CHAPTER 24

‘How much longer do you intend to keep me waiting, Lily?’ Mrs Bodney snapped, bustling back into the room. Then she saw Rupert standing there and her demeanour changed in an instant. ‘Oh, I do beg your pardon, I had no idea you were here, Rupert. I hope Lily has been attending adequately to your requirements?’

He turned to Lily, beaming.

‘Indeed she has; more than adequately, in fact. Forgive my intrusion at this late hour, Mrs Bodney, but I find I have to return to London tonight and was hoping we could discuss business before I leave.’

‘Yes, of course. Please come through to the parlour. Lily, ask Tilda to bring us some refreshment, then I suggest you retire for the night. I’ll see you in my parlour at first light for we have much to go through before the ladies arrive tomorrow.’

‘Yes, Mrs Bodney,’ she answered. Then with a quick nod in Rupert’s direction, she turned to leave.

‘I’ll bid you good evening then, Lily,’ Rupert murmured. She could feel him staring at her, and felt compelled to return his look.

‘Good evening, Rupert. I trust you have a good journey.’

‘And I trust you will not forget this humble merchant in his absence,’ he replied, bowing slightly.

‘Well, Lily, I have good news,’ Mrs Bodney said as they sat in the parlour breaking their fast the next morning. ‘Rupert Mountsford has increased his business with me. Personally, I think it’s so that he has more of an excuse to return to Bransbeer, but who am I to complain?’ She took a sip from her cup and then smiled. ‘In fact, he has a surprise for you, which I’m sure you will find most acceptable.’

‘Oh, and what might that be, Mrs Bodney?’

‘I really cannot say, for if I tell you it won’t be a surprise, will it? Suffice to say you can prepare to be impressed by his generosity. Now, if you’ve finished your meal, let’s get down to business. You can confirm the work is on schedule?’

‘Yes, I counted the sprigs last evening to make sure.’

‘Good, that means the ladies can now move on to making the tulips. The pattern maker delivered these this morning,’ she said, handing Lily the new patterns. ‘Make sure they master it quickly, Lily,’ she instructed.

Lily hurried through to the workroom where, instead of being at their pillows, the ladies were huddled together in a corner of the room. They were chatting so earnestly, she had to clap her hands in order to get their attention.

‘Ladies, please, we have a new pattern to learn,’ she said briskly, only to be met with their surprised stares.

‘Have you not heard the news?’ Emma asked.

‘What news?’

‘There’s been a wrecking,’ Mary said. ‘Those evil men, they shone their lights along the cliffs until the vessel foundered on the rocks. At least eight dead, so I was told. Poor souls; may they rest in peace,’ she stuttered to a halt, shaking her head and crossing herself.

Remembering Tom’s words about sowing and reaping crops, Lily felt her heart sink to her boots and she hoped he and his lugger were safe.

‘Brought their spoils in at Seaton Hole, they did. Plundered all manner of brandy, silks and gold, even some jewels, so I heard. By the time the Preventatives got wind, there was only bodies and wreckage left floating on the tide,’ added Emma, eager to impart what she’d heard.

‘It’s a terrible thing, wrecking. Smuggling I can understand, what with the taxes being so high, but wrecking is a different barrel of fish. Tricking innocent men onto dangerous rocks then leaving them to perish is an unforgivable sin in my book,’ exclaimed Mary, almost beside herself.

‘Yes, that is terrible,’ Lily agreed. ‘I suggest we say a prayer for those poor lost men and their families and then we must begin the day’s work before we get any further behind.’

Obediently, the ladies bent their heads and the room fell silent. To think such barbaric things still went on in this day and age, thought Lily. Quietly, she prayed for the souls of the dead to be safely delivered to heaven. Then, after a respectable silence, she brought the ladies back to the present by asking if anyone had seen Cora. They looked at each other then shook their heads. Lily looked at Dora.

‘We ain’t seen anything of her. Father’s hopping like a frog,’ she muttered.

‘She hasn’t been to see me even though she said I was her best friend,’ Nell said sadly.

It seemed Lily had no choice but to set Emma to work at the absent girl’s pillow. Lily fought down a groan, knowing she’d have to keep a careful watch over her work.

‘Gather round while I show you the pattern to be pricked out,’ Lily said.

‘I’ll be right pleased when we can go back to doing our own ones, I can tell you,’ Mary groaned, shaking her head. ‘I’m too old for all this new learning.’ The others nodded in agreement.

‘Come on, ladies, this is for our Queen’s wedding,’ Lily said, smiling her encouragement.

‘Bet the old pattern maker’s been in a right old how’s yer father. You knows how pernickety she is about her creations,’ Mary said, shaking her head. ‘By the way, Lily, I saw your Tom this morning.’ Her heart skipped a beat. If Mary had seen him this morning, then he was safe. ‘He said to tell you he waited till the clouds covered the moon, and he’s mighty mad you didn’t show.’ She looked at Mary in surprise.

‘But I did. It was Tom who wasn’t there,’ she protested, her cheeks burning as she remembered Molly’s caustic remarks.

‘Well, he says he’ll be waiting outside for you when you finish work. He has a surprise for you so I’d spruce yourself up, girl. It sounds like you’re in for a treat,’ Mary said, winking at her. It seemed it was to be a day for surprises, she thought, going over to check how Emma was doing.

To her delight, Emma had taken to the new pattern immediately, and Lily was gratified to see her working steadily. Perhaps she really had been suffering from nerves after all. However, some of the others were struggling with the change, and she was kept busy all day rectifying their mistakes. By the time everyone was confidently working the tulips, the day was drawing to a close.

As they covered their work, the mood in the room miraculously lifted. Tomorrow was the long-awaited Sabbath when they could forget their lace making and spend time with their families.

Determined not to keep Tom waiting, Lily tidied herself up as best she could. Staring down at her sober dress, she frowned. How she longed for her period of mourning to be over so she could wear bright colours when she went out.

Tom was perched on the wall outside and he gave her a wry grin when she appeared.

‘Thought I’d make sure you weren’t going to keep me hanging around again,’ he said, jumping down.

‘But I waited for you on the beach as we’d arranged.’

‘The beach? But I asked Molly to tell you there’d been a change of plan and I’d meet you up by the top field instead. Didn’t she speak to you?’

‘Oh, yes, she spoke all right, but she didn’t give me your message.’

He stood there scratching his head and looking perplexed.

‘Never mind, Tom, let’s not waste our precious time arguing. Mary says you have a surprise for me,’ she said, smiling up at him. Immediately he brightened.

‘I want this to be a special night for you, Lily, and first of all, I’m going to treat you to that supper I promised you.’

‘Goody, I’m so hungry I could eat a sheep,’ she said, laughing and feeling carefree for the first time in ages.

‘Well, you might have to make do with mutton pie,’ he answered.

‘Delicious! You said first, so what are we doing after that?’

‘You just wait and see my girl,’ he said, tapping the side of his nose and then laughing at her indignant look. ‘Tonight, Lily Rose, you are going to eat your fill and then, if you are very good, well, we’ll have to see, won’t we?’

Seeing the barely suppressed excitement in his eyes, she smiled up at him, happy to go along with his game.

The landlord had lit a fire as the evening was cool, and the scent of burning apple wood mixed with the aroma of good food made the room welcoming. Tom paid her special attention, listening intently as she recounted the events of her day. He even cracked a few jokes as they tucked into their pies washed down with a jug of small beer each. Lily relaxed, enjoying her meal and the rare treat of their having time to spend together. Then Tom’s mood changed and, looking serious, he leaned across the table.

‘Lily, you do still want to marry me, don’t you?’ he asked.

‘Why, Tom Westlake, what kind of question is that?’

‘I need to be sure now that you’re mixing with men finer than me.’

‘Don’t be daft, Tom. You’re a fine man yourself. The one I want to marry,’ she said, smiling across at him.

A raucous cackle erupted from the next table and Tom flushed as red as the flames in the fire.

‘Come on, let’s get out of here,’ he muttered, rising to his feet.

Outside, he took her hand and led her away from the bustle of the hostelry. They made their way to the beach, deserted now after the activities of the day. The tide was high, the waves slapping against the boats. She listened to the swishing of the sea being sucked in and out of the pebbles. An owl hooted, and with Tom beside her, she didn’t care whether it was a real one or not. Lost in thought, it was some moments before she realized he’d stopped walking and was looking at her strangely.

‘Did you hear me, Lily, or have my incredibly handsome looks knocked you out yet again?’

‘Sorry, Tom, what were you saying?’

‘Oh, nothing important, only that I love you and I’d like you to wear this so everyone knows we’re betrothed,’ he muttered. Her eyes widened as she gazed at the ring he was holding before her, its ruby gleaming like fire in the gathering darkness.

‘Why, Tom, it’s beautiful,’ she gasped, holding out her left hand. Gently he placed it on her finger. It fitted perfectly; as if it had been made especially for her.

‘You like it then?’ he asked, his voice teasing.

‘I love it and I love you, Tom Westlake, but this must have cost a king’s ransom. How on earth did you manage to buy me something so special?’

‘Only the best is good enough for you, Lily,’ he said, gazing at her so lovingly, she couldn’t help but throw her arms around him. He pulled her closer and she felt desire flame, like the fire of the ruby. Making a supreme effort, she pushed him away and then stood looking up at the night sky with its blanket of winking stars, her heart beating erratically.

‘The weeks are flying by and it’ll not be long till we can wed, Lily,’ Tom murmured, putting his arm around her shoulders. She smiled contentedly.

‘I can’t wait, Tom,’ she said, snuggling closer. Together they stood, staring up at the silvery moon, making plans for their future together.

The crunch of pebbles further up the beach brought them rudely back to the present. Reluctantly they broke apart and strolled back towards the village.

‘It’s been a lovely evening, Tom,’ she sighed.

‘Yes, it has. You truly are my betrothed now, and everyone will know it,’ he said, stopping and kissing her cheek.

‘I love your surprise,’ she said, running her thumb along the smooth band of the ring. Even though it was dark, she could feel him smiling. ‘Red’s my favourite colour, you know.’

‘Goes with your passionate nature, my girl,’ he responded. He lifted her left hand to his lips and she saw the ruby twinkling in the starlight.

‘Hey, Tom, saw you over Seaton way last night,’ a voice boomed, making them jump. As Lily peered into the darkness, trying to make out who was standing there, Tom snatched up her hand and hurried her up Sea Hill.