by Nancy M Bell
Mary whipped out her measuring tape and snapped it about her waist and then her bosom, tutting under her breath. “Arabella Angarrick, you best quit indulging yourself in cream teas and the like, you’ve gained a whole inch on your waist and a half-inch on your bust line. Whatever have you been doing?”
“I promise to behave, the wedding is still a week away. Plenty of time to lose the excess,” Bella promised.
Sarie frowned at her and Bella shook her head slightly. Mary slipped the dress off her shoulders and she stepped out of the folds of white and creamy silk and satin. Sarie handed her the clothes she came in and she dressed quickly. Exiting the shop, she stopped on the doorstep and blinked to accustom her eyes to the light after the dimness of the shop.
“Let’s stop and have some tea before we get you home,” Sarie said.
“How can I have gained weight? I haven’t been able to eat hardly anything at all, it’s that upset I’ve been over this mess. Mary’s eyesight must be going, she’s that old you know. Can you imagine she made Mum’s dress? Look how well that marriage turned out.”
She turned into the Old Lifeboat Bistro with Sarie in tow. Anna, the waitress and a school chum, waved them to a table and came over with two menus. Bella sank into a chair and rested her chin on her hands gazing out at the boats bobbing in the harbour. Sarie ordered a pot of tea for two and a plate of dainty sandwiches. She poured two cups and leaned back in her seat and regarded her friend.
“What? Why are you looking at me like a bug on a pin?” Bella straightened up and demanded.
“Are you sure you’re not comfort eating? You do look a little broader across the beam than usual,” Sarie observed. “Are you keeping something from me?”
Bella lifted the tea cup to her lips and sipped. “I wish,” she said and set the cup down. “I can’t seem to keep anything down lately.”
“Have you seen the doc?” Sarie frowned. “You might have picked something up staying in the cave or out at the fogue.”
“I’ve an appointment later today. I’m sure it’s just nerves and the fact I’m fair scairt to death about marrying that man. He’s pure mean, Sarie. The way he looks at me….” She shuddered. “Like he’s undressing me with his eyes and the things he whispers to me about what he’s planning for the wedding night….”
“Give the man some credit, Bella. Isn’t it romantic that he’s planning something special for your first night as man and wife,” Sarie tried to comfort her.
Bella leaned forward and gripped her friend’s hands tight. “It’s not romantic, it’s depraved. He calls me his little whore and plans to use me like one.” She swallowed and leaned closer. “He showed me the leather straps to tie me to the bed posts and the whips….” She broke off and leaned back.
“You have to tell Barney! He’d never let you marry the pervert if he thought it would bring you harm,” Sarie declared.
Tea sloshed into the saucer as she raised the cup to her lips. “I did tell him. He doesn’t believe me. Thinks it’s just cold feet. He even accused me of whoring about, how else could I ever come up with such lewd ideas. I’ll get no help from that quarter.”
“Oh, Bella. We must do something. I don’t know what, but you can’t go through with this marriage. You just can’t.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying all along,” Bella replied bitterly.
“Well now, you run along to Doc’s, and I’ll see if Mum and I can come up with some solution to this mess,” Sarie said. She patted Bella’s hand and went to take care of the bill.
The girls hugged on the corner outside the bistro and went their ways.
* * *
Bella looked over her shoulder to be sure the kitchen was empty. Da was out in the yard with some of his mates enjoying the afternoon sun. “Sarie, you’ve got to come. Right now, as quick as you can,” Bella whispered into the phone when Sarie picked up.
“Bella? Is that you? I can hardly hear you.”
“Yes, it’s me. Can you come? I need you. You’ll never believe what I have to tell you.”
“I’m in the middle of chores. I’ll come straight away soon as I’m done. What is it? What’s happened?”
“I can’t say over the phone. Never know who’s listening in.”
“Where’s your da? Is he to home?”
“Out in the yard drinking and playing cards with some mates. It was a good day out on the water and they’re all in a good mood. I expect they’ll be at the Arms by the time you get here.”
“I’ll see if Mum can give me a lift,” Sarie promised.
“Hurry,” Bella pleaded.
After ringing off the call, she put some chops in the fry pan and peeled some tatties. Da would want some supper before heading off to the pub, and Bella didn’t want him to linger in the kitchen. Her thoughts were still all awhirl. It isn’t possible. It simply isn’t possible. She repeated it like a mantra, as if that could make it true. She gave the potatoes a last stir and slid the chops onto a plate when Da came in from the yard. Adding some cream to the tatties she gave them a good mash, scooped them into a bowl and set them on the table with the butter.
“Aye, it’s a good girl, ye are, Arabella. Lookin’ after yer old da.” He patted her arse affectionately. “I’m goin’ to miss ye when ye go to live with Daniel. It’ll do my heart good to see ye happy and married.”
Bella gaped at him in disbelief. Happy? Has he gone Bodmin? At least he was in a good mood, the catch was good. He’d be up at the Arms till the wee hours of the morning, which suited her just fine.
“Aren’t ye eating, girl?” Barney gestured at the empty place at the table.
“Sarie’s coming to talk about the wedding. I’ll eat with her when she comes,” Bella said.
“After this Saturday next, this’ll no longer be yer home, but ye’ll always be welcome here, girl.” Barney smiled up at her.
“Thanks, Da,” she managed to say and gave him a small smile.
She waited impatiently while he finished his meal. Pushing his chair back he settled his cap on his unruly curls and hitched his trousers up. Bella gathered up the dishes and took them to the sink.
“I’m off up to the Arms to lift a jar with me mates. Don’t wait up for me, but leave the light on, aye?”
“Ya, Da. Try not to make too much noise when you came in.”
Barney left without comment. She breathed a sigh of relief when the door slammed behind him. Plunging her hands into the soapy water she made short work of the dishes and wiped the table of crumbs. The kettle was almost ready to whistle when Sarie stuck her head in the back door.
“Is Barney gone up to the pub already?” She let herself in and took a seat at the table.
“Just left a quarter hour ago. Have you eaten?” Bella put a plate of fresh baked lemon loaf on the table. “Tea’s just about ready.” She moved to fetch the big pottery teapot.
“Leave off, Bella. What’s the big emergency you had me rush over for?” Sarie caught her friend by the arm to stop her charging around the kitchen.
“Let me get the tea, then I’ll fill you in.” She plunked the pot on the trivet and added two thick mugs, along with a jug of milk and the sugar bowl. Finally, she dropped into the chair beside Sarie.
“Well….” She prompted.
“I don’t see how it’s possible, but it’s true,” Bella began.
“What isn’t possible? For heaven’s sake, quit talking in riddles,” Sarie interrupted.
“I’m getting to it. I just can’t seem to make myself say the words.” She paused. “Sarie … I’m up the spout! It just can’t be, it can’t. Things like this aren’t supposed to happen. Even that High Priestess bitch said it would never happen.”
“What did you say? Did Doc say you were? Oh dear God. What a right mess.”
“Doc ran some test this afternoon, took some blood and then gave me the good news.” Bella laughed bitterly. “Good news, indeed. He gave a long lecture on dangers of ‘anticipating the marriage’ as he called it. Doc j
ust assumes Daniel is the father. I couldn’t very well tell him different, now could I?”
“Does Barney know?”
“Am I still standing and in one piece? Of course, he doesn’t know. Nor does Daniel. Lord knows what he’ll do.”
“Surely, Barney won’t harm you physically….”
“He’ll skin my arse. I won’t be able to sit down for a month of Sundays.”
“You’ve got to tell him, you know. And Daniel. Much as it pains me, it’s only fair he knows you’ve got a bun in the oven—”
“No! He’ll know it’s not his. I’ve managed to avoid letting him get that far with me.”
“Whose is it, Bella? Do you know for sure?” Sarie prodded gently.
“It has to be Vear’s. There’s been no one else. How can you even ask me that?” Tears stood in her eyes and blurred her vision.
“I had to ask. I’ve known you a very long time and I’ve seen you do some daft things in your day.”
“I suppose, but still … you know I love Vear more than anything. What am I to do? Should I tell him? How can I tell him when I don’t even know where he is?”
“Hush, my love. Let me call Mum. She’ll come as soon as she hears.” Sarie comforted her.
A short time later Mrs. Waters joined them. “Now, what’s all the fuss about? What nonsense have you two been up to now?”
“Wait till you hear, Mum. You’ll never believe it.”
Bella related her tale of woe, leaving very little out. When she finished she gazed at Mrs. Waters and waited for her to speak. The woman stirred her tea thoughtfully and gazed out the dark window pane.
“It’s a right mess you’ve got yourself into. One I don’t see an easy way out of. You’re sure this selkie fellow is the sire? There can be no mistake of that?” She fixed Bella with a hard stare that seemed to slice right through her.
“There’s been no one else. I swear.”
“So then, do you wish to let the Treliving sod believe the nipper is his, or are you going to confess to consorting with some magical, mythical creature? And, do you wait till after the wedding, or tell him and Barney beforehand?”
“I don’t know,” she wailed. “What do you think is best? I don’t want to marry that bastard any road. But I can’t exactly take off up England with me knocked up, who’d hire me?”
“No one can decide what to do but you, Bella,” Sarie said.
“If you really don’t want to go through with the wedding maybe this would be enough of a blow to the big prat’s ego that he’d call it off,” Mrs. Waters mused. “There are other ways to be rid of the problem,” she added delicately.
Bella blanched and crossed her hands over her still flat belly. “No, I couldn’t. That’s a mortal sin, so it is. And besides, this is Vear’s baby, a piece of him no one can ever take away from me.”
“Well, at least that answers that question,” Sarie said.
“So, are you going to tell your da, or Daniel?” Mrs. Waters pressed her. “They’re both going to find out at some point soon.”
“Find out what? What’s the meaning of this conflab in my kitchen? Can’t a man come home to a bit of peace?” Barney Angarrick filled the doorway, his face dark as thunder.
Bella glanced at the clock and cursed herself for not keeping better track of the time passing. Bile rose in her throat. She was caught, well and truly, like a rabbit in a snare. She knew the look in his eye; he’d give her no peace until he’d ferreted out the truth from her. With physical violence if need be, especially if he was well in his cups as he obviously was now.
“You and you, out!” He pointed at Sarie and her mum.
Mrs. Waters looked to Bella. “We’ll stay if you wish. If you think it will make it easier, and safer.”
“No, please go. It’s going to be ugly, but he’ll be easier on me if there’s no one watching to think he’s being too easy on me,” she whispered.
“Come along then, Sarie. We’ll be off and leave these folks to their convo.” She rose and pulled her reluctant daughter to her feet.
“You ring if you need to, Bella. I mean it.” Sarie allowed herself to be herded toward the back door.
“Out!” Barney bellowed making Bella jump.
Chapter Seventeen
“Now, daughter. Out with it, what’s all this agro about,” Barney demanded slamming a fist on the table that rattled the crockery. “Don’t think to lie to me, or hide something. You’ll tell me the truth right this minute or live to rue the day. What is it ye were plannin’ to keep from me?” Da towered over her, glaring down with blood-shot eyes. “I’m waitin’.” He rapped the top of her head with a hard knuckle.
“Da!” she protested. “I’m not a child anymore. Don’t do that.”
Barney bent down so his eyes were level with hers, the sour stink of his breath wafting across her face. “Aye, that’s only a taste of what’s in store if ye don’t start talkin’,” he warned. “What divilment have ye got up to the now? Haven’t ye embarrassed yer old da enough?”
“It’s my own business and none of yours, to be sure.” Bella stuck out her chin in belligerence. “You can’t make me tell you if I don’t choose to.”
“Do ye think so, then?” Da took a step back and unbuckled his wide belt pulling if free of his trouser loops. “I have a bit of leather and the back of my hand that says otherwise.”
He doubled the belt and snapped the two sides together inches from her nose. Bella flinched in spite of herself. If he was sober he’d never lay a hand on her, but clearly he wasn’t anywhere near sober. When he got in this state he often mistook her for Mum and she’d learned it was best to hide in her room until he was back in his right mind. There was no chance of slipping away now though. She’d have to tell him in the end, the only question was whether she’d be black and blue first. Da snapped the belt again before he caressed her cheek with the edge of it.
“Come now, Lily. Tell Barney what’s go you all hot and bothered,” he cooed, his eyes bright and a bit unfocussed.
“Da, it’s me. Bella, your daughter. Mum’s not here—”
“Quit talkin’ nonsense, my pretty lily flower. So white and delicate … tell Barney yer problem and I’ll make it right.”
“Oh for the love of God,” Bella muttered. At least he’d forgotten about smacking her for the moment anyway. Maybe she could humour him and slip out and upstairs. Get her door locked before he realized what she’d done. “Sure, Barney. Sure, just let me go and fetch you a jar of ale. ‘Twill only take me a moment, I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Bella sidled toward the hall door. Her fingers were on the latch when the sharp pain in her scalp made the breath hiss between her teeth. Da twisted his fist in her long hair and hauled her back, forcing her into the chair she just vacated.
“Do you take me for a fool, Arabella? Sit you down and spit out whatever it is you were thinkin’ of keepin’ from me.” The belt slammed on the table inches from her hand.
She drew a shaky breath. There was no reasoning with him tonight it seemed. She might as well tell him the truth, well at least part of it and hope that would satisfy him. He’d probably think the child was Daniel’s. For once, that was an almost comforting thought.
“Alright, Da. Alright. I’ll tell you. Quit waving that thing around first.” She gestured at the belt.
“It’s not you callin’ the shots here, girl. I’d mind my tongue, iffen I were you. That’s right, innit? Start yapping or….” Da moved toward her, arm raised.
“Alright, don’t get your shirt in a knot. In a way, it’s good news I have for you. Really.” She paused. “Please don’t be disappointed in me, Da—”
“What have you done, girl?” Barney roared. “Spit it out!”
Bella swallowed and tried to get the words out past the constriction in her throat. Her lips moved but she couldn’t seem to get any sound to come out. The force of the backhand blow to her cheek took her by surprise. She’d been concentrating so hard on trying to speak she’d forgotten to keep one
eye on Da. Pain exploded along her cheek bone and jaw followed by a sharp agony in her ribs when she hit the floor.
“Speak, daughter. Or there’s more where that come from,” Da growled.
“Don’t, Da,” she managed to gasp. “I’m trying to tell you, really I am.” Bella pulled herself upright, one hand cradling her throbbing cheek. Vertigo tilted the room on its end before she settled gingerly into the chair Da thrust at her. “Don’t … don’t hit me … it’s not just me … I’m preggers, Da.” She whispered the last words.
Disbelief and incomprehension chased each other across Da’s face. “What did you say?” he asked in a monotone.
“I’m going to have a baby, Da. You’re to be a grandfather….” She broke off at the look on his face.
“Grandfather to a bastard, that’s what I’ll be. More gossip for the old hags in the village to go on about. Cut from the same cloth as your mother, you are.”
“Da….” She tried to reason with him.
“Whose brat is it?” he bellowed. “Not that whelp Treliving’s, I’ll wager.”
Bella swallowed. This was the sticking point, right now she needed him to believe it was Daniel’s, much as the thought sickened her. “Who else could it be, Da? I haven’t been near another man….”
Barney studied her with bleary eyes. “It’s not his, quit yer lying….”
“But Da, hasn’t he been all over town bragging in the pubs about how he’s banged my brains out and how I keep begging him for more? Bragging about how I love his John Thomas so much I can’t keep my mouth off it? How could—”
Barney raised the hand with the belt still clutched in it. “Yer lying, you lifted yer skirts alright, but not with him. Why else would he be nagging me to make you let him take liberties entitled to a fiancé and anticipate the wedding night? Whinging about what a right little ice princess ye are. Goin’ on about the chore it’s gonna be to pry yer thighs apart to feck ye proper. I’m your da for Christ’s sake, it’s not my problem if yer man figures yer fanny’ll be drier than a sawdust pit.” Barney paused in his tirade to hawk on the floor.
