by Dilly Court
Judy managed a weak smile. ‘Thank you for those words of encouragement, Molly.’
‘Well, you do.’ Molly glared at Pip. ‘Why did you bring her home? Where’s Rob?’
‘Don’t blame me. I just follow orders.’ Pip sniffed the air. ‘Cheese and onion pie. I hoped it was on the menu. Come on, Judy. Let’s get you settled.’
‘I can walk, Pip. I’m just a bit tired.’ Judy acknowledged Eli with a nod and a smile as she limped past his table, and she made her way to the parlour, where she slumped down on a chair by the fire. She had hoped for a few minutes on her own but Molly burst into the room.
‘Well? Did he propose?’
‘Don’t be silly. He just took me out for a breath of fresh air.’
Molly raised her eyebrows. ‘Really? If you think that you’re an innocent, Judy Begg. It’s been obvious from the start that Rob Dorning only has eyes for you. How can you be so stupid?’
‘I knew he liked me, and I like him.’
‘So he did propose?’
‘No, he didn’t.’
‘The silly fool.’ Molly rolled her eyes. ‘My Jack could teach him a thing or two about romance.’ She clapped her hands to her mouth. ‘I’m sorry, dear. That was thoughtless of me.’
‘As I’ve told you before, Molly, I’m very fond of Jack, but not in a romantic way.’
‘So how do you feel about Rob?’
‘I really don’t want to talk about it now. My ankle is aching and all I want is peace and quiet.’
‘I have to get back to the bar, but you need to have a long think, Judy. Rob is the best catch in the county, and you’d be a fool to turn him down if he ever makes you an offer.’ She left the room but poked her head round the door. ‘And he loves you. If you can’t see that you must be stupid.’
Later that day Rob called in at the pub, and Molly showed him into the parlour.
‘I came to see how you are,’ Rob said anxiously. ‘Molly said you’re in pain. I shouldn’t have kept you out so long, Judy. I’m sorry.’
‘Molly exaggerates. I’m fine now. I just need to rest the ankle.’
‘I’ve come to collect my things. As I told you, I have urgent business in London and I might be away for some time.’
‘You will be careful, won’t you? I know you said that Jay can’t do anything, but I don’t trust him.’
Rob took her hand in his. ‘You mustn’t worry. Everyone here is on the alert. Should he show his face again he’ll find himself in trouble with the police.’
‘I’m not worried for myself,’ Judy said impatiently. ‘It’s you who might suffer at his hands.’
‘Do you care what happens to me?’
‘Of course I do. How can you ask a question like that?’
Before Rob could answer Jack put his head round the door. ‘Rob, you’ll miss the train if you don’t come right away. We’re cutting it fine as it is.’
Rob straightened up. ‘We’ll continue this conversation when I return, Judy.’
‘Hurry up. The chaise is outside and we’ll only make it if you come now.’
‘All right, Jack. I’m coming.’ Rob hesitated in the doorway. ‘I’ve left funds for furnishing the gatehouse with McArthur.’
‘Just go, Rob. I’ll see to everything.’ Judy was not sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. ‘Please go now.’
‘Take good care of yourself, Judy.’
‘You let him go!’ Molly rushed into the room and stood arms akimbo. ‘What’s the matter with you, Judy? Did your experience with Jay turn your brain?’
‘What are you talking about?’ Judy asked wearily. ‘Rob has business in London.’
‘You should have let him know how you feel.’
‘You don’t know anything about it.’
‘I’m not the silly flibbertigibbet you think I am. I know that you’re pining for Rob and he’s in love with you. I could bang your silly heads together.’
‘Go away, Molly. You really are giving me a headache.’
‘Thank goodness I have Jack. At least he’s a sane person.’ Molly turned on her heel and swept out of the parlour.
Judy rose somewhat shakily to her feet and she went to look out of the window. Outside in the pale buttery sunshine she was just in time to see Rob tossing his valise into the chaise. He climbed nimbly onto the driver’s seat and sat next to Jack, who drove away cracking the whip above the horse’s head. Judy sank down on the nearest seat. What would she do if he did not return? She would have nobody to blame other than herself. But she had faced heartbreak when Jack left without a word. She had survived, although somehow it was different this time. Her ankle would heal, but what about her heart? Maybe the curse of Creek Manor lived on.
Chapter Twenty-Four
On a bright spring morning Judy asked Nate to saddle up Major, and she set off for Colneyhurst Hall. The air was crystal clear, the sky was cerulean blue and the saltings shimmered in the sunlight. Birds sang in the trees and clumps of primroses created pools of colour beneath the hedgerows. Catkins swayed and danced in the gentle breeze and the whole world seemed to be starting afresh. Major’s age was beginning to tell and although he was willing enough, he plodded along like an elderly gentleman, but Judy was quite happy to let him have his head. It was a relief to be away from the hustle and bustle of the inn, where trade was now brisk, thanks to the dozens of workmen from Creek Manor who came to enjoy Hilda’s excellent food and a pint or two of good ale.
When Judy finally arrived at Colneyhurst she was shown into the drawing room where Daisy greeted her with a delighted smile. ‘You’ll forgive me for not rising to greet you, Judy, but as you can see I’m a little top-heavy.’
Judy hurried to her side and kissed her on the cheek. ‘You look beautiful, as always. Are you keeping well?’
‘Yes, I’ve never felt better. I was quite unwell all the time I was carrying the boys, so I’m convinced that this child will be a girl and I’ll have a daughter at last. Ring the bell, there’s a dear, and we’ll have some refreshments.’
Judy tugged at the bell pull and went to sit in an armchair by the fire. ‘I hope that Molly didn’t cause you any bother by leaving so suddenly.’
‘No, of course not. She was a good nursery maid but I’m sure she’s happier being at home with you, and I gather she’s engaged to Jack. That’s a turn of events I wasn’t expecting. Are you all right with it?’
‘I’m very happy for them. They’re well suited and it would never have worked with Jack and myself.’
‘But there’s something troubling you.’ Daisy gave her a searching look. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’
‘Yes, or rather, no. I don’t know, Daisy. I’m confused.’
Daisy smiled. ‘Love takes one like that. I suppose it must be Rob Dorning who’s causing you all this bother.’
‘Why do you say that?’
‘I’ve lived in Little Creek for long enough not to answer that question. You know how news gets around, especially when there’s a juicy piece of gossip to spread. I heard that he took you to see the building work, and that you spent some time in the gatehouse.’
‘Rob asked me to furnish it for him.’
‘There you are then,’ Daisy said smugly. ‘That’s exactly how Marius managed to persuade me that he was serious. Men aren’t very subtle, Judy. They find it hard to express their innermost feelings and we’re supposed to read the signs, although sometimes it’s almost impossible.’ Daisy put her head on one side. ‘But surely that’s not what brought you here today, is it? What’s bothering you, Judy?’
‘Rob told me a little of his past. Did you know that he qualified as a doctor and he was in the army medical service?’
‘Good heavens! No, I didn’t know that.’
‘He served six years in India, although he’s never worked in general practice.’
Daisy put her head on one side, studying Judy’s face. ‘Is there a point to this? He obviously left the service, so maybe medicine wasn’t for him after al
l, nor army life.’
‘No, it’s not that.’
‘Then what’s troubling you, Judy? I’ve only met Rob a couple of times but he seems like an excellent fellow.’
‘He knew that Dr Godfrey was trying to buy Creek Manor in order to build a fine new hospital, but Rob was determined to have the estate for himself.’ Judy stared down at her hands clasped tightly on her lap. Why it mattered so deeply was beyond her, but it still made her feel angry.
‘Marius knows the story better than I do, but it seems that Rob should have inherited the estate in the first place, and he’s simply buying back what’s rightfully his. Jay must be furious.’
‘He is, and he’s caused no end of trouble. I suppose you know that he tried to blackmail Rob into selling by abducting me.’
‘Yes, my dear. I’m so sorry. Jay can be so charming, as I know to my cost. On the other hand, he has a despicable side to his character, which I didn’t see until after we’d been married for some months.’
‘I’m afraid there’s something of the old squire in both brothers.’
‘So that’s the problem.’ Daisy shook her head, smiling. ‘You’re afraid that Rob will turn out like his father.’
‘I suppose I am. I think Rob wanted the estate at any cost. He didn’t care that Dr Godfrey wanted to do something that would benefit everyone round here.’
‘Are you upset because Ben Godfrey failed to get his way, or is it because Rob didn’t tell you everything from the start?’
Judy looked up, staring at Daisy in surprise. ‘You think I’m being difficult?’
‘No, Judy. But no one is perfect. I think you need to remember that Ben Godfrey might have started out with high ideals, but he misused the money entrusted to him by the people he had persuaded to back his scheme. That was not entirely altruistic, and Rob was only taking back what was rightfully his. I don’t think that makes him the villain of the piece.’
‘Ben was sorry for mishandling the finances, Daisy. He’s working for nothing in the East End to help the poor and needy.’
Daisy raised a delicate eyebrow. ‘That’s all very fine, but shouldn’t he be paying back the people he swindled out of their money? It’s all very well acting like a hero, but there are honest people whom he’s cheated.’
‘I suppose so. I hadn’t thought about it like that.’
‘Similarly, why should Rob Dorning give up what was his birthright in order to satisfy the whim of others? Ben could have chosen another site for his hospital, had he been in earnest.’
‘You think I’m being too hard on Rob?’
‘I didn’t say that, Judy. But perhaps you could try to look at it from his point of view. His family are a bad lot on both sides, or so it seems. Maybe he feels he needs to atone by taking over the estate and running it well. Don’t forget he owns half the cottages in the village – the ones that both you and I spent so much time attempting to bring up to a high standard.’
‘I might have misjudged him. Perhaps I was a little carried away by Dr Godfrey’s plans.’
Daisy looked up at the sound of someone knocking on the door. ‘Come in.’ She smiled and acknowledged the young housemaid. ‘Tea for two, please, Florrie. And cake. I have a sudden craving for Cook’s ginger cake, if my sons haven’t eaten it all.’
‘Yes’m.’ Florrie grinned and hurried from the room.
‘My daughter likes sweet things,’ Daisy said, patting her rounded belly. ‘I was more into savoury food with each of the boys, although I did once eat a whole trifle when I was expecting Timothy.’ She sat back against the satin cushions. ‘Give Rob a chance, Judy. That’s all I’m saying, and don’t put Ben Godfrey on a pedestal.’
‘I’m afraid I was offhand with Rob. I owe him an apology and I’ll tell him so, when I see him again – if he decides to come back. I’ve made a mess of things, Daisy.’
‘If he loves you nothing will stop him from returning, and you obviously care a great deal more for him than you realise or you wouldn’t be fretting now.’ Daisy poured the tea and handed a cup to Judy. ‘Now drink your tea and keep me company in having a slice of ginger cake. Tea and cake always makes things look better.’
Judy’s conversation with Daisy had given her plenty to think about as she rode home. Daisy was the one person with whom she had something in common: they had both loved a Tattersall. It had not worked out for Daisy, but now Judy was seeing both Rob and Ben Godfrey in a different light. She had hero-worshipped Dr Godfrey since they first met at the London Hospital, and she had been unwilling to admit that her idol could have done anything wrong. Now it was up to her to make amends and she knew exactly what she must do. She encouraged Major to walk a little faster, and she turned his head in the direction of the village, where she paid the ferryman to take her across the water to the Creek Manor estate.
Pip was delighted to see her. ‘You’re in luck, Judy. Mr McArthur is in the tack room – I mean he’s in his office. He trusts me to do his errands, so I know exactly what’s going on.’
Judy smiled indulgently. It was good to see her younger brother so involved and enthusiastic about his job. ‘That is fortunate. I was afraid I’d have difficulty finding him.’
‘Go and knock on the door,’ Pip said importantly. ‘He’s not a bad chap, just so long as you keep on the right side of him.’
‘Thank you. I’ll bear that in mind.’ Judy handed the reins to her brother and she set off across the cobbled yard. She knocked and entered without waiting for his response. ‘Good morning, Mr McArthur.’ She held out her hand. ‘I’m Judy Begg, we met a few days ago.’
He rose hastily to his feet. When she had seen him in the distance she had been impressed by his smart clothes and his tall stature, but without the benefit of his top hat he seemed to be much smaller, and a shiny bald pate made him look like a middle-aged baby. She stifled a sudden urge to giggle.
‘What can I do for you, Miss Begg?’
‘Mr Dorning asked me to choose the furnishings for the gatehouse, and I believe you hold the funds, sir.’
His stern expression relaxed into an attempt at a smile. ‘Ah, yes. He did mention it.’
‘Do you know when he’ll return?’
‘No, miss, I’m afraid I don’t, although I’m not expecting him soon. I believe he had business in London that might take some time.’
‘Then I’d better get started. May I have the key so that I can have a better idea of what’s needed?’
‘Of course, miss. Would you like me to accompany you?’
‘I grew up in the old manor house, Mr McArthur. There isn’t an inch of the estate that I don’t know, but thank you anyway.’ Judy waited while he fished around in a drawer to find the right keys.
‘One for the front door and one for the back door.’
‘Thank you. By the way, how shall I manage when it comes to payment? Shall I set up an account at the shops in question?’
‘That would be the best way. Mr Dorning didn’t put a limit on spending, so I leave it to your good judgement.’
Judy smiled. ‘Thank you, Mr McArthur. I’ll bear that in mind.’
Judy set about the task methodically. Using a yardstick borrowed from the office, she noted down the dimensions of the rooms in a notebook that McArthur had given her. She spent so much time working from room to room that everything else went out of her mind, and it was late afternoon by the time she arrived back at the Crooked Billet.
Molly and Hilda exchanged meaningful glances when Judy told them where she had been and what she was doing at Creek Manor, but she ignored their none-too-subtle attempts to make her admit that her feelings for Rob had undergone any change. She spent the evening drawing diagrams of each room and writing lists of what was needed to obtain a modicum of comfort. Hilda brought her a cup of cocoa and said ‘Good night’, but Judy was immersed in her task and by the time she raised the cup to her lips, the cocoa was cold.
Molly looked in on her way to bed. ‘You’re not still doing that, are you?’
/>
‘I’ve just about done all I can for this evening. Is the bar closed?’
‘Yes, it is, and Jack has already gone to his room. It’s past midnight.’
Judy rubbed her eyes and yawned. ‘I’m going to bed, but tomorrow I’m going to get the train to Colchester, and I intend to fill the gatehouse with furniture that he’ll love.’
‘I think you ought to choose things that you love, and he will love them too.’
‘How do you know that?’ Judy demanded, stifling a yawn.
‘Trust me, Judy. I think I know a bit more about men than you do. If it comes to that, I have excellent taste. Daisy taught me how a lady should live and so I ought to come with you, if only to make sure that you don’t waste Rob’s money.’
‘That’s rich, coming from you, Molly. Jack will have his work cut out to keep you in the style you became accustomed to at Colneyhurst, even if you were a servant there.’
Molly tossed her head. ‘I was more a paid companion to Daisy, as well as looking after the little ones. She gave me nice clothes and even little pieces of jewellery.’
‘That’s what I mean,’ Judy said tiredly. ‘But come tomorrow if you want to. I could do with a second opinion.’
For the next three weeks Judy spent most of her time visiting furnishing warehouses or attending the local sale room, accompanied by Molly. McArthur has taken pity on them and had given them the loan of a much more reliable horse, and a chaise that had been left in the coach house. Judy was used to handling the reins by now, and it was a pleasure for her to have the freedom of the road, with the spring sunshine turning the countryside green again. If the seller could not deliver, it was Pip who collected the items in the old farm cart, and Judy spent many hours arranging furniture and laying down carpet squares and brightly coloured rugs.
Gradually and almost imperceptibly the house became a welcoming home. Miss Creedy had been put in charge of making the curtains, and the ground-floor rooms were almost completely furnished. There had been some delay in waiting for beds to be delivered by the carter, but eventually they came, and the gatehouse was ready for occupation. Judy had taken Molly’s advice and had furnished it to her taste. There were some old chairs and tables, purchased at sales, but these fitted in well with the newer pieces bought in Colchester. The fabric that Miss Creedy’s nimble fingers had made into curtains was Judy’s personal choice, but now it was all put together she was beginning to have her doubts. If Rob hated what she had done it would be a terrible disappointment, as well as a profligate waste of money. She had done her best to keep within a self-imposed budget, but she was unused to spending large sums, and she had had some sleepless nights when it came to adding up the total cost.
