Chapter Six
‘Here!’ Ben tossed a coin in the air, sending five urchins scrambling for it. A cheeky, dirt-smattered face emerged triumphant from the mêlée with a yell of, ‘Mine!’
Ben laughed. ‘Away to lookout. The Suzanna’s due!’ The boy started off. ‘Hi, come back here!’ The youngster pulled up sharp and turned enquiring eyes to him. ‘Mind you tell no one but me. Knock on the office window and I’ll come out.’
The lad nodded and scampered off.
An hour later the rap on the window sent Ben hurrying outside.
‘Suzanna beating in fast, sir.’
He tossed another coin, which the urchin grabbed with dexterity then yelled his thanks and raced away.
Ben bustled into the building and stepped briskly to Mr Carnforth’s office.
‘The Suzanna’s been sighted, sir,’ he announced, elated at being the first with the news.
James sprang from his chair and hurried to the door. In the passage he paused to tell Ralph, who was beside him in a moment. Both men hurried out into the balmy August morning, observing the activity of a busy port, bringing wealth to ship-owners and merchants and putting money in the pockets of stevedores and labourers.
‘West Pier?’ called Ralph.
‘East!’ replied James. ‘Won’t have to wait for the bridge closing.’
They hurried along Church Street into Henrietta Street beneath the towering East Cliff, negotiated the steep incline on to the stone pier itself, and strode out to the lighthouse from where they were afforded a view of the Suzanna, beating in towards the safety of the river.
James felt a rush of pride as he watched her skilfully handled by Captain Merryweather, an experienced sailor of many years’ standing whose first voyage as a ten-year-old had been on James’s grandfather’s herring boat.
‘She looks well,’ commented James.
‘Aye, she does that,’ said Ralph. He was no sailor but he loved ships and had always been around them, and knew he would be ever grateful to John Carnforth for giving him a job, one in which hard work and the use of his sharp brain had enabled him to reach the post of manager. He saw his future as bright alongside the present owner with his ambitions to expand. Maybe the Suzanna was bringing home the fruits of the first suggestion he had made to James.
They watched the ship slip through the gap between the piers with the minimum of fuss. In the calmness of the river she was taken in tow by boats ready for that purpose. As she was taken upstream and beyond the swing bridge to an east-side quay, James and Ralph hurried back the way they had come. As soon as the gangway was run out they went on board where a ruddy-faced Captain Merryweather greeted them with a broad smile, a firm handshake and an excited glint in his eyes.
‘Welcome home, Captain,’ James greeted him enthusiastically.
‘Good to see you back, Captain.’ Ralph, eager to hear the skipper’s news, searched his face for any indication.
‘My cabin, good sirs,’ said Merryweather and turned towards the stern. Within a few moments he was ushering them into his quarters. A bottle and three glasses stood ready on the table. Without a word he quickly filled the glasses and handed one to each of them saying, ‘Try that, gentlemen.’
They savoured the wine and looked at Merryweather with questioning eyes as they both murmured their approval then added, ‘Excellent.’ ‘The best Madeira I have tasted.’
‘Good! Good! I’m glad you approve.’ The captain was filled with pride. His expression showed delight at their comments. ‘I’ve a hold full of it.’
‘What?’ both men gasped. They exchanged glances that were a mixture of disbelief, exuberance and astonishment.
‘It worked!’ There was laughter in Ralph’s face as he spoke to James.
‘Your idea - genius!’ James grasped his hand and shook it vigorously. He turned back to the Captain. ‘You’ve done well, getting this cargo.’
Captain Merryweather’s face shone with pleasure. ‘The idea of giving your captains responsibility for the return cargo, which the firm will trade, naturally ensures we look for the best. It is far more interesting than merely picking up something someone back here has ordered.’
‘And you earn yourselves a better bonus,’ said James. ‘Well done! Did you make any enquiries about what I suggested?’ He glanced at Ralph, who looked at him questioningly. ‘I didn’t say anything about this before sailing because I didn’t want to steal your thunder if the idea hadn’t worked. Well, Captain?’
‘The firm from whom I bought the Madeira is an import and export business. Yes, they will take any wool we can ship from here, starting next year.’
James let out a whoop of delight. ‘Well done, Captain, well done!’ He raised his glass. ‘To the future!’ Draining it, he addressed his manager once more.‘Attend to things here, Ralph. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
He disembarked from the ship and hurried on his way among the crowds on the quay and streaming both ways across the bridge. James lost no time in reaching New Buildings.
‘Home at this time and looking very pleased with yourself? ’ commented Lena when he strode into the drawing-room.
‘I am,’ he grinned, flinging himself into a chair opposite his sister. He went on to tell her what had happened and concluded, ‘This was my first trading venture completely on my own initiative. Everything before had been set in motion by Father.’
‘Congratulations,’ she said. ‘He would have been proud of you.’ Though she hoped she’d kept it out of her expression, she could not deny the touch of jealousy she felt then.
‘I thought you would be pleased to hear it. How have you been feeling of late?’
‘I’m much better, thank you.’
‘You are losing that wan colour and your eyes are brighter. It must be due to Alistair’s more frequent visits.’
Lena smiled. ‘Maybe. Thank goodness there have been no more epidemics.’
‘I hear he did well to curtail the last one. Dr Jollif speaks highly of him and his devotion to his calling. Well, I must be off. I want to tell Olivia the good news.’
Within a few minutes his arrival there was being announced by the maid to Mrs Nash and Olivia, who were busy with their patchwork in the sewing-room.
‘Show him into the drawing-room.’ When the maid had gone, Mrs Nash eyed her daughter with a twinkle in her eye. ‘I’m sure it’s only you he wants to see, Olivia. Off you go - don’t keep a young man waiting.’
Olivia blushed but sprang from her chair and was gone in a flash, wondering what brought him here at this time of day. He had been a fairly regular visitor of late but she longed for the day when he would be out of mourning and able to escort her to social functions and private gatherings in the town. She slowed when she reached the hall, smoothed her dress, patted her hair and then made her entry.
‘James!’ she exclaimed. ‘What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here at this time of day?’
The door clicked shut behind her. He strode across the room. The bright excitement in his eyes startled her. He swept her into his arms and hugged her.
‘James! What is it?’ she cried.
He released her. ‘Sit down here,’ he said, leading her to a sofa. He sat down beside her, still holding her hand. Olivia’s heart was racing. What was coming?
‘I’ve completed my first transaction completely on my own . . . well, the idea came from Ralph but had to be authorised by me. I made some amendments - and it worked!’ He went on to tell her what it was all about. ‘From now on everything will be the way I’ve planned it.’ Excitement rose in his voice. ‘And the new ship, my idea, will play its part. It’s all so exciting!’
‘I’m very glad for you, James.’ Olivia expressed enthusiasm although inwardly she was chiding herself for thinking he had been going to announce something else. ‘Have you told Lena?’
‘Yes.’
‘Good. I’m sure the news will help her to a full recovery. You know she’s very interested in the firm. Keep that interest going, James. She wishes she was more involved.’
‘You are must solicitous, Olivia, but I can’t involve her any more than by keeping her informed,’ he said in a cool voice, and she decided not to interfere further.
‘Lena, I think it would be wise if you had a few walks in the fresh air, say along the West Cliff, before the autumn days turn more chilly. Your illness . . . I call it so though I believe there was nothing medically wrong with you . . . was caused by the tragedy and it has taken a long time to right itself. You must never let dark thoughts into your mind again. You must resist any movement in that direction, especially when you are on your own. If ever you feel bound to consider them, talk to me. I am always here to help.’
‘Thank you, Alistair. Considerate and wise as always. You are going to be a wonderful doctor.’
‘I hope so. I will call for you at two tomorrow and we’ll take the first stroll. I must be away now - several visits to make.’ He rose from his chair. ‘I now throw off my role as your medical adviser,’ he said, and bent to kiss her on the lips. Lena’s hand clasped his arm and he allowed the kiss to linger. ‘I must go,’ he said reluctantly. ‘Take care. You are very precious to me.’ He kissed her quickly again and turned away.
Lena watched him go. His step was firm, resolute; one which she knew would instil confidence in a patient, as would his manner and gentle voice. She admired much about him but still regretted his lack of affinity with the sea and the life of a merchant venturer. She had seen the excitement with which that could charge a man, watching James walk from this very room.
Alistair’s kiss and his words ‘You are very precious to me,’ took her attention then. Was a proposal near? Probably when her period of mourning was over, and that was only eight weeks away. Lena’s mind spun. What, then, should her answer be? She and James had grown up with Alistair and Olivia, been their constant companions. She had shared her first kiss with Alistair. She smiled at the thought of that hasty peck when she was twelve, out of sight of the picnicking families, when they had veered away from James and Olivia in a game of tag. Alistair had been her good companion and friend always. They had shared much and, though unspoken, had both taken it for granted that they would spend their lives together. But when he had begun his medical training, she’d realised that was not the life she had envisaged sharing and that a certain spark in her feelings for him had disappeared. She knew no one else would realise it, not even Alistair for his love for her would blind him. She would soon be faced with a decision that would affect not only her life but that of others. So many people expected them to marry; it was probably why no other men had ever ventured close to her. When the moment came, should she do the expected? It would be far easier that way, after all. She bit her lip in frustration. A doctor’s wife? She visualised herself taking tea with the ladies of Whitby, discussing raising funds for the poor, helping at charity events and keeping up appearances as befitted her position. And Alistair had already hinted at her helping in his ministering to the poor and badly housed people of the town. Lena shuddered. Her mind turned instead to the excitement surrounding the activities of the bustling port; the life she had been near to all her years, and one she had visualised continuing with Alistair . . . until the day he had told her of his decision to become a doctor and the different dreams he held.
Lena sprang out of her chair and crossed to the window and its view across Whitby. She stamped her foot with impatience. ‘Oh, Alistair, why didn’t you follow your father? You could have taken over a business that could have meant so much to us, and in which I could have helped you!’ she cried aloud. ‘What am I to say to you now?’
There was a new spring in Alistair’s step as he walked away from the Carnforths’ residence. Lena was well on the way to a full recovery. He sensed she had almost thrown off the ill effects of losing her mother and father so tragically. He knew there could always be scars but hoped he would be able to erase them completely when her mourning period was over and then they could build a life together.
He had been close to proposing to her but had held back, deeming it inappropriate to do so while the period of mourning, as demanded by society, still hung over her. Time would pass. He could easily wait another two months in his certainty that the girl he had loved since schooldays would then become his wife. The thought brought a smile of joy to his face. To spend the rest of his life with Lena would be wondrous, and to have her by his side as a doctor’s wife, able to devote her time to helping his endeavours to make Whitby a healthier and better place to live, would be the pinnacle of his dreams.
He knew she and James had always been closer to the mercantile life of Whitby than he and Olivia had. They had never been as adventurous as their friends, and Alistair realised he and his sister had probably inherited their gentler approach to life from their mother, whereas Lena and James seemed to have inherited a taste for risk-taking from Jennie and John. Be that as it may, he did not see it as a disadvantage in a doctor’s wife. In fact, he thought it could be quite an asset, for Lena would surely have less abhorrence for what she might have to face than any other gently raised girl.
‘Is work on your new ship progressing well?’ asked Olivia as she and James left New Buildings one bright Sunday afternoon a week later.
‘Very well,’ he replied, a new light coming into his eyes at the mention of it. ‘She should be ready early next year. Would you like to go and see her now?’
‘I’d rather stroll on the West Cliff.’
He hid his disappointment and said, ‘As you wish.’ If he had put the question to Lena, he knew she would have jumped at the chance. The thought of his sister prompted him to say, ‘I’m pleased Lena is looking so much better, thanks to Alistair, and of course to you.’
‘It’s all due to Alistair. He has watched over her recovery carefully.’
‘That’s as may be, but I think your frequent visits have also helped enormously - and from what Lena has told me, she believes you were instrumental in getting him to visit more frequently, as her doctor.’
Olivia gave a little shrug of her shoulders. ‘He was getting so wrapped up in Whitby’s welfare, he was failing to see Lena was not well and needed his advice.’
‘We will always be grateful to you. You are a good friend to us both, but . . .’ James stopped and, with his hand on her arm, turned her to him. ‘Olivia, you are more than a friend to me.’
Her heart beat faster as James pulled her to him and kissed her gently on the lips. ‘I’m in love with you. I think I always have been, ever since we were children.’
She smiled, looking deep into his eyes. ‘I know I have been with you. You were always my hero. I loved to see you climbing around on the ships, and imagined you sailing into port and rescuing me from pirates.’ She chuckled at the recollection. ‘And now look at you, a handsome figure who still has that aura of adventure around him. A successful merchant with his own ships.’
‘And one of my very own, not one I have inherited, to be launched next March. Maybe on that day I’ll have something special to say to you.’
Her heart skipped a beat. ‘What is that?’ she asked breathlessly.
‘Ah, you’ll have to wait until then.’
The next day Lena sensed Olivia had something exciting to tell her. ‘Out with it,’ she prompted before her friend could sit down.
‘James told me that the day the John Carnforth is launched, he will have a special announcement to make.’
‘Did he say what?’ asked Lena, matching Olivia’s enthusiasm with her own.
She shook her head. ‘No, but I think it might concern our future.’
‘Olivia!’ Lena hugged her friend. ‘Are you thinking what I am thinking?’
‘I think so - yes. But don’t say anything, will you?’
‘My lips are sealed.’
Lena knew the time for some decision-making of her own was imminent.
James kept his sister’s enquiries satisfied, and she was careful not to criticise or suggest too much or become overly opinionated when he expounded some of his ideas. He was always forthcoming about the building of the John Carnforth and she was pleased he was pressing for completion to be made by the date in March he had set. The anniversary of the Tay tragedy would be past then and mourning clothes be cast aside. Lena would take a full part in the excitement of launching day.
Lena laid down her knife and fork at the breakfast table and said ‘James.’
‘Oh, from your tone of voice this is serious,’ he remarked.
‘It is,’ she replied, but her lips twitched in amusement. ‘I don’t suppose we have any thought of paying our usual visit to Dundee this year?’
‘It is the last thing I would want to do. I expect you feel the same?’
‘I do. I could not bear it, so I’m thankful indeed that you have no thought of going. But I have been wondering about Aunt Mary and Uncle Martin and our cousins . . . I wonder how they will feel.’
‘I think the memories will be hardest for them then, with the usual Scottish celebrations going on around them - as I’m sure they will, with the town trying to forget what happened a year ago.’
‘So should we ask them to come here for New Year, do you think? Not to make a special occasion of it but rather to give them a chance to escape the celebrations in Dundee.’
‘Lena, that is a splendid idea. Will you write to them?’
‘I will do it today.’
A week later a reply came from their aunt, expressing grateful thanks for their concern and consideration and accepting the invitation, adding that the MacBride family would arrive two days after Christmas.
‘We had better inform Mr and Mrs Nash and Alistair and Olivia that the MacBrides are coming,’ said James on hearing this news.
‘I’ll arrange for them to come to us for a quiet meal at New Year,’ said Lena.
When she announced the arrangements to Mrs Campion, the housekeeper was delighted; with all the preparations and the visit itself, the minds of her young master and mistress would be constantly diverted from dwelling too much on the tragedy of a year ago. She promised she would see Lena was involved in all the decisions concerning the arrangements for the visit.
The following day Lena called on the Nashes and made her invitation.
‘That is most kind of you, Pauline,’ said Mrs Nash, accepting the offer. ‘It will be very agreeable to see Dr and Mrs MacBride again. I am pleased they will be away from Dundee, too. Now, about Christmas . . . you and James must come to us on all three days.’
‘That is extremely kind of you, but we could not impose on you all that time.’
Georgina Nash brushed her comment aside. ‘It will be our pleasure. We cannot leave you on your own at Christmas. Isn’t that so, Olivia?’ She turned to her daughter to reinforce her invitation.
‘Of course you must come,’ said Olivia emphatically. ‘ I will look forward to having you both, and I know Alistair feels the same.’
‘There you are, my dear,’ added Georgina. ‘You cannot say no.’
Lena felt a lump rise in her throat. ‘You are very kind. Thank you.’
Later that same day Alistair called on Lena. ‘This is splendid news I hear,’ he said after he had made his greetings. ‘You are both going to be with us for three days at Christmas. I look forward to it.’
‘So do I.’ She smiled. ‘And then to the MacBrides coming.’
‘Good. I know there will be some sadness for you, but we’ll all make it as pleasant a time as possible.’
Lena looked at him thoughtfully then. ‘Just one thing, Alistair - you and Uncle Martin are not to talk doctoring. I’ll warn him too when he arrives.’
Alistair smiled indulgently. ‘Do you think you can stop him?’
‘Oh, yes. “I’ll ban him from smoking cigars in my house if he mentions one word about sickness or disease!’
Alistair laughed. ‘This will be good to see. I’ll make sure I’m on hand when he throws an apoplectic fit!’
Two weeks into November James made a suggestion over breakfast. ‘Lena,’ he said, looking up from his bacon and egg, ‘I am going to Hull next week and will be away four nights. Why not come with me? It will be a gentle easing back into society for you. No one in Hull will know you are still in mourning, so for those four days you could escape the weeds you are wearing. I know you have been longing to shed them.’
Lena met his gaze for a moment in disbelief, but when she saw the reassurance in his eyes she squealed with delight, sprang from her chair and rushed round the table to hug him.
‘You’re the most considerate of brothers!’ she cried. ‘Yes, yes, I’ll come!’
‘Very well.’ He laughed at her exuberance. ‘I’ll send word and book rooms at the Cross Keys in the Market Place.’
‘What is the purpose of the visit?’ she asked as she resumed her seat.
‘William Hustwick and Son is seeking a ship to transport timber from the Baltic as soon as it is ice-free next year.’
‘About the time you launch the John Carnforth?’
‘Yes. They have only one ship themselves and there is more timber than she can handle. I think it will be ideal for me to use the John Carnforth that way for her first voyage.’
‘But wouldn’t that mean she’d be sailing from Hull and manned by a Hull crew instead of Whitby men? I think Papa would have wanted her first crew to be from her home port.’
‘A valid comment, dear sister,’ replied James amiably. ‘You have kept your mind sharp with your interest in the firm’s affairs over the last few months. Father would be pleased by that.’ Then he added as a gentle reminder, ‘Though, of course, all decisions about the John Carnforth are mine to make.’
‘The firm will always be important to me. After all, I was brought up with it.’
‘I’m glad to hear that. Well, you can play your part in this visit to Hull. I intend to get this contract because I can see it leading to more trade with and through the Hustwicks, and maybe even to greater things.’
Lena interrupted him with a shrewd, ‘And you want me to be charming when, as I suspect, you entertain Mr Hustwick and his son. I presume a son does indeed exist?’
‘Oh, yes, he does. I made it my business to find out. The son is an only child - Peter. Same age as me. His mother died two years ago. His father was much older and so the son has become more involved in the firm lately, although he seems to lack much drive or ambition, being content to let things proceed as they are, bringing in steady returns but nothing spectacular.’
‘Give me some idea of what this timber deal is about so that I can appear to be more than just a charming accessory? ’
James explained what was involved and Lena’s pertinent questions led him to comment, ‘It’s a good job Alistair has no interest in his father’s firm. If he had, you and he would make formidable rivals, albeit friendly ones.’
Lena did not comment but said, ‘I shall have to plan what to wear. Maybe I’d better buy something in Hull, and then the maids can’t talk about what I have packed.’
‘Good idea,’ James approved.
The succeeding days were full of excitement for Lena. The outside world beckoned once again. A trip to Hull, then Christmas, New Year and the launch of the John Carnforth!
With a bitter chill in the wind, James was solicitous for his sister’s comfort and warmth in the coach when they left for Hull. They made a stop in Scarborough to take luncheon, and on arrival at the Cross Keys in Hull were pleased to see a crackling fire in the lounge and in their respective rooms. After James had checked on his coachman’s accommodation and was satisfied that the horse and vehicle were in good hands, he informed Lena that they would dine at six, and tomorrow morning would go shopping for her new dresses so that she could look her best when they entertained William Hustwick and his son Peter to dinner at six-thirty.
Lena spent a thoroughly enjoyable time choosing three dresses. She felt as if she had been let out of a cage. James was pleased to see the bright, sparkling Lena of old emerge from her cocoon of mourning, and felt that their mother and father would be smiling down with approval too.
He was in the hotel lounge at six, relaxed and awaiting the arrival of his guests. At quarter-past a page-boy appeared in the open doorway followed by two men. The boy spoke quietly to them while indicating the gentleman they were to meet. Seeing them approaching, James sprang to his feet. ‘Mr Hustwick?’ he enquired with a broad smile.
‘Aye,’ replied the older man whose rotund figure indicated a liking for good food and drink. He stuck out a broad hand which held James’s in a tight grip. ‘And no doubt tha’s James Carnforth?’
‘The very same, sir.’
William Hustwick snorted as he eyed James. ‘Hmm. . . thought you’d be much older. I want no dealings with young whippersnappers. I only deal with the top man.’
‘I assure you, sir, I am the owner of Carnforth’s. It came into my hands somewhat prematurely when my father was killed in the Tay Bridge disaster.’
‘Aye, well, I’m sorry for your loss.’ Feeling uncomfortable with this line of discussion, Hustwick added quickly, ‘This is my son Peter. He’s involved in my firm.’
James detected that Peter was embarrassed by his father’s curt attitude towards him but quickly put him at his ease with a firm handshake and expressions of pleasure at their meeting. ‘Shall we sit down, gentlemen? And can I order you something to drink?’
William lowered his bulk into an easy chair but Peter chose an upright one while James indicated to a waiter that they required service.
‘A tankard of ale, thank you kindly,’ said William.
‘Make that two,’ James informed the waiter, and then cast a questioning look at Peter.
‘A glass of Madeira, please.’
James ordered two and then offered an explanation. ‘One is for my sister Pauline who will be joining us in a few minutes.’
Mr Hustwick smiled. ‘When you informed me you would be accompanied by your sister, I thought, Ah, Mr Carnforth is thinking he can soften us up with her feminine charm!’
James threw up his hands in mock horror. ‘Nothing was further from my mind! My sister is just coming out of mourning and I thought this a good opportunity for her to emerge into society once again.’
‘Very thoughtful of you.’
The line of conversation was broken by the arrival of the drinks and was never taken up again because, as the waiter left, Pauline made her entrance.
James stifled the gasp that came to his lips. Lena looked so elegant and held herself with a poise that demanded attention. She made a slight pause in the doorway, knowing that it would concentrate everyone’s attention on her. She smiled as she approached them, the only sound in the whole room the faintest rustle from her silk dress. The bodice was cut tight across the breast and emphasised her slim waist. Jet buttons adorned the front from a high collar fastened at the neck. The skirt, embroidered with a delicate leaf motif and edged with matching lace, flared slightly to the toes of her shoes.
‘Gentlemen,’ she said, smiling at them all although it was the younger Hustwick who commanded her attention.
William meanwhile had pushed himself to his feet. ‘Miss Carnforth,’ he greeted her. ‘It is my pleasure to meet you.’ He gave her a small bow.
‘And mine to meet you, Mr Hustwick. I am sure we will spend a pleasant evening together.’ She turned to Peter who, wide-eyed, had also sprung from his chair. When his father had told him Mr Carnforth would be accompanied by his sister, he had expected to have to make conversation with a plain female of indeterminate age. Instead he was facing this beautiful young woman who exuded self-assurance. He felt embarrassed by his own thoughts.
‘Mr Hustwick.’ Lena picked up her glass of Madeira, raised it and said, ‘To an enjoyable evening. Leading, I hope, to a business association of advantage to both our firms.’
The men picked up their drinks and raised them in answer to her toast. As they sat down Lena felt sure she had made a good impression on Peter Hustwick. If anyone had asked, she would have had to admit that he seemed likeable enough, if a bit subdued in the overbearing presence of his father. Judging from her first impressions of Mr Hustwick, even before they moved to the dining-room, she concluded he kept his son firmly under his thumb and that Peter had little autonomy in the running of the business, but at least he was involved in trading. He was handsome, too, and Lena concluded must have inherited his good looks from his mother. Maybe that was where he had gained his retiring personality too, but that was something that could be overcome, with determination, if he was so minded. Lena sensed his gaze upon her. The intensity of his blue eyes was only for her. This man was interested in her in a way she had never felt before, and yet she suspected he was not forthcoming enough to express it. He needed to be drawn out but whoever tried that would have to demolish the protective barrier cast around him. Was she up to the challenge?
As he escorted her into the dining-room she felt desire flash between them. Hers? His? On both sides? The moment was soon gone. They were shown to their table and presented with menus. Little passed between any of them as they made their choices and James ordered the wine. When they were settled, Mr Hustwick cleared his throat and looked directly at James.
‘Mr Carnforth, I suggest we don’t spoil the evening by talking business. The excellent food and wine they serve here may addle our minds and we could both make decisions we would regret in the morning. I think we would be better discussing such matters tomorrow afternoon in my office. That will give us time to recover from what I know is going to be a splendid repast. I also suggest, on Peter’s behalf because I know he won’t, that he shows your charming sister something of Hull.’
Lena glanced at Peter then and saw his lips tighten with annoyance. Whether it was because he didn’t want to escort her or because his father had taken charge and detailed him without any consideration for his son’s feelings, she didn’t know. She suspected it was the latter, or at least she hoped so.
‘Very well, Mr Hustwick. If that is what you prefer,’ said James.
‘Indeed it is, young man. I always say, Never mix business with pleasure. And with such a charming young woman gracing us with her presence, how can we spoil that pleasure by talking business? You and I will deal with business affairs tomorrow.’
The evening settled down and was pleasant enough for Lena in spite of Mr Hustwick dominating the conversation as the wine loosened his tongue, not that he was objectionable but he obviously liked being the centre of attention. She was aware that Peter was embarrassed by this but he did nothing to try to change matters. It was not until they were leaving the dining-room that he managed to have a word with her on her own.
‘I must apologise for my father monopolising the conversation. ’
‘Think nothing of it,’ replied Lena. ‘In fact, I found much of what he said fascinating. I know he kept away from the specifics he and James will discuss tomorrow, but he did reveal much about general trading conditions and prospects in Hull.’
Peter gave a small smile as if to say, I know you are being polite, but his actual words turned to themselves. ‘If you don’t wish to see Hull with me, I do understand. Father really shouldn’t try to direct my whole life.’
Lena’s smile matched the sincerity of her words. ‘But I look forward to tomorrow.’
Later, as she lay in bed with her thoughts dwelling on the prospects ahead, she began to wonder if her attraction to Peter was formed by sympathy for him or if her interest ran deeper? How could it though? She hardly knew him.
As she turned over to make herself more comfortable she realised that Alistair had not entered her thoughts at all until this moment. She had been swept back into the world to which she had been born, and it had been a heady experience. Excitement coursed through her veins. Was it possible that she could persuade her brother to allow her greater participation in the firm? He could not deny that she had done well tonight. Would he allow her to contribute further, or did he wish her nothing more than the role of doctor’s wife? One for which she had seriously begun to question her suitability.
