The Country Bride

by Dilly Court

  But at last the gatehouse was fully furnished. Judy stepped back to gaze critically at her work in the front parlour. All it needed now was a fire burning brightly in the grate, and a few vases of spring flowers. With a picture or two on the walls, and the welcoming smell of baking bread, it would be a home that would make anyone proud. She had done all she could, but there was always some small improvement that might come to mind and would bring her back to the house yet again. She put on her bonnet and gloves and picked up her shawl. It was time to return home, although she was not really needed at the inn. Molly and Jack had more or less taken over everything, except the preparation of food, which had always been Hilda’s domain, and Judy found herself demoted to the position of general help. The gatehouse had given her something to do that had given her a purpose as well as pleasure.

  She sighed as she let herself out into the balmy spring afternoon, but she hesitated as she was about to climb onto the driver’s seat of the chaise. In the distance she could hear the sound of men’s voices chanting, or were they singing? This far off it was hard to tell, and she was curious. The horse that McArthur had loaned her was young and eager to be off and needed only a word from Judy to trot on at a brisk rate, even though it was uphill to the building site.

  ‘Whoa, Skipper.’ She reined him in as they approached a small crowd of workmen, who had apparently put down their tools to sing hymns. Judy stood up in the footwell and sat down again abruptly when she saw who was conducting the unlikely choir.

  Jay was dressed in black from head to foot and he was conducting the hymn with more energy than expertise. Judy waited until the singing came to an end, and the workmen bowed their heads while Jay recited a prayer.

  ‘Go in peace, brothers,’ he said grandly, and the crowd dispersed, leaving Jay to step down from the wooden crate on which he had been standing.

  ‘Judy.’ He walked towards her, arms outstretched.

  She stared at him in astonishment. ‘What are you doing here, and why are you dressed like that?’

  ‘I don’t blame you for being sceptical, Judy. I know I’ve been a bad man, but I’ve seen the error of my ways, and I’ve repented. I’ve put my past well and truly behind me and I’m continuing the good work that my stepfather started.’

  Judy stared at him in amazement. ‘But he was a fake and a bully.’

  ‘He repented, as have I.’

  ‘And now you’re a preacher?’

  ‘A lay preacher, Judy. I’m still studying, but I’ve had the call, and I’m a reformed character.’

  ‘You’re going to go round telling people how to behave?’

  He smiled. ‘I know it sounds unlikely, but I’m not the man I was. God has spoken to me and I have listened.’

  ‘How did this happen?’ Judy asked suspiciously. ‘You treated me abominably the last time I saw you.’

  ‘I know I did, and I’m sorry. I was determined to get the estate back at any cost, and I went up to London to seek legal advice, but the solicitor was not encouraging. I was furious and I walked until I could go no further. I found myself standing in a graveyard surrounded by headstones and marble statues, and I saw myself for the sorry fellow I am.’

  Judy was not convinced. ‘Don’t tell me you had an epiphany.’

  ‘I remembered Lemuel, the man I thought of as my father for the first part of my life. He was a brute, and I saw myself growing like him and the old squire. I seem to have inherited their worst traits, and believe it or not, I was ashamed.’

  ‘If you say so, Jay.’

  ‘I don’t blame you for being cynical, Judy. I know it’s hard to believe, but I went into the church and that’s how it all began. I am now training to be a lay preacher, which I will continue when I return to Australia.’

  ‘But it’s little more than a month since you held me captive.’

  ‘A man can change, Judy.’

  ‘Does Jack know about this?’

  ‘Not yet, but I will visit the inn tomorrow and tell him the good news.’

  ‘But you’re not planning to stay in Little Creek?’

  ‘Don’t worry, Judy. I intend to sail back to Australia and take the message from God with me to the outback. My brother can come with me, if he so wishes.’

  ‘And you’ve given up any claim on the estate?’

  ‘From now on I intend to live a simple life – money means nothing to me. God bless you, Judy.’ Jay was about to walk away but Judy called him back.

  ‘Wait a minute, Jay. Where are you staying?’

  ‘Don’t worry about me. As I said, I’ll call at the inn tomorrow morning.’ He strolled off in the direction of the stables.

  Judy sank back on the seat, watching him until he disappeared from view. She picked up the reins. ‘Walk on, Skipper.’ She must get home quickly and warn Jack that his brother had returned. Try as she might, she could not believe that Jay was a reformed character. This must be one of his tricks.

  Jay had gone. He had sailed on the Lazy Jane with the family there to wave him off, or more accurately to make sure that he really had boarded the vessel and was leaving the country.

  ‘Good riddance. That’s what I say.’ Hilda took off her bonnet and laid it on the bar counter. ‘I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, and him prancing around and pretending to be a minister. Heaven help the people of New South Wales, that’s all I can say.’

  Jack went behind the bar and filled a tankard with ale. He raised it in a toast. ‘Well, I say good luck to my brother. I hope he’s sincere, but even if he gets tired of being a preacher, at least he’s gone home to his wife. Aimee won’t stand for his nonsense. She’s a strong woman and he’s in awe of her.’

  ‘I’m just glad he’s gone,’ Judy said firmly. ‘Now we can all get on with our lives.’

  ‘He treated you so badly.’ Molly shrugged off her mantle. ‘I agree with Ma. He’ll get his comeuppance one way or another. Anyway, I’m gasping for a cup of tea and something to eat, and then I’m off to see Miss Creedy for a fitting for my wedding gown. Are you coming with me, Judy?’

  ‘I really should give Ma a hand to prepare the meals for tonight.’ Judy glanced at her mother. ‘Is there much to do?’

  ‘No, dear. I can manage. You go with Molly.’ Hilda started towards the kitchen, but she hesitated. ‘You ought to have a new gown, too, Judy.’

  ‘It’s not my wedding, Ma. I have a perfectly good Sunday best, and the new bonnet Rob bought me in London.’ Judy linked arms with her sister. ‘A cup of tea sounds like a very good idea. Then we’ll set off for the village.’

  It was one of those late April days when the sun shone brightly as if to fool people into venturing outside without their umbrellas. Judy passed the time of day with Miss Creedy, but she did not go into the cottage with Molly. It was not that Judy was envious of her younger sister’s happiness, far from it, she could not have been more delighted to have Jack as a brother-in-law. But the excitement of the wedding preparations only served to remind her that she had not heard from Rob, who had been gone for several weeks. She blamed herself for his long absence. Things might have been different had she given him the slightest encouragement, but it was the old fear of rejection that had made her hold back. She tried to convince herself that she did not care, but she knew that the fault was hers and hers alone.

  Judy set off for the village shop with the list of items that their mother had given her. After a brief chat with George Keyes, who was always eager to serve up gossip with the customer’s purchases, she left the shop. With the fickleness of the weather, the sky had clouded over and an April shower caused her to run for cover in the railway station. She was sheltering in the ticket hall when the London train arrived, letting off a burst of steam, and through the vaporous cloud she saw a familiar figure striding along the platform. Her heart missed a beat and she had to stop herself from rushing towards him as Rob approached the barrier and handed in his ticket.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

 
Rob’s expression lightened when he saw her and he greeted her with a smile that took her breath away.

  ‘Judy, how did you know I was on this train?’

  She shook her head. ‘I didn’t. I was sheltering from the rain.’

  He put his valise down and wrapped her in a hug. ‘I don’t care who sees us. I’ve missed you.’

  ‘You have?’

  ‘Of course, but I couldn’t come home sooner.’

  ‘I suppose you were busy.’

  ‘I’ve been fully occupied. Just wait until I tell you my news.’

  ‘I have something to tell you, too.’ She glanced over his shoulder as another figure emerged from the rapidly dispersing steam. ‘Dr Godfrey.’

  Rob smiled. ‘He’s part of my surprise, and Dr Marshall is following close behind.’

  Judy looked from one to the other. ‘I don’t understand.’

  ‘It’s good to see you again, Judy.’ Ben Godfrey shook her hand. ‘You’re looking radiant, and I think I can guess why.’ He shot a sideways glance at Rob.

  ‘I don’t have to ask how you are, Judy.’ Toby Marshall kissed her on both cheeks. ‘Minnie sends her love. She knew I’d be seeing you, although I wasn’t expecting you to meet us.’

  ‘It was a shower,’ Rob said, slipping Judy’s hand through the crook of his arm. ‘Nick should be here with the carriage, and we’ll go straight to Creek Hall.’ He met Judy’s curious gaze with a smile. ‘You ought to come with us, Judy. This concerns you as well.’

  ‘Why? What’s going on? Why are you all here?’

  ‘Wait and see.’ Rob guided her out onto the station forecourt where the Marshalls’ carriage had just arrived. ‘There’s room for all of us.’ He took the basket of groceries from Judy’s hand and lifted her into the vehicle, despite her protests.

  ‘Steady on, old chap,’ Toby said, chuckling. ‘People will think we’re kidnapping her.’

  ‘Maybe, but I don’t care. Judy is a part of what we’ve been discussing, and she deserves to be in on our plans from the very beginning.’ Rob placed the basket on Judy’s lap. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll see you home safely.’

  Judy felt the warmth of his body as he sat down beside her and she did not move away. It was so long since they had been this close and it was good to be with him again. She felt completely at ease, although she was bursting with curiosity as to why he had brought the two doctors down from London. She did not have long to wait. When they arrived at Creek Hall and the greetings were over, Nick showed them into the drawing room and closed the doors.

  Judy looked from one to the other, her curiosity well and truly aroused. ‘I wish someone would tell me what’s going on.’

  ‘You’re about to find out.’ Rob rose to his feet. ‘I have with me the deeds to land that I’ve donated for the site of a new general hospital.’

  Judy stared at him in amazement. ‘You’ve given away some of your estate.’

  ‘Don’t look so surprised. I must confess that I didn’t have that purpose in mind when I purchased it, but you made me stop and think about my motives, which I have to admit were purely selfish.’

  ‘Understandably, old chap,’ Nick said firmly. ‘You should have inherited the estate in the first place. I for one will be more than grateful to have this house back as a family home, and the village and surrounding area will have a modern hospital.’

  ‘It’s a most worthy cause.’ Toby nodded emphatically. ‘I will divide my time between Creek Manor and Harley Street. I’ve talked it over with Minnie and she’s thrilled at the prospect. I know that both she and the girls will benefit from living in the countryside.’

  ‘Will you move here permanently?’ Judy asked eagerly. ‘I’d love to see Minnie and the girls more often, and Daisy will be delighted.’

  ‘City living isn’t for my wife, and I’d like to see more of my sister and her family.’ Toby turned to Ben Godfrey. ‘You’re quite keen to leave London as well, aren’t you?’

  ‘The hospital was my dream in the first place.’ Ben gave Judy an apologetic smile. ‘But I went about it the wrong way, and for that I’m truly sorry. I’ve been working at night covering several of the east London hospitals, and I’ve paid back most of the money I misused, so you see I’m not such a bad fellow, Judy.’

  ‘I never thought you were,’ Judy said hastily. ‘But how will you fund this project? And will it be for private patients only?’

  ‘I’ve been working with several charitable institutions.’ Rob produced a leather document case and took out a sheaf of papers. ‘They are prepared to donate funds for the erection and running of the hospital, and I’ve applied for charitable status, so we can raise money in our own right. Those who can pay will have a private wing and that will help to support the wards for those who cannot.’

  ‘There’s only one flaw in that proposal,’ Toby said, frowning. ‘None of us will have the time to chase donors for money. The four of us will be fully occupied with running the hospital.’

  Judy glanced at Rob and, as if reading her thoughts, he gave her an encouraging smile. ‘I haven’t any experience of that sort of thing, but I’d be more than willing to try.’ She leaped to her feet. ‘I would love to have the opportunity to do something really worthwhile, and I believe in the project heart and soul. I’m sure I could persuade wealthy people to part with their money for such a good cause.’

  There was a moment of silence and she could see that all, with the exception of Rob, had been taken by surprise.

  ‘I could do it,’ she reiterated boldly. ‘I was lucky enough to have a good education. Jack was lazy and didn’t want to learn and so I was allowed to share lessons with him, and it brought out his competitive spirit. He didn’t want to be beaten by a girl, let alone a servant. Besides which, I’m not really needed at the inn now that Molly and Jack have virtually taken over. I want to be part of your plans because I believe in what you’re doing.’ She sank down on her chair, waiting for someone to speak.

  ‘If you’re serious, Judy, I can give you a list of people who might be interested in donating,’ Toby said slowly. ‘I’m on several committees in London, and Minnie is a keen fund-raiser. I’m sure she would be only too pleased to help you. She’s always complaining that she has too little to occupy her mind.’

  ‘That would be wonderful,’ Judy said enthusiastically. ‘I’m a quick learner.’

  ‘I propose that we accept Judy’s offer of help,’ Rob said firmly.

  ‘I second that.’ Ben Godfrey stood up. ‘I can vouch for Judy’s passionate interest in the welfare of the sick, especially those who are living in poverty. She accompanied me to Sarah Holden’s clinic in Limehouse. She saw sights that no well-brought-up young lady should see, and she didn’t bat an eyelid. I think Judy Begg would be an excellent ambassador for Creek Manor Hospital.’

  ‘I agree wholeheartedly,’ Toby said, smiling.

  ‘As do I.’ Nick reached for the bell pull at his side and gave it a tug. ‘I suggest we raise a toast to the success of our project, and to the health of our newest member of the team, Miss Judith Begg.’

  Minutes later, flushed from sipping sherry at such an early hour in the morning, Judy left the men to discuss their next move, and she went to the kitchen where she hoped she might find Dove.

  Mrs Bee was, as usual, up to her elbows in flour as she energetically kneaded a large batch of bread dough, and Dove was seated at the table poring over an account book. She looked up and closed the ledger with a sigh.

  ‘I really hate bookkeeping,’ she said crossly. ‘I’m sorry, Judy. That wasn’t the way to greet a friend.’

  ‘I should think not,’ Mrs Bee added, sniffing. ‘Take a seat, dear, and Flossie will make us all a nice cup of tea.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Judy sat down next to Dove. ‘I suppose you both know all about the new hospital?’

  Dove nodded. ‘Of course. Nick doesn’t keep secrets from me, and if he did attempt to do so I have ways of finding out.’

  ‘That’s true
enough.’ Mrs Bee chuckled and punched the dough into submission.

  ‘So what did they decide?’ Dove flexed her ink-stained fingers. ‘Are they going to find someone else to take over the bookkeeping? I do hope so.’

  ‘Well, it might be me,’ Judy said warily. ‘I’m quite good at figures, and I’ve been keeping the accounts at the inn. Anyway, I’m going to try my hand at fund-raising, but I’ll have help from Mrs Marshall. I still can’t quite believe that I’ve got a chance to prove myself.’

  ‘Why not?’ Dove gave her a hug. ‘You deserve to be recognised as the intelligent woman you are, Judy. Linnet and I have often said that your talents were wasted. I think it’s wonderful.’

  ‘You don’t mind that I have been offered the job?’ Judy asked anxiously. ‘I mean you’ve been working alongside your husband for the past ten years, and you’ve had three children in the meantime.’

  Dove smiled and patted her belly. ‘And the fourth is on the way, Judy. I haven’t got the time or the energy to take on such a responsible position, but I think you’ll be a huge success in raising money for the hospital. You were always behind Ben when it was his pet project.’

  ‘And Mrs Neville needs to rest more.’ Mrs Bee gave Dove meaningful look. ‘Not that she takes much notice of me, but you can help by taking on the bookkeeping. You’re a clever woman, Judy. You can do it.’

  ‘I’ll try my best, that’s all I can say. Congratulations, by the way, Dove. It seems to be the year for new babies and weddings. I’ve just left Molly at Miss Creedy’s, being fitted for her wedding gown.’