PIP WAS AWARDED a grand return. The moment she stepped over Bracken House’s threshold, Bink and Lunar, the master’s Labradors, hurtled across the kitchen to greet her with wet tongues and wagging tails. Mack, a grooming brush in his hand, wasn’t far behind. With a grin as bright as a summer sun, he threw himself into her arms and clung to her, as though afraid she’d vanish again if he let go.
‘Eeh, lad.’ Closing her eyes, Pip pressed her cheek against his. ‘Now, then. I’m back, I’m back, don’t fret.’
‘Why did you leave us, me and Simon? Did you stop loving us for a bit, Pip, is that it?’ the youngster asked brokenly.
‘’Ere, what? Never! You two are what my heart beats for, allus shall.’ She glanced to Simon over Mack’s shoulder with a tender smile. The one he returned to her was, uncharacteristically, just as soft.
‘Right, now. Let Pip here up for air, my lad. The lass needs a sound feeding, I’ll be bound, poor love.’ Cook shepherded her to a chair at the table beside Tabby, who hugged her close and told her she was glad she was home, then bustled around the fire with purpose. Pip’s stomach growled in anticipation – if there was one thing the woman could be relied upon to do, it was to stuff your guts close to bursting. Oh, she was back!
In no time at all, the hot beef and onions and large helping of potatoes, not to mention thick floury bread, and all washed down with two cups of tea, had vanished and she felt much better. Cook had just placed a generous helping of ginger cake and fresh cream before her when the baize door opened and Hardman appeared. Catching her eye, Pip gave her a knowing look.
It was obvious to her now why the housemaid hadn’t shown for their arranged meeting: Caroline was gone so whatever she’d been plotting, there was no need for it now. Although Hardman didn’t look exactly brimming with joy at the development, Pip noticed. She’d had a sneaking suspicion why Hardman yearned for Caroline to be out of the way – Philip. With his wife gone, she’d surely assumed she would have the master’s son to herself. Then why was her mouth downcast and obvious displeasure lurking behind her eyes? It didn’t make sense but Pip pushed the questions from her mind with a shrug. None of that mattered, now. She was back, and neither wanted nor needed to concern herself with it.
Plonking Albert’s empty lunch tray on to the table, Hardman flicked her gaze to Pip. Discreetly, she gave her an almost disappointed shake of the head, and Pip’s puzzlement returned. What was wrong with her?
‘Master were asking just now whether you’d returned and if you’d had any joy locating this one,’ the housemaid told Cook. ‘He said when so, you were to inform him right away.’
The cook nodded. ‘I’ll take Pip up shortly. Poor thing’s famished and needs to finish her meal.’
‘Could I call in to Miss Josephine first, please, Cook?’ asked Pip, pushing her empty bowl away. ‘I’d like her to know I’m back, that I’m here for her again. Been worried about her summat awful, I have, since yesterday.’
‘Best you visit the master first, lovey. He’ll not keep thee long, then you can see Miss Josephine—’
‘Nay, she can’t.’ Hardman shook her head. ‘Doctor’s in with her and gave strict instructions they’re not to be disturbed.’
‘Oh no. Were the poor miss taken ill in my absence?’
Hardman nodded. ‘Mr Philip couldn’t calm her so sent for the doctor. Mind, he’s been up there a while, now.’
Pip’s stomach dropped. Miss Josephine had been forced to rely on him again because she hadn’t been here? But he didn’t understand her ailment, wasn’t making matters better with his daft diagnoses of rotten blood and suchlike. Oh but she felt guilty, she did, for she felt she’d let Miss Josephine down. Had she had another attack? She must have been so afraid. And she’d promised the lady she wasn’t going anywhere, that she would do her utmost to help her conquer it. She must see her, check she was well.
‘Can we see the master, now, Cook?’ she asked, scraping back her chair. The sooner she’d fulfilled Albert’s request, the quicker she could go and see her mistress. After all, the doctor should have left by then; Hardman had just said herself that he’d been here some time.
Miss Josephine was still on her mind when Cook showed her into the master’s room minutes later. Though all thoughts melted and she shuddered to a halt to see Lucy sitting cross-legged on the bed playing cards with her grandfather. The girl looked around at their entrance. Instantly, her eyes widened and filled with tears, and Pip’s did likewise. Though Pip knew her own gaze shone with only reassurance, Lucy’s eyes were filled with raw guilt. She rose slowly and came to stand in front of her.
‘Pip …’
‘It’s all right, Miss Lucy,’ she murmured with a soft smile.
The blue eyes creased further. ‘You’re not angry? Oh, but I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I’m sure. What I said … that wicked lie against your good character … I’m sorry! Oh, I am, Pip, really! I never meant … never wanted to …’
‘I know, Miss Lucy, I know. You’re not at fault, nay never. You’re my friend, allus shall be.’ Pip barely got the words out before the girl flung herself at her and caught her in a crushing hug. Smiling, she returned the embrace. Eeh, but she did love this innocent lamb, had missed her as much. She was so very happy things were well again between them.
‘Where did you go to, Pip? Were you quite safe? We have been worried so, Grandy and I.’
The thought of polluting her pure mind with the reality of life beyond these walls, the slums and all they contained, filled her with horror. She forced another smile. ‘I were all right, honest. Don’t matter none now, for I’m returned – and oh, sir,’ she added with feeling, turning to Albert, ‘I’m that thankful. Ta ever so for having me back at Bracken House.’
He and Cook had looked on quietly with sad smiles as she and Lucy made their peace; now, Albert released a heavy sigh. He indicated for her to come closer. She did and to her great surprise, he reached for her hand and held it between his. His kindness brought tears to her eyes. Not for the first time, she marvelled at the grand good fortune that had first brought her to this door.
‘We have indeed been worried. Dear Pip … we have treated you with great dishonour. I can only apologise with unreserved sincerity. Rest assured, the perpetrator has left this house and shan’t set a toe inside again. Why she did it …’ He shook his greying head. ‘I don’t know, nor do I understand, what she wished to gain from such an act. Again, I’m sorry I doubted your word. We all are.’
‘She really ain’t coming back, sir?’ Pip was agog with astonishment. This, from Albert’s own lips! And yet neither he nor his granddaughter appeared upset at the loss, not a bit. This really was rather surprising; Caroline was, after all, Lucy’s mother. Not a very good one, it was true, given the distress she’d put her child through but still … And Mr Philip? Where was he? How did he feel about all this? Just where had Caroline gone?
‘Certainly not. She packed her effects and vacated this house yesterday evening.’
‘And halloo to that!’ Lucy added, covering her mouth with a giggle when Albert wagged a finger at her in mock sternness. ‘Oh, Pip, imagine it! She’s left at long last.’
‘You’re not … upset, Miss Lucy? Even a little?’
The girl gazed at her as though she were mad. ‘Why of course not!’
‘And Mr Philip?’ Her surprise mounting, Pip murmured the question to the master.
‘I shouldn’t think so,’ he replied with an easy lift of his shoulder.
‘Oh. Well. Well, I …’ She didn’t know what to say. She’d known Caroline was a devilsome piece, but by! This lot, her own kin …?
‘Ah! You’ve returned, I see.’
The voice, followed by the approaching footsteps behind her, made the hairs on the back of Pip’s neck stand to attention like well-trained soldiers. Her head swivelled around and she could do nothing but stare in confused horror at Caroline standing in front of her. No. No … But what … how …?
‘Pip, isn’t it?’ A disarming smile stroked her lips, though Pip was certain she detected an altogether different emotion lurking behind the ice-blue eyes. ‘On behalf of myself and my husband, please do accept our regret for the recent wrongdoing towards you. Given it was a member of our personal staff who committed the act, our consternation is stronger still, as you can imagine. However, as I’m sure my father-in-law has assured you, Finch has gone and for good.’
Finch? Oh my … of all the slippery, double-dealing … Pip swallowed hard. Obvious, at least to herself, smugness now glistened in the lady’s gaze and Pip felt bile rise in her throat. She’d wormed her way out of it. She’d placed the blame at her employee’s door and the family had fallen for it. No wonder they hadn’t appeared overly concerned at the loss of the guilty party, in particular Lucy – they had been referring to Finch all along! Whilst all the time, she’d believed, had hoped it was the real villain who had been shown the door. For despite what she’d discovered, she just knew that the nursemaid hadn’t been the one with a hand in this whole sorry mess. Caroline had.
Given her position, she’d successfully shifted the blame to cover her own back. And what did this mean for her, for the lads? Surely her vendetta against them wouldn’t stop here? No, this wasn’t over. But God above, what have I done to deserve this? she silently beseeched the Almighty, biting down on her lip to curb the tears threatening to escape.
‘Of course,’ Caroline was saying now, though Pip barely registered the words through the sad fog clogging her mind, ‘I shall ensure that the next nursemaid we take on is of a more agreeable nature. The recent incident shall not be repeated, I assure you.’
Silence hung between them, then: ‘Pip, say thank you to Mrs Goldthorpe,’ murmured Cook, giving her a small nudge. ‘She’s the one what insisted that Finch piece be got rid of and pronto.’
I’ll bet she did. ‘Ta, thanks, Mrs Goldthorpe,’ she forced out on a painful breath.
Caroline flashed a too-nice smile, nodded to the others, and was gone as swiftly as she’d appeared.
‘Oh, but Grandy, I don’t want another nursemaid!’ whined Lucy, snuggling close to him, her rosebud mouth puckered in a pout. ‘I shan’t have one, no! I shall tell Papa; he will persuade Mama that I’m not in need of one. Won’t he, Grandy?’
As a means of placating the child, Albert patted her head. But his attention was on Pip. The lines on his brow deepened as he frowned. ‘Are you quite well, lass? Indeed, you look fit to drop. Mabel,’ he added, glancing to Pip’s side, ‘put the child to bed right away. She has been through the mill, poor mite, and shall require some time to recover from her ordeal. I insist,’ he continued to Pip firmly when she made to protest. ‘Rest is what you need and that is what you shall have. Now, go on. Mabel will see you right.’
‘I will that. You can ease up in my bed the night, lass.’
Too sore of heart to argue, Pip, after returning Lucy’s sweet goodbyes, allowed herself to be led from the room. Outside, however, she drew back as they headed for the stairs. ‘Cook, I’m all right, really, honest.’ She inclined her head to Miss Josephine’s door. ‘Let me see the lady? Oh do, please?’
‘But Albert said—’
‘I’ll rest soon, honest I will, when I’ve seen that Miss Josephine’s well. Can I, Cook?’
Surveying Pip properly, her face took on the expression that the master had worn a moment ago. She cocked her head. ‘Summat’s troubling thee still. What is it?’
The temptation to spill her guts and cry out all that was going on – Caroline’s deception, the real truth – was crippling. But something, perhaps fear of Cook releasing her wrath on to the lady and creating a whole other level of trouble for her, made her hold back.
‘If there’s owt the matter, owt at all … You know, don’t yer, that you can depend on me?’
‘Aye, like last time?’ The words were out before Pip could bite them back. She blushed crimson. ‘Cook, I … didn’t mean that. I’m sorry, I am, honest—’
‘Tha talks truth, though,’ Cook interjected, averting her gaze. When she spoke again, her voice shook with stark regret. ‘I let thee down. I was wrong, aye, I say I was wrong. But know this: never shall I doubt you again.’ She brought her stare back and it took Pip’s breath away to see it shining with something she’d hungered for without realising it, that she hadn’t seen in another adult, another woman, for such a long time: love.
She felt her chin wobble but was powerless to stop it, and the next moment she was enveloped in Cook’s arms and weeping softly into her snowy apron. ‘It were awful, Cook, awful. I don’t ever want to leave here, leave you, again.’
‘Nor shall a soul try and make thee, neither. Not again. Not on my watch. Wicked bugger, that Finch; I never did take to her. You know, she gave no reason as to why she made it all up. Miss Lucy told how she’d cornered her in the Green after playing with you, said as how she must seek out Mr Philip upon her return to the house and spew the untruth exactly as she’d told her, else it’d be the worst for her. Frickened the dear angel out of her wits, she did. You know the lass wouldn’t have bad-mouthed about you otherwise, don’t you? She’s taken to you, lovey, and it’s nice to see. You’ll try and forget all this, now, eh? Put it behind you, like?’
So that’s how Caroline had done it. Of course, she should have guessed. She hadn’t persuaded her daughter to tell such lies; she’d have known she’d have been in hot water and unable to wriggle out of it had Lucy slipped up. No. She’d ordered the nursemaid to do her dirty work instead, had had no qualms about Finch threatening her child to do the deed. She was horrid, horrid. And quite clearly capable of anything. Just how did this bode for her? Dread snaked down her spine.
With effort, she forced out the lie: ‘Aye Cook. I’ll dwell on it no more.’
‘There’s a good, bonny lass. Now, I’d best get back to my duties.’ Cook gave her a last squeeze. She sniffed twice, three times, then nudged Pip towards the door up ahead. ‘Go on with you, then, else you’ll have me bawling into the family’s soup and that’ll not go down reet well, will it? ’Ere and if the doctor’s still with her – though he really should have taken his leave by now – you show him your powers. Happen he could learn a thing or two from thee.’
Pip grinned at Cook’s cheeky wink and when the woman had disappeared, hurried to Miss Josephine’s room. Pressing her ear to the door, she listened for signs of the doctor’s presence. After a moment, a strange grunting reached her, followed by what sounded like a strangled cry. Miss Josephine.
Worry gripped Pip’s chest. With no thought in mind but her mistress’s well-being, she twisted the gold doorknob.
Whatever she’d expected couldn’t have prepared her, in a thousand lifetimes, for what she was presented with.
A feeling she’d never experienced before tied her guts into fiery knots. She wasn’t even completely sure what she was witnessing, but she knew without question it was wrong. That the man shouldn’t be doing that to her.
Miss Josephine lay propped up in the bed against a mound of pillows. Her head was turned to the side, eyes closed. But though her cheeks blazed with obvious embarrassment, even shame, her expression wasn’t of horror or fear, nor dislike – quite the reverse. As the wispy squeaks of satisfaction proved, she appeared lost only in enjoyment.
What pleasure she found in the act – cream nightgown pushed above her widely parted knees, Doctor Lawley, with a somewhat bored countenance, standing at the foot of the bed, one hand moving busily at the secret place between her legs – Pip couldn’t say. She knew little of medical practices, it was true, but he shouldn’t be behaving in this manner, surely? Forcing her he mightn’t be, but still … So engrossed was he in his task, it was only Pip’s gasp that brought his head around. Their eyes locked and for some seconds, they simply stared at each other in shock.
No words were spoken and Miss Josephine still hadn’t noticed her presence as, shaking her head slowly, Pip backed away. When she found herself on the landing, she turned tail and ran down the stairs, dizzy with confusing emotions. She reached the broad hall and as she drew level with the study, the door suddenly opened and she almost careered into Mr Philip leaving the room. His surprise turned to anger, which then slipped from his face and he surveyed her in mild interest.
‘I was informed you had returned.’
She hardly heard her response over the thumping of her heart: ‘Aye, Mr Philip, sir.’
‘Finch was the instigator in that vicious tale, so I’m told?’
Nay, you’re wrong there. It was your own wife, though you’d not believe me in a week of Wednesdays and proving it is nigh on impossible, she said in her mind. ‘Aye,’ she murmured.
‘Then I … Well, perhaps my treatment of you … However, Lucy named you from her own lips, so naturally …’
Aware this was as near to an apology as she was likely to receive, Pip nodded. ‘I understand, Mr Philip. You took your daughter’s word as truth, as would any sound father.’
There was the slightest softening of his eyes. Then he cleared his throat and frowned. ‘It seems my father has made up his mind about you and those friends of yours staying, so here’s some advice you’d do well to heed: stay out of my way. One wrong move from any of you and, whatever my father’s views, I shall personally evict you from this house with my own two hands. Do you understand?’ he added, sterner still when she didn’t answer – her gaze had strayed once more towards the stairs.
‘Aye, yes … Course. Sorry, Mr Philip.’
He followed her stare and his eyes narrowed. ‘What is it?’
‘Nowt, sir—’
‘Don’t tell me nothing. You’re shaking.’
Should she spill all about what she’d seen concerning his sister? He’d be furious; happen he’d give the doctor a sound thrashing and he’d deserve nothing less, but then again, what if he grew angry with Miss Josephine, too? She didn’t want to get her into trouble, for Pip was certain none of this was of her doing. The old quack up there had surely turned her mind somehow, and yet … Would keeping her silence mean these sorts of goings-on continued? If she revealed what she’d seen, Mr Philip would put a stop to it right away. Surely that would be better for Miss Josephine …?
‘Speak, girl. That is an order.’
Her stuttered recollections, made all the more difficult to spit out by her burning embarrassment, barely made sense; or so it seemed to her. Nevertheless, the man before her seemed to grasp her explanation without trouble – he cut her off with a sharp intake of breath.
‘Caroline.’
His harsh murmur brought Pip’s head up sharply. He believed his wife was at the root of this? But how? Oh, was there no low to which that ghastly woman would not sink! ‘Sir?’
Anger had flooded his face once more but again, albeit with clearly more effort this time, he replaced it; now with forced control. He glanced left and right, then up the staircase. ‘Take yourself to the kitchen and remain there until you’re sent for,’ he told her through gritted teeth. ‘Breathe not a word of this to a soul. Do you hear me?’
She nodded timidly. She didn’t know what it was when he stared at her intently like this. It made her feel queer inside. He frightened her something awful when his temper was up, that’s what.
‘If my father was to discover …’ He ran a hand across his smooth, chiselled chin. ‘By God, you had better make sure he doesn’t! You just keep your mouth shut. Now go. Go,’ he growled, sending her on her way with a shove. Moments later, he’d returned to his study. The door slammed shut and she headed for the kitchen with a heavy hammer of dread in her breast.
Just what would happen? Had she done the right thing?