by Dilly Court
On the day of the wedding Judy was up even earlier than usual. As she stoked the fire in the range it was hard to believe that this was the last time she would make breakfast in the pub kitchen. Her life was about to change even more than it had during the last few weeks. By midday she would become Mrs Robert Winters Tattersall of Creek Manor, but she was not going to be a lady of leisure. She had a purpose in life now, apart from being a wife and eventually, she hoped, a mother.
She filled the kettle and put it on the hob. The mundane task of making tea soothed a sudden attack of nerves. Hilda was a stickler for tradition and she had sent Rob and Jack to spend the night at Colneyhurst Hall. She had impressed upon both bridegrooms that they were to wait at the church, and on no account would either of them be allowed to see their brides before the ceremony. Even if Rob had disagreed with Hilda, she was backed up by his aunt. Adeline had stayed the night at the inn, and Judy laid an extra place at the breakfast table, before taking the tray of tea upstairs.
Hilda was already up and getting dressed, but Adeline was still asleep when Judy took her a cup of tea.
‘That’s the best night’s sleep I’ve had in weeks,’ Adeline said, yawning. ‘This is a very comfortable bed, Judy, dear.’
‘This was Rob’s room, Aunt Adeline. I hope he’s slept well, too.’
Adeline straightened her nightcap and sat up to take the cup and saucer from Judy. ‘I’m sure he was made most welcome at Colneyhurst. I’ve only met Mrs Walters once, but she seems a delightful young woman.’
‘Daisy is one of the best,’ Judy said earnestly. ‘I’m so lucky to have such good friends.’
‘You’re a good girl, my dear. If I’d hand-picked a wife for my dear boy I would have chosen you.’
Judy felt the blood rush to her cheeks at this unexpected compliment. ‘Thank you. I’ll try to live up to your good opinion of me, Aunt Adeline.’
‘Never mind me, dear. Hadn’t you better get some breakfast? I know it’s early but you want plenty of time to get dressed. I can’t wait to see your gown.’
‘You’re right. I’d better give Molly a call. I can’t believe she’s slept this long.’ Judy took the last cup of tea to her sister’s room, knocked and entered to find Molly sitting on the bed, sobbing. ‘What’s the matter?’ Judy put the cup and saucer on the dressing table. ‘Why are you crying?’
‘Look at me, Judy. I can’t face Jack like this. I look hideous.’ Red-eyed and frantic, Molly grabbed her sister by the arm, drawing her closer.
‘What’s wrong? You look fine to me.’
Molly pointed to a tiny red spot on the tip of her nose. ‘It must be a boil. I can’t get married looking such a fright.’
Judy looked closer. She was tempted to laugh, but she could see that Molly’s distress was genuine. ‘It’s a tiny spot. No one will notice.’
‘Yes, they will. It’s getting bigger by the minute, Judy. I can feel it throbbing. Are you sure it isn’t a boil?’
Judy looked closer. ‘It’s definitely not a boil.’ She reached for the teacup. ‘Stop crying because you’re making your eyes red and puffy. Drink your tea.’
Molly drank thirstily and handed the cup back to Judy. She sniffed and patted her eyes with a damp hanky. ‘I’ll have to wear the veil during the reception. I can’t be seen like this.’
‘Don’t be silly. A touch of face powder will conceal the spot, and no one, least of all Jack, will notice. Come downstairs and have some breakfast. I don’t want you spoiling my entrance in church by fainting from lack of nourishment.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ Molly said, giggling. ‘I couldn’t eat a thing.’
‘You’d better, or you’ll have to put up with nagging from Ma and Aunt Adeline.’
‘Oh! All right.’ Molly sighed and swung her legs over the side of the bed. ‘Hand me my wrap, Judy. I’ll try to eat something and then I want you to cover my spot before you start on my hair. You’re the only one who knows exactly how I want to wear it.’
‘Yes, of course I will, but only if you come downstairs now. I have to get myself ready, too.’
As if by some miracle, both brides were ready on time. Judy had just helped Molly downstairs, holding up her long train, when the first carriage arrived, driven by Pip, who looked slightly uncomfortable in his Sunday best. Molly had chosen him to give her away and Nate was to do the honours for Judy. Seated beside Pip on the box of a barouche on loan from Colneyhurst was his friend Davey, who was wearing a footman’s uniform that was slightly too large. However, this did not seem to bother him and he sprang down to assist Molly into the carriage, followed by Hilda. He might still be a stable boy, but he was obviously taking his temporary promotion very seriously, and he climbed up to resume his seat next to Pip. They left just as Nate drove up in the Creek Manor barouche, which was festooned with greenery and trails of pink roses. Seated beside him was none other than James, the former footman at Creek Manor. He leaped agilely to the ground, opened the door and put down the steps.
‘Thank you, James.’ Judy smiled. ‘It’s good to see you again.’
‘Thank you, Miss Begg.’ He assisted her into the carriage, followed by Adeline.
‘Drive on, Nate.’ Judy sat back, clutching her posy of pink roses. She glanced at Adeline, who was staring curiously at James as he resumed his seat next to Nate. ‘James was footman at Creek Manor when I first arrived there, Aunt Adeline.’
‘You seem to know him well, Judy. Most people seem to treat their servants with total disdain.’
‘It wasn’t like that at Creek Manor. We were like a family, with the usual upsets and dramas, but they were all put aside in times of trouble.’
‘You’ll know how to run your household when the new manor house rises from the ashes.’ Adeline relaxed against the squabs. ‘Are you feeling nervous, Judy?’
‘A little, but Rob will be waiting for me at the altar. When he takes my hand in his I know everything will be all right.’
Adeline unfurled her sunshade. ‘It’s a beautiful day. I’m so happy for both of you, dear.’
‘You do know that Rob wants you to come and live with us when the house is finished, don’t you, Aunt Adeline?’
‘He has mentioned it, Judy. But I told him that I’m too old and set in my ways to leave my little cottage. All my happy memories are there.’
‘But you would make new ones at Creek Manor. I’d really love it if you would agree. Rob has plans for a lovely house where our old cottage once stood. I know you’d be very comfortable there.’
‘We’ll see, Judy. I’m not making any promises, and I imagine it will be some years before it’s completed. The manor house and the hospital must come first.’
‘Yes, of course,’ Judy said mildly. ‘But don’t dismiss the idea without giving it a lot of thought. It would be wonderful to have you living closer to us.’
‘I will think about it, my dear. I promise.’
They arrived at the church just as Molly was alighting from her carriage. Minnie and Dove were trying to control the small bridesmaids and the over-excited page boys, but five-year-old Victoria was having a tantrum. Nick emerged from the church to scoop his daughter up in his arms. He spoke sternly to his sons, who had been sparring with two of the Walters boys and Michael Massey. All five small boys calmed down, looking shamefaced, and Nick turned his attention to Michael.
‘Do you want me to tell your father that I caught you playing with Henry and Edward when you should have been keeping an eye on your little sister?’
Michael hung his head, blushing to the roots of his hair, but by this time Judy had managed to get her lengthy train safely to the ground, and she hurried to the rescue. ‘It’s all right, Nick. I’m sure Michael was doing his best. Anyway, we’re here now so we’d better go in.’
‘Oh, no!’ Molly cried, clasping her hand to her lips. ‘Who’s playing the organ, Nick? Don’t tell me it’s Lavender Creedy.’
‘It can’t be,’ Judy murmured. ‘It was supposed to be Constable Fow
ler.’
Nick pulled a face. ‘I’m afraid he was called out to an emergency. Miss Creedy gallantly stepped into the breach.’
Judy smothered a sigh. ‘Oh, well. Things can only get better after this.’
‘Who will walk you down the aisle?’ Adeline asked anxiously.
Judy held her hand out to Nate. ‘Nate is going to give me away.’
‘And Pip is doing the honours for me,’ Molly said, chuckling. ‘Our brothers have their uses, Aunt Adeline.’
‘They do indeed.’ Adeline held her hand out to Nick. ‘Let me take Vicky. I’ll see that she behaves herself. You go and sit with your wife, Doctor.’
He smiled and placed Vicky in Adeline’s arms. ‘You be good, young lady, or Miss Dorning will tell me and you won’t have any cake.’ Nick gave the girls an encouraging smile as he retreated into the church.
‘That sounds like someone killing a cat.’ Molly covered her ears as Miss Creedy’s discordant playing could be heard through the open door.
‘Let’s get this over,’ Pip said gloomily. ‘I hate wearing this stiff collar. I feel as though I’m choking.’
Nate nudged his brother in the ribs. ‘Shut up. This is their day. I’m proud of my sisters.’
‘So am I,’ Pip added hastily. ‘You both look beautiful – like princesses. But please can we go in now?’
Judy smoothed the bodice of her ivory satin gown, fingering a waterfall of Valenciennes lace. Lavender Creedy had done both of them proud when it came to their beautiful wedding gowns – it was just a pity that her talents did not extend to playing the church organ well. Judy smiled ruefully and leaned over to kiss her brother on the cheek. ‘I’m ready. What about you, Molly?’
‘Does the spot on my nose look awfully red?’
‘Yes,’ Pip said before Judy had a chance to speak. ‘It looks like a boil. Your nose is twice the size it is normally.’
Judy was about to slap him when Adeline stepped in. ‘Now then, young man. That’s enough of that.’ She turned to Molly. ‘He’s teasing you, dear. No one will notice anything, least of all Jack.’ She took Victoria by the hand. ‘I’ll hold the door open and you go in first, Judy, and then Molly. We’ll be right behind you.’
They entered the church to an enthusiastic rendering of Wagner’s ‘Wedding March’, and the packed congregation shuffled to their feet. As Judy processed up the aisle, leaning gently on Nate’s arm, she was dimly aware of the smiling faces on either side, and she was barely conscious of Miss Creedy’s ill-fated attempts to hit the right notes. All Judy could see was Rob, standing at the altar, waiting for her. He turned his head to look at her, and enveloped her in a smile that sent her pulse racing and filled her heart with joy.
They emerged from the church to a riotous welcome from those gathered outside, and a shower of rose petals and rice. The festive atmosphere prevailed from the moment the carriages drew to a halt in the grounds of Creek Manor. Clutching her husband’s arm, Judy gazed round in astonishment as a fire-eater blew flames into the air, and tumblers in brightly coloured costumes performed amazing acrobatic feats. Music from a Dutch organ filled the grounds with its cheerful sound, and in the distance Judy could see a merry-go-round. A tightrope had been set up close to the lake and a man wearing tights and a loose-fitting white shirt appeared to be walking on the water. Small dogs wearing frilly collars and tiny pointed hats were dancing on their hind legs with a woman, who was scantily clad like a ballet dancer. Judy glanced over her shoulder, hoping that Grace Peabody was otherwise occupied and did not spot the performer’s state of undress.
‘You arranged all this,’ Judy said softly. ‘It’s wonderful, Rob.’
‘It’s nothing less than you deserve, my love.’ Rob led her past a juggler and a man on stilts. ‘I told you that this will be a party to remember. I hope it will bring the whole village together, and the sins of my father will be forgiven, if not forgotten.’
‘What he did has nothing to do with you,’ Judy said firmly.
‘We’re going to start afresh and I intend to make up for his criminal neglect by being a fair landlord.’
Judy squeezed his fingers. ‘I’m sure you will, and I’ll help you. I know the estate so well, and all the tenants.’ She glanced over her shoulder as the rest of the guests arrived in droves. There were gasps of surprise and cries of delight from the children as clowns mingled with the crowd, handing out toffees and sugared almonds. Already there were sounds of merriment coming from the beer tent, which was set apart from the two marquees, allowing the workmen to enjoy themselves without offending the more staid guests.
Molly rushed over to join them, dragging Jack by the hand. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ she cried excitedly. ‘You are so clever, Rob. Judy told me you had a surprise for us, and this is amazing.’
Jack shook Rob’s hand. ‘It certainly is. I wouldn’t have thought of such a thing.’
‘This is only the start,’ Rob said, smiling. ‘The wedding breakfast is set out in the marquee on the left, and in the other one there will be dancing and entertainment all day and well into the night.’
‘We really ought to receive our guests,’ Judy said urgently. She could see Eleanora and Sidney Marshall waiting at the entrance of the marquee with the vicar and his wife. ‘Come along, Rob. You, too, Molly and Jack. It’s your day as well.’
Molly heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes. ‘It’s supposed to be fun. Do I have to, Judy?’
‘Yes, you do. You’re a married woman now, and it’s only polite.’
‘Quite right, dear.’ Hilda joined them, accompanied by Adeline.
‘Don’t worry, Molly. What they really want is to sample the drinks and make sure they’re first in the queue for food.’ Adeline smiled and winked. ‘Come on, Hilda, we’re being left behind.’
‘We can’t have that.’ Hilda started off towards the growing crowd of hungry guests. ‘Come on, girls. Do your duty or you’ll have a riot on your hands.’
The wedding breakfast was a huge success. Nell Pearce and Ida Ralston had supervised the preparation and the serving of the excellent food, and Molesworth had organised the wine, cider, ale and a fruit cup that was heady with sugar and spice, and spiked with brandy. Outside the sun shone until late evening, when hundreds of lanterns were lit and flaming cressets illuminated the lake. The tables were cleared away and the professional musicians, booked by Rob, played music for dancing.
Daisy and Marius left early, having said fond goodbyes to the newlyweds. Dove and Nick left soon after, as did Linnet and Elliot. The children, all of whom had behaved very well, were exhausted, as were their parents, but the rest of the guests remained to enjoy every last minute of the celebration. Seth Trundle seemed to have made a hit with Sukey, the Marshalls’ maidservant, who had moved with them from London. Pip and Nate had no difficulty in finding dancing partners, and Judy could see that her brothers were having a wonderful time. Eleanora and Sidney were still chatting with Hilda, Adeline and Ben Godfrey, while the rest of the guests either danced dreamily to the strains of a Viennese waltz, or sat quietly chatting and drinking wine.
Old Eli had drunk so much ale in the workmen’s tent that he had fallen asleep under one of the tables, and Colonel Catchpole was flirting outrageously with Marjorie Harker, her husband being away with his regiment. However, this did not seem to be going down well with her daughter, Charity, who had married Will Johnson. Mrs Johnson, Charity’s mother-in-law, was too busy chatting to Clem Guppy’s mother to take much notice, until Charity rushed up to the colonel and began to berate him. Judy was dancing with Rob and she saw the drama beginning to unfold, but before she could intervene Mrs Johnson took matters in her own hands and abandoned Clara Guppy. She seized her daughter-in-law by the arm and marched her back to Will, who was stupidly drunk and about to pass out. Farmer Johnson took control and went to fetch the horse and farm cart. The Johnson family were rounded up and departed clinging drunkenly to the sides of the vehicle, with Charity still protesting loudly. Marjorie Harker and
Colonel Catchpole were seen to wander arm in arm towards the spinney, but they were both adults and Judy decided that it was none of her business.
‘I think it’s time we left, too,’ Jack said, slipping his arm around Molly’s tiny waist. ‘We’ve done our duty, and now it’s time for us.’
Molly laid her head on his shoulder. ‘It’s a lovely night for a moonlit drive. I want it to go on for ever.’
Jack beckoned to Pip and Nate, who at this moment were dancing with two of the scantily clad circus performers. ‘Time to go home, boys.’
Pip looked as though he was about to argue, but Nate nudged him in the ribs. ‘We’ll get the carriage, Jack. We won’t be long.’ He turned to Judy and gave her a hug. ‘Good night, Mrs Tattersall.’
Judy leaned against Rob. ‘You’re the first person to call me by my new title, Nate. Thank you. You’d better say good night to the young tightrope artist. She looks a bit forlorn.’
‘It’s time we left them all to their own devices, my love,’ Rob said in a low voice. ‘Shall we go home?’
Judy smiled and nodded. Those were the sweetest words she had ever heard. Arm in arm they walked slowly down the avenue to the gatehouse. Rob unlocked the door and, lifting Judy in his arms, he carried her across the threshold.
‘This is our happy ending, my darling,’ he said tenderly as he set her on her feet.
Judy stood on tiptoe to kiss him. ‘No, Rob. This is the start of a great adventure.’
Turn the page for a sneak peek at Dilly’s next book,
Chapter One
Paradise Row, Pentonville, London. December 1865.
Snow was falling fast, but even before it floated to the ground its pristine whiteness was tainted by pollution from the black lead works, and soot from the factory chimneys. The thunderous sounds from the iron foundry, situated a little further along Old St Pancras Road, added to the general hubbub, and steam engines roared in and out of King’s Cross railway station.
