CHAPTER 36

Lily turned to the sobbing maid. ‘Whatever possessed you, Tilda? We both know the workroom door was bolted so why did you tell Mrs Bodney it wasn’t?’

‘It was ’cos of Mr Mountsford. He said he’d buy me … I thought if you was gone he … Oh, what am I to do now?’ she cried, before turning and rushing out of the front door, leaving Lily staring after her.

‘Tilda’s run off, Mrs Bodney,’ Lily said, hurrying into the parlour. ‘Do you think I should go after her?’

‘After the trouble she tried to cause you, Lily?’ her employer answered, looking surprised.

‘Me? I don’t understand, Mrs Bodney. I’m sure I haven’t upset her in any way.’

‘Not directly, perhaps, but the poor girl was sweet on our dear merchant.’ As if a candle had been lit, Lily suddenly understood the reason for the girl’s blushes on his previous visits. Clearly, he’d been playing with her affections as well. The cad!

‘I’d have been dispensing of her services shortly anyway, so she’s saved me a job,’ her employer said, waving her hands dismissively.

‘That seems rather harsh, Mrs Bodney. She’s only a young girl, after all.’

There was a pause, as if her employer was choosing her words carefully. Finally she turned to Lily, looking even more serious than she had before.

‘Life is harsh, Lily. And as for Tilda being young, don’t be fooled. In many ways she’s more worldly-wise than you, only too eager to grasp anything that was offered, willing to offer … Oh, never mind. Go and smarten up. You look more like a gutter snipe than my overseer.’

Out in the hallway, Lily looked down at her dress, shocked to see grains of sand and fronds of weed clinging to its hem. Why hadn’t she noticed before? Hurrying out to the pump, she sponged down the material, then looking around and seeing the yard was deserted, she dunked her head under the running water. Gasping at its coolness, she let it run through her long tresses for a few moments before squeezing out as much as she could. Hopping up on the wall, she began braiding it. What a day it had been, she mused as she sat gazing down towards the harbour. The rising moon was spreading silvery fingers of light, like the rungs of a ladder, across the inky waters, and she had a sudden longing to hear her father’s wise words. A voice sounded behind her.

‘Playing at mermaids today, are we? Well, you certainly are a woman of many guises, Lily Rose.’

Her heart sank. The silky tones of the squire did little to hide his intent. Perhaps if she didn’t rise to the bait he’d lose interest and go away. Forcing a smile, she turned to face him.

‘Good evening, Squire Clinsden,’ she answered, trying not to shudder at the lecherous way he was looking her up and down with his bloodshot eyes.

‘Prettying yourself up for your merchant, are you?’ he asked, placing his hand on her arm. ‘How about being nice to me instead?’

‘I think you should go home to your wife,’ Lily answered, wondering where her daring had come from.

‘She spends all her time on charitable works these days,’ he said sullenly.

‘Well, I think it’s wonderful all the things she does for the elderly fisher folk and—’

‘Yes, yes, but a man needs his home comforts,’ he said, moving his hand up to her hair and attempting to undo her braid. ‘You do realize that fancy merchant was merely using you as an alibi? Now, I don’t need one, so if you were to be nice to me, I would teach you all you need to know about society,’ he leered, his hand digging into her shoulder.

She tried to move along the wall, away from his grasp.

‘Still acting the innocent, eh? Well, don’t be too hasty, young lady. Beggars can’t be choosers, and from what I hear, you’ll soon be requiring a new position and somewhere to live. Now, with Molly gone from the manor—’

‘Take your hands off her this instant.’ Surprised, the squire did as he’d been bid and, seizing the opportunity, Lily jumped to the ground.

‘I was only trying to—’ the squire simpered.

‘On your way, you pathetic excuse for a man. And in future leave Lily alone,’ the figure commanded. Then, as Squire Clinsden sloped off and his adversary moved out of the shadows, Lily gasped in amazement.

‘Tom, oh, Tom, Where’ve you been? You came just in time. He was—’

‘I know, Lily, don’t fret, he’s gone now. He’ll not bother you again. Bullies never fight those who challenge them. I’ve learned that if nothing else. Luckily, I was just on my way to see Mother,’ he said, giving her the wry grin she remembered so well.

‘Good job too,’ she said, her smile growing wider as she moved closer to him.

‘Aye, and it seems you’ve come full circle, what with you needing a job again and the squire kindly offering to help,’ he said, stressing the word ‘kindly’.

‘I’ve still got a few weeks left with Mrs Bodney, but then I’ll be seeking work along with all the others. Still, something will turn up,’ she said, grinning at him. He was standing so close she could feel the heat emanating from his body. Her senses tingled in response, making her realize how much she’d missed him.

‘How’ve you been, Tom?’ she asked softly.

‘I’ve been managing fine,’ he answered, his arms reaching out towards her. But then the light went out of his eyes and his arms fell back to his sides.

‘Oh, Tom, I’ve missed you. Haven’t you missed me?’ she asked, looking at him hopefully. For a long moment time seemed suspended as he stood staring at her.

‘Lord knows, Lily, you made me that furious I couldn’t bear to see you again. Doesn’t mean I’ve stopped thinking of you, though,’ he mumbled.

‘Is that why you’ve come back now?’ she asked, brightening.

He shook his head. ‘I was passing through on my way from Coombe when I heard the commotion. Couldn’t just leave you with that brute, could I?’

‘Seems like I’m in your debt then,’ she said, smiling. He shrugged and made to turn away. Her heart flopped. Remembering her dreams and determined not to let the opportunity pass, she swallowed her pride and tried again. ‘I owe you an apology, Tom. Look, it’s a beautiful night, have you time for a walk round the bay, so we can talk?’

‘Well,’ he hesitated. ‘Oh, why not, but you’d best put that bonny hair back up under yer cap,’ he said, grinning.

She smiled. This was more like the Tom she knew. He’d always loved her long hair, she thought, twisting it back into its braid then pulling her cap over it.

‘Is that better?’ she teased.

‘Didn’t want you to catch cold, that’s all,’ he grunted, and her heart plummeted. Still she wasn’t about to give up.

‘Come on then,’ she invited, holding out her hand. Ignoring it, he began striding out towards the water. Hurrying to keep up with him, she cast around for something to say.

‘I heard you sold your boat.’

‘I heard you got yourself a merchant,’ he responded.

‘Oh, Tom, you always get the wrong end of things. It was all a plan to get back at the squire. It’s you I love. Always have and always will, I guess, and anyway, that merchant’s actually betrothed to another,’ she said.

‘Oh, poor you, that’s scuppered your chances then,’ he snorted.

‘But, Tom, I’ve just tried to explain that it wasn’t like that,’ she protested.

‘Of course it wasn’t. Would have solved your problems, though, wouldn’t it?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘It would have given you somewhere to live and a chap of his standing wouldn’t expect his wife to work either.’

‘Tom Westlake, I can’t believe you’re saying such things. I thought you loved me,’ she burst out.

He sighed. ‘Oh, I do; I mean did,’ he said quickly, looking out at the sea. ‘Think I’ll forgo that walk, if you don’t mind,’ he muttered, stomping off into the gathering darkness.

‘Tom, wait,’ she called after him, but the only response was the crunch of pebbles. ‘Be like that, then. See if I care,’ she muttered.

But you do care and so does he. Go after him, Lily. He’s hurting badly.

‘Oh, Father, you always turn up at the weirdest times,’ she cried, her tears mingling with the spray on the breeze. ‘If he doesn’t want me, so be it. I’ll not beg.’

Best not to be pig-headed, Lily, she thought she heard him say but it could have been the soughing of the wind.

‘Oh, mangles to all men,’ she screamed in frustration, stamping up the beach. By the time she reached Picky Pike’s, she was beside herself with rage. How dare Tom mess with her feelings?

‘Lily, whatever is going on? Just look at the state of you,’ cried Mrs Bodney, hurrying into the hallway.

‘Men, that’s what’s the matter.’

‘Oh, is that all,’ the other woman replied, waving her hand in the air as if swatting at an annoying fly. ‘For goodness’ sake control yourself. The hem of your dress is hanging down, your apron is frayed and as for your hair, well, I’ve seen neater rats’ tails. I suggest you go to the workroom, repair your dress and then retire for the night. Things will look better in the morning. They always do.’

Not trusting herself to answer, Lily stomped off to the workroom. Looks, looks, looks. The woman was obsessed with them. Snatching up needle, thread and scissors, she plonked herself down on her stool before realizing it was too dark to see. Muttering under her breath, she gathered up her things and stamped up to her room.

Silvery light from the moon was filtering through the attic window as she squatted on the end of the bed and began to snip. At first she worked with a vengeance; then, as her hot anger abated and cool calmness washed over her, she worked more methodically. It took her a while but finally, she was finished. Stifling a yawn, she hung her dress on the nail, checking the hem was straight. Next she held up the apron to the window, giving a satisfied nod when she could find no loose threads. Finally, she ran her fingers through her hair. Definitely no rats’ tails there!

Thoroughly spent, she climbed into bed and fell asleep, only to dream of being snatched from the clutches of the evil squire by a fair-haired fisherman with a cheeky grin.