The Country Bride

by Dilly Court

  Judy raised herself to a sitting position. She would go home tomorrow, even if she had to limp all the way to Little Creek. Rob needed to know that Jay was plotting against him.

  ‘Here’s your cocoa, Judy.’ Adeline emerged from the kitchen. She placed the cup on the table she had moved close to the sofa. ‘I hope you sleep well, dear. Things will look better in the morning. They always do.’

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Despite her worries, Judy slept surprisingly well. She was awakened by the sound of someone rapping on the door and she raised herself on one elbow. She could hear voices, and she reached for the robe that Adeline had provided. She was about to rise from the couch when the door burst open and Molly rushed into the parlour.

  ‘We’ve come to take you home, Judy.’ Molly drew back the curtains. ‘You look awful. Are you in a lot of pain? Miss Dorning told me briefly what happened to you, but I can’t wait to hear the whole story.’

  Judy sat up, the last strands of sleep clearing from her brain. As always her sister looked like a fashion plate, although Judy did not recognise the charming pale blue velvet outfit trimmed with fur or the matching hat, perched at an angle on Molly’s golden curls.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Judy demanded.

  Molly pulled up the stool and sat down. ‘Ma has been going mad with worry since you disappeared, and she insisted that we came to get you.’

  ‘I thought you’d be back at Colneyhurst by now.’

  ‘I had so much fun working at the Crooked Billet that I decided to stay on. I’ve had enough of caring for small children, and I enjoy meeting the customers at the inn.’

  Judy pulled a face. ‘You mean flirting with them, don’t you?’

  Molly fluttered her thick golden eyelashes. ‘I realise now what I’ve been missing all these years. Maybe I wasn’t cut out to be a nursemaid after all. I told Daisy yesterday afternoon, and she was very good about it. She even gave me this outfit because it doesn’t fit her any more. Do you think it suits me?’

  In spite of everything, Judy chuckled. Molly was irrepressible. She managed to turn every situation to suit herself, but she did it with such charm that her faults went unnoticed. ‘You look lovely, as always.’

  Molly’s smile faded. ‘Here am I, thinking of myself as usual, and all the time you were being held prisoner by Jay Tattersall. Why did he abduct you? Was it romantic? Does he want to marry you and make you his fourth wife, or would it be his fifth wife? I’ve lost count.’

  ‘Certainly not! Jay is a dangerous man.’

  ‘Surely not dangerous? Ma told me all about the way he treated Daisy, but that doesn’t make him a villain.’

  ‘You don’t understand. Jay intended to blackmail Rob into selling him the estate, using me as his hostage, but I ran away. I was lost and that’s how I ended up here.’ Judy brushed her tousled hair back from her forehead. ‘I must speak to Rob as soon as possible.’

  Molly frowned. ‘Well, here’s the thing. I talked it over with Jack, and—’

  ‘You did what?’ Judy stared at her in dismay. ‘Are you mad? Of course he’s on his brother’s side. Anyway, I thought Jack was on board the Lazy Jane and about to set sail for Australia.’

  ‘Don’t shout at me, Judy.’ Molly’s baby-blue eyes filled with tears, and her lips pursed in a pout.

  ‘Blame me, not Molly.’ Jack strode into the room followed by Adeline.

  ‘I tried to stop him,’ Adeline said apologetically. ‘He told me that he’s Jay’s brother, but I don’t think he means you harm, Judy.’

  ‘That’s right.’ Jack perched on the edge of Judy’s bed. ‘You know me well enough, Judy. I never meant to hurt you. The abduction was Jay’s idea and I was totally against it, which is why I came ashore and went straight to the Crooked Billet. I had hoped to stop him before he did anything rash, but I arrived too late.’

  ‘You didn’t plan it with him?’ Judy gave him a searching look. She knew Jack well enough to judge whether or not he was telling the truth.

  He met her gaze with an apologetic smile. ‘I should have warned you that Jay might do something stupid, but I had no idea that he would go so far. Believe me, Judy.’

  ‘I do. But what happens now? Where is Jay?’

  He shook his head. ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘Didn’t you put two and two together and come to the conclusion that his disappearance coincided with Judy’s?’ Adeline demanded crossly. ‘What a silly pair you are, to be sure.’

  ‘Of course I did, Miss Dorning.’ Jack’s smile would have melted ice and his tone was pure honey. Judy had seen it all before and she remained unimpressed. Jack was like a little boy who knew exactly how to handle an irate parent.

  ‘I didn’t.’ Molly’s eyes brimmed yet again. ‘I couldn’t imagine anyone doing such a wicked thing to my sister.’

  Jack reached out to grasp Molly’s hand, and the gesture was not lost on Judy. The expression on his face betrayed his feelings. Once upon a time he had looked at her in the same way and Judy experienced a brief pang of jealousy, but it went as quickly as it had come.

  ‘Neither Molly nor your mother suspected anything,’ Jack said firmly. ‘But I know my brother, and I felt sure that he was the culprit, although I had no idea where he might have taken you.’

  ‘Jay planned it all in an attempt to make Rob sell him the estate.’ Judy managed a weak smile. ‘He’s obsessed with the idea of regaining the land and the title. He confessed that he’d paid someone to burn the old house down in order to buy the estate back cheaply.’

  ‘The man must be deranged,’ Adeline said, shaking her head. ‘You’d best remain here, Judy. I’ll look after you until your ankle is healed.’

  ‘Begging your pardon, Miss Dorning,’ Molly’s voice shook with emotion, ‘I think that’s up to my sister. Daisy, I mean Mrs Walters, allowed us the use of her carriage, which is very comfortable, so that we could take Judy home.’

  Adeline turned to Judy, eyebrows raised. ‘Is that what you want?’

  ‘I’m very grateful for your kindness, but I must go home.’

  ‘Very well. I’ll see if your clothes are dry. I hung them up in the kitchen overnight, so they should be aired by now.’ Adeline retreated to the kitchen, closing the door behind her.

  ‘I’m grateful to Daisy for allowing you to borrow her carriage,’ Judy said with a wry smile. ‘But is there anyone in Little Creek who doesn’t know my whereabouts?’

  ‘We did what we had to do, and Daisy won’t breathe a word to anyone. She’s been so kind to me.’

  ‘What about Rob?’ Judy asked anxiously. ‘Has he even noticed that I’m not at home?’

  ‘He was the first to realise that something was wrong,’ Molly said hastily. ‘He came into the taproom soon after I arrived, and he asked for you. I thought perhaps you were in your room, so I went upstairs to look. That’s when we started searching outside, in case you’d fallen and hurt yourself. He discovered the upturned coal scuttle and there were signs that someone had been dragged across the muddy courtyard. He said he was going to look for you and he rode off. We haven’t seen him since.’

  ‘I really need to speak to him,’ Judy said anxiously.

  ‘Then I suggest we leave as soon as you’re ready.’ Jack made a move towards the door. ‘Shall I tell the coachman we’re leaving in ten minutes or so?’

  ‘What do you say, Judy?’ Molly asked urgently. ‘Jack can carry you out to the carriage and we have a fur rug and a foot warmer, so you’ll be quite comfortable. Mother will be so relieved to see you.’

  ‘Of course I’ll come with you. I doubt if Jay could do anything to harm Rob, but he really needs to be warned.’

  Jack frowned. ‘Don’t underestimate my brother, Judy. I have a feeling that he’s not beaten yet. I don’t know what he’s planning, but he won’t give up easily.’

  ‘Can’t you persuade him to return to Australia without upsetting everyone even more than he has done?’ Judy asked anxiously. ‘Surely we don’t n
eed all this trouble? Jay shouldn’t have sold the estate if he wanted to keep the title.’

  ‘I think it goes deeper than just owning the estate,’ Jack said slowly. ‘Jay always knew he didn’t fit in at home, and I don’t think he could understand why Pa was so harsh with him. According to Ma, the old squire was on his deathbed when he admitted that Jay was his son. The discovery that Rob Dorning is the true heir was the final insult.’

  Judy shrugged. ‘I’m afraid I have no pity for Jay. I think he suffers from a form of madness. You didn’t see his face when he was threatening me. I was really scared.’

  ‘And I can’t forgive him for that,’ Jack said earnestly. ‘I was going to return to Australia with him, but only if you and I had come to an understanding, Judy. I’ve been worrying about you ever since I left without setting things straight.’

  ‘I know, Jack. I think I’ve been doing exactly the same as you. We were childhood sweethearts but we’ve grown up, and now nothing is the same.’

  ‘You understand. Thank God for that. I know I did wrong by you, but perhaps it was for the best that circumstances came between us.’

  ‘Well, I don’t understand.’ Molly looked from one to the other. ‘You two always did talk in riddles. You seemed to know what the other one was thinking.’

  ‘That’s no longer true,’ Judy said with a wry smile. ‘Jack will always be like a brother to me, but that’s all.’

  ‘It’s hard to let go of a dream.’ Jack turned to Molly, raising her hand to his lips. ‘But that’s all it was. I realise that now, and maybe I needed to go to the other side of the world to find out who I am, and what I want out of life.’

  Judy could hear footsteps and she held up her hand. ‘Adeline is coming. Please don’t say anything about Rob that might upset her. She’s been like a mother to him.’

  Jack jumped to his feet and went to open the door for Adeline, who was carrying a heavy tray. She placed it on the table.

  ‘You’ll want something inside you before you leave for home.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Dorning.’ Molly rose to her feet to hand round the cups of tea and slices of cake. ‘You’re very kind and I know Ma would want me to thank you for looking after Judy so well.’

  ‘It was nothing. I’m sure your mother would have done the same for my Rob.’ Adeline turned to Judy, raising an eyebrow. ‘Do you think you’re well enough to travel?’

  ‘My ankle only hurts if I try to put weight on it.’

  ‘Well, if you’re sure, dear. Although I think you ought to stay here for another day or two in order to build up your strength.’

  ‘We’ll take care of her, Miss Dorning,’ Molly said with a sweet smile. ‘You’ve been so kind. I can’t thank you enough.’

  When Judy arrived home she was met by her mother, who was furious when she learned the full extent of Judy’s suffering at Jay’s hands.

  ‘You might have died from lung fever or been set upon by gypsies,’ she said angrily. ‘You’re lucky that all you suffered is a sprained ankle, but you should be resting it.’ She poured tea into a cup and handed it to Judy. ‘You are a stubborn girl.’

  Judy smiled. ‘I wonder where I get that from, Ma.’

  ‘Don’t be cheeky. Just because you’ve had a bad experience doesn’t give you the right to talk back to your mother.’ Hilda’s words were stern, but her eyes were twinkling. ‘It’s good to have you home, dear, but if Jay Tattersall comes near this pub I won’t be held responsible for my actions.’

  ‘I don’t think he will, Ma. Jack thinks now that Jay’s gone to London to find a lawyer who will take his case. He intends to fight Rob through the courts for a share in the estate, although I doubt if he stands a chance of success. I certainly hope not.’

  ‘If by some mischance he should succeed he won’t find himself very popular in Little Creek. The people here have taken Rob to their hearts, but Jay is too much like his late father for anyone to trust him.’

  ‘Jack isn’t like him, thank goodness.’ Judy sipped her tea, eyeing her mother over the rim of the cup. ‘Molly seems to be very taken with him, and he with her.’

  ‘I always thought that you and Jack would make a match of it.’ Hilda punched the bread dough she was kneading. ‘It seems a bit sudden to me, but then I suppose they’ve known each other for most of their lives.’

  ‘Sometimes it happens like that, Ma.’

  ‘Well, if you’re not upset by his change of heart, who am I to say anything? Molly will do as she pleases anyway.’

  ‘She could do a lot worse than Jack. I’m still very fond of him, but we were never meant to be together. I realise that now.’

  Molly chose that moment to waltz into the kitchen. She came to a halt, looking from one to the other. ‘Have I missed something? Were you talking about me?’

  ‘I was telling your sister that she should have gone to bed and rested that injured ankle,’ Hilda said firmly. ‘But then neither of you young ladies pays any attention to me now. I don’t know why I waste my breath.’

  Judy and Molly exchanged amused glances. ‘Of course we pay heed to what you say, Ma.’

  ‘Yes, we do,’ Molly said, nodding. ‘Anyway, I came to see if the soup is ready. Eli is hungry. He says his wife hasn’t given him his midday meal because he stayed here late last evening and went home tipsy. He’s in disgrace.’

  Hilda wiped her hands on her apron. ‘I don’t blame her for being angry. Eli spends all his money on ale, when he should be taking it home for his family.’ She bustled over to the range and ladled soup into a bowl. ‘Here, Molly. Give him this, although he doesn’t deserve it.’

  Molly cut a slice of bread from a loaf just taken from the oven and buttered it lavishly.

  ‘Poor old Eli, he’s always in trouble with his wife. I don’t blame him for coming here and enjoying a pint or two.’

  Hilda resumed her attack on the dough. ‘You’d say differently if you were married to him.’

  ‘Jack would never behave like that,’ Molly said complacently.

  ‘You’ve only just got to know him again, girl.’ Hilda shook her head. ‘He’s a charmer like his brother. Don’t let him gammon you.’

  ‘Ma!’ Molly said, rolling her eyes. ‘I’ve had soft soap from the male servants at the Hall ever since I went there. I’m not likely to fall for anything like that from Jack.’ She flounced off with the food on a tray.

  ‘She would never be told.’ Hilda shrugged. ‘I just hope that Jack isn’t simply amusing himself with her. Molly thinks she knows it all, but she’s a child really.’

  ‘Not any more,’ Judy said, chuckling. ‘I think my little sister knows exactly what she’s doing, Ma. Molly is nobody’s fool, and Jack is good at heart. I love him like a brother.’

  The sound of footsteps made Judy turn her head and Nate rushed into the kitchen. He glanced at Judy and grinned. ‘You gave us all a fright, Judy. I’m glad you’re back.’

  ‘Did you want something, dear?’ Hilda slapped the bread dough into a baking tin.

  Nate snatched a hot roll from the cooling rack. ‘I’ll be back for my soup when I’ve seen to Rob’s horse. He’s just arrived.’ With a cheery wave he left the kitchen, slamming the back door behind him.

  ‘Rob was out all night looking for you, Judy. We were all frantic with worry.’ Hilda wiped her hands on her apron. ‘You’ll want to speak to him in private. Why don’t you go into the parlour and sit by the fire? I’ll send Rob in to see you. If that’s what you want, of course.’

  ‘Yes, Ma. I really do need to talk to him.’ Judy raised herself slowly from the chair and made her way to the parlour, each step an effort. She had just settled herself in a chair when Rob rushed into the room.

  ‘Judy, how are you?’ He shed his hat and riding cape as he crossed the room to kneel beside her. ‘You look pale. Are you feeling all right?’

  She smiled. ‘I’m better for seeing you.’

  ‘I’m so sorry you were involved in this, Judy. If Jay’s hurt you he’ll answe
r to me.’

  ‘He tried to scare me, but I was more frightened than hurt.’

  ‘He’ll answer for that, Judy, I promise.’

  She shook her head. ‘Don’t have anything to do with him. Let him go back to Australia where he belongs.’

  ‘I wish I was so forgiving, but I’m not.’ Rob rose to his feet. ‘I could kill him at this moment.’

  ‘Don’t do that – you’ll end up in prison.’ She met his angry gaze with a smile. ‘Your aunt is wonderful, Rob. I turned up on her doorstep and she took me in and treated me like a daughter.’

  ‘I don’t know where I would be if she hadn’t taken me in as a child.’

  ‘The cottage felt like a happy home.’ Judy hesitated. She could see that he was still tense and there was no point in going over the same subject again and again. ‘How is the building going on? Is there much progress?’

  ‘It’s coming along splendidly. The cellars weren’t touched by the fire, so it’s been easy to lay the foundations for the main part of the building, and that will be completed first. I want to move in as soon as possible, and then it will be time to start on the west wing. I’ve got fifty able men working long hours to make sure it happens.’

  ‘I can’t wait to see it,’ Judy said wistfully. ‘I hate being laid up like an invalid.’

  ‘It’s a lovely day, although it’s a bit chilly. If you wrap up warm I could take you in my chaise, and you could see the progress for yourself.’ He gave her a searching look. ‘Unless you’re too tired after your ordeal.’

  ‘I’ve got a sprained ankle, that’s all. I wish everyone would stop treating me as if I were an invalid.’

  ‘I’ll check with Hilda first, of course. She might have other ideas, but I think the fresh air will do you good.’

  ‘So do I,’ Judy said eagerly.

  ‘If your mother doesn’t object I’ll ask Nate to bring the chaise round to the front.’ Rob hesitated in the doorway. ‘I can’t tell you how relieved I am to see you relatively unhurt, Judy. I was out of my mind with worry.’ He left the room abruptly.