The Bonbon Girl

by Linda Finlay

  ‘Show my visitors out please, Mrs Grim.’

  ‘It will be my pleasure, sir,’ she said, turning on her heel and hurrying down the hallway.

  ‘Thank you for the tea, Mr Fenton, sir,’ Peder said, ushering the others out after the housekeeper.

  ‘Don’t know why you looks like you’re sucking on a lemon, maid. You’re just the same as us,’ Peder whispered, catching up with the housekeeper as she stood waiting with the door open.

  ‘I don’t see how you make that out,’ she sniffed.

  ‘’Tis easy, maid, we’re both workers for Mr Fenton, aren’t we?’

  As she sniffed again and firmly pushed the door shut behind them, Peder turned to Colenso.

  ‘Play your cards right and you could be her boss one day.’ Bemused, Colenso could only stare at her father, but before she could think of a suitable reply, he’d climbed into the waiting trap, her mamm following after him.

  The shadows were lengthening as they made their way back up the driveway and through the country lanes. Silhouettes of twisted trees rose out of the dimpsy light, their knots like evil eyes, reminding her of the way Ferret Fenton had gawped at her chest. Gently she fingered her necklace. ‘How I wish you were still here, Mammwynn,’ she whispered. Then her father’s raucous laugh rang out, rousing the roosting rooks and making her shudder. How she hated him for putting her in such an impossible situation. Drawing the ring from her pocket, she placed it firmly back on her finger where it belonged.

  To her surprise, a light was flickering in the window when they arrived home. It must mean her brother was back, she thought, her spirits rising. Sure enough, he was hunched over the table studying some papers, a half-empty mug of cold tea beside him.

  ‘Oh Tomas, am I glad to see you,’ she cried.

  ‘Hey, little sis,’ he grinned, his dark eyes lighting up. ‘’Tis flatterin’ to get a greetin’ like that. You’re shaking – what’s up?’

  ‘You wouldn’t believe …’ she began.

  ‘Remembered where you live, then?’ Peder growled, striding into the room. ‘What’s that you’re reading?’

  ‘Evening to you too, Father,’ Tomas said, a wary look replacing his grin as he hastily folded the papers and put them in his pocket.

  ‘Tomas, you’ve come home,’ Caja whooped, throwing her arms around him. ‘’Tis good to see you son. I’ll make us a brew and we can have a nice old catch-up. You won’t believe where we’ve been.’ Letting go of her son, she hurried over to the range.

  ‘’Tis unusual to see you all dressed up of a Sunday evening. And was that a pony and trap I heard outside?’ he asked, staring at them curiously.

  ‘Yep. The Carnes is going places,’ Peder told him, unable to contain his excitement.

  ‘Sounds like you’ve already been,’ Tomas replied.

  ‘Ha son, very funny. Now listen up,’ he said, tossing his cap onto the nail and settling himself down at the table. ‘You’ll never guess what?’

  ‘Colenso’s walking out with the new works manager,’ Tomas quipped.

  ‘How do you know that?’ Peder exclaimed, his brows almost disappearing under the flop of greying hair that fell over his forehead.

  ‘I was jesting, Father,’ Tomas sighed, shaking his head.

  ‘But ’tis true,’ Peder boasted. ‘And if she plays her cards right, we’ll be out of this cot and into something bigger and better come Michaelmas.’

  ‘What?’ Tomas gasped, starring at Colenso in astonishment.

  ‘In fact, if your sister really turns on the charm, she could make that midsummer and save us the quarter’s rent,’ Peder carried on gleefully.

  ‘But I thought you and Kitto …’ Tomas began.

  ‘We are …’ she began, only to be interrupted once again as Peder jumped to his feet and stood glaring at her.

  ‘No daughter of mine’s wedding a foreigner Duck and that’s that. Geese we be, and proud of it.’

  ‘For heaven’s sake, Father, ’tis merely the stream that separates us Grade Geese from Ruan Ducks. Besides, Kitto only lives on the edge of the village,’ Tomas laughed.

  ‘In a down-and-out hovel,’ he snorted. ‘Anyhow, I ain’t having no interbreeding in the Carne family,’ he glared.

  ‘But you just said he was a foreigner, you can’t have it both ways,’ Colenso began. ‘Besides, Mammwynn was born on Ruan side.’

  ‘Yeah, and look at her with her herbs and potions. The woman was crackers. Or should that be quackers, being as how she were a Duck,’ Peder chortled.

  ‘That’s enough, Father. I’ll not have Mamm spoken about like that, God rest her soul,’ Caja cried, banging their mugs down hard on the table. ‘Besides, I use herbal remedies to heal my patients.’

  ‘Sorry,’ Peder mumbled, looking anything but. ‘Fenton’s a man of breeding. Come from up country, he has.’

  ‘Yes, and there’s rumours as to why he left,’ Tomas said, giving his father a sharp look. However, Peder was in his stride and even if he’d heard Tomas’s remark, he chose to ignore it.

  ‘Taken a shine to our Colenso, he has, and is calling on her next Sunday. Play our cards right and we could be rolling in it,’ he crowed, rubbing his hands together.

  ‘Is this true, our Col?’ Tomas frowned.

  ‘I don’t want to …’ she began.

  ‘You’ll do as your darn well told. Just seventeen, you be. A child. Until you become an adult ’tis up to me to decide what’s best for you,’ he said, clamping his mouth around his pipe and tamping tobacco into the bowl.

  ‘So, I’m old enough to earn money for your drink, but only a child when it suits you,’ Colenso retorted. Seeing her father’s hand go to his belt, she jumped to her feet. ‘You kept me prisoner here all last week but I promised to help Emily with her sewing tomorrow and I intend to so.’

  ‘Of course you will,’ Peder replied, a smile replacing his scowl as he struck his tinderbox. He puffed on his pipe, sending spirals of smoke disappearing into the clothes on the pulley above. As Caja opened her mouth to protest, he leaned forward and stared hard at Colenso.

  ‘You’ll need som’at new to wear when you go out with Fenton, so be sure to get more of that quality material from her.’

  ‘But they were surplus offcuts. I can’t expect her to give me any more,’ Colenso told him.

  ‘Then take some,’ he snapped. ‘Used to pilfering, ain’t you?’ Unable to believe what she was hearing, Colenso stared at him in disgust. ‘And then you can spend the rest of the week making something more fetching than that effort you’re wearing now. A man likes to have something womanly to look at.’

  ‘Really, Father …’ Tomas began.

  ‘Who asked you to pipe up? You’re only a cutter but your sister has a chance to better herself,’ Peder glowered.

  ‘Well, thanks very much,’ Tomas replied but his father had already turned to Caja.

  ‘’Tis up to us to assist our dear daughter, Mother, so Colenso will spend her time keeping house and getting our meals.’

  ‘I already cook most of them, Father,’ she pointed out.

  ‘But you always does the same things. A man like Fenton needs a wife who can entertain, put something tempting on the table.’

  ‘I have no intention of doing things just to please old Fenton,’ Colenso cried.

  ‘Listen here, maid. That’s exactly what you’re going to do. If you let this chance slip through your fingers I’ll …’ He rose to his feet and towered over her. As he began unbuckling his belt, Colenso fled up the stairs to her room.

  Cradling the serpentine heart to her chest, she threw herself down on her cover and stared at the grimy ceiling. Heedless of her father’s wiles and Fenton’s threats, it was Kitto she was going to wed. Her father’s moods were more changeable than the weather. As for her mamm, she’d always liked Kitto, and Colenso couldn’t believe she’d sided with her father.

  As for bettering themselves, whilst they didn’t live in the best of cottages and there was always more week than
wage, they’d always got by. Of course, if her father didn’t frequent the hostelry so often, life would be easier. But to make her walk out with that Ferret Fenton, whose eyes never got higher than her chest, was despicable even by his standards.

  Shouting from below followed by thumping on the table woke her. As ever, it seemed her father and brother couldn’t be in the same room for long without coming to blows. Wearily she undressed and, tossing her clothes on the floor beside her, climbed under the cover. The weight of her necklace felt heavy but, as ever, something stopped her from removing it. If only she could remember exactly what Mammwynn had said when she’d given it to her.

  ‘Hey Col, you awake?’ Her eyes flew open to find Tomas lying on his bed beside her.

  ‘Must have dropped off,’ she murmured.

  ‘Before Mamm comes up, tell me what’s been going on.’

  Briefly she filled him in about Kitto’s proposal, Fenton accusing her of theft, then insisting she go for tea before inveigling his way into calling upon her next Sunday.

  ‘He’s horrid, Tomas,’ she shuddered. ‘I can’t believe Mamm’s encouraging him.’

  ‘You know Father’s temper. She’ll do anything to avoid riling him. It’s why William left. Not sure I can put up with much more meself.’

  ‘I’m scared, Tom. Please promise you won’t leave?’ He stared at her closely for a moment then nodded.

  ‘I’ll not leave yet, sis,’ he promised. ‘I’m surprised at Kitto letting you go to Fenton’s though.’

  ‘He doesn’t know.’

  ‘Why not?’ She could feel his sharp look peering through the darkness. ‘He’d look out for you, thinks the world of you, he does.’

  ‘I didn’t get the chance to tell him. Besides, I couldn’t risk upsetting Fenton. He threatened to call the constabulary in.’

  ‘But you’re innocent.’

  ‘I know, but they’d start probing and … well, Kitto turned some of my trinkets on his lathe.’

  ‘Jeez. What a mess. Still, I don’t like the idea of you walking out with that man, Col. He already has a bad reputation. Word has it he’s got the quarry owners on side, started up some sort of alliance. I don’t know all the details but I intend to find out. Whatever it is, it’ll be bad news for us at the works, you can be sure of that.’

  Hearing the scraping of chairs on the flagstones below, he jumped up and drew the dividing curtain.

  ‘Don’t worry, I’ll find out what’s going on, sis. Now, pretend to be asleep,’ he whispered as they heard their father’s tread on the stairs. He came to a halt outside their door and Colenso froze, but luckily he had other things on his mind.

  ‘Hurry up, Caja,’ he called. ‘A husband don’t like to be kept waiting for his rights.’

  As his raucous laugh bounced off the walls, Colenso hid her head under her pillow and desperately tried to get back to sleep.

  Chapter 6

  Colenso was being chased by Fenton who was being chased by Kitto. Round and round the serpentine works they ran. Fenton, rapacious arms outstretched, was gaining on her by the second. ‘You’re mine, mine, mine,’ he was shouting. Unable to keep going any longer, she ran to the end of the jetty and jumped. As the cold water closed over her, she woke with a start and lay in the darkness, trembling and disorientated. She blinked, trying to dispel her dream but the images persisted and she knew she had to see Kitto. Quietly, so as not to wake her brother, she slipped on her clothes, then boots in hand crept out of the room. The snores and snorts emanating from her parents’ room told her they wouldn’t be rising any time soon and, tiptoeing down the stairs, she threw on her shawl and bonnet and slipped outside.

  Apart from a pearlescent loom to the east, the sky was black as soot. Not a soul stirred, although she knew it wouldn’t be long before the villagers rose to begin the new day. Determination lending urgency to her steps, she sped past the neighbouring cottages, their windows still shuttered and chimneys not yet smoking, over the wooden bridge that spanned the stream and on through the village. Then her ears pricked. She could hear footsteps running towards her. A shadowy figure emerged out of the darkness. Heart pounding like waves on the beach below, she swallowed hard.

  ‘Colenso?’ To her surprise, Kitto came slithering to a halt beside her. ‘What are you doing out at this hour?’ he asked.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ she asked at the same time. They laughed then stood gazing at each other, breath rising like steam in the early morning air, until he broke the silence.

  ‘I had to see you. Make sure you’re all right. I waited ages yesterday, and when you didn’t come I skirted round the back of your cottage so as not to bump into your father. He gave me a right old ear-bashing the other afternoon. Warned me not to visit again, or words to that effect,’ he shrugged. ‘Anyway, couldn’t see any sign of you, so I went home. Spent the afternoon patching up our leaking window. Where were you, anyhow?’ he asked, dark eyes staring into hers.

  ‘You won’t believe this,’ she muttered. ‘We had to go for afternoon tea at Mr Fenton’s house.’

  ‘You mean as in the works manager?’ he frowned. ‘But why? I mean your father’s not exactly on the same level, is he? Sorry if that sounds rude but …’ he shrugged.

  ‘It’s true,’ she agreed, jumping at the snap of shutters being pulled back. As candles began flickering in the cottage windows, she knew the men would soon be making their way to the works. ‘Fenton accused me of theft,’ she admitted.

  ‘What?’ Kitto gasped, staring at her as if she’d grown another head. A door opened behind them. ‘Come on, we can’t talk here,’ he muttered. Taking her arm, he led her towards the shelter of the adjoining stables. ‘Now, tell me what’s been going on,’ he demanded.

  Quickly she told him everything, from her meeting in Fenton’s office to the invitation to tea, although she was careful to keep the manager’s intentions to herself. Then she frowned.

  ‘Mamm promised to let your mother know I wouldn’t be able to meet you.’

  ‘Didn’t get any message. Mother would have passed it on if she had. I don’t like the sound of this at all, Cali. You’re my girl … I mean, you are, aren’t you?’ he asked, treacle eyes staring deeply into hers.

  ‘Of course I am,’ she cried. ‘I love you and can’t wait to be your wife, Kitto.’

  ‘Then as soon as I get to work, I’ll go to Fenton’s office and have it out with him.’

  ‘But he saw the things I made and knows some have been skilfully turned. If you do that he’ll put two and two together. Even if he doesn’t call in the constable, he’ll like as not sack you. You can’t afford to lose your job, Kitto.’

  Silence descended as he processed all she’d said. There was a soft whinny and the smell of straw and horse emanated through the wooden slats as the animals stirred. Finally, he let out a long sigh.

  ‘You’re right. Nobody will take on a partly trained apprentice.’ As they stared at each other helplessly, the horses gave another whinny and a nearby door clattered open, followed by the banging of others. Then came the ringing of booted feet on the rough country lane as the men began their trek up the hill towards the works. ‘Got to go, but you can be sure I’ll give this some serious thought. Can we meet later?’ he asked.

  ‘I’m sewing for Emily today. She’s up to her eyes with orders so I’ll be working late,’ she told him. ‘How about tomorrow? I’d better not risk coming to the factory, so I’ll see you on Mammwynn’s seat when you’ve finished work.’

  ‘Right,’ he nodded. ‘I still can’t believe you’ve been to Fenton’s house,’ he muttered, shaking his head. ‘It doesn’t feel right. Why do I get the feeling there’s more to all this?’

  If only you knew, she thought as an image of the Ferret’s glittering eyes rose before her, making her shudder.

  ‘Don’t worry, Cali, I’ll get it sorted,’ he murmured, pulling her closer. For one blissful moment she was enfolded in the warmth of his arms and then, with a quick peck on her cheek, he w
as gone. She watched as he ran towards the line of workers snaking their way out of the village. Why was life so difficult? One minute they were planning their future, the next that horrid Fenton had arrived, making her life a misery. And she still had to tell Kitto about the forthcoming outing on Sunday. It wasn’t fair, she fumed, heading towards Emily’s cottage.

  ‘Cripes, maid, yer early, and looking wild as a winter storm,’ the woman greeted her through a mouthful of pins. ‘Still, unless yer at death’s door, yer’ll have to wait till later to tell me what’s wrong. We’ve got a busy morning ahead. Mrs Jeans is coming for her dresses and yer know how particular she is. I offered to deliver them as usual, but it seems her son has business over at Ruan so he offered to convey her. Convey,’ she laughed. ‘They were her very words.’ Despite her mood, Colenso couldn’t help smiling at the woman. ‘Now, I’ve pinned up the hems so if yer can stitch them and add pearl buttons to the bodices, I’ll get on with the skirt for Miss Cardew.’

  Although Colenso’s hands automatically performed her tasks, her mind was running amok. The thought of another long week confined to the house, doing only light chores so as not to redden or scratch her hands, was more than she could bear. As for making an appealing top for that odious manager to gawk at her in, the very idea made her shudder.

  ‘Someone walk over yer grave?’ Emily asked.

  ‘Might well have done,’ she sighed.

  ‘Well, the smoothing irons are hot so yer can get them hems pressed, that should warm yer up.’ Colenso couldn’t help smiling at the woman’s humour as she picked up one of the heavy irons with the thick cloth and spat on it. When it hissed, she wiped the sole, spread out one of the dresses on the table and set about her task. By the time they heard the knock on the door, the garments were ready.

  ‘That’ll be Mrs Jeans,’ Emily said, getting stiffly to her feet. ‘Let’s hope she pays cash rather than insisting on having an invoice sent. Gives me extra work when I could be sewing, and goodness knows I can do with the money,’ she grumbled. ‘Yer go and make us a brew while I see to her. There’s a heel of bread and some cheese on the side to go with it.’ Colenso smiled gratefully, for in her hurry to see Kitto, she’d quite forgotten to break her fast.