Shortly after this supper was announced, and they adjourned to the dining parlour. During the meal Sir Humphrey asked Lucy many questions about her life at Delmead with the Francis family and Gavin, who had visited them, was able to join in with descriptions of what the family was like.
'Let me see,' Sir Humphrey said, 'Mistress Sarah, she is two years older than you, and has not yet wed? Is she promised to anyone?'
'I do not think so,' Lucy said. 'With the country in such a turmoil during the war, there have been fewer opportunities for social life and for her to meet suitors. Mistress Francis often bemoaned the fact.'
Recollecting Gavin's earlier visit to Delmead, she glanced at him, blushing.
'Aye,' he grinned at her.' I was a heaven-sent opportunity, was I not?' he said mockingly.
'You? Is the woman putting out her lures for you?'
'Why not, Humphrey? Am I not eligible? Young, wealthy, heir to your title, and, since no one else here will say it, handsome enough to please most damsels?'
Sir Humphrey laughed. 'Jackanapes. I'll warrant you flirted with the girl and gave her and her mother hopes.'
'I'll not deny the flirtation,' Gavin smiled, 'but I do not think I gave grounds for hopes greater than any mother entertains for her daughter when an eligible young man happens by.'
'Well, what of Peter? Is he a likely fellow?'
'Promising. He has joined the army.'
Sir Humphrey raised his eyebrows. 'How did he persuade his father to allow that? I thought Mr Francis always stuck to a safe middle course until he was certain which way would be profitable.'
'Aye, and Peter was chafing under this restraint. I claim some credit for persuading Mr Francis to allow him to go. After all, that is why I am sent on these long leaves.'
Lucy looked at him questioningly, and he smiled at her.
'I do not come solely to rescue damsels in distress!' She laughed. 'The King sent me to drum up support from the local landowners. Since I have connections here I am an obvious choice.'
'Is Peter shaping well as a soldier?'
'I see little of him, but I hear good reports. He is with Rupert's cavalry and has performed well in the minor skirmishes he has been involved in so far. This summer's campaign, we hope, will be decisive.'
'And what think you of Peter?' Sir Humphrey turned to Lucy.
'He has always been very kind to me,' she said, smiling reminiscently. 'I was somewhat of a nuisance being so much younger, but he was very patient.'
'Much more so the last two years, I understand,' said Gavin, looking teasingly at her.
'Why, I – ' Lucy blushed, and Sir Humphrey laughed.
'Oho! Peter Francis, Jem Perkins. You are breaking hearts as fast as your mother did.'
Lucy shook her head in quick denial. 'I do not encourage them, Father, in truth I do not!'
'You do not need to, my child. One look from those eyes, and any man would become your slave. Do not be ashamed of it,' he went on, 'but use your power carefully. 'Tis a power as potent as that of any witch! One that most women would envy you. But be not capricious. Your mother was firm and true. I hope you will be the same to whoever you choose as your husband. And now, enough of such solemn talk. Let us enjoy a family evening. Do you play or sing?'
Lucy nodded. 'I am sadly out of practice. There were no instruments at my grandmother's.'
'It is a long time since the music room was used. We will not notice any mistakes you make.'
They spent the next couple of hours making music. Lucy played the harpsichord there with hesitancy at first, then gaining confidence attempted some of her old favourites. She sang to them in a sweet low voice, and Gavin joined her, adding his deep voice to hers. When it was time to retire, Lucy was feeling that this was home, and was very much at ease with Sir Humphrey. He informed her his housekeeper had prepared a bedroom for her, and he rang for this woman who escorted Lucy to it. She was very tired but for a long time she could not sleep, as the image of Gavin Anstey kept intruding on her thoughts.
*
After they breakfasted, Gavin left Lucy alone with her father saying he had to ride out and visit on the King's business. Sir Humphrey looked anxiously at Lucy.
'My dear, I hope that now we are acquainted you will forgive my past neglect of you, and come and live here with me?'
Lucy looked at him, joy in her face. 'I would like it above all things!'
'Good. Then you will stay here. The room you had last night was your mother's, before we, in my eyes at least, married. I kept all her things. They are packed away, for I could not bear to look at them, but Mistress Hemming will show them to you if you wish it. Now shall I show you the garden? 'Tis not large, but it has been a consolation to me these last years. I have devoted much time to it.'
Proudly he took Lucy round the garden, and she exclaimed in amazement at the beauty of it. Much of it was laid out formally, and it was ablaze with spring flowers. Another part was artfully contrived to look naturally wild. The only part that was not well tended was the belt of trees surrounding the whole garden inside the boundary wall, and the undergrowth that rioted there. Sir Humphrey explained he had allowed this to try and discourage intrusions on his privacy.
She expressed her delight in the house itself, and he took her all over this, showing her his treasures, especially his paintings, which included a pair of Holbeins, and one by Van Dyck. By the time Lucy went to change for supper she and Sir Humphrey were well pleased with each other, and firm friends.
Gavin rode in just before supper time, and after changing quickly, he sought out Sir Humphrey in his study and accepted a glass of wine.
'I was hoping to find you alone, Humphrey. I have something I wish to discuss with you.'
Sir Humphrey smiled slightly. 'Oh?'
'Lucy should inherit all this as your acknowledged daughter.'
Sir Humphrey frowned slightly. 'She cannot inherit the title. I had intended to leave her well taken care of, but the estate must go with the title, my boy.'
Gavin shook his head. 'I have sufficient fortune of my own from my father, I do not need yours as well. Pray, will you not leave it to Lucy? You are free to leave it as you wish, why not to her?'
Sir Humphrey was adamant. 'No. She is adequately provided for, but the estate goes with the title.'
Gavin argued, but could not move Sir Humphrey. It was soon supper time, and when Lucy joined them they could not pursue it further. Gavin returned to the subject whenever he had the opportunity, but Sir Humphrey was not to be moved, and two days later Gavin, his present mission completed, had to leave to rejoin the army at Oxford.
*
Lucy settled down to her new life in great content. Sir Humphrey, delighted with his daughter, was not the morose unapproachable man she had imagined in the past. Lucy had been well educated, and had an aptitude for scholarship, and he took great delight in discussing some of his ideas with her. She had read many of the classical authors, and enjoyed renewing and extending her acquaintance with these, browsing in Sir Humphrey's extensive library, contented and busy.
May passed into June, but just before the end of the month news came of the battle at Naseby, where the King appeared to have been defeated by Parliament and Cromwell's New Model Army. The first news of the battle reached them in a letter from one of the old friends Sir Humphrey still corresponded with, Lucy was frantic with anxiety for Peter and Gavin. She tried to suppress the fact that it was Gavin she was more concerned about, and pretended that she worried equally about them both.
Fortunately the anxiety was short, for Gavin appeared but two days later, and was able to tell them that Peter had also been spared, though he had been slightly wounded in the leg.
'Is it safe for you to come here into Essex?' Sir Humphrey asked worriedly. 'It is Parliament country, and you are a known Cavalier.'
'I do not think I will be molested,' Gavin answered cheerfully. 'The ordinary folk are simply anxious to get on with their own affairs. They do not relish having to support either side. But there is work to be done, I must see more of the uncommitted gentry, and urge them to join the King. He needs everyone he can get.'
'I doubt if you will have much success.'
'Mayhap you are right, but I must try my utmost. I must set off tomorrow, and cannot tell how long I will be absent. Do not look for me, I will return when I can.'
After this brief visit Gavin left once more, and the next visitor to the Manor was Peter Francis. He had ridden over from Delmead as soon as his leg was mended to visit Lucy, but had discovered the ruined cottage. It was in an even worse state than when Lucy had left it. The villagers had started another fire, and this time had succeeded in destroying most of the structure. Peter, frantic with anxiety, rode swiftly for the Black Goat.
He was fortunate to discover Jem there, for it was the dinner hour.
'Greetings, Mr Perkins.'
Jem nodded but did not reply.
'Can you tell me what has happened to Mistress Dean's cottage, and where she is?'
'It was burnt by the villagers who reckon her a witch,' Jem answered abruptly. 'She has flown.'
'Where? Do you not know?'
Jem smiled. 'Like mother, like daughter,' he said angrily. 'She has gone to Anstey Manor.'
'What? How comes that?' asked Peter in astonishment. 'Oh, the young cockerel who visits Sir Humphrey carried her off.'
'You mean Gavin Anstey?'
'I suppose that is he. Aye, as I say, like mother, like daughter. Her mother went with old Anstey, Lucy with the young one.'
Peter rose and left the common room abruptly. Calling for his horse he set off for the Manor where, knowing Sir Humphrey's reputation, he was surprised to be shown directly to him.
Sir Humphrey greeted him in a kindly way. 'I am pleased to see your hurt is no greater. How are your parents and your sister?'
'They are all well, Sir. May I see Lucy? I understand she is here.'
'Why, yes. My daughter has come to live with me now.'
'Your daughter? Then 'tis true! Sir, I beg pardon – '
'True? What you had always surmised?'
Peter looked embarrassed. 'It was the natural conclusion, Sir,' he answered, and the old man nodded.
'But I was an unnatural father not to acknowledge her. Foolish, too, for she has brought me great joy. Yes, you may see her. Methinks she is in the garden. Would you care to go out to her?'
*
He opened one of the long windows which led onto a terrace, and pointed out the direction. Peter stepped out. He could see a bright red dress in the distance, and he made his way towards Lucy. She was gathering roses, but hearing his approach she looked up enquiringly. Seeing who it was she dropped the basket, scattering blooms all round, and ran towards him.
'Peter! How pleased I am to see you. How are you? Where were you wounded? Are you recovered now?'
'Steady, steady,' he laughed at her. 'I was wounded, I am recovered. But you, I find you in greatly altered circumstances?'
'Is it not marvellous?' she asked, smiling up at him. 'I am so happy, my father is so kind.'
'You deserve such happiness, Lucy.'
She led him to a seat in an arbour nearby, and they sat and talked for a long while.
'What do you intend now?' Lucy asked eventually.
'I go to rejoin the King soon. He will be gathering his forces in Wales. I came home mainly to recover fully from my wound, but in a few weeks' time I shall rejoin him. In the meantime I am helping Gavin recruit support for the King.'
'I wish you good fortune,' Lucy said. 'I have heard so little of the war, I know so little about it. But I trust the King will eventually succeed.'
They sat in silence for a while.
'Lucy, do you remember when I asked you to marry me? Would you consider it now?'
Lucy looked up at him, dismay clouding her eyes. 'Peter, no! I cannot marry you. Please do not ask me.'
He looked down at her. 'I can appreciate you do not wish to leave this new home,' he said. 'If you wish, and Sir Humphrey agrees, I will not ask it of you. But Lucy, consider me a little.'
'I do, Peter,' she answered, 'and I know I am not the wife for you. I cannot love you as a wife ought.'
He sighed, but did not press her, and soon they were talking of other subjects, and then Peter took his leave and rode home.
*
At supper that night he somewhat triumphantly informed his mother he had been to visit Lucy.
'At that hovel where she is living?' Mistress Francis scoffed. 'She was a very stupid girl to leave all the advantages she had here.'
'I do not think she has made a bad exchange,' Peter said quietly. 'She is not living at her grandmother's cottage. The old woman died in February, did you not know?'
'I did indeed hear something,' his mother said.
'Later the cottage was burned down, but Lucy had in the meantime gone to live at Anstey Manor.'
'What is that you say? How come she should insinuate her way there? Why, the scheming little hussy!'
'Mother, I am sure that is not so,' Sarah protested gently.
'Hold your tongue. What do you know about it? How did she get there?' Mistress Francis demanded of Peter.
'I do not know the full story,' he confessed, 'but 'twas something to do with Gavin Anstey. 'Twas odd he did not tell me himself. I only discovered it when I rode into Brookley today.'
'Oh, the cunning of it,' Mistress Francis exclaimed. 'So she thinks to worm her way in with him too!'
'Whom do you mean, my love?' the normally quiet Mr Francis asked.
'Gavin, of course. Now let me think. Peter, when do you see Gavin Anstey again?'
'We plan to meet in two days to compare progress,' answered Peter, puzzled.
'When does he return to Anstey Manor?'
'I do not know. A few days after that, I imagine.'
'Find out when he is certain to be there. We must pay our respects to Sir Humphrey if he is once more accessible to the world.'
'Oh, no, Mother, I would not like – ' Sarah began, but again was told in no uncertain terms she did not know what she was talking about.
So it happened that on the day after Gavin returned to Anstey Manor, Mistress Francis drove up in her coach, announcing she had come to pay her respects to Sir Humphrey.
*
Lucy and Gavin were with Sir Humphrey when the servant came to tell him of this visitation, and Gavin looked expressively at Lucy.
'I am being pursued, methinks,' he said, and Lucy chuckled. 'I pray you, Humphrey, do not allow me to be captured!'
Sir Humphrey laughed. 'You are well able to evade any traps set for you. Show them in,' he ordered the servant, and rose to greet Mistress Francis who swept haughtily into the room followed reluctantly by Sarah, who tried to stay in the background.
It was the first time she and Lucy had met since Lucy's departure from Delmead, and the two girls embraced eagerly, and retired to a corner to exchange news after Lucy had paid her respects to Mistress Francis, and answered some sharp questions that lady put to her.
'I was so surprised when Peter told us what had happened to you,' Sarah said. 'We are most curious. How did it come about?'
'It is a long story,' Lucy sighed, 'and not very pleasant.'
'Tell me, though.'
Lucy did her best and explained the witch suspicions and the pursuit by Jem Perkins, her rescue by Gavin, and his consequent introduction of her to Sir Humphrey.
'My father has acknowledged me and accepted me here. Sarah, I cannot tell you how happy I am!'
'I am delighted for you,' the other girl said generously. 'I was so hurt and worried when you left us, but I did not dare go against my mother's orders and come to see you. Peter gave me news of you, but I am sorry I did not attempt to see you.'
Lucy grasped her hand. 'I understand, Sarah. You could not disobey your mother. I have known you wish me well. Mayhap now we can meet more frequently. I will ask my father if you can come here to stay for a while.'
'I would like that immensely,' Sarah answered.
Mistress Francis, having exchanged compliments and family news with Sir Humphrey, beckoned Lucy over to her, and Gavin came to sit with Sarah while Lucy, supported by her father, was being catechised by Mistress Francis. She was conscious always of the desire to watch Sarah and Gavin. Gavin seemed amused by Sarah's company, and Sarah was animated, blushing prettily and doing her best, Lucy thought, to follow her mother's instructions to captivate Gavin. Lucy decided that in this Sarah was not going against her own inclinations, and she answered Mistress Francis somewhat distractedly. It was with relief on Lucy's part that the visit came to an end and Mistress Francis carried Sarah away, smiling warmly at Gavin and inviting him to come and stay with them again when he could.
He answered politely and suggested he might accept her invitation in a few days' time, for it would be convenient to make his headquarters at Delmead while visiting some of the neighbouring gentry.
Smiling contentedly, Mistress Francis bade farewell to Lucy and Sir Humphrey and triumphantly departed. Gavin stood at the door watching them, a smile on his face and Lucy, feeling a stab of jealousy which she tried to ignore, turned aside and became very interested in something else.
That evening at supper Lucy was unusually quiet, and both Sir Humphrey and Gavin watched her with concern. Afterwards, the evening being very warm, Gavin persuaded her to walk in the garden. Sir Humphrey declared he was tired and would sit with a book, and so Gavin and Lucy strolled along the paths.
'What ails you, my dear?' Gavin asked as they reached the end of one path and turned to retrace their steps.
Lucy looked up at him with startled eyes. 'Why, nought ails me,' she stammered.
'Then why so quiet? Has the dragon Francis frightened you?'
Lucy laughed and denied this.
'Then what is't?'
She shrugged. 'I know not, but you must permit me to be melancholy sometimes. Are not all woman so?'
Gavin smiled at her. 'Not my little Lucy.'
Lucy felt herself blushing. His tone was very warm, and twice within minutes he had used expressions of endearment. She made to walk on, and he offered his arm. As they strolled in the garden chatted about inconsequential matters.
The next day he rode off to visit Delmead, and Lucy resumed her quiet life, trying to push into the background of her thoughts her feelings for Gavin.
*