by Linda Finlay
‘Oh, Emily will be happy to provide the fabric,’ Colenso told him.
‘And take a cut, no doubt. Your talents clearly do not extend to financial matters, my dear. Happily mine do, so you can leave the business side to me. Now, how long do you think it will take to make my drapes and whatnots for my chamber?’ He sat eyeing her with satisfaction, as if he’d cornered his prey and was waiting to see what move it was going to try next. Determined not to be browbeaten, she stared boldly back.
‘Colenso’s anxious to please you, Mr Fenton, sir. She’ll sew day and night to have everything made for when you wants to entertain,’ Caja said, answering for her daughter.
‘That’s splendid,’ he grinned. ‘I’ll have Dobson collect the materials from my merchant in Falmouth and deliver them to you by the middle of the week at the latest, my dear. Unless you think the job too big for you to handle.’
‘Of course not,’ Colenso replied indignantly. Immediately that gleam sparked in his eyes, and with a sinking feeling she knew she’d played right into his hands.
Chapter 10
On their return journey, while her mamm chattered excitedly about ‘that nice Mr Fenton and his lovely home’, Colenso silently fumed. How dare he make advances like that? How could her mamm not see what he was really like? Her hand went to the necklace at her throat. That it had saved her from the Ferret’s fumbling advances, she had no doubt, though she still couldn’t work out how it had swung loose and caught him on the cheek. Her mother, a nurse who could spot blood at a thousand paces, hadn’t even noticed. She’d been far too busy playing the happy hostess.
How had she got herself into this situation? And how was she going to tackle all that sewing by herself? The task was far more onerous than she’d anticipated and the Ferret hadn’t even mentioned paying for her time. As soon as she got home, she’d take herself upstairs and work out a fair rate for the job. When the driver delivered the material, she’d hand him an invoice for the Ferret, then he’d see that her talents did indeed extend to financial matters. Feeling somewhat mollified, she followed her mamm into the cottage.
‘What the devil’s been goin’ on?’ Caja gasped. Following her gaze, Colenso stared around the living room in dismay. Furniture was overturned, one chair rocked precariously on broken legs, while the floor was strewn with shattered crockery. In the midst of all the upheaval, her father sat in his chair, puffing his pipe, an empty brandy bottle at his side.
‘It were the fault of that son of yours,’ he mumbled, his words slurred. ‘High and mighty upstart.’
‘Where is Tomas?’ Colenso asked, fearing she already knew.
‘Gone. Told him to sling his hook, didn’t I?’
‘Not Tommy as well,’ Caja cried. ‘Can’t leave you two alone for a couple of hours, can I?’
‘You won’t have to any longer, cos I told him not to come back – ever,’ he shouted, picking up the empty bottle and glaring at it. ‘I need a drink.’
‘Oh no you don’t, Peder Carne. You’ll help clear this mess up,’ Caja told him, bending to pick up the broken shards at her feet. ‘My poor dishes. And look at my table – it’s all scratched – and my best chair. How do you expect us to live now?’ she wailed, wringing her hands together.
‘It don’t matter, do it? Colenso here will see us right. She’ll wed Fenton and he’ll give us a decent home and all the furniture and pots you needs. You just have to make it sooner now, maid,’ he muttered. Colenso opened her mouth to protest but he sank back in his chair and closed his eyes. Moments later his snores rocked the room but there were no bowls left on the dresser to bang together. She turned to her mamm.
‘You know it’s Kitto I’m wedding so isn’t it about time you stopped all this nonsense?’ she demanded. To her dismay, her mamm’s eyes filled with tears.
‘Father’s set his mind on us all having a better life. If you refuse Fenton, I don’t know what he’ll do,’ she cried. Colenso opened her mouth to say the only thing the Ferret had asked her to do was make curtains, but her mamm was so distraught, she left the words unspoken.
‘Go to bed, Mamm,’ Colenso said gently. ‘Things will look better in the morning,’ she added, not knowing what else to say.
By the time Colenso had cleared up the broken crockery and set the room to rights, it was late. Leaving her father to his snorts and snores, she snatched up the candle and took herself upstairs to bed. The door to the closet she’d shared with Tomas was hanging open, his few belongings gone. She threw herself down on her mattress, all thought of costings forgotten. Things must have been really bad for Tomas to have broken his promise. Never had she needed Kitto more, she thought, cradling the serpentine heart to her chest. She’d creep out and see him first thing in the morning when hopefully her father would still be sleeping off the effects of all the brandy he’d consumed.
However, exhausted by the day’s events, she fell into a deep sleep and it was late by the time she rose the next morning. Her father had already left for the works and she knew Kitto would have done too.
‘I’ll go and help Emily this morning,’ she told Caja. ‘I still owe her some hours to make up for that material she gave me.’ To her surprise, her mamm shook her head.
‘Father says you’re to stay in and give this place a clean. And he expects som’at filling for his supper.’
‘Well, he’s not here so he won’t know if I go out, will he? On my way back I’ll pop up to Mammwynn’s and pick some Alexanders. I’m sure Father’s system could do with something cleansing after all that brandy,’ she grinned. Her mamm stared at her forlornly.
‘I’ve to stay in too, keep an eye on you. He were in that foul a mood, I daren’t disobey. At least we’ve got one decent pot left to make a stew in, though it’ll have to be roots again cos there’s no money to buy anything else.’
Colenso saw her mamm wince as she lifted it from the range, and guessed her father had taken his temper out on her before he’d left. He was always evil after a night on the bottle.
‘Here, I’ll do it,’ she said, taking the heavy pot from her. ‘You go and lie down.’ Her mamm nodded but halfway up the stairs she stopped.
‘Best call me if someone knocks wanting the sick nurse. Being poor is no way to live, Colenso. I know you’ve set your heart on marrying Kitto, but it’ll be years before he can afford to look after you properly. Mr Fenton could give you so much more. A lovely home with furnishings you’d be proud to show off, servants to run around after you. You’d never have to struggle to make ends meet like your father and I do.’
But Kitto didn’t squander money on liquor like her father did, Colenso nearly said, but held her tongue. Besides, she didn’t want servants running around after her, she wanted to look after her own home. All these thoughts kept spinning round in her head as she automatically chopped vegetables and crumbled dried herbs into the pot. She put it on to simmer, then shook out the remaining flour from the sack and made the smallest loaf imaginable. Whilst she could understand her mamm hating the constant scrimping and saving and wishing a better life for them all, it was up to her who she married. The sooner she fulfilled this so-called obligation to the Ferret, the sooner she could prepare for her handfasting to Kitto.
Setting the dough to prove, she took pencil and paper from the dresser and sat down to work out her costings. She remembered Emily explaining that, depending on the task, she either charged an hourly rate or gave a price for the job itself. Thinking of all the curtains and covers she needed to make, she decided an hourly rate would be more beneficial. Then there was the amount of material involved. But of course, she hadn’t got the measurements so she couldn’t get any further.
Sighing in frustration, she pushed the paper to one side. Seeing the dough had risen, she set about knocking it back, then floured the table and kneaded it into shape. As her hands performed the rhythmic motion, her thoughts turned to Kitto. When would she see him again?
‘Visualize him, Colenso.’
‘Yes, Mammwynn,�
� she replied automatically. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on his image, eyes like molten treacle, gentle smile, his warmth, the smell that was his very essence, his physical presence beside her.
A knock at the door made her jump, snapping her out of her envisioning. Thinking it was someone wanting the sick nurse, she wiped her hands on the cloth and hurried to open the door. Her eyes widened in surprise.
‘Surely you haven’t forgotten me already?’ Kitto laughed.
‘What are you doing here?’ she gasped. She knew the power of visualization was strong, but surely she hadn’t really conjured him up?
‘I needed to see you, Cali,’ he explained. ‘I intended calling home first but was seized with the strongest feeling. It was almost as though something was pulling me here. Can I come in?’ Instinctively, Colenso looked over her shoulder.
‘Don’t worry, your father was barking orders at the other labourers when I left the works.’ Still staring at him in amazement, she stepped back to let him in.
‘Mamm’s upstairs resting. She’s, er, not feeling well today.’
‘Sorry to hear that,’ he said, giving her a knowing look. ‘Does that mean I can steal a kiss from my favourite girl, then?’
‘Your favourite …’ she began then saw he was teasing and let him pull her close. He kissed her lips, lightly at first then more fiercely as their need for each other surfaced. For long moments they stood enfolded in their own world, each revelling in the warmth of the other’s embrace. With a sigh, he reluctantly pulled away.
‘Something smells good,’ he grinned, sniffing the air appreciatively.
‘’Tis only root stew but you’re welcome to a bowl,’ she offered, wondering how many dishes were left intact after yesterday’s fracas.
‘Regrettably I can’t stay that long, Cali. I’ve to sail out with the schooner on the next tide. The shipment includes an ornamental barometer and clock ordered by some lord or other who attended that second major craft exhibition in London last year. He’s an important bigwig and Fenton’s hoping he’ll put more business our way, that’s why he’s entrusting me with their delivery. He says as I helped with the turning it would be a good idea to see them in their setting. Then I’m to take a look at their showrooms. Get some ideas for the one they’re building here.’ Colenso studied his excited face, suspicion mounting.
‘You mean he’s paying you to be away from your work?’ He nodded happily.
‘Better than that, he’s even promised me a bonus. I shall put it towards a ring for you, Cali, being as how you don’t see fit to wear my brass offering,’ he said, lifting her left hand.
‘Father threw it in the bushes,’ she admitted. ‘But like I told you, the ring’s not important.’
‘It is to me, Cali. I love you and want everyone to know we’re betrothed. If I can ever get your father to give his permission, of course. I’d like you to wear my ring every day, as you do that necklace.’
‘It was Mammwynn’s,’ she said, lifting the pentacle from inside her blouse. ‘Funnily enough, I was going to take it off but something stopped me. I swear it keeps me safe,’ she sighed, staring up into his brown eyes.
‘Then you must continue wearing it,’ he insisted, his lips grazing hers. ‘Especially as Tomas is no longer here.’
‘Blimey, how do you know that? He only left yesterday,’ she muttered, recalling the ugly scene they’d returned to.
‘Heard your father boasting to Fenton he could cut the stone quicker than Tomas.’
‘Oh, for heaven’s sake,’ Colenso snapped. That he could turn on his own family never ceased to amaze her. But Fenton was equally ruthless. ‘What happened?’
‘Tomas showed Fenton the iron toothless saw and explained it was the rubbing action of all the sixteen blades that cut the stone into flat pieces ready to pass through to the polishing frame. He offered to give him a demonstration but even Fenton could see it was a process that couldn’t be hurried. Gave your father a right bol … telling off for wasting his time.’
‘Good. Perhaps he’ll stop interfering in all our lives now, though I doubt it.’
‘Me too, I’m afraid,’ he sighed. ‘But what about you, Cali? How will you spend your time while I’m away?’ he asked.
‘I’ve got to sew those bloomin’ curtains and covers for Fenton’s house. There’s loads of them,’ she sighed. ‘I was trying to work out the costings earlier,’ she told him, gesturing to the paper on the corner of the table.
‘Want some help?’ he asked, picking up on her mood.
‘Thanks, but I can’t get any further until I have the measurements.’
‘Is Emily supplying the material then?’ he frowned.
‘No, Fenton insists on buying some from his merchant in Falmouth. Said it would cut out the middleman. I wanted to hand the costings to the driver when he delivers it, but until I know how much material there is, I can’t, can I?’
‘But Cali, if Fenton is buying the material you can’t charge him for it, can you? Just let him know your rate and then tell him how long it’s taken you to finish the job.’
‘Yes, of course,’ she said, shaking her head. ‘I should have known that.’
‘Pleased to be of service, my lady. Now regrettably, I really must go,’ he said, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head.
‘How long will you be away?’ she frowned.
‘Don’t fret yourself. I shall be back in time for the Cuckoo Fest.’
‘Fest?’
‘Colenso Carne, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten the fair. Why, last year you had me in fits the way you insisted on riding them dobbies. Round and round you went till I thought you’d be sick.’
‘I didn’t realize you’d noticed,’ she smiled, remembering how she and her friend had spent all their money on riding the painted horses. Jenna was working up at the manor now and Colenso really missed her.
‘’Twer the night I really noticed you for the first time. “Kitto,” I says to myself, “that’s the girl for you.”’
‘Get away with you,’ she protested, a warm glow belying her words.
‘Be good while I’m away and I’ll treat you to as many rides as you want,’ he promised, his lips grazing hers. ‘I’ll meet you by the dobbies at 5pm,’ he grinned. Then, with a rueful grin, he turned and left.
‘Was that someone wanting me?’ her mamm asked, peering down the stairs.
‘No, Mamm,’ she replied truthfully. ‘I’m just about to take the bread out of the oven if you’re hungry,’ she added, hurrying over to the range. While the loaf was cooling, she folded the sheet of paper with her costings on and put it in the dresser. She would be sure to mark down every hour she worked and charge the Ferret accordingly.
What was the man up to, sending Kitto all the way to London? Important order or not, it seemed strange for a turner to be delivering finished items. And did he really need to visit the showrooms? Surely it would be more worthwhile for Kitto to spend his time turning the items to be exhibited there. The more she thought about it, the more she was certain Fenton had engineered the trip to get Kitto out of the way. The now-familiar stabbing at her chest only served to reinforce her suspicions.
Chapter 11
Colenso and her mamm had just finished their late luncheon when a fierce pounding on the door startled them.
‘Who’s that?’ Caja squeaked, still jumpy after her earlier ordeal.
‘Soon find out,’ Colenso said, snatching up the poker and opening the door a crack. To her surprise, she saw Fenton’s driver standing on the step, and behind him a large carriage almost blocking the lane.
‘Afternoon,’ he greeted, tipping his hand to his cap. ‘Delivery for Miss Carne.’
‘But I wasn’t expecting it until midweek, and then I thought you’d be delivering it in the trap,’ she replied.
‘Well, I ain’t taking it back. Got sent to Falmouth last night so as to collect all this fabric first thing. It needed keeping dry, else there’s no way on this earth I’d ris
k bringing the carriage down these rutted tracks. Now, I’ll start fetching everything in, if that’s all right with you?’
‘Yes, of course,’ she replied, opening the door wider. Incredulously, she watched as he carried bolts of rich burgundy velvet into the cottage. ‘I had no idea there would be so much,’ she gasped.
‘Ain’t finished yet, Miss,’ he puffed, throwing down another bundle and going back outside. As he began unloading yet more material and boxes, Colenso noticed neighbours had gathered outside and were speculating as to the meaning of the delivery.
‘Started up in competition to Miss Tucker, have yer?’ Mrs Buller called.
‘Won’t be happy if yer poaching her business,’ her companion added.
‘It’s nothing like that,’ she assured them, standing aside to let the driver pass with another box.
‘Think that’s it,’ he puffed, throwing it down on top of the rest.
‘Just as well,’ Colenso muttered, frowning at the bales and boxes that now took up their entire living room.
‘Oh yes, and there’s a note from Mr Fenton,’ he added, pulling a crumpled sheaf of papers from his pocket. ‘You’re to sign this copy for me to give back to him, confirming receipt of …’ he paused and squinted, ‘three bales of burgundy velvet, two of emerald green and one gold, plus two large boxes of fringing. The other copy is for you to keep, along with the measurements.’
‘But that’s six bolts of material,’ Colenso cried.
‘Well, if it’s for drapes, the ’ouse do have lots of windows,’ Dobson shrugged.
‘And you’ve to do the seat covers in the dining hall,’ Caja reminded her. And the bed coverings, she thought, shuddering at the idea.
‘Now, if you could just sign them papers, it’s been a long day.’ Quickly she did as he asked then closed the door behind him and stared helplessly at her mamm.
‘It’ll take weeks if not months to sew all this. How am I going to manage?’ she wailed.
