by Dilly Court
‘How did it go today?’ Mary asked eagerly.
‘We feel so cut off from the goings-on in the big house.’ Hilda rose to her feet and warmed the Brown Betty teapot with a dash of hot water from the kettle. ‘Sit down and tell us all about it.’
‘I can do better than that,’ Daisy said, smiling as she took off her bonnet and laid her shawl over the back of the chair. ‘You are both needed desperately, and so is Judy. Is she in bed?’
‘Yes, she went up ten minutes ago. Poor child, she’s been getting bored stuck here with just the two of us and the little ’uns.’ Hilda spooned tea leaves into the pot, topping it up with boiling water.
Daisy sat down and stretched her weary limbs. ‘Cook asked for her personally. Judy has made herself indispensable.’
‘I’ll be glad to have something to do,’ Mary said cautiously. ‘But what brought about this sudden change?’
‘Mrs Harker hasn’t had much choice. She’s too busy trying to entertain the guests she has without troubling herself with arrangements for the party, but I have it all in hand.’
‘Who’s coming?’ Hilda placed a cup of tea on the table in front of Daisy. ‘I thought you said that madam hasn’t received any replies to her invitations.’
Daisy chuckled. ‘I’ve seen to that, with Jack’s help.’
‘What has my Jack done now?’ Mary asked anxiously.
‘Nothing bad, I promise you. He came to the village with me and we’ve handed out invitations to everyone who can struggle up the hill from the ferry.’
Mary’s eyes widened in surprise. ‘No! You didn’t.’
‘Wait and see,’ Daisy said, sipping her tea. ‘It really will be an evening to remember.’
‘Does Mrs Harker know what you’ve done?’
Daisy shook her head. ‘No, Mary. I’m keeping it as a nice surprise.’
‘Heaven help us,’ Mary said, throwing up her hands.
At noon on the day of the party Daisy was at the railway station waiting for the London train to arrive. She had not seen her brother and his fiancée since the traumatic events on her wedding day, and now she was quivering with anticipation. She saw Toby first – there was no mistaking his tall figure as he stepped out of the first-class compartment and helped Minnie to alight. Daisy was about to rush forward when she realised that Toby was holding his hand out to someone else, and to her surprise it was Flora Mackenzie who stepped down from the train, followed by Ivy Price. Flora’s flame-red hair marked her out amongst the rest of the passengers, as did her flamboyant clothing, but Ivy was small and sparrow-like, her plain grey mantle and linsey-woolsey skirt making her almost invisible as the engine let off steam and they were enveloped in a great white cloud.
Toby and Minnie emerged, arm in arm as they hurried towards Daisy and she broke into a run, embracing Toby first and then Minnie.
‘I’m so glad you could come.’ Daisy glanced over Minnie’s shoulder. ‘And Flora and Ivy, too. This is wonderful.’ She shot an anxious glance along the platform behind them. ‘I hope you didn’t bring Myrtle.’
Flora tossed her head. ‘Don’t mention the brat. She’s still making our lives a misery. I’ve been hoping that my latest gentleman friend would propose marriage and take me away from Mrs Wood’s house of torture and her hateful daughter, but no such luck.’
‘It’s not that bad, Flora,’ Ivy protested. ‘We’re like a family really. Isn’t that true, Minnie?’
‘In a way,’ Minnie said tactfully. ‘We have our differences, and I will miss you all when Toby and I are married.’
‘Well, I’m delighted to see you.’ Daisy seized her brother’s hand. ‘I’ve brought the barouche to take you to the manor house, although it will be a bit of a squeeze.’
‘I’ll sit on the box with Fuller,’ Toby said cheerfully. ‘Come on, ladies, there’s plenty of time to catch up on all the gossip.’ He signalled to a porter, who approached at a measured gait, pushing a trolley, and Toby pressed a coin into the man’s hand. ‘The barouche is outside in the lane.’
‘Aye, sir. Thank you.’ The porter tipped his cap and they left him piling the bags and cases onto the trolley.
‘Now, Daisy,’ Toby said firmly. ‘Are you going to tell me what this is all about?’
‘I’ll tell you on the way to the manor house.’ Daisy glanced up at the lowering clouds. ‘It looks as if we’re going to have a shower, so we’d best hurry.’
The manor house was decked out with greenery and vases spilling over with bluebells and cherry blossom. Bowls of early roses were placed on side tables and their scent wafted around the great hall as the servants bustled to and fro, carrying piles of china and baskets of cutlery to the dining hall. Molesworth had a martyred look as he let Daisy and her party in, and he directed a passing maidservant to take their outdoor garments. George was sent to fetch the luggage from the barouche and Daisy went outside to have a quick word with Fuller, in order to make sure he knew what time he should arrive for a practice with Constable Fowler and George Keyes. Having satisfied herself that there would be music for dancing, Daisy went back into the house to find Toby in conversation with Major-General Tighe-Martin, and to her surprise they seemed to be on friendly terms.
She approached cautiously. ‘Good afternoon, General.’
Toby turned to her with a smile. ‘Isn’t this the most amazing coincidence, Daisy? I was at school with the general’s son. Tubby Tighe-Martin and I were the best of friends, but I haven’t seen him since I began my medical studies. How is old Tubby, sir?’
‘As a matter of fact you’ll be able to see for yourself. He should be arriving this afternoon. It was my wife’s idea and Mrs Harker kindly agreed. In fact she was more than happy to have another bachelor in the party. I suspect that she is eager to find a suitable husband for her elder daughter – a dashed pretty girl, but I see that you are suited, sir.’ The general bowed to Minnie, who had just joined them, and flashed her a smile.
‘May I introduce my fiancée, Miss Minette Cole? Minnie, darling, this is Major-General Tighe-Martin – I was at school with his son, who coincidentally is arriving later today.’
Minnie blushed rosily and bobbed a curtsey as if being introduced to royalty. ‘How do you do, General?’
He bowed over her hand. ‘Delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Cole. I must introduce you to my wife, but I believe she’s in the drawing room with Mrs Harker at present. I think they’re discussing ladies’ matters, so I’m keeping well out of the way.’
Daisy caught sight of Flora, who was approaching with a purposeful look on her face. Daisy recognised the danger signs and she waylaid her.
‘Don’t even think of it, Flora. He’s married and his wife is a guest here.’
Flora pouted and fluttered her eyelashes. ‘I wouldn’t think of it, Daisy. But did I hear him mention his son? I love a public school chap. They’re always so innocent when it comes to the ways of the world and women in particular.’
‘Don’t say that in front of my brother, and anyway, it was only a minor public school that Toby attended. Our aunt and uncle couldn’t afford Harrow or Eton.’
‘I don’t care,’ Flora said crossly. ‘I like a man who can read and write and earn a lot of money, but I’m not a snob.’
‘No, you’re what they call a gold-digger.’ Ivy rolled her eyes. ‘And you teased me when I stepped out with Jonah Sawkins, just because he was different.’
Flora turned on her, scowling. ‘The creature was an evil gnome with a crooked back. You must have been desperate to go out with the likes of him.’
‘He could be nice when he tried.’ Ivy’s brown eyes filled with tears. ‘You can be very hurtful sometimes, Flora.’
Daisy slipped her arm around Ivy’s shoulders. ‘Never mind her. She’s just cross because she hasn’t been introduced to the general.’
‘That will change,’ Flora said casually. ‘We have a party to go to and I’m very good at socialising, especially when there are handsome men involved.’
‘And money,’ Ivy added in a low voice. ‘She can smell money a mile off, but it hasn’t done her much good.’
‘What do you mean by that?’ Flora demanded.
‘I don’t see a ring on your finger. You haven’t snared a man yet, Flora.’
Daisy stepped in between them. ‘Hush, both of you. Do you want the general to hear you going at each other like a couple of cats?’
‘It must have rubbed off from living with Rex, Mrs Wood’s spiteful pussycat,’ Flora said, laughing. ‘He is worse than ever nowadays. I’m sure she trains him to attack anyone who upsets her.’ Flora gave Ivy a hug. ‘Fainites, Ivy, old thing.’
Ivy shrugged. ‘I suppose so, but you could try to be nice to me.’
‘I will, I promise – cross my heart and hope to die.’
‘And I want you to promise to behave, Flora,’ Daisy said severely.
‘My dear, of course I will.’ Flora glanced over Daisy’s shoulder and her red lips curved into a delighted smile. ‘Who is that handsome man?’
Daisy turned her head. ‘That’s Julian Carrington – you don’t want to have anything to do with him, Flora.’ But it was too late, Flora was sashaying across the tiled floor, heading purposefully towards Julian.
Chapter Eleven
Daisy was about to follow her when Charity appeared as if from nowhere, carrying a trug filled with painted pebbles, which she and Patience had been placing at strategic places in the garden as clues in the treasure hunt. Although she could see it coming, Daisy was too far away to do anything to prevent the clash. Charity seemed to sense that she had a rival, and the result was almost inevitable. As Flora drew nearer to her prey, Charity allowed the trug to slip and a shower of brightly coloured stones clattered to the ground in front of Flora, who skidded and slid like an ice skater and fell in an ungainly heap at Julian’s feet.
There was a moment of silence as everyone stared helplessly at the unfortunate Flora. Daisy recovered first and rushed to her aid, but Julian was nearest and he bent down to help Flora to her feet.
‘Are you hurt, Miss, er – I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.’
‘It was a stupid accident,’ Charity said hastily. ‘Who are you, anyway?’
Daisy reached them in time to silence Charity with a stern look. ‘Are you all right, Flora?’
‘Yes, no thanks to her. That was deliberate.’
‘Was it, Miss Harker?’ Julian eyed Charity with an amused grin. ‘Have I the honour of two young ladies fighting over me?’
Charity tossed her head. ‘You flatter yourself, sir.’ She thrust the trug into Daisy’s hands. ‘Make sure the mess is cleared up, Tattersall.’
‘You tipped them out in front of me,’ Flora said angrily. ‘You pick them up.’
‘Do you know who I am?’ Charity demanded.
‘No, and I don’t care to be friendly with a spoilt child, who has the manners of a street urchin.’
‘You can’t speak to me like that. I’m Charity Harker and my mama is the lady of the manor.’
‘As I heard it, Miss Harker, your ma is just renting this old pile of bricks, and my friend Daisy owns the house. Isn’t that right, Daisy?’
‘Yes, but we won’t go into that now, Flora. I’ll show you and Ivy to your rooms. As for you Charity, I’m sure you have better things to do than hurling insults at your mother’s guests.’ Daisy beckoned to James, who was hovering in the background. ‘Will you please send for someone to clear up this mess?’
Julian proffered his arm to Charity. ‘I’d like to see the treasure hunt trail.’
‘Isn’t that cheating?’ Flora demanded with a pert smile.
‘Why don’t you come, too, Miss, er …?’
‘Flora Mackenzie, and I’d love to.’
Daisy caught her by the wrist as she was about to follow Charity and Julian. ‘I think you’d better see your room first, Flora. I have a great deal to do today so I might not have time to spare later.’
‘Oh, I suppose so.’ Reluctantly Flora stood aside and watched Charity walk away, leaning on Julian’s arm. As they reached the door Charity turned to give her a triumphant smile.
‘You won’t win there, Flora,’ Ivy said, chuckling. ‘You’ve met your match.’
‘We’ll see about that.’ Flora turned her back on Charity and Julian. ‘Lead on, Daisy. This place is a bit better than Mrs Wood’s lodging house, I must say.’
‘Stay there while I rescue Minnie from the general’s clutches. He seems to have taken a fancy to her.’ Daisy crossed the floor and waited for a break in the conversation. ‘I’m sure you would like to see your room, Minnie.’
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cole. We’ll continue this conversation later,’ Major-General Tighe-Martin said gallantly.
‘Thank you, Daisy,’ Minnie whispered. ‘He’s very charming, but he does rattle on.’
‘Don’t let Marjorie Harker hear you say anything against the general. She’s depending upon him to recommend her husband for promotion.’
‘Is that what all this is about?’
‘I don’t want to say too much in front of Flora. She’s already caused an incident with Charity and Julian Carrington.’
‘Surely he’s the man who jilted you? What is he doing here?’
‘I’ll tell you when we’re on our own.’
Having settled the guests in their rooms, Daisy checked with Mary and was satisfied that everything was being done to make the party a success, and at six o’clock the guests started to arrive. Molesworth announced that carriages were drawing up outside and Daisy went to fetch Marjorie. She met her coming down the stairs, looking resplendent in a cream satin evening gown, sparkling with diamanté, and a French paste tiara nestled in a coronet of curls, skilfully coiffed by Hilda. Daisy had chosen to wear a more modest creation. It had come from the House of Worth and had cost Jay an exorbitant amount of money, but he had sworn that the peacock-blue silk gown showed her slender figure off to perfection. The cut was deceptively simple, but the overall effect was that of timeless elegance. Daisy had not intended to outshine Marjorie, but she knew from the admiring glances she received that this was the unpremeditated result.
‘The first guests have arrived,’ Daisy said urgently.
Marjorie looked her up and down, pursing her lips and frowning. ‘Stand behind me at the door when I welcome them,’ she said crossly. ‘I am the lady of the manor this evening, not you.’
‘Perhaps it would be better if your daughters stood by your side,’ Daisy suggested tentatively. She had found out to her cost that Marjorie was unreceptive when it came to suggestions that questioned her decisions.
‘No, certainly not. I want Charity to make an entrance when the guests are assembled. I’ve instructed Molesworth to serve champagne to each one as they arrive, and then Charity will descend the stairs looking like an angel in her white Valenciennes lace gown. What Patience does is up to her but I fear she might clump down the stairs in her riding habit and boots. You haven’t done a very good job of turning my younger daughter into a lady.’
‘I’m not a miracle worker, Mrs Harker.’
Marjorie’s attention was elsewhere and she laid her hand on Daisy’s arm, staring over her shoulder. ‘Who is that young man? I don’t recognise him.’
Daisy turned her head to look. ‘I think that must be my brother’s friend, Tubby Tighe-Martin, the general’s son.’
‘What? Why didn’t anyone tell me that he was coming? You’ll have to introduce me.’
‘I thought you wanted me to go make myself scarce.’
Marjorie’s grip tightened so that her fingernails pinched the skin of Daisy’s arm. ‘Don’t try to be clever. You know what I mean. Smile, for goodness’ sake, and follow me.’ She glided ahead with her head held high, leaving Daisy little choice other than to follow her.
‘Captain Ned Tighe-Martin,’ Molesworth announced in a sepulchral tone.
Marjorie pushed Daisy forward. ‘Do as I asked,’ she hissed.
Captain Tighe-Martin raised her hand to his lips. ‘You must be Daisy. I’ve heard so much about you.’
Daisy met his direct gaze with a smile. ‘Toby is here with his fiancée. He’ll be delighted to see you again.’
Marjorie cleared her throat, giving Daisy a sharp poke in the back. Daisy moved aside. ‘Mrs Harker, may I introduce Captain Ned Tighe-Martin?’
‘How do you do, Captain? I’m so glad you were able to join us this evening.’
‘How do you do, Mrs Harker? The pleasure is all mine.’
‘I’ll tell your father that you’re here.’ Daisy could see a group of villagers heading up the steps with Miss Creedy at the forefront, followed by Farmer Johnson, his wife and daughter, and three of their sons. The time had come to retreat before Marjorie realised that she was playing hostess to almost the entire village.
‘Don’t put yourself out, Miss Marshall,’ Ned said with an easy smile. ‘I can wait until my parents join me.’
‘It’s Mrs Tattersall,’ Daisy said hastily.
‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know. Will I meet your husband this evening?’
‘I’m afraid not.’ Daisy turned away. There were times when she could put her heartbreak behind her and carry on as if nothing had happened, and at others the pain of loss overwhelmed her in a wild black tide of grief.
‘Daisy, please go and find the major-general and his wife,’ Marjorie said impatiently. ‘Where is the champagne, Molesworth? Guests are arriving.’ She turned to greet Miss Creedy and her face fell. ‘Who are these people, Daisy? They were not on my guest list.’
‘Your guests didn’t reply, Mrs Harker,’ Daisy said sweetly. ‘I had to think quickly, but that is Miss Creedy, the church organist, and I see the Johnson family behind her. They are tenant farmers on the Creek Manor estate.’
‘How splendid.’ Ned smiled enthusiastically. ‘What a grand gesture, Mrs Harker. Does my father know what a generous woman you are?’
