‘I’m afraid something will go horribly wrong.’ Ruby climbed into the perfumed bath-water while Cicely busied herself laying out the towels and silken underwear. ‘When will you tell your father?’ That was the moment she dreaded more than anything.
‘Oh, there’s time enough,’ Cicely said with a little chuckle. ‘I’ve a good mind not to tell him though,’ she said mischievously.
‘What do you mean?’ Ruby slithered deeper into the water and sighed aloud as the smooth rich lather bathed her nakedness. ‘You must tell him. But I know he won’t allow it,’ she murmured. ‘Then all this will be for nothing.’ Suddenly she was upright in the water and staring at Cicely with shocked eyes. ‘Maureen said I would lose my job.’ She was horrified because only yesterday Cicely had told her that, after the holiday, she was being upgraded to lady’s maid. ‘What if Maureen’s right? Oh, Cicely, how could I ever go back and tell my mam that I’d lost my job? And worse… how could I tell her why? She’d never forgive me if she knew what I was up to right now.’ When a feeling of guilt overwhelmed her, she hung her head. ‘Happen we should forget the whole idea. Happen I should get dressed and help you get ready for this evening.’ Now, at this late hour, when soon it would be too late to turn back, Ruby was beginning to have second thoughts.
‘You’ll do no such thing,’ Cicely told her. ‘I’ve been looking forward to this evening for weeks. Oh, don’t worry, it will be all right.’ She knelt down by the bath and looked into Ruby’s anxious eyes. ‘I wouldn’t enjoy it at all if you weren’t there,’ she confided. ‘And anyway, why shouldn’t you be there? You’re as good as any of us, Ruby Miller, and don’t you ever forget that.’
‘Aw, Cicely, I don’t belong,’ she protested. ‘You’re a lady and I’m a servant. According to my mam, the two are like oil and water. They make a bad mix, that’s what she says, and I’m beginning to think she’s right.’
Cicely was adamant. ‘Much as I believe your mother is a wise and wonderful woman, I have to disagree… at least where you and I are concerned.’ She clambered to her feet. ‘If I had a sister, I’d want her to be exactly like you,’ she said fondly. And then she said something that was astonishing to Ruby. ‘What would you say if I told you my great-great-grandfather was a footman in one of the big houses along Park Street?’
Ruby was shocked. ‘Honestly?’ She would never have dreamed it in a million years. ‘Who would have thought it? Your great-great-grandfather – a footman.’ She was wide-eyed and delighted as she smoothed the soap over her arms and shoulders ‘Well, I never!’ she chuckled. ‘Well, I never!’
Cicely was satisfied that her little ploy had made Ruby think hard. She hadn’t exactly lied, nor had she told the truth. She had merely implied that one of her relations had been a footman in order to put her and Ruby on a common level. In fact, the Bankses family came from a long line of wealthy aristocrats, and if her father knew what she had just told Ruby, his hair would have turned snow white on the spot. ‘So you see,’ Cicely said coyly, ‘deep down we’re the same, only somewhere along the way Fortune smiled on me. It could so easily have been you living in a big house and I could have been the maid.’ She gathered Ruby’s clothes from the chair and placing them over her arm, crossed to the door, reminding her with a chuckle, ‘It’s too late to change your mind, Ruby Miller. Miss Armitage will be here any minute to dress your hair, and soon after that the guests will be arriving.’ She knew the reason for Ruby’s anxiety, and if truth were told, she also was concerned about her father’s reaction to this little ‘arrangement’ between her and Ruby. However, on occasions when it was called for, Jeffrey Banks’s daughter could be just as stubborn as her father. This was such an occasion. There was fighting spirit in her voice as she told Ruby now, ‘I’m going down to check the caterers. Then I shall see my father.’ She gave a reassuring little wink. ‘Don’t you worry. I’ll have him eating out of my hand in no time.’
‘You won’t be long, will you?’ Ruby was convinced that within the hour she would be leaving this house bag and baggage never to set foot over its threshold again.
‘Trust me.’
‘I do.’
‘Good girl. When you’ve bathed, you’ll find some new undergarments on the bed.’
Ruby watched the door close. ‘What have I got myself into?’ she thought forlornly, looking up at the ceiling as though she might see the answer there. She thought of how the master would react when his daughter told him that she had invited a servant to his Christmas Eve party. The thought of father and daughter face to face because of her, sent shivers down her spine. Not for one minute did Ruby believe the master would give his approval; which was why Cicely had toyed with the idea of not telling him….’
‘We’ll let him find out on the evening,’ she’d told Ruby. ‘I know he won’t cause a fuss in front of everybody.’
But Ruby had been adamant. ‘You must ask his permission,’ she’d insisted, ‘or we’ll have to forget it.’
The thought of being exposed in front of everyone was like a nightmare. Fancy the master recognising her, dressed in a fancy gown and hob-nobbing with his guests! Like as not he would send her packing there and then, in front of everybody. No, he had to be told. That way, she might escape a worse punishment.
Bearing the look of a young woman with a purpose, Cicely made straight for the dining-room where she satisfied herself that the table was laid with the very best china and that everything was as it should be. The round-faced young woman was putting the last touches to the flower arrangements. ‘That looks wonderful,’ Cicely said with approval. The woman glowed pink with pride. ‘Thank you, ma’am,’ she said gratefully, and Cicely left her to it.
Going across the main hall to the inner passage, she went swiftly down the narrow staircase that led to the kitchen. The noise of bustle and activity came to her as she approached the half-open door. Sweeping into the kitchen, Cicely glanced around. There was always a feeling of great comfort and warmth in this big old kitchen; a sprawling room with a cheery glow emanating from its huge range whose flames were reflected in the batteries of iron and copper saucepans, frying-pans, skillets, skimmers and sieves hanging from the ceiling or lining shelves.
The two confident females flitting about the range clutching steaming cooking pots turned in unison to stare at her, each one dipping ever so slightly in a curtsey. Then, when Cicely quickly moved away, nervous that her presence might cause them to drop the cooking pots, they went about their duties all the more vigorously. These two, and the young woman in the dining-room, were temporary staff, employed for the occasion. The pantry door was half-open, its many shelves groaning beneath the weight of prepared food, all ready to be put into the dumb waiter and sent up to the dining-room; there was fresh pink fish, dainty slices of beef, pork and ham, there was an enormous fowl on an oblong, flower-patterned plate and a generous selection of mouthwatering desserts, all beautifully dressed and set out in fine china dishes.
Sensing someone behind her, Cook glanced round, giving a small cry when she saw that it was the mistress of the house. Her round face was bright pink, and she looked unusually flustered. ‘Good heavens!’ she exclaimed with the brightest smile, although she secretly believed that Cicely was far too young and inexperienced to be in charge of such a fine house as this, ‘I didn’t hear you come in, Miss,’ she explained. Her face dropped as she went on, ‘There’s nothing wrong, is there?’
‘Of course not,’ Cicely said. ‘I’m just making certain you have everything you need?’
‘Oh, yes, I have. That I have.’ She waved her arm to encompass the entire room. ‘You can see for yourself, everything’s fine,’ she boasted, swelling with pleasure when Cicely told her how clever she was to have secured the same excellent help that had served them so well last Christmas. ‘Well, seeing as these three came with first-class references, and seeing as, like you say, they did a good job last year, I writ their addresses down in my little book,’ she replied grandly. Then a frown crossed her face. ‘Sadly, there are any number of first-class servants to be had, all out of work and glad of a day’s pay.’
Cicely lowered her voice so as not to be heard. ‘Since I’ve taken Ruby as lady’s maid, you’ll be needing a replacement for her. I had thought to leave it until the New Year, but, if you think it advisable we can deal with the matter sooner?’ She glanced around. ‘Perhaps one of these three ladies here tonight might be suitable, do you think?’
‘Well, yes.’ Cook positively beamed. ‘To my way of thinking, you wouldn’t do better than the fair-haired lass over there.’ She flicked her eyes towards the smaller of the two women carefully stirring the contents of a cooking pot. Somehow, she had taken a liking to that one. ‘They’re all hard workers,’ she confessed, ‘but that little miss has an instinct, if you know what I mean? She don’t need telling what to do every two minutes.’
‘Good. Then mark her in your little book,’ Cicely told her, ‘And we’ll talk about it on your return the day after tomorrow.’
‘Oh, dear!’ Cook nervously bit her bottom lip. ‘I do feel bad, leaving the house on Christmas Eve of all days.’
‘Nonsense!’ Cicely remarked.
‘And you don’t mind me taking the wretched girl with me?’
‘You know I don’t. In fact, I think it’s a very generous idea, especially when the poor thing has no family of her own.’
‘Thank you, miss,’ she said gratefully. ‘And to be honest, I am looking forward to it, and that’s the truth.’
‘Then it’s settled. You can go whenever you’re ready and I’ll see you on your return.’
In a hurry now, Cicely went quickly from the kitchen and on up to the library. The sooner she faced her father, the better.
Jeffrey Banks sprang out of his chair like the gentleman he was. ‘Cicely, my dear,’ he remarked. ‘Come in. Sit down.’ When she was seated in the barrel-chair on one side of his desk, he rounded it and resumed his own position in the comfortable red leather armchair. Facing her with a gleam of pleasure in his sharp eyes, he rested his hands on the desk. ‘Well, young lady,’ he said, still beaming up at her with loving eyes, ‘I trust everything’s in order?’
‘Of course, and why shouldn’t it be?’ Cicely leaned forward, perching on the edge of her chair and returning his smile with a confidence that belied her anxiety. She knew he didn’t know, and when she imparted the real nature of her errand to him, there would likely be an explosion. Well, thank goodness he was in a buoyant and receptive mood, she thought hopefully.
‘No reason, my dear,’ he assured her. ‘I always panic immediately before the guests arrive. You should know that by now.’ Taking hold of the chain which was draped over his waistcoat, he tugged at it until the round silver watch sprang from his pocket and fell into his palm. ‘It’s fifteen minutes to six o’clock. They’ll be here within the hour.’
‘I don’t think so,’ she reminded him. ‘The invitation was for eight o’clock, and it would be bad manners on the part of the guests to arrive before then.’
‘Ah!’ He tucked his thumbs into his waistcoat pocket, leaned back in his chair and laughed out loud. ‘That’s what you say every year, and there are still those who turn up an hour before time.’
‘Only those who don’t know better.’
‘Ah, but they do know that I keep only the finest brandy in my cellar. The reason they arrive early is to fire their souls ahead of the others.’ He smiled. ‘Connoisseurs every one.’ He beamed at her. ‘Do you know, Cicely, I find myself looking forward to this evening.’ He lifted his chin, pursed his mouth and peered at her. ‘Hmh! Something tells me it will be an immensely enjoyable evening.’ He waited for a like response from his daughter, then, when it wasn’t forthcoming, felt a little foolish. He studied her hard for a moment, before asking with a concerned voice, ‘Are you all right, young lady?’
‘What makes you ask?’
‘You seem…’ He shook his head slowly, narrowed his eyes and concentrated on her face, his quick mind searching for the right word. ‘I don’t know – a little too quiet, perhaps?’ He sat forward in his chair, his fists clenched on the desk as he asked in a subdued voice, ‘There aren’t any problems, are there?’
‘No. There are no problems, Father. I’ve just come from downstairs now, and I can assure you, your guests will have the best of everything. I’m quite certain that Cook will outshine herself. She deserves the day off tomorrow, and I know she’s bound to return in a better mood for the visit to her sister.’ As was her duty, Cicely always informed her father as to every move that was made in the house. ‘Did I tell you she’s taking the scullery maid with her?’
He nodded. ‘Cook is hard outside and toffee inside,’ he said good-naturedly. ‘That poor wretched girl can’t be good company over the holidays. And what about you?’
‘Me?’
‘Yes. No doubt you, like Cook, will outshine yourself? Or should I say outshine Teresa Arnold?’ he added with a sly little look.
Cicely smiled demurely. Teresa Arnold was very young, but her reputation went before her. Even the tradesmen had told Cook how, by all accounts, Oliver Arnold’s eldest daughter cost him a fortune in fine clothes and fast horses. What was more, it was said that she was growing impatient to wear the mantle of lady of the house. On Cicely’s last visit to the milliner, she herself had overheard how Teresa Arnold was not only extravagant but ‘arrogant’, ‘bold’, ‘petulant’, and ‘quite a stranger to good manners and patience’. Cicely answered her father’s remark with tact. ‘I shall do my very best to please you, Father,’ she said, ‘Miss Armitage should be here at any moment, and no doubt she will see that I am meticulously turned out as usual.’
‘So it’s all running smoothly?’
She smiled demurely. ‘Yes, Father. It’s all running smoothly.’
‘That’s what I like to hear. Of course, you’ve never let me down yet.’ He knew full well that she was a first-class hostess and nothing would be left to chance. ‘All the same, what with all of your duties and everything to oversee, I do think you were wise to avail yourself of young Ruby’s services this evening.’
‘I meant to tell you – as from today, Ruby is employed as lady’s maid.’
‘Wonderful, my dear.’ His head nodded up and down in fervent agreement. ‘In fact, I’m delighted. You must have been the only young lady of consequence in the whole of Lancashire who was without a personal maid.’
‘Ruby’s duties will be more of a companionable nature, I think, Father. I shall always prefer to dress myself, thank you. If I was incapacitated, the situation might be different, but as it is I’m quite capable of brushing my own hair and choosing which shoes I wear with which outfit. Although on special occasions, such as this evening, I am more than happy to call on the admirable skills of Miss Armitage,’ she told him firmly.
‘You’re stubborn, that’s all. Just as you’re stubborn about other matters which concern me.’
‘And I don’t think I need to ask what these other matters are?’ she said wryly.
‘You know well enough,’ he replied in an injured tone. ‘Oh, Cicely! I do wish you would think about my earlier suggestion.’
‘Which was?’ As if she didn’t know.
‘You know very well what I’m referring to,’ he said wearily. ‘It’s all to do with your status, my dear. I still heartily believe you are wrong to take on the responsibility of housekeeper in addition to everything else.’
‘Have you cause to complain?’
‘Not at all, but…’
‘No “buts”, Father. I could never idle away my time while another woman kept your house. How many times must I stress that I love being responsible for the running of this house? Please don’t confuse me with Teresa Arnold, who by all accounts would have half the population waiting on her if she had her way. Added to which, her father is one of the wealthiest men in the north-west.’
‘We have more than enough money for our needs,’ her father retaliated. ‘We may not be in quite the same league as the eloquent Oliver Arnold, but we are very well-off, my dear.’
‘I know that, Father. But it isn’t a matter of money with me, and well you know it. I do actually enjoy running this household,’ she argued. ‘Besides, how else would I fill my days?’ Even as she spoke, Cicely realised she had foolishly opened the way for him.
‘Like any other young woman,’ he replied meaningfully. ‘Meeting people of your own age, and taking an interest in what goes on outside your own four walls.’ He had long been concerned with her growing reluctance to leave this house.
‘Do you really mean me to attend these hateful little gatherings that take place in the drawing-rooms of aged dowagers and busybodies with nothing better to occupy their minds?’ There was contempt in her voice. ‘Really, Father! Can you see me attending these frivolous women’s groups? Meetings of frustrated old women who assemble for afternoon tea and indulge in the latest gossip? Perhaps you feel it right that I should exhibit myself? Perhaps you want it known that I might be “available” if the young man is “suitable” enough?’ He had touched on a delicate issue, and she resented it.
He was mortified. ‘Oh, dear me! Dear, dear me!’ He would have got out of his chair and pacified her, but was still held by her angry blue eyes. ‘You misunderstand me, my dear,’ he said lamely. ‘I didn’t mean to imply anything, and well you know it.’ He hated himself for being so clumsy. Oh, he couldn’t deny that he would have liked his daughter to be courted by some ‘suitable’ young man. And, yes, it was true that he would like to see Cicely mixing with people of her own calibre. And if, during the course of her social activities, she was introduced to members of the opposite sex – then so long as they met with his approval there wouldn’t be anyone more delighted than himself. He had long felt that his daughter was in danger of becoming a hermit in this house, a spinster who would end her days all alone. The thought was a source of sorrow to him. Besides, what man didn’t ache for a grandson? Especially when that man was a man of property, who craved a male heir to carry on the family name.
‘I know,’ she murmured, her mood suddenly subdued, ‘I know you didn’t mean anything. But we’ve gone over all this before, and you know my own views on the matter, Father. I’m happy as I am. I’ve never found it easy to make friends, and though I happily carry out my duties as hostess in this house, I have no love of socialising in other people’s drawing-rooms. You’re right. Perhaps I should be thinking about young men, and becoming a wife before it’s too late. But I will not deliberately go out looking for a husband, and I will not be paraded from house to house in the hope that I may meet this “suitable” young man. If I’m to be a spinster, then so be it.’
She saw the hurt in his eyes and her tongue was stilled. In her heart, she knew how desperately he wanted her to be wed and to provide him with an heir. She went to him then and murmured softly, ‘Oh, look, I’m sorry if I’m a disappointment to you, Father. I’ve always been painfully shy amongst strangers outside my own home. It doesn’t worry me though,’ she lied, ‘I really am content in my own company.’
‘Whatever you say,’ he muttered reluctantly. Although secretly he clung to his hopes of walking her down the aisle, and one day holding his own grandson in his arms.
Relieved, she kissed the top of his head. ‘Anyway, I have you.’ she said warmly. ‘And I have this beautiful old house to live in. What else would I need?’ The truth was, she was not altogether happy and realised he must sense that. There were times when she was incredibly lonely. Days when, if it wasn’t for Ruby’s friendship, the hours would seem like a lifetime. It hurt her to know how concerned her father was, and though she knew he was well-meaning, his words always struck home. Didn’t he realise there were times when she ached with loneliness? But then, how could he know of her longing for love and motherhood? Yet, she could not change the way she was. The very idea of sitting in some archaic and dingy drawing-room, sipping tea and being scrutinised by a gaggle of old and curious women who revelled in other people’s business was enough to give her nightmares. Apart from her father, she had only one other real friend in all the world. That friend was Ruby. And thinking of her now brought Cicely back to her purpose. ‘Father,’ she began carefully, reaching out and taking the guest list from his tray, ‘I said there were no problems. In fact, there is just one.’
‘Oh?’ He sat upright and turned his face up to her. ‘Then we had better deal with it, don’t you think?’
Placing the sheet of paper on the desk, she told him, ‘If you cast your eyes down the guest list, you’ll see that the men outnumber the ladies.’
‘Really?’ He was glad that the previous subject had been brought to an end. It always unnerved him when Cicely took offence at his innocent words. His daughter was everything to him and he would never knowingly hurt her. Gratefully, he brought his attention to the matter in hand. He was puzzled. ‘I thought you’d rectified that particular matter? Wasn’t that the reason we decided to extend the Arnold invitation to include his daughter, Teresa?’ He frowned as a thought occurred to him. ‘Oh dear, she’s turned down our invitation?’
‘No, no,’ Cicely was quick to assure him. ‘Along with her father and brother, Teresa Arnold has accepted the invitation.’ She was cautiously leading up to an issue much more important to her, and her stomach was nervously fluttering. She had convinced Ruby that everything would be all right, but now, she wasn’t sure whether her father would put paid to their well-laid plans. ‘All the same, it means the numbers are uneven.’ she persisted.
‘Well, it’s too late to do anything about it now,’ he sighed. ‘This only bears out what I’ve been saying about you having far too much responsibility. And you’ve always been so meticulous in the past.’
‘It isn’t too late, and I do have a solution. You see, Father, the numbers were not an oversight.’
‘Not an oversight?’ he repeated, his face wreathed in frowns. ‘Then perhaps you had better explain?’ He was obviously puzzled.
‘I have invited a dear friend, and she’ll be seated beside me if that’s all right with you, Father?’
His eyes widened in surprise. ‘A friend?’ he exclaimed. ‘Oh, my dear, that’s wonderful!’ He grabbed her hand and feverishly patted it. ‘Who is she… this friend? Wherever did you meet her? Does she come from a good family? And why haven’t I been introduced?’ The last question was delivered with a mildly disapproving stare.
‘My goodness!’ Cicely exclaimed. ‘All these questions. I met her here, in this very house, and yes, she does come from a good family. As for your being introduced – well now, there was no need for that. You see, she’s well known to you already, Father. In fact, you see her every day.’ She was beginning to enjoy her little game, especially now that she had him at a disadvantage. All the same, she was still anxious about how he would react when he realised it was Ruby who was going to be seated beside her at the dinner table, instead of waiting on it as was her normal place in this house.
He stared at her then. The smile had gone from his mouth and his eyes grew darker. ‘How can I possibly see her every day, as you say?’ he asked cautiously. Already he was growing suspicious. She didn’t answer straightaway, and he asked again, ‘Cicely, who is this young lady?’
Swallowing hard, she stood up straight and met his eye with dignity. ‘It’s Ruby,’ she answered.
In an instant he was on his feet. ‘Ruby?’ His astonishment was obvious in his expression and in the low disbelieving voice in which he uttered Ruby’s name. ‘Are you telling me that you want Ruby Miller… a servant in this house… to attend as a guest this evening?’
Convinced that she was just jesting with him, he forced his mouth into a nervous smile, but it fell open when she answered his question with a brave nod of the head and a bold remark that caused him to fall back in his chair. ‘Ruby is very dear to me, Father. And I’m determined she will be there. If you exclude her, then you exclude me.’
There then followed a heated discussion during which Jeffrey Banks argued the order of things in society, pointing out with great deliberation how Ruby would feel ill at ease in such a situation for: ‘Even you are not altogether happy surrounded by people.’ He went on to talk about protocol, and he made every attempt to persuade her that she was utterly wrong to think such a thing could ever be arranged. ‘What? I could never agree to it. NEVER!’ he stormed. He paced the room with his hands behind his back, and ranted on, stopping every now and then to glare at her. Then he would smile and entreat her to think about the enormity of the undertaking. ‘Never in my life have I heard of such a thing!’ he protested. Finally, mentally and physically exhausted, he fell into his chair. Spinning himself round and staring across at the window, he said in a spent voice, ‘I will not allow it.’
‘Very well, Father.’ She turned on her heel and began to make her way towards the door.
‘Where are you going?’ He swung round, lurching forward in his chair. ‘What do you intend to do now?’ he asked. When she turned and smiled with frustrating calm she seemed like a stranger to him, and it struck him in that moment that his daughter was made of stronger stuff than he had imagined.
‘Don’t worry, Father,’ she assured him, ‘I shall see that everything is taken care of before I leave for the evening. Of course I’ll return first thing in the morning.’ Her smile grew sweeter, then with a determined flourish she turned her back to him. Her hand was already turning the door knob when he spoke again. And this time he was pleading.
‘It could never work, my dear. You must see how impossible it is? Ruby is a splendid young lady, and I do agree with you… she does come from a good home.’ And who should know better than he what a proud and delightful woman her mother was. ‘I have nothing detrimental to say about the girl’s background. But what I am saying, my dear, is that Ruby is a maid and you are her mistress. What I am saying is that her experience of life is far different from your experience of life. Ruby could no more be a high-born lady than you could be a low-born servant. Oh, and what I am not saying is that one is any better than the other… just vastly different, that’s all. No doubt there are those among our guests who lack Ruby’s moral fibre and good manners, and there are as many “undesirables” in higher society as there are in the back streets of any town. I am not denying that for a moment.’
‘Well then?’
‘The whole idea is unthinkable. Besides, the poor girl would be out of her depth.’
‘So you still forbid it?’
‘OF COURSE I FORBID IT!’ He sprang from his chair and strode across the room. ‘What in God’s name made you dream up such a fearful idea?’
Instead of answering his question, Cicely told him calmly, ‘As I say, Father, you don’t need to worry about this evening. Everything will be taken care of, you have my word.’
‘Go on then,’ he snapped. ‘Do what you must, because I will not allow such a thing under this roof and that’s an end to it.’ He watched her go. He waited until the door was closed behind her. He scowled, he muttered, and he listened to her footsteps receding further and further. And he knew she had got him exactly where she wanted him, just like she always had. ‘Damn and bugger it!’ he groaned. The irony of the situation made him chuckle. The chuckle became louder, then became a full-bodied laugh which he abruptly stemmed for fear that she would hear.
He found himself thinking of Lizzie, Ruby’s mother who had been his own salvation when he desperately needed someone to love. In all these years he had not forgotten how he had found solace and comfort in her willing arms. They had made love here in this very house, in the very bed where he still slept. How could he forget what that darling woman had meant to him?
Even now, in those private moments when he was especially lonely, he had only to close his eyes and she would be in his arms again, that delightful wide-awake face gazing up at him, filling his heart with pleasure. So many years had passed between, so much time, and they had each travelled their own predestined paths. That was the way it should be, and they both accepted that. But he couldn’t deny that there had been murmuring regrets, nor could he deny the fondness he still nursed for Lizzie. Not high passion the way it had been on that first night he had taken her to himself and she had clung to him with all the love a woman can give, but a kind of love all the same.
In a minute he had flung open the door, his frantic eyes searching the stairway for his daughter. ‘Cicely!’ he called, going forward into the hall.
‘Yes, Father?’ She was partway up the stairs when his voice caused her to turn round. She was half-smiling.
It was a moment before he answered, and when he did, it was with a great sigh. ‘Have you decided to be sensible?’
‘No, Father.’
‘Where is she?’
‘In my bath tub.’
He winced and sighed again. ‘Has your dresser arrived?’
‘Not yet.’
‘Does she know the girl? I mean… has she seen Ruby Miller on her previous visits?’
‘No. Miss Armitage never goes downstairs. She arrives, attends to me, and then she leaves. Usually I myself answer the door to her.’
‘Then you shouldn’t!’ He clenched his fists in exasperation. ‘You must leave that to the servants.’
‘Yes, Father.’
‘This woman, Miss Armitage – she must not know.’
‘She will be told only that Ruby is a friend.’ She sensed his weakening. ‘No one will know. Not even Cook.’
He snorted. ‘No doubt this little escapade has been planned for some long time?’
‘Not really.’ She started forward, her eyes shining with anticipation. ‘Oh, Father, Ruby will make you proud, you’ll see!’
‘Enough of that! What you’ve done has made me very angry.’ He waved his hand impatiently, causing her to stop in her tracks. A thoughtful pause while they stared at each other, then reluctantly Jeffrey said, ‘When she’s ready, bring her before me.’
‘Thank you, Father.’ Her smile broadened triumphantly.
‘I don’t promise anything.’
‘Of course not, Father.’ She went on her way, quickening her steps the nearer she came to the bedroom.
Ruby’s heart skipped a beat when she heard the footsteps approaching. She had bathed and dried herself though her hair was still a little damp. Now she was seated on the edge of the bed, dressed in the soft clinging undergarments that Cicely had laid out. Somehow it seemed to Ruby that she belonged here. It felt so right. And her sense of well-being only further inspired her to work her way up in the world, so that her family could savour the better things in life.
Suddenly the door was flung open and there stood Cicely. Ruby had been anxiously waiting to hear what had been said downstairs, but now she didn’t have to ask because Cicely’s face said it all. A tide of joy surged through her as she ran across the room to throw herself into Cicely’s arms. ‘YOU DID IT!’ she cried. ‘Oh, Cicely, how did you ever persuade him?’ She could hardly believe it, and said so.
‘Well, you’d better believe it,’ Cicely told her, leading Ruby back across the room to where she swung open the wardrobe door and there, in all its glory, was the magnificent burgundy gown. ‘He wants to see you when you’re ready,’ she said grandly.
‘Oh. You mean he wants to inspect me?’
‘And if he does?’
‘Well, I don’t know.’ Doubts began to creep in. ‘He has given permission, hasn’t he? At least, I thought so from the look on your face when you came back just now.’
‘Trust me, Ruby. Everything is going to be fine. Just fine. Miss Armitage will be here any minute, and she must see you first. Here.’ She stooped to the drawer beneath the hanging robe and took out a dry towel. ‘Rub at your hair. It needs to be drier before she can arrange it,’ Cicely pointed out, lifting a hank of Ruby’s rich brown hair and feeling it between finger and thumb. ‘Meanwhile, I’d better make a start on myself. When you stand before Father, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
In that moment the outer bell rang. Without delay Cicely rushed out of the room and down the curving stairway. Through the vestibule window she could see the outline of a woman’s figure, straight and prim, with a tiny round hat atop her head and a bulky bag clutched in her hand. It was Miss Armitage, pamperer to the privileged. ‘Come in, please,’ Cicely said with a wide smile. ‘We haven’t much time. I wasn’t able to let you know, because I didn’t know myself until a few moments ago, but a very dear friend of mine has arrived so there’ll be two of us to be got ready.’
Miss Armitage was a woman of few words, and gave none now. She merely nodded in that marvellously confident manner for which she was renowned, and in a moment she and Cicely were on their way upstairs to where Ruby was waiting with growing excitement.
Coming out of the library, Jeffrey Banks saw the two ladies mounting the stairway. ‘Heaven help us all!’ he muttered. Then he dodged back into the library, closed the door and went straight to the dresser where he poured himself a small measure of brandy. ‘I have a feeling I might live to regret this day,’ he muttered, swilling the fiery liquid down his throat, and suffering a coughing fit.
At precisely twenty minutes to seven there came a polite tap on the door before it was pushed open to admit two young women into the library. ‘What do you think, Father?’ Cicely’s proud glance went from her father to Ruby, and back again to her father. ‘Doesn’t she look every inch a lady?’
He stared and stared, and at first could not recognise the young woman before him. Dressed in a fine gown of burgundy, and with her thick shining hair rolled into a halo about her elfin face, Ruby seemed like a stranger. And, yes, as Cicely so aptly put it, she was ‘every inch a lady’. More than that, she was incredibly beautiful. Her midnight blue eyes were glowing, her mouth was lightly painted and her hair was without parting, brushed and bouncing and framing her face with deep, earth-coloured waves. At her throat she wore a simple black velvet band. The gown was sheer luxury, the height of elegance, and fitted her figure with perfection. Round sleeves and a waspish waist brought out the curves of her slight figure, and where the silken folds fell gracefully to the hem, the entire effect was breathtaking. She was taller, more mature, astonishingly sophisticated. And he couldn’t tear his gaze away.
‘Aren’t you surprised?’ Cicely insisted. ‘Doesn’t Ruby look wonderful?’ She was standing between the two of them now, looking from one to the other. ‘Have you ever seen anyone so beautiful, Father?’ she said in awed tones.
It was a seemingly endless time before he answered. All he could hear was the one word, ‘beautiful’. And, yes, Ruby Miller was certainly that. He was shocked by the vision she made. He had always seen her as little more than a child; although in truth it was not unknown for a working girl to wed and bear a man two or three children when she was not all that much older than Ruby was now.
Beneath his scrutiny, Ruby stood tall and confident. It was almost as though, in putting on this gown, she had become someone else, someone more important. Someone worthwhile. It was a good feeling. Oh, how she would have loved for her mother to see her now. Yet, it wasn’t to be. All the same, Ruby hated having to deceive her mother. She so much wanted to share this experience with the one who meant more than anything in the world to her. But Lizzie could never understand, and the knowledge that she would have ripped the gown from her daughter’s back dissipated Ruby’s pleasure. She stood, straight and still, her throat tight and her limbs slightly trembling, while the master continued to look at her with curious eyes. It would have been a shocking revelation to her if she had only known how Jeffrey Banks was mentally comparing her to her mother.
His gaze wandered over Ruby’s lovely face. He wanted to see Lizzie there. He looked for her, but no, Ruby was infinitely different. Where Lizzie had been pretty, her daughter was strikingly handsome. Where Lizzie had charm, Ruby had something more devastating… a certain presence, a charisma that struck at the heart. Lizzie had stirred pleasure in him, and love, and a need for her companionship. Ruby, however, struck him dumb, as she would any man. Suddenly, Cicely’s words came into his mind: ‘She’ll make you proud’. That was what she had promised, and now he understood. That was exactly how he felt in that moment. He felt proud of Ruby! Just as he had always felt proud of his own daughter. He recalled something he had said to her earlier. ‘Ruby is low-born, and you are high-born.’ That was what he had said. But now he continued to gaze at Ruby, and was aware of the stupidity of his words. For all her ordinary background, Ruby Miller showed a quality that many women from noble families might envy. She had a rare natural elegance. There was something about her, something uniquely special, and all of his resolve to disapprove of her melted away. ‘You really are a surprising and lovely young lady,’ he murmured.
At once there was a cry from Cicely as she ran to plant a kiss on his face. ‘Oh, Father, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me,’ she told him. ‘So it’s all right? Ruby can attend the dinner party as my friend?’
He dropped his gaze. In his mind he could still see Ruby, and Lizzie, and knew he could not refuse. ‘She will need you,’ he reminded her, ‘but you must not neglect our guests.’ He raised his eyes then and looked hard at Cicely, saying in a low strong voice, ‘But this will be the last time. Do you understand that?’ She nodded, and he turned his attention to Ruby.
‘Yes, sir,’ she answered, and he was satisfied.
‘Very well. Leave me alone now.’ He needed time to compose himself. Very soon, this library would be filled with men of consequence, and it would befall him to entertain them. After the trauma of this evening, he hoped it would not also befall him to hurt Lizzie, by ending her daughter’s term of employment within this household. No doubt she had been kept as much in the dark as he had been with regard to the ‘arrangement’ between his daughter and Ruby.
He poured a small measure of brandy into his glass and sipped at it thoughtfully. ‘Your daughter is certainly beautiful, Lizzie,’ he murmured with a smile. ‘And like you, she’s blessed with a lovely nature or Cicely wouldn’t adore her as she does. But Ruby isn’t contented like you, is she?’ he asked. ‘More ambitious, perhaps?’ He thought a while, then chuckled. ‘Still, there’s nothing wrong with being ambitious.’ He raised his glass to an imaginary figure. ‘Here’s to you, Lizzie Miller. And here’s to that handsome girl of yours. I have a feeling that, one of these days, she’ll bounce the world in the palm of her hand.’
Luke Arnold slouched in his chair, one leg crossed over the other and a sly grin on his face as he watched his sister preen herself in the hall mirror. ‘My, my! Aren’t we the little fusspot?’ he said in a cruel voice. ‘I’m sorry, sister dear, but Ackroyd won’t be able to appreciate your finer qualities this evening. You’ll be inside the carriage with me and Father, and that young skunk will be outside in the cold, where he belongs.’
She reached forward and coolly regarded him in the mirror. Her voice was equally cutting as she replied, ‘Haven’t you got anything better to do… like playing cards or bedding street women?’ When he merely grinned wider, she said in a wicked voice, ‘Or perhaps you might be better employed in polishing Daddy’s shoes?’ She knew that his greatest frustration was in not yet having been given greater authority in his father’s business, and it always delighted her to play on his bitterness.
‘You little bitch!’ He sprang from the chair and rushed towards her, but a stern voice from the drawing-room doorway made him stop and swing round.
‘Just for once, try and act like civilised human beings?’ Oliver Arnold had heard every word and was furious at these two, his eldest daughter and his only son. Teresa and Luke were two of a kind, with a selfish and greedy streak to their natures. Even as infants they had always brought out the worst in each other, but over recent years, without the steadying influence of a mother to temper their behaviour, their mutual antipathy had grown almost out of control. It was a source of great sorrow to him, because for all their faults they were his children and he loved then dearly.
‘Sorry, Daddy.’ Teresa smiled beseechingly, and as usual he forgave her.
‘Always remember that you were born a lady, and there are certain ways in which a lady should behave,’ he reminded her. Turning to his son, he asked, ‘Have you arranged for Thomas to bring the carriage round?’
‘When are you going to see how useless that old man is?’ Luke replied sulkily. ‘The old fool’s taken to his bed again.’
Taking a deep breath, Oliver eyed him wearily, saying impatiently, ‘I think you were there when I went through this with Teresa, were you not?’ He did not wait for a reply but went on angrily, ‘Thomas is neither old nor useless. He works a long hard day, always on hand, ready to be called out at any time. And if he’s presently under the weather, then he’s done right to take to his bed. We may all have to take to our bed at some time or another.’ He lowered his voice, adding, ‘And, by the same token, there will always be some people who are more useful than others, wouldn’t you say, Luke?’
‘Ackroyd is bringing the carriage round,’ he answered, deliberately keeping his eyes averted.
‘Good. Then I trust we’re all ready to depart?’ He looked from Luke to Teresa, who had returned to the mirror and was preening herself again. ‘You look bewitching,’ he said generously.
And she did. Her tall elegant figure was clothed in a gown of blue, and around her shoulders was the prettiest dark cape, trimmed with an abundance of fur that matched the muffler on her arm. Her brownish hair was piled into curls on the top of her head, the surplus of which spilled down to form a cascade round her face. At her father’s words, she turned about, her brown eyes glittering. ‘Thank you, Daddy,’ she purred, at the same time stepping forward, ready to link her arm with his. He didn’t see her intention as he went hurriedly towards the front door. But Luke saw, and infuriated her by laughing softly in her face.
‘We’ve a few minutes yet,’ Oliver remarked, peering anxiously into the darkness beyond the window. ‘All the same, we don’t want to make a bad impression by arriving late.’ He glanced at the grandfather clock down the hall. It was almost ten minutes to seven. The distance between this house and Jeffrey Banks’s abode on Billenge End was nothing to speak of. In fact, it would probably be quicker to walk it than to wait for a carriage. But of course that was out of the question.
‘If we’re very clever, and everyone’s the merrier for his best brandy, we might see an opportunity to talk Banks into selling the foundry after all.’ Luke knew that if he were to shine in his father’s eyes, he would have to achieve something very worthwhile, and what could be more so than bringing about his father’s dearest ambition? ‘You can’t tell me you’ve really had a change of heart where that foundry’s concerned?’ he asked slyly.
Oliver confronted him with a grim face and forbidding eyes. ‘No. I haven’t had a change of heart,’ he confessed. ‘Of course I would like to put my own name over his foundry gates.’ His eyes glittered as he paused to let the words sink in. ‘But if and when I resume talks with Banks is a matter for me to decide, and I say that the matter is not for discussion at the moment. And even to contemplate raising such a delicate business proposition in a gentleman’s home, especially when we have been kindly invited to celebrate Christmas Eve with him and his daughter, is unthinkable.’ He waited for Luke’s apology. When all that greeted him was a dumb silence, he said sharply, ‘There will be no talk of business this evening. Is that clear, young man?’
‘If you say so.’ Luke realised he had gone too far, and he was wisely anxious to make amends. ‘Of course you’re right, Father,’ he said. ‘And I do apologise.’
‘Good!’ Oliver patted his son on the shoulder. ‘You’re learning,’ he said with a little burst of pride. ‘I’m convinced you have the makings of a good businessman. It’s all a matter of timing… knowing when to make a move, and when not to.’ He glanced at the clock again. ‘Young Ackroyd should have been here by now. Oh dear, I do hope Thomas hasn’t taken a turn for the worst.’
Grabbing the bed-head on either side with two hands, Thomas hoisted himself up against the bolster. The effort took a good deal out of him and he lay there a moment, panting and breathless. ‘Get off to the house, lad. They’ll be kicking their heels,’ he wheezed. ‘Leave me to meself. I’ll be fine.’ His face was the shade of parchment, and his whole body was trembling. ‘Don’t keep the master waiting.’ He shoved at Johnny’s chest with the flat of his hand. ‘Go on!’ he said gruffly. ‘Away with yer, else we’ll both find ourselves outta work.’
‘Are you sure you’ll be all right?’ Johnny had seen the old fella worsening slowly over the past few hours, and was deeply concerned. ‘If you ask me, I’d say you want a doctor.’
Thomas was horrified. ‘I’ll have no doctor messing me about,’ he declared angrily. Then, realising that Johnny meant well, he assured him kindly, ‘Truly, I’m fine, lad.’ He shook his head impatiently. ‘Or I will be when you’ve gone away with that there carriage.’ He coughed into the bedclothes. ‘It’s a chest cold, that’s all. When you come back, you can brew me a strong mug o’ tea and we’ll drop a measure o’ the good stuff in it.’ He chuckled. ‘That’ll do the trick, you’ll see. Now get off with yer… or I’ll have to rise from me bed and do the job meself, bugger it!’
Knowing that Thomas was not one for making idle threats, Johnny did as he was bid, leaving the old fella with the warning, ‘If I find you’ve been out of that bed while I’m gone, I’ll fetch a doctor whether you want one or not.’ And Thomas knew that this was no idle threat neither.
‘Yer a hard man, Johnny Ackroyd,’ he muttered, but there was the merest gleam of a smile in his eyes. ‘So, I reckon I’d best do as I’m told, eh?’ Though he had kicked and fussed and put up every kind of argument, Thomas had been unable to dissuade Johnny from staying the night. He had already told his mother that he wouldn’t be home until the morning, and the bed was made up in the spare stable beneath Thomas’s quarters.
‘Aye, I reckon you’d better,’ Johnny said, slowly moving his head up and down and thinking what a tough old bird Thomas was.
‘Come on, Teresa, hurry now.’ Oliver Arnold was not surprised when his son climbed into the carriage before him. But he was irritated when his daughter took too long in following. She seemed more interested in the horses than she did in making haste away from there. Or at least he thought it was the horses that held her interest, when in fact it was Johnny she was eyeing with such passion. For his part though, and sensing that she wanted him to turn his head and gaze on her, Johnny deliberately kept his attention on untangling the reins.
‘Sorry, Daddy,’ she said sweetly, hurrying to his side and allowing him to help her into the carriage; and thinking how she would much rather it was Johnny’s hands that were round her waist, Johnny urging her to come away with him on this starlit night. ‘I was just asking after Thomas,’ she lied.
‘Well then, you needn’t have bothered,’ Oliver remarked, dropping himself into the seat beside her. ‘If you had been paying attention, you would have heard me ask about Thomas the moment we came out. Apparently he’s got a chest cold, but it’s nothing serious.’ He beamed on her, saying with a surprised voice, ‘All the same, my dear, it’s good to know that you’re concerned about Thomas.’ He nodded his head and settled back as the carriage moved away. ‘Yes, indeed. I’m pleased to see it,’ he muttered with satisfaction. ‘Very pleased indeed.’
In his heart, Oliver Arnold was convinced that all of his children would make good. His highest hopes were for Luke. A man needed his son to make his mark on the world. He glanced across the carriage interior at Luke’s face; such a handsome face, although perhaps it could be softer, gentler, when all too often it was set like stone against the world. There were still a few rough edges to his character, together with a slight insensitivity with regard to the men who worked his father’s foundries, and though he had not yet quite grasped the essence of good business, he was impatient to learn, too impatient sometimes. But still, that could often be a good thing, because it showed a keenness to get on.
There was nothing wrong with Luke having his sights set on being in full control of health and safety matters throughout his father’s empire; indeed, Oliver had been very impressed by his son’s enthusiasm. As a matter of fact, he was on the verge of entrusting immense responsibility to Luke because lately he had been inspired by the managers’ reports on their protégé. From these reports, Oliver had unwisely read only what he wanted to read. By all accounts, gone was the immature and useless rebel who had caused him so much heartache and shame. In his place was now a young man with potential. And every day, growing ever more weary and inevitably older, Oliver was nearer and nearer to relinquishing more of the workload to his only son.
The iron-clad horses’ hooves played a rhythmic tune over the jutting cobbles as they went across the road and wended their way in between high stone pillars. The wide entrance to Billenge House was not easy to negotiate off the road, although it was much easier on the way out because there was room for the carriage to turn and straighten before coming back onto Billenge End. ‘Whoah… whoah there.’ Johnny eased the horses to a halt before jumping down to help the passengers out. First came the master, then his son. ‘What time will you want me to collect you, sir?’ he asked Arnold senior. He was thinking about Thomas. He was a stubborn old bugger, and would never admit that he needed anybody.
‘Make your way back about eleven o’clock,’ Oliver told him. ‘We’ll be ready by then, I think.’ The invitation had been open-ended, but it was Christmas Day tomorrow and he wanted to be up early in order to spend every minute with his beloved Ida.
‘Right you are, sir.’ Johnny sensed Teresa’s eyes on him as she came slowly out of the carriage. When he leaned forward to help her down, she slid her gloved hand into his, deliberately squeezing his fingers and holding on even when she was safely to the ground. With her father and brother looking towards the house, she thrust herself towards Johnny and cupped his hand over her small firm breast. ‘Do you see what you are missing?’ she whispered wantonly, gently laughing when he swiftly withdrew his hand. ‘You can’t refuse me forever,’ she murmured. ‘I will have you, Johnny darling. I always get what I want eventually.’
‘Teresa!’ Oliver was growing impatient. ‘Quickly now.’ He was a few steps ahead, but now he turned to wait for her.
Coming, Daddy.’ She hurried to his side, glancing back only once to watch as Johnny climbed into the driver’s seat. The more he refused her, the more she wanted him. And the more she planned her days to that end. Even now, a plan was forming in her devious little mind. ‘Daddy?’ she said in a low voice designed so that neither Luke nor Johnny would hear. ‘Don’t you think it’s unwise to leave poor old Thomas alone all night long?’ She cast a surreptitious glance at Johnny, and her meaning was unmistakable. ‘I’m sure Ackroyd wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on his old friend?’
‘Why, how thoughtful,’ he declared. ‘But you’re a little behind the times, my dear, because it has already been arranged. Young Ackroyd saw the need before any of us, and asked my permission to make up a bed in the stables.’ He looked at her in the moon-glow, and thought he saw something in her he had not seen before. Perhaps she was not altogether unfeeling after all.
Without any more ado, he went towards the front steps and up to the door. Here he lifted the heavy brass knocker and let it clang hard against the wood. At once there came the sound of footsteps from inside. He felt a little nervous. For so long now he had looked on Jeffrey Banks as a rival to be fended off or bought out. Tonight though that ‘rival’ had extended the offer of friendship by inviting the enemy into his house. It was a magnanimous gesture, and Oliver felt the onus was on him to make it a pleasant evening.
When the door was opened and they were ushered into the house, Teresa entered with all the grace and poise of a lady. But her thoughts were far from ladylike. They would have shamed any loose woman from the streets. Dark and dangerous thoughts, thoughts of lust and nakedness. Thoughts that warmed and thrilled her beyond her wildest imaginings. Now, as the party was taken along the hallway, she was actually smiling to herself. In her mind’s eye she could see Johnny’s strong body writhing on top of hers, she could almost feel his nakedness against hers, and the thought of his dark brooding eyes burning with passion at her touch was almost more than she could bear. Tonight! There would never be a better time to make her move. With that old fool Thomas out of the way, and Johnny unsuspecting, there was nothing to keep her from him. Oh, the evening could not go quickly enough for her.
The guests were now congregating in the drawing-room. Cicely was at the door, waiting to greet the Arnold family. ‘I’m delighted you could come,’ she said, extending greetings first to the father, then to his children, male first. When it was Teresa’s turn, Cicely found it hard not to stare. She was astonished by the young woman’s dark beauty. ‘This is my very dear friend, Miss Miller… Miss Ruby Miller,’ she said, and drawing Ruby forward, proudly presented her to the Arnold family, just as she had presented her to every guest who had entered the house on this Christmas Evening.
By this time, Ruby was used to being thrust forward and regarded by curious eyes. Yet she was not prepared for the envy in Teresa Arnold’s, and she was shocked by the intimate smile bestowed on her by Luke. ‘Your friend is very lovely,’ he told Cicely, while holding Ruby’s hand and staring at her with blatant admiration. ‘No doubt we will have time to talk later?’ The question was addressed directly to Ruby.
‘No doubt,’ she agreed, her ready smile lighting up her beauty until it dazzled him. But she had taken an instant dislike to this arrogant young man, and they would not have ‘time to talk’. Not if she could help it, they wouldn’t!
The formalities were over. Guest mingled with guest and the aperitifs were brought round. Soon the announcement was made that dinner would be served, and the guests assembled in pairs, with Jeffrey Banks and his daughter leading the procession to the dining-room. Somehow Ruby found herself linking arms with Luke Arnold. He held her too close, and smiled too often, and when he drew out her chair – before taking up position opposite from where he could watch her every move – he deliberately brushed her bare arm with the palm of his hand. She shivered. Even the touch of him was obnoxious to her. Something else too worried Ruby; she and Cicely had gone through every eventuality for this evening, and because of her own experience at waiting table, Ruby had become suitably familiar with etiquette and proper manners. So she was assured that nothing could possibly go wrong. At first, she had been dreadfully nervous. Every time the master looked her way, she was convinced he was waiting for the slightest opportunity to expel her from the room, perhaps even from the house. But he had kept his distance, Cicely had guided her well, and as a result her confidence had grown.
Now, though, one intimate smiling glance from Luke Arnold had threatened it all. She wondered whether he might somehow have guessed that, far from being what Cicely would have them believe, she was no more than a paid servant in this house. Riddled with doubt, she asked herself whether in some way he had discovered her secret. Perhaps he’d seen her in that subservient role at some time or another? Although she could never remember seeing him here in this house. If not, then why was he secretly smiling at her like that? It was an unnerving smile, too curious and too wicked altogether. Had she done something to provoke his suspicions? Had she given the game away by some slight mannerism? She began to panic. What was he playing at? Why was he staring at her like that? Why were his eyes on her every time she glanced up? He was a devil!
‘Calm yourself, Ruby,’ she muttered. ‘The bugger can’t know anything. He’s just a rake looking for a bed-mate, I shouldn’t wonder.’ She grew angry then, bolder. No, he couldn’t possibly know. There was no way he could have guessed. In which case, why should he be allowed to spoil her big night out? Well, she wouldn’t let him. If he had something to say, then he’d have to come right out and say it, instead of playing cat and mouse with her.
Her fighting spirit had returned now she began boldly to return his surreptitious smiles. ‘You little sod, Ruby Miller! she chuckled under her breath. ‘You’re nothing but a hussy.’ All the same, she was actually enjoying herself, and Luke Arnold was all the more bewitched by her.
All evening he could not take his eyes off this vibrant young thing who had caught his imagination. Ruby Miller was everything he admired in a woman. She was incredibly lovely, with her wild brown hair so thick and rich about her heart-shaped face, and eyes that were the deepest blue then black. All the while they teased and twisted his emotions, like nothing he had ever experienced. She was coy, then she was bold; she was smiling, inviting and pleasing him, then she was ignoring him altogether. All evening long he was tormented by her, and the meal seemed never-ending.
The dinner began with soup, then came the fish and side dishes of succulent meats, then the entrees and the roasts, and on to the savouries and sweets, followed by the dessert of sweetmeats, fruit, nuts and bonbons. Finally the moment came when Cicely caught the ladies’ eyes, signalling that it was time for the men to be left to their port, and the ladies to depart to the drawing-room.
From the drawing-room, the connecting doors to the ‘great room’ which was reserved for occasions such as this, were opened out to create a wonderful setting for entertainment. In one corner stood a huge Christmas tree, beautifully decorated and sparkling with tinsel stars. The splendid fireplace boasted heaped logs which merrily blazed, sending out a cheery glow over the whole room; the candles in the chandelier flickered and danced and altogether the whole ambience was delightful. At the farthest end the casement doors opened out into the conservatory, and from there the night sky could be seen, black and shifting, with the moon hanging low, and the stars glittering far off. To one side of the casement doors, the string quartet played a medley of gentle tunes. Altogether it was the most wonderful setting for a pleasant event.
Cicely had arranged the furniture to ensure that there were seats for everyone, providing secluded little corners for those who wished to talk privately, circles for those who felt the need to converse widely, and even an area where those who had the urge to dance could indulge to their heart’s content. ‘Please make yourselves comfortable, ladies,’ she said as they filed into the room. Soon coffee was served and the buzz of conversation rippled through the air. Cicely breathed a sigh of relief, and Ruby stayed close to her. But then came the inevitable questions. Where did you say you live, my dear?’ An old dowager peered at Ruby and everyone held their breath, all eager and waiting for her answer. This attractive young lady had made them all curious, and they were impatient to learn of her background. Teresa in particular watched her intently.
Ruby took a deep breath and tried to remember what Cicely had told her. ‘Manchester,’ she replied, and Cicely nodded approvingly. ‘My family come from Manchester.’ She had been warned that this inquisition would start the minute the ladies were divided from the men, and though she was well prepared, she didn’t like it. Not at all.
‘Ah!’ A second lady leaned forward and addressed Ruby in a loud voice. ‘Then you should know of the Morrimers… a very well established, extremely wealthy family. Came down from nobility, I believe.’
Ruby swallowed hard. ‘I’ve never personally made acquaintance with them,’ she replied tactfully. Glancing nervously at Cicely, she was reassured by her warm smile. ‘Sorry,’ she said lamely, and the woman grunted, immediately settling back into her seat and muttering under her breath.
The questions came thick and fast. ‘Where did you attend school?’… ‘What business is your family in?’
Without actually lying, Ruby answered as best she could, and though her answers were deliberately vague, they appeared to satisfy. At last, and much to both Ruby and Cicely’s relief, the doors opened and Jeffrey Banks brought the men into the room. The women were soon on their feet, and little groups began to form. One or two daring couples took to the dance-floor, and it wasn’t long before gentle laughter floated through the buzz of conversation.
Cicely and Ruby withdrew to the conservatory. It was more peaceful in there, no candles or lamps, and only the stars and moon to light it, together with an incoming shaft of lamplight from the adjoining rom. This had always been Cicely’s favourite place. ‘I’m proud of you,’ she said, hugging Ruby with all her might.
Ruby sighed aloud. ‘I couldn’t have done it without you, she said, gently breaking away and falling heavily into an ornate wrought iron seat. ‘I was scared to death in there just now. Did you see that awful Teresa Arnold staring at me? I’m sure she saw what a fraud I was.’ Just like her brother, she thought bitterly.
‘Nonsense!’ Cicely sat beside her. ‘You fooled them all. It’s like I said, Ruby… you are as much a lady as any one of them.’ She might have said more, but her duties as hostess called for her to return to the other room. ‘I won’t be long,’ she promised, adding with a little laugh, ‘I have orders from Father to be particularly nice to the Arnold family.’
‘Rather you than me,’ Ruby answered, thinking of the son and the way he made her feel nervous. ‘But you go ahead. I’ll be all right.’ After Cicely had gone, Ruby pressed herself tighter into her shadowy corner. Noise and laughter filtered through the great room where everyone appeared to be enjoying the evening to the full. She was much happier where she was, here in this quiet shadowy place. Suddenly she felt dreadfully alone. Above all else, she missed her mam. She missed that homely busy figure flitting about; she missed Dolly’s constant chatter, and she missed the children’s arguing. It was Christmas Eve and this was the very first time she had not spent it at home with her family. Right now the children would be dreaming of tomorrow morning, and what Father Christmas might bring. And she wouldn’t be there to see their faces when they opened the tiny parcels beneath the modest tree in the parlour.
On top of all that, it was her birthday tomorrow. ‘Oh, Mam, I’m sorry,’ she murmured. And suddenly, she wanted to go home. Being a ‘lady’ wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Oh, she still wanted to be rich, and she wanted to dress in fine clothes. And her burning desire to lift her family to the heights burned just as brightly as before. But she had seen enough here tonight to know that there wasn’t one woman out there who could match up to her own mother. In her heart, Ruby knew she could never be one of them, and wondered why it was that money and power made some people believe that they were a cut above the rest.
Lost in thoughts of home and family, she didn’t hear the soft footsteps that brought Luke Arnold to the door of the conservatory. ‘All alone are we?’ The low resonant voice reached into the shadows and suddenly the room was dark and forbidding.
Startled, Ruby glanced up to see the outline of a man silhouetted against the light from the other room. Almost at once she recognised the thick-set figure of Oliver Arnold’s son, and a faint rush of fear rippled through her. He was one of those people who gave the impression that he could see through and into the soul. She stiffened as he came forward. ‘I had no idea there was anyone in here, he lied. ‘Although, of course, I did wonder where you’d got to.’ Easing himself into the seat beside her, he murmured, ‘Besides, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you all evening.’
‘Really, Mr Arnold?’ She feigned surprise, although she suspected he was lying and had known all along that she was in here. No doubt he had seen Cicely come out and realised Ruby was alone. ‘I wouldn’t have thought we had anything to talk about, she replied. ‘So if you’ll excuse me?’ she added in that stately voice which had carried her successfully through tonight’s adventure. ‘I was just about to return to the other room.’ His nearness bothered her. He was so close she could smell his clothes – not the rough harsh smell that enveloped her father but a rich tweedy aroma mingling with a faint perfume. It filled her head and made her giddy. And when he leaned forward to place his hand on hers, her throat almost closed and she found it hard to breathe. Strange how in that moment she thought about Johnny, with his honest handsome face and strong dark eyes; she shivered with delight in remembering the way he had kissed her. She wished he was here right now. Johnny would soon have this bloke on the run, she thought. ‘I’d better get back,’ she insisted with a gracious smile. But when she made to rise, he laid the palm of his hand on her shoulder and gently pressed her down again.
‘Oh now, please. Don’t walk out on me, Miss Miller. Ruby,’ he pleaded, adding as an afterthought, ‘I hope you don’t mind my calling you Ruby?’ She didn’t answer. ‘You’re not shy, I know that,’ he went on regardless. ‘In fact, during dinner I got the impression that you were interested in me. Was I right?’
‘You couldn’t be more wrong,’ she told him sharply.
‘I don’t believe you.’ He was deeply aroused. All evening she had raised a need in him, and now that he had her here, just the two of them in this darkened room, he wasn’t about to let her go that easily. He was also pleasantly amused, believing in his arrogance that she was merely toying with him. But there was no harm in playing her game. It entertained him, and the reward would be worth it, he was sure. Ruby had attracted him like no other woman he could remember. In fact she was nothing like the young ladies he had met through these dreary social events. Yet he couldn’t put his finger on it. Certainly she was more gutsy and, unlike the cotton-headed butterflies he had previously encountered, she seemed an intelligent little thing. Put her alongside Jeffrey Banks’s daughter, and the comparison was startling; where Cicely was delicate and fair, without fire and substance, Ruby Miller was real and alive. You could almost touch the unique aura that surrounded her. All the same, she was less genteel than Cicely, not quite ‘polished’, and yet Ruby had a certain style, a particular substance that lifted her above the crowd.
There was something odd though. Something that had kept him guessing. She was out of place here! And yet she was not. It was puzzling. Oh, but all that aside, her dark beauty fascinated him, stirred his loins and made him careless. He wanted her, here and now. Even with all those people in the next room, he desperately wanted her. ‘Why is it that we’ve never met before?’ he persisted softly. ‘I’ve been to more than a few social gatherings, but I can’t recall ever seeing you.’ The frown in his forehead deepened. ‘I know I would have remembered someone like you.’
‘Ruby sensed his doubt and was on her guard. ‘I expect we don’t move in the same circles,’ she said casually.
He was leaning towards her, his eyes searching her face. Seeming not to have heard her answer, he went on, ‘You really are refreshingly different… innocent, I suppose,’ he remarked. He was flushed with brandy and the smell wafted towards her. There was something about him that was frightening, and yet he was devastatingly charming. He looked at her a moment longer, and wondered how old she was. Her skin was pure as cream and there was a delightful honesty about her that appealed to him. She seemed almost like a child. Yet she was no child. In her daring ocean blue eyes he saw only a woman, a beautiful, desirable woman. ‘Miller?’ he studied the name. ‘Miller?… No, I can’t say I’ve heard that name.’ His curiosity was heightening by the minute. But then he sensed her intention of leaving, and he couldn’t let that happen. ‘You’re the loveliest creature I’ve ever seen,’ he murmured, sliding his arm round her shoulders and pushing his face close to hers. ‘What say we take a carriage somewhere… just you and me?’
‘We’ll do no such thing!’ Ruby told him, staring into his face and prising his hand from her shoulder. Bloody cheek! she thought indignantly. He must think I’m easy game. There was no doubt he was handsome. And there was no doubt he had supped too much brandy because his face was warm and pink and he was leaning too heavily on her.
‘You and me could have a wonderful time,’ he insisted. When he saw that his words were only making her struggle all the more, he thrust one hand into his jacket pocket, searching for his wallet. He laughed softly. ‘I see,’ he said knowingly. ‘Your favours come dearly, do they? Well, if it’s money you’re after, I’ll dress you from top to toe in it.’ When she pulled away, he was further aroused. ‘You little wild-cat!’ he growled. Suddenly, his hands were all over her. One minute he was fondling her breasts and the next tugging at her skirt, sliding his hand up to her thigh and groaning, ‘Come on, don’t tease. You can see the way it is with me.’
In the heat of the moment, and incensed by his treatment of her Ruby forgot herself. ‘Get your hands off me, you drunken bugger!’ she snapped, lashing out at him. ‘I don’t want you and I don’t want your money neither.’ In her anger she had lost the fine edge to her voice and he stared at her in astonishment. Her heart sank as she realised that she’d given the game away.
Suddenly he was laughing out loud, rocking back in his seat. Incensed, she scrambled out of her seat then she lifted her hand and slapped it hard against his mouth. ‘I may only be a lady’s maid, she said in a trembling voice, ‘but I won’t be handled like no woman off the streets!’ With a snort and an angry twist of her trim shoulders, she marched away. ‘Men like you want dunking in a tub of cold water!’ she called after her.
Luke was stunned and enraged. Never in the whole of his experience had he been smacked across the mouth by a member of the opposite sex. It was a new and humiliating experience, and hell would freeze over before it ever happened again! ‘Little bitch,’ he snarled, delicately patting his painful jaw. He dabbed at his mouth with his fingertips then held them up. He was shocked to see that his mouth was actually bleeding. ‘Cheap little vixen,’ he hissed, taking out his handkerchief and mopping at the offending spot.
It was a while before his temper cooled. And when it did, he leaned back in the seat and recalled the entire incident. He’d been right to think her fiery. Suddenly, he began to chuckle.
‘A lady’s maid?’ he said aloud. ‘Well! Well!’ Then he fell silent. No wonder she was different, he thought. ‘A wild and prickly rose among the orchids, eh?’ he murmured. It struck him that here was a little drama he could no doubt turn to his own advantage. In spite of her volatile temper – or perhaps because of it – Ruby Miller excited him. She was still the most desirable and real woman he had ever come across.
‘Lady’s maid or not, you haven’t seen the last of me,’ he threatened. ‘What’s more, you’ll regret the day you ever raised a hand to Luke Arnold!’
He had been livid, but now he was deadly calm. His voice was chilling, ‘No woman has ever refused me, and no woman ever will. You can count on this, Ruby Miller… there’ll come a time when you’ll beg for me.’
When he set his sights on something worthwhile, he usually pursued it to the end, by fair means or foul. But then he recalled how she had beaten him off, turned away like he was so much dirt. Much as he wanted her, as yet she obviously had no taste for him. ‘But you will,’ he promised darkly. ‘You will.’
He rose from his seat and searched the other room with hostile eyes. ‘So you think I’m not good enough for you?’ He laughed sourly. ‘A lady’s maid, eh?’ He caught sight of her then, and his smile was chilling. Deep in conversation with Cicely, she had not seen him, and so he was free to study her. For a long moment he gazed at her with mingled emotions. He was angry with her, but he still craved her. She was incredibly beautiful, alive and passionate. He found it hard to believe that such a low-bred woman could be so stunning. In a moment, his gaze shifted to the woman beside Ruby. Cicely Banks paled in comparison, he thought.
He watched them a while longer. They seemed so deep in conversation he wondered whether Ruby was telling her mistress what had happened in the conservatory with him. A thought crept into his mind. ‘The lady and her maid… a strange conspiracy,’ he muttered, light dawning in his mind. He remembered his real purpose for coming here tonight, and chuckled then.
Standing there, unseen in the shadows, he thought of Cicely Banks and he thought of her father, the eminent gentleman who was so reluctant to part with his foundry. He remembered how desperately his own father had wanted that same foundry. Tonight was to have been his chance to prove himself in the eyes of Oliver Arnold, and because of Ruby Miller, he had almost forgotten that.
‘Well now, Cicely Banks, I can see I’ve neglected you. And that was a very foolish thing to do,’ he told himself. With a determined flourish, he smartened his tie and tucked his soiled handkerchief into his pocket. ‘It would never do to neglect such a fine lady,’ he murmured, going towards the door. ‘Especially when that lady could well be the means to an end.’
He was interested to see how very close Cicely and Ruby appeared to be. Who knows? he thought to himself. Tonight may well bring two delightful rewards… the foundry for my father and the reluctant maid for me.
The prospect was enough to bring the smile back to his face He was no fool, and knew that it would take time to bring it all about. But then, nothing worthwhile ever came easy. ‘And I must not forget how you’ve shamed me, Miss Miller,’ he murmured. It was obvious to him that Ruby had a great deal of affection for Cicely, and he intended turning this to his own advantage. ‘Lovely though you are, Ruby dearest, you will have to be punished. Just a little, I think. The thought was delicious.
By the time he came back into the room, he was fully composed and even sobered by what had happened between himself and Ruby. Music was playing, there were still couples dancing, and thankfully no one seemed to have noticed the little upset in the conservatory. By this time Ruby and her mistress had moved away and he couldn’t see them. His anxious eyes travelled the length and breadth of the room, searching for one face in particular When his gaze alighted on Ruby, he began to make his way forward. At the same time Cicely had seen his approach and hurried towards him. He saw her intention and so he stayed where he was, close to the conservatory doors, his amused gaze going from one woman to the other. Cicely’s face was set in a serious expression, while Ruby glowered at him with angry eyes.
‘Could we talk, Mr Arnold?’ Cicely’s anxiety betrayed itself in her voice.
‘But of course,’ he replied. Stepping to one side he gallantly ushered her into the conservatory, surreptitiously slipping an arm round her waist and glancing backwards, deeply satisfied when he saw how alarmed Ruby was at this deliberately intimate gesture. ‘I assume you want to explain how your maid comes to be here disguised as a lady?’ he said pointedly.
‘I would rather you didn’t mention anything about it to anyone else.’ Cicely didn’t know him, and so could not tell whether his intention was to cause mischief.
‘I shan’t,’ he agreed. ‘Don’t worry your pretty head. I may look like a villain, but I’m a gentleman at heart.’ He put on his very best manners, thinking he would soon have the little fool eating out of his hand. It was all part of his two-fold plan, the foundry and Ruby. While the two of them talked and she explained how she loved Ruby like a sister, he was thinking, The foundry and Ruby. When she went on to outline how the harmless little deceit was no more than a way to show her affection and pride for Ruby, whom she claimed was her ‘only true friend’, he saw how painfully vulnerable she was, and became more determined than before.
‘You mean you have no friends other than your own maid?’ Luke was genuinely astonished.
‘I’m content in my own company,’ she explained. ‘And Ruby is a darling.’ By this time she was seated on the same bench where Ruby had fought him off. Luke was sat beside her, his arm stretched across the back of the bench. From this position, he could see Ruby. At that point a young man approached her and they went on to the dance-floor. Luke was jealous, but managed to contain his feelings by concentrating on his devious intentions and flirting outrageously with Cicely.
‘From what Ruby said, I thought you must be a monster,’ she apologised. She believed that Ruby was either mistaken or else had exaggerated in her account of what happened, because in the few minutes she’d spent in his company, Cicely had found Luke Arnold to be amiable and charming. More than that, he had promised to say nothing about her and Ruby’s charade.
Soon he had purposely moved the conversation away from Ruby, and now, to Cicely’s delight, was showing a keen interest in her. ‘Are you saying you have no beau?’ he asked in feigned surprise. ‘What! So pretty and intelligent? I’m surprised there isn’t a whole chain of young men waiting to take you out.’ He leaned towards her and her eyes twinkled at his flattery. ‘I for one would be proud to walk you down the street.’ As he spoke, he was thinking he would rather walk a dog. But she was his way to the other one, and it was the other one he wanted. Oh, but he wasn’t forgetting the foundry. By the time this night was over, he would as good as have them both in his pocket.
‘It’s very kind of you to say so, Mr Arnold,’ she said shyly. No man had ever spoken to Cicely in that way, and she wasn’t certain how to respond.
‘Oh, I’m not being kind,’ he stressed, moving a little closer. ‘I find you very attractive.’
Cicely actually giggled. ‘Really, Mr Arnold.’ She inched away, ‘Perhaps we had better return to the other guests?’
‘Not yet, surely?’ he said in a hurt voice. ‘And please, don’t call me Mr Arnold. It sounds so unfriendly. My name is Luke.’ One look at her blushing face told him that he had her in the palm of his hand. He’d had no idea she was so naive. A little flattery, a suggestion here and a sprinkle of charm there, had been all it took to bowl her over. He’d had plenty of practice, and with smarter females than her.
Suddenly the evening had taken a real turn for the better, and Luke was thoroughly enjoying himself. The fact that he was deliberately setting out to deceive this gentle young woman did not diminish his pleasure. In fact, it only added to it. Cicely Banks was a means to an end. No more than that.
Whisked first this way then that, Ruby was breathless, and growing irritated. For two weeks now, Cicely had taken her painstakingly through her dance-steps, and she was proud of the way Ruby had managed to master the simpler skills of dancing. But they were all wasted on the gangling young man who had partnered her on this particular occasion. Not only was he arrogant and full of his own importance, but he was totally out of step with the music and Ruby had lost count of the times he had stamped on her toes.
‘Oh dear, I’m so sorry,’ he told her, swinging her round and grinning down at her.
‘So am I,’ she muttered.
But then he tangled his feet with hers and the pair of them almost went headlong into a rather fat and completely bald gentleman who was nudging his way across the floor with an equally large and flowery woman. When the two of them glared and moved away, Ruby suggested hopefully, ‘Perhaps we’d better sit this one out?’
She was concerned about Cicely. Every time her partner swung her round, she peeped into the conservatory, and each time she was concerned to see that both Cicely and Luke Arnold were still huddled in the shadows there. All her instincts warned Ruby that he was up to no good. She knew also that Cicely was no match for Luke Arnold’s cunning. ‘You’re up to summat, you sly bugger!’ she murmured. And she hoped it wouldn’t be Cicely who would suffer as a consequence.
‘Sorry. What was that you said?’ Her companion bent his head to hear the better.
Ruby had suffered enough. Squaring her shoulders, she stared up at him. ‘I said, you can trample somebody else’s feet from now on,’ she returned sharply. ‘You’ve shown me what a splendid fellow you are, and I’m a great deal wiser after the performance. But I wish you’d told me that you dance like a cart-horse! I’m not partial to having my feet flattened to the floor, so kindly take your limp arm from round my waist and lead me back to my chair this minute.’
Her feet were hurting and this young man was getting on her nerves with his clumsy twirls and smug expression. But her real reason for wanting to get off the floor was so that she could keep an eye on what was going on in that conservatory.
‘Well! Really, my dear,’ he pouted, taking her by the arm and pushing a way through to the row of chairs against the wall. ‘I was under the impression that I was dancing with a lady, but I was obviously mistaken. I’ll have you know I’m widely renowned for my foxtrot.’ He was deeply injured by her remarks.
‘Well, good for you!’ remarked Ruby, falling into the chair with relief. ‘But you’re not foxtrotting all over my poor toes, I’ll tell you that for nothing.’ She might have told him to sod off in that gruff voice her mam often used when the rentman got a bit mouthy, but the young man scurried away before she got the chance. And good shuts to you,’ she told him under her breath, leaning down to rub her mangled toes. In that moment her gaze lifted to the conservatory and what she saw made her heart leap into her mouth.
Cicely and Luke were entwined against the moonlit sky, one dark shadow, lost in a long and passionate kiss. A moment later, the two of them came into the room, Cicely looking up at him with stars in her eyes. But he didn’t notice her admiration because he was smiling across the room, smiling at Ruby, a slow cruel smile that told her many things. It told her how he was punishing her for having dared to lift a hand to him. It told her that, in spite of it, he still wanted her. And, worst of all, in that awful smile he was showing how he had wormed his way into Cicely’s lonely heart. There was no love in his face when he turned to glance at Cicely. No love or affection. No warmth, no gentleness. Instead, there was only a dark wickedness there. Ruby saw it. But the vulnerable Cicely was blinded by other emotions. With a shocked heart, Ruby watched as that dear soul seemed to light up when she returned Luke’s smile. He placed her hand over his and guided her on to the floor where they were soon lost in the strains of a romantic waltz.
All the while they danced, he constantly glanced at Ruby. And she knew there would be no end to his vindictiveness.
‘They make a fine couple don’t you think?’ Startled Ruby looked up to see Teresa Arnold seating herself in the next chair.
‘I suppose so,’ she replied. She didn’t like Luke, nor did she care much for this spoilt beauty who was his sister. Cicely had told her a tale or two about this one. Tarred with the same brush, I shouldn’t wonder, she thought bitterly.
‘How long have you and Cicely Banks known each other?’ came the unexpected question.
‘I’ve known Cicely for over a year now,’ Ruby answered truthfully. All evening she had been on her guard against such curiosity. But now, after all that had happened, her guard was down and suddenly she felt threatened.
‘She’s pretty, isn’t she?’ Teresa admitted with some reluctance. But then added viciously, ‘A little insipid though… and delicate, like a china doll.’ She studied Ruby for a moment before inclining her head towards Cicely and Luke, two accomplished dancers who seemed to glide effortlessly across the floor. ‘I should warn your friend about him,’ she laughed lightly. ‘My brother is known for his womanising.’
‘Oh, don’t worry. I intend to!’ Ruby promised. It struck her that there was no love lost between brother and sister, and this only confirmed her suspicions that Luke Arnold was bad through and through.
Teresa turned at that, her eyes wide with surprise. ‘Be careful you don’t give the impression that you’re jealous,’ she warned, a faint look of amusement on her face.
When Ruby appeared to ignore her advice, she remarked, ‘Most women find it hard to resist Luke’s obvious charms, and I dare say Cicely Banks is no exception. In fact, if what I hear is to be believed, she’s wide open to being swept off her feet.’ She paused before adding in a low thoughtful voice, ‘All the same, I wouldn’t have said she was Luke’s sort. But there! He never wastes time on women unless it serves a purpose. And I think I see what his purpose is here.’ She laughed, a coarse unlovely sound. ‘Jeffrey Banks has refused to sell his foundry to my father. My brother, on the other hand, has very different powers of persuasion. It wouldn’t surprise me if Luke didn’t succeed where my father has failed.’
‘I wouldn’t count on that!’ Ruby felt like giving this one the same treatment she had given her arrogant brother. Between Oliver Arnold’s son and daughter, she wasn’t sure who most deserved a smack across the mouth. ‘Cicely is no fool,’ she retorted. ‘And she won’t be taken in by your brother’s glib tongue.’
Teresa was amused. ‘How quaint,’ she remarked, eyeing Ruby with narrowed eyes. ‘You’re fiercely protective of her, aren’t you?’ Ruby had held her attention for most of the evening, and she had seen Luke corner her in the conservatory. Now she wanted to know a great deal more about this ‘dearest friend’ of Cicely Banks’s. ‘Are you walking out with a young man?’ she asked with some amusement.
Ruby sensed she was getting into deep water here, and so she did the unforgiveable: she answered a question with a question. ‘I notice you yourself didn’t arrive with a companion?’ she said coolly. The music stopped then, and Ruby saw how Luke, having left Cicely seated on the other side of the room, was striding away towards the drinks table. ‘Excuse me,’ she said abruptly. In a moment she was making her way to Cicely’s side.
But two things happened before she got there. First the music struck up again and Luke returned to Cicely’s side. He bent to whisper something in her ear. She smiled and nodded, and they each looked up to smile at Ruby. When she was still only a few steps away, Luke strode across the floor towards her and, sweeping her into his arms, took up step to the music. ‘Relax,’ he murmured close to her ear. ‘Don’t let dear Cicely suspect anything.’
‘What do you mean?’ Ruby was bristling with anger. ‘There’s nothing to suspect!’ She would have broken away from him but his fingers were wound tightly about her hand, and his arm reached right around her waist. Her toes were hardly touching the floor.
‘You leave her alone!’ she warned in a low threatening voice. ‘She’s done you no harm.’
‘And I’ve done her none,’ he was quick to point out, ‘Can I help it if she finds me irresistible?’
‘You intend to make mischief, I’m certain of it,’ Ruby insisted. ‘Even your own sister says you’re only out to use Cicely in order to get the foundry.’ She loathed him yet she couldn’t help admire the way he danced, taking her with him across the floor, causing her to dip and step to the music as though she was born to it. ‘She’ll know how bad you are when I’ve finished.’
His smile fell away then, and he squeezed her so hard that she couldn’t even cry out. ‘Oh I doubt that,’ he sneered. ‘I have a feeling that Cicely won’t believe a word you say.’ He laughed softly, making her flesh creep. ‘I haven’t met a woman yet who would believe anything bad about me.’
‘Well, you’ve met one now,’ Ruby snapped. ‘Because I’m on to you all right. And I’ll do my best to show Cicely what you’re made of.’
Oh, now, that’s a real shame, Ruby, because I’ve taken a liking to you. In fact, I might even have changed the rules for you.’
He spoke in a light-hearted way, but having held her close, having touched his mouth against her rich brown hair, and after seeing those magnificent blue-black eyes looking up at him from beneath thick dark lashes, he feared she had stolen his heart. For the first time he believed himself to be head over heels in love. It was a sobering thought. For one mad moment he was even prepared to give up the idea of securing the foundry by using Cicely.
‘I’ll tell you what,’ he whispered, trying not to let her see the true depth of his feelings, ‘be nice to me and I might even let your friend down lightly. I admit I had it in mind to use her. But I’ll gladly trade her for you. What do you say to that?’ He was astonished to find himself trembling.
‘I say you’re a liar. And besides, who do you think you are, to trade one woman for another? You’re wicked, and Cicely will come to see that for herself. As for me being “nice” to you, don’t think I don’t know what you mean by that. Men like you have used low-bred women like so much dirt… hiding them in back rooms and visiting whenever it suits you. I’ve heard the women in our street talking, and I wouldn’t spit on your sort. Besides, I don’t want no man to carry me through life. I won’t always be a lady’s maid. I’ve got ambitions, and one day I’ll be a woman of consequence with more money than I’ll know what to do with. Men like you will be two a penny. Oh no, Mr Luke Arnold, sir!’ she said sarcastically. ‘I wouldn’t be “nice” to you if you were the last man on God’s earth!’
‘You’ll regret saying that,’ he promised. Her fierce outburst had shaken him. If it had come from any other woman, he would have laughed in their face. But Ruby Miller was different. She was strong, and he knew that every word had been spoken from the bottom of her heart. Yet, for the second time in as many hours, she had rejected him, and he couldn’t forgive her for that. Hatred bubbled up in him.
‘Tonight, you’ve made yourself a deadly enemy,’ he told her vehemently. He pulled her closer and swept her across the floor smiling all the while yet deliberately hurting her, digging his arm into her back and bending her fingers to his own. In that moment she saw that Luke Arnold was capable of murder. And somehow she knew this would not be the last time their paths were destined to cross.
‘Go on, lad. You’ve left it late enough. Eleven o’clock he said, and it’s nearly that now.’ Thomas was bone weary. The chill had taken its toll and all he wanted to do was sleep. He pushed the foul-smelling liquid from under his nose. ‘Take it away. I’ve no need of that,’ he grumbled. ‘Are you sure it ain’t the stuff we rub the horses with? Lord knows it stinks like it.’
Johnny wouldn’t be put off. ‘You’ll drink it or I’ll not go,’ he threatened. ‘And stop being a babby. You know it’s only tar and herbs. Mam said it would have you better in no time at all.’
‘Aye?’ Thomas peered at him through small tired eyes, ‘That’s if it don’t kill me off first,’ he moaned.
‘Come on. Let’s have you.’ Johnny pushed it towards the old fellow’s tightly closed mouth. ‘It’s you that’s keeping the master waiting, because I’m not shifting ’til you’ve finished every last drop.’
Thomas grunted and pulled himself further up the bed, remaining there, hunched and reluctant, grimacing at the thought of allowing that black awful-smelling brew to slide down his throat. But he knew how determined Johnny was, and was desperate that the master shouldn’t be kept waiting. ‘Quick then,’ he gasped. Pinching his nose between his finger and thumb, he screwed his eyes tightly shut and opened his mouth wide. When he felt the stuff slithering over his tongue, he made himself swallow deeply, gulping and noisily smacking his lips, until only the disgusting taste lingered in his mouth. At once he was coughing and spluttering, swearing and cursing. ‘You bugger!’ he ranted, ‘It tastes as bad as it smells… bull’s piss.’
‘Give over. It’s marvelous stuff.’ Johnny laughed out loud. I’m proud of you, that I am.’ Getting up from the bed where he’d been sitting, he assured the old fellow, ‘I’ll be away now. I’ll not waken you when I come back. If my dad was anything to go by when he was taken badly last year, that medicine will make you sleep like a newborn.’
‘Or a dead ’un!’
Johnny gave no answer, but gently drew Thomas deeper into the bed and covered him to his shoulders with the bedclothes. ‘Rest now,’ he said, and without another word left the room, softly closing the door behind him. One last backward glance told him that his mam’s medicine was already beginning to work, because the old fellow had closed his eyes and turned his head to one side. ‘That’s it,’ Johnny murmured. ‘You sleep well, old ’un. When you wake up tomorrow, you’ll feel like a spring colt.’
On the way through the stables, he checked the horses as usual, and satisfied that there were no problems, continued through to the outside yard where he had already harnessed the big bays to the carriage. They were fretful to be away, snorting and scraping the ground with their front hooves, and shaking their large heads from side to side with anticipation as he approached. It was only a few minutes later when he edged the cumbersome team out onto the road.
It was a glorious evening. The moon was high and a trillion stars shimmered, like brilliant jewels scattered across a velvet sky. To Johnny’s mind there was nothing more beautiful unless it was another jewel which he cherished above all others. That jewel was Ruby. Earlier that evening, when he’d gone to collect the medicine from his mam, he’d also called round at Ruby’s house, hoping to snatch a few precious minutes with her. When Lizzie told him that she had been called in to work, he was bitterly disappointed; not only for himself, but for Ruby too. He knew how much her family meant to her, and being taken from the children on Christmas Eve must have seemed so unfair to her. It struck him then that if the master wasn’t yet ready and waiting, there might just be a chance for him to sneak into the kitchens and have a quick word with her. In his mind he pictured her there, up to her armpits in potato peelings, and Cook storming about, giving orders in that bombastic manner of hers. Still, he was sure that Cook wouldn’t refuse him a few minutes with Ruby, especially on Christmas Eve.
Billenge House was soon in sight. On arrival, Johnny realised that his carriage was the first one there. Normally, after these social events, carriages would be lined up in the yard, and even partway down the road. I’m sure it was eleven when I was to fetch them, he pondered. He parked the carriage in the yard, keeping to one side so as not to hinder any other vehicles that might enter. Clambering down from the driver’s seat, he stretched his limbs and yawned. One way or another it had been a very long day, but the thought of seeing Ruby was invigorating. Spying the narrow gate which led to the back of the house, he hurried on, over the meandering path and towards the lighted kitchen.
It was dark at the rear of the house with only the glow from the kitchen window to light his way. The layer of stones and gravel crunched beneath his boots, echoing into the night with a frantic rhythm. Going at a fair pace towards the kitchen door, he stretched his neck to see through the window. It was steamed up on the inside, and so he gingerly tapped on the door. When there was no answer, he tapped again, this time with a deal of determination.
The door was slowly inched open and a woman with round eyes declared in a nervous voice, ‘Good heavens, young man! Whatever do you want, disturbing a respectable household at this time of night?’ She clung to the door, keeping her foot firmly against it while staring at him disapprovingly.
Johnny had called at this house on only one other occasion, and that was on a fine afternoon last summer when he had hoped to walk Ruby to the tram-stop. Sadly, she had already left, and when she saw him later that same day, had given him strict instructions never to come to Billenge House again: ‘Or Cook will give me what for.’ He never did, but on that day he had seen at first hand what a formidable woman Cook really was. She had made a lasting impression, and he knew at a glance that this woman was not she. He wondered whether she had been replaced. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said lamely. ‘But — well, I wonder if I could have a word with Ruby?’
‘Ruby?’ She leaned forward, thinking how handsome the visitor was and feeling sorry that she was not the one he sought. ‘There’s no one of that name here, young man.’
‘But there must be. She works here… in the kitchen.’
‘Ah, then I’d better explain. Those of us who are employed here in this kitchen tonight, are only temporary. I believe the usual staff have taken Christmas Eve off. To visit family, I think. I expect your Ruby must be one of them.’
She would have shut the door then, but he put out his arm and thrilled her with a touch, ‘No. She is here. She must be. Could you please make sure?’
His insistence frightened her. ‘There’s no need. Your friend isn’t here so you’d best be off.’ She slammed the door shut then, leaving him confused and bewildered. ‘If she’s not here, then where is she?’ he asked the night. With a bowed head and heavy heart, he began to make his way back down the path. ‘Happen she went home earlier and I missed her,’ he mused. ‘Aye, that’s what happened. It’s funny though, because her mam said clear enough, “Our Ruby’s been called to work, and she’ll be staying the night.”’ He didn’t know quite what to make of it all. But one thing was certain: somewhere along the way plans must have changed and he’d missed her.
Out of sight of the kitchen, he leaned against the wall, hands thrust deep into his pockets while he absentmindedly kicked at the gravel, spraying a clutch of small stones into the air. ‘Damn and bugger it!’ he groaned. Seeing Ruby would have lifted his spirits no end.
After a while he came back to the front of the house. Still there was no one in sight. Lonely now, and impatient to be away, he strolled round the carriage, stroked the horses’ manes, sat on the narrow strip of grass beneath the hedge, where he looked across at the bright lighted house, and warmed himself with thoughts of his Ruby. ‘I expect she’s abed now,’ he murmured. When the big bay gelding turned its head to stare at him, he told it, ‘Don’t lose your heart to any woman. She’ll only break it.’
Suddenly the front door of the house opened and he scrambled to his feet, hoping it might be Oliver Arnold. But it was only an old man come out to breathe the night air. He didn’t stay long in the cold. Instead he drew on his cigar, looked up at the stars, sighed aloud as though he was pining for something long gone, and then ambled back into the house.
Concerned now, because he thought it must be going on for midnight, Johnny toyed with the idea of knocking on the door and letting someone know that Mr Arnold’s carriage was waiting. He went towards the house. The lights were blazing and the music was playing. As he came nearer, he could clearly see the guests inside. Curious, he came up to the window, looking inside the room. There were people dancing, and other couples standing around. There was laughter and chatter and a good deal of flirting going on, he thought, spying an elderly fellow with his hand firmly planted on a pink bustle. In a high-backed chair beside the fireplace, Teresa Arnold was toying with a young man’s affections. Tall and thin, with a pasty face and narrow moustache, Tony Hargreaves bowed and scraped and laughed embarrassingly at her every word. It would have done Oliver Arnold’s heart good to see his daughter married off to this young man; not only because Tony’s father was a wealthy mine-owner, but because Tony was a good and harmless man who would make her a better husband than she deserved.
The window was high up, and Johnny had to stand on tiptoe to see the whole panorama. His eyes travelled the length and breadth of the room, and there, in deep conversation with a short and somewhat portly gentleman, was Oliver Arnold himself, ‘Hmm! Looks like I’ve a long wait before you’re ready to go home,’ Johnny observed. He shivered. The night air was growing bitter, and the breeze cut spitefully through his clothes. He hoped it wouldn’t be too long before he was tucked up in the comfortable makeshift bed in the stables. Drawing his jacket tighter about him, his attention was drawn by two young women seated beside the fireplace. They too were deep in conversation, and the one he could see more clearly appeared to be growing agitated. From Ruby’s fond description of her employer’s daughter, he thought this one must be Cicely Banks. She certainly looked pale and fragile.
The second young lady was partly turned away from him, but she was so slim and perfectly shaped, and her hair of that same rich autumn brown, that she might have been Ruby herself. In that moment a man came on the scene, and when he saw that it was Luke Arnold, Johnny instinctively recoiled from the window. If that obnoxious fellow was to see him staring through the window at the guests, there was no doubt he would have him instantly dismissed.
At first Luke spoke to Cicely, obviously asking her to dance. She blushed and fluttered her eyelids in embarrassment, then she gently laughed and pointed to her feet, implying that she had danced enough for the moment. He then turned to her companion, smiling and debonair, his arm extended towards her.
The young lady shook her head and put up her hand in refusal. Kindly Cicely was obviously disappointed, and, leaning towards her friend, appeared to be making an effort to persuade her. It took a few moments, but between Cicely and Luke Arnold it was only a matter of minutes before the other woman rose from her chair and was escorted to the floor by the triumphant Luke. Although the young lady’s face was still turned from him, Johnny could clearly see the smug expression on Luke’s face. His sympathies lay with the woman who had been bullied into accompanying him on to the dance floor.
As the music floated into a slow and romantic waltz, Johnny’s thoughts turned to Ruby. If she was here with him right now, he would take her in his arms and dance her right around this yard. He closed his eyes and imagined her near him. He could see her in every lovely detail; the heart-shaped face, the wild brown hair that curled and teased about her forehead, and those magnificent eyes that could be dark as the ocean or blue as ripe cornflowers. Oh, how he ached for her. Opening his eyes, he looked into the room again, envying the couples there. He began to hum with the music. Ruby came to him then, and he stretched out his arms as though he was holding her close. Twisting and turning on the spot, he slowly danced in time to the melody, with Ruby safe in his arms and his heart soaring with joy.
Inspired by his antics, the horses grew impatient and started to move forward, taking the carriage with them. ‘Whoah!’ he called out, coming to an abrupt halt and almost falling into the low shrubbery when he unbalanced himself. ‘It’s no good you being fretful,’ he laughed. ‘You’ll have to be patient, the same as me.’ They stopped then, snorting and fidgeting, and throwing their large heads high in frustration. ‘It won’t be long now, my beauties,’ he coaxed softly. Returning his attention to the scene on the other side of the window, he waited and watched. Gentle music was still playing, the couples were still dancing, and Luke Arnold appeared to be entranced by his partner, drawing her close and holding her as though he would never let her go. Johnny was fascinated. These two danced well together, he thought.
Although he himself was no expert, he could do a jig and enjoyed a good barn-hop, but these fancy dances were only for the toffs. Somehow, Johnny couldn’t take his eyes off Luke and his partner. Now and again Luke would lean his head towards her, and she would look away. Shy, Johnny thought. But together they twirled and moved about the floor with confidence and grace. He began to grow curious about the woman who had so captured Luke Arnold’s attention. From her slim shape and the lively manner in which she moved, it was obvious to him that she was young. He wondered if she was also beautiful. He hoped she would have the good sense to recognise Luke for the rogue he was.
‘You hate me, don’t you?’ Luke hissed beneath his breath.
‘I loathe you!’ Ruby didn’t even look up. The sight of his face leering at her was more than she could bear. Luke Arnold could go to hell for all she cared. Just now, when he had deliberately caused a ‘gentlemanly’ fuss in asking her to dance, Ruby had seen it as a veiled threat to expose her as a fraud. On top of that, poor misguided Cicely had taken his side, insisting that she should accept his kind invitation.
‘Really, Ruby, you mustn’t be so anti-social,’ she had chided. Ruby realised that it would be easier to accept than to antagonise the pair of them. Later, she could talk to Cicely and reveal what Luke’s own sister had said about him. Surely then Cicely must realise she should stay well clear of him. She hoped so. Thank God the music was coming to an end and soon the evening itself. Afterwards she would have Cicely all to herself and they could talk to their hearts’ content.
As Luke swung her round, Ruby caught sight of his sister Teresa. She was dancing only an arm’s reach away, partnered by a tall handsome man with greying whiskers and dark penetrating eyes that swept over Ruby with interest. Unaffected, she shifted her gaze to Teresa and was deeply disturbed to find herself being carefully studied. It was only a moment before Teresa turned away, but she had left Ruby with the awful feeling that Teresa Arnold had marked her well.
As she raised her eyes, Ruby saw that Cicely was also watching her. When their eyes met, Cicely excitedly waved her hand and smiled a wide angelic smile. Ruby took a deep breath and returned a bright happy smile that belied her true feelings. Any minute now it would be over and she could escape from this man who had thrown a dark and evil shadow across her life.
What Ruby didn’t realise was that a third person was watching from outside the window. Deeply curious, Johnny had followed her and Luke as they wound their way across the floor, every step bringing them closer and closer to the window. Suddenly, Luke had swung his partner round and Ruby was in full view. Horrified, Johnny stared with disbelief. He gasped out loud, recoiling as though a huge fist had hit him full in the stomach.
‘RUBY!’ Her name burst from his lips without him knowing, echoing in the cold night air and sounding strange to him. ‘IT’S RUBY!’
He closed his eyes, his mind reeling from what he had seen. Dressed in finery and looking every inch a lady, his Ruby was dancing in there, closed in Luke Arnold’s arms as though she belonged. He couldn’t believe what his eyes were telling him. Ruby was in there with the toffs. Dancing and smiling and done up like she was one of them! Suddenly he was laughing out loud, shaking his head and promising himself, ‘You’re seeing things, Johnny boy. It’s just somebody that looks like her, that’s all.’ He felt breathless, sick to his heart. He couldn’t, wouldn’t accept what he had seen.
Climbing on to the low wall once more, he pressed his face to the window. All of his fears were confirmed when he stared across the room. The music had stopped and everyone was making their way back to the seats. Cicely Banks was on her feet now, a look of delight on her face and her arms stretched out towards the young woman who had danced with Luke Arnold. There was no denying it. The young lady with Luke Arnold was Ruby. And Johnny still could not believe it.
‘Are you ready, Father?’ Teresa Arnold was agitated, anxious to leave. Having found her father, she had managed to draw him away from a deep discussion regarding the dockers and Ben Tillett, who had fought on their behalf for a minimum four-hour day at sixpence an hour, and overtime paid at eighteenpence an hour. Across the country, in every industry, this astonishing success was seen by all employers as the thin end of a very painful wedge.
Oliver Arnold looked tired. ‘I’m ready whenever you are, my dear,’ he said. ‘What about your brother?’ He raised his head and looked about, and she did the same. But while he caught sight of Luke, Teresa glanced towards the window and saw Johnny there. At once she was intrigued. He looked grey and shocked. She followed his gaze and it led her straight to Ruby. She was puzzled. He seemed to recognise that young woman, to know her. But how could he know her? Stable-hands and genteel ladies would hardly meet in social circumstances. Work then? She reasoned how Johnny might have worked for that young woman’s family at some time or another. But when? Surely, Johnny had worked for her father ever since he was old enough? Still, there had to be an explanation. It occurred to her that perhaps Johnny’s mother had taken her with him while she was in service at a household in the past, and this was where he had encountered the young woman. Yes, that would be it, she was certain. But then, why did he seem so shocked to see her?
She smiled. ‘A little puzzle,’ she murmured. She enjoyed a ‘little puzzle’. Later when the household was asleep and they could be alone without anyone knowing, she would ask him herself. Oh, but then she might have other things on her mind, she thought wickedly. In her mind’s eye was the image of Johnny as she had seen him at the pump, half-naked and bronzed by the sun. A thrill rippled through her.
‘Quickly, Father. It’s time we were away,’ she said impatiently. And it was only a matter of moments before they had collected Luke, and the three of them were thanking Jeffrey Banks and his daughter for ‘a wonderful evening’.
Outside, Johnny gave no indication of the trauma he had suffered on seeing Ruby in that house, with those people. Though devastated and confused, and even a little angry, he smiled at the master as he opened the carriage door, and when he was asked about Thomas, replied in a steady voice, ‘I left him sleeping soundly, sir. Don’t you worry about Thomas. I’ll take good care of him.’
‘I’m sure you will.’ Johnny’s responsible behaviour and keen sense of duty had made a deep impression on Oliver Arnold. ‘If you need anything, you have only to ask,’ he assured the coachman, simultaneously ushering his children into the carriage, before he himself climbed in.
There was a hint of rain in the air and the night had grown pitch black. All along the hedgerows the wind whistled and played, making weird howling sounds that rose above the clatter of the carriage wheels. Johnny’s thoughts were dark and brooding. As he drove the horses along the lane, his fists were clenched on the reins and his head was bent to the wind. There was a hard knot of rage at the base of his chest. All he could think of was Ruby. She had been in that house, smiling and dancing with Luke Arnold. His heartbeat was frantic, and he struggled to make sense of how Lizzie Miller’s daughter could have come to be there, so bold and daring, done up in a fine silk dress and behaving as though she was one of the gentry. ‘Been called in to work tonight,’ Lizzie had told him. ‘Staying over.’ He wondered what she would say if she knew the truth. ‘By God!’ he muttered. ‘It doesn’t bear thinking about.’
The rain started then, great splashy drops that fell against the road and bounced in the carriage lights. It came down with a vengeance, sweeping the skies and falling upon him until he was drenched to the skin. He heard the master call out something, but his voice was taken by the wind. ‘It’s all right. I’m okay, sir,’ Johnny shouted, guessing that Oliver Arnold was concerned about him being exposed to the weather. ‘We’re almost home.’
Drawing the carriage as near to the front door as he could, Johnny ushered his passengers out one after the other, each one running into the house under a hail of thunder. Only Teresa lingered, leaning towards him to whisper teasingly, ‘If you ask me nicely, I’d be only too delighted to dry your back.’
‘Goodnight, miss,’ he said firmly, enraging her when he surreptitiously brushed her aside.
She didn’t answer him. But her smile said it all when she looked at him demurely from beneath dripping lashes. At the door she turned and watched him drive away. Desire for him burned within her. ‘Don’t think you can escape me so easily this time,’ she murmured into the darkness. Then she hurried inside, eager to soak in a hot bath and mentally go over the finer details of her little plan.
After he had taken off his outer garments, Johnny wiped down the horses, then fed and watered them before going upstairs to check on the old fellow. Thomas was hard and fast asleep. With tender fingers, Johnny covered him over with the blanket which he had thrown off in his dreams. That done, he softly tiptoed from the room, leaving the door ajar, in case the old fellow called out for him. After that he went down to the stables. Here, he lit the ancient stove and put a half-filled kettle on it. Soon the water was boiling, and once the tea was brewed he poured himself a generous measure of the strong black liquid. For a long time he sat on the trestle, rolling the mug between his capable hands, his tortured mind dwelling on the events of the night.
Johnny had long known of Ruby’s dreams: dreams of being rich, dreams of taking her beloved family out of the slums and into a ‘better’ world. He could remember the first time she made it known. One summer’s day about five years back he had been in the street when his attention was drawn by the children’s laughter. Ruby was standing in the middle of them, unashamed and proud. Her strong dark eyes swam with tears as she faced the taunts and laughter.
‘Laugh if you like,’ she told them defiantly, ‘but one day, when I’m a woman, I will be rich and famous. You’ll see!’
On that day, Johnny realised he would have to be a special kind of man if he was to win her heart.
He couldn’t blame her for having such powerful ambitions. But until this night he had never known how deeply they had affected her. He raked his mind, searching for reasons. Ruby was young yet, but poverty and the responsibility of being the eldest in a large family had matured her too quickly. Ambitions could be a terrible thing, he thought. They could shape a person out of all recognition. He adored Ruby, loved her with every inch of his being. For many a long day and night, he had imagined himself and Ruby as man and wife, travelling through each God-given day together, raising a family and spending the rest of their lives together.
Even though she gave him little quarter, he had never lost sight of his own dream. Now though, after what he’d witnessed tonight, he was desperately afraid. What he had seen was etched too deeply in his mind; Ruby, lost in the arms of a man with dubious character, smiling and dancing and wearing that beautiful dress as though she was born in it. Was that her ambition… was that what she really wanted out of life? To be gentry, and to fall in with a devil such as Luke Arnold? Surely not. He couldn’t believe that Ruby would deliberately encourage a man like that. Yet hadn’t he seen it with his own eyes? In heaven’s name, what was she thinking of? Didn’t she realise she was playing with fire? And how was it that a servant could mingle with the guests and not be noticed? There was only one answer to that.
‘Cicely must have encouraged her,’ he realised aloud. Otherwise it would have been impossible. He wondered whether Jeffrey Banks was aware of the deception. Perhaps not. After all, even he hadn’t recognised Ruby straightaway, and he knew her almost as well as he knew himself.
Going to the cupboard where Thomas kept a fresh supply of linen, Johnny collected a towel, a clean shirt and a change of undergarments, all of which he had brought from home. He placed the clean clothes beside his bed, ready for the morning. Then he rubbed himself down with the towel until he was dry and comfortable. Spreading the towel over a timber post, he ran his fingers from forehead to neck, smoothing his tousled mop of hair. Somewhere there was a comb, probably in his jacket. But he wasn’t thinking about things like that.
He was thinking of Ruby. Did she have any idea what she might be letting herself in for? Where did she think it would all lead? One day a lady, and the next a servant. Then what? Where did she go from there? How could she continue working, carrying on her duties, as though nothing had happened. Where would it all lead? He dared not think. It was all so incomprehensible. But then, Ruby herself could be incomprehensible. She was like no one else he knew. She was unique, daring and impulsive. Qualities that made him proud, yet filled him with frustration.
The initial shock had subsided, and now he was angry. Darkly, wildly angry. What awful thing was in her that made Ruby crave the unattainable? What was it that made her so restless? Didn’t she realise that she was special, the way the Good Lord had made her? Strong and warm, she was the most naturally good creature he had ever known. Wasn’t that enough for her? Would she go on and on until her ambitions strangled her very soul?
Something else occurred to him in that moment. Something that deadened his heart and brought him out in a cold sweat. Tonight she had widened the distance between them. In his bones he knew she loved him. And yet he knew instinctively that he would never be enough for her. Even now, he was more of a man than Luke Arnold would ever be. He would scour the world to satisfy her every need, and as far as he was able, would nurture and cherish her as no other man on earth could. He was strong and powerful of limb, a willing provider, and had more loving in him than Ruby could ever use up. But she wanted more. Far more than he could ever give. And that crippling knowledge was like the weight of the world across his shoulders.
Disillusioned and torn every which way, Johnny blew out the lamp and climbed into bed. But his mind was still too active to let him sleep. There was rage in him, burning and bubbling and spitting beneath the surface of his weariness until there was murder in his heart. Yet who would he murder? Luke? Ruby? Cicely? Who? Himself maybe? Yes, he would murder himself, and Ruby would never torture him again.
Ashamed, he thought of his mother and weak-willed father, and knew he could never be such a coward. In his mind’s eyes he saw his sister’s pale thin face and large honest eyes, and his heart swelled with love. That love soothed him, and he settled beneath the clothes with a calmer heart. Soon he was sleeping but not empty of anger. It made him turn and fret. The gentle rhythmic sounds of Thomas’s snoring rumbled through the stables. Horses scraped at the straw with the edge of their hooves, and sly old rats scampered through the food racks, filling their stomachs before curling down in the hay until the dawn. Johnny slept too eventually, unaware that, already making her way towards the stables, the lady of the house was bent on making mischief that would rebound on them all.
Outside a barn own screeched, winging its way home, a lifeless mouse caught in its talons, snatched up from the earth even before it had time to cry out. The moon was low now, subdued by the previous fall of rain and criss-crossed with grey scurrying clouds. It was a grim and lonely night, heralding strange shadows and moving shapes which laid low during the daylight and emerged under the cover of darkness.
Into this darkness crept another lonely creature. A dangerously beautiful creature. She too had lain in her bed, naked and restless, aching for Johnny, just as he had ached for Ruby. There was anger in her too. Anger that he hadn’t come to her easily. Anger that she was made to sneak about like a thief in the night in order to lie in his arms. But she would lie in his arms, because overriding the anger of rejection was a fiercer emotion – lust. She lusted after him, and she meant to have him. In all of her short pampered life, she had never been refused. And she would not be refused by Johnny. Not tonight. Not any more.
When she came through the big doors, they creaked beneath their own weight. Remaining quite still, she held her breath, listening for any sound from inside. All was silent. Carefully pushing the doors to, she came forward again. In the darkness, she wasn’t sure which way to go. Through a chink in the old woodwork, she was shown the way by a shaft of watery moonlight. Gripping the timbered rails, she ventured deeper into the great place, her toes touching the ground without a sound and her eyes peering into the dimness.
Teresa knew the stables would be full because hunters and cobs were always brought in from the fields at night, and on this evening, Johnny would have sensed the storm that was already brewing. With the stables filled, and Thomas fiercely possessive about his own quarters above, she reasoned that there could be only one practical place where Johnny might have made his bed. She was smiling as she felt her way along the rails towards the tack-room. She was sure he would be in there.
A moment later she almost stumbled over the bed. It was not exactly where she had imagined it to be. Johnny had placed himself close to the steps which led to Thomas’s rooms, yet not too far from the stables. In that way he would hear any disturbance coming from either quarter. But he hadn’t heard her approach, and he wasn’t aware that she was staring down at him, her avaricious eyes sweeping over his naked chest. He moaned, turning on to his side, and when his hair tumbled over his forehead, Teresa stooped to stroke it gently from his face.
She remained there a moment longer, secretly observing him, her greedy eyes travelling that broad muscular chest, the carpet of thick dark hairs, and pink round nipples poking through. His upper arms were thick and honed by his labours, his hands were strong, fingers long and finely shaped. Now, as he turned on to his back, his head pressed into the bolster, the muscles on his neck and shoulders tightened, thick and magnificent. His chiselled features were incredibly handsome; dark beautifully shaped brows above clean pale eyelids, a straight slim-nostrilled nose and lips that were full and inviting. His chin was square and powerful, and his coal-black hair like an unruly waterfall spilling over his ears and temples. Even in his sleep, Johnny exuded a powerful animality. She had always known how much of a man he was, how rough and raw, how darkly handsome. Now he was hers for the taking.
Ever so softly, she undid the buttons of her mantle and shrugged her shoulders out of it. As it slithered to the floor she laughed softly and continued to look down on him.
For a long delicious moment she enjoyed her own nakedness, preening herself, drawing her long tresses to the front of her shoulders and stroking them. Her trembling fingers touched her breasts, caressing the nipples. Her sighs rippled through the darkened room. She had waited so long. So very long. To wait one moment longer would only heighten the pleasure when at last he wrapped his arms around her.
Gently she plucked the blanket from him. His nakedness made her gasp. His powerful legs were stretched out, slightly parted. Gingerly, she leaned down, letting the tips of her fingers roam his thighs. The touch of his bare skin excited her so that she could hardly breathe.
Suddenly, he was startled awake. With a loud cry, he sat up, dark suspicious eyes still heavy with sleep. When they saw her in the half-light, they widened in horror.
‘YOU!’
The anger was still on him. He had been dreaming of Ruby. Dreaming that she had gone from him forever, walking away on the arm of Luke Arnold. When he’d called out to her, she only laughed in his face. He wanted to drag her away from Luke, to smash his fist into the man’s smiling face. But it wouldn’t do any good. Ruby had laughed at him. She had made her choice, and she was leaving for good. His whole body was covered in a film of sweat. He was trembling. He was awake, yet still enmeshed in that nightmare. Ruby had left him forever. That was all he could think.
‘Don’t send me away,’ Teresa pleaded softly. In the half-light she was stunningly beautiful. Her tall slim figure was softly rounded; small pointed breasts, long shapely limbs, that dark shadow between her thighs, her own hands touching, teasing him.
She reached out then, brushing her hand over his face, tracing the contours of his mouth with soft fingertips. ‘I do love you,’ she murmured. And, in the heat of that moment, she did.
Her soft persuasive voice tormented his senses. ‘Don’t send me away.’ It echoed against the walls of his mind, making him half-crazy. ‘Don’t send me away.’ But Ruby had sent him away. And now it was his turn.
In an instant he was out of the bed and standing before her. ‘I want you out of here!’ he said in a rough voice. When she stretched up her arms and put the flat of her hands against his chest, he groaned, wrapping each of his hands about her wrists. In the semi-darkness her face was too familiar, her nakedness too close. He could feel the tips of her breasts beneath his ribs, gently rubbing, awakening dangerous feelings in him. Her hair was touching his arm, soft as rainwater. She was Ruby. She was not Ruby. Then she was. He loosened his grip on her wrists. She reached upwards. On tiptoe she wound her arms round the back of his neck and pressed his face down to hers. When their lips fused, it seemed to dissolve the anger in him. She pushed herself against his nakedness, moaning, sighing, touching him everywhere. Desire flooded through him. And a terrible fury. Ruby. Always Ruby! The fury unleashed a passion that stormed through him like a torrent.
‘Love me,’ groaned Teresa. He gripped her by the shoulders and pushed her away, propelling her back towards the timbered rail. He was hard, angry hard, wanting to hurt. Desperate to love. Ruby. Always Ruby!
He lifted her from the ground and bowed his head, kissing her neck, her face, her mouth, exciting her until she trembled from head to toe. He bent her backwards against the rail. Lowering his hands, he grasped her thighs, forcing them apart, forcing himself into her. She was panting, then groaning, then softly laughing, wanting too much of him. Clinging with all her might, she thrust herself upwards, raising her legs and wrapping her body right around his. She was frantic now, clawing at him. She wanted him deep inside her. The rail was hard against her back, he was hard against her front, and she would have turned herself inside out to be closer to him. When he drove into her again and again, she cried out with joy.
Their sweat mingled, dripping from his face onto hers. His mouth was over hers, then it was teasing her breasts, then his tongue was in her mouth, filling her with unbearable pleasure. They fell to the ground. They couldn’t stop. Not now. Not when the tidal wave was engulfing them. He hardened inside her, throbbing now, spending the last of his energy. She cried out. The pain was delicious, taking her breath away. She broke over him, crying out like a wild animal. He groaned and rolled away. He hated her. He hated himself. It was Ruby. Always Ruby!
‘I’ll be back,’ she threatened, slipping the robe over her bruised limbs.
‘No!’ he told her in a harsh voice.
She laughed, a hard coarse sound. ‘Surely you don’t think I can let you go now?’ She had come into his arms a virgin. Now she was a woman. He had made her a woman. She would not forget that glorious experience. Neither could she let him forget it.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘but don’t ever come back.’ He had done her a great wrong, and for the second time that night, he was ashamed.
‘Oh, I’m not sorry,’ she replied, her narrowed satisfied eyes raking his face. ‘And I meant what I said. After all, you wouldn’t want Daddy to know what took place here, would you?’ The thought of her father discovering what she had done sent a tremor through her. What she had threatened just now was a daring bluff. But Johnny wasn’t to know that.
He was shocked. ‘Are you saying you’d risk your own well-being by telling him?’
Her answer was coolly to button her mantle and saunter towards the doors where she turned again, peering into the darkness with a slow and deliberate smile. She could not see him. But he could see her, and cursed himself for the fool he was. ‘I’ll be back,’ she promised. Then, like a fleeting shadow, she went into the night.
Just for a moment, in the dark and quiet, it seemed to Johnny that she had never been here at all. But then her presence was all over him. He still burned from the wild insane passion that had taken his reason. His loins throbbed. Rivulets of sweat trickled down his back like a small waterfall. She had been here all right, and he knew she would be back. With great sadness, he realised that he might have to leave this place, leave Thomas and the horses. His anger had turned inward.
‘You bloody fool, Ackroyd!’ he cursed, sinking on to the bed and bending his head into his hands. ‘You hot-headed bloody fool!’
Crippled with remorse, and still naked, he went out to the pump where he washed himself head to toe, scrubbing at his skin as though it was so much filth. Afterwards he dressed and strode out into the night. There was no sleep in him. Only anguish. And a sense of deep regret.
At first Thomas had imagined himself to be dreaming when he heard a noise from below. Dragging himself out of bed, he rubbed the grime from his bedroom window and directed his gaze to the stables beneath. It was too dark. He couldn’t see anything.
Shuffling to the door, he came out on to the platform. He heard Teresa’s threats from the doorway and he shook his greying head. ‘So you’ve cornered him at last, you little trollop!’ he murmured in disgust.
He watched her go, and heard Johnny reproach himself before going out to the pump. He listened while Johnny called himself all kinds of a fool, and guessed how that young man was feeling. Teresa Arnold was a beautiful creature but it was common knowledge that Johnny wanted only one sweetheart, and that was Ruby. All the same, he was only a man, and what man could refuse when a woman such as that offered herself to him? Yet Thomas knew Johnny well enough to know that now he would consider leaving here for good.
‘I can’t let that happen, Johnny lad,’ he whispered, ‘I’ll not let you leave me, not because of a little witch like that, I won’t!’ He searched his mind for an answer to this awful dilemma, but he was tired and ill.
What had taken place here tonight was madness. Tomorrow he must think of a way to keep Johnny here with him, and safe from that one’s clutches.