CHAPTER 44

As she pondered her father’s words, Lily hardly registered the knock on the front door, or Mrs Staple muttering under her breath about unexpected callers as she hurried to answer it. However, it was Mrs Bodney who appeared in the doorway.

‘Lily, please go through to the front room. Your presence is required immediately.’

What now? she thought, getting wearily to her feet.

‘Yes, Mrs Bodney,’ she answered dutifully.

‘And for heaven’s sake pinch some colour into your cheeks. You look as white as the chalk cliffs back home.’ Not having the strength to argue, she nodded, thinking the other woman did take worrying about appearances to extremes. Making her way along the hallway, she was about to enter the room when she stopped in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise.

The figure warming his hands in front of the fire turned to greet her, but she’d have known those broad shoulders anywhere.

‘Hello, Lily,’ he said, grinning.

‘Tom! What are you doing here?’ she gasped, her heart thumping wildly.

‘Just thought I’d drop in,’ he quipped, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

‘But how did you know where I was?’

‘I didn’t for ages,’ he said. ‘When I got back from Coombe and found you’d left Picky Pike’s, I was that sore. Thought you’d done a runner on me. Just when I thought we was getting on well again. I asked around, but no one knew where you’d gone. I was out of me mind.’

‘But, Tom, I didn’t know we were coming here until the last minute. I—’

‘Well really, Lily, that’s no way to treat a guest. Where are your manners?’ her employer asked, bustling in. Lily’s eyes widened in amazement, for Mrs Bodney herself was carrying a tray of refreshment. ‘Tom, it’s good to see you again. Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.’ If he was surprised at the change in Lily’s employer’s manner towards him, he chose to ignore it.

‘Thank you, Mrs Bodney,’ he answered politely. ‘It’s nice to see you too.’

Smiling graciously, she set down the tray. ‘I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse me, Tom, but I’m frightfully busy preparing for a wedding,’ she announced regally, before bustling out.

‘But I thought your job here was finished now?’ he said, turning to Lily and frowning.

‘It is, Tom, but Mrs Bodney’s received an invitation to attend the royal wedding and she’s in a right state deciding what she’s to wear.’

‘You women and weddings,’ he said, grinning. Then, realizing what he’d said, he sat there looking uncomfortable.

‘Tea?’ Lily asked in the heavy silence that filled the room. Tom nodded. Relieved to have something to do, she busied herself with the tray. Then, as she passed him one of the fine bone-china cups, he burst out laughing.

‘You’ll be expecting me to sip daintily and hold up me pinkie next,’ he quipped, demonstrating with his little finger. He looked so funny, she burst out laughing and the awkwardness passed. ‘Oh, Lily, I’ve really missed you,’ he declared, setting down his cup so suddenly it clattered in the saucer. ‘I done a lot of thinking on that walk to Coombe, and realized you and me had a good thing going before—’

‘I know, Tom, and I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about the ring,’ she said.

‘Yes, I thought about that too. I guess it must have seemed strange, me going on about not having enough money for one and then giving you that ruby. It’s a beauty, even if I do say so meself. I’d been nagging Nana for ages to let me have it for you. Luckily, being her blue-eyed grandson, I finally managed to talk her round,’ he said, a twinkle in his eye.

‘So I understand,’ she said, recalling Mrs Westlake’s words.

‘I had the devil’s own job persuading her to let me have it the second time, though, and Mother didn’t help, of course.’ Bemused, Lily stared at him. The second time? But, as if he’d said too much, he abruptly changed the subject.

‘The trouble I had finding you,’ he told her, shaking his head. ‘I looked everywhere I could think of and asked everyone I saw, but it was like you’d vanished into thin air.’

Her heart did a double flip. So he did still care for her. And he’d tried to find out where she’d gone.

‘So, how did you discover I was here, in Honiton?’ she asked.

‘Your Aunt Elizabeth told my mother that she had something important to tell me and that she’d be at Mrs Goode’s if I wanted to find out what it was.’

‘Aunt Elizabeth! Of course she had an appointment with Lady Clinsden. I wonder how she got on.’

‘Well, gal, you can ask her yourself later, ’cos we travelled here together.’

‘Aunt Elizabeth is here as well?’ Lily asked, shaking her head in surprise.

‘Yes, she’s taking tea with Mrs Bodney. They are being discreet,’ he said, moving towards her.

She moved to meet him and as his arms closed around her she knew without a shadow of doubt that this was where she belonged. Then, as his lips came down on hers, setting her pulses racing, she could think no more.

‘I stand by what I said about the ruby matching that fiery spirit of yours,’ he gasped, when they finally pulled away from each other. Then, to her astonishment, he dropped to one knee, holding out the betrothal ring before her.

‘Lily Rose, will you please put me out of my misery and say you’ll marry me?’

‘Oh, yes, Tom,’ she whispered, her heart singing like a thousand choirs. Grinning, he got to his feet and gently placed the ruby ring back on her finger, where it belonged. Then, he let out a whoop of delight, lifted her off the floor and swung her round and round until she was helpless with laughter. Suddenly her cap went flying across the room. Tom set her back on her feet and stood there staring at her. Her hand flew to her shorn locks and, for a long moment, the only sound in the room was the crackling of the logs on the fire.

‘I’m sorry Tom, I was in a temper and chopped off my hair, but it will grow back eventually. Then we can be wed, can’t we?’ she asked, her words coming out in a tumble.

He looked at her aghast. ‘Oh, no, Lily,’ he said, shaking his head.

Her heart flopped. So Mrs Bodney had been right about appearances all along …

‘Don’t worry, Tom. I understand you won’t want to marry me now,’ she mumbled, biting her tongue to hold back the tears.

‘But that’s just it, Lily. I do want to marry you now. Well, as soon as it can be arranged. I’m certainly not waiting until your hair grows back. Besides,’ he said, his lips curling into a smile, ‘I rather like your new hairdo. It makes you look sort of impish. Come here, you dollop. Hair or no, you’ll always look good to me,’ he declared, kissing her cheek. Then he bent and retrieved her cap. ‘Here, best put this back on before the old dragon reappears,’ and he placed it gently back on her head.

‘You’re sure you don’t mind?’ Lily asked.

‘I don’t, but you’d best not let my mother see you looking like that,’ he said, wagging his finger at her. ‘She’s been on at me to get a decent haircut for years.’ He grimaced, tugging at the fair hair curling around the nape of his neck. ‘Now me wife’s going to have shorter hair than me,’ he exclaimed, looking so indignant that Lily burst out laughing. Then Tom joined in and the room rang with the sound of their merriment.

‘Well, if I’d known we were celebrating I wouldn’t have bothered with that tea,’ Mrs Bodney said, smiling at them from the doorway. They stared at their untouched cups on the table as if wondering how they’d got there. Then Aunt Elizabeth appeared behind her.

‘Look, Auntie,’ Lily cried in delight, holding out her hand, and the ruby winked up at them in the firelight.

‘Congratulations, both of you,’ Aunt Elizabeth said, giving Lily a hug and then shaking Tom’s hand.

‘And I too wish you every happiness,’ said Mrs Bodney. Then, practical as ever, she asked, ‘Do I take it this means you won’t be coming back to Bransbeer with me, Lily?’

‘Oh, I don’t know,’ Lily said looking askance at Tom, who was standing there beaming like a beacon.

‘Indeed, she won’t, Mrs Bodney, for you are now looking at the new blacksmith of Coombe,’ he announced proudly. ‘And when my betrothed and I are wed, we shall be living in the cottage right opposite the forge there.’

‘Why, Tom, that’s marvellous,’ Lily cried, clapping her hands excitedly. ‘But how can that be?’

‘Well, it’s like this—’

‘Yes, well done, Tom,’ cut in Mrs Bodney, flushing with excitement. ‘That will afford you a much better standing in the community, Lily. Now, shall we make ourselves comfortable while Tom tells us all about it?’ she asked, signalling to Aunt Elizabeth to take a seat before neatly perching on the chair nearest the fire.

Lily looked at Tom and grimaced. True to form, her employer had no intention of missing anything. Only Mrs Bodney would have the audacity to think she had the right to share their private moment.

‘Do hurry up, Tom. I’m waiting,’ she demanded impatiently.

‘Well, I had an inkling the sea weren’t the life for me a while back, and began looking around to see what else I could do. Remember you asking me why I was always at Coombe, Lily?’

‘Oh, yes. It crossed my mind you might have been seeing someone else,’ she said, her eyes clouding as she remembered the hours she’d spent fretting.

‘You are a dollop, Lily Rose. As if I’d ever look at anyone else,’ he said. ‘I’d heard old Benjamin was looking to retire, but wouldn’t till he found someone to take over. He could never let the horses suffer for want of shoes, he said. Anyhow, he saw I had the nice calm sort of nature that was needed …’

‘Tom Westlake, that’s a fib if ever I heard one. You, nice and calm?’ spluttered Lily.

‘Well, as it happens, I do seem to have a way with the horses. I was troubled about giving up the lugger, being as how it was Father’s. Then, when we got caught in that blow, it kind of decided things for me. Anyway, with the money I got for selling it, I was able to buy Benjamin’s tools and pay the rent till the next quarter-day. I’ve been dying to tell you, but—’

‘Oh, so that was the surprise you had to show me,’ Lily cut in, remembering their last meeting.

Tom nodded, sighing. ‘Yes, old Benjamin’s been teaching me the trade. I thought, I’d show you the forge, and see if you liked it.’

‘That’s all very well and fine,’ interrupted Mrs Bodney, ‘but I take it you won’t be moving in until you are wed, young lady?’ She looked sternly at Lily then exchanged glances with Aunt Elizabeth.

‘Goodness me, no,’ Tom exclaimed. ‘Perish the thought. I mean, I’ve got Lily’s reputation to think of, Mrs Bodney,’ he added, pretending to look affronted, then winking at Lily behind her back.

‘Quite right, Tom,’ Mrs Bodney agreed. ‘Thank heavens someone understands the importance of keeping up appearances.’

‘Indeed, Mrs Bodney,’ Tom said gravely. ‘I took the liberty of speaking with Mrs Goode whilst I was there. She agreed that Lily can stay with her until we’re man and wife. It wouldn’t do to set tongues wagging, now would it, Mrs Bodney?’ he asked, sounding so earnest that Lily had to bite down on her lip again.

‘Indeed, it would not,’ Mrs Bodney agreed, turning to Lily. ‘I always said Tom was a fine, upstanding young man, didn’t I?’

And Lily, not trusting herself to speak, could only nod in agreement.

‘Well, it seems this is an evening for good news, for I too have something to tell you,’ said Aunt Elizabeth, smiling. ‘Lady Clinsden is opening a charity school in Coombe and has engaged me to help with its running. It will be for the children of lace makers, so young Beth will be able to attend and learn her letters.’

Mrs Bodney gave Lily one of her meaningful looks, and she smiled back knowingly.

‘Aunt Elizabeth, that’s wonderful news,’ said Lily, going over and giving her a hug.

‘Yes, isn’t it? And as part of my working agreement, Lady Clinsden will provide me with a cottage next to the school,’ she said, her eyes shining.

‘And talking of Lady Clinsden, I expect you will be taking on her commission when you return, Lily?’ Mrs Bodney asked.

‘Yes, of course. Though I don’t know where I shall work,’ Lily said, frowning.

‘Well, my love, I have news for you. For hasn’t your wonderful betrothed just limewashed the cottage opposite the forge for you to use. You’ll be able to make your lace without fear of getting smuts on it,’ Tom announced, beaming with pride.

‘Oh, Tom, that’s perfect. Though I don’t suppose it will take long to make the collars and cuffs for Lady Clinsden so I shall have to see what other work I can find.’

‘Lily, if all goes to plan, a royal christening gown will be required and I’m hopeful of being granted the commission for that. I will certainly require your help then,’ said Mrs Bodney.

Lily and Tom looked at each other in delight. ‘Oh, this is so exciting,’ exclaimed Mrs Bodney, her dark eyes shining like ebony. ‘Now I have two weddings to prepare for.’

‘Yes, and I have lace to make for my own wedding gown,’ Lily said, smiling up at Tom. He pulled her closer and she let out a sigh of contentment.

So peasants can be picky people, Lily; and you picked well, my girl.

Her father’s voice sounded in her ear, and knowing he had bestowed his blessing made her happiness complete.