much beautiful countryside I haven’t seen yet.’
‘Will you write to me at the school and let me know where you are and what you’re doing?’
‘I’ll try, but I can’t promise.’
‘I understand it could be difficult if you are moving around, but I’d be pleased to hear from you if you can manage it.’
She just nodded, knowing that when she left it would be a clean break from everything. She had seen a lot and learnt a lot since leaving London, but she still hadn’t found what she was looking for – a permanent home – so it was time to put everything behind her and start again.
Having said goodbye to Nurse the night before, Chrissie quietly left the house at dawn the next morning. The Travellers had told her they were heading for a place by the sea called Boscombe and then on to Bournemouth, and she had found it on a map in the library, making a sketch for herself. There was a little money in her pocket from the work she had done on some documents, but she would have to be careful, not knowing how long the journey would take. It would be easier if she could take a train, but this was a remote area and the lines were not near here. She was also not sure the small amount of money she had would be enough to travel that way.
Her pace was brisk as she set out for the nearest village where she hoped to get a lift if anyone was going in the direction she wanted. Every mile covered that way would speed up the journey. There was a lovely red tinge to the sky now and she tried to keep her mind on what she had to do, and not what she would be leaving behind, but the memories crept in. Why, oh why, had she allowed herself to fall in love with the Frenshaw estate, those stunning animals and the people who worked there? She had been foolish, but it had been a lesson well learnt and it wouldn’t happen again, she’d make sure of that.
Lifting her face to the early morning sun, she strode on with determination. There were new things to do and see, and many more lessons to learn, she was sure. She had changed since her dad had died, and hoped she was now wiser.
The village came in to view and people were just beginning to go about their daily work, so she hoped she could find someone willing to give her a lift.
She had only ever been to the coast once, and it would be exciting to see the sea again.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
‘What did you do today?’ Stuart asked Harry when the men were at dinner that evening.
They listened with interest when he told them where he had been, and Joe was smiling. ‘I wondered where you bruised your knuckles. They made a mistake taking you on, you can move faster than any man I’ve seen when you have to. Now you’ve seen how the people live, what’s your opinion?’
Harry put down his knife and fork and gazed around the table. ‘I knew some people lived in poverty, but I had never walked the streets and seen how bad it really is or how desperate their lives could be. Now I understand, Stuart, why you try to help by employing some.’
‘What I do doesn’t even touch the tip of the problem. It’s the youngsters I’m trying to lift away from that life. The only thing many of them want is a chance, and that is hard for them to find. Education is the answer, but getting anyone to listen is hopeless, because many of the wealthy don’t want to know about such unpleasant things. I’
ve employed one young boy and he is a good lad, eager to learn, and then there’s Chrissie. She’s one of the brightest I have come across, and with the right education I believe she could do anything she set her mind to.’
Charles was nodding. ‘It must have taken huge courage to set out on her own like she has. She wanted something better and was determined to try. When the estate manager brought her to me, I looked at the tall, clean, but scruffy girl, and I saw hope shining in her dark eyes. I knew in that moment that this was where she wanted to be, and would work damned hard to prove she deserved a chance. I couldn’t turn her away.’
When his father glanced pointedly across the table at him, Harry was shocked by the intensity of the pain that raced through him. After what he’d seen today, sending her away was a cruel act. He’d never considered himself to be a callous man, but he had been on that occasion, the only reason being that she was wearing breeches so she could do the job in the stables – the only job that had been available to her. When he looked back he didn’t like the man who had done that, and he changed the subject quickly. ‘What are our plans for tonight?’
‘I want you two in full dress uniform, so that when we walk in everyone will notice,’ Stuart told Harry and Joe. ‘I take it you have brought your uniforms with you?’
‘Never go anywhere without them,’ Joe told him jokingly. ‘You never know when they might be needed. However, if I arrive with Harry like that there is no way I can remain incognito, and if Danton is there he will recognise me.’
‘That is what I want. It will unnerve him to discover the man he lost a lot of money to is a fellow officer of his cousin. If he is the culprit he will be sure Harry suspects and sent a friend to investigate.’
‘So what do you plan if Edward does show up?’ Charles asked.
‘Take him to a side room and persuade him to tell the truth. What you say to him will be up to you. I will be with you, but standing in the background, and only introduce me in my legal capacity once he talks.’
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