A Village Scandal Page 7

  ‘It seems that you’re set on this, so you obviously don’t need any advice from me.’

  ‘I just didn’t want you to hear about it second-hand. We’re old friends, aren’t we?’

  ‘I thought we were more than that.’

  ‘At one time, maybe, but you have someone else close to you now.’

  ‘Yes, I’m very fond of Dove and she’s a good nurse – untrained, of course, but I prefer that. I like to do things my way and not be dictated to by a domineering matron.’

  ‘I hope you’ll be good to her, Nick. Just remember she’s my sister-in-law now. I have a wider family to consider.’

  Nick gave her a searching look. ‘You’re not speaking for yourself, are you?’

  ‘No. Sadly I’m not in the family way. It might have been easier had that been so, and at least I would have had something of Jay’s to build my life around. As it is, I have to go on the best I can, and I’d like to think that my friends are with me.’

  A reluctant smile creased his lean features. ‘You can always rely on me, Daisy. If all else fails I’ll take you on as matron here. You’re a very good nurse.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, smiling. ‘I might have to take you up on that one day.’

  ‘There’s just one thing, Daisy. Does Toby know about this move of yours?’

  ‘He knows that Jay is missing, of course, but I haven’t told him that Marjorie is taking over the manor house. I’ll write to him tonight, but there’s nothing he can do. There’s nothing that anyone can do.’

  ‘I wish I had enough money to pay your debts for you.’ Nick took her hand in his. ‘You know where I am if you need me, Daisy.’

  Marjorie Harker and her daughters were due to move in at the end of the following week, leaving Daisy very little time to make the cottage habitable. She left the packing to Mary and Hilda, and while she was still in charge she put the outdoor servants to work on renovations to the small dwelling that would be her home. The domestics were sent to sweep, scrub and clean every part of the building, and the handyman fixed the damaged woodwork and mended the broken windows. The gardeners were set to dig over the vegetable bed and plant seedlings grown in the greenhouses on the estate, and Mrs Ralston organised a search of the Manor attics to find oddments of furniture and rugs that were no longer required in the main house. Hilda altered discarded curtains to fit the windows and Cook raided the pantry, sorting out jars of jam, jellies and pickles to stock the small pantry.

  Daisy wrote to her brother, explaining why she had taken such a drastic course of action, but knowing Toby’s lackadaisical attitude to everything other than his profession, she did not expect to receive a reply.

  Considering her duty done, she left Hilda to supervise the preparations at the cottage while she rode to Maldon in search of a legitimate cargo for the Lazy Jane. Guppy had kept her up to date with his efforts to find a crew and the ship was now ready to sail. Daisy was afraid that if she did not find a cargo quickly, Guppy and Ramsden might take it into their heads to follow their old illegal trade, and that was something she wanted to avoid at all costs.

  Having left early in the morning, Daisy arrived in Maldon soon after midday, and the moment she started making enquiries at the various shipping offices she realised that it was not going to be easy to break into a business dominated entirely by men. The reception she received at her first encounter with an agent was one of polite disdain, and she was made to feel so uncomfortable that she left the premises minutes after entering. She received similar treatment from the next one and the next, and walking along the quay proved to be such hostile territory that she was beginning to wish that she had brought Guppy or Ramsden with her. It was a warm day and she was hot and thirsty. She had not eaten since breakfast, and then she had only nibbled a slice of toast. She decided to venture into a respectable-looking inn, but the landlord was not welcoming.

  ‘We don’t serve your sort in here.’

  Daisy stared at him in dismay. Abel Perkins, the landlord of the local pub in Little Creek, was always polite to the extent of being obsequious, especially since she had become mistress of Creek Manor. ‘I just want a glass of cider,’ she protested. ‘And a pie or anything you have to eat.’

  ‘I don’t serve women on their own. It’s against the law and you ain’t welcome here, missis.’

  ‘This lady is with me.’

  Daisy spun round to see who had spoken in such a confident manner. The man met her surprised gaze with a humorous smile.

  ‘I believe you asked for a glass of cider, isn’t that so, my dear?’

  Daisy nodded mutely, too shocked to argue.

  ‘And my lady requires sustenance, landlord. What have you to offer?’

  The man behind the bar smiled and nodded. ‘Why, Mr Walters, the lady only had to mention your name and she would have been shown into my private parlour.’

  ‘I dare say, but you haven’t answered my question. We are both hungry. What is on the menu?’

  ‘My wife makes a very tasty beef stew, sir. With her freshly baked bread it’s a great favourite, followed by her apple pie and cream.’

  ‘Then that’s what we’ll have, and two glasses of cider. I take it that’s acceptable to you, my dear?’ His dark eyes twinkled with amusement as he met Daisy’s stunned gaze.

  ‘Er, yes, thank you,’ she said vaguely.

  ‘Of course, sir. Will you come this way?’ The landlord lifted the hatch in the bar counter and led them through the taproom to a private parlour. ‘Make yourselves comfortable. Your order will be brought to you.’

  The door closed behind him and Daisy turned to face her champion. He was obviously a gentleman, judging by his expensively cut jacket, breeches and riding boots, and his voice was cultured with a hint of merriment, as if he were ready to laugh at any moment. She eyed him warily.

  ‘Who are you?’

  ‘You’ll pardon the liberty, Mrs Tattersall, but I saw the way you were treated in the shipping agent’s office, and the appalling rudeness of the landlord, so I had to step in.’

  ‘You were in the agent’s office?’

  ‘My name is Marius Walters and I am a merchant.’

  ‘A merchant?’

  ‘I trade with foreign countries and I gather from what I overheard that you have a ship for charter.’

  ‘Yes, I do.’

  ‘Then we might be able to do business, but I suggest we eat first, and get to know each other a little better.’

  ‘I’m not sure I ought to be here.’ Daisy glanced round anxiously. They were alone in the private parlour, and even though this man seemed genuine, and instantly likeable, she was nervous. ‘I know nothing about you, and you don’t know me.’

  He drew up a chair and held it for her. ‘Then shall we start with your name, or must I continue to call you Mrs Tattersall?’

  ‘I’m Daisy Tattersall from Creek Manor.’ She paused, frowning. ‘Or rather, I own Creek Manor, but I’m living temporarily in a cottage on the estate.’

  He pulled up another chair and sat down beside her. ‘How fascinating. I assume there must be a good reason for this?’

  Daisy hesitated as a young barmaid entered the room bringing their drinks, which she laid on the table. ‘Grub’s coming in a minute,’ she said brusquely as she retreated, leaving the door to close of its own accord.

  ‘Appalling service, but excellent food,’ Marius said, smiling. ‘I always eat here when I’m in Maldon.’

  ‘So where do you come from?’ Daisy raised her glass to her lips and drank thirstily. The cider was refreshing, but on an empty stomach it proved quite potent and she hoped the food would arrive soon.

  ‘Here and there, Daisy. I may call you Daisy?’

  ‘I don’t see why not, since we’re breaking all the rules.’

  ‘Rules are there to be broken.’ He sat back, eyeing her curiously. ‘Why did you come all the way to Maldon, on your own, knowing nothing about the shipping industry?’

  She felt the blood rush t
o her cheeks. ‘That’s my business.’

  Marius’s smile faded. ‘I am sorry. I seem to have upset you quite unintentionally.’

  ‘I’m recently widowed,’ Daisy said, looking away. ‘It’s not easy to talk about it.’

  ‘Again, I apologise for my clumsy remark. Have you no one to handle business matters for you?’

  She turned to give him a straight look. ‘I’m perfectly capable of managing my own affairs, and quite frankly it has nothing to do with you, Mr Walters. I’m very grateful to you for trying to help, but perhaps I’d better go now. I think this is a mistake.’ She was about to rise but he caught her by the sleeve.

  ‘Don’t go. It would be a shame to waste the stew, which I’m sure will prove to be delicious.’

  The humorous gleam in his dark eyes was hard to resist and brought a reluctant smile to Daisy’s lips. ‘Well, I am hungry.’

  ‘Then you’ll stay?’

  ‘I will.’ She sat down again. ‘But then I must try to find an agent. I can’t allow the ship to lie idle.’

  ‘Let’s enjoy our meal,’ he said as the door opened and the barmaid staggered in with two large bowls filled with savoury-smelling stew. She left and returned moments later with a basket of hot rolls and a large pat of butter. She took cutlery from the pocket in her apron and laid it on the table.

  ‘Eat up,’ she said cheerfully. ‘There’s folks who would kill for Mrs Tompkins’ beef stew.’

  Daisy and Marius exchanged amused glances.

  ‘Thank you.’ Marius slipped a coin into the girl’s outstretched hand and she grinned appreciatively.

  ‘Ta, mister.’ She left the parlour, closing the door carefully this time.

  The food was delicious and they ate largely in silence, pausing only to make favourable comments. They finished the meal with apple pie smothered with a generous helping of cream, followed by coffee.

  ‘That really was delightful,’ Daisy said earnestly. ‘But I think you must be extremely interested in the Lazy Jane, or you wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble for a complete stranger.’

  He laughed. ‘You’re not a stranger now, Daisy. I know your name and a little about you, but what I do know is that you’re a very brave woman. It must have taken a lot of courage to come here on your own, let alone attempting to enter a business about which you obviously know nothing.’

  ‘I have little choice. The ship is the only asset I have at present.’

  ‘I won’t press you for more details. I can see that it’s difficult for you to talk about your situation, but might I make a suggestion?’

  She met his serious gaze with a straight look. ‘Please do.’

  ‘Allow someone to help you.’

  ‘By that I assume you mean yourself.’

  ‘Precisely. I’m not making any promises, but I would like to see the Lazy Jane, and then I can judge whether or not she’s suitable for my purposes.’

  ‘Might I ask what type of goods you trade in?’

  ‘Anything and everything, from coal and iron to corn. I’ve recently parted company from my shipping agent, and I was thinking about chartering a ship purely for my own use. Your vessel sounds promising.’

  ‘When would you like to see her?’

  ‘I’m free now. Are you planning on returning to Little Creek … did you say that’s where she’s at anchor?’

  ‘I don’t think I mentioned it, but yes, she’s anchored in one of the creeks. Perhaps we could ride together. I didn’t enjoy riding here on my own.’

  He chuckled. ‘I can imagine the locals’ faces when they saw a young lady travelling without a groom or a chaperone. It was a bold move, Daisy, but not without risks.’

  ‘I thought the days of highwaymen were ended.’

  ‘Maybe, but you would have been in difficulties if you were thrown from your horse. They can be temperamental creatures if something scares them.’ He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. ‘All right, Mrs Tattersall, I know you’re perfectly capable of handling even the friskiest of animals. Shall we go?’

  It was late afternoon when they arrived at the creek where Lazy Jane lay peacefully at anchor.

  ‘She’s a fine vessel,’ Marius said with a nod of approval. ‘Just the right size for what I have in mind.’

  Daisy glanced at the jolly boat, which had been hauled up onto the shingle so that it was above the high-water mark. ‘There’ll be someone on watch, but I’d have to contact Guppy to take you out to her.’

  ‘Guppy?’

  ‘Clem Guppy was Jay’s first mate. I made him captain because he’s a good man and he’s reliable.’

  ‘This looks like the ideal spot to land illicit cargoes.’

  Daisy shot him a speculative glance. ‘You’re not a revenue officer in disguise, are you?’

  ‘Would it matter if I were?’

  The sparkle in his eyes gave him away and she breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Not now, but it might have done in the past. The old squire was involved in such dealings, but I want nothing to do with anything illegal.’

  ‘Very wise, Daisy. My business depends on trading honestly and fairly. I’d be stupid to risk my reputation for a short-term gain, but I would like to see over the ship. Perhaps you could get your man to arrange it for tomorrow.’

  ‘Yes, I’ll call at Guppy’s cottage on my way home, but what will you do? Will you return to Maldon now?’

  ‘No, I think my horse deserves a rest. Does Little Creek boast an inn where I might stay the night?’

  ‘It does, but I’m still mistress of the manor house until Friday. After what you did for me today the least I can do is to offer you accommodation and a meal. We can call in on Guppy on the way home.’

  ‘That sounds perfect, if you’re sure I’m not putting you out.’

  ‘I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it, and tomorrow you can take a good look at the Lazy Jane, and speak to Guppy. He’ll tell you anything you want to know.’ She wheeled her horse round and set off at a canter without waiting to see if Marius was following, but she knew without looking back that he was close behind. She had been in his company for a few hours only, but she felt as though she had known him all her life. After the maelstrom of emotions and traumas of the past weeks it was good to have someone she felt she could trust. She might be an independent woman, but if Marius were to charter her ship it would ease the burden of worry and raise some much-needed cash.

  Guppy was at home and so, unfortunately, was his mother. Mrs Guppy was stirring a pot on the range, looking even more like the wicked witch from storybooks than before. Her grey hair hung in wispy strands around her face and when she closed her mouth, which was not often, her toothless gums met together, bringing her chin so close to her nose that she resembled Mr Punch.

  ‘I dunno what you want by turning up at mealtimes,’ she grumbled, continuing to stir the noxious-smelling mixture. ‘My Clem don’t get this sort of food on board ship. He’s a boy what needs his mother’s cooking, and regular mealtimes, which he don’t get because you keep turning up uninvited, missis.’

  ‘Ma, that’s no way to speak to Mrs Tattersall,’ Clem said mildly. ‘She’s the boss now that the captain’s not around.’ He sent an apologetic look in Daisy’s direction.

  ‘I’m sorry to interrupt your meal, Mrs Guppy.’ Daisy managed to keep a straight face although Clem’s mother referring to him as a boy had made her want to laugh. ‘We won’t take up more than a minute or two of your time.’

  Guppy rose from his seat at the table. ‘Where’s your manners, Ma? Ask the missis if she wants a cup of tea.’

  ‘Ask her yourself. I’m busy. I got no time for toffs.’ Mrs Guppy turned her back on Daisy and Marius, and continued to beat the contents of the saucepan to a pulp.

  ‘I just came to introduce you to Mr Walters, who is interested in chartering the Lazy Jane. I said you would take him out to her tomorrow, Clem.’

  Marius held out his hand. ‘How do you do, Guppy?’

  ‘How do, sir?’ G
uppy wiped his fingers on his trousers before shaking hands. ‘What time would suit you?’

  ‘Shall we say nine o’clock? I have to travel on afterwards and I have business in Colchester.’

  ‘Where shall I meet you, sir?’

  ‘Come to the manor house, Clem,’ Daisy said hurriedly. ‘Mr Walters is my guest tonight, since it’s too far for him to ride home. I’ll come with you.’

  ‘You will?’ Marius stared at her, eyebrows raised. ‘Are you familiar with the vessel, Mrs Tattersall?’

  ‘I travelled from London to Little Creek in her not so long ago, although it was not by choice.’

  ‘You’re all fine talk now,’ Mrs Guppy said in a low voice. ‘But we all knows you were in service afore you come here, and then you was wiping people’s unmentionables in Dr Neville’s house.’

  ‘That’s enough of that, Ma.’ Guppy ushered Daisy and Marius outside into the fresh air. ‘You’ll have to excuse the old girl. She don’t mean half of what she says.’

  ‘That’s quite all right, Clem.’ Daisy laid her hand on his arm. ‘We won’t take up any more of your time. We’ll see you tomorrow morning at nine o’clock.’

  ‘Yes’m.’ Clem stepped back into the cottage and closed the door.

  Marius held Daisy’s horse while she mounted. ‘Are you sure it will be all right for me to stay at the manor house? I don’t want to inconvenience you.’

  Daisy smiled down at him. ‘I am still the lady of the manor, despite what Mrs Guppy says.’

  Marius mounted up. ‘I look forward to a long talk after dinner. You’ve had a very interesting past, according to that lady.’

  ‘And I want to know more about you, sir. You might be a felon, for all I know.’

  ‘Would that be an end to our business dealings, ma’am?’

  ‘Not necessarily. My husband had served time in prison before I met him, and he’s the most honest man I’ve ever known.’ She encouraged her horse to a brisk trot, leaving Marius to follow in her wake.

  Mary was obviously impressed with Marius, who kissed her hand and gave her a smile that brought roses to her normally pale cheeks. But Hilda and Mrs Ralston stood back, lips pursed and brows furrowed as they looked him up and down. Daisy could see that they were sizing him up and suspicious of his motives, but she was happy to go ahead with a business deal regardless of what secrets were locked away in his past. All her instincts told her that she could put her trust in him to do his best for her and the Lazy Jane. Her brief attempt to enter the world of commerce had ended in humiliation, but with a little help from Marius she would prove them all wrong. The name of Tattersall would be well known again, only this time it would be for the right reasons.