A Village Scandal

by Dilly Court

  ‘Tra, la, la,’ Marjorie sang in an irritatingly high soprano. ‘Don’t try to make excuses, Mrs Tattersall. All I would say was that your efforts, whatever the intention might have been, received the highest praise from the general and his wife, and indeed all the guests who came and thanked me for a wonderful party. Not that I would normally mix with the landlord of the village pub or the tenant farmers, but by some miracle they had a wonderful time, and the general has promised to recommend my husband for promotion.’

  ‘Then I’m very glad,’ Daisy said warily.

  ‘And Charity is very taken with Ned Tighe-Martin. Of course, it’s early days, and not what I had planned, but I can see definite advantages to being related by marriage to the major-general. Although Mr Carrington has good prospects in the Foreign Office, and his family are moneyed, Felicia has told me things about them that are quite shocking.’

  Daisy decided that she had nothing to lose by being honest. ‘Julian Carrington is a philanderer. I know that from personal experience.’

  Marjorie stared at her intently. ‘I don’t listen to gossip.’

  ‘If he married your daughter he would go through her fortune and abandon her. Believe me, I know Julian only too well.’

  ‘I always thought you had a past, Mrs Tattersall, and now I’m certain of it. I don’t think I want my girls to associate with you.’

  ‘So you want me to leave the manor house? I was prepared for that.’

  ‘On the contrary. I’m tired of living in this mausoleum, and it’s served its purpose. I’ve instructed my servants to start packing and we’ll leave after the guests have departed, which will be tomorrow.’

  ‘I can’t repay the money you laid out for my servants’ wages at the moment, but I can assure you that I will …’

  Marjorie held up her hand. ‘It was nothing. I’m a very wealthy woman and our stay here has served its purpose. There is no reason to prolong the experience, and I’m eager to return to the comfort of my own home.’

  ‘That’s very generous of you,’ Daisy said cautiously. ‘Might I ask the reason for your change of heart?’

  ‘Despite your efforts to embarrass me, everything has worked out well. However, you may continue to earn your keep by managing the servants until we leave, and I expect you to assist my daughters with their toilettes as before. I pride myself in being a fair woman, but I’m not a fool. We will maintain the mistress servant relationship until I depart.’

  ‘I understand.’ Daisy waited to be dismissed.

  ‘You may go,’ Marjorie said grandly. ‘And make sure that the servants’ work is up to standard. There was a great deal of uncalled-for carousing on the beach last night.’

  Daisy had no answer to this and she left the room, pausing outside the door to take a deep breath. Was it true? Did Marjorie Harker actually say that she would be leaving the manor house so soon? Daisy pinched her left arm to make sure she was not dreaming – it hurt. She smiled and resisted the temptation to do a little jig as she made her way to the back stairs. Today she was a servant but tomorrow or the next day she would be mistress of the house once more, and she would not have to use the back stairs or keep order between the two rival sets of servants. She could hardly wait to tell Mary and Hilda, though they were probably already aware of the coming change. News travelled fast below stairs.

  Charity was already up when Daisy entered her room. She looked ethereal in a white organdie wrapper, trimmed with lace, but her eyes were shining and there was a delicate flush to her cheeks. She danced up to Daisy and spun her round the room.

  ‘What do you think of him?’ Charity asked eagerly. ‘Isn’t he the most handsome man you’ve ever seen?’

  ‘I can’t think who you mean,’ Daisy teased.

  ‘Yes, you do. I’m talking about Ned, of course. He’s such good company and so funny, he makes me laugh, and he’s a wonderful dancer, too.’

  ‘Yes, I agree with you, Charity. He is all those things.’

  ‘Mama doesn’t approve, but she’ll come round. I always get my own way in the end.’ Charity stared at Daisy, a frown puckered her brow. ‘Who was that stranger you were dancing with on the beach last night? He was holding you very close.’

  ‘I’m surprised that you noticed.’ Daisy steered Charity to the bed. ‘Sit down and tell me which gown you want to wear this morning. You don’t want to miss the Tighe-Martins at breakfast, do you?’

  ‘Heavens, no! I’ll wear the Indian muslin, or should I wear the pink poplin? Which do you think, Daisy? I can’t decide.’

  ‘Pink is perfect – it’s very becoming, and you want to make a good impression on Mrs Tighe-Martin. Her husband already thinks you’re a very pretty young lady.’

  ‘Does he really?’

  ‘Oh, yes. I heard him say so.’

  ‘Then the pink it is. I was afraid I was looking like an old hag after dancing nearly all night.’

  ‘You’re eighteen, Charity. No one looks haggish at your age.’

  ‘How old are you, Daisy?’

  ‘I’m not quite twenty-one.’

  ‘And already a widow. How sad.’

  Daisy let this go – she was too happy to argue. She would be mistress of Creek Manor once again, and she had the money that Marius had given her. She’d counted it this morning and found it was a considerable sum, which would keep them going for a month or maybe more, and she hoped it was the first payment of many.

  She went to the clothes press and took out the gown in question, shaking out the creases as she laid it on the bed.

  Charity stood up and allowed the wrap to fall to the ground. ‘Lace me up as tightly as you can, Daisy. I’m sure I ate far too much last evening.’

  After much heaving on the strings of the corset, punctuated by squeals of complaint, Daisy managed to whittle Charity’s waist to little more than a handspan, and the gown fitted perfectly. Daisy was just finishing Charity’s coiffure when Patience burst into the room, dressed as usual in her riding habit.

  ‘You might wear something different, just for a change,’ Charity said crossly.

  ‘I wore a dress last evening.’ Patience flung herself down on the bed. ‘Anyway, I’m going riding today. Will Johnson is going to call for me and he’s going to show me round their farm.’

  ‘I always said you ought to marry a farmer,’ Charity said, chuckling.

  ‘At least a farmer doesn’t get shot at by tribesmen.’

  ‘Ned is a soldier, that’s his job.’

  ‘So is Papa, and Mama hates it when he’s away fighting battles on the North-West Frontier. She’ll be horrified if you choose Ned Tighe-Martin.’

  ‘Don’t be silly, Patty. We’ve only just met and he’s leaving later today. I might never see him again.’ Charity’s voice broke with emotion.

  ‘Don’t think like that,’ Daisy said, patting her on the shoulder. ‘What will be, will be. Just let things take their course. If he’s the one for you then nothing will keep him away.’

  ‘Do you really think so?’

  ‘Yes, I do.’ Daisy stepped back to admire her handiwork. She had coiled Charity’s tresses into a becoming style, taming her naturally curly hair except for a few stubborn tendrils that caressed her forehead and cheeks. ‘That looks splendid. Now off you go, both of you.’ She reached out to catch Patience by the hand before she could escape. ‘And you, young lady, be nice to your sister. She really cares for Ned, so don’t say anything that will embarrass her.’

  Patience pulled a face. ‘As if I would. Anyway, I rather like Will Johnson, so maybe I’m not such a hoyden after all.’

  ‘I never thought you were. You’re just young and full of life,’ Daisy said, smiling. ‘And Will is a nice young man. His family are decent, hard-working people, so don’t let anyone tell you that he’s not good enough for you.’

  Patience stared at her in amazement. ‘You really mean that, don’t you?’

  ‘Happiness should be grasped with both hands whether you are young or old. Anyway, you’d b
etter go down to breakfast.’

  Patience shook her head. ‘I’ve got a better idea. I’m going to the stables to have my horse saddled and I’ll ride over to the farm. If I have breakfast I know that Mama will try to prevent me from going out.’ She ran to the door. ‘You won’t peach on me, will you, Daisy?’

  ‘I won’t say a word, although if your mother starts to fret later I might have to tell her that you went riding in good company.’

  ‘That’s all right. Do that anyway, then she won’t worry. But please wait until I’ve had a chance to get away.’ Patience hurried from the room, allowing the door to close on its own.

  Daisy tidied up Charity’s clothes. She would miss the girls when they returned to Four Winds, but it would be wonderful to move back into her home again. She would once again be mistress of Creek Manor – all she needed to make life perfect was news that Jay had been found alive and well, and would soon return to his loving family. She came to a halt by the cheval mirror, and the young woman who gazed back at her looked anything but a grieving widow. Daisy had heard whispers in the village from gossips who wondered why she was not wearing full mourning, but neither she nor Mary were willing to give Jay up to the sea – not yet, anyway.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Toby and Minnie were the first guests to leave, accompanied by Ivy, but Flora had somehow managed to persuade Julian to take her back to London, although Daisy could see that his colleagues were not too keen on the idea. The barouche was kept busy plying to and from Little Creek station, and Mr and Mrs Woodward had no choice other than to await their turn, but when Molesworth finally announced that it had come for them, Letitia drew Daisy aside.

  ‘You may think it’s amusing to throw that red-haired trollop in Julian’s path, but wait until my cousin Agnes hears about this. She won’t be best pleased, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you hear from Mr Carrington.’

  Daisy shrugged. ‘It had nothing to do with me, Mrs Woodward. Julian is free to choose his friends, and quite frankly it’s his business, not yours, and certainly not mine.’

  ‘Oh!’ Letitia bristled with indignation. ‘I won’t be spoken to in that tone of voice by a mere servant.’

  ‘My connection with your family ceased a long time ago, and for your information I am not a servant. I am the lady of the manor and Mrs Harker has been renting the property to impress gullible people like you, but she’s leaving tomorrow and I am taking back control of my property. Now, I think your husband is calling to you. The carriage is waiting to take you to the station. Goodbye, Mrs Woodward – I hope we won’t meet again.’

  ‘Well, I never did.’ Letitia bustled over to her husband. ‘Harold, I’ve just been insulted by that woman.’ She pointed a shaking finger at Daisy.

  ‘Never mind that now, my dear. We need to hurry if we’re to catch the London train.’ He ushered his wife out of the house, but he paused before following her and doffed his hat to Daisy. She thought he winked at her, but he was too far away for her to be certain.

  ‘Have they gone?’ Marjorie appeared suddenly at Daisy’s side. ‘Dreadful people. I don’t know why I invited them here.’

  ‘They’ve gone now and I doubt if either of us will be seeing them again.’

  ‘For once I agree with you, Daisy.’ Marjorie surged forward at the sight of the general and his wife as they descended the grand staircase. ‘Your stay has been all too brief – I’ll miss you both.’

  The general smiled benignly. ‘I have a feeling we will be seeing more of you, my dear. Quite apart from the fact that I’m personally recommending your husband for promotion, it seems that my son and young Charity have come to an understanding.’

  ‘Yes,’ Felicia added hastily. ‘Although, of course, it’s early days and they’re both very young. We’ll have to see what transpires in the future.’

  ‘Yes, indeed,’ Marjorie said graciously. ‘He’s a charming young man, and he’s more than welcome to visit us at Four Winds.’

  The general eyed her curiously. ‘You have another property, Marjorie?’

  ‘She told us last evening,’ Felicia said impatiently. ‘Have you forgotten already?’

  ‘Er – no, of course not.’ He looked from one to the other as if seeking inspiration.

  ‘I’ll tell you again when we’re on our way home.’

  ‘I believe your carriage is waiting outside.’

  Marjorie walked to the door with them, but Daisy hung back. She was pleased for Charity’s sake that the general and his wife seemed happy to consider her as a future daughter-in-law, and Marjorie would have to accept the fact that her daughter had fallen in love with a soldier. However, it might be a different story should Patience choose to associate with Will Johnson, and she might not receive much support from her mother, even though Will was a decent, hard-working young man. The Johnsons would probably welcome her into their family, but Daisy could not imagine Marjorie taking kindly to the idea of her daughter as a farmer’s wife. However, Patience was only sixteen, and there was plenty of time to think of marriage.

  Daisy glanced out of the window and smiled as she spotted Charity and Ned in a close embrace – which did not look like a goodbye kiss. She turned away, resolutely crushing the niggling pangs of envy that suddenly beset her, and she headed for the servants’ quarters.

  Mrs Ralston popped out of her office like a jack-in-the-box just as Daisy was about to walk past.

  ‘Oh my goodness,’ Daisy gasped, clutching her hands to her bosom. ‘You gave me such a fright.’

  ‘I’m sorry, madam, but I need to speak to you urgently.’ Mrs Ralston held the door open, leaving Daisy little alternative other than to enter the small room, which served as an office and a private parlour for the housekeeper.

  ‘What is it, Ida? Is something bothering you?’

  ‘What is going on, madam? I know I oughtn’t to be so forward, but there are rumours flying around the servants’ hall like a swarm of angry wasps.’

  ‘What is being said?’

  ‘That we’re all to lose our jobs and we must start packing.’

  ‘Who told you that?’

  ‘Won’t you take a seat, madam?’

  ‘No, Ida. Not until you tell me who is responsible for spreading this rumour.’

  ‘Miss Wendell was overheard speaking to Dorcas Jones. I’ve tried to get some sense out of her, but I think she’s enjoying my discomfort. If it gets out amongst the rest of the servants there’ll be out-and-out war between us and them.’

  Daisy sank down on the nearest chair. She had to bite her lip to prevent herself from laughing.

  ‘I don’t see anything amusing in the situation, Mrs Tattersall.’

  ‘No, Ida, it isn’t. I’m sorry, but it is so ridiculous. Miss Wendell might well have been telling Mrs Jones to pack up their belongings because Mrs Harker and her daughters are moving out tomorrow. They and their servants will be returning to Four Winds.’

  ‘Do you mean that, madam? You’re not just saying it to keep the peace.’

  ‘Certainly not. I know it’s come about suddenly, but Mrs Harker has done what she set out to do. Miss Charity has met a young man who seems to be genuinely taken with her, and the general is going to recommend Colonel Harker for promotion. There is no need for them to remain here any longer.’

  A series of expressions flitted across Mrs Ralston’s small features, but her smile was wiped away by one of suspicion. ‘Does that mean we have to pay back the wages she gave us?’

  ‘No, most definitely not. You earned that money and so did I.’

  Mrs Ralston reached for her hanky. ‘I can’t tell you how happy I am. Nell and I were thinking we would be cast out on the street, and who would take us on at our age?’

  ‘Anybody with any sense would value two such hard-working, experienced and capable women, as I do. In fact, when my finances are settled I will be giving you a rise in your wages.’

  ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Say nothing at the moment. How many p
eople know about this?’

  ‘We’ve tried to keep it from the others, madam. Nell thought it best.’

  ‘Very wise. I’ll go and tell her not to worry. Tomorrow we will get the manor house to ourselves.’

  Daisy hurried to the kitchen to pass on the good news and Nell Pearce’s pale blue eyes filled with tears.

  ‘Oh, madam, I’m so relieved. I just can’t tell you how much this means to me and to Ida. We really thought the end had come for us.’

  ‘Far from it. This is just the beginning, but please keep it to yourself until after Mrs Harker and her daughters have left tomorrow.’

  ‘I will indeed, and to celebrate getting my kitchen back to normal, I’ll make a special dinner … after they’ve gone, of course.’

  Daisy felt the atmosphere in the kitchen lighten perceptibly despite the fact that the maids were rushing around in the endless circle of preparing, serving and clearing up after meals. They all seemed oblivious to the coming changes, except for Cook, who was grinning broadly, and she even managed a smile when Phoebe Salt marched up to her and demanded more bacon for the dining room. Daisy left them to get on as best they could and she decided that Marjorie could manage without her for an hour or two. She was no longer at her beck and call.

  Daisy walked back to the cottage and found Hilda and the children weeding the vegetable patch in the back garden, while Mary pegged washing on a line strung between two trees.

  ‘Why are you here?’ Mary asked anxiously. ‘Is anything wrong?’

  ‘On the contrary. Mrs Harker has decided to go home. They’ll be leaving tomorrow and we can move back to the manor house.’

  Hilda straightened up, wiping her grubby hands on her apron. ‘What made her change her mind?’

  ‘She’s done what she set out to do, Hilda. We can live in comfort again.’ Daisy gave her a steady look. ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘Don’t you want to go back to the manor house?’ Mary demanded, frowning. ‘I can’t wait to have a room of my own again.’

  ‘I like it here,’ Hilda said softly. ‘It feels more like home to me and the nippers. I’m sorry, Daisy, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but I love the cottage and the garden. I feel like myself for the first time since …’ she broke off with a catch in her voice, and Judy gave her mother a hug.