A Village Scandal

by Dilly Court

  ‘I’ll ask Nick if I can accompany him when he visits Creek Manor. I assume that’s why you’re here, Daisy.’

  ‘Yes, I need to ask Nick for his medical opinion. I’m hoping he might be able to help.’

  ‘I’m sure he will. He’s an excellent doctor.’

  Daisy eyed her curiously. ‘I hope he realises how lucky he is to have you.’

  ‘I don’t know about that.’ Dove’s pale cheeks flamed with colour. ‘I would probably be a kitchen maid if it weren’t for Nick.’ She hesitated, biting her lip. ‘I know he still has feelings for you, Daisy, but he’s fond of me and I’m prepared to accept that.’

  ‘You have nothing to fear from me, Dove. But don’t be second best – you’re worth more than that. Nick should think himself very lucky to have someone like you.’

  ‘He might even make an honest woman of me one day.’

  ‘Are you telling me that he’s taken advantage of you? He should be ashamed of himself.’

  ‘I was more than willing, Daisy. I love him.’

  ‘As I said, he doesn’t deserve a woman like you. I want words with Dr Neville.’

  Dove laid a restraining hand on Daisy’s arm. ‘Don’t tell him what I said. He would be very angry if he thought I’d spoken to you about something so personal.’

  ‘I won’t make things worse, I promise you that. You are my sister-in-law, Dove. If Jay were himself and he found out that Nick has been playing fast and loose with your affections there would be trouble.’ Daisy broke free from Dove’s grasp and she headed for Nick’s study.

  ‘Good heavens, Daisy.’ Nick dropped his pen and rose hastily to his feet. ‘What on earth is the matter?’

  She folded her arms, glaring at him. ‘You are the trouble, Nick Neville. I’ve been talking to Dove and she let it slip that you two are more than just colleagues.

  ‘It’s a private matter.’

  ‘Not if it affects my sister-in-law. This is family business, Nick. If my husband was fit and well he’d settle this in a matter of minutes.’

  An amused smile flitted over Nick’s handsome features. ‘Are you calling me out in his stead, Mrs Tattersall?’

  ‘Don’t make a joke of it. I’m not in the mood for silliness. I came to see you to ask for your help with Jay because he’s lost his memory and doesn’t even know his own name, but it seems that you need some sisterly advice.’

  ‘I’m glad that Jay has been found, and of course I’ll do my best for him, but you aren’t my sister, Daisy. You know how I feel about you.’

  ‘So you say, and yet you take advantage of a nice young woman who obviously worships you. For shame, Nick.’

  He slumped down on his chair. ‘I know, you’re right, and my father would be ashamed of me if he were here. I’m very fond of Dove and she’s an excellent nurse.’

  Daisy leaned over the desk, fixing him with a hard stare. ‘You know what you must do. It’s not up to me to tell you, but if you make that girl unhappy you will have me to deal with.’

  ‘Now I am afraid,’ Nick said, chuckling. ‘I should marry a rich widow or an heiress, but not too many wealthy women want to live in a small village like Little Creek.’ He met Daisy’s angry look with a smile, holding his hands up in a gesture of submission. ‘I know I’ve lost my chance with you, and we would probably have made each other miserable. I like to be in control and I can’t change my nature, but I will try to mend my ways.’

  ‘You’ll treat Dove properly?’

  ‘I was going to ask her to marry me at some point, I suppose.’

  ‘Then do it before things go too far and you ruin her reputation.’

  ‘I will, I promise.’ Nick rose to his feet and reached for his medical bag. ‘You came to ask my opinion regarding your husband, Mrs Tattersall, so I suggest we leave now.’

  ‘And you’ll invite Dove to accompany us. She needs to see her brother, and I’m hoping that having his family around will bring back his memory.’

  ‘I don’t pretend to be an expert in such matters,’ Nick said ruefully. ‘But I’m glad that Jay survived, and I’ll do what I can for him.’

  Jay’s physical condition improved quickly with good care and the food prepared to tempt his poor appetite, but despite visits from his brother and sisters, Jay remembered nothing of his past. He seemed to enjoy Daisy’s company, but there was nothing remotely lover-like in his attitude towards her. She suspected at times that he was more comfortable with Dove and Linnet than he was with his own wife, although she would have died rather than admit such a disheartening fact. Mary was the only person to whom he turned during his dark spells of depression, and Hilda was able to persuade him to wash and shave when he seemed to have given up entirely. Daisy was increasingly desperate and Nick seemed unable to help. However, life was made easier when a visit to the bank proved successful, and with Jay there to sign the necessary papers, funds were released, enabling Daisy to pay the servants and the outstanding household bills.

  After a few weeks of resting and eating well Jay was allowed to venture into the grounds, and this seemed to brighten his mood. Daisy’s uncle suggested that Jay might like to take up fishing, and he came one sunny June morning bringing all the gear needed for a day of sport at the lake. Jack was allowed to accompany them, and he was his brother’s shadow. Daisy never needed to worry as long as Jack was with Jay, and when she took a picnic hamper to the lake she was delighted to see Jay almost back to his former self. She had not heard him laugh since he came home and the happy sound echoed across the water, but then it came back to mock her when her husband thanked her politely for the food, as if she were a servant.

  Daisy managed a weak smile and she made her way back across the neatly cut lawns, wiping tears from her eyes. It was not until she reached the parterre garden that she realised someone was waiting for her.

  ‘Marius.’ She quickened her pace, tears forgotten. It was a huge relief to be greeted warmly by someone on whom she could rely. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you today.’

  He held out his hand to help her over the low ornamental wall and she grasped it as if it were a lifeline.

  ‘What’s the matter, Daisy? You look upset.’

  She tucked her hanky into her pocket. ‘I had something in my eye – a bit of dust.’

  He gazed into the distance. ‘Is that Jay by the lake?’

  ‘Yes, my uncle thought he might enjoy a day’s fishing, and Jack is with him. That boy has been wonderful. I wouldn’t have credited him with so much good sense, but he looks after Jay as if he were the elder brother.’

  ‘But there’s still no sign of Jay recovering his memory?’

  ‘No, sadly not. His mother and sisters have tried everything they can, as have I, but with no success. I’m at a loss as to what to do next.’

  ‘I have an idea, it might not work, but I think it’s worth a try.’

  ‘Anything, Marius. I’ll do anything if it will help to bring Jay back to the real world. At the moment he still feels like a stranger amongst us, and I know he’s not happy.’

  ‘Then this is worth a try. Actually, it was Guppy’s idea.’

  ‘Clem? What did he suggest?’

  ‘The thing that Jay loves best in the world, next to you and his family, of course. What is that, Daisy?’

  She met his intense gaze and she smiled. ‘The Lazy Jane.’

  ‘Precisely. They sailed from Maldon and by our reckoning they should reach the creek early this evening. We had a little delay in getting one of the cargoes to the quay, but that happens more often than not. Anyway, she’s ready to sail for the Channel Islands, but one night moored in the creek won’t pose a problem. I suggest a walk to the cove after dinner might prove beneficial. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?’

  Daisy flung her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek, but realising what she had done, she moved away quickly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

  ‘I’m sorry, Marius. It’s just that there’s been so little hope, and I think you might ha
ve hit on the one thing that could bring Jay back to us.’

  ‘Don’t apologise. I don’t often get rewarded in such a charming manner.’

  ‘Well, it’s a brilliant idea. Have you had luncheon? We were about to eat and my aunt is here. I’m sure she’d like to see you again. You met so briefly.’

  He caught her by the hand. ‘That would be splendid. I barely had time to snatch a bread roll for breakfast, and that was stale.’ He squeezed her fingers. ‘Take heart, Daisy. We can beat this together – we are partners, after all.’

  ‘I hope your idea works, Marius. This evening can’t come quickly enough.’

  Chapter Seventeen

  The walk to the beach had to be kept a secret from the rest of the family or everyone would have wanted to accompany them. Daisy’s aunt and uncle had been invited to join them for dinner, and Eleanora monopolised the conversation. There was a brief pause when the maid brought the desserts, which were bread-and-butter pudding, glistening with crisp buttery sugar, and a lemon tart. Jay ate with obvious enjoyment, but contributed very little to the general conversation, and Daisy was too excited to care much about food. She kept her eye on the dainty gilded clock, which had pride of place on the mantelshelf, flanked by silver candlesticks and a cut-glass spill jar.

  ‘Have some more pudding, Jay,’ Mary said gently. ‘This one was always your favourite, although we rarely had such a treat when you were a boy.’

  Jay smiled vaguely. ‘Thank you. It’s very nice, but I can’t eat another morsel.’

  Eleanora pointed to the lemon tart. ‘Cut me another slice, please, Mary. It’s almost as good as the one Hattie used to make. Dear Linnet tries hard, but she can’t compete with Hattie when it comes to baking.’

  ‘I suppose you’ll lose her when she marries the schoolmaster.’ Mary served a generous portion and passed the plate back to Eleanora. ‘Would anyone else like some? What about you, Mr Walters?’

  ‘Not for me, thank you.’

  Mary eyed him warily. ‘Are you staying in the village tonight, Mr Walters?’

  He shook his head. ‘It’s Marius. I hope you count me as a friend, Mrs Tattersall, and no, I intend to ride back to Maldon.’

  ‘You mustn’t think of it, Marius,’ Daisy said quickly. ‘We have plenty of spare rooms.’

  ‘Of course,’ Mary added. ‘And it’s Mary to my friends, Marius.’ She smiled and he responded with a chuckle.

  Daisy had to wait while her aunt finished her food, and then there was the slight possibility that Eleanora and Sidney might want to accompany them on their walk. At any other time they would have been more than welcome, but Jay was even more silent than usual when in their company, and he might decide to go to his room. Never a keen reader, Jay had suddenly become interested in books, and he had developed the habit of retiring early to bed with a novel, or a travelogue. Daisy tried hard to accommodate the stranger who inhabited her husband’s body, but she was finding it increasingly difficult.

  Eleanor ate the last crumb, folded her napkin and rose from the table. ‘That was a delightful meal, but it’s time we were making our way home. The ferryman won’t work after twilight, and I can’t say I blame him.’

  Sidney was already on his feet. ‘Yes, excellent food, Daisy. My compliments to Cook.’

  ‘Thank you, Uncle. I’ll pass them on.’ Daisy gazed pointedly at Jay, who was about to leave the table. ‘I thought it would be nice to go for a walk.’

  ‘I was going to my room, Daisy.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Mary said firmly. ‘You need to get some fresh air, my son. Go for a walk with your wife and don’t be a misery.’

  ‘You could walk to the ferry with us,’ Eleanora suggested.

  ‘I was thinking of the cove, but we could go part of the way with you.’ Daisy turned to Marius. ‘Would you care to accompany us?’

  ‘Yes, of course.’

  ‘Then that’s settled.’ Daisy opened the door for her aunt and uncle. ‘What will you do about your fishing tackle, Uncle?’

  ‘I’ve left it with one of your groundsmen, Daisy. I’ll be back tomorrow to give Jay another lesson. I think he rather enjoyed himself today.’

  ‘I did, thank you, sir,’ Jay said automatically.

  Daisy gave him a curious look. She could not imagine the old Jay saying such a thing. He would never have had the patience to sit by the lake all day, hoping for a bite. His former self would have laughed at such a suggestion, and he would have taken Sidney off to the village pub for a glass or two of ale and a chat with the locals.

  She sighed. ‘I’ll fetch my shawl.’

  After saying good night to her aunt and uncle, Daisy led the way to the summerhouse and opened the trapdoor. She glanced at Jay, but his expression was unreadable and it was impossible to tell whether or not he remembered the secret passage. She lit a lantern but Jay took it from her as she was about to descend into the tunnel.

  ‘I’ll go first. You might slip.’

  ‘Do you remember the way?’

  ‘I don’t know, but it’s dark below ground and you aren’t suitably dressed for climbing down ladders. Maybe you ought to remain here.’

  ‘Certainly not,’ Daisy said coldly. ‘I’ve been this way many times. You’re the one who should be careful.’

  Marius gave her a warning look. ‘Let him go, Daisy. Perhaps it’s instinct or maybe he does remember something.’

  ‘The ground is very uneven and the stones are slimy. I don’t want him to fall and injure himself.’ Daisy followed, taking care not to slip. Her heart was thudding against her ribcage and her palms were damp with excitement. Surely this was a good sign. Maybe the passage that had once been the secret way to the manor house would work a miracle, and the memories it evoked would bring the old Jay back to her.

  They emerged into the briny freshness of a June evening, lulled by the sound of the waves caressing the shore. The sun was low in the sky and the shadows deepened, but Jay ran through the trees to the water’s edge and was pointing at the ship as it bobbed gently at anchor. He turned to Daisy with an excited smile.

  ‘Jane.’ His voice cracked with emotion. ‘It’s the Lazy Jane. My ship.’

  ‘You remembered,’ Daisy said excitedly. She grasped him by the shoulders, giving him a gentle shake. ‘Do you know who you are?’

  Jay drew away from her, frowning. ‘I’m Jay Tattersall – so you all keep telling me. But I know that vessel – she’s mine.’

  ‘Yes, you’re right, but do you know who I am?’ Daisy asked eagerly.

  ‘You’re my wife, and your name is Daisy.’ Jay recited the words like a child repeating a set of rules, but it was obvious that his thoughts were elsewhere. He walked to the water’s edge, gazing at the Lazy Jane, basking in the glow of the evening sun.

  ‘Jay.’ Daisy raised her voice. ‘Come back and talk to me.’

  ‘Leave him alone, Daisy,’ Marius said gently. ‘Give him time.’

  ‘It’s obvious what is more important to him.’ Daisy turned away. If she saw pity in Marius’s eyes she knew she would not be able to hold back tears of bitter disappointment.

  Marius laid his hand on her shoulder. ‘Perhaps the memories will return slowly, and this is just the start.’

  ‘He recalled the name of his ship, but he doesn’t know me. Let’s see if he remembers the way home.’ Daisy stormed off in the direction of the tunnel. Jay’s sudden recollection of the Lazy Jane felt like betrayal. She could have understood his blind devotion better had it been for another woman, but to love an object created from wood and canvas more than the wife he had professed to adore, seemed like the worst kind of treachery. She reached the mouth of the passageway and paused for a moment to catch her breath.

  ‘Are you all right, Daisy?’ Marius came to a halt at her side. ‘I can imagine how hard this must be for you.’

  ‘I need to be alone, Marius. If you want to help please make sure that Jay gets home safely. I don’t trust myself to speak to him yet.’

  ‘Of course,
if you’re sure.’

  ‘Yes, I am. I’ll be fine, I just need some time to think.’ Daisy picked up the lantern and headed into the darkness.

  When she reached the house Daisy would have gone straight to her room if it had not been for Marius, but it would look odd if she left Mary and Jay to entertain him. Reluctantly she went to the drawing room where Mary was seated by the window, darning one of Jay’s socks.

  ‘You were a long time. Where are Jay and Marius?’

  ‘We went to the cove. They’ll be here soon.’ Daisy hesitated in front of a wall mirror, patting her hair into place.

  ‘You look flustered, dear. What’s the matter?’

  There was no avoiding the truth. ‘The Lazy Jane was at anchor and Jay recognised her. He knew her name.’

  Mary dropped the sock and her hands flew to her mouth. ‘Oh, my God. His memory has come back.’

  ‘Not entirely.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘He still doesn’t know me.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Daisy. But perhaps it will happen slowly. We’ll have to be patient.’

  ‘Yes,’ Daisy said dully. ‘I suppose you’re right.’ She looked round at the sound of the door opening, and Jay entered the room, followed by Marius.

  ‘I remembered the ship, Mother,’ Jay said triumphantly. ‘The Lazy Jane is mine.’

  ‘That’s wonderful.’ Mary rose to her feet and crossed the floor to embrace him. ‘Do you recall anything else?’

  ‘It’s like walking in a fog. The only thing I can see clearly is the ship, and I know that I’m the master and owner.’ Jay sat down suddenly. ‘But if I’m the owner, why is she moored in the cove? Do you know, Mother?’

  Mary shot a wary glance in Daisy’s direction. ‘You must ask your wife, Jay. She’s handled our affairs in your absence.’

  ‘Daisy? What have you to say for yourself?’

  ‘You disappeared on our wedding day and I was left without funds. I couldn’t even pay the servants and I wasn’t allowed to draw money from the bank. I was desperate and the Lazy Jane was doing nothing, so I decided to put her to work and I went in search of a cargo.’