‘MISS JOSEPHINE’S DISCOVERED you’re back and is asking for thee,’ announced Hardman not half an hour later. She’d been summoned to carry tea up to the lady and though Pip would have willingly taken on the task, Mr Philip’s instructions for her to remain here until sent for had deterred her from offering.
Clearly, the doctor had finally taken his leave. Had Mr Philip confronted him about what she’d told him? she wondered, biting her lip. Was Miss Josephine even aware of what had occurred, what Pip had seen? Scraping back her chair, she took a deep breath. She was about to find out.
She yearned to see the fragile woman. She felt the strongest urge to protect her and, Pip told herself resolutely, that’s what she was going to do, whether certain folk beneath this roof liked it or otherwise. First things first, she had to try her hardest to get rid of that doctor for good and proper. Hopefully, now she was back, Miss Josephine would uphold her decision that his visits were no longer required. She was determined to get to the bottom of this. He was up to no good, she was sure. And from the name Mr Philip had let slip, his low-bellied wife was once again at the root of the problem.
Now, pausing outside her mistress’s door, she drew in air again to steady her nerves, unsure what the outcome of this summons would be. After smoothing down her apron, she knocked twice and entered.
‘My dear, dear girl.’
‘Eeh, Miss Josephine, I have missed thee.’ Crossing to the chaise longue, Pip took the slender hands held out to her.
Sad and anxious eyes relaxed a little and some colour appeared in her pale cheeks as Pip sat beside her. She smiled with a sigh. ‘Oh, I cannot tell you how pleased I am that you’re back. When I heard what had happened – what they claimed happened – I just knew right away it was pure fabrication. If nothing else, I watched you with my niece and it’s clear to see you’re most fond of the girl. What possessed Finch to commit such a deed, I suppose we shall never know; but oh,’ she continued in the same breath, closing her eyes in relief, ‘none of that matters, not now, for you’re here with me again. I … had a terrible attack of the nerves earlier today.’
Pip felt colour stain her cheeks. ‘Aye. Hardman said.’
‘Philip, he insisted Doctor Lawley be sent for.’ Now, it was the woman’s turn to blush to the roots of her hair. She dabbed at her mouth with a lace handkerchief. ‘Oh, thank the Lord you’re back,’ she whispered again with feeling.
What did he do to thee? Why? she wanted to ask but knew she couldn’t. The woman’s embarrassment was tangible. How could Pip reveal she’d witnessed the sinful act? She couldn’t, she couldn’t; the shame of it really would be more than the delicate nerves could bear.
‘I’m that sorry I weren’t here. But I shan’t be leaving again. And Miss Josephine?’ Pip stared earnestly into her eyes. ‘You’ll not need that man again, nay never.’
Something, perhaps in Pip’s passionate tone, made worrying suspicion crinkle the lady’s brow. ‘You … didn’t speak with the doctor today, did you, dear girl?’
‘Nay, Miss Josephine.’ It wasn’t an untruth. Not a word had passed between them. Nevertheless, her colour mounted.
Josephine’s face relaxed. Averting her gaze, she lifted her china cup and sipped. Noticing her hands shaking slightly, Pip sought for words of a lighter nature to divert her attention before her growing anxiety could bring about another attack.
‘How’s Mr Sutton-Shaw, Miss Josephine? Well, I pray?’
To her relief, this seemed to work; the woman lit up. She glanced up coyly from beneath her lashes. ‘Indeed, quite so. He’s calling in at Bracken House this evening. Hopefully, I’ll be well enough to see him for a short while.’
‘Oh, you shall!’ Pip nodded emphatically. ‘Oh, you must, Miss Josephine, for I see he makes you happy.’
The woman’s enthusiasm grew. ‘He does, Pip. But what if I should, should begin to feel … you know, unwell again, and make a fool of myself—’
‘You must tell yourself you’ll not. And believe it. Go on, Miss Josephine, you can do it.’
With a curt flick of her head, she took a determined breath and said, ‘I will not become unwell.’
‘Aye. Aye!’
‘I will not become unwell!’
‘Eeh, that’s right, that’s it!’
‘I’m in charge of myself, not this wretched affliction!’
Pip clapped her hands, grinning.
‘I shall meet Mr Sutton-Shaw, and I shall enjoy myself!’
‘Ay, Miss Josephine.’ Pip felt breathless with pride.
‘Oh, but what if …?’ she murmured suddenly, gnawing her lip. ‘What if it does return and—’
‘Nay, nay, don’t say it, for it gives it power over thee. Believe. You must.’
‘I decide what I do, when I do it, and with whom!’ Josephine burst out, the fire returning to her eyes. ‘It’s not the master of me!’
‘Nay, it ain’t.’ Pip’s choked words hung in the air. They smiled at one another tearfully. ‘Mebbe soon, when your strength’s grown, the two of you could take walks in the Green. The fresh air would do you good. It’s close by home so would give thee reassurance should you feel unwell.’
‘One step at a time, hm?’ The lady laughed. Taking her by the hand, she drew her across the room. ‘Come, Pip. Help me decide which evening dress I will wear. Shoes, too. And a necklace and earrings,’ she added on a giggle, as carefree as a woman half her age.
Chest fluttery with happiness, Pip followed gladly.
After a pleasant hour and much jollity, they had decided on a low-necked gown in sage-green silk that swished about the lady’s slim figure with each step like liquid. Matching slippers of a slightly lighter hue peeped from beneath the large crinoline skirt. Josephine had just sat down at her dressing table, a rosewood box opened out in front of her, jewels and pearls winking from the fire’s glow in the room’s fading light, when a knock sounded and the door opened.
‘Oh.’ Philip paused in the entrance. His surprised gaze took in his sister’s appearance. Though a frown accompanied it, he returned the smile she gave him over her shoulder then crossed the floor. ‘You’re well?’
Josephine nodded. ‘Has Alexander arrived yet?’
‘Alex …? Josephine, are you sure—?’
‘Quite.’ She swivelled around and laid a hand lightly on her brother’s arm. ‘Please, I would so like to see him. I’m feeling much better, Philip.’
His black brows drew together. ‘So you seem.’ He released air slowly. ‘Would that be due to the doctor’s visit?’ he forced out. ‘It is his … intervention that has brought about this notable recovery—?’
‘No.’ Josephine’s neck and face blazed. ‘No,’ she repeated a little more calmly, though her breathing had quickened. ‘Pip. Here.’ She pointed to her. ‘This girl is the one who has, yet again, brought my fraught mind under control. She is the one, the only one, I need to help me through this. I do not wish to see that man ever again.’
Philip’s stare flicked to Pip. With her eyes, she begged with him to let the matter drop; for now at least. Miss Josephine was feeling the best she had in a long while, it was clear to see. Please, sir, don’t ruin her hard work by upsetting her with memories of that tyrant’s touch. She needn’t know I saw what I did, for it’ll bring more harm to her than good. Please, please …
As though he’d read her plea, he inclined his head a fraction. Returning his attention to Josephine, he stared at her for some seconds. ‘Alexander should be arriving any moment. If you’re certain you’re up to it, I’ll see you downstairs in ten minutes.’ He’d spoken almost softly; he finished his speech with a somewhat awkward pat of his sister’s shoulder.
‘Philip?’
Having made to leave hastily, as though embarrassed by his show of kindness, he now paused by the door. ‘Yes?’ he asked without turning.
‘Thank you. I shan’t let you down.’
He lowered his head. Then he left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
‘How you fettling, Miss Josephine?’ asked Pip minutes later when, having helped put the final touches to her appearance, she stood looking up at her at the door.
‘All right, I think.’ The woman fiddled with the string of emeralds around her throat. ‘I will not become unwell.’ The mantra from earlier fell from her lips. She flashed a shaky smile. ‘Here goes. Wish me luck, Pip.’
‘I shan’t if you don’t mind, Miss Josephine, for luck’s not in it. It’s in you. It’s your strength, that’s what. I know you can do it.’
‘Oh, dear girl …’ Josephine’s gloved fingers brushed Pip’s cheek in a brief caress. ‘You will be close by, however, should I need you?’
‘I’ll be here in this very room, Miss Josephine. I’m going nowhere, don’t fret. Now, off you go and enjoy your evening.’
After some seconds and several deep breaths, the lady opened the door. Another lungful of air later, she was gone.
As a protective mother might when her child is let loose without her, Pip distracted herself with tidying the large room, hanging up dresses discarded during the choosing period and putting back shoes. She was returning pairs of sparkling earrings to the jewellery box when the clop of hooves and crunch of iron-rimmed wheels carried through the partially opened window. She crossed to it and peeped around the curtain. A private carriage was just drawing away and midway up the steps to the front door was a tall, slim gentleman. Miss Josephine’s Alexander Sutton-Shaw. It had to be.
From her vantage point, Pip caught only a glimpse of the round black crown of his tall hat and shiny shoes of the same colour. Moments later, he’d disappeared inside the house and, letting the curtain fall, she returned to her duties with a smile. It was obvious he was keen on the master’s daughter; kind and patient, too. And from the little she’d just seen of him, handsome to boot. Oh, but she hoped the evening would go well for Miss Josephine, for the pair of them. The couple had a promising future ahead, she just knew it. He seemed not only the one the lady wanted but what she needed. Perhaps he’d be the making of her.
An hour or more had passed without incident when the door suddenly swung wide and Hardman entered the room, mouth pursed. She plonked a cup of tea down on a side table with a disgusted sniff.
‘Is that for me?’
‘Miss Josephine summoned me, instructed me to bring you up a sup. Fetching and carrying for the likes of you, I ask yer!’
‘Sorry. Ta, thanks.’
‘Aye well. Just don’t get used to it.’
‘I’ll not.’ Pip’s tone dropped. ‘Hardman?’
‘What?’
‘How’s she doing, like, Miss Josephine?’
The housemaid shrugged. ‘All right, I s’pose.’
‘Oh, that is good.’
Shrugging again, the woman turned to leave.
‘Hardman, wait.’ She did – Pip went to stand in front of her. ‘Yesterday, when I were banished from this house—’
She cut her off with a mirthless snort. ‘Finch’s doing, my left eye.’
Pip nodded. The queer realisation that this woman – who had never attempted to disguise her dislike of her, indeed resented her and the lads’ very presence beneath this roof – was her sole confidante in all this didn’t go unnoticed by her. Jess seemed to be the only one besides herself who knew how devious Caroline really was. ‘But afore I left, when we spoke …’
Her eyes moved to Pip, then away. ‘If you were left waiting long outside the station, it can’t be helped. There weren’t no point keeping the meeting, was there, given that devilish bitch wriggled herself out from the finger of blame?’
‘Aye, I figured that’s why you never showed.’
‘Then what? Why you going on about it?’
‘What you said, about getting shot of Caroline—’ The last word rattled in Pip’s throat as the housemaid took her arm and pulled her away from the door.
She drew her to a halt in the centre of the room with a rough shake, hissing, ‘Christ sake, keep your voice down.’
‘I’m sorry, I—’
‘Just you forget I said owt, right? You’re all fine and dandy, now, ain’t you, with yon feet back by Birdy’s hearth.’
‘Course I ain’t fine and dandy.’ Anger was rising in Pip; she disentangled herself from the housemaid’s hold. ‘Mrs Goldthorpe loathes the very sight of me, so it seems. Why, I don’t know, but she does. Aye, yes. She ain’t finished with me, you can be sure of that, won’t be happy till I’m gone from Bracken House for good.’
‘You mean …?’ Hardman’s hard stare intensified. ‘You still want to help me get shot of her?’
‘What? Nay, nay. I never did in the first place, was just upset when you first spoke on it, didn’t know what I were thinking.’
The woman’s face turned puce. ‘You guttersnipe time-waster, yer! Get out of my way.’ She made to barge past and from the room but Pip hurried to block her path.
‘Wait, please. It needed airing, that’s all. I didn’t mean to give you false hope, I just …’ She scraped a hand through her hair. ‘Truth be told, Hardman, I hate that woman too for the hurt she’s caused me but …’
‘But what?’
‘When all’s said and done, she’s a Goldthorpe. This is her home. She’s a right to be here, whether we like it or no. Besides …’ She hesitated but curiosity got the better of her and she added, ‘How were you planning on getting rid, anyroad? Whatever you’d a mind to think up, the family wouldn’t take your word over hers. Surely you’d be found out and what would the consequence be? You’d be out on your ear without a character reference.’
‘Words? A tall tale or some such against her? You think that’s my plans for her?’ Laughing quietly, Hardman shook her head. ‘My God, you are young after all. Oh no, when I do summat, I do it right. What I want is her gone from here for good and proper. Remember, like I said? No coming back, never to return.’
She’d spoken in such a chilling tone, the hairs on Pip’s arms sprang to attention. She licked her lips. ‘You mean …?’
‘Just you keep your snotty nose out of my business, you hear? Forget words have even passed betwixt us, for should you speak of this to anyone, that vicious bitch downstairs won’t be the only one to make an enemy of me. The lads would follow, and I’m sure you don’t want that? Am I right?’
The threat to her and the boys’ safety was clear – Pip shrank under the housemaid’s glare. She didn’t think it an idle warning neither, not if her plans for Caroline were anything to go by. The housemaid was no different from the woman she wished to destroy, Pip knew with rising dread. Not really, no, for both were hell bent on getting what they wanted and woe betide anyone who got in their way. They were as bad as each other and just as dangerous. Was this really where she and the lads should be? Living amongst such vindictiveness, looking over their shoulders all the while, afraid for their safety? She’d thought this a haven but it seemed those streets out there posed less of a threat than Bracken House. Dear God, dear God …
‘Remember, keep your trap shut, or else.’
Pip was shaking as she watched Hardman walk away. Yet before she could stop herself, her tongue took over, forcing her to ask timidly, ‘Is he really worth it, Mr Philip?’
Hardman ground to a halt. ‘Shut your mouth unless you want the feel of my hand across it. You know nowt.’
‘Nowt can come of it; he’s wed. He’s messed around with countless others afore thee—’
‘You what?’ Hardman spun around, face full of murder. ‘Liar!’
‘It’s true, Hardman, honest! Cook’s daughter, Lydia she were called, she fled after he got her with child and abandoned her. Her, the others, they didn’t deserve it. You don’t deserve to be treated this way, not by him nor anyone else. Please, don’t do owt daft concerning Mrs Goldthorpe, for you’ll suffer the consequences and it’ll be for nothing—’
‘Why, you poisonous young bitch. He wouldn’t … wouldn’t do that—’
‘He did! I’m sorry, I don’t want to hurt you, Hardman, but it’s the truth.’ Pip held out her hands in an open gesture towards the housemaid, who had stalked back and was now bearing down on her, eyes spitting steel. ‘Tabby heard it from Cook’s own lips.’
‘Well, Cook’s a damn liar as well!’ To Pip’s surprise, tears sprang to Hardman’s eyes. ‘He wouldn’t do that,’ she repeated on a whisper.
Despite everything, Pip’s heart contracted for her; she reached out a hand in comfort but it never reached Hardman’s arm. A dull creak from beyond the partially opened door stilled her progress; she and Hardman stared at each other wide-eyed then whipped their heads towards the source of the noise. Someone was out there, on the landing – that had clearly been a floorboard they had heard. Lord above, what they had been discussing … Surely not! As one, they scurried to the door.
The broad landing was deserted. Not a soul was about; they released a simultaneous sigh. Then what had caused the sound? Pip bit her thumbnail as Hardman inched towards the top of the stairs and peeped down them. Her frown, when clearly she’d seen that again there was no sign of anyone, brought another relieved sigh to Pip. Without a word, they returned to the bedroom, closing the door behind them. They stood staring at each other for a long moment.
‘You reckon …?’
‘Can’t have been. They couldn’t of scarpered from view that quick.’
‘But the noise … someone must have been out there—’
‘Just shut up about it, will you? It was no one, no one.’ Yet Hardman’s voice lacked conviction and her face had paled. ‘I must go.’ She jabbed a quivering finger at Pip’s nose. ‘Think on, you hear? You just keep that trap shut!’ She turned and hurried from the room.
Pip stood rooted, gazing at the door for an age. She felt light-headed with dread and her legs were shaking. Had someone been eavesdropping out there? For how long? Just how much had they heard?
Another, more horrifying prospect crashed through her, making her gasp. What if it had been Caroline? But surely she’d have stormed the room, demanding answers, would have flung them both out in an instant? Or maybe she was biding her time, awaiting just the right moment to pounce with her new-found knowledge; maybe had something else planned for them …?
Stop it, stop it! Pip told herself, squeezing her eyes shut before her paranoia sent her raving mad with terror.
God in heaven, why did problem follow problem beneath this roof? Oh, she didn’t know how much more worry she could bear. Covering her face, she dropped into a chair and let her tears flow.
‘Pip? Oh, dear girl, wake up!’
Blinking in confusion, she shook the drowsiness from her head.
‘What a thoroughly perfect evening it’s been. And oh, you’ll never believe it! Guess. Guess what has happened!’
By now, the sleep haze was fading – and realising she lay sprawled on the mistress’s chaise longue as though she were some fine lady herself, Pip sprang up, cheeks reddening and apologies falling from her lips. ‘I’m so sorry, Miss Josephine! Oh, I don’t know what came over me, forgive me, please, I—’
‘My my, don’t take on so. No harm done, no harm done. Rest on, dear girl.’
Pip was struck by the woman’s lightness of tone. Not a trace of the nervousness she’d grown accustomed to lingered. It was then that she took in properly the glowing cheeks and eyes shimmering with joy. The sight made her young soul sing. ‘All went well, you say, Miss Josephine?’
‘The evening passed without incident, Pip. I can barely believe it.’ The lady clasped her hands together and sighed, smiling. ‘Your advice worked wonders. I believed I would be well and I was. That is to say, I did begin to feel somewhat light-headed at one point; however, I chanted to myself to remain calm and told myself that the feeling would pass, and the faintness gradually eased off without much trouble. You, young lady, are an angel sent to me from the heavens.’
Pip laughed but Miss Josephine didn’t follow suit. The lady had been speaking earnestly, she realised. She truly believed her to be a saint or some such. Pip shook her head, saying softly, ‘I’ve said it afore, Miss Josephine, and I meant it: it’s been inside yourself all along. You hold the means to be well again, not me. I just helped guide your thinking in t’ right direction.’
‘Oh no. You’ve done so much more than that. You made me believe that I could, you know? I’m almost too afraid to say this out loud, but …’ The woman’s smile broke through the biting of her lip. ‘I think … I really think I may be cured, Pip! Oh, can you imagine it, after so long …? I’m back. I’m me again.’
Pity stirred in her breast. However much she wanted to agree, despite how far Josephine seemed to have come, she was sceptical. Surely a miraculous recovery, and so soon, was wishful thinking? Though not for anything would she dash this woman’s hopes, she felt she had to err on the side of caution. ‘Aye, mebbe, Miss Josephine. Small steps, eh? You’re on your way, mind, there’s no doubt of that,’ she said with feeling. But Josephine didn’t appear to be listening. She was staring off into the distance with dancing eyes and Pip smiled curiously. ‘By, Miss Josephine, but you look fit to burst with excitement. Summat occurred the night, did you say?’
The woman’s gaze swivelled around to meet hers, then as though she couldn’t contain it any longer, bubbling laughter left her. She hugged herself tight. ‘It’s Mr Sutton-Shaw. He asked to speak with my father earlier … and I knew, I just knew …’
‘Oh, oh!’ Springing to the edge of her seat, Pip held her breath.
‘Father gave his blessing – Alexander and I are to be married!’
‘Oh, Miss Josephine!’ On impulse, she threw her arms around the lady. ‘Congratulations, congratulations! Eeh, I’m that pleased for thee.’
‘Thank you, dear girl,’ she said, voice cracking, returning Pip’s hug. ‘We’re to announce it properly on Tuesday, the first day of the new year, with a grand dinner here at Bracken House. I cannot express how happy I am. I’d begun to think it wouldn’t happen for me and yet it has. And oh, I do love him so. More importantly, my feelings are reciprocated. I’m so very fortunate, Pip.’
‘He’s the lucky ’un, Miss Josephine, bagging someone as lovely as thee for a wife.’
‘Oh, Pip. What would I do without you?’ They held each other again. ‘You will of course come with us to the new place?’
A frown touched her brow. She drew back slowly. ‘New place?’
‘But of course. Once we’re married, we shall have to have a home of our own. Hopefully, it shan’t be too far away from here but that will be for Alexander to decide. Wherever it may be, I’d like to take you with me, as my personal maid.’
The thought hadn’t crossed her mind that Miss Josephine would leave Bracken House but of course, once wed, she would. On the one hand, she felt honoured that the lady thought enough of her to ask. And she so wanted to stay with her. But leave here – Cook, Tabby, Miss Lucy? The boys. She swallowed hard. Never, never. She couldn’t – wouldn’t – leave Simon and Mack behind.
‘I’d fair love to, only …’
The woman’s face fell. ‘What is it?’
‘The lads, Miss Josephine. They’re like brothers to me. I’m sorry, I can’t be parted from them.’
‘Then bring them along.’
Pip’s heartbeat quickened. ‘You mean it?’
‘Of course. I’m sure Alexander won’t mind. We shall need to acquire staff for our new home in any case and he shan’t want the bother of all that. Yes, I’m sure we could find them something to do.’
‘Oh, oh, thank you. Much as I’ll carry gratitude in my heart for the master till my dying day for giving us a home at Bracken House, I’d hate to be parted from thee, will follow thee gladly.’ She laughed brokenly. ‘You’ll not regret this, Miss Josephine.’
‘I’m sure I shan’t, Pip.’
‘Eeh, wait till I tell the lads!’
‘Go on.’
Pip leapt to her feet. ‘Aye? You sure you don’t need owt, you’ll be all right a while?’
‘Yes, yes. You go.’
‘Ta, thanks, Miss Josephine. I’ll not be long gone.’ Flashing a grin, she hurried from the room.
Outside, she paused for a moment and closed her eyes. A fresh beginning. The thought flitted through her. Smiling softly, she nodded. Pray God, she and the lads would be welcome, by all, at the new house. Free from the open looks of dislike and resentment of their presence – Caroline, Hardman, the scheming and vicious games and all that went with them. They would feel wanted, safe. Calm. Aye, and it would be wonderful, that sense of security which here they had never really felt. Folk beneath this roof wanted them gone and were not afraid to show it. Hopefully, the next place really would feel like home. A proper one, where they belonged completely.
She glanced around the beautiful space wistfully. She’d miss this place. It had been kind to her. It had provided her with happiness, hope for life again. Her gaze rested on the master’s doors. Despite feeling a painful pang, again she smiled. God love him. He was a true gentleman, as good as they came. She hoped Alexander Sutton-Shaw would prove likewise.
A sudden thought occurred to her; she tapped her lips agitatedly. The creaking she and Hardman had heard outside the door … Miss Josephine said he’d been up here earlier to see the master. Was Alexander lurking on the landing? But surely he’d have mentioned it to the others. What reason would he have for keeping silent? Nodding, she told herself she was wrong. As the housemaid said, it had been nothing. And the more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. This house was aged after all; the odd creak was to be expected, wasn’t it? With a lighter heart, she made her way downstairs.
‘Don’t try to deny it, Caroline. The orphan girl saw everything.’
Pip caught the harsh voices coming from the study midway across the hall and, head down, planned to hurry past in case the occupants should emerge; now, hearing herself being referred to, she paused. Never would she dream of eavesdropping but surely, if she was the topic of conversation, she had a right to know what was being said? She glanced left and right then inched closer to the door.
‘This isn’t funny,’ Philip continued through what sounded like gritted teeth when his wife laughed. ‘What a thing for a child to witness – not to mention what this could do to Josephine’s already fractured nerves. It could traumatise her, turn her frigid, ruin her marriage before it begins. Anyway, I thought Lawley believed that hysteria is caused by the disturbances of a wandering womb? That it can roam around the body, obstructing passages, which stagnates the blood as it cannot circulate?’
‘Indeed. But alas, the use of leeches and even bloodletting in the area has not imparted strength to her body, nor lessened her unmanageable emotional excesses. Along with others, Doctor Lawley now suspects women are oftentimes affected by female semen. Stored in the body due to a lack of marital intimacy, it turns to poison and causes high-strung behaviour. He considers his method today to be the cure. It isn’t immoral, Philip. Penetration never occurs, thus ensuring the patient remains undamaged—’
‘Stop. I cannot listen to any more.’
‘We’d exhausted all else. It was the only option left open. Of course, the last resort would be to send her to an asylum. After all, it may be the workings of demonic possession …’
‘Surely not?’ He sounded horrified. ‘Some women are prone to nervous maladies. It’s simply the vapours affecting the mind. That man doesn’t know what he’s talking about, I’m sure. When you informed me of this course of action he’d suggested weeks ago, I specifically ordered you not to give consent, did I not?’
‘Well yes, but—’
‘Then why give him leave to do just that?’ he cut in over Caroline, followed by what sounded like him thumping the desk in anger. ‘What were you thinking?’
‘What I was thinking was to make that pathetic wretch upstairs well enough not to scare Alexander away altogether,’ Caroline burst out. ‘Despite your misgivings, it seems Lawley’s method – unconventional, I grant you – has worked. Did you see her this evening? She was like a new woman.’ Again, she released a knowing laugh. ‘Who knew, hm? Pent-up frustration caused her ill health. A man’s touch in the right place was all she’d been short of—’
‘Don’t talk that way. It’s immoral, Caroline, however you try to dress it up. Thoughts of that old rogue violating her like that … It turns my stomach.’
‘You speak as though you actually care. This, her and Alexander’s union … It was your idea, if you recall?’
There followed a charged silence – Pip, her hand pressed tightly to her mouth, could do nothing even had she wanted to. What on earth was going on here? Mr Philip had had some knowledge of what the doctor was about …? A new treatment? The depraved act she’d witnessed was intended as a cure for Josephine’s illness? She shook her head in confusion. The planned wedding – it was a ruse set up by the man beyond this door? But how? Just what was his game? Why did he want his sister married off? More to the point, was Alexander aware or was he just as much a pawn as his intended in this twisted plot?
‘Don’t let’s dwell on what has brought Josephine to her senses at last but that it has happened.’ Caroline’s words now carried a wheedling note. ‘What is done is done—’
‘No more, do you hear me? Doctor Lawley has paid his last visit to this house.’
‘Of course. Unless, that is, your sister should require his … services again—’
‘I said no more, damn it!’
Again, there came a silence, then: ‘Whatever it takes to see them married, Philip; we agreed, remember? After all, who in their right mind would intentionally shackle themselves to a lunatic? He could change his mind. Alexander had to see that Josephine was getting well – after tonight, it appears he’s in no doubt. The idea worked. They’re to be married, and bless your lucky stars for it. If anything, you should be thanking the doctor and me.’
‘My sister insists it’s the intervention of the child – Pip, I believe her name is – that aids her recovery.’
‘Utter poppycock!’ The fury dripping from the furious words brought ice to Pip’s veins; she shivered uncontrollably. ‘That meddling vagabond has turned her weak head.’
‘Be that as it may … Doctor Lawley and his depraved treatment are banished from this house.’
Caroline released a long breath. When she spoke again, her voice was heavy with scorn.
‘You’re well aware that Josephine’s condition worsening and the subsequent possibility of Alexander calling the whole thing off would be the ruin of us. The risk is one we can ill afford to take, and yet … Fine. On your head be it. But I warn you of this: I shan’t hang around to witness your downfall. I’ll be gone from Bracken House before I know the shame of that, and I’ll take Lucy with me.’ Philip’s gasp at this brought a smug edge to her tone. ‘That’s right, you hear me correctly. My parents would be only too willing to take their daughter and granddaughter in.’
‘But—!’
‘All of this, the position we are in—’
‘Don’t say it. My father is to blame, remember, not I.’
‘How could I forget? I despise him for what he’s reduced us to.’ Caroline’s hiss sliced through his interjection. ‘Alexander and Josephine must marry. That is all there is to it.’
Footsteps from inside suddenly approached the door – snapping out of her dazed state, Pip bolted for cover behind a huge potted plant nearby. She thought her heart would smash through her chest, so fiercely was it beating. Holding her breath, she peeped through the glossy green leaves to see Caroline emerge from the study.
The woman seemed to be struggling to regain her composure. Slowly, her eyes swivelled up the stairs and a look of pure loathing gripped her features. ‘Orphan wretch. Damn you to hell.’ The next moment, she had marched away.
Emerging from her hiding place, Pip willed her shock-weakened legs to work. What she’d just heard … What devilment were those two about and why? Just what did Philip and his wife hope to get out of the marriage? The oddness of it made her head sore.
Furthermore, yet again, she’d managed to strengthen Caroline’s animosity towards her without meaning to. That the lady resented her for letting slip her knowledge of the doctor’s activities was clear. Last time she’d got on the wrong side of her, when mentioning that perhaps they could be friends, Caroline had concocted the terrible tale about her abusing little Lucy and almost ruined her. What revenge would the woman take this time? Pip didn’t dare imagine.
As if in a trance, sick with worry, she headed for the kitchen. Then, reaching the baize door, she turned and retraced her steps upstairs to Josephine’s room. She was in no fit mood now to announce to the lads the news she’d been so excited about shortly before. Nor could she bear to face those she loved, for surely they would notice her distress and want to know the reason. Then she’d have to come clean about the happenings in this house – some of which she herself wasn’t sure of. Cook and Simon would be furious to learn about Caroline’s treatment of her and she knew once the words were given life, she’d be unable to contain them and the whole sorry truth would pour out. And she couldn’t risk that, could she? It would cause ructions beyond her control.
They held her in high regard, she knew, loved her even, and would be furious that she’d been suffering so, alone, at Caroline’s hand. And the master would hear what had gone on, and what would the outcome be then? As she’d warned Hardman earlier, Caroline was a Goldthorpe; whatever the accusation, her word would be taken as truth by those who wielded authority here. As proven once already, her word mattered not when it came down to it, did it? No. She couldn’t risk folk knowing, Pip told herself once again. Not yet, in any case.
‘Lads are away on an errand for Cook,’ she lied as explanation to her mistress, who had greeted her speedy return with raised eyebrows. She busied herself with resuming her duties from earlier, tidying the rest of the jewellery away and replacing lids on face creams and straightening bottles of toilet water.
‘Come, Pip.’ Josephine inclined her head to the chair opposite her own, a short while later. The winter sun had long dipped behind the clouds and the soft lamplight cast the opulent room in a rose-gold glow. ‘Buttered toast and hot chocolate time, I think; what do you say?’ she asked with a smile.
Pip’s buttocks had barely touched the seat when she was back on her feet. ‘Aye, Miss Josephine. I’ll fetch them right away.’
‘No, no, child. I meant the refreshments for both of us. You stay where you are.’
Recalling Hardman’s resentment at having to fetch and carry for her with the tea, she hesitated. ‘It’s no bother, honest—’
‘Give the bell pull a tug, would you?’
With some reluctance, Pip closed her hand around the thick tassel hanging by the fireside to summon the maid downstairs. Within moments, Hardman’s soft tapping came at the door and at Josephine’s command, she entered the room – retreating seconds later with a face like thunder. Pip’s heart dipped. There was another who hated the sight of her as it was, angered further still without her intention. She felt close to tears. Just how much more of this bad feeling could she bear? She was heartily fed up with it.
‘Are you all right, Pip? You seem a little subdued.’
Sorry tears immediately clogged her throat. She nodded. ‘Aye, Miss Josephine. You?’
‘Oh, I feel wonderful, just wonderful.’ The lady breathed a contented sigh. ‘Do you know, this evening has proved a turning point, I believe. That I managed successfully to alleviate my symptoms before they had a chance to manifest … I’m proud of myself. I haven’t felt as easy of mind in such a very long time. I just cannot believe I’m cured, dear girl.’
Again, Pip wasn’t entirely convinced and responded carefully. ‘Aye, tha should be proud, an’ all. Reet well, you’re doing, Miss Josephine.’
‘It’s down to Alexander, you know,’ the woman murmured, staring off into the distance with soft eyes. ‘His love feeds my veins with strength.’
Oh, Miss, Miss … All was not well with all this, she felt it in her guts. Mrs Goldthorpe – and Mr Philip, also, it seemed – were up to something where this young couple’s union was concerned, but what? Please, Lord. Don’t have them ruin it for this kind lady, here, and her intended, she prayed silently. Was there anything she could do? she wondered suddenly. True, she couldn’t very well reveal what she’d overheard earlier to Miss Josephine, but maybe … Maybe if she knew what they were about and why, she just might be able to help make sure in some way that the couple caught up in this plot didn’t get hurt?
‘Miss Josephine?’ she forced herself to ask. ‘Have you known Mr Sutton-Shaw long? How did you meet, if you don’t mind me asking, like?’
‘We made each other’s acquaintance during the spring, shortly after my brother and his family began residing at Bracken House. Philip introduced us. They were away at school together as boys. To be honest, I was struck by him on our very first meeting.’
‘Him and Mr Philip are good friends, then, aye?’
‘Oh, quite. Alexander moved into the vicinity last year; Philip was most pleased to have his old friend back in his life. They were rather close at school, I believe.’ She laughed. ‘They’ve been thick as thieves again since.’
If Mr Philip held his friend in such high regard, why was he conspiring behind his back to do him wrong? And considering the men were so close, how hadn’t Alexander picked up an inkling of suspicion? Unless …?
A deep frown creased her brow. Was Alexander in on this, whatever it was? No, surely not – from what she’d heard of him, he was a sound and decent gentleman. Besides, what would be his motive for marrying her if not for love? And yet … for reasons unknown to her, she couldn’t shake the worm of mistrust. There was much more to all this than met the eye, she just knew it.
Pip barely noticed the housemaid’s return with the tray, so lost was she in her puzzling thoughts. After nibbling at a slice of toast and forcing down a half-cup of chocolate, she asked permission to retire to her bed. She must be by herself with her musings, to try to make sense of what she’d learned and was yet to find out, and how. Not only didn’t she want to see Miss Josephine get hurt but, having been asked to join the new couple’s future staff, her and the lads’ futures were at stake, now, too. She must discover what was afoot.
Curling up in her makeshift bed on the dressing-room floor, she pulled the blankets to her chin. Despite the need to be alone, she ached for the comforting feel of Simon and Mack’s bodies against her own. She’d do anything for a hug right now, to pour out her worries. Thoughts of the upcoming marriage and the scheming by some to see it gone through with swirled around her tired brain for an age. Yet the twilight hours’ deathly silence, broken now and again by owls’ hoots beyond the Green outside, brought no answers and fear of the unknown intensified her need for the lads’ company. What the time was, she didn’t know, when she finally pushed aside the covers and padded out.
Sounds of Josephine retiring for the night had long since filtered through to her. Now, the lady’s gentle snores eased Pip’s guilt somewhat as she continued to the door. She sounded at ease; surely she wouldn’t be missed for a few minutes?
‘I’ll be gone but a short while, Miss Josephine. I just need to see the lads, be with them a while, that’s all,’ she whispered through the gloom in the direction of the four-poster bed.
Collecting a spill from a vase on the mantel, she made for the far wall and the single lamp still burning dully – Miss Josephine insisted she couldn’t sleep in full darkness – and after lifting the glass dome, touched the spill to the violet flame. From this, she lit a candle and, shielding the guttering light with her hand so as not to disturb the woman’s sleep, slipped from the room.
She encountered not a soul nor sound on her journey; slowly, slowly, so as not to aggravate the old knob, she opened the door to Cook’s room. Her eyes went immediately to the chair by the window – to her surprise, it was empty. Then her gaze settled on the bed and her heart skipped a beat before starting up a series of gallops that pained her chest. Cook wasn’t in the chair because she was in the bed instead. Her ample bulk beneath the coverings was unmistakable. Pip’s head flicked around wildly. The lads were nowhere to be seen.
‘What in the name of all that’s holy …?’ Cook jolted awake with a gasp when, in her mindless panic, Pip rushed across and shook her shoulder frantically. ‘Lass? Saints preserve us, what—?’
‘Simon, Mack – why ain’t they here? Where are they, where are they!’
‘’Ere, now, calm yourself. Lord, child, they’re but across the way. Master gave his permission earlier for me to assign them the spare room – they couldn’t very well share this ’un with me for ever more. Besides, it made sense, that there one doing nowt but standing empty, like.’
‘I thought summat had happened, that they’d left me.’ Pip sagged, relief washing over her.
‘Now don’t talk daft. Them lads wouldn’t leave you, not for a gold watch. ’Ere, hang about, missy,’ she added, squinting at the pitch sky through the gap in the curtains, ‘what the divil you doing wandering about this part of the house and at this hour, anyroad?’
‘I missed them, Cook, is all,’ she murmured, feeling a little silly admitting it. ‘Eeh, but I’m that sorry for disturbing thee, I am. I’ll go, now, let you catch your sleep.’
Sighing, the woman patted Pip’s head and her tone was soft with understanding as she said, ‘Aye, it’s time you need to adjust, youse being in one another’s pockets, so to speak, as you allus were. Go on, now, lovey. Away to your bed afore you catch your death of cold. You mind how you go, go on.’
Pip rose, nodding, and after a last apology to this work-worn woman who barely got half the sleep she needed each night at the best of times, left the room. She cast her eyes along the landing to the boys’ door and her mouth lifted at the corners. Their own room! By, they must be beyond pleased, the pair. More importantly, they were together. Oh, if only she was sharing with them, too … Pushing the thought away, she mentally shook herself. She had a bed of her own and responsibilities along with it. She was working, now, wasn’t she, like an older girl, and it was about time she started acting like one instead of a clingy babby. Her position must come first. Miss Josephine needed her. As Cook said, she’d get used to the changes. She must. Nodding, she turned to leave.
‘Pip?’ Head thrust forward, Simon stood squinting in his doorway. ‘That you?’
‘Aye,’ she whispered. ‘Did I disturb thee?’
‘You did.’
‘Sorry, lad. I wanted to check you and the little ’un were sound, is all.’
‘Aye, well. You may as well come in a minute.’ Leaving the door ajar, he turned back into the room. By the time she entered, he’d returned to the bed he shared with Mack, who was slumbering peacefully nearest the wall, and jerked his head. She hurried across and slipped beneath the blanket beside him.
Neither spoke for some time, then: ‘All right?’ he asked.
She nodded against his shoulder.
‘Sure?’
‘Aye.’ She snuggled closer into his thin chest and in an uncharacteristic show of affection, he rested his chin on top of her head.
‘Your Miss Josephine’s well?’
Again, she nodded. ‘She’s to be wed, you know.’
‘Aye. The servants were speaking on it earlier.’
‘She wants to take me with her after the event, to her and Mr Sutton-Shaw’s new dwelling, as her personal maid. You and Mack, an’ all.’ Simon was silent; she bit her lip. ‘Will tha come?’
‘Suppose so.’
‘Eeh, lad. Ta, thanks. I’d not of consented without.’
Again, they lapsed into companionable silence. The urge to spill her concerns about all she’d discovered about this house struck Pip anew but once more, she told herself to hold her tongue, at least until she could be sure just what was going on, or tensions became too unbearable to keep them to herself. He’d only fret, and what was the use in both of them worrying?
‘Mr Philip, the dirty dog, makes late-night visits next door.’
The warm bed and the boys’ comforting presence, enveloping her like a blanket of calm, had begun lulling Pip to sleep; now, she opened her eyes and raised herself on her elbow to look at him through the darkness.
Simon nodded. ‘I heard Hardman sneaking him in her room earlier. Hushed voices and … sounds …’ He broke off before continuing with a definite note of embarrassment in his tone, ‘For at least an hour, they carried through yon wall. She’ll end up with a full belly if she ain’t careful.’
‘God help her, an’ all, for like Cook’s Lydia afore her, he’ll not see her right, you can bet,’ Pip murmured.
‘Oh aye. It’s slung out on to the cobbles to fare alone, she’ll be, and that’ll be that. ’Ere and it can’t come soon enough for me. She gets on my wick with the vicious looks and sly remarks she’s fond of throwing my way.’
‘Happen we’ll be out of it at the new house by then, if it should occur, anyroad,’ she answered hopefully. For unlike Simon, she wasn’t convinced that matters would pan out as cleanly as he predicted. Hardman didn’t seem one to take rejection on the chin and disappear, as Philip’s other ‘problem’ had. She’d kick up merry hell, turn the household on its head, so long as she got what she wanted. And what was she expecting from the master’s son? He was married already, wasn’t he? Sudden clarity had her nodding slowly with grim realisation. If he was widowed, however …
Dear God, was that her plan? Was she truly capable of going so far as to get shot of his wife to have him for herself? And yet, despite the terrible notion, it was the housemaid’s safety that overrode Pip’s thoughts more than that of Mrs Goldthorpe. For from what she’d proven, Pip believed at least, the fine lady was capable of worse evil-doing than the besotted servant, should she so choose. Just how would she react if she discovered her husband had been messing with another woman – a lowly breed of class to boot, which she seemed to hold in utter contempt – right under her nose? She daren’t imagine. As she’d said to Simon, she just hoped she and the lads were out of it should such a thing occur.
A little later, Pip climbed reluctantly from the bed and whispering Simon goodnight, headed back to her own at the opposite end of the house. As much as she’d have liked to stay, her duties beckoned. Josephine might waken and need her; understandably, the woman wouldn’t be best pleased to find her absent.
Upon reaching her own dark and deserted landing, Pip was certain she caught a faint whiff of Caroline’s perfume. The atmosphere seemed to thicken; the hairs on her arms stood to attention. Glancing about, she bit her lip with a frightened frown.
Suddenly, at the far end of the space, illuminated in the moonlight from the high window by the stairs, she thought she saw a shadow shift. The very air stood still.
Whirring around, heart thumping, she hurried for the sanctuary of Josephine’s room.