The Country Bride

by Dilly Court

  Judy placed the plates on a tray, together with a spoon and fork. ‘I’ll treat him like any other customer, Ma. Heaven knows, we’ve few enough, so I don’t want to lose a single one.’

  Rob was warming himself by the fire and he looked up, smiling as she placed the tray on the table in front of him. ‘Thank you.’

  Judy hesitated. She was eager to talk to him, but she could not remain without a valid excuse. Seeming to guess her thoughts, he paused with the spoon halfway to his lips.

  ‘You haven’t any other customers. Why don’t you take a seat and keep me company? I hate eating alone.’

  Judy pulled up a chair. ‘I can spare a few minutes, I suppose. We will be busy later. It’s always quiet at this time of day.’

  He tasted the food and nodded appreciatively. ‘This is as good as I hoped. I’ll eat and you can tell me how you came to be running a smugglers’ haunt.’

  The twinkle in his blue eyes was irresistible and Judy laughed. ‘It might have been so at one time but I promise you we’re totally respectable now. I don’t know what else I can tell you.’

  He nodded. ‘Start at Green Dragon Yard – that was where you were born, wasn’t it?’

  Despite her reservations Judy found herself telling him the story of her life so far. She tried to sound casual when she mentioned Jack, but she could see by the alert expression on Rob’s face that he suspected there was more than she was admitting. However, he refrained from asking questions and ate slowly, savouring every mouthful until the bowl was empty. He leaned back in his seat, eyeing her thoughtfully.

  ‘So where is this benefactor of yours now? The saintly doctor, I mean.’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Judy said softly. ‘We keep his room ready for him, but it’s been a few weeks since he was last here.’

  ‘And Mrs Walters suspects that he is taking money under false pretences.’

  ‘She didn’t say that exactly, but she thinks there is something not quite right.’

  ‘And you say you keep a room ready for him to occupy at a minute’s notice?’

  ‘Yes, we do.’

  ‘I have business in this area and it would suit my purpose if I stayed here tonight. I take it you aren’t expecting the doctor to arrive?’

  ‘No, but he asked me to keep the room just for him.’

  ‘But he hasn’t turned up.’

  ‘Not yet.’

  ‘Then the room is free and I’m a paying customer. I’d like the room for tonight and maybe tomorrow, and a meal this evening. Can you do that?’

  Judy thought quickly. The deposit that Dr Godfrey had left to secure the room had run out, and this was a chance to earn money. She nodded. ‘Yes, of course. I’ll show you to your room when you’re ready, but I’ll go and light a fire to take the chill off before you go upstairs.’

  ‘Haven’t you got a servant to do that?’

  Judy laughed and shook her head. ‘There’s just Ma and me, and my brother Nate manages the stables and acts as a potman in the evening. We manage very well.’

  ‘But your doctor friend told you that the building of the hospital would bring more trade. How would you manage then?’

  ‘We’ll meet that eventuality when it happens.’ Judy rose to her feet. ‘You’ve finished. Would you like some apple pie?’

  ‘No, thank you. That was excellent, but I’ve eaten my fill, and now I must go, but I’ll be back this evening.’

  ‘Don’t you want to see your room first?’

  He smiled. ‘I’m sure it will be perfect. Thank Hilda for her efforts in the kitchen. Tell her I look forward to supper.’ He picked up his cap, gloves and riding crop and left the taproom with a cheery wave.

  Judy took the tray back to the kitchen.

  ‘Well?’ Hilda said eagerly. ‘Did he enjoy his meal?’

  ‘Yes, he did, and he’s coming back this evening for dinner, and he wants the room we’ve kept for the doctor.’

  Hilda stood arms akimbo. ‘Well, since that gent hasn’t turned up, I see no reason why we can’t let it to a paying customer. I reckon the advance Dr Godfrey gave you has run out by now.’

  ‘You’re right,’ Judy said, placing the tray on the table. ‘But I’d love to know what business Rob Dorning has round here. Maybe I can find out when he returns this evening.’

  ‘I’m sure there must be a good reason.’ Hilda picked up the coal scuttle and handed it to Judy. ‘Be a dear and fill this for me.’

  ‘That reminds me,’ Judy said, frowning. ‘I’d better light a fire in his room. Heaven knows when Dr Godfrey will put in an appearance.’

  The taproom was quiet as usual in the early evening with only a few customers. Eli, the old man who looked after Colonel Catchpole’s pigs, and smelled worse than all the animals in his care, was a regular. He always sat in the corner of the bar, nursing a pint of mild beer, which would last him the whole evening, unless someone bought him a drink. Seated near the fire was the gamekeeper from Colneyhurst Hall, and his son, Davey, whom Judy recognised as one of the stable lads who worked with her brothers. He kept eyeing Judy and grinning at her, but she chose to ignore him. She was not in the mood for banter with a cheeky fourteen-year-old. Nate was in the kitchen eating his supper, but he would be in the bar later, collecting empty tankards and serving when required.

  She had just thrown another log on the fire when the door opened and Dr Godfrey walked into the taproom, bringing with him a gust of ice-cold air and a dusting of dead leaves. Judy’s heart sank, but she managed a welcoming smile. ‘Good evening, Doctor.’

  He took a seat as far away from the other customers as was possible. ‘Brandy, please, Judy. Bring me the bottle.’

  She did as he asked and placed a glass and the brandy bottle on the table in front of him. ‘Are you all right?’

  A wry smile curved his lips. ‘It’s usually me asking that question of a patient, but since you seem to sense my mood, I’ll have to say no.’ He uncorked the bottle and poured himself a generous tot, which he downed in one and refilled the glass. ‘I’ve had the devil of a day, and now I’m ready for a decent meal and a comfortable bed.’

  A meal she could provide, although pie was the only item on the menu. Nate had snared a rabbit and Hilda had done what was necessary to make a tasty meal, but that was the least of Judy’s worries. Then, to her dismay, the door opened again and this time it was Rob himself who strolled into the taproom. He was carrying a saddlebag, which he placed on a stool at the bar counter. He shot a curious glance at Ben and nodded.

  ‘Good evening.’

  Ben acknowledged him with a curt nod. ‘Who is that?’ he asked in a low voice.

  ‘He’s a customer,’ Judy said softly. ‘Would you like to eat now, Doctor?’

  ‘Not yet. I’ll tell you when I’m hungry. I hope my room is ready.’

  Judy shot a wary glance at Rob, who was watching them with mild interest. ‘I’m afraid not, but I can offer you alternative accommodation.’

  ‘What?’ Ben leaped to his feet. ‘I’ve had the most dreadful day, and now you tell me that my room is being used by someone else.’ He turned to glare at Rob. ‘I suppose this is your doing, sir. I don’t know you, but you appear to be the only person in the bar who could afford a bed for the night.’

  Judy clutched his arm. ‘Please lower your voice, Doctor. These people are my bread and butter. I don’t want them offended.’

  Ben shook off her restraining hand and marched over to Rob. ‘You look like a gentleman, so I’m assuming that you will understand when I tell you that the room you were to have is no longer available. I have a long-standing agreement with Miss Begg that the bedchamber in question is mine when I need it, and tonight is that night.’

  ‘I’m afraid you’re out of luck, sir. I booked the room at midday, therefore I believe I have prior claim. Unless you’ve given Miss Begg due notice I don’t see how you can expect to simply walk in here and make such unreasonable demands.’

  ‘I’m not in the mood to be crossed by a comple
te stranger. I’ve had a very trying and unprofitable day.’

  ‘I suppose you’re referring to the purchase of the Creek Manor estate,’ Rob said casually.

  ‘What is it to you?’ Dr Godfrey eyed him warily.

  ‘Your offer was turned down.’ Rob turned to Judy. ‘Perhaps the doctor would like another glass of brandy.’

  ‘I’ll order my own drinks,’ Ben snapped. ‘What do you know about the sale?’

  ‘I was there, although I kept in the background. You were so wrapped up in your own self-importance that you didn’t see me.’

  ‘What business is it of yours, anyway?’ Dr Godfrey thumped his hand down on the counter. ‘Who are you?’

  ‘The name is Dorning, Robert Winters Dorning to be exact, and I am the new owner of the Creek Manor estate.’

  There was a sudden silence in the taproom. The only sounds were the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock and the snap and crackle of the log as the sap leaked out into the flames. Judy gazed at Rob in disbelief.

  ‘You bought the Creek Manor estate?’

  He laughed. ‘There’s no law against it, is there?’

  Judy looked from one to the other. ‘But Dr Godfrey was going to build a new hospital.’

  ‘I can speak for myself, Judy,’ he said crossly. ‘This is an outrage, sir. That land is perfect for what we wanted.’

  ‘You had your chance, although I doubt if you could raise the sort of money you would need for such an ambitious project.’ Rob picked up his saddlebag. ‘I’m going to my room, Judy. I’ll have supper later, if that’s all right with you.’

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Judy stepped in front of Dr Godfrey, blocking his way. ‘Please don’t make trouble. I know you’re disappointed, but you must have known that there would be other bidders.’

  He sank down on a chair by the bar, holding his head in his hands. ‘I’m ruined.’

  ‘No, surely not,’ she said anxiously.

  ‘You don’t understand.’

  ‘I might, if you told me what’s wrong.’

  He shook his head. ‘I persuaded people to invest in the project.’

  ‘But you can give them back their money.’

  ‘That’s the problem.’ He turned his head away. ‘I don’t know why I’m telling you this.’

  ‘Sometimes it helps to talk to someone about your problems.’

  He uttered a mirthless bark of laughter. ‘I can’t repay all the money. There were expenses.’

  ‘But surely the investors will understand that.’

  ‘I was so certain that I could get the land at a good price. I gave up my position at the London Hospital and I travelled all over the country, visiting other medical institutions to see how they were run. The fact is that I spent more than half the money I took from the investors, and I have no hope of repaying them. I’m ruined.’

  Judy was at a loss for words. She raised her hand to give him a comforting pat on the shoulder, but dropped it to her side. After all, he had used other people’s money to follow his dream, and his gamble had failed. There was nothing she could say that would either help or comfort him. She refilled his glass from the brandy bottle.

  He accepted it with a nod and tossed the drink back in one swallow. He rose unsteadily to his feet. ‘I’d better go.’

  ‘It’s getting late,’ Judy said reasonably. ‘Where will you go at this time of night?’

  ‘I don’t know. Anywhere but here.’

  ‘There is another room you can have. It’s smaller, but it has a view of the estuary, and I’m sure you’ll find it very comfortable. I’ll light the fire while you’re eating your supper.’ She pressed him back onto the chair. ‘I’ll bring you some pie. A good night’s sleep is what you need, and you’ll be able to think more clearly in the morning.’

  His eyes were bloodshot as he met her anxious gaze. ‘Why are you doing this for me?’

  ‘Because everyone at the hospital said that you are a good doctor. You might have been unlucky in business, but I’m sure you can come to some arrangement with the people to whom you owe money. Perhaps Dr Neville could help you to find another position.’

  He poured himself another glass. ‘Who will trust me now?’

  Judy shook her head. ‘I can’t answer that, but feeling sorry for yourself won’t help. Stay there and I’ll bring you some food, and then I’ll prepare you a room.’

  ‘I don’t deserve your kindness.’

  ‘Now you’re being maudlin. That’s what Jack would say, although I had to look the word up in his dictionary. Anyway, think of it as repayment. You helped us over a difficult time when we first moved into the Crooked Billet, and now I can return the favour.’ She left him to finish his drink while she went to the kitchen.

  Having served him a plate of pie and mashed potato, she went upstairs to make a room ready. Dr Godfrey’s confession was shocking, but it paled into insignificance compared to Rob Dorning’s announcement that he was now the owner of the Creek Manor estate.

  Judy’s mind buzzed with questions as she lit the fire. Who was Rob Dorning? And how could he afford to purchase a country house and an estate? All these thoughts went through her head as she made up the bed with fresh sheets and added a couple more blankets. She smoothed the coverlet and then crossed the floor to draw the curtains on the wild night outside. Through the rain-spattered windowpanes she could just make out the white crested waves as they pounded the foreshore, whipped up by the wind as it howled around the building, rattling windows and sending the inn sign swinging to and fro so that it looked as if it might take off and fly away. She pulled the thin material together and moved the oil lamp to a safer place. The room looked inviting enough, although she doubted if the doctor would notice much when he eventually staggered up the stairs to bed. She had been startled by the sudden change in his demeanour. The Dr God she had first met in the hospital seemed to be a very different person from the broken man who slumped against the bar, feeling sorry for himself. She left the room and went downstairs to help Hilda.

  Nate met her at the foot of the stairs. ‘Can you do something with the doctor, Judy? He’s squiffy but he wants another bottle of brandy. What shall I do?’

  ‘Don’t worry. I’ll sort him out.’ Judy hoped she sounded more confident than she was feeling as she walked over to where Dr Godfrey was slumped over the table. ‘Come on, Doctor. I’ll show you to your room.’

  ‘I want another drink.’

  ‘I’ll bring some to you later.’ Judy beckoned to her brother and together they managed to get Dr Godfrey to his feet. It took both of them to get him upstairs to his room, where he collapsed onto the bed and closed his eyes.

  ‘Are you going to leave him like that?’ Nate asked warily.

  ‘I’m not going to undress him and put him to bed, if that’s what you mean. He’ll have to sleep it off.’ Judy ushered her brother from the room and closed the door. Nate hurried downstairs and she followed more slowly. It was sad to see a man like Dr Godfrey, who was so respected in his chosen profession, reduced to drinking himself into oblivion. Dr God was paying for his mistakes, and she was sorry for him. She walked into the taproom and was met by Rob.

  ‘I’m starving,’ he said, smiling. ‘I think I smell rabbit pie.’

  ‘I’m afraid that’s all we have on the menu.’

  ‘That’s fine by me. I love pie.’

  ‘It’s quiet in the bar,’ Judy said cautiously. ‘Would you like to eat with us in our private parlour? Or if you prefer to eat alone …’

  ‘No. I hate eating on my own. I would like that very much.’

  ‘Nate has already eaten and he’ll keep an eye on the bar, although I doubt if we’ll get many customers in this evening. People tend to stay at home when the weather is bad.’

  She led the way to the parlour and laid the table while Rob made himself comfortable by the fire.

  ‘It won’t be long,’ she said, smiling.

  ‘Where is the doctor? Do we have to share a table with him, too?�
��

  ‘He’s in his room. He’s a bit tipsy, but I hope he’ll sleep it off. The new hospital was his dream – he just couldn’t make it happen.’

  ‘That’s just it, Judy. It was an impossible dream. I gather he was representing a group of investors, but he was out of his depth in the business world. He should stick to what he knows and concentrate on healing the sick.’

  ‘You are a very cynical man, Rob Dorning.’

  He chuckled. ‘Thank you, Judy. I’ll take that as a compliment. Now where’s that pie? I’m really looking forward to my meal.’

  Judy bit back a sharp retort as she left the room. She knew in her heart that what Rob said was true, and Ben Godfrey was at fault, but she resented the criticism of someone who had wanted to do something good for his fellow men.

  She marched into the kitchen. ‘Mr Dorning is hungry,’ she said, taking plates from the dresser and slapping them down on the table.

  Hilda looked up from the sink where she had been straining cabbage. ‘I thought you liked him. What’s he said to upset you?’

  ‘He was being very judgemental about Dr Godfrey.’

  ‘What has the doctor done?’

  ‘I’ll tell you later. I made the mistake of inviting Rob to eat with us in the parlour. Let’s get supper over and then we can relax.’

  Hilda sliced the pie and put a large piece on a plate together with a generous helping of cabbage and a couple of boiled potatoes. She handed the plate to Judy. ‘Give him that to be going on with, and don’t forget the jug of gravy. In my experience all men love a good gravy.’

  This made Judy laugh. ‘And most women, too, I suspect. You always put things in perspective, Ma. What would I do without you?’

  ‘You’ll have to one day, dear. When you get married you won’t need me.’

  ‘That won’t happen, Ma. You and I have been through so much together. Whoever marries me, if anyone ever does, he will have to take you on as well. I wouldn’t marry a man who didn’t get on with my mother.’

  Hilda threw a drying cloth at her. ‘Take the food in while it’s hot.’